Learning and Teaching

 Hello all.  Happy Thursday.  Hope you are all well and safe.  Really hoping none of you are experiencing any effects from the hurricane - I know it is causing a lot of flooding at the coast from the waves and water surges.

It is cool this morning, but still muggy.  We must have had some rain overnight - as the drive is wet this morning.  Sigh!  I am guessing I will not get to mow today - the front just stays wet all day after rain or heavy dew.  I guess there is always tomorrow!

                                                  Isn't that a pretty picture?  I love the colors.

You know we all think as we get older, maybe we aren't as 'useful' as we used to be.  That is so not true.  We all have something to offer and share - I think that is a huge part of our job on earth.

We all have things we can learn as well.

I recently came across this little article and just loved it.  We are valuable and essential in this world, no matter our age.  I know many think that as they age that no one cares any more, or that they have nothing to offer.  Goodness, nothing could be further from the truth.  Whether it is 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, years - you have that many decades of knowledge that can be passed on.  It may be hard lessons learned, it may be joyful experiences, it may be matters of finance, it may be matters of the heart, it may just be plain old common sense - but it is there and can help others.

I recently had a conversation with my nephew, and he was telling me a story about a conversation he had with his daughter.  I sat here smiling the whole time.  At the end, he said, I am sure glad you emphasized those things to me over the years!!! (His mom, is my sis that passed when he was younger).  I told him, I heard those stories from daddy so many times.  Mom was always an influence in my life, but daddy gave the wisdom and advice over the years.  Not sure if it was lessons he learned the hard way, or he had heard it too.  I really can't imagine grandma talking about some things.  He learned a lot of hard lessons over the years.

Anyway, this just shows how the words of one - passes down the lines over the years to many.  Someday, I imagine my great niece will be telling these things to her children!!

Isn't that amazing?  It is nice to actually see it happen over generations, nice to know while I am here.

That is kind of what this whole blog is about.  Passing on things I have learned over the years, many from my family and friends, other things from experience.  My dream as a young woman was to be a teacher, so I feel I get to do that on a small level here.

You come on and post your comments and your tips and ideas and journeys as well.  We are teaching and we are learning - no matter our ages!!!!

We are sharing and teaching even though we have never met - I think that is so neat.

Each an everyone one of us will leave a piece of ourselves in someone else.  I feel so proud, every time one of my nieces or nephews tell me that they appreciate the things we have told them over the years and that they use them in their lives.  Sometimes, they just call and ask - what would you advise.

Knowledge is a great, great gift to pass on.  I think it is more important than money or things.  It is the gift that keeps on giving!

So never feel you are insignificant as you age.  You are vital and so important.  Whether to a stranger, family, friend, neighbor, whoever - you have something to pass on.  Even if just a kind word, you have shown someone how to care.

I love that we all live and learn and teach!

Thank you all so much for contributing in your way to this blog and thank you all for being 'teachers'.

Be YOU and be POSITIVE, that is perfect.

Have a wonderful day and weekend.

Playing with Food!

 Howdy all.  Hope this finds you all doing good on this Wednesday!  

It feels cooler this morning in my neck of the woods.  The humidity is down just a bit, and that makes a world of difference.  Yesterday I had rain showers 3X from about 1PM - 5PM.  Nice soft showers.  We have had sun and clouds over the past few days, and I am grateful for the clouds - as the temps have stayed just at or below 90*.  None of that mid 90 stuff - thank goodness.

My garden is going nuts with tomatoes!  Picking and picking and now it is time to start processing some.

Just a few ideas dealing with food today.  You know I like playing with food!  I like to try different things and using up what I have in some new way.

Here is a picture of a side bowl of my chickpea salad.  I used a can of chickpeas (garbanzo).  I drained and rinsed - then I added whatever veggies I had in the fridge.  I had a good assortment - then added Italian dressing.  You could add any type of dressing and any type of veggies to the mix.  Protein and veggies all in one and it was quite TASTY as well.  I made a nice bowl of it (with one can) and ate on it all week.  

Garbanzo beans are very versatile.  Have you ever had crispy beans as a snack?  I have baked them in the oven until crispy before - and I have used the air fryer as well.  You can fry up in a bit of oil - but I don't think they get as crispy.  Crispy and habit forming (seriously), as a snack - and good for you as well!!!!

One day I had fried green tomatoes and fried peppers.  See the blue arrow and that little patty?  I always use the egg and the breading that is left and mix together and make a small fritter to fry up.  I tend to bread with a combo of breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and a touch of flour - it ends up tasting like a little fried cornbread!  I use it up, it tastes good and well, I don't waste a thing.  By the way, the peppers were very tasty too.

Have you ever had Yum Yum sauce?  I hadn't until I was out to lunch with friends at an Oriental restaurant.  They kept asking me to try it.  Oh my goodness, it was good.  You can buy it at the grocery in the condiment aisle - but it is pricey.  Here you go, make your own.  It is good with veggies, fries, chicken strips, fish, you name it.  A new favorite condiment for me!

Many people may not realize this - but it sure is true.  I have always sliced lengthwise (like pic on right) to make chicken tenders (strips).  I have mistakenly done it the other way, and the chicken is not anywhere as tender after cooking.  Cut lengthwise for tender chicken!

EASY PEASY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

It truly gets no easier!

(click on recipe to enlarge)

Super easy, super tasty and using what you have for a quick treats for the young-ins or yourself!

There you go - Wednesday adventures in playing with food!  LOL

It is always neat to learn new tricks and tips.  Use what you have and have fun - it can save money and be quite tasty as well.

Do you have any fun treat or snack or tip to share?  Look forward to learning something new!

Have a wonderful day and ENJOY the food!!!!!

Simplifying - What Does it Mean to You?

 Hello all.  Glad to be here this morning and hoping you are all doing well. 

It is a muggily morning!  Waiting for the cool down to hit!! We had a rain shower yesterday afternoon, that seemed to pop up from nowhere.  It may rain some today as well.  The cool front should be moving in after today, which will be refreshing.  I am tired of 90*+.

I want to talk a little about simplifying today.  I have watched some videos and been reading a little about people who have gone really drastic in their lives - going off grid, and kind of disconnecting with societal norms.  It has been interesting.

Simplifying your life does not mean EASY.  Not by any means.  Think back to the stories from our ancestors - and life was anything but easy - but it sure was a lot simpler than life today!  At least in my book.

Many have said they have been criticized, because of their lifestyle.  They are accused of not helping with the infrastructure of the area, by being off grid.  Not helping the economy.  Not being aware of what society 'expects'.

WOW!

In my view society has a LOT of things wrong.  I love the idea of kind of unplugging from the normal stuff and just living a basic life. 

You don't have to go completely off grid - but being wise with our utility is smart.  You don't have to heat with wood or pellets but turn down the thermostat a few degrees.

You don't have to have a huge garden, but growing a little and eating natural has a lot benefits.

It means using simple ingredients and cooking (even if basic) at home.

Unplugging from social media, would be huge!  It is called peace.

You don't have to have the newest and the greatest - look for different ways to use what you have.

It means recycle, reduce and re-imagine.

MY OPINION on a simple life is a smaller home, that I can more easily maintain.  Growing and eating a lot of my produce and buying other things as they are in season.  It means spending less money on stuff.  I mean wanting and needing are so different - and how much do we really need?

It means utilizing what I have in new ways.  It means thinking outside the box.  It means being wise with my usage of utilities. 

It means have a connection with others who think similarly.

I do not need the biggest, the shiniest, the fanciest new do-dad.  I just need enough.

To me, it kind of means living a life that my parents lived - a few decades ago.  Yeah, that is me.

Having less stuff in my home.  I want to have the things I love, but all the rest is so distracting.  I figure much of it may bless someone else.

I know everyone doesn't even remotely think this way.  I guess there has to be a balance.  But I will stay on the older ways route.

I truly do admire those that live off grid.  You have to have a lot of grit to do that.  It isn't easy at all - it is a lot of work.  Growing, hunting, chopping, building, gleaning, gathering, etc.  It isn't for sissies!

But living that way, is living with nature a lot more.  Utilizing all that this good earth has and puts out there for us.  Using our minds and figuring a way.  

Living is a simpler life is about basics.  It isn't fancy.  It is about being smart with what you have.  It is about letting go of some of the 'easy' ways.  It is about having peace.  It is about freedom from societal norms.

It isn't always easy at all!

What is simplifying to you?  What do you do to live a simpler lifestyle?

Does it mean peace to you?  It sure does to me.  It is just a calming way to live and THRIVE.  

Look forward to your ideas and opinions.

Have a wonderful day and stay safe.

Weekly Wrap Up 8/17

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope his finds you all well this morning.  I have been out to feed all the animals, and Bits and I have both had our morning 'meal'.  It is a damp feeling morning, but temp wise doesn't feel too bad.  It is rumbling and dark off to the NW.  We are supposed to have a few scattered storms this morning.  OOPS - it has started! (gentle rain right now)

Last night, I heard thunder about 10:30 - then dozed off.  Guess it got pretty windy, as there were sticks down this morning and a lot of tulip poplar leaves down.  Things were very wet, but I don't think we got a lot of rain.  Enough to give everything a drink and it seemed to clean out the gutter/downspouts!  Lots of gunk on the drive, in front of them this morning.

It seems the rain has cooled things a tiny bit (only going to be low 90's).  It has also been cloudy a lot over the past couple days, which has helped.  Looking for midweek and a little cooler temps.

I have grapes starting to get ripe!  This week I should be picking for jelly this year. YAY

It has been a quiet week.  I was supposed to go to a luncheon this week, I had something come up, plus I also just had a funny feeling about making the drive - so I didn't go.  I do believe in listening to that nudge that we get from time to time.

My frugal week:

• I used birdbath water on plants each time I cleaned it this week
• Did some deep cleaning, dusting this week - my LR shelves (oh my).  They sure get dusty, but I only clean them every few months (so much stuff).
• I did move around a few items just for a little different look - can't move much
• Made a big bowl of chickpea salad to last the week
• Changed out furniture covers and laundered
• Got in my car to remove some items, and then the driver door wouldn't shut.  The latch was stuck and I couldn't move.  I tried WD40 and it was still stuck.  I asked my neighbor to check it out and with a little effort he got it unstuck and really greased it up.  I have thought back and seem to remember that happening once before years ago - but it was still a pain.  (happy it wasn't raining) Glad he was around and knew what to do. 
• I finally got to mow the yard.  Did the entire thing, but I did pace myself and worked on it in sessions.  I did not trim, however.  I did have to rake the front - as I didn't get to mow last week due to moisture.  It was hot!
• I did probably the last trim of the bushes out back, for the season.
• Paid bills over the phone
• Picked lots of produce.  Squash, and lots of peppers and tomatoes!  I think I got about 2 dozen tomatoes this week!!!  I knew they would all start at one time!  They taste soooooo good.
• Eating meals from home and keeping them simple

Meals this past week:

Green beans, corn on cob and sliced tomatoes

Chickpea salad and some fruit

Grilled burritos

Beans/rice/beef, chickpea salad side

BLT - fruit

Fried green tomatoes and sweet banana peppers, corn on cob

Combo nachos/taco salad (used l/o rice/beans/beef)

SNACKS - fruit, sliced cheese, tomatoes, salad

Nothing exciting at all.  Big bird (the hawk) has showed up a lot this week - I go out and off he goes, so the birds have been quieter this week.  

How has your week been?  Did you get any good deals?  How are those gardens doing?  Anyone done anything exciting this week?

Give us a shout out - love hearing from everyone!

I hope you all have a great week ahead and that you all stay safe and healthy.  Prayers for all, especially those needing God's healing touch.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

****************

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.  Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Lord, we know You have us in Your loving arms, and that we need to place all our trust in You.  Your will be done.  That is so hard for us to understand, but our faith helps us each day.  Thank You for all the many blessings we received these past days, and may we recognize ever single one we get this week.  Please place your healing, loving, and protective hands upon us all.  AMEN

Make the Choice!

 Hello all.  Here we are at Thursday again!  Dang, the time is flying by.  It is a sunny and cooler (a bit) this morning.  Last evening we had a brief rain shower, and maybe one later over night.  It sure is wet outside.  The grass is sopping wet - I don't know if I get to mow or not today.  Sigh!!!!  The humidity is down for the day, so that is good.  It looks like it is going to awfully hot this weekend - so I will be staying in much of the time.

Right now, I am airing the house a little, while I can.

Life is busy, and it slips away quickly.  Maybe, just maybe, if you do the best you can - your light will continue to shine well after you are gone.  Even if it is a brief thought by a stranger of the person who did or said something kind.

Yesterday our high school alumni group sent out yet another memo about another classmate who passed.  A brilliant man.  I remember his brilliance back into junior high.  He graduated early to go to college (I remember no one else doing that.)  He was tragically killed by someone running a red light - he was riding his bike to work (yes at 71).  He was a doctor, specializing in hematology and cancer care.  A biking enthusiast for decades.   A split second changed so may lives.

It seems like at least once a week we get a notice of someone leaving this earth from our class.

Just mentioning this to let it be a reminder that we all need to be our best every day.  

We can have some joy and make it a better day IF we choose to.  Remember the good things.  Do the good things others will remember.  Take time to smile and laugh, and yes, try to make someone else smile and laugh.

We all have the ability.

There is enough negativity in this big old world, without adding to it.  We can each make a difference - if only for one person.  It all makes a difference.

Trust me if you make someone else smile and experience joy - you will feel it too!!!!!

Stay cool in the upcoming summer days.  Eat the fresh yummies.  Tell the silly joke.  Stay well.

Have a wonderful weekend and SMILE and LAUGH a little!!!!

A Bit of This and That - and a Question

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  It turned into a pretty morning here.  I woke to the end of a little rain and a little haze this morning.  We had a nice little rain yesterday afternoon as well, and the plants all got a drink.  The skies were grumbling, but we got nothing bad here.  One of these days, I may be able to get out and mow!  Hoping for tomorrow - it looks to be the best day for a bit.  Too hot, too dewy and wet, too humid, it is always something.  Not taking any chances.  I know it is very hot many places, so please take care and stay in and stay hydrated.

I want to say I watched a show this week on Discovery on the 2024 hurricane of Helene and the Appalachia area.  It was films taken by survivors and all their personal videos.  It was so sad to watch.  I cried, and I found myself holding my breath most of the show.  I cannot imagine.  People filming their homes being hit by waves of water and huge debris, watching their neighbors homes being washed away.  One family filmed a neighbor be washed away in the water (an older lady), and their husband/dad jumped in to save her.  Both survived somehow.  Landslides happening right in front of people.  I know many places are still not even close to being back, almost a year later.  Such an unusual event for that area.  I mean who had heard of a hurricane hitting the mountains?  Just so much sadness.

It is now hurricane season again, and I pray for everyone out there, that no one has to go through any bad storms.  I know many of you from Florida and up the east coast have gone through these horrific storms (some many times).  I am so sorry for that.

There is so much flooding around right now, and fires, it is heart wrenching.  

On a positive note, I got a video of my gr.gr. nephew opening his t-shirt blanket after he got home from camping.  He loved it.  He said, "I now officially have the best blanket in the house".  Isn't that cute?  The littles have their blankets I have made, mom has hers from when she graduated high school and the one she had me make with the littles clothes.  He had one as a baby, but nothing as he grew.  He is in middle school this year, and the t-shirts were all memories from 'grade school'.

I got a bag of t-shirts from my niece (his grandma) to make a blanket for her MIL.  Oh my.  I had a gal ask me if I would think about making one for her daughter too. They are fun to do, but oh my back!!  I have no place big enough to spread things out, except the floor.  So up and down.  Guess we will see.

I have a QUESTION for you all.  What do I use fig jam for?  I have a jar I received as a gift, and not sure how to use it.  I am not a big fig eater, except Fig Newtons as a child!  Not sure what to do with it - I sure don't want to waste it.  Give me your best ideas!  Maybe a holiday thing I can make?  Thanks

I picked several tomatoes yesterday!!!  They aren't totally ripe - but I am not taking any chance of critters eating them.  I am so happy they are finally ripening.

I mentioned a week or so ago about the groundhog showing back up for a couple days.  I was really worried about the garden, and it was eating a lot of my flowers.  So I came in one morning (while he was here), and got my jug of ammonia.  It was under the deck/shed - so I started in front of the deck and poured going to the front of shed.  As I walked to the side of the shed - I met him head on!  He just stopped about a foot from me and froze.  I guess he thought I was a BIG predator!!  They usually don't get close to a person and always hide.  I stepped back and off he went too and I haven't seen it since.  The ammonia works!!!!!  My brother has had a problem with them for years and he tried ammonia this year (after my advice) and finally got rid of his as well.  Just an inexpensive tip if you have them.   They don't like the smell at all. (other animals - cats, squirrels weren't bothered).  They leave, I am happy, and nothing harmed.

OK, enough rambling for the today.  Any ideas for the jam would be appreciated!  

Hope you all have a safe and lovely day.

Be a blessing to someone!!!!!

Pantry Prep for the Struggles in Life

 Hello all.  Hope you are all doing well this Tuesday.  It is sunny at the moment, they say the day will be pretty cloudy.  We will see.  It is 74*F already, so it will be a warm and humid one again!  The tomatoes are FINALLY starting to come on and ripen.  They are so good.

Today just an idea or two for stocking up for whatever may come your way.

It could be a loss of a job.  It could be an illness.  It could be a family loss - trust me you don't want to shop for a while afterwards.  It could be rising prices.  It could be a weather event or just plain old winter!

There are a world of reasons to have your pantry in order.  Protect yourself and your family.

You need to remember that "pantry" does not just mean food!  It can be anything that you use on a regular basis.  There are also items that you use infrequently - many of those items are expensive, so slowly work on stocking up a little.

My main tip is to make a list or two.  A list of items you use a lot of  - every day, every week.  Things that you can go through fairly quickly.  Then make a list of things that you will need from time to time.

Keep that list with you at all times when out and shopping.

Everyday and frequently used items.

Canned or frozen foods.  Pasta, rice, dried beans, dish soap, laundry supplies, canned meats, H&B, TP, coffee, tea, there are just all sorts of things.  Pay attention when out in a store (any store).  If you find a great price on those items or a special, get some extra.  So many things last and last (well past 'best by' dates).

Think about things like furnace filters, allergy meds, sleep aids, baking goods, cleaning products (or make your own), vinegar, batteries, even yarn or craft supplies, etc.

You don't want to need something and not have it.  Of course, most of us know how to substitute other items, but not everyone does.  There are many times that you just don't want or need to go out to shop, especially if it is for one thing or for a more expensive item.

Don't limit yourself to grocery stores.  You may find a good deal anywhere.  There are dollar stores and places like Aldi and Ollies.  Now remember when buying goods at the dollar stores to look at the size of the item being purchased.  They often carry smaller sizes, and you really aren't getting a good deal, compared to the grocery.  So always check your sizes and unit prices.

I am personally good on so many items.  But things like filters and batteries are always on my list.  Over the counter vitamins, minerals, restless leg meds, allergy pills, OTC pain meds (Tylenol, Ibuprofen), cold meds or tummy aids (generally I use natural), etc..

Always be on the lookout for deals.  Having a prepped pantry can literally be a life saver.  You want to be able to provide for your family.  

You don't have to spend a lot of money at any one time.  Always keep $10 or $20 back for such reasons.  If you run into something that is a deal, and have no money - well, you have just lost an opportunity.  ALSO remember if you charge the items - PAY IF OFF at the end of the month.  Do NOT accrue interest - that is no deal!!!!!!!

Also remember that baby formula is basically the one thing that has an "expiration date".  The normal dates you find of items are NOT expiration dates!!!!  They are 'best if used by' dates.  The item doesn't magically go bad the day after that date!  Most items last and last, so PLEASE don't be wasteful.

So stock slowly and with purpose and intention.  Get the things you use and will need.  If it isn't used, it isn't a deal and it has no value.

Be wise and prepare!

Have a beautiful day and SMILE!