Another Month Comes to a End!

 Well, here we are 10 months down and 2 to go and it will be another new year!  It really is mind boggling.  I have so much to do to get ready for Christmas.  SO happy that some of you already have it done or have a huge jump on things.  That is great.

Today just a few pics to wind down the month and then will start all fresh and new for November.  

I had a cleansing month - just working on purging paperwork, decluttering and cleaning (deep).  Enjoying seeing the colors change.  Completed another trip on this story of life - hoping that the my 69th year will be a good one.  Still not sure how that happened so quickly!!!!!!! 

Last week looking out my bedroom window.  Leaves, black kitty and still some flowers.  Just a sampling of fall.

The tree outside my bedroom window.  This was last week as well - on Friday.  It was just so vivid yellow.  Tulip poplar.

Same leaves this morning - on the ground!!!!!!!  Yep, they are falling like crazy.  We woke to our first frost and freeze this morning.  It has been so windy the past few days.  Well, it seems it is windy all the time any more!!!

Went to my 50th high school reunion.  This group started 1st grade together and were represented at the high school reunion.  They did each grade school from the area.  My grade school had the biggest turn out of all the grade schools.  How fun to keep in touch with people you have known for 62 years!!!!!!!

This was actually the last day of Sept. - but I am considering it an October event.

Moved these to the porch last night - this pic was this morning.  They are still blooming.  I love the coral color.

A quick and yummy meal one day.  Chicken strips and veggies in a wrap.  I love easy and simple meals.  No need to make things complicated.  Meat, veggies, bread (tortilla) - with a piece of fruit for dessert!  Pretty well rounded.

Still using garden tomatoes - both green and red.  Still cleaning and sorting.  Going to do some painting this coming month.  Need to get busy with Christmas stuff.  I would love to have that finished by Thanksgiving.

What plans do you have for the month of November?  Any fun things or vacations?  Planning any gatherings?

Gals, not sure if you saw in the comments from Sunday post - but an update from Frances in the early morning hours today - her hubs fell and has some broken ribs - being moved to hospital in city for precautions.  Please keep them both in your prayers.

ELISE has been AWOL since Friday.  She mentioned she was going to go out shopping with her hubs - worried if maybe she hurt her foot or something.  Hoping just computer problems or something.  She never goes this long without posting.

Please keep good thoughts for ALL our gals here - some have had surgeries and are going to be healing, some are dealing with family problems, and others having problems that we know nothing about.  

Ending the month just keeping you all in my heart.

HAPPY END OF OCTOBER!!!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/29

 Happy Sunday to all.  I do hope this finds you all well and safe.  Here we are in the last few days of yet another month - ever closer to the holidays and the start of another new year!!!!!  Just seems crazy.

We had a luscious week of weather here!!!  It was so lovely - warm, breezy and pretty.  Heat off, windows open.  I even slept with the window open and the fan on several nights.  Well, that has come to a grinding halt.  It is wet, wet, wet this morning.  Rained all night and more rain later today - and the temps are a falling!  We have 3 or so nights this coming week that we are to get below freezing.  Then it warms a bit again.  UGH!  So not ready for winter - just not my season at all!

I had a really good week this past week.  I kept busy, visited with friends and had some family come by as well.

The 'chicken' lady in the alley - had a big clean-up done outside and inside her privacy fence.  She put the fence up and we were all happy - it looked so nice - well then she never mowed or trimmed behind it EVER!  (it is backset from the alley maybe 15') It looked like a woods.  (also a trash magnet).   It looks wonderful now after a guy worked all day back there.  He even leveled the ground, put down weed barrier and spread gravel!!!  He had quite an assortment of attachments for his little dozer.  Inside fence must have been as bad - as he bush-hogged in there as well!!  I don't think she has chickens anymore - haven't heard them.  What a mess.  I just don't understand people and how they choose to live. (she is much younger than me and gets around good and owns the property).  At least it looks nice now and it is much safer for everyone!!!  You could have hidden a small army behind the trees and weeds.  Can't even imagine what she paid to have that done!

This week:

• Made a small batch of stew.  YUM!  Ate on it a couple times and froze the rest
• Using the fall scent candles (had on hand) - love those scents
• Cleaned out the chest of drawers that G used.  His clothes have been gone - but it was full of kinds of stuff.  I trashed a lot - no idea why we either kept, and donating a bunch.
• Found $30 in ones
• Started doing a deep clean on the living room shelves (oh the dust) and getting rid of knick-knacks that have no sentimental meaning.  Things I got at yard sales and no longer enjoy.
• Got rid of some scrap metal - it was gone within minutes of setting it out!
• Scrubbed down the outside of shed - mossy looking
• Still eating red/green tomatoes
• Picked the final last small green toms - probably about 15
• Did a little more yard work
• Went to lunch with friends from grade school.  It was supposed to be about 8 gals - and there were 20!  The gal that set it up - knew of my birthday and 2 others - all right together - and got lots of people to show and celebrate!!!  How cool!

                                                I got a little cake and a trick or treat goody!

• I received a gift in the mail this week from CINDY of WV.  I was so surprised.  I got a card and this lovely mug.  THANK YOU Cindy!!!!!!!!!

Click on pic to enlarge and read easily

• I mentioned I went to Aldi.  I did gets some gift items and some items for me.  I got broccoli so cheap, great tasting pears, cheese, milk and few other items.

                 The remote is for reference - it is 6 1/2" long.  Super lovely broccoli.  2 crowns.

• Windows open a lot this week and aired the house
• I received flowers from my brother and SIL.  They came for a visit.

• I got several cards and received a very cute Halloween card from COOKIE.  It looks homemade to me - and very well made.  Very cute - did you make it Cookie?  Thank you!

                                                        Cookies card is on the right!

• I also received a $25 GC from Kroger this week as a gift!
• All meals from home - except day I went with friends
• Using what I have, and using leftovers
• Talked with my friend in OR - and got to talk with some of my nieces who live out of town

It was a NICE week to say the least!!!!!

Meals this past week:

Stew with garlic toast

Stew and some crackers w/butter

Smoked sausage link, mac n cheese, and fried green toms

3 cheese grilled cheese and tomato soup

Chicken strip and veggie wraps

Out to eat - Prodigy Burger Bar

Tenderloin sandwich and oven fries and small salad

SNACKS - pears, apples & peanut butter, cheese slices w/crackers

Some weeks just amaze me at how nice they are.  I am grateful for all days on this earth, some are just what I call 'super smile' days!  

How was your week?  Did you get any good deals?  How are all those dealing with family issues and health issues doing?  So many are on my mind and in my prayers.

I wish each and every one of you the best.  I hope you all have a wonderfully safe and healthy week ahead.  Stay warm and safe - there is snow a lot of places!  EEK

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.  Do not quench the spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Lord, help us each to hold our faith regardless.  Never let us back down or be ashamed.  Help us each spread the Word, and perhaps gain new believers.  We pray for guidance and strength through all the trying moments we have in life.  Thank You for Your love and protective hands.  Amen

Finally Getting Started!!!!!!!

 Well yes, I am finally getting started on the Christmas gifts I will buy.  I have made salsa, relish, and will be making jelly soon.  I also have a few other homemade goodies in mind!!! (cookies, pie filling, etc.)

So yesterday I went to Aldi - I went to look for gifts and to get boxes (for donating).  

That is my story, and I am sticking to it!!!!!!!!  LOL

Aldi has so many specialty items, especially starting this time of the year.   I just looking around and there are many, many fun options.  You know I am a food basket giver!  So many just expect it now and they love getting so many things they may not buy for themselves.  I really enjoy giving them.

Well, I did buy a few goodies for me too!  Yep, I did.  I couldn't resist!!  I got a pack of 2 huge fresh broccoli crowns for 2.29!!  They are lovely.  A few items for snacks, a couple bottles of wine, a cheese I love, and socks!  They were packaged as Halloween, but I see nothing Halloween about them.  2 pair/1.99 - new markdown price.  They are so soft and actually quite thick.

I was tickled to get them.  I do tend to wear socks out a lot.  So yes, I bought myself a gift too.

Aldi recently had an article out that they are reducing the prices of hundreds of items between now and the end of the year - making it easier for folks to purchase holiday supplies.  I did see many items that were marked reduced (and actually were).

They also had a big freezer bin FULL of Butterball turkeys.  Not cheap yet - but there were turkeys already.  

OH, I did get several boxes too!  They put them in a bin for people to take what they want!!!!!

I digress, on to gift giving.  I got canvas totes for 4 of the gift recipients.  They will hold the goodies I buy/make, and they can use the tote as well.  I usually do cheaper reusable grocery bags - but I figure, how many do we all need???  So, these cost a bit more, but are part of the gift.  I got boxes of an assortment of fun crackers (for those holiday meat/cheese trays).  Mixed nuts/berries.  These folks all like healthy snacks - so those were perfect.  Got a couple packaged soup mixes for sis/brother (broccoli/cheese), and sis gets a box of 50 zip lock baggies!!!  LOL - she is always sending food home with her company and uses those bags - so I know she will use.

So much more to do.  The totes will be full to over-flowing when done.  I will be getting more and making more.  I also got chopped dates to make a type of cookie that I know my brother hasn't had in years and years.  Date nut bars were always a favorite of his, mom made them.  He will get some this year!

I plan a trip to Ollies soon as well.  They also have so many neat items - both food and things.  You never know what might be there, so you need to get what you want when you see it.  It is kind of like Big Lots.  They just have so much variety.  It is really fun going through Ollies.

I got lots of ideas yesterday going to Aldi, and I will get several other items a little closer to holidays.  Not that my family is big on it - but I was watching the 'best by' dates as well.  Just trying to keep dates off as far in the future as possible.

I love going to the stores that are a bit off the wall!!!!!

I sometimes add the oddest items to baskets!  Zip-lock bags, books, herb seeds & small pots, a Farmers Almanac, Ramen soup (one loves it), stuffed olives, you name it.  I listen to what people like or need and try to add those little tid-bits to the gifts.

It always brings a smile - because I remembered!!!!!  I hear a lot of "how did you know?".  I listen.

So think outside the box a little and have fun.  All people need to eat - so I find food, store gift cards, or even gas cards are the best gifts I can give.  It is something we all use and need.

I just like to have fun with it!!

Have fun with the gift giving this year!!!!!  All will enjoy your efforts!

A Simple Pledge for SELF!

 One thing that we all seem to forget about is ourselves!!!!!  Especially this time of the year.  We worry about holidays and shopping and stocking and doing all the things that lead up to the end of the year and somewhere in it all we tend to forget about OURSELVES!!!!!!  Well, if we don't take care of self - no one else will!!!

It is important - especially if you are a giver.  You and I both tend to give it all away, leaving not much left for us!   HEY YOU - WE are important too!!!!!!!!

"A balanced life begins with giving yourself the gift of a few moments each day to nourish your soul."

Anonymous

We all need to achieve balance.  It is hard to find the right mix of mind, body and spirit.  Where does it all begin?  Well, that is each person's perspective.  You need to figure out how important YOU are and how much time YOU need to keep yourself grounded.

Our mother's and grandmother's may not have understood this - as life was just about taking care of family.  Many of you have been the same - family and work - but now many of us are in the phase of life that we need to be mindful of ourselves as well.

If nothing else, set aside 20 - 30 minutes a day to do something that actually gives you joy and/or more energy.

Stress is inevitable.  We worry about family, pets, health, home, finances, jobs, the world, etc.  Yes, we tend to be worriers.  By dwelling on the negative, you tend to suck the joy out of your life.  You have to have a happy medium.  By dwelling on the bad - you can actually throw yourself into a depression. That is not a good thing.

Realize what you can actually do and change.  World problems?  You can't change it except to pray. People have been evil and fighting for centuries, that has not changed.  I hate the stuff going on, it saddens me, it makes me cringe, but all I can do is pray.  I personally cannot change what centuries/decades of hate has produced.  Turn off the TV - and limit your time with it.

Family?  You can only do so much.  You can't make decisions for others (well you can - but they won't use them).  We can't live another person's life - just ours. Each person makes their own mistakes - we just need to love unconditionally.

A home we can practice family time, meals together, game night, and long talks together, understanding.  We can, for ourselves, have a nice home spa night, listen to calming music, take a walk, enjoy nature............

Our home?  We as an individual can only do so much in a certain time frame.  As much as we would love to believe it - no one is Wonder Woman!!!!  Do what you can today - and then tomorrow and then the next day.  If you have family there, enlist them to help some - it is their home as well.

Preparing?  Do what seems right for you and/or your family.  Take care of your finances as well as possible and hopefully have some back for a rainy day, emergency or a pleasure.  Stock what you need to feel comfortable.  What I do or what Martha does - isn't you!!!!  You do what is right for you.  Keep what you eat, what you like, and what you think is appropriate and use it.

Start and end each day with pampering yourself.  Pamper your skin, have your hot tea or coffee, read you devotionals, pray, do yoga, whatever makes you calm and feel better.

If things are really bad for you and you can't seem to get yourself in a good head space - seek HELP!  PLEASE!  It is OK to admit you can't do it alone.  Depression may be more serious than many think and it can be life-threatening.  We have no idea what goes on inside another person's mind.  The good news is, there is help available.

If your depression interferes with your daily activities, changes your eating habits, affects your sleep habits, affects your feelings of self worth, concentrating, or presents thoughts of suicide - PLEASE seek help!

This time of the year is joyful for most - it is happy, family, children, festivities, etc.  BUT not for everyone - it often brings out the worst feeling in self.

PLEDGE to keep yourself happy and give yourself a break now and then.  Get up and move each day, eat right, get fresh air and sunshine, have good conversation with others, and know that there is ALWAYS someone that will listen to you and that there is someone who cares.

Care about yourself the way you care for others.

Invite balance into your life - you will be amazed.  Once you have balance and perspective - others seem to see it too and it affects them as well.  Your joy and happiness can spread joy and happiness to others.  They in turn can do the same and boy does the ball get rolling!!!!!!

One person at a time, one family at a time, one community, one city, one country............there is a ripple that happens!

We can't solve the world's problems - but we can gain a little balance and peace for ourselves and our families.  I will TAKE THAT!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day!

Decades Ago - It Was Fun!

 I am not a Halloween person today.  I have never decorated for Halloween - I decorate (if I do) for fall.  Until recent years, I did always give out goodies to the kids that showed up.  I quit doing that after being by myself - it just isn't a smart idea now.

Kids always loved coming here and remembered us each year.  I always gave full size candy bars - they loved that!  I just wanted them to have a good time!  In the past years we had huge amounts of kids in the neighborhood.  Now there are very, very few and those that are here go to EVENTS instead of door to door.  Probably a smart thing!

Anyway, I digress - I remember the fun of being a kiddo at Halloween.

not my picture

I remember dressing up and going Trick or Treat!  Oh what fun that was.  Daddy always took me out and mom stayed home to give out goodies.  He would walk behind me and just keep an eye on me.  I think I was probably around 10/11 or so when I got to go out with friends and no adult.  Back then no one was worried about the crazies there!

I got to have a Halloween party one year - and we had a bob for apples tub!  Daddy made a little fire to sit around, we bobbed for apples, got warm and had cookies and hot chocolate.  Nothing big, but it was fun for me and my little friends.

Mom always gave out homemade goodies - that was cool back then.  She either made wrapped popcorn balls or individually wrapped HUGE iced sugar cookies.  I remember the year of cookies, and just as things were winding down, there was a knock at the door.  There was a lady with a mask!  She lived around the corner and knew mom.  She came to get a cookie!!!!  She tasted her sons and wanted one of her own!!!!!

Mom was such a good baker.  She was the neighborhood seamstress, so everyone came to the house and knew of her goodies.  They also knew she worked at the bakery up the road.  Yep, I sure miss those cookies!!!!

Just a side note:  the cookie jar always had those iced cookies in it, even as adults.  Come Sunday when doing the family thing, the cookie jar was everyone's first stop!!!  Dang they were good.

We had a lady down the street - that was an elderly lady who enjoyed the kids.  She always a big pot (cauldron) with dry ice in it - that looked sooooo spooky.  We each got invited in for a cup of hot chocolate!  It was generally a welcome thing, as it was often cold.  Can you imagine that happening today and someone not getting arrested????

I remember getting apples, cookies, popcorn balls, brownies, just all kinds of homemade goodies.  What fun.

Way back (before me) masks were downright creepy!!!!!!!  Now those were scary.  Most often, I dressed up with stuff from home.  A ghost, a gypsy, a hippy, a hobo, etc.  I only remember a time or two of having a mask - I didn't like it.  I wore glasses and it was usually cold out - so my glasses always steamed up!!!!! LOL

I went to a party one time around the corner (junior high) - not sure why, as we weren't really friends.  Anyway it was like my first 'grown-up' type party.  I do remember taking soap from their house and my friend and I left - with thoughts of soaping windows!  We did not - we did write on the street, but we were good girls and soaped NO windows.  I never egged or did the TP thing either!

I also remember going to an event, and they organized a scavenger hunt.  That was fun.  Again, think about being a young person and just randomly going to people's homes and knocking after dark, asking for things today!!!  YIKES

It was a different time.  SO much more freedom.  I am sure there were bad people back then - but not as many it seems.  All the parents and kids in the neighborhood knew each other, and everyone looked out for others.  It is remembered in my mind as a time of innocence!

I remember having so much fun - and the goodies were a good perk too!!!!!!

What clean and innocent fun we had.

Do you have any special memories of those days when you were a kiddo?

JUST A THOUGHT - 2 months from today is Christmas Eve!!!!!!!!!!!!  YIKES! 😟😕

Weekly Wrap Up 10/22

 Hello to all!!!  Happy Sunday!  I am hoping this finds you all well and safe today.

It is a brisk morning here, still a bit breezy.  Yesterday afternoon and evening got downright windy!  This coming week we will have a few days back in the 70's during the day!  We sure have had our ups and downs with temperatures.  Overall - the weather has been lovely, except for that dang wind!  Still no frost at my house!

We still have a lot of green on the trees but the colors ARE changing!  There is also a lot of yellow, crimson, gold, orange in every shade.  My tulip tree is changing and dropping a lot of leaves - that is what leaves didn't come down in July!  The maple is 'thinking' about changing - you can tell, just tinges of color.  It is pretty to see the colors.  Next week should be about peak season here.

I still have a few tomato plants and pepper plants that I haven't pulled out - and there are baby veggies on the vine again and blooms!  Crazy.

I had a toad on the deck early in the week!  It has been forever since I have seen one around here - and it isn't that wet.  Birds and squirrels abound.  I had 14 doves out back one afternoon!

My week:

• I have been keeping the house pretty cool.  If I get chilly, I put on more clothes or cover up!
• Cleaned out my bedroom closet one day - what a mess!
• Paid everything I had in house.  Got the homeowners insurance and umbrella paid for the year.  UGH!  Glad that is just once a year.
• I have been working in the yard more.  I trimmed the grape vines back, did a lot of cleaning in the perennial bed (much more to do), cut back all kinds of things
• Decluttering continues!!!!  I have a big pile for donation (I need boxes - I am out), and I trashed a lot of stuff
• Cleaned up a lot of summer stuff, and got the items all back in the shed
• I have some metal items that I will be putting out for the scrap guy this week.  He gladly takes any metal - I know he supplements his income this way.
• I did run to the store for milk and plums. 
• Went to lunch with sis - she treated!  It was a lovely time
• Used up a few veggies and some buns that needed used this week - cooked up peppers and onion and used w/beef on an open faced sandwich
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Meals of the week:

Leftover unstuffed pepper skillet and salad

Dirty rice, pork fritter (freezer) and sliced toms

Baked fish, baby lima beans and salad

Leftover rice, bean and cheese burritos

Chili, sour cream and cheese topped baked potato

Philly beef and swiss open face sandwich and oven fries

Out to lunch with sis - Lotus Gardens (Chinese food)

How has your week been?  Hoping to hear from Frances that all things are progressing well, and it was great to hear from Penny this week.  I hope that many of our absentees check in.  

Have you been getting ready for the holidays?  Get any good deals?  What is going on in your part of this big old world?

Love hearing from you all.  

Hope you are all staying well and safe, and that things are moving in the 'right' direction for you all. 

May you all have a wonderful week.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching; but have itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:3-5

Lord, the people seem to making their own rules for living now. Please help us to stay the path and keep the teachings of truth.  Help those who have strayed so drastically and who are being seduced by evil, to see the truth.  Our prayers for peace and compassion for the people of this world.  Amen

In Pursuit of.......

 Happy Thursday to you all.  Hope this finds you all well.

It seems in life we are always pursuing something.  It may be health, happiness, simplicity, having more, being debt free, having enough, getting settled, wonderful care for another, loving more......................

I think happiness and joy in life is something we all want.  Health as well.  Those are just a common denominator between us all.

What else do you pursue?

My current pursuit is having less!  I truly want my home to have less stuff.  I don't need the stuff, I don't use much of it.  I guess my stumbling blocks have been memories and sometimes feelings of guilt.  I think about things that brought happiness to others and then I feel guilty about getting rid of them.  I know I shouldn't.  Thay are truly serving no purpose to ME.  They can help or make someone else happy - so that gives me a little motivation.

I also pursue being a better person.  I just want to do good for others and to be kind when someone needs it.  I want to bring a smile to others.  I have more than enough and I am so very thankful.  Maybe, just maybe I can help another who has less or who needs a kind word.

A kind word or a smile can be worth more than gold!

What at this point in life do you pursue?  

Over the years of getting to know you all - I bet your pursuits are simple as well.  

Life happens every day - we move forward, sometimes slowly and awkwardly, and we go on.  We have to.  Others depend on us and yes, they need us. 

We also need to remember that we need to make ourselves happy too.  We often forget that.

Look forward to hearing from you and what your thoughts are.

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Mini Infomercial and Fun Finds

 Good morning.  Hope your day will be a good one.

I am going to give a mini infomercial this morning!  I purchased something (by accident) and it is the best!  Thought I would let you know.

I also found a couple fun and silly things whiles I was decluttering.  Found a couple childhood items from my tote of mom's stuff.  I had forgotten all about them - so many years ago!!!!!!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had purchased new undies.  Well, I thought I got just regular old undies.  NOPE.  Once I opened them, I realized they were different from previous buys.  These are the best!  There is NO exposed elastic at all - not at legs or waistband.  They are sooooooo super soft!!!!!!!  It is almost like wearing nothing.  The kicker is they were cheaper than the normal Fruit of the Loom panties!  Yep, cheaper by about $3 a pack.  Still not cheap - but what is?  They cost about $13.50 a pack - others were all in the $16 range and that was at WM!!!!!!

Anyway - they are super comfy and soft.  Thought I would share the word.

I do wonder - why do they come in packs of 6?  Really?  Last I heard there are 7 days in a week!!!!  LOL

Now while I was going through things I came across a couple finds from my childhood.  Mom kept everything.  Guess I am guilty too!

There was this little ceramic (ugly) dish!!!!  I made this when I was in art class in the 6th grade!!!!!  It is so imperfect it is crazy.  I remembered bringing it home and mom said it was beautiful!  Bless her heart.  It was in the bathroom of her home and held combs and brushes every single day until she passed in 2001.  Well, I brought it home in a box of things from there - and there it has sat.  I got it out and decided if it was good enough for momma to use - it is good enough for me!  LOL!  Now it will hold my remotes on the table next to where I sit.  Pretty?  NO.  Functional?  Sure!  Memories of fun days?  YEP

I also found this.

This was from grade school.  The E was from the name of my school.  Now, I remembered having it - and thought it was here somewhere but didn't find it until last week.  I have posted a picture on the FB site for my grade school. and NO ONE seems to remember them or has one.  I may have one of the only ones around.  I need to get with the township office and see if they would like it for their mini museum.

I know they have pins and banners and pictures - but not a hat!

How fun!

OK, I guess I am done with show and tell today!!!!!

Hope you all have a good day.

Check in when you can!!!!!

My Thoughts on Abundance

 I had planned on doing a post about abundance for several days - then yesterday I saw a You Tube video that just sickened me.  It was from a very popular You Tuber - I usually don't watch - the title was what caught my eye.  I was curious.  

This person has gone from 'poor' to 'wealthy' (money wise).  I was saddened by how they talked about people with little money.  It was with condemnation and "hatred" - yes that word was used a few times in the video!!!  This person supposedly has gained a good wealth - yet lives like a pauper!  My questioning is why?  I think the love of money has taken over any good sense.  Just sad.

I think a lot of people were very offended as well.  I check the comments a couple times and they were not favorable of the thoughts portrayed - and finally the comments were turned off!

I have come to my own opinion of this person over time - and in my opinion they are one of the 'poorest' people around.  I think some of the wealthiest people on earth are truly 'poor'.

ABUNDANCE - definition: 1. an ample quantity.   2.  a situation in which there is more than enough of something.

I do not see abundance as money!  Sure you can have an abundance of that as well - but for me it is so much more.

Is it the person with the most money? NO

Is it the person with the biggest, newest house?  NO

Is it the person with the newest and most expensive vehicle?  NO

Is it the person with the most stuff?  NO

To me - true abundance is not about net worth - but about SELF worth!!!!!!!  How do you perceive yourself and others?  Are you proud of yourself YET humble?  Do you look at all people (no matter their financial situation) as worthy?  I hope you say yes to both of those questions.

I think is comes from tuning in and learning.  Abundance is a gift from the universe - not from the pocketbook.  Looking at and loving all things of the world.  Respecting other people.

It is about being grateful for what you DO have and not about how much you have.

Again, these are my thoughts on abundance - I am sure there are a lot of people who see it differently - we all see things in a different light.

I just feel that when we are grateful and thankful and focus on the positives in the world - things will flow our way!  Work hard on getting out of the negative mindset - it serves no purpose.

Gratitude can open the door to many, many possibilities.  When grateful, thankful, positive and happy - you give off an air that others can see.  It is catching!!!!

Spread an abundance of love and positivity - not hate and negativity.

BE what you want to see in others!

I see my abundance as family, friends, bonus friends, health, home, contentment, and having ENOUGH!

I wish you all a beautiful day - full of wonder and joy!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/15

 Hello to all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe.  Here we are halfway through yet another month.  Goodness, the holidays are getting so much closer.

We have so many from the group, going through so much right now.  I know you are ALL in our thoughts and our prayers.  We even have some that haven't posted in a long while - I sure hope you are all well.

I just wish you all the best every day.

Gosh this week has brought about many types of weather.  We have had fluctuations of some 40* over a day or two.  I went from sweatshirts and socks - to t-shirt and flip-flops in a matter of a day!  We have had rain - which everything needed.

We didn't see the eclipse here yesterday, as the day was gray and cloudy and drizzly.  I noticed no difference at all.

Blackie has found a friend!  There is a mini 'him' that has showed up some this week.  It is probably under a year old.  Usually Blackie chases off other cats - but he seems to like this one.  I know he has to be lonely since Fluff passed.  NO he can't keep it!  LOL!!  It just visits once in a while.  It seems to live down the alley a ways.  It won't let me get close!

This week:

• You already know I picked everything from the garden
• I also finished up the one room of decluttering and cleaning - whew!  Been working on new areas.
• I delivered a BIG load to the thrift store.  I went to my favorite store and they had a sign up "absolutely NO donations at this time".  Guess everyone has the same idea of decluttering.  So I took to another store
• I filled my trash bin this week and even put some in neighbors bin for pick-up.  Just glad to get stuff out.
• Ran to the library to return while out.  I intended to look around - and got scared off!  Just as I went in a really sketchy looking character came in - head and face shielded and carrying a big backpack and wearing an oversized coat and went straight to the restrooms.  My Spidey sense just went nuts.  Mind you, he was probably homeless (there are many in that area) - but something just said GO!  I advised the staff of him (they had not seen him come in) and left.  I did go back by after dropping off donation and all seemed OK - so maybe I just panicked for no reason.  I do listen to my senses!
• Did some more yard clean up
• Mowed grass from front to very back and trimmed really well
• I canned 7 pints of sliced green tomatoes and a quart of refrigerator baby green tomato kosher pickles.  Still have plenty more green toms.

• Pulled the hose and drained and rolled up
• Had a bunch of veggies that needed used - so made a great sauté veg dinner over rice
• Cut the last roses to bring in - one is still pretty and they smelled so good

• While decluttering I found my baby boom box!  I CAN listen to some of those cassettes.  I also found the container that had my relaxing, soothing tapes (nature, Indian, Appalachian music, etc.)
• Scoured all the watering holes
• NO grocery or spending
• Did up 2 weeks of laundry and used the dehumidifier water (it is soft water)
• Cooking from home and using up all bits

Meals this past week:

Fried green tomatoes, egg sandwich

Fried cabbage w/smoked sausage and sliced toms

Fried chicken (freezer) leftover cabbage and mashed potatoes

Sauteed veggies over rice

Fried burger w/grilled onions (no bread) and bowl of cukes/toms

BLT

Deconstructed stuffed pepper skillet and sliced toms

Snacks:  apples, mandarins, tomatoes, cheese and crackers

What have you been up too?  Gosh, I know we have folks healing, taking care of others, sick families, moving, etc.  I am sure there is so much going on right now for all.  Please check in and let us know how you are and what is going on.  WE CARE - we are a VILLAGE!

I wish you all the best and I pray for you all daily.  Have a safe, healthy and lovely week.  

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

I love thee, O Lord, my strength,

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalms 18:1-3

Dear Lord, as so many are going through so much in every part of the world, we seek You and Your blessings on all.  May people realize that their actions are so often evil and not serving of You.  

Please be with each of us as we go through personal trials and guide us in the appropriate steps to take.  Comfort all my family and friends as they struggle through their daily lives and give them strength.  Amen

Do It Anyway!!!!

 Happy Thursday to one and all.  I wish you each a wonderful day and one that allows you to accomplish the tasks you need to.

The weekend will be upon us in a flash - here is hoping that you get to enjoy it.

Today I want to share a little 'poem/thoughts' I came across while going through some of my old newsletters.  I think it kind of says it all.  

This was from a 2009 newsletter.

DO IT ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, the final analysis, it's between you and God;

It was never about you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

You can have what spiritual beliefs you desire - yet this is a good way to live.

If we do our best each and everyday - we are giving the best of ourselves.  Maybe it will wear on someone else, and they will do good as well.  One good thing leads to another.

Be the best you that you can be.

Have a wonderful day my friends.

'UP'-cycling Those Leftovers

 Happy hump day to all.   Chilly start to the day and lots of things on the agenda.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

I know we are coming into winter and many have been adding to their food preps in many ways.  If you are like me, you don't like going out in the bad weather to shop!  I hate waste and try to find new uses for things all the time - food included.

I know there are lots of people who say they don't like leftovers.  Well, my logic is make them into something different!  Get creative, have fun with your food, and don't waste it.  That food is money!!!!!

CHILI - use it for topping a baked potato - add some cheese or sour cream and you can have a yummy meal.  Place 4 cups of chili in a deep pie dish - mix up a packet of cornbread mix and top the chili - bake as directed for cornbread.  YUM.

Make chili mac or have chili over rice.  Add to your next veggie soup to jazz it up.  So many ways to serve it.  Oh, you can always freeze and have later!!!!!

COOKED OATMEAL

You add some to your ground meat to extend for a meatloaf.  Add some to your sweet breads or muffins.  Add all kinds of new toppings - to jazz it up.

PIE DOUGH

Roll out and sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar and bake until golden.  A yummy treat - mom always did this with bits that were left.   They were great with ice cream or pudding too!!!  Roll out and cover with a nice layer of jam/jelly - cut and roll up - bake until golden.

MASHED POTATOES

Top a casserole and bake (like shepherd's pie).  Potato pancakes - super easy and very tasty.  These can be fried and then frozen for later.  Add to soups and stews to thicken.  Make your own version of twice baked potatoes in a casserole dish or ramakins.

COOKED PASTA

Add some of your favorite veggies (uncooked) and throw on some dressing and you have a pasta salad.  Add to stir fried veggies and/or meat for a great lo mein dish.  Throw into soups or casseroles.

STALE BREAD

Great for make pieces for dressing/stuffing.  Make bread crumbs.   Croutons.  Bread pudding.  French toast.  Bread pizza.  Grilled cheese........

ANY veggie, meat, sauce, broth - freeze in a container for making the next batch of yummy soup.  Dump it all together.

BAKED BEANS

Make an open face sandwich topped with cheese - place under broiler until cheese melts.  Mash beans and add to meatloaf.  My sis used to make the best 'chocolate' cake using pureed leftover baked beans!!!  She learned that trick at the school kitchen she worked for.  The kids never knew the difference.

I love a baked bean sandwich!!!!!

Add to soups or chili or casseroles.

PICKLE JUICE

Great for a meat marinade - helps tenderize.  Use in making a salad topping.  Drink it! (I love dill).  Dill juice makes a mighty tasty Bloody Mary when added!  Add some mustard and cloves and use to marinade a ham!

MEAT 

Add to soups or casseroles.  Make sandwiches.  Add to omelets.  Add to stir fry.

STALE CRACKERS

Place on a baking sheet at 300 for about 5 minutes.  Fresh as new!!!!  You can do the same in microwave as well - it removes moisture which makes it taste stale.  I have done this with chips as well.

You can grind them up and add to breadcrumbs or add some seasoning and make a great coating for meat or fried veggies.  Add to meatloaf as an extender.  I use crushed stale crackers in making salmon/tuna patties. (cheesy ones are good in this).  Crush and top a casserole before baking - great on top of baked mac n cheese!

You know me, I am just getting started!!!!  There is no limit to the uses and upcycling we can do with our leftovers.  I just love using things in a new way.

I can eat 'as is' for 2 or 3 days - but sometimes I just feel like something different.

Your only limitation is you imagination.

There is no excuse for throwing away good wholesome food.  IF I ever had leftovers when G was here - it became breakfast or lunch the next day.  He didn't care and often requested it. (we have never been breakfast has to be breakfast food kind of people)!!!!!!!!!!!!

So waste not!!!!  Want not!!!  Food is money!!!!

Get creative and use it ALL up!

Getting my Mojo Back!

Good morning all.  Happy Tuesday.  Very chilly morning here - still no frost in my area - but it won't be long!

After a much slower week last week - I think MAYBE I got my Mojo back!!!!!!  At least that has been my story for 2 days now!  Not sure how long it will last - believe me!  As of yesterday afternoon - I was saying "someone stick a fork in me - I think I'm done"!!!!!  I was pooped.

All good - I am on a roll.

I went out Sunday and picked everything that was left in the garden.  Sad day for me.  But now I have a lot of goodies to work with this week and need to do preserve.  That is good.

I did a bit of yard work as well that day.

Me and my maters!!!!!  This is it for the year!!!!!!  I need to can some green tomatoes this week - do I can enjoy later on in the winter.  I had some fried up on Sunday!  Mmmmmmmm

Then I started the decluttering AGAIN.  I have been doing bits and bobs for ages and ages.  I need to get serious - so sick of the crud.  Now mind you I was in ONE room yesterday.  It has been the catch all room for ages.  Let us say - behind, under, in, and around!!!!!  I feel so ashamed of how bad it got.

                                                     Well - when it falls out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Found things - oh did I find things.  Glen swore he had more knives around here somewhere - pocket knives.  He collected.  I thought I had found everything for him, he said he thought there were more.  Well, sadly after 4 1/2 years - I found them!  That is pitiful - there was so much crap piled on the bag they were in that I didn't see them.  I sat there and had a talk with him yesterday and told him he was right (he has to be laughing).  I will share some of them with the boys this year at the holidays - as I have 4 that collect too.  I plan on keeping a couple too.

Cases holding cassettes!  Lots of cassettes!  I don't think I even have anything to play them on.  I found his cases of CD's.  Hundreds of them!  I will go through and keep ones I will listen to and do something with the rest.

Video tapes!  No VCR here!  Oh my goodness, the things that can hide at the bottom of a storage closet.

I also found several old photo albums that were Mom's.  Going through those today and making piles of pics for others.

Trash got a couple big bags for pick-up today!  I will be loading the Blazer up for a donation.

ALL from one room!  Good golly!!!!!!!  I am shaking my head at myself.

It really does distress me that there was so much in there.  I am not finished with that room yet - the rest I come up with, will be donated.

I tell you this because I know I am probably not the only one.  37 years has led to a house of STUFF!  I want you to know there is hope.  I am feeling good about this space - so it is incentive to keep going.  Ashamed yes!!!!!  But hopeful!

So here I go - My name is Cheryl - I am a collector of CRAP!  I am trying to turn this around and get rid of things!  Do not think badly of me - as I came from a family of 'collectors of crap'.

LOL

I hope this inspires someone to realize that they can do it too.

Like the little red engine - I think I can...I think I can...

So go forth and HARVEST and DECLUTTER!!!!!!

Have a good day!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/8

 Happy Sunday to all.  Well, one week down in this new month! Boy oh boy, time is flying by.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends.  Hope you enjoy the weekend and time with family and lots of good eats!!!!!

The week started fairly warm here.  Thursday, we had a slow and steady all day rain!  It was so needed.  Then it started getting chilly. Wind and more wind - it seems that has been our story around here for ages now.  Yesterday morning, deemed that I got out a sweatshirt to wear and socks and slippers!!!  Yep.  Same this morning.  Lows in the 40's.

It looks like most of the week will be very cool, with a couple warmer days at the end and more rain - then chilly again.  I do believe that fall is here!!!!!!

I actually saw a HUGE groundhog this week in the neighbor's yard behind me.  It is living under their shed.  Geesh, this after me catching so many this summer - I thought they were gone.  He must be filling up for hibernation!  The birds and the squirrels show up later each morning - the dark stays until around 7:30AM.  

I can't deny anymore that it is time to pull the garden out.  I guess that will be on my agenda the next couple of days.  I will have tons of green tomatoes to pick.  I still have one tomato plants that is literally covered with blooms!!!!!  I always hate the end!  Ready - yes, but I hate it.

Out front - the sunflowers the birdies gifted me!  The one plant on the left has 20 flowers open!!!!!!  It is so beautiful.  The one by the mailbox (left) is huge! It dwarfs my hand by at least 2X.

This week was kind of slow and quiet.  I had a busy week the week before and just kind of lost my oomph!!!!  I hope to get back on track this week.

My week:

• Sunday rested - funny how my body reacted to staying out late at the reunion and being on my feet so much.  I guess it is called 'getting older'!!!!!
• I have done some weeding and pulling and cutting - light yard work
• Planted my bulbs I received
• Pulled out a few more garden plants
• Paid all the bills I had on hand.  My light bill 'budget plan' actually dropped for the upcoming year!!!!  Not a lot - but a drop!!  I guess not using the AC a ton helped.  Still haven't turned on the heat yet!!!!
• Picked lots of ripe tomatoes - sure have been eating a lot of them (I will miss them)
• Sun really warmed the house nicely on our first super chilly day!
• I ran to Kroger for a couple deals.  I got milk on special for 1.29/half.  Sugar was 1.99/4 lb. (limit 5).  I got Honeycrisp apples on special - 6 lbs. for 4.98 - so good.  Found TP on clearance 12 pack/like 48 - for 5.99 because wrapper was torn!!!!  Yeah, who cares!  2 cans of white chicken chili for .69 on clearance (nice to have just in case).
• Stopped at an estate sale on the way home - nothing.  The lady who passed was 4 days shy of her 103rd birthday, living alone at home still.  What a gift she received!  Amazing.
• Put my smaller quilt over the comforter for warmth.  It looks so pretty, it makes for a nice bed warmer in the winter/fall.  It worked too - last night was quite comfortable!!!!!!!
• Mowed the front yard and trimmed.
• Cooking from home and using what I have.  Using leftovers in new ways and stretching things.  Made some Spanish type rice and used in 2 different meals and froze some - used things from freezer (pre-made)
• No heat or AC this week

I have read some this week, watched a few You Tube videos and just kind of rested - getting ready for a new season.  So much to do!!!!!

Meals this past week:

Burrito Supreme (homemade)

Chili (freezer) w/Fritos and cheese

Tuna patty, corn on the cob (freezer) and tom/cuke/onion salad

Veggie and thin sliced ham roll-up

Mexican bowl

Italian bread pizza (freezer)

Span. rice with added pulled pork (freezer) and beans - topped with cheese - sliced toms

snacks - crackers and cheese, apples and tomatoes

Ingredients that went in the roll-up/wrap - a variety of what I had.  Extras were eaten in a salad later that day!  Yum and using what I have!!!!!!

How was your week?  Is your garden out and done? What is on your 'fall is here' list of to-do's?

Are you getting Christmas ready?

In case you missed the post FRANCES said her hubby got to come home this week from the hospital!!!!! YAY!  Let us know how you both are when you get a chance!!!!!

I hope you all have a great week ahead.  Getting winter ready and getting your harvests in and saved.  May you all have a week of good health and safety.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

May the Lord give strength to His people!  May the Lord bless His people with peace!

Psalms 29:11

Thank You Lord for this week and for our health and safety.  Prayers sent upward for peace on this earth amongst nations and amongst all Your people. Our hopes are that all people can get along and move forward together in a positive way.  Thank You for the many blessings we have each received, whether big or small.  They are all appreciated and they are all special.  Help us through each task and problem that we may face.

Amen

Just an Idea or Two

 Happy Thursday to all.  Looks like we will get some of that rain a little further west had yesterday.  We can use it.

Today is just a few reminders of things we can do to stretch our food, finances, and energies!  Use it up or wear it out - it all adds up!!!!!

Some are fall ideas and others just general.

• Add a cinnamon stick or whole cloves to your vacuum bag - it will scent the air with a fall aroma
• When cleaning out your frig - drop a couple drops of vanilla in the cleaning water - it will make the frig smell nice and fresh
• Now is the time to go to the office supply or craft store and get a chalk board eraser!  They are great to keep in the car to remove condensation on the windows in the winter!!!! (Think of those from childhood)
• Make your own instant oatmeal packs instead of buying.  I used to make these for G, as he loved oatmeal.  Measure out what you would make for 1 serving of instant/quick oats.  Remove about 1/4 of it, and pulse in a blender (makes for creamy oats) - add back to oats, add in dried fruit or nuts, brown sugar or cinnamon or whatever flavor you want and place in little baggies.  Ready to add water and heat and eat!  Much cheaper than buying those little bags at the store and you know what is in it.
• Need to freshen up some leftover rice?  Place an ice cube on top of rice and reheat either in microwave or pan - the ice cube adds just enough moisture to make it fluff!
• When planting fall bulbs I always sprinkle medicated talc powder on them in the hole or add moth crystals - it keeps the squirrels from digging them up!  It works!!!!
• When making a pumpkin pie - place some small marshmallows on the crust before adding pumpkin.  They rise to the top while baking and make a nice topping!

• Make a crust for quiche with rice!  Approx. 2 cups rice, 1/4 C shredded cheese, and 1 egg.  Mix together and spread into a 9" crust pan.  Add your quiche ingredients and bake as usual
• Keep milk a little fresher for longer after opening by adding just a pinch of salt to it.  You will not taste - but it helps keep it fresh.  I also like keeping my milk on the bottom shelf at the back of frig - it is really cold there.
• Make corn syrup in a pinch.  1 cup sugar and a 1/4 cup water - heat to dissolve.
• Add tsp. of lemon juice to your cooking water when making rice - no more sticky rice!
• Need candle holders for a birthday cake?  Use lifesavers!
• Mix together some softened cream cheese, peanut butter and a bit of brown sugar to make an easy caramel tasting dip for apples - That dip at the stores costs a small fortune!!!!

CAFE' MOCHA

2 C prepared coffee

1/3 C cocoa

3 C very warm milk

Mix all together and sweeten as desired.  

2 cups of coffee will now serve 6!

Nice treat for a small gathering!

• Stir your coffee or hot chocolate with a peppermint stick - YUM
• Dice up carrots, celery, onion or herbs and place in ice cube trays - cover with water and freeze (you could use broth as well).  Great for throwing into a pot of soup or starting a roux or just adding a bit of flavor to something
• Mix candy corn and salted peanuts together in a bowl.  It tastes like a PayDay candy bar!!!

SUPER EASY APPLE CRISP

6 baking apples - cored, peeled and slice

1/2 C melted butter

3/4 C brown sugar - packed

3/4 C quick oats (uncooked)

1/2 C flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Place apple slices in a greased 11 x 7 pan.  Combine the other ingredients and place evenly over the top of apples.  Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes until golden.

I like to throw in a handful of chopped nuts as weel - if I have them.

Super easy!!!

There you go - just a few ideas for you all!  Hope maybe someone can use one or two.

I like finding new ways to use things and get a bit creative.  It is a challenge and it is fun.

Have a great Thursday and remainder of your week!

SMILE - IT'S CATCHING!

Fresh Fall Foods - Buying in Season

 This can be a money saver as well as other things we talk about.  Buying in season!!!!!!  There are many fruits and veggies that are now coming into season, prices are down a bit, and many will soon be cheaper than any other time of the year.  THIS is when to buy, prepare, and stock for another day.  Many can be frozen or canned and lots and lots of items will last months in a cool dark space.

Let's think about what all there is out there.  Apples, pears, persimmons, pumpkins, squashes (all types), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, eggplant, greens, onions, turnips, parsnips, rutabaga...........

All come ready about fall. 

Winter squash and pumpkins can last months if properly stored, just as they are.  No need to process until ready to use.  That is easy!

Gardens are coming to an end now as well.  With threat of frost in many areas - PICK EVERYTHING and bring it in - no matter how small.  It can be used in some way.

Even those green tomatoes!  You can let them ripen inside.  You can slice and can or freeze for fried green tomatoes later.  I also like to chunk some and freeze in small bags to add to stir fry over the winter - it adds a nice, sweet taste!

Many farm markets are about to come to an end - in IN they stop pretty much at the end of Oct.  It is a great place to get these fresh items.  On the pumpkins - after Halloween, most places drastically discount all pumpkins (some give them away) - get them and use them up for the upcoming holidays or for the freezer.

Orchards are now in full swing.  Check them out - if nothing else it is a fun day looking around.

Even places like the regular groceries and Aldi are having many of these items on good sales already!

Article from Oct. 2007 newsletter

"It's pumpkin and squash time again.  I hear you all saying "Yuk".  Most people haven't even tried cooking with these items.

Pumpkins are one of the most nutritionally valued foods known to man. (It's not a vegetable, but a fruit.  Like most melons it's a member of the gourd family).  They are inexpensive, high in fiber, and low in calories.  They are available all year in can form, but fresh tastes much better.

Winter squash - low in calorie, fat free, cholesterol free, excellent source of Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, Potassium, Vitamin C and fiber.  Most have a sweet taste, or a mild nutty flavor.

There are many types to choose from - Acorn, Hubbard, Pumpkin, Butternut, and Spaghetti squash.

They last for quite a while in a cool dark place.  Give them a try this year.  I think you will pleasantly surprised."

You can use in hearty soups and stews.  They can be roasted.  Serve with whatever meat you prefer or over any number of rice types that are available, or over/with pasta or with beans/lentils.

Sautee, roast, fry - mixed or separate.  Add to soup, casseroles, quiches, stews.

Many pumpkin and squash recipes can be interchanged.  Use different types of squash vs. pumpkin in pies, breads, muffins, bread puddings, etc.  Carrots can also be cooked and mashed for breads and pies (they are good).  Potatoes can be fixed in a 100 ways!

You can chunk, slice, chop, julienne, any way you want.

Think baked apples - fried apples - sauce - pies - cobblers, etc.  You can use pears in any of those instead of apples!  Add apples and pears with the squash for a different flavor.

Most everything is inter-changeable.  It is a cornucopia of flavors mashups!!!!!!!

BAKING PUMPKINS

Oct. 2009

I use a 6-7 lb. pumpkin, halve, remove seeds and gunk, place hollow side down in a large baking pan lined with foil, and add a little water.  Bake uncovered 375 for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.  Scrape the pulp from the rind and blend with a dash of salt.  Freeze in 1 - 2 cup bags.  When ready to make pies - STRAIN thawed puree.  It's a lot of water.  Add the seasoning of your pie recipe and bake!"

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Oct. 2009

"Boil seeds in water for about 5 minutes.  Drain and clean well.  Sprinkle with salt or seasoned salt.  Place in a thin layer on a parchment clad baking sheet.  Bake at 250 degrees for about 30 minutes.  Can bake 30 min. - 1 hour longer - if necessary - until crunchy.  Squash seeds can be used as well."

I hope everyone takes advantage of the seasonal harvests and foods that can be had now.  They are all so good for you and they can all be fixed in numerous ways.  It truly is a healthy way of eating and seasonal is cheaper than you may think.

as I said back in the day.  Give it a try this fall - you may be surprised!!!!!!!

Let's get jiggy with it!!!!!!  ENJOY those fresh fall foods and flavors!!!!!!!!