A Belated Christmas For Janet And Me

January 15, 2015

Good morning.  Today is cloudy and it's 25F degrees.  At some time during the wee hours, it must have snowed for a while because everything outside is covered with a layer of snow.  I'll have to run the car for a while to melt all the snow off it before going out to do errands later.

I did finish making the corn chowder yesterday, and it was delicious!   I like my food plain, so there's not a lot of ingredients in my chowder.  Just potatoes, whole kernel corn, creamed corn, onions, canned milk, whole milk a dash of salt and a sprinkling of pepper.  If I'd had any bacon, I'd have put in a little bit of that too just for flavor.

I spent a few hours on the kitchen project yesterday, mostly deciding what to toss and what to keep.  Of course, anything that I would keep also needed a new place to live.  I was going to work more on it today, but I think I'll take today off. 

As for my 365 photo project, sad to say I did not finish getting my two photos for days 14 & 15.  Some of the topics listed are just not as easy, at least for me.  My mind isn't as creative as it used to be in it's younger days.  However, I will try to get them done.

Remember back before Christmas that I spoke of our local Ace Hardware store's pet food drive?  Well it seems to be getting better every year.  I received this thank you email from the hardware store.  I wish a lot more stores would do this, and it doesn't have to be just at Christmas time.

Last night DIL Janet came by after work, and we finally got to open each other's Christmas presents.  Janet has been sick since before Christmas, first waiting for an appointment for a root canal (for some reason, all the dentists in our area were totally booked until after the holidays) and then later with the flu.  It was good to see her well and smiling again.

 

This afternoon, I have to make my shopping list.  Later, when Joe gets home from work, we'll be making a trip to the market.  I mostly just need a few staples plus a few tasty meals for Pogo.  This is always a challenge, trying to figure out what he might actually eat.  He's such a picky kid.  He likes hamburgers, but if I cook two at once (one for today and one for tomorrow) he'll only eat it on the day I cooked it.  Now where did that come from? 

 

A few days ago, I order myself a "spin mop" from a catalogue.  It arrived yesterday afternoon, so either later today or tomorrow I'll get to try it out.  I have trouble wringing things with my hands, so I thought that this might make it easier for me.  If it works, I'll get another one for out in the house. 

 

Audrey is on the mend, but Dee Dee, Eddie and Kevin are still a bit under the weather.  Hopefully, they'll be well really soon.  As for Audrey's car, it was being towed away this morning by the insurance company.  Now we're just waiting for the decision - is it totaled or shall we fix it?

 

Well, that's all the news for this morning.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fantabulous day. 

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Do You Want The Good News Or The Bad News?

January 14, 2015

Good morning.   At the moment, it's 18F degrees with hopes of getting up to 30 degrees later today.  Tomorrow is supposed to get a couple of degrees warmer.  So that's the day I'll do my errands and the food shopping. 

For now, I'll continue to stay indoors and putter around the house.  Actually, yesterday my puttering managed tot get a lot accomplished.  I got my my little drawer units moved from the kitchen into the pantry, and I got my microwave all cleaned up and moved over to its new spot. 

This all happened because I went into the kitchen to make a pot of corn chowder.  As usual, I got side tracked and ended up cleaning instead of cooking.  So the chowder will be first on my to-do list this morning.  To make sure it gets done, I've already started peeling the potatoes.  Now I have to finish it!

Yesterday I mentioned a new photo project that my friend Mary Ann had told me about.  It's a 365 day photo project started by the Photographers Society of America (PSA).   One has to be a member in order to browse their website, so I'm in the process of applying for membership. 

Meanwhile, I have the list of suggestions for January and February.  For those of you who would like to give this a try, I'll try posting a couple weeks suggestions at a time.  Seeing as how we are already half way through January, I'll post the whole list for January. 

Day 01 First                                       Day 17 Expand
Day 02 Impossible                             Day 18 Border
Day 03 Roof                                      Day 19 Dazzling
Day 04 Guard                                    Day 20 Control
Day 05 Small                                     Day 21 Dust
Day 06 Moment                                 Day 22 Hope
Day 07 Allowance                             Day 23 Shave
Day 08 Island                                    Day 24 Aquatic
Day 09 Repetition                              Day 25 Flower
Day 10 Faint                                      Day 26 Towering
Day 11 White                                    Day 27 Weak
Day 12 Choice                                   Day 28 Lead
Day 13 Smash                                   Day 29 Smoke
Day 14 Fluffy                                    Day 30 Old
Day 15 Rude                                      Day 31 One
Day 16 Impact

I just started this project yesterday, so today I'll post two photos for Day 13, of part of the 193 vehicle "smash up" that took place a couple of days ago in Michigan. (I think that's the location.  I forgot to write it down.)   I took these photos with my phone while watching the news on TV..

Today, I'll try to catch up with photos for day 14 & 15.  When I can, I'll try to get caught up with the first part of the month.  Give it try and have fun.

While checking my email yesterday, I got an email from one of my favorite catalogues, asking me to check out some of their new items.  So of course I did.  They always have such cute things to look at.  However, one of their new items caught my eye.  TV seems to be advertising a huge array of feminine products lately.  Now, finally, there is a product for the guys. 

It's amazing how far society has come with their attitude on personal products.  Used to be, it was embarrassing to even try to buy personal products at a store.  Now they are blatantly splashed all over the TV and in all our magazines.  I suppose the good side of all of this is that folks really don't have a reason not to be clean. 

Back to the weather, we do not have any ice outside here or on our roads, but a huge portion of the country is covered in ice.  If you are in any of these areas, please do be careful if you have to go out today.  If at all possible, stay home and let the highway department try to melt some of that ice. 

My daughter Audrey called me last evening after she had arrived back home from work.  She started the conversation with "Do you want the good news or the bad news?"   Well, the good news was that she was okay.  Oh boy, now I'm getting nervous.   The bad news was that her car might be totaled.

On her way home, a huge buck ran into her car, and then managed to run off into the woods.  The car, however, was heavily damaged.  Even the driver's door was jammed shut.  Through it all, she managed to keep a sense of humor about her.  She said "Mom, this was not how I wanted to get my deer".   Later, hubby Mac and a friend went off into the woods to look for the deer to make sure it was not lying wounded somewhere.

Audrey, if you take a photo of your car, you'll have your day 13 "smash" photo.  Just thought I'd mention that.

Well now it's time for me to get back to those potatoes that I started peeling before they turn black.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A New Footwear Craze?

January 13, 2015

Good morning.  Wow, it was quite warm all through the night (in the low thirties) and by morning it has cooled down quite a bit.  It is now 22 F degrees and getting colder as the day goes on into night.  Yesterday's nasty weather did not quite make it here.  We mostly had a very light rain for about half of the day. 

However, a lot of other folks are getting a lot of icy roads today and tomorrow.  I've been watching the Weather Channel to see how close this ice gets to my daughter Audrey.  She does not like driving on major roads, and the ice will make her drive to work (and back home) very treacherous.  Be very careful Audrey.

I have an image that I borrowed from the web of some rather interesting footwear.  They are called "Hillbilly Shoe Covers".  You can buy them from a catalogue "The Lighter Side" for only $32.98.  Wearing these to work should make one's day quite interesting!  You put them on right over your boots. (or shoes too, I guess)   Could this maybe be the start of a new footwear craze?

News flash!!  They are reporting now on TV that a 3.3 earthquake happened yesterday morning in the Plainfield, Connecticut area.   So far, no injuries have been reported.  This was the eighth earthquake in this area in just a week.  Gosh, this is very unusual for this area.  What in the world is happening in the weather realm???  (TV says this earthquake was this morning, Google says it was yesterday.)

I promised you a photo of my "Sunshine" afghan.   I took the photo with my phone last evening while I had the afghan on my lap.  (working on it)  When I have more of it done, I'll  take another photo.  The colors are hard to capture under a regular lamp light.  I'll try taking the next photo in daylight to see the difference.

I have another photo project to share, but first I need to check with a friend to see if it is okay to post it here on my blog.  After all, it is not my own idea. 

Today, I was hoping to get out to shop for a new tree and more birdseed, but I may wait till tomorrow or Thursday when it is warmer.  We'll see.  I'm thinking that today is a good day to stay indoors and make a pot of corn chowder.  Yup yup, I think that's what I'll do. 

Well that's my news for this morning.  Now I think I'll have me another cup of coffee while I do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all do stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Storm Hektor Is Causing Wicked Icy Conditions

January 12, 2015

Good morning.  Yesterday I had a request for the slow cooker stuffed pepper recipe, so I posted it here.  Just look below this post if you would like the recipe.

It's not quite so cold this morning, mid 30's, with the promise of getting one or two degrees warmer later in the day.  We're also supposed to be getting a mix of snow and rain.  Tonight the temps will drop to around 20F so the rain will create an icy problem for a lot of folks.

Because of storm Hektor, 70 million people are under winter weather advisories.  13 million folks are right now under freezing rain advisories.  Incredible!!   If all of this wicked weather is part of the changing climate, then I'd say Mother Nature got us back really good! 

I really did not do much of anything yesterday.  At least nothing of importance was accomplished.  I did check the birdie's water bowl and replenish some of the water.  Except for one time, I don't ever see any of the birds at the water bowl.   Maybe more will use it when the weather gets warmer.  We'll see.

Remember a while back I said that I was making a lightweight ponco?  Well, I've been wearing it nights to ward off cold chills.  It keeps my shoulders and back warm.  I may have to make it a bit longer, and I still have to finish off the neckline, but it really has come in quite handy.

Last night, I worked a bit on the Sunshine yellow afghan, but my eyes get tired so I stopped after a while.  I do have an appointment coming up next Monday for an eye exam, and most likely a prescription for a new pair of eye glasses.  This should help my eyes get back to normal.

Today I have a few photos of an adorable little Tufted Titmouse enjoying the peanuts that I toss out for the birds and small critters.   These photos were taken through the kitchen window.

My enjoyment of our little birds has spread to all of the dwarfs.  Whenever any of them is in the kitchen, they spend a few minutes at the windows watching these fun little birds. 

I've been neglecting my kitchen/pantry project quite a bit lately but I think today I shall get back to it.  Also, yesterday I did not get to the store to pick up bird seed and maybe a small tree, so I'm hoping to do this maybe tomorrow.  Today's weather is too yucky to go out.

While I'm out tomorrow, I'll have to stop by the bank.  No matter what the weather brings, the bills must be paid.  Interesting, but paying bills is probably one of the few things that bad weather does not stop. 

Well, that's about all the news for this morning.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all try to stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Slow Cooker - Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Per a request, here is the recipe for the slow cooker
stuffed peppers from the Jan. 11, post.

Time :  Approx 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours 15 minutes
Serves 4
Per serving:  358 calories, 10 G fat (4 G sat fat)
     59 mg chol, 500 mg sod, 23 g pro, 44 g car,
     5 g fiber.

1  15 oz can crushed tomatoes
3 lg cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
   Kosher salt & pepper
4 lg bell peppers (red, orange, yellow
       or a mix)
3/4 lb. lean ground beef (at least 90%)
3/4 cup instant brown rice, uncooked
2 Tbsp raisins, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese
Green salad, for serving

1 - In a bowl, stir together the tomatoes, garlic, tomato
paste, oregano, sugar, all but 1/4 cup of the scallions
and 1/2 tsp pepper.  Transfer half of the mixture
(about 1 cup) to a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker.

2 - Slice the tops off the peppers just below the stems.
Roughly chop the tops and add them to the bowl with
the remaining sauce, along with the beef, rice, raisins
and 1/2 tsp salt;  mix to combine.

3 - Remove the ribs and seeds from the peppers.
Slice a very thin piece from the base of each pepper so
that they sit upright and flat, but do not cut through.
Season the inside of the peppers with 1/4 tsp each
salt and pepper, then stuff with the beef mixture.
(about 1 cup per pepper).

4 - Transfer the peppers to the slow cooker, cover
and cook until the peppers are tender and the rice is
cooked through.  3 to 4 hours on high, or 5 hours
on low.

5 - Transfer the peppers to plates.  Stir the sauce  to
incorporate any excess liquid from the peppers.
Spoon the sauce over the peppers and sprinkle with
the feta and remaining scallions.  Serve with a
salad, if desired.

This is the recipe per the magazine.  Obviously,
you can make changes according to your taste.
Enjoy.

I'm Not So Cold If Pogo Is Warm

January 11, 2015

Good morning.  Brrrrr.  It's still too cold for these old bones.  Granted, it has been colder, and other folks are coping with even worse temps, but none of that makes me feel warmer.   And poor Pogo!  When I am cold, he has to wear a warm sweater.  If I'm still cold, he has to be wrapped up in a pile of warm blankets.  Somehow, I feel better if I think he is toasty warm.

I was just looking through the new Womans Day magazine, and I came across an interesting item.  In just four weeks, it will be "Random Acts of Kindness Week".   The dates are February 9 to 15.  It's a whole week to just do something nice every day for a loved one, a friend or a stranger.  Wouldn't it be great if folks all over the world celebrated this week? 

There are so many wonderful, yet easy, things one can do for this week.  You could cook a meal for a struggling neighbor, pay for the car behind you at a fast food drive through, take out the trash for a neighbor (and bring the barrels back in), or shovel a walkway for a neighbor if you have snow.  There are just so many fun and thoughtful things that you can do.  Have some fun and give it a try.

I also cut out a recipe for stuffed peppers that are cooked in a crock pot.  I love stuffed peppers, but I have never cooked them in a slow cooker.  This sounds like a great idea for me.  Just stuff the peppers, pop them in the crock pot, set the timer and go about my business while dinner slowly cooks.  Perfect!

Sad to say, these past few days have not been so good for loved ones.  Audrey and Janet are beginning to get better, but now Dee Dee and Eddie are sick with a cold and the flu.  Also, a couple of the dwarfs are a bit under the weather with the same stuff.  I'm wishing all of you a speedy "get well".

Yesterday, I got caught up on some laundry, and started a new "Sunshine" afghan.  This one is mostly a beautifully bright lemon yellow.  When I get a bit of it done, I'll be taking a photo to share.  I have no idea who this one is for, but it's a treat to work with such a happy color.

Today, I'm trying to work up the courage to go out in the cold to buy some more bird seed and hopefully a new Christmas tree for next year.  Walmart did not have any trees on clearance this week, so today I would like to have a look in Ocean State Job Lot.

That's about all the news for this morning.  Now I'm thinking that a nice hot cup of cocoa would taste just awesome.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all try to stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Small Reprive From The Wicked Cold

January 9, 2015

Good morning.  Oh my, we're having a mini heat wave.  Temps during the night were around 15F degrees, and right now we are up to 23F degrees.  I can walk across the floor without my feet turning into popsicles!   (Wearing socks and slippers, of course.)

There's no cellar under my part of the house, so every bit of cold comes right up and chills the floor.  All but the kitchen and pantry are carpeted, but when it gets really cold the carpets can't keep the floors warm.

Today is supposed to get up to about 32F degrees, so Joe and I will do the food shopping today.  I can't really put it off because I'm running very low on several things.  I think I'll pick up the fixings for a corn chowder too.  This always tasted extra good in this wicked cold weather.

Yesterday, I finally covered the air conditioner with plastic.  There is a cover on the outside of it, but the cold still comes in.  Somehow, I missed one little spot where the cold comes in, so later I will check it again and fix this.  This year I chose to leave the AC in the window all winter because it will be there when I need later in the year.   I can't lift it in and out of the window, and this way I won't have to ask anyone to put it back in for me.  However, I will have to look around for a better outer cover for it.

Today I have another photo (taken with my phone) of our beautiful Amaryllis.  I changed the background to black to show off better how really pretty this plant is. 

I also have another cute photo of my handsome little fellow.  This photo was also taken with my phone.  I'm getting better at learning how to use this little camera.  Pogo is wearing one of his new Christmas sweaters.   At first I was thinking that maybe he had too many sweaters, but with all this wicked cold, the sweaters are a blessing.

On the Weather Channel, they are showing a mother and young daughter that have been evicted from their home in New York.  Right now they are at a shelter trying to keep warm.  I know business is business, but how can you evict someone in this wicked unhealthy cold?  Especially when there is a child involved? 

Also in the news, Mr. O in the White House is suggesting that two years of community college should be free for everyone.  Well, he hasn't yet defined the word "everyone".   I think free college for "citizens" is a great idea, but first we need to know how it will be paid for.  I'm sure Mr. O is not meaning "citizens" only. 

Right now, most of us who are working, or have an income, are struggling to pay for all the free medical and medical payment grants that are being given out.   I would love to see free college education for our children, but I think the public has a right to know how this will be paid for before it becomes law.  I know a lot of folks who already have to choose between their meds and their bills, and now their taxes are even higher because of the new health care law.  Add the free college to this and I wonder how many folks will still be able to keep a roof over their heads.

Mr. O, it's time to cut back on the billions of dollars you are giving away all over the world, and use this money to take care of our own citizens and the cost of all these wonderful new laws.  Nuff said.

Now I'm going into the kitchen and make myself a nice hot cup of coffee and some breakfast for Pogo.  So, till Sunday, Y'all try to stay warm and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.