Week 97, 10-29-2017

Thoughts and Quotes: HAPPY HALLOWEEN and I'd like to share some cute quotes from quotegarden.com about this fast-growing celebration. I think it's gaining on Christmas.

I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. ~Author unknown

A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween. ~Erma Bombeck

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween.  Author Unknown

I don't know that there are real ghosts and goblins, but there are always more trick-or-treaters than neighborhood kids. ~Robert Brault, rbrault.blogspot.com

If you'd like to see more, or if you ever need a quote, here's the website. Click HERE.

Tidbits: Don't forget to make a wish on the full moon next Saturday, November 4. Some call this the Beaver Moon and some call it the Frost Moon. It was called the Beaver Moon because way back when, this was the time to set your beaver traps to stock up on warm pelts for the winter. So happy this name and practice are outdated. 

Tidbits: As you know, I live in the southwest corner of Missouri. I get some really interesting information here; also some "just-for-fun" information. Check this out HERE. You can look up your state and subscribe if you like HERE.

Tidbits: Yes, I'm just full of them again this week, but you have to see this. Click on the arrow on the lower left to advance the slides. You'll be amazed at these statistics. Then when you get to the end, you'll find one of the most delightful pictures I've ever seen. It will make your heart sing. So clever and so cute. HERE.

I've had a very busy week. I took a neighbor to the Branson airport on Monday, and it was such a nice day, I spent some time shopping. Hey! It's her fault. I'm innocent. She told me to do it.

I loved my day, but now I had all these "acquisitions".

From Dollar Tree

From Bon Worth

From Tuesday Morning

From Goodwill - yes, two more books,and two NEW tablecloths for $4 each.

These little oil dishes were $2. I'll use them for individual condiment dishes. There are four and I already have four from a prior thrifting trip.

These little plates were only $1 for eight, but they're plastic. I swear you can't tell unless you pick them up. I think they're perfect for teabag rests.

So I added 19 items to Acquistions (sets count as one), plus my 7 for the week (which I had ready).

But I came up with nineteen more (you'll have to trust me on this as I didn't photo them individually). They're all ready to take to Jean on Wednesday for her church rummage sale.

See, there are lots of things in those boxes. The foot in the lower left stays; I need it to walk.

I also picked up some things for the library teas. Everything was half off, so 25 cents for each piece. These sweet cups and saucers were so inexpensive, I bought an extra set in case of breakage. I'm trying to find things which have some pink on them.

I also found these for 25 cents each - told you I would.

I'm collecting all these things for the new Nixa Library, and they might not even want to have teas.

Time for Others: I spent a good part of the week making Halloween cards. Do you think I need a craft room? This is what my dining room looked like. You can even see a table set up with paper in the entry, and a table in the walkway betwee the living room and dining room.

When it's supposed to look like this.

But I got them finished; the last eleven went out Friday, ten minutes before the last mail pickup at the post office. Here are some samples.

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4

I wish I had time to make each one differently, but I wanted them to arrive for Halloween instead of Christmas.

And some of my talented card-making friends sent me these. Aren't they clever? The envelope from which the black spook emerges says "Do Not Open".

The Pepper and Pals report: I didn't talk about the kitties last week, and I heard about it. I felt a little like President Kennedy when he said, "I'd like to introduce myself. I'm the one who accompanied Jackie Kennedy to Paris".

Pepper's diahhrea has gone, but he scratched his eye raw again, so he's back in his collar. I put a panty liner inside to soften the fasteners so they won't irritate his neck. He thinks it's adding insult to injury. I took him for his feline distemper shot Friday.

Stormy still wants to go outside, so I let her. I have to remember she was supposed to be a feral cat when I got her home. I want her to stay inside when it's cold, but she's like quick-silver and slips out sometimes when I'd rather she stayed in. She stayed out last night, even though it was cold, so this morning when she came home, she ate and went right to bed in the guest room.

I brought Veronica home from the vet and at first she was a little nervous. She didn't want to come out of the carrier, so I "dumped" her out on the outdoor patio. She immediately followed me back into the screened-in patio and used the potty box. She got used to that indoor plumbing at the vet. She also got used to being cuddled and petted, and now she wants to spend her waking hours on my lap. She purrs so loud it sounds like a motoboat, she sits on my lap and gives herself a bath, and then she gives me a bath and nibbles on my fingers. She's the sweetest, softest, lovingest little kitty I've ever known. Here she is just waking from a nap in Pepper's chair, and looking sleepy. She definitely needs a family, so I'm going over to Petco tomorrow to see about their adoption plan. 

I had a real surprise last week. Midnight disappeared for a couple of months, and just recently started coming to eat again. On Wednesday it was sunny and warm, and she showed up with three babies. They're already old enough to eat wet and dry food. One gray tuxedo kitty and two black tuxedo kitties. So adorable, but so skittish, I couldn't even get a decent photo out the window. I haven't seen them since.

Midnight, BJ, and Hercules (the neighbor's kitty), continue to show up for breakfast and dinner.

Needless to say, I haven't worked on my books at all, nor have I even opened my on-line class which started on the 19th. I need to move faster this week.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

EAT YOUR GREENS

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FULL MOON

EAT AN APPLE A DAY

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

AND TEA

DON'T EAT TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE

KISS YOUR HONEY

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

Week 96, 10-22-2017

Thoughts and Quotes: The best days start with gratitude in the heart, dreams in view, and coffee in hand.                                     Princess Sassy Pants

And if you haven't met the Princess, you should, so here's the LINK. If you give her your email address, she'll visit you every day, looking adorable and dispensing wisdom. And she'll bring her little doggie, Prince Pup.

Teaching and Learning: I'm passing on something I just learned, and I'll bet only 1% of the people in the US have ever heard of the One-Day President. His name is David Rice Atchison (Atchison, KS). He was head of the Senate when Polk's term ended on Saturday, March 3, 1849. The incoming president, Zachary Taylor, refused to be inaugurated on a Sunday, so Atchison became the acting president until Monday, March 4, when the inauguration took place. Historians debate whether he was really a President, but it makes for fun reading. Check it out HERE and scroll down.

Tales: Gold stars for Patsy! I went to the Christian County Library book sale, and bought only three books. I've only read Sue Grafton through T, but now I won't have to borrow X from Joey in case she has to climb a ladder to get it down from her bookshelf.

I actually bought four books, but I already had this one, so will pass it to Katie.

And then I bought 13 crochet magazines, but hey! they're only 10 cents each. I had one of them already, but I met a new crocheter at the sale, so will pass it to her.

So now I have to discard 7 things this week, PLUS 15 for the acquisitions. Wow! Better get busy. You probably figured out that I'm creating my post as I go instead of doing it all in one day. Hope it doesn't sound too disjointed.

TA-DA!: I just heard on the news that my little city of Nixa was chosen as one of the top seven places to retire in the USA by Money magazine. We're getting our very own library branch next May or June and then look out! We're going to be THE place to retire. They cited low property taxes, low crime, close to Medical facilities, close to Branson, and a large percentage of the residents are over 55. That would be me.

Tidbits: Now and then we get news of something fun instead of depressing. Jean just forwarded such a story to me from our local paper. I think you'll like it. Click HERE. And if you want to read more, click HERE to read the entire trip on their Facebook page. Way to go, Guys!

Tidbits: Again. I keep harping on having several different credit cards because they all have different rewards programs. I added up what I have right now, and it's $88.73. This doesn't include Amazon because I just apply my rewards to the next purchase, and it doesn't include United and Delta because they give me air miles instead. And my Lowes card gets me 5% off each time I buy at their store. I'll keep you updated each month for awhile to see if I can convince you to run out and get some more credit cards. Now I need to get a smart phone so I can use the Walmart app. Will try to do it this quarter, as Discover is giving 5% off Target purchases and I can probably get a phone there and they service Consumer Cellular.

Scratch the smart phone. I just learned that you don't need the Walmart app to get the savings. You can do it on your computer. Here's the LINK. It's also the place to sign up if you already a have smart phone.

Tidbits: I'm just full of them this week, aren't I? You just have to see this commercial, and be sure your sound is on. Bet you can't watch it without giggling. Click HERE.

Thank You to Bill: For this Strauss CD he passed on to me. We have the same taste in music, which works out really well. That's Friend Bill, not Brother Bill. He likes blues - not my taste.

Tales: Well, there goes my gold star. Joey and I went to the Greene County Library sale and I bought all these books:

Plus these record sets.

And two cook books (I swore I'd never buy another one).

So now I have to get rid of 7 things for the week, 15 for the acquisitions from CC sale, now 27 from GC sale, and 1 for the CD Bill gave me - 50 items. WOW!

We stopped for a burger at Burger King on the way, and I loved their door handles.

But I was really surprised by the sign in their window - only 30 minutes to eat?

Time Flies: The seasons according to Patsy go by the month; not by the calendar. Fall starts September 1st and ends November 30th; therefore, October 15 is halfway. That's when it's time to take down this fall wreath.

And put up this one.

And put a pumpkin on the porch, and that's the extent of my decorating.

Throw it Out: I did it - 50 discards. Only 1 item will be trashed. The others will go to a new home or be donated.

A book I'll never read and don't know anyone who would.

Fun, but not useful.

A game too sophisticated for the likes of us. I picked a card at random and here are some of the questions:

Which country produces Bleu de Bresse cheese: France, Belgium, or Germany?
France

What is the classic drink to accompany goose liver?
Sauternes

What is the name for legumes whose seeds are used as a vegetable (peas, beans, lentils, etc)?
Pulses

Some restaurants provide a spoon with the main course. What is it used for?
Ladling out the sauce.



Trash - has a hole.



Donate to library.

Send to Carrie.

 5 sweatshirts for charity sale at Jean's church.

36 Crafting books - mostly crochet.

I did it - 50 items! And it feels good. Already thinking about next week's 7.

Tales: You really should read this book. It's the story of the invisible thread connecting a lady advertising executive with an 11-year-old boy who begged her for some spare change on the streets of New York.

If you're critical of your upbringing, read this book, and contrasted with the way these two were raised, you'll think your mom and dad were experts in the field of parenting. Very moving, and your heart will be filled with gratitude for your many blessings.

Tasting: My turn to have the VECC lunch.

October 19, 2017, at Patsy’s

THE TABLE

THE MENU

Sliver Salad

Individual Meatloaves

Baked Potatoes

Cabbage and Corn

Winter Squash

Grapenuts Bread

Bananas Foster Tart

Whipped Cream

Iced Tea

THE FOOD

THE PARTY FAVORS
(Thank you Carrie and Annie for the stickers I used on the bags)

Kitchen towels and paper napkins

THE RECIPES

SLIVER SALAD

Everything is cut into slivers (except walnuts)

Carrots (already cut and in a bag at the market, if you prefer)

Pickled beets

Apples

Celery

Walnuts

Use in these proportions:

For each cup of carrots:

1 cup pickled beets

2 cups apples

1/2 cup celery

1/2 cup walnuts

Make as little or as much as you wish and then toss with a bottled sweet dressing; Honey-Mustard, Poppyseed, Raspberry Vinaigrette.

MEAT LOAF

Patsy

1 lb 80-85% lean ground beef

1 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1 egg

3/4 of an 8 oz can tomato sauce (just pour and save the balance)

20 Ritz-style crackers, crushed

Topping:

Balance of tomato sauce

1/3 cup ketchup

2 Tbs brown sugar

Heat oven to 350°.

In large mixing bowl, add all ingredients except topping and mix well with your hands.

Shape into 4-6 mini-loaves.

Bake 40-45 minutes, depending on size of loaves.

Mix topping and spoon over loaves.

Bake an additional 10-15 minutes.

Immediately drain the grease after removing from the oven.

 

CABBAGE AND CORN

8 slices bacon

1 cup hot water

2 tsps sugar

2 tsps salt

8 cups shredded cabbage

2 cups corn (frozen, fresh, or canned)

Fry bacon until crisp. Remove and blot to remove excess grease.

Add water, sugar, and salt to bacon drippings and bring to a boil.

Add cabbage and cover. Cook on medium high for about 7 minutes.

If using fresh or frozen corn, add with cabbage.

If using canned corn, add after cabbage has cooked 5 minutes.

Crumble bacon and sprinkle over cabbage when serving, if desired.

WINTER SQUASH

Taste of Home (altered)

1 medium butternut squash, halved, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4” slices

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 Tbs flour

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges (optional)

Heat oven to 350°.

Arrange squash slices in a 13” X 9” baking dish.

Top with apple wedges.

Combine balance of ingredients and spoon over apples.

Bake covered for 50-60 minutes. I just use aluminum foil to cover.

I omitted the apples, as there are apples in the salad.

GRAPENUTS BREAD

1 cup sour milk (see note)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup Grapenuts cereal

1 egg

3/4 cup sugar

1-3/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Heat oven to 350°.

Grease and flour a loaf pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix with a spoon or whisk, the sour milk, baking soda, and Grapenuts. Let stand 10 minutes to 1 hour.

Add remaining ingredients and mix with whisk or spoon.

Pour into loaf pan and bake 45 minutes.

Wonderful warm with butter.

Note: To make sour milk, put 1 Tbs lemon juice or white vinegar in a measuring cup. Add milk to make one cup. Let stand 5 minutes.

BANANAS FOSTER TART

Pillsbury

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust

2 medium bananas cut into 1/4” slices

4-1/2 tsps light rum (see note)

2 tsps orange zest

2/3 cup chopped pecans

2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Put pie crust in a 9” tart pan with removable bottom or a 9” pie plate.  Trim excess.  Bake 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool 5 minutes.

In small bowl, combine bananas and rum and toss to coat.

Sprinkle orange peel evenly in bottom of baked shell.  Arrange banana slices in single layer over peel.  Sprinkle with pecans.

In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, whipping cream and butter.  Cook and stir over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil.  Stirring constantly, cook an additional 2-4 minutes or until thickened and deep golden brown.

Remove from heat, add vanilla.  Spoon warm filling over bananas and pecans.  Cool 30 minutes.

Serve warm or cool with ice cream or whipped cream. Store in refrigerator.

Note: In place of rum, you may us 4 tsps water combined with 1/2 tsp rum extract. 

TAKE SOME AUTUMN PHOTOS

GO ON AN AUTUMN PICNIC

EAT GINGERBREAD AND HOT CIDER

MAKE PUMPKIN BREAD OR MUFFINS

TRIM YOUR SHRUBS

PLANT SOME TULIPS AND DAFFODILS

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE