Week 136, 7-29-2018

Thoughts and Quotes:    Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. 
                                                                                                          Sam Keen

And laziness found me this week.  Actually, it was part busy, part lazy. The lazy part followed the busy part. Maybe I should rename it recuperation.

Monday and Tuesday were grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning for the tea on Wednesday.

Teas: I wanted to test the June tea plan from my book, but decided to extend it.

Savories: Ham salad finger sandwiches, chicken salad on biscuit halves, tomato and butter sandwiches.

Scone: Raspberry drop scones (middle) with lemon butter (in the green cup).

Sweets: Frosted brownies with pecans, banana snack cake, pineapple cookies, brown sugar chews, and filled strawberries.

When I finished cleaning up and putting things away (though Joey helped me a lot with washing dishes), it was 11:30 p.m. Thursday I did laundry and a lot of deep couch sitting.

For the original June tea I used in the book, go to Week 76. All the recipes are there except Banana Snack Cake (which I posted last week), and the Pineapple Cookies whose recipe is missing in action. If I find it, I'll post it next week. Might have been thrown out in the hub-bub. Oh, and the Raspberry Scones are wedges in the recipe, but I did them drop this time, and I liked them better this way.

Friday I went to Wonders of Wildlife, and you'll be happy to know that I didn't take any photos. I'm sure you're tired of them by now.

Tales: Saturday, I was back on the couch with my book, which I finished and loved and highly recommend. Ann Barry wrote and edited for the The New Yorker and the New York Times. She never married, was from St. Louis, lived in New York and bought a 200+ year old country cottage in the southwest of France. She only went to France while on vacation; once in the spring, and once in the fall.

She kept a journal of her time there, which later became this book. I'm not sure of the dates, but it all takes place during the 1980's and 1990's. Lots of talk of food, so I loved it. She was a brave soul, taking on the improvements of the cottage and traveling around France alone. No photo on the book cover, so I went to the internet. This was her only book, and I'm not sure she published it, as the copyright is "The estate of Ann Barry". She died of cancer in 1996 at the age of 53. I was so sad, because she was so happy and full of life. She shouldn't have left at such an early age. I never could find a photo.  

Sunday I was back at Wonders of Wildlife and took only a few photos. The penguins were posing, so I couldn't resist.

And a photo of Chief Seattle, who sold land to the United States and wrote a letter to President Pierce.

I found the letter on the internet, click HERE. Though unverified, we should all read it and think about the message. You can pick up a free copy in the Theodore Roosevelt replica cabin when you visit the wildlife side of Wonders of Wildlife.

And while I love Wonders of Wildlife (WOW), you're probably curious about why I go so often. I have free passes for two people until Christmas eve, but I have to be in attendance and show my pass and ID. The admission is a little pricey, so I'm happy to take my friends.

The Pepper and Pals Report: Everyone is well and happy. The feral kitties continue to favor the flower pots. BJ is Midnight's only baby from a prior litter. She's the one I need to trap and have neutered. Very wily.

Midnight and her three grown babies from her last litter. You can see the trap. I left it out all afternoon, and the food went untouched all day until the janitor (possum) came and cleaned it up.

My indoor kitty Pepper (Roly-poly Pepperpot)

And Pepper's kitty Stormy (Stormy Weather Prettypaws)

That's all I have for you this week. Sorry I'm late. Will try to do better. We'll see. I'm in a reading mood, I'm behind in my lessons, and I want to try the raspberry scones with blueberries.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

EAT LOTS OF GREENS

AND APPLES

CANTALOUPE IS GOOD RIGHT NOW

TRY TO STAY COOL

GOD BLESS US EVERYONE

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

Week 135, 7-22-2018

Thoughts and Quotes: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
                                                  The Godfather II

And that's all I'm going to say about the Trump-Putin summit.

Teaching and Learning: Last week I talked a bit about learning something new. I know it sounds as if I'm nagging, but if you haven't tried it, you might be surprised at how much fun you can have. Just check with your library, and if you're not good at searching the computer yourself, ask the reference desk for help. You will be amazed at what is available. 

I finished my course on Travel Writing on Friday, and on Wednesday I had already started two new courses: Introduction to Microsoft Publisher 2013 (and if you don't know what this is, I'm not going to tell you - ask your librarian), and Start Your Own Edible Garden. 

As you know, I've had limited success with my attempts at gardening, but I have high hopes for the future after I finish this course. 

My library has Gale Courses. Yours might not have the exact courses - they might be Lynda or something I don't know about. And don't forget - most libraries have Mango courses for learning a new language and there are more than 70 languages available.

And the best part - IT'S ALL FREE.

Things that Grow: I have, however, been able to grow Stargazer Lilies, so they must be really easy. Try some.

Tips: Again, I've talked about this. But this is a reminder. Be sure to check those prices. I found this at Walmart when buying new dishcloths. I could buy six for $4.27.

Or I could buy two 3-packs (6) for $3.94. The very same dishcloths.

Tidbits: This video was posted on a Facebook group I joined called Tea Cups and Cupcakes Group, and I can't stop watching it. Even the music is perfect. Amazing what lots of money can do for you. Take a look HERE. And if afternoon tea is your thing, join the Facebook group. (I keep starting the video over and over so I can hear the music while I work on this post).

Tasting: All the photos on the Facebook page prompted an urge to go for a lady lunch. Since we have no place to go for authentic afternoon tea, lady lunches have to suffice. Spring Creek Tea Room isn't really a tea room, but the food is good and it has a quirky, fun look about it.

 

I had a half chicken salad sandwich with peach soup.

And Joey had a southwest salad and strawberry soup.

Tasting (Again): When I have bananas which have become ripe beyond eating-in-cereal stage, I always have to search through my recipes to find the one which fits the number of bananas on hand. I decided to just put them all here in one place under a heading of "Don't Waste". I was amazed to discover the similarities.

BANANA CAKE

1/2 cup shortening

1-1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 cups flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup mashed banana (2 or 3)

1/4 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

Heat the oven to 350°.

Cream shortening and sugar.   Add eggs

Sift together and add dry ingredients.  Mix 2 minutes.

Add banana, buttermilk, and vanilla.

Blend all ingredients well.

Pour into two 8” or 9” greased and floured round pans.

Bake 30-35 minutes.

BANANA BUNDT CAKE

(From Let’s Cook with Susie)

1 box yellow cake mix

1 small box banana instant pudding

1/2 cup mashed banana

4 eggs

1 cup water

1/4 cup oil

Heat oven to 350°.

Combine all ingredients and blend, and then beat on medium for two minutes.

Pour into greased and floured Bundt pan.

Bake for 50 minutes.

Invert on serving plate and finish with one of the following:

Dust with powdered sugar OR drizzle with glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 Tbs milk OR frost with pudding frosting made with banana pudding mix. 

BANANA SNACK CAKE

1/2 cup shortening

2 ripe bananas

2 eggs

1-1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350°.

Sift dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl, whisk together, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, with hand mixer, combine shortening, bananas, and eggs.

Add dry ingredient and fold in just until moistened.

Pour into a greased and floured 9” baking pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes.

Leave in pan five minutes; then turn out onto waxed paper or a clean dish towel over a rack.

When cool, frost or dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

ROAD TO HANA BANANA BREAD

(I found the recipe on the Kitchen Bliss blog, her version of a recipe from the Hana Maui Botanical Gardens on the 1^st Travelers Choice Internet)

3 small very ripe bananas

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

2 eggs

1-1/4 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Heat the oven to 350°.

Blend together the bananas, shortening, and eggs.

In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and then gently fold them into the banana mixture. 

Pour into a greased and floured loaf pan.  Thump once to remove air pockets.  Bake 40-45 minutes.  Cool before cutting.

The original recipe says to bake in a 9 x 9 square pan sprayed with non-stick spray and then cut into squares.

Joey says that if you catch them just when they're ready to get those little brown spots, you can peel and wrap them, put them in the freezer, and they're still good to use with cereal. And a lot less trouble than baking a cake or bread and much better for you.

Teas: Wish I'd been there. This is so beautiful and so inspiring, I find myself going back to it over and over. I love the background music and will look for it soon.  Click HERE. This is in case you missed it under "Tidbits" above. You really do need to see this video. I can't emphasize it enough. You'll love it.

Tidbits (again): Grab the tissues and watch this video. Click HERE.

Muffin Tin Monday:

LEMON MUFFINS

2-1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsps baking powder

1 tsp salt

Grated rind of one lemon

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup plain yogurt

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Heat oven to 350°.

Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or use paper liners.

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon rind in a large mixing bowl.

In a smaller bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.

Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients, stirring with a large spoon until moistened.

Spoon into muffin cups and bake 18-20 minutes.

Glaze with a mixture of lemon juice and powdered sugar, if desired.

Tissue Box Cards:

Thank You: To Don and then Joey for sharing this.              

An Obituary printed in the London Times....Absolutely Dead Brilliant!! Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: - Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm; - Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, -by his parents, Truth and Trust, -by his wife, Discretion, -by his daughter, Responsibility, -and by his son, Reason. He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers; - I Know My Rights - I Want It Now - Someone Else Is To Blame - I'm A Victim - Pay me for Doing Nothing Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.  If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Tasting: I honored National Corn Fritter Day by making some for breakfast. These are easier than the little balls you deep fry.

CORN FRITTERS

3 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained

1 cup flour

2 tsps sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 whipping cream

Oil for frying

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and corn together in a large mixing bowl.

Mix eggs and cream and stir into flour mixture.

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

Drop 1/4 cups of batter into skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve with butter and syrup for breakfast; with garlic butter as a side dish, or make smaller fritters and serve with aioli for snack food.

The Pepper and Pals Report: I have to be careful to limit the attention I give Stormy, as Pepper is starting to get jealous. I try to hold her and pet her where he can't see. I know he likes her because the other day she was lying on the chair in the entryway and Pepper was lying on the floor in front of the chair. On second thought, maybe they weren't bonding. Maybe Pepper had her treed.

All the kitties are eating less with this terrible heat. They eat in the morning and then disappear all day. I hope they've found a cool spot. Maybe they go over by the lake. And they're coming later for dinner, when it's cooler.

I can't keep them out of the flower pots. Guess I shouldn't have named the one who looks like a skunk "Flower". He probably started it.

Time for BJ to get spayed, so naturally, she's been missing in the mornings, and comes for dinner after the vet is closed. I know she can read my mind. Her kitten was missing for awhile, but she's been back the last couple of days. And BJ has been here for the weekend, since the vet is closed.

Tasting: Joey's book club met at a member's house this month, and she served this chicken casserole. She made it with poppy seeds on top, which I omitted. The original recipe is at Allrecipes.com, see it HERE. Quick and easy and very good. Serve it with dressing, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

QUICK CHICKEN CASSEROLE

5 cups finely chopped cooked chicken

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter, melted

1-1/2 cups crushed buttery round crackers

A sprinkle of ground sage (optional)

Heat oven to 350°.

Spread the chicken over the bottom of a 9” x 13” baking dish.

Stir the soup and sour cream together and spread it over the chicken.

Mix butter with crushed crackers and spread over chicken. Sprinkle with sage, if desired.

Bake 30 minutes.

Note: To add some crunch, sauté a cup of finely chopped onion and a cup of finely chopped celery in 2 Tbs butter until crisp tender and add it to the soup mixture.

Tragedy in Branson: Pray for the victims and families of the horrible accident when an amphibian vessel known as a Duck sank.  Our flags are at half-mast here in Missouri. So sad.

 DREAM IT

BELIEVE IT

PLAN IT

DO IT

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE