She's Back

Thoughts and Quotes: If I were flying, I would travel to a perfect place. A place with frosted cakes and beautiful flowers and excellent trees to climb and absolutely no doldrums. - Kyo Maclear

I think I've been in the doldrums. I can't seem to get motivated, I feel tired and listless, I want to escape into a book, and that's not my usual mood. I once wrote a paper for a college class (can't remember which - Behavioral Studies, Psychology, Health?) and I said that the answer to most problems is "Get Busy." I've lived by that advice, and goals on paper motivate me. I'm ready to take my own advice and hope you'll join me.

Covid and old age have put a damper on fun. I want to do things, and I realize that other people had a very big part in my activities in the past. I've actually lost friends and family these past couple of years (not to Covid), and others are either incapacitated or fearful of venturing out. There are many things I enjoy doing alone, but I've realized that doing everything alone is making me lazy and uninspired.

So - will you join me?

Let's start with Tidying, Trimming, and Thinning - oh, and Tea. I find myself watching YouTube instead of TV these days, and I ran across a guy who does short little videos which make a lot of sense. If you watched the one in my last post, you learned about the three ways of spending your money to produce the most happiness. Today I watched the ten top things to declutter. After thinking about all those recipes I have, I added the eleventh. And then I looked around my office and added a twelfth - papers, catalogs, travel brochures, magazines, etc.

If I think about how much this entails, it's overwhelming, so "divide and conquer." I listed the ten things he mentioned, but I rearranged the order, starting with the quickest and easiest first as "success breeds success."

Challenge 1: Some items are quick, so let's start with items 1 through 4. Time alloted - one week.

Boxes: - we all save them, because we might need them. If you can't live without it, at least break it down and store it.

Luggage: - easy peasy, right? So include all those duffel bags, backpacks, tote bags, etc. which you never use.

Games and Puzzles: - I just unloaded most of my games on the couple who came to install my dishwasher. They have four kids who were thrilled.

Expired Food: - canned goods, spices, condiments. Clean out the freezers and refrigerators, pantries, and garages. And while you're doing this, you might want to prepare an inventory of what remains so that you won't have expirations in the future.

I believe I'll try to declutter my body, as well as my house, by applying the T's. I can Thin and Trim by eating less and Tidy with exercise.

We'll meet back here next Saturday to examine our progress. I'll supply photos of my accomplishments, and if you want to send me yours, I'll post them so you can celebrate. Get them to me by 7:00 a.m on Saturday at bennittpk@gmail.com.

For all your hard work and bravery (you have to be really brave to let go of your "stuff"), reward yourself with afternoon Tea. It doesn't have to be sandwiches, sweets, and scones. Just take a little break and fix yourself a little treat. Try apple slices and cheese cubes, yogurt, a handful of nuts, and it can be iced tea, hot tea, coffee, flavored water, or a smoothie. 

Wow! I feel better already.

READY

SET

GO!

A Short Update

Thoughts and Quotes: 

We can always choose to perceive things differently.  You can focus on what’s wrong in your life, or you can focus on what’s right.  But whatever you focus on, you’re going to get more of.  Creation is an extension of thought.  Think lack, and you get lack.  Think abundance, and you get more.  A hidden belief that many of us hold is that there is something wrong with being too happy.  We have been taught that it’s arrogant to think we’re deserving of total happiness.  If anything comes into our lives – love, success, happiness – which seems like it would be suited to a “deserving” person, we conclude it can’t possibly be for us.  We have been unable to accept joy because it doesn’t match who we think we are, yet it is not only our right, but in a way, our responsibility to be happy.          Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

I told Sherman from Concrete Doctors that until my garage is fixed, things won't stop breaking. You remember I had to get a new dishwasher, a new Kindle Paperwhite, fix the garbage disposal switch, and I don't remember everything. Perhaps by dwelling on the garage problem, I was bringing more broken things into my life. 

A lightbulb is stuck in the fixture over the kitchen counter and the electrician will stop by the next time he is near my house. The sink in the guest bath started leaking, and the plumber will be here Tuesday. I think my car might have a slow oil leak. I got a notification the company who does my offsite backup won't support Windows 10 after November, so I have to get an update and someone to install it. And the chair pad in my office is cracking, so I need to go buy a new one before the wheel goes through the plastic. But good news! The garage is finished. You don't even notice where the repair was made.

There's something good in every bad situation. The good is that one of the garage guys is helping with my yard in his spare time. He's a hard worker, gets things done in a hurry, and everything is looking so much better. And the really good part is that he's also a handyman, so after the yard is finished, we'll tackle the house. Stay tuned.

Tips: I know you don't like my links, but you need to watch this short YouTube. It's only seven minutes, and you'll be surprised to discover the three ways to spend your money for the most happiness. Click Here. 

Tasting: I have not made one new recipe since my last post. I was discussing recipes with Friend Linda, and we agreed that we've both gotten a little carried away with saving things to "make later," and we both have an obscene number of cookbooks. Take a look.

I have a file cabinet full of recipes in folders. They're all sorted by category and type. The bulging one is recipes made with chicken breast.

These cookbooks are in the family room, so they're handy when I watch TV.

These are in the kitchen.

Boxes and tubs full of cookbooks in the garage.

A couple I missed putting away.

I even have some in my bedroom.

In addition, I have at least fifty cookbooks on my Kindle and 14,665 pins on Pinterest. No wonder I don't get anything done! I promise new recipes soon.

My goal is to narrow down to recipes I've tried and tailored to my taste or recipes I've created. I decided on fifty-two of each (one for each week of the year): Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Beef, Pork, Poultry, Seafood, Sides, Vegetables, Breads, Beverages, Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Misc. Desserts, Confections, Condiments and Sauces, Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, and Snooty Pantry. Who needs more than that?

If you're wondering about Snooty Pantry, have you ever gone into a shop where they have gourmet food items, and you just want to buy one of each? I want a pantry like that: Jams, Jellies, Curds, Syrups, Vinegars, Mixes for coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks, Mixes for cheeseballs, etc., Chutneys, Relishes, Salsas. Doesn't that sound fun?

The Pepper and Pals Report: Pepper and Stormy are doing well, bugging me for a treat each time I enter the kitchen. How do they know? They can be in a sound sleep in the guest room, family room, wherever, and the minute I walk into the kitchen and open the dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, or turn on the water, I have two cats at my feet.

I think I told you that I added Grandpa. He's really old, came by and found food and decided to stay. He only leaves the patio to go potty. You knew about Tobin, the yellow guy, and Louie (known as Lucifer before I had him neutered). They all just drifted in and stuck around. They were accepted into the connected group, and they all get along. I still have Fred, Flower, Sweetie Face, and Baby from the connected group. Each one mentioned is a boy, and they've all been neutered. Flower, Fred, and Sweetie Face leave sometimes, but usually never more than a week. Baby misses some meals.

Miss Tippy disappeared some time ago, and now Beau hasn't been around for over a week, nor have I seen BJ for awhile. She might have a litter somewhere. She's the only kitty who hasn't been to the vet to be spayed or neutered.

And if anyone wants Pepper, I'm about ready to give him the boot. He just loves to dig. The potty box is inside the door which is a powder room.

While we're on the subject of pets, I just have to share this photo from Mim (not her dogs).

Things that Grow: Remember the wave petunias I found at Menards for a penny each? I love them. I just learned a tip I'd like to share. I already knew that they need to be deadheaded on a regular basis, but I've just removed the spent blossoms. No! You have to remove the green part and the stem, along with the dead flower. The little green pea under the flower holds the seeds, and if the plant starts setting seeds, the plant will die. Who knew? You also need to thin them. Petunia care YouTube is  HERE. 

Notice Gradpa peeking from behind the black pot in the corner.

Trying My Gadgets: It's not really a gadget. I have a new countertop oven. I have to clean it before I use it (really just a matter of wiping it down), and I have to get rid of the towel rack. It's supposed to be an oven, convection oven, toaster, broiler, warmer, air fryer, slow cooker, and dehydrator. I'll let you know next time. I threw my toaster and my toaster oven in the trash, so I have to get this baby up and running since it's BLT season - can't do that without toast.

I don't have anything exciting. I just wanted you to know I haven't given up blogging, and I'll try to do better. I'll also share more ideas from Madame Chic.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU LEARNED IN THE VIDEO

GROW SOMETHING

GO TO THE LAKE, OR SOMEWHERE BY THE WATER

TRY SOMETHING NEW FROM THE MARKET

CALL YOUR MOTHER

PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

 

Shocking!

If you still doubt that the Dems are trying to make us into a socialist country, check this. One step in taking over a country is to silence the opposition. Click HERE and scroll down to the Tucker Carlson video.

Our entire Justice Department needs to be explored, exposed, and in some cases, people need to be prosecuted. 

The next step is to look into the Military.

Where are the Republican representatives and senators in Washington D.C.?They should be jumping up and down and shouting from the rooftops. Maybe we need some new blood.

Not shocking, but expected: Update on AZ audit. Click HERE

My Hum-Drum Life

Thoughts and Quotes: Do what you have to as fast as you can, so you can do what you want to as long as you can.   Jim Rohn

I keep repeating this to myself, because my life is hum-drum right now. I'll show you, and then I'll reveal my remedies, share a couple of emails I sent to Friend Linda E and Niece Leslie about them.

 

Nothing much new; that's why I haven't had a new post for awhile. I've even thought of discontinuing my blog, but last month I passed 50,000 page views (this is from inception - not one month), so obviously someone is reading it. Or maybe just stumbled across it in error.

For what it's worth, here's what I've been doing.

Things that Grow: Weeds. I no sooner finish an area than an earlier one is full again. I'll not bore you with photos, but will show you the finished result later. My body is covered with red bug bites and I itch like crazy, so you know I'm dedicated this time, because I'm not giving up regardless of the bugs. Niece Terri and I have narrowed it down to chiggers.

I did have some luck at Menards (my new go to home improvement store). I paid $4 for these pots and $1 for the petunias. There's also an 11% rebate promotion now, which covers the sales tax and gives me an additional 2% less.The planters are plastic, but I'm a plastic kind of girl.

                                                        

Tasting: I have to eat, so I've done a little cooking. I seem to be drawn to soups; maybe because the recipe makes more than one serving, and it's easy to heat up for an instant meal. Here are some new recipes.

PRONTO SOUP

4 cups beef broth

2 15-oz cans great northern beans

8 oz kielbasa, rough chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 tsp crushed dry basil

3 cups spinach leaves 

Drain and rinse the beans. 

Put everything but the spinach in a large pot and bring to a boil. 

Cover, reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes. 

While soup simmers, chop or slice the spinach. 

When onion is tender, soup is ready. Add spinach and serve. 

Note: You can alter any way you wish. Use chicken broth or summer sausage, add cooked rice or tomatoes, add some pepper or garlic powder. Don’t add salt until you taste.

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

1 tsp lemon pepper

1 tsp cumin seed

2-1/2 cups chicken broth

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1 Tbs oil

1 clove garlic, chopped fine

1 cup chopped onion

2 (11 oz) cans white corn, drained

2 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles, undrained

1 tsp ground cumin

2-1/2 Tbs lime juice

2 (14 oz) cans white or Great Northern beans, undrained

2/3 cup crushed tortilla chips (or more)

2/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or more)

In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, lemon pepper and cumin seed, and bring to a boil.

Add chicken and return to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 20-30 minutes or until done.

Remove chicken and cut into small pieces; return to pan. 

Cook garlic in oil one minute.  Add to chicken.   Sauté onions in same oil and add. 

Add corn, chiles, ground cumin, and lime juice and bring to a boil. 

Add beans and simmer until heated. 

Put crushed tortilla chips in each person’s bowl and pour in soup.  Top with cheese.

DUMP SOUP

1 15-oz can beef broth

1 15-oz can diced tomatoes, do not drain

1-1/2 cups water

1 15-oz can refried beans

1/2 ring of summer sausage or kielbasa, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 10-oz package frozen mixed vegetables

Salt and pepper to taste 

In a large saucepan, dump in the beef broth, tomatoes, and water.

Bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in refried beans until fully incorporated.

 
Return to heat, and dump in sausage and mixed vegetables.

 
Return to boiling, reduce heat and cover. 

Simmer 10 minutes. 

  

SPICY CORN SOUP

1 14-1/2 oz can chicken broth

1 10-oz package frozen corn

1 4-1/2 oz can diced green chiles, do not drain

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

2 cups milk

3 Tbs flour

1 cup (4 oz) shredded American cheese

Combine broth, corn, chiles, chili powder, and salt in a large saucepan, and bring to boiling. 

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 5 minutes. 

Mix flour and milk and stir to combine well.

Add milk to saucepan and cook and stir over medium heat until the soup is slightly thickened and ready to boil. 

Continue cooking and stirring for one minute. 

Add cheese and stir until completely melted into the soup.

For a heartier soup, stir in cooked chicken, ham, or shrimp.

PICKLED BEETS IN A HURRY

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup vinegar

3/4 cup water

1-1/2 tsps salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 1-lb cans sliced beets, undrained 

Combine all but the beets in a saucepan and bring to a boil. 

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for five minutes. 

Add beets and let stand at room temperature for one hour. 

Cover and chill six hours or overnight. 

Note: Sliver beet slices, if desired.

If you wish, add onions after the beets are cold.

TARTAR SAUCE

1 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sweet pickle relish

2 Tbs minced onion

2 tsps lemon juice

1/2 tsp prepared mustard

Dash of dry dill weed

Mix thoroughly and chill. 

Best if made a day ahead of serving.

STRAWBERRY FREEZER JAM

3-1/4 cups crushed strawberries

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

4-1/2 cups sugar

1 box Sure Jell MCP Premium Fruit Pectin 

Put the strawberries in a large bowl. 

Stir in lemon juice. 

Stir pectin into strawberries. Mix thoroughly. 

Let strawberries sit 30 minutes, stirring every five minutes. 

Slowly add sugar, mixing thoroughly. Continue stirring until dissolved. 

Pour into glass jars or plastic containers with lids. 

Leave on counter for 24 hours. 

Refrigerate for up to three weeks, or freeze up to one year. Thaw in refrigerator. 

Note: For a lower sugar version, buy the low sugar pectin. Each box of pectin also comes with instructions.

This is also good on pancakes or vanilla ice cream.

I also had a couple of misses.

And I actually went out to lunch one day when I had an errand at the mall - fish and chips at London Calling. I love the way it looks, the condiments are well stocked, everything is very clean, nice seating area, service is prompt, but I had too many French fries (I mean a lot too many), skimpy portions of fish, and paid $2.19 for a very small Cole slaw with too much dressing.

I should have had a pasty instead. Or maybe I should have gone to Appleby's. They have great fish and chips.

Thank Yous: To Friend Jean for the cutest, cleverest 4th of July card ever. She always makes creative cards, but this is one of her really superb creations.

And the last time I bought gas in 2020, it was $1.699; last week I paid $2.769. I've been working on downsizing, so to all who voted for Biden, thank you for helping me downsize my money.

Things to Enjoy: Of course, every day is wonderful, but my days right now are not as much fun as I usually enjoy. I'm too busy and too tired to go out, so my fun things are on the computer or in a book. I told you about Dean and Nala, but he hasn't had any new YouTube posts lately, and I don't do Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Here's his latest update Click and some very cute Nala photos.

So right now I'm spending time with Nicolas on his blog and on YouTube. I did, however, pick at his lastest vlog on Afternoon Tea Click and when Niece Leslie asked me why, this was my reply:

The sandwiches: Cutting the bread first is more time consuming, and if you prepare the sandwiches and then cut off the crusts, the filling goes all the way to the edge. Chilling them first would probably solve the problem of messy edges when you cut the fingers. I usually don't cut fingers with salad fillings for that reason. I did, however, decide that I'll experiment with cutting only two fingers from each sandwich instead of three after seeing his presentation. And I forgot to tell her that he should have buttered the bread so the fillings don't seep in and make it soggy. And I'm not sure I agree with assembling them a day ahead.

Scones were fine, except that he said that he didn't have clotted cream, so he should have substituted butter. Only jam just seems weird. 

The sweets were nice, but he didn't mention purchased items, yet the serving plate had items he didn't make. 

Flowers: Someone must have mentioned that you cut stems on the angle, because he didn't before, and he even mentioned that he was cutting on the angle. However, you do not cut stems with scissors. That pinches the stem closed, resulting in difficulty in getting water to the flowers. You cut the stems (yes, on the angle), but with a knife, preferably a floral knife. 

When he put only two flowers in the vase, I cringed. You always do an uneven number. His natural instinct must have kicked in, because he added a third to each vase. 

He ended up putting the scones and sweets together on one serving plate. They're separate courses and normally you serve sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle, and sweets on top of a three-tiered server. You eat from bottom to top.  

Arranging the table with a three-tier server can be difficult because sometimes guests would be looking around it to talk. If you use a two-tier, serve the scones separately.  

With the small table he used, I would have shown tea for two, thereby freeing up more room for the food. 

I don't know what is proper, but I only use dessert plates for afternoon tea. You really don't need a large dinner plate - it makes the food look skimpy. And I don't like dinner knives for spreading scones. I use only spreaders (which are difficult to find, by the way). 

I think a proper tea uses only a dessert plate, a spoon for the tea, and a spreader for the scones. I don't always serve a "proper" tea, and I have tiny forks and spoons for trifle shooters or little tarts you wouldn't want to pick up. That sort of thing. 

I'm not an expert, but these are the Aunt Patsy ways of doing a tea, and I still enjoyed his presentation. 

I shouldn't be so critical. I'm no expert and I certainly couldn't do what he's doing, but you know how bossy I can be.

And here's his blog - Click

My other fun time is with Jennifer Scott. Here's her book:

Jennifer was an exchange student, and while she was in Paris, she observed the French way from Madame Chic (not her real name, of course), and put her lessons in a very entertaining book.

I was recapping some of them for Friend Linda E:

I'm really enjoying her book. Younger women should read this book; I'm a little late finding it though some things are worthwhile. For instance, I've cut out snacking altogether, except yesterday when I dragged the mango bread out of the freezer, nuked it and slathered it with butter. I haven't really missed snacking. I think I felt I needed to do something to celebrate the birthday of our nation, but didn't want to run out for fireworks. 

From Madame Chic's lessons:

No snacking

No eating on the run (guess I can remove the salt packets from my car)

Drink lots of water throughout the day

Eat only quality food

Shop often so your fruits and veggies are fresh

Make the presentation attractive

Be mindful of what you're eating-enjoy it 

Incorporate exercise into your daily life; i.e. park far away from the building when shopping

Explore your neighborhood on foot or on a bicycle (Not you Jean - the way you bike, the neighborhood isn't large enough)

Laziness is not chic

Be brutal and clear out your closets.

Assemble a ten-item wardrobe (not including outerwear, occasion wear, accessories, shoes, and layering shirts). Round it out with scarves, jewelry, etc.

I was shocked when our tour guide in Paris wore the same clothes two days in a row. After reading this book, I understand the French way.

Only wear things you love, look great on you, and reflect who you are.

Think of how you want to present yourself to the world every time you get dressed. 

When shopping, Madame Chic looked at Jennifer and said, "That sweater does not look good on you." 

Jennifer was surprised, and said, "But it's a silk and cashmere blend." 

MC: "Don't be upset. It's just an observation. As a woman you must know what colors look the best on you. How are you to know if no one tells you?"

MC: "You must pay very close attention to what enhances your beauty and what detracts from it. It is a must for every woman." (Even at my age? Naw!)

Make-up:

Have a low-maintenance routine for everyday and always look your best.

Don't be shy about consulting professionals to see which shades are best for you. 

Now would be a good time for this. I was in Macy's the other day, and there were few shoppers. I think we've adopted online shopping, and it will remain long after the virus is history. 

Use a finishing spray to keep your makeup in place.

Showing my ignorance. I've never even heard of a finishing spray. 

Skin Care:

Drink lots of water and limit caffeine and alcohol.

Get regular massages (Ain't happenin').

Get regular facials or do them at home.

Always wear sunscreen. (Too late).

She's very sweet and always throws in things like this: Most important, no matter what state your skin is in, strive to be comfortable in it. Doing so will make you most attractive. 

Dressing:

Dress presentably on a daily basis to honor yourself and those around you. Oops!

Dress beautifully when you travel to receive the best and friendliest service. 

Never save your best clothes for "later." Enjoy them. What are you waiting for? 

Art of Femininity

Cultivate good posture. Oops again!

Choose a signature perfume or a capsule perfume wardrobe.

I used to wear perfume every day. Always Estee Lauder: Beautiful in spring; White Linen in summer; Estee (not the original) in fall; and Cinnabar in winter. I stopped because some people are allergic, AND I hate being next to someone whose chosen perfume is too heavy. I think most women have given up perfume. Am I correct? 

Have well-groomed nails and hair. 

 

Coming soon - Part 3, How to Live Well

Jennifer also has a vlog  Click and a blog Click

So if I haven't put you to sleep yet -

SPEND SOME TIME ON YOUTUBE - THERE ARE EVEN MOVIES

GO TO THE LAKE - WATER SOOTHES

GROW SOMETHING WHILE SUMMER IS HERE

DO SOME JUST-FOR-FUN SUMMER READING

CLEAR OUT YOUR CLOSET

BUY A NEW FLASHY GARMENT

MAYBE ADD SOME BLING TO YOUR WARDROBE

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

 

 

Happy 4th of July

As we celebrate the birth of American, let us pray that it won't be the last time. This video is only eight minutes long. See if anything sounds familiar. 

For those of you who haven't researched Antifa and Black Lives Matter, please do so. You'll be shocked.

PRAY FOR OUR 

COUNTRY