It was a long week.
My sister and bro-in-law pastor a small church in Arkansas. They have really good friends from their Air Force days. I met the family at my niece's wedding a few years ago. I was especially impressed with the daughter, who was about 18. She radiated Jesus' love in everything she did (helping prepare for the wedding, cleaning the frig, cooking and feeding hoards of people). All with a smile all the time.
She was accidentially shot and killed by her husband. They were newlyweds of less than three months.
Then my daughter called to tell me that one of her daughter's classmates had died unexpectedly at home.
And if that wasn't enough, she called me back to say that her husband's cousins daughter had died in a hiking accident. She was 20.
Sometimes you just don't understand.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
CONFESSIONS OF A REGIFTER
There, I said it.
I'm a regifter.
Born into it.
Lived it my whole life.
Delving deep into my psyche would probably discover the reasons why.
I came from a large family where money was always a scarce commodity.
I didn't find any joy in buying birthday presents for my friends. That shopping "trip" went like this:
"Mom, Kathee invited me to her birthday party Saturday."
"OK, let's look in the closet and see what I have."
I didn't discover the joy of shopping for others until years later.
And even then, somehow I didn't realize that when I regifted I was robbing them of the pleasure of giving.
I always opened a gift with one thought lingering in the back of my mind, "Who could I give this to?", thus saving me that elusive spare cash for mundane things like rent, food, doctor bills.
In the last few years, this has happily changed for me.
I opened boxes containing earrings, pulling them off their cardboard backing and putting them on. I uncorked the bottles of wine and consumed them. I delved into the cookies and candies. I took the scarves and gloves and ripped off the tags and started wearing them. I proudly wrote my name inside the books, forever removing the temptation to regift them. I used the Starbucks card, instead of sending it on to a friend. I lit the candles.
I opened.
I used.
I enjoyed.
I have seen the light----I now consider myself a reformed regifter------because I am worth all these gifts chosen just for me!
My favorite quote from Dr. Northrup:
I do enough
I have enough
I AM enough
I'm a regifter.
Born into it.
Lived it my whole life.
Delving deep into my psyche would probably discover the reasons why.
I came from a large family where money was always a scarce commodity.
I didn't find any joy in buying birthday presents for my friends. That shopping "trip" went like this:
"Mom, Kathee invited me to her birthday party Saturday."
"OK, let's look in the closet and see what I have."
I didn't discover the joy of shopping for others until years later.
And even then, somehow I didn't realize that when I regifted I was robbing them of the pleasure of giving.
I always opened a gift with one thought lingering in the back of my mind, "Who could I give this to?", thus saving me that elusive spare cash for mundane things like rent, food, doctor bills.
In the last few years, this has happily changed for me.
I opened boxes containing earrings, pulling them off their cardboard backing and putting them on. I uncorked the bottles of wine and consumed them. I delved into the cookies and candies. I took the scarves and gloves and ripped off the tags and started wearing them. I proudly wrote my name inside the books, forever removing the temptation to regift them. I used the Starbucks card, instead of sending it on to a friend. I lit the candles.
I opened.
I used.
I enjoyed.
I have seen the light----I now consider myself a reformed regifter------because I am worth all these gifts chosen just for me!
My favorite quote from Dr. Northrup:
I do enough
I have enough
I AM enough
Sunday, January 04, 2009
RESOLVED: To Be Present
For several years now, I have realized the importance of "being in the moment"----to "be present" no matter what I am doing.
This was illustrated quite profoundly last week when I went to Sea World with our daughter and three grandgirls.
There was a young man sitting in the row in front of us at the Viva show.
Quite the multitasker he was.
With one hand he had his camcorder pointed at the action on the stage (or should I say water). The other hand was busily texting away on his cellphone. Somehow he had his map of the park spread across his lap, and was studying that, too.
Yeah, he thinks. When I get home tonight I can watch the tape.
What he didn't realize was something I could easily see sitting in the elevated seat behind him. The camcorder was pointed so that the heads of the performer had been cut off. What he was videotaping was virtually worthless.
He had missed the show, both live, and later, on tape.
How many of us go through life like this?
When I was much younger and my now grown-children-with-children-of-their-own were young, I wished much of their life away. When they learned to (fill in the blank----sleep through the night, walk, talk......) life would be easier. Always wanting them to fast forward through whatever awkward stage they were going through.
How much joy and happiness I let slip through my fingers.
With the sand in my hourglass fuller on the bottom these days, I strive not to make that error with what time I have left.
Resolve to be present in your life in 2009!
This was illustrated quite profoundly last week when I went to Sea World with our daughter and three grandgirls.
There was a young man sitting in the row in front of us at the Viva show.
Quite the multitasker he was.
With one hand he had his camcorder pointed at the action on the stage (or should I say water). The other hand was busily texting away on his cellphone. Somehow he had his map of the park spread across his lap, and was studying that, too.
Yeah, he thinks. When I get home tonight I can watch the tape.
What he didn't realize was something I could easily see sitting in the elevated seat behind him. The camcorder was pointed so that the heads of the performer had been cut off. What he was videotaping was virtually worthless.
He had missed the show, both live, and later, on tape.
How many of us go through life like this?
When I was much younger and my now grown-children-with-children-of-their-own were young, I wished much of their life away. When they learned to (fill in the blank----sleep through the night, walk, talk......) life would be easier. Always wanting them to fast forward through whatever awkward stage they were going through.
How much joy and happiness I let slip through my fingers.
With the sand in my hourglass fuller on the bottom these days, I strive not to make that error with what time I have left.
Resolve to be present in your life in 2009!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
The Start of 2009
Ah, come on friends, you KNOW there is a story here!
Spent the last day of 2008 at Sea World here in San Antonio with our daughter and three grandgirls, aged 3-7. We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way for our traditional breakfast. After Sea World was done, we met her hubby (who had to work) at one of the first restaurants they ever took me to, "Cha Cha's".
Started with their premium margaritas at $27 per pitcher. They are simply the best margarita I've ever had. Smooth as silk.
Then on to the chips and nicely spiced salsa.
Gorditas were next, served with beans and rice. One ground beef, one pork.
Good stuff.
Got home about 7pm Suddenly extremely tired -- and can you believe that walking around Sea World for 6 hours only got me 7,000 steps on my new pedometer?
Decided to forgo any New Years Eve's festivities, and went to bed.
Woke up at 5 minutes after the beginning of the new year praying........to the porcelain god in the bathroom. Well, actually I was sitting on the porcelain throne with a bucket (the wastebasket) in my lap.
First the margaritas
Then the breakfast
Then the mexican food
Crawled back into bed, only to repeat the whole scenario every 20-30 minutes through the night.
Soon it was once an hour, and now I am pleased to report it's been three hours since any incidents.
I have consumed a bottle of water, a bottle of gatorade and six saltine crackers.
Think this could be the start of a new diet for 2009?
Hope your New Years Day started with much more fun than did mine.
Happy New Year!
Susan
Spent the last day of 2008 at Sea World here in San Antonio with our daughter and three grandgirls, aged 3-7. We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way for our traditional breakfast. After Sea World was done, we met her hubby (who had to work) at one of the first restaurants they ever took me to, "Cha Cha's".
Started with their premium margaritas at $27 per pitcher. They are simply the best margarita I've ever had. Smooth as silk.
Then on to the chips and nicely spiced salsa.
Gorditas were next, served with beans and rice. One ground beef, one pork.
Good stuff.
Got home about 7pm Suddenly extremely tired -- and can you believe that walking around Sea World for 6 hours only got me 7,000 steps on my new pedometer?
Decided to forgo any New Years Eve's festivities, and went to bed.
Woke up at 5 minutes after the beginning of the new year praying........to the porcelain god in the bathroom. Well, actually I was sitting on the porcelain throne with a bucket (the wastebasket) in my lap.
First the margaritas
Then the breakfast
Then the mexican food
Crawled back into bed, only to repeat the whole scenario every 20-30 minutes through the night.
Soon it was once an hour, and now I am pleased to report it's been three hours since any incidents.
I have consumed a bottle of water, a bottle of gatorade and six saltine crackers.
Think this could be the start of a new diet for 2009?
Hope your New Years Day started with much more fun than did mine.
Happy New Year!
Susan
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Longest Day
This takes the cake as my longest trip to TX.
Left our home in SAC at 4pm Christmas afternoon, to arrive a the airport 90 minutes early as recommended.
Flight was on time. Settled in at the gate, flight was on time.
Started to read the latest Nicholas Sparks novel.
Glanced up at the counter, and the flight suddenly showed a delay of 1 1/2 hrs!
Scheduled for a 6pm departure, finally left SAC at 7:45.
Arrived in Vegas at 9:10, boarded at quarter of 10. Then waited on the tarmac for a while, then had to be de-iced.
Turbulence, not extremely bad, but enough to keep the flight attendants strapped in for most of the flight. Finally got peanuts and a glass of water about 45 minutes before landing in TX.
By the time we got the luggage and drove home and crawled into bed it was quarter to 4 TX time. Allowing for the 2 hr time difference -- almost 12 hours after I left CA.
But at least I didn't fall on my head this time.
Left our home in SAC at 4pm Christmas afternoon, to arrive a the airport 90 minutes early as recommended.
Flight was on time. Settled in at the gate, flight was on time.
Started to read the latest Nicholas Sparks novel.
Glanced up at the counter, and the flight suddenly showed a delay of 1 1/2 hrs!
Scheduled for a 6pm departure, finally left SAC at 7:45.
Arrived in Vegas at 9:10, boarded at quarter of 10. Then waited on the tarmac for a while, then had to be de-iced.
Turbulence, not extremely bad, but enough to keep the flight attendants strapped in for most of the flight. Finally got peanuts and a glass of water about 45 minutes before landing in TX.
By the time we got the luggage and drove home and crawled into bed it was quarter to 4 TX time. Allowing for the 2 hr time difference -- almost 12 hours after I left CA.
But at least I didn't fall on my head this time.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Cornbread Stuffing
Sorry, Mom, but this is the best stuffiing I have ever had!
Fried up bacon instead of the smoked ham, and used the bacon drippings instead of butter. Used canned Trader Joe's whole kernel corn because that was all I had.
Only downside------I made 1/4 the recipe (1 qt corning ware pan) because I didn't want to waste the ingredients if it wasn't yummy -- which is definitely was!
A real keeper-----as one of my granddaughters says----------"Oh my starry eyed surprise!"
Michael Symon's Cornbread Stuffing
Courtesy Food Network
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups fresh corn kernels
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup diced red pepper
1/2-pound diced smoked ham
2 eggs
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 cups cubed and toasted cornbread
Preheat oven to 375.
Melt butter and sweat vegetables until tender. Add ham and cook over low heat for 2 more minutes. Set aside to slightly cool. Whisk together eggs, stock, cream and herbs and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Combine all items, including cornbread, in a 4-quart lasagna pan and cook covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook for additional 20 minutes or until crusty.
Fried up bacon instead of the smoked ham, and used the bacon drippings instead of butter. Used canned Trader Joe's whole kernel corn because that was all I had.
Only downside------I made 1/4 the recipe (1 qt corning ware pan) because I didn't want to waste the ingredients if it wasn't yummy -- which is definitely was!
A real keeper-----as one of my granddaughters says----------"Oh my starry eyed surprise!"
Michael Symon's Cornbread Stuffing
Courtesy Food Network
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups fresh corn kernels
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup diced red pepper
1/2-pound diced smoked ham
2 eggs
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 cups cubed and toasted cornbread
Preheat oven to 375.
Melt butter and sweat vegetables until tender. Add ham and cook over low heat for 2 more minutes. Set aside to slightly cool. Whisk together eggs, stock, cream and herbs and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Combine all items, including cornbread, in a 4-quart lasagna pan and cook covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook for additional 20 minutes or until crusty.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Diabetes
Another shoe has dropped.
We've dealt with so much since DH's stroke three-and-a- half years ago,
and last week they diagnosed him with diabetes, as well.
Took most of yesterday off to drive him to a diabetes education class.
Most of the "work" following a new eating plan (and hopefully getting
him to exercise) will fall on my shoulders, even though the leader
today stressed it is not the caregivers responsibility to follow
through with the plans.
She stressed that I should not be the "Diabetes Police", but when he can't/won't take care of himself, who else does it fall to?
We've dealt with so much since DH's stroke three-and-a- half years ago,
and last week they diagnosed him with diabetes, as well.
Took most of yesterday off to drive him to a diabetes education class.
Most of the "work" following a new eating plan (and hopefully getting
him to exercise) will fall on my shoulders, even though the leader
today stressed it is not the caregivers responsibility to follow
through with the plans.
She stressed that I should not be the "Diabetes Police", but when he can't/won't take care of himself, who else does it fall to?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Taste of Grey Poupon
Have you heard of Houseparty.com?
It's a fun little website that matches your entertainment style with nationally known brand names, and offers hostesses free gifts when they are matched to one of their houseparties.
It's a great marketing tool, as well as a lot of fun for the hostess and her attendees
Last night several friends came over for my Taste of Grey Poupon party. We sampled the three new GP specialty mustards, along with the tried-n-true dijon variety. Dinner included Hot German Potato Salad, Spaetzle with bacon, carmelized onions and swiss cheese, Polish Dogs and Mini Wiener Schnitzel Sandwiches. For dessert I served individual apple blossoms.
We rounded out the evening with Lemon Drop Martinis, Margaritas and a rousing game of Texas Hold'Em.
I received (12 each) jars of mustard, recipe cards, GP coupons, mustard pairing wheels, GP measuring cups and the gift bags to hold them. In addition, as hostess, I received three jars of the new mustards, an apron and a DVD.
Head on over to houseparty.com and sign up to be a hostess. It's a fun way to entertain your friends!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Ultimate Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Cookies
Ultimate Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Cookies
Yield: 24 cookies
11 1/2 ounces(s) Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet
Chocolate Chips
12 ounce(s) Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
6 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
3 eggs
1 cup(s) sugar
1/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1 cup(s) chopped walnuts
In double boiler over hot water, melt bittersweet chocolate chips and butter.
In large bowl with electric mixer or whisk, beat eggs and sugar until thick; stir into chocolate mixture.
In small bowl, stir together flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture.
Gently mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts.
Using a sheet of plastic wrap, form dough into two logs, each 2 inches in diameter and about 12 inches long. As dough will be quite soft, use plastic wrape to hold dough in log shape. Wrap tightly; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. (Dough may be frozen; thaw in refrigerator before proceeding with recipe.)
Heat oven to 375°F.
Unwrap dough; with sharp knife, cut into 3/4-inch slices. Place slices 1 1/2 inches apart on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until shiny crust forms on top but interior is still soft.
Cool on baking sheet; store in airtight tin up to 1 week.
Susan's Note:
DH made these cookies today, and to say they were a huge hit with the family would be the biggest understatement ever!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Will Wonders Never Cease?
Can you believe it..........the VA actually followed up with ME yesterday, instead of the other way around!
DH has fasting blood work next week, and then a visit to his new VA doctor the following week (i.e. two weeks from today).
That will be about 7 weeks after his last appointment, so we will see what the effect of his new diet (but still no exercise, alas!) has been on his weight and blood sugar levels. He's down about 5 lbs. (me, too!)
Yesterday a dear friend told me she'd hate to be in my shoes (dealing with a stroke victim on a 24/7 basis). What's funny is I'd hate to be in HER shoes (she has MS!)
Isn't is the truth -- your burdens are always easier to bear than someone else's!
DH has fasting blood work next week, and then a visit to his new VA doctor the following week (i.e. two weeks from today).
That will be about 7 weeks after his last appointment, so we will see what the effect of his new diet (but still no exercise, alas!) has been on his weight and blood sugar levels. He's down about 5 lbs. (me, too!)
Yesterday a dear friend told me she'd hate to be in my shoes (dealing with a stroke victim on a 24/7 basis). What's funny is I'd hate to be in HER shoes (she has MS!)
Isn't is the truth -- your burdens are always easier to bear than someone else's!
Friday, October 03, 2008
MIA
Sorry I've been missing-in-action lately.
The daily saga with DH's health continues.
After two incredibly bad weekends (with him not feeling up-to-par) and his foul moods peaked on Tuesday, when his blood pressure dropped to 80/60. (Normally with a bag full of meds, his BP runs 140/80).
It was an inconvenient as could be, with me being the only one in the office and it being the final day of the month, with billing to be done after 5pm.
But there we were, on the line with the VA for nearly an hour trying to talk to a nurse and then trying to get an appointmen (after an hour on the phone I was told he should be seen in the ER).
So off to the VA we went. Admitted to the ER where, after an IV, an EKG, and another ultrasound on the carotid arteries, they came up with...........nothing!
The good news is they couldn't find a reason for the drop in BP.
The bad news is they couldn't find a reason for the drop in BP.
And so goes the story of life after a stroke.
The daily saga with DH's health continues.
After two incredibly bad weekends (with him not feeling up-to-par) and his foul moods peaked on Tuesday, when his blood pressure dropped to 80/60. (Normally with a bag full of meds, his BP runs 140/80).
It was an inconvenient as could be, with me being the only one in the office and it being the final day of the month, with billing to be done after 5pm.
But there we were, on the line with the VA for nearly an hour trying to talk to a nurse and then trying to get an appointmen (after an hour on the phone I was told he should be seen in the ER).
So off to the VA we went. Admitted to the ER where, after an IV, an EKG, and another ultrasound on the carotid arteries, they came up with...........nothing!
The good news is they couldn't find a reason for the drop in BP.
The bad news is they couldn't find a reason for the drop in BP.
And so goes the story of life after a stroke.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Trader Joe's Customer Service
Disclaimer: We LOVE Trader Joe's. When we lived in Redding, it was one of the highlights of our trips to visit family in the SAC area (well, that and seeing the grandgirls! (~_~)
Yesterday our final stop of the morning's shoppings/errands/yard sales was at Trader Joe's. I dropped Rollin off in front of the store while I parked the car.
He was headed for customer service to pick up a motorized shopping cart (since his stroke 3 1/2 yrs ago, he tires easily and is easily confused when he is experiencing "sensory overload").
Both happened to him yesterday morning, and I found him at the customer service desk where an extremely caring young lady (whose name unfortunately escapes me) asked him if he needed anything, and sent someone for a bottle of water for him. He offered to pay for it, but she refused.
We of course thanked her, and proceeded with our shopping. I made a special trip back to thank her again while he took the groceries to the car (explaining about his stroke). She said she was just concerned and wanted to make sure he was OK.
Now THAT'S customer service!
Yesterday our final stop of the morning's shoppings/errands/yard sales was at Trader Joe's. I dropped Rollin off in front of the store while I parked the car.
He was headed for customer service to pick up a motorized shopping cart (since his stroke 3 1/2 yrs ago, he tires easily and is easily confused when he is experiencing "sensory overload").
Both happened to him yesterday morning, and I found him at the customer service desk where an extremely caring young lady (whose name unfortunately escapes me) asked him if he needed anything, and sent someone for a bottle of water for him. He offered to pay for it, but she refused.
We of course thanked her, and proceeded with our shopping. I made a special trip back to thank her again while he took the groceries to the car (explaining about his stroke). She said she was just concerned and wanted to make sure he was OK.
Now THAT'S customer service!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Country Bob's Sauce
Want a chance to win a free bottle of Country Bob's Sauce?
Here's the info and link.
Good Luck!
http://www.themenumom.com/win-a-bottle-of-country-bobs-sauce#comment-109197
Here's the info and link.
Good Luck!
http://www.themenumom.com/win-a-bottle-of-country-bobs-sauce#comment-109197
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Cooking With Friends
The Cooking With Friends Club is a unique community that encourages people to cook together and use their friendships as a main ingredient. It's a cost effective, emotionally rewarding and fun way to cook. The club offers a website, a free monthly e-newsletter and a Yahoo group for inspiration and guidance. Here's the link to the Yahoo group: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CookingWit hFriendsClub/
When joining the Yahoo group please put my name (Susan Lowe) in the comment box, as they are tracking referrals for a contest!
I've gotten so many good tips and recipes from this group, I know you'll love it too. And the good thing (as women are want to do) is -- you can change your mind at any time and drop out of the group.
It's Fun!It's Free!
Any you just may come out with some lifelong family favorite recipes.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Donate Life California
I have signed up with the
Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry.
Please join me in saving and enhancing the lives of
thousands of people in need of your help.
It took me only a few minutes to sign up --
minutes that could mean years of life for someone
else.
Perhaps you, like me, had always "thought" about doing it,
but never quite got around to it.
Well, here's your "ROUND TUIT."
My decision was prompted by the death of a dear friend, my
daugher's best "college friend" who died while waiting for
a transplant. Maybe if one more person had donated, he'd
still be alive today.
To sign up or for more information, please visit
http://www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Happy Birthday America!
We Americans celebrate our country's 232nd birthday this week, the anniversary of the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776.
One year later, Americans in Philadelphia set off bonfires and placed candles in the windows of their homes and public building. Bells in church towers rang out. Ships shot off their cannons. People throughout the thirteen colonies flew our country's flag, and shopkeepers displayed red, white and blue decorations. Veterans of the recent Revolutionary War marched in parades, and gathered together to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud. In 1941, Congress declared the 4th of July a national holiday.
How do you celebrate our nation's birthday? As a child, I delighted in holding sparklers in my hands, tracing patterns with them in the night sky. Summers spent in Seattle with my Grandmother meant traveling to a park where I watched fireworks being set off over one of the city's lakes. Rollin and I spent our first 4th of July holiday together watching fireworks explode over Humboldt Bay.
This week, we will celebrate with that American summer tradition, a BBQ. Hamburgers, hot dogs, my Mom's recipe for potato salad, and my one pot beans will be enjoyed by all. Later that night we will gather in the driveway and watch our own mini fireworks show.
However you choose to celebrate this week's holiday, please stop for a moment to remember our country's humble beginnings, and say a little prayer thanking God for this great country we live in.
Warts and all, America is still a mighty fine place to be!
One year later, Americans in Philadelphia set off bonfires and placed candles in the windows of their homes and public building. Bells in church towers rang out. Ships shot off their cannons. People throughout the thirteen colonies flew our country's flag, and shopkeepers displayed red, white and blue decorations. Veterans of the recent Revolutionary War marched in parades, and gathered together to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud. In 1941, Congress declared the 4th of July a national holiday.
How do you celebrate our nation's birthday? As a child, I delighted in holding sparklers in my hands, tracing patterns with them in the night sky. Summers spent in Seattle with my Grandmother meant traveling to a park where I watched fireworks being set off over one of the city's lakes. Rollin and I spent our first 4th of July holiday together watching fireworks explode over Humboldt Bay.
This week, we will celebrate with that American summer tradition, a BBQ. Hamburgers, hot dogs, my Mom's recipe for potato salad, and my one pot beans will be enjoyed by all. Later that night we will gather in the driveway and watch our own mini fireworks show.
However you choose to celebrate this week's holiday, please stop for a moment to remember our country's humble beginnings, and say a little prayer thanking God for this great country we live in.
Warts and all, America is still a mighty fine place to be!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Yan Can Cook
Martin Yan (of Yan Can Cook fame) and my son, David.
I think this is a great photo, considering David's recent job promotion, and the history our family has with PBS and Martin's cooking shows.
Remember, it's up to you to support your local PBS affiliate. If not you, then who will?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Penny-pinching Strategies for an Expensive World
Lord knows these days we can use all the help we can get to stretch our dollar (gas here is hovering just below the $4/gallon mark, grocery prices are skyrocketing, new clothes seem more of a luxury than ever).
Here are some of the penny-pinching strategies my Mom taught me:
1. Eat seasonally. If you can’t grow your own veggies, visit your local Farmer’s Market or other farm-to-you food source Cut out the middle-man any time you can. We frequent two local Farmer's Markets here in town (one on Sunday mornings, one on Wednesday morning) and there is a great truck farm we go to on Saturdays where they pick the corn in the morning and bring it from the field to the produce stand, all within your eyesight. Now that is fresh!
2. Cook once, eat twice. If you’re making chili, make a double batch and freeze some in individual containers for a quick lunch later on. Ditto for soups, stews, etc. Two (or more meals) and only one cleanup!
3. Waste not, want not. We save everything! If we have a roasted chicken for dinner, the carcass goes into the crockpot along with your usual suspects — carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic. In the morning strain and freeze in one cup freezer containers. The next time your recipe calls for a cup of chicken broth, run to your freezer where it’s free (and so much better than canned!). We use it to cook rice in, instead of water. Great soup base of course. Too many ripe tomatoes (come on, that’s like being too rich or too thin!)—core, cut them in half, place cut side up in a large pan. Drizzle with EVVO. What else do you have in the garden or pantry? Sliced onions, diced peppers, summer squash, garlic. Season to taste with salt, pepper and herbs (we swear by Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning.) Roast uncovered at 400 for about 45 minutes. We like it tossed with pasta, or my personal favorite, as a topping for toasted french bread slices.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We don't buy individual bags of chips or other snacks. Buy the large economy size and bag them yourself. You still get the advantage of portion control without the added expense. Or better yet, use reusable plastic containers that you can wash and reuse. Pass clothing down from one child to another, or one family to another. Take advantage of websites such as Freecycle or Craig's List. Frequent yard sales. You paid good money for those cans and bottles at the store, recoup that money by recycling them!
Here are some of the penny-pinching strategies my Mom taught me:
1. Eat seasonally. If you can’t grow your own veggies, visit your local Farmer’s Market or other farm-to-you food source Cut out the middle-man any time you can. We frequent two local Farmer's Markets here in town (one on Sunday mornings, one on Wednesday morning) and there is a great truck farm we go to on Saturdays where they pick the corn in the morning and bring it from the field to the produce stand, all within your eyesight. Now that is fresh!
2. Cook once, eat twice. If you’re making chili, make a double batch and freeze some in individual containers for a quick lunch later on. Ditto for soups, stews, etc. Two (or more meals) and only one cleanup!
3. Waste not, want not. We save everything! If we have a roasted chicken for dinner, the carcass goes into the crockpot along with your usual suspects — carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic. In the morning strain and freeze in one cup freezer containers. The next time your recipe calls for a cup of chicken broth, run to your freezer where it’s free (and so much better than canned!). We use it to cook rice in, instead of water. Great soup base of course. Too many ripe tomatoes (come on, that’s like being too rich or too thin!)—core, cut them in half, place cut side up in a large pan. Drizzle with EVVO. What else do you have in the garden or pantry? Sliced onions, diced peppers, summer squash, garlic. Season to taste with salt, pepper and herbs (we swear by Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning.) Roast uncovered at 400 for about 45 minutes. We like it tossed with pasta, or my personal favorite, as a topping for toasted french bread slices.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We don't buy individual bags of chips or other snacks. Buy the large economy size and bag them yourself. You still get the advantage of portion control without the added expense. Or better yet, use reusable plastic containers that you can wash and reuse. Pass clothing down from one child to another, or one family to another. Take advantage of websites such as Freecycle or Craig's List. Frequent yard sales. You paid good money for those cans and bottles at the store, recoup that money by recycling them!
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