Nothing makes me happier than getting an order for my handiwork and this past week has been busy with just that! I will sew and quilt regardless of whether the project at hand has a 'home' but there is a joy in knowing that someone cared enough for tiny stitches and an original quilt or bag to order one specifically. My project request today is a Guardian Angel tote bag with general instructions to put lots of angels on it. That is definitely a can-do order! I also have two quilts approaching their completion and look forward to taking the last stitch on each.
I had one person state, thinking I was out of hearing, that they wouldn't pay $20 for one of my quilts. She initially ordered one and was shocked that just the fabric, batting, etc. would cost around $40. She was floored that on top of that, I would charge for labor, too. Imagine! I like my quilts, whether sold or gifted, to go to good homes. An attitude like that didn't bode well for the safety of one of my quilts in a home like that. Kind of ironic as I was feeling sorry for the one inquiring and was thinking about giving her a quilt for a gift. After that remark, I figured she wouldn't even want a $20 quilt for free!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Regretting a vote . . .
Given the current BAD changes in our country, today, I imagine many people are regretting their votes that put our current politicians and president into office. Trying to be a straightforward Catholic, it seems to me that any vote for a defined pro-abort candidate would be against the precepts of my religion . . . and I wouldn't vote for such. Unfortunately, many Catholics did vote for the very anti-life president and various other politicians in high places. A recent article by a priest firmly stated that voting in such a way requires reparation on the part of the voter.
However, I know many people who don't bother to register to vote and they always seem to be the loudest in complaining at how events are now shaping our lives. If we use our one vote to put a pro-abort candidate into office any worse than a person who abstains from voting because they just couldn't be bothered? Sure, our lone votes seems to be something that would be lost in the crowd but what if the right vote is cast by many and our voice is heard? The election that got obama into office had a huge majority of Catholic voters. As usual, voting wasn't 100%. Could there have been a different outcome if everyone took their citizenship in this country seriously?
However, I know many people who don't bother to register to vote and they always seem to be the loudest in complaining at how events are now shaping our lives. If we use our one vote to put a pro-abort candidate into office any worse than a person who abstains from voting because they just couldn't be bothered? Sure, our lone votes seems to be something that would be lost in the crowd but what if the right vote is cast by many and our voice is heard? The election that got obama into office had a huge majority of Catholic voters. As usual, voting wasn't 100%. Could there have been a different outcome if everyone took their citizenship in this country seriously?
Just wondering when and where . . .
After taking a few weeks off from quilting to work on tote bag orders, I got out my three quilt tops in preparation for some quilting. I carefully counted the completed squares and discovered I had one more than I needed for my scrap quilt. No problem with that as extra is better than not enough! Another quilt had exactly twelve squares.
I spent the day cutting out quilt backing and batting with lots of pinning in anticipation of some decorative quilt stitching. I laid out the twelve-square quilt only to discover one square was missing! Since I KNEW for a fact that I had started out with twelve, I spent 30 minutes or more searching through my fabric and any place where the square could have gotten misplaced. No quilt square turned up. Fortunately, I had enough of the fabric to replicate the missing square and got a lot of quilt stitching done, yesterday. I am, however, interested to find out where and when the missing square will turn up. It's the law of missing things that are replaced . . . they turn up as soon as you decide you need to do it over again!
The quilt in the works is called 'Falling Into Winter' - my own design with lots of autumn leaves verging into winter blues and greys. The second quilt nearing completion is a scrap quilt - a favorite method of mine. To anyone who purchases it, they see a colorful quilt. To me, I see a lot of memories from the bits and pieces of fabric saved from bygone projects.
I spent the day cutting out quilt backing and batting with lots of pinning in anticipation of some decorative quilt stitching. I laid out the twelve-square quilt only to discover one square was missing! Since I KNEW for a fact that I had started out with twelve, I spent 30 minutes or more searching through my fabric and any place where the square could have gotten misplaced. No quilt square turned up. Fortunately, I had enough of the fabric to replicate the missing square and got a lot of quilt stitching done, yesterday. I am, however, interested to find out where and when the missing square will turn up. It's the law of missing things that are replaced . . . they turn up as soon as you decide you need to do it over again!
The quilt in the works is called 'Falling Into Winter' - my own design with lots of autumn leaves verging into winter blues and greys. The second quilt nearing completion is a scrap quilt - a favorite method of mine. To anyone who purchases it, they see a colorful quilt. To me, I see a lot of memories from the bits and pieces of fabric saved from bygone projects.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Fashionably late . . .
I never could understand the concept of being fashionably late. It always seemed rude to me. I suppose those who come in late either want to make an entrance or they are just inconsiderate towards their invitation.
Being late for Sunday Mass, however, floors me! As a Catholic, I would think that Sunday Mass being the focus of the day, there would not be any doubt or problem about arriving in time. Every Sunday, however, I witness the same scenario with little variation.
There is a darling couple who always arrive early and sit on the left-hand side of the very front pew. They kneel in prayer until Mass begins. About five minutes after Mass starts, a very hefty woman shows up, passes by several 'open' pews and insists on getting past this little couple in order to sit front and center. The gentleman kindly stands up while the woman and her bulk pushes through to her chosen seat. Things settle down and a prayerful stance returns. Halfway through the sermon, another regular shows up and she also HAS to sit in that front pew. The couple accomodate her as she wants to sit on the inside not the end of the pew. She crowds past, the bulky lady moves down just a bit and they are oblivious to their distraction.
If we had a crowded Mass, I could understand but there is always plenty of room to discreetly move into a pew. Arriving late constantly is inconsiderate to the other parishioners and doesn't show much of an awareness of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Fashionably late is still late. Arriving after the Readings at Mass means you really haven't attended Mass.
Being late for Sunday Mass, however, floors me! As a Catholic, I would think that Sunday Mass being the focus of the day, there would not be any doubt or problem about arriving in time. Every Sunday, however, I witness the same scenario with little variation.
There is a darling couple who always arrive early and sit on the left-hand side of the very front pew. They kneel in prayer until Mass begins. About five minutes after Mass starts, a very hefty woman shows up, passes by several 'open' pews and insists on getting past this little couple in order to sit front and center. The gentleman kindly stands up while the woman and her bulk pushes through to her chosen seat. Things settle down and a prayerful stance returns. Halfway through the sermon, another regular shows up and she also HAS to sit in that front pew. The couple accomodate her as she wants to sit on the inside not the end of the pew. She crowds past, the bulky lady moves down just a bit and they are oblivious to their distraction.
If we had a crowded Mass, I could understand but there is always plenty of room to discreetly move into a pew. Arriving late constantly is inconsiderate to the other parishioners and doesn't show much of an awareness of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Fashionably late is still late. Arriving after the Readings at Mass means you really haven't attended Mass.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Just thinking . . .
I have to smile sadly when the liberal factions try to figure out why we have so many unwed mothers, porn, sexual abuse, STD's, etc. They do studies, they talk about it in committees and they just can't figure out that going back to basic morality would cure a lot of the world's woes.
I am so glad I am way past the dating scene. I overhear teen girls trying to decide if they should go beyond passionate kissing ont their first date with a guy or make him 'wait' until the second date. Oh, and they worry that if they do make the guy 'wait', he might lose interest and not want a second date. You have to wonder how a female's brain is wired these days. Where is a basic sense of modesty and dignity? Physical relationships without the blessing of marriage are not a committment on either side although most females seem to figure there is since they 'gave in' to the guy's lust. So sad when they tell their friends the live-in boyfriend was 'unfaithful'. Huh? Unfaithful to what?
Seems to me that there are a lot of 'unearned' white dress weddings these days and a lot of prematurely used up people. Purity has become a laughing stock yet those who adhere to being pure are the more happy and secure. Spiritual trumps physical any day of the week.
Am I hopelessly old fashioned? I sincerely hope so!
I am so glad I am way past the dating scene. I overhear teen girls trying to decide if they should go beyond passionate kissing ont their first date with a guy or make him 'wait' until the second date. Oh, and they worry that if they do make the guy 'wait', he might lose interest and not want a second date. You have to wonder how a female's brain is wired these days. Where is a basic sense of modesty and dignity? Physical relationships without the blessing of marriage are not a committment on either side although most females seem to figure there is since they 'gave in' to the guy's lust. So sad when they tell their friends the live-in boyfriend was 'unfaithful'. Huh? Unfaithful to what?
Seems to me that there are a lot of 'unearned' white dress weddings these days and a lot of prematurely used up people. Purity has become a laughing stock yet those who adhere to being pure are the more happy and secure. Spiritual trumps physical any day of the week.
Am I hopelessly old fashioned? I sincerely hope so!
Friday, February 25, 2011
A quote to relate to . . .
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.
- Robert McCloskey
- Robert McCloskey
FYI
In case anyone is interested in either selling or buying homemade crafts, clothing, items, please check out this new Yahoo Group.
Subscribe: CatholicCornerforCrafts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: CatholicCornerforCrafts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Following Christ or following your whims . . .
In our parish, we are fortunate to have three, good priests. They, unfortunately, have to serve two parishes. I'm not sure how many Masses are celebrated on a Sunday at both, combined, but I do know it is more than can be comfortably handled by three priests . . . yet they do so and without complaint.
Instead of appreciately what they have, more than a few parishioners find fault and complain . . . a lot about the way the pastor is organizing things. If their concerns centered around serious matters of Faith or Rubrics, I could understand them stating their worries. To date, the major complaints have been:
1. Father moved Friday Benediction from eight in the evening until seven. (Uh, doesn't a priest need an evening, too? Seven seems to be more than appropriate for everyone involved.)
2. Father stopped using Extraordinary Ministers at morning Mass. (On a busy day, we have, perhaps, 30 people. I don't think the priest needs to ice his arm after giving Communion to 30 people all by himself!)
3. Father stopped the distribution of the Precious Blood at daily Mass. (Shouldn't this be reserved for Sundays and special occasions? You do receive the fullness of the Eucharist without it.)
4. Father has chastised Eucharist Ministers about going into the tabernacle on their own. (Is there nothing sacred left in the world? Shouldn't be treat the place where Jesus resides for us as if it were holy . . . and we purport to believe?)
5. Father stopped the extra novena prayers from the altar. (He didn't stop them. He didn't go illicit by continuing to make them part of the Mass.)
To me, there is nothing worse than having a 'good' Catholic exit Mass and then proclaim to the world that, "Father makes me SICK!" The Eucharist was just on their tongue. They made a grand display of devotion IN Mass yet exhibit disrespect to the priest who made it possible for them the receive our Lord in the Eucharist.
It is ironic but just about everyone of the 'priest police' has the small Pieta prayer book in their possession at daily Mass. Everyone's copy is wellworn with all the use they get out of it using their favorite prayers. They should check out page 36 or 37 of said prayer book (not sure which page!) where it states that we should never criticize a priest and if we have a 'problem' with them, PRAY for them! Seems many people leave their prayerful nature in the church.
Instead of appreciately what they have, more than a few parishioners find fault and complain . . . a lot about the way the pastor is organizing things. If their concerns centered around serious matters of Faith or Rubrics, I could understand them stating their worries. To date, the major complaints have been:
1. Father moved Friday Benediction from eight in the evening until seven. (Uh, doesn't a priest need an evening, too? Seven seems to be more than appropriate for everyone involved.)
2. Father stopped using Extraordinary Ministers at morning Mass. (On a busy day, we have, perhaps, 30 people. I don't think the priest needs to ice his arm after giving Communion to 30 people all by himself!)
3. Father stopped the distribution of the Precious Blood at daily Mass. (Shouldn't this be reserved for Sundays and special occasions? You do receive the fullness of the Eucharist without it.)
4. Father has chastised Eucharist Ministers about going into the tabernacle on their own. (Is there nothing sacred left in the world? Shouldn't be treat the place where Jesus resides for us as if it were holy . . . and we purport to believe?)
5. Father stopped the extra novena prayers from the altar. (He didn't stop them. He didn't go illicit by continuing to make them part of the Mass.)
To me, there is nothing worse than having a 'good' Catholic exit Mass and then proclaim to the world that, "Father makes me SICK!" The Eucharist was just on their tongue. They made a grand display of devotion IN Mass yet exhibit disrespect to the priest who made it possible for them the receive our Lord in the Eucharist.
It is ironic but just about everyone of the 'priest police' has the small Pieta prayer book in their possession at daily Mass. Everyone's copy is wellworn with all the use they get out of it using their favorite prayers. They should check out page 36 or 37 of said prayer book (not sure which page!) where it states that we should never criticize a priest and if we have a 'problem' with them, PRAY for them! Seems many people leave their prayerful nature in the church.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Being careful . . .
I saw an interesting show, last year, about letting our children use Facebook. A man with some facet of the FBI or whatever said that even if the child does not put down obvious information, a pervert CAN eventually make person-to-person contact with them. He reminded parents that these pedifiles and sex predators have all the time in the world to do this. It's their 'hobby' and they are 'good' at it. He proved it most graphically by doing just that (without the evil intent!) and just by following the information on this young girl's Facebook was able to actually know when to show up at her door when she was alone. He did it all from what he could garner from her seemingly simple Facebook postings. We forget that there is a list of 'friends' that can be used to find out more information. Mention of a school team can narrow down the search. Just every day chatter about when parents will be home, what time is the bus coming, etc. add another building block to a predator's information list.
Also, proud parents like to post pictures of their children and what they are doing. No one is safe so it is us to each of us to BE safe. Sad that such a useful tool of communication can be used for evil intent but being forewarned and careful can protest us.
Just throwing that out to get people thinking! It always seems so safe to post our life to the world from the security of our home computer. It isn't always the case.
Also, proud parents like to post pictures of their children and what they are doing. No one is safe so it is us to each of us to BE safe. Sad that such a useful tool of communication can be used for evil intent but being forewarned and careful can protest us.
Just throwing that out to get people thinking! It always seems so safe to post our life to the world from the security of our home computer. It isn't always the case.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Trying our recipes!
Going with another batch of mini cupcakes. This time, it is banana pecan cake with burnt butter cream frosting. The cake part has worked well. Waiting for them to cool so I can start inventing the frosting. Hoping they taste like my imagination is telling me they should.
Love the latest on the Wisconsin stuff. Doctors who give out medical exemptions to protestors don't sound like any doctor I'd like anything to do with for a real problem. Would a doctor who would cheat like that, be all that great in caring for an actual illness? You have to wonder about any profession that doesn't abide by the law yet likes to hide behind the law when it is convenient. Disgusting behavior for grownups!
Love the latest on the Wisconsin stuff. Doctors who give out medical exemptions to protestors don't sound like any doctor I'd like anything to do with for a real problem. Would a doctor who would cheat like that, be all that great in caring for an actual illness? You have to wonder about any profession that doesn't abide by the law yet likes to hide behind the law when it is convenient. Disgusting behavior for grownups!
Where is Justice?
Canada does not have the death penalty in their judicial system. They feel it is cruel and unusual punishment for a proven hardened criminal to lose his life. I won't argue one way or the other as it is the law. It's the moral path they want to follow.
Today, however, they are veering terribly off that righteous path. A family there has a child who is on life support and the doctors had determined the baby is in a vegetative state and want to pull the plug. The family would like to take the baby home to die peacefully in the midst of their family. The courts have stepped in and denied them this one comfort as they lose their little child. Not only has the court decided when to pull the life support, they have also said that as soon as the machines are turned off, they will administer a lethal injection to kill the baby.
I read recently that some of our states here in America had to revamp the lethal injection for carrying out the death penalty as it was painful for the criminal. What a world-wide travesty of justice that today an infant will not be given the chance/regard of a murderer or worse? Why is the court system so intent on inflicting so much pain on a family who has spent time watching the death of their baby come about? An innocent child is murdered while a murderer is coddled. Where is the justice in that? Where is the Christian attitude in that?
I'm thinking that every doctor, judge, nurse who participates in this awful event is going to have to eventually admit their wrong doing before God and hope that God grants them more mercy than they gave a tiny child.
Today, however, they are veering terribly off that righteous path. A family there has a child who is on life support and the doctors had determined the baby is in a vegetative state and want to pull the plug. The family would like to take the baby home to die peacefully in the midst of their family. The courts have stepped in and denied them this one comfort as they lose their little child. Not only has the court decided when to pull the life support, they have also said that as soon as the machines are turned off, they will administer a lethal injection to kill the baby.
I read recently that some of our states here in America had to revamp the lethal injection for carrying out the death penalty as it was painful for the criminal. What a world-wide travesty of justice that today an infant will not be given the chance/regard of a murderer or worse? Why is the court system so intent on inflicting so much pain on a family who has spent time watching the death of their baby come about? An innocent child is murdered while a murderer is coddled. Where is the justice in that? Where is the Christian attitude in that?
I'm thinking that every doctor, judge, nurse who participates in this awful event is going to have to eventually admit their wrong doing before God and hope that God grants them more mercy than they gave a tiny child.
My Picks of the day!
Everything you can imagine is real.
- Pablo Picasso
Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
- Groucho Marx
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
- Lily Tomlin
- Pablo Picasso
Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
- Groucho Marx
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
- Lily Tomlin
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Glad I homeschooled . . .
As I watch the protests in Wisconsin, I have to find myself doubly thankful that I found the blessing of homeschooling for my children. These teachers claim they are fighting for the children but while they prance around with posters, the children are not in school because the teachers are out prancing with their posters. It was also mentioned that since the protesting teachers basically forced many schools to close down, last week, the free breakfast and lunch programs didn't happen. I don't know that I totally agree with the food programs but they are there because the teachers and government think them necessary. Uh, then why don't they do their protesting and petitions from the classroom so school can go on as it should? Oh, and why is the federal government getting involved in a State matter. I guess the prevailing question is why don't these protestors understand simply math as it 'there is no money, you have to downsize'?
Baking today . . .
It's official . . . I'm in love with mini cupcakes! I saw a Food Network show about making these tiny cakes and it makes so much sense. Instead of bogging down with a regular cupcake while wishing you had tried the other flavor, you CAN have a bite-sized cupcake of several flavors and not add up to the size of a normal-sized cupcake treat. Add variety to your life and makes baking fun, too.
Although I only made intense vanilla 'baby' cakes with chocolate frosting, today, I can see spending an afternoon in the kitchen and getting the end result of three different offerings. It is also interesting how the taste of the cupcake if often what you really want vs. a bunch of cupcake. I'm thinking a fudge mini cupcake next time and, perhaps, a really choice spice one. Seems like it would be a nice combination along with the vanilla type I made today.
It also reminded me about my 'weird' cupcake phase of several months ago. I made cupcakes with bean, some with carrots, and yet another one with tomatoes. Yes, they sound odd but by using about a cup of either of the three instead of the egg, oil, and water called for on boxed mixes, you reduce the fat and add a lot of interesting flavor. I steamed the carrots, first, and then pureed them with orange zest and a touch of fresh juice with a very orange-intense frosting. The beans were garbonzo and I just pureed them with ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest. Tomato mixed in a cupcake batter calls for a touch of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a good dose of vanilla extract.
I'm thinking the sudden baking creativity was sent directly by God as He knows Lent is around the corner and I will miss doing sweet creations for six weeks.
Although I only made intense vanilla 'baby' cakes with chocolate frosting, today, I can see spending an afternoon in the kitchen and getting the end result of three different offerings. It is also interesting how the taste of the cupcake if often what you really want vs. a bunch of cupcake. I'm thinking a fudge mini cupcake next time and, perhaps, a really choice spice one. Seems like it would be a nice combination along with the vanilla type I made today.
It also reminded me about my 'weird' cupcake phase of several months ago. I made cupcakes with bean, some with carrots, and yet another one with tomatoes. Yes, they sound odd but by using about a cup of either of the three instead of the egg, oil, and water called for on boxed mixes, you reduce the fat and add a lot of interesting flavor. I steamed the carrots, first, and then pureed them with orange zest and a touch of fresh juice with a very orange-intense frosting. The beans were garbonzo and I just pureed them with ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest. Tomato mixed in a cupcake batter calls for a touch of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a good dose of vanilla extract.
I'm thinking the sudden baking creativity was sent directly by God as He knows Lent is around the corner and I will miss doing sweet creations for six weeks.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Arizona Law Explained!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/tsH8xvjTAlo
Best explanation I have heard to date!
Best explanation I have heard to date!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Topic on the radio today . . .
California has a huge deficit and the only solution according to our politicians is to increase taxes . . . again. Uh, while they push for this, I'm pretty sure their salaries are not taking a beating. One intelligent person actually ventured forth with the solution to cut our deficit in half . . . Put teachers on the same copay system of health care that the rest of us have. Yeah, the teachers are all for sacrifice as long as it doesn't entail them. I just don't understand WHY teachers should be singled out for such a benefit. It would be interesting to know if the police, firemen, etc. get the same deal and, again, why? Aren't we in a democracy where all men are created equal?
It is almost humorous to think about the teachers in Los Angeles where the drop out rate is around 48%. Where are the teachers and what are they doing? Hanging out for free at the doctors' offices?
You have to wonder what caliber of doctor, nurse, teacher we will eventually have in our country if we keep dumbing down the system and then insisting on rewarding inadequate teaching with contant salary increases.
I remember the looks and words we got from friends and relatives because we dared to think ourselves good enough to home school our children. I never asked for a raise (!) and three of my four are already graduating from college.
It is almost humorous to think about the teachers in Los Angeles where the drop out rate is around 48%. Where are the teachers and what are they doing? Hanging out for free at the doctors' offices?
You have to wonder what caliber of doctor, nurse, teacher we will eventually have in our country if we keep dumbing down the system and then insisting on rewarding inadequate teaching with contant salary increases.
I remember the looks and words we got from friends and relatives because we dared to think ourselves good enough to home school our children. I never asked for a raise (!) and three of my four are already graduating from college.
The older one gets, the more they should consider this!
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.
Indian Proverb
Indian Proverb
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Speaks for itself . . .
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Am I missing something . . .?
I've been a stay-at-home mother since I brought my first baby home. I have also homeschooled my children. Besides caring for the children, part of my job that I take seriously is cooking for my family. I get confused when other like-minded mothers tell me they don't have time to cook. I have to wonder why. Yes, we have a lot of work with school and children but cooking isn't a grand mystery. Even if you aren't a gourmet-minded person, a good, basic dinner can be on the table within 30 minutes if you take the time to think about it.
With only one income, my greatest gift to my family is a hot meal that is good for them but tastes good, too. I used to know a person who would practically kill herself fixing and freezing meals for a month all on one day. We have been known to put away leftovers for another day but frozen/defrosted food is never the same as smelling the bubbling pots on the stove or coming home and the crock pot has once again done it magic.
One person snottily told me that 'you just LIKE to cook'. Hey, there are days when it can be a struggle but that's my job! As long as my husband works hard to support us, the least I can do is see that he gets a healthy meal. I didn't start out exactly liking to cook. I starting out hungry and wanted to eat something good. The liking to cook grew on me when I discovered how basic, simple ingredients can turn into a crowd pleaser at the dinner table.
A bonus of cooking at home is that my husband can take leftover for his lunch at work. This saves a LOT of money and he is happier eating good food than fast food. It keeps him out of the bad cholesterol/high blood pressure link, too.
I'm wondering if it is really worth it to spend one day cooking a massive amount of food and freezing it than to just plan your day around cooking an evening meal fresh. I remember having a friend over for sewing, one day, and she left at four with her husband coming home hungry at six. I gave her a pound of pasta, a jar of sauce, and she purchased some ground beef and greens on the way home. Her husband thought he'd hit heaven to come home to a plate of hot and meaty spaghetti.
Sorry, but cooking is easy if you think about it. My husband said that he could never do my job, however, as it takes too much thinking. Job is the operative word and if you like your job, you learn to like all of her job.
Just my rant for the day as I plan the evening meal!
With only one income, my greatest gift to my family is a hot meal that is good for them but tastes good, too. I used to know a person who would practically kill herself fixing and freezing meals for a month all on one day. We have been known to put away leftovers for another day but frozen/defrosted food is never the same as smelling the bubbling pots on the stove or coming home and the crock pot has once again done it magic.
One person snottily told me that 'you just LIKE to cook'. Hey, there are days when it can be a struggle but that's my job! As long as my husband works hard to support us, the least I can do is see that he gets a healthy meal. I didn't start out exactly liking to cook. I starting out hungry and wanted to eat something good. The liking to cook grew on me when I discovered how basic, simple ingredients can turn into a crowd pleaser at the dinner table.
A bonus of cooking at home is that my husband can take leftover for his lunch at work. This saves a LOT of money and he is happier eating good food than fast food. It keeps him out of the bad cholesterol/high blood pressure link, too.
I'm wondering if it is really worth it to spend one day cooking a massive amount of food and freezing it than to just plan your day around cooking an evening meal fresh. I remember having a friend over for sewing, one day, and she left at four with her husband coming home hungry at six. I gave her a pound of pasta, a jar of sauce, and she purchased some ground beef and greens on the way home. Her husband thought he'd hit heaven to come home to a plate of hot and meaty spaghetti.
Sorry, but cooking is easy if you think about it. My husband said that he could never do my job, however, as it takes too much thinking. Job is the operative word and if you like your job, you learn to like all of her job.
Just my rant for the day as I plan the evening meal!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Forgot about that time . . .
I worked a year after I got married. Since I got home 30 minutes before my husband, I would see that dinner would be ready to set on the table when he got home. The 30-minute drive from work gave me time to think of what I wanted to prepare and, if necessary, make a quick stop at the market for a missing ingredient. After awhile, I got pretty good at figuring out a meal based on what I had on hand. Soon, friends at work would tell me what they had at home and what could they make for dinner out of whatever. It was actually more fun for all of us to talk about how to get around what we had without going to the expense of filling in some missing ingredient.
Sort of like the world today. Too many people quit on their ideas if they don't have everything the THINK they need in place when more success might happen if they worked with what they had.
I was reminded of all then when one of my college daughters called to say they had been snowed in and this is what they had in the cupboard so what could she make. In the course of discussing an idea, she got a ride to the store but came home and decided to go with the first, 'snowed in and what can I make' idea anyway.
Hey, you use what you have and enjoy that you have it and don't stop to regret what might be missing.
Sort of like the world today. Too many people quit on their ideas if they don't have everything the THINK they need in place when more success might happen if they worked with what they had.
I was reminded of all then when one of my college daughters called to say they had been snowed in and this is what they had in the cupboard so what could she make. In the course of discussing an idea, she got a ride to the store but came home and decided to go with the first, 'snowed in and what can I make' idea anyway.
Hey, you use what you have and enjoy that you have it and don't stop to regret what might be missing.
You have to wonder . . .
A week or so ago, it came to light that an abortion doctor was killing abortions babies that were born alive. There was a lot else wrong with his facility but people were incensed over this . . . and I have to wonder why. Partial-birth abortion does the same thing.
The women filing suit said the doctor killed their babies while they were put under for the procedure and they were not given a choice. A choice? Didn't they originally make a choice to kill their unborn child? Didn't the doctor do what the law actually allows him to do? They didn't want the child in the first place and now they want retribution because they have a dead baby?
Now, I am totally against abortion and have to mourn over the brutal deaths of these babies but it happens every day yet the press and powers that be are only concerned with this isolated case. The world has to figure out when they want to allow a baby to be born alive and when they want it delivered and dead. I don't condone the actions of this abortion doctor but I don't see that any woman who knowingly went in for an abortion, has a right to sue him because their baby died. They went in carrying a 'wad of tissue' and are filing because suddenly they see it as a baby? The world is heading for a major downfall, if it hasn't reached that already, unless ALL life is considered LIFE and abortion doctors are put out of business.
You'd think the Catholic Church would be totally behind getting abortion out of the picture but the latest news is that they are being done even in Catholic hospitals. The daily news is certainly not something to cheer up one's day, anymore.
One saint said we need to pray without ceasing anc that is certainly becoming more true every day.
The women filing suit said the doctor killed their babies while they were put under for the procedure and they were not given a choice. A choice? Didn't they originally make a choice to kill their unborn child? Didn't the doctor do what the law actually allows him to do? They didn't want the child in the first place and now they want retribution because they have a dead baby?
Now, I am totally against abortion and have to mourn over the brutal deaths of these babies but it happens every day yet the press and powers that be are only concerned with this isolated case. The world has to figure out when they want to allow a baby to be born alive and when they want it delivered and dead. I don't condone the actions of this abortion doctor but I don't see that any woman who knowingly went in for an abortion, has a right to sue him because their baby died. They went in carrying a 'wad of tissue' and are filing because suddenly they see it as a baby? The world is heading for a major downfall, if it hasn't reached that already, unless ALL life is considered LIFE and abortion doctors are put out of business.
You'd think the Catholic Church would be totally behind getting abortion out of the picture but the latest news is that they are being done even in Catholic hospitals. The daily news is certainly not something to cheer up one's day, anymore.
One saint said we need to pray without ceasing anc that is certainly becoming more true every day.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Global warming . . .
As I type, the midwest and east coast are under a deep blanket of snow with more promised over the next week. Questioned about the snow vs. global warming, Gore maintained his 'inconvenient truth' and said the snow was a result of global warming!
Over the last couple of years, his movie has been exposed for contrived scenarios like the 'poor polar bear' who not only survived but was going about his normal, every day routine. It has come out that the data was tweaked in favor of global warming. Weather history shows that the world goes through cycles and nothing we can do will actually have that much impact on what will be.
You have to wonder, how the people, today, busily digging themselves out of mountains of snow, are taking to Gore's declaration that global warming is upon them?
We don't have snow here but the wind from the snow-clad mountains is keeping us in the low 50's. I wouldn't mind a touch of global warming to defrost because we can't use our central heat because of the increased costs to deal with the global warming problem . . . You know, the one that really isn't happening!
Over the last couple of years, his movie has been exposed for contrived scenarios like the 'poor polar bear' who not only survived but was going about his normal, every day routine. It has come out that the data was tweaked in favor of global warming. Weather history shows that the world goes through cycles and nothing we can do will actually have that much impact on what will be.
You have to wonder, how the people, today, busily digging themselves out of mountains of snow, are taking to Gore's declaration that global warming is upon them?
We don't have snow here but the wind from the snow-clad mountains is keeping us in the low 50's. I wouldn't mind a touch of global warming to defrost because we can't use our central heat because of the increased costs to deal with the global warming problem . . . You know, the one that really isn't happening!
Figuring out your priorities . . .
There have been quite a few interesting U-Tubes and stories about amazing animals. One dog is able to discern by verbal command which shaped object to pick up and bring to his owner. The owner of the dog admits it has taken many hours to train the dog and you have to wonder . . . why? Yes, the dog loves his people and wants to do what they want but in a dog's mind, I'm think Fido is also wondering . . . why?
Our dog is very bright and knows when she HAS to go outside lest she do something unforgiveable on the floor. We didn't train her so much as she decided she didn't want to mess up a good thing when it is raining outside and she wouldn't want to huddle in her doghouse.
When we got our dog, we quickly discovered that she would 'speak' when she saw a treat in her immediate future. Sometimes, she 'speaks' in hopes of getting a treat. We enjoy her trick but are glad we came with a fully functional dog without having to spend time teaching her.
Just a look at the ads today and the massive pet stores tells one that dogs and cats have really climbed on the social ladder these days. When we went to the private animal rescue to look into adopting this dog, we were assigned a counselor who required us to spend time with the dog while she took notes. She also wanted a list of previous dogs we owned, age, and how they died. Uh, all our dogs were 15-plus (in HUMAN years!) when they died so I'm thinking we did a pretty good job in our dog ownership history! Even after we had the dog home for a few months, I wouldn't have been surprised to find the counselor on our doorstep for a surprise inspection! It didn't, of course, happen but it wouldn't have seemed out of the realm of possibility.
We are hoping to adopt another dog to keep our dog company. Are we going back to where we adopted our current dog? Nope! We are going to the nearby animal shelter, pick a dog we like and go with the simple cash and carry mode offered there! Unless the new dog comes with some special talents, we will be thrilled enough if it figures out what can and cannot be done in the house.
Our dog is very bright and knows when she HAS to go outside lest she do something unforgiveable on the floor. We didn't train her so much as she decided she didn't want to mess up a good thing when it is raining outside and she wouldn't want to huddle in her doghouse.
When we got our dog, we quickly discovered that she would 'speak' when she saw a treat in her immediate future. Sometimes, she 'speaks' in hopes of getting a treat. We enjoy her trick but are glad we came with a fully functional dog without having to spend time teaching her.
Just a look at the ads today and the massive pet stores tells one that dogs and cats have really climbed on the social ladder these days. When we went to the private animal rescue to look into adopting this dog, we were assigned a counselor who required us to spend time with the dog while she took notes. She also wanted a list of previous dogs we owned, age, and how they died. Uh, all our dogs were 15-plus (in HUMAN years!) when they died so I'm thinking we did a pretty good job in our dog ownership history! Even after we had the dog home for a few months, I wouldn't have been surprised to find the counselor on our doorstep for a surprise inspection! It didn't, of course, happen but it wouldn't have seemed out of the realm of possibility.
We are hoping to adopt another dog to keep our dog company. Are we going back to where we adopted our current dog? Nope! We are going to the nearby animal shelter, pick a dog we like and go with the simple cash and carry mode offered there! Unless the new dog comes with some special talents, we will be thrilled enough if it figures out what can and cannot be done in the house.
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