Back To Basics

Growing up poorer than the church mouse, everything that came or went through our house was re-used. Today this same method is referred to as recycling. After citrus fruit was eaten, the peelings were used to scrub rusty knees and elbows. We also used the peelings to enhance the flavor of homemade jams, jellies, and some desserts.

Peppermint plants were used for making a refreshing cup of tea, and also as a soak for tired, aching bodies, after a long day in the woods chopping and loading wood pieces for the cook stove. We also used wood as a heat source to stay warm on many cold, southern nights. We would cut a cardboard box in square or rectangular pieces to be used for fanning ourselves. There were no electric fans or air conditioners around, especially for us poor folks.

Pancakes, or flapjacks were made with flour, milk, or water, if milk wasn't available. The woods yielded many edible goodies that we depended on as part of our food source. Wild apples, blackberries, mulberries, cherries, plums, etc. Wild game was the main dish for many savory meals.

Today, food is so much easier to acquire for most of us. Due to many hardships and natural disasters, hunger is still an option for too many peoples. We must be frugal with what we have.
We must teach our children the value of everything that is used. We cannot afford to be compliant. We must learn to share. Keep love and caring moving forth.