Baked Yam Sticks

I like yams so much!  But, lately, when I eat them in my familiar ways, I tend to get an elevated blood pressure.  A friend of mine suggested I bake them very simply.

I cut the yams, (or. sweet potatoes), up in medium to thick sticks; then I spray them with Watkins
Cooking Spray.  I also grind some of Watkins Sea Salt, Watkins Black Peppercorns, and I
sprinkle a bit of Watkins Cinnamon, and Watkins Nutmeg on just before I slide them into a 350
degrees preheated oven.  I let them bake for ten minutes on each side, and,  Yummy!

I find I can eat yams or sweet potatoes cooked in this fashion without and negative situations,
providing I eat them in moderation.  You try them cooked this way.  I was always used
to adding sugar and butter to sweet potatoes and yams.  But, to me, the Sea Salt and other
spices compliment the potatoes really well.  The natural sweetness of the yams and sweet potatoes
flows in with the spices.  A great taste!

My Kitty Friend's Name

I am so excited to have a little kitty as my own special friend!  I asked my friend 'Rosa' what name she had given her kitty.  She looked at me comically and answered, "A name,? Why, I have always called her kitty-kat.  She even answers me by that name."  I never thought I would visit a kitten!  But I find myself
drawn to this little fur ball.  She is so much fun to be around.   Kitty-kat know instinctively how to follow
me when I go to see her.  She really knows how to interact with people.

I will ask my friend, 'Rosa', if I may bring Little Kitty-Kat some treats the next time I visit with them.  I'm
sure it will be okay.  She actually like to play ball with me, so I put one in my car to have on hand when next I see my newest little friend.  Kitty-Kat is too adorable!  Such a playful kitty.  My dogs would be so jealous
if they saw me playing with the kitty.  I really have spoiled Choca and  Slick over the three years since I've owned them.  My affection  for Kitty-Kat is a great big secret from my dogs! Shhhhhhh!  Case closed!

A Kitty Friend

Ever since I could remember myself, I've had an irrational fear of cats.  Truth be told,any animal from the
feline family can literally suck the breath from me merely by looking at them.  Imagine my surprise, when
I visit with my cousin and friend up the street a ways, her cat follows me all around the yard whenever I
go there, which is maybe two, three times a week.  She rubs 
against my legs,  then sits on my feet and stares up in my face contentedly.

I'm dumbstruck with her actions towards me.  I have never interacted with her in any way. That hasn't
stopped the kitten from befriending me, though.  I feel so guilty that I don't naturally share her feelings back to
her.  However, I am going to work hard on being nicer to my new 'kitty friend'.   I don't know the kitty's
name yet, but I will make it a point to find out all about her.

Don't underestimate the power of animals!  They are so full of love and affection, and, like this kitty,
they just want to share it.  She really got my attention!  Do you favor cats?  Or, like me, an old dog lover
from 'way' back?

New Store In Our Small Town

The Grand Opening to the small business, located just a few steps across my front yard, is a much
welcomed venture for our community.  The owner is a young woman with such determination to
succeed!  She is pleasant, friendly, and courteous.  These are traits that are much needed when dealing with the public.  This is her first try at starting a business.  I believe she will do well.

I had the chance to speak with her in depth:   After introductions, I identified myself as an Independent
Watkins Distributor. She asked to see a catalog. Of course, I handed her several of the Watkins Catalogs.
Browsing through the catalogs, she   recognized some of the products.  She mentioned that her mom and grandmother had used many of
the products while she was growing up.  She also said that in the very near future, when she's more organized, she would make some purchases from me.  I asked her if she would pass some catalogs to
her family and friends.  She said she would gladly do so.  I will follow up on that promise in a week or
two.  I told the young lady about some of my recipes using Watkins seasonings and spices.  I also mentioned the personal items, such as the Lavender Lotion, and the Mango Hand and Cuticles Salve.
I feel sure of potential new customers real soon!

The Robins are Back

'Thrilled' is  what I described myself to be when I  observed my first robin of this season yesterday. Actually, there were about two hundred or more in the back yard.   What they find to eat there has always been a mystery to me. ( Robins scratch and eat in my back  yard for hours on end).
Nevertheless, they were chirping happily, and, I guess they were eating the tender grasses, and maybe a worm
or so that found himself in the wrong place at just the right time for the birds.

Five or so years prior to this season, when all the robins visited our back yard every morning for about two weeks, one brave fellow decided to stay with us for at least another week all by himself.  I was so honored to see him there alone every morning.  He seemed so contented.  I wanted to adopt  that robin and make a pet out of him.  But, one morning, about a week later, he had disappeared.  I imagine he wanted to catch up with his
flock. I missed him, but the pull of nature visited him, and he complied.  Oh, well, my loss.  Again, I'm very
happy to see the robins.  Next week, they'll leave again,  and so it goes......................

Do you enjoy seeing the robins?

Lovely Winter

Winter of 2010

We are having such a lovely winter this year. The weather is so unusually mild, and some of the trees are
actually budding out.  We've had no sleet, ice , or snow as yet.  Until we see a generous snowfall, the
snowmen and snow women will have to wait in line to be created.  Snow angels will also have to wait their turns.

While living in New York almost twenty-two years ago, the snow was such a joy to my children.  At the time, I
just wasn't into such cold weather and all the inconveniences that went along with it.  Now that I'm not exposed to ice cycles and snowflakes, I would be thrilled to experience a two feet or more of a snowfall.  Go figure!   You never miss the snowmen until they're not to be found.  The snow angels!  My kids looked for a parcel of fresh snow with no tracks or anything.  Then they would carefully lay stretched out on their backs,and start to move arms and legs in a back and forth motion. Then carefully getting up, they would inspect their angels.
Fun for the kids, but I never attempted to make a snow angel.  My loss, as I surmise now that we never get sufficient snowfall.  This photo was taken about two winters ago!

Tea Olive Plant

Yesterday was a marvelous day,(as are all others!)  The main reason for the joy of yesterday, is that I received a love gift of a tea olive plant!  This was only the second time that I had even heard of such
a plant.About three months ago, I went to a plant nursery with two of my closest friends, and one of them purchased a tea olive plant.

I asked many questions regarding the plant; what is its origin, how large does it grow, and what is one of its most significant features?  My friend surprised me by just nonchalantly dropping the plant off  in
my yard yesterday, three months after I had first saw one.

This tree grows to about five feet tall, and three feet or so wide at maturity. (around three years.)  It is
a slow-growing tree, but the fragrance that permeates from this tree smells so beautiful.  Some have
compared it to the scent of a rose, others say it has a smell between a jasmine and a gardenia.   The scent is said to  travel at least 100 feet in any direction from the tree itself .  This tree originated in China.  The Chinese extracts an oil from the tea olive tree for various uses. The oil is mixed with cosmetics,soaps, etc.  Also, the oil is used as is on the hair for the shine and the lovely scent.

This Tea Olive Tree (Osmanthus Fragrans) greatly attract some of our most colorful summertime characters.  The hummingbirds, butterflies,   and other insects are instantly captivated  by this lovely tree.

Now, you understand why I am so excited about this tree! This is the loveliest of gifts.   Thanks,
friend! 

Chocolate Month!

Image via WikipediaFebruary 14, we're exactly one week from Valentine's Day. Of, course it's a day known for wannabe lovers, significant others, real or imagined sweethearts, to come foward to anounce their deepest and heartfelt intentions to their soulmates. I can identify with all of that; but my craving for chocolate,
the 'food of the gods' exceeds all of the above.

From chocolate cheesecake, bon bons, eclairs drizzled with chocolate syrup, strawberries dipped in chocolate fondue, chocolate cream pie; just name it! If it's chocolate and it's edible, Hey, count me in!   Watkins features a Chocolate
Dessert Filling that's simply yummy.The easy to follow recipe is on the container.   Make the pie for Valentines Day and enjoy!
My spouse completely understand my love affair with the milky-gooey stuff. Over the years I have introduced him to many of my favorite chocolate treasures. Lots of my favorite chocolate delights over the years became hits with Hubby, too. So, we do have our love and affection for each other, to celebrate on Valentine's Day, plus our overwhelming love for all things Chocolate! What's your favorite chocolate dessert?

That Season!

We're right around the corner from 'That Season'! You all know what I am getting at. There are so many words to remind us of that season; cookies, egg nog, fruitcakes, candies, candles, scents, santa,reindeer, snow, tinsel, yule logs burning, decorated trees, gifts,etc. The list goes on and on.

The reasoning behind the whole festivities and celebrations is that God gave His Son to this world, that we all may have a chance to enjoy eternal life.

It is said that the Holy Son was born around this time of the year. So, we show each other and the world that we appreciate God's gift to us by giving, sharing, and helping each other. That is the real reason for this season: Giving thanks and praises to God for the most unselfish gift of all; His Dear, Precious Son.

Collecting Just Because

What kinds of things are you interested in collecting? Vintage cars, toys,
books, ash trays, piggy banks, or other sorts of money-saving devices? I like
to collect odd-shaped glass bottles, vases, glass and/or porcelain figurines, all in cobalt
blue,lime green and cherry red.

I'm having a really wonderful day when I can walk into a thrift shop and see
an interesting and rare item in one one of my three favorite colors. I almost
always choose the cobalt blue color over the other two colors. I have collected quite an array of useful products. I enjoy displaying my items
and discussing them with anyone who will listen.

To be sure, we collectors are an interesting breed. We will go to many lengths to
look for a rare find. And when we do find something that we consider worth
while, I, for one, am willing to bargain and haggle for a reasonable price.
I enjoy things with different shapes, and sizes in my three chosen colors

My First Love

Hands Down! My mother was my first love. The earliest memories of myself was that of me pulling on my mother's skirt or dress tail, and her looking down at me with a great big smile on her face. I had the distinction of being her first-born daughter after having three sons one after the other.

I am sure that I got lots of Mom's attention in the fourteen months before the next daughter was born to Mom. That was my sister, Ruby. She was a chubby and happy child that was always doing, and eventually, as she learned to talk, saying things that kept the rest of us, Mom included, in stitches.
Being a part of a large family had it's negative aspects; but in that case, I personally do believe, the positives overrode the negatives. My Mother
loved me (us) unconditionally, and I (we) adored her, too.

Rainy Days

Boy, did we get the much-needed rain around here! It rained all night on a
Wednesday night, all day Thursday, Thursday night, and most of Friday. We
are water-logged here, but I loved every second of every raindrop that fell.
We have been in a drought situation for months now. The trees around here were so colorless until if anyone came along with a match or a lit cigarette,
we would have been in real trouble before the rains came.

Anyway, I feel so contented now that we've had sufficient rain, I went shopping today for pillows for the bed. They are large and firm, so comfortable!
I'm expecting to enjoy the ultimate rest and relaxation as a result of these
pillows of perfection!

Music and Cool Days

There is something so special about a cool, refreshing day that requires no
energy. Natural coolness makes me want to listen to, and reminisce about some of
my favorite music. I can dance a few rounds or just cut a couple of steps in
the privacy of my kitchen, while preparing a nice, simple but nutritious meal. I went back a few years, and chose some of my special artists and groups. I really enjoyed myself, and the memories just flowed around and
enveloped me.

The day passed so quickly because I was existing in a surreal dimension for
hours. The cooking and the mundane housework was finished, and I wasn't even aware of doing it. I must make any excuse to listen to music while doing my home chores again real soon.

Stir-Fry Meat and Vegetables

I enjoy a great stir-fry dish. I serve it with a salad and a nice fresh roll and/or brown rice.
My favorite dish is vegetables with shrimp or beef. For the shrimp stir-fry, I clean and devein the shrimp; about a pound after cleaning. I then marinade them by placing in a small plastic bag, adding 1 teaspoon each of: ground cayenne pepper, sesame seeds. Then I add two small buds of fresh garlic, chopped, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and a half teaspoon of Watkins
All Natural Gourmet Ginger.

Shake all ingredients together; roll around in the bag with the fingers; and let set for about 3-4 hours, or it can stay in the refrigerator overnight. Use a wok or a large cast iron skillet. Have the veggies prepped: red bell pepper, snow peas, broccoli, cauliflower,
carrots, green onions, (leeks). Place in heated wok or skillet. Stir continuously. Add a half tablespoon of Watkins Chicken Soup and Gravy Base with a half cup of water following. Also, mix a heaping tablespoon of corn starch; don't fail to add a half cup of teriyaki sauce. Allow everything to come to a boil before
adding the marinated shrimp. cover, and let simmer for fifteen minutes. This is a quick and nutritious dish served with brown rice, and a fresh garden salad.

Starting A Business.

It is not so easy to do anything that you wish to achieve success with.   There
is  lots of discipline that goes along with the idea. Focus, study, preservance,finance, to name some of the strageties that are needed. If you
stay with your plan,  however, and learn all you can from others that are gaining success in their chosen endeavors,then you, too, will overcome all obstacles that will come your way. You will succeed. Believe in yourself, and the skills that you
are gaining as you move along.  Only you hold the formula for smashing success, or failure and
disappointment.  Again, believe in yourself!  You can do anything that you put your whole mind
and focus on.

Stay with the original plans until you feel sure they are working. Don't be
afraid to try a new way, if you are going nowhere with the first venture. Be
sure to do all you can the first time before going in another direction. It can be accomplished. These plans can come around full circle. Remember; hard work, preservance, and staying focused. Don't throw in the towel.  Watkins is a great business opportunity for anyone that's interested in an ultimate
goal of achieving success, plus, a generous addition to one's income.   As an Independent Watkins
Distributor, you can maneuver the home business around your other responsibilities.  Join the Team!
Become an Independent Watkins Distributor/Associate today!

Summertime!

What with the extreme heat, and the ongoing drought, the earthquake that was
felt from Mineral, Virginia, and Hurricane Irene wreaking havoc in most of the eastern part of the United States, it is still a great summer. I wake up
fairly early, do my morning chores before the real heat sets in, then I relax
with a crossword, or a wordsearch puzzle while having breakfast; I'm done for
a long while.

In the later part of the day, I stir up a small bite for dinner, and sometimes I go for a stroll. I love to watch the sun set. It usually start
to set surrounded by a fiery-orange glow. There are times, however, when we're graced to see pink and blue-gray hues following the sun to its nightly resting place. Whatever's going on, it is still a great summer for me!

The 'Ice Cream' Season

I love serving and eating ice cream; don't you? What is there not to love?
So many flavors! Which ones are my favorites? I love the nutty ice creams;
Butter pecan, with lots of large pecan pieces, butter almond, pistaccio,etc.
I enjoy the fruit flavors,too. Strawberry, black cherry, pineapple. There
are not too many flavors that I don't favor.  Add a gourmet touch to your dish of ice cream
combining it with the wonderful,creamy taste of Watkins Cinna-Cream sprinkles!  Smooth!

However, black walnut is my favorite flavor of all time! Rum raisin comes a close second. I'll take any one, or two or three of those ice cream scoops piled high on a waffle-sugar cone, and POP! I've made it to Ice Cream Paradise!
I can begin, center, or end my perfect summer day on that cool note! Yea!!
for ice cream!!

Picking Peas (From Our Garden)

I finished picking a batch of peas from the garden. It can become back-breaking work, if I allow it to. I know how and when to stand up straight and relax my back. I also know when to stop and finish the chore later.
The ants can be a drag. They seem to love the rows of peas, and they are
constantly crawling and stinging. Boy, are they irritating! But, I have
learned to ignore them and get on with the task.

When I zoom in on the work at hand, I realize that I am almost finished. We
give away a picking of peas, then we keep the next batch. That's the way it goes. When it's done this way, everyone's happy, and the peas just keeps on
bearing. The more we share, the more there is to share. I also enjoy working
in the garden. It relaxes and de-stresses me. I become one with Nature!

Its Bounty time! We are already enjoying some of the fruits of our labor. From our garden, we have harvested yellow squash, zuchinni, and the flat, italian beans. It is such a joy to make meals from the things we plant and actually see the growth from the first day, to the fruition of them. I get so much satifaction from working with the soil and being outside, observing nature at the same time. We use the vegetables in salads, soups, stews, and stir-frys. What blessings! We also want others to share our bounty. So we derive great pleasure from giving part of our harvest to neighbors and friends. 'Way to go'!

Social Butterfly versus Clinging Vine

I'm sure it's in the genes, that special something that makes one person a social butterfly, flitting from one personality to another; they seem to blend in with everyone. They are so popular and have many acquaintances.

On the other end of the totem pole, there's the clinging vine personality.
They seem to operate with a bird's eye view on life. They can only accept one person as a close associate at a time, and they are so desperate when dealing with that one person, until they actually do the unthinkable; they drive the person away from them with their clinginess.

Then the clingy person usually have a great meltdown, accusing the social butterfly-type of abandoning her. The butterfly-type is so surprised. It was not her intention to leave anyone out of things. She just enjoy the company of everyone, a real people-lover.