We are experiencing a wonderful winter this year, but, of course, I'm rallying for the springtime. That is my favorite of all the four seasons. The trees put on new wardrobes of glossy green attire and elegant blossoms. The floral scents from the budding flowers and trees can be intoxicating. The birds are busy building nests and starting new families; as we shake off the last of the winter doldrums, we start to plan our Spring projects.
Planting a garden is tops on the 'will do' list. This spring, I would like to plant tomatoes in large, individual containers. We have always raised them in the typical garden rows. I wish to experiment somewhat. I will do eggplants, orange and red bell peppers, okra, ect. It is always fun to watch and work with growing things. Plus, there's so much reward in reaping the harvest.
Spring cleaning is another not-so-fun project, but it should be attempted, anyway. Closets to be sorted out; also drawers full of socks, scarves and hair barettes, etc., need to be sorted, and what's not being used should be donated to a worthy cause. Curtains and windows should be cleaned and/or changed. Spring represents many changes and many chores. They can only get done if we're dilligent and self-motivated. Let us carry on.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Red Velvet Cake
My interpretation of Red Velvet Cake is that it is the 'jewel' of all cakes if it's prepared and baked just so. The texture must be moist, but firm enough to handle when cutting and serving.
The icing should be rich, creamy and velvety smooth. An even more special treat is to lightly roast pecans, then crush them up and add to the frosting before applying it to the cake. Ah, sumptious!
A friend of mine made my family a Red Velvet Cake for a special occasion. What a wonderful surprise! First, I had no idea that my friend could cook, much less make such a jewel of a cake.
We enjoyed that cake to the very last crumb! Kudos to the Chef! May all your cakes turn out that great from here on in!
The icing should be rich, creamy and velvety smooth. An even more special treat is to lightly roast pecans, then crush them up and add to the frosting before applying it to the cake. Ah, sumptious!
A friend of mine made my family a Red Velvet Cake for a special occasion. What a wonderful surprise! First, I had no idea that my friend could cook, much less make such a jewel of a cake.
We enjoyed that cake to the very last crumb! Kudos to the Chef! May all your cakes turn out that great from here on in!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Quietest Snow
The snow that fell Friday, the 12th of February, 2010, was such a calm and beautiful act of nature, that it left such a wonderful impression on all of us. We didn't quite know what to make of it. A few pine branches fell in the front yard and in the garden area.
Driving was never a problem for anyone who could actually drive in the first place. We proceeded to bare the supermarket shelves, which, in this case was decidedly unnecessary.
We were able to get to the stores pronto! the next day. I was not deprived of any of the basic
necessaties; water, lights, heat, etc.
We enjoyed a georgeous show of nature in a spectacular and most magnificent way. O, The Power of the Creator! Can not be duplicated!
Driving was never a problem for anyone who could actually drive in the first place. We proceeded to bare the supermarket shelves, which, in this case was decidedly unnecessary.
We were able to get to the stores pronto! the next day. I was not deprived of any of the basic
necessaties; water, lights, heat, etc.
We enjoyed a georgeous show of nature in a spectacular and most magnificent way. O, The Power of the Creator! Can not be duplicated!
Baby Sis Is Gone!
My Baby Sis has left me for good. She is now in a better place from now throughout all eternity. My Sis is talking to the Angels. She has now become a beautiful Angel herself. Sis was never a stranger to anyone, so now she is among the select beings, sharing things in ways that only she can.
Her type of humor and charm resonated all around her, wherever she went. Baby Sis had a unique
brand of conversing that left the listeners wondering and pondering over her rationale for some time after the conversation was long finished.
I truly miss my Baby Sis now, and I shall until we meet again in another dimension; on another shore. I'm so very glad that Baby Sis is finally free and happy at last. She longed for quite some time for that ultimate peace, happiness, and freedom. She now have it in it's entirety. I am estatic for her. I miss you, Baby Sis! You are always in my heart. I love you! Soar on!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Special Times
These are special times to be living in. All things, as we knew them, are going through drastic changes. We are looking for different approaches to even the everyday,mundane,boring tasks. When washing dishes, try to use less soap and water; also when taking showers , baths, and doing the laundry.
We can all afford to eat less. The extra calories consumed turn into unwanted fat, which becomes a challenge when trying on, or shopping for clothing articles. It doesn't stop there. When purchasing furniture pieces, they must be able to accommodate our size and weight.
Being overweight causes problems with our relationships. Sometimes we feel very inferior with our family, friends, coworkers, and people in general.
We are now getting to the end of a gorgeous summer. I, for one, have decided to lose at least twenty (20) unwanted pounds. My motivation will be the suits in my closets that I haven't
worn since 1990. I'll cast my fashion senses far away and I'll feel so proud to know that I really shedded those slabs of flesh that were preventing me from wearing my suits of yesteryear.
We can all afford to eat less. The extra calories consumed turn into unwanted fat, which becomes a challenge when trying on, or shopping for clothing articles. It doesn't stop there. When purchasing furniture pieces, they must be able to accommodate our size and weight.
Being overweight causes problems with our relationships. Sometimes we feel very inferior with our family, friends, coworkers, and people in general.
We are now getting to the end of a gorgeous summer. I, for one, have decided to lose at least twenty (20) unwanted pounds. My motivation will be the suits in my closets that I haven't
worn since 1990. I'll cast my fashion senses far away and I'll feel so proud to know that I really shedded those slabs of flesh that were preventing me from wearing my suits of yesteryear.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Angels Among Us
I do suppose that angels walk among us everyday. Whenever I'm in a crisis situation, someone usually shows up to assist me. Once, as I was taking my sister through the subway to her stop on her way to the bus station, there was quite a bit of construction going on. When we embraced and she boarded her bus, my three year old daughter and I waved our goodbyes and the bus took off.
When I turned to get back to the subway making stops on the way downtown, I realized we were turned around somehow. I didn't see any one else to ask for information. I was starting to panic as I looked around. I saw a few 'detour' signs. Which one to follow? I picked up my daughter and we were preparing to follow the first sign, when a very short, elderly woman stopped in front of me.
" I believe you're lost " she said. "Follow me and I'll get you back to your train. You want to go downtown. Is that right?" I said 'yes' and we followed the lady through a tunnel, then up, then down a few steps. Then we rounded a corner and went up the last flight of stairs to the subway going downtown. I was so grateful to that little lady! Thank you! I blurted out. But I did not see the woman. I asked my daughter if she had seen which way the little lady had gone. "No Mommy", my daughter said. She just disappeared". I didn't think any more about things until we reached home. Then. I thought, I didn't tell her we were trying to get downtown. She already knew that. And where did she disappear to? My little girl said it all. Mommy, she's an Earth Angel!
When I turned to get back to the subway making stops on the way downtown, I realized we were turned around somehow. I didn't see any one else to ask for information. I was starting to panic as I looked around. I saw a few 'detour' signs. Which one to follow? I picked up my daughter and we were preparing to follow the first sign, when a very short, elderly woman stopped in front of me.
" I believe you're lost " she said. "Follow me and I'll get you back to your train. You want to go downtown. Is that right?" I said 'yes' and we followed the lady through a tunnel, then up, then down a few steps. Then we rounded a corner and went up the last flight of stairs to the subway going downtown. I was so grateful to that little lady! Thank you! I blurted out. But I did not see the woman. I asked my daughter if she had seen which way the little lady had gone. "No Mommy", my daughter said. She just disappeared". I didn't think any more about things until we reached home. Then. I thought, I didn't tell her we were trying to get downtown. She already knew that. And where did she disappear to? My little girl said it all. Mommy, she's an Earth Angel!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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.
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.
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