A Great Teacher in the making

I wish my children lived closer to me. Fortunately for me, they are all very good at keeping in touch, This is Pj and her three sons. Alex 15, Peyton 8 and Mason 6 .
Pj is my second daughter and third child. She is 38 years old and has gone back to college to become a teacher. She calls me almost every day (from her car usually, I think that's her second home.) She fortunately has more energy than the "energizer bunny" and really needs it to juggle her mommy life, home life, student life and her now her student teaching life.
Pj has always been my wonder child, I wondered many times just what was she thinking. Her given name is Paula Jean but she prefers to be called PJ, somehow that nickname stuck. She actually joined the Marines when she was younger, and I am thankful that she was discharged with a knee problem. Seriously she turned out pretty darn good, in spite of her being the "spoiled one" (according to her older brother & sister.) She certainly excels in organizing playtime and her children do not lack for her creative talents. She is not afraid to tackle any problem or the many other surprises her busy life throws her way. She can change her own car oil, remove & replace a battery from a car, (she did mine), fix a broken headlights, keep her cool when she makes emergency trips to the ER when her children are sick, paints faces, makes balloon characters and she can even cook. She certainly can think quickly and has a terrific yet wicked sense of humor. Pj is married and has a step-daughter Taylor and she is also 15. (Yikes!two teens at once.) I don't know how she manages to wear all the hats she does. Her plate is always full. Pj has been an emergency substitute teaching since September and will graduate from college in June. She hopes to teach in the district where her children currently attend public school. I could not be more proud of her, and I am sure she is going to be one awesome teacher.

Symbols of a Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day to all my loved ones, friends and family. I would have baked you these cookies as my symbol of love for Valentines Day, not just because they look pretty, but they would have tasted good and I knew you more than likely already have been given way too many goodies, like Chocolates, flowers, cards, a night out to a movie from your other loved ones. Right?

Earlier this week we did send Valentines to our grandchildren, well, Grandparents do this without question.
For us this year my loving husband and I decided we really did not need candy, flowers or cards this year as symbols of our love. We decided this on the way to the grocery store, afterall we know we love each other. But then while at the grocery store we bought a pretty little flowering plant, three mountain bars, and then went and rented three movies at Blockbusters for Valentines weekend's entertainment. I did look at the Valentines cards at the Grange Co-op almost bought him one then decided No because we already said we were not going to do that. It was sweet that he told me he loved me in the grocery store and kissed me while waiting for our turn through the checkstand. These were great symbol of the Valentines that we were not going to celebrate. You see, I know I have the greatest husband everyday, not just on February 14th and these tokens and happenings were just because our subconsious minds took over our pocketbook and I was pushing the shopping cart. Somethings just cannot be forgottten...or explained.
Anyway, here are some of the other valentine symbols and their origins:
Red Roses were said to be the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Also, red is a color that signifies strong feelings.
Lace has long been used to make women's handkerchiefs. Hundreds of years ago, if a woman dropped her handkerchief, a man might pick it up for her. Sometimes, if she had her eye on the right man, a woman might intentionally drop her handkerchief to encourage him. So, people began to think of romance when they thought of lace.
Love Knots have series of winding and interlacing loops with no beginning and no end. A symbol of everlasting love, love knots were made from ribbon or drawn on paper.
Lovebirds, colorful birds found in Africa, are so named because they sit closely together in pairs -- like sweethearts do.

Doves are symbols of loyalty and love, because they mate for life and share the care of their babies. I Hope your Valentines Day was what you wanted it to be...too.

World Class Birding

The 30th Annual Klamath Wingfest
February 13, 14, 15th

Clay & I will try to attended this event today or tomorrow.

We do enjoy seeing these birds as we take day trips around the Klamath Basin. Just another advantage to living here in the Klamath Basin.

Located in both south central Oregon and northern California, the Basin is a key player on the Pacific Flyway, hosting 80 percent of the birds that use the Flyway. A total of six separate nearby refuges comprise the total National Wildlife Refuge complex spanning nearly 200,000 acres. A unique, strong cooperative partnership between farming, water resources, and the refuges provides an abundance of food and water that attracts vast numbers of waterfowl and raptors.
Over 350 species call this major Pacific flyway layover home…
From November through February over 500 bald Eagles-the largest concentration in the lower 48 states winter in the Klamath basin.

My Farmgirl Friends are Special

I dedicate my blog today to all my MaryJane Farmgirl friends.

I feel I know many of you, because you have left me comments that show we are kindred spirits, with encouraging words of support.
Even though we farm girls are sometimes miles apart
We share a friendship deep in our heart”
The spirit and power of women together, comforting and caring for each other.
I want to thank the women who joined the Valentine Swap, I enjoyed taking the time
to make a card for each of you. Each day I looked forward to going to may mailbox and knowing inside would be a special card for me. I am happy to have special friendships with you, we share many ideas, thoughts and dreams. We are not strangers, only friends we have not met.
I hope many days are good for you and hard times are few
Forget me not, and I won't forget you!

It's not Costa Rica.. but "Pura Vida!"

I must have been dreaming last night because

I could have sworn it was spring just a few days ago.

We had sunshine and 50 degree days and beautiful Blue Sky.
Mother Nature is not being serious is she? This is the other side of my back fence... it is no better there...

Well I guess it is only February.

Last year Clay & I were in Costa Rica on an Eco-tour. What an experience zipping through the rainforest, warm and carefree. The minute we stepped off the plane we learned a Costa Rican phrase of two words “Pura Vida”. It was used often among the people we met along our tour. They appeared to have no worries. They were content with their humble life. Food and family was their life. These two words say it all and mean many things, used in many contexts “Life is good, everything is fine and wonderful, as a salutation as and a goodbye. So today I will remember the words, and as I watch the snow fall, I can say “Pura Vida! and it is true Life is not better on the other side of my fence.

Tuesday's Tastings Food & Flavors

I am going to change Tuesday Herbal Wisdom blog topic to "Tuesday's Tastings of Foods & Flavors" I love to cook and want to share some tidbits & recipes with you.

I know you have seen this in the produce department..have you tried it? This is FENNEL
Fennel is truly a vegetable and should not be confused with the herb, sweet anise. Even though they share a similar mild sweet licorice flavor, fennel comes from an entirely different plant. Fennel has a rounded creamy white bulb, short green stalks and feathery green leaves. Its appearance resembles an extra plump bunch of celery, and it has a unique licorice taste that becomes milder when cooked. It can also be eaten raw and is used as a bad breath neutralizer
Fennel is very popular in Europe and until recently was found primarily in Italian and specialty markets in the United States. It is now found in mainstream supermarkets, however, it is frequently sold incorrectly as sweet anise. Fennel is grown primarily in Italy, France, Greece, and the United States. In the United States, fennel is grown almost exclusively in California

Storage & Selection Fennel can vary significantly in size anywhere from ½ pound to 2 pounds. In my opinion size is very important, as smaller fennel bulbs are more tender and less fibrous than larger bulbs. The bulb has virtually all of the usable meat, and should be a firm, clean creamy white that doesn't show any sign of brown spots, yellowing, splitting, or withering, a sign the fennel is old. Fennel stalks should be straight and the leaves a feathery bright green. Avoid fennel if there are flowers on the stalks because this is a sign that the fennel is over mature. Store fennel in a plastic bag, in the high-humidity crisper section of the refrigerator for no more than three to four days. Fennel loses its flavor quickly so it's best to use it as soon as possible.

SOME IDEAS from The Victory Garden Cookbook
Sprinkle chopped fennel leaves on hot baked oysters or clams.
Add cooked fennel to omelets, quiches, stuffing or sauces.
Add stalks to stocks for their flavor.
Add sliced sautéed fennel to fish chowders.
Cook fennel in your favorite tomato sauce.
Place stalks and leaves on barbeque coals as they do in France. The fennel scent permeates the grilled food.
Slice steamed or blanched fennel, cover with a vinaigrette and serve chilled.
Chop raw fennel and add to tuna fish sandwiches.
Slice fennel thin and layer with raw potatoes, cream and cheese to make a potato au gratin

Childhood comfort even when you are over 50

Every morning I am greeted by my favorite doll sitting in her rocking chair in hall entry. I found her in a gift shop a few years ago, and the books were copywritten in 1947. That was a good year. I love her sweet paper mache' face and soft cloth body. She is an inspiration for me to not take life so seriously all the time. I will never outgrow my love for her. Sometimes you know, you just need hang onto those childhood comforts...Maybe I need to bake some cookies eat them warm with cold milk.. or Annie & I could have a tea party.

Raggedy Ann is a fictional character created by writer Johnny Gruelle (1880–1938) in a series of books he wrote and illustrated for young children. Raggedy Ann is a rag doll with red yarn for hair. The character was created in 1915 as a doll, and was introduced to the public in the 1918 book Raggedy Ann Stories. A doll was also marketed along with the book to great success. A sequel, Raggedy Andy Stories (1920) introduced the character of her brother, Raggedy Andy, dressed in sailor suit and hat.

The creation of the first Raggedy Ann doll was inspired by his daughter Marcella. She had found a tattered rag doll in her Grandmother's attic.
Her father used his cartooning pen and applied a new, whimsical face to the doll. The name for the doll came from two poems by James Whitcomb Riley - "The Raggedy Man" and "Little Orphan Annie."

Marcella Gruelle died at age 13, from an infected small pox vaccination. In the same month as Marcella's death, Johnny Gruelle had been granted final approval by the U.S. Patent office for his rag doll.
As Johnny Gruelle worked on finishing the stories, he often glanced up at one of the few keepsakes of his daughter -- Marcella's own tattered doll.

Raggedy Ann was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002. Raggedy Andy joined her in 2007.

Our Saturday Night Movie

Last night Clay & I went to Blockbusters to get a movie to watch. I had read about "The Secret Life of Bees " by Sue Monk Kidd and how great and bad the reviews were. Being one who see a movie for herself instead of taking the critics' reviews or those of others. I give this movie A+ if I was to rate it. This film is about family and the power of love, based on the best selling novel, that I had read years ago. I need to get a copy for my collection of books I want to own.

While I was watching the movie I was thinking how things have changed from black people not being able to mix with whites, not being able to vote, etc., to one of them actually becoming our President.

How far we have come as a nation since the early 60's. Another great testament of Change

For me it was a feel good movie. A story and parable about how to cope with the painful truth and find forgiveness. You are taken from laughing one moment to feeling as though your heart is being tugged out of your body in the next moment. I will definitely be recommending this film to my friends if anyone were to ask.

My friend Carol's GIVEAWAY

Bloggers , this is an opportunity for you to have a header personally designed for you & your interests. Carol has a site called Digital Quilts. If you page down, I have a link on the right side of my blog to her Digital Quilt site. click on the picture.. Go leave her a comment on that site voting for the digital quilt you like best . She will draw two winners from the entry comments. Email her if you have any questions. She posted this offer on the MJ Connection "Across the fence " Topic.
Good Luck!

A treaure found in the my closet....

Sometimes I forget that I am getting older, and wiser and the person in the mirror looking back at me is Me, and then just when I think I have it together, something sparks my thoughts to my childhood like it did yesterday afternoon as I was sorting out a closet and came across this slip and dress my mother made for me when I was a baby. My goodness that was 61 years ago, more than a half a century now..My wrinkled and weathered fingers trace over the dainty flowers she carefully embroidered and I know how much time she spent doing this work. I was my parents first daughter or 4 and I do not think she made anything like this for my sisters , she was then too busy, so I feel special and I feel fortunate to have this piece of my past, a time of course that I cannot remember but I have photos of me that my mother has passed on to me as she has for my sisters. I have a few other treasures tucked away some of mine & some of my mothers and I wonder which of my 3 children will want to have them to treasure as I do. You know, it seems the older I get the more sentimental I become. In these times of hardships that our country is faced with, I am reminded of stories my parents told of how they struggled to feed and clothe us. Is history repeating itself and it will continue throughout the next years? I think

we must savor the moments of plenty and save for our future. Some years are bountiful and some are not. We really do not know what the future holds..and

Now when I hold these precious pieces of cloth I want to dispaly them because I know they are priceless pieces of my past and It is my responsibility to create treasures to be passed on to my children and grandchildren. I think I better start today, time is passing quickly and I have much to do, I think I will start with a journal, don't you think that is a good idea?

When I can't escape life

This is where I go sometimes when it is raining and cold outside or humid and hot. When my body aches, when I am fighting a cold , when I need to be rejuvenated for the day ahead, or when I just need a break from life stressors. I can close the door for a few minutes and relax and let my mind wander enjoying the peace and quiet. It is a wonderful feeling of well-being. I do like the scent of essential oils and a good scrub with a loofa sponge. I have a place to go where things are only mine, where I can light a candle, read and sometimes sip a glass of wine letting the world slip away. I have my favorite oils, gels, fluffy towel and scented lotions, relaxing music and I pamper myself with these simple luxuries. Sometimes for only a few minutes sometimes 1/2 hour or more. My bathing pleasures. Vanilla and Lavendar are my favorites for relaxing, but grapefruit and lime are my invigorating choices when I just need to be refreshed and recharged to tackle the day ahead. Sometimes the sun shines through the window and warms me. Sometimes at night I turn off the lights and the stars & moon glow with a burning candle. I have always wanted a garden tub and finally years of waiting I have one. I still dream of an outside bathing place, surrounded by fragrant flowers and and trellises of roses on a patio in with a clawfoot tub sipping fresh squeezed lemonade, visualizing myself in a tropical rain forest after a day in the garden.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhh ! "This is a great place to be!

Bath Time Ritual

First Unplug the phone.
Lock the door to prevent intruders like kids and spouses.
Stop the drain in the tub.
Light aromatherapy candles. Choose lavender to relieve stress and sandalwood to relax.
Turn on the water and adjust the temperature to your liking.
Pour a small amount of bubble bath or oil into the running water.
Allow the bathtub to fill with water and suds. If you are not satisfied with the amount of suds in the water, add more bubble bath into the running water.
Turn off the water when the tub has filled. Replenish hot water as needed.
Slowly enter the bath
Breathe deeply and relax.

Senior Day means Bargains

I forced myself to go to the thrift store today, I know it was really a hard decision to go..but I remembered today was Senior Discount Day and well since I am being frugal & trying to be thrifty I needed to go..and I am a Senior....the good part was I really Saved money. ..Well, Let's say I got some great bargains.

I only spent $16.50 for tall hese treasures some for my bathroom and for my kitchen, The cast iron dutch oven is a John Wright Classic Gourmet, I cleaned it up but the inside is in need of great seasoning. I must use more elbow grease to make it usable, but I thought it was too good to pass up for $1.50 even if I never use it to cook in. The white porcelin basket was made in Portugal, I will use it for hand towels & wash cloths and it was only $2.99 . I loved the dainty floral pitcher too. $1.99. and the small basket for soap $.99 The blue dishes were $2.50 for all 4 pieces. Then as I was making it around the store for the 3rd time, I bought a white sweater for me $2.99. I spotted this cute brass tin with a pewter bird on top..and inside was a small sewing kit. I had to have that too...The white tin and the cute little blue bottle $ .99 each Just as I was at the check stand I saw the glass jar with the wood lid.. Well what would you have done? You bet I grab it too. I probably won't go back there for a few days... or until the next Senior Day.

Spring arrived in my Kitchen

Spring arrives early with forced bulbs in my kitchen.
See them on my pretty Springy tablecloth.

I love the four Seasons and hopefully soon it will be the beginning of all four. I could not wait for Mother Nature so I tricked these bulbs and I started these a few weeks ago in my kitchen window in a cute crock I bought at the thrift store. Now they greet me standing so tall every morning with their sweet pretty blooms and they smell so fresh. I catch a whiff as I walk past my kitchen table.

Paper whites have small delicate blooms, so they look best when clustered in arrangements of six or more. While they have delicate blooms, paper whites don't require as much precise care as other bulbs. Simply plant the bulbs as described earlier. Place in a cool sunny location, and in four to six weeks they'll begin their show.
You can even force paper whites in gravel and water in a container without drainage holes. Allow for 1-2" of gravel under the bulbs. Place the bulbs on the gravel and add enough gravel to hold the bulbs in place. Then add water until it reaches the base of the bulbs only. Maintain the water at this level throughout the growing process.

Left over Sourdough bread

My sourdough bread made the MaryJaneWay was delicious. The recipe is in the MaryJaneFarm magazine Feb-Mar 2009 issue

The left over sourdough was cut into cubes seasoned with herbs and butter. I put them in the oven for about 30 minutes and toasted them. They are great on salads, in soups or crushed for casserole toppings.

Sourdough Croutons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut leftover bread into cubes and place on baking sheet

Drizzle with butter to coat and sprinkle choice of herbs and spices

place in oven and bake for 30-45 minutes until cubes are toasted goledn brown

Remove and cool, store in container or package as gift.

I had to do it

I had to go.. Nancy Jo made me.. * well ok, she inspired me*

I found this cute cast iron cornbread stick pan and these cute vegetable garden row markers and the Springy floral tablecloth & 4 bright yellow napkins. I wanted to get a tablecloth with more blue in it but this jumped right into my cart.

Ahhh! "The Stinking Rose"

Garlic (allium sativum) has been dubbed "The Stinking Rose", yet it is actually a member of the Lily (Liliaceae) family and a cousin to onions, leeks, chives, and shallots.
Garlic is one of the most versatile flavors to ever grace a kitchen. It not only tastes wonderful, it's very good for your body. It is one of Mother Nature's most precious gift to cooks of all levels of expertise.
There are over 300 varieties of garlic grown worldwide. American garlic, with its white, papery skin and strong flavor is one of the most common varieties. Italian and Mexican garlic, both of which have pink- to purple-colored skins, are slightly milder-flavored varieties. The edible bulb or head of garlic is composed of smaller cloves. It is a root crop, with the bulb growing underground. Garlic crops are harvested in mid-July and hung in sheds to dry before reaching their prime in late-July/early-August.

Herb-Garlic Marinade

Recipes courtesy Gourmet Magazine

Great for chicken on the ~ lemony and has no sugar. 15 minutes to prepare. Makes 2 cups.
Ingredients
6 large garlic cloves
1/3 cup packed tender fresh thyme sprigs
1/4 cup packed fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Mince together garlic, thyme sprigs, and rosemary with salt and mash to a coarse paste. In a bowl whisk together garlic paste and remaining ingredients until emulsified. Marinade may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

Easy as 1 ~ 2~ 3 ~ Enjoy

I had to try this recipe that Debbie "bushelnpeck" from Nevada posted on the MaryJanesFarmgirl Connection website. It was so simple to make and that's what I liked 1~2~3 Easy, my kind of making a cake. I liked it mostly because it was a single "Big " serving and I have none left to tempt me more tomorrow, except I could make another... couldn't I?

The 1st photo is the uncooked mix ready to mirowave, the 2nd is in the microwave at the end of the 3 minutes and the last is ready to serve. I used M&Ms instead of chocolate chips & it was yummy! A dollup of whip cream would have pushed it to Perfection.

I called my daughter Nancy who has a blog too and gave her the recipe which she also made, we were kind of having a cook off and taste test, She tried it with 3 different chocolates. Go to her site http://myhomecook-n.blogspot.com/ to read her review.

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

4 Tablespoons flour

4 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 Tablespoons milk

3 Tablespoons oil

3 Tablespoons chocolate chips

(optional)a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, mix well. Add the egg and mix well... pour the milk and oil and mix again...add chocolate chips if using and vanilla extract and mix again...put mug in microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (may need adjusting) the cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed. Allow to cool a little and tip out on plate if desired...this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous.

A little TLC

It was the last day of a cold wintry January. It was another beautiful sunny morning like we have had most of the month. I am so glad we moved here where the sun shines more than not.
I took my own advice from Saturday’s entry “Comforting Sense.”
I wasn’t feeling really good, yesterday so we cancelled our trip to Portland, thinking my throbbing headache and general yucky feeling was more than perhaps a cold coming on, but needed some fresh air. . Sometimes I feel that is my best medicine…
So I bundled up after ingesting some sinus tablets, put the dog in the car and Clay & I drove to this frozen Reservoir near where we live. Hoping to find a place to maybe go fishing & camping in the summer. It was a perfect spot to breathe in fresh air and relax. We were only gone for a couple hours but I felt much better getting out and actually managed to clean out the Chicken Studio for the “ girls” when we came home. I filled the bath tub full of bubbles & soaked awhile.
I am feeling recharged and ready take on whatever this First day of February has to offer.

Comforting Sense...Time for me

A walk on the beach..sit watch the waves beating the sand. Take a drive in the country, have a massage, do your nails. Spend the day in your pajamas, a walk through an antique store, a picnic in the park, curling up with a book & a cup of tea, fly a kite, take a long bubble bath, walk the dog, visit a friend, watch a movie, start a scrap book, or journal, play solitaire,

Let your mind wander. Listen to some soothing music, or Do nothing...

I know that sounds very selfish, but in truth it is what I call “Comforting Sense,” or Self Care ..
For several years I taught self -care classes to women who were in a shelter because of Domestic Violence in their lives. Many of these women were like me years ago, when I had no idea who I was, what I liked or what I wanted. Oh, I knew what I didn’t want and that list went on & on and I had no problem knowing what others were expecting of me. Does this sound like your life? It doesn’t have to be this way!
I would like to share with you once a week here on my blog some of the things I learned. These suggestions are not going to come easy for some, they will take practice..
This is the beginning.. The time is now. This is “Comforting Sense.”
#1 …taking time for yourself. (Time? I’m to busy. Where am I going to find time for me? ) The stressful cycle starts: you are too busy to nurture yourself, but without it your life threatens to become one boring and stressful day after another.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Are you doing what you want? Are you getting what you need? Are you loving and caring for yourself?
Everyone needs balance. Start with Relaxing, Take a break, Stop doing, sit, drop your shoulders, and breathe and be still. Start with 15 minutes a day. You may have to get up earlier, commit to finding the time…ideally ½ hour would be better..plan a whole day to do what you want.
Taking time off allows you to be more efficient when you return to doing whatever you were doing.
Relaxation is not a treat. It is necessary for your physical and emotional health. If you value your time and set limits on what you do for others, others will value your time and treat you with respect.
Remember : Before you can take good care of others you have to take good care of yourself. Sometimes it is necessary to say NO! without justification, explanation or defending.

That Big Game!

I woke up this morning thinking about what I could say today in my blog...I don't know why my thoughts ran to Football, I do not watch the sport just because I do not understand a lot about of the game. I know it looks like it might hurt to play it, otherwise why do they wear those helmets and pads covering their bodies? but, For football fans, winter means only one thing: The Big Game and Sunday February 1st,2009 will be no exception. Arizona vs. Pittsburg. Will it matter which team wins? Some have never watched these teams play but I am sure in family rooms people will gather, the game will be on and when a touchdown is scored, or when a player gets hurt, cheers will ring out, and replays of that great or not so great play will be repeated over & over until the next. That’s another thing about sports I do not understand …why so many repeats. Isn’t once or twice enough? But It is a wonderful time to do what people love to do ..Eat, drink and be happy.

Sadly I do know that statistics show that this Game day is the biggest day for Domestic Violence, and alcohol is one of the contributing factors and I know the beer companies will pay the price to advertise their brews . Oh, those great commercials, Some of those I do like, some are quite funny, but not for 3million dollars for a 30 second spot. Who said our country was in economic trouble? I have no doubt there will be many companies that will pay that too, along with some of the things I enjoy the Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Freito- Lay and other chip companies as well.
I do not mean to be so negative on this subject, I just do not understand the hype. I think a lot of other people maybe think like I do with so many people out of work, and our country is in this horrible state. On a brighter side, I suppose for some it boosts their moral to think that we are lucky to have what we have and Just think, Monday February 2nd starts a new week and for those who care…its Ground Hog Day…but do I hear Cheers and Celebration plans?