The hubby and I went out and about today..........running a few errands. We had planned to go out of town today, but decided 100 degrees is a little too hot for an overnight trip to Canton. Instead we ran errands and stopped for lunch at Taco Cabana. We hadn't eaten there in years and decided to give it a try once again. We both are trying to watch our calories, but decided that since we have been so good, we would just get what we wanted. So I wanted flautas, not just an order of flautas, but a plate of flautas. Yes, with sour cream and guacomole, and two sides, black beans (because I am watching the calories) and rice. Then I hear this from the old gent behind me. "I'll have a soft beef taco." "You are eating light today, sir?" I didn't hear the rest of the conversation because my ears were steaming.
I couldn't believe that he order one thing. We got settled down to wait for our food.........well my food. I asked him why he only got that one thing. I still didn't hear what he said for I was still fuming. I wanted to hurt him, hit him, actually wanted to do him bodily harm. In fact, I might have punched his arm. How could he have so much will power? Folks, he does this all the time. It is like "Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean" at our house.
But
you
know
what?????
Tonight I opened the trash can and I found a Krispy Creme donut box. I couldn't believe it. People, if you order a donut you will not get a box, if you order two you will not get a box, if you order three you will not get a box, if you order four you will not get a box, if you order five you will not get a box. But, if you order six, you get a box. He had six donuts. He ate them all. Yesterday, he went out and while he was out, he ate a chocolate fried pie for lunch. That, I knew about. The donuts......no he didn't tell me about those, but I found out.
Here I was feeling ever so guilty that I had supersized my lunch today while he had ONE taco, thinking he was all goodness and light. He had will power. There I was, beating myself up and the old gent was out in the car stuffing his face with donuts. Nope, he never offered me a crumb.
See what I have to put up with. I will keep him.
I love you.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Do Not Save the Best Till Last
Eating my tomato tonight, I realized I was saving the best till last. I was sorting and eating each slice according to how juicy and meaty it was, saving the best center slice till the last bite. Remember Mom doing that? She would save the best part of any food till her last bites. She'd eat the cake and save the icing till last. Cherries out of Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream would pile up till the last delicious cherry bite. You get my point......almost every food has one bite that is better than the others. Save it to last............maybe not.
Maybe you ought to question your strategy when your brother-in-law grabs the heart of your watermelon slice. Yes, that happened to mom when she was first married and she told us that story many times. She had eaten all around the heart of her watermelon, sorting through all the seeds until the heart was exposed and ready to eat. My jokster uncle just walked by and grabbed it and it was gone! In a flash, it was gone! Down the gullet, it was gone!
The moral of the story is do not save the best till last.
I love you.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Get That Rabbit
Rabbit, squirrel??? There is nothing that will make a pseudo gardener madder than finding a half eaten tomato in her garden. I love my tomatoes and my blood was boiliing when I saw this ugly sight.
See that little watermelon. We have at least seven little melons the size of canteloupes. I sure hope they make it. The boys are excited to see watermelons actually growing. I will share pictures if we actually have a watermelon to eat.
And this is a picture of our little garden. We only decided to even put a few things out at the last minute. Most have their gardens in by March. We waited till late April, but now I am happy that we tried. In the foreground, left you can see our little watermelon plants. The flower pods on the right are garlic. In the back you can see my tomato plants. The zucchini is to the right of the tomatoes, cucumbers just beyond the zucchini. Jalapeno plants in there somewhere. The the left of those containers are 5 20 foot rows of okra which really needs to grow before they will produce. Oh, the containers have tomato plants, too. They are terrible and should be taken out. Oh, off to the right is a lot of weeds. Come over and pull some. Get that rabbit.
I love you! Hope you are enjoying some fresh produce. Nothing better.
Monday, June 25, 2012
A Few Summer Loves
Last few posts were very nostalgic for me so tonight I am going to lighten it up a bit. This is just trivia and a few things I love about summer.
1. Frozen strawberries - Wash berries, stem, and dry. Put them in a freezer bag and pull out a few for breakfast. Let them thaw 20 minutes and they will be just right for eating. Taste like a slushy.
2. Watching my grandsons play in the sprinkler and helping them dry off. Their wet eyelashes are adorable.
3. Cold Coke over crushed ice. Having one now.
4. Swimming - If I could get the hubby to agree, I would have a swimming pool. Loved swimming since our camping days. Actually, I loved laying on a raft in the water.
5. Summer rain showers. The air smells incredible. Had a nice one last week.
6. Movies at the movie theater. Cool, dark theater, coke snuck in the purse, and theater popcorn; what could be better.
7. Farmer's market - You folks still working might not know that there are great markets during the week.
8. 4th of July ! * ! * - I will have a blog totally devoted to the 4th of July in a few days.
9. Falls Creek - the highlight of my summer as a child.
10. Camping - Sadly we don't camp anymore. Sad
11. Red River - now has taken the place of camping. When it is 105 here, it will be 75 there. This year they are having a heat wave and it was 85 there today.
12. Homemade Ice Cream - Braum's or Blue Bell can't compete. Haven't made any in 5 years. Maybe this year. Rhonda's Buttered Pecan is the best.
13. Snowcones - Always cherry. The best ones are in Meadville, MS. Ask for extra cream. In fact, just open a can of sweetened condensed milk and pour over snowcone.
14. Sandals - I love sandals. Back in the day when I actually worked, my feet would hurt all the time. Couldn't wait till summer so my dogs could rest.
15. Drive-In movies - Now this is different from number 6. Remember drive-in movies in the 60s. I was on a double-date in 1966 and we were at the Prague Drive-in. "Shenandoah" was playing, long movie, and we had to leave before it finished because my curfew was 10:30. I don't even know what to say about that, but feel sorry for me.
16. Pedicures - Love them and don't get them during the winter. The dogs have to look good in the sandals.
17. Sun hats - I love them. I look silly, but I love them.
18. Watermelon - Seriously my favorite summertime treat. Even more than corn.
19. Tanning - Don't do that anymore, but I love to tan. Nothing more relaxing than laying by a pool enjoying the rays. Of course when you are near the pool, you can just jump in to cool off.
20. Bruschetta or anything with basil; Caprese Salad. Maybe tomorrow.
21. Going on a summer vacation - Now that we are retired we don't vacation during the summer as we did when the kids were with us. I miss that. I miss seeing all the families enjoying the hotel pool and wondering where they are headed. I miss my kids during the summer.
Memory about the kids - and you thought I wouldn't have a sentimental memory tonight. Once during the summer, a local radio station was having a promotion at the MWC Arby's for breakfast. If you came to Arby's that day, they would give the kids a promotional item (probably a mug) and get a free ham and cheese croissant sandwich, my son's favorite (probably still is). The kids looked so cute, Steven about 7, Shawna about 4. A customer came up to us and told me how cute my kids were and how neat they looked. I used to iron the kids clothes, even their t-shirts. I don't think I will ever forget that sweet woman and the fact that she stopped to compliment my children.
I love you guys.
1. Frozen strawberries - Wash berries, stem, and dry. Put them in a freezer bag and pull out a few for breakfast. Let them thaw 20 minutes and they will be just right for eating. Taste like a slushy.
2. Watching my grandsons play in the sprinkler and helping them dry off. Their wet eyelashes are adorable.
3. Cold Coke over crushed ice. Having one now.
4. Swimming - If I could get the hubby to agree, I would have a swimming pool. Loved swimming since our camping days. Actually, I loved laying on a raft in the water.
5. Summer rain showers. The air smells incredible. Had a nice one last week.
6. Movies at the movie theater. Cool, dark theater, coke snuck in the purse, and theater popcorn; what could be better.
7. Farmer's market - You folks still working might not know that there are great markets during the week.
8. 4th of July ! * ! * - I will have a blog totally devoted to the 4th of July in a few days.
9. Falls Creek - the highlight of my summer as a child.
10. Camping - Sadly we don't camp anymore. Sad
11. Red River - now has taken the place of camping. When it is 105 here, it will be 75 there. This year they are having a heat wave and it was 85 there today.
12. Homemade Ice Cream - Braum's or Blue Bell can't compete. Haven't made any in 5 years. Maybe this year. Rhonda's Buttered Pecan is the best.
13. Snowcones - Always cherry. The best ones are in Meadville, MS. Ask for extra cream. In fact, just open a can of sweetened condensed milk and pour over snowcone.
14. Sandals - I love sandals. Back in the day when I actually worked, my feet would hurt all the time. Couldn't wait till summer so my dogs could rest.
15. Drive-In movies - Now this is different from number 6. Remember drive-in movies in the 60s. I was on a double-date in 1966 and we were at the Prague Drive-in. "Shenandoah" was playing, long movie, and we had to leave before it finished because my curfew was 10:30. I don't even know what to say about that, but feel sorry for me.
16. Pedicures - Love them and don't get them during the winter. The dogs have to look good in the sandals.
17. Sun hats - I love them. I look silly, but I love them.
18. Watermelon - Seriously my favorite summertime treat. Even more than corn.
19. Tanning - Don't do that anymore, but I love to tan. Nothing more relaxing than laying by a pool enjoying the rays. Of course when you are near the pool, you can just jump in to cool off.
20. Bruschetta or anything with basil; Caprese Salad. Maybe tomorrow.
21. Going on a summer vacation - Now that we are retired we don't vacation during the summer as we did when the kids were with us. I miss that. I miss seeing all the families enjoying the hotel pool and wondering where they are headed. I miss my kids during the summer.
Memory about the kids - and you thought I wouldn't have a sentimental memory tonight. Once during the summer, a local radio station was having a promotion at the MWC Arby's for breakfast. If you came to Arby's that day, they would give the kids a promotional item (probably a mug) and get a free ham and cheese croissant sandwich, my son's favorite (probably still is). The kids looked so cute, Steven about 7, Shawna about 4. A customer came up to us and told me how cute my kids were and how neat they looked. I used to iron the kids clothes, even their t-shirts. I don't think I will ever forget that sweet woman and the fact that she stopped to compliment my children.
I love you guys.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
There Were Definitely Some Oinking Sounds Going On
After John's comment to yesterday's publication, I have to write just a tad more about our corn feast. He was not exaggerating when he said he never saw so much corn consumed. You can't even imagine how many ears we had to cook. So much corn that we had to boil it in mom's huge canner. Think about it, there were 12 adults and no telling how many children back then. Let's see..........maybe 8 kids. If R. ate 22 and the rest of the adults averaged 5 - that is 77 ears of corn on the cob. Then the kids.....maybe a couple each, but then some only ate one so let's give them a break and say a dozen ears. That is 89 ears!!!! Something like 8 dozen. Holy smokes guys............89 EARS. And don't you guys start telling me that the rest of us did not average 5 ears a piece. You know you ate that much. I know for a fact that I ate more than 5. I bet we each had our own stick of butter, too, for nobody would let go of their corn long enough to pass it. No wonder dad had to plant 5 acres at a time. He needed three acres just for lunch that day. Hubby says that even the Donor party would have backed off when they saw us eating corn.
Do you remember the time mom had the lid setting on top of the canner so the corn would heat up faster and the lid blew off and hit the ceiling? I guess it was setting tighter on the canner than we thought. Remember? Somebody might have seriously gotten hurt that time.
Do you remember that corn was all over us - head to toe. Remember how good it felt to get those wet, corn shucking clothes off? We had to change the kids, too, for we were all just filthy with corn silks, dirt, and pollen from the stalks. Even though mom had an air conditioner in the south window in the kitchen, it was still hot so we'd change into our shorts. By the time we got home, corn bits would be stuck to our legs like glue...........corn bits on your glasses.........corn bits in our hair.
Remembering cleaning mom's kitchen afterwards? We'd have to wipe down all the cabinets, the countertops, the stove, the refrigerator, the freezer, and mop the floor. I know we still left her a mess. No telling how many times she had to mop that kitchen that next week.
There was definitely some oinking sounds going on, but as John said, it was fun.
I love you guys.
Do you remember the time mom had the lid setting on top of the canner so the corn would heat up faster and the lid blew off and hit the ceiling? I guess it was setting tighter on the canner than we thought. Remember? Somebody might have seriously gotten hurt that time.
Do you remember that corn was all over us - head to toe. Remember how good it felt to get those wet, corn shucking clothes off? We had to change the kids, too, for we were all just filthy with corn silks, dirt, and pollen from the stalks. Even though mom had an air conditioner in the south window in the kitchen, it was still hot so we'd change into our shorts. By the time we got home, corn bits would be stuck to our legs like glue...........corn bits on your glasses.........corn bits in our hair.
Remembering cleaning mom's kitchen afterwards? We'd have to wipe down all the cabinets, the countertops, the stove, the refrigerator, the freezer, and mop the floor. I know we still left her a mess. No telling how many times she had to mop that kitchen that next week.
There was definitely some oinking sounds going on, but as John said, it was fun.
I love you guys.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
The Great Dawkins Pigout
Hello everybody. We had fresh corn-on-the-cob tonight and I could not help but remember the good old days when we would all get together at Mom and Dad's house to shuck corn. I know all my nieces and my one lone nephew will remember those days. It usually was around the 4th of July and one particular time it actually was on the 4th.
As soon as the first car drove down the drive, dad would be raring to go. It didn't matter whether all of us were there or not, he was headed to the field. He'd take the old pickup, not the new one. Remember that kids. That old dirty thing that was only used in the field. Remember we could pile in that one with mud caked to our knees because there was already an inch of dirt on the mats. We would pile in the back with whatever buckets we could find around the place, throw on our long sleeved shirts (itchy), and head to the field. Remember how the corn was wet with early morning dew and remember how wet our jeans and shirts were by the time we got back to the house? We'd start at one end and each take a row and start breaking the ears from the stalk. It was nasty, dirty work, but we knew what golden bits of goodness awaited us. When our buckets were full, we'd dump the corn in the back of the pickup and head back to the row to get more until we had gotten it all.
Daddy would back the pickup under the tree next to the fence in the back yard. We were as close to the cow lot as we could get so we could throw the shucks over the fence for the cows, but we were close enough to the house to easily walk back and forth. The adults would whack off the end and hand them to you kids so you could shuck, too. We just couldn't trust you with a butcher knife when you were little, but you sure wanted to participate. Can we trust you with a knife these days?
Once we got a pan full, mom would head to the house to start heating the water and usually one of us girls went with her and take the littlest grandchild, usually one in arms. Mom would rinse the corn out under the faucet just off the porch before she headed inside with the corn. When the water was hot enough, she'd blanch them. In other words, put them in hot water until they brightened just a little bit. Then quickly she'd take them out and plunge them in ice cold water to stop the cooking process. For a month mom would save milk cartons and anything else that would hold water to freeze for the great corn feast. It really took a lot of ice and even then, it was never enough. It was very important to mom that the water be icy cold, but the ice would melt so fast when we put in the corn. We would have both sides of the sink filled with water and ice. We'd dump the hot corn on one side and quickly move it to the other to finish the cooling process. Then as one side melted, we would switch sides and put the hot corn on that side and then move it to the other fresh water and ice. Then we would move it to the dish drainer so that the water would drain off.
We had an assembly line going on in the house, but outside the shucking continued. As more and more corn was shucked then more of us girls were needed in the house. The men were left to continue shucking while we girls started stripping the corn from the cob. As a bowl would fill, then we would fill freezer bags and stash them in the freezer. Girls, remember the white melmac cup that mom used to scoop the corn into the bags?
We'd stop for lunch which consisted of corn, corn, and more corn, tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes and maybe a few cucumbers. That was it!!! If anybody wanted something else, they were out of luck. Now I don't want to brag or anything, but there was a time when I actually ate 14 ears of corn in one setting. My brother ate two more than me. Think about that folks. I am sure I looked pregnant after that meal and probably sick all afternoon. Oh, but it was good. It still is, but now days I restrain myself.
The Great Dawkins Pigout - that is what my hubby calls it. We never have fresh corn without remembering. We talked about our jobs, told secrets, discussed our summer plans, what we were going to do on the 4th, complained about our kids, told jokes, and basically solved the world's problems under that old tree. Those talks under that old tree may be why we siblings continue to enjoy each others company and perhaps why we take a trip together now and again. We are setting under that old tree again. Wouldn't it be nice to relive that whole day just one more time? The Great Dawkins Pigout.
I love you, all of you. We have a special family.
As soon as the first car drove down the drive, dad would be raring to go. It didn't matter whether all of us were there or not, he was headed to the field. He'd take the old pickup, not the new one. Remember that kids. That old dirty thing that was only used in the field. Remember we could pile in that one with mud caked to our knees because there was already an inch of dirt on the mats. We would pile in the back with whatever buckets we could find around the place, throw on our long sleeved shirts (itchy), and head to the field. Remember how the corn was wet with early morning dew and remember how wet our jeans and shirts were by the time we got back to the house? We'd start at one end and each take a row and start breaking the ears from the stalk. It was nasty, dirty work, but we knew what golden bits of goodness awaited us. When our buckets were full, we'd dump the corn in the back of the pickup and head back to the row to get more until we had gotten it all.
Daddy would back the pickup under the tree next to the fence in the back yard. We were as close to the cow lot as we could get so we could throw the shucks over the fence for the cows, but we were close enough to the house to easily walk back and forth. The adults would whack off the end and hand them to you kids so you could shuck, too. We just couldn't trust you with a butcher knife when you were little, but you sure wanted to participate. Can we trust you with a knife these days?
Once we got a pan full, mom would head to the house to start heating the water and usually one of us girls went with her and take the littlest grandchild, usually one in arms. Mom would rinse the corn out under the faucet just off the porch before she headed inside with the corn. When the water was hot enough, she'd blanch them. In other words, put them in hot water until they brightened just a little bit. Then quickly she'd take them out and plunge them in ice cold water to stop the cooking process. For a month mom would save milk cartons and anything else that would hold water to freeze for the great corn feast. It really took a lot of ice and even then, it was never enough. It was very important to mom that the water be icy cold, but the ice would melt so fast when we put in the corn. We would have both sides of the sink filled with water and ice. We'd dump the hot corn on one side and quickly move it to the other to finish the cooling process. Then as one side melted, we would switch sides and put the hot corn on that side and then move it to the other fresh water and ice. Then we would move it to the dish drainer so that the water would drain off.
We had an assembly line going on in the house, but outside the shucking continued. As more and more corn was shucked then more of us girls were needed in the house. The men were left to continue shucking while we girls started stripping the corn from the cob. As a bowl would fill, then we would fill freezer bags and stash them in the freezer. Girls, remember the white melmac cup that mom used to scoop the corn into the bags?
We'd stop for lunch which consisted of corn, corn, and more corn, tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes and maybe a few cucumbers. That was it!!! If anybody wanted something else, they were out of luck. Now I don't want to brag or anything, but there was a time when I actually ate 14 ears of corn in one setting. My brother ate two more than me. Think about that folks. I am sure I looked pregnant after that meal and probably sick all afternoon. Oh, but it was good. It still is, but now days I restrain myself.
The Great Dawkins Pigout - that is what my hubby calls it. We never have fresh corn without remembering. We talked about our jobs, told secrets, discussed our summer plans, what we were going to do on the 4th, complained about our kids, told jokes, and basically solved the world's problems under that old tree. Those talks under that old tree may be why we siblings continue to enjoy each others company and perhaps why we take a trip together now and again. We are setting under that old tree again. Wouldn't it be nice to relive that whole day just one more time? The Great Dawkins Pigout.
I love you, all of you. We have a special family.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Anybody Want to Go Somewhere?
I have been shopping like a mad woman this week so I must think I am going on vacation. Don't all women buy new things to take on a trip? Of course we do. Admit it. We buy all this stuff for a vacation where we will not see one soul that we know. Yes, we have this need to impress strangers.
**Today I bought a swimsuit coverup just in case we take a trip to see my sister with the pool (anybody ever see "Keeping up Appearances"? When she tells people about her sister, she says "my sister with the ponies". OK, not that funny - you'd have to see the show.) Yes, I will definitely need that coverup for that 30 foot walk from the back door to the pool. Wouldn't want anybody to see the legs. Do you think anyone will notice that I am wearing the coverup in the pool? I had my coverup stolen last year on the banks of Table Rock Lake. Who would do that?
**Then I bought a long crinkle skirt for the concert on the lawn of the Colorado resort that we might stay (I dream). I already have a black floppy hat and my Longenberger picnic basket. Gonna look cool! Need a bottle of wine and some cheese.
**I bought a peasant shirt so I could look all artsy when I go to Taos, and because this is the year I have attempted to recreate the hippie days which I missed the first time around. Oh I was old enough, I just wasn't open minded enough. I also may be wearing the hippie garb to cover the hips. Old age weight gain is not pretty.
**I bought two visors to wear when I am on that prestigious golf course in Colorado. What? You tell me there is no prestigious golf course in Colorado? OK then, I just won't golf. You think I will need a white tennis skirt to make people think I have just come from the courts?
**I had to buy some pink capris and a cute top and summer sweater for those cool nights at Red River.
**And I could not pass up a bottle or two of nail polish. Yes, I bought myself a bottle of baby blue polish. I have never had blue toes, but I am going to try it is just a little while. I think this little walk on the wild side might go hand in hand with the long crinkle skirt. I missed out on so much.
So tonight I set here with all my new goodies and try to make excuses as to why I went on a shopping spree. The fact is I just loved what I bought and have no vacation plans, but I am going to be ready in case the car leaves the garage. They used to tell me that Grandma Dawkins would be in the car whenever it left the place. I must be my grandma's granddaughter because I am the same way. Hey, I think the five of us girls should go to New York City. Or maybe just a trip to Dallas so that we could all buy the same flip flops and then take a picture of our feet. I might even give you a pedicure. Anybody want to go somewhere????
I love you.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Quiet Please
A day or two ago, I mentioned how loud the crickets were out here, but Sunday morning not one cricket was chirping. We were having our usual breakfast of oatmeal and turkey bacon on the front porch when we realized how exceptionally quiet the morning was. The early morning air was cool, and the wind was almost non-existent with only a slight breeze now and then. Not one car drove down our street in the hour we were enjoying our perfect Sunday morning.
Although we are kind of isolated out here, often we can hear the interstate traffic, but I guess the atmospheric conditions kept the noise to a low level. I just made that up. I have no idea why we hear the traffic more sometimes than others. I had forgotten just how quiet country living can be which was the norm for me as a child. We lived at least a quarter mile off the main road which happened to be named the Moccasin Trail....I kid you not! There was not much traffic on those dusty roads and most of the time there was nothing but the sound of birds chirping, a dog barking in the distance, or perhaps a cow mooing. Oh of course, you might hear one of us five kids fussing or whining, the TV blaring, or when I was a teenager, my ever present transistor radio. For the most part it was quiet.
Don't you miss quiet? Do you ever long to go to a restaurant and not be right up to a table of 25 revelers who seem to think they are in their home? How about that piped in music that you can only hear when you get up to go to the ladies room? Why have music when you can hear it? What purpose is that? And then don't you hate it when someones phone will ring and they talk louder on it than they do to the person at the table with them. Do they not realize how sensitive the phone mic is? Really, people we do not want to hear your conversation. In fact, let's just turn the phone off before you enter the restaurant. Oops, I just realized I have gotten off subject.
OK, I will get off the soapbox...........for today at least.
Memory: This has nothing to do with anything about this post, but writing about the Moccasin Trail brought this memory. On one of the trips to Mom and Dad's house one evening, we came upon a bunch of beer bottles. Not just a piled up bunch of beer bottles, no, a line of beer bottles. Not just a line of beer bottles; two lines of beer bottles. Yes, a line of beer bottles, beer cans, and liquor bottles of every sort lined up 18 inches apart on either side of the road for at least a hundred yards...a football field length. I kid you not. True story. Now how long do you think it took to line up beer bottles for a hundred yard. Times that by two; both sides of the roads, remember. Wonder if they were drunk when they did this.
I love you. Quiet please.
Although we are kind of isolated out here, often we can hear the interstate traffic, but I guess the atmospheric conditions kept the noise to a low level. I just made that up. I have no idea why we hear the traffic more sometimes than others. I had forgotten just how quiet country living can be which was the norm for me as a child. We lived at least a quarter mile off the main road which happened to be named the Moccasin Trail....I kid you not! There was not much traffic on those dusty roads and most of the time there was nothing but the sound of birds chirping, a dog barking in the distance, or perhaps a cow mooing. Oh of course, you might hear one of us five kids fussing or whining, the TV blaring, or when I was a teenager, my ever present transistor radio. For the most part it was quiet.
Don't you miss quiet? Do you ever long to go to a restaurant and not be right up to a table of 25 revelers who seem to think they are in their home? How about that piped in music that you can only hear when you get up to go to the ladies room? Why have music when you can hear it? What purpose is that? And then don't you hate it when someones phone will ring and they talk louder on it than they do to the person at the table with them. Do they not realize how sensitive the phone mic is? Really, people we do not want to hear your conversation. In fact, let's just turn the phone off before you enter the restaurant. Oops, I just realized I have gotten off subject.
OK, I will get off the soapbox...........for today at least.
Memory: This has nothing to do with anything about this post, but writing about the Moccasin Trail brought this memory. On one of the trips to Mom and Dad's house one evening, we came upon a bunch of beer bottles. Not just a piled up bunch of beer bottles, no, a line of beer bottles. Not just a line of beer bottles; two lines of beer bottles. Yes, a line of beer bottles, beer cans, and liquor bottles of every sort lined up 18 inches apart on either side of the road for at least a hundred yards...a football field length. I kid you not. True story. Now how long do you think it took to line up beer bottles for a hundred yard. Times that by two; both sides of the roads, remember. Wonder if they were drunk when they did this.
I love you. Quiet please.
Enjoy Life - Go On Vacation
When I haven't been on a vacation in a while, I need "that vacation feeling". Let me explain. When I need "that vacation feeling" we head to Denny's for breakfast. It has to be Denny's on the interstate. No other breakfast joint will do. Silly as it is, I know there must be people there who have pulled off the interstate to have breakfast on their way somewhere, anywhere, on vacation, and I am going to live vicariously through them. I am sure there must be someone heading to California, or Williamsburg, or Dollywood, or Little Rock, or the Grand Canyon. We head off to Denny's for a little early morning people watching. Where are they going?
We took a vacation Saturday, but this time it wasn't at Denny's. Our early Saturday morning started at the Farmer's Market, then it was on to Duncan Donuts. I had a cup of joe and a pretty good breakfast sandwich and people watched. The whole time we were there, there was a line of people out the door; all sorts of people, those with bed heads, those in biking gear, the families with sleepy kids, the elderly man just wanting his coffee, the young married couple who were headed out for a day of play, the young business woman, the retired couples just like us, and the tattooed man who didn't have a square inch of skin uninked except for his face. We then headed over to Will Rogers Park. The roses and flowers were in bloom and the morning was perfect for "smelling the roses". All the things we did that Saturday morning are things we would have done in another "vacation" city and we enjoyed them right here in OKC.
I tell you this story to impress on you that vacation can be a state of mind. It is a renewing of your spirit. You don't have to spend lots of money searching the world for the greatest sights, museums, and treasures. Oh yes, these are wonderful, too, but a vacation can be a breakfast outside on your patio. It can be a breakfast at Denny's. It can be a visit to the local museum. It can be a walk in the park. It can be a movie in a movie theater. It can be a walk around the block with your loves. Enjoy life........go on vacation.
I love you.
We took a vacation Saturday, but this time it wasn't at Denny's. Our early Saturday morning started at the Farmer's Market, then it was on to Duncan Donuts. I had a cup of joe and a pretty good breakfast sandwich and people watched. The whole time we were there, there was a line of people out the door; all sorts of people, those with bed heads, those in biking gear, the families with sleepy kids, the elderly man just wanting his coffee, the young married couple who were headed out for a day of play, the young business woman, the retired couples just like us, and the tattooed man who didn't have a square inch of skin uninked except for his face. We then headed over to Will Rogers Park. The roses and flowers were in bloom and the morning was perfect for "smelling the roses". All the things we did that Saturday morning are things we would have done in another "vacation" city and we enjoyed them right here in OKC.
I tell you this story to impress on you that vacation can be a state of mind. It is a renewing of your spirit. You don't have to spend lots of money searching the world for the greatest sights, museums, and treasures. Oh yes, these are wonderful, too, but a vacation can be a breakfast outside on your patio. It can be a breakfast at Denny's. It can be a visit to the local museum. It can be a walk in the park. It can be a movie in a movie theater. It can be a walk around the block with your loves. Enjoy life........go on vacation.
I love you.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
My Daddy, My Defender
Have you ever noticed the night sounds? Frogs, crickets, etc. Out where we live, these sounds can be quite loud, and tonight they are singing at their Ethel Merman best. Sometimes I wish times were different so we could sleep outside without worry or fear.
50 years ago when we were camping, I don't remember having a fear in the world about sleeping under the stars; lulled to sleep with those loud Ethel Merman crickets. In my family's early camping days, we did not have a tent and made the best of sleeping 7 people on four cots right under the starry heavens. Here is how we did it. One sister would sleep on the front seat of the car, one sister on the back, and one between the seats. You might think the one between the seats would be uncomfortable, but Mom put lots of blankets on either side of the hump to make it level. The doors on one side of the car was locked, the other doors were open and the light button taped off. Mom would sleep with her cot between the front and back door and I would be on a cot at the back door. Daddy and my brother would each have cots nearby. We made do and we made fun.
It has only been in the last few years that I learned that although we roughed it and slept under the stars, Daddy slept with a hatchet under his pillow. While we slept without fear under the stars, Daddy was prepared. My daddy, the defender of our family.
My daddy, my defender. I love you.
50 years ago when we were camping, I don't remember having a fear in the world about sleeping under the stars; lulled to sleep with those loud Ethel Merman crickets. In my family's early camping days, we did not have a tent and made the best of sleeping 7 people on four cots right under the starry heavens. Here is how we did it. One sister would sleep on the front seat of the car, one sister on the back, and one between the seats. You might think the one between the seats would be uncomfortable, but Mom put lots of blankets on either side of the hump to make it level. The doors on one side of the car was locked, the other doors were open and the light button taped off. Mom would sleep with her cot between the front and back door and I would be on a cot at the back door. Daddy and my brother would each have cots nearby. We made do and we made fun.
It has only been in the last few years that I learned that although we roughed it and slept under the stars, Daddy slept with a hatchet under his pillow. While we slept without fear under the stars, Daddy was prepared. My daddy, the defender of our family.
My daddy, my defender. I love you.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
R E S P ..... E C T
Aretha.....oh what a great song.
Well RESP...ECT is what I'd like to have. Yesterday, I was at my local grocery store where a woman was passing out deli samples. There were about 8 or 9 things to try, all covered by plastic lids. I came by and she asked me if I would like to try something. I said, "Yes, thanks. I would like to try the Hearts of Palm Salad and the Thai Chicken Salad." She said, "I am not going to give you the Thai Chicken Salad until you finish the Palm Salad." I was shocked. I was embarrassed. I felt like I was 8 years old running up there to grab samples with not a parent in sight.
I discussed this with the hubby when I got home and we both agreed that we feel like we are at the age when we deserve a little respect. We are kind, we are outstanding citizens, we dress neatly, we are well-groomed, we have made our way in life, and now we have money to buy each of those salads. By the way, she did finally give me the second sample after I thanked her for the first one (after I finished it, of course) and started to leave the area. Yes, I would have bought each of those salads because they were really good; however, I was upset that she treated me with what I felt was disrespect. At that point I was not going to buy a thing from the deli. (That'll teach her.)
We have had a few episodes like the one yesterday in the last couple of months and not about food samples. Episodes where we feel disrespected. Maybe it is a sign of the times, maybe we look like shop lifters, maybe we don't look a serious buyer, or maybe this is the way elders have been treated all along and we are just now "that" age and are noticing it more. Maybe they don't know how much money we really have!!! We'll boycott. That'll teach 'em. The reality of it is, she really could care less if I buy those salads.
Just on my little soap box today. Needing a little Aretha.
I love you.
Well RESP...ECT is what I'd like to have. Yesterday, I was at my local grocery store where a woman was passing out deli samples. There were about 8 or 9 things to try, all covered by plastic lids. I came by and she asked me if I would like to try something. I said, "Yes, thanks. I would like to try the Hearts of Palm Salad and the Thai Chicken Salad." She said, "I am not going to give you the Thai Chicken Salad until you finish the Palm Salad." I was shocked. I was embarrassed. I felt like I was 8 years old running up there to grab samples with not a parent in sight.
I discussed this with the hubby when I got home and we both agreed that we feel like we are at the age when we deserve a little respect. We are kind, we are outstanding citizens, we dress neatly, we are well-groomed, we have made our way in life, and now we have money to buy each of those salads. By the way, she did finally give me the second sample after I thanked her for the first one (after I finished it, of course) and started to leave the area. Yes, I would have bought each of those salads because they were really good; however, I was upset that she treated me with what I felt was disrespect. At that point I was not going to buy a thing from the deli. (That'll teach her.)
We have had a few episodes like the one yesterday in the last couple of months and not about food samples. Episodes where we feel disrespected. Maybe it is a sign of the times, maybe we look like shop lifters, maybe we don't look a serious buyer, or maybe this is the way elders have been treated all along and we are just now "that" age and are noticing it more. Maybe they don't know how much money we really have!!! We'll boycott. That'll teach 'em. The reality of it is, she really could care less if I buy those salads.
Just on my little soap box today. Needing a little Aretha.
I love you.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Green Beans
I went home this afternoon, not in a physical sense, but in an emotional sense. My mind wandered right back to that couch way out in the country, right to Rt. 1, Box 208, Prague, OK. Green beans....that is what took me there..........I was 10 years old. This afternoon I sat right here on my own couch snapping the ends of fresh green beans when I realized I was snapping them just like Mom did. Remember how she'd snap the ends to make sure there were no bad spots and hold them in her left hand until she would get a handful? Remember that kids? When she would get a handful she would pass them over to one of us kids. I remembered us fussing over who would get the next handful of beans. It was our job to break them into pieces which was a lot of fun until we were old enough to know we were working!!!
I remember coming home from Vacation Bible School (VBS and green beans - always at the same time) and mom heading straight out to pick beans which if you have ever done this, is back breaking. I don't know how she did it. She would teach at VBS, go out and pick beans in the noon day sun, snap them, and can the rest of the afternoon, fix a hot meal to have ready when daddy came home, work outside with daddy until dark, and then make sure she was prepared for VBS the next day. I don't think I have ever in my life worked as hard as my mother did on any given day.
I have such sweet memories of canning green beans with mom. I remember the kids (I was the oldest so all my siblings are "the kids") comparing their bowl of beans to see who had snapped the most. I remember washing the jars. I remember putting the washed jars in boiling water and holding them there until they were needed. I remember fitting the funnel over the jars and stuffing beans in them. I remember pouring the hot water over the beans. I remember placing the jars in the pressure canner. I also remember being scared to death that the canner would blow up. Never did!! The best memory is hearing that distinctive plop when the jars sealed. If you have ever canned, that plop means success. I heard dozens of plops back then....we had lots of kids!
So tonight we enjoyed new potatoes and green beans with a side of nostalgia. Try them. Cook fresh green beans with fresh onions and a bit of garlic. Add a slice or two of bacon and cook for a while. Add small unpeeled new potatoes and cook until done. Add in a couple of memories and you will be set.
I love you guys.
I remember coming home from Vacation Bible School (VBS and green beans - always at the same time) and mom heading straight out to pick beans which if you have ever done this, is back breaking. I don't know how she did it. She would teach at VBS, go out and pick beans in the noon day sun, snap them, and can the rest of the afternoon, fix a hot meal to have ready when daddy came home, work outside with daddy until dark, and then make sure she was prepared for VBS the next day. I don't think I have ever in my life worked as hard as my mother did on any given day.
I have such sweet memories of canning green beans with mom. I remember the kids (I was the oldest so all my siblings are "the kids") comparing their bowl of beans to see who had snapped the most. I remember washing the jars. I remember putting the washed jars in boiling water and holding them there until they were needed. I remember fitting the funnel over the jars and stuffing beans in them. I remember pouring the hot water over the beans. I remember placing the jars in the pressure canner. I also remember being scared to death that the canner would blow up. Never did!! The best memory is hearing that distinctive plop when the jars sealed. If you have ever canned, that plop means success. I heard dozens of plops back then....we had lots of kids!
So tonight we enjoyed new potatoes and green beans with a side of nostalgia. Try them. Cook fresh green beans with fresh onions and a bit of garlic. Add a slice or two of bacon and cook for a while. Add small unpeeled new potatoes and cook until done. Add in a couple of memories and you will be set.
I love you guys.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Grab the Broom
"Sure, we can go. What time? Oh, 6:30? Sure," I hear the hubby say.
"What?"
"They want to go eat and they are coming by to pick us up in 30 minutes."
And that is about the time all Billy Ned breaks loose. "Johnny, grab the vac....and oh, the bag needs to be changed. Yes, you have time. It stinks and if they come in later the room will smell rotten."
You'd be surprised how much housework can be done in 25 minutes. I had to allow myself 5 minutes for facial damage repair. At this point, a clean house is a lot more important than me looking good. I grabbed the broom, mopped the kitchen, swept the front porch for that all important first impression, and even windexed (yes, that is a verb) my front door and one window. I made sure everything was tidy in the bathroom and yanked the opaque shower curtain closed.....better hope they don't open it just for a sneak peak. Good thing I had cleaned the bathrooms yesterday. I am sure the hubby would have hated to see the old Billy Ned in me come out to clean the toilets in a panic. No time for dusting, just keep the lights down low and nobody can tell. Hubby straightened the coffee table and vacuumed the living room areas and I was ever so grateful and I didn't even have to yell or beg. A good man!
"They're here," he says as I come down the hall with my lips freshly glossed.
"How do I look?" I ask.
"You look great," he says. He knew just what to say......that comes with 40 years of marriage. They begin to know the right words after about the 14th year.
Memory: With an eight year age spread among five kids, there weren't many times when our house was clean and by that I mean that all toys were put away. Our house was never dirty for mom had her once a month top to bottom house cleaning days.......when is the last time you dusted above your door frames? As luck would have it.......and since we didn't have a telephone........we had unexpected CALIFORNIA company drive in. California company was something special because they all lived in mansions by the sea and grew oranges right outside their doors......I was ever so sure of that in my 10 year old mind. Mom and Dad greeted them at their car and by that time, I was in CONTROL. I knew what had to be done and I had four little ones afraid not to obey my orders. The house was a wreck.......a total wreck. I ordered them to put all their toys away QUICKLY. I grabbed the broom...no carpets and went into full throttle mode. We stuffed everything that was out, somewhere/anywhere...and that somewhere was under the skirt of the couch, under the cushions of the couch, or stuffed in a closet. In less than 10 minutes our house (living room/kitchen) was spotless.......out of sight, but they'd better not be looking under the couch! Our California visitors finally came in......couldn't stay outside all night, and Mom never let on that we had done anything to the house UNTIL after they left. She told us how proud she was of us.
Well, I still get in a frenzied way sometimes especially when I think someone might come over. My kids have finally confessed that when I was in my ZONE, they would warn each other to stay out of my way. They would hide out.......away from the crazy mom who was yelling orders to sweep the front porch, dust the piano, and grab the broom.
I love you. Regardless of how panicked I get, please come see me.
"What?"
"They want to go eat and they are coming by to pick us up in 30 minutes."
And that is about the time all Billy Ned breaks loose. "Johnny, grab the vac....and oh, the bag needs to be changed. Yes, you have time. It stinks and if they come in later the room will smell rotten."
You'd be surprised how much housework can be done in 25 minutes. I had to allow myself 5 minutes for facial damage repair. At this point, a clean house is a lot more important than me looking good. I grabbed the broom, mopped the kitchen, swept the front porch for that all important first impression, and even windexed (yes, that is a verb) my front door and one window. I made sure everything was tidy in the bathroom and yanked the opaque shower curtain closed.....better hope they don't open it just for a sneak peak. Good thing I had cleaned the bathrooms yesterday. I am sure the hubby would have hated to see the old Billy Ned in me come out to clean the toilets in a panic. No time for dusting, just keep the lights down low and nobody can tell. Hubby straightened the coffee table and vacuumed the living room areas and I was ever so grateful and I didn't even have to yell or beg. A good man!
"They're here," he says as I come down the hall with my lips freshly glossed.
"How do I look?" I ask.
"You look great," he says. He knew just what to say......that comes with 40 years of marriage. They begin to know the right words after about the 14th year.
Memory: With an eight year age spread among five kids, there weren't many times when our house was clean and by that I mean that all toys were put away. Our house was never dirty for mom had her once a month top to bottom house cleaning days.......when is the last time you dusted above your door frames? As luck would have it.......and since we didn't have a telephone........we had unexpected CALIFORNIA company drive in. California company was something special because they all lived in mansions by the sea and grew oranges right outside their doors......I was ever so sure of that in my 10 year old mind. Mom and Dad greeted them at their car and by that time, I was in CONTROL. I knew what had to be done and I had four little ones afraid not to obey my orders. The house was a wreck.......a total wreck. I ordered them to put all their toys away QUICKLY. I grabbed the broom...no carpets and went into full throttle mode. We stuffed everything that was out, somewhere/anywhere...and that somewhere was under the skirt of the couch, under the cushions of the couch, or stuffed in a closet. In less than 10 minutes our house (living room/kitchen) was spotless.......out of sight, but they'd better not be looking under the couch! Our California visitors finally came in......couldn't stay outside all night, and Mom never let on that we had done anything to the house UNTIL after they left. She told us how proud she was of us.
Well, I still get in a frenzied way sometimes especially when I think someone might come over. My kids have finally confessed that when I was in my ZONE, they would warn each other to stay out of my way. They would hide out.......away from the crazy mom who was yelling orders to sweep the front porch, dust the piano, and grab the broom.
I love you. Regardless of how panicked I get, please come see me.
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