Bugs in my belly

This is a night for me to go to bed early. I've got bugs in my belly or what some Doctors here are calling it the Kentucky Flu. It has kept me awake most of the night with abdominal cramps. So..I am going to bed early.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

END

Social Security

Today, I, like millions of older Americans, recived a notice in the mail, stating that there would be no increase in our benefits. Well, most of us were expecting that since way last summer. The reason for the stagnate cost of living raises is the claim that there was/is no inflation. No inflation? No inflation for Congress, the Senate and government employees, that is.

How does the government explain away the raising cost of gasoline, food, housing, utilities, breathing carbon dioxide, and all the "little" taxes that will be added for the privilege of existing on planet Earth? No...no inflation of note because the banks are not lending out money. That does keep people from spending money and the "cost of living" down and stagnate, doesn't it?

It doesn't really. It just keeps most Americans poor and getting poorer. Two houses on my street have went into foreclosure and some are empty or for sale. We don't have inflation...yet...because there isn't any money. For now, the creative accounting of your government, says "so sad, too bad."

And that' the way it goes. Everyone has seen road construction signs..."Your Taxes at Work." Now they can add this to your S. S. checks..."Your Taxes NOT at Work.

END

By the People

I am sleepy. I got up to early. At 6 A. M. it was pitch black out side and cold. I had to move my van so the tow truck could move my 1960 Nash. He was supposed to come at 7 A. M. He came at 1:30 P.M. Hours of waiting. Dang. So now I am tired.

Someone has said that I am anti-government. No, I am anti-corruption and legalized theft. We need government-good government. This country is too vast and varied to not have an honest a guiding government body for the cohesiveness of the states. If left to our own devices we would soon be strangling each other- AKA-also known as a feudal society. Like big families someone needs to steer the boat...or sit at the head of the table. Americans just don't want to drown in rules and regulations that weigh us down and steal our resources.

We still want a piece of the pie, the American Dream. We don't want the elitist Congress and Senate to pig out at feeding troth, hogging up that which is supposed to belong to the PEOPLE. We worked for it: We want it: We deserve it: We paid for it.

The elderly are supposed to be the recipients of the "new" health care package. Half of us will be gone before it goes into "effect." We will pay into it for the next 3 to 4 years, though. It probably will not be there when the time comes for the elderly to benefit from it. The money will be spent by Congress just like the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid funding...has been taken and used for other unfunded activities and agendas. Then they will want to "fix" it all over again.

What Congress really needed to do was to police the waste and thievery of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. OMG!, why would that make sense? Instead they have made these programs and funds their own little piggy bank....oink. Something smells in the pigsty. Maybe if the "Servants of the People" were to give up all the private "junkets and fact finding" trips abroad which are really their own little paid for vacations, there would be a little more change in the till. Maybe.

Oh, I could go on and on, but I won't. I'm too sleepy. Ah, if I were only younger...

END

Danger Will Roberson, Danger

Danger, Will Roberson! The Government no longer works for you. It works for itself. It is in the process of self perpetuation and growing and growing into the "Jolly Green Giant" of taxation, regulation and anti-Constitutionalism.

First it was the slow digestion of ethics, morality, then insidious undermining of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Government is greedy...amebic...paraseitic, feeding off the host bodies of it's citizens. Than came the orgy that we find American "Lawmakers" in, scarfing up financial food and letting the goodies run riot through the digestive tract and emitting feces out the other end-in your face, stupid, in your face.

Are you a Congressional Guardian, watching for the checks and balances that are rapidly eroding away? Are you a sentinel keeping watch through the night while the Controller of Congress push and pass edits(bills) in the dead of the night while you sleep? Remember the movie, "While You Were Sleeping" or "Sleeping in Seattle?" A lot of bad stuff can happen as you snore, bad dreams and "Nightmare on Pennsylvania Avenue.

((I started this post in the A. M. and intended to continue this afternoon. Upon watching Glenn Beck I decided that the show said it all, better than I can, could.))

Instead, I will again urge family and friends to stock up, add to your preparations, and save your change. If you have paper money use it now to pay off bills, buy the things you need, consider other modes of heat and power. Step it up...hop to it.

I have a kerosene heater so I will get kerosene. I have oil lamps so I will get more lamp oil. If you have a charcoal burner or barbecue, buy charcoal. If it is a gas bar-b-cue, then buy extra tanks, if you can afford to. Stock up on matches, lighters and warm cloths. 2010 may a year of wants and/or needs.

I just read a new report on food shortages for 2010 and later. I wish I could remember the link...if I find it again I will post it.

In this vein I am having my old Rambler worked on while I can. It needs new brakes all the way around, something I can't do. It is a standard shift and can be started with a push or a roll down an incline. It is a 6 cylinder flat head and very big inside and has a large trunk. You could sleep in the back seat if you had to. It looks like a tank, but I will have it ready "just in case."

You think crap only happens in the bathroom or in the outhouse in the back? Right now Americans have loose stools, but you know, you can poop yourself to death. WAKE UP STUPID, WAKE UP AMERICA, WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TP-TOILET PAPER! We are becoming the butt wipes of the NWO!!! You better be ready for what is coming!!!

END

Hunger in America

Americans are hungry. Americans thirst for honesty and truthfulness in government. Americans want jobs; good jobs. Americans want freedom back and the right exist without a corrupt Congress infringing on basic fundamental liberties as written The Constitution of The United States of America.

Americans don't want to "Go Postal" to regain what has been taken-stolen from the now and the future. Americans don't want to chant "Give me Liberty or Give Death," in the streets. We are the "Sleeping Giants." We want to lead by shinning example and not by the barrel of a gun. And we don't want a power mongering government to place a taxation bullet in our brains.

Americans want majority rule, not back room fixes, bribing and unconstitutional deals made by for agenda of a MINORITY, Reed and Polousie. Give a politician a vote to cast and he will cast away THE FOUR FREEDOMS.

Is it to late to take back our civil liberties and repair the damage done by a government that is on the verge of enslaving a country through Cap and Trade, Carbon Footprint taxes, Health Care taxes and all the itsy, bitsy taxes you can't see through the fog? Can we vote "The Bums" out of office before disgruntled "Son of Liberty" take to the streets? Lets hope so. Lets vote the rats out and maybe the will "abandon ship. There are two rats in particular that are eating a hole in the bottom of the ship. Where are the cats? Here Kitty, Kitty.

Americans are hungry for justice. Justice for all, rich or poor, red, white or blue. George Orwell, get thee hence-"1984" is upon us, late but present.

END.....forgive my spelling. The spellchecker does't catch everything.

The Day After

The weather has changed quickly, from above normal last night and this morning, to cold wind and rain. When I went out out on the back porch to get some white potatoes to cook with sweet potatoes and dressing, the back window steamed up. The back window is on a second storm door. There are three doors between me and the outside cold weather. It got chilly fast. I turned the heat up a notch.

I really didn't intend to cook today as I ate so much yesterday. Being a conservative, traditionalist, semi-prepper, that I am, I went ahead and cooked from some of my winter stock. So, I had a canned ham, sweet potato and white potato with dressing, more than enough for one.

I thought about taking "the day off" from blogging, but changed my mind. I am yawning and about to get up and move in order to get the blood flowing. The feeder that I had set up does not work, so after awhile I will delete it and try something else...after I get hot tea to stimulate my brain, that is.

END

Santa is on his way

I don't know old St. Nick will do in the rain that is forecast locally, but I'm sure he will get to all the places he intends to visit around the world. I think someone told me he uses a time warp gizmo that suspends our time as we know it and makes all his deliveries in his time. We don't notice that our time has been suspended and everything happens in the blink of an eye for us. I think I would like to have a gizmo's like that. Maybe I could get a lot more done a lot faster and-in the blink of an eye.

I went to a house party. There was no drinking, no smoking, lots of food and everyone had a good time. And that is the way it should be.

I took the hostess a bottle of home made wine; it was not opened, but saved for a later occasion, when there were no children about. No bad example to set before the little ones.

I ate too much; the food was good. Who can resist good food at Christmas? I did resist all the candy and pies and sugary drinks. What I did consume was well balanced and healthy for the most part, but very good.

Tonight I may just go to bed early instead of my usual midnight or later foray to the snuggle covers. It has been a long day, but a good day, and I am tired.

If I hear sleigh bells in the night I will know that Santa has made his appointed visits in spite of the rain.

END

Christmas 2009

I enjoy Christmas, but at the same time I will be glad when it is over. We have gotten far, far away from what Christmas is all about. It isn't about shopping, spending money and consumerism. It isn't about buying expensive gifts for people we hardly know. Gift giving is based on the premise of the Three Wise Man bearing gifts for the new born King.

We spend on wrapping paper that gets torn to shreds, ribbons and bows that soon find their way into the trash, toys that kids frequently break and destroy on Christmas morning.

Money well spent could go into a college fund for children, teaching to give rather that to receive. Something that is needed or lasting to will create a memory to cherish will

be of greater value in years to come.

When I was small we used to string popcorn and make chains out of colored paper and my mother would make stars out of the foil wrappers from cigarette packages. We had very little in the way of presents, but I remember those Christmases better than any others. Now, we live in a gimme, gimme society where all good things come from Wal Mart or other big stores and the card is king, not the new born King. We have forgotten, therefore we lose.

There is nothing wrong with giving or receiving on Christmas day. It is the spirit of the day that counts, not the number or size of the presents under the tree. The best gifts are the gifts of the heart. We have one grand day of fun and debt and than forget about the message until the bills arrive next year.

I finally got out and finished my little shopping chores. I spent about $20.00 replenishing some of the items I used up. I am glad it is done because tomorrow we are supposed to have heavy rain and thunderstorms. I am supposed to go to a small gathering tomorrow, also. I will take a bottle of homemade wine as a gift. Not expensive, but I put some work into it.

END

Angles Ever Watching

Do you believe in Angles? I do. I am sure they exist in this realm and watch over us as they as they did when they announced the imminent birth of a king. So, believe, and you shall see Angles, most usually in the form of an ordinary person doing good for others. But if you squeeze your eyes tight and say "I believe" three times you might see Big Mike(Michale) or Gab(Gabriel) hovering around in your peripheral vision when you open your eyes real fast. I hope you see them, for I am sure they are there. Ahh, there's one now.

Again, I didn't get everything done, but I scratched a few things off my list. I have yet to get groceries, but I will. I did stop of at the Chinese restaurant and had a late lunch. I have not indulged in spending much money in restaurants for a while, so I treated myself...besides, I was hungry.

I am seriously considering to cutting my postings down to twice a week. No one is really reading it with the exception of one or two people. The whole idea of blogging is to share and I get not feedback. Thinking.

There isn't much to write about that been hasn't been covered already. If I only blog twice a week maybe my blogging will be more interesting and someone might actually read them . What say you?

END

Peanut Butter Pie

I have been kind of lazy these past couple days. I didn't do anything I said I was going to do. I didn't go to the store to restock. I didn't get around to baking Quick Bread, either. Maybe tomorrow, while the weather is supposed to warm up before it cools down again.

I do have a simple recipe for you if you want to try it.

PEANUT BUTTER PIE

2 small packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

1/2 cup sugar

2 T. milk

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1 package Dream Whip

1 Graham Cracker crust

Cream Philadelphia cream with sugar.

Add milk and peanut butter.

Add dream Whip which has been prepared

as directed on the box.

Pour into Graham Cracker crust and chill.

It's pretty simple and you can't go wrong. You can add some of your favorite elements such as chocolate chips, raisins or even M&Ms. Kid like M&Ms. Make your own recipe.

Hopefully I will think of other things to write/post, but for now my brain is barren of ideas. It's ha rd to come up with something new every day.

END

Winter Invades

You can build a snowman in the winter. Yes, You can.

I have been busy eating cookies, yummy, good cookies. I think I will freeze some of them in order to "slow" myself down, otherwise I will turn into a fat, doughy cookie myself. I am well on the way as it is.

Now we are having some snow flurries and a little freezing rain. I am not going anywhere. I am staying in and watching all the Christmas movies on TV.

I am looking for a good "Quick Bread" recipe to try out. I have several to chose from, but have never baked any. If I find one that is simple and easy to bake I will see if I can bake one or two Quick Breads. If I like one/it I will post a recipe or two, but first I need to go to the store and get a few staple ingredients for baking. I used up all my sugar, milk, eggs, and yeast. So, if the weather is decent, I will go to the store on Monday. However, it looks like Mother Nature has stopped fooling around and teasing us frail, little humanoids and let winter in the front door.

I have a small sewing machine that I got from freecycle. I think I will finally try that out as well.
It has been in the van for about two weeks now: it's time to give it a whirl to see if it works.

I generally have a good supply of food/ingredients in the pantry because I don't like shopping in the cold, snow and ice. I stay in as much as possible and avoid Mother Natures little slicky tricks and pitfalls.

My posting reversed a paragraph, one of the weired things it does besides the cursor jumping all over the page. I will leave it as it is, but wonder if wi fi has anything to do with these oddities.

END

The Calender says...

The countdown is on. Only one week before Christmas. I'll bet every kid in the country is watching the days on the calender and scratching off each one.

I was semi-sick during the night. I think I simply ate too much from the party leftovers and didn't know when to quit..but it was good.

I spent some of the day trying to catch up on laundry. I have neglected my duties. I put through a load of dark, a load of white cloths and put them through the dryer. I still need to put sheets through, maybe tomorrow on Saturday..or Monday. At least I have clean cloths to wear.

I did some of the surveys that were mentioned to me. Now the phone keeps ringing, wanting me to buy this, that or sign up for various products that I really don't want. Live and learn.

We are supposed to have sleet/frozen rain tonight and the road crews are already out salting the highways. It is interesting that they now use salt treated with beat juice. It doesn't melt and run off as regular salt does. I wonder if the deer like it.

The guy across the street was in my yard trying to catch his dog. It got loose and was running circles around him in a happy doggy dither. He finally managed to corral Sparky on my back porch as pooch found a stray rib bone. The stray cat had ripped open my trash and pilfered anything edible and left me a mess to clean up. I missed the rib bone, but dandy dog didn't. That how he got caught, chomping away in doggy ecstasy. Never let a good old rib bone go to waste.

END

General Information and Havoc

Here is a photo of a small portion of the presents that the residents received at the party. The

rest were on a large rolling cart. They will also get presents provided by the home by the Sisters. The Sisters go around early to ask what they would like and sizes, if they get cloths. They make out pretty well.

I brought in the odds 'n ends left over from the party. There is still some soda on the front floor of the van, but I can get it tomorrow.

I fell asleep watching Glenn Beck again. I usually make it through about 3/4 of the show and then miss the last 15 minutes.

The ground is very cold and freezes at night, but I noticed some things green and growing when I took the trash out. Some of the things are lettuce and I think some radishes. If it dries out a little I will get out into the garden and get some lettuce. There isn't much, but it sure is green. Who would have guessed that there would still be some things still producing in this cold weather. That tells me I can plant a few things in March if the ground is soft in March.

There isn't much going on. I am still cleaning up from the mess I made when I was preparing for the party. I hope no one shows up and sees it before I restore the kitchen from the havoc I created. It is the result of having a small kitchen. So it goes.

END

Less than 1 1/2 week away

Here are a few more pictures from the party. One is of Sister Joesph in the middle of the group. She had them all singing and having a good time. Little Sister Catherine is bringing one of the residents to the party. One is of one of the ladies holding up one of her presents.

You can click on the photos to make them bigger if you wish. By the way, this home gets a 100 % rating each year.

I wish I had thought to take a shot of the "snack table" which they enjoyed heartily, and even a couple of the Sisters scarfed down a bit or two when no one was looking-sort of. Than, who could resist all that good stuff just waiting to be eaten.?

I was tired and slept late. The weather is really cold so I just snuggled under the covers and stayed there.

END

Done et done

The party is done and so am I. I have several pictures to post, but am really pooped. This photo is of Debbie passing out presents to the residents.

They ate well and got plenty of goodies.

The second photo is of Debbie and Lynn, another nurse who volunteered to come in and help us out.

I will post more tomorrow.

END

P. S. One photo did not show up, so this just Debbie.

PARTY TIME

I've been wrapping little presents for the elderly. We are giving them a small Christmas party tomorrow evening. Everyone gets something.

I boiled 2 1/2 dozen eggs for Deviled Eggs. Making Deviled Eggs is a cooking job I don't care for, but that is what they want, so that is they will get, along with lots of other snacks.

Tonight I will make a few cookies, Debbie is making Lemon Desert along with a bunch of other stuff. They are lucky, spoiled residents. Not all nursing home patients have it that good.

I am tired and expect to go to bed late tonight as I have stuff to do before I finish. As the Christmas party is tomorrow eve. I may not get a post /blog written, but will try.

The past two days have been spring-like-sweater weather. It is supposed to get colder and rainy, but not real bad.

Time to get busy again. END

P. S. I just finished baking spice cookies made from a spice cake mix. I used 3 eggs and just over
1/4 cup of oil. The cookies were very good. I ate 1 from each batch. It's just about 11:50-time for bed. Me

Wooden Soldiers

The weather has warmed up and is supposed to rain. The weather for the coming week is supposed to be above normal. I like the sound of that.

I thought I had Christmas wrapping paper left over from last year, but all I had was a few scraggly pieces. I ran out to the $1.00 store and got 3 roll and of course, a few other odds 'n ends.

For a poor economy there are a lot of people out shopping. Maybe they are just looking. I know the $1.00 store was very busy.

See the little nut crackers in the upper corner? I have them. I have not set up any kind of a tree: I really don't have much room for one, even a little one.

I am not posting a recipe this evening. I am about out of recipes. I think most cooks already have a lot of good recipes.

I will try to make some cookies with box cake mix. Pretty easy. One box of cake mix, 1/4 cup of oil, 2 eggs and you are good to go. You can add anything you like except your fingers. Keep those...you may need them.

I brought some more items in from the van. I found the walnuts that I had been looking for. I can use them in the next week or so. As usual, no post on Sunday.

END

My photos do not do the food justice. "The proof is in the pudding," as is said. I slopped up the oven slightly: I hope that doesn't show.


'This is a slight variation of the recipe I posted yesterday. Instead of using pie shells I poured the hamburger and vegetables into a baking dish and covered It with biscuit dough. The "yellow" on top is butter. It may not be a fancy dish or not well presented, but it sure was good. It was my late lunch...early supper. I have enough left over for a few more meals. On the plate you will see that I have a starch(biscuit), protein(hamburger), vegetable and a small side salad. Thus, I have a balanced meal.
It may not be as "pretty" as the cooking and presentations on Food Network, but it taste good to me and I know it is nutritious and that is what counts.

This is a fairly inexpensive dish to make and can feed several people or a small family a healthy meal. You can use the pie crust recipe. Or biscuit dough or a dumpling batter will cover the cooked ingredients. Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes. It also lends itself to many variations.

Believe it or not, I need to go shopping. I am out of tomato soup now and the lettuce is about gone. I need some more milk and radishes. Some things really can't store well.

I have read that fresh vegetables may be scarce this winter(rumor by bloggers) so I may pick up some more canned mixed vegetables, too.

I am plagued with the cursor jumping all over the page on my blog and over-writing the text. I am constantly "fixing" the post. I don't know why I have this problem.

It warmed up slightly and may be warmer tomorrow. I hope so.

END

Surfing Santa

Surfing Santa is enjoying the sun and sea while a lot of us are not. I have stayed as close to the furnace as I could get and turned on the little electric heater in the bathroom. My feet are cold anyway. It is already 19 degrees and falling. The weather man said we broke a record last night by 1 degree. I don't remember a December as cold as this December.

I am worried that the outside hydrant will freeze up and I will have to call a plumber. It did freeze up a couple years ago.

I finished of the barbecue ribs; they were really good. I got some hamburger out of the freezer to thaw out. I hope I...and you...thaw out, too.

I am posting a hamburger pot pie recipe that you may like.

HAMBURGER POT PIE

Onion Pastry(double crust)

2 cups sifted flour

3/4 cup of Crisco

1 teaspoon onion salt

1/4 cup cold water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees(for metal pie plate 425 degrees)

Sift flour before measuring. Spoon lightly into a nested 1 cup measuring cup and level without shaking down.Cut Crisco into flour with pastry blender or two knives until mixture is uniform. Mix onion salt and water: sprinkle on water a tablespoon at a time. Toss lightly with a fork. Work dough into a firm ball with your hands. Divide in half and form two flat circles. On a lightly floured surface roll out bottom crust until 1-1/2 inches larger than inverted pie plate. Cut a circle 1 inch lager than the inverted pie plate. Fold in half, lift dough into pie plate. Trim even with edge. Roll out top crust the same way. Add pie filling (recipe below) and cover with top crust. Trim 1/2 inc beyond the edge. Fold top crust under edge of bottom crust, seal and flute with fingers or fork. Cut slits in top crust. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

HAMBURGER PIE FILLING

1 tablespoon of Crisco

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 chopped onion

1 can (15-16 ounces) green beans, drained

(I prefer 1 can mixed vegetables)

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon of sugar

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon of oregano

1 can (10 ounces) tomato soup

In a skillet heat 1 tablespoon of Crisco. Add ground beef and onion. Cook just until meat is brown. Stir in green beans or mixed vegetables, soup and seasonings. Pour filling into onion pastry lined pie plate. Place top crust over pie filling and bakes as directed above.

If you use a less than lean ground meat, pour off any excess grease. Be sure to drain the vegetables as directed. You can use other meat in the filling, even spam. just be sure you "grind" it a bit.

I hope you try it and like it. It is a good budget streacher.

Berrrr.............................................THE END

Everything and a rant

Santa is basking in the sun somewhere: warmer than we are. He is relaxing, resting up before his big stint around the globe.

Very cold and windy in the State of Madness where I live, but only a few flurries now and then. Which is OK by me because I haven't got the snow shovel out of hibernation yet. Hibernation is what I am contemplating or maybe of

joining Ol' Santa.

I went to Evansville today. Debbie's got a "new" van to replace her demolished vehicle. The one she got has as all the whistles and bells and I think she got a pretty good deal on it.

I have been reading the blogs. They continue to decry the economy and the government. I think they are at least partially correct, maybe totally right. What I am sure of is that the elderly will be getting the short end of the stick, probably the end that is used to "stir the pot" with. I hope everyone has a lot of hand sanitizers.

Why do people complain about retired people getting Social Security? Don't they realize that retired workers paid into the system all their working years which is about forty years or more? Also, the retired people paid big bucks into medicare to make it "solvent" and Congress has robbed it blind, just as they have robbed the taxes taken from the sale of gasoline that was to be used for the roadways, bridges and infrastructure. We should have the best roads, highways and byways in the world. We don't. Just take an open road trip and see for yourselves. Don't blame the "entitlements" for the financial woes. Blame congress and big spending and The Government of the Pocketbook. Free and easy, as long as its the hand of the spendocratcs digging down in your pockets. Stay out of mine. After forty years of paying into the Bank of Congressional Looters, I don't get much from theses so called "entitlements."

Call it legalized crime or legalized looting or theft by protectionism of an increasingly corrupt government body that does not represent the people, only themselves in the most grass manners. They are the modern Robin Hoods, rob from the poor to enhance the rich, entranced thieves of the unholy American Sheriffs of Obama-ham.

Well, I have had my little rant. Maybe big brother will keep an eye on me...or maybe two eyes. So be it. THE END

Vans and tillers

FINALLY...the computer desk and hutch are finally in the house and set up. It isn't new, but it's new to me, and lots better than the old table I was using. When I get every thing restored and in order I will post a picture of it. That may take a few days.

It has poured rain all day and now there is a high wind warning up. I am sure it will head north east. Rain is OK, but the high winds for the next day can be a problem. And I have to be out in it tomorrow.

My trip to the eye doctor was good. Everything is stable and my eye pressure is good, also.

I continue to sneeze, but I am not sick, just allergic. If anyone were to hear me sneeze non-stop in public they might assume that I had piggy flue or a version of it. Nope, just a sensitive snout. Oink, oink.

There is just about 2 1/2 weeks left before Christmas. I hope everyone is in the spirit and there are no holiday vampires under the trees. Holiday Vampires suck the spirit and joy out of a room and anyone around the tree. Unlike in the movies, they are not entertaining or welcome.

Debbie, the friend that helped me out when I fractured my elbow, loaned her van to her son last night. No more van. He wrapped it around a street light. I guess it was not his fault, but how he comes out of these situations is a mystery to me. And expensive tribute to Mother hood for her. Nice van, gone van.Well, all things work out and she will get another van tomorrow, newer and better.

I found a supplier online where I may be able to get a carburetor for my Troy Tiller. I just have to wait a bit and save the money for it. Did I mention that when it came back from the "repair shop" last spring the carburetor was missing? It took 3 months to get...demand...the tiller to be returned, and when they finally brought it back they just left it out by the shed...and left. No carburetor. Had I noticed when it first came back there would have been H###l to pay. I just didn't go out to look and thought it was fixed...fixed it was. Yeah.

My arm is better than it was last year, far from perfect, but I think I can do a garden this spring. Give me back my garden arm, I say!!!

END

Grinch...that's me

NAUGHTY NICK.

The slab of ribs that I barbecued/ roasted turned out very good. I finished the sweet potatoes today. I still have ribs to eat for a couple of days. I wish everything I cooked turned out as well.

Tomorrow I go back to the eye doctor. It seems like a waste as I just recently had all the same tests done just a few weeks ago by the specialists across the mighty river. More co-pay to pay out.

We are getting closer to Christmas. I read a sad story in the paper about a family of four in need. They listed what they wanted for Christmas: a laptop, a cell phone, various other expensive items, someone to pay the rent and stuff that I can't afford myself. The photos in the paper was very contrived...sad looking and posed. Nowhere did they indicate they needed food, but "Mom" could use some new ear rings and perfume. Needless to say, there were 85 comments following the story. Almost everyone was negative in their comments. The family even wanted gift cards. They will probably get much of their list.

I know poverty. I know hunger in my early years. My mother would search the farm over looking for one egg. I have eaten hard, stale bread and was glad to get it. Poverty in America is nothing new, but the really suffering would have asked for food for the table or a chicken in the pot . I don't wish want, an empty stomach or a cold house on anyone, but if I were in dire circumstances my first priority would be food, home and hearth. Maybe I am being a Christmas Scrooge, but the story in the paper made many people disgusted, esp. when there are so many people in truly desperate situations.

We had a lite dusting this A. M. There is snow on the way. We either get little snow in the Ohio Valley or a lot of it. I don't want any of it. Kids like snow and a I ain't no kid no mo'.

END

He is coming....

Oh yeah, He is getting ready. Are you ready? Got the tree and decorations out? Better hurry up...time's a'wasting. Be sure you have milk and cookies on hand, preferably sugar free or low calorie. Santa's on a diet this year. Yup, he told me so. He said I should be, too. Hmmm.

What Santa didn't notice is that I have a slab of barbecued ribs in the oven and a sweet potatoe in the pressure cooker. It is starting to smell pretty aromatic...good, that is.

The sweet potatoe are from my garden. It was so big I had trouble cutting it. I finally wound up slamming a big knife through it several times. I like to live dangerously.

I think it is time to shut the oven off and let the residual heat do the rest.

MICROWAVE PEANUT BRITTLE

1 1/c. cocktail peanuts

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

pinch of salt

1 Tbs. margarine(butter)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda

Mix peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in glass mixing bowl. Cook 7-9 minutes on high: mixture should be bubbling and peanuts should be brown. Quickly stir in butter and vanilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes longer. Add baking soda and stir quickly; just until mixture is foamy. Pour immediately onto a greased baking sheet. Let it cool for 15 minutes or longer. Break up peanut brittle and store in an airtight container.

If this doesn't turn out well for you just send it to me and I will "test" it out for you.

I have been dipping into my supplies...stock...because its cold out there and I don't wanna go to the store until next spring. Ha!

Balmy 23 degrees

Balmy it isn't. Cold it is. I have been sneezing like a machine gun for three days. My sinuses have jumped the fence and are running away from me. I don't have a sinus infection. It must be a allergies and dry air. The furnace has been running flat out. Being inside and not getting outside for some clean, fresh air is the probable cause of my runny nose and constant sneezing.

I had intended to go out on the back porch and bring in some white potatoes to cook, but I put it off. And I hope I put enough anti-freeze into the "old" car because they predict that tomorrow will be even colder...below normal for this time of the year and this part of the country...brrrr.

I really should get started on wrapping little presents, but I have begun a new paperback, and you know what that leads to. All reading and no action. I am a heavy duty reader.

Since it is the season for indulgences I offer the following indulgence.

NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

2. cups peanut butter

2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

12 ounces of chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons margarine

Mix peanut butter, sugar, 1/2 cup margarine, crackers and vanilla. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips and 2 Tablespoons of margarine together. Pour over bottom layer. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Cut into squares. Enjoy.

Pretty easy, peanut butter is good for you, just don't eat too much(I will)!!

Ti's the season to eat "folly." LOA"s

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Christmas is looming

How do you like my tree?

It's definitely December. Its cold. Its windy. Its gray. Snow flurries, maybe.

There isn't much going on. I ate all my TG leftovers. I have read two paperbacks. I have another to start, and one to burn. Burning books in 2009? Personal censorship on my part.

I have no idea if my blogs are going through. No one comments one way or another. I wish someone would let me know if theses postings are going out.

I went to the $1.00 store and picked up a few more goodies for the residents. I have a bad habit of eating some of the goodies I buy and then I have to get more.

There is a stray cat that lives under my house. I see it and hear it. I can't take take in because it gave me a good infection way back. Maybe it will keep other things at bay/away.

I am thinking of making some dumplings in the very near future and some homemade bread, as well. I got a regular loaf of bread out of the freezer and decided it had too much sugar in it. I won't waste it, but I don't like it.

I am thinking I will have a canned ham for Christmas with all the trimmings, of course. As I have stated, I love the Holy-day traditions. I may even buy myself a present...wouldn't that be funny!

I put anti-freeze into the "old car" today. I wasn't sure I could get get the hood up. My arm isn't strong, but I did get it done. As it is going down into the 20's overnight I didn't want the block to freeze up and crack. The Nash is 50 yrs. old now. I would love to win the lottery and have it restored...oh, well.

PBS is running a Christmas special, so I think I will end here and go get absorbed in that.

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P. S. That is the easiest tree I ever "set up."

Home made water bottle

I like Coffee Mate. I just hate to throw away the container. The container is pretty sturdy plastic with a good closing top. When I finish a container I strip the label off. It comes off fairly easily. I rinse/wash out the container and fill it with fresh water. I now have a cheap water bottle in the fridge. When or if it needs replacement I just repeat the process. I like the size of my new "water bottle." It didn't cost anything extra and did not wind up in the landfill until it was no longer usable. If I want to, I can attach a cord and carry it out into the garden. If it gets lost, there is no loss to me.

It has been raining all day so I stayed in again. I carried the trash out for pick up and got my feet wet. I went to the van and carried in a few items and got slightly wet again. Well, rain makes everything grow...Maybe I will get taller?

I am enjoying a stress headache due to a stressful phone call. I know my B/P has shot up. If I could solve the problems of the world I would be known as "Saint Problem Solver." Thus, I am venting.

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HOPE

Hope. Advent. Christmas. Tradition. I am for all of that. I do like holy-days. I may put up my little tree soon. I have Nutcracker Soldiers to put around somewhere. That isn't what it is all about , is it? All the trappings and trimming are symbols and reminders of something greater. The birth of a baby that grew to manhood and changed the thinking of the world.

What are your traditions and symbols of the Christmas season? For so many it is just about having time off, having fun, traveling or being with family and friends. All that is good: just don't forget the message of Christmas or the Jewish holy days and observances. Just don't forget what it is all about.

The TV is gone. I put it on Freecycle and people jumped for it. I only had one...I wish I had more to give out.

I finally got out and went to the store and got milk and coffee creamer. I also go buttermilk. For some reason I like buttermilk while others say, "yuk..nasty."

Tonight is another Obama TV extravaganza. I am watching the Discovery channel instead. Much more informative and entertaining. Can you believe he preempted Charlie Brown, a long tradition of TV fare for kids of all sizes and ages? Shall we rename Obama "President Grinch?" What's he putting in your stocking this year? Or has he cut the toes out of the socks so that anything that goes in falls right out again, and then some. He is cutting a big hole in the stockings of the elderly just for starts. A nation is judged by how it cares for its children and its elderly.

I picked up a few more items for the elderly. I have to start wrapping the little gifts soon as there is only 24 days left. I need to have this task done before the last minute. I hate wrapping gifts. I am not good at it and this year will be harder than last years. 'Cause last year, I couldn't wrap anything and someone else had to do it. This year I have no excuse, do I?

I will go back out to the one dollar store to get a few more things. The elderly love candy and goodies. Me too. Oh, that's right...I forgot...I'm elderly too, now. Well, like darn!!*#*#

So, what's under your tree? Besides a lump of coal...and don't forget...this is coal country!!!

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