Looking Through The Backyard Of My Life

The Open Road Always Calls Me.

2011-09-03T09:37:00.003-04:00

One of the most difficult things about going back to working for someone else is the restrictions on my time. I can't just take off on a road trip like I could before.

I still have a strong desire to someday RV as a lifestyle. I don't know if we will ever be able to afford it but I can dream about it. Meanwhile I live vicariously through the blogs of people who have managed to pull it off, hoping to pick up a few tips or ideas that might help me be better prepared to step into the lifestyle if and when the opportunity arrives.

I've noticed that many women are now traveling alone. That is encouraging to me because I think this may be more my dream than my husband's. I hope the time comes for us to do this together but I don't want to give up the dream if it doesn't.

Here are a few blogs that I've started reading that I enjoy: First is a new RV traveler Just Me and My Dog. She has been on the road since June of this year. Then there is Life On The Open Road. Diana has been a full timer for 10 years. Then there is a Southern girl, Susan at Beach Bummz.

I can spend hours reading about their adventures and following links off of their blogs. Sigh....maybe someday I can join them and write about my own adventurous journeys.

Pepper Is In Love

2010-11-05T21:15:00.002-04:00

With the swing.

When God Opens A Door I Say Walk Through It.

2009-08-30T17:18:00.006-04:00

Finding a job came out of the blue sky like lightening before a storm. It has been like a storm because things around here have changed and have been blown in new directions. What started out as a part time job very quickly became full time and is now possibly going to take another turn into something with much heavier responsibilities.

All this means just one thing here, and that is that I just don't have the time to keep this blog up and running right now. I don't think this will be a great loss to anyone except maybe my mom.

I'm going to leave this post up for a week or so and then I'll take the blog private. If and when I have time to post here I will. If you are interested in following what I do have time to write please email me and I will add you to the list.

It has been fun and I have enjoyed making a few friends here. Life is strange and the seasons of it change quickly. Maybe I'll be back someday or maybe not. I don't know right now. God bless and keep all of you and may you receive blessings abundantly from him.

With much love,

Picture: Doorway in Cataloochee Cove home taken by Carrie J. 2009

Barbeque Baked Beans

2009-07-06T18:27:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. We went to a cookout at a friend's house. Good food and good friends make for a wonderfull afternoon!

I signed up to bring the baked beans. I thought that I would share the recipe. There will be plenty more opportunities this summer to use this recipe. I will admit that I don't make my everyday baked beans as rich as these are. This is my "party hearty" recipe.

A long time ago I decided that the short cut of using canned pork and beans as a base for these worked just fine. It cuts down on the work and time.

Barbeque Baked Beans

1 2lb can pork and beans. I use whatever is the cheapest. When I'm cooking for a big crowd I use the 7 lb can of Showboat beans and increase the other ingredients accordingly.

1 cup brown sugar ( more or less to taste. More in my case! )

1 cup ketchup

1-2 tablespoons mustard

1 onion chopped

optional: bacon, at least 3 pieces, fried and chopped, or pieces of ham.

molasses, to drizzle over the top. I have used maple syrup with very good results.

Mix all ingredients, except molasses. Place in a pan, drizzle molasses over the top and bake 325 degrees for 1 and 1/2 - 2 hours. I usually cook mine in a 9x13 glass or metal pan which I have lined with foil to make the clean up easier.

I haven't met anybody yet who doesn't love these beans. They taste like you put lots of effort into them but they are really very easy.

New Roads. Changing Attitudes.

2009-06-26T21:43:00.007-04:00

My part time job has turned into a full time position. Starting last week I'm full time working 3:30pm-Midnight. I'm still working in our family business as well. My husband and son make most of our signs and I do the finishing work.

Getting back to working in an office has been interesting. I'd dreaded the office drama that always seems to be going on. It doesn't matter if you work for the best company in the world, there is always at least one, and usually more, person that just can't help but cause a little drama.

I've heard the typical "Just between you and me..." statements. I'm pretty good at tuning those out. I like to know who I can trust and who is trouble, but I want to find that out for myself. I don't like gossip and won't believe anything until I see it for myself.

When I was younger I always got betrayed or used because I trusted everyone much too quickly. That is one great thing that aging does for you; if you pay attention you can learn to read people and prevent a lot of personal disappointment.

But sometimes you just don't see it coming. Sometimes the people are so good at it that you would never believe that they would ever take a swipe at you.

Sigh...maybe I'm not as good at reading people as I thought I was.

To my credit, I did kind of have a suspicion, but I didn't want to believe it. Today I found out. During a meeting a lady who has treated me wonderfully since I have been here hit me with a left jab. I had forgotten to do something that I am supposed to do. Something that is important, but not earth shaking. But even so, I should have remembered.

She had seen it a few days ago but waited until she got in the meeting with our supervisor until she bothered to point it out. I guess to make herself look good to our supervisor. I think it is because our supervisor was praising some of my ideas earlier this week and I think it may have made her feel a little threatened. I don't know.

Twenty years ago I would have been very upset by it all. I'm surprised by the fact that all I feel is sorry for her. I'm sorry that she has so much fear that she would find comfort at another's expense and such a need to build her own self up.

I have to examine my own work, not in respect to what she has to say, or even my supervisor, but how I feel about it. The only person that I can blame is myself if things don't meet the standards that I set for myself. No one can make me a failure. Only I can do that.

Tennessee road nighttime and in the rain

The Times, They Are A Changing.

2009-06-05T09:59:00.004-04:00

This week I went on my first job interview since 1984. I got the job! It is a part time job as a receptionist and doing paperwork for an Senior citizen home care provider/assisted living facility.

It feels good to get back out into the "real" working world again. I've worked for myself for the past 25 years, and will continue to work in our business during the week.

The biggest challenge right now is to find a frugal way to build a professional wardrobe. Working at home and doing the type of work we do, my wardrobe consist of mainly blue jeans and tee shirts.

I've managed to find quite a few items on clearance at stores like Catos and have enough to get started with a basic mix and match black based wardrobe.

I haven't been around here much because we have been busy with so many things. My daughter has been here for 2 months. She leaves tomorrow.

My son was injured (dislocated knee, torn ligaments) while moving out of state and it has been very stressful for us to figure out how we can best help him. He is over 14 hours driving time from here and flying back and forth is out of the question. He is an adult and capable of handling most of the details himself but needs help getting around and finishing his move. I'm waiting for the details about his surgery to be finalized.

One thing is for certain: Life is always going to be a challenge. Sometimes it is very difficult to find something to be grateful for in the middle of the chaos. But it truly makes all the difference between living life or just merely existing and enduring to the end.

Pic: Roses in a small bowl. Special effects done in Photoscape.

What I Found Surfing: The Right Way To Package Bake Sale Goodies!

2009-05-16T20:10:00.006-04:00

Take a look at the FANTASTIC packaging that Lisa at Celebrating Creativity did on Banana bread for a bake sale. I would want to buy them all if I had been there. Lisa's blog is a really fun place full of great ideas. Tell her Carrie sent you.

Pic: Property of Lisa at Celebrating Creativity

Economic Times

2009-04-27T08:26:00.004-04:00

"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the small men by tearing down the big men.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling down the wage payer.

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatreds.

You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence.

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves"

attributed to Abraham Lincoln

Pic: Small town America. Hot Springs, NC.

I'm Still Here

2009-04-24T11:45:00.014-04:00

I'm still around, barely. I've been battling bronchitis for a few weeks now. I think I'm almost over it. My daughter is here for a couple of months before she starts her summer job. We went out of town for a few days at Easter. We have been having some repairs done to our house and I've been trying to finish some projects around here.

I haven't completely abandoned blogs. I try to check on the regulars as often as possible.

Here is a link to a wonderful post from Crafty Crow. She has links to some wonderful recycling projects that would keep the kids busy for hours. Hmmm....and maybe the adults too!

Pic: Navarre Beach Easter 2009, It was rainy and windy. I loved it.

AccuWeather: Arthritis Index

2009-03-26T14:45:00.008-04:00

I'm getting old. Shhhh....don't tell. One of the things that I'm having to deal with is stiffness and soreness in joints and muscles. I've noticed that the weather has a direct impact on how I'm going to wake up feeling. Something that I have found that is a wonderful help is the Arthritis Index that is part of the AccuWeather site.

I have the AccuWeather tool bar on my desktop. If we have any bad weather alerts there is a pop up that will alert me. I love it. I don't always have the TV or radio on but I usually check my mail a couple of times a day.

The Arthritis Index is something that I have just recently noticed. Below you can see a close up of the index on the AccuWeather site. and below you can read their description of the index.

From the AccuWeather site: The fact that weather has an effect on how arthritis is felt by its sufferers is well documented, with surveys showing as many as 93% of arthritis sufferers believing that weather affects their pain level, and 68% believing that weather severely affects their pain level.

Patients with arthritis often claim they can predict the weather, based upon their pain level, and a number of studies have been conducted to test this hypothesis. While these studies show that the effects of weather can vary from person to person, many show that arthritis pain is increased by a variety of weather factors, which may swell inflamed arthritic joints, stretching the inflamed joint lining and capsule, thereby increasing the pain of arthritis.

Among the types of weather that may increase joint sensitivity and arthritic pain are:

1. Changes in atmospheric pressure, especially falling pressure

2. Changes in temperature, especially lowering temperature

3. High or increasing relative or absolute humidity

4. Relatively low atmospheric pressure

5. Low temperatures

6. Precipitation

Arthritic pain can be especially severe when these conditions are combined, such as during chilly, damp weather when pressure is low and falling.

Now, AccuWeather has developed an index that combines all of the weather factors that may affect arthritis sufferers, and summarizes the most likely severity of weather-related arthritis pain in one easy-to-understand scale, from Low to Extreme. Available exclusively on AccuWeather.com, the AccuWeather Arthritis Index forecasts this level for each of the next several days, so arthritis sufferers can have advanced notice of when they are most likely to have increased pain, allowing them to take appropriate medication and to better plan activities.

What I Saw: Spring Blossoms

2009-03-19T12:20:00.003-04:00

What I Found Surfing: One Semester Spanish Love Song

2009-03-03T08:48:00.001-05:00

We are in the middle of a Spanish course at our house. It has been a struggle. I found this video that just cracked me up and thought I would share it.

What I Found Surfing: Online Pedometer

2009-02-26T09:46:00.004-05:00

Keep track of your miles as you walk across your state, or across America; and keep track of how many calories you burn

Picture: The road home on a foggy evening.

Recipes: Camp Stew and Country Eggplant Casserole

2009-02-20T21:39:00.009-05:00

I've been very scarce around here lately. I think I needed a break from blogging. But I'm back for now and I thought I would share a couple of recipes. They are simple to prepare and some of our favorites; just plain and simple down-home cooking.

Randy and I had lunch with his mother many years ago and she served this dish. We both loved it and she was gracious enough to share the recipe with me. Delicious.

Eggplant: Country Supper Style

1 medium or large eggplant, pared and cubed

butter or oil

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 Tablespoon finely chopped parsley

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Bread crumbs

Grated Cheese

Saute eggplant in butter (preferred) or oil for around 5 minutes or until it begins to look transparent.

Pour the eggplant into a buttered 9X13 casserole dish.

Saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter until it begins to turn yellow, add can diced tomatoes, parsley, sugar, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Sir and let come to a boil Pour over eggplant. Top with crumbs, dot with butter, and sprinkle cheese over all.

Bake 350 for 35 minutes or until bubbly.

Good served with a salad in the summer or with rolls or cornbread in the winter but either way, you need a gallon or so of Sweet Tea. Hmmmm...good.

Another favorite is Camp Stew. It is a dish that I believe originated in the south.

When I was growing up some of the churches in our area would sell Camp Stew as a fund raiser.

Brunswick Stew is a name I have heard used interchangeably but there are some differences. I think the main difference may be the addition of butter beans (Baby Limas) in some cases barbecue sauce is used instead of catsup.

The original recipes that I have found included such meats as rabbit, squirrel or even bear. Even though the recipe calls for beef and chicken.

I have substituted ground pork,turkey and even vegetarian meat substitutes. All have been well received. It is also just as good with only one type of meat instead of two.

We eat this several times a month during the winter. It is best served with a pan of hot cornbread.

Crock Pot Camp Stew

1 lb. ground beef

1 c. boiled or baked chicken, chopped.

1 medium chopped onion

2 cans cream style corn. ( I often just substitute a bag of frozen corn)

2 cans tomatoes, diced

1 can Baby Lima beans, optional

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 cup catsup

1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional

Brown and drain ground meat. Put everything in crock pot.

Stir and cook : High for 3 hours or Low for 6 hours

Use It Up.....And Make Something New

2009-02-04T07:49:00.007-05:00

I love the unique. I love something recycled to be useful. I love originality. I absolutely love this dress made out of the selvedges of fabric!

Jodie at Ric Rac makes the most awesome things out of the selvedges of fabric. She has a whole array of projects she has made. Wonderful inspiration for thinking outside the box when we attempt any project.

If you are looking for a new project, or just some inspiration to get started, Ellen at The Long Thread has put up a wonderful list of the top 100 tutorials of 2008 to help inspire you in 2009.

Photo property of Jodi at Ric Rac.

What I Saw: Monday Morning

2009-02-02T10:26:00.006-05:00

Woke up to this. Wind blowing. Snow flying. Mr. Weatherman, I want a refund on that forecast.

Sunday Musings: Life Outside Our Own

2009-02-01T22:25:00.008-05:00

I have nothing profound to say these days. Most days are filled with the mundane minutia that makes up our lives. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself and let myself start to think "poor me".

When I get that way, and if I'm lucky enough, someone will say something, or I will read something, that makes me hang my head realize how totally embarrassed I should be for being so ungrateful for the life I have. How very lucky I am to get up everyday and have things that I need to do, things that I do with very little effort on my part and no real discomfort.

Through Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer I got lucky. , She shared the story of Alicia at Posy Gets Cozy and the story of a horrific accident that she endured and the lessons she learned while she recovered:

"I had a vision about the world when I was there. It came to me one night as if a little door opened and I looked through and eavesdropped on the truth. I saw that the world was constantly falling apart, it was always in a state of little things always falling apart, and then there were these brigades of individual human angels, with kind eyes, apples and stitches, repairing, fixing, mending, patting, bandaging the wounds of the world, and putting it back together, piece by tiny piece."

The rest of her account can be read here.

What I Saw: How To Cross A Creek

2009-01-31T21:49:00.007-05:00

We have been in North Carolina on a business trip. Near Hot Springs I saw this cabin and an ingenious way that they have created to cross the creek to their house. They park near where I took this picture and board this little cart to cross over to where their house is located.

It was extremely cold yesterday and this morning. The wind was the problem. It was blowing incredibly hard and since we were around 4000 elevation it was much colder than the valley we live in. I was not quite prepared for how cold it would be. We went up to Blowing Rock attraction for just a few minutes this morning and after only about 10 minutes I felt like the ends of my fingers were frozen!

This is a picture of a mill near Banner Elk, just over the state line, in a little place called Trade.

I know these pictures are nothing compared to what others in the country have been dealing with this winter so far. I hate when we get ice in Tennessee. We don't get much and no one seems ready when we do.

Living On What You Make

2009-01-28T07:46:00.006-05:00

I read this post at fatwallet.com that I thought I would share. How often do we think that making more money would be the answer to all our financial problems?

But if you can't manage your money when you make $40,000 a year, you won't be able to at $400,000 a year. The principles are the same.

This is my favorite part of the post: "Luxuries get sampled and become necessities. And while the pleasures you get from the finer things in life are nice, the pain that you experience if you ever have to give them up becomes huge. It wasn't any one thing, it was a train of connected "upgrades" to our lifestyle. And if you let the upgrade train get away from you, you all of the sudden realize that you're struggling to pay for the ticket."

How true is that? Here is the beginning of the post and there is a link to the rest at the end. Enjoy.

"I didn't always make a lot of money. Nor did I come from a wealthy family. Nope, I started on the bottom rung, worked hard, waited patiently, and finally one day, I woke up, and all of the sudden realized I was finally making some decenet money. Not big shot, second-home, his-and-her-7-series driving money, but better than most of the population, and certainly better than any of my friends or family. Combine that with being married to a fellow college grad with her own professional job, and between the two of us, we pull in around $200k per year. And we're living paycheck to paycheck. Although this is an alternate name I created to hide the personal details from my usual login, I've been a regular FWF contributor for as long as I can remember. I've posted quite a bit here (I'm not one of the "biggies", but I have a good number of posts to my name, all with their fair share of green). I know all the conventional wisdom. I follow the Boglehead philosophy, know about how to allocate money, know all about the wonders of compound interest, and have read all the books. Tobias' Only Financial Guide You'll Ever Need? Check. Random Walk, check. Millionare Next Door, Your Money or Your Life, and even (sigh) Rich Dad Poor Dad, check check and check. How I got to where I am was both sobering and humbling, and I figured I'd tell the story just in case it might help anyone else. No sob story about medical expenses, divorce, or some scam business opportunity. Nope, my wife and I just let ourselves spend too much. No one to blame but us..."

The rest of this post and responses can be read here.

Elf Slipper Tutorial

2009-01-22T14:29:00.004-05:00

Check out this great tutorial at Maya Made for really cute Elf slippers. She does a great job explaining every step and the results are just too cute.

Pictures property of Maya Made

Free Cell Phone Directory Assistance

2009-01-21T00:05:00.005-05:00

I've been so busy this week, and because it is a money saving tip, I decided to let my Wednesday post double as my Frugal Friday tip. Works for me!

Most cell phone providers charge from $1.50 and up for directory assistance. Why pay that when Google has a service that provides the same information you get when dialing 411. At NO cost (except for any general calling fees associated with your phone). Simply dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (or 1-800-4664-411) from your phone. Here is a short video that describes the service.

Works for me! For more great tips check out Rocks in my Dryer. And for great money saving tips check out Crystal for her Frugal Friday tips.

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-01-14T13:25:00.003-05:00

Kathleen at Grosgrain makes the most adorable clothes. She also gives some of them away. This week it is an adorable top that my daughter would SO wear. It is worth the trip to her blog just to oooohhhh and ahhhh over the way cute clothes. If you happen to win one, all the better! The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

Picture is property of Kathleen at Grosgrain

Lazy Beyond Belief

2009-01-11T14:12:00.010-05:00

Maybe it is the weather. Maybe I'm getting old. I don't know. What I do know is that all I want to do is sleep. I want to curl up in my warmest, coziest pajamas and hibernate like a grizzly bear.

My family would have a very poor opinion of Mama bear sleeping the day away. I beat the mattress monster off and drag myself out of bed everyday. I really need to get some things done around here.

We are past our 39 days of H-E-double toothpicks. Counting cousins and Grandmas we have 7 birthdays and our anniversary between December 1 and January 8 and then my sister on the Jan 13. We even managed to survive Christmas and New Years.

Now it is time to settle back down to schoolwork, get the taxes done, go back to work in our business and get my house clean. I haven't even taken down the Christmas tree yet. Sigh.

The days already seem to be rushing past like a fast moving stream. 2008 was gone before I knew it and 2009 seems to be moving at the same speed.

I'll be posting soon. I've got some great new pictures to share. Thanks for all the sweet comments on my older post. I appreciate them all.

True Love

2009-01-06T15:25:00.013-05:00

Thirty years ago today these two young people got married.

Her family didn't want her to marry him.

His family didn't want him to marry her.

They didn't care.

They did it anyway.

I think they made the right choice. *******Carrie and Randy at Cades Cove*******

2009-01-01T21:59:00.003-05:00

2008-12-24T08:38:00.005-05:00

Hard Candy Christmas: Frugal, Wise, Or Am I Just Plain Cheap?

2008-12-19T11:24:00.016-05:00

Yesterday at the grocery store I listened to the cashier and the bagger talk about buying Christmas presents. "I've still got to buy presents for my husband's brother and his family. I don't know what I'm going to get them but I'll have to wait until I get my paycheck cashed."

To that the bagger replied, "My mom has put everything on her credit card. She will be fussing about it when the bill comes!" They both laughed and the cashier looked at me and said, "Well, I guess there is no way out, what are you going to do anyway? It's Christmas."

I smiled at her and said (What was I thinking? I should have just poked myself in the eye with a sharp stick!), "My family isn't giving gifts to each other this year that cost over $25. We don't have any little children . We decided that we just don't need anymore stuff. We only buy for our immediate family, not the extended family because they all live out of state and shipping is just too expensive. We would spend more on that than presents. "

She stopped dead in her tracks, mouth slightly open as she stared at me, "No presents over $25? None?" "None. We took a trip to see my daughter at Thanksgiving and we are using the money we would have spent on presents for paying debt and to increase our savings." She narrowed her eyes and grunted, "That doesn't sound like much fun. Don't you think ya'll will miss opening lots of presents on Christmas morning? I would hate that."

I replied that I didn't think that would be a problem as we had other things planned for the day and that just being together would be enough. I took a minute to try to explain how important it was to us to get out of debt and for our children to understand the concept of living a debt free life, not to mention learning to put the idea of having so much "stuff" in it's proper place.

I was met with nothing more than a look of annoyance and a muttered " Well, I guess so, but it sure doesn't sound like Christmas to me." As I walked away I think I heard the word cheap muttered by someone. I left the store feeling a little chastised to say the least. I loaded my groceries and on the drive home questioned our decision to forgo so many presents. Am I wrong? Is a Christmas without lots of presents somehow not Christmas at all? Am I indeed being "cheap"? Should I feel ashamed that I'm not loading the space under my tree with beautifully wrapped, put on the credit card, presents?

By the time I had reached home I had calmed down enough to answer the question with just one word. No.

Why should I be ashamed of living within my means? Who created the idea that spending money you don't have is a virtue? And why did I even have to think twice about it being one? Old habits die hard.

Somewhere along the way we have been made to think that we should identify our self worth with the stuff we possess. I want to change forever the way of thinking that says I need to be ashamed of not being able to afford something. I want to instill in my family the idea that saving for what you want, or just for a rainy day, is a virtue. Now that, that is a gift worth giving.

Beautiful Blogs: Junk Mail Gems

2008-12-14T15:18:00.004-05:00

Some people just seem to think in a different way than the rest of us. I love the blog Junk Mail Gems because Gretchen is one of those cool people. Right now she has some really cute recycling ideas for the holidays.

Dolls To Make

2008-12-12T19:28:00.002-05:00

There is still time to make one of these adorable dolls for your favorite little person. A handmade gift is a gift from the heart.

My Tree

2008-12-12T00:33:00.006-05:00

Clearance garlands bought 2 years ago for $2. Free chandelier crystals from my sister. Thrift store ornaments and a brand new 4.5 ft tree bought for $11.00 to replace the 7 ft one that I don't have room for this year. I love my little Christmas tree.

New Orleans: Graveyards

2008-12-08T18:56:00.011-05:00

New Orleans

2008-12-05T12:32:00.019-05:00

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in New Orleans with our daughter. We had a wonderful time. We saw so much it is hard to know what to post. I'll start with the St. Louis Cathedral. The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. People have been worshiping on this spot since 1718 and this building was completed in 1794. The cathedral faces Jackson Square where a statue of Andrew Jackson stands. Inside the cathedral is breathtaking. The murals are exquisite and the stained glass is fabulous. Even the gift shop is beautiful! Afterwards, we treated ourselves at the Cafe du Monde. The cafe opened in 1862 and is famous for it's cafe' au lait and French-style beignets. We did some shopping in the French Quarter and some more sight seeing. There are beautiful enclosed courtyards at the homes along Chartre street. It is interesting how many people live right in the middle of the all the businesses. New Orleans is a beautiful city full of interesting sights and people. I have more pictures to share., including some great ones of the local graveyards. We had a wonderful time.

The Sky May Or May Not Be Falling

2008-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

I think some people are born being a pessimist. The glass is always half empty. Everything in the world is preventing them from finding their way in life and trouble is right around the corner.

I've been there, done that, and got the tee shirt. I work everyday, every single day, to overcome it. I've driven my family crazy worrying about their safety, their happiness, their health. As crazy as I have driven them, I've driven myself even closer to the edge worrying about them, and worrying about things that may or may not happen in my own life.

I saw a funny sign the other day: "Don't tell me worry doesn't work. 98% of the things I worry about never happen.". That has to make you smile. There is humor in truth when you finally see it.

If you turn on your television, or radio, or surf the internet, or go anywhere in public, you hear the talk. The fear that the world as we know it is coming to an end. Maybe it is. Maybe it needs to. Maybe it is supposed to. All I know is that there is someone else in charge of things. He promised us a long time ago that he would take care of us, not forsake us, if we would just have faith.

Matthew 6: 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

What will happen tomorrow? I don't know. Will it be bad? Maybe. Maybe not. Am I going to worry? Probably. But I'm going to try hard to have faith that one who knows and cares for me is in charge. What happens is for my own good and no matter what, the sun will still rise.

Highlights

2008-11-18T09:08:00.008-05:00

Can you find these hidden pictures?

One of the things I loved as a child was Highlights magazine. My mother kept a subscription for awhile and I kept the old copies for years.

Some of my favorite memories are of curling up on the couch with Highlights. I would compare my own drawing skills with the ones of the kids who were lucky enough to get their pictures published, read the poems they wrote and try a few of my own. Goofus and Gallant never failed to teach me that manners always matter.

My favorite had to be the hidden pictures. I loved it because they made it hard enough that it was a challenge. Yes, there is a lot to be said for paper in hand when it comes to learning. But isn't it wonderful that almost anything you want can be found today through the wonders of the internet? I found one of my old favorites to share. Do me a favor, if you ever find those scissors, or that megaphone, let me know.

What I Saw: Fog At Midnight

2008-11-14T12:32:00.008-05:00

I could not sleep last night. I have been sick all week with a touch of the flu. My congestion got the best of me and I just could not get comfortable. Pepper decided that she needed to go out around midnight. I walked out onto our porch and into an eerie fog shrouded night. I thought it would be fun to try and capture a few shots while I waited on her. The technical aspects are poor but I just like the feel. The black and white one has a lonesome feel to it.

Beautiful Blogs: Polka Dot Pineapple

2008-11-10T17:23:00.005-05:00

Arlette at Polka Dot Pineapple makes the most beautiful pin cushions and other goodies. She sells these at craft shows. She is kind enough to put a tutorial for an adorable pin cushion on her blog. They are so cute and would make nice stocking stuffers for your favorite seamstress.

Picture property of Arlette at Polka Dot Pineapple

Recipe: Crumb Topped Fruit Pie

2008-11-06T10:01:00.009-05:00

This pie is so easy . It is great warm or cold, topped with whipped cream or ice cream. You can make it out of any fruit, but my favorite is apple.

For apple pie filling your need:

6 cups of peeled, cored and thinly sliced apples,

1/2/ to 3/4 cup sugar,

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

cinnamon or other preferred spices to taste

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.

In a large mixing bowl stir all dry ingredients together. Add the fruit and toss till the fruit is coated. Place in pie crust (I just use a deep dish, frozen crust) place a few dollops of butter or margarine ( I only use real butter) here and there on top of the filling. Top with crumb topping.

Crumb topping:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter

salt to taste

cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.

Combine flour and brown sugar. cut in butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle over filling. Cover edge with foil. Bake at 350 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-25 minutes more or till top is golden and fruit is tender.

After the pie cools some you can knock it up a notch by drizzling powdered sugar icing over the top. The ingredients are so easy:

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

milk or orange juice, about 2 teaspoons.

Mix the sugar, vanilla and mix in milk or juice 1 teaspoon at a time, adding a little more if necessary, till you get a drizzling consistency.

Drizzle across the pie. Serves 8. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to go to all the work to make 1 pie! I always double the recipe.

My oven is temperamental. I tend to leave the foil on for the full cooking time to prevent the crust from being over browned. This is a great fall dessert

Photo Taking Practice

2008-11-04T21:15:00.019-05:00

I took pictures this past week of my daughter's friend and her boyfriend. It was really great practice. I think you'll agree with me when I say, how in the world could I take a bad picture of these two? Look at those faces! They are just too cute! She has the most fabulous blue eyes! I keep plugging away. Focus is always an issue for me. I have a blind spot in one eye from a retina issue so I have a problem seeing clearly through the viewfinder. I need to work on learning to use my settings better and on getting the settings right manually. Overall, I'm fairly happy with the results.

What I Saw: Cove Lake

2008-11-03T08:09:00.006-05:00

We took a road trip this weekend to see fall colors. Cove Lake in LaFollette, Tennessee was our first stop.

What I Saw: Our Next Stop: Cumberland Gap, Tn.

2008-11-03T08:02:00.010-05:00

This gorgeous house is for sale. I love the colors. A haunted house? Perfect for a Halloween weekend.

What I Saw: Cumberland Gap: Take 2

2008-11-03T07:56:00.012-05:00

We bought a delicious milkshake here and sat at these cute tables to drink it. There is a cute antique shop in town. Everything is arranged by colors. Some fall color on the streets.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:12:00.005-04:00

Thriller a capella. Boredom or sheer genius? You decide! Have a fun Halloween and remember...don't eat too much candy! Leave some chocolate for the kiddos! My 16 year old's costume.

Photos

2008-10-23T08:22:00.011-04:00

My daughter and a friend asked me if I would take some pictures for them. They have known each other since kindergarten and wanted some good pictures together. We had a lot of fun and I had fun editing the pics and trying out some special effects.

What I Saw: East Tennessee Autumn

2008-10-19T21:01:00.006-04:00

This is my first attempt at making my very own video. I think it turned out pretty good. I'm posting this mostly for my daughter Laura, who is spending her first fall in New Orleans. Maybe she can share it with her roommate and show what a beautiful place she grew up. And it is for my extended family, who I hope will get to come up here some fall to enjoy the colors with me. Enjoy.

Bend Me, Fold Me, Anyway You Want Me

2008-10-12T08:05:00.002-04:00

What to reshape Joe Biden? Wish McCain would bend just a little? Have a little fun with this silliness.

Beautiful Blogs: Safely Gathered In

2008-10-04T13:25:00.005-04:00

I really like to be prepared for any emergency situation. When we lived in Alabama the power to our home was always going out. If we had any type of bad storm we had to be prepared to do without power for days. We installed a wood burning heater that had a cook top. Even though I didn't have to worry about stove top cooking I still was unable to bake anything.

When we moved into our home one of the things I made sure I bought was a gas stove so I would have a way to cook if the power were disrupted. My plan only worked halfway because the oven has an electronic ignition so I still can't bake anything if I don't have power.

I was very excited to find this tutorial from Safely Gathered In that shows how to make an oven out of a cardboard box! I will be getting the supplies together so I can have one of these on hand then next time we are without power.

Safely Gathered in is a blog all about personal and family prepardness. There is lots of great info for those who are looking to arm themselves against any disruption to their normal day to day life. It is a must read in my opinion. Check it out and tell them Carrie J sent you.

Pic: Bread and Olive Oil dip.

Beautiful Blogs: Heart Of A Servant

2008-10-03T08:53:00.004-04:00

I want to share this post by Carrie at Heart Of A Servant on the blessing of being uncomfortable.

Carrie's blog is an accounting of how her family is striving to live frugal, responsible and gluten free.

Check out her blog and tell her Carrie J sent you.

What I Saw: Carousels And Wedding Bells

2008-10-03T00:30:00.003-04:00

We went to the beautiful wedding of my friend's son this past weekend. I have known him since he was around 2 years old. It was wonderful to see him so happy. The wedding was held at the Knoxville Zoo. I had some reservations about the local when I saw the invitation but it proved to be lovely. Carousel rides were available and I took advantage. I can't remember when I had been on a carousel last. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We danced the night away and enjoyed the fellowship of good friends. I wish them a long and happy life full of as much love and fun as their wedding .

Frugal Fridays: Share the Bounty

2008-09-26T12:16:00.008-04:00

Canning, freezing and drying food are ways to preserve the abundance of your garden for the winter months. Not only does it provide delicious, nutritious food but it can save money. Especially if the food you preserve is free!

So far this season I have canned 36 pints of pears and dried about 30 lbs of potatoes. Right now I'm in the process of drying and canning apples, 24 pints and almost 2 gallons of dried apples so far. I have almost a bushel to go. All of this wonderful produce was given to me by good friends.

My Frugal Friday tip is to let family and friends know that you will be willing to take any extra produce off their hands.

Be willing to exchange some labor for the opportunity to receive it. Maybe there is an older person who can no longer can or preserve and would be happy to exchange the fruit from their apple trees for a dozen or so jars of canned fruit and apple butter. Maybe a busy mom would love to have someone pick pears from her tree in exchange for half of what you can or dry. If you are the one with the produce but no time to preserve it, approach a friend about preserving it for you in exchange for a share.

Check out Crystal's site for other Frugal Friday Tips.

This Video Makes Me Smile!

2008-09-23T01:32:00.003-04:00

What I Saw: Smoky Mountain Scenes September 2008

2008-09-22T14:06:00.003-04:00

Does anyone know what kind of bird this is in the pictures?

I'm Still Here

2008-09-15T08:14:00.006-04:00

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. I've been canning, freezing and dehydrating the last of the garden and produce that friends have been kind enough to give me. More is on the way today! I'll have pictures and a few recipes to share in a few days.

Meanwhile, here is a great freebie I found while surfing. Wee Wonderfuls is a very cool blog. Hillary is giving away a pattern for Christmas stockings that are adorable. So check it out.

Photo is property of Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls.

Recipe: Ratatouille

2008-09-01T08:59:00.006-04:00

Our garden has finally received a lot of rain this past week after several weeks with almost none. As a result the tomatoes are ripening and the zucchini is putting forth it's last efforts at a crop.

This past few days has been very stressful for me. Sending my daughter off to New Orleans just in time for the hurricane, worrying about car trouble she has had and wondering if she will even have a place to work after the hurricane passes has really taken a toll on me. I didn't realize how much until yesterday. I was totally wiped out and in need of some serious comfort food. It also needed to be easy to prepare and nutritious.

With all the tomatoes and zucchini available Ratatouille was the answer.

I love this recipe because after the chopping there is nothing much to do except open the oven and give it a stir now and again. It is great served over pasta, as a side dish or by itself with some garlic bread on the side.

I prefer all fresh ingredients but do substitute garlic powder and dried herbs for the fresh. You can also use canned tomatoes in a pinch

This recipe serves about 5-6. It is easy to double and you might want to because it is great as a leftover.

Ingredients:

1 eggplant, chopped

1 medium onion, sliced or chopped

2 medium zucchini, chopped

3 cloves garlic, diced or crushed, or about 3 teaspoons garlic powder

4-5 ripe tomatoes, chopped. ( or canned tomatoes)

1/3 c. olive oil

About 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar mixed into oil

1-2 teaspoons fresh herbs, I use oregano, thyme, and a little basil or about 1/2 teaspoon dried. I sometimes just use Italian seasoning mix.

seasoned salt to taste

pepper to taste

Stir everything together and put in a 9X13 pan. Bake uncovered at 350F for about 1 hour. Open the oven every 15 minutes or so and give it a good stir.

History Is Made

2008-08-29T13:21:00.004-04:00

I am finally jazzed about this election. John McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate has made this the most historic election ever in this country. We will have an African American president or a female vice president. Wow!

Photo Fun

2008-08-28T13:41:00.004-04:00

Laura left for New Orleans this morning. She will stay a few hours away with my mom until the storm passes. Tyler took this picture of us this morning before she left and I had some fun with some online photo editing programs.

Recipe: Cottage Cheese Rolls

2008-08-25T14:32:00.006-04:00

My oldest daughter has been home for a couple of weeks and is getting ready to move to New Orleans. We have been busy getting her ready to move and spending some quality time together.

I picked up around 2 bushels of pears that I have been canning. I'll have some recipes from that up probably next week. It has been a productive and fun couple of weeks.

I thought I would share another recipe that we enjoy. This is from Andrea's Recipes . I think is quite yummy.

Cottage Cheese Rolls

1 c. flour

dash salt

1 stick butter

Cut together until crumbly.

Add: 3/4 c. cottage cheese

Mix well.

Separate into 3 balls.

Roll each ball out into 8-10" circle.

Cut into wedges and roll like crescents.

Bake at 350' for 20-25 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Cottage cheese disappears and leaves a sweet, flaky roll.

Let me know if you like them.

Also I found a link to a page with lots of recipes for Spinach, Sprouts, Summer Squash, Sweet Potatoes and a few others that I thought everyone might enjoy. So check out the Veggie Venture for some great ideas.

Recipe: Poppy Seed Cake

2008-08-20T11:25:00.003-04:00

I think you will like this cake if you try it. Very tasty.

Ingredients:

1 yellow cake mix

1 cup water

1/2 cup oil

4 eggs

4 Tablespoons Poppy Seeds

Mix the ingredients together only adding one egg at a time. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes in a greased bundt pan. Let cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Just For Fun

2008-08-13T10:45:00.002-04:00

My husband and son are huge fans of parody. They especially enjoy Weird Al and we had the chance to see him in concert last summer. I was a huge Osmond fan back in the day. So when I saw this outtake of Weird Al's video "White and Nerdy" I cracked up. Donny is indeed "White and Nerdy" and embraces his image by poking fun at himself. Nerdy or not he is a talented man. I especially enjoy his performance in Joseph on Broadway. I thought I would share a little of both. Enjoy.

Beautiful Blogs: She Is Back!

2008-08-09T16:14:00.002-04:00

I am so happy to have found that Jewel has reopened her blog Eyes of Wonder! Her pictures are so peaceful and I love reading her accounts of their simple life. If you haven't been to her blog before be sure to have a look.

Grieving, Forgiving, Living

2008-08-09T16:07:00.007-04:00

Tribute to Maria

"We might have landed right on our face, but this foundation was solid. And it was there. We landed." Mary Beth Chapman

Summer Days: Recipes

2008-08-02T08:56:00.009-04:00

I've been a very bad blogger. I haven't been posting regularly enough to even justify doing this. My days have been filled with working in our business, working in my garden and working in my kitchen putting all the things from my garden away. I will go 4 or 5 days in a row without leaving our property. Even though I feel like I'm very busy it's been nice; life seems much simpler in someways.

I had a wonderful visit with Jesse last week. He helped us pick out a new computer . Our old one is close to 8 years old and I have resuscitated it several times. It has been relegated to a school computer and once I get a router an additional internet surfer.

I've been busy making Jams and Jellies and I thought I would share the two I like the best.

First there is Jalapeno jelly, one of our favorites. I decided to grow Jalapenos this year because my youngest son loves hot peppers. I haven't tried any other hot peppers fresh from the garden so I have nothing to compare them to, but these babies I'm growing are HOT! When I sliced them up I started coughing and my throat burned! I was concerned that the jelly would be too hot to eat. It was too late to turn back so I just had to take the chance. I will say that the jelly is perfect. Not too hot but with a bite at the end.

My favorite way to serve Pepper jelly is over cream cheese. At Christmas I have a tree shaped platter that I spread my cream cheese in. I then spread a layer of Pepper jelly over the cream cheese and serve with crackers. It is something that is easy to keep on hand in case unexpected guest drop by. Easy and delicious.

Also a note: The recipe called for 2 packs of pectin. I think next time I may try it with only 1 and see how it works. You might want to check it for yourself before you add the second pack.

Jalapeno Jelly: From the Ball Blue Book.

Makes 6 jelly jars.

3/4 lb Jalapeno peppers ( I used about 1/2 lb)

2 cups cider vinegar

6 cups sugar

2 pouches liquid pectin

Green food coloring, ( this is optional)

Be sure to wear gloves when handling the peppers. They will burn your skin. DO NOT touch your face or believe me you will be sorry.

Wash peppers and drain. Remove stems and seeds. Puree the peppers and a little of the vinegar in a blender or food processor . If I use the food processor I only put in about a tablespoon of vinegar.

Combine the rest of vinegar, peppers and sugar in large saucepot. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes, stir constantly.

Stir in pectin. Return to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary. If you like ad a few drops of food coloring. I added 4 drops to mine because I like it to look festive at Christmas.

Ladle into hot, sterilized jars, leave 1/4 space at jar top. Process 10 minutes in water bath canner.

The second recipe is for Tomato Jam. This is another family favorite and works great for tomatoes that are just a little too ripe to can or freeze.

This is delicious served with butter over hot homemade biscuits. Oh my! My mouth is watering!

Tomato Jam

Makes 6 Jelly Jars.

2 and 1/2 lbs tomatoes. About 5 cups.

2 lbs sugar

dash of salt (to taste)

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 box of Sure Jell

Peel and cut tomatoes into small pieces. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add lemon juice and Sure Jell. Bring to a full rolling boil, stir constantly. Add sugar and again bring to a full boil while stirring. Remove from heat, skim and place in sterilized jars. Process for 10 minutes in water bath.

Note: I meant to try this with liquid pectin and forgot to pick up an extra pack. I think it might work better. I used a product called Dutch Jell that I picked up at the Mennonite community. It is supposed to be a natural substitute for Sure Jell.

If you try these out be sure to let me know how you like them.

Birthday Surprise

2008-07-21T10:16:00.005-04:00

Today is my 50th birthday. I was feeling a little down. Not because I'm 50 but because I had to work. I was sitting working and chatting about gardening with Angie when Tyler, Randy and Juliana walked in and said "Mom, we have another present for you." I turned around and there stood Jesse! He flew in from San Antonio for my birthday. I was so surprised. I haven't seen him since last October so this is the best birthday present ever!

Pic: Mom and her boys.

Gardening

2008-07-16T09:36:00.006-04:00

I am so enjoying my garden this year. We are eating out of it every night. I'm learning 101 ways to cook Yellow squash and Zucchini. Last night it was grilled Zucchini and onion, with a little olive oil, garlic and spices, over tomato basil fettuccine served with a cucumber and tomato salad and cheese garlic bread. Yum. Best yet, the whole meal only cost about $1.25 for 3 people!

Angie and I have been talking about planting a fall garden. Swiss Chard is something that is recommended in this area. I don't know much about it as I have never eaten it. I need to stop by the farmers market and pick some up.

I found this really good post that I am posting a link to for Angie. It certainly sounds delicious and easy to grow.

Garden at Oconaluftee visitor center.

If I Were King ....

2008-07-08T08:44:00.010-04:00

I would put a ban on useless political coverage. Is anyone else as sick of the election as I am? Well, maybe not the election just the coverage of the election. While is is extremely important to know who has the best economic plan and what they plan to do about our education system, do we really need to know that pet owners prefer McCain to Obama?

Does it matter which potential First Lady has the best style, or should I say which has the best stylist picking out her clothes and trying to make us think they dressed themselves?

I am pretty sick of both the Democrats and Republicans right now. They are too busy fighting to get much of anything done. Can you imagine where we might be if they took all the time they spend skirmishing and put it into actually making a difference? I don't believe it will ever happen.

Maybe we should just open the backdoor and push them all out. Wouldn't that be nice!

We can replace them with people who know how to run things.

Meredith at Merchant Ships can be the Secretary of the Treasury. She will save us enough money to have the national debt payed off in 2 years flat. Hmmm...maybe The Office of Management and Budget would be better for her or better yet, a co- chair with Crystal at Money Saving Mom.

Patty at Morning Ramble can be the Secretary of Agriculture. She will make sure everyone is fed and we will see food production like never before in this country and it will all be organic!

My sweet hubby could be Secretary of Labor because I don't think there has ever been a harder working man alive.

Kim at Daisy Cottage could be Secretary of the Interior. She would have everything looking great!

My daughter Laura can be Secretary of State because she is a world traveler and after working in theater for so long knows how to deal with difficult people and get a diverse group to get it all together and put on a great show!

After what Angie has been through this past year she definitely should be Secretary of Health and Human Services. We would all have health care after she got through and only one page of info to fill out to get it!

Secretary of Education would be the people at Ambleside of course!

Secretary of Transportation would have to be my daughter, Juliana, because she is on the road with her friends constantly. Who better to know what our transportation system needs than someone who makes such good use of it?

I'd have to think about the rest for awhile. Who would be President? Oh I don't know...probably the guy would looks best in the blue suit.

I Meant To Do My Work Today

2008-07-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

I Meant To Do My Work Today

by Richard LeGallienne

I meant to do my work today,

But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,

And a butterfly flitted across the field,

And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land,

Tossing the grasses to and fro,

And a rainbow held out its shining hand,

So what could I do but laugh and go?

Sunday Musings: Kindness Can Change Lives

2008-07-06T06:00:00.003-04:00

Here is a great story about how one woman's love and kindness changed the legacy of one little girl.

2008-07-04T21:33:00.005-04:00

RED WHITE AND BLUE Happy 4th of July!

What I Saw: My Garden

2008-06-28T17:54:00.011-04:00

My garden is small but everything is growing well and we are enjoying the squash and peppers. The tomatoes haven't ripened yet and I am really looking forward to the first ones. Since I added Epsom salt and wood ashes to the ground around them, my tallest plants are almost as tall as I am and are getting loaded with fruit.

The bottom picture is one of my volunteer plants that came up all around my squash. I'm pretty sure it is cantaloupe from seeds that were in the compost I buried in there. I also have 3 volunteer tomato plants.

There is a storm blowing up, I can hear the thunder. I am glad because we really need the rain.

Oh Flip!

2008-06-25T14:45:00.005-04:00

If you like to read your blog standing on your head I've got a link for you.

spɹoʍ ɹnoʎ dılɟ oʇ ʞuıl ǝɥʇ sı ǝɹǝɥ This confirms the fact, once and for all, that I am

full of absolutely useless information. Have fun flipping.

How To Build A Greenhouse

2008-06-20T07:23:00.007-04:00

I would love to have a greenhouse. My friend Angie and I were discussing how we could build one ourselves. It just so happens that Angie has the frame to a portable carport just sitting around, ( a very long story!) so these instructions will come in very handy for her. Here are instructions for the "Hoop" type of greenhouse , pictured above, that could be constructed over a planting area. There are pictures of a little girl assembling it so this one is probably just my speed. Here are the directions for one very similar but just a little more complicated.

I never realized that so many things can be constructed from PVC pipe. Can you believe this bed below is made from PVC?! Check out this page with pictures of items that people have designed and made from PVC. I am so impressed. I wish I had thought of the kids playhouse when my children were young. They would have loved it.

The pictures are from the website pvcplans.com

For Angie

2008-06-16T20:37:00.002-04:00

I found this article about Squash Vine Borers that might help us avoid them. This is what a plant with an infestation looks like...

Free Online Math Course

2008-06-13T10:28:00.000-04:00

I found this online math course, MEP, I thought I would share. There is an answer section for each text. The trick is figuring out what level to use with your child. The course is based out of the UK and their grade levels are a little different. This course seems to have materials available for all grade levels so can be used throughout homeschooling. Best of all it's free. Check out Crystal's site for more Frugal Friday tips.

To Do: Look Closer

2008-06-03T10:10:00.019-04:00

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for." Sir John Lubbock The things we see, the events of our days, even the people we meet, may seem quite ordinary at first glance. Common, uninspired, and maybe a little uninteresting. We move past them taking little time to notice the true beauty before us. We fail to see that each moment, each event and each person is unique. Each moment of our day is filled with the things that God wants for us to experience at that time. Each event shapes and molds us into the people he intended. Each person that crosses our path has some lesson or inspiration to share with us to help us move closer to where God wants us to be. It is our job, our mission, our duty even, to find those things. We are meant to take time to look closely and to see the beauty that is there. To experience the gifts that God has placed in our lives, and to experience, cultivate, and express gratitude.

"If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches." Rainer Maria Rilke

Today I will look closer at those things around me and find each gift I am truly meant to see.

Gold Dust plant in my backyard.

What I Saw: My Backyard This Morning

2008-06-02T12:14:00.012-04:00

I woke up at 5 this morning. After eating a quick breakfast and sitting on the porch swing I decided to take a few pictures of the beautiful, foggy morning. By the time I got the camera ready the fog had started to lift a little. My tomato plants next to my shed are looking really good. They have grown at least a foot in the past week with all the rain we have had. The rain has brought a crop of mushrooms along the back fence line. The lavender is starting to bloom. It smells wonderful. Pepper decides she needs some attention.

Found: Missing Piece Of The Puzzle

2008-06-01T12:53:00.007-04:00

I love the band Journey. Steve Perry's soaring tenor voice sends chills up my spine. This morning I was watching CBS Sunday Morning and saw a piece about how Journey had found a new lead vocalist by taking a midnight surf on Y*u*Tube.

His name is Arnel Pineda and believe it or not, even though he looks 20, he is 41 years old! His story is an inspiring one, from being homeless to fronting one of the best known bands around with a voice that, I have to say, is almost a perfect rendition of Steve Perry. I'd buy their new album. Judge for yourself.

Harvest The Rain

2008-05-31T10:48:00.014-04:00

So far this year rain levels here have been pretty good. Everything is growing and looking wonderful. I can't wait to start harvesting fresh vegetables.

Last year was a different story with an almost 16 inch deficit in rain. I've decided that I want to set up a rain barrel system to harvest some of the rain now for the drier months. I have to get my husband on board to help me.

In surfing the internet I found a wonderful article about harvesting rain at Mother Earth News. Great info for those who are interested in building their own rain system suitable for whole house use.

Then there is the pdf file The Texas Manual On Rainwater Harvesting. Pretty dry reading but it contains fascinating facts about how rainwater is captured and used in different parts of the country and world. Did you know that The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center in Austin, Texas, harvests 300,000 gallons of rainwater annually from almost 19,000 square feet of roof collection area for irrigation of its native plant landscapes?

And finally there is this article from the Maryland Environmental Development site with even better info on a simple barrel system that seems more in keeping with a small home garden.

What I Saw: It Was 30 Years Ago Today

2008-05-21T19:49:00.002-04:00

My husband came up to me this morning, smiled and asked a question that I have learned to fear...."Do you remember what today is?" "Hmmmm....Wednesday?" I asked lamely. "Yeeessss....but what day is it?" "Uhhhhh....Garbage day?" I stuttered. It was no use....I was in trouble. I thought it was guys who could never remember important dates! Unfortunately, in this case, it is me. Sigh.

Actually, in my defense, it is Wednesday and garbage day. It also happens to be the 30th anniversary of the day I met the man with the memory of an elephant.

He planned a sunset picnic at the lake to celebrate. We walked on the shore, ate great food and watched the sun set. It was beautiful and romantic and made me very glad for the man with the mind like a steel trap.

Real Financial Heros

2008-05-19T20:22:00.002-04:00

Journey North

2008-05-14T00:29:00.005-04:00

I wonder when the hummingbirds will be back at my feeder this year.

Do you wonder if the Monarchs, the Robins,hummingbirds or whooping cranes, or any of the signs of spring have shown up yet?

Then check out the Maps and Sights at Journey North.

A great resource for teaching your kids about migration or maybe learning a little something yourself.

Cuppycake Love For Laura

2008-05-12T10:46:00.002-04:00

Saturday Savings

2008-05-10T17:00:00.002-04:00

Great deals this week. $26 dollars in register rewards back at Walgreens and a total of $4.56 out of pocket. I've got another batch of goodies to photograph yet. All bought with register rewards. I'll have the pics up later. The toothbrushes came from CVS. $0 out of pocket (paid for them with a gift card) and $11.97 in ECB bucks. For more Saturday Savings check out Money Saving Mom.

Living Green =Saving Money?

2008-05-04T08:21:00.010-04:00

Thinking green and trying to live green is on everyone's mind these days. It really makes sense not only for our environment but for our pocket books as well. Every where you look stores are selling the latest, newest, good for the environment goodie. Do we really need to buy more? Wouldn't it be smarter to use what we already have?

My grandparents were some of the most frugal people I have ever known. They were green when green wasn't cool. They recycled everything that could be recycled. They did it not with the idea of saving the environment but with the goal of not being wasteful. Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. Nothing was too small.

My grandfather took the time to straighten bent nails from projects and reused them. My grandmother saved scraps for quilts and string from feed bags. She even taught me the fine art of dumpster diving when I helped her and her sister in law collect fabric from the place the local shirt factory dumped their scraps. I still have quilts made from those scraps. When I wanted drawing paper it was most often the blank insides of a junk mail envelope. I wasn't going to be allowed to draw on school paper that they had paid good money for!

Even with all the saving their home was never cluttered because they used the things they saved. I grew up watching that and they set a great example to follow.

Today living green is what is fashionable. I wonder how Grannie and Pa Pa would feel about being so cool? That makes me chuckle! I think my grandparents would think it funny too.

While surfing I found a great little project for using those mesh vegetable bags, and this one which is another use for those junk mail envelopes. Both are by Girl on the Rocks and they are frugal and green. Are you going to save the world or save a bazillion dollars? Nope. But it might get you to thinking about other things you can do and if we all make a few changes...who knows.

What I Saw: Roadside Americana

2008-04-29T12:10:00.003-04:00

Found at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, Tennessee. If you click on the bottom picture it will enlarge and you can read the story of these signs and the man who made them.

Beautiful Blogs: Primrose Design

2008-04-21T10:49:00.004-04:00

Janet's blog Primrose Design is a collection of beautiful pictures and great stitching tutorials. She teaches you how to make just about any stitch you might want to use. Makes me want to pull out the needles and thread and stitch up a master piece. What? It could happen!

Photo: Property of Primrose Design

To Do List: Try New Things: Violet Jelly and Dandelion Syrup

2008-04-20T17:29:00.013-04:00

Patty at Morning Ramble has a recipe for Dandelion syrup on her blog. I have plenty of Dandelions so I thought I would give it a try. The soaking Dandelions didn't look so appetizing. I wasn't too confident about how it was going to turn out. I kept a positive attitude and continued on.

After following the directions I had a nice thick golden colored syrup. That taste like...well...syrup. I can't say that I taste something that taste like Dandelion. All I know is that it is good.

After success with the Dandelions I was fired up to try something else. I have been wanting to try Violet Jelly for a couple of years. I found a great recipe and tutorial at Prairieland Herbs.

I picked Violets out of our yard. It took about 20 minutes or so. I just plopped down in the middle of a patch and cleared them out. I followed the recipe and because it was late after I soaked the flowers, I refrigerated the liquid from the violets overnight. Making the jelly only took about 45 minutes total. I think it is delicious. It has a light floral taste to it. It is delicious on toast with butter. Here are the results. Isn't it beautiful? I love the lavender color. The tall bottle is the Dandelion Syrup.

Finally, inspired by my success I decided to use some fruit I had that I was afraid would spoil. So I made some Pear and Pecan Conserve and Plum preserves. I just had enough for a jar or two so I just threw them in the water bath with the jelly.

I put some extra in a decorative jar I had and we have been enjoying it with some buttered biscuits.

This has been fun. Who would have thought weeds from my yard would taste so good!

Sunday Musings

2008-04-20T00:29:00.006-04:00

My kids are all grown and I don't have any grandchildren yet. I miss little people in my house. Surfing around You Tube I found this adorable video of a little girl who loves to sing hymns and I decided Sunday would be a great day to share it. I hope she brightens your day.

The Cause Of Grey Hair

2008-04-18T10:30:00.005-04:00

This email has been going around. I think my Mom sent it to me. It is very true and I thought I would share it.

Do you worry?

Is there a magic cut-off period when offspring become accountable for their own Actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, 'It'sTheir life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, 'When do you stop worrying?' The nurse said, 'When they get out of the accident stage.' My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly and disrupted the class. I was certain that he was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my mind, the teacher said, 'Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them.' My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring... the cars to come home... the front door to open. A friend said,'They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults.' My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle. There was nothing I could do about it. My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

I continued to anguish over their lives, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments. My friends said that when my kids were married, I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my Dad's warm smile and his occasional, 'You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you upset about something?'

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, 'Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried.' I smiled a warm smile. The torch has been passed.

To Do List: Things To Do Instead Of Watching TV

2008-04-17T10:49:00.010-04:00

Take your camera on a walk and take pictures of your neighbors beautiful red tulips.

Talk your 16 year old into sitting for some practice taking portrait style pictures.

Get some weeding done and then sit in the backyard and watch the birds at the birdbath.

Work on recording some family history.

Learn to use editing programs on family pictures or

on pictures you have taken. Work on a recipe for dog biscuits using pulp from juiced vegetables.

And that just about takes care of the first 3 days without TV.

What I Saw: Spring

2008-04-15T10:03:00.002-04:00

To Do: Back Away From The Remote

2008-04-13T16:15:00.010-04:00

This article in the Wall Street Journal talks about the happiness levels of average Americans and why we might not be as happy as 30 years ago.

Even though more women are in the work place these day , and responsibilities at home haven't changed that much, because of technology there are more free hours that can be used as we see fit.

When people rated their activities for satisfaction produced it was found that passive activities brought the least amount of satisfaction and activities where we are engaged, physically and/or mentally, were rated the most satisfying. These were things we chose to do instead of things we had to do. Things like visiting friends, playing with kids, working on a hobby, going to church, any activity that we choose to take part in brings more joy.

Over the 30 years of the survey it was found that instead of using additional free time in the pursuit of these activities we have increased the amount of time watching TV. Women now spend 15%, and men 17%, of their waking hours watching television.

Television is one of the most passive activities around. It really only presents information to two senses: hearing and sight. We don't even really process much of what we see, it is there and gone quickly and we move on. Actively engaging in the research process helps us to process and retain information.

Reading a book, walking in nature, or having a conversation with another human being, where one takes the time to ponder and think, are far more educational than watching TV. Viewing television represents an endless, purposeless, physically unfulfillable activity. Watching television has no built-in endpoint. Television keeps us sitting in one place, leaves little time for meaningful conversations and seriously impairs the ability to think.

I am guilty of using TV to fill my downtime and to entertain me. I haven't figured out exactly what percentage I'm at but I hope it isn't 15%. Television can be an effective diversion but realizing when a diversion has gotten out of control can be a real challenge. Is it keeping me from things that would promote lasting feelings that would bring a higher level of satisfaction?

My To Do assignment this week is to turn the TV off and put the remote down. I am going to allow myself 1/2 hour of TV a day to keep up with the news. Other than that I will not be engaged in watching any television this week.

My goal is to fill that time with other worthwhile activites. I will add a list of activities that I took part in at the end of this week. If anyone has any ideas or comments please leave them for me.

If you are following along on your blog please leave a comment with a link to your post about your To Do list goal for this week.

Oh, and if the world happens to end, send me an email and let me know would you? Edit: Well after two days I can report that turning the TV off is a hard habit to break! I find myself turning it on without thinking. Monday I managed to spend an entire evening without it on. I helped my son prepare for our Homeschool talent show and end of year party. We had a very pleasant evening. Last night was harder as my husband wanted me to watch a show with him. I managed to be in the room but not become absorbed in what he was watching by keeping busy sorting and filing coupons. Two days down and 5 to go.

The Road not Taken

2008-04-13T00:50:00.008-04:00

by Robert Frost, 1874-1963

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay n leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence; Two roads diverged in a wood, and I�

I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

TGIF

2008-04-11T11:01:00.007-04:00

It is Friday. The end of the week and what a week!

All 3 of our family vehicles have been in the shop in the past week. Fortunately only one is being worked on. Unfortunately it is to the tune of $1454.00. Yikes! We just spent $500.00 on it last week. It seems that the mechanic we used did more damage than good. We paid with a check and at this point it doesn't seem we have any recourse except to pay to have someone fix what he was supposed to fix and what he messed up.

We have SSI taxes from our business to pay from last year and the first quarter of this year. All due this week. We have money due from customers that is late. That would help if they would just send it.

On top of it all my 92 year old MIL fell and either broke her arm or messed up her shoulder. I called to check on her but her daughter was outside and I couldn't understand what exactly happened. I need to call back today and see if I can talk to someone else.

You know, in spite of it all, I'm kind of OK. Life goes on. The sun is shining and it is 76 degrees. I'm going to finish my work and I'm going to work in my yard. I want to plant some tomatoes and squash and I need to get the garden ready.

For those that might be wondering when I will post another "To Do" list post, I promise it will be soon. This week has just not been a good one for it.

I've been thinking a lot about the feelings of happiness and how fleeting they can be. I've come to the conclusion that we aren't meant to stay in a state of happiness . If we did, what would be the catalyst for change in our lives?

I found this quote:

Men spend their lives in anticipations,—in determining to be vastly happy at some period when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other—it is our own. Past opportunities are gone, future have not come. We may lay in a stock of pleasures, as we would lay in a stock of wine; but if we defer the tasting of them too long, we shall find that both are soured by age. Charles Caleb Colton

I like that. It reminds me that the time to be happy is now. Here in this place. Just as my life is. My task is to find those things in my day to day. To "lay stock of pleasure", and enjoy them now To cease a life of anticipation and live one of simple joy.

Picture: From my backyard.

Saturday Savings

2008-04-05T19:56:00.008-04:00

This has been a good shopping week. Today at Target I picked up a Glade Flameless candle, on sale for $9. I used a $3 off from recent newspaper inserts. I noticed that some of the candles had $5 off stickies on them. So I ended up paying $1. Great deal! I also picked up a Glade scented candle. They are on sale for $2 and I had $1 off. So both candles cost just $2 together.

I didn't bother to photograph my Kroger trip this week. Their sale was really good, the buy 10 get $5 off your order netted me $89.86 in groceries for $29.54. That included 10 bags of cookie mix, 5 bottles of grape juice, 5 cans of soup, 3 boxes of muffin mix, 2 boxes of brownie mix, so on a so forth and a few items I didn't have coupons for.

For more Saturday Savings check out Money Saving Mom.

To-Do List: Let's Get This Train Rolling

2008-04-02T17:29:00.012-04:00

Have you seen those V8 commercials where they smack the person in the head because they aren't observant enough to see that they need to eat better?

I've been running around since yesterday morning. I've taken my son to our homeschool group meeting. I've worked. I've cleaned. I've told myself I needed to decide what my assignment would be for my new To-Do project. I thought that I would have a chance to make a decision while waiting for my son during his music lesson, but I got sidetracked talking to the director about possibly volunteering there.

SMACK! Right between the eyes! It is obvious what my first assignment needs to be!

First item added to my To-Do list: Get OFF the hamster wheel!

I need to set aside some time to think about how I want to change things and what exactly do I want out of this. There is only so much time in every day and I need to decide exactly how I'm going to spend it.

I've got so many thoughts running through my head about this venture. I know the things I feel obligated to do. Now I need to decide what I want to do. At this point that is a foreign concept almost. What do I want?

Me. Carrie J.

How am I going to get it? What changes will I have to make? What bad habits are standing in the way? How am I going to break them? How do I get my family on board this train? Good questions. Now I need to find the answers.

So, I'm going to set aside one hour everyday the rest of this week to do something, anything, toward the planning and execution of my project, to iron out all the details. I'm going to turn off the TV and give up some of my blog reading to make time for it.

I don't know if very many, or anyone, will take part, but I thought it would be fun to put up a Mr Linky so that people can link to their own post about their To-Do list post. Everyone is welcome. I hope you will join in.

edit: Mr. Linky isn't working right for some reason. Until I can check it out if you have a link please leave it in the comments.

My To Do List

2008-03-30T11:34:00.006-04:00

Just like everyone else I have a "To Do" list. And, just like everyone else, mine is a mile long. Most days I don't reach anywhere near the bottom of my list. On the days that I do the feelings of satisfaction rarely last because I know that tomorrow I will start right back at the top of another list.

I have been feeling extremely frustrated with that situation. I get a lot done everyday alright, but it just doesn't bring the peace, satisfaction or joy into my life that I am looking for. Frankly it just plain isn't a fun way to live.

I have started to become less interested in doing the things I need to do everyday. I feel they are a huge burden. I have slipped into a little self pity and have had the blues about it all. I have started letting some things slide....really slide. When I let things slide everything became worse because I began to be overwhelmed with things piling up; instead of a small chore they became a huge undertaking. A vicious cycle that overwhelms me. Time to take a new approach, a new path.

So, in an effort to improve my attitude I have decided to re-write my To-do list. No, I'm not taking a thing off. I'm going to ADD to it.

What I need isn't less to do. I NEED to be doing everything I am. What I need is to shake things up and add some things to feed my mind and my soul. I have let myself become bored. That sentence hurts to write because I have always told my kids..."Bored people are boring people." OUCH! I don't want to be boring.

In an effort to improve the situation and be accountable to someone other than myself I'm going to start a new category here on the blog titled My To-Do List . I'll try to share something a couple of times a week, an assignment of some sort that I will give myself. If anyone wants to follow along they can leave a comment or post on their blog and leave a link.

An assignment may be something as simple as spending some time writing a letter to an old friend to giving myself a pedicure. It might be a reminder to give myself time to do nothing for an hour, who knows. I have no idea if this is going to work but it is worth a try.

If anyone has any suggestions Email me at the address on the sidebar. Just remember to remove the asterisks.

Photo: Pathway at Norris State Park.

Beautiful Blogs: Shorpy

2008-03-26T08:09:00.005-04:00

I love taking photographs, but I love, LOVE looking at photographs. Especially older photographs. I always wonder about the people in the photos and wonder what happened in their lives.

When I found Shorpy : The 100 Year Old Photo Blog I was in heaven. The site is named after Shorpy Higginbotham, a boy who worked in an Alabama coal mine near the turn of the century.

I fell in love with the picture above of a young girl whose family was relocated during the Great Depression in the 1930's. She looks so sad and forlorn. I can't imagine that her life was too easy.

There are so many great photos of people and places from the last 100 years. Another favorite of mine is this portrait of a lady named Caroline Atwater from North Carolina. You can almost read her story in her face can't you?

Check it out but be warned...I haven't viewed the whole blog so I'm not sure if there is anything offensive there.

See Jane Create

2008-03-25T10:27:00.002-04:00

Jane over at Out of The Crayon Box created the cutest kitchen play set. She was kind enough to put up a wonderful tutorial with great pictures. So creative!

What The World Eats

2008-03-24T06:23:00.004-04:00

So much of our everyday life revolves around food. The gathering, fixing, and sharing of food. Looking around at the mall or any public place confirms that we maybe enjoy food too much in this country.

Time magazine has run an interesting series of pictures in a display titled What The World Eats. Eye opening and just a little humbling when you see how little some in the world must survive on. It is also interesting to see the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten in other countries compared to here. We seem to eat so much more processed food. Keep an eye out and notice how certain American icon products have made their way into the diets of people all over the world.

Beautiful Blogs: Muffins, Buns and Biscuits

2008-03-20T06:19:00.004-04:00

Beautiful blogs usually means a blog with lots and lots of lovely pictures. Sometimes though it means just lovely words.

I really needed to read this post. It has been a long month. Sigh....

This post spoke straight to my heart. I need to learn to listen to my small voice more. Who knows what blessings I may miss.

How Clean Is Your House?

2008-03-19T22:54:00.000-04:00

The BBC show How Clean Is Your House is almost like watching a car accident. You are appalled and repulsed at what you see and yet you just can't look away. How can people live like this? A more important question is how can they make their children live like this?

I have often wondered what happens after the big makeover. To live in such filth there must be some sort of mental illness at play. How long before they return to the pitiful state they were in before? Shudder. All I can say is don't watch this if you are eating unless you have a strong stomach.