Moon Girl

Someone at Sig's school took her photo today as she dressed for "moon day".  Her necklace says moon child! 

I went to High School at one and brought Ingie home.  She is pretty stopped up.  Maybe an extra afternoon will help her conquer her cold. 

February--At Last

I went out this morning and took a photo of the blue, super, blood moon.  My camera is cheap and I know my picture will not be that great.  My moon looked brownish not red.  It was really huge--closer to the earth.  A blue moon is merely the second full moon in one month.  We had a full moon January 1st and this one was the second making it a blue moon!  It only occurs once every two to three years.  The red is a shadow from the earth!  Super moon means it is closer to us making it larger.  All three together is a rare occurrence.   Last time it happened was in 1866!

When I think of the song Blue Moon, I think of Billie Holliday.



Helen's phone completely died.  She got a new one yesterday by mail.  Glad she is back in business.  Fleta loaned her one of hers!  Helen said this phone is a little bigger and she likes it!  I recall when Iphone was making their phones smaller and smaller--smaller was where it was at!  Then, they started making them bigger and bigger!  Next, guess they will return to smaller and smaller!  Helen found joy in getting her new phone I could tell. 

I have a book by Hagee about the four blood moons!  Patsy sent it to me!  It is very depressing.

Joy!  My devotional today was about finding joy through our Lord.  If we search for joy, we will find it.  It is when we stop looking for joy, that it goes completely away.  I remember Patsy told me she could find no more joy just before she passed.  I want to find JOY today.  Joy may come with the smallest pleasure--seeing my little Finches enjoying their food, Phinnie barking to be petted at my feet, Larry saying my chicken pot pie was soooo good.  Joy for me today will include a warmer temperature!   I see the sun!  I see the Light!  Doom cometh, but I am riding in a chariot bathed in the Light of my Lord!  He cares for me and I am blessed to have His guidance!  If we want to find something--what must we do--search every corner!  Don't give up looking until, alas, there it is!   Joy!

Arkansas Sphinx

 Astrid and her friend Logan hiked to the Arkansas Sphinx yesterday.  It is in the area of Pilot Rock.

 These two are Astrid's pictures she sent to me by phone.  That is Logan sitting in the "eye" of the Sphinx.  It was a nice day for a hike.  Today should be a little cooler, but spring is on the way.

Astrid is liking her new job at the healthy smoothie place--Tropical Smoothie.  She is still doing her old job at the gym, too.  She signed up for DECCA, a work program at school.  She can leave school at noon and gets some school credit for working.  She had to drop AP Spanish and will only graduate with Honors not High Honors, but I know she is happy with her decision.  She likes earning money and is a little tired of the drama associated with High School.  She is growing up--will be 18 in April!  Seems impossible!

Basketball Today

 Clayton and Greta both played basketball today.  Both scored some goals.  Well, Greta scored a bunch.  Erin said she was a "bit of a ball hog".   She did not pass much and shot every time she got her hands on the ball.  Erin said she lost count of Greta's goals.  I say "go Greta"!!!  This basketball is sponsored by the Baptist Church.  Greta got the offense award for her play today. 

Poor Little Greta

Is sick!  Her eyes are matted in the morning and she is stopped up.  She went to the nurse at school today with a headache.  If she had had a fever, she would have gotten to come home.  I hope her ears don't get infection. 

 Clayton fixed this for Erin to hang in her office.  It is painted on a record.  Clayton is very artistic.

It was almost 60 today, but I have froze all day.  I am ready for spring!

Large Print Books

 Above is Clayton's size 10 shoes--worn to rags.  Below his new ones in larger size.  He is in the 4th grade.  Wow, his foot is going to be more than one foot!

 I have not been having much luck finding books to read.  When I went to the library yesterday, I decided to check the large print books.   The new ones and old ones are all mixed together.  I found this one--"My Grandfather's Finger".   I think I read it about 20 years ago, but I am reading it again.  Swift grew up in East Texas in a place called Big Thicket.   His little village was called Camp Ruby.  Right away I got the feeling that this was a book like Rick Bragg would write. 

 Momma would be 97 today!   The above picture was taken before her sister was born.  Things I take note of--Grandpa has a tie tack, Grandma a bad perm, Grandpa's red hair is parted down the middle, I sort of think this was taken in California!

 My devotional today was about doing for others--like sin is not measured in this one is worse than that--good deeds may not be weighed by the Lord either.   A kind word may be as valued to Him as giving a huge monetary gift to a charity.  So we can please Him by doing good--even if we think it is a small act!  Below is the verse the devotional was built around.   King James is a little difficult for some to understand, but  it is my favorite translation.  The verse is from Corinthians 10:24.  Let me do some little good for someone else today, Lord.  Please do not put it on a scale and measure me against Mother Theresa!  I know I do not measure up to much greatness, but let me do LITTLE good works for you.   I am capable of that!

 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

My Mother put her family before herself!  She was an example of selflessness.  She did her works in her own little Kingdom!  I know my Lord valued those deedS she performed.

Wal Mart sack hint for today.  Especially for Erin.  If you cook hamburgers in a skillet, after they are done, place a WM sack on the counter, put a paper towel on top, place your burgers on towel, put a towel on top of the burgers, press out the grease!!  Fix the hamburgers and throw the WM sack and greasy towels in the trash!!   There you go, Erin.   I did this last night.   No mess, no dirty plate!

No Recipe for Cornbread

Laura wants my "no recipe" for cornbread.    First, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have nothing against self-rising flour or corn meal mix.  I use both.  The reason is--I no longer have a sifter.  All I have is a big strainer I use when something must be sifted.   Sifting is work.  It usually needs to be done more than one time.   I am basically lazy.  So, to make biscuits I use self-rising flour and to make cornbread I use corn meal mix.  I buy the big kind in the sack--5 pounds.  I do not like those little jiffy boxes.  They are cake.  I don't put flour in my cornbread only the mix!

First, dump some corm meal mix in a big bowl.  Probably a couple of cups at least--maybe 2 and a half--I have to see it.  I add some sugar, but just a level T spoon not a lot.  I add another pinch of salt too!  Now, I put in an egg.  Oh, you should have already "lit" the over to 450 degrees!  Oven must  be hot to make cornbread.  Now, I add sweet milk.  I pour it out of the jug!  I am not sure how much but I am sure it is way more than a cup.  The mixture for cornbread should not be as thick as for a cake.  Not runny either, but runnier than a cake mix.  If your mixture too runny! Tada--just add a half cup of corm meal mix.  Put an iron skillet on a burner on the stove.  Add a T of shortening.  You can use oil, but I think it leaves an after taste.  Ohhhh, lard would be nice but I don't buy it anymore.   Melt the oil and get the skillet hot, hot!  Pour in your mixture.   You want it to brown a little.  You can turn off the burner but leave the skillet there a while.  Now, put this in your hot oven.  I set the timer for 20 minutes so I won't burn the cornbread.  Cornbread needs to be brown on top.   I don't usually use the broiler....I leave it in the oven until the top is brown!  So, Sunshine, that is how I make cornbread!   Hope I did not leave anything out.   This makes a big iron skillet full.  I have a small iron skillet Patsy sent me.  If I make a small batch...I still use one egg.  Everything else is the same just less of it!

Erin is too smart to use "no recipes", but I think one day she will turn into her Momma and start doing as I do!  She will say,  "how much"?   She wants an exact amount...so I just make one up.  The recipe does not turn out well usually and she wonders what she did!!  I chuckle every time.

Yippy, skippity, I have been worried that Larry has a cataract and is going blind.  He can't read what is on the tv.  It is often--what does that say.  Well, he went to Dr. Anne--I taught her and she is a jewel.  I went and sat in the office in case they dilated his eyes.  All he needed was a new prescription and Anne said he is a long way from cataract surgery.  I am so glad.  He can only see out of one eye really and surgery on your one good eye is a little scary.  He may have to have cataract surgery, but that is farther down the road~  So thankful today!

I went to get my hair cut today....on the wrong day.  I thought I looked but now I think I looked at Larry's eye appointment card.  At least, that is my story and I am sticking to it!  I will go on Thursday and try again for a trim!  My hair cutter is trying to get on disability!  She is really working on it.  She is having back problems, nervous trouble, head aches, and lots more stuff!  She believes in taking meds.  More the better.    I told her to NEVER have a back surgery if she can help it.  Getting disability would not be worth getting back surgery.  Well, I like her for a hair cutter, but I get tired of the moaning and groaning when I go!

My Recipe--No Recipe!

This is for Amy~Patsy!  My recipe is no recipe.  I used to use recipes but now I think I am just too smart for them I guess.  I cooked roast in the Instant Pot Sunday and I made rolls.  Amy wanted the recipe!  Ha, Ha!!  Sister Fleta knows my recipe is no recipe!  But I will try to tell what I do to make rolls.  Momma made hot water rolls.  They are really light.  Amy you might want to try it, but I used milk.

First, I buy yeast at Sam's in a big pkg.  It is cheap is why I do it.  For about 3 bucks you can get enough to last until you DIE if you are my age.

Put some warm water in a bowl...about half a cup.  I just get the water from the hot water tap.  Add yeast!  I measured it.  3 Tablespoons.  Set aside.  If it does not bubble up...your water was too hot.  I know this from experience.  If that happens.  Throw it out and do it again.

Now, put some milk in a big, big bowl!  I used about a cup.  Add a half stick of butter--please use real butter!  Add a half a cup of sugar and a T. of salt.  Amy, don't tell Laura you added half a cup of white sugar.  Tell her you put in a pinch of honey!  lol

Now put this in the microwave for 30 seconds--check?  Is the butter melted? No, well do it again, girl!  Remember no recipe! Butter melted? Well, add about a cup of white flour---don't use self rising like Laura.  We are not the Pioneer Woman!  Mix this with a big spoon.  It is is warm and not hot, add the yeast mixture....if it is hot...your rolls are ruined and you need to throw them out!  Mix yeast and flour and the mixture will be loose.  Grandma Powell did it like this.  Put the loose mixture in the oven and turn on the oven light.  Cover it up with a towel--can be a paper one!  Leave until it bubbles.   About 30 minutes.

Add flour to the loose mixture until it is thick!  Now, get a Wal-Mart plastic sack and put a little flour on it, turn thick dough out and knead it.  I like to do it like this as you can pull the edge of the sack up and it is easy to knead.  Knead the rolls until the dough is not very sticky or as long as you can stand it!

Oil you dirty bowl with shortening or butter.   Just do this over the little bit of mess left on the side of the bowl from mixing it up before!  Who wants to do a bunch of dishes.  Amy, if you want to wash a bunch of dishes--get a clean bowl.  Place bowl ball back into the dish and put back in oven with the light on.  Let rise until double in size at least.  Probably an hour or so!

Put shortening in a metal pan...don't use spray oil...it tastes bad!  Now, turn the dough over in the greasy bowl and pinch off rolls.  My recipe made a big pan...I think about 18.  Put the rolls back in the oven with the light on!  Let rise again until doubled.  Remove and preheat oven.  I  bake my at 375 degrees and put my timer on 20 minutes so I will not burn them, but probably it will not take 20 minutes!  I turn the broil on at the last and brown the tops as Larry wants them that way.  When I take them out of the oven, I put REAL butter on top so they will not be hard.  Some like crusty tops.  If you do, don't do this step.

So there is my no recipe for rolls.

I have already solved the mystery of the DNA match.  The person was someone I knew so I had to decide what to do.  Yes, I prayed.   I told the DNA doner who her mother was.   I don't know how the story will end as my part is over.  But I did what I thought I should and what I felt the Lord would wanted me to do.  Nancy said--thank you--and then added--it does not seem enough!  She was 54 years old yesterday and I gave her a gift she wanted so badly!  My devotional today was about witnessing.   If the Holy Spirit is within us we will witness!  The Holy Spirit is His Light!  So, it will shine and others will see Jesus within us!  We will continually witness!  When we have Light we must feed the light.  I think we do this by doing His Work!  If you have fire and do nothing it will go out!  The Lord has promised that once we receive Him, He will be there.  We are saved, but I feel He is so happy when we stoke the fire, feed the Light!  Build a bomb fire for Him!  What a witness we are then!

I have been exploring a child psychologist!

 She has several books--Dr. Teresa Margaret Nebl Sull!  Oh, she is Aunt Thelma's Granddaughter!  The books are not expensive.   I may order some of them.  Her husband Don is an author too!  His books are about business!

Clayton has grown out of his size 10 shoes!  Lordy, that boy has a good foundation!

Warm Morning

Astrid is taking AP psychology.  She used Phoebe in a class assignment.  I think Laura said it was classic learning behavior!  Anyhow, you can see how smart Phoebe is or how smart Astrid is?

 Erin knows the time!  Clayton and Greta used some of the Christmas money from Pop and Gigi to get new watches!   Greta's shirt says "sweat now rest later".  I love it and I love the curtain on the window!  I can see Erin is related to me.  So stylish!

 Astrid surprised us with a little gift.  Pop cut her some plaque boards and she free handed one for us!  Of course, we love it!  I hung it directly in front of the couch as visitors usually park there.  They will see the neat work  by Astrid.  She lays a ruler on the board and free hands  all the writing.  The R above the plaque, Sigrid made years ago at a birthday party.  We love it too!  On her own, Sig decided to make a gift for us!  We think it is special.

 Larry finished my sewing machine table so now I will have to learn to use my Christmas present.  I will not sit anything on the small table as he created it so I can move it directly under a good light when I sew.  The new machine he bought me has a case to store it in and I will only sit the machine on the table when I am using it.

 I continue to feed the birds.  I really love them.  I think my favorite bird is the little Finch.  I filled the feeder near the porch so they can get a seed or two without the "bully" birds banishing them!  I must go to Tractor supply and get a new sack of seed.  I have used most of it in this cold weather.  I also continue to keep water out for them! 

I may have a new puzzle to solve.  Nancy above contacted me.  She is adopted!   I told her I could likely id at least one of her parents, but first she needed to think about it!  Does she really want to know?  

Reading At The Table

Greta likes to read her book in the morning but then she lolligags and is not ready to go to school.  I see she had cereal and has not finished it.  Erin took this picture today.  Greg was not in the kitchen so Greta was having her way.

Laura got a new refrig.  She just got a two door normal one.  The other one was not that old but had really been a lemon.  Larry says less bells and whistles the better as there are less things to go wrong.  I went over when Lowe's brought it as someone had to be home.  It had a dent and they will mark a little off or bring a different one later.

It was 11 degrees when I woke up and it is 29 now.  This is the warmest it has been for sometime.    The weather guy said it is the coldest it has been in 20 years.  I believe it.

Grandma Powell was born today--1891--I think.  She would be 107.  She was a talented lady and I think I am quite a lot like her.  Patsy did not write many poems but she penned this one about Grandma.
Grandma
We’re separated by space and time
Our lot in life different by changing ways
But many ways are just the same.
Working with our hands all our days
Traveling life’s roads together we sing
Tho' she sings with angels' band
On high and earth, we praise for our king.

My devotion today was from the eyes of King Solomon.  He sought wisdom over foolishness.  He tried wine to bring him happiness.  It did not work.  All his seeking was vanity.  Our lives get out of focus--a very dim, blurry picture.  We need to seek the Soul Doctor and he will fix it all.  We just have to turn it over to him.  Roll my burden on You today, Lord.  Roll my burden on You.  Carry my heavy load. 

Half Over

January is half gone and I am glad.  Maybe February will bring some spring like days.

It was 8 degrees when I got up this morning.  Erin said it was 2 at Harrison.

Clayton and Greta went to school today.  There is a new state program some school are enjoying.  Packets are sent home with children and they do the work at home when school is out for emergency reasons.  The day does not have to been made up at the end of the year.  I am not sure how many "packet" days a school can use but at least two.  The school also has an online site parents where can pull the work.   Make up days are wasted days so I think this is a nice alternative.

Dardanelle Schools had no power today so Laura is at home.  She is shopping for a new refrig.  The one she has is not very old but has torn up several times.  Sometimes it doesn't work and then just decides to get back to business.  So she is shopping for a new one today.

Greta was reading a book about Helen Keller this morning and would not get ready for school.  Her Dad tried to get her going and she told him that he should not yell at her.  She has a little sassiness about her!  Erin said they went to the Harrison High basketball games last night.  Erin enjoys watching basketball.  Greta enjoys the concession stand!  Sometimes Greg and Clayton stay home.  I am not sure if they went last night or not.

My devotional today was about what one should do when those we love have troubles or hardships.  We should be available was the advice.   Be available remembering one has two ears and one vocal outlet knowing the Lord is in control.  I want to be available today!

I have a ham bone and think I will cook a pot of pinto beans today.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be warmer.   Guess Fleta went to work at 4:30 and arrived safely.  I sure hope all is well down that Douglas Road!

As I sit here, I hear a bird chirping outside.  I think he is wanting to cheer me up or thanking me for the food in my backyard feeder.  I will fill those up anew today!  I am available!

This Social Security payday for both Larry and I.  We were supposed to get a little raise.  My check was 3.00 more and Larry's a dollar less.  So much for the Trump raise!  I guess Medicare went up and the raises were "eaten" up.

Ice Age

 I try to keep the heat in the house turned so it will cycle off.  You can see at almost noon today it was 16 degrees outside and 65 in the house.  65 is cold.  I have on my socks and sock house shoes!  But the reason I took the picture was the hidden message in the lower right hand corner of the device.   On day it says die!  Wow, I guess the device thinks today either it or we will freeze to death!

 Erin's two have another snow day.  They went to work with Greg at the gun store and Erin went to work.  Greg drove the little truck and Erin drove the Yukon.   She has to travel side roads and needed a heavy rig!

 I think Clayton likes the cold and snow.  He is smiling.  When I go outside, I know I am showing a frown.

I am working on the baby blanket for Jonell's granddaughter.   She will be here in May.  I have really enjoyed all the yarn Helen gifted me.  It gives me something to do without going to the store and worrying about what to buy.  I just dig through the tub.  There is still lots of neat yarn for hats and such.  Also, I think the small pieces would make a nice granny square afghan!  

It is 21 now and is supposed to be 30 tomorrow.   I am happy we got no ice or snow last night as Astrid and Ingrid both drive and they are young drivers.

My devotional today was about the honey locust tree.  It makes a good shade but is full of thorns.   The thorns are so sharp and tough they were once used as nails.  When the thorns poke the skin, they cause infection at the injury site.   Sometimes, our words are like these thorns.  When we release them, the words fester and the hurt grows.  I want my words to be honest but if they are going to cause injury I would rather swallow them keeping the thoughts to myself.  Bridle my tongue today Lord, put a bit in my mouth and be my Master!
James 3:6

Astrid got a new job today.  It is at Tropical Smoothie.  She told us yesterday that she had a interview and I thought they would know a good thing when they saw her!!

Hawks Lurking High

 Since the Meadow burned off during the grass fire, the hawks have had a hay day.  They can see mice or rabbits moving below the high wire.  They are getting quite fat!

 I pulled the pictures from my camera and saw this one I had taken of the full moon.  I like the blue and pink colors and the moon halo.  I would love to have a nicer camera but most are complicated and I would have to learn to use it which I don't want to do.

 Larry's side has been hurting and he has not put the finish on my sewing machine table.  I am anxious but trying to be patient.

 Today, I had a Bette Davis egg for breakfast.

 Yesterday Clayton's Dad went to a gun show at Mt. Home.   Clayton had a bunch of surprises awaiting his return.   Clayton also gathered up snow for snow ice cream.  Erin said she hoped Clayton and Greta did not choke on the trash he scooped up with the snow.  Erin's Dad loved making snow ice cream for his girls.  He used sugar, canned milk, vanilla and snow.  They loved it.  They would even freeze left overs and eat them later.

Take Your Pick

What is worse than cold, cold?  Ice and snow on top of cold, cold.  The top picture is Denver, AR; the next is Harrison, next Galla Meadow and then an image Helen sent from the Douglas Road!  All look miserable to me.

I was planning on going to Kroger for a few things this morning but the urge went away when I saw how dreary the weather looked.

Amy~Patsy sent Larry and I a cookie Friday.  It was made with cranberries and oatmeal and so good.  Not much sugar--just enough.  After she mixed them up, they were to sit in the refrig for a certain amount of time and I think that is what made them so delicious.  All the flavors were mixed and perfect.

Erin does not have to work tomorrow.  I know she is glad to get to stay home.  The Rids don't have to go to school, but I think Eric has to attend professional development.  I am not sure about Laura.

 Clayton and Greta have ventured out into the covering of snow.  I think those things they have are sleds!

 Greta is sitting in high style here.  Maybe are Erin's office?

Pray for others.  I have may precious friends.   I give thanks for them today.  Also, rejoice in all the blessings I have received and continue to enjoy. 

My devotional today reminded me that we are not self sufficient and that our bow and sword will not save!  We need help and will receive it when we ask!  What a Friend!  Always nearby, caring and protecting us!

It was 27 here last evening.  Warmer than I expected and I see the sun starting to shine.  Light overpowers dark!   I praise the Light!

Another Cold One

It was 24 here last evening.  Erin said 16 at Harrison.  I see the sun shining brightly.  Which makes the cold more bearable.  I am really glad we did not get any ice.  Ingie is just learning to navigate and I did not want her ice driving.  She has a babysitting job after school.  It is just for an hour but makes her some spending money.  Astrid came and ran some resumes as she is looking for a new job.  I took Ingie lunch yesterday--cheese dip from Stobys.  She texted and asked me to bring it.  I am a lazy, stay at home person, and thought of making an excuse, but then a second thought came about being--selfish and lazy--and I delivered it to High School.  I kept thinking about how happy I am that the students can not leave campus.  When Laura went there, they could leave at lunch and only had 30 minutes to eat!  Most tried to go and get a lunch!  Danger lurking!   Ingrid is very thin is another reason I wanted to give her some calories.

Jonell is going to be a Granny again.  I am working on a baby afghan for the little girl; I am calling her Jolie!  I think it would be a perfect name for her.  I finished the pastel throw and it is looking for a home.

Larry made me a small table for my new sewing machine. I can just put it where I need to when I am sewing.  I have not used the machine yet.  After the table has a finish on it I will.  My table has a small drawer for my scissors and tools.  It is made of oak and very nice.

Larry ordered some overalls to wear.  They are the carpenter type.  They look very nice on him.  Strips are slimming.

Clayton decided to eat in the lunchroom at school this week...but oh, he said he would take his lunch too and eat both!  Which he did!  Greta is moving up to advanced gymnastics.  She is good at lots of activities.  Only in first grade--she does not have to decide yet what she prefers--just do it all!   Clayton is playing upward basketball and was pleased to see a friend on his team.  Greta is playing too!  She is pleased when they dribble and run!  Coach told them to dribble around the half court and she did.  All the other girls went around the ENTIRE basketball court.  She has a hearing deficit but was the only one that heard!  Her Coach gave her a high five for listening!  She gave him a big smile!

Erin went to buy hot cider this morning  before work.  No ice at Harrison for which I am very thankful.  She found 54 cents lying in the parking lot so this is her lucky day!

I am reading a memoir by Amy Tan.  Then one called "A Stone of Hope".   So I am reading, crocheting, watching a hour of The Crown each day, looking for new cousins in Joe Powell and Uncle Walter's dna files, waiting anxiously to see cousin Win's, talking to Erin on the phone, texting a few lines with Jonell, thinking of calling Sister Fleta--and this thought came to mind--how many calories do all these activities use--about zero is my answer!

Laura gave me a new devotional for 2018.  It is a "read and respond" one.  I am enjoying it.  Today, the read was about calling on the Lord and him responding to that call.  I have been asking him to fill my heart with hope and leave not room for fear and other dreadfulness!   He has been answering my call!  Thank you Lord!  Warm up my heart today in these cool temperatures!

I filled my bird feeders yesterday and saw the little Finches this morning getting a meal!  I love the little Finches!

I am too lazy today to post a picture.  Imagine Clayton sitting on the basketball court with his friends!  Can you see my pretty oak sewing machine table my husband made me for my 47th anniversary?  Well, you will have to try to visualize  the sun shining brightly in Galla Meadow or Greta wearing her hoodie backwards, her lastest habit.  She puts the hood over her face!  Can you see Sigrid smiling at her new phone's message?  Skinny Ingie driving a big white rig?  Astrid adding more mascara to her lashes!  Phinnie destroying his new toys that I paid 25 dollars for at TJMaxx!  No pictures just images to pull up into your own mind today as I am still being a little lazy.  Warm weather gives me more energy as I was born in June.  If I can arrived on the Douglas Road in January like Sister Fleta the cold would make me move, but I did not so here I sat in a heavy, blue robe and a heated throw trying to stay warm!

Going To Pot....Pie

 My pot pie turned out very tasty.  I told Larry I might do it again in 10 more years.  I used Betty C pie crust but let him think it was made by Betty R.  Since I started with a whole raw chicken, it was an all day chore.  Next, I want to try donuts again.  I made them for the girls some in their youth.  But I will have to rest a week or so before I try that.  I recall I had trouble finding the right size of cutter for the middle.  And...I wonder what type of oil would leave the least after taste from frying!?   Well, I have a while to ponder the donut adventure.  I will make them on the weekend so I can send some over across the Meadow!  Laura says the Pioneer Woman has a good recipe so I will use her advice on that.

Laura sent this and I thought--who is Ingie walking with at school.  Well, it is Sig and the young fellow's name is Gabe.  Sig's locker is right by Mr. C's room.  It is the same one the other girls used.  If Gabe hangs out by Sig's locker, Mr. C pops out of his door and tosses water bottlees at him.  Oh, the trials the Rid girls (AstRID, IngRID, SigRID) have endured having their Dad as their English teacher and watcher of all their hall activity in school!  

Fleta says she believes Rootsweb will rise from the dead.  I hope so as I miss the reference.  

I am thinking of going to the library to see if I can find anything to read.  I have been working on the pastel afghan from the scraps of yarn Helen gave me--that Tony gave her.  It is almost ready to sent to Douglas Road.  

Erin and I spoke today about decisions we made as young girls growing up.  Erin said she always felt she was "better" than others she observed.  Now, that is not elitist thinking--but better as not to do, say, or choose some of the things others did.  It is a feeling of self worth.  I was taught to think that way and Erin said she thought that way also.  I hope it was from my example.  For I firmly believe children learn by example and not by the "harping" words of parents.  They see YOU so it is like the country song--"I'm watching you".  They may not listen but they see.  Don't let them see you lie, cheat, steal, manipulate...they will learn to do just that.