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Friday, January 31, 2020

Special Recipe

Yesterday my brother and I were discussing some foods from the past that we really liked. He mentioned a Swedish meatball that his wife used to make and remembered it being very delicious. After he left, I went to my collection of recipes and found that one. There is a history behind it. His wife and I have shared dozens of recipes through the years but I have never made this one. When I viewed it, I was surprised because I always thought Swedish meatballs were in a creamy light sauce. This one is in a red spicy sauce! Not yet, but I fully intend to make this one. We don't like hot foods but will try it anyway because the spicy ingredients don't seem to be too much in comparison with other quantities of ingredients. 

Here is its history, first of all. Back in 1966-67 she bought a cook book called "Recipes on Parade." It was made up of 2,000 favorite recipes of officers' wives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. It contained 374 pages of meat recipes and cost $3.50. Her book was a first edition and she still has it. The particular recipe my brother remembered and liked was submitted by Mrs. George Alden, 48th USAF Grp., Lakenheath, England.

Several other editions of this book were later published, each separate with individual categories: meats, seafood and poultry, salads and appetizers, desserts, casseroles and breads, fondue and buffet, party, vegetables and fruits.
Swedish Meatballs

Make Ahead Sauce:

¾ cup Catsup
1 ½ tsp. Salt
1 tsp Pepper
½ cup Water
14 cup Cider Vinegar
1 Tbsp Minced Onion
2 Tbls Brown Sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

Place all ingredients in a jar.  Put cap on tightly and shake vigorously.
Let stand two days.

Meatballs:
2 – 3 lbs  ground chop meat
½ lb ground pork
2 Tsp prepared horseradish
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2-3 dashes Tabasco
1/3 cup Catsup
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Accent

Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into balls the size of prunes.
Cook over low heat until done but not brown.  Pour prepared sauce 
over meatballs and simmer thirty minutes.

These can be transferred to a crockpot to keep them warm when entertaining.  

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Rich

No, I'm not talking about money or other things. I refer to a casserole I just made. I first talked about Velveeta in my blog of January 18 that was titled "Oops!" Since I had saved the chunks after trying to shred it, I wanted it gone, never to appear here again. So, I created a casserole. Here is what I did...

First I cooked my 12oz. bag of frozen premium broccoli florets and then drained them. Then I smashed up two rolls of Nabisco garlic butter crackers in a one gallon ziploc bag. I cut the Velveeta into smaller chunks and put it in the pot with the cooked broccoli and set the burner to low. While the cheese was melting with the broccoli, I took one stick of butter and melted it in another pot. After it was ready, I stirred in all of the crumbled crackers. I lined the 1 1/2 qt. Pyrex bowl with Release foil and then dumped 1/2 of the cracker mixture in it. Then I put the broccoli with the melted cheese in on top of the crackers and covered it with the rest of the crackers. That's it! A 350° oven then took about 30 minutes to brown the top and we had lunch. One bowl each. Small bowl. RICH! Very nice and tasty, a bit salty, but RICH!  Maybe I can make the leftovers into a cream soup tomorrow. You know, the kind with milk and onions and pepper.
It is somewhat like crafting. You put things together and are happy if they come out as you imagine. If not you do it another way the next time.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Once is Enough

Now, if I were much younger I might not be saying this, but.... my latest baking project of Amish Ham Meatloaf is most likely the first and the last for me to complete. I think it will be a one and only. The funny part is that I see all kinds of baking dishes and recipes on Facebook by people I know, but I'll bet that the pretty pictures of the finished products are never baked by the posting person! If I post it, I've baked it!

Back to this one. I was talking with my neighbor about using left over spiral ham pieces and he told me that he once ate a very tasty loaf made with left-over ground ham. He said it was very different than the usual meatloaf. That perked my interest so I found the recipe that seemed to be the one he was talking about on the internet. His key word was "Amish."

Well, since I had all of the ingredients except for the ground pork I proceeded to purchase it and got started. Let me tell you that anyone who makes this needs to have very strong arms and hands. Very. Mixing was the hardest labor of all. I followed the directions to the "T" to be sure my efforts wouldn't be in vain.

Here is the loaf ready to go in the oven after 30 minutes of resting. I guess that was to let the spices permeate the meat better.
And the finished loaf ready to be sliced. I definitely will have to freeze some. Dinner is ready!
Please click on image to view larger
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yield: 10 Servings Author: Renee Paj 
Amish Ham Loaf
prep time: 40 mins cook time: 1 hour and 10 mins total time: 1 hours and 50 mins
Similar to meatloaf, this Amish Ham Loaf is made with ground ham and pork, seasoned with curry powder, ground ginger, and nutmeg then glazed with a sweet and sour sauce.

INGREDIENTS:
     For Ham Loaf
1 pound ground ham (about 3 cups)
1 pound ground pork
2 to 2 1/2 cups soft white bread crumbs

2 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 TBSP lemon juice
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 TBSP yellow mustard

     For Glaze
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
Ketchup (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:
     To Make the Ham Loaf
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a broiler pan by covering the bottom portion in foil. Replace the slotted top and spray lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In large bowl, with hands, combine the ground ham, ground pork, and 2 cups soft bread crumbs.
  3. In medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, onion, lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg, and mustard.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into bowl with ham/pork/breadcrumb mixture and combine with hands until it all comes together. If it feel too wet, add the rest of the breadcrumbs.
  5. Shape into an oblong loaf onto prepared broiler pan. Let sit for about 30 minutes before putting into oven.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes. Baste with 1/2 the glaze. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Baste with the remainder of the glaze. Return to oven for another 15 to 25 minutes. Top with ketchup, if desired, and pop into oven for another couple of minutes.
  7. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
     To Make the Glaze
1. Combine all glaze ingredients except ketchup in a small saucepan and heat to boiling. Take off heat and use as directed in the Ham Loaf instructions above.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Granny's Cobbler II

Just HAD to try the cobbler with the oranges. I will say that the pineapple variety was firmer and we liked it better, but both were good. I guess the next one will be made with fresh peaches - in season of course!
please click on image to view larger
Recipe may be seen below
Granny's Cobbler
1 stick butter
1 C. milk
1 C. sugar...
1 C. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Dash of salt
1 qt. (4 cups) fruit, sweetened (peaches, cherries, blackberries, etc.)
Melt butter in baking pan. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk. Pour batter in pan on top of butter; cover with fruit. Do not stir; batter will rise to top as it bakes and absorb the flavor of the fruit. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream. So easy!

Note: A 9" by 13" baking dish can be used.
If using canned fruit, drain fruit. If using fresh fruit, sweeten with a bit of sugar to desired sweetness. (I use 1/8 cup)

              Source: Granny's Kitchen p.364
              www.grannyskitchencookbooks.com 

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Have To....

Though cloudy skies and cold temperatures with winter blasts prevailed, down the road we went.

It never felt like such an accomplishment through all of my years of grocery shopping, but today it sure did. We travel about 25 miles every two weeks and it is a mandatory way to get out in the winter. Today was a big shop due to not having gone for 18 days. Yes, we have a full freezer, but then I run out of things like mustard, curry powder, black pepper, cocktail sauce, mayonnaise, cold cereals, lemons; oh I could go on and on, but you get the gist.

There is not much on the trip that is uglier than old roadside dirty snow. Well, perhaps dead animals compete in that category. The pretty stuff is now showing up on homes decorated with Valentine hearts and cupids. Yes, the store was full of red and sweets too.
Our driveway and road
A nice thing is that the SiriusXM radio plays music that we like and we also sing along as we travel. His side of the seat is warmed to 82° but I like mine around 70° and that is a new option for us.

So now we relax. The unloading and putting away is finished. We're having homemade beef stew tonight. I made it a couple of days ago to use up my carrots, onions, rice and shredded beef. It was easy because all of the meat had been prepared several months ago. I had even frozen the broth. Toasted ciabatta bread with garlic and butter will top it and our day will be complete.

New storm coming this weekend.


Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Toddle Talk

Last night as I went from the front of the fireplace where the propane gas heater was going strong, heading for my bedroom, the thought came that I was toddling off to a warm bed. I concluded  I was at that moment; an elderly woman toddling. It is just a casual and leisurely way of going forward.  I see the picture, do you?

All I can add is, if you think when you see me toddle around you haven't even seen a toddle until you have watched the Mister!

Seriously, I cannot run or even trot and am VERY careful not to fall, but I'm thankful that I am able to get around independently. Trying to stay positive isn't difficult for me as it is my way of getting through life.

I'll just toddle on until the toddler wears out. The waddle probably won't function either. Oh well.....

Monday, January 20, 2020

As the Sun Shines...

... I stay indoors doing this and that. The most exciting thing today was when I looked out my kitchen window and saw a beautiful red fox trotting across the snowy beachfront. I have never seen a fox here, though I know they are - because trappers in the past have caught them. THEN I was browsing a Facebook page and saw a beautiful red fox image taken by Chris Buckman and posted by my favorite SC Chief Meteorologist, Ed Piotrowski, WNEP. That was a surprise! The photographer named his Fancy the Fox. I have named mine Fluffy. Sorry, not able to grab his picture! He had a lovely fluffy tail.
I love seeing the sun, but the wind is blowing and it has not reached 18° yet at 11AM. So I went to work in the kitchen. Made egg salad for lunch and have a beef stew simmering on the stove. You know, beef, broth, carrots, onions, celery, tomato sauce and rice. It's time consuming to chop and prepare but it will be a good dinner. It's a bit sad that I no longer can knit or crochet but I can find things to do to keep busy. Keeping busy is the key to getting through winter, in my opinion. 

Since the cobbler I made with the pineapple chunks was a real success, I'm going to make another tomorrow. This will be with mandarin orange pieces. Stay tuned in.


Sunday, January 19, 2020

Granny's Cobbler

A jar of pineapple chunks sitting on the shelf was begging to be used today. It has been waiting there to top a dish that I had never made before, so today was the day. It wasn't quite a quart as was called for in the recipe but covered the top very well. Of course I saved the juice!
Granny's Cobbler
1 stick butter
1 C. milk
1 C. sugar...
1 C. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Dash of salt
1 qt. (4 cups) fruit, sweetened (peaches, cherries, blackberries, etc.)
Melt butter in baking pan. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk. Pour batter in pan on top of butter; cover with fruit. Do not stir; batter will rise to top as it bakes and absorb the flavor of the fruit. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream. So easy!

Note: A 9" by 13" baking dish can be used.
If using canned fruit, drain fruit. If using fresh fruit, sweeten with a bit of sugar to desired sweetness. (I use 1/8 cup)

              Source: Granny's Kitchen p.364
              www.grannyskitchencookbooks.com 

I admit to adding a sprinkle of both nutmeg and cinnamon over the top before baking. WOW! Sooooooo Good!
 Please click on image to enjoy the cobbler from afar

Saturday, January 18, 2020

OOPS!

Way back when my brother and I believed that Santa left gifts in our stockings which were hung on a cardboard fireplace, we always knew we'd get special treats - the same every year. His would be a box of Velveeta cheese, ALL for himself. Mine would be a can of sweetened condensed milk, ALL for myself!

My mom made many dishes in those days, using the Velveeta cheese but I only really remember that she would melt some in the saucepan along with a can of Campbell's tomato soup and some milk. This sauce was then poured over toast for "Welsh Rarebit." Well now I'm aware that her mixture really didn't come close to the real dish, but we kids loved it anyway. One more memory was that she would put pre-toasted bread in the oven and cover it with this cheese, which would melt and form a crispy crust on top.

I recently saw it in the market and bought a box. I thought it would be nice in the quiche dishes that I make. WRONG! Guess I didn't realize that it doesn't shred! Goopy, awful stuff all stuck in my hand grater.  Soooooo, after the fail,  I just sliced the remainder into chunks and wrapped each one in plastic, and put them in the refrigerator. I started a computer search for recipes for this product and soon learned that it is not good to freeze it and also that it isn't really cheese!

I put my crustless quiche together as planned.  First, I covered the dish bottom with ground ham, and then the pre-drained frozen spinach. I topped it all with Parmesan-Romano cheese. I beat six eggs with a little milk and poured over the mixture. Last, the clumps of Velveeta cheese were placed on top and the dish was baked in 350° oven for 40 minutes. After checking it, a sprinkle of paprika was used and the last 10 minutes it was put under the broiler.  Yay! Success! Tasty! Lesson learned: Never try to shred Velveeta cheese.
Click on image to view larger 
 For some interesting information please click on link below.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Let it Snow!

Anything is better than these MUDDY roads!  In a couple of days it will be beautiful here with several inches covering the ground. Earlier, the view through the kitchen windows was dreary but showing promise that Mother Nature is at work. I took these photos at 11am. It is noon now and the view is VERY different. A whiteout isn't good for picture taking. It is an extremely hard squall with snow and strong winds. We are blinded here. 
Hang in. 30° and falling. 

Monday, January 13, 2020

Ham

Our son and his partner gave us and his sister each a 12 lb. spiral ham for Christmas. I just got around to baking mine before the "use by" date in February.  Now we have ham for dinner, ham for breakfast, ham for lunch, ham for brother, ham for neighbor, ham for trashman. I know slices won't freeze well because they go "watery" and I also know what fabulous split pea soup will be made from the bone when it is stripped of meat.

Hey! It's winter. What else could I better spend my time doing besides baking, roasting, cooking, preparing meals? You get my point, and I also read books. I like these activities very much.

My home is my castle. My kitchen is my favorite room.
(I believe my husband thinks there is a food fairy living here because he doesn't participate in this activity - ever.) 

LINKS:   Split Pea Soup
                Split Pea Soup Prep

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Porch Hangings

People often walk around the lake for fresh air and exercise. The other day I noticed a woman who came right up to the front porch and she was examining my craft projects. I opened the door and asked if I could help her with something and she replied, "Are your porch decorations for sale?"

I think she was a guest of a resident, so I explained that I make them for my enjoyment and they are one of a kind, not for sale at all. Then...she wanted to know how I make them!

So... I went on to describe the process of finding the elements around my home area, cleaning them, and then deciding what to create. There is no plan, no process the same, some results good, some not as good, but all for my recreation and relaxation. I like looking out the windows and seeing them move in the winds. I don't have any instructions as to making any of these. The end results are never known when I begin. I told her the "story" about each one. I think she went away with ideas of her own. I never did ask who she was or where she came from. It didn't matter.
Short stories of each one below image.
50 cent metal wreath found at yard sale.
Roadside pinecones, teasel, jute, feathers.
Today the spring birds have stripped the jute for nesting material.
Roadside pinecones washed and baked, sticks, jute.
This was difficult to assemble.
It has to balance so no element bumps the other.
It swings freely and is fun to watch.
This one started out to be a star.
The sticks are from honey tea-dipping lollypops.
Two sided with jute base.
Craft poms and pipe cleaners.
Roadside teasel secured by young agile friend.
Stems cut and stripped of prickly needles.
Assembled with craft wire and hot glue. 
Roadside pinecones washed and baked dry.
Pinecones attached to wire form.
Burlap material wrapped between pinecones.
please click on image to view larger
To review previous posts regarding these items you can click on a link that will take your there in more detail.





Thursday, January 9, 2020

My, My, Apple Pie

I noticed that there was just one package of dehydrated apples left in the freezer. It was dated October 2017. Yes, I know they would have lasted much longer but we were hankering for pie, so....

I have used this simple recipe many times and it is a no-fail project. The Mister just had his daily mid-morning snack and kept smackin' his lips and ummmmmm-ing! A winner again!

I like like the no-muss, no-fuss aspect. I did add about 1/2 C of golden raisins, just because I had some on hand.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Apple (Dried) Apple Pie
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cup dried apples
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
Pre-made, unbaked two-crust pie dough (available in your local grocer near pre-made cookie dough)
In a large bowl, pour boiling water over the dried apples and let soak for a few hours or until they rehydrate. Once rehydrated, add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch pie pan with the pie dough. Pour the apple mixture into the pie pan and add the small cubes of butter so that they are well distributed across the apple mixture. Cover the pie with the remaining pie dough. Using a fork or your fingers, press down the pie dough sides so that it forms a rippled crust.
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool, and serve.
To view larger, please click on image
I'll have to hydrate more apples this year. FOR SURE!

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

More on Music...

I was fussing about not being able to understand the lyrics of some of today's music.  I'm just wondering and thinking about all of the different kinds there are. Think on it...
  • Music for listening
  • Music for dancing
  • Music for singing
  • Music for marching
  • Music for rhythm
  • Music for relaxing
  • Music for telling a story
  • Music for building excitement
  • Music for joy
  • Music for sadness
  • Music for happiness
  • Music for sorrow
And the genres of
  • easy listening
  • jazz
  • pop
  • rock
  • holiday
  • country
  • Latin
  • children's
  • reggae
  • folk
  • classical
  • religious
  • gospel
  • rap/hip-hop (I don't call this music at all!)
  • new age
  • blues
  • instrumentals
  • vocal
  • soul
  • electronic
  • contemporary
  • alternative
  • instrumental
And, now think of the instruments!!!
Nope! I'm not going to list them! 
This appears to be borne out by the archaeological evidence. While the first hand axes and spears date back about 1.7 million years and 500,000 years respectively, the earliest known musical instruments are just 40,000 years old.  Source: BBC




Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Bread Pudding

When we had our place at the beach in SC, a nearby veteran's club held weekly bingo games and several of our friends attended. When they won, they went up to a table to pick a prize. The prizes were an assortment of day-old pies, breads, donuts, vegetables, etc. donated by a local market. Several of our beach friends were winners and they would choose the long French or Italian breads. When they found out how dry they were, I suggested we make bread pudding with the loaves so as not to waste them. Pretty soon bread pudding was the treat of the week! I first showed them how to slice, cube and dry the bread to make the pudding. Many had never even tasted it before! I guess it is more of a "country" treat because it used so much milk and many eggs.

Today I made one and I will say it is WONDERFUL! I cubed some dried heels of rye, wheat and white bread along with the Italian. I used ground walnuts instead of pecans. We've already shared with the trash pick up man, who has never had it! I told him I'd print out my no-fail recipe for his wife.

We even like a dollop of  Extra Creamy Cool Whip on top but today I didn't have any thawed. Who wants the recipe?  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 Bread Pudding                    

3 to 5 Cups cubed and dried Italian bread or French bread

2 C Granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 C milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 C light brown sugar
1/4 (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans and/or raisins

• Preheat oven 350°

Mix together granulated sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, eggs and milk in a bowl; add vanilla.
Pour over cubed bread and let set at least 10 minutes. (stir and turn over bread in mixture several times.)

*In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter and pecans (if used).
I use pastry blender tool to mix together. 

Pour bread mixture into prepared large pan. Sprinkle raisins(if used) over and push down into bread mixture. 

Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over top of all and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until set, depending on brownness.

*Optional: Don’t mix brown sugar and butter together. Instead,  after sprinkling brown sugar over top of mixture, cut thin slices of cold butter and place all over top before baking. 


Sunday, January 5, 2020

Music to My Ears

As most of my friends already know, music soothes the soul. It does so much more as well. What I just can't understand about today's music is that much of it does not soothe my soul. It has lyrics that are not pleasing to my ear and I can't even understand them most of the time. Lyrics are important to me - they tell a story or express feelings.  For instance... think on these from an old time country song -
See what I mean? More later.......

Search Results

Knowledge Result

A Satisfied Mind
How many times have you heard someone say
"If I had his money, I could do things my way?"
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind
Once I was wading in fortune and fame
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
But suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely, or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind
When life has ended, my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones, I'll leave, there's no doubt
But there's one thing for certain, when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Red Hays / Jack Rhodes
A Satisfied Mind lyrics © Carlin America Inc


Saturday, January 4, 2020

Photography Efforts

First of all, let me tell you that I have a Fuji Camera that I bought a few years ago at Walmart and it was under $160.00. I love it because it is simple. I am not now, nor ever have been a "professional photographer" but do like trying to take photos that are pleasing to my eye - and yours. I don't have a "smart phone" either, so what I have is what I use - no fancy lenses, no attachments, just a hobby.

Last year I submitted about 15 or 16 of my photos to our local TV station for a weekly slide show of photos from area residents. WNEP covers 20 counties in the northeast and upper regional area of Pennsylvania. The station receives around 100-150 submissions a week.

Much to my surprise, through 2019, I have had 12 of mine chosen to be part of the shows. THEN, just today, there was a review and 3 of mine were again featured. Talk about an ego pump... yes, I have one today.

I started submitting a couple once in a while several years ago, but only a few were ever used.

Here are today's selection. They are my screen shots from the 2020 January 4 lookback shows. Parts 1 through 3 were gardening, crafts, and foods.


click on image to view larger
I had a Snapfish soft cover small photo album made of the 12 that were used in 2019. Just a memento from me to me. 
As you can see, the change of seasons thrills my eye!

Friday, January 3, 2020

2019 Wrapup

2019 Family, Friends and Miscellaneous

January - First temperatures below 0° on January 21. (- 2°) Ice fishermen on lake many days of the month. Middle of month deep snow. Worked on rejuvenating my old photo album of the 50's for oldest daughter. Brother gave me a real crystal ball that he hand made. Granddaughter huge with twins to deliver.   -10° January 31.
February -  The mister fell in the living room and tore up his arm. Messy but not serious. Fell again two days later and increased damage. I was his nurse. Baked brownies, snicker doodles and a large cheese-spinach quiche. More snow. Twin boys arrived. Great Grandsons. Deer all over in the backyard. Baked blueberry cheesecake.
March - Two more snow events. Lots of long icicles. A large number of fishermen on the lake enjoying the sport. Brother brought me large container of his home made maple syrup. Baked raisin cake, oatmeal cookies. Daffodils sprouting in front yard. Oldest daughter's father-in-law died.
April - The mister fell and gouged his brow. Not serious. Great Great Grandson born. Granddaughter got a new horse. Baked a lemon cake. Got a nice large prism for display. Twins baptized.
May - Spring perennial flowers up and yard flowers purchased. Dandelions and forsythia out in full bloom. Fresh asparagus time. Cabin cleaning of high things and beams done by grandson and partner. Baked a lemon blueberry cake, banana nut bread, peanut butter cookies and brownies. New rain gutters installed. Friend got a Labradoodle puppy. Grandson got a Rottweiler puppy. Yard man hard at work. Hummingbirds arrived. Shower stall repair.
June - Baked blueberry bread loaf and ginger snaps. Put up eight Qts. strawberries for freezer. Two lake hatchings of goslings, four and three. Airboat spread weed killer on lake twice. 
July -  Grandson won our lake association fishing trophy second year in a row. Won once before as well. Son and partner visited from Stroudsburg. Granddaughter became engaged. Yardman got beautiful white husky/shepherd mix. Put up green beans for freezer. Corn and tomatoes abundant. Baked banana nut bread. Rooting mint. 
August - Peaches put up for freezer. Ate at least three cantaloupe. Squash, zucchini, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, cucumbers and corn abundant. Huge Oxheart tomatoes this year grown by daughters! Apples available. Airboat spread weed killer on lake again. Baked cranberry/bran muffins and eggplant parm. Twins won blue ribbons at fair. Made kettle of pea soup for freezer with hambone from daughter.
September - Dried and stored tomato and cantaloupe seeds for next year. Dried out and reaped garlic cloves for freezer. Apple time for sauce and pies and eating. Son from Scranton rode motorcycle here for visit. Baked large meatloaf. Granddaughter un-engaged. 
October - Apple cake, crisp, pie and sauce time. Brought back a dozen 1/2 gallons of cider for 2020 supply from orchard. Freezes well. Baked several pumpkin pies. Yardman helped me get enough teasel for porch craft project. Grandson grew a pumpkin that weighed almost 600 lbs! I won 10 lbs. home grown beef burger meat from local farm produce market. Great Granddaughter, age 21 died in FL.  
November - First snow - just dusting. Temperatures +18°. Lake completely frozen on 23rd. Didn’t last. Baked spinach quiche, pumpkin pie, roasted turkey breast, chili, meatloaf. The mister fell and bruised cheek and broke eyeglasses. Cause? shuffling and not paying attention plus poor balance. This time had CAT scan to see if fracture on face. AOK. I started using electric blanket from daughter's gift last Christmas. 
December - VERY rainy and wet and MUDDY! Baked large lemon cookies - two batches. 

ME-Turned 83. Still slowing down while moving forward. Taking pictures mostly from golf car riding around home area. Twelve of my photos were selected to be shown on local TV slide shows. Shoulder and hip received injections every 8 weeks. Eyes still giving me grief with dry eye. Leg and feet circulation poor.
HE-Turned 84. Forgetful but able to complete general tasks and chores except for yard work. Using cane sporadically for stability. Fell about 11 times during year. Hearing very poor. Good dishwasher and vacuum cleaner operator and very helpful. Does all of the driving.
WE-Are living within our means and don't have a single debt. We are comfortable and still capable of being fully independent and self sufficient. 

New Stuff
• Updated 2012 Ford Escape to 2016 Ford Escape. 

Repairs (Professionally Accomplished)
• Leaky shower stall
• Rain Gutters replaced
• Preservation of bottom logs in back 

Crafts…..
Teasel mobile
Photomanipulations (About 120)
Total revamping of old photo album.

All of my various directories and calendars are updated for the year 2020 and I start all over.

By the way, death is part of living in my mind. It is just another path. We leave the old and anticipate the new every year, don’t we? It doesn’t mean that we don’t remember but we do move onward.

“Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes.
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears.
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full times instead of your lean.
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth.
Love your neighbor as much as yourself.”

Kindness and acceptance for all. SHARE! SHARE!

Out with the old....