Fig preserves and memories

FIGS:

the fruit of my childhood memories

I have always loved figs. When I was young we lived in south Louisiana and were blessed to have a large fig tree in our backyard. The tree grew right beside an outdoor patio. I was the unofficial fig picker in our family. After climbing up the tree and gathering from underneath, I would climb on a ladder to the top of the patio and pick the figs from the top of the tree. The leaves of a fig tree will irritate your skin and my exposed arms and legs would itch for some time after I climbed down. But in my mind, it was well worth the discomfort. Usually the fig gathering would happen when my granny was visiting. She would take the figs and make fig preserves from them. I couldn't wait to open the first jar of preserves and spread that sweet, gooey goodness onto a biscuit or a plain piece of toasted light bread. I know I was strange child, remember fried chicken liver was also one of my favorite meals...

Many years went by and I had pretty much forgotten about the figs of my childhood. I moved on to other delicacies. However, it is strange what happens to trigger those long repressed memories. It is also strange what craving pregnancy will produce.

When we lived in Arkansas and I was pregnant to with Noah, I developed a craving for figs. I searched high and low and couldn't find the first jar of fig preserves in any of the local grocery stores. It wasn't until a spring trip to the Bluegrass festival in Mountain View, Arkansas that I was able to satisfy that desire.

Tucked away in a little shop, along with the jars of local honey and pickled okra, were beautiful golden jars of fig preserves. I couldn't believe my fortune. I ate fig preserves on toast for weeks. When the jar was empty the search was on again to find more. After Noah was born I begin to visit the Farmer's Market in Little Rock and to my great fortune a vendor there carried a wonderful fig preserve. Since moving to North Carolina I buy a small jar of preserves from Harris Teeter, a local grocery store. I eat them spread on an Arnold's whole wheat Sandwich Thin with natural peanut butter. I often make a meal out of just that. When I do, I close my eyes and am once again transported back to my carefree childhood days when this wonderful brown, sweet treat grew in my backyard.

In the last few years since reacquainting myself with the delicious fig, I have thought of having a fig tree, to grow my own and put up preserves the way my granny did. Because of our "gypsy" lifestyle I didn't think that was possible. Then I began to read about people growing small fig trees in pots on their decks and I knew this was something I had to try.

Last weekend while Andrew, Noah and I perused the lawn and garden area of our local Lowe's store, I found it! Tucked away with some blueberry bushes, there were fig trees. These trees were about a foot and a half tall and and looked very healthy. I debated; should I, shouldn't I? I really wanted to but being a skeptic, I wondered if you could actually grow figs this way. I saw that they were marked down to ten dollars, so I figured, why not find out?

We purchased two large pots to bring home to re pot what we refer to as "our twins." They are two ficus trees that someone gave to our family seventeen years ago when my brother, Daren, was killed. We have had them ever since. They have been moved many times in those years and they have been re potted several times into bigger and bigger pots. They have had times of plenty and times when they dropped so many leaves I didn't know if they would make it. However, last spring when we moved here and they found their place on either end of our front porch, they have thrived like never before. I suppose the climate and conditions are just right for them to really grow.

Bringing our new little fig tree home we re potted it into one of the large terra cotta pots that we took the ficus trees from. It now sits proudly on our little deck. The leaves look great and it seems to like its new home. I go out regularly and speak encouraging words and imagine the day that I can walk out and pick fruit off of its branches and taste the incredible flavor and sweetness of my very own figs.

Last night Andrew and I sat on the deck in the light of a full moon rising behind us, with the flames of the tiki torches wafting citronella scent across our little backyard paradise, and we agreed that we wanted to go back and buy another fig tree to fill the empty terra cotta pot from the other ficus tree. It only seems fitting that we would have two figs growing together just as our ficus trees have done all these years. We will now have two sets of "twins" to carry with us through the coming years.

Here are some great reference sites to check out if your interested in figs...

www.pickyourown.org/figs.htm

http://bayouwoman.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/just-plain-old-fashioned-fig-preserve-recipe/

As of lately...

News from the home front:

Lauren is home from her two week stay in Charlotte. Taking a much needed couple of days of R and R before starting to work on Thursday.

Andrew had a golf filled weekend in Myrtle Beach and is home with a little sunburn and sore from all the golfing.

Megan did a wonderful job on the church Mother's Day photo's. She was thrilled this week to discover that her camera wasn't actually missing the mirrored lens after all. So we didn't have to send it off for repair. She is happily snapping photo's again with her own camera. She is also watching for the Fed Ex truck everyday for the last couple of days looking for her birthday present. She is getting an iPhone. She is very excited about that!

Noah and I have have been doing some planting and working in our little garden.

We have been having lots of rain the last few days. And according to the weather reports looks like more is on the way throughout the week.

For some of you who have read my facebook page you know I have been on a search for some time to find some Lady Pea seeds to plant in the garden. Sometimes they are called Lady Cream Peas. We use to grow them when I was young. My granny use to buy the seeds in DeRidder and give some to us to grow. They are a small pea, with a delicate flavor. Mixed with cornbread, they were Divine. So recently I have become obsessed with finding some. I searched the Internet when I was unable to find them locally. Apparently they are a regional crop, not grown or known of except in the far south; such as Louisiana, East Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. The rest of the world just doesn't know what they are missing out on as far as I am concerned.

Finally I found some on eBay. Someone in Texas was selling them. I jumped on it immediately. When a couple of weeks went by and I still had not received my peas, I contacted the seller. To make a long story short, although I had changed my primary shipping address on my eBay account, my old address was still on the account somewhere, and that is the address that the seller chose to send my peas. Well, after several emails back and forth, he told me I would have to take up the matter with eBay. So I did. At first they ruled against me and decided not to refund me for the purchase. I chose to appeal the decision and after a little sarcasm on my part, they changed the ruling and refunded the full amount of the purchase. I was thrilled, although it was only six dollars and some change, for me it was the principle of the matter.

With my refund in my pay pal account, I set out to find more lady peas. Much to my chagrin, no one else seemed to have any. Well in the meantime, a wonderful friend of mine in Louisiana took it upon herself to hunt down these illusive peas. She checked several places in the DeRidder area, and although many of the "ole timers" knew what she was talking about, no one had them. She finally visited the Mennonite Nursery and there she found them! I think she was a thrilled as I was to have scored them. Yesterday I received a 1/2 pound of Elite Cream Lady Pea seeds. I am so excited. I can't wait for this rain to pass so we can get another bed made for the peas. If all grows well, I am going to get those wonderful peas of my childhood and my kids are going to get to experience the thrill of sitting around and shelling peas. So everyone wins in the deal! I don't know that my children would agree, but one day they will look back on it and be glad for the experience, I am sure of it...Thanks Dana, I owe you!

In other gardening news:

As of now, we have two and a half raised beds built and mostly planted. I have one bed designated for later season crops. Right now it has Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes in it. I have two rows left to fill with something. Maybe some beans of some sort. If I can find some speckled butter beans, I think I will plant those there.

The other bed is filled with tomatoes of different varieties. Mostly Roma since we use those more often. Several types of peppers, zucchini and yellow squash, eggplant, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach and basil. I still have some room for a few other items, maybe okra and broccoli. This bed is already showing quite well. I have been pinching blooms from my tomatoes everyday in order for the plants to get established and put more energy into the roots and growth before they start to put on fruit. Apparently I wasn't as diligent as I thought, some managed to get by me. I now have several tiny little tomatoes growing underneath and tucked away behind leaves on the underside where they escaped my sight. I also have beautiful squash blooms that open so graciously every morning. I have discovered a couple of finger sized zucchini growing as well. I have already harvested and dried some basil, so this bed seems to be doing quite well.

The third, or half bed is filled with leeks, carrots, and green onion. I have space in the middle of the bed to plant more herbs like chives, cilantro, oregano and thyme.

The final bed will be filled with those wonderful Lady peas.

I do have garden photo's to post, I just haven't managed to get them downloaded onto the computer yet. I will have them posted soon.

On Books:
I just got this book in the mail yesterday. I can't wait to get started on it.

I have a couple more on order that I want to read. Other than online research and magazine reading, I haven't been doing much reading lately. I do have to say that since I got my iPhone last week, I am really enjoying the KJV Bible app. It is so convenient to read your bible anywhere you are with that.

Exercise and fitness:
It has been four weeks today since I injured my ankle. I have done very little in the way of exercising during that four week period. I did try to continue with strength training, but not as regularly as before the injury. I just got a bit discouraged that I couldn't do more. Starting today, I can begin slowly to work my way back into my routine. I have been watching what I have been eating and have stuck to my eating goals for the most part. I haven't weighed lately because I just didn't want to know I suppose. I suspect I have stayed right at the same weight through it all. Next month will be my one year mark with Curves and I had hoped to be at or near my original weight loss goal by then. With this set back and the fact that my weight loss just stopped several months ago, I don't think I will be there by that time. As of the last time I weighed, I was sixteen pounds away from my original goal. With the set back of the ankle and four weeks until the one year mark, I don't think there is any way I will get more than maybe five pounds off between now and then. If I can manage that much.

My running plan is to slowly work my way back to where I was before the injury. By doing mostly walking and very little running in the beginning. I have to admit that I am a little nervous getting back to the cardio exercise that I was doing, I am fearful of re injuring my ankle. I didn't enjoy being injured, as I am sure most people feel the same way. It was more the feeling of limitation than the actual pain. I don't like feeling that I am limited by anything other than my own desires. I think that is what this journey is about for me. Taking away the limits that I have allowed to control me for so many years. Taking back the power of choice. I understand there are limits with everything...there are things that are beyond our control and ability, but many things are in our hands to either make happen or keep from happening. So as I approach a turning point in my life, I don't want my physical body or my mind to put limits on the things I can do anymore. I want to be able to enjoy a much better life without physical limitations of illness as I get older. I know again, that things will happen, but if I do my part I am hoping to lessen the probabilities of certain preventable illnesses.

I have decided however, through this time of injury to celebrate the progress that I have made. Not to just focus on the goal but to also enjoy where I am today and realize that this is a journey, not just a goal out there to reach and then be satisfied. This is something that will continue on and on. I have allowed myself to be happy with what I have accomplished. To look at myself and be happy with now and what I have done up to this point. Before I was just so focused on the goal that I couldn't allow myself any reward for how far I have already come. But now, I am able to see my sucesses and be glad in them. No, I am not where I want to be, but neither am I where I was, physically or mentally. I am stronger, wiser and more determined to make this happen, to make the necessary lifestyle changes to be the person I want to become.

So as the saying goes; it is time to get back on the horse and continue on this journey.

Today's Quotes

Serendipity: Look for something; find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for

~Lawrence Block~

Desire is the starting point of all achievment, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything

~Napoleon Hill~

Burning desire to be or do something gives us staying power- a reason to get up every morning or to pick ourselves back up and start in again after a disappointment

~Marsha Sinetar~

An Easy Saturday

This has been a very good week. It seemed to just fly by. I did very well with my exercise plan. I made it to Curves three days and worked out at home five days. Andrew and I worked out in the evenings after he got home from work. I was worn out by bed time, but it was a good tired feeling. I slept very well most of the week, except for the two nights when Noah woke me.

Today Andrew and I had a lunch date. The last time I chose where we ate; Sushi Court. Today he chose; Buffalo Wild Wings. It was a challenge to find something fairly healthy on the menu, but we ended up getting the Naked tenders and I had a side salad to go with it. Basically it was chicken breast tenderloins grilled with garlic and some other seasoning with our choice of sauce on the side. It was okay, but there were large screen televisions on every square inch of wall space. So the noise level was uncomfortable to say the least. But other than that, we had a great time.

After eating we drove to Dick's and I finally broke down and bought a pair of running shoes. I didn't get my first choice, they were $125. That was well above what I am willing to part with for a pair of running shoes, since I am not sure how this whole running thing is going to work out. So I opted for the same brand in a different model. I got the Asics Gel 1150. They are the lilac color instead of the turquoise that I wanted but that was the only color in the size I needed. They were a little more than I wanted to spend but I figured the longer I waited the longer it would be before I could actually start running. The shoes were my last excuse.

After going to Dick's, Andrew bought a new sand wedge, somehow his got lost. I think he is planning to go golfing again in the morning and try it out. Then of course we finished our "date" out by going to Walmart and buying a few groceries.

All in all it was a great day. After coming home we all have just lazed around and relaxed. Getting ready for the hour we are going to lose tonight when we set our clocks forward...

Well not much else to report. I am reading The Coal Tattoo by Silas House. I am enjoying it so far. I am about half way through. After that I have another one by him, A Parchment of Leaves.

I am also pouring over all of my Runner's World magazines trying to learn all I can before I attempt this new endeavour. I just got the latest one in the mail yesterday.

Quotes

Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.

~Japanese Proverb~

You have a choice, throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.

~Gatorade~

Spring...could it be?

The sun is shining so nice this morning. Three mornings in a row we have enjoyed the bright sunlight coming in though the windows. My ficus' plants are loving it. They are waiting with anticipation for spring so they can once again take their post on either end of the front porch. But for now, they are bathing in the sunlight streaming in through the dining room windows.

Yesterday was a nice warm day, but not to warm. There was a gentle breeze blowing and the sunshine was warm on my back as Noah and I played in the backyard. I pushed him on his swing, we tossed toys for the dogs to retrieve, and we enjoyed a nice long, lively game of kickball. When it was time to come in and start supper, Noah was red faced and tired. Needless to say, he slept very well last night. In fact, he didn't wake up until nearly 8:00, which is late for him.

We are suppose to have another awesome day, weather wise. I had toyed with the idea of making another trip to Wilmington today, but decided to save that for another time. I wanted to give it just another week or so. Although it was a year ago this week that we were there at Carolina Beach and it was a great day.

I have to make my run to the grocery store today to restock my diminished supply. I really don't like going to Walmart, I am sure I have expressed my dislike of the place a time or two, but it is one of those necessary evils, I suppose. In some areas of the country anyway.

Andrew and I have started working out together in the afternoons when he comes in from work. I am trying to go to Curves in the morning and be ready to workout in the garage when he comes in. I have been a little sore for a few days, but I can tell it is getting better. Hopefully before long we can actually get out and run together. When the time changes and there is more daylight in the evenings that will make a world of difference. We've been slower at getting started than I had hoped. I am thinking of buying a treadmill, for times when the weather isn't cooperating...and it will make it easier for me to run on days when it isn't possible for him to go. I really don't want to run by myself. Maybe I am just paranoid, but I don't want to be a target for someone looking for trouble. According to the papers around here, there are a lot of people who seem to find trouble. I suppose it has always been that way near military bases. It is almost ironic how they seem to be more unsafe than other areas of the country. Anyway, the treadmill is something that I think would be a good investment for me.

I have reluctantly been looking around at "new" vehicles. Old Blue has been a good one, and I don't want to think about getting rid of it. I especially don't want to think about having a car note again after so long. But I suppose that is the necessary evil of traveling around like we do. If I lived in one place and didn't have to be on the highways like I do, I would keep Blue till her wheels fell off. Unfortunately I don't know how many more long trips she will make without us possibly having trouble. And when it is just the kids and I on the road to no where, I don't want to risk having trouble. So I have been looking...I am hoping to work it out that we will have a large down payment so that we only have to finance a small portion and get it paid off quickly. I am considering a Ford Edge. I haven't driven one yet, but I like what I have seen. I am looking for an '08 model with low mileage. I don't want to buy new, in my opinion it is foolish to buy new off the showroom floor. You lose entirely to much equity in a new one the moment it rolls off of the lot. I have had great success in buying two year old vehicles and think that is definitely the way to go for me. I am taking my time in this decision though, not being to quick about it. I am waiting for the right one...I am trusting the Lord to direct me so that I will know it is right. It has always worked for me in the past and I know this one won't be any different.

Noah and I are planting today. We have a seed starter kit with some herb seeds that we are going to get started. I really want to start a garden but I am waiting on Andrew to build my raised beds for me. We are holding off to find out if we were going to be here for another job or if we will be leaving after this one is done. We should find out this month if they got the other contract here. Until then, the herbs can be grown in pots on the deck and can be taken with us if we go...

Well, I haven't posted in over a week, so I needed to write something. Nothing exciting or thought provoking, just daily updates on life. My writing slump continues...perhaps when the sun is high in the sky and I have been able to enjoy it more, maybe then my SAD will have gone and I can enjoy the great outdoors again...maybe then my muse will have returned and I can write more engagingly. Until then, this is all there is...

Today's Quotes

If you don't know where your going, any road will get you there.

~Lewis Carroll~

Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you could lose.

~Tom Krause~

Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.

~Shaquille O'Neal~

Obstacles are things a person sees when he take his eyes off of his goal.

~E. Joseph Crossman~

Life...Day to Day...

It is Tuesday already of another week...where is this time going?  Seems like the world has sped up and the days and weeks just fly by like a blur.  Even when I don't have a lot going on, it just seems like every time I turn around another week is starting.
I really don't have much to say, but it has been about two weeks since I posted anything, so I figured I needed to write something.  I have been in a writing slump lately and just don't seem to want to take time to sit down and think about what I am writing. 

When I got back on blogger I discovered that they have changed the format some and I can't find the spellcheck, so if anything is misspelled, please over look it because I am a bit lazy today and decided to just type without dwelling on it to much.

Not a lot going on in my world this past week.  Just the usual routines of house work, cooking, kids, homeschooling...
Lauren has been gone for several days.  She went down to Charleston, SC to nanny for our pastor and his wife while they were at a retreat.  Their youngest child is four and she didn't want to stay behind, so instead of Lauren staying with all three of the kids, they left the older two with someone else and took Lauren along with them.  She had a great time...enjoyed the resort and having a villa to herself.  It was almost like living on her own again for a few days.

It was Andrew's weekend to work, so Megan, Noah and I went shopping Saturday. Noah wanted to go to the mall so he could ride the carousel.  So as much as I despise going to the mall, especially on a Saturday, I relented and we fought the crowds at the local mall.

They both ended up getting a few things while we were there, so I suppose the trip wasn't a total waste of time.

Sunday AM we had a good service.  We are in a four-part teaching series about "Starving for Love."  The first week was geared toward the family, the second was about spouse to spouse relationships, this week was about our relationship with the community.  They have all been very good.

Well, I am still reading Jon Katz books, have been really slow at it lately.  To many distractions I suppose.  But I am rather enjoying the books.  I am reading "A Dog Year" now.

Still have a couple more of his to read.  I don't know what I will read next, after I finish all of Katz' books.  I picked up "Clay's Quilt" the other day.  I have intended to read it for years now, but never have gotten to it.  It was written by a guy in Kentucky who lived a couple of counties over from us when we were in Kentucky.  It was actually published when we lived in Kentucky.  When I worked at the library one of the ladies that worked there told me that her daughter worked with him.  He was a mail carrier for the post office.  So I have put it on my to read list for years, but for some reason it always slipped by.  I was in the H section looking for Hosseini, the author of "The Kite Runner" and I found Silas House's book.  So I decided to get it and read it finally.  So I think I will start it next.

Well, I am just rambling more than usual so I will shut up for now.  Maybe next time I will have something more interesting or profound to share...until then I will leave you with a couple of quotes...

Today's Quotes

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.

~Danny Kaye~

Life is the sum of all your choices.

~Albert Camus~

 

Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.

~Charles Schulz~

What I am Reading...

Right now I am consumed with my eating habits. I have been changing my eating patterns and the things I put into my body for a couple of months now. I have been working out at Curves and have lost about 13 pounds so far. Doesn't seem like much, but I am not looking for quick fixes, I want lasting weight loss and to be a fit and healthy person. So in order to do that I have had to clean up my eating...So with that in mind here are a couple of book related to that.

I am also reading:

Hello Fall!

Weather matters:

Fall is definitely in the air this week. It has been rainy and cool. I can feel it in my bones and in my nose. My sinus' and allergies are usually the first notifications of changing weather and seasons.

I once dreaded fall because I didn't like winter with its cold weather and sunless days. Spring was always my favorite time of the year...new beginnings, sunshine and such. But as I have gotten older, I find myself looking forward to and enjoying fall more. I have been worn down by the heat of summer and welcome the cooler days and nights. I love fall clothing; warm, soft sweaters, jackets and boots.

More weighted issues:

I joined Curves back in June of this year. But due to vacations, visitors and other summer things, I didn't commit myself completely to getting into shape. It wasn't until August, when things started to settle down and our routines got into a normal mode, that I was able to put myself completely behind the task of losing weight and getting into shape. I can understand how difficult it is for someone to take time to put into exercising and eating right. It is a job just to take time each day to workout and to figure out what to eat and what not to eat, plus taking the time to prepare the foods. It is much easier just to grab whatever and go...no wonder drive thru's are so popular. But once you start the process, it becomes easier and easier to do. Once I started filling my body with the good stuff, I no longer had cravings for the bad stuff. I continue to crave the good foods. And once I started working out more, I don't want to miss a scheduled workout. Although I may be tired, if I push myself to workout then I feel so much more energized after the workout. I feel much better and sleep much better.

Since changing my eating habits: I gave up all carbonated drinks (Dr Pepper of course was my drug of choice). I don't eat fast foods at all. I quit eating candy and junk foods. I eat fruits and veggies, as much seafood as I can get, lean meat and chicken. I eat out of a small plate and don't get seconds. I eat more slowly, allowing my body to send me the cues that it is full. I drink lots of water and eat fewer breads, pasta and rice. I keep healthy snacks around and don't allow myself to get hungry and just grab something to satisfy the hunger. I eat purposely and deliberately. Not leaving it to chance and bad eating decisions. I try to eat as close to natural as possible. In some places that is almost impossible, but I buy local when I can. I read all labels before buying, and avoid buying anything from China...due to that, it is hard to find seafood, especially at Walmart, one of the reason I despise that store. So I shop at other grocery stores that offer USA or local sea foods. Yes, it is more expensive, which pushes my grocery budget up, but I will allow for it to avoid imported foods. I know there are somethings, such as banana's that you can't get locally, they just don't grow banana's in North Carolina, but until they do, I suppose I will have to grit my teeth and bare it.

Since I started this process, I have lost 13 pounds and dropped two dress sizes! Yeah! I have a goal that I want to reach by Thanksgiving, and another I want to reach by spring. This time I will reach that goal! I am viewing it as one of the most important jobs I have now, besides being a wife and mother, those jobs always come first. But if I am healthier and in better shape, I will feel better and be better at my other jobs.

I am much happier and am not looking so much at the end point, but I am enjoying the journey, enjoying the challenges and process along the way. I didn't get out of shape overnight, so I can't expect to get my self back in shape overnight. It is a process, and the view from here is great!

After I have lost a little more weight, I am planning to start a 5k training program. I want to run a 5k, then a 10k and eventually a half marathon and a full marathon. That is down the road a ways, but if you don't start, you will never reach that goal. One step, one day at a time. So each morning I wake up and say to myself, "Just for today, I am going to eat right and exercise."

Not only am I reaping benefits in my body, but I am also feeling the effects in my emotional well being, in my mental alertness and sharpness, and in my spiritual awareness.

So all in all, I would say that the little bit of sacrifice is well worth the effort...

Holidays and family:

The holiday's are drawing nearer. We are planning to go to Tennessee for Thanksgiving and spend a couple of days with Andrew's family. Lauren is meeting us there, then coming back with us to North Carolina for a couple of months. Mom and Dad are planning a trip up the first of December to stay with us through the Christmas holiday. We are looking forward to spending time with family after being away for sometime now.

Odds and ends:
Been doing a little crafting lately. Trying to find my creative side in the midst of day to day activities. Megan is taking an arts class and enjoying it. Noah is also being creative and doing a lot of painting. I think it must be in the air...In general life is moving along...Sometimes it seems like it is flying by much to quickly.





Blogs I am enjoying lately:
http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/
http://www.likeflowersandbutterflies.blogspot.com/
http://www.grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/




Websites I like:
http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/
www.coolrunning.com

My why I hate Walmart rant

So I went grocery shopping today...I have such a love/hate relationship with the whole grocery shopping process. Of course, it starts with me clipping the coupons from the Sunday newspaper, and then making a list of things we are out of or things I would like to buy. Then I go through the sale papers of the various grocery stores to see if I can find a bargain.

Then I try to make a menu for the next two weeks, which I usually only get through one week and figure I can wing the next week without trying to figure it all out now. It is hard for me to plan that far ahead. I am the girl that never, I repeat, never plans what I am going to wear in advance. I always have to wake up and see how I feel and what I feel like wearing...pretty much the same with food.

Just because I make out a menu plan doesn't mean that it is written in stone, most of the time, it isn't even written in sand...I have to see how the day goes, how I feel and what I feel like cooking and eating...yes, the rest of the family is subject to my wishes in the meal department. Oh, I do take their likes and dislikes into consideration, but mostly if I have a taste for a certain thing, that's what we have...there are exceptions however. I do often question what they would like for supper, but that is usually early in the day when no one really knows what they want for lunch, not to mention supper. So I do give them a chance for input into the meal.

The love/hate thing with grocery shopping comes in when I start trying to decide the best things to buy and feed the family. I don't like Walmart because of the trend they seem to be following. They buy so many things from other countries, ignoring that this country has so many things to offer. In the 80's Wal Mart claimed they bought USA products. That was one of their ad slogans, but after the death of Sam Walton, things changed...not for the better as far as I am concerned. I am all for supporting business and industry in the US even if it cost a bit more.

I search for USA products that are harder and harder to find, I search for good for you foods, which are also hard to find. I don't like boxed or pre-made foods. I don't want anything with all the additives and preservatives; dyes, coloring and added flavorings...not to mention all the sodium and sugar in EVERYTHING! Yes, I do buy some of those things, for lack of something better. I do let my kids drink and eat juicy's and snacks products...but I am picky about which ones I buy.

I have gotten away from pre-made things and try to make as much from scratch as possible, but we do still buy cereal and some other things that I would prefer to leave on the shelves. However, I am making gradual changes that move us farther away from dependence on these products.

Seafood is one product I have issues with...do we not have seafood in America? Are there not shrimpers, fisherman, and such in our country that need to be supported? Why do we have to import seafood from China and Thailand? I don't understand it!

And produce...what can I say about produce? Many times the produce we buy is shipped across the world to get to us and when it does...it isn't very good, and has been treated with all sorts of chemicals to stay fresh...do we not have farms in America that could provide for our produce needs?

Another thing I have noticed about Walmart lately...they seem to be replacing many of their products with Great Value brand foods. So many of the things I have bought in the past, they don't carry anymore, but are filling the shelves with their own Great Value brand. I don't buy Great Value brand...call me militant, but I refuse to buy Great Value, unless there is no other recourse.

These are a few reasons why I have grown to despise Walmart...another reason...they know they have us...where else can we go? Most other places cost much more on the total purchase. You may get a sale on a few items, but by the time you reach the registers and pick up things that aren't on the sale, you end up spending more than you spend when shopping at Walmart...they know this and that is why they can do anything they want to do, and not lose their place at the top of the supermarket chain. And frankly, I just don't have the time to run around to five or six stores trying to get everything on my list. So I still shop at Walmart, but each time I do, I build up more and more resentment toward them. I am continually searching for a better way to shop, hoping that eventually I can live someplace that offers a great farmer's market and an exceptional CSA that I can join.

Or I can live on a farm, grow my own fruits and veggies and raise my own meat. A place that would be very close to the ocean an a great seafood connection! But until then, I will continue this love/hate relationship with food buying.

I wonder if cavemen and women ever felt this frustration after going out to hunt and gather? Can't you just hear the conversation at the evening meal..."you just can't find quality meat around here. Not to mention the wild greens...they were all limp and wilted today...not a fresh green in sight...(yes, I am an idiot sometimes, and yes, I get on a rant and won't let it go...)

So this is my rant post for the week...So when I say I hate to go grocery shopping, you know what I mean.

A little something tasty...

I love baked crumbles...most any kind is good. But my speciality is an Apple Crumble or Crisp, whichever you prefer. I use granny smith apples pealed and chopped with some Cinnamon and brown sugar sprinkled over them. When I have blueberries and raspberries, I love to add those also. It gives a tangy, tart and juicy aspect to it.







Then I mix oatmeal and some flour with more brown sugar, salt, vanilla and butter. I cut the butter in until it is crumbly. Then I add it to the top of the fruit and bake at 350 degrees until the fruit is cooked and the top is golden brown. Mmmm good.

I forgot to take a photo of it after it comes from the oven, but I have to say, it was yummy!

Current Events...

Noah's trip to the fire station

21st Anniversary

Noah's 4th Birthday

Muskedime picking and jelly making

Megan's latest project

Computer problems

Things are crazy around here...I got a virus on my laptop so I have been absent from Facebook, email, and blogging...I have to have my computer cleaned up so until then I may not be posting much. I am using our main computer in the house, which is technically Andrew's since the rest of us have laptops. Hopefully I will get my computer back by the end of the week...until then...

Still here

I'm still here...just really busy lately. I have some things to post, as soon as I can get it all done.

Check back again...

By the way, Barbara, if you are reading this, please email me. I tried to email you the other day and it came back undeliverable...hope all is well.

To everyone else, I will be back in a couple of days...
Thanks for your patience.

More on Noah

Going through some photos, I found this one of Noah that Megan took at least a year ago, if not longer. It was in the backyard of our previous house and she was just getting started into photography. It is such a sweet photo and so much little boy, that I just had to post it.

In a month Noah will be four years old! Where have the years gone? I know I am always talking about how quickly time is getting by, but I am continually amazed by the passage of time. I am trying to enjoy every moment possible with my children because I know how quickly they grow to become their own person and into adulthood. I just wish I could slow the progression of time and really get everything out of each day possible...

Children are such an awesome gift from God...I thank Him everyday for entrusting me with three precious gems...

On Books and Obsessions

I just read this book.

Started this one today.

Next in line...

This one is on the way.

I know, they are all by the same author. That's how I am. If I read a book I like, I read everything by that author. I know, it is a strange obsession, but as obsessions go, it could be worse...After reading through the list of most common obsessions people have, I'll take mine, thank you very much!

The Man-Cave

My honey in his Man-Cave doing his thing...

A Book By Its Cover...

My all time favorite time to study in American History is the World War II era, the Great Depression, and the Roosevelt years. There were so many things going on during that time period that is of interest to someone who enjoys politics and history, but there were also many social dynamics involved for someone who loves sociology. I do both.

When I find a book about that time period I like to read it whether it be fiction or non-fiction. So while in the library the other day, perusing the shelves for something that would catch my interest, I ran across an author that I have read in the past; Elizabeth Berg. There were several of her books there, some I have read like, The Year Of Pleasures, Talk Before Sleep, and The Art Of Mending. I recommend them all. There were also some I had not read. Then I saw it, the color of the background was so blue it stood out among the other books. Looking at the cover I immediately knew I had to read it.

However, it was second on my reading list once I got home. First I wanted to tackle the 544 page Michael Malone book that I picked up from the Librarian's Pick display. I have never read Michael Malone before. The fact that he lives here in North Carolina and the book was based in North Carolina and the cover appealed to me, I decided to try it. I completed the book in two days. Of course, that was only because I have been sick and haven't done much but lay around for a few days. I don't normally have the leisure of lying around in my p.j.'s being drawn into a book the way I have as of late. So this book came into my life at just the precise time, when I could devote uninterrupted hours to devouring its contents.

(Reviewers notes: The first part of the book was great, draws you in with the story line, the characters and the pace of the story. However, 200 or so pages in, there are things that the author does and says that seems like he got lazy and dropped the ball for a bit. I didn't really care for the way it ended. However, you really care about the characters and that is one thing that keeps you reading to the end. That is just my opinion.)

I do plan to read more of his writing, because his writing style was interesting and I enjoyed the characters.

I know what they say about not judging a book by its cover, but many times I have browsed through the bookstore or library and searched out books with interesting covers. And many times I have found books that I really enjoy that I might not otherwise have read, due to the fact that the cover caught my imagination. If the author has worked well with the illustrator to express the ideas that he or she wants to express, and the illustrator understands that many people are visually stimulated and the cover can cause someone to buy the book or put it back on the shelf, then you can pick a book based on the cover. The cover will capture the idea of the story. It can plant the seed for the book to grow as you read it. I have a strong suspension that I am not the only one that chooses a book based on the cover.

I don't always choose a book based on the cover, because there are so many great books that just have plain covers. Maybe the author didn't want you to become distracted by the illustrations, or perhaps didn't want to give you any preconceived notions, but wanted you to make up the visuals for yourself.

Now I am deep in the middle of the home front during WWII. Reading about young ladies who are waiting for their young men to come home from war. People working and trying to survive the rationing and new work situation, waiting for letters from abroad, worrying and wondering about the ones fighting the war. Here we are in 2009 and many are doing the same thing today. Even though the news isn't telling us about the war, there is still a war going on. There are still people leaving their families behind to go off to foreign soil to fight for our country. My neighbor did just that a few weeks ago. He left his wife and son to go, not knowing if he will come back.

Living like we do by a military base, I realize it so much more than before. I see the cost of war, I am reminded of the sacrifice daily...It seems though much of our country has forgotten that we are still at war, on more than one front...we have men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; and only God knows where else. But do you ever hear about it on the news? Very seldom...This new administration wants no part of these wars, but knows we can't just stop...

The liberal news media talked of the war and the death toll continually when Bush was in office, as if somehow blaming him for it all. ( I know that is a sticky subject, and I have to say, I don't agree with why we are there, but we are there.) Now that Obama is in office, they have quit telling us about the horror and the death due to the war, as if it suddenly stopped because Obama took over...

That is so untrue. There are still Americans fighting and dying out there and no one seems to care, because it isn't in our faces everyday like it was a couple of years ago. Because of politics and because Obama doesn't want his presidency tarnished by the effects of war...Doesn't make it not true because no one is talking about it...

I know I started rambling again, and the book cover thing I started with doesn't really have much to do with the news media hiding the war story, but in a way I think it does...covers can be deceiving, just as news coverage is deceiving...there have been times when I have chosen a book because the cover was very appealing, but found the book unreadable...I would like to buy the portrait that the media is trying sell, that the country is on the right path, things are better, the economy is coming back, and all is well on the home front as well as with the foreign relations...but when I look around at the truth of the matter, the realities of the lives of people around me...I know that I can't continue to read and buy the story the media and our government is trying to sell...All I have to do is look into the eyes of the little boy next door who doesn't know if he will ever see his dad again and see the people who are struggling to survive because of layoffs and job cuts. When I see the numbers of people loosing their jobs all around, I know that there is another story, the real story. It isn't one that is pretty but it is the one that is real, the one people are living every day...

What will the books people read fifty, sixty years from now be telling. What stories will they tell about us, about our time? Would be interesting to read how history remembers...

Smiling face...

My little ray of sunshine on an otherwise lack-luster Monday morning!

A Little Sweet...

The other day Andrew was going to the store and I asked if he would bring me a bag of peanut M&M's. This is what he brought home...

...The can of DrPepper is there just to show you how huge this bag of M&M's is...

Do you know how many calories this bag has in it? Does he really want to me to be the one ton woman? Thank God I have kiddo's to help me eat them, otherwise they would go bad before they were all eaten.

Was there really such a demand for large amounts of chocolate and peanuts that they decided they needed to create this monstrosity? You could feed a small country with these...

The bag is so huge it required its own grocery sack to bring it home in...

So in spite of my lack of sleep lately due to sick children, I am running around like a five year old all hyped up on sugar and caffeine...

I really need to make several trips a day to Curves instead of one...

Just checking...

Testing 1...2...3... testing....

Is this thing on?

HELLO??

Rainy Day Visitor...

Today during the rain I looked out on the back deck and saw this little squirrel on the top railing chowing down on a piece of dog food! He sat there for the longest...he didn't seem to mind that he was getting wet, he was just enjoying his treat!