Cooking & Clara

Have you ever watched any of the You Tube videos about about Clara, a 94 year old great grandmother that recounts her childhood during the Great Depression as she prepares meals from that era? Maine Man and I laid in bed the other night with smiles on our face as we watched one video or her after another on my lap top. Love her stories, some which remind me of my own grandparents whom lived through those rough times. Here are a few links to some of her recipes I'd like to try....

• Egg drop soup.... having difficulty linking this for some reason but you can google search it.
• Dandelion salad
• Baked Apples

Check her out! I am sure you will enjoy!

It's the simple things in life that make you smile

A flock of wild turkeys in the back field

McCain in nice little packages.
My daughter's wish box from school.

I almost shed a tear.
I often remind the kids how lucky we are.

My boy's homemade birthday card to his best friend.

I asked him what he wanted to buy for him and he said, "snowpants, he doesn't have any and he will need some or he won't be able to play on the play ground." (Pretty thoughtful for an 8 year old) That is just what we bought him along with an animal book and matching winter hats (that was their favorite gift). We even baked him a cake and then we went skating.......

These picks are from 2 weeks ago when it was just the kids and I. One of my friends just happened to be there for a birthday party, she took a few shots of us. It was the first time the kids ever ice skated inside. For the last 2 years we have skated on the pond but it is not the same. I saw a big difference in their skating, especially Leah. The first time there she did not want to let go of my hand. Last Sunday she was skating with a chair and buzzing around the rink like a pro skater (minus the chair). She looked up at me and said, "ok Mom, you can go now." I said "what, like skate away from you". She said "yeah, let me skate alone". Little shit, 6 years old and she's shooing her Momma away. The teenage years should be INTERESTING!

I went skating often as a child. Skating was one of my fondest childhood memories. I went to both indoor arenas and an outdoor arena on "Sand Hill". (only the locals know where that is) When I was young it was purely for fun and play and as I got older it was to see the boys. :)
I remember longing to be a figure skater when I grew up. I guess it's a good thing I moved on to wanting to be a nurse because I am not that gracious.


On a final note. ALL my wrapping is DONE!!!!!!! Celebration....I locked myself in the wood stove room with beer and a radio last night. Now we have the weekend to bake, make crafts, listen to Christmas music and ENJOY!
Yeeeee HA, can you tell I am excited?

Incriminating Evidence

Yesterday while cleaning house I found my diaries from junior high and high school. Tucked inside I found letters from friends and this horrendous phone bill. I had a boyfriend that was out of town. (in Juvie Hall...no joke, proud moment!) This was back in 89. I remember my mother wanted to kill me but, that was a reoccurring theme in high school. I am almost positive I paid the debt. My mom will let me know next time she visits and catches up on my blog.

I have read through these in past years and chuckled but the older I get I have lost my sense of humor about some of the s@#! I've done. There was only one option...............

Goodbye to the old times. The kids do not need to know more then what I choose to tell them.