Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Hot dog casserole

When Bar S hot dogs are on sale for 1.00 or less I pick up a few packages so I can make quick easy meals like this one. Slice thawed hot dogs length ways and lay in the bottom of an oven safe pan. Make some mashed potatoes and cover hot dogs with the mashed potatoes. Top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the hot dogs are cooked. I usually boil the hot dogs before to make sure.

This is an easy dish that kids like and they can even help make.

Banana Bread Recipe

Banana Bread Recipe
Print OptionsPrint (no photos)Print (with photos)
Prep time: 5 minutesCook time: 1 hourIngredients
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

Yield: Makes one loaf.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Homemade ricotta cheese~ yes please

http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/homemade-ricotta-cheesein-30-minutes/


Ingredients
4 cups homogenized milk

1 cup cream (any cream … I used whipping cream)

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

For easy instructions go to the link provided. I want to make some this week.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Homemade yogurt



This looks yummy but I dont have a yogurt machine so I will be on the lookout for a recipe using a crock pot.

update on the spinach lasagna

I thought I would give an update on the spinach lasagna I posted a few days ago. I made it for supper tonight and it was awesome. I put the spinach, cheese and all the rest of the ingredients except the noodles together along with two eggs. It was so very good.

Its a beautiful Lords day today

This morning is was cool in the 40's but it warmed up nicely. Before church I made a batch of kaiser rolls and a batch of cinnamon rolls.

Right in the middle of church our connection went out, bummer, it was a really good sermon. Christina said it was recorded so we can listen later, that's good. Hopefully tonight we will get to hear the whole sermon.

This afternoon I made the spinach lasagna I posted about a few days ago. It sure looks good.

The family wants to start eating more vegetarian meals to hopefully get our weight down so I will be researching recipes. Then as soon as we can get in the garden I want to get a bunch of greens planted so we can shop from the garden. I sorted my seeds and the only thing I am out of is cilantro so I will pick up a few packages of that. I have plenty of lettuces, spinach and herbs and radishes. I am going to try to grow romaine and head lettuce along with leaf lettuce. Some wilted lettuce sounds good right now.

Oh I noticed one of my hit counters I have had on here for a while hit over fifty thousand. Can you believe it? I think only forty thousand were me, no not really I have it set not to count me when I come here.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Help



How to plant a salad garden

This is a 5 foot square garden plan. I think its a good idea.

Cloth vs disposables

I think I used about 25 % cloth and 75 % disposables on my 5 daughters. I wish I had used all cloth though. Now days they have such nice cloth diapers. I think the really cool thing now is the diaper sprayer that you hook up to the toilet to rinse out the diapers which could be used as a bidet too. It sure would save dipping your hands in the toilet.

Barrel Garden

This is a neat idea. I am wondering how they made the holes. Do you think they had to heat the plastic to push in the top of the slit and pull out the bottom?

Economics



An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... (substituting grades for dollars - something closer to home and more readily understood by all).


After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little..

The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. It could not be any simpler than that.


Remember, there IS a test coming up. The 2012 elections.

These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.See more
by: Ed Will
.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Spinach Lasagna



Easy Healthy Spinach Lasagna
Time 75 minutes

Serves 8

Ingredients
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 cups lowfat cottage cheese
2 egg whites or the equivalent of 1 egg substitute
2 cups shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese (freshly graded tastes best)
1 jar spaghetti sauce (32 ounces- I go for low fat and garlic/ mushrooms)
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach (if you love spinach you can do 2
9 or 10 uncooked lasagna noodles
3 cloves garlic chopped finely
3/4 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese- optional
How to make it
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a large bowl mix thawed and drained spinach, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzerella, egg, garlic, and seasonings
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray cooking spray on the bottom of a 13x9x2 baking dish
Layer 1/2 cup sauce, a noodle layer, and 1/2 cheese mixture
Repeat layer
Top with remaining noodles then sauce and sprinkle with remaining cup of mozzarella. You can also sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until lasagna is bubbly and brown on the edges
Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting and serving



I thought I would give an update on the spinach lasagna I posted a few days ago. I made it for supper tonight and it was awesome. I put the spinach, cheese and all the rest of the ingredients except the noodles together along with two eggs. It was so very good. 1~29~2012

Simple 4 ingredient mayo recipe

3/4 c grapeseed oil
1/4 c olive oil
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 t. salt
optional 1 t. dijon mustard if you have it
Blend the eggs, salt and lemon juice and mustard if you are using it, slowly drizzle oils while blending. I use my stick blender in a mason jar, then when its done I just cap it and put it in the fridge or use it.
source: http://www.spain-in-iowa.com/2012/01/how-to-make-homemade-mayonnaise-with-4-simple-ingredients/

If you want to be able to keep the mayo for about two months add 1 T. whey then the oils.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

I'm going deaf

I was using my ear phones to listen to a video and I told my husband that I was going deaf in my left ear, he suggested that maybe my ear phone wasn't working. I switched ears and sure enough my right ear was deaf. LOL I couldn't stop laughing because I was going to get my ear checked and I guess I am not deaf after all. I just need new ear phones.

Grow your own pharmacy



Upcycled toddler apron





This is the toddler size apron I made from a jean pant leg. I used a back pocket for the pocket on the apron. I could not find D rings so I used a button and three button holes. I think it turned out cute. I made the non/bias tape from a cute fabric. Total cost, 20 cents for the button and thread.

Monday, January 23, 2012

You say ~ God says



Monthly Sales Chart

January
National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February
National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month: Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines: Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach


March
Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April
Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May
Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June
National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July
National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August
Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant: Clorox, Purell
Clearance: Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato


September
Back to School Sales through Labor Day: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October
Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November
Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December
Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

source: http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-when-do-things-go-on-sale

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Pickle juice vs flu shot

I don't get flu shots because I don't think they do any good so this article about drinking fermented pickle juice instead was interesting to me.

Find out why this woman says drinking fermented pickle juice is as good as a flu shot.

Go to: http://simplybeingwell.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/dont-get-a-flu-shot-drink-the-pickle-juice/

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Totally free plants

http://www.freeplant.net/
Check out this site. You can order many plants and trees for free. I ordered a pear tree, a lemon tree, a blueberry bush, a blackberry bush and a basil plant. I am amazed that they are doing this. I cant say for sure that it is true so we will see. They did not ask for any credit card information.

I think you can order up to 5 plants or trees.

Homemade ketchup

--Homemade Ketchup--
1~6oz can tomato paste
1 Tblsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
Combine all ingredients in pan over med heat, wisk until smooth, when comes to boil, reduce and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.Remove pan from heat and cover until cool.
I found this recipe on facebook and wonder what I could use instead of corn syrup? Any ideas.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Rice Pudding

2/3 cup uncooked rice
1 1/3 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
ground cinnamon to taste


Combine rice and water in a covered saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 325. Remove rice from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Stir together egg, rice, sugar, raisins, milk, vanilla, and salt in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake uncovered 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pudding is done when a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Serve warm or cold; refrigerate any unused portion.

source: http://adventuresofathriftymama.blogspot.com/

Menu Ideas

These meals can be made at lunch time and enjoyed at that time and then again at supper
~~~~
Meat loaf, baked potato and a vegetable
Chicken and noodles or dumplings
Venison roast with vegetables
Navy beans with Kielbasa and cornbread
Vegetable stir fry over rice
Spaghetti and meatballs in sauce
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Tacos with homemade tortillas
Salmon patties and fried potatoes
Pancakes and sausage
Biscuits and gravy (homemade biscuits)
Goulash and a vegetable
Mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy and a vegetable
Porcupine meatballs with mashed potatoes and a vegetable
Creamed dried beef on toast

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Crochet hot pad ~ easy





Materials

•1/2 skein yarn (1st color)
•1/2 skein yarn (2nd color)
•size "G" crochet hook
Instructions (for yellow and white hot pad)

Starting with yellow yarn, chain 4. Slip stitch to form a ring.

Chain 3 (counts as 1st dc), 13 dc in ring. Slip stitch in top of chain 3.

Chain 23. Skip next dc, slip stitch in next dc. (1st petal). *Chain 23. Skip one dc, slip stitch in next dc. Repeat from * 4 times. Chain 23, slip stitch at base of 1st petal. (start of 7 petals)

Row 1 - 1 sc in each of first 11 chains of 1st petal. 3 sc in next chain (top of 1st petal). 1 sc in each of last 11 chains in 1st petal. (25 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around.

Row 2 - Change to white yarn. 1 sc in each of the first 12 sc of 1st petal, 3 sc in next sc (top of petal), 1 sc in each of the remaining 12 sc in the 1st petal. (27 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around.

Row 3 - Change to yellow yarn. 1 sc in each of the first 13 sc of 1st petal, 3 sc in in next sc (top of petal), 1 sc in each of the remaining 13 sc in the 1st petal. (29 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around.

Row 4 - Change to white yarn. 1 sc in each of the first 14 sc of 1st petal, 3 sc in next sc (top of petal), 1 sc in each of the remaining 14 sc in the 1st petal. (31 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around. Fasten off.


Working from the right side, fold each petal over (gently twist each one to the left, spreading and flattening to create the shape).



Finishing

Using yellow yarn, crochet two petals together at tip of the fold.

Single crochet trim around the edge of one petal placing 3 sc at the very top of the petal.

Single crochet to next petal and single crochet trim over the top edge of it. Continue all the way around and fasten off.

For more pictures go here: http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/flower-hot-pad.html

Homemade yellow cake mix

*Makes enough for two 9-inch layer cakes (bake according to recipe), or one 9X13-inch cake (bake for 30 to 35 minutes), or one 12-cup bunt pan (bake for 40 to 45 minutes), or 24 cupcakes (bake for 18 to 20 minutes)

*Note: the recipe calls for cake flour, which I never have on hand so I substituted 2 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons cornstarch for the three cups of flour called for in the recipe. It worked beautifully.

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons butter (2 sticks), cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
1 tablespoon vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS:
Process sugar, flours (or flour and cornstarch if making the substitution for the cake flour), milk powder, baking powder, and salt in a food processor for 15 seconds to combine. Add butter and vanilla and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal (you want this much finer than, say, a pie crust). Freeze the dry mixture in a zipper-lock bag for up to 2 months or use immediately.

To make the cake, adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour your pan of choice (see the note above the recipe).

With an electric mixer, beat the prepared cake mix, 1 1/4 cups warm water and 2 large room-temperature eggs until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-27 minutes for two 9-inch layer cakes. See the note above the recipe for alternate cooking times with other baking pans. Cool the cake(s) in pan(s) for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Cool completely.

Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Cook’s Country April/May 2010
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/06/homemade-yellow-cake-mix.html

I needed a recipe for a dry cake mix because I want to make my easy peach cobbler for supper and I am trying to eat less stuff that comes in packages.

To make my easy Peach Cobbler all I do is this:
Take one or two cans of peaches and pour into a pan juice and all if using two cans use a 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix over top, either white or yellow cake mix. If I use this recipe I will not be adding the 16 T. of butter and then more butter. I will just dot it with the butter the recipe calls for next.
Dot with butter using about one stick.
Bake at 350 degrees until brown and bubbly. This is super easy recipe and tastes great.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Chicken spaghetti

Ingredients
•4 cups cubed cooked chicken
•2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
•2-1/2 cups chicken broth
•1 medium green pepper, chopped
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 celery ribs, chopped
•2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/2 teaspoon pepper
•1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
•1 package (12 ounces) spaghetti, cooked and drained
•1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, optional
Directions
•In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add the spaghetti and olives if desired.
•Transfer to two greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dishes. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the second casserole at 325° for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.
•To use the frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Bake as directed. Yield: 2 casseroles (5 servings each).




Nutritional Facts
1 serving (1 each) equals 421 calories, 17 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 80 mg cholesterol, 1,163 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 31 g protein.

source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Chicken-Spaghetti-2

I am planning on making my own version of this for supper. Some changes I will make are this. I don't buy cream of soups because its so easy to make a white sauce or roux and flavor it with herb or canned mushrooms. I also will not be using Velveeta, instead I will use shredded cheddar. I also don't have any olives on hand so I will just leave those out.

Edited to add: To make this dish I made about 4 cups of white sauce to which I added about 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, 1/2 t. garlic salt, 1 small can mushrooms drained, salt and pepper and one jar of home canned chicken which I broke into small pieces and the juice from the canned chicken. I then added about one cup of cheese which was a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar.

In another pot I boiled water and cooked some spaghetti. I then drained the spaghetti and mixed the white sauce and spaghetti together. I then put the mixture in a baking pan and topped with cheese and warmed this in the oven. When the cheese was nicely browned I removed the casserole from the oven. This casserole was quite good and the approximate cost was less than $6.00 because the chicken I canned was either 77 or 88 cents a pound.

You are not the first

Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

This is one of my favorite scriptures. It reminds me that what I am going through is not unique. Others have dealt with the same kinds of things and the best part is that God is faithful and will not let us be tempted more than we can handle and he makes a way to escape so that we can bear it.

I think this scripture has many applications in life from sexual sin to diet. It reminds me that I am not alone. I have heard others say things like you have no idea what I am going through or no one else has ever gone through this. I know they have because the bible says so. You can be sure that if you are reading the authorized King James Version of the bible that every word is true. If its written in there I believe it. Its the only book I could ever believe 100% and I do.

What about you. Do you believe that the bible is 100% correct? If not why and what parts are true and what parts are not?

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Grape soda jellly

1 20 oz bottle of Grape Soda

2 cups of Sugar

1 package liquid pectin

Combine sugar and soda in pan on stove. Mix on medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add pectin. Bring to a boil and stir for 30 seconds.

Ladel into clean, hot jars and process for 5 minutes in a hot water canner.

You can also use Dr. Pepper, Root Beer and Mountain Dew!!!

sourc: http://wildandstubborn.com/?p=41

I know this is not a healthy recipe but I am going to try it. As far as I am concerned Jelly isnt healthy any way you make it.

Feed sack apron

Here is the apron I made from a feed sack. It is stiff and I would not like to wear it like I do my kitchen apron but it would be ideal if I were butchering. You can adjust the side ties. I am quite tall so I put them lower so they would be more on my waist area. This apron could be wiped down easily or hosed off or possible thrown in the washer.





Be content

Last evening during family devotions I got a phone call. It was about some land for sale with a house close to where we now live. The price was WELL above anything we can afford so I told the lady it was out of our range.

After the phone call my teenagers said they didn't want to move and why couldn't we be content with what we have where we live? That set me to thinking about what scripture says about being content. The verse that cam to mind was Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

What could be better than that? Be content with what you have and that he will never leave you or forsake you. Also it says not to talk about things you want.

OK Lord, I get the point. I will stop looking and wishing for things I don't have and start enjoying the things you have already given to us. Thanks for the reminder.

Monday, January 16, 2012

This is winter?

I am getting used to winter here in south Texas just as I was getting used to the incredibly hot summer. The weather here is very mild. Last week we had a night that it got down to 29 degrees but it was pretty warm by 10 am. I like that is does warm right back up most of the time.

My rule for doing laundry is that it has to be 50 degrees outside for me to go do a load because I wash outside and then hang my clothes on the clothes line. This morning after I took my shower I wondered how long it would be before it was 50 outside, I looked at the thermometer and it was already 64, ye haw. So I stripped the bed and we will be sleeping on clean sheets tonight. The forecast calls for 80 degrees today so they should dry in plenty of time.

I have been cleaning, sorting, discarding and rearranging our storage shed lately. I brought in a box of cookbooks to go through so that is on the agenda for today. When we sold our house and moved into the camper I went through and discarded as many as I could bear. So it will be interesting to see 15 months later how important I still think each cookbook is. I am hopeful that I can cull a few more. One good thing is that the box is not all that big to begin with so already I did a good job.

Edited at add: Nope, I cant get rid of any of the cookbooks. I have a huge notebook in there bulging that has many of our favorites. I will just have to find shelf space. A girls gotta cook. lol

Yesterday I made a double batch of mayonnaise and then made a huge batch of cole slaw so I could use up the extra Chinese napa cabbage I had in the fridge. There was also a Chinese radish so I grated that up and used it as well. Another thing on my to do list is to clean and sanitize the refrigerator today. I find it amazing how many condiments we use. I also wonder how many of them truly need refrigeration because if there were not so many sauces and condiments the fridge would have a lot more room in it.

Everyone is gone today and I don't even have a car. I wanted to see if anyone would come around here if it looked like there was no one about. I do have my door open so if a person would look they would see that there is indeed someone here. Also I am doing laundry so I will be in and out of the house all through the day. All of our neighbors work or are not around much. I think a few doors down the lady doesn't work but I think she stays at their stix and brix home in another town most of the time.

I said something to Jeff the other day about having a friend and he said, friends are overrated. I agree as long as you have family. I am happy that we have three of the five girls still at home with us, even though they are a few feet away in another camper. I hope they stay close to us for a long time. Of course they have to until they get out of school but I see no reason why they cant go to college close by and work close by as well. There is no reason for them to move far away and be all alone.

Kaleena and Justin got Internet last week and downloaded skype and bought a camera for their computer so now we can skype. They had never done that before and I think they think its pretty neat. I like being able to see Kastyn, it helps me stay closer to her and Kaleena and Justin as well. The very best thing about it is that as long as you have a computer, a camera, either built in or as an add on and Internet, its free. Its like a video conference that is free. You can pay a fee and do a three way or more call if you want to. Or if you just all want to talk and not see each other you can do that for free with more than two people. We skype church every Sunday and some Wednesdays. Then after we skype church we have our own prayer time.

Did I ever tell you that I like to tune in to either the audio bible or a bible lesson and listen to that while I do my work? It helps me learn more about the scripture or current events while I am doing other things.

I guess I better hop to it. Take care and have a great day.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

missionary update

PICKING UP VISITORS MEANS FLEXIBILITY IN RAINY SEASON
Went to Pemba on Wed. to fetch Linda Stanley, now returning for her 3rd year of service with us in Balama.
Two young ladies, Joy Blom and Monica Lombard, from South Africa also joined us that day for a 90 day stay to help Eric with his Christian Radio programs and Linda with the children’s programs.
We planned to leave Thursday morning to return, but Eric woke up to the heavy pounding of rain on his roof at 4a.m.
By 10 a.m. the sky had dumped 3+ inches (80 mm) of rain in Balama!
Needless to say, we would not travel to Balama that day, as the mud holes and multiple low water crossings on the last 30 miles (60Km) of that road would be a hazard waiting to happen.
At 9a.m. our plans suddenly changed, as the Administrator of Meluco County needed to see me on important matters before I left the country on the 17th.

A 3 hour drive into the bush, meant we ran to the grocery story, grabbing sandwich food and bottled water, and were on the road to Meluco in 15 minutes.
By Noon, my tiny tour group had seen many miles of African bush sprinkled with a few baboons and a lot of Elephant dung!
Elephants like to walk the roads at night, as it is their “sidewalk” and much easier than weaving through the tightly knit trees.

Our meeting went well and then we were off for the 3 hour drive to Montepuez, arriving at dark.
Due to all the mud holes, it is not safe to drive the Balama/Montepuez road at night, so we found a “sleep house” and bedded down as another hard rain hit the area.
An early start the next morning saw us safely in Balama by 6:30a.m.
ALL OF US were relieved to be home, and THE BEAR, Eric Dry, met us with hugs all around!

Joy and Monica learned first-hand that day that missions means FLEXIBILITY and ADAPTABILITY.
You do what it takes to get the job done.
To be prepared in the bush, means you not only need a plan B, but better have a plan C if you want to handle each day’s challenges.

Jesus was with us every step of the way, and we PRAISED THE LORD for 4 wheel drive as we splashed through many a mud hole in that last 30 miles.

BUSH BUNNY DEPARTS MOZAMBIQUE, JAN. 18th

I will leave Balama (and e-mail) behind on Jan. 17th to make sure I can get through to Pemba for my flight on Jan. 18th.
I’ll be in South Africa for a week, arriving in Houston on Jan. 26th.
Email will be difficult to obtain during that week in South Africa, so I doubt I’ll be able to answer anyone till the 27th.
If you have an urgent question, please contact our office at Linda@orphansunlimited.org


Below is my updated speaking schedule with the additions in red.


2012 SPEAKING TOUR SCHEDULE:

January 29, 9a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Garwood, TX
January 29, 11a.m. ROCK ISLAND FULL GOSPEL CHURCH, Rock Island, TX

Feb. 2, 8a.m THE MASTER’S SCHOOL, Student Chapel, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 2, 11a.m., San Antonio private meeting
Feb. 2, 2:30pm Concordia University Nursing Students, Austin, TX

Feb. 3, 7pm. PUBLIC MEETING, Masters School, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 5, a.m. service, NORTHPOINT CHURCH, New Braunfels, TX
Feb. 5. 7pm Seguin First Baptist Church, Seguin, TX

Feb. 7-9, Wichita Kansas—meetings to be announced
Feb. 12, a.m. service New Life Fellowship, Waco, TX
Feb. 13 to 19, TULSA, OK area

Feb. 14, LIVE BROADCAST, Noon to 1p.m. on Oasis Radio Network, Broken Arrow, OK

Feb. 17, APOSTOLIC FAITH BIBLE SCHOOL, Baxter Springs, Kansas
Feb. 19, a.m. service, TULSA CHRISTIAN CENTER, Owasso, OK

Feb. 20-24 Missouri, meetings to be announced
Feb. 26, HINESTON TABERNACLE, Hineston, LA
Feb. 29, 7pm, EVANS BAPTIST CHURCH, Evans, LA

March 4, FAITH COMMUNITY CHAPEL, Leesville, Ohio
March 7-11, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Butler, PA
March 17th, Reception, 7pm, Laporte, TX (contact our office for details)
March 22nd, Dallas, TX, private meeting
March 25, 11a.m. GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Flint, TX (near Tyler)


2012 will be a busy and exciting year, and I look forward to visiting all of you on the above schedule!

Blessings, and keep me in your prayers as I will travel over 10,000 miles just to get from Balama to Houston.

Bush Bunny Brenda

Free Bibles

Would you like a free bible? My friend Jennifer at Double Nickel Farm loves to give away bibles. Just follow this link to her site and follow the instructions and the next thing you know a bible will be arriving in the mail just for you to read and learn about God.

http://doublenickelfarm.blogspot.com/2009/02/farm-giveaway.html

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Pump n Seal



I have been wanting one of these for a while now. I think I will ask Jeff if I can have one the next time he gets paid. It works very much like a vacuum seal machine does but it uses tab checks and no electricity. If I get to buy one I will also order an extra set of tab checks at the same time to save postage.




Have any of you used this product? I have the lid sealer things from my old vacuum sealer and I am thinking I can use them with this product. I could just attach the tubing to the pump n seal instead of the vacuum sealer.



Bean and bacon soup recipe

This old fashioned recipe is so delicious. After you've tried it, you'll never go back to the canned (but classic) Bean and Bacon Soup.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Bean soaking time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours, 25 minutesYield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
•2-1/2 cups dried navy beans
•2 quarts water
•4 cups chicken broth or stock
•8 slices bacon
•2 onions, chopped
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•2 cups diced, peeled potatoes
•2 cups sliced carrots
•28 oz. can tomato juice
•2 tsp. salt
•1/2 tsp. pepper
•1 bay leaf
•2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•1 cup sour cream
•2 tablespoons cornstarch
•1/2 to 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
Preparation:
Combine beans, 2 quarts water, and 4 cups chicken broth in large pot. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crisp in large stock pot. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain and crumble. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to bacon drippings. Cook and stir until onions are tender. Add partially cooked beans and cooking liquid. Cover and cook over low heat for 1 hour.
Add remaining ingredients including reserved bacon pieces, except for sour cream, cornstarch, and Tabasco sauce. Cover and simmer for 50-55 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and soup is slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf. Combine sour cream and cornstarch in small bowl; mix well. Add 1 ladle of the soup and stir until combined. Stir this mixture into the soup and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with Tabasco sauce and serve. Crockpot Directions: Precook beans, bacon, onion, and garlic as directed above (this step is necessary because otherwise the beans would never get tender because of the acid in the tomatoes). Combine all ingredients in 6 quart crockpot. Cover and cook 10-12 hours on low. Remove bay leaf, add cornstarch mixture and cook for 15 minutes on high. Season with Tabasco sauce and serve.

source: http://busycooks.about.com/od/hotsouprecipes/r/Bean-And-Bacon-Soup.htm

I have been hungry for bean and bacon soup. I found this recipe and it sounds good so I thought I'd better save it until I get around to making some.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Rain = no internet

For some silly reason when it rains here our Internet goes out. We got about 4 inches of rain in the last few days so our Internet has been out. It finally came back late this afternoon. More rain is in the forecast so we will see if the Internet continues to stay working. I did find out that this time the tower got struck by lightning so this time it wasn't the damp. It did take a long time for them to be able to climb the tower because of the wind.

This week I have made about 7 feed sack tote bags and two feed sack purses. I gave the purses to the neighbor lady who is a teacher and will be my guinea pig. I made one purse lined and one unlined. I liked the unlined purse and she did too. She is going to give me feedback about the bags so I can make any improvements we come up with.

Tomorrow I am going to try a new idea with the feed sacks. I am going to make an apron with a feed sack. It will be easily washable and waterproof. I saw some on Etsy for $22.50. I think that's a little high but I will have to have some expense involved because it will have to have seam binding I think.

Its suppose to get down to 29 degrees here so we will leave the kitchen sink dripping and the cabinet doors to the water open. Wednesday I washed up the laundry because I knew it was going to get cold and rainy again.

I need to think of more things I can make with feed sacks. Any ideas?

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Happy Birthday Yolanda

♫ ღ ♪ Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪
Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪ ♫ ღ ♪
Happy Birthday Dear Yolanda.!
♫ ღ ♪ ♫ ღ ♪ Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪

You can read Yolanda's blog here: http://simplyhomemaking60.blogspot.com/

No spend week

This week I signed up for a no spend week. So far I have done pretty good. I did spend $10.00 on Monday and then felt remorse so I am not going to spend any more money this week unless there is a good sale on something we use at the grocery store.

This morning I made a batch of soft butter. Whip one pound of butter then slowly drizzle in one cup of olive oil and then one cup of water. This triples the volume of the butter and makes it more spreadable. If you keep it in the fridge it does get hard but softens quickly. I usually put it in two containers and keep one on the counter and one in the fridge. I feel like this at least doubles how long butter lasts for our family.

I also got an order for 4 feed sack tote bags and one feed sack purse. I have some ideas in my head on how to make a lining for the purse with pockets. I will let that stew around my head for a while, while I sew the four tote bags. The more I think about something the more ideas I come up with pertaining to that idea.

Today its going to be warm and dry so I have a load of wash in so it can dry before the rains start again. Here in south Texas winter weather is rain. I really do like the weather here. I just have to figure out the gardening cycles. I should have planted garlic and onions in December I guess. There should also be greens growing large and cabbage as big and beautiful as ever.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

missionary update



From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: January 8, 2012 4:31:14 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 8, 2012

RAINY SEASON AT FULL STRENGTH

The last 4 days, the sun never peaked through the black clouds, as it rained from 12-16 hours each day.
I traded my bunny ears for webbed feet and now quack like a duck!

With only 10 days left before I leave Mozambique for South Africa, my work teams are busy planting our fields and “wrapping up” the construction. The rainy season will continue till the end of March.

It’s time for our team to stay near the house, and watch our fields grow, as our dirt roads (mostly clay based) have turned to a muddy mess that challenges even 4 wheel drive. The “new national highway”, that runs between Balama and civilization, is far from finished, but at least most of it has crushed rock on top of the dirt which greatly improves traction.
Travel to our remote churches is no longer possible by pick-up due to the mud.
Pastor Alberto, our Evangelist, and Nelson, my 14 year old Sunday School Teacher, travelled by bicycle to Naccaca today to help them with that fast growing church. Walking in or bicycle are the only “safe” modes of travel in this mud.

ESTIFON MEETS JESUS
Last week I told you how Estifon, a severely anemic and malnourished young man who was near death, used the last of his energy to walk to our Rovuma church to find out about Jesus. He responded very well to our nutritional program for the first 6 days, but then developed diarrhea Wednesday night, most likely from eating something with dirty fingers. His system couldn’t handle even a few hours of sickness, and Jesus welcomed him into his arms at 5a.m. the next morning.
We tell all our orphans and workers that there is NO GUARANTEE of tomorrow.
Keep your heart right with God, and no matter when this earthly body gives out, you know your destination will be heaven.

BUSH BUNNY LEAVES MOZAMBIQUE JAN. 17TH
I’ll travel on Jan. 17th to Pemba to make sure I can catch my flight on the 18th to Johannesburg.
A big rain the same day as the flight, would mean a muddy road, and possibly a missed flight!
I’ll relax and recharge a few days in South Africa, and then be on my way to the USA, Jan. 25th.
NOTE: I WILL NOT HAVE EMAIL FROM JAN. 17TH TO 26TH, so please contact LINDA at our TEXAS OFFICE if you have any questions that need urgent answers. linda@orphansunlimited.org

BALAMA RAINY SEASON TEAM
Eric Dry is back from holiday in South Africa and will manage the orphan programs till my return in early April.
Linda Stanley from North Carolina, and 2 young ladies from South Africa are flying in this Wednesday.
I’ll test my 4 wheel drive King Cab in the mud to go fetch them in Pemba.
They’ll handle the orphan and widows programs for the rainy season, and help Eric to record and edit his Christian Radio programs.

BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!
“Web Footed” Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama staff

Bush Bunny" Brenda Lange

LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Making yogurt in a crock pot

Happy Anniversary Jeff

Today is our wedding anniversary. I am so happy to be married to Jeff. I hope we have loads more years together.

One of my goals this year is to make as much of our bread as I can. I am interested to find out how much flour and yeast this will entail for a years worth of bread. I make pretty good bread but its not outstanding. Maybe if I made it all the time I would get really good at it. We will see.

This morning Jeff made oatmeal for breakfast and flushed the black and gray tanks. He has to flush the tanks about twice a week. I am so thankful that he does that for us.

He is also doing the laundry. Upon further discussion we are not absolutely sure we will be able to move the washer because of where water and electricity is located by our rv. We will have to wait and see if it works out. If it doesn't work out I will just have to start hauling hot water to the washer. Ick

Monday I want to make a batch of grape jelly. My family sure loves grape jelly and we go through it quite fast. I am sure its cheaper to make it than to buy it so I will have to start making that more often as well as bread.

Its a beautiful day once again and we have the door open to the fresh air. People told me I would like the winters here and now I know why they said that.

On a sad note: This week two saints have gone home to be with Jesus. I guess its only sad for us and a great joy to them. On Wednesday one of Joy's bible college professors finished his fight against cancer and went home and then on Thursday a dear friend from the Hardesty church went home after a long and fulfilling life. I will sure miss brother Buford. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. I know his family will be in deep pain and I pray that God will ease their hearts. Life rushes on doesn't it?

Joy and Mollie are sure liking their jobs. The only problem is, is that there are not enough trustworthy workers and so they end up working quite a lot. The boss is great but she can only work so much too. I guess I didn't realize how few people there are out there who know how to work and can be trusted. I praise God that he led us to raise our girls to be workers and to be honest. Now if Hannah could find a job that is very part time she could earn some money. With her being 15 its harder for her to find work. She doesn't turn 16 until August.

Oh it looks like my bread dough is ready to be punched down and formed into loaves so I better get to it. Have a great day.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Make a pot holder in minutes

Pillowcase Tutorial



Amount of fabric needed for project.
For a standard size pillow case you need:
27 in. of the main fabric (King size use : 36 in.)
9 in. of border fabric
3 in. accent piece

Moving the washer

After writing about washing in cold water and Yolanda's comment and Jeff and I talking, we decided to move the location of our washer. Right now its beside the girls camper and their camper dosent have an outdoor shower but ours does. We talked about it and decided to move the washer to the side of our camper so we can just use the hose from that to get hot water. We will have to walk about 10 more feet to get to the clothes line but it will be worth it.

Sometimes it just takes me a long time to figure out simple things.

It was a beautiful 74 degrees out today and even at 6pm I have the door and window open and the fan blowing in fresh air. I love living in this warmer climate, now if I can just get the planting thing figured out.

Today I was able to sew two feed sack tote bags and make a new apron for myself. I got the fabric on clearance so the apron cost me $1.22. I also made myself a pattern for my aprons so that each time I want to make a new one I can now use the paper pattern instead of using my old apron for a pattern. I am moving on up baby, newspaper pattern, hot water to wash clothes and all.

One of the girls said except for the clothes I am practically Amish. They are so silly.

Tomorrow is our anniversary. Jeff wants to go to Victoria to look for new shoes for him. He likes Roper shoes. They seem to fit him the best so once or twice a year we get him a pair and he hasn't had a new pair for almost a year so he is due for one.

We also got a gift card that we are going to spend on a meal at a restaurant. Maybe Olive Garden.

May your weekend be full and fun and may God bless you and your family.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Counterfit Christianity

Decanting Vanilla

Its been a good and busy morning for me.

I got a load of laundry washed and hung.

One feed sack tote bag made.

I was also able to decant the vanilla that I made about a year and a half ago. I have decanted some before but today I decanted all that was left. I got 4 large glass lemonade bottles from what was left. Today I will go buy some more vodka so I can use the vanilla beans one more time. If I don't think it is working as good as I want it to I do have more vanilla I can use. If these beans are not good enough to use to make vanilla again I will dry them and make vanilla sugar. That stuff is really good in tea and I am not a sweet tea drinker but I do like vanilla sugar in my tea.

Since I was all our clothes outside using only cold water the whites look pretty bad. They are gray and yellow, ick. Today I put a few white (or used to be white) items in a big pot and put it on to boil with vinegar and dawn dish soap. I am going to let this soak overnight and wash them tomorrow and see if it helped any.

Do you have any hints for getting whites back to at least them a little more white?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Start seeds with Jell=O

Hello Jell-O Seed Starter

To get flower and vegetable seeds off to a disease-free start, try a sweet approach.

Sprinkle the seeds with Jell-O powder. You can also feed young plants with Jell-O

as they grow.

Peat pots

Potting soil

Seeds

1 package of Jell-O powder,

any flavor with sugar

Powdered skim milk, in amount

equal to Jell-O (optional)

Saltshaker or other sprinkling device

Newspaper

1. Fill the peat pots with potting soil, and

place two seeds in each pot.

2. Fill the saltshaker with the Jell-O powder

(and powdered skim milk, if desired, for extra calcium), and sprinkle

lightly on top. Gently press down the powder, and cover lightly with soil.

3. Moisten the soil, and cover it with damp newspaper.

4. After 4 days, remove the newspaper, and keep the seeds in a warm area with

temperatures of 55° to 65°F.

source: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-gardening&tid=9540&nl=1

I object

Give me Jesus

Concealed carry permits~Read This~

Carry Permits! - ! IMPORTANT! . . . . .
I didn't have this happen, but then I wasn't at a VA doctor's office. I did run into a little of this when I had to visit a doctor other than my regular doctor when my doctor was on vacation. One of the questions on the form I had to fill out was:
... Do you have any guns in your house?? My answer was "None of your damn business!!" So it is out there! It is either an insurance issue or government intervention. Either way, it is out there and the second the government gets into your medical records (as they
want you under Obamacare) it will become a major issue and will ultimately result in lock and load!!

Please pass this on to all the other retired guys and gun owners...Thanks

I had a doctor's appointment at the local VA clinic yesterday and found out something very interesting that I would like to pass along.
While going through triage before seeing the doctor, I was asked at the end of the exam, three questions:

1. Did I feel stressed?

2. Did I feel threatened?

3. Did I feel like doing harm to someone?

The nurse then informed me, that if I had answered yes to any of the questions, I would have lost my concealed carry permit as it would have gone into my medical records and the VA would have reported it to Homeland Security.

It looks like they are going after the vets first. Other gun people like retired law enforcement will probably be next. Then when they go after the civilians, what argument will they have?

Be forewarned and be aware!!!!!

The Obama administration has gone on record as considering veterans and gun owner's potential terrorists.

Whether you are a gun owner veteran or not, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

If you know veterans and gun owners, please pass this on to them. Be very cautious about what you say and to whom.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Homemade Anitbacterial Cleaner

In a lab test, 14 oils were evaluated against Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. For most essential oils examined, H. influenzae was most susceptible, followed by S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes, and then S. aureus. Penicillin-susceptible and -resistant S. pneumoniae were comparable in susceptibility. Escherichia coli, which was used as a control, showed least susceptibility. (source: http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/47/5/565.full)

Anti-bacterial:


Cinnamon
Lemongrass
Perilla
Wild Thyme
Red Thyme
Geraniol Thyme
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Spike Lavender
True Lavender
Rosemary
Eucalyptus
Citron
Anti-fungal:
Lavender
Tea hierarchy
Myrrh
Anti-microbial:
Lemongrass
Oregano
Thyme
Vetiver

Homemade AntiBac Cleaner

You will need:
a clean spray bottle
essential oils of choice (I use at least 2, usually lavender and eucalyptus or lemongrass)
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide 3%
10-20 drops essential oils
water to fill your bottle

source: http://homesteadinintheburbs.blogspot.com/2012/01/homemade-anitbacterial-cleaner.html

Friends

Monday, January 2, 2012

Sunday, January 1, 2012

missionary update



From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: January 1, 2012 9:16:30 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 1, 2012

First, I want to say that ALL OF YOU are very precious to me, or staff, and to our children.
We pray for all of you to have a blessed and prosperous 2012.
Your love gifts this year allowed our pastors to lead over 252 people to Christ and to rescue over 175 malnourished orphans.

Testimony of what your Love Gifts did this week:
Last week a young man, Estifon, used the last of his strength to walk to our Rovuma Church.
He told Carlitos, the Youth Pastor, that he heard people talking about a man named “Jesus” who healed sick people.
He knew he was near death, and wanted to know if Jesus would heal him.
Carlitos explained who Jesus is, and prayed with him to receive Jesus as his Savior and then for healing.
Carlitos then called to say he was bringing a young man to me who had no blood.
Estifon was badly malnourished and so weak from anemia that Carlitos had to tie the young man to him on the motorbike to keep him from falling off!
I explained to Carlitos the danger this was to both of them, but his heart was in the right place and the angels kept them safe, as his only concern was for this man’s safety over his own.
We fixed him up with prayer, vitamins, a high protein diet of beans and canned fish, as well as treatment for intestinal worms.
Yesterday, this young man’s mother told Carlitos that after 5 days her son is like a “new man”.
There is no way our earthly food caused such a fast recovery. (normally takes 30 days for reverse anemia with diet)
This young man’s faith in Jesus sparked the release of Jesus’ healing power giving him NEW LIFE.
2000 years ago a woman with an issue of blood received her healing when she reached and touched Jesus’ robe.
This young man “reached out in faith” and found out Jesus still heals the same today as He did then.

God gave me the heart of a rescuer when I was born.
Then God gave me the desire of my heart, by allowing me to rescue and evangelize orphans in Mozambique.
It’s my favorite thing to do!
The Lord Jesus and I thank you for your faithfulness as many of you have walked with me through the entire Twenty one years I’ve been in Africa.

Billy Graham once said exactly what I’m feeling now:

“There is no better place to be, than in the “WILL OF GOD”, unless it is “IN HIS PRESENCE”.

Many of you know what God has called you to do, and you are doing it.
For those who are uncertain, you just need to ask, and then listen for His instructions.
He’ll show you His plan for your life, and if you chose to follow it, you’ll find true happiness.

Each of you is a “rescuer” when you bless our children with your prayers and love gifts.
THANK YOU to all of you who helped us save lives in 2011!
FYI: For those who gave specifically to our Wish List :
1. 5 goats and 12 ducks will join our family in 2012 and
2. $14,410 has been donated towards the $25,000 needed for the 5 children’s houses. (construction starts in April)

TOGETHER, WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 1000’S OF LIVES IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE.
THANK YOU for sharing your love with our children in 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
BBB AND THE BALAMA STAFF

LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
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