Vegetables & Herbs
Sweet Potatoes - nutmeg or cinnamon
Potatoes -garlic and basil, mint and sage
Squash (orange) -thyme, basil and rosemary
Squash (yellow) -basil, parsley and oregano
Cabbage -cilantro and cumin
Carrots -cumin, sage, ginger
Corn -marjoram or sage, dill seed & thyme, basil and rosemary
Broccoli -basil and oregano (with tomatoes)
Peas -thyme
Beans -oregano and basil, onion and garlic (add chopped nuts)
Egg Plant -Basil and parsley
Leeks -Garlic and ginger
Asparagus -Tarragon, basil (add tomatoes and cheese)
Brussel Sprouts -Parsley and Garlic (add walnuts, orange zest with sweet peppers)
Beets -ginger and cinnamon (add lemon juice to retain color)
Spinach -Basil and garlic, Dill and lemon
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/666771
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Grilled zucchini

I love grilled zucchini. Slice zucchini the long way and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and thyme and grill. This is so incredibly good.
This is good cooked in a pan on the grill too but it is so much better when you put it right on the grill and get it a little toasted.
Hannah wanted to know if there was butter on it its so good. Then she said it tasted like steak. I bet you could skip the hamburger and just make this into a sandwich.
I learned that using thyme is the key from our pastor who is a great cook. Thanks Bill.
The bowl cut by Matthew Harris

Chapter 1: "When considering a bowl cut...reconsider"
Chapter 2: Look at what you've done.
Although your hair looks awful, it is not your barber's fault. They have simply done their job, and given you what you asked for... Yes, it's supposed to look like that.
Your reflection can be alarming, so I recommend short fleeting glances that increase as your self worth allows. A hat may be temporarily required.
Once you can stomach the sight of you...rself, study your hair cut and really become familiar with it; the straight simple cut of your bangs, the stark contrast of the long and the shave, the gentle dip to cover the crown....take it all in! Memorize it! Then when people are staring, pointing, and laughing, you will understand...completely!
A BOWL CUT TALE:
Being considerate of the PR of the salon that was cutting my hair, I made my bowl cut appointment after hours.
After getting my hair cut, I kept getting surprised by my reflection, so, not being able to avoid all of the mirrors inside, I walked out to my car to get my hat. A few minutes after I walked back into the salon, another stylist, Carolina, who had been next door... walks in.
"Ummm... Jenny Harris (my stylist and sister-in-law) could I talk to you outside for a second." Confused, Jenny walks outside.
Once out of ear shot, Carolina asks, "Did you do that...ON PURPOSE?!?"
Evidently Carolina had seen me as I walked to my car, and couldn't imagine anyone in their right mind, wanting that hair cut! Maybe I'm not...
Friday, September 30, 2011
The clouds tuned dark and the wind picked up. Would we get some rain.? I sure hoped so. Earlier when I had watered the bushes and filled the hummingbird feeders I noticed the ground looked like fine dust and asked the Lord for some rain.
No sooner had the wind picked up when it began to rain and then the wind really went to town. I was watching out the window of the 5th wheel when the wind grabbed the outside screens we have to block heat and UV and ripped one side off, as it began flapping in the wind the front door few open. Wondering how on earth the door flew open on its own I turned just in time to see Hannah coming in the door. Oh, so it was her and not the wind that's good. I was glad she was here with me and not each of us by ourselves in two seperate campers.
About that time the wind crumpled our new canopy like a tiny stick toy. Trash cans blew over and even the wood stacked on a table outside flew off.
Thank you dear Lord for the rain. We need more but maybe a little bit gentler next time.
No sooner had the wind picked up when it began to rain and then the wind really went to town. I was watching out the window of the 5th wheel when the wind grabbed the outside screens we have to block heat and UV and ripped one side off, as it began flapping in the wind the front door few open. Wondering how on earth the door flew open on its own I turned just in time to see Hannah coming in the door. Oh, so it was her and not the wind that's good. I was glad she was here with me and not each of us by ourselves in two seperate campers.
About that time the wind crumpled our new canopy like a tiny stick toy. Trash cans blew over and even the wood stacked on a table outside flew off.
Thank you dear Lord for the rain. We need more but maybe a little bit gentler next time.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
$5.37
$5.37! That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."
I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully.
I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet? A mere child! Senior citizen?
I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me?
I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.
Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler?
"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind.!
"Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"
I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.
That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror.
Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.
Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.
Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.
I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?"
All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.
Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention.. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake."
I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.
She offered these kind words: "It's OK My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."
All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.
As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey.
The good news was I had successfully found my way home.
I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully.
I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet? A mere child! Senior citizen?
I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me?
I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.
Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler?
"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind.!
"Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"
I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.
That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror.
Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.
Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.
Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.
I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?"
All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.
Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention.. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake."
I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.
She offered these kind words: "It's OK My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."
All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.
As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey.
The good news was I had successfully found my way home.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Needle case

This is a view of the needle case I made this morning in the closed position. I ended up sewing on large snaps because these plastic snaps were not made for this this thickness in fabric.

This view shows the needle case open with a few needles inserted. I have been needing a good place to keep my needles so I am happy to have this.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
missionary update
Message bodyFrom: "Brenda Lange"
Date: September 25, 2011 5:53:49 AM CDT
Subject: Blog Sept. 25th, 2011
AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD THEM
Today at the Pequaria Church (sponsored by Coopersville Reformed Church, MI), 122 children J came to the Sunday School class to hear God’s Creation story for the first time. (only had 45 last week)
A 13 year old boy, who has attended every church service since we showed the Jesus Film 8 weeks ago, knelt in the dirt at our feet to pray the prayer of Salvation. He is the first person in this entire village to be this bold!
A 5 year old boy got up (without prompting) and led the singing at the Sunday School, followed by an 8 year old girl who led the singing in the adult service.
Children are super sensitive to God’s spirit, and even though these kids only just met Jesus, it is clear that they love Him.
At the closing today, we all lifted our hands and sang our Hallalujah song in worship to the Lord.
The CHILDREN were so precious, as they raised their hands, closed their eyes, and blended their voices in beautiful worship as their gift to Jesus!
God is gathering in those who truly love Him.
NIPA MAKER ASKS THE LORD HOW TO GIVE HIM A NEW JOB
Several weeks ago, I told you of the man who came to church to bring his offering, stating he couldn’t stay cause he had to sell Nipa (corn whiskey) in order to buy grass to roof his mud hut. Our teaching sunk in, as he testified today that he prayed to God and God told him to weave grass mats and food baskets.
Today, I saw his work, and became his first customer, as they are well made.
Our kids always need grass mats for different activities, so now I have a constant source I can rely on and he has a better way to make a living.
BUSY IN BALAMA WITH FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributing your love gifts of food and clothing to 1000+ orphans in 3 remote locations in Balama county takes days of organization and lots of work!
Each distribution needs 6 to 9 TONS of food per location.
Simultaneously, Sylvia, our orphan manager in Meluco county (6 hour drive away) is distributing food to 515 orphans in his area.
It takes 18 loads of food moved by our 6 ton truck between July and November, just to supply Meluco with food for those orphans.
Tomorrow, Sam and Nate, our USA visitors will help our 6 man loading team to move another 9 tons to Kwe Kwe village for distribution on Tuesday.
Since our tractor is out of action (see story below), the truck must take 2 loads of food the day before in order for us to distribute on Tuesday.
Nilza, our new Social Service staff member, got her eyes full this week as she began working with our program.
She told me she was stunned by the amount of kids we are helping, and the amount of work it takes to make it happen.
Your “love gifts” are hard at work! J
DANCING BRIDGE KEEPS WORKERS PRAYING
Our 6 ton truck perilously crossed a bridge last Tuesday that actually “dances” when a truck goes over it.
One of the main support pillars under the bridge, as well as part of the bridge surface, are badly cracked, causing the whole bridge to “sway” back and forth when a truck crosses over it.
At our next month’s give out in Impire, we will have the kids walk to that bridge (not far from our normal distribution site), to receive their food.
I was not aware this bridge was so weak until our team reported back after our distribution this week.
Needless to say, we won’t be crossing it again until someone fixes it. (which probably won’t happen until it collapses)
ERIC DRY CROSSED MOZ. BORDER TODAY WITHOUT PROBLEMS.
We hope to see him drive in on Thursday this week.
Prayers for a smooth trip are much appreciated.
Yep, it takes 5 full days to make the drive from S. Africa to Balama. He’ll stop over one night in Nampula, 7 hours south of us, to buy new tires for our 6 ton truck and water well supplies so we can fix a few wells needing repairs.
Our TRACTOR with 2 ton trailer went out of service this week with a leaking seal on the left rear wheel. Eric bought the parts and hopes to have it working again ASAP upon his arrival. Trying to haul rock and sand for our construction jobs is no joy with just a pick-up.
NACACCA CHURCH HELD UP BY BLIND VILLAGE CHIEF
After meeting with Nacacca leaders this week, our Pastors found out that the culprit who closed our church is the ancient village chief who is now blind (both physically and spiritually).
He is no longer an official village representative and has no legal power to do this, but that didn’t stop him.
The village leaders tried to tell him that it is against the law to do what he did, but he won’t listen and the villagers are afraid of him. This week, the Government is sending a representative with an official order so that the church can meet again starting Oct.2nd.
Nine of the church members walked 5 miles today in order to worship with us in Balama.
It’s very humbling to see how far these people will walk for the pleasure of worshipping the Lord Jesus.
Blessings, and thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers.
Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama gang!
Date: September 25, 2011 5:53:49 AM CDT
Subject: Blog Sept. 25th, 2011
AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD THEM
Today at the Pequaria Church (sponsored by Coopersville Reformed Church, MI), 122 children J came to the Sunday School class to hear God’s Creation story for the first time. (only had 45 last week)
A 13 year old boy, who has attended every church service since we showed the Jesus Film 8 weeks ago, knelt in the dirt at our feet to pray the prayer of Salvation. He is the first person in this entire village to be this bold!
A 5 year old boy got up (without prompting) and led the singing at the Sunday School, followed by an 8 year old girl who led the singing in the adult service.
Children are super sensitive to God’s spirit, and even though these kids only just met Jesus, it is clear that they love Him.
At the closing today, we all lifted our hands and sang our Hallalujah song in worship to the Lord.
The CHILDREN were so precious, as they raised their hands, closed their eyes, and blended their voices in beautiful worship as their gift to Jesus!
God is gathering in those who truly love Him.
NIPA MAKER ASKS THE LORD HOW TO GIVE HIM A NEW JOB
Several weeks ago, I told you of the man who came to church to bring his offering, stating he couldn’t stay cause he had to sell Nipa (corn whiskey) in order to buy grass to roof his mud hut. Our teaching sunk in, as he testified today that he prayed to God and God told him to weave grass mats and food baskets.
Today, I saw his work, and became his first customer, as they are well made.
Our kids always need grass mats for different activities, so now I have a constant source I can rely on and he has a better way to make a living.
BUSY IN BALAMA WITH FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributing your love gifts of food and clothing to 1000+ orphans in 3 remote locations in Balama county takes days of organization and lots of work!
Each distribution needs 6 to 9 TONS of food per location.
Simultaneously, Sylvia, our orphan manager in Meluco county (6 hour drive away) is distributing food to 515 orphans in his area.
It takes 18 loads of food moved by our 6 ton truck between July and November, just to supply Meluco with food for those orphans.
Tomorrow, Sam and Nate, our USA visitors will help our 6 man loading team to move another 9 tons to Kwe Kwe village for distribution on Tuesday.
Since our tractor is out of action (see story below), the truck must take 2 loads of food the day before in order for us to distribute on Tuesday.
Nilza, our new Social Service staff member, got her eyes full this week as she began working with our program.
She told me she was stunned by the amount of kids we are helping, and the amount of work it takes to make it happen.
Your “love gifts” are hard at work! J
DANCING BRIDGE KEEPS WORKERS PRAYING
Our 6 ton truck perilously crossed a bridge last Tuesday that actually “dances” when a truck goes over it.
One of the main support pillars under the bridge, as well as part of the bridge surface, are badly cracked, causing the whole bridge to “sway” back and forth when a truck crosses over it.
At our next month’s give out in Impire, we will have the kids walk to that bridge (not far from our normal distribution site), to receive their food.
I was not aware this bridge was so weak until our team reported back after our distribution this week.
Needless to say, we won’t be crossing it again until someone fixes it. (which probably won’t happen until it collapses)
ERIC DRY CROSSED MOZ. BORDER TODAY WITHOUT PROBLEMS.
We hope to see him drive in on Thursday this week.
Prayers for a smooth trip are much appreciated.
Yep, it takes 5 full days to make the drive from S. Africa to Balama. He’ll stop over one night in Nampula, 7 hours south of us, to buy new tires for our 6 ton truck and water well supplies so we can fix a few wells needing repairs.
Our TRACTOR with 2 ton trailer went out of service this week with a leaking seal on the left rear wheel. Eric bought the parts and hopes to have it working again ASAP upon his arrival. Trying to haul rock and sand for our construction jobs is no joy with just a pick-up.
NACACCA CHURCH HELD UP BY BLIND VILLAGE CHIEF
After meeting with Nacacca leaders this week, our Pastors found out that the culprit who closed our church is the ancient village chief who is now blind (both physically and spiritually).
He is no longer an official village representative and has no legal power to do this, but that didn’t stop him.
The village leaders tried to tell him that it is against the law to do what he did, but he won’t listen and the villagers are afraid of him. This week, the Government is sending a representative with an official order so that the church can meet again starting Oct.2nd.
Nine of the church members walked 5 miles today in order to worship with us in Balama.
It’s very humbling to see how far these people will walk for the pleasure of worshipping the Lord Jesus.
Blessings, and thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers.
Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama gang!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
New shelves
Shopping~hair cuts and such
This week is going to be very nice weather wise. The forecast calls for temps in the 90's all week. Its such a relief to have cooler weather.
Today I am going to color my hair and cut Jeff's hair. He is dumping the black tank right now. Later we will drive to Victoria where I will do some shopping and we will get the oil changed on the car. We are also going to buy some wood so Jeff can put up a couple of shelves for me in the back bedroom. I am using the bunk room as a storage room now that the girls have moved next door. I did leave the two bottom bunks and its nice for company or when we want to lay down for a few minutes. Hannah sometimes comes over after school and lays down on one of the bunks.
If and when we ever buy another camper I think we will go with a park model so we wont have to deal with gray and black tanks. The girls camper is a park model so they never have to go empty tanks. We thought of leaving the tanks open but with a black tank that is a big NO NO. IF the tank is left open then the solids stay at the bottom of the tank and the liquids wash on out and pretty soon you have a big nasty mess. NO thank you. Also I think the land lord needs to dig a bigger sewer or leech field because we can dump both the gray tanks and the black tank the same day or there is spillage. TMI I know. Also if we leave the gray tank open which is ok as far as things go we get a sewer smell which we of course don't want. I really think the sewer just gets too full of gray water and it cant handle it, if he put in more leech fields it would sure help a bunch.
Well now that you know way more than you ever wanted to know about our sewer situation I will go on to another subject.
I met a man who owns a company that makes wringers. They are used at car washes and on off grid homes. I have one. After I bought one and used it I sent him some feedback and asked a few questions. He then called me and we began talking and became friends of a sort where we bounce ideas off each other about his products and ways to improve them. All this to say that he called me a couple of days ago because he is working on a new product and knew I might have a use for it. He is working on a proto type for a stand to hold a wringer over the bath tub so that when you are washing clothes in the tub you can use the wringer to wring them out. He has also made his version of the James Washer but it is made of a plastic barrel and is a lot cheaper than a James Washer. I really want one of these and I need to be saving my money to get one. The girls about died when I showed it to them. They do not want to go from an electric wringer washer to a manual washer where you have to swing the arm back and forth to agitate the clothes and then run the wringer by hand. I pretty much just want it to have in case of hard times or if sometime down the line the electricity went out or we had to live somewhere where we didn't have electricity.
I actually posted a video of the washer on this blog once.
Well you all have a nice day and enjoy your first Saturday of fall.
Today I am going to color my hair and cut Jeff's hair. He is dumping the black tank right now. Later we will drive to Victoria where I will do some shopping and we will get the oil changed on the car. We are also going to buy some wood so Jeff can put up a couple of shelves for me in the back bedroom. I am using the bunk room as a storage room now that the girls have moved next door. I did leave the two bottom bunks and its nice for company or when we want to lay down for a few minutes. Hannah sometimes comes over after school and lays down on one of the bunks.
If and when we ever buy another camper I think we will go with a park model so we wont have to deal with gray and black tanks. The girls camper is a park model so they never have to go empty tanks. We thought of leaving the tanks open but with a black tank that is a big NO NO. IF the tank is left open then the solids stay at the bottom of the tank and the liquids wash on out and pretty soon you have a big nasty mess. NO thank you. Also I think the land lord needs to dig a bigger sewer or leech field because we can dump both the gray tanks and the black tank the same day or there is spillage. TMI I know. Also if we leave the gray tank open which is ok as far as things go we get a sewer smell which we of course don't want. I really think the sewer just gets too full of gray water and it cant handle it, if he put in more leech fields it would sure help a bunch.
Well now that you know way more than you ever wanted to know about our sewer situation I will go on to another subject.
I met a man who owns a company that makes wringers. They are used at car washes and on off grid homes. I have one. After I bought one and used it I sent him some feedback and asked a few questions. He then called me and we began talking and became friends of a sort where we bounce ideas off each other about his products and ways to improve them. All this to say that he called me a couple of days ago because he is working on a new product and knew I might have a use for it. He is working on a proto type for a stand to hold a wringer over the bath tub so that when you are washing clothes in the tub you can use the wringer to wring them out. He has also made his version of the James Washer but it is made of a plastic barrel and is a lot cheaper than a James Washer. I really want one of these and I need to be saving my money to get one. The girls about died when I showed it to them. They do not want to go from an electric wringer washer to a manual washer where you have to swing the arm back and forth to agitate the clothes and then run the wringer by hand. I pretty much just want it to have in case of hard times or if sometime down the line the electricity went out or we had to live somewhere where we didn't have electricity.
I actually posted a video of the washer on this blog once.
Well you all have a nice day and enjoy your first Saturday of fall.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Make your own washing soda
You can easily make your own washing soda from baking soda.
1.Pour a pound of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, available commercially in grocery stores) onto a cookie sheet. Spread it out so it heats evenly.
2 Heat the baking soda for an hour at 300 degrees F.
3 Pour the washing soda into a jar and seal tightly. It becomes more alkaline when heated, so use gloves to handle it or transfer it with a spoon.
Read more: How to Make Washing Soda eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5859235_make-washing-soda.html#ixzz1YaozkACJ
This is a much cheaper way to get washing soda which is priced much more than baking soda.
1.Pour a pound of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, available commercially in grocery stores) onto a cookie sheet. Spread it out so it heats evenly.
2 Heat the baking soda for an hour at 300 degrees F.
3 Pour the washing soda into a jar and seal tightly. It becomes more alkaline when heated, so use gloves to handle it or transfer it with a spoon.
Read more: How to Make Washing Soda eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5859235_make-washing-soda.html#ixzz1YaozkACJ
This is a much cheaper way to get washing soda which is priced much more than baking soda.
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