tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75696326436659659852024-02-20T09:20:36.087-05:00Waiting to Start My LifeConfessions, reflections, and rants of a middle-aged divorcee waiting to start real life now that her kids are grown. So, when do I get to start?Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-16979138235671478942013-06-27T10:21:00.000-04:002013-06-27T10:21:06.562-04:00Potluck & Variations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a profile of one super easy, really successful “Covered Dish” or “Potluck” dinner casserole. It takes just a few minutes to put together, and ingredients are easily found at (just about) any grocery store. The base is frozen hash brown potatoes, the kind that come cubed in a bag.<br /><br />For the most part, I like to feature recipes that work mostly “from scratch”. However, the point here is to offer an idea that can be thrown together quickly and easily. It also has a lot of leeway so you can use what’s in the cupboard.<br /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Basic Hash Brown Casserole:</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> One bag frozen hash brown potatoes<br /> (cube style recommended, though grated could work)</li>
<li>1 can “Cream of” soup :<br /> i.e. Cream of Mushroom, Broccoli, Celery, Chicken, etc.</li>
<li>½ cup sour cream</li>
<li>2 cups grated cheese, sharp cheddar recommended.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />Lightly grease a 9”x13” pan. Mix together all ingredients except ½ cup grated cheese. This can be achieved in the pan but is easier in a bowl. Bake at 350° F/175° C for 45 minutes. One way to tell the casserole is done is when it bubbles slightly in the center. Top with the remaining cheese and put back in the oven until it melts.<br /><br />The casserole can be made up ahead of time to pop in the oven later. It isn’t necessary to wait to put the cheese on top, but if you do wait, you get more even results.<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Now for variations on a theme:</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Diced vegetables can really add flavor to the casserole: Broccoli, mushrooms, green peas, peppers, tomatoes, go wild. You’re only limited by your imagination and how much the pan will hold.<br /><br />You can also add some diced ham or chicken (fully cooked), or some browned hamburger. Combine this with some veggies in the casserole, and you have a one-pan meal.<br /><br />Reduce the amount of potatoes to balance the additions for best sauce-to-stuff ratio.<br /><br />This recipe is perfect for customization. Use what you like, add herbs & spices, experiment. Make it yours.<br /></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Variation: Seafood Casserole</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Again, the point here is not “authenticity” but <b>quick, easy, & affordable</b>.<br /><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 package faux crabmeat, cut in small chunks.</li>
<li>1- 6 oz. can shrimp</li>
<li>1 small can crabmeat (if you feel like going wild)</li>
<li>1 can Cream of Shrimp soup</li>
<li>1 ¾ cup grated cheese</li>
<li>1 or 2 oz. Swiss cheese cut into small pieces. <br /> (Important. It adds some “edge” that gives the casserole a nice “bisque” flavor.)</li>
<li>½ cup sour cream</li>
<li>½ bag frozen hash brown potatoes</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />Lightly grease a 9”x13” pan. Mix ingredients together, reserving ½ cup grated cheese for topping. This can be achieved in the pan but is easier in a bowl. Bake at 350° F/175° C for 45 minutes.<br /><br />If you want to use fresh seafood, go for it. Just make sure everything is fully cooked.</div>
<br />
There you have it. Fast, easy, crowd pleasing.</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-78118429755558933102013-05-30T14:59:00.000-04:002013-05-30T14:59:17.120-04:00Zero Tolerance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Warning: political rant.</i> New recipe to come next week sometime.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Paving Stones on the Path to Dystopian Tyranny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zero Tolerance means: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Zero
Thought Necessary</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Zero
Decisions to Make</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Zero
Responsibility</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Zero
Accountability </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is the administrative bureaucrat’s dream. It is the perfect excuse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the 1990’s, Zero Tolerance policies were presented
as the best path to Getting Tough on Crime. Any offense, no matter how small,
would be dealt with as if it were the gravest crime, subject to full sanctions
and response by the authorities. That way, supposedly, small problems could
avoid becoming larger ones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was all a vicious lie. The point of Zero Tolerance is to
condition us to accept the unacceptable and to sanction government sponsored
abuse of our precious children. Zero Tolerance means Absolute Power. It never stays within the intended bounds. It never fails to corrupt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zero Tolerance “No Knives” policies resulted in children being suspended
and/or arrested for possession of nail clippers and plastic flatware with their
lunch. “But a plastic knife is intended for spreading <b>peanut butter</b>, not
mayhem”, you say? No matter, policy says we cannot apply reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Intent” may no longer be taken into
consideration.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zero Tolerance “Drug” policies resulted in teens being suspended and/or
arrested for possessing aspirin. A student can get into serious trouble for carrying a potentially life-saving inhaler without "proper authorization". We are to believe that it is <i>okay </i>to withhold needed treatment because of "policy". </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One student was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/16/teen.strip.search/" target="_blank"><b><i>strip searched</i></b></a>
because administrators suspected she had ibuprofen in her possession. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In each case, teachers and administrators are able to avoid
any accountability for disgusting, unreasonable acts by pointing to “policy”. They are just
following orders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Zero Tolerance policies and behaviors progress, the definition of
“offense” has been expanded to include more and more normal behaviors exhibited
by normal school children. Temper tantrums, which might have resulted in
removal from the classroom and a stern lecture from a counselor or the
principal, now result in handcuffs and court appearances. Teenage highjinks
and pranks, which in the past would have earned a few hours in detention, now
result in criminal records.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last March, a Maryland seven-year-old was <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-ar-park-pastry-gun-20130304,0,161022.story" target="_blank">suspended </a>for
unwittingly eating his pastry into the shape of a gun. He was attempting to chew out a mountain. His teacher and principal responded with hysterics, removed
him from the classroom, and suspended him for being “threatening”. This was
done without regard for the fact that no one, besides the teacher, felt
threatened in any way by the pop tart sculpture. The principal of Park Elementary claims he bears no
responsibility whatsoever for his ridiculous, asinine<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> re</span>action. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Policy, don’t you know? Just following orders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The teacher was not <i>responsible</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The principal was not <i>responsible</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only the <i>child</i> was responsible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me repeat this: The <b>adults</b> are not responsible
any more. Only children are to be held responsible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zero Tolerance is a conditioning program. It is meant to
condition school workers to accept whatever edicts the state hands down, no
matter how evil they might be. <i>Anything </i>can be designated an offense
worthy of mistreatment from here on in. We parents, teachers,
principals, and members of society, are being conditioned to tolerate the
systematic abuse of our most vulnerable. If we let them have our children, we'll tolerate anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zero Tolerance is a paving stone on the path to tyranny. It
is part of the larger campaign to incrementally remove all vestiges of justice
in our society. No longer will judgment be permitted in the adjudication of
criminality. Do not question. Do not reason. Follow policy. Follow orders. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is through ideas like Zero Tolerance that we are
conditioned to look the other way when gross injustice is perpetrated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We must not accept this outrage. We must not condone the
removal of accountability. We cannot look the other way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Nazi concentration camp guards were following “policy”
too. We are headed down that road. Let us turn around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evil triumphs when good people do nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s tell evil to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/11/pop-tart-gun-bill_n_2852472.html" target="_blank">take a hike</a>. No more "Zero Tolerance". </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
References: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/16/teen.strip.search/">http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/16/teen.strip.search/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-ar-park-pastry-gun-20130304,0,161022.story">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-ar-park-pastry-gun-20130304,0,161022.story</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/11/pop-tart-gun-bill_n_2852472.html" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/11<span id="goog_220309285"></span><span id="goog_220309286"></span>/pop-tart-gun-bill_n_2852472.html </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-17450606203195220932013-05-16T13:19:00.000-04:002013-05-16T13:19:55.770-04:00Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Reunions. This is the year for High School and Family reunions. Lots and lots of memories. <br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of us have unhappy memories of our school cafeteria
food. However, there is one item that was always a hit in our school system:
<b>Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies</b>. Nirvana on, of all places, a school lunch
tray! On days when these cookies were on the menu, we all made sure we arranged
to buy our lunch. Usually they appeared on alternate Thursdays along with Turkey and Gravy, the second-best item on their entire menu.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While they were well known within our small school system, no one
else seemed to know what they were. I met kids from all over the country, and
none of them had ever heard of these delightful treasures. We were so lucky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, a post on my high school Facebook group reminded me
of this favorite dessert, so I went surfing for a recipe. There are several
incarnations to be found, and with a little experimentation, I have arrived at
a fairly good approximation. (After a few decades, the secret was bound to get
out.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I posted a comment on Facebook that I had made some, mostly
for the benefit of old classmates. However, a relative commented that she would
like some. Since she was going to be at a family reunion, I decided to bring
some with me to the gathering. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I figured that a few would be eaten, and I would end up
taking more than I could eat home with me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrong!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All that was left were a few crumbs. People <b>raved</b>
about them. They requested that I post the recipe to Facebook. So I did. From
my phone. It’s that easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1/2 cup sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tablespoons honey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 tablespoons corn syrup</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 cup peanut butter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 cups corn flakes (I don’t usually recommend brands, but
the Kellogg’s® flakes work the best.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring sugar, honey and corn syrup to boil for a minute or
two. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Pour over corn flakes in a large
bowl and mix to coat. Press into 9x13 pan. Let cool. Cut into squares. A pizza
cutter works well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’d think it would be sticky, but it’s not. So don’t worry
about greasing the pan. Really.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheap, easy, super yummy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enjoy. Impress your friends, relatives, and, most importantly, PTA parents (which is no
small victory).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-28266646297103598582013-04-28T15:17:00.000-04:002013-04-28T15:21:02.316-04:00Absolutely Awesome Nachos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been making this recipe in various forms for almost 25
years. It’s an adaptation of one from a women’s magazine article that explored
different microwave recipes, when microwaves were still fairly new to kitchens.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find the microwave can do funny things to tortilla chips,
so I simply stuck it in the regular oven with fantastic results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 normal-sized bag (~13 oz) <b>Tortilla</b> chips (Whatever
kind you like best. Fritos® style corn chips are not recommended but will do in
a pinch.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix together:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
½ cup mayonnaise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
2 cups shredded
cheddar—use more if you like</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
1-3 oz can green
chilies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
1 small can sliced
Black Olives </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take 2 or 3 cookie sheets and line them with foil. Spray the
foil with cooking spray, so the cheese doesn’t stick and pull everything off
the nachos. Spread your tortilla chips in one layer, with some overlaps. You
want the topping on the chips, not the pan. I’ve found the recipe uses about
2/3 of a bag of chips.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spoon the topping evenly over the chips. Bake in a 350° oven
for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot. You can move them to plates to serve or right off the pans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alterations:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add some crab delights, chopped chicken, or bacon to the
mixture. They all work well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have also lined a 9”x13” pan with crescent roll dough, and
put the topping (with crab delights) on top, and baked at 350° for 25-30
minutes. Slice into 2-inch squares. Fantastic for potluck dinners.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can also put the topping on French bread, sliced
lengthwise, and bake for a Mexican French bread pizza.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Try mixing the topping with cauliflower for a low-carb
casserole version.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have substituted green salsa for the chilies, but it makes
for runny topping. Reduce the mayo somewhat if you go that route.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enjoy! </div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-74650464807806151652013-04-26T14:49:00.001-04:002013-04-26T14:58:43.062-04:00Spinach & Artichoke Dip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">My daughter and I went to TGI Friday's in February. It had been a couple
years since our last visit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have always loved the inventive and interesting foods they serve. We
got an appetizer sampler and a few other items from the appetizer menu. It was
all good, but, for some reason, it doesn't appeal to me like it once did. Has
the quality changed, or has my taste changed? I’ve noticed that a lot of
restaurant food just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. I actually prefer to make my
own. Has anyone else had the same experience?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of my favorite "appetizers out" is Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
The serving we got at TGI Fridays was good, but it had a canned soup flavor to
it. Still, I like it enough to try making my own, since Friday's isn't usually
in the budget.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, I turned to the Internet for ideas. There are several pages devoted
to S&A dip, many claiming to be just like Friday's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me now state that mine is not like Friday’s. Yes, there are spinach,
artichokes, and cheese, but it all comes out very differently. Mine has more
veggies and less sauce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">All the recipes call for thawing, draining, and squeezing the spinach before
adding to the mixture. My experience is that the dip is very dry, so removing
moisture is self-defeating. I also found large amounts of spinach can overwhelm
the other ingredients. Using half of a 1 lb. bag seems to achieve the right
balance. The other advantage of bagged versus a 10-oz block is that you don’t need
to thaw it.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Spinach and Artichoke Dip</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Ingredients </span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc"><ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 cup milk or half & half</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">½ cup mayonnaise </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 to 2 teaspoons minced garlic (I use the jarred kind) Powdered, a scant teaspoon maybe.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 T prepared horseradish</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 –2 teaspoons Italian Herbs</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 cups (8 oz.) Italian blend cheese</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">½-(16 oz.) bag frozen spinach (thaw
in the microwave for a shorter cook time)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 (14 ounce) can/jar artichoke
quarters, drained & chopped </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Combine all ingredients. Place in shallow casserole dish. You can bake the dip for about 15-20 minutes at 325°F, if you thawed the spinach. It can also be heated in the microwave for a few minutes.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />The last batch I made, I just mixed everything in the casserole, with the spinach still frozen, and stuck it in the fridge until later. I baked it for 45 minutes at about 350° F. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />We use whatever is on hand to dip it: crackers, toast, tortilla chips, or rye crisps. Use what you like.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />I have spread the dip on flour tortillas to make spinach & artichoke quesadillas. Yum! Added some roast turkey deli slices. Double yum!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Enjoy. Let me know what works for you.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-31024134236080896422013-04-12T14:43:00.000-04:002013-04-22T18:50:38.869-04:00Sesame Chicken Sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love Sesame Chicken from the local Chinese food place, but
not so much the expense, and definitely not the rock-hard breading on the
chicken. So, I have come up with my own recipe that is quite satisfying and
economical.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I buy the Asian ingredients at the local international
grocery where the prices are amazingly reasonable, often less than half that at
the regular stores or even the big box discount store!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The international store (called the Super-G Mart) has been
here in town for several years, but I never went in until about six months ago.
It’s quite an experience. One of the first things you see is the big bags of
rice (15-40 pounds) of many different types and origins: Basmati, jasmine, long
grain, medium grain, from China, India, and the US. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Folks from all over the world mix with locals throughout
aisles that carry a dizzying array of foods, many of which I can’t identify.
The produce is amazing. There is so much to choose from. Despite being crowded
and busy, all of the customers show great respect for one another, making it a
far better shopping experience than the local discount store. Going to “foreign
food” stores makes good gourmet and economical sense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is my own recipe for yummy homemade Sesame Chicken:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use the broth from ½ of a 40-oz. bag frozen chicken tenders
baked with:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 T olive oil in the pan<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>¼
cup teriyaki sauce<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> a </span>pinch of ground cloves</li>
<li>garlic powder<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>onion
powder</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use the oil in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place the tenders
in one layer. Drizzle the tenders with teriyaki sauce, then season to taste
with onion & garlic. Go easy on the cloves, they’re powerful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cover with foil. </b>This keeps the tenders from drying
out and produces the broth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bake for 30 minutes at 250° then 30-60 more minutes at 300°.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>(Editorial note: It took quite a bit longer in a glass pan than in a metal one. I had to up the temp to 300° and cook an extra 30 minutes. The key to doneness is opaque chicken and clear juices.) </i></li>
</ul>
The long slow cooking makes for very tender meat. If you're pressed for time, by all means cook at a higher temp.<br />
<br />
Remove the chicken and pour the broth into a
small saucepan. The broth is about 1-1/2 cups. <i>Alternately, use some canned broth or bouillon if you come by your chicken through a different method.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring the broth to a boil over med-high heat. Add:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 tsp grated fresh ginger<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>¾ cup sugar<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(I use demerara) <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2
T soy sauce<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2 T rice wine vinegar<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 tsp or so Sesame oil<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reduce heat just below medium. Mix 2 scant tablespoons <b>arrowroot
powder</b> to equal amount water, mix well. Add to the sauce to thicken. Maybe
hold back a little on arrowroot. Mine came out very thick and gelled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the sauce has thickened, add:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>½ cup sesame seeds</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces if you like. Pour sauce over chicken. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Serve sauced chicken over rice with cooked veggies. Yum! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Makes 3-4 servings. GREAT for brown-bag lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had some sauce left over to put in the freezer.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fresh ginger </b>smells wonderful, very lemony and it is well worth
the trouble. Substitute ½ tsp ground ginger if fresh isn’t available.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to use fresh onions and garlic, go for it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cornstarch is another thickener you can use. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sesame Oil is powerful stuff, so err on the side of caution.
It the smell is overwhelming, refrigerate the sauce overnight and it will
become much milder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don't have rice wine vinegar, you can use fruit juice, or apple cider vinegar. Use about half as much cider or white vinegar as rice vinegar. </div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-35499551664673959752013-04-10T16:29:00.000-04:002013-04-28T13:36:54.485-04:00How to Make an Easy, Inexpensive E-collar For Your Cat --or Dog--or Bird...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Ways to up-size for our canine friends will follow </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a fast, easy, lightweight e-collar for convalescing
pets. I recommend having a few extra sheets of foam on hand for replacement
collars, as these tend to get beat-up and worn out.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-----------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alas, the <a href="http://waitstartlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/pewter-panthers-brush-with-system.html" target="_blank">Pewter Panther</a> is gone, but his memory will live on. He suffered from bone cancer, and had a leg amputated. Unfortunately, the cancer moved to his lungs and did him in this February. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Following his surgery last year, we had to find a way to keep him from worrying the scar. Hence this post.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will need:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">A
placemat sized craft foam sheet, which can be found at your local craft
store/discount retailer for about $1 a piece, generally in the "kid art" section. It comes in lots of colors and patterns. I found some in zebra stripes.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Duct
tape</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Measuring
tape</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Calculator</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Ruler</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pencil</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Scissors</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Optional add-ons (for our wilier fur-people)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sewing
elastic (or yarn/string) to secure e-collar to a regular collar </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Hole
punch</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Lets get started: </b><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;">Measure
your cat’s neck and add an inch. Divide this number by pi (3.14). The
resulting number is “A”. Write it down.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;">Measure
from where a regular collar would normally sit on your cat’s neck to the
tip of its nose. Write down this number. Call it “B”.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvgIMiVooOKMe9A8ZEeHHzQ8QSFrGkbw0F_REhbbedy9TGuV2OmhXzVuDnQKONDLtLpOlZtIl2O8xLpBAGDredxRsSRUsjdj5t1kP1JzqYF6NKPl4-24gvEp_b-KN1SUGFWYJD6fbUrGo/s1600/catmeasure.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvgIMiVooOKMe9A8ZEeHHzQ8QSFrGkbw0F_REhbbedy9TGuV2OmhXzVuDnQKONDLtLpOlZtIl2O8xLpBAGDredxRsSRUsjdj5t1kP1JzqYF6NKPl4-24gvEp_b-KN1SUGFWYJD6fbUrGo/s1600/catmeasure.GIF" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1856835065"></span><span id="goog_1856835066"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Find
the midpoint on the long side of the craft foam.</li>
</ol>
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td height="3" width="123"></td></tr>
<tr><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="12" width="125"></td></tr>
<tr><td></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH9EBSvf24O4D1jey6U7KIDYQjaFRgytJ7onSvOyEs47V_61uikXW10kvo6OCgKOhtNNHxJzVYhau5ygxgVMcVJWjYb1IpTJPYYyLxXaFUlRfgmHhDYu15T-g2-_Ho5mqZKouIw-AZnZR/s1600/ecollar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH9EBSvf24O4D1jey6U7KIDYQjaFRgytJ7onSvOyEs47V_61uikXW10kvo6OCgKOhtNNHxJzVYhau5ygxgVMcVJWjYb1IpTJPYYyLxXaFUlRfgmHhDYu15T-g2-_Ho5mqZKouIw-AZnZR/s320/ecollar1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_643461645"></span><span id="goog_643461646"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;">From
the midpoint, measure out number “A” (cat’s neck divided by pi). Mark
at several points in a half-circle on the craft foam:</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOJYbiVkpkPlHuPdGB2dxN4ZJEMaW7S3wRUPtYWeHJ4zK4wuUhNGBUCLNyEAR_uW3dsq6gK8zZluGzHWv4_JT4H0fX7EbFC41fZyQ4qFplXcC_lgtpAxVMuR9W3zV615Hj2ywbccKuyLy/s1600/ecollar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOJYbiVkpkPlHuPdGB2dxN4ZJEMaW7S3wRUPtYWeHJ4zK4wuUhNGBUCLNyEAR_uW3dsq6gK8zZluGzHWv4_JT4H0fX7EbFC41fZyQ4qFplXcC_lgtpAxVMuR9W3zV615Hj2ywbccKuyLy/s320/ecollar2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;">Next,
measure out from the first circle the second number “B” (from neck to
nose). Mark a semi-circle again. Make sure you mark from the first circle,
not the initial midpoint.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;">
</span></div>
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="12" width="9"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eOVl47PncUQIbStlClZHAN2B8-lS5qRskqcydzT_OzrPXFOkWsytAk_Cz3s6netLXFDOr2-gxbBpgtqiEk6MtU0XHV6kPD73uWL6CwynC7dJ7ZJgS82jWdSUtoKrnLuyvSmGxT3bJNom/s1600/ecollar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eOVl47PncUQIbStlClZHAN2B8-lS5qRskqcydzT_OzrPXFOkWsytAk_Cz3s6netLXFDOr2-gxbBpgtqiEk6MtU0XHV6kPD73uWL6CwynC7dJ7ZJgS82jWdSUtoKrnLuyvSmGxT3bJNom/s320/ecollar3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cut
out the white part.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDaK8IydS_JQlVkyvUpk_87FjpA3svPGoK2-Hs7ZDEtf-QY0gGC457FS-3tGOd-4U39LBzkyq2LLllZx-8PZYUZSt9dImAHqU30EsXQ0TCfH21gwJRA6Uiz2FrGRwL0n1TAaLCGwudX1n/s1600/ecollar4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDaK8IydS_JQlVkyvUpk_87FjpA3svPGoK2-Hs7ZDEtf-QY0gGC457FS-3tGOd-4U39LBzkyq2LLllZx-8PZYUZSt9dImAHqU30EsXQ0TCfH21gwJRA6Uiz2FrGRwL0n1TAaLCGwudX1n/s320/ecollar4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tape
the straight edges of the collar together, edges meeting, but NOT
overlapping. Leave one inch open on the inside edge. You should be able to
slip this over the cat’s head, small end first.<br /></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO0inCVMp54poruqOgOsVG71Hz2mycR-r6SeI7tWExHDDZLSPAPeOhjneWeTYVk3Xm1ml28UdE4PrZ2uutsW9-25pCpj4GRl6hMrk4i-J4YqIkk7gcEfImtq7GJc9V0I8Y_eQU4g0b5KX/s1600/ecollar5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO0inCVMp54poruqOgOsVG71Hz2mycR-r6SeI7tWExHDDZLSPAPeOhjneWeTYVk3Xm1ml28UdE4PrZ2uutsW9-25pCpj4GRl6hMrk4i-J4YqIkk7gcEfImtq7GJc9V0I8Y_eQU4g0b5KX/s320/ecollar5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
The taped part of the collar is the heaviest, so it will
work its way around to beneath the cat’s chin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
</ol>
If
your cat is inclined to remove the collar, it can be secured to a regular
collar with elastic or string. Make several holes, just big enough for the
elastic, along the inside edge. String the elastic through the holes and
around the collar, like you’re sewing it to the collar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjIDmuRFeIY0dR-I8M3lyDsUIxxGyhtTse98vwGDul949HLzArsOlHP5nAvnX02cyMQQYcvXpnQtnuu906dMIGgcf3QSBv4zFc6CkZgBKbuGAcpZnuKH6-hvlxSNfaIZuuJsxt1rp_lc-/s1600/ecollar6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjIDmuRFeIY0dR-I8M3lyDsUIxxGyhtTse98vwGDul949HLzArsOlHP5nAvnX02cyMQQYcvXpnQtnuu906dMIGgcf3QSBv4zFc6CkZgBKbuGAcpZnuKH6-hvlxSNfaIZuuJsxt1rp_lc-/s320/ecollar6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>For our bigger fur-people: </b></div>
<div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .5in;">Larger sheets of craft foam (36’ x 36”) are carried
at Michael’s craft store. They can be ordered online as well for up-sizing.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .5in;">If you can find it, clear, flexible plastic sheets
will work well so the animal can see through them. Your cat will bump into
a lot of walls and corners before it gets used to the collar.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .5in;">In a pinch, you could use poster board to make an
e-collar, just don’t plan on it lasting for more than a day or two.</li>
</ul>
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I plan to upgrade this with pictures and a video at a later date.</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-67694032927567716762013-01-09T14:10:00.002-05:002013-01-11T19:01:25.028-05:00Making Cupcakes Is Not For Wimps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I said in the previous post that launching our cupcake
business has been a learning experience. I thought I’d go into just <i><b>how much</b></i> of
an experience in this post.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will first state that starting your own business, even such a small one, is scary. The risk here is small, just a hundred dollars or so, and our time. Still, the fear can keep you from persevering if you let it. It's something to get past.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It seems like making and selling cupcakes would be a fairly
simple operation, but when the government gets involved, it gets complicated
really fast. This is done on purpose to discourage people from competing with
“established” businesses. I know, I know. Government claims that regulations
are for your “safety”, but they really exist to limit/stifle competition.
Approximately 30% of our meals are eaten at restaurants, where 80% of food
contamination occurs. This means that a very high proportion of food-borne
illness happens in a regulated environment, while most food prepared at home is
much safer. Yet the state wants all food sold to the public to be prepared in
the far-less-safe commercial environment. Makes perfect sense, right? <i>So ends
the political rant. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The state requires that baked goods made to sell to the
public be made in “certified” kitchens, which the state must inspect for
compliance. The requirements for a home kitchen are fairly simple, except that
there must be no pets in the home whatsoever, at any time. This eliminates a
lot of home kitchens, including ours. No, we are not about to send our cats up
the river.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some really great organizations that offer time in
certified kitchens for an hourly rate. The difficulty is that they are all at
least an hour’s drive away. The one we use is in the county to the north. It
has very reasonable rates and is available most of the time. It is in an old
church field house. It has a very bumpy, cratered parking lot. The county
Sheriff’s Department washes their cars right next door, just steps away. The
community room in the field house sees a lot of use, and makes for interesting
listening as we bake away in the kitchen. It is by no means fancy, but the eclectic mix of old
and new works like we need it to work. That’s all we ask.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The community kitchen has a lot of good equipment and plenty
of room to work. Nonetheless, we need to bring a lot of our own equipment,
supplies, and utensils. It’s a lot to pack up, unload, repack and load in one
afternoon. My big Kitchen Aid mixer is he-e-avy. I hope it survives all this use
(abuse?). Sure, there is a mixer at the facility, but if we used just one we’d
be there all day and night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The kitchen is reserved for a certain amount of time, and
you have to get everything done within that time slot. Our home test runs did
not prepare us for the reality. Once we’ve done this several times, we’ll have
the timing and routine down, but for now it’s a bit of a struggle. We’re still
working it all out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mind you, I’m not whining here. I’m just trying to relate
what goes into making a hundred or so cupcakes for sale. It’s exhausting, but
energizing at the same time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first time at the community kitchen, it took us two-plus
hours longer than we anticipated. Lucky for us, there was no one waiting to use
the kitchen after us. It’s one thing to do a lot of baking at home over the
course of an afternoon or evening. It’s a far different proposition when you’re
on the clock.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The kitchen has a commercial convection oven. No wimpy fans
blowing around air here. Nope, this fan blows the batter into strange shapes
and crooked cupcakes. (Luckily, icing can hide most mutations.) Through several
rounds of trial and error, we have hit upon the right balance of on/off to keep
the nice round domes people expect to see on cupcakes. (Thank you Yahoo Answers!)
It is necessary to turn the preheated oven off for the first half of the baking
time so the batter can set, then crank up the oven (and fan) to finish. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once the cupcakes have all been put into the oven, the
icing must be made. Add the confectioner’s sugar to the butter slowly, or you
end up with an explosion of powder. I speak from experience. Once the cupcakes
have cooled sufficiently, (Use those big freezers!) it’s time to decorate.
Small pastry bags are fairly easy, but the big ones take some muscle.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It would all be fairly simple if there were just one flavor,
but customers like a variety to choose from. This adds to the time
considerably. Both cupcakes and icing freeze nicely. We have determined the
best course is to alternate flavors weekly in the baking process. We can
assemble a variety each week from the different batches. This way we don’t
drive ourselves crazy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the decorating and boxing are done, it’s time to clean
up. Really dragging at this point. Trying to remember everything. Hope I didn’t
miss something. Pack up the cars, and head on home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow we sell, but that’s another post.<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-37082920607094478372012-12-27T10:46:00.000-05:002012-12-27T11:04:03.223-05:00Cupcakes!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXdwLHCknfFivDFm68uoAlnqflTiMz2kwNpmLVbBE_hsxSjBgPknsqc5sCge1bFs8QDtcihjw4vRsoiOs1cQPf1VnncO5wazvzYrC7rsYDxrxclc9EJPhvLDHr1TdKlCaQ4beU0IftVl8/s1600/poinsettiacupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXdwLHCknfFivDFm68uoAlnqflTiMz2kwNpmLVbBE_hsxSjBgPknsqc5sCge1bFs8QDtcihjw4vRsoiOs1cQPf1VnncO5wazvzYrC7rsYDxrxclc9EJPhvLDHr1TdKlCaQ4beU0IftVl8/s320/poinsettiacupcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Velvet Poinsettia Cupcake</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I can cheerfully report that I am making progress toward
starting my life. My daughter Karin and I have been discussing starting a
baking business for some time. She is most interested in cake decorating, while
I lean more toward breads—yeast and quick. My youngest has developed an
interest in the pastry side of the business as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ugzCcO7DNB03ANri3YreEINY4RfjnlCwp9GmyPGjqCVbbOZDR9DpFp53zNP65MHMjjxAmy-55lxPFywg9ZHiKeKMugYs9jpxLxtI0N7i64frICephh9PPeUZhFHd9KAnNe3J1dpUNj3U/s1600/thnksgvgcupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ugzCcO7DNB03ANri3YreEINY4RfjnlCwp9GmyPGjqCVbbOZDR9DpFp53zNP65MHMjjxAmy-55lxPFywg9ZHiKeKMugYs9jpxLxtI0N7i64frICephh9PPeUZhFHd9KAnNe3J1dpUNj3U/s320/thnksgvgcupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, we launched our business this month, meeting with
mixed success. I found a community kitchen in which to make our wares, at the
moment limited to cupcakes and muffins. We have sold a good many at a local
flea market. Financially, we have yet to make our money back. But that’s okay.
I regard this as our research phase. There is a lot to learn, and
books/videos/classes can only provide so much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrVUjnsJLrKc-Zccl2Dxs-tc-r-5zqJsZF_AEqtdPRQvWVqVjrVPY676Bkas66wvcAifYQZuGdID3_RK4Uv5tU1DrRBSH_vvxnAD1PR-G5flEoyYb3LK1Kdb0k0knTlT1hLwJSZAV2a4T/s1600/spclcupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrVUjnsJLrKc-Zccl2Dxs-tc-r-5zqJsZF_AEqtdPRQvWVqVjrVPY676Bkas66wvcAifYQZuGdID3_RK4Uv5tU1DrRBSH_vvxnAD1PR-G5flEoyYb3LK1Kdb0k0knTlT1hLwJSZAV2a4T/s320/spclcupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: Peanut Butter Double-Take, Margerita, Thanksgiving designs, and more PBDT's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My daughter keeps developing fantastic cupcake design ideas.
I need to learn to decorate as well as she does. I’m not worried. That design
degree will come in handy. I may take a few classes to learn the basic
techniques. The big craft chains offer a lot of class times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA5LWeY-ibQGj4j54IRAxsTjPOGtjctZz656NvthmL-HsONBFiuDuzHONTCby7WVFTS8V3CvVS5UAyFaq1vznPaqw2wO0PfOFA4ujCax-Uv4MhwsRyAgKPbOavMbJgw-yIawAAQztutgI/s1600/flwrcupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA5LWeY-ibQGj4j54IRAxsTjPOGtjctZz656NvthmL-HsONBFiuDuzHONTCby7WVFTS8V3CvVS5UAyFaq1vznPaqw2wO0PfOFA4ujCax-Uv4MhwsRyAgKPbOavMbJgw-yIawAAQztutgI/s320/flwrcupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e-84izpTUzMQt2UiKw6EXDcabNX-P2OG1jWc1MsKUpc5jE3VFChdgWTxj-gh2OVBM0hnMjROzp6oVL_2qA_CR1x3I2Awpf9o8ud3puqzRck4jX29J6nbFr7lIbXy1No6DyNco5rQNKD9/s1600/autumncookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e-84izpTUzMQt2UiKw6EXDcabNX-P2OG1jWc1MsKUpc5jE3VFChdgWTxj-gh2OVBM0hnMjROzp6oVL_2qA_CR1x3I2Awpf9o8ud3puqzRck4jX29J6nbFr7lIbXy1No6DyNco5rQNKD9/s320/autumncookie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Cookie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know, I know. Cupcakes are sooooo overdone, right?
Well…not so much around here. They’re big on TV, but there aren’t all that many
people actually making them. The trick is to make gorgeous cupcakes that taste
as good as they look, and offer them at a price people are willing to pay while
making a modest profit. You’d be amazed how few people actually get up off
their duff and make the effort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzGd39mAQ8k5bLXL7AtxD4StHWAvVFHfvP72gAmvow9b2GUivMW45qd_b-l4523WvG8QPlGKviZASXRyPmcfdR7uu9Qct4g8t1KbjSNh-GbtC0ancTYaeoeGMi_9VjJrO2OFu_vOPFLCi/s1600/xmascupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzGd39mAQ8k5bLXL7AtxD4StHWAvVFHfvP72gAmvow9b2GUivMW45qd_b-l4523WvG8QPlGKviZASXRyPmcfdR7uu9Qct4g8t1KbjSNh-GbtC0ancTYaeoeGMi_9VjJrO2OFu_vOPFLCi/s320/xmascupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Cheer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’d eventually like to turn it into a bigger business, with
our own baking facility and an established market. We’re willing to start small
and work our way up. It’s exciting and exhausting. It may never be a smashing
success, but it lends purpose to the week. It’s doing SOMETHING, rather than
waiting around for “Something” to happen. I now have a better understanding of
the saying “It is better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at
all”. I don’t plan to fail. Sure, this “starting a business” stuff is scary,
but it isn’t anywhere near as daunting as so many people make it out to be (and
believe me, there have been plenty of people who say it’s just <b><i>toooooo hard</i></b>…). You
just have to DO IT. Make the effort. Stop waiting for permission.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRZ3g5S88VbYSrcEd2R9EWXRC8yT3TKC0Fh1TDFzp4fe7_P91kmjwzOW007R8hb_Bbj_tj3X82F_t5qKfUOhfmZhBXhDva_jmT95e9-9jJ8rRTq8QFJ3iOLU0PRtvskCghvUe5Vncz7YD/s1600/xmascupcakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRZ3g5S88VbYSrcEd2R9EWXRC8yT3TKC0Fh1TDFzp4fe7_P91kmjwzOW007R8hb_Bbj_tj3X82F_t5qKfUOhfmZhBXhDva_jmT95e9-9jJ8rRTq8QFJ3iOLU0PRtvskCghvUe5Vncz7YD/s320/xmascupcakes2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At The Flea on 29 in Greensboro, NC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Start living.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CakeHavenGso" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/CakeHavenGso</a></div>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/CakeHavenGso" target="_blank"></a><br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-83566739713252653932012-12-20T10:40:00.002-05:002012-12-27T10:56:01.944-05:00Reject the MSM hysteria <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: large;">"After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it." <i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>William Burroughs.</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u4lfYV4DflleyNIzGuGum6y-bwTxuoZy8hyIYYVoP-tEhe6_8oK48Oc3OqnrPovi9Ry1g8s2F6N1LgsbITBrEfDlJjg5eNp51G3L8LA18KkUvgyzVmXgvSpmQADUZePrmgs29eWbBafR/s1600/img2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u4lfYV4DflleyNIzGuGum6y-bwTxuoZy8hyIYYVoP-tEhe6_8oK48Oc3OqnrPovi9Ry1g8s2F6N1LgsbITBrEfDlJjg5eNp51G3L8LA18KkUvgyzVmXgvSpmQADUZePrmgs29eWbBafR/s320/img2.gif" width="290" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">If you give up your <b>Rights </b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> for "<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">safety</span></b></i>"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> you will lose <b>BOTH</b>.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't let them talk you into giving up </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">your constitutional rights.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They don't plan to do anything good if you do.</div>
<br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-60717724456650079892012-07-25T11:47:00.000-04:002012-07-25T11:47:29.448-04:00Economic Status<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When the winds of fortune change, it doesn’t mean disaster
for everyone. In the past couple of years, I’ve had the strange, unreal
experience of moving up the ladder in socioeconomic status without moving in
any real sense. I still have my low-pay, dead-end job. These days, just having
a job, any job, is a boost. I thank the Good Lord every day for my continued
employment, because I know it could end tomorrow. Despite modest raises, when
real inflation is factored in (see <a href="http://www.shadowstats.com/" target="_blank">shadowstats</a>),
I make less than I did ten years ago. Nonetheless, in comparison to a large
portion of the population, I’m doing quite well. A strange place to be, indeed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, until the economic downturn, I felt that I was far
behind my peers in economic achievement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A lot of people my age have acquired assets such as a home, investments,
and a retirement plan. I, on the other hand, have lived in rented abodes,
driven old cars, and eaten a lot of spaghetti. Investments? I think I’ve heard
of those. I got by, but it wasn’t fancy. It was hard. There was an enormous
amount of pressure to have a lot more than I ever did, and I felt it keenly. As
I stated in the intro to this blog, I expected to be doing better by now. I am
certainly doing better than I was when my children were small. I never dreamed
that raising three children in poverty would become a distinct advantage. I am
better prepared to weather the depression to come because I have already dealt
with some of the challenges. I know how to cope with economic adversity. I’ve
had plenty of practice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>2008, The Crash, Part I</u>: There is something to be said for
having nothing to lose. Gas prices really bit into the grocery budget, but
otherwise, it didn’t seem to make a lot of difference. Businesses closed, and a
lot of people lost their jobs and the fat paychecks that went with them. Their
investments and homes lost value overnight. Assumptions about the future
evaporated in the blink of an eye. We’ll leave behind the fact that much of the
wealth enjoyed was in fact, illusory. That’s a blog for another day. But these
things happened to other people. My situation stayed the same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regarding status: I’m a security guard. It’s a really low
status job. I <b>like </b>my job. I’m not looking for sympathy. Where else can you get
paid to do (practically) nothing all day? I’ve had other, higher-status jobs.
The pay was about the same, but I had to work a lot harder to get to the same
nowhere. (I seemed to always find the jobs where hard work was rewarded with a
heavier workload, not raises and promotions.) Here is something you probably
don’t know about security work: Most people wash out within six months. They
can’t handle the boredom, restrictions, or requirements. It’s an easy job to
get, but not easy to keep. When economic collapse (The Crash, Part <i><b>II</b></i>) really sets in, security will
be a good place to be. People are going to want to protect what they have. If
your job is precarious, you may want to consider putting in an application at a
local security firm. They may not hire you now, but when stuff hits the fan,
there could be a lot of work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Back to status</u>: Any job, even a “lesser” job, bestows status
these days. Having been a welfare mom in the nineties, I am acutely aware of
the collective change in attitudes about status. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I am, caught in this weird twist in reality. The
winds of fortune have moved the definition of success a little closer to me.
I’m not doing anything differently, but my relative socioeconomic status has
been raised. I’m dismayed by the change in so many people’s fortunes. I feel no
triumph at their loss. While it is decidedly odd to change status while
remaining in the same place, I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit to liking
my rise in stature just a little bit. </div>
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-65997772489049457192012-05-07T10:01:00.000-04:002012-05-10T16:56:10.133-04:00Homemade Microwave Popcorn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="color: #741b47;">
<b>Updated below!</b></div>
<br />
I apologize for my long silence. I had a serious case of writing burnout, as online classes are very writing intensive. I am taking a break from classes for a while.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'm discovering many other ways to live better on less.<br />
<br />
The latest discovery: Homemade microwave popcorn!<br />
<br />
This is something I never even considered doing myself. Partly because I despise most commercial microwave popcorn. But some I can make myself...well, that may prove to be irresistible.<br />
<br />
Evidently, all you need are fairly fresh popcorn kernels, a paper bag, and a microwave. You need fresh popcorn because it has the moisture needed to pop the corn.<br />
<br />
(What you <b>don't</b> need is the loads of unknown fat and chemicals that go with most packaged microwave popcorn. Fat, in and of itself, is <b>not </b>a bad thing, but some fats a far better than others. The key here is that you control what goes into your popcorn.)<br />
<br />
One <a href="http://tipbusters.com/2011/microwave-popcorn-in-a-brown-paper-bag/" target="_blank">blogger </a>recommends using 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels &1/2 teaspoon of olive oil in a paper bag with the top folded down and crimped. Pop as you would normally pop a smaller bag of commercial popcorn. There is a related page about how to make <a href="http://tipbusters.com/2012/microwave-kettle-corn-in-a-brown-paper-bag/" target="_blank">kettle corn</a> on the site as well.<br />
<br />
At <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2011/02/146/Homemade+Microwave+Popcorn+-+Healthier,+Cheaper,+%26+Greener" target="_blank">The Yummy Life</a> there are tips on how to make popcorn in a microwave safe bowl and a related post on different <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2012/04/303/Healthy+Microwave+Popcorn+--+10+sweet+%26+savory+flavor+recipes+using+coconut+oil%3B+100+calories+%28or+less%21%29" target="_blank">flavors </a>you can create.<br />
<br />
For my own part, I'll be picking up some organic* popping corn, and trying my own microwave popcorn with some butter and salt. I'll report back on my own results soon.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE</b>: I have tried two versions so far. One involved butter in a glass bowl. The popcorn was delicious, but the butter at the bottom of the bowl burned. I also put some unadorned popcorn in a paper bag and microwaved it. It popped up beautifully but was somewhat tasteless. In both cases, it took longer than packaged popcorn does to pop, so put some extra time on when you cook it. As with the commercial popcorn, stand by and listen carefully.<br />
<br />
Neither version caused the usual bloaty feeling that commercial microwave popcorn causes me. Big plus! <br />
<br />
Here are the website addresses I have linked in this post:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>http://tipbusters.com/2011/microwave-popcorn-in-a-brown-paper-bag/<br /><br />http://tipbusters.com/2012/microwave-kettle-corn-in-a-brown-paper-bag/<br /><br />http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2012/04/303/Healthy+Microwave+Popcorn+--+10+sweet+%26+savory+flavor+recipes+using+coconut+oil%3B+100+calories+%28or+less!%29<br /><br />http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2011/02/146/Homemade+Microwave+Popcorn+-+Healthier,+Cheaper,+%26+Greener</li>
</ul>
<br />
*<i>Note</i>: I recommend organic popping corn because genetically modified (pesticide resistant) corn has been approved for human foods now, and it won't be labeled. The only way you can be sure you aren't getting GMO corn is to buy organic. Since the corn in pet food makes my pets sick, I don't care to try it myself. But that's another story for another day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-706553160282834932011-10-23T11:46:00.000-04:002011-10-23T11:46:08.250-04:00Inflation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We all tend to think of inflation as a rise in prices. In
fact, rising prices are a result of inflation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Inflation </b></i>is an <b>expansion </b>in the money supply.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Money supply expands when it is created into existence
without a corresponding rise in goods and services. Like when the Federal
Reserve quietly injects more than 20 <i>Trillion </i>dollars (by some estimates) into
the banking system over a three-year period. The money did not come from anywhere. It didn't exist until the Fed said it did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When there are more dollars, but there aren’t more goods, (like gasoline, sugar, and corn) the prices of those goods rise because there
are more dollars competing for an unchanged number of goods.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end, goods have not gained value. They aren’t more
valuable today than they were last year. Instead, the value of the dollar has
fallen. It buys less than it did before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Expansion in the money supply = currency losing value. That
is why prices are so high and rising.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For more comprehensive information on inflation, see <span class="jw">John Williams' </span><a href="http://www.shadowstats.com/"><span class="masthead">Shadow GovernmentStatistics</span></a> .</span></div>
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-17697021437385913392011-10-18T13:55:00.000-04:002011-10-19T15:43:33.269-04:00On Poverty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Several weeks ago I read a comment responding to an article
about the “plight of the poor” in the US. The respondent was a paramedic who
regularly made calls in public housing areas. He said that he was discouraged
by parents who had big screen TV’s, expensive clothes, and other costly items
sitting around, but couldn’t seem to come up with money (or be bothered) to buy
Motrin for a feverish child or get them to a doctor. He took issue with their
choices and priorities. I see his point.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">I got me thinking about poverty and money management. There
is a difference between being poor by statistical measures, and living poorly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Admittedly, we all come up short from time to time.
Emergencies can catch us off guard. The car loves to break down when the bank
balance is lowest. There is a line between having enough to meet your needs and
falling short of sufficient income. There are some costs that cannot be further
reduced beyond a certain point. There is also a point where it becomes possible
to get by. Whether or not you can do it is up to you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">In some cases, a very low income will undoubtedly mean an
impoverished life. But in other cases, is it lack of income, or poor money
management, that causes poverty? How is it that some couples who collectively
make about $100k per year have so much trouble paying their bills that their
lights and water are regularly turned off, while others making less than a
quarter of that keep the bills paid? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">A lot of people live in “technical” poverty. Their incomes
are low enough to qualify for public assistance, but they don’t seek any. Yet
they live fairly well. They certainly aren’t miserable. It isn’t a fancy life.
It means doing without sometimes, making things yourself, cooperative efforts, finding
things at thrift shops, and not having the newest and latest electronics. Some
people call it “living within your means”. It often means redefining what it
means to live well. It means shutting out the noise that tells us we need more
and more, that we deserve newer, bigger, better. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">What it comes down to is being really, really careful how
you spend what money you have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">You
can be impoverished because you just don’t have enough money. You can also be
impoverished because you don’t manage what you have. Know the difference.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-5343796271894004912011-09-11T19:35:00.001-04:002012-05-07T10:14:58.712-04:00Do It Yourself Sweet & Sour Sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love Chinese food. One combo plate can be stretched for 3 or 4 meals. Still, the money can go a lot further at the grocery store. Sigh. Responsibility is such a drag…<br />
<br />
Let’s face it, inflation is strangling budgets in most households these days. Going out to eat is a getting more rare all the time. So when hit by that sweet-and-sour chicken craving, it’s time to get creative. <br />
<br />
Armed with search engine, the perusing-of-recipes begins. I never knew that sweet & sour was so basic. It’s made up of just a few ingredients:<br />
<br />
Sugar<br />
Vinegar (White vinegar*, rice vinegar or rice wine. Cider vinegar could work in a pinch too.)<br />
Ketchup<br />
Soy sauce<br />
Cornstarch<br />
<br />
*<i>Note on vinegar</i>: white vinegar turned out to be far more potent than cider or balsamic vinegar, so use less (by half even) or dilute with an equal part water if you go with white vinegar. (Edited May, 2012)<br />
<br />
Yep. That simple. Of course, there are infinite variations and additions, but this is a good starting point. This “Betty’s Kitchen” video has a really good explanation of the process:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://youtu.be/vW2Fptw70Rs">Betty's Basic Sweet & Sour Sauce Recipe</a></b><br />
<br />
Here is her ingredient list:<br />
<br />
1/3 cup rice vinegar<br />
4 tablespoons light brown sugar<br />
1 tablespoon ketchup<br />
1 teaspoon soy sauce<br />
2 teaspoons cornstarch<br />
4 teaspoons water<br />
<br />
However, I wanted to go a little more exotic, so I used pineapple juice and balsamic vinegar, with a little clove thrown in. It has a Far Eastern flavor to it.<br />
<br />
Juice from a 15-1/4 oz. can crushed pineapple (Save the pineapple. Reserve a few tablespoons juice to mix with the cornstarch.)<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup ketchup <br />
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar<br />
1.5 Tablespoons cornstarch<br />
1 Tablespoon soy sauce<br />
1/2 tsp ginger<br />
1/8 tsp ground cloves<br />
1/2 tsp cardamom <br />
<br />
Directions<br />
<br />
Mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons pineapple juice in a small bowl to avoid lumps. Place the remaining juice from the can of pineapple, sugar, vinegar, water, soy sauce, ketchup, spices, and cornstarch mixture in a medium saucepan, over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Stir continuously until the mixture has thickened. I know, I know, it takes <i>forever </i>to come to a boil and you’re sooooo tired of stirring. Hang in there. It’s worth it.<br />
<br />
Once it has come to a boil, it will be thicker, smoother, and clearer. Add the pineapple to the sauce at this point. My version is not red like others, due to the balsamic vinegar, but very tasty nonetheless. If color is really important, go with white vinegar. I might not have balsamic next time, so it will probably be different.<br />
<br />
Instead of ketchup, cherry jam or preserves work well. Use more if you go with preserves because of the whole fruit. If color doesn't matter, try other tart fruit jams/preserves, like apricot or peach. <br />
<br />
This particular recipe makes a lot, so I’ll be bagging up a good bit and freezing it. <br />
<br />
I served it over some pork roast. Very yummy. I’d just as soon dispense with the bread coating on most sweet & sour dishes. Add in some rice and you’ve got a rounded out entrée. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
It’s well within our abilities to live well despite the assault on the value of our dollars. It takes a little time, (about as long as the trip to and from our favorite Chinese take-out place) and some practice. But we CAN do it. I used to be afraid to make my own bread. There have been some colossal failures, believe me. But with practice and experience there have been some amazing successes as well. Homemade sweet & sour sauce is just the latest “try something new”.<br />
<br />
Go ahead. Give it a try. <br />
<br />
I dare you.<br />
<br /></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-44918726934022815232011-08-23T08:46:00.000-04:002011-08-23T08:46:17.496-04:00Wellness & PreventionWhen I first wrote about this elsewhere a few years ago, few people had experienced what I was talking about. Now, a lot more people have run into this phenomenon as primary medical care changes over to “preventive” services. The following is a fictional account, but it bears resemblance to actual experiences.<br />
<br />
<i>A trip to the doctor’s office nowadays:</i><br />
<br />
<b>Doctor:</b> “Hello, I’m Dr. Smith. How can I help you today?”<br />
<br />
<b>Patient: </b>“Well, I’m here about my foot. As you can see, it’s swollen and black and blue. I tripped going up the stairs a few days ago, and it’s steadily gotten worse.”<br />
<br />
<i>Doctor leans over to look at the foot. Winces.</i> “Uh-hmm." <i>Straightens up and focuses on patient record.</i> "I see here on your record that you’re a few months overdue for your annual PAP smear. Lets make sure you get scheduled for that before you leave.”<br />
<br />
“Um, we’ll see. Now, about my foot…”<br />
<br />
“Yes, it does look bad. Maybe you should elevate it.”<br />
<br />
“I have been every chance I get.”<br />
<br />
“I see here on your blood tests that your blood sugar is nearing the pre-pre-diabetic stage. We’ll need to schedule a series of tests to see if you might be a good candidate for medication.”<br />
<br />
“You know, my foot really hurts.”<br />
<br />
“Hmm, yes. Oh, I see here that you haven’t had a mammogram recently. Just tell the receptionist and she’ll get you set up for one.”<br />
<br />
“Look. I’m having trouble working because I can barely put any pressure on my foot. I can’t even get my shoe on. I’m afraid that I might have broken something.”<br />
<br />
<i>Doctor shrugs.</i> “Uh-hmm. Now, I’m concerned that your cholesterol numbers are little on the pre-high side. We’ll need to monitor them every month to see if you might be a good candidate for cholesterol medication. You don’t want to develop heart disease now, do you?”<br />
<br />
“I came here to get help for my foot. It’s very painful. I’m getting really concerned. There’s a red streak going up my leg. I’m <b>scared</b>.” <br />
<br />
<i>Sighs. Rolls eyes.</i> “We’re getting away from the disease treatment model. We’re a wellness organization now and we focus on finding diseases you don’t have yet.”<br />
<br />
“So what about my foot?”<br />
<br />
“We want patients to take responsibility for their health and realize that there are consequences for poor decisions. You really should be more careful, you know.”<br />
<br />
“Do you mean to tell me that I can’t get treatment for illness and injury here anymore?”<br />
<br />
“We believe that prevention is the very best health care. Make sure you see the receptionist about scheduling those tests on your way out, after you pay your bill. Nice talking to you. Goodbye.”<br />
<br />
“But what about my foot?”<br />
<br />
“Oh, and don’t forget that mammogram. You don’t want to get breast cancer, do you?”<br />
<br />
<i>Dr. Smith disappears.</i><br />
<br />
“Hello? Anyone?”<br />
<br />
<i>Unspecified assistant-type arrives.</i><br />
<br />
“Miss, we need you to leave so the next patient can come in. Do you have any questions before you leave?”<br />
<br />
“Yes. Can you point me to the nearest Emergency Room?” Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-65530445736622780382011-08-01T13:07:00.000-04:002011-08-01T13:07:09.432-04:00Politics As UsualI did my very best to avoid the <i>As the Stomach Turns/Debt Ceiling Follies</i> headlining the DC Congress-theater this summer. I did not succeed. Everywhere I turned there was a new headline blaring the latest installment of <i>Budget-Hostage Negotiations: 2011.</i> <br />
<br />
I didn’t agonize over “will they/won’t they?” I already knew the ending. The debt ceiling would be raised, just as it has been every year since it was “established”. I viewed it as history repeating itself. It reminded me of the “hold the budget hostage’ follies in the mid-1980’s, (and mid 1990's and...) when federal paychecks were delayed so they could be added to the next year’s budget instead of the current one. That clever accounting sleight of hand sure fooled everyone, right?<br />
<br />
And then a really appalling realization hit me: I’ve been around long enough to see history repeating itself. I have been around long enough to conclude that things will never change. The players may change, but the nauseating show just goes on and on and on.<br />
<br />
I used to believe that Congress was making progress in running this country. Now I don’t think they’ll ever fix anything. They’ll only make it worse. <br />
<br />
I’ve come to appreciate the irony applied when naming new laws. I know that one (hypothetically) named “Widow & Orphan Assistance Act” would ultimately cut benefits to widows and orphans while increasing subsidies to life insurance companies. I know that one (hypothetically) named the “Automobile Safety Act’’ would have little impact on passenger safety while making sure that well-connected car makers are safe from competition. Wonderful, wonderful irony. <br />
<br />
Whatever moniker they give a bill, I assume it achieves the opposite. Makes life simpler. That way I don’t get my hopes up.<br />
<br />
I know I’m echoing almost any member of the populace who’s been paying the slightest bit of attention when I express my disgust with the latest show. Few of us have emerged from this travesty without a really bad taste in our mouths. It has been one of the most depressing episodes of <i>As the Stomach Turns</i> in recent history. <br />
<br />
Beer, anyone? <br />
<br />
Nah. I think this calls for Tequila.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-43652041755182305132011-07-23T14:26:00.000-04:002011-07-23T14:26:39.992-04:00Homemade Laundry Detergent: WowI mentioned in a previous post that I was planning to make my own laundry detergent, and that I would report on the results.<br />
<br />
Results are <b>very</b> good. My blue jeans are bluer, whites are whiter, and other things are cleaner than they’ve been in a long, long time. <br />
<br />
<b>Big Plus</b>: It doesn’t make me itch.<br />
<br />
I’ve been using the special no dyes/no perfumes versions of laundry detergent for a few years now, as I found that most “regular” detergents make me itch or break out. They don’t seem to work as well as their more colorful or fragrant counterparts, but the trade-off was worth it. Now I don’t have to settle any more.<br />
<br />
It started with some Internet research for recipes. While the proportions vary widely, the basic ingredients are the same:<br />
<br />
Bar soap<br />
Borax<br />
Washing Soda<br />
<br />
The majority of recipes call for mixing the ingredients with large amounts of water, but the powder version takes up a lot less space so I’m going with dry.<br />
<br />
You can also add: Trisodium Phosphate, available in the paint section of any hardware store. It helps detergent rinse out of your clothes better, especially in hard water. You can also add about 1 teaspoon per load to store bought detergent to get clothes cleaner. (There are some that hold that phosphates are harmful to the environment, but there is little scientific evidence to support it.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFUdd7vdFDLvV1RfzXzacZizJEt3h6ldeVtyHwwplVTe6jM3mXlj2rEZdCzGcCGo_2BgbEqDolDvSjaCKGavDD8KHx4H_DNezpl8k3qEmqzy6EoLz4adw2OkouswbEw8Y8U2xHC4EN9ns/s1600/felsnaptha.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFUdd7vdFDLvV1RfzXzacZizJEt3h6ldeVtyHwwplVTe6jM3mXlj2rEZdCzGcCGo_2BgbEqDolDvSjaCKGavDD8KHx4H_DNezpl8k3qEmqzy6EoLz4adw2OkouswbEw8Y8U2xHC4EN9ns/s200/felsnaptha.png" /></a></div><br />
The proportion I settled on is: one part grated bar soap, two parts borax, and two parts washing soda. I used Fels-Naptha laundry soap ($0.97 at Walmart), 20 Mule Team Borax (about $3), and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (about $3). Washing soda is sodium carbonate, as opposed to sodium <b>bi</b>carbonate, which is more commonly known as baking soda. <br />
<br />
At first, I hand grated the bar soap. This takes a while and makes a mess. The soap is light and flies all over. Be sure to cover a large area with newspaper or something if you want to contain the mess.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4vprXuMhJcRHaskNBR5zAJQ2tNsQZmu3YD4zrJxTyNxbCEvUZjTy4ye_pCCgZ4yKleoP4ylR3oAF7w0sAYTZbGZQ1TknOHZDEFdXr7RceVyDwXMm4HERxYIhjdaEu0LpeMUp5GmzJMij/s1600/homemade+laundry+detergent+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4vprXuMhJcRHaskNBR5zAJQ2tNsQZmu3YD4zrJxTyNxbCEvUZjTy4ye_pCCgZ4yKleoP4ylR3oAF7w0sAYTZbGZQ1TknOHZDEFdXr7RceVyDwXMm4HERxYIhjdaEu0LpeMUp5GmzJMij/s400/homemade+laundry+detergent+001.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Next, I mixed it with the powder ingredients. It doesn’t mix perfectly, so you’ll need to stir it every so often. If you look closely you'll see the darker yellow soap flakes not mixed uniformly with the white powders. Not to worry, it works anyway.<br />
<br />
In my first attempt, I had a 1-3-3 proportion of soap-borax-washing soda. I concluded it might not have quite enough soap. Time to reformulate. I started out grating the bar soap by hand, but gave up and used my food processor. I broke the soap into small chunks using a sturdy serrated edge paring knife, and then put the chunks and some washing soda in the processor. It takes a good solid minute or two to grate the soap down, but that’s a lot less effort than hand grating, with finer results. It rinses out of the processor very easily.<br />
<br />
Here is the recipe as it stands now:<br />
<br />
1 bar Fels-Naptha Soap (makes about 1 cup grated). Ivory or Zote work too.<br />
2 cups washing soda<br />
2 cups borax<br />
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP can be found for about $6 for 1 lb, $11 for 4 lbs.) <br />
<br />
Use just <b>1 tablespoon</b> per load of wash. Seriously! 1 tablespoon. <br />
<br />
5 2/3 cups dry detergent can do about 90 loads. All for about $4. And it WORKS! Really, Really Well.<br />
<br />
If you like fragrance, you can add essential oils or other fragrance bases. This works best in the liquid versions.<br />
<br />
Something that is very clear from my research: the detergent companies tell us to use way, way too much detergent per load. That’s probably why it makes us itch and causes a host of other problems. Try using less and see how it comes out. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.<br />
<br />
The directions on the box for borax and washing soda say to use ½ cup for a load of laundry, but that’s excessive. You don’t need that much. I guess if you have some stubborn stains, you could add a little more borax to a load, but there’s no need to go overboard. Both cleaners can be used around the house too.<br />
<br />
Good Homemade Laundry Detergent Links:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Laundry-Detergent/">http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Laundry-Detergent/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/laundry-detergent-powder-76779">http://www.food.com/recipe/laundry-detergent-powder-76779</a><br />
<a href=" http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/"><br />
http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6948053_make-laundry-detergent-fels-naptha.html">http://www.ehow.com/how_6948053_make-laundry-detergent-fels-naptha.html</a><br />
<br />
or just look up "homemade laundry detergent" on the net.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-65391082044020026952011-07-15T15:02:00.000-04:002011-07-15T15:02:48.736-04:00Paycheck BluesYesterday I was looking at one of the government “jobs outlook” sites. I’m currently studying to be a crime analyst, and the outlook for the job is very good. (Yay!) Then I pulled up the salary statistics for the field, which had both national and local ranges. I then compared the city I live in to others in the state and around the nation.<br />
<br />
Not only is pay in my city the <i>lowest </i>in the state, but it was also the lowest, by more than 20%, of all the other metropolitan areas around the country.<br />
<br />
Average pay rates in my city are about 79% of the country’s average.<br />
<br />
The cost of living here is about 96% of the country’s average.<br />
<br />
That’s an appalling difference. Somebody’s making out like a bandit, and it isn’t me!<br />
<br />
No wonder I feel like I’m not getting anywhere! Not only am I slogging on the treadmill, but it also has extra weights on it.<br />
<br />
I’ve read a lot of articles that talk about the national average hourly pay, which is well above my current rate, and wonder what I’m doing wrong. I feel marginally better knowing that everyone else in the area is also being horribly underpaid. <br />
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Then I wonder why we put up with it.<br />
<br />
When I finish my degree, I’m getting out of here!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-55526180990093454612011-07-03T23:58:00.001-04:002011-07-05T09:33:26.479-04:00It would be so easyAlthough I have posted some of my schemes to live well on a low income, it isn’t something I’d like to continue indefinitely. Low-income living has its drawbacks. It’s hard on your teeth and credit rating.<br />
<br />
Toward the end of improving my income, I am working toward earning a bachelor degree. I generally like the classes and the material. However, each session takes a little more self-discipline than the last. There are times when the readings are boring and assignments are due, and I find myself saying:<br />
<br />
“I am <b>so</b> not into this right now.” <br />
<br />
I find myself thinking of other productive (or fun) things that I could be doing.<br />
<br />
I am also beset by doubts. I wonder if I’m wasting my time and money pursuing a degree that may never lead to the sort of employment I seek. I get A’s and I’m on the Dean’s and President’s lists, but will it be enough? Will my age keep me from being considered for a good job? Will it all be a colossal exercise in futility that in the end only increases my student loan debt? (Not by a lot, the school is very reasonable.) <br />
<br />
There is also the specter of needing to pull up stakes and move to another area of the country for a new job. The idea is both exciting and scary at the same time. It means leaving behind family and friends. It means leaving the known for the unknown. It means taking a big risk.<br />
<br />
It would be so easy to just stay in the same job and the same place. Life is usually tolerable, and I know my way around really well. It would be so easy not to try to do better. I could consign my hopes and dreams to the realm of “unlikely anyway” and simply exist. I could pursue crafts and needlework projects to suit my artistic drive. I could try to find some marketable form for my creations, or not.<br />
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It would be so easy to just give up. It would be so simple to accept the position the work world seems to want me in, despite my experience and qualifications. It would be so easy to stop fighting and hoping for something better, only to be disappointed yet again.<br />
<br />
It would be so easy to throw up my hands and say “never mind!” as young guys who dropped out half way into the first semester of the program I worked my tail off to finish, with honors, get offered well paid jobs in the field. (On the other hand, the same guys seem to be back to flipping burgers in less than two years, so maybe I’m not missing much.) It would be so easy to just quit trying. <br />
<br />
It was easy to justify staying where I am, not-so-professionally, as I finished the task of raising my children. But I can no longer use that excuse. So I need to decide: do I want to remain in my marginally safe, tolerable, predictable existence, or do I try to achieve a new plane of existence? Well really, I know the answer. I want to move on. I want to pursue a better future. I sometimes despair that it will always remain beyond reach; that all my efforts will be in vain. I fear that I will be forever consigned to barely-getting-by.<br />
<br />
But it would be so easy to stay there.<br />
<br />
Despite the doubts and fears, I keep slogging on, determined to finish this degree. On the weekends when I’d far rather be doing <i>anything</i> but schoolwork, I still finish my work and do it well. <br />
<br />
That means <b>hope</b> is still <b>stronger</b>.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-84430337289184442632011-07-02T13:50:00.001-04:002011-07-02T13:55:02.837-04:00Goose, goose, duck!<b>Here's my new purse!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLGbI7cP3ru2DpHlyfz54Y7MxP0imcJO2d0TkBbIcFIFup0LwJ182CdFKk0wnFUhHkh_ppm5wUNioTTOJUT9Oyde2KlLFZQqJwG3-7ddWRu-xhPUl1OkGl1f4LK9HnW3_PpTmIa0U-Tct/s1600/IMG_20110630_135216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLGbI7cP3ru2DpHlyfz54Y7MxP0imcJO2d0TkBbIcFIFup0LwJ182CdFKk0wnFUhHkh_ppm5wUNioTTOJUT9Oyde2KlLFZQqJwG3-7ddWRu-xhPUl1OkGl1f4LK9HnW3_PpTmIa0U-Tct/s320/IMG_20110630_135216.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Okay, it's not quite a purse yet. I'll post pictures of the finished crocheted product(s). <br />
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I like the bright colors for summer. The purse should be easy to find in the dark. <br />
<br />
I make my own purses because I can get exactly what I want. The cost of the 4 balls of yarn is just $7.50.<br />
<br />
Rosey and I went to the "old" Walmart the other day to find some black socks (and the yarn for my new purse). A flock of Canada geese has inhabited the parking lot for the last decade or so. There are a few retaining ponds, and the traffic at the store is fairly accommodating to wildlife. The birds are definitely herd animals. If one starts walking to the other side of the parking lot, most of the flock is sure to follow. There will be a long line of waddling geese traversing the lot. Traffic pretty much comes to a standstill. This is especially fun to watch when the babies are small and fuzzy. <br />
<br />
On this last trip, my daughter noticed an flock member of a different feather, speckled brown ones to be exact. Happily pecking away at the ground along with the geese was one lone female mallard duck. She looks tiny next to the geese. Is she an honorary member of the flock or simply happily coexisting? Did they adopt her? Does she think she's a goose? Points to ponder.<br />
<b><br />
Low Income Life Experiment</b><br />
<br />
I'm embarking on an effort to make my own laundry detergent. It involves bar soap, washing soda, and borax. Some people like to dissolve the ingredients in water, others just use the mixture dry. I'm going to try dry first.<br />
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Evidently you can make dishwasher detergent with just the washing soda and borax.<br />
<br />
We've noticed that since phosphates have been removed from dishwasher detergent, our stuff isn't getting very clean. I've tried adding trisodium phosphate,and it does okay, but we hit upon something better. We put the detergent in the uncovered soap well, then fill the covered one with plain old baking soda. Our dishes are now clean, clear, and shiny. The silverware is looking better too. This is a wonderfully inexpensive solution.<br />
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I'll let you know how the laundry comes out and what recipes work best.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-64510036973016449702011-06-22T18:44:00.000-04:002011-06-22T18:44:36.669-04:00The Pewter Panther’s Brush With the SystemHe was sprung from the joint at 6:13 pm on Tuesday. Bail was set at $450. He’s scheduled to appear in 10 days. Staff took care of the financial details and met him for out-processing. <br />
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Boy, was he ever glad to see his staff. <br />
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He does not like that jailer-dude. At all.<br />
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Further indignity was visited upon him as staff tried to put him in the transport cage. He displayed his acrobatic prowess and grew three extra paws to lever against imprisonment. He was outnumbered. At least they took him away from the joint.<br />
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Forced to endure a ride in the car, he made sure staff was aware of his disapproval all the way home.<br />
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Later, staff cornered him and forced vile potion on him.<br />
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Buffy, a ginger tabby who is also his litter mate, is still hissing at him.<br />
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All in all, it’s good to be home.<br />
<br />
<b>Staff’s version of events</b><br />
<br />
Our gray shorthair cat, Smokey Joe, a.k.a. the Pewter Panther, was acting weird and wouldn’t eat so we took him to the vet. They kept him overnight. They called late in the afternoon to say he could go home. He has to eat special food and take amoxicillin. He likes the special food and doesn’t mind the medicine mixed in. No more vile-potioning.<br />
<br />
The folks at the vet office call him Grumpy Joe. He really gave them what for. Normally he is the friendliest, most sociable dude on the block. We call him the Doorman because he sits out front and greets everyone who comes by. People all over the neighborhood know Smokey. Even the mailman knows him. Everyone, from the little old ladies next door, to the big tough-looking guys down the street, stops to talk to him. The tough guys look around first to make sure no one is watching, and then they bend down to pet and talk to Smokey. When finished, they straighten up and resume the tough/cool stance. It’s fun to watch.<br />
<br />
Smokey’s feeling pretty good but he hasn’t resumed his post yet. If he goes too many days without doorman duties the neighbors start asking if he’s okay. We live in that kind of neighborhood. I still marvel at our luck.<br />
<br />
Of course, the bail money was originally slated for car maintenance, but I held off. I listened to that sixth sense that said I’d need the money for something else. Is it a Mom thing? Does it go with being broke most of the time? (Broke means you have a job but no money once the bills are paid. Po’ means no job and no money. Important distinction.) <br />
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It’s funny how things work out.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-66630741964481949402011-06-22T14:32:00.000-04:002011-06-22T14:32:18.369-04:00Ditch the parenting magazines.One of my favorite gifts to give at baby showers is a big, thick beach towel. One with vivid colors and a busy design. It’s not traditional but it’s really quite practical. Aside from its obvious purpose, it has several other uses for new parents: <br />
<br />
1. Babies love bold designs and bright colors. Beach towels are fun to look at.<br />
2. They’re perfect for wrapping up wet, wiggly babies.<br />
3. They make really warm blankets that are easy to wash.<br />
4. They can stand in for mattress pads on those nights when the baby is sick.<br />
5. They last a long time. As the child grows older the towel can take its normal place as a beach or pool accessory.<br />
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I also tell new parents not to read any of the parent magazines. Seriously. Don’t even look at them. Throw them away in between the mailbox and the house. No peeking. Send them to the guy who heats his house with junk mail. Pass right by them at the grocery store. Check out the tabloids with stories about the movie star's love child by Sasquatch or alien house cats in Peoria instead. Your time will be better spent. <br />
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Parent magazines are not designed to help us be better parents. They’re designed to make us feel inadequate. They chip away at any confidence we might have so we’re more prone to buy the many products advertised in between the articles detailing the hidden dangers posed by Velcro on bibs or the glue used in books made before 1981. (Fear sells. Just ask a politician.)<br />
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Being a parent is stressful enough. How can something that makes you even more stressed be helpful? How did parents manage to raise children without being informed of the danger posed to a child’s self esteem non-gender-neutral toys? How did any children ever survive to adulthood without the plethora of safety devices every toddler’s parent is supposed to install in their home or places said toddler might explore? How else would a parent know that everything they think and do is absolutely wrong? Parent magazines to the rescue! They’ll show you how to be the perfect parent! <br />
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Phooey!! Perfect is not an option.<br />
<br />
Making sure you have all the newest-and-most-correct toys, tools, and devices won’t help you be a better, saner parent. Trying to keep up with the latest fads in child-rearing techniques won’t produce a problem-free child. Neither you nor your child will be perfect. You’re human beings. Perfect is not on the table. <br />
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Opt for happy instead.<br />
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Even if you’re one of those super-organized, highly energetic people, you’re not going to be able to do everything. Focus on you and your children, not whether the house looks like the set of Leave It to Beaver. Remember: Trying to live up to false standards set by people who have no skin in the game is a losing proposition. It just distracts us from what really matters.<br />
<br />
I will confess that I’m no housekeeper. My place was always a mess (and still is). My kids were always clean and they wore clean clothes. They ate off clean plates and slept in clean beds. I figure that covers what’s really important. The rest you catch when you can.<br />
<br />
So stock up on beach towels and throw out the parent magazines (or delete the bookmarks to the their sites). The towels are more useful and way more fun.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-19046292081225677832011-06-14T11:16:00.000-04:002011-06-14T11:16:31.214-04:00Teamwork Is Essential Part IIThe traditional American family is the mother-father-children unit. It is considered the “norm”. In fact, less than half the family units in the country are two-parent households.<br />
<br />
And yet, those families that are not traditional are considered “broken”. The reality is that “non-traditional” families <i>are</i> the norm.<br />
<br />
Forming your family into a team is essential to surviving as a non-traditional family. There are a lot of social pressures out there to view single parent families as invalid, broken, or somehow lacking. You need not accept the labels.<br />
<br />
I visited a local church once and attended the Sunday school class for “Single Parents”. The premise of the class was that single parents are poor quality parents who need constant help just to be mediocre. It also assumed that single parents would never achieve full quality levels. I haven’t been back. I was incensed by the automatic assumption that divorce had negated all of my parenting skills in one fell swoop (or that marriage somehow made poor parenting less of a problem).<br />
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Social pressure is why it is essential to build your family unit into a strong team. Schools have a tendency to treat children in non-traditional families differently than they treat kids from “traditional” ones. Kids themselves will make an issue of the difference in status between traditional/non-traditional families. It’s unfair. It’s not supposed to happen, it might not be politically correct, but it is an unfortunate reality of single parent life. <br />
<b><br />
Don’t allow the social power brokers to marginalize you.</b><br />
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If you and your children feel like you’re members of a strong family unit that be depended on, you’ll be better equipped to resist the social negativity. Encourage your kids to help each other. (They will naturally anyway.) Design chore assignments as a team effort. Making beds is a lot easier when two people do it. Have one child hand dishes from the sink to another loading the dishwasher. Younger children can help sort laundry. They can put things in the dryer if someone taller takes it out of the washer. The point is to make each family member part of the process, which builds stronger bonds. Doing things together is what’s most important.<br />
<br />
There are forces on the world who are constantly trying to undermine family cohesion. Tribe and family ties are some of the strongest on the planet. They have survived many different governments and economies. Families are the single biggest competitors for a laborer’s time. Family values are not compatible with the political and economic aims of people in power. There are many ways to isolate people from familial ties, technology being one of them. Single-family homes and a highly mobile workforce are isolating forces. Encouraging adult children to move out on their own by a certain age, regardless of economic stability, is another. The latter standard has been around for less than a century. It seems like the norm, but it isn’t.<br />
<br />
Difficult economic times tend to emphasize the importance of family. When the chips are down, sometimes family is all you have. I know people who never thought they could live together peacefully are now managing to do so for survival. Individual autonomy takes a back seat. Avoiding conflicts and the need for “our own space” tends to fade in the face of survival challenges. <br />
<br />
Being poor can strengthen families. If sharing is the only way that some things can be enjoyed, then sharing is what will happen. Having to share televisions and computers can lead to conflict, but it can also teach us how to work things out. Kids who know how to share will pool their resources, and maximize benefit for everyone. So don’t worry if you don’t have the standard number of devices in your home. The kids will survive and thrive. They’ll find cooperative ways to achieve their desires.<br />
<br />
And load the kids in the car and go to the park for the afternoon. They’ll whine and complain, but that’s what kids do. It might be not be “cool” to have to hang out with siblings and parents. It might be lame to take hikes on nature trails and see ducklings, tadpoles, and turtles in the mud. Being caught having a picnic with your family by a classmate (who, by the way, is out with <i>family</i> too) might be embarrassing. But, the things your kids will remember are the hikes, the parks and the picnics, far more than when they were being “cool”. <br />
<br />
Don’t be afraid to be a full-fledged family, even if certain social forces want to define you as otherwise. You and your kids have the right to a rich family life. You’re the coach and the captain, so making it happen is up to you.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569632643665965985.post-34878724724130978212011-06-12T16:53:00.001-04:002011-06-13T14:34:56.969-04:00Waiting to DownloadOne of the classes I’m taking right now is about geographic information systems. It’s necessary to download a trial version of ArcGIS software for this class. The file size is 3.75 Gb.<br />
<br />
That’s <i>GIGA</i> bytes.<br />
<br />
Even though my internet is theoretically supposed to have a 3.6 Mbps pipeline, after a few minutes of downloading at about 500Kbps, the speed dropped to around 70Kbps. That means 11 hours or so of downloading. All day long. I understand why the theory and practice don't coincide, but good grief!<br />
<br />
Positive note: It wasn’t too long ago that it took all day to download 10 megabytes, only to have the server reset when you had 9.9 Mb downloaded.<br />
<br />
As the evening approaches, so do thunderstorms. Severe ones. Luckily, Firefox has a download manager applet that allows you to pause a download, then resume whenever you like, even if you shut down the system in between sessions. You don’t have to start over. So when the storms got close, I paused the download, and turned off/disconnected the computer equipment. About 30 minutes later, the power went off. It didn’t come back on until after midnight.<br />
<br />
<b>Enter the Fur-People, a.k.a. Four-Footed Tyrants</b><br />
<br />
As kids get older, they are out of the house doing their own thing a lot of the time. It should be a time of peace and non-interruption. Alas, it is not to be. I have two cats and a labra-beagle. They seem to think it is their bounden duty to take up the slack where my children have left off. They shower me with love, affection, and demands for attention when the kids aren’t around. I’ll never be lonely. <i>Sigh.</i><br />
<br />
They also live by routine. Rigid routine.<br />
<br />
Which is why the ginger tabby was tapping me, the gray shorthair was saying “Ahem”, and the dog was shaking her collar and flapping her ears at 5:45 this morning to remind me that it was nearly breakfast time. They have no concept of the sanctity of weekend mornings.<br />
<br />
But it worked out this morning. I fed the pets and started up the computer to finish downloading the software at high speed. So we are all happy campers. Tummies are full and the download is complete. Getting the software to recognize the authorization code the ArcGIS people sent me is another matter. One battle at a time.<br />
<br />
That is not to say that once the feeding is done they leave me alone. They come get me at 8:30am because I really should be up by then, don't you think? My daughter gets until noon. Then she too is commanded to rise.<br />
<br />
I thought I was in charge. I'm supposed to be. What happened?Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03597312287325447500noreply@blogger.com0