The Old Fashioned Way

 Years ago before there were food processors and kitchen Aids, fancy blenders and juicers, our grandmothers, and perhaps our mothers mixed and juiced and blended their ingredients by hand. I was recently going through a kitchen cabinet at my mother's house when I came across this little vintage kitchen tool.  It had belonged to my grandmother before she gave it to my mom.

I don't remember ever seeing my grandmother using it, but I do remember watching my mom as she would screw it to her pull out bread board, something that every kitchen seem to have back in the day.  She would grind up leftover roast beef, ham or chicken into a bowl.  Then chunks of onion and pickles would be put through the grinder as well, all to be mixed together to make a meat spread to put into sandwiches.  Nothing was ever wasted when I was growing up.  Mom would save all the crusts and ends of the bread loaf and when she had a large amount collected she would put it into the oven to toast.  My job was to take all the toasted pieces of bread and push them through the grinder to turn them into bread crumbs that could be used in other dishes. I remember really enjoying the process of cranking that handle round and round and watching the food or crumbs spill out into the waiting bowl.

 

 My mother is now giving it to me.  My kitchen doesn't have a pull out bread board, but hopefully it will work on this heavy chopping board I keep on my counter. Maybe I will use it to grind up nuts.  Wait a minute, I think I have a mini food processor for that. Shall I do it the modern or the old fashioned way? hmm..

 

Here is another little vintage kitchen tool I found in my mother's cupboard, a metal fruit press.

 Growing up in Southern California in the time before most of the orange groves were plowed over to make room for huge housing developments, citrus fruit was inexpensive and easy to find.  I remember pressing many an orange or a lemon to make lemonade or juice to drink or use in some tasty dessert,  When we lived in the desert we had friends who owned a pomegranate orchard on their farm.  They would gift us with large grocery bags filled to the brim with fruit at harvest time.  My mother would cut them in half and use this nifty little squeezer to make juice for pomegranate jelly.  Yum!  

I truly appreciate all my modern kitchen aids, but somehow using them doesn't quite conjure up that same sense of satisfaction that watching my mother and grandmother put together delicious meals and treats the old fashioned way, using a knife, a cutting board and a couple of simple cast iron tools. Feeling a bit nostalgic but in a good way.  

Adieu!

 

 

 

Summer Moments

 The Inspector took me out for breakfast last week at one of the small local airports. Hoping that I might see a few planes taking off or landing, I brought along my camera.  Unfortunately, things were pretty slow that morning.  Still, it was a pleasant spot to enjoy a quiet meal and to look at the various planes that were parked along the runway.

There is usually a big airshow that takes place here every summer.  Like many other events it was cancelled this year.  

 

The rest of the week was pretty quiet.  I had some fruit that needed to be used up so I baked a couple of loaves of nut bread, one banana and one apple.  

Our older grand daughter came over for a visit.   We spent the afternoon building a fort together out on the back deck.

 

 

We took a short walk by the lake one morning.

 You make known to me the path of life; 

in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are 

pleasures forevermore

Psalm 16:11

 

 It's all the little moments that make life worthwhile.  May we live them fully and joyfully.

Adieu!

 

 

Thoughts and Prayers for Our Country

After spending a full week pretty much flat on my back in bed with a strained back, I really wanted to spend some time in front of  the computer talking about happy things, sharing about the end of summer and beginning of fall, but I find that it doesn't feel right not to address all that has been happening in the past few weeks and certainly these last couple of days.  

After watching and listening to the stories of the countless loss of life and homes from massive hurricanes and wild fires, we then had to share our horror as news of the terrible massacre in Las Vegas unfolded before us.  And our hearts are broken by the magnitude of evil in it, and the pain and suffering it has brought.  I share the fears of others that we have been here before and probably will be again someday. 

I have no theological answers to the questions of suffering.  I only know of the times I have suffered and I pray for those who are suffering now. I do know that God is everywhere present.  So, I choose to remember that God is not just on his throne way up there somewhere, impassively watching, but he is here right beside us right now.  So let us take our refuge in him.

Father, I pray for all those who are suffering pain and loss this day around our country and around the world.  Thank you for all those people who have stepped forward to help others in need and may they and we reflect your love.  Give wisdom to those in command.  And as we already see the dark clouds of anger and dissent and accusation begin to form may we as your children bring light and peace to our conversations.  May we take the time to listen to one another even if we don't agree. Help us to share your love in our daily interactions and not just pass over those who are different from us.  May we remember this unity that we feel in the midst of tragedy and strive to find those areas where we can find common ground that honors each other and you, remembering to keep our eyes fixed on the things above.  Thank you for being our refuge and our strength. 

Whoever and wherever you are, may you know God's peace and may His blessings be with you this day.

Blog Woes

Somehow during a search for something on my page, I managed to convert a bunch of my posts back into draft all at once.  I am still not sure how I did it or what happened, but I was so frustrated by the whole thing that I almost gave up the entire idea of blogging altogether, as this is the second time something like this has happened to me! It's not like I am going to disappoint thousands of eager readers or anything if I do.

 However, after pretty much ignoring this site for most of the summer, I am going to try to put things back together and give it another try.  So if you see some posts that look familiar, that's because they are. Meanwhile, I think I am going to start another practice blog where I can experiment to my heart's content and hopefully make my mistakes over there.  Meanwhile I will take comfort from this quote I read this morning.

 

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness
Bad days give you experiences;
Both are essential to life.

Keep going…

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
— Copyright © 2010 Lebitso TR Mtshali

A lesson from the Garden

These are the green beans I planted in the early days of summer.  Aren't they just the saddest little things?  Something has been chewing on them, either deer or rabbits.  The long heat wave hasn't helped either.

And yet, if you look closely you can see some little beans are starting to appear.

 A lesson and reminder that even in adversity we can still bloom and  produce fruit in our lives, especially if we keep our eyes on the Lord.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to 

God a sacrifice of praise.

the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

A Morning Sunrise

This is not my picture. There are no pictures this morning except for the ones that are printed on my heart but I felt a need to share.

I couldn't sleep and so I got up early to watch the sunrise.  On this November morning it was still warm enough for me to stand outside in my robe on the deck.  I had forgotten how much patience it takes to watch the sun come up but as I leaned against the railing I was surrounded by the quiet of the morning and the beauty of the sky.

The lake, looked bright pink in the early morning twilight as it reflected the same colors painted across the clouds dotted above.  Off in the distance was the sound of rushing cars on the mountain highway making their way down from the hillsides above to the cities below.  A single bird began calling and another picked up the notes as they conversed back and forth.  Soon there were many birds chirping and singing.

Slowly the surface of the water changed from pink to gold as the sky began to light up. The mountains changed from black to blue against the horizon and all around the dark outlines of trees and houses began to take on color and texture until finally they could be clearly seen.  A soft breeze began to blow through the trees and the sounds of leaves drifting from the branches sounded like raindrops as they fell. 

Still I waited and watched as a golden chain of lights began to sparkle behind the mountaintops.  It looked like a golden city off in the distance.  For a moment it felt like I was looking at heaven as tears filled my eyes.  It was so beautiful.
  
As the early dawn turned into day I felt again that sense of gratitude that we have a mighty God watching over us. There will always be joy and suffering.  It's our human condition but He is there and always will be.  Blessing, honor, glory and power be unto God and to The Lamb forever.  

Eucharisteo.

Musings

Last evening I was watching as a thunderstorm moved in over the lake.  I love thunderstorms, watching the sky get dark and bolts of lightning flashing across the sky followed by the rumbling crash of  thunder.  It was raining, but not that huge downpour we sometimes get with a thundercloud.  The mountains were obscured in the mist.

As I was looking out over the yard I was struck by the thought it looks just like my life feels right now, in many ways verdant green and growing yet a bit overcome by all the weeds among the flowers and a bit aged and falling apart like that old fence which was damaged by the winter storms this year.  I feel pulled in many different directions at the moment as change seems to be coming at us from all different directions not unlike a storm that suddenly blows in over a quiet summer afternoon.  And like a storm, it can bring life giving rain on the one hand and blow the petals off the flowers on the other.  Change can be a little unsettling even if it's good change, and I am a creature of habit.

After the storm was over God reminded me of his promises with this beautiful rainbow encouraging me not to feel unsure about embracing the new changes and challenges ahead for he is here and he will be there as well.

I know that I sound a bit obscure but I will be sharing more as time goes by.  Standing on the promises and looking forward with anticipation at what God has is store.

Dandelions, bane or blessing?

I don't think there is any place in the world that grows dandelions better than this little corner of the universe.  Growing up in the Southwest we certainly had our share of weeds but never have I seen a place where they are more prolific than they are right here in the Northwest.  And the dandelion is the best of the best when it comes to weeds.  Living near a lake is especially challenging as we don't want to do anything that might poison or pollute the water.  Once Spring arrives these guys get into everything.

You will find them in the flowerbeds,

Under the shrubs, 

and next to the gates.

They can actually look quite pretty scattered throughout the orchard lawn with their bright yellow petals.

Unfortunately, as we all know it isn't long before that pretty little yellow blossom turns into something else much less attractive.

And so, many many hours of my lazy summer days are spent pulling these pesky little plants out of my garden.

But did you know that dandelions are not native to North America?  That's right.  Our ancestors actually brought them over with them.  Some say they may have even arrived on the Mayflower with our Pilgrim forefathers.  

That's because until up to the beginning of the early 20th century when we all started planting lawns instead of growing vegetables they were actually cultivated in gardens.  It turns out they are actually quite useful and were used for many medicinal purposes. In fact, they are still cultivated in other countries around the world.


The leaves and the roots can be dried and used to make dandelion tea which is supposed to help detoxify your liver and help with digestion, among other things.
 
 

With a Vitamin B content that is greater than spinach and a
Vitamin C content greater than tomatoes, the leaves can be cooked or added to salads to give them a healthy boost. 

 Or, you can make your own dandelion wine.

I even heard the roots loosen the soil in your lawn, bring up nutrients and act as a natural fertilizer for your grass.  Hmmm.....not sure I'm buying that one. But you can check it out for yourself here.


So what do you think?  Is a dandelion a blessing or a nuisance? All I know is that I have a lot of weeding to do. 

 



 

A Quiet Night

Last night I had the house to myself for the evening.  My hubby had gone to a hockey game with his buddy and my son was gone as well.  No one to make dinner for, no one who wanted to watch the news, just me and whatever I felt like doing. Bliss.  So, I threw the casserole I had already made into the oven, did a little straightening while it baked and made a fire in the wood burning stove.  When dinner was ready I nestled myself into a comfy chair and spent the evening watching old Cary Grant movies.  I love Cary Grant.  I think one of my favorites is North by Northwest.  However, last night I tickled my funny bone with Operation Petticoat   co-starring Tony Curtis, followed by Father Goose with co-star Leslie Caron.   

In between movies, I just sat enjoying the quiet as I watched the fire burning.  I got to thinking about how much the things we enjoy or place around ourselves are an outward expression of who we are. 

My husband doesn't think of himself as a artist but he built this beautiful mantle for our fireplace years ago.  It took him months of careful consideration.  He started with a simple oak box frame and board and then he went to fireplace shops and looked at photos of mantles he liked picking up a piece of trim here and there,carefully matching and staining, adding piece by piece until one day he decided it was complete.  When he was finished it we had this beautiful piece that has added grace and warmth to our home.

 So, even though he doesn't see himself as an artist, God has definitely given him a gifted eye.  He has also given him a love for our northwest football team.  Yep, he is definitely a "12th Man".  That flag, along with the large outdoor one he got for Christmas last year will both hang until the season is over.

He also shares my love of the sea which is expressed in the things we keep on our beautiful mantle throughout the year.  

 We picked up this lovely conch shell in Morro Bay many years ago.  The painting behind it is one we picked up at an art show before any of our kids were born.

We found this beautiful lighthouse carved from myrtlewood on a trip down the Oregon coast the summer my husband retired.

. 
The bookends come from a little shop in Seaside, Oregon.  Here are a couple of my favorite books, including The Shell Seekers, by Rosamund Pilcher and a childhood favorite, The Swiss Family Robinson.  

Just a few things gathered over the years that express a little of who we are.  How about you?  If someone walked into your home what would they learn about you as they took a look around?

Thankful Thursday #12

1.  We finished the laundry/pantry room. I didn't take a before picture and perhaps that is just as well as I feel embarrassed when I think of how bad it really was. There was a long counter that was supposed to be for folding clothes which had just ended up being the catchall  for everything in the house that I couldn't find a home for.  The old flooring was scratched and torn and the walls were all marked up.  I didn't even want to go in there and I made very sure the door was closed if there was company in the house. Here it is now with a fresh coat of paint and a nice new floor.  We also took out the lower cabinet and counter which gives us a lot more room and rearranged the large pantry cabinets for more easy access.  Then we purged.  The end result has made me want to do laundry again....well, sort of.

Decided to "store" some of the extra things decoratively leaving more space in the cabinets available for other "stuff".

The Inspector laid the flooring.  Didn't he do a nice job?

There are two tall pantry cupboards and the freezer on the right side.  The door to the left leads outside to the back deck which makes it possible to use this space as a mud room if needed.

 2.   I got a new pair of Sketcher walking shoes.  No big deal to me, but in a world of poverty and war I know that a pair of shoes is something many don't have and I am grateful.

 3.  Watching the football game together with some of our kids.  Even when our team doesn't win, which it didn't this week, just being together is one of the wonderful blessings of family living near by.

4.  The simple comfort of a bowl of homemade beef stew and a slice of bread, nothing fancy, just warm and filling on a cool fall evening.  My husband and son-in-law pretty much ate the pot down to the bottom.  Ok...I helped. 

 5.  Often times I am just grateful for the gift of routine.  There is nothing exciting or dramatic going on in my world right now, just the normal ebb and flow of everyday life.  Last year was a really hard one and it's nice to be blessed with the calmness of  the ordinary.  It's a huge blessing that we don't always appreciate until it's gone.  It has been said that joy is measured in moments.  Take the time this week my friends to savor the moments.

In gratitude to the Lord of Hosts who gives us every good and perfect thing.