I lost the original blog post, and it was a good one. Errr-this is what I remember I said.
Titus 2 King
James Version (KJV)
2 But
speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be
sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise,
that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given
to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the
young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste,
keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be
not blasphemed.
We left off with loving our husbands. So, by example, we need to show our daughters, our daughter's friends and newly wedded wives in the booth behind us at Red Robin how to love our husbands. They can hear what we say to them and about them. I admit that I have too often "vented" to friends or family or even past co-workers about things that my husband said or did that either upset me, angered me or were just plain unflattering to him although I thought was humorous at the time. How is my venting affecting me? Do I feel more loving toward him? No, I don't. The only one who should hear my silent "venting" is the Lord, when I ask him to help me with hubby. He can then reveal to me the truth about what the problem is, who the problem is and show me how to fix it...if I need to. Let's face it, isn't usually the one who is bothered who has the issue? How else can I show hubby and the world that I love him (even when I am not feeling it)? I personally need to pay closer attention to the little things that make him feel special. Around here, we put our food on our plate and then go sit down. Maybe I could take his plate to him without his asking. Maybe I could ask him what he needs from me. I think I will be working on this one. When asked about the family, has anyone answered they have a 5 year old, a 3 year old and a 37 year old, referring to the fact that one feels the need to train their husband in the way which he should go? Guilty. It seems humorous, but really, am I building him up doing that?
Teach the younger women to love their children. I feel that I am a bit "old-fashioned" in this regard. My son pays his share of the rent, the electric, his medical insurance and everything to do with the maintenance of his car. My daughter who just graduated from high school pays for her share of the electric with all of the devices she charges up and of course her phone. She doesn't have a car right now, but when she does, the same applies for her. This may seem unfair in their eyes when their friends have cars more expensive than I will ever drive that their parents just gave to them. And they get money without having to do chores, whereas my kids do chores without getting paid. My goal is to raise God-fearing, responsible, independent children who can take care of themselves in good times and in bad times and still reflect God's love to the world. I won't really know how I did until it's too late to change anything. Fingers crossed. I am finding that for the past couple of decades it seems that some parents are using their children, using them as pawns. If they don't have money, they use them to get money. If they have money, they use them to prove their important status to others. I hope this growing trend changes. It is very sad, but a reflection of our current world. Maybe if we start teaching the younger women today, things can change, or better yet, change ourselves...
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Food Prep
After the big haul, there is prepping to do to make things easier throughout the month. First, I dealt with the meat. I cut up the pork loin into two roasts and the rest chops for at least five meals. Then I had chicken breasts from Sam's that divided: two packages of two breasts, one breast cubed for casserole and one cut into strips for salad. I took the beef and cut into three sections: one for pot roast (and leftovers into vegetable soup), one for beef and noodles and then strips for beef stroganoff or salad. I have extra for either a special lunch or even next month's menu. (YES!)
One of the specials / "instant savings" at Sam's was a huge can of peanuts. I already had a huge bag of chocolate chips in the freezer that I have been working from that I bought a couple of months ago. TRAIL MIX for the boys (and girls) lunch snacks. I grabbed a bag of dried cranberries and raisins at Aldi and voila! Over 20 bags of trail mix to grab for the next month.
Daughter helped to wash the grapes and bag those up for our snack basket in the fridge. Another 20 plus bags of snacks, plus one large bag in the freezer for sweet frozen goodness.
Next we had to do my lemons. I LOVE lemons. My dentist hates that I love lemons, but I don't care. I bought two bags of lemons at Sam's and we squeezed them up, except for a few for fresh lemonade with our planned BBQ dinner, and pour them in ice cube trays to freeze. They are the perfect ice cubes for some Southern sweet tea that my daughter makes for the family
The next thing to do is take the #10 can (is that an old saying now? or 6.6 lbs) and put all of the fruit cocktail into containers and jars for lunches too. That makes about 20 large servings, over the recommended 1/2 cup. Maybe someday I will make my own. But for $5 it's a nice convenience.
There are a few more things to do. Make and freeze peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Make homemade pudding-I might attempt chocolate this time. I will show you how that goes. I need to make homemade mayonnaise-another new one. I have pie crusts to make for quiche, cherry pie and apple pie. I want to make some pizza pockets and chicken/broccoli/cheese pockets for their lunches too. I will also be cutting up a few celery sticks and carrot sticks for snacks and also for our Hot Legs dinner next week. I have lots of bacon and a small roll of sausage so I may or may not make some breakfast sandwiches/biscuits. Time will tell. These things can wait until I am ready to bake and cook. That will be another day, another blog.
My menu doesn't officially start until Monday (this is Saturday), so for the next two days I am going to focus on getting the chest freezer organized and the pantry too so it will hold all of our big sized cans, bags and boxes.
If you buy bulk, how do you store it or prep it?
One of the specials / "instant savings" at Sam's was a huge can of peanuts. I already had a huge bag of chocolate chips in the freezer that I have been working from that I bought a couple of months ago. TRAIL MIX for the boys (and girls) lunch snacks. I grabbed a bag of dried cranberries and raisins at Aldi and voila! Over 20 bags of trail mix to grab for the next month.
There are a few more things to do. Make and freeze peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Make homemade pudding-I might attempt chocolate this time. I will show you how that goes. I need to make homemade mayonnaise-another new one. I have pie crusts to make for quiche, cherry pie and apple pie. I want to make some pizza pockets and chicken/broccoli/cheese pockets for their lunches too. I will also be cutting up a few celery sticks and carrot sticks for snacks and also for our Hot Legs dinner next week. I have lots of bacon and a small roll of sausage so I may or may not make some breakfast sandwiches/biscuits. Time will tell. These things can wait until I am ready to bake and cook. That will be another day, another blog.
My menu doesn't officially start until Monday (this is Saturday), so for the next two days I am going to focus on getting the chest freezer organized and the pantry too so it will hold all of our big sized cans, bags and boxes.
If you buy bulk, how do you store it or prep it?
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Titus 2 Woman (part 2)
Titus 2 King James Version (KJV)
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
On to verse 4...So we know that we need to be teachers of good things, especially to the young women: our daughters, our daughter's friends, our young women in our churches.
To be sober. 1) not intoxicated-we have been told that already, 2) habitually temperate-even keeled, 3) quiet or sedate in demeanor-NOT loud, overbearing, 4) marked by seriousness or gravity-in one definition they mention speech, 5) subdued in tone (clothing), 6) free from excess or exaggeration, and lastly, 7) self -control.
At first glance, to me, this appears like one should sit with their back straight, feet flat on the floor, knees together, hands on the lap, wearing a gray, plain ankle length dress, speaking when spoken to, no smiles or conversations. A picture of a perfect pilgrim. I don't really believe that is EXACTLY how one needs to be to exhibit the Titus 2 woman. In contrast to the "modern" woman, however, it may seem so.
Obviously, no partying like you did before you were of legal age to drink. The bladder medication commercial says to be the one with the crazy loud laugh. Personally, that person is distracting to me, so no, I think I would rather be a bit demure in most circumstances. Growing up as an only child with introvert tendencies and less social than most anyway, this is not a problem.
Subdued in tone. I think of this as attire, although it could be attitude as well. I am over 40, I should not be trying to look 18 and wearing skimpy, showy clothing. Yet, it seems so many women do. Are we that skewed in our views of love and acceptance? Yes, we are. We feel we need to emulate the "celebrities" who have NO sense of propriety. Celebrities have to maintain a shock value, standout value to continue to be what they are. We do not. My love and acceptance first and foremost and sufficiently comes from the Lord, and if I am lucky enough, my family, but this is not always the case for everyone. I am a lucky one. I pity the women my age and older who must show skin to feel accepted. On that note, I do love color. I don't think we have to wear gray, black and brown (although I love brown too) all the time to be "subdued." I would be more concerned with the cut of the clothes than the color of the clothes.
To be free of excess and exaggeration. Wow. This could apply to so many aspects of a woman's life. Items in the home, jewelry, clothing, speech. I see a good number of anti-excess movements these days materially. Tiny houses, minimalist homes. I like the idea of simplicity. Yes, I am becoming archaic. I have dumped the smart phone. My husband has an old flip phone, pay-as-you go to have for his 2 hour commute everyday. There was no reason for me to have a smart phone being at home. I do have a "landline." I am also ready to remove excess stuff from my home. I have scores of books, dozens of knick-knacks that just sit there and bring no joy. I feel a purge coming on! Jewelry: As a teen I wore 8-9 rings on my fingers everyday, big earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other accessories with every outfit. I even had a nose ring and tongue ring in the past. Now, as I mature I wear my wedding band and a pair of gold dot earrings when I go out to town. I don't even wear those here on the farm. I had to sift through manure-filled straw to find my diamond ring one day and decided, unless I wear gloves, my rings don't need to be in the barn nor do I wear them when I make meatloaf or doughs. Speech. I have a tendency to be verbose (usually on paper or blogs) but not in big crowds, partly in due to my diminishing hearing (thank you transcription ear buds for 20 years) and again, my personality.
Self-control. Saved the best for last. We need to learn self control and then turn around and teach it. Again, this is applicable to so many aspects of life. Food, speech, emotions, perseverance, and this can go on. Do we start with one? Do we jump in with both feet? I would think everyone has their own vice that needs to be addressed the most, and only oneself can know what that is. I might have to flip a coin, or use dice, to pick one of mine to start with...
That should keep me busy until the next part of the verse...
2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
On to verse 4...So we know that we need to be teachers of good things, especially to the young women: our daughters, our daughter's friends, our young women in our churches.
To be sober. 1) not intoxicated-we have been told that already, 2) habitually temperate-even keeled, 3) quiet or sedate in demeanor-NOT loud, overbearing, 4) marked by seriousness or gravity-in one definition they mention speech, 5) subdued in tone (clothing), 6) free from excess or exaggeration, and lastly, 7) self -control.
At first glance, to me, this appears like one should sit with their back straight, feet flat on the floor, knees together, hands on the lap, wearing a gray, plain ankle length dress, speaking when spoken to, no smiles or conversations. A picture of a perfect pilgrim. I don't really believe that is EXACTLY how one needs to be to exhibit the Titus 2 woman. In contrast to the "modern" woman, however, it may seem so.
Obviously, no partying like you did before you were of legal age to drink. The bladder medication commercial says to be the one with the crazy loud laugh. Personally, that person is distracting to me, so no, I think I would rather be a bit demure in most circumstances. Growing up as an only child with introvert tendencies and less social than most anyway, this is not a problem.
Subdued in tone. I think of this as attire, although it could be attitude as well. I am over 40, I should not be trying to look 18 and wearing skimpy, showy clothing. Yet, it seems so many women do. Are we that skewed in our views of love and acceptance? Yes, we are. We feel we need to emulate the "celebrities" who have NO sense of propriety. Celebrities have to maintain a shock value, standout value to continue to be what they are. We do not. My love and acceptance first and foremost and sufficiently comes from the Lord, and if I am lucky enough, my family, but this is not always the case for everyone. I am a lucky one. I pity the women my age and older who must show skin to feel accepted. On that note, I do love color. I don't think we have to wear gray, black and brown (although I love brown too) all the time to be "subdued." I would be more concerned with the cut of the clothes than the color of the clothes.
To be free of excess and exaggeration. Wow. This could apply to so many aspects of a woman's life. Items in the home, jewelry, clothing, speech. I see a good number of anti-excess movements these days materially. Tiny houses, minimalist homes. I like the idea of simplicity. Yes, I am becoming archaic. I have dumped the smart phone. My husband has an old flip phone, pay-as-you go to have for his 2 hour commute everyday. There was no reason for me to have a smart phone being at home. I do have a "landline." I am also ready to remove excess stuff from my home. I have scores of books, dozens of knick-knacks that just sit there and bring no joy. I feel a purge coming on! Jewelry: As a teen I wore 8-9 rings on my fingers everyday, big earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other accessories with every outfit. I even had a nose ring and tongue ring in the past. Now, as I mature I wear my wedding band and a pair of gold dot earrings when I go out to town. I don't even wear those here on the farm. I had to sift through manure-filled straw to find my diamond ring one day and decided, unless I wear gloves, my rings don't need to be in the barn nor do I wear them when I make meatloaf or doughs. Speech. I have a tendency to be verbose (usually on paper or blogs) but not in big crowds, partly in due to my diminishing hearing (thank you transcription ear buds for 20 years) and again, my personality.
Self-control. Saved the best for last. We need to learn self control and then turn around and teach it. Again, this is applicable to so many aspects of life. Food, speech, emotions, perseverance, and this can go on. Do we start with one? Do we jump in with both feet? I would think everyone has their own vice that needs to be addressed the most, and only oneself can know what that is. I might have to flip a coin, or use dice, to pick one of mine to start with...
That should keep me busy until the next part of the verse...
Friday, July 10, 2015
Food Friday 7/10/15
The monthly menu plan...
Yes, from the girl who can barely do a week menu without detour. I am determined to give this a shot and just see if the budget benefits are worth it.
I spent Thursday creating this menu. First I had to inventory what I had in the pantry and freezers and fridge. (Yes, time to organize!!)
Then I took that list and figured out some meals to use up what I have and then also add a bit of variety. After figuring out 30 suppers, I wrote them down on my printed calendars. From there, I had to see what groceries I would still need and what specials were going on at Sam's and other grocery stores that would work with my menu. After trying to take into account leftovers that we could use, I included lunch items, as well as taking inventory of toiletries and other household items that we need.
We took that master list and spent all day shopping, which usually I like grocery shopping, but this was interspersed with other errands and made the day very long. But I have to keep in mind that this will be whittled down to one monthly haul and only one or two more trips to town for fresh produce.
But this is what I came home with from Sam's, Aldi, and Publix.(Sorry about the photo quality). Sam's had no cheese stocked, it was all in the middle of the aisle awaiting its home, still wrapped up in the palate plastic. Another trip will have to be made sooner than I had hoped. But this is a work in progress, like everything else in life.
Yes, from the girl who can barely do a week menu without detour. I am determined to give this a shot and just see if the budget benefits are worth it.
I spent Thursday creating this menu. First I had to inventory what I had in the pantry and freezers and fridge. (Yes, time to organize!!)
Then I took that list and figured out some meals to use up what I have and then also add a bit of variety. After figuring out 30 suppers, I wrote them down on my printed calendars. From there, I had to see what groceries I would still need and what specials were going on at Sam's and other grocery stores that would work with my menu. After trying to take into account leftovers that we could use, I included lunch items, as well as taking inventory of toiletries and other household items that we need. 
We took that master list and spent all day shopping, which usually I like grocery shopping, but this was interspersed with other errands and made the day very long. But I have to keep in mind that this will be whittled down to one monthly haul and only one or two more trips to town for fresh produce.
But this is what I came home with from Sam's, Aldi, and Publix.(Sorry about the photo quality). Sam's had no cheese stocked, it was all in the middle of the aisle awaiting its home, still wrapped up in the palate plastic. Another trip will have to be made sooner than I had hoped. But this is a work in progress, like everything else in life.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Pretzel Dough Buns
This really is just a recipe for Pretzels out of the Better Homes and Gardens red and white checkered cookbook I have had since the 1990s that I made into slider-size buns. They tasted fine, but next time, I will try to make them bigger-real bun size. I liked this less sweet recipe better than what you sometimes get with other "pretzel buns."
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| Dough ready to be kneaded |
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| Only 6 more minutes to go... |
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| Burger Buns rising just a few more minutes |
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| Hot dog and burger buns ready for baking #1 and a pretzel shape for fun |
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| Boiling in salted water |
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| Ready for egg glaze and bake #2 |
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| Ready for meat and eat!
4 c. Flour
1 pkg yeast
1 1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sugar
2 Tb cooking oil
1 tsp. salt
3 qts boiling water
2 Tb salt
Stir 1 1/2 c. flour with yeast. In a saucepan, heat and stir milk, oil, sugar and salt until warm (120-130 degrees). Add to flour mix. Beat with mixer on low for 30 seconds; then high for 3 minutes. Turn onto floured surface and knead in enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough for about 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl and let rise for an hour or so. Punch down dough, turn out on floured surface and let rest, covered, 10 more minutes. Roll out and then shape as desired. Bake buns at 475 for 4 minutes. Remove from oven and lower temp to 350. Boil water with salt until dissolved. Dip buns a couple of times and then boil 2 minutes, turning once. Drain. Combine 1 egg and 1 Tb of water. Brush buns. Return to 350 oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool, cut and consume :)
*photos courtesy of World of Beauty Photography
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Monday, July 6, 2015
Tuesday To Do 7/7/15
This week's inside chores: Follow my zone cleaning schedule. Can potatoes. Order (or find) dehydrator lid. Clean computer desk off.
This week's outside chores: Mow front yard. Pull up diseased tomatoes (blight?). Sow more broccoli and cabbage. Softwood cuttings. Find wood for house number sign and pick out paint samples. I am thinking straw yellow background with burgundy numbers-my old alma mater colors, and also the color scheme that I am putting in the country kitchen. Yes, I am going back to the 1980s with a country wall border of roosters, hens and sunflowers. Gather all bee equipment that is in the yard and store in greenhouse for now (except wax frames).
The weather has seemed to normalize back into the upper 80s and low 90s range. I am hoping this will give me more stamina to get things done. It is amazing how heat can drain you; even short bursts outside can affect your energy. Those 2+ weeks of extreme heat then all the scattered rain days has really put me behind on my outside duties. I have sections of the yard mowed, but really need to finish it. The bees (all bees, including wasps and other stinging insects) have just been crazy the last two weeks. They are on every water container and spigot on the property. Apparently they are not impressed with the quality of our pond just feet away from the hives. The ducks didn't seem to care for it either. Speaking of which, we did finally name our drakes. Since we named our girl duck Daisy, we went with the Dukes of Hazzard theme. We have Bo, Luke and Cooter. This was decided before the whole Confederate Flag/TV land fiasco. I guess I know where we stand.
Well, I better get to that list!
This week's outside chores: Mow front yard. Pull up diseased tomatoes (blight?). Sow more broccoli and cabbage. Softwood cuttings. Find wood for house number sign and pick out paint samples. I am thinking straw yellow background with burgundy numbers-my old alma mater colors, and also the color scheme that I am putting in the country kitchen. Yes, I am going back to the 1980s with a country wall border of roosters, hens and sunflowers. Gather all bee equipment that is in the yard and store in greenhouse for now (except wax frames).
The weather has seemed to normalize back into the upper 80s and low 90s range. I am hoping this will give me more stamina to get things done. It is amazing how heat can drain you; even short bursts outside can affect your energy. Those 2+ weeks of extreme heat then all the scattered rain days has really put me behind on my outside duties. I have sections of the yard mowed, but really need to finish it. The bees (all bees, including wasps and other stinging insects) have just been crazy the last two weeks. They are on every water container and spigot on the property. Apparently they are not impressed with the quality of our pond just feet away from the hives. The ducks didn't seem to care for it either. Speaking of which, we did finally name our drakes. Since we named our girl duck Daisy, we went with the Dukes of Hazzard theme. We have Bo, Luke and Cooter. This was decided before the whole Confederate Flag/TV land fiasco. I guess I know where we stand.
Well, I better get to that list!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Friday Food 7/3/15
Sit down. Are you sitting? It's true, I actually got some pictures this past week of a few meals. Crazy, right? But they are a jumbled mess. One step at a time-ha!
This weeks menu of healthy AND not-so healthy included:
I have 4 smoothie bags in the freezer, ready for a quick breakfast or even lunch. I bagged up cheese crackers, carrots, celery, peppers, grapes and put those in the snack box in the fridge.
I need to boil some eggs for the potato salad, as well as quick breakfasts when I run behind on the morning chores and still feel hungry.
I mentioned in my to do list that I had purchased 50# of potatoes and will be finding ways to store and preserve them. I want to get that done this week. I also mentioned that I am back to working on my price book and figuring out the best deals for my family.
My goal for next week is eating out of pantry, fridge and freezer. I want to purchase as little as possible because of the astronomical amount I spent this week-nothing is the goal, but I am becoming more of a realist as I get older, even as a Pisces...
This weeks menu of healthy AND not-so healthy included:
Dinner:
Alfredo Mac, broccoli, homemade bread
Beans and franks, cooked carrots, cottage cheese, broc salad
Beans and franks, cooked carrots, cottage cheese, broc salad
Kielbasa, potatoes, carrots (crockpot), biscuits
BBQ pork, potato salad, coleslaw, lemonade
Rotel beans and rice, salad
Finger tray (bologna, crackers, cheese, grapes, bananas, apples)
Tuna casserole, salad
Lunches:
Leftover BBQ sandwiches, coleslaw
Bologna sandwiches, chips, grapes
PB&J sandwiches, apples
Pimento cheese sandwiches, bananas, cookies
Leftover tuna casserole, salad
Salmon patties, mac/cheese, peas
Bologna sandwiches, chips, bananas
Dessert:
Pineapple upside down cake
No bake cookies
Snacks:
Popcorn
Cheez-Its
My grocery list I approximated at $215.00, which is a month's worth, but I actually spent just over $140. I went to Aldi, Publix, Sam's, BI-LO and Ingles. I used a few coupons and also decided to make a few things from scratch and buy smaller quantities than originally figured. I was pleased with my grocery haul.
My grocery list I approximated at $215.00, which is a month's worth, but I actually spent just over $140. I went to Aldi, Publix, Sam's, BI-LO and Ingles. I used a few coupons and also decided to make a few things from scratch and buy smaller quantities than originally figured. I was pleased with my grocery haul.
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| cheese snack cracker dough |
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| Baked cheese crackers |
I have 4 smoothie bags in the freezer, ready for a quick breakfast or even lunch. I bagged up cheese crackers, carrots, celery, peppers, grapes and put those in the snack box in the fridge.
I need to boil some eggs for the potato salad, as well as quick breakfasts when I run behind on the morning chores and still feel hungry.
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| No bake cookies |
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| salmon patties, shells and cheese peas and garden tomato |
My goal for next week is eating out of pantry, fridge and freezer. I want to purchase as little as possible because of the astronomical amount I spent this week-nothing is the goal, but I am becoming more of a realist as I get older, even as a Pisces...
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