Things To Be Thankful For March 1st, 2015

©rusty2rusty

Someone challenged to write 5 things to be thankful and pick one to write about.

Here is my list of five things to be thankful for : 

1. Eyesight

2. My daughter did not have an episode today

3. Signed house papers

4. grocery shopping

5. Time

I choose to write about signed house papers. The other day I went in to sign the disclosure papers at the bank. I ended singing a huge stack of papers. 

The house I am applying to buy was built in 1931. It is a bungalow. It sits on less than one acre. It is in town but on the outskirts. Where I will have no close neighbors. It has the feel of the country being surrounded by open fields.

I plan on putting in a garden this summer and a chicken coop by next summer. I also plan on adding a 2nd bathroom door stairs and turn an unfinished room into another bedroom. Change the master bedroom in to a living area. This is all downstairs in the basement.

The bigger yard will be a benefit to my three dogs. One being an English Mastiff. My current home he is out growing. 

The home is off a main highway leading out of town. I will be able to host a garage sale and draw in more people who like to come to those. Hopefully, I can make some extra money that way.

I am excited and praying that God allows me to get this loan and buy this home.

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Who Has My Heart

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Created at funny.pho.to

I decided to write about my heart tonight. As I created a photo collage at funny.pho.to of those that I hold closes to my heart.

The middle photo is of my oldest boy and my his son, my grandson. They may live in their own place. However, my son will always be my first baby. I experienced the joy of motherhood the first time through him. I knew I wanted more children.

The top right corner is my teenage son. I am proud of him. He has gone further grade wise than any of my children. He is smart. He gets A's and B's. Plus, is a member of some honors classes.

The bottom right corner is of my boyfriend. I have been with him for three years. The present he bought me finally came in today from a jewelers. It is very pretty. I'll have to take a photo and write about it.

The photo on the bottom left is my teenage daughter. She does give me a lot of trouble. She is a rebel to the heart. I wish she would learn to choose her battles. Instead of making everything in a battle.

I challenge you to write about what is in your heart.

Spell Out Love

From Pixabay.com

It is all about love. Spell out the word love, using each letter describing it in some way. Something called a "Acrostic".

Here is my try at it :

L is for love. Love is hard to find. Once you finally find true love. You never want to let it go. When it leaves it hurts to the core.

O is for Open. You need to open your eyes and ears when it comes to friendship and love. Otherwise you can miss your chance in time for true love.

V is for Valentine. I have my Valentine for this year. My boyfriend of three years. I hope you all have or find a Valentine to enjoy.

E is for Everyone. I wish everyone in this world can experience and feel love. Everyone deserves to be loved. Love helps change people for the better.

Challenge - Use the word love, to write a 'Acrostic'.

Photo created at pho.to.com using my own photo.

A - Z Challenge F : Finches

Finches are my favorite birds. I don't know why but I fell in love with these little beauties when I was a child. Maybe because they are small compared to most birds you find in the back yard. That I could relate to growing up. Out of 2 brothers and 5 sisters. I still remain the shortest.

Finches are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Finches come in many different colors and patterns.They are song birds who love to eat seeds.

Small, black oil sunflower seeds tend to attract them to your backyard. Sometimes in flocks of up to 50 at a time. It is best to have several feeders if you plan to attract Finches in your backyard. Or low lying bushes where they will hide and feed.

Do you like birds? What is your favorite kind?

Photo from a free use website called Pixababy.com. Unless stated otherwise.

rusty2rusty
Finch
Bird
Animal
Photo
Image
Photograph
Photo essay

A - Z Challenge G : Garbage

Let's talk about garbage. Do you burn yours or pay to have yours hauled away? I live in the city where I pay to have mine hauled away. It is included in the city water bill.

We do have the option to recycle. I do alot of recycling. So, much that the container provider does not fit it all. So, I started to use extra clothes baskets I had around the house to place the excess recycling stuff. This has helped reduce our garbage out put immensely. As the city will only pick up four bags a week unless you you pay more than the normal fee. I refuse to do that. When I know I can save money by recycling.

Over the past weekend I held a yard sale. My mom and one of my sisters went in with me. The sale went great. After the sale was over, my mom and sister placed what they didn't want to keep along side of the street out with our trash. I placed ads on Facebook stating the stuff was free, come haul away. Take the whole box and not make a mess.

Some people who came and looked at the stuff made a mess. They would throw things on the ground or break them when moving them. My boyfriend went and hollered at them to get out of the trash if they were going to make a mess. Most people were really good and did not make a mess.

Now what was not picked up, went in to our shed til big up day. Which is the first Monday of the month. On big pick up we can still only have 4 bags. But we are allow to get rid of big items. Such as a bed broke down.

Anything as long as it is not grass clippings, tree limbs or construction. What I thought might sell later, I grabbed out and placed in to another pile. As I plan on having a garage sale later this summer.

I have no problem with people picking things up from the garbage. As it saves from filling up the landfill. Another man's trash really can be someone else's treasure.

However, I do believe even picking up trash people need to follow a few rules. Here they are:

1. If it is covered up, stay out of it.
2. If it is a bag, feel or untie the bag. Do not rid it open. Take the whole bag.
3. Do not throw trash or leftovers all the yard.
4. Go through the boxes but place what you don't want back in the boxes. Not on the ground.
5. Do not block traffic. Pull over to the side of the street, or in the driveway. Don't park in the middle of the street.
6. If you are doing it at night, make sure your 4 way blinker is on, so those that come up on you while stopped, can go around you with out stopping.

Just recently, I picked up a rocky chair that someone threw out in the trash. Nothing wrong with it. I really like and have been wanting a rocking chair for years. So, I am not against picking things up that have thrown out. Why would I? It is recycling.

All Photos use in this blog is from Pixabay.com a free use photo site. Unless stated otherwise.

A - Z Challenge : Letter E

I absolutely love eating eggs. Eggs seem to go with everything. You can cook hard boiled eggs. Take them and some biscuits when going out on a long walk or picnic to have for a quick pick me up snack.

You can add them in recipes or make omelets. Eggs are also used as a binder to hold things together when cooking. Like when you are making meatloaf or cauliflower pizza crust.

Eggs can also be used when you what to bread something, it acts as a coating for the flour to stick.

I wish I didn't have to leave the yolks of the eggs out. My cholesterol is way to high. Doc says if I eat eggs to not eat the yolks.

At first, I thought bummer. I love eggs. I started experimenting creating things with no egg yolks. It does not change the taste in breads or cakes. I separate the yolks from the egg whites. I give the yolks to my kids, I just add it into their scrambled eggs.

Now I place different veggies in a cupcake pan, than pour the egg whites over them. Than bake til done. You will know when they are done baking because they will fall right out of the pan. It makes for an easy to pick up and go all in one mini omelet. I love adding mushrooms, sweet potatoes and red bell peppers the most. Other times I will add onion, mushroom and bacon. Or shredded cheese and pre-cooked sausage. The possibilities are really endless.

Let's talk about eggs. How do you like your eggs? Do you use them as a binder or coating? Do you make meals out of them or combine them in recipes for flavor?

All photos are from Pixabay.com while searching for the word eggs.

A - Z Challenge : Letter D

Image from Pixabay.com

Let's talk about diaper wipes. Do you buy them? They come real handy when changing a baby, toddler or older person. They also come in handy when you have to go so much and your bum starts hurting because your running to the bathroom ten times in less than an hour. (You know what I am talking about.) Espically, when your to sensitive for toilet paper.

Wipes work great. Try using a wipe and see how smoothing it can be. If it works on a baby or toddler. It sure will work on adult as well.

I keep wipes on hand for all bathroom patrons to use. Diaper wipes also come in handy to clean a sticky toddler in a cinch when out and about or needing to go somewhere quick. My daughter no matter how old she is, seems to always have a dirty face or hands. I am always telling her to go wash her hands/ face. Alot of times this isn't notice til right before I want to walk in to a store. I get my handy stash of wipes out and have her clean herself up.

A - Z Challenge : Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox is a disease than most people now a days have had. Today, there is a vaccine available. The vaccine is a good thing, because if you ever had chicken pox. You would know how miserable someone feels having them.

Chicken Pox has been around for hundred's of years. Chicken Pox was first thought to come from a cow and was called Cow Pox. Than the thought it came from chicken's. Because the sores and scars looks like you were pecked by chickens. It reality noone really knows where the Chicken Pox came from. But it is known to originate from England or surrounding area's.

Chicken Pox is known as a children's disease. As mostly children get Chicken Pox. Adults are prone to get if they were never been exposed in childhood. While it not usual for adults to catch Chicken Pox. It is possible for children and adults to get Shingles. Only if they were exposed to Chicken Pox first. Because the virus that caused the Chicken Pox never leaves and remains in the body, it is the same virus that causes Shingles.

So, if you ever had Chicken Pox. Beware as you get older, you can get Shingles. Thank goodness there is a vaccine for both. So, the disease isn't as prevalent as it once was.

Have you ever had the Chicken Pox? I did really bad when I was five years old. I remember missing school because of it. I still have scars from scratching the sores open. Yuck!

Banning Specific Dog Breeds

©rusty2rusty My dogs

The sad part of specific breed laws is the banning of certain breeds. Families loosing pets Changing how people view certain breeds. I believe it creates fear where there should be none.

Whenever I see a dog out on the street. I look it over to see how it is reacting to the public. Does it look like a service dog? If it does, I will eye it and move on. If not a service dog, and seems to have no issues being in public around strangers. I will ask if I can pet the dog. I never just walk up and start petting a dog.

For one, I never know how the owner will react of me just walking up and petting their dog. Nor do I know how the dog will react to me. Some people take their dogs for walks but they never interact with other people or animals. I don't want to be the first, and it goes bad.

©rusty2rusty
Moose the "Chug"

I am owned by a Chug, Chihuahua/Pug mix, a Chihuahua mix, and a English Mastiff.

©rusty2rusty
Rascal Chihuahua mix

Chihuahua's are social creatures but also known to think they are a big dog in a little body, not backing down, not showing fear. They can be snippy little buggers with lots of bark.

From Pixabay.com
English Mastiff

English Mastiff's are extra large dogs. They are  known as gentle giants. With all large breeds, you must give them proper training when they are pups to ensure good behavior.

Who is afraid of my breeds? More people than you think. Maybe not scared. But annoyed, dislike, or just plain ignorant of my breeds of choice. I can think of many breeds over the years that people are afraid of, pointed out by someone wrong in the public eye. The public jumps on the bandwagon and tries to ban that specific breed.

From Pixabay.com
Pit-bull

Currently, it seems to be the Pit-bull family. When I was growing up. I remember German Shepard's, Rottweiler's, and Doberman Pinschers on the hit list of dogs to ban. If they were so bad, why do the military and our police departments use them as work dogs til this day?

From Pixabay.com
Dalmatian 

Dalmatian's even made the list when they became popular after the Disney movie about Dalmatians. Just to land in the local shelters when the breed did not become the image Disney was putting out as being a great family pet. Like any dog, Dalmatian's can become an aggressive breed if not raised and trained right.

What breed works for one family may not be the one for your family. I know if they would try to ban Chihuahua's because they are know ankle biters. I would try my best to help make the public aware of the good qualities my pet posses. I would get them out in the public eye as much as possible, around as many people as I could. I would try and stop the ignorance.

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A Few Rules For Dressing Your Pet

I enjoy dressing my two smaller dogs. One is a chihuahua mix. The other is a Chihuahua pug mix. I mainly dress them in the winter time. As in the area I live gets really cold. To cold to have animals outside.

I do not dress my biggest dog. As nobody makes clothes for his size. I am not a good enough sewer. He is an English Mastiff. I could use one of my boyfriend old shorts. Not sure if they would fit. As he is a skinny man. Personally, I don't feel like fighting with an English Mastiff to put on some clothes to look cute. Would you?

Do you agree with dressing ones pet? Why or why not? I know people that sit on both sides of the fence on dressing their pets.

©rusty2rusty

I do think if you decide to dress your pet. You need to follow a few rules :

1. Dress for the weather - make sure to remove warm clothing. Once the dog is inside.
2. Do not place anything on your pet that would stop them from exhibiting their regular behavior.
3. Don't add anything that can cause them to trip.
4. Don't add anything they will chew on. Like strings hanging down.
5. Don't place anything over the dogs ears or eyes to prevent them from hearing or seeing.
6. If using an item for display to take a picture. Keep a close eye on your dog. Make sure to remove the items when you are done.

Crockpot Broccoli Mushroom Soup

©rusty2rusty

Another meal for a "Meatless Monday". A friend started making meals on Mondays with no meat to save on her budget. Plus, cut down the amount of meat her family consumes.

I have since Incorporated "Meatless Monday" in to my families dinner routine. Today, I cooked up my homemade version of "Crockpot Broccoli Mushroom Soup". As you can tell from the photo it looks delicious. I just finished a bowl and can say it tastes as good as it looks.

My teen son walked in from getting off the bus. He asked,"What is that I smell?" I replied,"Homemade broccoli mushroom soup made in the crockpot." he put his head down and sighed before muttering,"No wonder it stinks. I hate broccoli. I will eat a can of ravioli's. " As he slipped off in to his bedroom.

Hey folks! I tried. That is the best this mother can do. Getting 3 out of 4 family members eating a little healthier, makes me happy knowing the majority likes my cooking no matter what I make.

Now I am wondering how to you spell crockpot. Do you hyphenate it like crock-pot, separate it like crock pot, or run the words together like crockpot? When I do a Google search. I find it each way. What is the proper usage?

For the recipe :

Crockpot Broccoli Mushroom Soup
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 head of broccoli
1 small onion
1 package of mushrooms
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp butter
1 c. of chicken broth
1/2 gallon of milk
2 tsp cornstarch
5 oz Parmesan cheese

Chop broccoli and onions to small pieces. Slice mushrooms. Add to crockpot.

While doing that prepare a pot on stove with the milk, salt, pepper, butter, and chicken broth. Heat to a slow boil. Add in Parmesan cheese. Make sure you use a whisk to  stir it in. Otherwise the cheese will lump up.

If you want a thicker soup instead of runny. Mix the cornstarch with a little bit water to your desire thickness. Add to boiling mixture while using a whisk to stir. This eliminates any lumps and helps combine all the flavors together to form your soup base. When done, pour mixture over ingredients in your crockpot.

Set crockpot on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Sugar Free Strawberry Fluff

©rusty2rusty

My teens always ask me to make strawberry fluff stuff when I bring home strawberries. Recently, on a trip to my local Chief's grocery store. I picked up what I would need to create a sugar free fluff stuff.

The great part. It is easy to make. It only uses four ingredients. Plus, did I mention it is sugar free. It is a sweet treat I can make for my family and not worry about my ADHD daughter bouncing off the walls. Like most sweet treats loaded with sugar. It is a win win for both my daughter and me.

Here's the recipe :

SUGAR FREE STRAWBERRY FLUFF STUFF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 container of sugar free cool whip
1 container or gel pack of sugar free strawberry glaze
2 containers of strawberries, sliced
1 sugar free Angel food cake tore in to small pieces

Mix all ingredients together. Allow to chill for an hour before serving. Enjoy.

See, I told you it was easy to make. 

Red Velvet Cake Review

©rusty2rusty

One thing my family likes doing together, is baking and trying out what we made. Either from scratch or a box. If it looks good, we will try it.

Recently, I was shopping at Aldi's grocery store.I picked up a box of Baker's Choice Red Velvet cake mix. Sure it is an off brand. However, the thought of eating red cake in the month of February was enticing. 

Look at how the cake baked a deep dark red velvet color. Beautiful! Did I forget to mention red is one of my favorite colors? That makes this cake even more desirable to me.

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My teens fought for the right to frost the cake after it cooled off. We chose a bright pink to top off the red velvet color of the cake. The pink was a little to bright to my liking. However, it did look pretty to the eye.

©rusty2rusty

What do you think? It looks good doesn't it. Do you want to share a piece? Stop on over while it is still warm and dig in.

My family likes to place a piece of warm cake in a bowl. Pour a little cold milk in and eat it that way.

It makes for a great snack. Or a sweet treat right before bed.

On a scale from 1 to 5. 5 being the highest. I rate this cake of 4. Like I stated above, the frosting was to bright for my liking. Otherwise, the taste was delicious. No other complaints. I would buy this brand and shop at Aldi's again.

Chicken Lasagna Recipe

One meal I make for my family is chicken vegetable lasagna. I often serve it with sweet potato fries. One a scale from 1 to 5. 5 being the highest. I rate this recipe a 5. As my pickiest eater enjoys this.

Here is a recipe I use (please enjoy) :

Chicken Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients :
1 small container of cottage cheese
10-ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 c. broccoli
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast (chop or cut in lengths)
8 oz mushrooms
1 med.onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz. tomatoes - chopped
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
4 carrots shredded
1/2 tsp black pepper
9 lasagna noodles
Nonstick cooking spray
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions :
Combine cottage cheese, spinach, egg, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to assemble lasagna. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until chicken is golden. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrots, broccoli and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened. Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain noodles; rinse with cold water. Drain well. Coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place 3 of the lasagna noodles in prepared dish. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the cottage cheese; sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, ending with noodles. Spoon remaining chicken mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degree for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Valentine Panacke Review

©rusty2rusty

On Valentine's day I made pancakes for my teens and boyfriend. It is something I like to do for holidays. I like to find different flavors of foods to make for my family.

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This year I stopped at Aldi's grocery store. I found two different flavors of packaged pancake mixes. One is a pink batter with chocolate chips, the other was a red velvet pancake mix.

©rusty2rusty

Both had icing that was suppose to go on top of the pancakes after they were cooked. However, my teens, boyfriend and I opt to stick with our sugar-free syrup.

©rusty2rusty

I placed the batter of each flavor on the griddle. I added a little butter to help fry them up to a golden brown. A couple of pancakes split in the middle when I was picking them up with the spatula. Maybe I should have made them a little bit smaller.

However, on a scale from 1 to 5. 5 being rated the highest. I rate these pancakes a 5.  I would buy this brand and both flavors again. As I enjoyed both of these pancakes. I do think the velvet ones were more fluffy. So, next time I plan on making these with milk instead of water. That the directions call for.

Thankfulness 2/18/2015

©rusty2rusty

I am sitting here bored out of my mind. I was going in each morning working with my boyfriend. He was gone for a week. When he came back, he said it was slow. No need for me to come in. Well, I guess I didn't make the cut.

I am thankful I have a home to sit in.
I am thankful my eyesight is not blurry today.
I am thankful I can move without to much pain.
I thankful for the silence. As I know my rebellious child will be home soon screaming her head off for no apparent reason except to bug me. I guess it is her way to make sure I am still alive by getting a reaction out of me.

Note to self : Ignore the rude behavior.

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