Rusty2rusty's Chatter

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

3 Quick Meals When Your In A Hurry

Today was my teens last day of school before be let out for the summer. In the summer with the heat rising and air conditioner running. I tend to find meals I can find that are quick to make when I am in a hurry.

My boyfriend also works as a tow truck driver. He is on call. He can be called out at any amount of time. So, quick meals are a must. I have seen him get home from a run to sit down, in five minutes he has to get up and go. As he was called out for another run.

Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe
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2 cup of broccoli (chopped)
1 cup of red bell pepper (cut in julienne)
2 cup of chicken (cubed)
4 cups of your favorite pasta
3 1/2 cups of Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon Olive Oil

Cook pasta per directions. Drain. Set aside. In a pan, add all vegetables and chicken. Add 1 tsp olive oil. Cook til tender. When done. Add in pasta and alfredo sauce. Mix together. Serves 4 to 5.

Alfredo Spaghetti With Carrots & Peas Recipe
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2 cups of Peas
2 cups of Carrots
1 box of spaghetti
3 Cups of Alfredo sauce

Cook spaghetti per directions on package. Drain. Set aside. Heat vegetables in a microwave safe bowl covered in water for 5 minutes.
Check to see if tender. If not, add for 3 more minutes.
When done drain vegetables and pour in with cooked spaghetti. Add in Alfredo sauce. Mix well. Serve 4 to 5.

You can cook this in the crock pot, if you wish to make a head of time.

Vegetable Soup Made With Beef Soup Recipe

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2 cups of Carrots (slices)
2 cups of Green beans (I used french style)
2 cups of cream corn
2 cups of peas

3 cups of beef broth

1/2 teaspoon of ginger

1/2 salt
1/4 black pepper
1/2 cup of celery flakes or 2 cups of celery (diced)
1 cup of onion (diced)

Combine everything in one pot on medium heat. Bring to boil. Done. Serves 6 to 8.

Tip : If not enough beef broth. Add enough beef broth to cover vegetables before boiling.

New Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall

There is a new dog food alert. Please share this message with all your friends and family that may be using the following product :

Blue Buffalo - Life Protection Formula Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food

The product is being recalled for having to much moisture and the presence of mold.

Customers need to return the product to place of purchase or throw it away. As mold can be toxic and fatal to your dogs.

Any questions or concerns you may have, you may call directly to Blue Buffalo Customer Service at the following number (855) 201-4331. You may call between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM eastern time. Monday through Friday. Excluding major holidays.

Please if you can, pass this information on to other dog owners. Being owned by two dogs myself. I would hate to loose either one because I did not learn about a recall soon enough.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Death Of Harambe

Recently, a small child fell in to the enclosure of a silverback gorilla at a zoo. The gorilla was shot and killed. As the zookeepers called the gorilla out of the enclosures. The females did leave. However, Harambe, the male did not.

People are upset about Harambe death. They have every right to be. As we take animals out of the wild or are rescues to be placed in zoos. We are the animals keepers. If we place them in zoos. We must make sure there is no way for a young child to crawl in an enclosure to get near the animals. In this case it didn't happen. We are to protect the animals and give them as close as we can of quality of life or better. As they would be living in the wild. Zoos have really improved over the years. However, this one seem to be missing something.

The male silverback gorilla in the wild doesn't help in the care of the young ones. He does help them with socialization and plays in their games. If their mother leaves the group or dies, the male silverback will look after them. He will allow them to sleep in his nest.

After watching the video it seems to me the gorilla is being gently to the boy. He is taking an interest. However, things could of been much different if the boy would have reacted in a different way. As silverback gorillas will kill young males in their group in the wild if they are disobedient. If this boy would not have listen to the gorilla. He could of easily been hurt or worse killed.

I think the zoo took the right precaution by killing the gorilla with a boy's life at stake. I do find it a real sad moment in our history of zoos.

I also think the parents should've been paying more attention to their child. I do realize the parents had four children. One as recently as January. Which can make things hectic.

I know things happen fast. As I have three children of my own. Plus, a grandson who is quick on his feet. However, in this case it was no accident. The child was not being watched properly by the parents. The child got in an area where nobody should of got to.

In my opinion, the parents should receive the bill for the death and cost of the gorilla. Maybe next time they will pay more attention to their kids. So, it doesn't happen again.

The death of this gorilla was senseless. It would of never of happened if someone would of been watching their kids more closely.

If you agree, please sign the petition to get Justice for Harambe below :

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Photos from Pixabay, a free use photo website.

Monday, May 30, 2016

What Is Your Favorite Flavor Of Ice Cream?

Yesterday my family attended a family member's graduation party. It was good to see people I have not seen in a very long time. Such as my father and stepmom. My father never said a word to me til I went up to him when I was leaving to give him a hug, kiss and tell him I loved him. I love him with all my heart but really don't know what to say to him anymore. He isn't into the things I talk about on my blogs. I am going to try again next month. As it will be his 66th birthday. Maybe I can spark up a conversation.

After the graduation my oldest son, his girlfriend and my grandson came to visit. It made me so happy. My grandson headed start for the back door. He loves playing outside at grandmas. He only likes to come in to grab something to eat.

After a while, we all headed to the only ice cream shop still open. I decided to treat everyone to ice cream cones. We each choose a cone that was dipped in chocolate and some kind of candy. Except for my son girlfriend. She chooses an ice cream bowl dipped in chocolate and Oreos. As hot as it was, I think she made a better choice.

The ice cream was melting quicker than I could get photos. This is the ice cream cone I choose. I also ordered soft ice cream. Which I have to say was a mistake. Good thing the ice cream did not go over the top of the cone. It would have been all over.

My daughter picked 'Superman' ice cream. I explained to her that flavor has been around a very long time. As I remember getting when I was a child. She asked what it tastes like. I couldn't remember. I told her to get it and try it out. Thankfully she loved it. It is her new favorite.

Both of the boys decided to order chocolate of anything he could think of. Can't tell he loves chocolate at all, can you? Lol.

I ended up giving half of the ice cream cone and placing it in a cup. Which I gave to my grandson. He was ecstatic and clapped his hands. He threw his container away when he was done eating without being asked. He is such a smart boy for who will be turning two next month.

Do you like ice cream? What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Saturday, May 28, 2016

6 Fun Facts About Sleeping Dogs

1. Can dogs dream? Just like humans with the slow wave sleep (sws) and rapid eye movement (rem), dreams happen. Paw movement, twitching and such are signs your dog is dreaming, isn't that cool? Makes me wonder what they dream about.

2. Do you know dogs have a special membrane that allows them to see at night or in the dark? It is called the tapetum lucidum.

3. Why do dogs curl up in a ball? It is an instinct from when dogs were wild. They curl up to stay warm. Plus to protect their vital organs and stomach in case they are attacked in their sleep.

4. Why do dogs circle before they lay? It is instinct from when they are wild. They go in circles to ensure there are no snakes or bugs in the spot they wish to lay down at.

5. Why do dogs sleep in doorways? The dogs are claiming the doorway as theirs. It is a sign of dominance. As dogs see the first person or animal going their a dog way as being dominant.

6. How many hours does your dog normally sleep? Dogs need 10 1/2 hours of sleep. In order to re-energize. Plus growth hormones are released which boost the immune system. sleep aids in the healing and growth of the body.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Wildlife In Your Backyard

Yesterday I wrote about "12 Things To Spruce Up Your Backyard". While sprucing up the backyard. I have came across different wildlife in the yard. I love seeing nature in my own yard.

This big guy is a 'Bullfrog". My boyfriend found him sitting in a parking spot of all places. He ended picking him and putting him in a friends pond. That way the Bullfrog is safe and won't be ran over.

This "Jefferson Salamander" was found under the pallets out back. I had my teen son move them to mow under them. As he was suppose to place cardboard under them but never did. This area will be a garden next year.

The Jefferson salamander was moved and placed under the shed where it will not be bothered again. They are normally found underground and in damp area.

This little "Grey Tree frog" was found as the centerpieces that use to go to a covered wagon were separated. The Grey Tree frog was in another area peacefully.

This is a "Garden Centipede. It has claws that can be behind its head filled with venom. It uses them in attacks. Thankfully, it scurried away. As quick as it seen us. I would hate to get bit by it.

This is a "Eastern Cottontail Rabbit". It is common in the state where I live. There are several who play in my front yard every morning. One pair of these rabbits can produce 350,000 offspring in five years. If none of the offspring dies off. That's a bunch of rabbits.

What wildlife have you seen in your backyard?

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

12 Things To Spruce Up The Yard

Over the weekend, my family was sprucing up the yard. We have a long way to go to get to where I want it. As I want it to be a place where the teenage enjoy, my grandson can play, my dogs can run around, the wildlife can enjoy and be seen at the same time have family and friends over for BBQ's.

The landlord asked if I wanted to buy the house I am living in. It would be rent to own. The rent will be paid teh same way. Only things that change is paper work. This is something I am considering but really not decided yet.

Recently I found out that the rental property extends for another one to two feet. Eventually will extend the chain link fence to reflect that. That will give me plenty of sunny area to add a regular garden. Not under a tree where most things won't grow to lack of sunlight.

In the mean time, I have started sprucing up the yard. Plus, plans for the future :

1. Planted one flower bed out front with flowers and veggies from seeds.

2. Cleared a bunch of brush from a corner area.

3. Cut a tree down that was growing through the chain link fence.

4. Tilled the area up under the tree out back.

5. Gathered pallets to set up a prepare a garden for next year.

6. Have seeds ready to plant.

7. Placed three bushes in the ground. To use as a privacy fence.

8. Buy several elephant ear seeds to plant and use as a privacy coverage.

9. I bought a material that has several pockets to grow herbs or flowers in. Needs to be hung up on the chain link fence.

10. Fixed one bird feeder. Bought another one and hung it up.

11. Bought 8 more bags of mulch to get started on the other two flower beds out front.

12. My boyfriend needs to decide if he can make a front porch out of pallets. If so, the one flower bed will be covered up and not need to be tended. The porch will cover the flower bed and the walk way that gets flooded out. I am pushing for a front porch made out of the pallets.

What are you doing to spruce up your yard or garden?

Monday, May 23, 2016

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

I am always looking for ways to stretch my budget and make it go further. I heard about the benefits of making my own homemade laundry soap. Plus how much it would save me over all.

One thing I noticed that the initial cost may be a little high. However, once the first batch is made. All I need to buy for the next batch will be for the cost of the fels-naptha soap. Which is under $2.00.

My initial cost :

fels-naptha soap $1.99 at WalgreensBorax by 20 mule team for $4.17 at Walmart

Super Washing soap for $3.97 at Walmart

Downy Unstoppable Scents for $5.97 at Walmart

I ended making 5 gallons of homemade laundry soap for roughly $16 to $17.00 dollars. Which is roughly what I spent each month two buy 150 fl. ozs. of Gain laundry soap.

The 5 gallon bucket filled up to containers that hold two 150 fl ozs and one 45 1/2 ozs. Plus, I still have more in the bucket I plan on giving away. Which I am not including in saving money on.

I roughly will be saving anywhere from $37 - $39 dollars each time I make a new batch of homemade laundry soap. Over time, that money adds up.

I took a few pictures as I made the laundry soap.

This is what it looks like after pouring the soaps in.

This is what it looks like with the blended soap and adding the Downy stoppable scents.

This is what it looks like it the bucket. This is what I have left and plan on giving away. I have two people coming over to pick it up. You notice how the color changed after I added the downy unstoppable scents.

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe
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1 bar of Fels-naptha soap - grated1/ 2 cups Borax by 20 mule team

1/2 cups of Super Washing soap

1 full cap full of Downy Unstoppable Scents
10 drops of your favorite scent of essential oil

6 cups of water
1 5 gallon bucket

In a large pan, heat the water. Add the fels-naptha soap, washing soda, and borax. Mix well. To a low boil. When everything is well. Add the Downy stoppable scents. When melted, mix well.

Pour into a clean 5 gallon bucket. Add enough cold water to fill bucket. Add in your favorite essential oil. Blend well.

Allow laundry soap to sit for 24 to 48 hours. The laundry soap will look like a gel as it thickens.

Some people use a mixer to blend their stuff more. I don't have a mixer or blender at the moment. So, I didn't. I used a funnel and a cup to pour the homemade laundry in to each container.

Use 1/2 cup for each load of laundry.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Weekend Catch Up 5/21/2016

This past week 'Rusty2rusty's Chatter" blog has been blazing with a multitude of various blogs about : Recipes, product reviews, and an emotional journey. In case you might have missed of my post this week. Here they are :

Sunday :