More Than Today

Operation Christmas Children III

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 14:00:00 +0000

So we're doin' this thing!

We've gathered some boxes and collected some gift items.

Involve the kids.
Make this a yearly tradition.

You're teaching generosity, grace,

and what it means to love your neighbor.

Wrap the boxes up pretty.

Have the kids design their own wrapping paper with handprints,

potato stamps, drawings, or the like.

Use fabric, ribbon, bling, have fun!

Only be sure to leave it open.

As you can see, you needn't wrap your shoebox.

It's what's on the inside that counts.

Over seas and across continents,

one child WILL receive your shoebox!

Seven dollars covers the shipping cost.

Simply include the amount in an envelope inside your shoebox.

Donate, if you're able, to cover the costs for boxes given without this provision.

Pray for the child who awaits your special gift.

The Lord is preparing their heart!

Operation Christmas Children II

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 14:00:00 +0000

What are some of your favorite gifts for shoeboxes?

I'm creative so my favorites are papers, color pencils, and a sharpener.

All ages of boys and girls like these.

There are so many great ideas for kids.

Just look at this precious little girl with her new pink hat and mittens.

That's gratefulness in those sparkly eyes!

Do you change your toothbrush every few months?

Tooth paste and a tooth brush make a welcome gift.
So does soap and a nice washcloth.

A brush, comb, barrettes, headband, leg warmers, slippers, flip flops,

hat, purse, bandana, sunglasses will also bless.

Of course, there are always toys!

And candy!

Hard candy is best, as it handles time and temperatures.

Think yoyos, Matchbox cars, LEGOs, marbles, dolls, balls, plushies,

puppets, colored chalk, bells, play dough, you're catching on!

Just promise to toss in a toothbrush alongside those

Don't forget to pray for the child who will be receiving your shoebox.

And be blessed!

Operation Christmas Children

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 22:36:00 +0000

It's That Time of Year!

These shoeboxes are so fun to put together.

I choose every year to do at least one each for the older kids,

they always receive the least.

It's not complicated. There are few rules.

You can visit the Samaritan's Purse website (or just click on the link I provided)

to help with any questions.

Pretty much no liquids, perishables, or war-related toys.

Too many children around the world are exposed to fighting and violence.

As you can see, shoeboxes come in many different sizes!

Sometimes people use plastic bins.

You may or may not wrap it,

just be sure to leave it open.

But pray for the child that will be receiving it!

This is very often an uncommonly great blessing.

Use the same link above to print these labels for your box.

Be sure to bring your filled shoeboxes to a drop-off location near you

no later than November 11 - 17!

Again, you can find this information on the link above,

or on the Samaritan's Purse website.

Thank you!

Old Ties Still Bind

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:51:00 +0000

For instructions on how to make several belt styles from neckties see:

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4542/4-belt-styles-that-are-a-cinch-to-make

I've included two different styles of card holder case patterns for you here.

With all the punches and stamps at the local coffee shops and hobby centers,

you're gonna be glad to have a neat place to keep them all!

http://tamdoll.blogspot.com/2008/03/business-card-holder-tutorial.html

http://roseycornercreations.blogspot.com/2011/05/too-cute-card-keeper-with-clear-vinyl.html

Now this is something I have never yet attempted, but I'm game!

Here I have a video tutorial and written, as well.

http://cleverlyinspired.com/2011/03/video-make-a-clutch-purse/

http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2006/12/purse_frames_de.html

This looks like a GREAT baby gift!

I totally have to do this!!!

http://www.handmadebabyclothes.org/infant-boy-clothes/infant-boy-clothes-tie-onesie-tutorial

I love these ideas for dressy doggie duds!

This looks like a very good toot:

http://keyka.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/recyled-dog-col.html

http://www.erinerickson.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Little-Dog-Tie-PDF.pdf

This is the closest I could find for a lampshade pattern for neckties.

Put your clever cap on, measure thrice and cut but once:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4899519_make-sewn-silk-lampshade.html

This particular lampshade was created by Nancy Gamon:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancygamon

For the footstool toot, you'll need to stitch your fabrics together first.

http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2011/03/upholstered-footstool-ballard-design.html

http://firstadream.blogspot.com/2011/03/chair-weaving-tutorial.html

I could not find any instructions for this magnificent throw,

but I did find out that this gal goes by Eileen Away,

and she has made other such beatiful pieces.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tierug/6285726301/in/photostream

Creating this will be easier than you might expect,

but you will need a grand collection!

This would make a great masculine quilt for the good fellas in your life.

http://greenupgrader.com/18150/necktie-craft-projects/

Check my Etsy shops for possibly available upcycled neckties,

I keep my eyes peeled:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/YeOldeKnackery

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EcoBrilliance

Egg Salad Week

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:06:00 +0000

Rachael Ray's Deviled Egg Salad on Pumpernickel

Ingredients:

8 large eggs

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco)

2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard

3 tablespoons mayonnaise or 3 tablespoons ranch dressing

1/4 cup onion (white, grated or minced)

1 celery rib (small, from the heart with greens and finely chopped)

2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

3 tablespoons green salad olives and pimentos, drained and finely chopped

salt

black pepper

8 slices pumpernickel bread

4 lettuce leaves1 teaspoon paprika

She's Baaaaack

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Forgive me!!

I seem to have fallen off the edge of the earth

just before Christmastime.

Well, I won't claim to have returned,

but I'm going to try.

I'm working on clearing out my home.

Specifically:

knick knacks, collections,

"useless" nostalgia,

had-to-have-its, things, stuff, and the like.

We're switching two of the kids' rooms around,

painting them as well.

How's that going?

Just note that I have no photos.

My house is a mess,

with a capital "M".

A sty.

And, because I didn't have enough on

my plate, I started a business!

Oh, yes!

I'm selling all my glorious treasures

on my Etsy shop -

full time now,

although the pay is certainly not so.

Perhaps it's the getting-started breaks.

That's what I'm telling myself.

I've changed the name of my little shop, too.

From "Restless Fingers" to

(insert drum roll here...)

"Compass Jannock".

No. It doesn't have je ne sais quoi,

but it's quirky

and has meaning.

Jannock is an old, old word

that means

pleasant; outspoken; honest; genuine; straightforward; generous.

I like that.

I want to be that, to emulate that.

So I also choose Compass.

My talent is clearly not with naming businesses,

This isn't likely to prove memorable.

My first choice was Knackatory,

but that was taken.

C'est la vie.

Well, I suppose these piles won't organize themselves...

Really Bad Christmas Ads

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:40:00 +0000

You're a Bad Role Model, Santa

I hope you kept the receipt.

OH! You're going to be doing the laundry! That's great!!

...than with you, if that's what you give her.

And just as I'm getting into puberty, too!

Santa needs to share his cookies with "the wife."

Santi, them ciggies'll getcher gloves all yeller.

Who knew Santa was such an old fart?

Buy yourself a gun for Christmas.

Get one for everyone!

Oh yes! Get a scale for Christmas!

Delivery boy wishing you happy smoking this Christmas!

Ronny's merriest Christmas is with Chesterfield.
And lots of'em!

I vacuum with a smile and a dress.
Don't you?

All the other ladies will be so jealous,
and cancer-free.

Smoke-up, darling.
We've plenty of life insurance.

Santa really gets around.
This kid stuff is just a cover-up.

It's Easy Being Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:46:00 +0000

If, for you, being "green" is another word for being frugal,

you can become a budget-saving steward

with just a little inspiration.

Martha Stewart

Recycled Chip Bags

Simply trim, wash with hot soapy water, and dry.
Et Viola! You have wrapping paper!
(I'm sure Martha had her crew iron these.)

Martha Stewart

Gift-Box Fillers

Shred your old wrapping paper instead of buying a bag of shredded paper. Use pine boughs to nestle your gift and offer fragrance. Use candies, nuts, potpourri, tea bags, corks, or cocoa mix packets.

Martha Stewart

Recycled Paper Wrapping

Re-use wallpaper, restaurant menus, maps, shopping bags, old music sheets, old sewing patterns, etc

Martha Stewart

Magazine Bows

Trim matching colored pages to 3/4 inch widths.

Three at 11 inches, three at 10 inches, two at 9 inches,

One at 3 1/2 inches.

Happy Wrapping, friends!

Learning How To Eat More Veggies: Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:28:00 +0000

Aurora Borealis in MN

Lets face it, we don't generally like winter produce. The list above looks like a sad bunch as a tasty side for our suppers tonight. We rather prefer fresh lettuce, crunchy broccoli, and bright sweet peas. Up here in the North, where the ground has become too cold to offer us any more bounty, and will soon freeze-over completely, were looking at another long, bleak winter of frozen grocers peas and canned tomato sauce.

There is another option.

Take a fresh look around you next time you're walking through the produce section. You will see sweet potatoes, colorful winter squash, and so many different types of cabbage.

I know, you don't like squash, and you don't like sweet potatoes,

and you're not a fan of cabbage.

Its the same in my house.

Forgive me for what I'm about to say, but its time to grow up. We've spent a lifetime eating what we like and neglecting what we think is yucky, and look where its gotten us.

Chubby, tired, and battling a host of health issues.

There's good reason why cabbage is so often

eaten as a weight loss food.

1 cup contains only 19 calories. It offers plenty of vitamins C & K,

and has cancer-preventive properties.

This is a nutritious and economical vegetable that we should learn to love.

Emeril Lagasse's Favorite Cabbage recipe looks like a good bet.

It's rated 5 stars and is as easy as ... slaw!

Stuffed Cabbage is a bit putzy, but as an all-time favorite combination,

your family will thank you!

If you haven't tried Creamed Cabbage,

you're missin' somethin'. Give this a try, you might be surprised

with this creamy comfort side dish.

A super spokes-veg for vitamins A & C, a good source for minerals, too.

There are only 30 - 60 calories in 1/2 cup serving.

Mommies, winter squash offers a good source of folic acid,

good for growing baby.

They're rich in carotenes, helping to fight cancers, heart disease,

and type 2 diabetes.

Roasted Corn Pudding in Acorn Squash gives us all of our favorites

in an edible, nutritous bowl. Cheese, butter, corn,

and scallions, what better way to introduce winter squash to the fam?

1 small acorn squash, seeded & cleaned

1 Tbsp butter

1 cup milk

1 egg + 2 egg whites

1/2 cup corn kernels

1/4 tsp anise seed, pulverized

1/2 cup chopped scallions

pinch nutmeg

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/3 cup grated Cheddar

Preheat oven to 375°F, place rack in center.

Rub squash flesh with butter.

Be sure it sits flat on baking sheet, trim the bottom even, if needed.

Cover with foil and bake 40 min until tender.

In a bowl, combine milk, eggs, corn, anise seed,

half the scallions, nutmeg and salt.

Fill squash 3/4 full.

Return to oven, bake 30 - 50 minutes.

Check that the pudding has set, toothpick comes out clean.

Sprinkle the cheese on top, brown under the broiler.

Garnish with remaining scallions.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Chipotle

is a healthy, spicy Mexican-inspired soup with loads of flavor,

and great with crusty bread.

Risotto with Winter Squash and Shrimp is with

dry white wine, shallots, and scallions. A pleasing combination.

The Culinary Institute of America shares

Peppery Beef Stew with Butternut Squash, a hearty meal with robust flavors.

Jacques Pepin shares his recipe for Gratin of Butternut Squash.

This creamy dish serves 6.

1 large butternut squash

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Peel, seed, and slice squash 1/8 - 1/4 inch thick.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Place squash slice in large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil.

Boil on high heat 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, drain.

Arrange pieces in gratin dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pour on the cream, cover with cheese.

Bake 30 minutes.

Brown under broiler before serving, 4 - 5 min.

There are only 103 calories in 1 whole sweet potato.
That's about the same as 1/2 cup of brown rice.
That same veg packs-in 14% of your daily fiber, 37% vitamin C,
and 438% vitamin A!
It also throws in some calcium and iron, for good measure.

They help to stabilize and lower your blood sugar,
and, without the skins,
they still fall into the medium glycemic zone,
which is lower than whole-wheat bread.

The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission shares many recipes
for us to try, from appetizers to main dishes to sweets.

Try Jalapeno Sweet Potato Chowder for an
easy spicy and creamy soup.

Roasted Sweet Potato Poblano Salad is a fresh twist. Very delicious,
simple, and a world apart from being smothered in marshmallows.

Sweet Potato Cabbage Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing,
goodness! How bad could this be?
Chicken, bleu cheese, toasted pecans, and red wine vinegar
make a glorious and flavorful dish for the whole family.

1 medium sweet potato
1 small head red cabbage
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced & toasted
8 slices bacon
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp honey
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lb. roast chicken
1/2 cup toasted pecans
Hot Bacon Dressing (recipe below)
4 oz bleu cheese
1 Tbsp chopped parsley

Sprinkle sweet potato with salt & pepper; wrap in foil.
Roast 375º F 45 minutes, or until tender but not soft. Cool.

Slice cabbage thinly, removing core.
Place into a bowl & toss with vinegar and garlic;
season with salt & pepper.

Cook bacon crispy. Cut to 1-in. pieces. Keep warm.

Slice cooled sweet potato into rounds;
saute with butter and honey until glazed; set aside.

Heat oil in large pan; add cabbage, toss 30 seconds.
Add shredded chicken and bacon pieces, sweet potato rounds,
and pecans; toss 1 minute.

Add 1/4 cup bacon dressing; toss.
Serve immediately with bleau cheese & parsley.

Hot Bacon Dressing

Cook 1 slice bacon until crisp; remove & set aside.
Add 2 Tbsp diced celery & 2 Tbsp minced onion,
cook tender 2 minutes.

Add 3 Tbsp each red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar,
brown sugar, and 1 tsp whole grain mustard.
Salt & pepper to taste.
Simmer 10 min. Remove from heat.

Slowly stir-in 1 cup olive oil to emulsify.
Crumble and add bacon.

What are your favorite vegetable recipes?

You Can Paint on Porcelain

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:44:00 +0000

It's not as tricky as it sounds.

Mug Painted in Iceland

We can paint on porcelain, crockery, terra-cotta, metals,

ceramics, glass, and more!

Find your design,

be inspired with anything from embroidery patterns to tattoos.

You can play with it a bit

or, for gift-giving, keep it just as you found it.

Your local craft and/or art store will sell

Porcelain paint.

Plate Painted in Japan

(Pebeo is easy to find, and it comes in many colors

and applications, like markers, tubes, and jars.)

Any heat-stable surface is ready for painting with this medium.

Once your design is transfered,

place your piece into a preheated 300°F oven

for 30 minutes.

It is now as permanant as baked enamel!

Kid's mug

They're nontoxic and safe for common detergents,

as well as the top rack of your dishwasher.

If you decide to use a brush, it's recommended that you use

a natural fiber in order to avoid brush marks.

With supervision this is a good project to do with the kids,

a great opportunity to teach them about giving, creating, resourcefulness and self-sufficiency.

Cross-Stitch Lettering on Variety Plates

Japanese-Style Painted Bowls

Painting on Terra-Cotta

Painted Serving Platter, Bloomingdales

Painted Tile/Coaster

Painting tile

Painting on Glass

I've posted a few black and white images below for you,

to help you and inspire you with your search for designs and ideas.

Painted Plates: Play With Your Food

Whether traditional or whimsical,

fancy or funky,

think of your recipient and have fun!

This can be for holiday, wedding, graduation, birth,

house-warming, anniversary, anything that is special and

celebrated in your family.

I can't wait to get started!

I have my first tube and a couple of porcelain ornaments.

It's been fun to research along with you,

now I'm ready to begin.

I'll post my finished product soon!

Matryoshka Doll

Chinese Dragon

Swedish Dala Horse

Bird in Flight

Lotus Blossom Henna Pattern

Celtic Claddagh Symbol

Moravian Lamb

Love Birds

Embroidery Chicken

Pineapple, Symbol of Welcome

Two Hearts as One

Fluffy Chic, for Baby

Oak and Acorn, Symbol For Strength

Madonna and Christ

Treble Clef

Butterfly, Nouveau Style

Robots

Spring Dogwood Blossom

Happy porcelain painting, friends!

Homemade Christmas Gifts, Keeping it Simple For Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Mulled Cider Sachets

6 Star Anise
12 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Tbsp Allspice Berries
1 Tbsp Whole Cloves

Divide between three bags

~ * ~ *~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Honey Skin Cream With Herbs

2 tsp each dried mint, sage, & rosemary

1/2 oz beeswax

2 ozs lanolin

1/2 cup carrier oil*

1 tsp honey

1. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over combined herbs. Steep 10 minutes. Strain through fine sieve. Allow liquid to cool. Discard herbs.

2. Melt beeswax and lanolin in heatproof glass over simmering water. Add carrier oil, stirring. Add herbal infusion by teaspoonful, stirring until well blended. Remove glass from water.

3. Add honey to tepid cream and stir carefully until blended. Let cool completely.

4. Stir cream thoroughly and transfer to clean containers with tight-fitting lids.

Makes approximately 10 ozs. Will keep about 3 months.

* Carrier oil: Sweet Almond oil, Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil, Canola oil

~ * ~ *~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Body Scrub

2 cups Epsom Salts
1 cup carrier oil (like sweet almond oil)
8 drops essential oil(s)
1 drop food coloring (optional)

1. Stir together Epsom salts and carrier oil.

2. Add essential oil, 1 drop at a time. Add food coloring. Stir until even throughout. Spoon into clean jars.

Can also use this recipe with organic cane sugar.

Replace equal parts Epsom salts with organic cane sugar.

~ * ~ *~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Scented Geranium Leaf Pound Cake

12 - 16 unsprayed scented geranium leaves, wiped clean

1 pound butter, room temperature

1 pound sugar

1 pound flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 pound eggs, separated

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Grease your pans and line with parchment.

Arrange leaves, tops down.

Set aside.

Beat butter and sugar, 2 - 3 minutes to light and fluffy.
Sift together flour and baking powder.
Add egg yolks, one at a time, slowly to the creamed butter.
Alternate with flour mixture.

Beat in vanilla, then cream.

Batter will be thick.

Transfer to large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Place egg white in medium, non-reactive bowl.

Whip to stiff peaks.

Stir in about 1/4 with rubber spatula.

Fold in the remaining whites.

Carefully spoon batter into prepared pans,

filling the mini ceramic loaf pans 2/3 full and

running a knife blade through batter a couple times

to remove air bubbles.

Bake 40 - 45 min. until toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool.

I've adjusted the baking time to accomidate the small ceramic pans.

Ceramic requires longer times, but the smaller amount requires less.

A little investigation, and a careful eye will help.

Do not open the oven while pound cake is baking.

National Listening Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:51:00 +0000

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;

courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

— Winston Churchill

"If speaking is silver, then listening is gold."

— Turkish Proverb

Ear - Our Hearing Organ

lis * ten (lis' en)
1. To make an effort to hear something. 2. To pay attention; heed. 3. An act of listening.

Give advice; if people don't listen, let adversity teach them.

- Etheopian Proverb

Hearing in the Brain

"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously."

— Hubert Humphrey

"Listening looks easy, but it's not simple. Every head is a world."

— Cuban Proverb

Heart and Soul - Hearing Deeply

Who speaks, sows; Who listens, reaps.

— Argentine Proverb

Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.

- Indian Proverb

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak

and slow to become angry

James 1:19

Great American Smokeout

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Happy Joe Lucky Comic Strip

You'll like it. Women like it.

Because the noise alone isn't enough.

Promoting youth and beauty!

Geez, that looks like a stinky room!

Smoking and exercise go hand in hand.

"Happy Birthday Dad, we know your A B Cs!"

Doctors prefer Camels for our soldiers.

Ooh, that's sexy!

Sneaky Granny

"Gee, Dad, you always get the best of everything!"

Throat protection

She looks familiar!

Cuz if you're gonna smoke, it's gotta be pretty

I know I'd rather be thin with a raspy voice, stinky house, asthmatic kids, yellow fingers...

You can prove there's no unpleasant aftertaste!

"Ooooo!"

She likes a smokin' hot fella.

Aparently, pipes are like astrology.

"You need this throat protection!"

Facts up in smoke

"Blow in her face and she'll follow you anywhere."

Well, if doctors smoke them...

no comment

Quite the comparison.

Athletic smokers. That's realistic.

Start'em right from school.

"Mighty easy on the throat."

"An army man must keep fit.

Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet."

"To keep a slender figure

Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet."

Phillipss Milk of Magnesia

Minimize the After-Effects.

"I like what you like"

Miss America smokes Lucky Strike!

Forever and ever...

well, maybe not.

Cranberry Relish With Clementines

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:07:00 +0000

Cranberries are high in fiber, vitamin C,

and even provide some iron.

This is a delicious way to eat cranberries.

If you're not a fan of the sauce,

give the raw ones a try.

This is a perfect accompaniment to any poultry

in any season.

We find them in bags in the produce section.

You'll find they bounce when they're ripe.

This is easy to make and disappears quickly.

I'll make this a few times between now and January.

It's a favorite of the kid's.

1 Bag Raw Cranberries, sorted & rinsed
2 Tart Apples, cored, peeled, & chopped
2 - 3 Clementines, peeled & sectioned
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 -2 drops Almond Extract (optional)

Raw Cranberries, rinsed & sorted

Clementine

Tart Apple

Savory Sweet Potato, Black Bean Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:16:00 +0000

I have eaten this several times at a local restaurant.

While I don't have an exact recipe,

I have scrutinized the flavors often enough

to be able to make this outstanding, original salad at home.

It's simple to make

for a filling lunch or hearty side dish.

It's a fantastic meal for those who are wheat-sensitive,

you don't even miss your breads.

Give this recipe a try.

It's high in fiber and vitamin A.

It's economical year-round.

And it's a great meal for a pot-luck or a holiday.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes

and chop them into rough 1-inch cubes.

Coat them well with plenty of oil,

a pinch each of cumin and cayenne,

and a teaspoon or two of chili powder.

Place them into a hot oven, 400°F,

and bake for 40 - 50 minutes,

until fork-tender, but not mushy.

Once cooked, set aside to let cool.

Drain and rinse well a can of black beans.

Cooked & Rinsed Black Beans

Fresh or Frozen Sweet Kernel Corn

Add some sweet corn, fresh or frozen

so it's crunchy and sweet.

Slice some scallions to your liking,

for a bit of fresh zip.

Scallions / Green Onions

Finally, add some fresh cilantro

for that fresh, herb flavor.

Cilantro

3-5 Sweet Potatoes

1/4 cup Canola or Olive Oil

1 - 2 teaspoons Chili Powder

pinch Cumin

pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)

1 Can Black Beans

1 cup Sweet Corn Kernels

1/4 - 1/2 cup Chopped Scallions

1/4 cup chopped Cilantro

Armistice Day / Veteran's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:17:00 +0000

When our perils are past,

shall our gratitude sleep?

~George Canning

Field of Poppies, Flanders, France

It is easy to take liberty for granted,

when you have never had it taken from you.

~Author unknown

This nation will remain the land of the free

only so long as it is the home of the brave.

~Elmer Davis

Cross Stitch Remembrance

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms.

It means a strong desire to live

taking the form of readiness to die.

~G.K. Chesterton

Freedom is never free.

~Author Unknown

Thank You

What Can I Do With All These Plastic Bags!!!??

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Home From Shopping

Who doesn't recognize this?

Now, I don't know about you, but around here

there are stores that don't even carry paper bags anymore.

Our recycling protocol requires that our

recyclables be organized into paper bags.

More often than not we have run out of paper bags.

At the risk of blaspheming the environment, I rather like paper bags.

I use them when wrapping boxes that I'm

packaging for the mail.

We use them to cover and protect our children's text books.

Theres nothing better onto which to place your freshly fried foods!

Paper towels get soggy,

paper bags absorb grease

while preserving the crispiness of your food.

We've used them for countless school and craft projects.

But, here we are,

knee-deep in plastic bags.

So, lets make lemonade!

Paint "Shirt"

There are many wonderful uses for plastic bags, too.

This little tot demonstrates how to keep

your tummy clean while painting.

An impromptu and clever idea when you may not yet have

established a paint shirt.

I use them to cover appliances while in storage.

We have a shelf in our garage

that holds a crock pot, canning kettles,

roaster, ice cream maker, juicer and bread machine.

All with a plastic bag

draped over them to keep the dust out.

Up in the attic we have recently

put away our fans for storage, each of them covered

with a plastic bag.

This easy extra step preserves the life

of the motor inside by keeping dust particles out

during storage.

With all this plastic literally flying around,

were finding some new uses.

(Naturally, we stumble upon some superfluous uses.

But that is part of the mechanics of ingenuity.)

I'm exploring some practical ideas that we can put to use

in our own homes and lives.

My interest is in turning our abundance,

seemingly negligible,

into daily domestic productivity.

Some will even make enterprising gifts!

Directions For How To Make Plarn

Cut 1 Inch

This is plarn.
Plastic yarn.

Ive blogged about this before, back in March.

Today, however, I would like to share a bit more in depth.

I would like you to see this as something

that you can do to make your life better.

The instructions are simple enough.

You're cutting strips (about 1in) and linking them together.

Once you find yourself with a nice, long length, roll it into a ball.

You may wish to keep your colors separated,

or you may not care.

Balls of Plarn in Assorted Colors

Plarn Bag

With your balls of plarn,

simply knit or crochet your project.

There are many patterns to be found on the web now.

You'll need large needles.

Click HERE for a free crocheted clothespin bag pattern.

Plarn Coil-Weave Bowl

This is a photo of a plarn coil-weave bowl.

You will find directions for how to coil weave on various sites,

You may use clothesline cord, or any sturdy cord or rope.

These make a sturdy textile bowl

that you can shape as you weave.

Spinning Plarn

In order to get that smooth look,

and a smaller stitch,

you'll need to spin your plarn.

This is a whole other step that you may or may not be interested in.

I'm not ready for this, myself,

but Ive highlighted a couple of links for you to check out, if you'd like.

You'll need a drop spindle.

The Joy of Handspinning and Instructables share directions

for how to make your own drop spindle.

Spun Plarn Crochet Angel

Knitting Spun Plarn

Crocheted Spun Plarn Purse

Spun Plarn Snowflakes

A New Twist on an Old Favorite -
Spun Plarn Granny Squares

Tutorial For Fusing Plastic For Fabric

There is another process by which we can

create something new and useful with our plethora plastic bags.

Fusing.

With only an iron and a bit of parchment paper between the board and the iron,

(with your layers of plastic between)

you can create all kinds of things made of this very strong, fused plastic "fabric".

It will take a bit of practice to get a feel for the amount of time

and the temperature you'll need.

The key is to keep your iron moving,

prepare for the plastic to shrink as it fuses together,

and keep on trying!

This is a fun project,

especially when you're itching to create something

useful and practical, but haven't yet learned to knit or crochet.

Give this a try, you'll enjoy it!

Stitched Fused Plastic Bag

Fused Plastic Owl Bag

Click HERE for some very good instructions on how to make a

fusible plastic fabric grocery bag.

Fused Plastic Bag

Above is a fused plastic fabric bag that uses some nice handles.

You may find these at your larger craft stores.

You might also wish to

keep your eyes peeled for some vintage purses that are better-off

in the trash, but have good handles.

Fused Plastic Bag

Here we see someone has created a make-up bag

using some trimmings for embellishment.
There are many examples of this, even to the extent of

being considered art.

Fused Plastic Notebook Cover

This is a great idea for young ones in church,

scratch paper in the car, or purse,

or a funky and whimsical gift idea for your teen.

Use paper that you have;

art projects that you can't throw but don't have room to save,

maps that are out-dated,

place mat menus,

anything that would make it personal and fun!

Fused Plastic Weave Bag

Don't throw all those fused plastic bits that "didn't turn out"!

There's a use for just about anything.

In this case, trim your practice bits and use them in a weave.

This is very cool,

and much sturdier than the free cloth bags that we get at the fair.

(What are those made of, anyway?)

Fused Plastic Bib

Who can argue about this as the quintessentially perfect project

for plastic fusing?

Click HERE for a free fused plastic bib pattern.

You can place images in between your plastic bag layers

for an applique look.

There are great directions for this on Sustain Lane and Craftzine.

Pattern Idea For Fused Plastic

Fused Plastic Reusable Sammy Bag
Click HERE to get these directions.

Fused Plastic iPod Case

Fused Plastic Eyeglasses Case

Click HERE for a free eyeglasses case pattern.

Here are a few more ideas from one of my previous blog posts,

Thrifty Letter B With Vicky Lansky:

*Cut up green bags into strips and tie onto child's belt

for Hawaiian “grass” skirt.

*Store over your heaters in the summer, around your fans in winter.

*Cover ceiling fans during remodeling.

*Keep in kids’ closet for catching outgrown items.

*Cover well-watered plants with transparent bag just before vacation,

keeping out of direct light.

*Dust covers for seldom-worn clothing.

*Store extras in bottom of waste basket.

*Wrap one up to the size of piece of gum, slip rubber band around it, drop in purse

- never know when you’ll need it!

*Spray paint small items inside of one.

*For intense toilet cleaning, place hand in bag, scrub, then toss.

*Cover shoes before packing to keep other garments clean.

*Keep feet dry inside not-so-waterproof shoes or boots.

*“Wear” when mixing meatloaf.

*Set metal furniture legs into after carpet shampoo to prevent rust.

*Funnel for liquids.

*Waterproof a mattress by splitting and placing under sheet.

*Indispensable for travel, auto, camping, picnic.

Plastic Bags Made Into Flowers

Fused Plastic Flower With Vintage Button

Finally, have fun!

Experiment!

This doesn't need to be perfect, theres not much out there

that's more forgiving.

And, for a while, your resources don't seem to be

in danger of being endangered.

Until then,

proudly display your upcycled plastic, friends!

Ephemera - Get it for FREE

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:23:00 +0000

I just love ephemera!

I always have. Of course, we use to just call it old stuff;

antique, art nouveau, art deco, tin-type photographs etc.

These last two are styles of art popular during

specific eras. However, ephemera is the word we use lately

that easily encompasses all such

lovely, and even quirky

styles of the past.

Yes, this includes the now-popular vintage.

Whether you are an artist, a teacher,

a scrap-booker, or crafter,

you're reading this because either you love it

or you're curious.

Check out some of these sites for a fun lesson

and start your own collection.

The Graphics Fairy has all kinds of ephemera in which to lose yourself.

She posts the original

and sometimes shares other versions that

might be useful.

Art-e-zine is based in the UK

and shares a myriad collection of old photographs

and postcards.

From geishas to cowboys,

from darling children to beautiful ladies,

you wont want to miss this site.

E-Vint.com will display thumbnails

for you to peruse, page by page.

Just click on one to see it larger.

This site shares all kinds of ephemera,

from advertising to photographs to postcards.

Art-e-cats also shares thumbnails.

There doesn't appear to be many,

but what is there is worth checking out.

Victorian Vignettes is a blog site that shares images

and makes it easy to find what you may be looking for.

A column on the right side will direct you

to animals, Egyptian ephemera, seasonal, flowers, and more!

Travel Brochure Graphics is a site

that shares lost advertising for travel,

automobile, gasoline,

cruise travel, and more.

This one is interesting just to look at!

Reminiscene is another UK site

that has displayed many lost photos obtained from

Antique shops and fairs.

Their goal is to reunite these with their ancestors.

Outside the Margins shares some fun photographs

that are worth looking at.

Many are colorized,

most are fun or even quirky.

Karens Whimsy displays another nice list

from which you can choose from.

This one is located on the left-hand side

and offers an array of interests,

including the ancient past, Native Americans,

silhouettes, vintage fashions,

and so much more!

This is a fun site.

Briar Press displays printer block images

that you will find in black and white.

They share single letters, frames, labels,

and clip art.

While some are for sale, they offer many for free.

What do you use ephemera for?

Crepes - For Any Meal!

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:29:00 +0000

Sauteed onion, spinach, mushroom, bacon filling

Crepes are not really as difficult as their reputation purports.

The thin batter is incredibly simple to make.

All you need is a small, flat, nonstick pan and a good flick'o the wrist.

Anyone who make crepes will tell you,

the first two or four are not very pretty.

They are, however, entirely edible,

and as delicious as the pretty ones!

These are for growling tiny, impatient tummies,

or the hungry cook to nosh

-just to be sure they're up to par, of course.

Wink, wink.

Shrimp, roasted red pepper, fresh herbs

Something we've become stubborn about

is that crepes should have sweet fillings,

and that they are for breakfast.

That's too bad.

These are perfect to make ahead of time

and keep in the refrigerator for a day

- an anytime meal.

They'll keep in the freezer for a month!

That's handy for such a treat.

Originating in Brittany,

(the northwest corner of France)

and once reserved for the royals,

these are still made and filled with meats and cheeses.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that

the Prince of Whales

would request a dessert crepe.

It was the prince's beautiful lady companion that would be the namesake

of the since-famous Crepe Suzette.

Fancy crepe-making tools

Thin crepe batter

Fun Vintage Crepe Recipe

Crepe Recipe

This makes 20-24 crepes.

2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 eggs

2 1/4 cups milk

1/4 cup butter, melted

Sift together flour, and salt.

Set aside.

In a separate bowl beat together eggs and milk.

Beat in flour mixture until smooth.

Stir in melted butter.

When you're ready to make your crepe,

lift your pan off the heat first.

Heat your lightly oiled pan over med-high.

Pour about 2 Tablespoons for each crepe.

Quickly tilt your pan and spread this around,

cook light golden.

The first side will need about 45-60 seconds to cook.

Flip this gingerly with your rubber spatula,

this takes practice.

Let yourself make a few mess up - remember, the mistakes are edible.

The other side cooks much quicker.

As for "perfectly thin" crepes,

well, that's just silly.

We're not having some sort of contest,

we're eating!

To tempt you...

Batter up!

Catch ya on the flip side

Let me share some other savory filling ideas

for your next crepe dinner:

Ham and cheese

Prosciutto and Gruyere

Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce

add some Boiled Egg

Spinach, mushrooms, & Swiss Cheese

with some Freshly Cracked Pepper

Smoked Whitefish, Sour cream, Chives, Horseradish

Roasted Peppers, Pine Nuts, Grilled Chicken

Chorizo, Avocado, Sun Dried Tomato

Smoked Salmon & Arugula

Poached Egg, Spinach, Avocado

Chicken Marsala Crepes!

Chicken, Artichoke, Sun Dried Tomato

Crepes are great for leftovers...

Think Thanksgiving turkey with a smudge of cranberry

or sauteed green beans.

Christmas ham with sauteed Apple

and a slice of Cheddar.

Easter's boiled eggs with Smoked Fish and Chives.

Summer's Grilled Meat with Roasted Pepper

and Sauteed Garlic.

Creperie en France

Cute Paper Squirrel

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:44:00 +0000

From the Martha Stewart website

Paper Squirrel Favors

I wanted to share this in plenty of time for Thanksgiving.

They're so cute! And a fun favor for kids.

You can fill them with treats or toys,

be sure to back your paper with a sturdy card stock.

Here are a few other ways to grace your Thanksgiving table.

Easy Seasoning Mix Recipes For Gift-Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:22:00 +0000

Making home-blended seasonings is a great idea for gift-giving.

You have control over the content, such as sodium or cayenne pepper.

You may put together a sampler pack of favorite tastes.

There's an option for the braver-of-heat, the barbecue king,

Tex-Mex fans, and curry lovers.

There are also copycat recipes for many popular favorites.

There are a few rules to consider when blending seasonings.

The quality of the herbs and spices used

will be reflected in the final product.

We can have an effect on several spices by

lightly roasting or toasting them.

With any seasoning, crushing bring out the oils,

which is where the flavors are.

If you haven't already, invest in a pepper mill.

This is a purchase you'll never regret.

Use freshly cracked pepper for good flavor.

My husband gave me a lovely brass mill as a

Christmas gift years ago and we haven't bought ground pepper since.

They don't need to be expensive,

but I'll tell ya, I've never found the sturdy kind at a garage sale!

Unless otherwise specified, all herbs and spices below should be ground.

When onion or garlic are written as granulated,

it is not the powder but the dehydrated form.

It's good to note that sea salt is not the same as table salt.

Table salt dissolves better, which is great for baking,

while sea salt has that pleasant briny crunch.

And because it's unprocessed, it keeps it's minerals.

Kosher salt has no preservatives

and is a great salt for preserving.

When a dry seasoning recipe calls for brown sugar,

it becomes necessary to dry it.

This prevents clumping, as well as aiding with even distribution, once mixed.

It will generally be accompanied by salt,

mix the two together and spread this evenly on a baking sheet.

Bake it for about 60 minutes at a low 170°F,

checking the sugar to be sure it is very dry.

* * * * * * * *

BBQ Jamaican Jerk Chicken, flickr

Jerk Seasoning

1 tablespoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Be sure to remind your gift recipient that

this seasoning recipe will need some oil

to become a seasoning rub.

Cajun Seasoning

1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup salt
3 tablespoons black pepper
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme

Creole Seasoning

1/2 cup Kosher salt (1/4 cup table salt)
1/3 cup paprika
1/3 cup black pepper
1/4 cup granulated garlic
1/4 cup onion powder
3 tablespoons white pepper
3 tablespoons cayenne
2 tablespoons thyme
2 tablespoons basil
1 tablespoon oregano

* * * * * * * *

Tony Cacheres Creole Seasoning, flickr

BBQ Seasoning

1 cup Sea salt, medium fine
1/2 cup Unrefined evaporated cane sugar (no table sugar, please)
1/2 cup Dark brown sugar, dried
2 Tablespoons Sweet Hungarian paprika
2 Tablespoons Chili powder
2 Tablespoons Granulated onion2 Tablespoons Dry mustard
1 Tablespoon Granulated garlic
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons Celery salt
2 teaspoons Ground ginger
1 teaspoon cayenne

Taco Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Tony Cachere Famous Creole Seasoning

26 ounces salt
1 1/2 ounces black pepper
2 ounces red pepper
1 ounce garlic powder
1 ounce chili powder
1 ounce Accent seasoning (Warning: MSG)
　

* * * * * * * *

Curry Powder, flickr

Madras Curry Powder

8 tablespoons coriander seeds
6 tablespoons cumin seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seed
4 tablespoons cinnamon
8 tablespoons peppercorns
1 tablespoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 tablespoons cardamom
2 tablespoons turmeric
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon cayenne (or less if less heat is desired)

Roast the seeds gently in a dry skillet over low heat,

while shaking the pan a bit.

Once they start to pop, add the cinnamon, peppercorns,

nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, ginger and cayenne.

Be sure the mixture becomes hot and toasted

but not burnt.

Grind this mixture to a powder using a blender, processor,

or mortor and pestle.

Garam Masala Curry Powder

1 tablespoon dried miniature rosebuds (optional)
A 1-inch piece cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup cumin seeds
1/3 cup coriander seeds
1 tablespoon green cardamom pods
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 dried red chile
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground mace

Toss the stems from the roses.

In a dry skillet over medium heat

stir together the roses with the cinnamon, bay leaves,

cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods,

whole peppercorns, cloves, and chile,

stirring often,

until the cumin becomes brown, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

Add the nutmeg and mace, then grind to a fine powder.

Jamaican Curry Powder

1/4 cup whole coriander seeds
2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
2 tablespoons whole mustard seeds
2 tablespoons whole anise seeds
1 tablespoon whole fenugreek seeds
1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
5 tablespoons ground turmeric

Combine the seeds and berries

in a skillet.

Toast over medium heat until their color becomes slightly darker

and very fragrant, about 10 minutes.

Remove from the skillet, allow to cool.

Grind with the turmeric to a fine powder.

* * * * * * * *

Salt, flickr

Mrs.Dash Salt-Free Seasoning Substitute

1/2 cup onion flakes
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons vegetable flakes
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried orange peel
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons parsley
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened lemonade drink mix
1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary

Lowry's Seasoning Salt

2 Tablespoons pepper
1 Tabelspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 Tablspoon parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/3 cup salt

Old Bay Seasoning

2 tablespoons ground bay leaves
2 tablespoons celery salt
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Montreal Steak Seasoning

2 Tablespoons black pepper
2 Tablespoons paprika
1 Tablespoons salt
1 Tablespoons granulated garlic
1 Tablespoons granulated onion
1 Tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoons ground coriander
1 Tablespoon dill seeds

* * * * * * * *

Washable Napkins

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:42:00 +0000

I'm always looking for ways to save some money. As I get older, I appreciate more and more how each of our daily efforts really add up to a lifestyle difference. I published a post back in August about washable napkins. Since then I've got quite a collection put together, and I can proudly say that, not only are we using these instead of paper napkins, but we've got a good supply that should last for some time to come.

Cotton Dishcloth Yarn

The kids in a pool

The first of these washable napkins started while we were vacationing with family. My kids were swimming in the pool and I was reading a book, doing a crossword, and enjoying my time-off in the warm summer weather. When I bored of these activities, I pulled out my knitting. This was the perfect project! It required no thinking, no measuring, no special stitches, no itchy wool yarn, and relatively no paying attention. I could watch my kids as much as my knitting. And I wasn't the only poolside knitter, there was another with a light blue affair, soft and quite lovely, so my children couldn't make fun of me..

Knitting a dishcloth - No pattern!

First Washable Dishcloths - Cotton knit

I had made maybe eight of them, maybe ten. Not enough for our biggish-sized family. I stopped in at a nearby ~~garage~~ estate sale, held at an old farm house where I knew I'd find many lovely things. I found more than I could afford, but was able to bring home these darling vintage embroidered napkins. They match my kitchen perfectly. I also found this old salt bag, I could trim it up for napkins. I haven't decided yet. It's a fun find for me, my mom's from Minneapolis and my daddy's from Duluth! I may choose to do something longer-lasting with this piece.

Second collection
- vintage cotton with embroidery

Old Cotton Salt Bag

We needed just a bit more. Yes. There are nights of spaghetti or pizza, barbecued chicken or just the occasional spilt milk. When you have six people eating a meal coming off the grill, you need a good supply of napkins. When you have youngsters, you don't want to run out.

I ran into another estate sale where I happened upon a quantity of bright yellow-gold napkins. They were sold as a set, but hardly used and at a good price: one dozen for $3. These were a nice, soft cotton, so I was happy to bring them into my kitchen.

Bright yellow-gold napkins from an estate sale

We need to have a handy place to keep these napkins, ready for sticky fingers to grab before touching anything else. I've chosen to keep mine on the table in a basket. With all the different ages of my children, eating times can be any time, so meals are when they're here and when they're hungry. Go ahead, sit down with your meal, grab a napkin, and enjoy!

Napkins in a basket at table

I had grabbed a few of other things, practically for free. I'll share these ideas with you. If you have or find some old sheets (cleaned, of course) that are made from flannel or homespun cotton fabric, they are perfect for making napkins, even towels. Same for shirts that you may have, or find, especially men's, as they're larger. Again, make these flannel or homespun, and clean. These you'll want to trim along the thick seams. Remember, there's no pattern here, just squarish and something generally big enough to clean your hands and handsome enough to please yourself.

Cotton homespun sheeting

Cotton flannel shirting

National Cat Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Cats Sleep Anywhere

Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair.
Top of piano, window-ledge, in the middle, on the edge.
Open draw, empty shoe, anybody's lap will do.
Fitted in a cardboard box, in the cupboard with your frocks.
Anywhere! They don't care! Cats sleep anywhere.

Eleanor Farjeon (1881 - 1965)

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

There's a whisper down the line at 11:39
When the Night Mail's ready to depart,
Saying 'Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?
We must find him or the train can't start.'
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster's daughters
They are searching high and low,
Saying 'Skimble where is Skimble for unless he's very nimble
Then the Night Mail just can't go.'
At 11:42 then the signal's nearly due
And the passengers are frantic to a man -
Then Skimble will appear and he'll saunter to the rear:
He's been busy in the luggage van!
He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes 'All Clear!'
And we're off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!

You may say that by and large it is Skimble who's in charge
Of the Sleeping Car Express.
From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards
He will supervise them all, more or less.
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and in the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And he'd know at once if anything occurred.
He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking
And it's certain that he doesn't approve
Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet
When Skimble is about and on them ove.
You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!
He's a Cat that cannot be ignored;
So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail
When Skimbleshanks is aboard.

Oh it's very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there's not a speck of dust on the floor.
There is every sort of light - you can make it dark or bright;
There's a button that you turn to make a breeze.
There's a funny little basin you're supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly
'Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?'
But Skimble's just behind him and was ready to remind him,
For Skimble won't let anything go wrong.
And when you creep into your cosy berth
And pull up the counterpane,
You are bound to admit that it's very nice
To know that you won't be bothered by mice -
You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,
The Cat of the Railway Train!

In the middle of the night he is always fresh and bright;
Every now and then he has a cup of tea
With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he's keeping on the watch,
Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.
You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew
That he was walking up and down the station;
You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle,
Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he summons the police
If there's anything they ought to know about:
When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait -
For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
Which says: 'I'll see you again!
You'll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Train.'

T S Elliot

Chang Tuan's Cats

Scholar Chang Tuan was fond of cats,
And had seven of them,
Wonderful beasts with wonderful names.

They were:

Guardian of the East
White Phoenix
Purple Blossom
Drive-Away-Vexation
Brocade Sash
Cloud Pattern
Ten Thousand strings of Cash

Each was worth several pieces of gold
And nothing could persuade Chang
To part with them.

After Wang Chih, c. 1100 C.E.

Pinkle Purr

Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
A little black nothing of feet and fur;
And by and by, when his eyes came through,
He saw his mother, the big Tattoo.
And all that he learned he learned from her,
"I'll ask my mother," says Pinkle Purr.

Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
A ridiculous kitten with silky fur.
And little black Pinkle grew and grew
Till he got as big as the big Tattoo.
And all he did he did with her.
"Two friends together," says Pinkle Purr.

Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
An adventurous cat in a coat of fur.
And whenever he thought of a thing to do,
He didn't much bother about Tattoo.
For he knows it's nothing to do with her,
So "See you later," says Pinkle Purr.

Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
An enormous leopard with coal-black fur.
A little brown kitten that's nearly new
Is now playing games with its big Tattoo...
And Pink looks lazily down at her:
"Dear little Tat," says Pinkle Purr.

A. A. Milne

National Chocolate Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:05:00 +0000

"Just try to take the chocolate away"

Ideas For Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Lani K) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Little Zombie Pumpkins

Stick an old baby monitor inside your pumkin this year, maybe you have a Jack that tells jokes! or simply says, "Boo!"

Owl Pumpkin

Vine and Leaf Carved Pumpkin

From Living on a Dime:

Face Paint
1 tsp. corn starch
1/2 tsp. water
1/2 tsp. cold cream
food coloring

Mix all ingredients together in an old muffin pan and you are ready
to paint. This amount makes one color.

Fake Wound1 Tbsp Vaseline
tissue
cocoa powder
2-3 drops red food coloring

Place Vaseline in a bowl. Add food coloring. Blend with a
toothpick. Stir in a pinch of cocoa to make a darker blood color.
Separate tissue. Using 1 layer, tear a 2x3 inch piece and place at
wound site. Cover with petroleum jelly and mold into the shape of a
wound. The center should be lower than the sides. Fill the center
with the red petroleum jelly mixture. Sprinkle center with some
cocoa. Sprinkle a little around the edges of the wound to make
darker.

Wormy Apples
6 apples
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. each ground cinnamon and nutmeg
6 gummy worms
1 cup whipping cream,(optional)

Core apples from blossom ends, leaving stem ends intact. Mix
raisins and walnuts and stuff into cavities of cored apples. Set
apples, stems up in a 9x13 pan. In a saucepan, mix brown sugar,
water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir over high heat until
mixture boils. Pour hot syrup around apples. Bake, uncovered, at
350 degrees, basting occasionally with syrup, until apples are
tender when pierced and skin begins to crack, 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove apples from oven; cool in pan at least 10 minutes.

Set each apple in a small bowl and spoon syrup around fruit. In the
top of each apple, cut a hole large enough for one of the candy
worms and tuck one end into each apple, leaving most of the worm
dangling. Offer cream to pour over apples. Makes 6 servings.

Medusa with rubber snakes in the hair

Rosegarden

Beehive

Pumpkin Bird Feeder