Thursday, February 27, 2020

Cauliflower Broccoli Salad

I've been trying some new recipes that I'm finding on Pinterest. This one - for Cauliflower Broccoli Salad - led to Valentina's Corner.


Cauliflower Broccoli Salad 

Prep Time - 15 mins
Cook Time - 5 mins
Total Time - 20 mins

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 467kcal

Ingredients

3 cups raw cauliflower, small florets
3 cups raw broccoli, small florets
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped (I used a yellow onion)
1 cup mild cheddar, grated
1/2 pack bacon, chopped & cooked (8 oz)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries) (I used raisins)

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise (I used Miracle Whip)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (I didn't put any sugar in it since Miracle Whip tastes sweet)
1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions

Cook bacon pieces, set onto a paper towel to cool. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small florets. Finely chop onion.

Prepare the homemade salad dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. In a bowl add the broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, sunflower seeds, cranberries, bacon, and red onion.

Add dressing and combine well.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Lent 2020 - Photography, Decluttering, and Poetry

This idea comes from a pin on Pinterest that leads to Beth Anne's Best. It focuses on taking one photograph per day during Lent which is February 26th to April 9th this year. Her ideas and suggestions for each photography prompt follow.


1. Ashes or someone's #ashtag – Show us a picture of ashes or the ashes you received at church today.
2. Heart – It’s Valentine’s Day share a heart you gave or received. (Note: this is from a year when Lent was earlier. I looked at a different photography challenge and am replacing this with another idea from a pin that has other ideas. Today's alternative image idea: Wonder.)
3. Lenten meal – During Lent Catholics abstain from Lent on Friday’s. Share what you ate today.
4. The Weather – Jesus predicted his death in the scriptures. The weather man predicts the weather everyday. Was he right today?
5. Forty – There are forty days in lent. Use your imagination post a picture to represent the number 40.
6. Your Lenten Sacrifice – What sacrifices are you making this Lent? Are you praying more or giving something up?
7. Bible – Our faith is routed in scripture. Share a picture of any Bible – your favorite or even a family Bible.
8. Your Favorite Clergy – The clergy are an important part of the church. Share a photo of your favorite deacon, priest, pastor, bishop, cardinal, or pope. (Alternative image idea: Peace.)
9. Lenten meal – During Lent Catholics abstain from meat on Friday’s. Share what you ate today. (Alternative image idea: Joy.)
10. Favorite Saint – The Saints are our role models. Who do you look up to most and why? (Alternative image idea: Patience.)
11. Quiet – Share a photo of a quiet place or that represents what the word Quiet means to you.
12. Favorite Place to Pray – Where is your favorite place to pray? (Alternative image idea: Kindness.)
13. Tree – A tree made a big difference in Zacchaeus’ life. Jesus also died on a cross (made out of a tree). Share a picture of a tree to remember this.
14. Healing – Jesus was a healer. Share a picture that represents healing to you.
15. Lenten meal – During Lent Catholics abstain from Lent on Friday’s. Share what you ate today. (Alternative image idea: Wilderness.)
16. Some place High – Jesus often preached from the top of mountains. Go some place high and take a photo and say a prayer.
17. Almsgiving – During Lent we are supposed to give to others. Share a photo of a way you are doing that this Lent.
18. Something Purple – Purple is the liturgical color of Lent. There is purple everywhere in the church. Share something purple.
19. Candle – Candles are very symbolic of our faith. Share a photo of a candle to remember this.
20. Sacrifice – Share a photo of what sacrifice means to you.
21. Lenten meal – During Lent Catholics abstain from Lent on Friday’s. Share what you ate today. (Alternative image idea: Vision.)
22. Favorite Family Activity – During Lent spend some time with your loved ones and share a photo doing something fun together.
23. Favorite Charity – Share your favorite charity to give alms to. (Alternative image idea: New Life.)
24. A Gift God Gave You – When we are baptized we receive the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Share a Gift or Talent that God gave you that you are able to use to make the world a better place.
25. Sacred Space – There are many sacred spaces in the world. Share a sacred space to you.
26. Favorite Prayer – Share a favorite prayer. (Alternative image idea: Light.)
27. Lenten meal – During Lent Catholics abstain from Lent on Friday’s. Share what you ate today. (Alternative image idea: New.)
28. 3 O’Clock – Jesus died at 3:00pm. Try and remember this at 3:00pm and take a picture of what was happening.
29. Bread and Wine – At mass the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Share a picture of any bread and wine to remember the sacrifice of the mass. (Alternative image idea: Thirst.)
30. Fasting – Share what you have fasted from during Lent. (Alternative image idea: Follow.)
31. Create a Lenten Wordle – Make a wordle of what Lent means to you. For help how to create a wordle go here. Come up with words, phrases, bible quotes, or anything of what Lent Means to you. Type them into the box on wordle.net or tagxedo.com and it will create a pretty picture of words for you. (Alternative image idea: Compassion.)
32. Praying Hands – Prayer is a big part of Lent. Share a picture of praying hands to remember to pray.
33. Lenten meal – During Lent Catholics abstain from Lent on Friday’s. Share what you ate today. (Alternative image idea: Surprise.)
34. Lamb – Lambs are a symbol of Easter. Share a photo of a lamb. (Alternative image idea: Hidden.)
35. Palms – Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Share a photo of the palms you received at mass.
36. Oils – During holy week cathedrals around the world hold a Chrism Mass where they bless the oils that will be used to administer the sacraments. Share a photo of oils. (Alternative image idea: Shine.)
37. Water – Tomorrow we will celebrate Holy Thursday where we will witness the washing of the feet. Share a photo of water to prepare for that.
38. Feet – Today share a photo of feet to represent the washing of the feet.
39. Crucifix – Today is Good Friday. Share a photo of a crucifix to remember what today represents.
40. Fire – The Easter Vigil begins with a fire. Share a photo of a fire.
41. BONUS DAY – Easter Sunday – Alleluia – He is Risen – Picture of what Easter means to you!

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

40 Bags in 40 Days
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212795151117482854/ which doesn't lead to anything.


From the list above, the 40 things and areas that I want to organize and streamline are: 

1. Extra throw pillows and blankets.
2. Home décor.
3. Media center and electronics cabinet.
4. Music and movies.
5. Toys and games.
6. Craft closet.
7. Linen closet.
8. Table linens.
9. Formal serving ware.
10. Dining room hutch, buffet, and closet.
11. Small appliances.
12. Food storage and supplies.
13. Baking supplies.
14. Utensil drawer.
15. Everyday serving ware.
16. Junk drawer.
17. Recipe boxes and books.
18. Pantry and snacks.
19. Herbs and spices.
20. Refrigerator and freezers.
21. Under the sink and cleaning supplies.
22. Office shelves and cabinets (office 1).
23. Office shelves and cabinets (office 2).
24. Top of desk.
25. Desk drawers.
26. Files and paperwork.
27. Email.
28. Phone apps.
29. Bookshelves.
30. Sewing and mending supplies.
31. Medicine cabinet.
32. Bathroom cabinets and drawers (which includes make-up, skincare products, and haircare products).
33. Clothing.
34. Shoes and boots.
35. Outerwear in front closet.
36. Mudroom.
37. Gardening supplies.
38. Sports equipment.
39. Car and car care products.
40. Pet supplies.

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

Found this pin which leads to Charis Ministries

Fast from judging others; feast on the goodness in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent: feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives: feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal Truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feasts on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that supports.

~William Arthur Ward

Celebrating Mardi Gras with New Recipes

Yesterday, we celebrated Mardi Gras by having pancakes for breakfast and then trying some new recipes for dinner.



I put a bit too much vegetable oil in the griddle, so the edges got crispy on the first batch. The rest of the pancakes were more typical of how I make them. Olivia likes to cut up her pancakes and dip them in maple syrup. She's been doing that since she was a little girl.


For dinner and dessert, I tried three new recipes.


I found a pin on Pinterest that led to Flavor Mosaic for Cajun Blackened Chicken. For me, it was rather spicy. Olivia asked that I omit the paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper for her chicken. She said she liked the spice on her chicken drumsticks.


Cajun Blackened Chicken

Prep Time - 5 minutes
Cook Time - 20 minutes
Total Time - 25 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

Blackened Seasoning
   1 teaspoon paprika
   1/4 teaspoon salt
   1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (I didn't have this, so I substituted red pepper flakes)
   1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
   1/4 teaspoon dried basil
   1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
   1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
   1/4 teaspoon onion powder
   1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   4 chicken breast halves boneless, skinless
   1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

In a small bowl, stir together the first 9 ingredients. Spray both sides of the chicken breasts with cooking spray. Then sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of each chicken breast.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cover and cook the chicken breasts for approximately seven to eight minutes on each side. After the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Note: I baked the chicken at 425 degrees until it was done rather than cooking it in oil.

If you have large, thick chicken breasts, slice them sideways (horizontally) so they make two thinner pieces of chicken instead of one thick piece of chicken. This will allow the chicken to cook faster.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 429mg | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.8mg

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

Another recipe I tried was for Pineapple, Avocado and Bean Salsa. I saw the pin on Pinterest and it led to Little Broken. The recipe said it takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It took me a bit longer than that with all the peeling and chopping of the fruit and vegetables. It makes about 4-6 servings. This, again, was a bit on the spicy side since it uses an entire jalapeno. It takes good, though, with all the fresh ingredients.


Ingredients

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups diced pineapple
1 avocado, diced
3 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion (I used a regular onion)
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, and minced
1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp. lime juice
Salt to taste
Tortilla chips to serve

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine black beans, pineapple, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.

Serve with tortilla chips.

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

The third recipe I tried was for Mardi Gras Pretzel Rods. This pin led to Premeditated Leftovers. The appearance of my final product compared to the pin isn't nearly as beautiful or perfect. The taste, though, is great. We all liked the combination of the salty pretzels combined with sweet chocolate.


Mardi Gras Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Ingredients

Pretzel rods
White candy melts, white chocolate morsels, or vanilla almond bark
Green candy melts (I didn't use these)
Purple candy melts (I didn't use these)
Yellow candy melts (I didn't use these)
Assorted jimmies in yellow, purple, and green (I didn't use these)
Sanding sugar in yellow, purple, and green (I only had yellow and purple)

Directions

Melt the candy coating according to package directions giving special care not to overheat the candy. If the candy coating is overheated, it will be too thick. You can add 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help thin the candy but do not add any other type of liquid as the candy will seize and harden.

Pour candy coating over two-thirds of the pretzel rod and shake gently to remove excess. If applying sprinkles, do so immediately rotating the pretzel rods to coat all sides. Larger sprinkles work best if placed individually.

Place pretzel rod on waxed paper or cooling rack. (I used parchment paper.)

If drizzling with additional colored candy melts, allow initial candy coating to set completely. Then, use a spoon or fork to drizzle candy coating over the pretzel rods. Before the pretzel sets, gently pick it up and move to clean wax paper.

Let pretzel rods dry completely before packaging or serving.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing in the refrigerator may cause the pretzel to soften.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Timeless Beauty - Book Review and Notes

While browsing at the library, I came across Timeless Beauty by Christie Brinkley. The note at the bottom of the cover said that Christie "happens to be 61 years old." I was surprised that she is 61 years old since it looks like she's about 25 years old on the book cover.


After skimming through the book, I found some useful information and a couple recipes, but - for the most part - a lot of the information wasn't applicable. There were multiple references to plastic surgery and different procedures that are quite expensive. I just can't justify spending that kind of money to look young.

There's also a lifestyle and financial level that the author is at that I'm not even remotely close to. This makes a world of difference in what one can afford in terms of clothing, make-up, and other items that can create a sense of style and "timeless beauty."

When I looked at the reviews on Amazon.com about the book, I found that I'm not alone with being disappointed with the overall content of the book. There are quite a few people who say, "Don't waste your money."

That being said, there was some useful information. She shared some of the foods in her kitchen and recommended the reader add them since they all have good health benefits:
- broccoli
- blueberries
- walnuts
- almonds
- avocados
- apples
- olive oil
- kiwis
- red and purple grapes
- cabbage
- pickles
- fennel
- garlic
- quinoa
- steel-cut oats
- tomatoes
- dark chocolate
- legumes

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

Some healthy things to munch on:
- frozen bananas, grapes, or blueberries
- an apple spread with peanut butter
- a square of dark  chocolate along with a few nuts, dried raisins, or dried cranberries
- a date with a handful of walnuts
- fresh-cut fennel or roasted with a little olive oil and a touch of salt
- roasted pumpkin seeds with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt

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

Honey Vinaigrette
Makes 1/3 cup

Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
pinch of cayenne pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, honey, vinegars, and cayenne. While whisking, slowly stream in the olive oil until emulsified.

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

Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
Makes 1/2 cup

Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients.

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

The author uses something called the Total Gym. You can do an intense strength training workout, gentle stretches, or even Pilates exercises similar to what you'd do on a reformer in a studio. It's always lengthening and strengthening your muscles at the same time, both preventing injury and keeping muscles strong. I looked it up and the price ranges from about $800 to $3,500 depending on the style of the machine.

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

Staying hydrated is so important for your skin, so drink lots of water and eat foods that pack a lot of moisture - like cucumbers, melons, and other fruits.

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

When on an airplane, use Evian Mineral Water Spray or other spritzers. Blot the water after you spray it because if you let it air-dry, it will dehydrate your skin because the evaporating water will pull additional moisture from your skin.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Living Without Electricity - Book Review, Notes, and Memories

I'm working on my list of books to read on Goodreads. This week I read Living Without Electricity by Stephen Scott and Kenneth Pellman. The book focuses on how the Amish live without electricity and also explains how they have created ways to light their homes, heat their homes, be entertained, communicate without a phone, and get around without a car.


The authors explain that the Amish value simplicity and self-denial over comfort, convenience, and leisure. So they try to discern the long-range effects of an innovation before deciding whether to adopt it.

Amish home in Southeastern Minnesota.
Olivia visited the business here when 
we were in the area camping in May 2018.

Some interesting facts from the book:
- While electrical power was available to many city dwellers in the early 1900s, the majority of rural North Americans had no access to current until the 1930s or 1940s.

No power lines leading to the house is 
one sign that an Amish family lives in it.
(Taken in May 2018.)


- Most Amish believe that the number of devices that can be operated by a battery or generator is limited, and that careful use of such items poses minimal risk to community values.
- An old-fashioned pitcher pump provides cistern water for washing in the kitchen. (As a side note: I remember visiting my Uncle Walt and Aunt Beulah's farm in Illinois and they had a water pump like this inside their home.)
- Windmill towers topped by large, flower-like fans...are often used to pump water into elevated storage tanks and to fill water reservoirs near or under the house which are tapped by hand "pitcher" pumps. (Side note: My uncle and aunt had a windmill and outdoor pump as well. I remember using it when we would visit them.)

Windmill that Olivia painted in 2016 
for a customer.

- Wood-burning water heaters [and] gas and kerosene water heaters [are used by the Amish]. (We have a gas water heater at our farm.)
- The Amish hang their laundry on clotheslines year-round. In some communities, very long wash lines attached to large pulleys extend from house to barn. In Lancaster County, the clothesline often runs into the wash house. This allows the person doing the laundry to hang up the wash inside and convey it out through a door. In wet weather, clothes are placed on wooden racks inside or hung on lines in the basement or another room. A drying rack often is positioned above the cookstove.

Clothes drying on lines at an Amish farm.
(Taken in May 2018.)

- Wedding festivities last all day.
- Fellowship meals follow each bi-weekly church service.
- An important part of Amish life is informal visiting. Families often visit one another without advance notice, and it is common for unexpected guests to stay for a meal.

Olivia and I stopped at an Amish bakery business at someone's home.
There were many visitors there that day as evidenced by the buggies.
We could hear singing inside the home.
(Taken in May 2018.)


- Women and girls usually sew, quilt, knit, embroider, cross-stitch, or do other kinds of needlework.
- Checkers, chess, Parcheesi, and even Monopoly are among popular table games.
- Amish children act out farming practices or horse-and-buggy trips. Baler twine serves effectively as reins, and a wagon as a buggy.
- Though musical instruments are strongly discouraged among the Amish, some families enjoy singing together without accompaniment.
- Many Amish participate in circle letters, in which people of similar interests, occupations, or situations (such as widows, teachers, or harness-makes) correspond with one another. Typically, a person receives a packet containing letters from each person in the circle. The receiver takes out the portion he or she had written for the last round and adds a new letter, before sending the whole batch to the next round.
- One of the weekly newspapers in the U.S. is the Budget. The letters include reports on weather, visits, illnesses, accidents, church services, births, deaths, and marriages.
- Convenient transportation tends to make it easier to yield to temptation. With a car, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want .This is especially harmful to young people.

Following a horse and buggy at a safe distance.
(Taken in May 2018.)


- The Amish point out further that cars are often objects of pride and can become status symbols. The feature of style, speed, comfort, and convenience...are in direct opposition to the Amish values of nonconformity, simplicity, self-denial, and humility.

There was a section about different types of lighting systems including natural gas and pressure lanterns. It reminded me of learning how to use propane gas lights in a cabin. It was a bit unnerving at the beginning using them, but I became more comfortable once I used them more.

Another section of the book discussed cooking with propane gas and how some Amish are permitted to use bottled gas and can cook on gas ranges like those used by non-Amish people. This is no different than what I use right now. My parents had an electric stove upstairs and a natural gas stove in the basement in the laundry room. They would use that when they did canning and when we had company and needed a second oven or stove to make food.

Since moving to our farm in 1995, I've used propane and a gas stove. I like that there is immediate heat versus the gradual-heat-up of an electric stove.

I had to laugh about the refrigeration methods used and how they sound like what we do sometimes: "The most conservative Amish groups use only natural refrigeration for food items. In cold weather, setting perishables outside or in unheated parts of the house suffices." I can't even count the number of times we've done this same thing. We have an unheated mudroom that we have put things in as an extension of our refrigerator.

One of the things that was difficult for me to see was a picture of a horse hooked up to a device to pump water. The horse had a wooden circle it would walk on to generate the power for the water pump. They also use horses like this for powering a washing machine or turning a lathe. I thought it would be a sad life for a horse to have to walk around in a circle for a prolonged period of time.

These horses, thankfully, were not hooked up to devices to pump water.
This Amish farm had a variety of large horses and young foals
who were enjoying galloping in the pasture and
relaxing and watching people. 
(Taken in May 2018.)

There was a chapter about doing laundry. There was a picture of a wringer washer. My parents had the same exact wringer washer as is pictured in the book. The difference is that my parents plugged their washer into the wall to use it while the Amish would use a gasoline engine, compressed air, or a hydraulic pump. I remember getting my hand stuck in the wringer part when my mom stepped away from the washer momentarily. It really hurt. Thankfully, none of my bones broke when that happened.

The chapter also described hanging clothes inside in wet weather and outdoors in all other types of weather. I remember my parents doing laundry and hanging up clothes outside. My mom typically would do this. However, when my dad was on summer break from being a school social worker, he enjoyed hanging up clothes outdoors as well.

My mom asked me sometimes to help. The "rules" were that personal garments (underwear) were hung on the line under the deck out of neighbors' view; and the other clothes were hung on the lines that extended from the house to the trees (east to west). The wind from the north and west would blow the clothes and give them that fresh outdoor scent. The only thing I didn't like having line-dried were towels.

What I thought was insightful was the concern about using a machine that allows one person to do a job that used to require several people to do that job. The Amish aren't in favor of that because, although it does save time, it prevents a sense of community from developing.

Another Amish farm and greenhouse business 
that Olivia and I visited.
(Taken in May 2018.)


Near the end of the book was the statement, "The Old Order Amish are not against change, but try to carefully determine which changes might adversely affect their church and community." I think this thoughtful approach to life is with merit. What if each person carefully considered how the decisions they made would affect themselves, their families, community, and world? What a different world we would live in.

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Beginner's Grace - Book Review and Notes

I recently read Beginner's Grace - Bringing Prayer to Life by Kate Braestrup. As I began reading the book, it seemed familiar - as if I may have read it at some point.

Nonetheless, it was interesting to read the book (perhaps for a second time) and reminiscing about some of the prayers that I either said and/or heard a lot while growing up. Others were new ones that were written by the author.


This was a familiar prayer. I remember saying it nightly. I had a little angel that glowed in the dark that was on my shelf on top of my dresser. It provided a sense of comfort after I said the prayer.

Now I lay me own to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

I like this prayer for its simplicity and something that I could say at the beginning of each day.

May love and strength be in my hands
May love and courage be in my heart
May love and wisdom be in my mind
May love be with you and work through me today
And in all my days.

I like the thought of doing this - even as an adult. With so much negativity and violence in today's world, this would be good to remember to do:

When he was a little boy, Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)...would go to a theater to see a film in those days. The feature would be preceded by a cartoon and then a newsreel, which, Mmr. Rogers reports, was usually pretty awful. During one particularly heartrending newsreel, Mr. Rogers's mother leaned over to her son, "Look for the helpers." Lo and behold, in the midst of whatever mayhem was unfolding, little Fred would always be able to find someone - a firefighter, an ambulance driver, a passerby - trying to help. 

This is a short prayer the author says when she sees an ambulance or other emergency vehicle:

God grant courage to those who suffer;
Strength and peace to those who help.

I found this interesting:

Human beings share about 98 percent of their DNA with chimpanzees, and biologist Jared Diamond has claimed that Homo sapiens should really be classified as a species of chimpanzee, given that we are closer in our DNA to chimps (whether Pan troglodytes or Pan paniscus, the Bonobo) than a horse is to a zebra or, indeed, than an African elephant is to an Indian elephant.

Something to keep in mind regarding your attitude:

What you think becomes what you feel, and your feelings flow from your body as magnetic energy waves that travel over vast distances, somehow causing the universe around you to vibrate at exactly the same level or energy as your feelings. 

I thought this would be a fun game to try with others to see what they say:

Q: If you were a domestic animal, what kind of domestic animal would you be?
A: ___________________________
Q: Why?
A: Because _______________________s are ________________ and ________________.
Q: Okay, if you were a wild animal, what kind would you be?
A: ___________________________
Q: Why?
A: Because _______________________s are ________________ and ________________.

The domestic animal represents the way you think other people see you. The wild animal is how you see yourself.

I like this simple prayer to be said before a meal:

We are thankful for the food
And for the hands that prepared it
And for the our family and for our friends.
Amen.

This is the prayer that my parents and us kids would say before each meal when I was growing up. My parents would say it until they died (or, in the case of my Dad, until he was no longer able to remember it due to Alzheimer's Disease):

Bless us, O Lord and these thy gifts
Which are about to receive from Thy bounty
Through Christ our Lord
Amen.

This is another nice thing to say or think before a meal:

For the food before us
And the friends beside us
And the love that surrounds us
We are truly grateful.

When I read the prayer below, it reminded me of going to Camp Lockslea and other Girl Scout camps and singing this song before a meal:

Oh! The Lord is good to me
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me
The things I need
The sun and the moon and the apple tree
The Lord is good to me.

I've heard pastors at church say this prayer:

May the Lord bless and keep you
May the Lord make His Face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you
And give you peace.

When I read this prayer, I could hear the lyrics to the song. It brought me right back to being a child and hearing my Dad play this song on his record player. He really liked this song:

Day by day, dear Lord,
These things I pray...
To see Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
And to follow Thee more nearly,
Day by day.

This was noted as a Parent's Prayer in the book. I like the message of it and wouldn't hesitate to say or write it to Sophia and Olivia:

May you comport yourselves with dignity and treat others and yourselves with kindness.
May you remember to say "I'm sorry" when it counts;
And "I love you" when it's hard to say, and therefore matters most.
May you both express and experience thankfulness.
May this be a life of courage, kindness, and honor. May it be a life of joy.
Amen.

Hearing The Lord's Prayer was something familiar that I heard and would say at church each Sunday. My parents expected that my sister, brother, and I would go to church. We did until I was 15 years old when I stopped going. It hurt them deeply that I no longer wanted to go to their church, yet I didn't feel a connection to the church and all of its beliefs.

Our Father, who are in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.

One final prayer that I liked in Beginner's Grace  follows:

May God bless and protect me
May God smile on me and smile through me
May God befriend me and let me be a better friend
May God make me peaceful and a maker of peace.
Amen.

I enjoyed reading this book and am happy to have a collection of prayers now that represent memories from childhood to ones that fit my life right now.







Saturday, February 22, 2020

Hawaiian Poke Bowl

After going to a restaurant and bubble tea bar in St. Paul a couple of times, I wanted to see if there were any recipes for a poke bowl that I could make at home since Sophia and I enjoyed them so much at the restaurant. This is what I was hoping to replicate at home:


I found a recipe for a Hawaiian Poke Bowl on a pin on Pinterest that led to Contentedness Cooking. This is a vegan and gluten-free recipe (if made according to the recipe). My modifications made it neither vegan or gluten-free since I used chicken and yum yum sauce.

As a side note, after I took the picture, I realized that it probably would be more visually-appealing to put the sauce in a squeeze bottle so it didn't come out in clumps.


Anyway, the recipe says that the prep and total time is 10 minutes. However, sushi rice takes longer than 10 minutes to prepare, so the recipe does take longer to make. I used the recipe below as a starting point and adapted it to what we had on hand. If made exactly as the recipe says below, four people could eat.

Ingredients

1 cup sushi rice, uncooked
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 cups white cabbage, shredded (I didn't use cabbage)
sriracha mayo (3/4 cup vegenaise, 1/4 cup sriracha) (I used yum yum sauce instead since that is what the restaurant used)
1 cup edamame (I didn't use edamame - never have cared for them)
salt, pepper to taste

Optional add ons:
3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cucumber slices
4 tsp seaweed (dulse) flakes (I didn't use these)
1 small bunch scallions, chopped (I didn't use these, but would next time)
1 avocado, sliced into cubes (I didn't use this, but would next time)
1/4 cup sesame seeds (I didn't use these, but would next time)
1/3 cup chopped macadamias (I didn't use these, but would next time)
tamari to taste (I didn't use this)
2 tsp freshly grated ginger (I didn't use these, but would next time)

Instructions

Cook the Sushi rice according to the package directions.

Prepare veggies like white cabbage, edamame, and optional add ons (carrots, avocado cubes, cucumber slices, chopped macadamias, seaweed flakes, scallions).

For the cabbage: After mixing vegenaise and sriracha sauce, you can add the full amount to the shredded cabbage or reserve 1/4 for topping.

Next and last is assembling the Hawaiian poke bowl: start with rice, next is cabbage, veggies and your optional add ons.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder- Artist Study

Pieter Bruegel the Elder was born in the Netherlands. According to A Child's Introduction to Art by Heather Alexandder, Bruegel apprenticed for a painter and publisher in Antwerp, which was a city of wealthy bankers who hoped to fill their homes with art. He took a trip to Italy, and on the way back home, he became fascinated by the Alps Mountains and surrounding forests.

Bruegel liked to paint peasants, or farmers, in the countryside. However, he was not a peasant himself. In fact, he was quite wealthy and lived in a large city. In order to paint them, Bruegel, along with one of his patrons from the city, would dress in peasant clothing and go out to the countryside Together they would sneak into fairs and weddings, pretending they were invited guests.

He would study the rural people's looks and gestures, and then make quick sketches. Later, he would go back to his city studio and paint the scenes he remembered.

In Splat! The Most Exciting Artists of All Time, by Mary Richards, there are some interesting facts about Bruegel:
- His paintings tell the story of everyday life and ordinary people at work and at play.
- Bruegel's work included oil paintings, drawings, and prints.
- He lived in Antwerp and Brussels, in modern-day Belgium.
- There are about 40 surviving paintings including Children's Games, The Hunters in the Snow, and The Harvesters.

Below are six paintings that Pieter Bruegel the Elder created. Olivia studied each of them and shared some things that she remembered about them.


The Tower of Babel
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
1563
Oil on wood panel
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

Olivia remembered:
- In the picture, there is this great big building that is round.
- The walls look like they are a standstone, but the inside is a reddish color.
- There are people walking on the ledges that stick out from the walls - so it is like a big ramp that goes all the way around.
- At the bottom of the tower, there is a bay with ships in it. On the beach there looks like they have brought in more of the red rock.
- To the right corner of the picture, there is a quarry - maybe - because there are more of the same rocks that they used to make the walls.
- There are people by the rocks and it looks like they are having a conversation.
- One has a white cloak, the other is dressed in a yellow tunic, while some of them look like they are guards and have spears.
- Behind the people in the distance is a town or village, but it is very big.
- Below the people, it looks like there is a small flock of sheep.
- To get to the tower, you need to go over a bridge that is made of stone. And the tower is so tall, that there is a cloud covering the front of it.
- The sky is blue and it looks like a very nice day. There are clouds in it.
- The land is very green and you can see the ocean a little bit in the distance as well.
- The tower seems to have a lot of doorways and windows in the wall, so you can always see out to the land.
- People all over the tower - they're just walking around and maybe working or bringing things up to finish the tower.


Hunters in the Snow
1565
Oil on wood panel
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria

According to "50 Artists You Should Know" by Thomas Koster, Bruegel did not depict only the work and pleasures of peasants, but also the large and small misfortunes and mishaps of daily life. In this painting, a house is on fire and some of the skaters are taking a tumble. 

In the book "Splat! The Most Exciting Artists of All Time," by Mary Richards, it is noted that this painting was from the series called "The Months," which showed peasants at work hunting, harvesting hay, picking fruit, chopping wood, ice skating, sledding, and drinking in a tavern....People agree that there were probably six [paintings in the series], one for each pair of months. In which case, the view of April and May is still missing!

Olivia remembered:
- The picture is set in the winter and it is a very hilly, mountainous terrain.
- There are two ponds - with one being connected to a river.
- There are people on the ponds ice fishing, and the river has a small stone bridge crossing it.
- There are some houses on the left side of the picture while on the right side there are houses going down the hill.
- There are three hunters on top of the hill that are being followed by dogs, and they are carrying wooden sticks. Some of the other hunters have a fire going next to the house. It looks like they are going to cook some of the birds they caught.
- There are birds in the trees above the hunters, and there is one flying.
- In the distance, there is a mountain with a grove of trees.
- The sky looks like it is the same color as the frozen pond, with a few clouds in the corner.
- The picture itself looks like it is a bit dreary for something that could be happy.
- The only thing that appears to be bright in the picture are the houses.
- By the fire, there is a stand which holds the caught birds or pheasants.
- The dogs are mostly shadows or just black, but some of them have the same reddish-tones as the houses, except a tad bit darker. There are all different size dogs - there are big ones and little ones.



The Peasant Wedding
1567
Oil on panel
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum

According to "Splat! The Most Exciting Artists of All Time," by Mary Richards, this piece is full of lively characters eating, drinking, and having fun. Bruegel pays great attention to the expressions on their faces and the details of their clothes.

Olivia remembered:
- The first thing that you notice in the picture is a man in a blue shirt with a white apron and he's got a kind of a funny red cap on his head, and he is holding the end what looks like a big tray with pies on it or porridge.
- The people are in a big room and in the back of the picture there is a little window that looks like it would be for bringing dishes to or getting more food.
- On the back wall there is a tapestry with a picture of maybe Mary or a saint, and I believe they are praying and there is a candle lantern above it. I don't know if it is part of the tapestry or not.
- In the left corner of the picture, there is a child who is sitting on the ground with a plate or very shallow bowls and he is licking it, and he is leaning against a tub full of cups.
- Next to the tub is a man and he is holding a cup, and he has a big pitcher that he is pouring ale or water...actually I don't think it is water. It is some kind of alcoholic bubbly.
- There are two men next to a table and they have bagpipes - some sort of musical instrument. They are playing.
- At the very crowded tables, are people sitting and talking and having a good time. There's lots of food on the table. I'm not sure what that window does because there is lots of food already on the table.
- Then on the right side of the picture, you have a woman and a woman sitting across from one another, and the woman appears to be talking to them and gesturing. The woman is dressed in white and the man is dressed in black with white or silver accents.
- The clothes are much nicer than the other people. I'm thinking now that they are the married couple.
- Most of the men and some of the women have caps or hats on their heads. They are all different colors - some are red, some are green, and some are brown. That goes with what they are wearing. Some of the women are wearing aprons too.
- There is a man sitting and as the two men who are carrying the big tray of food - he is reaching over and grabbing one and putting one on the table.
- The wall kind of has a yellowish-golden brownish color to it and it looks like it was made from the earth and clay.
- Instead of chairs, they have benches that look like they were handmade.
- The brightest color that you see is the red and then the white.
- The bride looks upset and her husband, the groom, has a red beard.
- Other than that, everyone seems very happy to see one another and talking to one another.


The Harvesters
1565
Oil on wood
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

This is one of the six paintings in a set of six that depict the seasons. 

Olivia remembered:
- In the picture, there is a big wheat field and there are people harvesting the wheat.
- There is a path in the wheat on the left side and there are people walking through it.
- One person is carrying a bucket and is walking towards the people - the other people further down the path are walking away.
- On the right side, there is a tree and beneath the tree are people. One man is sprawled out underneath it and appears to be taking a nap.
- Next to him, a little ways away, is sitting on a wheat bundle and she appears to be rocking a baby and talking to the other children. They are sitting on a wheat bundle.
- On the right side of the picture, there is a smaller section of the wheat field and there are three workers. Two are tying the bundles of wheat together and one is cutting the wheat.
- In the distance, it looks like there is a house and the house has lots of trees in front of it and a little ways into the trees, it looks like there is a little building along with smoke - or what looks like smoke.
- On the left side, there are workers - one is cutting and the other is tying the bundles of wheat together.
- All the wheat bundles are tied together at the top and look like they look like they look like legs. I guess you could say they look like a moustache too.
- These people are dressed in mute colors and nothing too bright.
- Most of the men have pants and shirts on; and the women all seem to have aprons.
- In the distance, you can see the ocean or a river, since they are on top of a hill.
- It looks like it is a nice day. In the distance, there are big, dark clouds that could be from an incoming or retreating storm.
- In the distance, near the river or ocean, there are towns or houses.


Parable of the Sower
1557
Oil on wood
Timken Museum of Art, San Diego, California

Olivia remembered:
- In the picture, there is a hill and on that hill there are trees and homes.
- In the distance, you can see the mountains. At the base of the mountains, there is a city and away from the city there are beaches - they are not very big and they don't look tropical.
- Above the mountains, there are clouds and it looks like a storm is coming in.
- On the hills, there is a house and there's a person walking up the hill with a basket in their arms.
- The forest has reddish and brownish colors to it - like there was a fire there.
- There's a church a little ways away and a road leading to it with people and maybe an animal with them.
- Beyond the church, there is the ocean and you can see ships coming in.
- Nobody is waiting for them at the church.
- The sky is a light blue where there aren't clouds. There are a couple of white, fluffy clouds.
- In the mountains, there is a valley or canyon in between them.
- The hill that the person is walking on looks kind of steep.
- All the houses are light-colored, and the city - if it wasn't being shadowed by the clouds - would look very light colored. I think there's a palm tree there.
- Really the only people are on the hills. The mountains seem more barren.
- There aren't very many people.
- There's a tree that got chopped down on the hill side.


The Wedding Dance
1566
Oil on wood
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, Michigan

Olivia remembered:
- This is outside in the forest, and amongst the trees there are these huts with grass roofs. There are quite a few people and they all have kind of bright colors on.
- In the middle of the picture, you have a group of people dancing and some of the men are pot-bellied or chubby. You can see where they keep the pouches of money and these people look very well fed and happy.
- Near one of the huts on the right side of the picture, there looks like a kid and he has a big vase or urn and he's drinking out of it.
- Kind of right in front of him there looks like there are two people kissing.
- There are people playing bagpipes and appears that most people who are dancing are doing the same steps. Some people, though, are doing their own steps.
- In the background, there is an open field and there looks like there are rows of dirt. Next to the field (but within the trees) is a board and string tied to two trees with a cloth hanging over it.
- Next to the field is a woman and she has a big basket of something.
- There was a man standing on the right side of the picture, watching the dancing and he doesn't look too happy.
- Everybody again is wearing caps - at least the men are - and they are all different colors. The women appear to be wearing aprons.
- Bright colors - like blue and red with some black and dark green - are present.
- The trees look like they are mix of deciduous and conifers.
- Either the men only have tight clothing or that's how they like to wear it.
- You can't really see the sky, but you can see it is a blue.
- You don't see the married couple much.
- The grass is very green.
- There are people there who look like they are not enjoying themselves.
- Others look like they are having fun.
- There's a man who is standing to the side who doesn't look very happy.

Friday, February 21, 2020

Spicy Thai Noodle Bowls

I've been looking for some recipes for vegetarian meals and came across this pin on Pinterest that led to Life Made Simple Bakes for Spicy Thai Noodle Bowls.


The recipe is easy to make and took about 20 minutes to make. The recipe is for 6-8 servings. I used half the noodles (1/2 pound) and the full amount of sauce ingredients. This worked out really well - Olivia and I liked the amount of sauce for the noodles and it was the right amount of spice for her.

She ate her noodles without the vegetables and I had mine with the vegetables. We both like the custom versions we made. I definitely would make this recipe again.

20 Minute Spicy Thai Noodle Bowls

Ingredients

1 lb. spaghetti (I used linguine)
¼ c. vegetable or canola oil
1½ tsp. sesame oil
5 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. rice vinegar
½ tsp. Sriracha (more to taste)* (I didn't use this)
¼ c. peanut butter
2 tbsp. honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green onion, minced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
⅓ c. cilantro, chopped (I didn't use this since I didn't have it on hand, but would use it next time)
½ c. dry roasted peanuts, chopped and whole
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp. sesame seeds

Directions

Bring a large pot water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook till al dente.

Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic and minced green onion. Whisk vigorously until smooth.

Drain the noodles and return to the same large pot. Add the sauce, red bell pepper, carrot, cilantro, peanuts, crushed red pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Toss until combined, serve and garnish as desired.