Monday, December 26, 2011

BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT OR FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

Being politically correct is going to be my biggest challenge in this world of today. I grew up in the era of having freedom of speech and sometimes it's hard for me to remember that everyone can be offended by a harmless remark if it's their day to be defensive.

Working around young people keeps me on my toes and I tend to want to mentor and adopt all of them.  I just realized you can no longer be friendly with the younger ones because if you call them young man or little girl, you are talking down to them.  WHAT??

If you work around a sensitive man, and you lament to someone that you are so glad to be free of men in your life, you will offend the man because you included a disparaging remark about men.  WHAT???  I have always used the routine of joking about my exes and their cheating ways. Now, 25 years later, I'm still telling the same tired jokes but they are now considered offensive.

I'm all for not offending people and I realize that in this modern age that we think is so advanced, it is not acceptable of statements we could have made in time past.  Personally, if a comment is made and not meant to be harmful, then what happened to just having a conversation?

Watching my mouth will make me not be the total person I am, but I guess as long as I am politically correct, my freedom of speech will have to be put aside.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

SMILE, SELL AND SUCCEED!!

One week in and I am learning new things everyday.  I have now entered the world of retail again.  Customer service is an attribute that I take very personally and this is my forte of excellence to offer my company.

Dealing with the public can be very taxing because each human is so totally different.  Sometime the most aggravating customer or employee is the one that needs the attention the most.  I'm sure many times I have walked away from a customer, exhaled and thought,"wow!"

If my job only entailed just the customers, it would be a great thing but one of the things inherited with my job is dealing with employees.  I'm lucky that most of the employees really care about their job.  I also know that new employees coming into a Management job is never going to be met with open arms.  Hopefully, thick skin has been developed after all these years.

It's hard to understand how someone can hire people that just don't fit the job description and really come in only to want to become the manager.  What I would love to have are some workers.  There are enough Managers to supervise 100 more employees.

This new adventure is not going to be a lifetime one. I am just in the job to help train one of the staff that want it to have enough sense to do it.  I've had my fifteen minutes of fame and if I could have free range for a little while, production would go way up. Of course, a few employees might fall by the wayside.

One day at a time, one customer at a time, one sale at a time and hopefully the individual time spent will bring much more time of gainful employment.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

PISSING CONTEST WITH A POLE CAT!!!

"Two or more parties simply attempting to out-do one another, not for the sake of truly believing in their cause, but just to win in order to gain some kind of power, honor, or reward of some kind."

Thanks to the dictionary for finally giving me the knowledge of the actual meaning of a "'Pissing Contest" as used when two or more people are trying to one up each other.

Lyndon Johnson always said something to the effect of not getting into a pissing contest with a polecat even though he didn't always follow his own advice.

How sad it is when adults striving for the same results have to have a power struggle about the way to get to the finished job.

Is it jealousy, the loss of a lifestyle, drinking, or the horrible green monster not wanting to accept that perhaps what they use to do, they can do no more?

The knowing that someone can do a job as well or better than you does not mean that you can't do the job.  It just means that there is help if needed and should graciously be accepted.

The delay of having to prove the equality or the importance of a contributing partner, not only waste time but causes so much hostility that everyone gives up on the task and nothing gets accomplished. How much easier to swallow pride and note that perhaps something could be learned.

Stressing the point of your accomplishments, of how you would do it takes away from the end result. A new approach might be to take notice of how someone else does something and maybe use it when you need to do something different than the way you have always done it.

Working together does not always have to be competitive.  Wanted a job well done is the end goal and no matter how it is reached and by whom, this is the way it should be approached.

Reach out your hand to someone who wants to help without thinking it is the start of a competition.  No one is judging and at least when you can look at the finished product and think it's a job well done, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you let the right people do the job.

In the 'pissing contest' of life, at least you'll be a fair competitor.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

TEXTING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS!!

Thank you for this fun e-mail I received:
ATD:
At The Doctor's
BFF:
Best Friend Fainted
BTW:
Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT:
Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM:
Covered By Medicare
CGU:
Can't get up
CUATSC:
See You At The Senior Center
DWI:
Driving While Incontinent
FWB:
Friend With Beta Blockers
FWIW:
Forgot Where I Was
FYI:
Found Your Insulin
GGPBL:
Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low!
GHA:
Got Heartburn Again
HGBM:
Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO:
Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO:
Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL:
Living On Lipitor
LWO:
Lawrence Welk's On
OMMR:
On My Massage Recliner
OMSG:
Oh My! Sorry Gas.
ROFL... CGU:
Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up
TTYL:
Talk To You Louder
WAITT:
Who Am I Talking To?
WTFA:
Wet The Furniture Again
WTP:
Where's The Prunes?
WWNO:
Walker Wheels Need Oil
GGLKI:
(Gotta Go Laxative Kicking In)

 

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mary Beth's Things I know: THIS MARRIAGE SUCKS, TOO!!!!

Mary Beth's Things I know: THIS MARRIAGE SUCKS, TOO!!!!: You, with your promises of good times, new experiences, visiting old friends and making new ones, have now broken my heart. I left my spac...

THIS MARRIAGE SUCKS, TOO!!!!

You, with your promises of good times, new experiences, visiting old friends and making new ones, have now broken my heart.

I left my space of friends, family, and fun because your all seeing attitude convinced me that I would never have any success with anything I was involved in. 

You tempted me with all your free gifts, your connections to everywhere and the idea that I could have my business flourish just by mentioning your name.

A tear is making its way slowly down my cheek as I reach the conclusion that you and I might be over.  How am I going to explain it to my friends and family that there might not be any more us?

Do you feel any guilt or remorse or are you so isolated in your world of me, me, me that you forgot about one of the ones that put you in that Ivory tower?

I loved you and gave you 100% of my time because I trusted you.  After all this time, I now find you changing, manipulating, working things to as to cut me off from all the friends I have come to love and enjoy.

When I push that final button, you won't even care because there will always be someone else to lure into your world of deceit.

Thank you for all the times that were good and perhaps I'll keep in touch.

Google me if you need to. I'll be here for a little longer but then, one of the best loves of my life, forget you!!!

So Long Facebook...it was a good marriage while it was.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

My Bedroom isn't just for sleep!

As I glance around my bedroom, a sense of peace comes over me. A small room compared to some I've had in my life, but big enough to house my world that I've come to love.

One wall is painted by me with Forest green swirled everywhere and stems painted in so if you are on the bed looking at the wall it's almost like being outside among the trees. One wall has leaves and flowers  and the other wall has splatters of colored flowers very small as in an impressionist painting. The wall paper on the other wall is striped green with light traces of the flowers cascading down several rows. Stars that you find in children's rooms are splattered all over the ceiling so when I turn out the lights, the twinkling begins. It's such a peaceful way to end the evening.

My computer faces the street and when I put the blinds and the drapes up, I can watch the cars go by, the people taking a stroll, children skipping down the road, skateboards in hand to find that perfect ride.

I have been in and out of this room many times in my life. When the house was occupied by my Aunt and Uncle, I spent many nights visiting and enjoying the comfort of the room. When my Mother was very ill, I spent many nights in the room offering her comfort.

My television is on the dresser and the remote never far from my hand. Pictures of my children and family everywhere give me comfort for their not being with me.

People grin when I explain how much I love my room. When they've viewed it, I'm sure the same inspired feeling of awe didn't even come to their mind. But they don't know the memories that this room holds so all the feelings I have could never even be related to them.

This house is small in size but big in heart. Strangers would see a cottage, I see a haven.  Friends with their big homes in their gated communities can't even imagine  living in a place so small. The difference is they still have their "stuff" and their mortgage and a few have houses that own them. I got rid of "stuff" and got a life.  All I need is the comfort of comfort.

When I close the door of my bedroom, I leave all the drama, the problems of the day and any aggravations that have come across during my day.  I'm in my room and I'm happy.



I

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Princess is the Ruler of this castle!!

Once upon a time there was a princess who ruled as if she was a queen.

Her bed had to be made and no wrinkles found or the nasty side of her disposition reared its ugly head.

Her meals were served on dishes that resembled Silver. Once she was served her dinner on  a paper plate. She immediately turned the plate over onto the floor. Ice cubes had to be put into her water or the pouting began.

Every day at the same time, she expected her physical fitness workout to be started. Her head servant was to walk with her until she decided it was time to return to her castle. As per her daily routine, a snack had to be prepared upon coming back from all the physical exercise.

Bath time was a triumph to any brave soul who wanted to draw the bath water. The temperature best be right, and dinner best be ready after her soak of which she despised.

When one or more of her servants would get fed up with her holy attitude, then the punishment would begin. Everyone would change their attitude to soothe hers or the peace in the castle was a very unpleasant atmosphere.

She did not like for the servants to have visitors because then time was taken from her.  She would sit in the middle of the visitors, make weird sounds and tried to drown out the conversations.

Her servants were asked one day why they felt she deserved all the special treatment. Their answer was very surprising.

"For all the aggravation, all the constant catering, the good side of it is when you are ill, she never leaves your side, when you are sad, she always tries to comfort, when you are lonely, she always keeps you company."

That's why Mya the dog continues to rule this castle.

Monday, August 15, 2011

CRYING IS NOT A BAD THING!

They say that tears cleanse the soul. If that is the correct philosophy, then my soul should be immaculate.

Ironic that at this older age of my life, I find myself shedding tears for days long gone. Mistakes I've made in the past make me cry, having to be the life of the party and leaving my kids with babysitters make me cry, not doing enough for my parents make me cry, realizing the different paths I could have taken in my life make me cry.

What a joke it is on us as we get older and wiser to look back and worry about the events of the past, and we see the young
people around us making the same mistakes. When offering suggestions to them, they just shrug their shoulders because, after all, we are old so what do we know.

I want to scream at them to listen but instead, I cry again. Depression is not a factor in my crying. My life is blessed today with so many good things that I cherish. My crying is when I realize what I let slip by in my life. My crying is my way of dealing with the knowledge that the days are getting shorter so memories are to be made so I don't leave others crying.

When people hear my name, the first thing out of their mouth is about my being funny and how I am always laughing. That is a good legacy to leave but now I'll probably cry about them not knowing about my tears.

The best way to sum up my moments of tears is that old song,"Tears of a Clown." I think that was written with me in mind.

The point of this writing of mine is to let the young person reading it, realize the importance of cherishing each moment, to make their children the priority, to dance in the rain and bathe in the sun, to do the best you can everyday so when you are at my age, you won't look back and cry silent tears of where you made your mistakes.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Summer with Grandmother.

Summertime not only brings the hot weather but also the memories of my youth and the end of the school term. The day after school was out and we knew Summer  was upon us, my sister and I made the plans of what fun things we might get to do.

The first thing on the agenda was the visit from my Father. He always picked us up to spend the Summer with him and my Grandmother. I'm sure a sigh of relief was from my Mother as that meant she would only have my younger sister and brother for the three months that we would be gone. Mother and my stepfather would now have the time to devote to the two younger children because my sister and I were always having to be taken someplace, in some activity or just sometimes being the older siblings and demanding more of the time.

On the way to my Father's house, we got to take turns steering the car and knew that we would get to stop to have a hamburger. It may not seem like a lot of excitement now, but the thought of getting to stop at that little drive-inn was the highlight of our trip.

We would always miss Mom, Dad and the children but we knew we would have a fun filled adventure with Grandmother and my Aunts and Uncles. My Father had it made because about a week after arriving at his house, we always got invited to my Aunt's house and we loved that.  Her children were our best friends and getting to help her children make homemade cakes, can tomatoes,go swimming at the springs were some of the most fun a child could have.  It was always sad to leave them and come back to Granny's but only for about an hour.

I was named for my Grandmother, Elizabeth, and I am pretty sure some of my habits I got from her. Everyone was always expected to wash their hands and be at the dinner table when it was ready. One night would be the best Pinto Beans I have ever tasted, with fresh sliced tomatoes and of course corn bread. Father, my Uncles, my sister,Grandmother and myself would eat until we could hardly move. The only time anyone would get up from the table was for more ice for the sweet tea.We were the center of attention and the grownups acted like they really enjoyed our chatter.

Of course after dinner, my sister and I were expected to clean off the table and do the dishes. It seemed overwhelming at times but when we were finished, not only could we watch television but usually with a big slice of chocolate cake. It was now Grandmother's time and everyone had their place to sit in the living room. As we had gotten to chat at the dinner table, it was now time to be silent so everyone could hear the television. After watching a few programs, it was time for a shower and off to bed on a feather bed set up in Granny's room. We would sit in front of her vanity table and brush our hair forever to keep from having to go to sleep.

Every day when we would go outside to play or visit the close neighbors, Grandmother would be very stern and insist we put our shirts in. We always had a small tee shirt that she wanted us to wear under our shirts. I thought that was the worse thing but years later I realized that she was afraid our shirts would blow up in the wind and our bodies would be exposed. A little old fashion but one of the wonderful traits I remember about her.

During the day she had plenty of time to go about her daily fare because we roamed the neighborhood. All the kids on the block like to sit at this little old ladies house on the corner. She had a swing on the front porch and always had apples, pears or peaches. I laugh today at the thought of about five or six of us gathered on her porch. What a kind lady because I'm sure we must have driven her crazy. The lady on the other side of Granny's always made us take off our shoes and stick our feet in a pail of water before we entered her house. They say it takes a village to raise a child, well this small little neighborhood was our village for the Summer.

I hope when I have Grandchildren that I can be as loving and kind as Grandmother was to us. We learned so many things, from crocheting, gardening, cooking, canning, cleaning, and all the things that go with running a home.


How proud I am , that not only am I her namesake, I have turned out to enjoy some of the same things that she did.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

OLD WOMAN AND THAT GREEN THING..

I GOT THIS IN AN E-MAIL AND WANTED TO PASS IT ON!!!!!
 
The Green Thing--You WILL Love This

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she
should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for
the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green
thing back in my day."
The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not
care enough to save our environment."

He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to
the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and
sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over.
So they really were recycled.

But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store
and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb
into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the
throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling
machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the
clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters,
not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't
have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every
room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember
them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have
electric machines to do everything for us.
When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up
old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the
lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by
working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills
that operate on electricity.
But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or
a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Conversation with my Organs!

Today I woke up with this crazy idea of taking a moment to talk to the organs in my body and try to explain the torture I have put them through in the past, and sometimes in the present.

To the Brain, I would have to ask if patience with me would help with its function. Not only do I overwork this vital organ but I place so much blame on it when it won't shut off.

The Brain at times is trying to tell me that the obsessive worry I do about things that haven't even happened, is making it function at an excessive high speed. Thinking about things other than the moment I am in is not giving this organ enough exercise of stimulation to take me through the elderly years.

The heart seems just to want a little soothing and not so much hurt of taking people's opinions much too seriously.  The heart and brain have had many late night conversations trying to figure how to provide me with necessity from them with my overtaxing ways.

The Liver tells the heart and brain to lay off because I have been so good to this organ in the past few years. The drinking and imbibing so many sodas were stopped because it just seemed like the thing to do.

The stomach tells the liver not to be so cocky. With the amount of fast food in my past, this organ is still trying to recuperate.  My stomach yells, grumbles and cramps in trying to tell me to watch what I eat. I apologize profusely and explain the new patterns of eating that I am undertaking.

And my dear, wonderful lungs trying ever so hard to keep me breathing so as I can make all these other organs happy.

 When I quit smoking, my lungs began to work so hard to help me regain enough breath to do all the things I had arranged with the Brain to make me capable of doing. My quality of life has improved so much with my Lungs trying their best.

Now that I have apologized and asked all these vital organs to work with me to be an inspiration to others, my body seems to  have settle into a more relaxed state.

I'm sure my system got together and said, "OK, one more chance, but if you blow it this time, then we are calling it and your apologies will mean nothing."

I noticed my digestive tract gurgling as if laughing to say," If she blows it this time, turn her over to me. You all know what an A__hole I am!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Ahhhhh July!

   Strolling around the yard today, I was reflecting as to the changes since leaving my job in February. Live, thriving plants about to rest for the season greet me walking down the little path that was created by moving some plants around.

    New additions to the yard give it a more festive view from the road. My son made two planters and they have been great conversation pieces when my friends are over. One planter looks as it will fall any moment but that is the way it is designed. The other is wood and holds the potted plants that I try to keep year around.

    I plucked the dead tops off the Zinnias and put them in my seed pouch for next year. The first Zinnias that started dying off, I pulled the dead flower off, opened it up and spread the seeds around. Lo and behold, with all this rain that July brought, they came back up and now are over 8 inches tall and ready to bloom again. I admit feeling a little proud that I had the insight to do that. Zinnias are such a special plant to me that all year long they would be welcomed in the garden.

     Marigolds are another flower that you can cut the dead flower off, open it up, spread around and they will grow back. I also harvest them for next year.  The thrill of next year coming with all these flowers popping up that I’m sure I will forget planting some of them makes me smile with excitement.

     July was a hard month in the yard with all the rain but next month will probably be so dry that I’d wish it would rain.

     I love my yard and to me, it is beautiful because I know the love and labor that has gone into making it what it is. Others may not share my enthusiasm and that’s sad for them. I know the secrets out here and no flowers have whispered to them.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I Never Eat Leftovers!!!

When I was married, my husband always told his friends, "I never eat leftovers. My wife cooks a fresh meal every night."

I still grin when someone says those exact words in my presence.

Leftover queen is a title I wear proudly. I have been specializing in how to make a food budget spread out for more years than people have been that upset about the economy. My Mother use to make the best meals and they always came together so fast.  When young, I would labor for hours to recreate some of the same dinners.  Telling my tales of culinary efforts to my Mother always brought a look of love to her face.

When I became engaged, Mother said, "I am going to share with you the secrets of always having a good meal on the table and not have to stress about how to afford it."  This statement from one of the best cooks in my life was worth more than she would know in later years.

First secret was when making a Meat Loaf that every person will love, make sure to make a large one.  The reason for this is not only will it make a wonderful display but you have enough for three meals.  She would always take the leftover meatloaf, freeze enough for Spaghetti Sauce and then would use the rest of the leftovers for sloppy joes by just adding a good bar-b-Que sauce. My favorite is Bullseye Original. 

If she made a beef roast, the next night it would be cut up with potatoes and onion and served with a hearty salad.

Beans were a staple in our house hold and leftover beans were made into baked beans or mashed for Burritos.

Baked ham was utilized in Macaroni and cheese, sauteed with candied yams, great Sub sandwiches and used as flavoring for squash, greens, and anything that needed a little seasoning.

The funniest thing she said was, " Your Dad tells everyone he never eats leftovers. His favorite dish is my "homemade" mashed potatoes which is just instant potatoes with Mayonnaise added. My home made Biscuits like his Mother made, is Bisquick also with a little Mayonnaise added."

The best part about this is you are not lying when you serve them these wonderful meals. Not only are you budget minded, but your skills of creating has excelled to new levels.

My job now is to pass this information on to my Daughter and also my Son's future wife.

Oh, dear, I just heard my son tell his friend, "my Mother is the best cook. We never eat leftovers."

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Summer cold and Germs Beware!

"Get back in that bathroom and wash your hands!" As a child, hearing my Father shout the stern warning would put the fear of something evil happening in the world if I didn't wash my hands. Thank you, Dad.

Washing hands and covering mouths when coughing is the best advice parents can give their children. Cold germs are lurking everywhere in the season and it is a game of the fittest as to who survives without that annoying shadow overtaking our life for any amount of time.

The best remedies for fighting off a cold are:
Eucalyptus oil-for unclogging sinuses.
peppermint oil-for headaches.
Lavender oil for relaxing and healing.
Rosemary oil for bronchial cleansing.
Cinnamon for well being. (also great for diabetics to lower blood sugar.)

The combination of the above in a atomizer, on a handkerchief, on your pillow at night makes breathing so much easier if the onset of a cold is lurking. These can be bought at a health food store and is worth every penny.

A remedy from one of my elderly neighbors also seems to knock out anything that resembles a cough or a cold. She combines a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper,a dash of lemon juice and small dash of cinnamon into a small bottle and takes a spoonful in the morning and one at night and swears it works for her. She is 90 years old and seems in great health so I'm not going to argue the fact. Just be careful when taking it as it does have a kick to it. I still have to add a little water to mine.

When shopping, opening doors to businesses, just keep washing your hands because the person before you may not have been as clean.

 With all of the products on the market and all of the remedies we have at our disposal, preventing the cold is so much easier that it use to be. Don't get caught up with all the hype of what all you need to buy because the old remedy of Vick's Vapor rub, mustard packs, hot water bottles and rest are still the best ways to stay healthy.

Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

If you have acid reflux, take a tablespoon of straight apple cider vinegar. In ten minutes, if the pain goes away, then your body is telling you that more acid is needed in your diet. For the first time in years, I am able to eat without all the discomfort.

One of our more fun adventures is when I arrive home weary from work and feel like the bottoms of my feet are going to fall off. I put water in a pan (hot, but not so hot as to burn my feet) and add one-quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar to it. Oh, the sheer heaven of it. Not only does it detoxify your body, but if you have bad toenails, bunions, corns, or calluses, you'll begin to see a change for the better. Soak your feet until the water cools, dry off and bathe in the glow of that wonderful relaxed feeling.

After several months of using my vinegar, I noticed a few inches had dropped from my hips and stomach. I still weighed the same, so once again; the vinegar caused me more excitement.

When you get bored with taking vinegar straight, mix together a little olive oil, vinegar, onions, garlic, tomatoes, or any other vegetable you enjoy, add black pepper, put it into a bowl in the refrigerator with a lid, take a tablespoon out every night and enjoy it with dinner.

When you are shopping, make sure to include apple cider vinegar as one of your staples. My flexibility has improved, my bones aren't hurting all the time, my skin looks better and I am giving all the credit to the vinegar.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

IN MEMORY OF CAYLEE!

"I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine." He said.

 "For you to love while she lives and mourn for when she's dead.

It may be two or three years, or maybe twenty three,

But will you, till I call her home, take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charm to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief,

You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise she will stay, since all from Earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?"
"I fancied that I heard them say, " Dear Lord, Thy will be done!

For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But shall the Angels call for her much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Happy 4th of July!

The  4th Of July brings back so many memories of the celebrations my family had when I was a child.



My Grandmother had 5 sons who fought in World War 2 and The Battle of the Bulge. They were the holders of all that the Flag represented. Two won the Purple Heart. After the sadness of losing so many men around them, they never really got over the devastation of what war did to their souls. They were proud that they served and celebrated those holidays that honored Veterans with the same gusto as children given all the candy they could hold.



I cannot imagine, after hearing all the tales of war and what bravery was done, that anyone would be able to burn a flag.



I am all for political correctness but I am also for common sense. The values we grew up with were to honor parents, God and Country and it seemed to serve us well.



When and how, as Americans, can we come together with the knowledge that all men are created equal? We should be working together to make America what it was when neighbors said hello, you could walk down a street and feel safe, if someone was hungry, the word bum never came to mind. You fed the people that were hungry and clothed the ones who needed clothes. Common sense values were the mark of a man.


The kids of today laugh about the 50's and 60's but they need to realize all that they enjoy today started somewhere. They may be more technological savvy but if the heart  is void of caring about their fellow man, then what are their real contributions?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

DROP IN---DROP BACK OUT!!

Anyone who knows me, knows I am one of the most social people they will ever meet. I have finally realized that being so social can also be a very irritating trait.

The words, "stop by anytime" spoken in haste can sometimes be the sword upon which a person has to fall. Usually the words are my signature line after running into people on the street.

Yesterday, the first person arrive at 9:00 A.M. with the famous words, "you told me to stop by anytime, and I'm on break for a little while so I thought I'd stop by for coffee."

11:30 another "friend" stopped by with the famous words, "you told me to stop by anytime so since I had nothing else to do, here I am."

Silent tears of frustration are welling up in my eyes at 1:30P.M., as I realize all my plans for MY day are slowly waning. I have mentioned everything from a headache to the dog needed walking and all the response given, was that they'd go walking with me as I took the dog and they had great pain medication for my headache.

3:00 and I smile as "friend number 2" leaves my driveway.  There is still a chance for a couple of loads of laundry, gardening and starting dinner. Breathing a sigh of relief, I merrily make my way to the laundry room and then, a knock on the front door.  Holding tight to the basket of clothes, I slowly make my way to the door and lo and behold, "friend number three" is standing there with a bucket of chicken and the famous words, " You told me to stop by anytime so I picked up some chicken, thought we could have dinner and play cards."

The last time I saw  "friend number three" was when, after hearing a blood curdling scream, she ran to her car and beat a hasty retreat with her chicken.

So a word of advice to all my "friends". If I want to see you, I'll call and INVITE you over. If you don't hear from me, don't take it personally. I just realized I would like to have a life without visiting all the time.

Be warned that if you drop in, I will be asking you to drop right back out.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

Sometimes I feel guilty because I had a happy childhood. I try to use what I learned from  an early age to benefit other people.

StepFather is sometimes a dirty word but I had the most wonderful Assistant Father in the world.

I got my sense of humor from him and many of my moral values. He insisted on the family having dinner together every night, bought groceries before paying bills to make sure we were never hungry, wore the same pair of shoes for 12 years because we needed them more.
 Great Father! 

 Now don't think he was perfect..We had rules-bedtime 8:00 (he needed me time for MaMa) A and B on Report card or we stayed home till next report card,good manners, Mother better be respected., clean room and do your chore list, strict boundaries but I ended up using most of the rules on my children and God rewarded me with good children.

Woke us up every morning by pinching our toes and singing,"you are my sunshine" (Hated that,lol) Never was late to work and never missed one day of work from age 16 to late 70's. Treated my Mother like she was a Queen and treated us like Princesses. We never had a lot of money but every Friday night, grocery shopping and the drive-in, every holiday and birthday a party. I never knew we were poor.

 Still  don't!!! ·



Friday, June 10, 2011

Twitter World

I finally figured it out.

Twitter is just Facebook on wheels. I have a twitter page @mbthingsiknow. So far, I have found many new friends  that are part of the plan to sell me every upgrade to every device I own.

I know what every movie star, television star, recording star and politician is doing at any given time of the day.  If you reply to these people, make sure you are on their list or they will never see your twitter.  They'll ask for your votes, your money and your time but never seem to say Thank you.

Why is that?  They don't care anything about you personally. They just need you to follow them so they can show their friends that they are so loved.

I don't mean to sound bitter but this has been the biggest waste of my time. I am addicted to checking to see if I have more followers, to see if anyone retweeted what I tweeted or if anyone mentioned me in a message.

 Help.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

FLYING AIRPLANES

Most of my readers are aware of my helping my son out with cleaning windows or wherever I can help him with his company. I lamented my tale of woe of cleaning windows on my blog.  I now have a new adventure with him but this time it was staining wood floors and shellacking them.

How simple it looked. Just apply the stain, let it dry, sand it, and reapply.  When the floor thoroughly dried was where I got to come in.

The floors were now ready to shellac.  My son put a handle with a Lamb's wool attached at the bottom. He had applied the first coat of shellac by a paintbrush and when it dried, he sanded it.

He said, “Mother, pretend this handle is an airplane and you have to land the Lamb's wool. Bring the wool gently to the floor as landing, then real fast in a straight line down to the other end of the room then bring the wool up as if the plane is taking off again. Go to the next row, gently overlap, and land the airplane, run down the runway, and take off again.”

I promise you, this was the exact conversation. He also included not letting it drip, take some of the shellac out of the wool, and move fast as it dries fast.

I dipped the wool into the shellac, rolled it onto the rim to lose some of the shellac, turned around to fly the airplane, stuck my foot into the shellac, spilled it over his newly sanded floor, moved quickly out of the way, got my sock wet with the shellac, got my footprints on the floor as I was making a very fast exit out the door.
There will be no helping my son on his jobs.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Mom's big Mouth!

Sometimes in life, we have to learn to say no to our children. My amazing son seems to be one person that when you say no he thinks you mean that you will think about it.

As an amazing wood craftsman, he is in the restoring and remodeling business. Last week one of his workers was not able to work and he was trying to replace him.  I asked how much he paid the guy who was suppose to clean the windows on the house they were getting ready to paint. When I found out the amount, I said, "are you insane?"  I then volunteered to do the job.

An eight foot ladder, 22 windows to do, the sun beating down and at sixty six years of age, I decide to be Super Woman.  My mind was thinking I could do it but somehow that information got lost on the way to the rest of the body. He found this cleaner at the Dollar store called "LA'S Totally Awesome" and believe me it was. The paint with a scraper came right off but then the window had to be cleaned. Up and down the ladder gave me all the exercise I will ever need.

I did a very good job but my son mentioned he never has to mix his crews cleaning liquids, he never has to move the ladder for them, he never has to keep running to McDonald's to get sweet tea for them and he never has to hear them say,"TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT!"

I love him but I am now out of the cleaning business.

 His final words to me, "Here Mom, eat a Snicker's, you always turn into a Diva when you are hungry....lol..It was like working with Dame Shirley Bassey all day.."

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Set The Eggtimer!!!!

Get The Egg Timer

Get me the egg timer!" The shouting of these words means it's time to clean. Children, animals and friends run to escape the madness of "Cleaning Woman." I have loaded my cloth bag with all the cleaning supplies I will need and set the egg timer for twenty minutes. First, the bathroom because I dread it the most. I open the shower, spray with my tile cleaner or vinegar and water, spray the tub, sink and commode and let it all sit as I move to the kitchen. I spray the oven, put a garbage bag next to the refrigerator and the egg timer goes off. I stop and relax for 15 minutes.

After my brief rest, I set the egg timer for 30 minutes and go back to the bathroom and wipe everything down. Mop over the floor as I pick up the throw rugs to toss them into the washer. I use dish washing soap on a rag to wash the mirrors and windows in the bathroom and then dry them with a paper towel...Perfect every time! The bathroom is starting to look great but what is taking that timer so long?

I move on to the kitchen, open the refrigerator and start tossing everything that needs to go. I empty the dishes and put them into the sink or  dishwasher and start wiping the refrigerator out. What has happened to the timer? I start to take the racks out of the refrigerator and the wonderful sound of the timer bell rings. I stop.

As you can tell by now, I try to make my cleaning into a game. I play against the timer and that makes cleaning more interesting. I set the timer for 30 minutes and when it goes off I rest for 15 minutes. I can do my house with an hour off for lunch in 7 to 8 hours and that is from ceiling fan, windows, carpets, clean linens and everything that needs to be done. It's a hard 8 hours but more rewarding than working outside the same 8 hours because it is for me and my family.

One more note. Do the jobs you hate the most first, toss everything you haven't used for awhile and fill a basket with future garage sale wares.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Controlling Companions

I cannot believe how you treat me after all I have done for you.  I try not to complain how some of your annoying habits are causing me stress.

Your snoring at night is driving me up a wall and your taking over my pillow and my side of the bed is just rude.

I'm sorry if you didn't like the dinner I made for you and I'm sorry that peanut butter is no longer your favorite.

Why do you have to wake me up every morning at the crack of dawn? I'm really sorry that you can't sleep but no one told you to lay around all day napping.

When the telephone rings, I should have the option of having over a minute conversation without you whining.

I am going to set some rules for this house and they will be followed. Do not look at me with that smirk.

Don't come over here trying to make up. Do not do that funny sighing thing you do. Allright, I forgive you but will you be terribly hurt if I say one thing?
You are a dog! I am the Master.  Well, at least I got to say it.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

Some very wise person said, " A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the make of the car I drove. But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child."

Today, on this joyous day of celebrating our Mother's, all the reason of why we are who we are, come to mind.  Even in the hurts that can happen during the day, just the thought of our Mother can bring a sense of peace to most situations. How many times do we start to do something and realize that we are doing it the same way our Mother did.

 I remember many time thinking my marriage would be happier if I pin curled my hair.  Silly, but Mother's marriage was happy and she always pincurled her hair.  Maybe I should paint my nails. Mother's nails were always clean and painted. Cleaning the house always gives me a good feeling because my Mother,even when she was ill, always made sure the house was clean.

We didn't have a lot of money but every Friday, when Dad got home from work, all the family went to the grocery store. As we children threw in our favorite treats, Mother discreetly put most of them back on the shelf. Yet, we never lacked from some home made treat from her. After grocery shopping, we got to go to the Drive in Movie theatre.  Mother  had  made hot dogs and french fries, all carefully wrapped to stay warm and we had the luxury of buying a cold drink from the concession stand. The concession stand in my eyes at that point in my life was like fine dining.

 Mom took us up to play on the swings while Daddy carefully put out some blankets on the ground so we could be comfortable. It didn't seem like much to some people but it was the ground work for the love I feel for the Mother that so tirelessly made sure her children felt secure. This could be the reason that if my cupboards are bare, I feel like the world is not in sync.

I remember the first time I saw my Mother cry was when her Mother died. I hated to lose my Grandmother but the overwhelming feeling of my Mother's tears brought me into a more awareness of life. In my inner self, I vowed to never make my Mother shed tears again.

As the good and even some bad memories come to mind when we think of our Mothers, they deserve the knowledge of one gift they gave us all.  We will never be able to equal that gift back to them. Their great gift to us was life.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Happy days in the moment

Someone once said, "I don't mind losing years, but I always want to keep the moments." I am beginning to understand this as I get older. Special moments conjure up memories that take us through life so that we can handle moments that aren't so special.

All this time I have now that I've retired has allowed me to start putting the important things in my life at the top of the list. My children, my relatives and my friends are now going to be able to see that I do have time for them. As a lot of people do when they are working, the necessities the job requires, sometimes starts to push the important things farther down the list. Most of us need the jobs but we have to also realize that if we lose everything and everyone else to our workplace, that in the end, what was it all for.  I know survival is the first word to come to mind. Scaling down, stocking up and saving enough for an emergency should be the goal everyone strives for.

I live in a cute little cottage, drive an older car given to me when my car was wrecked, have lots of food in the cupboards, planted a garden for produce. have enough flowers started to have a nursery and I am the happiest I've been in many years.  My house and car does not define me. My heart and my treatment of others defines me.

 Believe me, sometime in life the discovery that you can live without all the shiny things will bring you to a place of peace.

My sister would say that this blog is just running on but she also knows that I really don't have to worry now about what anyone says.  I just have to smile and say, "yes, I know."

Mary Beth

Friday, April 29, 2011

Just a few pictures of progress.

 I am so happy to be able to share some of the new pictures of my gardens.
Hopefully soon we will be eating out of the garden.

A wonderful tip for getting rid of pests in the garden is to plant marigold flowers. Also bees will be attracted to pollinate all the new growth.  Hot water and vinegar mixed will rid the weeds after a couple of days.
Also bird suet in different areas outside of the garden keep the birds happy enough to leave the vegetables alone. Peppermint oil sprayed around the perimeter seems to keep the squirrels on their own territory. I hear the rain coming so tomorrow should be a day to have the garden smiling at me.

 


Monday, April 25, 2011

The simple life was the good life.

This picture of my Grandfather who worked so hard on his crops brings back a lot of memories.

Cattle troughs, an outhouse with a real Sears catalogue, a smokehouse with meat curing, and a family sitting down to breakfast, lunch and dinner.

My grandparents had a big dining room table that at holidays was used to make the most fruitcake I have seen ouside of a store.  The same table was used to pull taffy, make peanut brittle and have tea or coffee when guests came over.

Two large families from the same town, each producing one of my grandparents, gave me different perspectives of different lives of people.
I learned appreciation for hard work, loving the earth and all its bounty, respecting the creatures that had a job to do and staying true to myself.

The county fair was always attended even though the trek was by horse and cart for over 13 miles.  The blueberry jam that was made was worth the trip for the first prize.

It was a simple life that produced some of the most wonderful people I have ever known. Hopefully the younger generation will look back on our family and have the same comfort of being a part of something worth remembering.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Fried Green Tomatoes

A good Southern dish is to pull a tomato right at the stage before the red starts to show. A lot of people say, oh, no. No one wants the tomato to ripen on the counter."
I always laugh because I have no intention of the tomato turning red and ripening.
One of the most classic of Southern cuisine is to stem and wash a green tomato, slice it into thin slices, flour and fry after adding salt and pepper.

A quick splash in a egg wash will help the flour stick to the tomato.  A dash of cornmeal added  to the flour also give it a hint of a flavor that everyone will comment on. A slice of fried green tomatoes and your friends will be hooked.

You can also use sliced green tomato as a substitute for eggplant in Eggplant Parmesan.

Vegetable lasagna, chow chow, green tomato jelly with hot peppers added are other variations of this luxury treat.

Call a tomato a fruit or a vegetable and the response will always be the same. Delicious!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sister Week

"Treat your family like friends, and your friends like family." How true this is in my life. Sometimes it seems like my friends are front and center.

I try to keep in touch, say the right things and be what I think my sisters need.

Wrong!  I don't need to be anyone but myself with my sisters.  There is something about the power of family that no matter what, an unconditional love exists. We may not always like each other and we may totally disagree about one anothers choices. Stll we have that bond that even in the trying times seems to bind us together.

My one sister is strong, opinionated, and needs to know everything happening in life. We have such similar traits that sometimes we butt heads and with stubborn pride refuse to admit the other one might be right.  One sister has some of the same traits but has just always decided her sisters are the best no matter what.  Yes, she's the youngest and most forgiving.

No matter what though, we have each other's back and no matter what we do or say that may be hurtful to the other one, don't be a stranger and try the same thing!

Sister's week should be celebrated .

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Landscaping on a budget

My garden is evolving into so many different things. From planting vegetables and flowers to making an attempt at landscaping.

Tree branches had to be trimmed to allow sunlight to reach some of newly planted grass.  White rock was brought in to distinguish my different beds. I found some old rock in the back to use as a fence for the smaller  flower bed.

All my cactus plants and aloe vera plants were move to a separate bed.  With the white rock as a border; I now have a cactus garden that I love.

Stepping stones that use to lead to the mailbox are now in a square to form a small patio.
 With my wrought iron bench and the plant stand my son made, I have an actual place to just sit and look at the amazing transformation.

 It took a lot of physical work but not very much money as I recycled a lot of things I already had.
Looking around,  at all we have  accomplished,  brings  pleasant surprises.

Of course pictures will be posted so you can see I have been busy.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

This is a video that my son and sister put on utube. My son had taken an old riding lawn mower, took the blades off, hooked and old wheelbarrow to it and made me a garden tractor.  Enjoy their silliness.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Flower Lady

Sometimes little gestures in life can come back to us many times over.  That obnoxious neighbor that never smiles could perhaps use a little wave or maybe a friendly hello. My neighbor from years back use to be in her yard working with her flowers all the time.  She would spend hours just raking, pulling weeds and keeping the flowers thriving with all the attention.

Because of her coldness, the neighborhood children would sometimes taunt her.  When I would see that happpening, I would rush to the fence separating our property and scold them firmly.  She would just bow her head and continue to stroke the dirt around her flowers.

One day after many years of watching her little body bend more with age and noticing that she wasn't as zealous in her gardening as she had been, I threw up my hand and waved.  Lo and behold, she walked to the fence and her face actually smiled at me.  Flustered, I apologized for the way the children and some of the neighbors had treated her and she shushed me by telling her story.

Many, many years earlier, she had escaped from a hard life in a war torn country and made her way to America. She had worked so hard to be able to have a little yard in which to grow flowers.  She said the children taunting her by calling her " Flower Lady" never bothered her because they were children and knew no better. She was content with her life and wasn't lonely because her flowers were friends of hers.

As she walked away, it looked like the flowers had bowed their head to say goodbye to the little lady that had so tenderly cared for them.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Memory Gardening


Some unkown person once said," If I had a flower for each time I thought of my Mother, I could walk in my garden forever."

 Maybe getting older has made me more sentimental, but every time I walk around my garden, I find myself stopping and smiling in front of a flower and in my mind, a memory of a love one comes to me.

  Aunt Violet always loved the way I tried to color coordinate my flowers, Aunt Roxie always thought my four o'clocks were amazing for having been moved from a garden in Ormond Beach and transplanted here.  Mother always loved tulips and felt like Roses were the flower that must have been planted just for her. My dear Aunt Velma felt like lilies were the flower everyone should plant.

If I could have a memory garden to befit these wonderful, loving women that I had in my life, I would be able to write my readers a blog everyday because the tour of this garden would take forever.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Master Gardeners Event

Today the Master Gardener's had their annual event and I was lucky enough to get to go. Thousands of people attend this event and there is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in gardening.  From antiques to bulbs, there is something for everyone.  Thank God, I had already planted vegetables and flowers or I would be totally broke.

A lot of new ideas for me to pass onto you.  I was pleasantly surprised to see some of the things I have being for sale. I may have to have a booth next year.  A planter that my son built for me was going for a fortune today.He may have to start building them for me to sell. I an including a picture. Wonderful concept and great conversation piece.

Thanks for the great tips of how to replant my blooming onions.  If anyone has one of these, they multiply rapidly and have to have enough room for the spreading.

Pictures of my blooming plants will come soon.  Boring you is not part of my  plan, but I'm just so proud of what I've been able to accomplish.  The planting is easy, the learning to walk again after so much bending over is the hard part.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Chicken and Dumplings have arrived!

Finally, the recipe for Chicken And Dumplings that my sister had promised I could share has come to be a reality. 
 Many of my friends on here are vegetarians and I promise to include some great recipes for you.For the ones that love chicken, this is a dish that is the best thing in the the world.  Thick and hardy, I cheat with this dish every time I can get my sister to make it.  After a few days of her cooking, I go back to my Daily Diet .
  
 Several new recipes have been added to my recipe  section. I am in the process of putting together a complete list of things to add to my Home Remedy section.  Several of you have contacted me with some of the remedies that you use and I will incorporate them onto my page.
  
Thank you so much for your feedback  and suggestions.  Soon, your suggestions will start appearing. Also, thank you for pointing out the correct way to spell gladiolus. That's why I love doing this site. I'm learning everyday.
  

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Finally, a garden!

Today was one of those days when all is right with the world.  My organic garden is now looking like I had envisioned when I set out on this quest.  Simple little things like emptying used tea grounds into a jar, keeping egg shells, not throwing  out coffee grinds. Putting all my collections in a cardboard box that I had lined with aluminum foil and baking it in  the sun gave me all the organic matter I needed .

Doing this made sure my soil was ready to keep my plants healthy and hardy. In the bottom of the box, I had placed sawdust, raked leaves and grass clippings.

I used some old railroad ties to line the garden and on the ground put some eave pieces my son had left over from a remodeling job.  There were enough holes to keep good drainage and keep the insects out. I did cheat a little when I found out Lowe's had some organic soil on sale. I bought ten forty pound bags and together with my compost and 2 large bags of organic matter, my bottom of my bed was ready for plants.

My son laughed and said I had 40 acres planted in an 5x10 spot. Maybe so but I made sure every plant had room to grow.

In one corner, I put all the herbs and on the other corner, I planted the crooked neck squash. I have bell pepper plants and enough tomatoes to supply the neighborhood. It's just a small garden but just big enough to make my heart sing with absolute delight.

Around the garden, I put dog fence that my neighbor had left when he moved. Everyone has suggested hanging paper plates to keep the birds away but I'm taking my chance by not doing that.  I had some thin reed from an old tree that was trimmed so I am going to use that as my tomato stakes. My sister suggested using pantie hose to tie the tomato plant to them . Since she donated the pantie hose, I figured why not.

Pictures will be posted as my garden grows. I am so excited.  Let me know if you are planting a garden this year.  Hopefully soon we will be enjoying the fruits of our labor.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Don't expect to pick flowers, if you plant weeds

With only 1 day of rain,  I was concerned that my gladiolus would not make it but lo and behold, they have jumped through the soil and look like they are going to do fine.

Several people have requested some recipes for beets so please look under Delicious Delectables for a couple of ways to prepare .
Also added a great recipe for Spinach Salad with a yummy dressing.

What beautiful weather it has been in this area.  Walking should be an easy way to get some exercise.  The dog has been on her best behavior because she knows she will be strolling along with me.  I have seen more of my neighbors in the past few weeks than I have in years.  A smile, a wave and a certain feeling of peace seems to be in the air. 
A new fad of taking turns once a month cooking at different houses with each neighbor choosing the theme of the month and the other neighbors bringing complimentary side dishes to go with the host main dish is starting to become very popular.  I'm not on that fad at the moment but maybe in the future. So far a wave and a smile is the thing.

Don't forget to use your used coffee grounds and for those that charcoal, your ashes for your rose bushes. I am still putting things together for organic gardening.  It has taken forever to plant flowers and till soil. A blanket on the ground with a pillow to sit on and a chair right next to me has been my way lately.  I need the chair to be able to stand back up. I have to work on making my legs stronger.
I saw a sign that says, 'Don't expect to pick flowers if you plant weeds.' A good life lesson.

Another Beautiful Day

Another beautiful day and I will be out enjoying the light breeze in the sunny weather.  Rain is needed but the selfish side of me,that loves sunshine and beaches, is taking top lead.

A few of my readers have asked for  recipes for beets so I included a couple under my Delicious Delectables section.  Parsnips, carrots, yam and turnips are becoming the new mashed potatoes.  Just boil, skin, mash with a little butter, salt and pepper, *liquid of choice and you have a great side dish from root vegetables . *(water, milk or chicken stock to name a few.)

Also under the same heading is a great Spinach salad recipe with a dressing that is so good, you can use it as a dipping sauce for other recipes.

A new fad is neighborhood cooking parties or just cooking parties with select friends. A theme is set, the Host makes the main dish, the invited guest bring side dishes to compliment.  Or everyone gathers at the host house for the event and they cook together.  Book clubs, garden clubs and this could really turn out to be fun.  ‘The Nate show’ is becoming an influence in my afternoon schedule and he just had a cooking club as guests.

A reader gave me a tip to share. She says that in all the years she has been married; everyone raves about her HOME MADE biscuits and mashed potatoes. Her secret is  1 large Tablespoon of mayonnaise to a Bisquick mix and the same amount of mayonnaise to a mash potato mix. I had a good laugh about that. I may have to try it.

Remember to save your coffee grinds and grill ashes for your rose bushes as they need a lot of acidic soil. Another good thing are egg shells.

A great sign to think about applying to everyday life; ‘Don’t expect to gather flowers if you plant weeds.’    
   Mary Beth