For what it's worth: March 2014

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Monday

Is writing in American cursive a lost art?

When I was a girl, a long long time ago, I was taught to print in elementary school.  In the third grade we learned to write in cursive.  That is history and ancient.  My husband mentioned that cursive is no longer a subject formally taught in elementary and I quipped in that neither is spelling.   Actually, I believe they are, they just are not penalized for misspelling when writing. Strange to realize I’ve reached the age of my life that I can actually say I was a part of something that is no more. 
cursive

Wednesday

Sky Blue is a relaxing view.


The clouds that would soon bring precious rain.

Monday

Classic Deviled Eggs

One year at a family Christmas pot luck party every one showed up with the same foods.  It became quite a joke as each person arrived and announced they brought either deviled eggs or green bean casserole.  There were so many eggs, we decided to have a contest for the best deviled eggs, which my late Aunt Nelda won.  The next year my daughter and I made a cookbook of family photos and recipes…titled “Deviled Eggs & Green Beans”.  I cherish it especially since she is gone.
Deviled-eggs_mustard


Cranberry Orange Amaretto Scones

I made my first scones in honor of St. Patty’s Day.  I researched several recipes and read up on historic Irish foods.  There was some debate on whether scones came from the Irish, Scottish or England but it doesn’t matter because they did make something like it on griddles.  They remind me of something between a sweetened biscuit that doesn’t rise much that are delicious.

Cranberry_Orange_Amaretto_Scones recipe

Sunday

Rain washes everything clean

Texas_rainbow

Rain has been scarce in Texas so the heavy rain storm that moved through North Texas yesterday was a welcome thing.  It began as cool air then gray clouds covered the sky.  We watched the news off and on because spring rain can also mean severe spring weather, including tornadoes.  It started to sprinkle as we were going inside Bonkers to a birthday party for great grand.  When we came out a couple of hours later it was raining steady but slow.  Hubs and I commented on how nice it was.  Before long it was a heavy rain and some strong winds that shut down our satellite TV service.  I didn't mind though because I had been sitting facing the expanse of windows enjoying the beauty of the cleansing rain falling on the dry brown grass.  This will help fill some of those dry lakes not far from here.

Then the rain was over and the clouds lightened to reveal a brilliant rainbow that lit up the sky.  It was spectacular.  I didn't take time to get my DSLR but quickly took a photo with my phone.  It doesn't do it justice, but it makes my heart swell with gratitude even as the darkness grew nearer.  There looked to be a protective bubble forming over the city.
Rainbow_glow_bubble


Wednesday

Zoo day

The weather was amazing yesterday and today. And because our local weatherman warned us to enjoy it while we could because tomorrow won’t be so nice, I switched the Spring Break plan around.  We headed to the zoo today.  Traffic can be a bit of a nightmare around here so we hopped on the train for the hour and 1/2.  First issue of the day…it’s spring break…every family in the area decided to take the train someplace fun today so we stood the whole ride.  When we reached the zoo there was good news
snake

Organization to Keep It Clean

Click mop bucket for a printable chart

Finish This WEEK #10 (March 12) are:

  1. My boobs are.. my business.  I am old enough and modest enough not to talk about my body parts on the internet.
  2. My heart is… big enough to hold love for many, many people.  It can be broken but it can also be fixed.
  3. One thing every woman should know… is that you are what you strive to be.  Set your goals high and stand firm to your beliefs.
  4. My breakfast typically consists of… coffee with cream and sometimes a buttered toast or cheese toast.  Seldom do I eat a large breakfast, but I will enjoy a late morning brunch instead.
  5. I’m so glad I learned the secret to… keeping a clutter free home is not leaving things undone until it is overwhelming and keeping a schedule.

 

finishthis-small

Monday

How to add a line break and customize the read more message...

If you are new to blogging, and use blogger, this is written for you.  I socialize on Facebook with a group that specifically uses blogger where the question has come up about how to make your home page show a snippet of your article with a customized message to "continue reading" placed where you want it to be.
DIY blogging, add line break, customize read more message in blogger blogspot

 Why would you want to do that?

Spring Green decorations

Spring is a wonderful time of the year.  The mantel decorations are going green with pops of red, orange and blue for Spring.  I used bright wrapping tissue paper to make book jackets for a lively leprechaun to stand on next to a blarney heart shaped stone my daughter brought me.  An enlarged photo of big girl grand inspecting a spring wild flower in Central Texas and some candles adorned with pretty ribbon, a beaded bracelet and dragon fly charms were all easy, quick projects. 
St_Patrick_decor-spring-mantel
If you’ve never

Thursday

Planning activities, snacks, field trips + grocery list with pre schooler

Spring break is always a much anticipated break even with the unusual number of snow days we experienced this year.  A good plan with plenty of healthy meals, and nutritious snacks along with lots of creative activities is essential to keeping up with the 4 year old this year.  I put together a five day plan to make organizing and inspiration easy for this special grandma time.

Monday

Party Appetizers and Finger Foods

Appetizers and party food
Stuffed jalapeƱo, meatloaf slider, 9 layer dip, potato skin, baked fried pie, chocolate strawberries
We Americans do love our football.  I’m more about the commercials and food than the game, especially when it’s not a very exciting game like the XLVIII Super Bowl game.  What I thought was a party for two happily became a party for three when big girl grand came by on her way home from work.  Here are some of the recipes for the appetizer/finger food Sunday night we shared.