What Childhood Memories Do You Miss?

When I was going up, I use to spend the summers at my grandparents house in Alabama.  By the end of summer their garden was overflowing with ripe vegetables and my grandparents and I would start canning.  I never questioned why we did it.  I only knew that it was my job to snap off the ends from the green beans and put the endless beans in a bowl.  We also prepared the fresh vegetables for freezing.


Later in life, after I was married, my husband and I brought a house that had many fruit trees.  When my grandmother came to visit us one fall the fruit trees and grape vines were all ripe.  My grandmother must have thought I was crazy because I had not started picking the fruit and making ready to start canning the fruit.  She hastily started the process.  We ended up with applesauce, apple butter, preserved apples, peaches, grapes and plums.  I think my husband and I had jars of fruit for two years.  I must say that it was wonderful smelling the fresh aromas of the fruit and later tasting the rewards of our efforts. 


I have not canned any fruit or vegetables for quite some time.  After I got out  of the Navy I went to work in food processing.  Of course I enjoy the electrical and mechanical aspect of food processing.  I also love automation and much to others dismay, I am always looking for new ways to make tasks easier, safer and faster with out losing quality. 


This past weekend I was looking for recipes to make for our anniversary dinner.  I ran across one of the recipes that my grandmother had hand written for me for canning the apples.  A flood of memories overwhelmed me and the simplicity and joys of the days I used to spend with my grandparents canning and freezing our summer’s bounty. 


It made me wonder how much quality time is lost with family with all the conveniences of today.  It is cheaper to go a pick up a can of green beans or a jar of preserves than it is to make it yourself.  The days we spent preparing the food to freeze and can were some of my best memories.  Laughing and joking as we prepared the food. 


What traditions or time that you spent with family has changed since you were going up due to modern conveniences?

The Hoover Hog and Other Wild Animals

 

After reading about the lady who was beaten by a frozen armadillo, I began wondering about the armadillo.  I have seen some scurrying across our yard at night, but mostly I see them on the road.

 

Never had I imagined that the armadillo was an animal to be eaten until I read that article. The article of course got the better of me and I had to check it out.

During the 1930’s President Hoover promised the American people a “chicken in every pot”.  As the depression worsened and people began to scavenge for food.  Their dislike of President Hoover’s politics soon gave the armadillo the name Hoover’s Hog.

I have never tasted armadillo nor do I plan on doing so anytime soon.  I have heard it tastes like chicken.

Many of my neighbors hunt and bring home wild hogs or feral hogs and deer.  I am not fond of wild animal meat.   When people bring it to work and want to share their family recipes, I try to politely turn them down.  Although several times I have unknowingly eaten it.   The taste is different with a tangy taste.  I have eaten fried rabbits several times, while in the Navy. 

Do you eat wild game?  If so, what animals do you eat or have you eaten?

Casey Anthony Mask on EBay sells for $999,900.00

Casey Anthony Mask

Halloween is full of witches, goblins, zombies, and devils.  This Halloween mask is the scariest I have seen yet this year. 

• Who would want to be Casey Anthony
• Who in their right mind would pay $999,000 for the mask

What do you think about this mask?  Is is too much?  Would you but it?

Barbie Now and Then

Tokidoki Barbie Features Tattoos, Pink Hair

I remember playing with my Malibu Barbie doll when I was young.

Wow times have changed, check out the new Barbie doll for this year.

I never thought I would see a Barbie in leopard tights.  Alright I can get over the hot pink mini skirt and the tights. 

The pink color hair, the half sleeve tattoo, and neck tattoo is bit much though.  The doll went on sale 10/13/11 and has already sold out. 

Maybe this is the fashion, but I could never see giving this doll for gift to a young impressionable girl.  I used to think that Barbie’s sent the wrong message before, but this has gone way overboard in my opinion.

What do you think? 

What is your opinion of the Barbie Doll?

Do You Leave a Tip at Restaurants?

While I was going to school I worked as a waitress.  First in a restaurant, then later as I got older, in a bar.  In college I worked as both a waitress and a bartender.  All three jobs depended on tips as part of my salary.  There was not a gratuity added to the check or an automatic 15% added to the check if you had a party of six or more.  I always seemed to do fairly well for myself depending on the day or the week and shift. 

My three kids while they were in high school also worked at jobs that relied on tips.  They also seemed to do well.  

I was reading this weekend, and a article caught my eye, San Francisco Restaurant Workers Want To Make 25% Standard Tip Rate « CBS San Francisco.  I have always looked at tips as a reward for good service.  Sometimes I received more than 15%, sometimes less, but for the most part it around 15%.  

I do think that a set tip should be set.  If the service is good, then you should leave a tip.  I always leave a standard 15% however if the service is outstanding I leave a larger tip.

What are your thoughts?

Do you leave a tip at bars and restaurants?

Do you tip you hairdresser?

If you tip, what percent do you usually leave?

Senior Health Care According to Maxine

Love Hurts

 

Everyone says love hurts, but that is not true.

Loneliness hurts.

Rejection hurts.

Envy hurts.

Everyone gets these things confused with love.

In reality love is the only thing in this world

that covers up all pain and makes

Someone feel wonderful again.

Why Men Shouldn’t Write Advise Columns