Bells



Fred was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young 'pullets,' and ten roosters to fertilize the eggs.

He kept records, and any rooster not performing went into the soup pot and was replaced.

This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached
them to his roosters.

Each bell had a different tone, so he could tell from a distance,
which rooster was performing.

Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by
just listening to the bells.

Fred's favorite rooster, old Butch, was a very fine specimen, but
this morning he noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all!

When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy
chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the
roosters coming, would run for cover.

To Fred's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring.

He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.

Fred was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Brisbane City Show and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.

The result was the judges not only awarded old Butch the "No Bell
Piece Prize," but they also awarded him the "Pulletsurprise" as well.

Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making. Who else but a
politician could figure out how to win two of the most coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the unsuspecting populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention.

 



Canning Time



Yes, it's that time again.

Everything is ripening - more than you can eat so let's get picking and canning!

A few small Zucchini, Cucumber and Spring Onions

Grapes, Grapes and more Grapes

This is just the beginning.

My Thompson Seedless is an excellent producer

and there is more left to pick!

Yes, I share with the Mocking Birds,

as you can see the picked clean stem on the table ♥

Washed and ready to eat!



B works with a lady that has a great Veggie garden and she has been sharing with him and he has been sharing with us. Each time I see him we receive a big box of Squash

Time to can!

This year I've decided to try Zickles (Zucchini Pickles)

and Zapplesauce (Zucchini Applesauce).

After all if I can make a Zapple Pie why can't you make Zapplesauce right?

Zickles first.

Zickles

Ingredients:

2 pounds Zucchini, thinly sliced

1/4 cup Salt 

1 1/2 cup White Vinegar

3/4 cup Sugar

3/4 teaspoon Dill Seed

3/4 teaspoon Mustard Seed

3/4 teaspoon Turmeric

1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard

Fresh Dill Sprigs

Directions:

(the scraps in the white bowl are for Tilly,

she loves eating fresh veggies)

Thinly slice Zucchini

 1.Add Salt to sliced Zucchini and mix thoroughly.

Let stand for 1 hour and then drain. 

 

 2. Mix remaining ingredients and boil for 3 minutes.

(Yes, I was multi-tasking by cooking a huge package

of hamburger at the same time so I could

freeze it into 1 pound bags)

 

3. Pour hot mixture over Zucchini slices

and let stand for at least 1 hour.

 During that hour I sliced the Zucchini for the Zapplesauce.

 I also shredded Zucchini, Patty Pan

and Crook Neck Squash.

I placed 2 cups of shredded Squash

into bags for the freezer.

I use shredded Zucchini for my Pina Colada Jam, 

Zucchini Nut Bread, and what ever else

I decide to throw it into like Spaghetti Sauce. 

 

4. Place Zucchini and liquid to a large pot and boil for 3 minutes.

5. Pack Zucchini tightly in hot sterilized jars. Add Dill Sprigs.

6. Pour in the hot liquid, wipe jar rims and threads clean and seal.

7. Label and store in a cool place.

8. Place jars upside down for 15 mins. then turn right side up.

The lids will plink when sealed.

You can also do:

Water Bath Canning

Process in water bath for 20 minutes for pints or quarts.

Start timing when water boils

I have to say they taste really good!

They are like Bread and Butter Pickles. YUM!

*******************

Zapplesauce

Ingredients:

12 cups Zucchini, peeled, seeded and cut into slices

1/2 cup water

1 - 2 cups Sugar, to your liking

1 - 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon, to your liking

Directions:

1. In a large pot combine Zucchini and water.

2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until Zucchini is soft.

3. Drain all but a little liquid

4. Use a potato masher to mash Zucchini. If there seems to be a lot of liquid, you can drain some more.



5. Stir in Sugar and Cinnamon. Spoon a bit out, let cool and taste. Adjust Sugar and Cinnamon to taste.

6. Add to hot sterilized jars. Wipe jar rims and threads clean and seal.
7. Label and store in a cool place.

8. Place jars upside down for 15 mins. then turn right side up. The lids will plink when sealed.
You can also:

Water Bath Canning

Process in water bath for 20 minutes for pints or quarts.

Start timing when water boils.

 The Zapplesauce turned out amazing.

Hoping T leaves it alone so I have some for Easter Dinner!

More Canning and creative ways to use

ALL that Zucchini to come.

  

Beach Mementos

Bringing the Beach Vacation Home

Just because your beach holiday is now only a happy memory doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to the pretty things that made those relaxed mornings so delightful. Give your

home a summery lift with these easy decorating projects using found objects and holiday mementos:

For an effortless seaside-inspired accent, fill a tall vase or hurricane-style vessel with a loose jumble of beachcombing bounty. Tip: Be sure to clean seaside treasures first with soap and water. 



  
A perfect seashell, sculptural piece of driftwood or bit of pale-hued sea glass can become a personal and evocative still life when beautifully framed. A memory box (widely available at framing and crafts stores) is a hinged picture frame deep enough to display three-dimensional mementos. Arrange a few objects in an artful way-it's easy to go overboard, but simple compositions are traditionally more pleasing. Think a single starfish mounted against a natural linen background. Or a vignette featuring a special postcard, plume of sea grass (dried and pressed first) and a handful of interesting shells. 

  

A cluster of seashell candles on a silver or bamboo tray makes a memorable centerpiece. To make, remove a tealight from its metal holder, melt the wax in a double boiler and carefully pour the liquid wax into cleaned shells. Position the wick in the center and let cool for several hours. Be sure to choose stable shells that won't tip over.   

Embellish a photo frame with starfish and sand dollars. Simply hot-glue them along the frame's edge to accent a treasured vacation photograph. 

  

Make a set of summery napkin rings in minutes: thread a five-inch length of ribbon through the top openings of a sand dollar, use a dab of glue to further secure it to the ribbon. Once dry, tie around a rolled napkin.   

A Mason or decorative jam jar filled with layers of colored sand is an easy and fun project for kids: to dye the sand, put it in a glass or metal bowl and add enough water to cover. Mix in food coloring-you will need a lot-and let it stand until the sand turns the desired color. Drain off the excess water and allow sand to dry on a thick layer of paper towel before layering in the jar.

Children will love making-and wearing-seashell jewelry. Using a power drill with a very small bit or a Dremel tool, carefully make a hole in the shell. Use the lowest speed possible to avoid cracking the shell. Children can then thread the seashells.

Have fun!



Infused Spa Waters

With the temps we've been having - in the 100's - seems we are always thirsty. We drink a lot of water but sometimes you just want something a little more quenching that has some flavor.

 Introducing Infused Waters.

Benefits:

 hydrating, refreshing, detoxifying

Here's the easy recipe I use on a regular basis. 

Ingredients:

Fruit - 2 cups berries, citrus, melons, pineapple...most fruits will work

Herbs -a sprig of mint, rosemary, thyme, lavender, basil or sage

Water

Ice

2 quart pitcher or jar with lid
Wooden Spoon

Directions:

1. If using herbs, add a sprig of fresh herbs to jar. Press and twist with wooden spoon to bruise leaves enough to release flavor. Do not smash the herbs into bits.

2. Add approx. 2 cups of fruit to jar. Press and twist with wooden spoon just enough for the fruit to start to release some of the juices.



Strawberry Kiwi shown

3. Fill jar with ice cubes

4. Add water to top of jar.

5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

6. Let water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

Poured into pitcher and

Strawberry and Blueberry shown

ready to drink! Yum!



There are many different flavor combinations you can make,

here are a few:

All Citrus: Slice 1 each; orange, lime, lemon into rounds. Cut rounds in half. Add to jar and muddle. Aids in digestion, immune defense, and vitamin C.

Raspberry Lime: Quarter 2 limes. Hand squeeze juice into jar. Add squeezed lime quarters. Add 2 cups raspberries. Muddle. Continue with steps 3 - 6.

Pineapple Mint: Add sprig of mint to jar. smash lightly. Add 2 cups pineapple pieces. Muddle, continue with steps 3 - 6.

Blackberry Sage: Add sage sprig to jar. Smash lightly. Add 2 cups blackberries. Muddle, continue with steps 3 - 6.

Watermelon Rosemary: Add rosemary sprig to jar and smash. Add 2 cups watermelon cubes. Muddle, continue with steps 3 - 6.

Strawberry Kiwi: Add 1 cup each: strawberries, cut in half, blueberries. Muddle, continue with steps 3 - 6. Aids in cardiovascular health, immune system protection, blood sugar regulation and digestion.
Cucumber, Lime, Lemon: Add 1 sliced cucumber, muddle. Cut 1 each lemon and lime into quarters. Hand squeeze juice into jar. Add lemon and lime squeezed lemon and lime quarters. Continue with steps 3 - 6. Aids in water weight management, bloating, appetite control, hydration and digestion.

Our favorites are any kind of berries and watermelon! Yum!

Enjoy!

There's still time to enter my Giveaways! Located upper right corner :)



Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Review and Giveaway!

Introducing NEW Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash, the newest member to the Dial® Coconut Water line. 

 

It had been another 100+ degree day, when I received my Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash to try. 

I headed straight for the shower! Any reason to cool off ;)

 

I was pleasantly surprised first by the wonderful clean refreshing and up lifting tropical fragrance.......

 

The lather this nourishing body wash made was close to no other body wash I've tried. I'm always in a hurry, that's just me. But I noticed myself lingering in the shower just to enjoy the invigorating scent.

It seemed I could actually feel the creamy lather hydrating my dry skin.

 

Now this was news to me ~

Coconut water is known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that help to provide replenishing hydration.

 

And not only are Mango's chock full of nutrients for your body they are nutrient rich for your skin.

Boy, did we eat a lot of Mangos when we lived in Miami.

I relate them to the Zucchini of Florida! LOL

 

NEW Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash goes to the top of my list for all over moisturizing skin care. My skin felt so soft after my shower.  My kids mentioned how great I smelled :o

 

How would you like to try the NEW Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash?

Here ya go!

One winner will receive 2 coupons, each for a free bottle of

NEW Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash!

 

"The Dial Brand provided me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own"

 

Promotion Ends: August 10, 2014
 

Check out some of my other giveaways too,

listed in my upper right corner.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond
 once notified by email,
otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faux Brick Walkway

I saw this in one of my Dad's Handyman Magazine Issues
years ago and have wanted to do it  ever since.
The magazines directions were to use a 6'' roller and special  cement paint. I just tweaked the materials a bit to make less expensive.

I hosed the walkway with high pressure from my garden hose.
The next day I used a mixture of craft paint I picked up at garage sales - oranges, reds, browns, etc. and Dollar Tree sponges.

 With weather in the 100's it took longer than planned,

too hot to work on during the day.

So I worked on it a little each morning. 

 I was usually able to get a section done a day.

It didn't turn out perfect which is good.

I wanted it to blend with the rest of my salvaged brick ''patios''

and garden edgings that I put together like a jigsaw puzzles with: cemented together clumps, cement left on, halves and pieces of bricks from my Dad's used brick pile.

I ended up putting one coat of cement sealer

 on which I was torn about. I wanted it to develop that worn look, but was afraid that when it got to the look I wanted, I'd never get around to putting a sealer on.

I got up at 5am to put that coat of sealer on it while it was only 80*.

It started sprinkling half way through!

 I ignored it and finished.

The sprinkling didn't amount to much

but I think Mother Nature doesn't like me!

Next :

the driveway?

Maybe someday! 

Other posts you may be interested in:

Bedroom Floor Makeover

Deck Makeover

Bathroom Cabinets 

Illinois & Oklahoma: Very Interesting

Illinois & Oklahoma:

I thought these two states, the first part about Illinois and the second
part about Oklahoma, made for an interesting contrast .

PART 1 — Illinois

"A State with No Republicans!"

Some interesting data on the 'state' of, the State of Illinois ... There are more
people on welfare in Illinois than there are people working.
Chicago pays the highest wages to teachers than anywhere else in the U.S..     Their average pay is $110,000/year.
Their pensions average 80-90% of their income.

Wow, are Illinois and Chicago great or what?
Be sure to read till the end.
I've never heard it explained better.
Perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Chicago?

Body count:
In the last six months, 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago .
221 killed in Iraq; AND Chicago has one of the strictest gun laws in
the entire US.

Here's the Chicago chain of command:
President: Barack  Hussein Obama
Senator: Dick Durbin 
House Representative: Jesse Jackson Jr. 
Governor: Pat Quinn 
House leader: Mike Madigan
Atty. Gen.: Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike) 
Mayor: Rahm  Emanuel
 
The  leadership in Illinois - all Democrats. 
Thank you for the combat zone in Chicago. 
Of course, they're all blaming each other.
Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!

Let us get ALL the facts out while we are at it:
Chicago school system rated one of the worst in the country.
Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!

State pension fund $78 Billion in debt, worst in country.
Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!

Cook County ( Chicago ) sales tax 10.25% highest in country.
Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!

This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Illinois .
And he is going to 'fix' Washington politics for us?

George Ryan is no longer Governor, he is in prison.
He was replaced by Rob Blagojevich who is, by the way, also in prison.
And Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned,  .. and, that's right, he
and his wife are both in prison.
The Land of Lincoln, where our Governors and Representatives make our
license plates.  What?

As long as they keep providing entitlements to the population of
Chicago, nothing is going to change, except the state will go bankrupt before the country does.
"Anybody who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the
Government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian."

Don’t forget Detroit, another great example of a Democratic empire…
With all the bad news, there is hope, so let’s go to:

PART  2— Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA- may soon have plenty of new residents!
THIS IS REALLY  INTERESTING, AND TRUE ... PLEASE READ IT!
Oklahoma is the only state that Obama did  not win even one county in the
last election...  While everyone is focusing on Arizona’s new law, look
what Oklahoma has been doing!!!

An update from Oklahoma :
Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9 an amendment to place the Ten Commandments
on the front entrance to the state capitol. The feds in D.C., along with
the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Hey this is a conservative state,
based on Christian values... HB 1330
Guess  what... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal
immigrants and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to
get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered. HB1804. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU,
they said it would be a mistake.
Guess what... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Recently we passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all
illegal's to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes.
Pelosi said it was unconstitutional SB1102
Guess what... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Several weeks ago, we passed a law, declaring  Oklahoma as a Sovereign
state, not under the Federal Government directives. Joining, Texas, Montana
and Utah as the only states to do so.

More states  are likely to follow:
 Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Carolinas,  Kentucky, Missouri,
 Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi and Florida
.
Save your confederate money, it appears the South is about to rise up once
again. HJR 1003

The federal Government has made bold steps to take away our guns.
Oklahoma, a week ago, passed a law confirming people in this state have the
right to bear arms and transport them in their vehicles. I'm sure that was
a setback for the criminals  The Liberals didn't like it -- But....
Guess  what... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Just this month, the state has voted and passed a law that ALL drivers’
license exams will be printed in English and only English and no other
language. They have been called racist for doing this, but the fact is that
ALL of the road signs are in English only. If you want to drive in
Oklahoma, you must read and write English. Really simple.
By the way, the Liberals don't like any of this either
Guess what... who cares... Oklahoma is doing it anyway.

Spellbinders® Celebra'tions Collection! Review and Giveaway!

"Every day is the perfect day for a Celebration!"

Such a great slogan for New Spellbinders® Celebra'tions Collection by Richard Garay.  With this complete collection of  stamps, dies, papers, inks, and more will make any event, big or small a cause for Celebrating.

I was recently chosen to try out these paper crafts.
I received 2 complete kits, one for a Greeting Card

 and one for a Sweet Treat Bag.

  They both are so darn cute!

  Each came with everything needed and step by step instructions.

The Celebra'tions Cardstock and Pattern Papers that came in the kits have bright cheerful colors.

 Each were easy to make and would be perfect to do with your little ones. A friend or relative would be so pleased and surprised to receive such a cute paper craft.

 The entire Spellbinders® Celebra'tions Collection coordinates together so that you will have no trouble achieving beautiful results every time. 

 There's quite a variety of Die Cuts from which to choose.

From traditional tags to other shapes with designs and textures ~

these are just a few.

Rubber Stamping takes on a whole new meaning with the assortment in this Collection. All Stamps are made of photo-polymer and feature cling technology so they can effortlessly adhere to clear blocks, making it easy to position the stamp on your project.

A few examples ~

Die and Stamp sets are also available for those

who want the best of both worlds.

 Solid cardstock is available in a range of 12 perfectly coordinated colors. Single color and assorted color

packages are available.

The colors are specially blended to coordinate

perfectly with their Patterned Papers,

True Color Fusion Inks and True Color Fusion Stamp Pads which come is a multitude of colors. These unique hybrid inks blend the benefits of dye and pigment ink all in one. They dry quickly, have no chalky residue, and don't fade. 

 The easy to use Silk Luster comes in three decadent colors and can be used to add shimmery color splashes to your projects.   

For great inspirational ideas Spellbinders has a Facebook Page. Check it out.

I enjoyed using the materials I was given.

The die cuts were clean cut, the paper was good quality and the instructions easy to follow. It was just plain fun!

Did you think I would play in front of you and not let you join in?

Heck NO!

I have a giveaway for one of you lucky ducks!

Spellbinders® Celebra'tions Collection has given me the ''Many Words'' stamp set to share with you!

A $12.99 value.

Giveaway ends July 30, 2014

KatD and jcobb, Thank you for letting me know that Rafflecopter wasn't working.

Hopefully I've fixed it!

Please try again if/when you get a chance.

Your heads up was greatly appreciated!

The winners will have 48 hours to respond

once notified by email,

otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"The Spellbinders Brand provided me with a sample of Spellbinders® Celebra'tions Collection in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own"