What A Great Mom!

My mom is wonderful for so many reasons...but, she is especially wonderful because she makes the best fried okra in the world. You might have to be from the south to truly appreciate it, but I could eat a whole plate full and get sick before I'd stop because it is so tasty. My mother and my grandmother taught me how to cook, which I appreciate more than they will ever know, but I'll never be able to make okra as good as my mom's.

Recipe of the Week - cool summer fun

This is one of those recipes that is not very impressive, and that you probably already have. However, I thought it was worth posting because it is a quick, easy, delicious cool treat on a hot summer day. You can double it for a potluck or just make it as listed for yourself. It keeps for several days in the fridge. Give it a try, even if you don't like pistachios (because you really don't taste them).

Pistachio Jello Salad

1 small package instant pistachio pudding
1 large can crushed pineapple, undrained
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 large cool whip, thawed

Stir together pudding and undrained pineapple. Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in mini marshmallows and cool whip. Store in refrigerator in an air-tight container. Enjoy as salad or dessert.

Let's Play A Guessing Game!

The game goes like this:
Guess whose ear this is. I will give you three hints: 1) It is not mine, 2) It has gray hairs growing on the head above it, and, 3) It has gray hairs growing IN IT!!! YIKES!!! When did my husband start growing enormous, prehensile, thick, disgusting hairs out of his ears? It is no wonder he can't hear half of what I say!!! So, congratulations if you guessed. Even more congratulations if you can get this image out of your head while trying to sleep tonight! In some strange way, you can blame Ali Edwards...she wrote a book called Life Artist which led to the creation of this blog. Thanks Ali! Now, does anyone have one of those nose and ear hair trimmers. Eeew!

Memorial Day

My dad served in the Navy, and was on a ship that treated the injured from the battles at Iwo Jima. Years later, as I was growing up, he told a lot of funny and interesting stories about being in the Navy, but he never talked about the tough, sad, or scary moments. Then, when my parents visited the Iwo Jima memorial during the 1990s, my dad (who never showed emotion in public) stood and looked at it and cried like a baby. We realized then that he must have seen a tremendous amount of suffering during that battle, and probably throughout his Navy career. He survived a tour in WWII and a re-enlistment in Korea. He was one of the lucky ones.

Veteran's Day was established on the anniversary of the WWI Armistice to honor all who had served, and Memorial Day was established at the end of the Civil War to honor the war dead. On this Memorial Day, say thank you to a vet no matter what you think of current wars and politics. I hate some of the decisions made by the governments of the world, but I hold our fighting men and women in the highest esteem. And, as this day is to remember those who have fallen, give any size of donation to the VFW or to one of the great organizations, such as the Yellow Ribbon Fund, set up to help our veterans as they return and deal with many issues.

You know that statement that says "we do more before 6:00 a.m than most people do all day"? That is true. And, because of their efforts, we have the freedom to do what we want for the rest of our day. The men and women who have fallen have traded all of their tomorrows so that you could have today. Enjoy.

Recipe of the Week - Thanksgiving Time!

Oh...it isn't time for Thanksgiving Dinner. That is actually 6 months away - what a bummer! Right about now we start craving turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. So, to help curb those cravings just a little bit, we make this easy, summery version of a pumpkin pie.















Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 large can pumpkin pie filling (not the pre-mixed kind)
All the ingredients that the can says you will need to make a pumpkin pie
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts, if desired

Follow directions on the can to create your pumpkin pie filling. Pour that into a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, sprayed with nonstick spray. In small bowl, melt the sticks of butter. Sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the top of the pie filling, and then drizzle evenly with the butter. Sprinkle nuts over top. Bake for 55-65 minutes at 350 degrees (knife inserted into middle should come out clean). Let cool 20 minutes before serving warm, or cool completely and store in refrigerator. Best if served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

More Words

My friend, Michelle, created her own blog! She will soon find that it is fun, addictive, and a great way to forget about the world for awhile as you post deep and meaningful thoughts (or jokes, or recipes, or whatever). If you are reading this and haven't started a blog - DO IT!!! It is free and worth the time and effort...it has a bit of sanity to it in a world that is getting more insane. By the way, if you want to check out her blog, go to www.othefam.blogspot.com

So, Michelle has this great quote as her header. I hope she doesn't mind that I am stealing it for this blog (she can steal anything I have, if there is anything worth stealing). Here it is...

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud, 'cause it will carry all your cares away. And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself, and it'll help you feel okay. And when you pray, pray for strength to help you carry on when the troubles come your way. And when you dream, dream big...as big as the ocean blue. 'Cause when you dream it just might come true.

I Love Words

Here is a quote that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...this is why I have to make scrapbooks, make cards, paint weird things, and write in this blog. Visit www.stampington.com if you want to see creative expressions, unique crafts, and true artwork:

Sometimes the obligations of life along with pent-up frustrations or stress can crowd the spirit, leaving it weary and longing for an outlet.
The power of art, whether viewing or creating it, can offer peace to the spirit and refreshment to the soul.
– Amanda Belle Nolan
Managing Editor