STORM CREW - SALTINES AND SOUPS - TIME CHANGE - JIBBER JABBER

Storm damage line crew morning "show-up" with several thousand outages left to repair.

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GOYA SALTINES 

We finally opened one of the Goya (from recent post) saltine cracker cans. We were surprised to find that the crackers are packed in foil pouches, 4 crackers each. The saltines are thinner than other brands, and have a crisp salty flavor.

The saltines worked perfectly in a bowl of homemade broccoli-cheese soup.

First of November now with colder temperatures means breaking out the soup pot.

And this just in!!

Her is making cream of tomato soup. 

 ...continued next week

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TIME CHANGING

 

I just learned again how much this bi-annual time changing causes some stress. 

 

We have tried a few tricks changing the time early, later in the day or ignoring the fact. I now remember that technology changes all of that because cell phones, computers and smart electronics are right there when you wake up to let you know that you are getting up an hour too early. Eating breakfast too early. The time to go out side for the daily morning walk arrives before I am ready. Or is it later? Feeding the cats at a new time cannot be done in one night because "they know what time it is for feeding," regardless. New cat feeding times take a few days adjustment. 

 

The in-home generator now does it's bi-monthly start up checks at 05:00 not 06:00. We will adapt.

  

She is in charge of all the home clocks and I am happy that she has taken this task on. We do work well together because we both have learned that no amount of pissing and moaning helps the process.

 

She cannot change the clock on the microwave no matter how many times she tries. I can. She has given in to let me do that.

 

But the analog chicken clock pictured above is the clock that breaks the camel's back. No matter what time all the other clocks say it is, the chicken clock is always our go-to time reference, coming or going. It was there this morning to remind us life is an hour out of sync. 

 

A ladder is needed, instructions are always given to me that to be careful and not break a chicken in the process of getting the clock down. "Those are your mother's and it would break my heart to lose one."

 

I gently bring down each chicken and secure it. The clock is twisted, lifted, pulled gently off the nail. A new battery is added, the clock is cleaned and the time set, the chickens are cleaned and I get back on the ladder and reverse the process. 

 

Finally, each chicken is re-oriented in its proper position. I have yet to set the chickens initially correctly. They are moved, pivoted, pushed back, pushed left or right and rotated to with in a nano inch of perfection in relation to the clock and each other. Once perfect, having walked the length of the kitchen, she expresses, with glee how wonderful they look. That is a good moment for me proving that I do have patience, that it will be months before we have to do this again and that that analog clock will pay back instant time information dividends a dozen times every day. 

 

JIBBER JABBER

 

At some point in your future, you will need pill boxes. I lived the majority of my life without them. But that has changed.

 

Taking two blood-thinner pills an hour apart was a mistake. To the point of driving to the emergency room to make sure I was not going to implode or "ooze out." The doctor enforced that it was indeed a big mistake and not to do it again. Thus, pill boxes and even a check list. Seems like overkill, but I have not made that mistake again. And I am more organized in the daily pill-taking process. Memory will be another issue, too, as you age. 

 

I only take three pills that are doctor-prescribed. Not bad, but the add-on supplements for eyes, vitamin this and vitamin that and a magnesium gummy all help with ............... they help!

 

And you will have to learn how to use your calendar on your cell phone for appointments. Doctor appointments. Yep, you're gonna have more doctor appointments than you think you will. And you cannot have appointments that require you drive in the dark to go to the appointment or return home.  

 

Her said this morning that "80 is the new 65." I am not sure about that. I rode a motorcycle coast to coast to coast when I was 65. My wife and I together would be hard-pressed to drive that now. Probably, but it would take longer and there would be many pit stops. 

 

Thanks for the visit this week. 

 

 

EVERY MORNING SUNRISE - MARK ALLEN - BLUE RIBBON FOR LILLY & HAM BONE SOUP - CUTTING IN FLOATERS - COLE SLAW - FRIED SALMON

There are a few homes around our neighborhood that face east and are routinely treated to these morning sunrises. We only happen upon these when we have to depart for early morning appointments. This photograph is OK, but cannot capture the grandeur of this sunrise.

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MARK ALLEN Found him Friday morning on The Feral Irishman's blog spot. 

I am a big fan of the guitar, unfettered of clutter.  I sit here with head phones on and his music  playing the background. I do enjoy the purity of being able to climb into a song along with the artist.  Try one of his songs with head phones on. You might enjoy, too. 

Mad World 

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Blue Ribbon for Lilly    (thank-you Fox Hat)

 "Lilly “graduates” (I hope!!) from her obedience class next week. She does OK in most things but still doesn’t like walking on a leash. We are lucky to have her -she is a sweet, sweet dog."

Lilly is a winner in my book. Congratulations, Lilly from a little corner of Texas. You are a good girl!!

"Had a killing frost last night so garden is gonzo. Decided to make ham-bone bean soup for this cold day so we will be having that with fresh cornbread for supper tonight - warms our tummies.
Colors didn’t seem that bright this year and trees look to be gone by around here already." 
 

Foxhat makes killer soups!!

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 MORNING DEER

Viewed from kitchen window while doing dishes. Quite often, members of our deer family "photo bomb" our normal routines.

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ANOTHER MORNING AT THE OFFICE "WORKING HOT"

 

"Cutting in floaters. This method sectionalizes the conductor. One side remains hot, the other side becomes de-energized." Well, of course it does!

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COLESLAW PREP

Cutter with its own bowl minimizes mess and quickens process.

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FRIDAY FISH NIGHT
 

I cross-hatched the fish, light salt and pepper rubbed in. Then, a little olive oil with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Simmered in frying pan with lid on for 10 minutes on low, in butter and olive oil. Toothpicks temporarily held several pads of butter on top.

I cut the fillet lengthwise and made two servings off the skin. Light pink in the middle.  It was very good with more of the seasoning flavors noticeable. 

Will not repeat as the bride says just simmer 10 minutes, slice and serve. She is right. But I do like the photo and to try new ideas.

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JIBBER JABBER

October just about done and talking now of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Time flies. Soaking rain this weekend. Ponds low and lands browning from hot days and lack of rain. Changing season is bringing welcome rain. 

No more gardens. Beds coming down soon and the areas turned into lawn. The bride has replaced flowers around the home to be smaller, self sufficient and needing no more than watering. Downsizing and simplifying is in order before our winter sets in.

A pot of homemade soup on the simmer this morning and her loaded Tacos tonight. 

We started binge watching "Landman" on Paramount yesterday and will finish tonight. Season 2 comes out in a few weeks. I think I enjoyed this second watching more than the first.

Thanks for the visit this week. 

 

 

WASHING CARS - HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN - 10 DINNERS - HOTEL COSTIERA - JIBBER JABBER BROWNIES

 Her car finally back home after a month of waiting on parts for repair.

A member of the family has been away for awhile and we have been working the world with the family car. 

She will tell you about "her car" without you asking. "No bells, no whistles, buttons and knobs, easy to park and get in and out of places, no electronics navigating and so forth. Same with her cell phone. "It is just a phone." Well, she fudges from time to time with sharing a photo. But no email or any of that interweb nonsense. Just a phone, thank-you. 

Her car was dirty and in need of in-and-out detailing. I helped her get the washing stuff ready, hooked up the small electric pressure washer and told her I would wash and she should rinse and do all the interior work. She was happy with that and an hour later, her car looked all "pretty in black." 

I have been washing and loving automobiles since I was very young. I was always helping dad with the family car and his old DeSoto work car. Both mom and dad worked in those early days and two cars were as necessary then as they are now in the family fabric. 

The DeSoto had a unique gear-shifting concept.  Take your foot quickly off the gas peddle and it would automatically shift to the next gear. It was called "Fluid coupling."  It worked well. The old DeSoto was one of the first of the family cars I got to drive after getting my drivers license. Big like a truck but the ride was smooth and it was easy/fun to drive. Video does a good job of showing how this worked and felt while driving.

I still get the same feelings of a job well done from washing and cleaning cars as in those early days of the 1950's. I still turn around to look at the car after parking it at 80 years old. Now days, thoughk I ache more through the process.

I often look back on all the years now and having lived and grown up in the era of wonderful cars was a treat. 

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While drilling through the sites I visit daily, I came across another singer giving his interpretation of this original song. Not for me. This original song was, and still is, one of the songs that is woven in my DNA through high school, Vietnam and ever year since. Iconic, sign of the times and a song I always wanted to dance to during my teen years. 

HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN original by The Animals released June 19, 1964. From the first time I heard it until today, it still stirs emotions in me. Emotions of times passed. 

I did find this piano version that commanded my attention through the rendition. She captures the simple power of this song.

If you are interested. Volume up.

SWEET CHILD O'MINE 

INTERSTELLAR 

RIDERS ON THE STORM 

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 TEN DINNERS for lower middle class families. 

Found this on a click-bait site and just had to see for myself. I never ever saw or thought of how our family was classified. Mom and dad both worked, the meals were never lacking and always a meat, a starch and a vegetable at minimum for every dinner

1.  Spaghetti with jarred sauce. Yep, check. Add a few herbs, properly prepare the pasta and cover with Parmesan cheese. Still eat this and has nothing to do with class.

2.  Meatloaf was a treat and still is to this day. Just had one last week. The trick is knowing how to make it. Mom knew and passed down the recipes. The cold meatloaf sandwich with salt, mayonnaise, fresh bread and sliced on a diagonal was reason enough for having it for dinner the night before.

3.  Breakfast for dinner.  Eggs, hash browns from shredded potatoes, bacon/sausage/ham and pan cakes. Absolutely a winner.

4.  Tuna Noodle Casserole. I never ever did or will turn down this dish. Again, the cook has to have some skills and a hand-me-down recipe. And, canned mushroom soup is still magic sauce. This is one dish that the gals had to learn to make in their high school home education class.

5.  Hamburger helper. Mom never used this. She always cooked with "fresh" ingredients, but Hamburger Helper has come through my kitchen for years. I think I was the only one who truly enjoyed the mixed goo. And today, when no one else is around and I have the lunch duty for me only, Hamburger Helper may be a go-to meal.

6.  Hot dogs and boxed Mac and cheese.  Hot dogs still rock here quite often. Boxed Mac and cheese, though, are history. Improved by homemade with lots of cheese and baked in the oven. Hot dogs, mom's apple pie, family and friends at a get together. Grilled hot dogs on a toasted buttered bun with your choice of spread has never failed.

7.  Frozen Pizza.  Anyone who has and still eats frozen pizza has learned how "add on ingredients" make the pizza. It is not unusual for a frozen pizza with "added stuff" to be better than delivery. 

8.  Chicken and rice casserole. Again, this meal is dependent on someone who knows there way around a kitchen.  I will never turn this down!!

9.  Sloppy Joes. I have always had these at get togethers and made by someone who has a good recipe. Packing a toasted hamburger bun with a tasty hamburger mixture and sauce is a meal in and of itself. I have always been to lazy to do the work of making the mixture.

10. Toasted cheese and bowl of tomato soup.  Making a good cup of tomato soup with cream added is a skill-set. Making a good toasted cheese sandwich is also a skill-set. My wife and I talk of this meal quite often. She just commented on this one, "there is nothing better than a toasted cheese and a bowl of tomato soup, that is for sure."

And this list can go on.  For years, mothers across this country have had to figure out how to feed a family on a budget and make meals that appealed to kids. If the kids would eat the meal, the father would too.

*Peanut butter with potato chip sandwich. 

*Fresh sliced tomatoes, salt/pepper and mayonnaise on fresh bread. 

*Frito and baloney sandwich. The list goes on!!

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HOTEL COSTIERA on Amazon Prime 

Light-hearted comedy/drama. The filming along the Italian coast line is worth tuning in. Six episodes, for us two nights entertainment. The cast was new for both my wife and me and the story was not steeped in constant battles. Great cars, boats and street scenes, both day and night. Relaxed viewing.

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JIBBER JABBER 

Locals call this September/October dry and warm spell a second Texas summer. Apparently not unusual, but lawns and most things green are browning. There will not be any lawn mowing till some rain sets in. We are able to work outside during the days now and are finally getting to "put off" chores.

Fresh out of the oven this morning. I have tested a corner bite and leave the rest for "ya'll" to enjoy. 

 Thanks for the visit this week.

 

WAY IT SHOULD BE - CONDO FOR 6 - HUMMINGBIRDS - CHICKEN SOUP - CRACKER TINS - CHAT GPT PHOTO PRODUCTION - JIBBER JABBER

The way it should be!!

Why does fishing make me so happy?

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NEW CONDO FOR 6 

 

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STACKED UP AT PINEY WOODS INTERNATIONAL
 

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KITCHEN SINK CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
 

A cool morning inspired leftovers-bowl of soup for lunch. I get as much pleasure throwing leftovers in a pot to make a meal as I do sitting down and eating. Often, it seems that the less I fuss over preparing a dish, the better it turns out. Such was the case here.

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1955 era family photo

My aunt is pictured in the middle and neighbor friend is sitting in the back. I can remember her friend vividly, but cannot remember her name. The families spent a lot of time fishing the Willapa River, all the way out into the Willapa Bay. When the salmon were running, they were on the river. 

Dad and I inherited this boat and turned it into a ski boat during my high school years. While looking for more photos of that project boat, I came across this photo. 

I think that is an old Sea King outboard motor.  

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COMMON PLACE

These brands sold in tins were commonplace through the 1960s to the 1980s. Sleeves of crackers in metal cans. The lids fit snug and kept the crackers fresh. Neither of these cans are rusted on the inside and continue to serve as storage for our crackers.

Today, these cans are found at estate sales/garage sales. Quite often, they made their way from kitchens into garage workshops storing a myriad of parts, pieces and tools.  And yes, also as a way of hanging on to our/the history.

We shop weekly at several Hispanic markets and grocery stores. We find some produce is much fresher and different products are offered. GOYA still packages crackers in everyday use tin cans.They serve other global markets and the tin can still offers a proven packaging method for airtight storage. They are functional and decorative in the kitchen.

A quick war story:

In 1967. I was flying helicopter gunships in Vietnam. Several teams of 2 helicopters were stationed for a one-day gig away from our main base. We were near a small village with dirt roads and a makeshift runway. Fuel and ammo were air-lifted in to us for that day's operations. 

During a lull, we found ourselves sitting on an old wooden fence awaiting a "fire mission" radio call. We were watching folks coming and going from the village and children playing. A young girl approached from a distance on a bicycle with a front basket loaded with fresh warm rolls just out of an oven. She stopped to sell and we bought. Warm bread is a universal comfort food and the moment was a special treat for us far from home. 

As we opened the fresh-baked rolls, we noticed that ants had also been baked into the rolls. Not a lot, but enough to notice. We laughed and ate the rolls without hesitation, joking that the ants were added protein. Had this particular "baker" been able to store flour in airtight tin cans like those pictured above, the flour would likely have been free of ant pests. 

Regardless, the fond memory of that fresh-baked bread still plays in me after all of these years. 

Airtight tin cans are a good thing for storage of food goods.

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CHAT GPT AI PRODUCED 

A good friend of my wife sent in a photo to Chat GPT and asked it to reproduce the photo in a style similiar to that of Iris Scott.

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 JIBBER JABBER

It is the time of the year for both of us for annual doctor visits. Blood work and checking on anything new we need to address. A few days have been spent on the road to get these visits completed.

Bottom line, if we are worse for wear, it appears that all of it is within normal operating ranges for our ages. A few more aches with some noticeable creeking in our movements. But we appear to be "ok" with no engine warning lights.

Each week brings more news that should send shivers down my spine. News of war, and war, and violence of people on people. My head is not in the sand, but neither am I running around yelling "the sky is falling, the sky is falling."

We do what we can do, watch out for each other, keep close to neighbors and friends, try to eat healthy and squeeze each day for goodness. Folks hold doors open for us, say good morning, have a nice day and God be with you. I cannot remember one encounter or passerby this past week that has not acknowledged us with a wave, or just pulling off the driveway to sit and visit about the weather and east Texas weeds and seeds. All offering kind words of wellness.

My wife tells me she loves me often each day and that is a two-way street.  After 25, years the woman still loves me and I her. A good way to end this week's blog and extend to you a "God Bless." Appreciate the visit. 

 

 

WAR FACE - PNW ARTIST SHARES - MORNING DOCK - FRIENDSHIPS - BREAKFAST BOX - SMOTHERED PORKCHOPS - JIBBER JABBER

Spooky has his war face on!!

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SUMMER VIEW

 Above, "In My Dreams" 1998 Acrylic on canvas. Shared from PNW Artist

CHERBU'S LANDING 1995 Acrylic on canvas also PNW Artist

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MORNING DOCK

Daybreak near a friend's cabin last week. The bride is keeping flowerbeds watered and spider webs at bay. The stillness and quiet are well reflected in this photo. 

Oh. how I would enjoy being on the dock, coffee in hand and wetting lures. Every time we visit this lake, fish are jumping and rolling just off the shore line. However, on this morning, there was not a ripple anywhere.

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SPOOKY and FINNEGAN

FRIENDSHIPS

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BREAKFAST BOX 

From time to time, we come across local meat markets with fresh meats, excellent selections of finer cuts and a weekly special known as Breakfast Boxes. The bride noticed a nearby local meat market on FB (City Meat Market in Mt. Vernon) and we decided to give their Wednesday special a try and learn more about the market. 

On Wednesdays, they offer a $3 bbq beef sandwich or a $5 dollar version with a drink and a bag of fresh potato chips. Our lunch that day was a treat, a bargain and now on the calendar for reminder. 

The breakfast box was $35 and consisted of:

2 dozen fresh extra-large farm eggs 

6 bone-in pork chops

2 pounds country sliced bacon

1 pound of locally ground breakfast sausage

6 hashbrown patties

Giving the eggs and bacon a morning try. Eggs fried in the bacon grease. Is there any other way?

Smothered pork chops turned out just like mom used to make. My wife is not a fan so a few dinners will cure my cravings.

For once, the photo above does justice to a meal made. The spinach is in keeping with eating healthy

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FROG just making a livin'! 

Local neighbor shares garden photo.

I always enjoy sharing photos that folks take the time to send to me. 

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JIBBER JABBER

I received an email from a longtime friend in Washington State yesterday. He shared with me a quick FB note of another longtime friend who recently passed away.

I found it ironic that awakening yesterday morning, memories of this longtime friend surfaced, seemingly out of no where. I could see his face clearly, his wife and one moment of riding dirt bikes through the hills just west of Olympia, Washington many years ago. I remembered laughing along with him as we were slogging through muddy trails and terrain. Falling down, getting up only to lose our footings, falling down again alongside our motorcycles.

He was a good friend and God Bless to him and his family. 

Fall officially starts tomorrow. Afternoons are quite pleasant now and we spend more time outside sitting with the cats by our feet and watching the birds clean up feeding trays. 

Neighbors driving by in their side-by-sides, seeing our gate open, turn in for a half-hour visit about nothing at all. Their flop-ear dog sits patiently on the front seat, waiting to get back on the road.

Appreciate your visit this week. 

 

 

 

 

LILLY IN A ONESIE - HEALTHY GRANOLA - SAUASAGE ON A STICK - B&W PHOTOGRAPHY - FLOWERING PAMPAS GRASS - JIBBER JABBER

from foxhat 

" Lilly was spayed two weeks ago and was put in a doggie onesie instead of the terrible cone of shame."

 "She had a vet visit last week and was cleared to take it off, now to get her into some dog training classes for manners!"

Thank you, foxhat. Will always share photos of Lilly. She is a good ol girl. Send pics of those homemade pickles.

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HOMEMADE GRANOLA

My wife made another batch of homemade granola and I could not resist a few pinches of the warm crunch. All healthy ingredients and she can put together a batch and bake in seemingly a few minutes. 

Helps me when I experience low blood coming on. If I take a spoonful along with a glass of water, the blood sugar problem does not occur. Much healthier than a Snickers bar. A small container is kept in the car helping eliminate low blood sugar issues on road trips. 

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SAUSAGE ON A STICK

Healthy? 

Nope and I would be afraid to know how they make these. These are found at our local gas stations/restaurants/quick stops. Much like a bag of Frito's or a corn dog, our body systems take complete control of us from time to time and we succumb to these kinds of treats. 

We enjoy eating these in the car on the way home, but have learned that they "pop" when bitten into and the dripping grease cannot be contained. These are safe to eat when plated and cut into small pieces with a very sharp knife. Pulling the stick is also accompanied by a flow of grease similar to that of the first gush of oil during an automobile oil change. Dipped in a large glob of mustard is mandatory.

Sausage on a stick was one of our first discoveries arriving in East Texas 5 years ago. One bite and we knew we were home! 

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BLACK AND WHITE

A collection of logs along a Washington State coastal river inlet. Photo taken 30 years ago. One of my favorite photos playing with black and white photography.

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 FLOWERING PAMPAS GRASS

 

These plants make an excellent dividing hedge row. Survive just fine in the summer heat. Sharp, long leaves require gloves while trimming. 

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JIBBER JABBER

Awhile has passed since posting. I have been lax and gone somewhat quiet on the net. There is no reason or underlying unhappiness here. I would be working harder today to explain and anything I have to work at these days pass as quickly as a Texas rain storm. Even trying to further explain to hear myself write out loud does not help. So best to move on, get a quick post out for proof of life.

I appreciate your visit this week.
 

 

THUNDERSTORMS WITH A CHANCE OF MEAT BALLS - SHADOWS OVER TARA - DEFEATING AI - CHICKEN IN A POT - JIBBER JABBER

Weather complaining still alive here. But the heat and humidity may have run its race this year as cooler temperatures come this next week. One big thunderstorm last week cooled and cleaned the air. Soaked the ground to the point of leaving puddles in the yard. A sign of change in the air? Locals also tell of feeling fall "in their bones". I pay attention to things like this. Also, plants at the entrance of our driveway are "leggy", showing signs of season changing. Both cats are eating more.

And yes, the bride made a batch of meatballs the same day.  

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 FROM THE FERAL IRISHMAN 

THE CRACK TRACKS....SHADOWS OVER TARA 

Put on head phones, turn the sound up some and listen and read. Four minutes of your time. 

ht to fi.

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HOW TO DEFEAT AI 

Found on Ace of Spades 082325

You may have to expand some to read.

It is the human spirit, of thinkers and problems solvers, that continue to amaze me. AI is a "thang" consuming some of my head time. In the blink of a technological eye, AI has woven its way into our lives. The old man in me is still wedded to those ways of old. How to cope. I have read this a dozen times and smile every time. A wooden shoe in the gears of change. 

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"This is where I enjoy my coffee in the morning.  It’s heaven." 

An email sent to an old friend with some complaining of "the times they are a changin." He writes back and ends his email with this photo and how he spends some of this time. Puts a smile on my face.

thankyou J  

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CHICKEN STEW

1. Add a whole chicken, stuffed with a whole onion, to the big soup pot.

2. Cover with water and simmer 5-6 hours.

3. Bone chicken and strain the broth.

Plenty of rich broth for soupmaking and chicken meat meals.  This will help cure colds and flu-s this coming winter. 

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JIBBER JABBER

Aging will continue to be talked about here.  In a nutshell, I am slower. Not yet dead in the water, but slower in moving, positioning, getting up, sitting down and walking, making sure I do not stumble or lose my balance. Most everything seems not to be done without some thought of that which I am doing. Driving in heavy traffic is avoided. Driving the back roads of Texas is the slower pace I wish to live. I see scenery now, not the blur. 

Sydney Sweeney has been fun to watch these past weeks. I did not realize she was an actress with credits beyond wearing jeans. Good for her.

Cracker Barrel has gone full Woke and has lost millions and millions of dollars overnight. Cracker Barrel has long been a place I have enjoyed eating at. My recent visit with my wife and her sister and sister's husband took place just a few weeks ago. The food was great, service staff excellent and atmosphere relaxing. I could always count on all of that at any of their resturants for so many years. My last meal there was a cowboy chicken lunch and may have been one of the best meals I have had there. But those days are over for us. Cracker Barrel resturants are now but a memory. I cannot comprehend this self-inflicted mortal wound Cracker Barrel brand brought upon itself. 

Appreciate the visit this week.