Loaded Potato Salad

 We all know that I love a good potato salad.  I always have.  It's got to be in my list of top 5 foods.  I know it's not everyone's favorite but it definitely is one of mine.  I love all kinds of potato salads and I am always on the lookout to try something new.  I came across this recipe online and decided to try it awhile back.  Loved it and will keep it in my potato salad rotation now.  Enjoy!

Loaded Potato Salad

4 lbs potatoes

3 Tbsp Apple Cider vinegar

1 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup sour cream

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

12 oz bacon crumbles*

6 green onions, chopped

1.5 cups shredded cheddar

Peel, cube and cook potatoes in boiling salted water on medium heat.  This is a very slow boil but it helps not to over cook potatoes.  Cook 15-20 minutes once boiling.  Drain and sprinkle with vinegar.  Cook bacon and let cool.  Crumble.  Mix mayonnaise, sour cream salt and pepper.  When potatoes are cooled, mix with mayonnaise mixture, onions, cheese and bacon. Season with more salt and pepper.  Chill for 3 hours or over night.  

*I often use the precooked bacon crumbles and they work just fine!

The Tang Pitcher

 Yesterday, I posted on Facebook that I started my day with a glass of Tang.  That seemed to throw some people off because they didn't know that Tang was still around.  Well, I'm here to proudly tell you that it is, in fact, still available on the grocery store shelves.  And I love it!!  And yes, I still drink it!

I always associate Tang with my Grandma Fornes.  That's where my love for the orange drink began.  If you ever spent the night at Grandma Fornes's then you were served Tang at breakfast.  Never orange juice, but Tang.  And she had the Tang pitcher as well.  It's really a must have if you drink Tang, to be honest.  Got to have the pitcher.  And it was my favorite.  I would drink it all day at Grandma's.  I loved it.

I don't know whatever became of Grandma's pitcher, but I decided that as an adult I must have one.  So, several years ago I found one on Ebay that was relatively cheap.  I paid around $15 for it.  While some may think that's a little pricey for a Tang pitcher, when you're looking for something that brings back such wonderful memories you know that price really isn't the point.  And in the long run it was not that much.  It brings me a lot of joy and I use it all the time.  Today, I had my coffee first so now it's time for me to go and have a glass of Tang.  Enjoy!!

Daily Challenge Update 1

 

Well, here we are in the 3rd week of January.  Since I started my challenge about 12 days ago, it's been hit or miss.  Remember this challenge is to make time for myself every day to do something just for me.  And the reason it has been hit or miss is because last week I got thrown off course by having strep. I was out of work 3 days last week and mostly I just laid around LOL  While, technically, I did take time to do things for myself each day, I'm not really counting that because I did not feel like doing anything else such as homework or housework.  And that is totally fine.  I was sick.  I didn't need to be doing any of that unless I wanted to.  Which I did not.  I mostly watched tv on the couch in between naps.  So, while I was doing something for myself, it wasn't because of the challenge that I set for myself.

Towards the weekend as I started to feel better, I did get up off of the couch and get things done.  The house was a wreck...still kind of is thanks to Christmas still be out LOL  And I had deadlines for my homework so that was a must.  I spent a lot of time Friday and Saturday doing both of those things to my satisfaction.  That's when I put my challenge into play.  I gave myself about an hour each night to read.  I'm reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Edition".  I gifted it to myself.  I love that kind of book and the stories are heartwarming.  So, it ended up being a good balance.  

Yesterday was my first day back at work full time.  Once I got home, I spent about 3 hours doing homework, mostly of it was reading.  I think I read about 70 pages of material.  And if you know how slow I read, you'll agree that's a miracle.   So, when my "me" time came around, reading did not interest me.  I watched some vintage tv instead.  I do love my classic shows!  BTW, the old sci-fi show "One Step Beyond" is great!  I met my challenge, and I was glad to have given myself the down time.  We'll see how that keeps up.  

That is all. 

Quote of the week

 I went out on a coffee date yesterday.  I had a wonderful time and I made a new friend.  While I am hoping this leads to a 2nd date, and I think it will even with the distance between us, I am approaching dating differently than I have in decades past.  It's been a long, long time since I'd been out on a date and I realized that it's time for me to make sure that some of the things on my list are checked off for a change.  As much as I want to be a good fit for another person, this time I want to really look and make sure that whoever I'm dating is a good fit for me.  Things in common, similar views, etc.  I want someone different enough yet still be able to share things.  We shall see, but it's a good thing to recognize in myself simply because I've always put the other person ahead of myself.  I'm going to try to put myself first this time and see where it takes me.  Good luck to me!

What to do with "leftover" antiques?

 As much as I love antiques, going to antiques stores and thrift stores and estate sales, I believe it is time for me to change some of my thinking about antiques.  By no means does that mean that I will lessen my love of them.  Quite the contrary.  What I'm thinking about is that I want to take my love of antiques and share that with others who have the same feelings.  

As I go through all of the boxes in my garage, there really is a lot of fun stuff out there.  Lots of it I want to keep but will I?  I don't necessarily have room for everything.  That is fine so it's time to pick and choose and figure out what to do with the rest.  So, what do I do with the "leftovers?" Of course, family pieces will stay as long as possible.  But if I need to get rid of stuff, I wonder what the best way for me to do that will be?

A part of me is like just donate it.  I remember the thrill of going to Goodwill with Grandmother and finding a treasure.  Maybe there's someone out there that needs a good treasure find.  Then, part of me is like sell it.  I've always wanted to have an antiques store of my own.  If I'd done it 30 years ago, it might be profitable LOL  But I'm thinking using antiques as a side hustle could be fun.  All things to think about.

I try my best to use my pieces.  That is, unless they are so fragile that I could do them harm.  I mean, why have stuff if I don't use it?  And most antiques, be they furniture or knick knacks or dishes, were made to last and they do.  That's what made them antiques in the first place!  Ah, well.  So much to think about.  We'll see what I come up with and let you all know.  I know you're just breathless with anticipation.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

Last night, I missed the chance to hear Jewel perform at UNCG with my friend Tammy.  I could not go because I'm getting over strep and would have still been contagious last night.  Anyway, she posted a video of Jewel singing Over The Rainbow and it was beautiful.  Honestly, it's one of my favorite songs and always has been.  It's very special to both Tammy and myself for a myriad of reasons.  But, since I could not be there last night it got me to thinking about my favorite version of the song that isn't Judy Garland.  She's my favorite hands down but there are several that come close.  This is at the top of my list, this version by the late, great Eva Cassidy.  This is a live performance at a jazz club.  Absolutely beautiful and I hope that you enjoy it.  

 

Mark 14:8

 This week did not go as planned.  It was my first week of class on top of a full week at work.  Getting sick threw a wrench into both of those plans.  Also, I did actually have some plans this weekend that had to be cancelled and rescheduled.  Such is life.  But I did manage to get things done and am not too far behind.  I feel like this verse pretty much sums up my week.

Christmas Gifts this year

 This Christmas I didn't do much gifting and that is fine.  It was a different kind of Christmas this year.  Still a very good Christmas, but different from years past.  I did not exhaust myself this year with seemingly endless shopping and wrapping.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I love that.  It's one of the joys of the holidays for me and I begin preparing months in advance.  Normally I start shopping in the summer but if I see something unique before then, into the shopping cart it goes.  

One of the things that amuses me the most is how my taste in gifts for me have changed.  Now, I appreciate any and all gifts.  I love gifts that people put thought into.  That's how I often shop for people.  I think about that person, what they like, things they've mentioned before that I have stored away, and I try to find that unique gift for them.  But, the older I get I see how my personal list has changed.

While I will put things on there that I collect because it's a safe bet if people are struggling to buy for me, I'm finding that many of the things that I ask for now have more of a practicality to them.  I am always looking for new kitchen gadgets.  New clothes, stationary, stamps, socks & underwear.  They all have a place on my list now.  The 10-year-old me would be appalled!  But I get joy out of those things and lots of usage.  

This year, I received a stack of vintage records.  Yes, this is one of the things that I collect so I was elated to get them.  There were about 20 in the stack.  All different types of music. I have listened to about half of them so far and am loving them.  I also got a set of stainless-steel mixing bowls with lids.  I actually asked for these and was so happy to get them.  I've already used them several times LOL  I got a new cookbook.  I haven't read it yet, but it's on my bedside table ready to go!  20 years ago I would never have really thought about records or mixing bowls or books.  Adulthood has changed my tastes in Christmas gifts and that's just fine.

I did not need to make a list this year because, well, life happens.  But I did have one on standby in case anyone asked.  It worked out for the best this year and I am thrilled with all that I got.  Now, time to start looking towards next year!

Figuring out my Capstone project

 

As I begin this semester, one of the things I have to do is figure out what my capstone project is going to be.  It's basically my thesis project.  I've got several months to get it sorted out, but I'm already nervous about that.  But, once it's in place I know I will be looking forward to it.

We have three options of the kinds of projects we can do. One is research.  I'm going to pass on that one because research really isn't my thing.  And there's all kinds of red tape and paperwork and getting permission from this committee and that organization.  Finding someone already in research to mentor.  It's just a lot for something that, while I'm interested in reading it, I'm not very interested in doing it personally.

The second option is field work.  Basically, this is an internship.  This is a possibility if I found a good place to do it.  The trouble is there are so many different places where I could end up interning that it's almost overwhelming.  Still, I'm considering this possibility and am formulating a list of potential areas that I would like to look into interning.

The third option is service learning.  This option is for people who already work in the senior industry.  It allows us to do a capstone project at our place of employment.  The stipulation is that it cannot be any area of the job that we're already doing.  That's fair.  We have a very successful Art of Living Well program that's definitely a possibility for me because I have not really done anything substantial with them.

I am going to meet with my advisor and the professor in charge of the capstones in the next few weeks to figure this all out.  Right now, as I'm sick, I can't think that far ahead and need to get other things done as far as homework goes.  But I get nervous because my internship as an undergraduate was a bust. I enjoyed it but it did not give me any skills to take out into the job market.  And the only downside about an internship is what happens to my current job?  Am I supposed to take a leave of absence?  Is the internship paid or unpaid?  I hate that money will be a factor but that's life.  I have decided that if I don't find what I want and what I think will be beneficial to my career path, I will probably put this off until next summer so that I have time to figure it out.  That's not my preference, but I am not going to waste this experience with something I'm not interested in.

Well, I have lots to think about and lots to decide.  I hope that the right thing will present itself and this will be an amazing experience.  We shall see!!

That is all

Mushroom Chowder

 I love mushrooms.  I am always on the lookout for new mushroom recipes.  I came across this one in one of my cookbooks and wanted to give it a try.  It's been awhile since I made it, but it was very good and am looking forward to making it again.  I hope you enjoy it!

Mushroom Chowder

1 pound fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 cup diced potatoes

1 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 cup diced carrots

1 3/4 tsps salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp flour

2 Tbsps cold water

3 cups chicken stock

1 cup milk or light cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Rinse, pat dry and slice mushrooms; set aside.  In a large saucepan, heat butter.  Add onions and sauté until golden brown.  Add mushrooms, vegetables, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Combine flour with cold water; slowly stir into vegetable mixture.  Add chicken stock; simmer 10 more minutes.  Just before serving, stir in milk and cheese.  Heat only until hot.  Do not boil.  Sprinkle with additional parmesan.  Serves 6. 

The Lord Bless You and Keep You - John Rutter

One of the songs I like to start my year out with is The Lord Bless You and Keep You arranged by John Rutter.  It's a beautiful arrangement and one of my favorite anthems.  This particular version is from the service celebrating Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip's 60th wedding anniversary.  Enjoy!

 

Sinuses

 

I woke up last night around 1:00 a.m. and immediately did not feel good.  I could tell that my sinuses were draining.  Fun fun!!!  And it totally caught me off guard because I felt absolutely fine when I went to bed.  Needless to say, the rest of my night's sleep was not very good.  I would wake up several times an hour feeling the drainage.  Just not pleasant.  

This morning when I finally got out of bed at 5:30, I was tired because I didn't sleep well.  I drank a lot of water while I brewed my morning coffee and took some sinus meds.  Not really looking forward to work since I didn't feel good, but I didn't feel bad enough to call in sick.  And then, on top of that, my class starts today so I knew I would begin the fun that is homework.  Yippee.

But, as I was having my coffee and checking emails through the sinus sniffles, I decided I was not going to let not feeling well interfere with my spirit.  In the past, I have gotten very depressed when I've been sick.  And I've gotten that way for a multitude of reasons.  I decided that I was not going to let not feeling well bring me down.  I knew that once I got to work and started moving around, I would feel better.  And I was right.  My day at work was actually pretty productive and I didn't even think about my sinuses.

I had dinner and I got homework done, so it's been a good day even now that the drainage has moved down into my chest more.  I don't sound bad and am hoping my body will get rid of the drainage soon.  Not the most pleasant thought, I realize, but it is what it is.  And I allowed myself to be ok while I didn't feel great.  That may not sound like much to most people, but to me it's pretty huge.

That is all.  

Household Inventory

 

My love of doing household inventories began in the mid 80s after my Aunt Sara passed away.  Mom was the executor of her estate and among her estate papers were two handwritten inventories.  One was of Sara's possessions and the other was of possessions that had belonged to her parents.  Mom showed them to me one day and ever since, I was hooked.  I thought they were extremely interesting.  I loved the history behind it.  They showed what the pieces were, where they came from and who they had belonged to.  And it gave me a sense of what households contained during certain periods of time.  I just loved it.

Naturally, I had to start doing inventory.  I mean, what 13-year-old boy wouldn't want to do that?  I started with Grandmother's house.  I listed everything.  Well, almost everything.  I didn't do clothes or personal items like that.  Just antiques and collectibles and knick knacks.  That was my thing.  I loved finding out about the pieces and their history.  And she was more than willing to share that information with me.  I went on to do our house and my Aunt Billie's.  In the long run, it did help when it came time for those estates to be settled as well.  

I would like to get an inventory of my own home completed this year.  I want to do it more for the history than for any other reason.  I don't know if my nieces have any interest in the history of things, but when the time comes I want them to know.  It might make them look at something a little differently knowing it belonged to their grandmother or great grandmother.  Either way, I will be satisfied that it is done.  It might be a good project to start on this cold, rainy Saturday morning.  We shall see!

Starting my daily challenges for 2024

 

I worked on some daily challenges last year and for the most part I did pretty well.  There's always room for improvement and expansion.  That's what I want to do this year.  I've realized that my daily challenges have not always gotten addressed every day.  And that's ok!!  It's just something that I want to have in the back of my mind that will keep me motivated.  

The first daily challenge I am giving myself for this year is to make time for me every day.  While that will be difficult at times with both work and school, I would like to incorporate around an hour each day to do something for myself.  My idea is to have things to do that I enjoy and try to do one of them each day.  I'm going to eliminate cooking from that list because that's just a given in my life.  I have made a list...yes, a list...of some simple activities that I enjoy doing that I would like to focus some time on each day.  Things like read a book (and NOT a textbook), put together a puzzle, needlework, watch a movie, etc.  Just simple things that can take me away from the stresses of everyday life and let me escape into a simpler world for just a little while.  

I'm going to start my "me" time with a book.  When I finish that book, I'll move on to another activity and so on and so on.  Now, to choose a book and give myself some time to relax and enjoy it.  We shall see how that goes!  That is all.  

Taking Down Christmas

 I have thoroughly enjoyed having my house decorated for Christmas this year.  In fact, the decorations are still up.  I always wait until Epiphany to begin taking down my decorations.  And this year, there will be no rush in taking them down.  Since I'm living alone now, I can take my time which is exactly what I intend to do.  My plan this year is to begin this coming weekend on taking things down and putting them away. Now, when that will all get finished...no clue.  But I don't really care LOL  I'm not planning on having company anytime soon, so if someone does come over they will just have to accept that there may still be some holiday decor around the house!

This year my goal is to organize my decorations better.  I want to get them in similar groups and store them that way.  They've been fairly organized so far, but I know that I can do better.  And then, of course, label the containers appropriately.  I think that I'm going to begin with the greenery that I use every year.  It will be the easiest to remove.  But I will do that first and get it all put away. 

I also, and this should come as no surprise to anyone, plan on doing an inventory of my decorations this year.  I do this for historical purposes.  One day, someone may want to know where one of my pieces came from and this documentation will provide that answer.  Especially when it comes to family pieces that have been passed down.  I may not get to every decoration but I will try my best.  The Christmas tree ornaments might be too daunting a task to inventory this time.  But, like I said, I'm not in a rush so it may get done!

So, that's my plan for taking down Christmas this year.  I still have a few days which I will enjoy having them all out and displayed and not worry about putting them away.  I intend to turn on the Christmas lights, put in a record and just relax in the glow that has been my house at Christmas!

That is all.  

As the year starts...

 

As the new year begins, many of us begin working on resolutions. It is very often a "new year, new me" mentality that people start their year off with.  I'm not feeling that vibe this year.  I am very proud of how I evolved as a person over the past year.  Many things changed.  I changed.  I returned to things that I love that I'd let go.  I put myself first.  I rekindled many friendships.  It was a very good year overall, despite the hardships that I faced personally and emotionally.  I am stronger than I give myself credit very often.  So, this year is not a year for a new me.  It is going to be a year of building on the old me.  I like the old me that I have rediscovered, and I have learned that it is a great foundation to build upon.

I prefer to use the term "goals" instead of "resolutions".  For me, and I know this is just my interpretation, a goal is something that I can work towards and if I don't achieve the goal by year's end, I can still work on it.  A resolution, if unobtained by year's end, is a failure.  I don't have time for that, so I choose goals.  It's a slight thing, I realize, but that's just me. And I do have some goals for this year.  I want to work on balancing things more.  Even though I am busy working full time and going to school full time, I really need to balance that with some kind of life beyond those things.  I know that will be good for my mental and physical health.  I want that to involve more time with friends, doing the things that I enjoy, maybe even some day trips or weekend travel.  I just need something to look forward to.

I want to finish school this year.  I have the potential to finish by the end of the summer.  Once that is done, I will start looking to expand my career options.  I have no idea where that might take me but I am totally open to so many possibilities.  And I do have those typical goals everyone makes each year:  exercise more, eat healthier, get out of debt, buy a house, etc.  I will make a concerted effort to work on those as well.  I need to take it a little at a time so that I do not overwhelm myself and just give up.  Little achievements are really huge in the long run.  So, we shall see what happens this coming year.  I am very excited to explore my life again.  And, like I said, I'm proud of what my life has been like over the last year and am very much looking forward to building on that foundation.  

That is all. 

Quote of the week

 I am looking forward to the new year.  I have had many changes over the last year and I am taking those changes and using them to forge a new path.  I have no idea where this path will take me, but I am excited about the adventure.  Only time will tell but I look forward to the journey!