One Drawer at a Time - Utensils

 

If you've read the past few posts on this topic, you can tell that I am still in the kitchen.  Oh boy LOL Might as well be because that is really where I spend the majority of my free time these days and having it organized is so rewarding for me.  Today, it is time for me to go through my utensil drawers.  Now, that is big fun!  I have 4 drawers full of kitchen gadgets and utensils along with a countertop container full that I need to address as well.

What I am looking to do this time is to find items that I have multiples of and see if I really need those multiples.  I can tell you off the top of my head that I have at least 3 soup ladles.  I'm not sure why I do, but I do.  And I can tell you that the chances of me having 3 different pots of soup going at one time is pretty slim.  So, I am going to have to make a choice here.  Keep 2, get rid of one probably.  We shall see.  I also know that I have 2 ground beef separators.  Those will both be kept simply because if one is dirty and I need one, I'll have a spare.

Another thing that I'm going to have to decide on is the electric knife.  It was Grandmother's but I have never used it.  She only used it once or twice a year whenever she cooked a turkey breast.  I'm not even sure if it still works so I have to plug it in and find out.  As sentimental as I am about some things, I have to be practical about others.  Like, in that same drawer, I have Grandmother's handheld mixer.  It is older than I am, but I use it all the time and it works like a charm. Ah, gotta love utensils that were made to last! So, I'll keep you updated on the knife because I know you'll be holding your breath until I make a decision.

As mundane as this sounds, it is what I do in my spare time, and I actually enjoy it.  My goal is for one day not to have to do it because everything will have a home in my house.  And while drawers and cabinets may be stuffed to the gills, it will be somewhat organized! Wish me luck!

5 Things I am Thankful For

1. Squirt

We had Squirt for about 12 years, so he was probably around 14 when he crossed the rainbow bridge.  I'm so thankful that I had all of that time with him. He was my baby and while I hope that other dogs come into my life down the road, no one will ever take his place.  He's my heart. 

2. Theatre

I am so thankful that theatre has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Grandmother would take us to see the children's productions put on by the local theatre.  I remember seeing Cinderella and Tom Sawyer.  The Music Man was the first musical I ever saw on stage.  Fred Simpson, who went to our church, played the lead.  I was in Drama Club in high school and then majored in theatre in college (the first time around). And one of the reasons I am so thankful for theatre being a part of my life is that so many dear friends I have made along the way have been possible because of theatre.  While I do not actively participate on stage at the moment, I am still enjoying going to see shows and supporting the arts.  For that, I am thankful. 

3. Christmas Music

I've been a Christmas music junkie for as long as I remember.  Growing up, we didn't dare listen to it until after Thanksgiving.  Of course, that was back in the days when Christmas was not even publicly thought about until the day after Thanksgiving.  But once we could, those records played nonstop in our house. Every year, Mom and I would go to Hallmark and get their annual Christmas album on cassette. Now, as an adult, it is my happy music.  I listen to it all year round though I do not force anyone else to listen to it (but I'm always happy for someone to join me!). I have amassed a nice collection of Christmas vinyl - over 250.  I am thankful for this music because it reminds me of such happy times and makes me feel good about life. 

4. Running water

This one's pretty much a given.  When I think of people who don't have running water, I simply cannot imagine what that hardship must be like and I am so thankful that I do have it.  Of all utilities, this one would probably be the most difficult to live without!

5. Being Old Fashioned

I am thankful that I am old fashioned.  As nice as computers and other technologies are, I prefer the simpler way to do things.  I cannot help it, it's just part of my soul.  I'm an old soul and proud of it.  And people appreciate that, even those who are not old fashioned themselves. There is something to be said for keeping traditions alive and well and being an old-fashioned person gives me the opportunity to do that.  

50 at 50 - wrapping it up for the year

 

Well, the year of my 50th birthday is coming to a close in several weeks.  What a year it has been.  In many ways, my life has changed a great deal for the better and so I hope to continue in that direction.  As you know, I made a "50 at 50" list last year shortly after my birthday.  50 things that I wanted to do this year.  I did not get my list completed.  Not even close.  But I am not disappointed in myself because of that.  I will keep the list available to me when I'm looking for something to do and the means to do it. I got 10 out of 50 things done on my list, so I will gladly accept that.  Completed or not, it was nice to dream.  It is still nice to dream and hope and want and grow and move forward.  That is going to keep me going into my 51st birthday!

Since You Stayed Here - Liz Callaway

 I just felt like a good ballad this morning.  Liz Callaway is a Broadway veteran having starred in the original productions of Baby and Miss Saigon.  She has an amazing voice and off sings with her sister Ann Hampton Callaway.  This song is from a show called Brownstone. I do not know much about this show at all, but this is a beautiful song that I have enjoyed for many years.  I hope you do too. 

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

 With Thanksgiving being next Thursday, I felt a nice simple prayer of thanksgiving is in order today. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

When shopping for food, give some thought to the people involved in growing, packaging and transporting it.  Every decision we make reverberates throughout the world, so bring awareness to the interconnections that flow through our food sources and the planet.  Be a caring consumer. 

One Drawer at a Time - Debating myself

 

When you're cleaning out stuff and organizing, it is inevitable that you will come across something that you have to debate yourself on.  Should I keep it? Will I use it?  Or is it just taking up space?  Now, I'm not talking about the sentimental things in my life but "practical" things that I have used maybe once.  That happened to me yesterday while I was organizing some cabinets in the kitchen.  

One of my cabinets holds my eating and drinking dishes.  Actually, several cabinets in my kitchen have dishes in them....big surprise, but this is the cabinet that I use every day.  I keep Mom's everyday china in there along with the glasses I drink from all of the time. Also, my coffee mugs are there. And then there are the various drinking tumblers I have received over the years.  One of them is, I think, called a wine tumbler.  I got it as a gift at a reception I went to a few months back.  It's nice but I look at it and think if I will use it.  I have plenty of wine glasses that I drink from at home, and I don't plan on taking wine out in public with me, so why am I letting this take up space?  Well, into the Goodwill box it went!

Another item that I debated about was a handheld chopper.  This was in another cabinet that I went through and organized on Saturday.  I cannot remember where I got this, but I have only used it a handful of times.  And every time I use it, I have the same experience.  Basically, it is not worth the effort. I think it is going to be convenient, and it never seems to be. It is just easier to get out a cutting board and a knife and chop away to my heart's content.  I know there are people who love these and good for them.  If any Goodwill shoppers are interested, it'll be there soon!

The older I get, the easier it is to let these things go.  I like that.  Now I have room for more stuff LOL  I'm trying not to do that, but you know how I am!

Mom's Tower of London mug

 

I love using this coffee mug.  I recently unearthed it during one of my many shopping trips out to my garage LOL I have several of Mom's coffee mugs, but this one is special.  Well, they're all special to me but this one was really special to her. During Christmas break of 1984, she went to London with her best friend Janet and a group of people from Wingate University.  It was either 84 or 85 but I'm going to stick with 84 LOL Anyway, this was the trip of her lifetime.  She had such a wonderful time on that trip.  This was one of the souvenirs that she brought home from the trip.  She brought many things for all of us.  I got a music box from Herod's which I still have.  But this mug was a little something she got for herself at the Tower of London.  I personally love the gift shops that are attached to tourist attractions.  It's always fun to get a little reminder of the experience.  The items are often kitschy but always bring a smile to my face.  And that is what this mug does when I use it for my morning coffee.  I think of Mom and the wonderful time she had.  It makes me smile. 😊 

Splitting my inventory into categories

 I first got interested in doing household inventory when my Aunt Sara's estate was being divided up.  She had written out inventories of both her belongings and the pieces that were part of the Bivens estate.  She lived in the family home, so it was really a combination of two households. Mom was the executor of the estate, so she had these inventories in her possession.  I just became fascinated with them and loved that Aunt Sara had noted the history of some of the pieces.  Over the next few years, I inventoried Grandmother's house, our house and Aunt Billie's house.  When Aunt Billie passed, the inventory did come in handy for my Uncle Bill, who was her executor, so I did find some practical good in what I was doing.  It wasn't all about the history.

Now that I am doing my own household inventory, I am doing it differently from those. Those inventories were done room by room.  That made the most sense because very little of these interiors changed over time. My house is different in that I am always changing things up, especially my collectibles.  I love moving things around and trying them out in new places.  So, when I'm doing my own inventory, I am using categories instead of room headings.  It's easier that way.  And it makes it easier for me to update the inventory.  My categories are furniture, silver, china, crystal/glass, household goods/collectibles, records, CDs, books, Christmas records, and Christmas decorations.  That pretty much covers my whole house.  If I think of a new category that would be beneficial to add, then I will add it such as electronics or jewelry.  For the time being, this works. And, more importantly, I enjoy it.  It's the little things, you know? 

Crab and Artichoke Dip

 When the FBC of Monroe celebrated its 150th anniversary, one the things they did to celebrate was put out a cookbook.  There are lots of recipes of current and former members in there.  Several of Mom's and Grandmother's recipes made it in as well.  The recipe for this dip was contributed by my friend Debby McBride.  I made it several months ago and loved it.  I have always loved imitation crab meat and so this was a great idea for me.  Don't get me wrong, I love real crab meat as well LOL  I plan on making this again soon.  I hope you try it and enjoy it!

Crab and Artichoke Dip

1 package imitation crab meat, coarsely chopped

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 13.75oz can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

3 oz parmesan cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 375.  Blend cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.  Stir in crab meat, onions, artichokes and cheese. Place mixture in a glass pie plate.  Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 18 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.  Serve with crackers or French bread.  Makes 4-5 generous servings. 

The round silver tray

 

I have a lot of silver plate in my collection.  Mom had many pieces and so did Grandmother and I ended up with many of those pieces and I love them.  They take a lot of upkeep because silver plate requires lots of polishing, but I do not mind. This round silver serving tray is among the piece that I got from Mom and Dad.  When I was young, all of their silver was kept in a pine cabinet in our living room.  This large tray sat upright against the back of the cabinet, so it was always easy to see.  When I bought my first antique, the green checkered tea set that I have talked about here, Mom took this tray out and we used it to put that tea set on and it worked perfectly.  This tray was a wedding present to Mom and Dad from the senior class at Bethel High School.  This is where they both worked.  They met there and the rest is history.  It is not a perfect piece, but the fact that their students put their money together to buy this for them says a lot to me about their impact as teachers.  Every time I look at this tray, that is what I see. I see two young people beginning their careers and beginning their lives together.  This tray has seen many things over the years and I treasure it. 

Hebrews 10:24

 

I start my day with a devotion.  June gave me a subscription to a series of daily devotions called "Strength and Grace".  These devotions are specifically aimed at people who are caregivers.  Caregivers of all kinds, professionals, friends, family members.  I get a lot out of each morning's devotion.  They all start with a Bible verse and then the message.  This was a verse used in one of the recent devotions and it has just stuck with me.  No matter what you do or do not believe in, this message rings true for all of us. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Open up moments of calm throughout your day.  This could be a few seconds spent in quiet stillness while the kettle boils, while your computer is switching on, or before leaving the house. 

One Drawer at a Time

 

One of the things I want to achieve with this process is a better organization system in my house.  I am still working in the kitchen and probably will be for the foreseeable future as it is where I spend the majority of my time.  I was going through the cabinet the other day where I keep my plates and glasses and coffee mugs, etc. I was able to get the shelves more streamlined, which is good.  But I realized that I need to put more like items together.  While there are glasses in this cabinet, there are also glasses over there in that cabinet or on that shelf.  I have my beverages such as coffee, tea, and lemonade spread throughout the kitchen.  Why not get them all together.  Or at least get as many of them together as possible.  So that is what I did with this first set of cabinets.  I got as many of my glasses as possible into this cabinet without over stuffing it. And then I got my beverages more together in a different cabinet across the kitchen.  

Whether or not things will stay like this, for the time being I am liking how the kitchen is shaping up.  And that is what matters in this process.  That is all. 

5 Things I am Thankful For

1. Playing the Piano

I am so thankful that I know how to play the piano.  Even though I have not played in years, I still love that I have this skill.  I'm thankful Mom started me on piano lessons when I was in kindergarten.  I took lessons until I left for college.  One of the (many) ways that I am like my Mom is that if we were having a bad day, we could sit down at the piano and play and immediately life was better. I have loved being able to accompany people when they sing or playing in recitals or in church. Such good memories to go along with playing the piano. I need to find a piano to play soon. 

2. The DeMarts

The DeMart family has been a part of my life for over 4 decades.  Darcy is really the first real friend I ever had. I knew kids in preschool and from our neighborhood, but Darcy was a true friend...and still is.  We met on the playground at Walter Bickett when we were in kindergarten but I did not get to know her really until we were in Mrs. Richmond's first grade class together.  And we have been friends ever since.  Herb taught me in Sunday School.  He was also our deacon when Mom's cancer came back.  I was in high school at the time and we could not have asked for a better person to support us spiritually through that time. Cam and I rang handbells together.  We were beside each other in the choir, down in the bass bells section.  We had so much fun together that she quickly went from being Darcy's mom to being Bob's friend, a relationship that I cherish to this day.

3. Paying Bills On Time

I am thankful that I have a job that I can pay my bills with.  I learned, the hard way, that paying bills on time is key to financial health.  And I have grown up a lot in the past three years being on my own.  And I am thankful that I have the ability and the resources to get my bills paid before they are due.  It's the little things.

4. Laughing

There is almost nothing better than laughing.  I am so thankful for those times that I laugh long and hard.  It is good for the body and good for the soul.  

5. Coffee

I am not sure what I would do if I did not have my coffee first thing in the morning.  Not only do I like the taste and the warmth of it, but it's also just a nice way to start my day.  I enjoy the ritual of getting my coffee ready each morning. 

Over the River and Through the Woods

 This song popped up in my memories this morning.  My actual memories, not social media memories LOL  Being a student at Walter Bickett Elementary School in Monroe, NC, singing this song was always one of the first signs of the holiday season.  Sitting in Mrs. Trexler's (or was it Troxler?) music class, she would teach us the words to all of the verses. And this song is featured in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at the end of the program.  Mom and I used to play this on the piano, too.  I had a book of duets, and this was one of them and we played it many times.  Lots of good memories wrapped up in this Thanksgiving son!

Getting ready to prepare for Christmas

 

Christmas is getting closer every day, and I am so looking forward to it. Decorating the house is something that I love doing.  I have already been going through things in my mind about where to put this and that around the house.  And I have been listening to Christmas music for the past few weeks.  I do not subject others to that, unless they are Christmas music junkies like me. But it is my happy music, and I have no shame about listening to it all year round. But one tradition that I grew up with that still holds true to me is when to decorate for Christmas.

I have friends who have already started to decorate for the holidays.  Some friends are completely done already.  Good for them. If it makes you happy, then do it.  And shame on people who are critical of those choices.  Someone decorating their own home to give themselves some pleasure does not affect someone else's life so just leave it alone.  Mind your own business LOL But, I digress.  Growing up, Mom's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving so there would be no mention of Christmas decorating until that holiday was done. That's the way it was and there was no questioning that. The decorating of our house was done some time during the first week of December.  We always had company over Thanksgiving, so decorating the day after Turkey Day was not an option.  Once I was old enough to help decorate, then it would happen on the weekend when I was not in school.  And often the tree was not done until a week later. We always had a live tree that we got from the Christmas tree business that was set up in the Rose's parking lot on Skyway Drive.  Now, I have an artificial tree that goes up the same time as the house decorations. Anyway, the point being that I do not decorate until after Thanksgiving.  That's just the way that I do it. 

I'm looking forward to it because it is a happy time for me.  I can lose myself in the joys of Christmas and let go of all that is going on in the world.  I have always loved Christmas and I always will.  This year, I would love to share that love with people.  Have people over for meals and visits. Anyone that wants to listen to some Christmas records is more than welcome to spend some hours with me doing that.  I love my music and have over 250 different vinyl records for Christmas.  It's just a magical time for me. I want this Christmas to go by slowly.  I want to savor every moment with friends and family. I like waiting to get ready for Christmas because it gives me something to really look forward to.  I hope you can join me at some point for some holiday cheer!

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Everything passes,

Nothing remains.

Understand this,

Loosen your grip

And find serenity.

Surya Das

Quote of the Week

 

I like this quote because it gives me hope.  Here I am at 50 years old and trying to figure myself out.  I think of who I am and who I want to be, and it is time to combine those things. In many ways, I feel like I'm at a new starting point in my life and it is time to become the person that I want to be.  Only I have control over that, so no more excuses.

People Need the Lord - piano arrangement

 I haven't heard this song in a long time, but it popped into my mind when thinking about a dear friend I grew up with, Suzanne Jewell.  I cannot for the life of me remember her married name now.  That's what time and distance does to a person.  Anyway, we went to church together.  Suzanne was several years ahead of me but we bonded over music.  Piano, specifically, as we both had the same piano instructor for several years.  Suzanne played the offertory in church many Sundays and I was her official page turner.  We did not have much contemporary music in our church but this is one she played and people really loved it.  I miss those times. 

Autumn Leaves - Roger Williams

 Now that autumn is well underway, this seemed like an appropriate choice to listen to.  One of the bestselling piano pieces of all time!  Enjoy!

One Drawer at a Time - Back in the Kitchen

 

One of the things about my "one drawer at a time" process is that it is ongoing.  And that is not a bad thing for me.  Each time I explore a drawer or a shelf, it really gives me the chance to think to myself "do I need this?  do I use this?  why am I keeping this?"  This does not mean that I automatically chuck it, but I am definitely more thoughtful when I put it back in its place, if I put it back.  It is getting easier for me to say "no, I am never going to use this, and it has no sentimental value for me so I can let that go." This may sound like a no-brainer to some, but it is not that easy for me. That is not how I think.  I love my stuff.  Always have. But now, I want my stuff to have purpose which it mostly does. 

I am back around to the kitchen again.  I love this because this is the room that I spend the most time in besides my bedroom (and that is because I sleep in there). I definitely use it more than my other rooms.  And there's such a sense of accomplishment when my kitchen is better organized.  I do not enjoy having to look for things in the kitchen when I'm cooking. I want to remember exactly where it is.  It does not always work out that way, but in a perfect world it would.  My first job in the kitchen is going to be the set of shelves where I keep my glasses and the plates I use every day.  I know that there are things tucked back in there that never get used.  Some of them will get packed away, some donated or given away. It gets easier the more I do it. 

For me, it's a cleansing process.  I am making my house fit my needs.  My house is an extension of who I am.  And while I definitely have moments in my life when I am crazy and disorganized, my house does not have to be that way!

The Old and the Restless - setting stories in senior living

 I'm thinking about writing a series of stories about senior living.  After all, it is what I do and it is something that I love, so why not?  I already have a few ideas for stories in my head.  Now I just need to put the words down and start shaping them up.  I do not know yet if it will be anything cohesive or just a collection of stories set in the same community. I do not think I will know that until I start writing. 

One of the beautiful things about it is that I have so much material to pull from.  Our communities are stocked full of all kinds of characters and experiences.  I know that some of the people that I work with will be used as models.  Not necessarily completely based on them, but it gives me an idea of what to use with certain characters.  And the residents.....so many choices.  I think that if I end up having a central character, I definitely know who I am going to base that on. But we definitely have certain types of people that group together that could be combined into one person.  We have some of the stereotypes as well...the crotchety old man, the pious Bible thumper, etc.

Some of the goings on at work are just amazing.  You cannot make this stuff up. Before I got into senior living, I had read several times on good authority that std's tend to be prevalent in senior living communities. Now I know why LOL That's why I thought it may be funny to refer to this as "The Old and the Restless"!  But we shall see.  One of the obstacles with this is that in no way do I want to be disrespectful to the people that I love.  Poke fun, yes, but not disrespect. Words can be very cruel and that is not my intention with this project.  We shall see.  It's just a thought, but I think it's a good one. 

The Bivens rocking chair

 

I love this rocking chair.  I have loved it since the first time I remember laying eyes on it.  This belonged to my great grandparents and, like so many things I cherish, I first noticed when the estate was divided in the mid 80s. At that time, this rocking chair was upstairs in the homeplace in one of the front bedrooms. This was the main guest bedroom. It had a marble top three-piece bedroom set along with several other pieces including this rocking chair. Back in its day, this was the bedroom that my Aunt Mary Lee and Uncle Bunyan spent their summers in when they came to visit the homeplace. Anyway, when the furnishings were divided up, this piece went to live in Wilmington with Aunt Billie.  She, too, kept it in an upstairs bedroom.  That was the bedroom that Grandmother and I would stay in when we visited. I loved just sitting in this rocking chair and feeling like I was enveloped in my family history. After Aunt Billie passed, the rocking chair came to me and was in my childhood bedroom for years.  Finally, it had a home with me.  And, for many years, its home was out in the garage.  Once I was living on my own, I took it out of the garage and cleaned it up and now it sits in my living room. Again, I love to sit in this and just let my memories take me to good places.  It's actually pretty comfortable though it may not look like it.  It presently has a vinyl seat.  I don't know if it is original or not to the chair.  It could have one time been a caned bottom, but I love it none the less.  I love knowing the history of my pieces, especially when it's family history. 

5 Things I am thankful for

 During this month of Thanksgiving, I want to focus on the things in my life that I am thankful for.  They may be current things or things from my past.  Possibly things from my future but we shall see.  These are the things that have shaped me and help me to focus my life.  I realize that often my life is very unfocused, but these things that I am thankful for ground me.  Despite all that is going on in our world, I am blessed every day. I hope you are as well.

1. Grandmother

Dorothy Louise Bivens Laney, my Grandmother.  I am so thankful that I had a deep, close relationship with her.  While she loved all of her grandchildren, there was something extra special about our relationship.  And I treasure every memory, every lesson learned. When I was a toddler, I called her Dottu because I could not say Grandmother and that name stuck for several years.  Almost everyone in Monroe knew my Grandmother and I can see why.  She was a loving, giving person.  She was the kind of person that you wanted to know, that you wanted in your life and I sure am thankful for having had that.

2. A roof over my head

I often talk about my dream of owning a big old house one day.  Even if that never comes true, I love that dream.  Still, I am thankful for the house I'm in right now.  I have been here for 15 years and I absolutely love.  I am so grateful that I have a place to call home, and I am surrounded with wonderful neighbors. It does not get much luckier than that!

3. Music

I am thankful that music is a part of my life every day.  All kinds of music.  I cannot imagine what life would be like without it.  An artform that brings so much joy to not only me but to so many people in this world. Records, CDs, radio, streaming.  It's all there even though records are my favorite. I hope that I never have to find out what a day without music would be like, even if it is just being on hold listening to elevator music. I'm good with that.

4. Love to cook

I am so thankful that I enjoy cooking.  And I like to think that I am good at it. Even if I was not, the fact that I love doing it would make up the difference.  Being single and on a budget, I rarely eat out so cooking at home is my go-to. How miserable it would be if I hated doing it and was forcing it on myself. Or always eating prepackaged food (which I do eat as well just not all the time because I love to cook.) It relaxes me.  It makes me feel creative.  For me, there is nothing like the adventure of trying out a new recipe.  It's the little things!

5. Giving Back

I am thankful that I have had opportunities to give back to my community.  While I hope to have more of those chances in my life, when they do arise, I am grateful.  This morning when I went grocery shopping, there was a food bank out front seeking donations.  I picked up their list and since I had a little extra, I was able to buy some items. It made me feel good to be able to help and I am happy that I had the chance to do that.

What are some things you are thankful for?