Brownies From Childhood.

My mom specialized in banana pudding, all sorts of pies, a small variety of cakes, a few candies but never brownies.  Mom would get ideas from either the local Home Demonstration Club, friends, or cooking shows on local TV stations.  As an aside the Home Demonstration Club was a program started as a service to women in rural areas.  More info can be found here.  Best I can remember the lady that let the sessions in the Chambersville  community was Mrs. Daspet.  Once Mom went to work at TI the food creations were expanded.  Italian Cream Cake was a good addition.  

 Momma not cooking but serving cereal!  Ha!

Ironically Mom never actually taught us daughters her cooking techniques.  Her pie crust was the flakiest,  Sis # 2 was a professional cook so that is how she developed her cooking techniques.  We four girls did take what was known as Home Economics which did give us some of our cooking skills.  Mostly my cooking has been a series of learned from failures.  Ribs stands out as an early marriage failure.  Then there was the squash that grew out of our compost pile.  That turned out to be a horrible tasting goard.

One thing I did make that was always a success were brownies.  I never remember my Mom making brownies.  But as my son was a child through his high school years there were usually brownies in the house.  Lots of women would ice their brownies with a thick chocolate icing.  I found that icing sort of over powered the basic brownie flavor and really make it just too sweet, overall.  My preference was a dusting of confectioners sugar.

Last evening we joined our son, DIL, a couple of grandsons and DIL's dad for dinner at Son's home.  When son texted giving the time I asked what I might bring. Dessert.  I thought I had time to mix and bake those brownies from that 40+ year old recipe.  Well, I did not see his answer intime to prep and bake anything.  A quick mix of the old brownie recipe, pour into the greased pan, cover with wrap and bake while we eat dinner.  I did substitute almond flour and coconut oil for the wheat flour and butter.  A couple of sprinkles of cinnamon were added as I had heard cinnamon enhances chocolate.  The almond flour was used as DIL's dad has a gluten allergy.  I did not sprinkle with confectioners sugar.  Son noted it was missing.

There was only 1/2 of a square left at the end of the evening.  There were 9 people and 16 2.5 inch squares.  Today Son texted that DIL said those brownies were the best thing she had tasted in a while.  I text thanks.  Son texted they taste like childhood.  I loved that.  

Hope all are well and safe,

Janice

Thursday Thoughts

There is a very much admired blogger that I consider a friend. posted a video today.  YAM, said admired person, is a wonderful human that is always looking to further knowledge on all sorts of subjects.  In her search she unearths the most thought provoking  shares her findings.  Today YAM's blog included an amazing video.  While the video is around 30 minutes long, I would encourage you to take that time to enjoy the music and spectacular earth views.

the snowflake

within the glacier

hastens forward

Peace to all,

Janice

Slow Sunday Helps Planning

Hubby has worked a bit in the big storage room where he has his tools and spare parts for his ham radio projects.  He pulled down our old computer tower.  Now there is a small hard drive to somehow erase or make unretrievable.  The tower was not working to where a drive scrubber program could work.  He took time to rest and eat a snack.  "There is a power supply that operates with ..." a bunch of numbers and facts that meant absolutely nothing to me.  He noted he could keep it and retrofit for use as a power supply for some of his projects.  

Hubs was wanting my input.  Like I had any ideas as how to use the thing.  Paper weight would be all I would use it for in my mind.  What would a device cost should he want to purchase one in the future seemed something to consider.  His best guess was $125 - $175.  No brainer, keep the thing in a place he can find it.  That last sentence being the big question.

We have come up with a way to get a bit more organized in the sordig and moving.  We decided instead of having items for like functions to be gathered in groups in our living space.  I know that is not a revolutionary for most folks.  That is not the way of Hubby.  That is just the way he operates and has for the 56+ years we have lived together.  He probably did not see the need for a plan for this move.  I was being overwhelmed with what was feeling like chaos.  

So far there is a pile of family heritage items next to my chair.  That will grow as more photo albums, etc. are found.  The simple act of sorting made me realize how far I have to go to be finished with the digital archive.  Ugh.  Hopefully with the extra room I can leave the scanner setup to really focus on that project again.  Once we get settled into the new place.  

One more thing came to light.  All the toys from our son's childhood we still have.  Lionel train set, Tonka trucks, a small self propelled riding toy, games and who knows what else we will uncover.  Decision is these items will be placed on the very top shelf of the enormous shelf.  That shelf built to hold TV's in Hubby's family repair shop was crafted by Hubby's dad.  Grandpa learned to weld in his lifetime at some point.  The shelf was one of his last projects.  Seems right for Grandpa's shelf to hold his only grandson's toys.

All those toys were kept for our still young grandsons when we moved 9+ years ago in 2013.  They played with a few but never the train.  It is a shame we never had the room to set it up for them.  It is definitely a collector item.  So are the Tonka trucks.  #3 Grandson showed some interest as I was talking about them at dinner on Thursday evening.  Time will tell.  He is an 18 yr. old with a lot of other things on his mind.

That is about all from the apartment in Round Rock, TX.  Y'all all stay safe.

Janice

Beginning A New, Again

Guess one could say today is the beginning of a new phase in our lives.  Hopefully on April 6 or 7 we will be moving to a new location with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Two bedrooms had been the initial plan when we relocated to Round Rock from Missouri.  Once we unpacked the last box, Hubby refused another move. 

Fast forward 9.5 years later.  Rent has risen to half again what we originally were paying.  A new subsidized 55 plus community has opened.  We can get a 2 bedroom for a marked difference in our current rate.  Almost back to the original amount for the 1 bedroom.  Unless there is a major hitch, it looks like we may be able to spread out a bit in this layout.

B1- Two Bedroom / Two Bath - 1,169 Sq.Ft.*

 

Today we rented a small storage unit next door to the hoped for apartment location.  We moved some items from our small storage closet.  Another couple of trips will have it and part of the larger storage closet items moved.  There are so many storage tubs of family photo albums from us and our folks.  And there are still more to go.  We will continue to donate items we have not used in the past 9.5 years.  Hopefully I will get all the camping gear into one tub.  Because Hubby would like to go out one more time.  We will have to see.

After a busy afternoon we are resting our old bodies.  Heating pad on my leg an a cuppa on the table within reach.

Take care!

Janice

Root Canal #1

 A couple of weeks ago Hubby woke up in pain in his jaw and face.  He called his PC physician's nurse.  After a consult via texts he was sent to a dentist.  The dentist's assessment following xrays was an abscessed tooth/teeth and one that was beyond saving.  The diagnosis and treatment recommendations were two root canals and one extraction.  The two teeth needing the the root canals needed new caps.  None of the treatments could be done until the completion of a round of antibiotics.

Finally, yesterday the first of the treatments was done, a root canal on what is known as the 'eye or canine' tooth.  He goes in on Monday to begin the capping process for that tooth.  Next Thursday the second root canal will be done.  On Friday morning the second capping process will be started.  Lastly, will be the tooth extraction cause that is how Hubby wants it done.  His mouth, his call.

One thing about yesterday's root canal was a bit different.  The endodontist ask Hubby if he wanted to see his canal that had been removed.  The doctor noted Hubby's root was really long and deep.  Hubby said it looked like a short fishing worm.  Ugh.   Never before had the offer of viewing the actual root canal been offered to Hubby nor me.  As for me, my tooth roots are so twisted and crooked that the endodontist is at their wits end just to get the darn thing out without any show and tell.

My last root canal, at least 15 years ago, was really long.  While this website says that procedure is pretty much painless it really depends.  Hubby's experience yesterday was only discomfort when the shot was given.  Fifteen years ago, not the same for me as the deadening kept wearing off.  Twisty, crooked roots take lots longer to deal with than a nice straight root.  Here is wishing you folks in need of a root canal straight roots and no infections!

Have a fun and safe weekend,

Janice

Book Club 'Sold on a Monday'

 

Today was my PEO book club day.  Rather that tell the story I will share the Amazon synopsis:

"A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN A MILLION COPIES SOLD—Sold on a Monday is the unforgettable book-club phenomenon, inspired by a stunning piece of Depression-era history. 

"A masterpiece that poignantly echoes universal themes of loss and redemption...both heartfelt and heartbreaking."—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan's Tale

2 CHILDREN FOR SALE. The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family's dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday has celebrated five months on the New York Times bestsellers list . . ."

With the majority of my book club buddies being children of Depression Era parents we each had stories to relate.  Stories that our parents had repeated several times through the years. The difficult years of our parents growing up in a time when children were as much farm hands for the family as humans.  In this day and time there are still children being sold.  There are still children that work in sweat shops. Even children indoctrinated to be soldiers.  Those children treated in that manner are not be as visible in the US as in the Depression years.  They are still there and in many nations in great abundance.  

Would you sell your child if you were faced with no way to feed or clothe them?  What would you do as a single parent (because your spouse had died) with your own terminal illness with no support group to care for the children?  You can read this book with all its twists and turns to see how this all plays out in that imaginary world of the author.

Happy reading,

Janice

Another Good Day

About 4 or 5 years ago I was walking 10K steps a day.  I decided to enhance my stability by doing sideways steps.  At first I did 20 to each side.  If a little is good more is better.  Nope.  The additional steps, up to 200 each side, caused me to develop adductor tendonitis.  A trip to the orthopedic doctor sent me to rehab.  

Rehab showed me a series of movements.  I think I went a couple of times at most.  At home exercise over several months and the tendonitis seemed to resolve itself for the most part.  Fast forward to last August.  I had been experiencing intermittent discomfort with the adductors and tendons again.  I quit Stretch Lab and started doing exercises and stretching at home.

One of the exercises I added to my routine in August 2022 was one used back in the 1980s.  A Jane Fonda workout tape was used at the gym a friend and I went to most mornings.   The movement was to build up the inner thigh muscles.  As in the photo below one lays on your side with the top leg bent forward.  Raise the bottom leg.  

Back in the 80s it took my friend and I a few times to figure out how to make those muscles work.  That was the exercise I began doing back in August.  Not the best plan for a person with a tendency toward adductor issues.  Those are the very muscles that are the primary in the "twat tightener" movement.  Twat tightener was the name Donna and I gave the movement.

By early October I was not doing at all well.  I was losing my balance due to the pain when using my leg.  I was not able to lift my let to cross it over my leg when sitting.  Lifting the leg to get dressed was pretty tough.  If I wanted to get in the car safely, I'd best not do anything to spread my legs apart.  Stretching my legs apart would be excruciating pain.  So on Halloween I returned to Dr. Valestro, our family orthopedic doctor. 

He sent me straight to therapy.  This time his instructions to the therapist included ultrasound treatments.  On November 28 I had my first therapy session.  The therapist said the adductor tendon and muscle were like a rod.  In a relaxed position the muscle and tendon should have been soft to the touch.  I was treated and put through a series of exercises.  I was to do the exercises once daily.  I have done those initial movements as well as some additional ones added later.

Today was my tenth therapy session.   I told Michelle, the therapist, that I was to see the doctor later so we discussed the progress we have made.  She said when I first came my adductor & tendon were like a rod for about 10 inches.  As of today only about 2 inches were still tight like a rod.  She said the area always softens up a bit more after the ultrasound treatment.  That treatment is the last thing we do at each session.  I reported this to the doctor.  He checked and agreed with the need to continue therapy till at least to the end of the month or longer if needed.

With all this, I will continue to do the exercises and sit a lot allowing additional healing of the muscles.  At least for now I have improved enough that a cane for stability is no longer needed.  I can take a step backwards and not hurt.  I still sit to put on slacks, socks and shoes.  Sleep is no longer interrupted when I move my leg in my sleep.  Now you folks know the why behind my lack of enthusiasm over the last few months. 

Stay safe,

Janice

Frogs vs Dawgs

Tonight was the National Championship game for College NCAA football.  Texas Christian University Horned Frogs were competing against the University of Georgia Bulldogs.  Our son earned his undergraduate degree from TCU in 1995.  Needless to say we have followed the Horned Frogs for well over 30 years.  We watched this year as they pulled out game after game.  That would not happen in this game.  Georgia resoundling dominated the game, 7 to 65.  Utter defeat for the Frogs.

Near the end of the first half the TCU quarterback made a beautiful pass only to have it intercepted.  The audience was scanned by the national TV coverage camera.  These images appeared.

That is Son, DIL, and #3 Grandson.  Oh, well, Frogs lost but the FAB family were on TV.

As I try to always remember, it is just a game.  Georgia was a repeat winner following their win last year.  But I still wear purple cause Frogs never Quit.

Peace,

Janice

Built in 1946

In December 1946 my Mom and Dad had several changes.  The most important to me was that I was born.  Teehee.  The second thing was they moved from my Dad's home area in southeast Collin County to my Mom's home area in northwest Collin County.  That move brought us to Chambersville and this house.

In this photo I was probably 2 -3 years old.  This is the house where the snake was draped across the headboard of the bed.  It is where Daddy laid down laughing and rolled in chicken poo.  There was a cellar door where Reba Jane and I would try to slide down and not get splinters!  Lots of great memories flash as bits and pieces in my mind.  Sister #1 and Sister #2 were 7 to 15 years old when we lived at 'The Neely Place" so they had more memories.

One other thing happened in that December 1946, Christmas.  Best we can remember, that was the year Sister #1's Santa gift was a brand new bike.  Now that was more like the family bike as neither Sister #2 nor I ever received a bike.  I did get a tricycle when I was 3 or 4.  But still only one bicycle.  Sis #2 took it over when Sis #1 thought she was too old for it.  Sis #2 outgrew it so I was next in line.  By the time Sister #4 was ready for a bike, that 1946 model was worn out so she received a new bike.

Sister #2 and our Mom

When our Mom turned 80 in 1998 we all swooped in and did a clean out of things that we girls should have taken years before.  One of the items was the family bike.  Sis #2's hubby took the now rusting 52 years old bike to his shop.  He was an instructor at a Vocational Trade School.  He guided his students and had the old girl bike looking like new.  Sister #1 rode it the first time she went to visit Sis #2 in Oklahoma.  And Sis #1 took the bike back to her home.

Sis #1 passed away on July 7, 2022 after surviving for about 15 months longer that her doctors told her she would without chemo.  Chemo was started in February of 2021.  By March of 2022 the chemo could no longer stave off the spread of the cancer to other vital organs.  With her passing it was determined by her two remaining adult children the bike should come to Sister #2.  The bike arrived just before Thanksgiving via the Niece #1 and her hubby along with other treasures from Sis #1.

In order to have a Sister Time it was decided we three remaining sisters would trek to Cache to Sister #2's home just before the Rogers' Family Christmas on Dec. 17.  Hubby and I had to leave before the gathering as Grandson #3 was in an all state private school honor playoff on the 17th.  On the day we left we captured a couple of images of a Christmas past.  I attempted to ride the bike but the tires were flat and the adductor issue was a challenge.  Here are a couple of photos for your enjoyment or garden as needed.

Your's truly, Sister #2, Sister #4 aka Baby Sis

 And here are a couple of videos for a chuckle or two.  Sister #4 said she never could ride the 1946 bike.  Flat tires and rusty peddles made it such that 76 years old m need to help 68 years old Baby Sis learn to ride the 76 years old Family Bike.

Stay safe!

Janice

A Bit of Nothing

 Medigap insurance.  Previously known as supplemental Part C and Part D.  For friends across the Pond, these insurances are products that can be purchased to cover most of the 20% of medical costs not covered by Parts A & B Medicare.  Part C offers options named A, B, C, D, F, F high deductible, G, G high deductible, K, L, M, and N.  (Good thing someone learned the alphabet in kindergarten!)  Each plan offers different coverage amounts and monthly policy costs.  Another option is to use an Advantage Plan.  The Advantage Plans usually do not have monthly policy costs.  Some copays and out of pocket limits are higher than the Alphabet Plans. 

We were facing a probable monthly increase in the insurance plan.  I went looking for less expensive plan.  I misunderstood that the December 7 deadline was not for changing plans.  I had been waiting for a contact from an agent to see about the Alphabet Plan N with a different company for a lower rate.  While being flooded with calls, I was never really able to connect with any of them.  In haste to save $$ I switched us to an Advantage Plan.  Big mistake I found out when one of the agents and I made contact.  The Advantage Plan will not cover certain cancer treatments, etc.  Great.

Once on the Advantage Plan one is not likely able to switch back to an Alphabet plan that would cover the catastrophic expenses.  We decided to apply with one company for their plan N through the agent.  He told us we would be able to switch back in January as that was set up as an oops month for idiots like me.  My words not his!  Within days Hubby received word that the less expensive insurance company rejected him due to his diagnosis of diabetes.  Luckily our original Plan N was still in effect.  So switching back will be easy according to Jim the insurance guy.  

Okay, Part C is now sorted out but what about Part D.  Part D is drug coverage.  Without insurance our specific medications would be well over 2K a month.  After a phone conversation this a.m. Jim the insurance guy is on that, too.  If all goes well, our costs should be down about $45.  Every little bit helps!!!

Here are a couple of photos from Christmas morning.

DJ in her Christmas PJs.

Hijacked by The Far Right Wingnuts

Our democratic government was in peril on January 6, 2021.  There were groups of Far Right congresspersons that were even texting with the groups that were attacking the Capitol building.  Andy Briggs was one such person.  He is again making an attempt to overthrow our government processes by actively opposing McCarthy as Speaker.  Without a speaker, no business can be conducted by the House of Representatives.  Ms. Greene (aka, nutcake) is backing McCarthy though she, also, encouraged the January 6 "demonstration".  As it stands today there are 20 people holding the business of our nation hostage.  

Click here to get a rough idea of how the Speaker is elected.  This article gives a summary of demands that any Speaker candidate must meet to get the needed votes of the Far Right.  Some of the demands boil down to folks wanting to be heads of certain committees.  Power hunger to be able to take away more freedoms from the general public to match narrow ideas.  Prolife that takes away birth control options and I do not mean abortion as that is no longer an option.  How about IUDs?  Yes, there are governors pushing for laws to ban those.  Morning after pills are considered by the Right to be abortion.  Contraceptives of any sort are to be banned in the minds of some.

Then there is the whole other issue of banning books.  I feel like a kid again in the sense I lived in the McCarthy Witch Hunt years.

I needed to get that off my chest.  Thanks for listening.

As for Hubby and I, we are okay.  Had a wonderful Holiday season.  Time with family and new found friends has been wonderful!  No cards sent this year as I am working to not work.  My adductor tendon was so tight I was not stable walking.  Have been in rehab since early November.  Yesterday, January 3, Michelle, my therapist, said the area is soft for probably 95% of length of the adductor.  I need to remain much less active till February to get this situation resolved.  Then it will be time to begin prepping for the anticipated relocation in this area.

Ecard I published on Facebook:

The inside said, 

"May your life be filled with all the joy our Grand dog, DJ, feels when riding with her head out the window of our car.

Blessings to each and every one of our friends and family."

Happy New Year

Janice