STUMBLE!

Have you stumbled yet?  I stumbled across this amazing search engine of sorts/social board.  I think Stumble will beat out or tie with Facebook when word gets around about this amazing vehicle, which I am sure will be making news, if it already hasn't.  Stumble! personalizes your searches according to the interests you list.  It works!  Here are some of my favorite websites that I Stumbled! upon...


http://www.stumbleupon.com/ is, of course, Stumble!'s url and the place to begin a fun journey.

pinterest.com is a website dedicated to photography.  It has some gorgeous photographs.  I love art of all types, and these photos are artistically beautiful IMHO.  


onesentence.org is a website that I stumbled upon last night.  It is dedicated to one sentence stories.  I found it absolutely amazing!


nationalgeographic.com is incredible and is one of the first websites I was taken to by Stumble!  I've only be Stumbling! for a few days.  I was so wow'd by this website that the first photo I was taken to is now my desktop wallpaper!  A note to jigsaw puzzle fans.  You can find incredible online free jigsaw puzzles to solve in addition to finding the incredible photography that National Geographic Magazine is noted for.

http://mingmakescupcakes.yolasite.com/ is for those of us who love to make and eat cupcakes.  Ming's flavor combinations are great.  I have to go back to this site soon to see his cookie recipes!

kitchendaily.com  is a very good recipe site.  I can't believe I didn't come across this one through my Google searches and my Bling! searches.  This is a site that is not to missed!  I found a recipe for a sandwich that sounds like a real winner to me!  I can't wait to further explore this website.


littletinbird.co.uk has patterns and a great tutorial on how to make and how to join crocheted granny squares.  Just have to remember that these patterns and tutorials are done with the British terminology, not our American.


Let me know what you think of Stumble! And any of the sites I have listed!  I will be very interested to hear what you think.

IT'S A HOT ONE OUT THERE

Rochester is not known for hot weather...it is better known for cold weather, snow & ice.  But today it is expected that we will reach 100 degrees F. with a heat index of 105, or at least that is what my step-son just called to tell me :)...he does worry about us!  So, I just looked up the temperature on the net and it says that it is already 92 degrees here, but feels like 103.  I find that pretty strange as when I looked out, it looked to be very windy.  So, I began thinking, how can Senior Citizens protect themselves from the heat if they have to go out.  This is what my research dug up:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.  Drink more than usual. Avoid beverages with caffeine and alcohol. 
• Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.
• Spend time in air-conditioned areas as much as possible.
• Monitor high-risk individuals by checking on elderly neighbors and children.

1. Know the signs of heat stress, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  Heat stress includes faintness, painful muscle spasms and cramps and prickly heat caused by a skin rash from clogged pores. Heat stress is caused by loss of fluids and minerals in the body needed for proper muscle function. 
2. Heat exhaustion, which is more serious, includes headache, dizziness, clammy skin, muscle fatigue, chest pain, breathing problems and nausea. Medical attention is necessary if these conditions persist. 
3. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that should be considered an emergency. Headache, hot and dry skin, temperature of 103 degrees or higher, rapid and shallow breathing, disorientation and changes in consciousness are all symptoms of heat stroke. The person should be cooled quickly with cold, wet sheets or a cool bath and taken to the nearest hospital.

• Avoid strenuous activity and outdoor activities during the heat of the day.  Save errands or chores until dusk.  
• If you have to go out, wear sunblock, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses & lip balm when you are in the sun.
• Make trips out in the sun short in duration.
• If you don't have air-conditioning in your home, go to your public library, the shopping mall, the movies or your local senior center, any place that is air-conditioned.  Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat even.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Take frequent breaks to cool off.
• Eat light meals such as fruit and vegetables--salads.  Each apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, oranges, beans, broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes to increase potassium.
• Don't use the stove or oven to cook as it will make you and your house hotter.
• Check your local news for health and safety updates.

Here's a salad idea for you to keep in mind for these heat waves.  I am basing it on Wendy's new summer salad.

MARILYN'S HOT WEATHER DELIGHT

1 bag Mixed Greens

1/2 pound Fresh Green Beans; washed and stems cut off; cut into thirds

1 can Mandarin Oranges; drained

1 pint Fresh Strawberries; washed, hulled and cut into slices

1 pint Fresh Blueberries; washed with stems taken off

1 cup Shredded Cheese; use your favorite or try a new flavor of cheese

1/2 cup Nuts; use your favorite nut or sunflower seeds or pine-nuts

Your favorite light dressing, if you must (I don't use salad dressings)

Just mix this all up and put into a gorgeous bowl.  Serve it up with some ice cold lemonade and a nice roll.  Now, that is my idea of healthy summer eating!

This recipe is copyrighted by Marilyn Sultar 7/21/2011.  Please ask permission to reprint it.  You can contact me at 1spartica@gmail.com.  Thank you for this courtesy!

A TRIP INTO DREAMLAND

Today I took my first foray into the land of Etsy.  It’s a shoppers’ paradise!  I don’t know what took me so long to stumble upon Etsy.  Guess I’m just a slow learner, but I figure there may be others in web-land  that are not familiar with this remarkable piece of cyber real estate, so here is a brief synopsis on what Etsy is and three unique shops that won me over!

What is Etsy?

Etsy is the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace. Etsy celebrates individual creativity in design and craftsmanship by connecting unique people, stories and items in a playful and meaningful way. Etsy provides a world-wide marketplace for crafters, artists and collectors to sell their handmade creations, vintage goods and crafting supplies.  Etsy is a website-social network-e-marketplace.  There are currently 289513 sellers with items in their shops.  It is a place to find very unique items  that can be bought.  Prices run the full gamut for price ranges.  It has been in existence since  launched on June 18 th, 2005 and is a Brooklyn-based company. You can find Etsy at   http://www.etsy.com

Forest of Enchantment Etsy

Elizabeth Badger's - Proprietor

Is an artisan who loves the environment and the other beings we share it with. She use symbolic illustration with watercolors to create landscapes as well as cards and other smaller items. She is very interested in evolution, origin of man and considers the future in terms of our current consumption of 'disposable' goods.  Elizabeth has a BA in creative expressive arts with psychology minor.  She likes to work in watercolor, paper, card, ink, glue.

I chose this Etsy Shop to feature because of Elizabeth’s gorgeous original bookmarks.  I also chose it because I felt that her creations are first rate and she offers them at reasonable prices.

AZRAEL’S ACCOMPLICE AND AZAC DESIGNS BY BATTYAZAC

Tracy Robertson's - Proprietor

Tracy, aka Batty, began Azrael’s Accomplice Designs as a small home based custom alternative clothing company in 1996. A creative and skilled designer, she has had college training in both costume and fashion design and has studied the art of corsetry and historical fashion since the age of 12.

In 2004 Azrael’s Accomplice Designs expanded to have a sister line called AZAC which offers more mainstream designs but is still inspired by history and the underground subcultures. 

Their mission with both lines to have a high quality, high end, high fashion take on the strange and beautiful world of subcultural fashions. We believe that clothing is not just a necessity of life. Clothing should be inspiring, moving, it can even tell a story. Clothing can be wearable art. Our cocktail, evening, and bridal wear is driven by these beliefs. We want to make clothing with allure and mystery, inspired by the past, the present, the future, fantastical realms that never were, other cultures, distant memories, and even the dark corners of the imagination.

Tracy enjoys working with Silks, Beading, Laces, Velvets.

Are you getting married?  Are you into going to Rennaisance Faires in period costume?  Are you going to a ball?  This is a must see Etsy Shop!  The prices are very reasonable and the designs are to die for!  I wish I had this gown for my wedding!!!!!  Of course, I wish I had this models figure too!  LOL.  The cost of the gorgeous gown pictured  below is only $699.00 US!  You will love seeing these creations as much as I did!

Fairytale Princess Silk Wedding Gown Fantasy Rococo Custom Sized and 

You choose color

“This gown was once featured on the cover of Renaissance Magazine! This gorgeous wedding (or special occasion) gown is a fairytale come to life! “

GRANNY’S BOUTIQUE

Barbara L Gibb's - Proprietor

Barb loves to crochet and has been crocheting for over 35 years.  Each of her hats are designed and crocheted by her and she rarely make two alike. Barb will do special orders and they usually takes 10 days to complete.  Barb enjoys working with yarn.


I am a newbie to the world of crocheting.  I drooled when I saw Barbara’s crocheted fingerless gloves.  They are crocheted with cotton yarn.  These are definitely a must have for Red Hatters!!!!  Again, her prices are great!

LILAC PUMPKIN

Fabulous Fae Furnishings's

Fabulous Fae is a full-time artisan from New England who has been creating original artwork since 1999.
She enjoys one of a kind art in mixed media,altered art and dollhouse miniature.

Many of her creations feature faery, witch and mermaid furniture in dollhouse miniature 1:12th scale as well as lifesize. She also enjoys creating unique miniature houses and cottages, incorporating realistic water features and natural elements. Fae’s latest passion is miniature musical instruments from the medieval renaissance era.  Fae likes to work in natural elements and found objects from local forests and beach shores including wood, twigs, bark, acorns, stone,sea shells, flowers, moss, polymer clay and beads.

Use this gorgeous creation as a cake topper for a nautical or faery themed cake, or use as a decoration.  I think this would be a great gift for a good friend!

Cake decorators, brides-to-be, faery lovers,  music lovers and Renaissance era enthusiasts,  this is a must Etsy store for you to see!  A little pricey, but unique and gorgeous!

RECIPES FOR THE POOR

To go along with today's previous post, I thought I would  offer up these recipes:

1. 
   

   http://uppitywoman08.wordpress.com/

   ProudMilitaryMom, on November 15, 2008 at 3:00 PM said:

   New England Corn Chowder (or Chowdah- for those who can afford neither clams nor fish.)

   In a large pot, sautee 1/4 pound of bacon. Drain and reserve fat, set aside bacon.

   Using 2 tablespoons of the reserved fat, saute one large onion, diced. When onion is translucent, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pot to make the roux. Cook approx 2 minutes.

   Add two cans of condensed milk and an equal amount of water. Add two cans kernel corn (use the liquid too- the nutrients are all in it.) Simmer until the corn is heated through and the chowder is thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with the crumbled bacon. Serve with bread (if you can afford that!)

   Save the remaining bacon grease for use in other recipes!

   Those who can still afford such things can add whatever spices or herbs they like!

   
   

    http://www.eatdangerously.com

   Depression Era Hot Dogs with Sherry

   First, rob a liquor store, and get yourself some sherry. Then you can "afford" to make this. People ate this type of stuff during the 20s and 30s, so don't think you are too special to eat it too.

   some butter
   1 chopped onion
   1 chopped green pepper
   1 chopped stalk of celery
   1 chopped tomato
   2 hot dogs
   4 tablespoons of sherry
   salt & pepper

   First, in a frying pan, fry up the onions, green pepper and celery. After a few minutes, add the hot dogs and fry up some more. Then add the paprika, tomato and wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.

   Serves 2.

   
   

   
   

   Years ago, when I ran a single's group (where I met my DH, Paul), I organized a summer picnic and the menu was a Garbage Can Dinner.  I have since lost my original recipe, but not the taste and wonderful memories of that event, so, in keeping with today's theme, I looked up Garbage Can recipes and I came across this one which is similar to the one I used.  However, if you are really poor, can you afford to put beer in a recipe?  Hmmm...not being a beer lover myself, I don't know the answer.  However, you want to invite your friends over for this meal and ask everyone to bring one of the ingredients (maybe your richer friends can provide the beer!).  This is a fun party idea!  It is also very versatile, you can forego the bacon, you can substitute chicken soup for beer, you can make with chicken instead of sausage, although sausage tastes great in this recipe and cooks in less time.  If you make with chicken, I would parboil it first.  So, thx to Cooks.com and without further ado here is the recipe:
   

GARBAGE CAN DINNER

20 sweet corn in husk 20 potatoes 20 carrots 20 onions Cabbage, one wedge per person Smoked sausage, 10 to 12 lbs. 2 cans beer 1 can water Purchase a new garbage can and wash out with a bleach and water mixture. Pull husk down and remove the silk from the corn, then wrap husk around corn and stand on end in garbage can. Scrub potatoes and carrots and put on top of the corn. Next onions, cabbage and smoked sausage.Pour 2 cans of beer and one can water over the top. Secure garbage can lid. Build a charcoal fire and place can on coals. Do not remove lid. After you notice steam coming out from under lid, cook about two hours.

SELLING OUT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS

Last night my husband informed me that President Obama has decided  to reduce  Social Security and Medicare benefits part of the ongoing negotiations over the national deficit.  Doesn't he realize that he's going to either kill off our Senior Citizens or put us all on Welfare, which will prove more expensive in the end, I would assume?


I am one of those Senior Citizens.  If my benefits were cut, I definitely would have to go on the welfare rolls.  My husband and I have worked all our lives to prevent this from happening.  But, through, admittedly, our own fault, we find ourselves in dire financial straights.  For example, we have only $6 until our next Social Security check comes on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Meanwhile, we need bread and refills on some of our meds, and I would like some pop.  We will lose our home if we can't get ahead in the next 3 years, which is a daunting task.  That too I just found out.  Why?  Because of the economy.  Because  we have not had a President in years that knows finances.  I, myself, voted for Obama.  Would I vote for him again?  I really don't know.  If the Republicans are smart enough to find the right candidate to oppose Obama, I may just have to vote Republican in the next presidential elections.  I long for Bill Clinton to be back in office!  At least we were in better financial shape under his leadership.


The following is an excerpt from an article I found at http://www.golocalprov.com/ that was written by Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv News Contributor.

        Whitehouse: Attacks Are Really Wrong

In a telephone press conference Friday, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said now is not the time to cut programs that are so vital to millions of Americans.
“It’s pretty clear that, particularly now in this time of economic distress, attacks on Social Security and Medicare are really wrong for the country,” Whitehouse said.
The Senator’s comments came a day after he delivered a speech on the Senate floor expressing his concern over talks about entitlement programs emerging as part of the national debt debate. Whitehouse said he is firmly opposed to any cuts to these programs.

"It is my strong belief, however, that any agreement must be based on real savings and must not be made at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens,” he said. “That is why I am concerned that Social Security and Medicare have been raised as possible sources of deficit reduction. Cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits should not be on the table.”

I totally agree with Sen Whitehouse.  Senior Citizens are important...maybe not the most important, but we are important in so many ways.  Just think of all the Seniors who do volunteer work.  We also impart our knowledge gained through our many years of experience.  These factors must help the economy, IMHO.

Instead of launching rockets (which I am in favor of in good economic times) for sentimental reasons, put that money into Social Security and Medicare.  Stop spending the poor taxpayers' money on selfish, personal projects and items.  Put a cap on expense accounts.  Giving yourselves raises is well and good, however, minimize those raises and put that money into Social Security and Medicare. Republicans should agree to change the tax structure so that everyone pays their fair share of taxes.  Would it really hurt their rich friends so much?  Think of the good it would do for most of our population.

Well, so much for my spouting off on the proverbial soap box!  Please comment and let me know your opinions on this matter.  I will listen!

I'M JEALOUS!

All weekend I've been reading about my eldest grandson's activities in Israel.  Marc is 17 years old and is having the time of his life, talking with young adults of all nationalities and religions while learning about his own.  The educational value of this experience seems wonderful, but it's the social aspect that makes me jealous...so far in just a weeks time, Marc has gone hiking and kayaking.  He has gone to a bonfire and a community song fest, and has been on a disco dinner cruise.  The kids have only had one day of semi-rest.  They didn't even give the kids a chance to recuperate from jet lag.

Having a cell phone to call home from is a wonderful thing.  So far Marc has called his parents to let them know his mother didn't pack the right water bottle and that his backpack is giving him problems.  His dad asked him what he wanted them to do about these problems from thousands of miles away.  Ah, kids!  They think they are so grown up.  Marc is a very smart young man, book and knowledge-wise, but when it comes to broken things, well, there is just nothing like mom and dad to do your thinking for you!  LOL

Ok, now that I've said that about Marc, I must tell you that I still go to my mom when things are broken.  I don't know how many times I called home with problems about things that were wrong.  So, brains and age really don't have anything to do with true independence.  Never having achieved that state, I cannot give any advice on obtaining it and helping your children to obtain it.  Oh well...

In honor of Marc's trip, here is a link for a recipe for Israeli Dates which sounds wonderful!  All Recipes is one of my favorite recipe websites.  Let me know what you think!

HAPPY JULY 4TH

It's Independence Day here in the good ole USA!  In honor of this wonderful holiday, I'd like to share some thoughts on what it means to be independent...here is what some famous people have to say...

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.  ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Liberty is the possibility of doubting, of making a mistake,... of searching and experimenting,... of saying No to any authority - literary, artistic, philosophical, religious, social, and even political.  ~Ignazio Silone,The God That Failed, 1950

 Liberty: One of Imagination's most precious possessions.  ~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

(The above quotes were found online at Quotegarden.com)

To me liberty is having the ability to have the freedom to live a safe, secure, happy life.  It means that no one can tell me what I can and can't do to my body.  It means that I am entitled to the same responsibilities as all people in my community.  It means having the freedom of living the faith I choose, as long as that does not hurt anyone else.  Freedom means I can have a say in my government and have choices  in how I live.  It means I can live with whom I want and love whomever I fall in love with.  Freedom means that I can have the choice of when to have children and how many children to have.  It means I have the responsibility of bringing that child/children up to the best of my ability in a loving, safe environment.  It also means I can think for myself and I have to respect the thoughts of others.

I am glad that there is a day in my country that allows me to celebrate having all of these things.  And in honor of The 4th of July, here is a recipe for apple pie! I have not tried this recipe yet, but hope to soon, so if you make it, please share your thoughts with the rest of us! I hope you enjoy it!



Honey Apple Pie With Orange Lattice Crust
=========================================
Bon Appétit | March 1998

Main ingredients
Honey, Cherry, Orange, Peach, Apricot, Apple

Cuisine
American

Type
Pie/Tart

Yield: Makes 8 servings

"Using orange juice instead of water in the crust enhances the fruit flavors in the filling. To prevent the dough from sticking, lightly flour the work surface and the dough, sprinkling with more flour as needed; also, roll just to the edges of the dough, not over them, rotating the dough often."

Ingredients:

For crust:

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chilled vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 to 7 tablespoons chilled orange juice

For filling:

2 generous tablespoons coarsely chopped dried tart cherries
2 generous tablespoons finely chopped dried apricots
2 generous tablespoons finely chopped dried peaches
2 tablespoons orange juice
2-1/2 pounds Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
3-1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Preparation:

Make crust:

{Step One} Combine flour, sugar and salt in large bowl; add butter.
Using fingertips, rub in butter until pieces range in size from rice
grains to peas. Add shortening; rub in until pieces are size of small
peas. Sprinkle 5 tablespoons juice over, tossing gently with fork to
blend. Continue adding enough juice 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing
with a fork, to form moist clumps. Gather dough into ball; divide into
2 parts, 1 slightly larger than the other. Flatten dough onto disks.
Wrap in plastic; chill 1 1/2 hours or up to 1 day.

Make filling: Mix cherries, apricots, peaches and orange juice in large
bowl. Let stand 30 minutes. Mix in apples, flour, cinnamon and
cardamom; then mix in honey, butter and orange peel.

Position rack in bottom third of oven, and preheat to 425°F.

Roll out larger dough disk on lightly floured surface to 13-inch round.
Transfer dough to 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish. Trim overhand to 1/2
inch. Roll out second dough disk on lightly floured surface to 12-inch
round. Using fluted pastry wheel or knife, cut dough into 1/2-inch-wide
strips. Spoon filling into bottom crust.
{Step Two} Arrange 6 pastry strips evenly atop filling. Arrange 6 more
strips at right angles, forming lattice. Fold under ends of strips with
overhanging dough.

{Step Three} Crimp crust edge decoratively.

Bake pie 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake until
apples are tender and juices bubble thickly around edge, about 1 hour
10 minutes longer. Transfer pie to rack. Cool 1 hour.

Second Chances

Well, in my life I have had a few second chances and have given a few to others.  Now, I find myself giving a second chance to one of my crochet projects that I had been working so hard on.  The project is a gorgeous monotone tissue box cover.  I had the first part of it completed and discovered that it was too long for the box it was intended for.    So after much discussion with my crochet along partner for this project, a very good friend of mine who lives in Florida, whose name is Mary, we decided I should decrease by 2 stitches.  So I ripped out 52 rows and put it aside for a few days.  I picked it back up this afternoon and am happy to report I have 14 rows completed.  The pattern calls for 68 rows, but I doubt if I will need that many.  I will let you know.

Anyhow, now that I have had a delicious dinner of lamb chops, baked potato slices and mixed veggies, all prepared by my dh, and had my dessert...apple pie made by Wegman's Grocery Store, I thought it was time to blog before I go to bed for the night.

I am wondering...how many crocheters out there are as frustrated by crochet patterns (even those we have to pay for) as I am?  Thus far, I have not had any of my projects come out and as far as I know I am following the patterns...yes, I am a newbie to crocheting, but come on...I'm a knitter and I've been following knitting patterns for years without trouble (for the most part!)...so why is it so difficult for me to follow a crochet pattern?  I'd love to hear all of your ideas and suggestions on this!

Well, I like to leave little "gifts" for you, so tonight, I will give you this in honor of my tissue box cover (the one I am working on is copyrighted so I can't give you that one, sorry)...but here is a link to a very simple but cute tissue box cover from jpfun:  Simple Tissue Box Cover Pattern  BTW, if you haven't been to this website and love to crochet, it's a great site for free patterns!

It's off to bed I go in a bit, so I'll sign off here!

Love,
Marilyn

Such Frustration

I have been crocheting three different projects. You see, when I have a problem with one, I begin another one. But never more than 3 at a time. Does anyone else do this? So, currently I am working on a shawl, an afghan and a tissue box cover. I am totally stuck on the shawl, which I'm dying to work on, I have to rip out the whole afghan (I am/was more than 1/3 done with it and now have to rip it ), and last night, I was done with the first part of the tissue box cover, and had to rip the whole thing out. I have no idea what my problem is with the shawl. I love the pattern but it's not working out the way it is supposed to ...and I even spent 2 hours with a shop owner in Kingston, NY, trying to figure out the pattern. No luck.

The problem with the afghan is I should have counted my stitches! Somehow I was decreasing and should not have been. The problem with the tissue box cover is that it is too big...I didn't check my gauge...teaches me, eh! LOL

So, today I may have time, but not much, to begin with the tissue box cover. But, I have housework to do, have to wait till the dh wakes up, and then have to get ready to go to a graduation party for my little cousin who is growing up so beautifully! She just graduated from High School.

In honor of my frustration, I am posting a link to a blog that looks interesting. This one is for crocheters! The name of the blog is Crocheting with Raymond and it is written by a Bristish woman, so beware that the instructions are in British English!!! http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2011-monthly-mosaics/

I cannot wait to try my hand at one of her Mandala Granny Squares!!! Let me know what you think!

Let's see, I think we are due for another recipe too...hmmm...what shall I share with you?

Dressed Up Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

====================================

Submitted by: lcmcallister

The addition of macadamia nuts and cherry pieces are what dress up these

Chocolate oatmeal cookies so well.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 stick margarine

1 tablespoon cocoa

Pinch of salt

3 cups uncooked oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla

Method

In a large sauce pan, combine sugar, milk, margarine, cocoa and salt.

Bring to a boil over medium high heat for two minutes. Take off heat

then add remaining ingredients and mix well. Line a large cookie sheet

with wax paper. Drop cookie mixture by teaspoon on wax paper and let

set until firm.

Serves:  36

Notes: I have not tried these cookies, but they sound like something I could use after a sleepless night! Wish I had these in the house. I apologize to lcmcallister for not including the name and url of the website where he/she originally posted this recipe, but I did not make note of it when I copied it.  I found this copy in my dbase of recipes. ~Marilyn Sultar

Good morning. It is 4:48 a.m. as I am typing this. I woke up wide awake about 2:30 a.m. Don't you just hate when that happens!?! I do...it throws my whole day off and then I tend to sleep half the day :(. What do you like to do when you have insomnia? I like to surf the web. In this morning's search I came across a recipe at Momswhothink.com that sounded so good, I thought I would share it with you. I have not tried this recipe yet, but when I do, I will let you know how it is. If you try it before I do, please let us know what you think of it!

Beef Potato Burgers and Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

3/4 pound lean ground beef 3/4 cup finely shredded potatoes1/4 cup finely chopped onion2 Tablespoons chopped green pepper1 egg, beaten1/4 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 cup tomato juice1 tablespoon all-purpose flour1/4 cup waterHamburger rolls4-8 ears steamable frozen corn on the cob

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine beef, potatoes, onion, green pepper, egg and salt.
2. Shape mixture into four patties.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef patties on both sides. Drain.
4. Add the tomato juice to the skillet. Simmer patties in tomato juice for about 20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Steam corn in microwave.
5. Transfer beef patties to a serving platter, keep warm.
6. Combine flour and water, whisking well until smooth.
7. Gradually add flour mixture to the tomato juice in the skillet, stirring while adding.
8. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Place patties on rolls. Spoon sauce over patties.
9. Serve with buttered corn on the cob. Makes 4 servings.

Speaking of recipes, my dh is going to grill out tonight, weather permitting. This will be the first time this season that we will be using our grill. I love food cooked on a grill, don't you? We're thinking of making ribs, but not sure yet.

A progress note: I worked on Paul's (my dh) afghan last night. I got two more rows worked. I really am enjoying working on the afghan. I love the colors, turquoise and green and I love the pattern itself. I can't work on it too much though, my arthritis kick in more and more often. You would think that someone like myself who works with her fingers and hands all the time, typing, knitting, crocheting, and cake decorating all use your fingers, wouldn't you think that they would be flexible and not get arthritic. I wish I had learned how to crochet years ago. I tried to learn a few times, but just could not understand it. Then, thx to my friend, Marilyn, a fellow snow bird whom I met in Myrtle Beach in February, I am now crocheting away and loving it. I am also working on different patterns for dishclothes for charity (I have completed 3 thus far!), and a shawl made it the most gorgeous yarn, and I designed a kippah for my step-daughter who collects them! When I find what I did with my camera, I will take pictures and post them on Ravelry and Meetup.

Well, I feel a yawn coming in, so I will end here for now! I may be back if on my current search I discover something interesting. Hope you are all having either sweet dreams or are having fun if you are awake (depending upon your time zone, I know :)).

Love,

Marilyn

Well, Shavuot is over and today is just another day. I slept yesterday away and today hubby is doing same. So, I thought I would tell you about what I am working on...so many things...my latest obsession is with crocheting. I am working on an afghan for my dh, a shawl for me, dishclothes for 2 different charities. I have thus far completed 1 pillow with handle (which was supposed to be a tote bag), 3 dishclothes, 1/3 of the afghan, a kipah (scullcap) for my step-daughter, and am 3/4 way done with a hook case. My favorite project thus far is the kipah. My most frustrating is my shawl. The one I want to finish is the afghan and I tried to pick it up the other day and could not get the row even begun! I think I was just over-tired and had a brain-freeze. When I find my camera again, I will take a picture of when I have accomplished and post it on Ravelry. I really love the colors of the afghan...my idea was to have it remind me of the ocean and the Cascade turquoise and green colors I chose are perfect together! You can read more about the yarns by following me at Ravelry.com. If you haven't visited Ravelry.com and are a knitter or a crochet, run, don't walk to discover this wonderful community!!! Another wonderful place to find me is at Meetup.com. I am with the Purl Jam group on both of these sites. If you don't know about Meetup.com, again, run, don't walk to visit this wonderful site of real life social groups based on common interests.

Ok, today's "gift" to you is the pattern I am using to make my hubby's afghan (as far as I know there is no copyright on it):

RIPPLE AFGHAN – CROCHET

SOURCE OF ORIGINAL PATTERN: YARN BOUTIQUE, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK; Marilyn’s Pattern Variation is Marilyn Sultar.

MATERIALS:
Size J Hook
Approximately 1600 yards heavy worsted yarn

STITCH NOTE: Dc2tog (dc decrease): Work a dc in the next stitch without completing the last step (leave last two loops on the hook), then dc in the next stitch without completing the last step (you should have 3 loops on the hook), yarn over and drawn through all the loops – decrease made.
DIRECTIONS:
Chain 150
ROW 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc2tog three times, 2 dc in each of the next 6 chains, *dc2tog six times, 2 dc in next 6 ch; repeat from * across to last 8 ch, end with dc2tog three times, dc in each of next 2 ch.
ROW2 (WS): Ch3, turn (ch 3 counts as first dc) dc in 2nd dc from hook, dc2tog three times, 2 dc in each of next 6 dc, *dc2tog six times, 2 dc in next 6 dc; rep from * across to last 8 dc, end with dc2tog three times, dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of beg. Ch.

MARILYN’S VARIATION PATTERN:
I am using two colors, A & B.
With color A, work 8 rows
With color B, work 6 rows
Color A, work 4 rows
Color B, work 4 rows
Color A, work 6 rows
Color B, work 8 rows
Repeat pattern as many times as necessary to get the length you desire.

FAMILY

Wow, what a week this has been for family! First my sister and I have our long phone call yesterday, and today a very sweet cousin of mine reached me via Facebook. It really seems as if this Shavuot is a very magical, special one for me. So, I decided that today I would tell you a bit about my real life family.

I am the eldest of two girls. I always wanted a big brother, but my parents would never get me one! On my maternal side, my mother comes from a family with 2 boys and 3 girls. Her mother had 6 sisters and a step-brother. On my paternal side, my father is one of 4 boys. His mother had 2 brothers (maybe 3, I'm not positive) and 3 sisters (I think there may have been a 4th sister, but again, my memory stinks! Now multiply this by 2-3 children for each sibling and that's a lot of people, especially now that my sister and I are grandparents ourselves. My Mom is close with her siblings and is close with her cousins. I am close to my 1st cousins, and a few of my second cousins, but the family has grown so big that I don't know half of my relations any more. We are closer to my Mom's side of the family, and I truly believe that this is the norm for most people.

Holidays are great reunions in our family, first congregating at my Maternal or my Paternal grandparents' house, now only congregating at the house of my Mom's youngest sister for all holidays. I don't see my Father's side for holidays, sadly, but I do see them during the year. Some years I can't celebrate with either side of my family as I have my own and spend holidays with my Step-Children and Grandchildren. But, these gatherings are just as important and wonderful to me. But I do worry that my Aunt and Uncle who keep our family together are not in good health, and of course they are also aging. I want to spend holidays with them as much as I can at this point. So, families can cause problems for us, but we are lucky to have such problems!

Does our family argue and have falling outs? Of course we do, we are human after all, but we each know that no matter what we love each other and will always be there for one another if possible.

I think the greatest way to get to know family members is to get older and more relaxed with yourself and are able to focus on other people rather than yourself. You really need listen, to reminisce with your family members, and above all, to laugh with them.

Enough postulating...again, in honor of Shavuot is another dairy recipe. This sounds like a great dessert recipe, especially for this time of the year. I have not tried this recipe and found it on the Net last year.

Creamy Strawberry Mallow Cups

=============================

Submitted by: cybercook

This simple, 4 ingredient, frozen treat will delight young and old alike.

Simply combine ice cream, heavy cream, fresh strawberries and marshmallows.

Ingredients

2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened

1 cup heavy cream

3 cups strawberries, hulled and finely chopped

5 cups miniature marshmallows

Method

Arrange 24 3 ounce paper cups on a rimmed tray. In a large bowl, combine ice cream, cream, strawberries and marshmallows. Stir until well combined then pour 1/4 cup of mixture into each cup. Freeze cups until partially set, insert a Popsicle stick into each cup and freeze

completely.

Servings: 24

Enjoy!

Love,

Marilyn

HAPPY SHAVUOT!

Shavuot celebrates the Ten Commandments received by the Jewish people at Mt. Sinai.

According to Chabad.org, "Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-gives” the Torah. The word Shavuot means “weeks.” It marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event—one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G‑d and the Jewish people. Shavuot also means “oaths,” for on this day G‑d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him."

Let's think about the Ten Commandments. Many of us just take them for granted and don't think about them very often, probably not unless we are ready to break one of them. What do the Ten Commandments mean to us in the 21st Century?

"The Ten Commandments don’t change based on time or place but are instead statements of high-order moral sentiments that tell how ethical people should conduct themselves. Different generations will sometimes understand the details of law differently, but that’s not what is really at stake." says Michael J. Broyde, the academic director of the Law and Religion program at Emory University’s Law School in Atlanta, GA in "Moment Magazine". I totally agree with him. Many things in all of our religions, IMHO, must change with the times, but not the fundamental core of our religions, and that core, in most cases, I believe, are The Ten Commandments, certainly within the Judeao-Christian religions. Why do I believe this? Because, without The Ten Commandments, we would have no blueprint for moral behavior. Now, I am not a moralist nor a religious person by any means, however, I do believe that one should try to strive to keep the Commandments. Without them, I believe the world would be even more chaotic than it already is.

The first four Commandments deal with a person's relationship with G-d. That is personal, so I will not deal with the first four Commandments. I believe that you know how to handle your own relationship with G-d, and if you don't, then I advise seeing a cleric or a religion teacher.

Commandment #5 - Thou shalt honor thy father and mother...

WoW! This one is not always easy, especially as an American teenager. Why is this? Too much freedom? Not enough respect for anyone or anything? Is it because our society has no time to solidify the family structure? Perhaps it is because teenagers need more contact with their parents and spend more family time together? Or is it because teenage hormones make them predestined to rebel? Perhaps it is all of these reasons. What do you think?

Sadder, is the adult-child that stops speaking to a parent, or who abuses a parent by neglect. How can they not remember that the parent (in most cases) tried their best to be a good parent and that no child comes with a manual for their parents to learn how to be a good parent to that particular child. Why can't these adult-children get over their anger and keep a relationship going till death parts the family, which happens all too quickly. What happens to these adults? How do they deal with the separation from family? What would it take to rebuild the family and the "normal" or perhaps more likely "the abnormal" familia structure? What do you think?

COMMANDMENT #6 - Thou shallt not commit murder...

Pray tell, why can't we all obey this Commandment? Ok, now I know that I have never killed anyone and you probably haven't either. There are many types of killing, so I decided to look up the definition of murder. This is the definition found on "Online Free Dictionary:"

n.
1. The unlawful killing of one human by another, especially with premeditated malice.

v. mur·dered, mur·der·ing, mur·ders
v.tr.

1. To kill (another human) unlawfully.
2. To kill brutally or inhumanly.
3. To put an end to; destroy: murdered their chances.
4. To spoil by ineptness; mutilate: a speech that murdered the English language.
5. Slang To defeat decisively; trounce.

v.intr.
To commit murder.


Hmmm...I love this..."the UNLAWFUL" killing of a human being. What is lawful killing? Killing someone in war or battle? Why is this not murder? Why isn't ALL killing murder? I truly believe that G-d did not put us on earth to kill one another. That just doesn't make sense to me.

Ok, I hear you saying, "what about survival of the fittest." "What about over-population?" "What about natural selection?" Well, my thoughts on the survival of the fittest is not who is the toughest fighter or warrior or bully, but who can survive life, disease, poverty, natural calamities such as storms, flooding, fire, etc. And I believe that over-population needs to be taken care of naturally, not by wars and killing. We need to education all people and we need them to understand why they should not have more than five children and how to help them understand that they should (again IMHO) not have more children than they can afford to decently house and clothe these offspring. And we need to help each other prosper...not thru charity or Welfare, but through job creation, motivation, and respect. We need to support our farmers so they can help feed all of us. We need to tear down vacant buildings so we can rebuild (except we should not tear down historical structures), and build homes and build businesses. We should not have to have warriors-soldiers-armed forces. Stop the hatred, stop the wars! What about natural selection? Well, that too should just be done through nature, who are we to judge who shall live or who shall die?

COMMANDMENT #7 - Thou shallt not commit adultery.

I recently heard or read that adultery can be commited only if the husband says that the wife is a slut or more accurately if he says that she is behaving in a manner that could be construed as being adulterous. And then he has to tell her to stop the adulterous behavior. This thought I just looked up at Chabad.org and found that this came from the Parshah reading of Naso (actually from the Interpolated Translation for Parshah Naso by the From the Lubavitcher Rebbe found at http://www.chabad.org). It also says that the accusing husband must not be an adulterer himself if he is accusing his wife and that he must assume she is not a slut. Also, the woman must be a married woman. A single woman cannot be an adulteress. This Parshah also equates G-d's relationship with Israel as a marriage, and so, if a Jew turns away from G-d, or abandons him for another god, then that Jew is guilty of adultery, according to the Parshah, IF I am interpreting it correctly. Is adultery, in the secular sense, still as serious a crime as it is in the Torah? Why is it considered to be such a serious crime? I think that adultery in today's age, is serious, but certainly not to the extreme as it is in the Torah. I certainly do not believe that it is a crime worthy of death. I do believe that adultery does break up the family unit and that that is not a healthy thing for the family, especially the children, nor is it good for society. How can we stop adultery? I don't believe you can. G-d made humans passionate and passion lends itself to temptation, and humans often fall to temptation. I think it is human nature. And I do believe that people should be given second, and perhaps third, chances before the family is broken up due to adultery.

COMMANDMENT #8 - Thou shallt not steal...This commandment is self explanatory. Why do people steal? What should be the punishment for stealing? Why is stealing so prevelant in our society? Again, I don't have the answers, however I do believe, again, that if we help each other so that everyone lives in relative comfort and is able to eat regularly that there would be no need for stealing and then the crime rate would go way down. I believe that in many instances that stealing is done for survival. I can forgive this. I cannot forgive theft as an occupation nor can I forgive theft for the thrill of it, or for support of a drug habit.

COMMANDMENT #9 - Thou shallt not bear false witness...I totally agree with this...especially if the word "neighbor" is defined as "another human being."

COMMANDMENT #10 - Thou shallt not covet thy neighbor's house. Thou shallt not covet thy neighbor's wife...What is the definition of "neighbor?" What is the definition of "covet?"

According to The Free Online Dictionary, this is the definition of "covet:"

cov·et

v. cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets
v.tr.

1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's). See Synonyms at envy.

2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire.

v.intr.

To feel immoderate desire for that which is another's.

I think the wording needs to be changed in this Commandment, or it should be deleted. Why? Because, I don't think that in our "Keep Up With The Joneses' World" that we live in today that that would be impossible. Most people want the same things, and if your neighbor gets it first, well, many people would be jealous. Why? Human nature is to be competitive in the sense that most of us want the comforts of life. I know that there are many exceptions to this; I have a wonderful nephew who does not need the materialistic things in life, and I have a tremendous respect for him because of this view, but he is the only person I know who does not desire to keep up with the Joneses. Yes, I admit to being extremely materialistic to a fault, but is that a crime? Not in our society today. Should it be a crime? I don't think it should be a crime and don't see why the punishment for it is death. This is especially true because of the definition of neighbor as defined at Free Online Dictionary as follows:

neigh·bor

n.

1. One who lives near or next to another.

2. A person, place, or thing adjacent to or located near another.

3. A fellow human.

4. Used as a form of familiar address.

v. neigh·bored, neigh·bor·ing, neigh·bors

v.tr.

To lie close to or border directly on.

v.intr.

To live or be situated close by.

adj.

Situated or living near another: a neighbor state.

If "neighbor" is interpreted as another human being...that is a lot of not coveting to ask for! Who doesn't fantasize at some stage of their life about marrying a movie star or athlete or the Belle of the Ball? I know that I have had these fantasies...and even though I may not know if that person is married or not, I still had these fantasies, so was I coveting my "neighbor's" spouse? Wow...Many 21st Century people would be dead if the punishment for this Commandment was carried out.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
(courtesy of Chabad.org)


1. "I am the Lord your G-d, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

2. "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, nor any manner of likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them. For I the Lord your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children of the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto the thousandth generation of them that love Me and keep My commandments.

3. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your G-d in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.

4. "Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord your G-d. On it you shall not do any manner of work -- you, your son, your daughter, your man-servant, your maid-servant, your cattle, and your stranger that is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath Day, and hallowed it.

5. "Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your G-d gives you.

6. "You shall not murder.

7. "You shall not commit adultery.

8. "You shall not steal.

9. "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, his manservant, his maid-servant, his ox, his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

Boy, how did I ever get on my soap box? I guess because of the interesting Parshah and the late hour I'm writing this entry. So, now I will end with my recipe for Blintz Casserole. Dairy foods are traditionally served on Shavout. I hope you enjoy the recipe and that you all have a Happy, Healthy Shavout!

BLINTZ CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

FILLING:

2 pounds Farmers Cheese (similar to Riccota cheese) OR Riccota Cheese
2 large Eggs
Juice of 1 medium Fresh Lemon
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 pinch of Salt

BATTER:

1/2 pound Butter
1/2 cup Sugar
1 pinch Salt
2 large Eggs
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoons Baking Powder
1/4 cup Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract.

Directions:

BATTER: Cream butter and granulated sugar together for the batter. Add remaining batter ingredients (salt, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk and vanilla extract). Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth.

FILLING: Beat together all filling ingredients (farmers cheese, eggs, lemon juice, granulated sugar and salt) until well incorporated and smooth.

CASSEROLE: GREASE a large casserole dish OR 9"x13"x2" pan. Place half of batter in casserole (MARILYN'S NOTE: I use 9"x13"x2" glass pan.). It will be a thin layer. Spread filling over the batter layer. Cover filling with remaining batter.

Bake casserole at 300° Fahrenheit for 1 1/2 hours.

This recipe is absolutely wonderful!!! The taste is wonderful and it is so much easier than making blintzes from scratch. I think that it tastes better than the blintz casseroles made with frozen blintzes. The first time I made this recipe, I took it to a New York State Home Bureau (Monroe County's) Pot-Luck picnic in August of 1994. Everyone loved it. I had no leftovers!!!

If you wish, you can serve with cherry, apple or blueberry pie filling on the side. I like this plain.

The recipe came from Cynthia Merzer who lives in Atlantis, Florida. She posted it on the Prodigy Food Boards on September 22, 1993. ~Marilyn Sultar
Servings: 8-10