Capricorn 1's corner of craziness!

I need your help!!!!!

I have rust stains on brand new colored (not chlorine safe) towels (how they got there is a WHOLE other story for another day).  I need some household hints to get the rust out of the towels. Can you use the same treatment to get rust stains out of clothes?

And while we're at it, if you'd like, put your other helpful hints below.  We can always use them another day!

Much appreciated!

Cheryl

After my older children decided it was time to move on and get their own places, they decided it was time they should go through my cabinets, cupboards et al, and divvy up my belongings. 

Brandon and Amber are taking the living room furntiture, two sets of bath towel sets, the kitchen ware and dishes.  Cheryl and Jacob are taking two other sets of bath towels; the kitchen towel sets, and the everyday flatware.  Becky and Mike want the family room furniture,  the dining room set, and that's it. Ashley doesn't really know what she'll need, but she'll get back to me.  Mind you, unless I haven't been told yet, I'm not dead, and still need to eat, sleep, bathe, and cook. So does their little sister, for that matter.

I don't mind giving them all a LITTLE something to help them get their first home together, but not my whole home!!! The kids sat around the family room and told me that they wanted a piece of me to take with them when they moved into their own first homes.  It touched me deeply........................but not that deeply I was born at night, but it wasn't last night. I think they want me to buy them everything that goes inside a house!

I giggled at all of them. Mind you, they announced their decision early this morning (Thank God, it was after my first cup of coffee so I was fully functional) so they haven't even started looking; except Ashley; she's moving in with her friends. And I wanted the boys to tell me how they felt about  only having things from our family; not theirs.  Both said, "But Mom, aren't we your family too?" What could I say after that???

I'll help get some things to help them start out on a good note.  Isn't that what a Mom is supposed to do?

Actually, I'm having one of those, "oh my children have left me...what am I to do" moments and my heart is breaking.  When they leave the lights on, forget to flush the toilet,  or lock the doors, that moment will pass and it's back to real life.

I'm wondering if they realize that they'll have to rely on themselves to pay the rent, utilities, food, and other items. Guess we'll find out sooner or later.

Maybe I'll take my cues from that "Failure to Launch" movie and turn one of their rooms into a naked room.  LOL

I'll let you know!

This has been a week...and it's only Tuesday!

The older ones announced to me this morning that they are all moving out to their own places.  The twins have decided to move in with their boyfriends and my grandsons to begin their own lives.  My son and his fiancee have announced they will be moving out and Ashley has decided she is moving in with her friends this weekend. In the next few months it'll just be my youngest at home.... her Grandparents have asked if they could have her for the summer.....I guess I'll be suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome. Temporary because I have at least nine years left before Monica moves out on her own...but then again, she's told me she'd always be with me.

I knew this day would come....................eventually, but I didn't think it would come almost all at once.  I know its time for them to be on their own; to be the responsible adults I have taught them to be.

I must tell you, I run my household like a military camp.  Everyone has chores they must do; I've made a laundry schedule so the poor washing machine doesn't run all weekend. 

And truthfully, I like all the activity that accompanies having all those young people in my home.  Reminds me of when I was growing up.  Huge meals to prepare; certain days for certain chores; Sunday Supper...for that matter supper every night

But my job is done.  It's time. Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with all that free time when the work day is done.

Maybe I'll learn to cook gourmet meals....or write a cookbook....................................................hahahahahahaha

Enjoy your day!!  Cheryl

I love the movies.  I pick up favorite sayings from the movies I watch. For example, in Rush Hour, "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?" Star Trek, "Beam me up, Scotty." Galaxy Quest, I use the Omega 13.  A force so powerful, it is capable of reliving the last 13 seconds of your life; capable of correcting a single mistake.

Don't you wish life was that simple?

We as humans are flawed, capable of cutting our loved ones, friends, family, co-workers to the quick in a single sentence or word often times in the heat of an argument or discussion. Sometimes it's supposed to be an innocent comment, statement, or question that can hurl you into the Mother of all arguments leading to hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

Sometimes it's premeditated....those calculated words used to inflict utter pain and humiliation onto another in the hopes of making them feel useless, guilty, whatever.

But...did you REALLY mean to do that?  To cause that much pain and anguish? 

What about your last break-up? Did you carefully plan out what you were going to say; anticipate the other's response; act mature and end the already dead relationship?  Or did you intentionally(or unintentionally) cause an argument, name call, degrade, and verbally attack the other person, leaving them in a heap at your feet before calling it quits?

Or your last argument...same as the above? 

Even better..... a comment made to assist, teach, direct,  instead heard as hateful, negative, and disrespectful?

Do you think before you act, speak, or write or do you just shoot from the hip or mouth, hoping/assuming you and the other person are on the same page; understanding and perceiving the same? Do you listen to the message? Do you seek clarification if you don't or do you jump to conclusions and react without forethought?

Are you aware there are consequences to your actions?????

AND........................are you willing to accept the consequences of those actions?

In real life there is no Omega 13 to rewind those words, thoughts, and actions; no second takes or do-overs to make it right. Words can cut worse than a knife.The wounds take longer to heal; and the scars remain forever.

So the next time you feel as if you're about to jump to the wrong conclusions, or shoot first, ask questions later, remember, STOP and LISTEN before you react and ask yourself, Are you willing to accept the consequences of your actions?

The Omega 13 is only in the movies. And movies are make believe.

Enjoy your day!  Cheryl

We will always need our Moms.  No matter how old we are, or where we are in life; Mom will always be needed. She is the one who loves us, no matter who we are, how bad we've been, or what we've done.  She is our one-person cheering section through good times and bad. She smiles through the gaudy jewelry years when the biggest, brightest, and yes, ugliest piece of cheap jewelry was bought at the school's gift fair.  She will wear it proudly during dinner and gently put it in the place of honor among her best baubles.  She graciously accepts the popsicle jewelry boxes, the spaghetti jar paper mached gift, the half dead dandilions, and wears the macaroni/ fruit loop necklace with pride.  She cries at the drop of a hat; at our dance or school recitals, graduation day, sports banquets and homecomings, wedding days, and announcements of all kinds. Even when we've hurt her more deeply than we can fathom, she holds her head high and loves us anyway. Her shoulders carry the weight of the world, yet she carries herself with poise and grace. She can stretch a meal for 2 into a feast of Biblical proportions. She is a fashion figure; Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Armani, Versace, et al pale in comparison to what she can do with a piece of fabric. Interior Designers everywhere flock to see her latest designs and creations. She does this all on a shoe string budget. The last minute brownies/cupcakes we forgot to mention we've signed her up for, the term paper typed, the completed class project, the ironed shirt(dress, suit, etc),  and the gift we forgot to buy for someone else all there when we need; given without so much as a "Thank you".

So........to all Mothers everywhere....the Moms who support us, give us the independence we crave and the lifeline when we need it, the Moms who give us the world and the ones who know when to say no; the Moms whose children will never walk through the door again, and the ones who loved us enough to give us a better life with another Mother and those Mothers who took us in and love us unconditionally...........

Happy Mother's Day With Lots

of Love!!!

Thank you for Everything!!!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! This isn't our first Mother's Day apart, but it doesn't stop me from wishing you the Best of Everything on your Special day! So, as I do every year, I wanted to Thank you for all you do and for everything you did to make me the woman I am today. For giving me the courage to stand up for what I believe in; and for allowing me to make the mistakes I've made; for letting me fall and for teaching me to get right back up again. For believing that I can do anything I set my heart and sights on to do and for supporting me through it all. For being my shoulder to lean on when times got a little rough and for cheering me on through the good times.  But mostly, thanks for being my Mom.

I'm going to miss visiting you this year as I've done for the past sixteen.  No one will be there to put the flowers on your grave as I have or sit beside your headstone and talk like we do. But know wherever I am, you are too.  

So, Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  I love you!

Love always,

Your Annie

You can vary beef roasts according to your tastes and preferences.  Whatever is affordable to your budget, by all means go ahead and use. And ALWAYS cook your meat fat side up to keep it moist and tender!  Enjoy!!!  Cheryl

1 (3 to 3 1/2-pound) bottom round rump roast, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon each onion powder, garlic powder 
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large yellow onion, sliced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 cups canned low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water 

 

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
 
Season the meat on all sides with the spices. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the pan and add the onion slices and thyme sprigs. Place the roast on top of the onions, fat side up. Add the beef broth to the pan and place in the oven, uncovered. Roast until the beef is tender and registers an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees F, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. 

Approximately 30 minutes before the roast is done, start the water for the noodles and cook according to the package.  If you choose rice, prepare it according to the directions.
 
Transfer the roast to a platter or cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
 
Meanwhile, use a slotted spoon to discard the onions and thyme sprigs. Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat to heat the beef drippings. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the beef drippings and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully transfer to a gravy boat or decorative bowl. If making gravy is too much, open a couple of jars of homestyle gravy and add 3-4 Tablespoons of the drippings to make it yours.
 
Carve the beef thinly and arrange the slices on large plates with rice or noodles on the side. Drizzle gravy over each portion and serve alongside of the Rice or noodles.

Don't forget your favorite vegetable!

This weekend is Mother's Day and here's a simple, quick quiche recipe to make Mom for either breakfast or brunch.  What a great way to say "I love you" then a home-cooked meal.

Enjoy!   Cheryl

cooked bulk sausage, crumpled bacon, diced ham or turkey, if you like meat 
sliced Vidalia onions, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes,  chopped broccoli, whatever veggie you like
8 oz. shredded cheese, colby/jack, provolone, swiss,  american, or whatever cheese you prefer
8 large eggs
1 quart heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

and for the crust...an all ready made pie crust in a 9" deep dish pie plate sprayed lightly with either olive oil or cooking spray if you don't have a spring form pan

Enjoy!!!  Cheryl 

If you don't prefer yukon, you can use all-purpose potatoes, and if garlic isn't your thing, just delete from your recipe. And if heavy cream makes your stomach churn, use buttermilk. 

Emeril knows how to make a chocolate cake.  From his "The Essence of Emeril cookbook"...for those choco-holics!   Enjoy!!! Cheryl

1/2 pound butter, softened at room temperature 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 tablespoons cocoa powder 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting, recipe follows Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans, then line with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix until thoroughly combined. Into a medium mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking soda and cocoa powder together. In a small mixing bowl whisk the buttermilk, sour cream and vanilla together. While the mixer is on low speed, add the dry ingredients in 3 batches, alternating with the liquid ingredients. Divide the cake batter evenly among the 2 prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean and the edges of the cake just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the cakes to a cooling rack and allow the cakes to cool in the pans. Carefully remove the cakes from the pans and frost as usual for a layered cake with the Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting. Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting: 1 stick butter, softened 1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted 8 ounces cream cheese 1 pound powdered sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the butter, cocoa powder and cream cheese over low speed and mix until thoroughly combined. Increase speed to high and cream ingredients until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the powdered sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat until mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined. Frost cake as usual.

 I bought buttermilk this weekend so I went wild with making pancakes, cakes, biscuits, potatoes, and all.  Enjoy!   Cheryl

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking  powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk, plus more for thinning
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus about 1/4 cup for the pan
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into teaspoons

Into a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the buttermilk, the egg, and 1 tablespoon of oil, and stir just until blended, being careful not to over mix. (Lumps are okay.) Let the batter stand, covered, in the refrigerator, for at least 1 hour, and up to 8 hours. If necessary, thin with extra buttermilk after resting.

Preheat a large, heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to lightly grease and leave a film on the bottom of the pan.

Working in batches, ladle the batter about 1/2 cup at a time into the pan. Cook until golden brown and bubbles start to form on the top, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and cover to keep warm.

I made these yesterday for supper........YUM!!!!   And they're just as good in the morning with butter and jam!!!   Enjoy!   Cheryl 

If you can't eat wheat flour, you certainly can substitute rice or potato flour. 

If you use a stand mixer, mix dough till just mixed and then you can roll out the dough...but the secret is not to work your dough too much...remember, less is more!

4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup vegetable shortening, cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk, plus additional for brushing Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add 1 cup buttermilk. Using your hands, quickly fold the dry ingredients into the buttermilk until a sticky dough forms. You may need to add more buttermilk. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently fold the dough over itself 3 or 4 times to create layers. Press the dough out to 1 1/2-inches thick and cut with a floured 3-inch biscuit cutter. Lay the biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with buttermilk. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until risen and golden brown.