Oh Nuts!, and seeds. Preservation and storage

 

 We eat a lot of raw nuts and seeds here at this uncommon estate. When they are purchased it is in bulk. Nuts have natural oils that can go rancid. It is important to keep them fresh. The large jars are frozen. The smaller containers are for the kitchen refrigerator and are refilled weekly. This is a way to keep eye on the amounts and variety used. The rectangles store nicely on a shelf.

HERBS and SPICES
Sesame Seed

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Desiderata (Latin: "desired things", plural of desideratum) is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

Scholarship letter to attend the Primary Immune confrence

In June here in Phoenix is the conference for the Immune foundation. It is my hope to attend. The scholarship covers almost $700 in costs. The other entry costs are not covered, another $150?. What do you think? I have never written a letter like this.

Read more HERE at the Immune Deficiency Foundation about the upcoming 2011 conference in Phx AZ

Hello and Good Morning

It is with a grateful heart that I received this request for an application letter to attend the upcoming conference here in Phoenix. It was so strong in my heart to attend the conference but I saw little way to make it so. With a very tight budget two wonderful (adopted) special needs children (10 &13) the idea of getting off to tend to my own health needs seamed out of the question. My sweet husband so wants me to attend and has expressed full willingness to do to my tasks if I were able to go. Even in that however the added loss of his hours along with the cost wold just make it all too impossible. So I let it go, asking a prayer if there were a way dear Lord to make it so.

I received an email this morning encouraging me to make this effort to request a scholarship to attend. With the scholarship the loss of income could be weighed as a good cost and investment toward good health, affiliation and encouragement.

I was diagnosed almost a year ago. With CVIG IgA deficient. A more complicated issue I understand. A nurse met at the physicians office the first infusion due to the threat of aniphylactic (sp?) shock. The vomiting on that first infusion was rather scary. Since then she has come to my home monthly to administer six hour infusions. I am blessed she is a  wonderful nurse.

My diagnosis came at 49 years of age. Years of medical folks saying "It shouldn't" to me as if it were all in my mind. Sickness kept returning over and over. Years that came to a definitive point when anti biotic were at a twice a month necessity. With the kids health pulling strong and now after years of the intervention for them my health had even suffered more. Stress is an awful foe.
Last January my health was so bad. Within a four month period pneumonia and then bronchitis three times.

I thought I was dying. Truly I learned I was slowly dieing.

In late January my eldest sister and I were on the phone her taking her last breath in a hospital bed. She died of issues so odd that hit her all her life. Same thing was told to her year after year. "It shouldn't'' My niece held the phone to her ear and she passed away hour later.

I went to the doctor for my appointment's the next day or so. Telling him of her death and my fear. He looked at me funny and said he needed to run a few tests. The most amazing thing was that after 49 years of suffering he found it! He studied at a university that specialized in PI. He saw it. In my dear sisters passing I was given a chance for life. This a gift.

Infusions have taken some numbers of IGg from 28 on one line (of the lab results) to over 1000 in 11 months. My lymphatic system is almost to a low average range, it was gone. I had gotten very close to death. Now I turn 50 this year. My dignity restored. Now it is a resounding 'IT'S NO WONDER! CVIG caused so many issues all my days. The medical field was ignorant to discern it.

With the IgA thing little information is out there. I especially noticed the lecture on that topic.

My veins began to blow out after only three months. ER's for stroke scare over and over due to tiny , very tiny veins.  Now I have a new port with a few complications. Strange to have this thing in my chest.

It is my utmost desire to come be with those who would cause this obscure experience to be less so. To sit and share a cup of coffee and be a part of those who would so identify and understand. To sit at the feet and humbly learn from those who have walked this path. To no longer feel as if I am walking it alone.

Thank you for your consideration
Donetta Jonas

So what do you think?

For the love of heirloom south west wild flowers

 The Poppies have been in full splinter. 

Bringing me such a pleasure as I go out to 'play' in my wild flowers

 The center bed is getting happy with the colors.

Soon the Hollyhocks and the others will see color

 The Rue is up now interesting meaning there. Rue means war. My husbands office is there on the other side of the window . He is a civil war and WW11 buff. Iris are blue beard.

Stocks are just starting to show the purple/pink

b. buttons are very happy here

Feathery Blue Flax is in foreground real young yet

Spring has been in full bloom at my house

This is the blue garden our front walkway faces North. 

With feng shui design in mind (loosely) the best entry colors for north facing are the blues.

Heirloom
Sweet peas

Bachelor Buttons

lupines are young yet

 The big fern needed transplanting

 just a little bit har har

 All the rhizomes were harvested set aside.
See the 'Bee Bliss Blog' for post click here for details.
Some planted in pots on the porch.

Have you ever seen so many possible baby ferns?

 Along the west side of the house sunflowers planted in a long row just two weeks ago.

Now sprouted and beginning the long growth cycle to glory.

The fern was moved under the canopy into this HUGE pot. 

That root ball filled it!

Gotta keep on with the day. 

Hope you enjoyed the wonder that is the joy of wild flowers

Monday laundry day

Washing clothes Recipe......... 

Never thought of a "warsher" in this light before..what a blessing!
"Warshing Clothes Recipe" -- imagine having a recipe for this ! ! !
Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe: this is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook - with spelling errors and all.  

WARSHING CLOTHES   Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water. 
Sort things, make 3 piles 
1 pile white, 
1 pile colored, 
1 pile work britches and rags. 
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water. 
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch. 
Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.   
Hang old rags on fence. 
Spread tea towels on grass. 
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water. 
Turn tubs upside down. 
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings. 
================================================ 
Paste this over your washer and dryer Next time when you think things are bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks.. First thing each morning you should run and hug your washer and dryer. 
For you non-southerners - wrench means, rinse ;)

Violin Recital

Last night Dash played at the school orchestra concert. He placed a photo of our beloved Rena on his violin. He played for her last night. He misses her so.

Married 29 years, our date in three parts

This a table scape on my dinning table

 We had a wonderful anniversary on Sunday. 

I was off count thinking it was our 30th silly me.

We were able to have three small dates during the day.

On the first one Steve and I left the kids alone for an hour and went out to lunch at Pei Wei my favorite. We walked down two doors to a fancy grocery store and there was an elder fellow playing an electric guitar. We sat and listened until a man came out with a bouquet of flowers that had the sunflower and orchid above. I was so enthralled with them. I told Steve so and asked for some (one of the perks of being best friends). We don't need to play games leading to hurt feelings over unmet expectations. I still remember laying that down. What freedom

The sunflower is of a meaning... Pride 

  

 the orchid meaning is...thoughts 

coreopis...meaning Always cheerful,Love at first sight...

We came home with subway for the kids, they ate and the next little date began when my dear friend came with her daughter for 3 hours or so. We went to the movies and watched the Kings Speech. It was riveting.

Afterward we stopped for a decadent Starbucks coffee.

We returned home again to relieve our friend. Our sweet neighbor across the street came. Soon the third part of our date began. We left and stopped at a Taco Bell for an inexpensive light supper. We drove to a wonderful little known bird sanctuary and walked in the moon light. We married the first day of spring so the moon this year was amazing. The brightest closest moon that will be for many years to come. We walked under it. As if it were day we were well lit on the darkened path. We returned home to Kids asleep and all being well at 10pm. Oh what a refreshing day. The kids were not left long at a time. It really worked out nicely.

Now in a year it will be our 30th wedding anniversary.

Time to turn your gold into grocery's

 As important as it is to have good liquid assets it is more so to mind the times. In the days of Egypt's famine there came a dreamer. He knew how to interpret the times. So should we interpret the times wisely. 

We took out some of our savings yesterday to bulk up the staples in the pantry. It was once upon a time that my pantry was always full. This last year with all the health stuff the bulk ran low. It is good to run out the bulk once a year or so however now is NOT the time to do so.

 The hard freezes, flooding in the mid west and the inter national scope of food sources is in crisis.

We in the states are about to see something we have not had to deal with for many decades. Our food stores are dwindling in comparison to years gone by. We have yet to see the full scope of what is coming our way.

Rising fuel cost is also effecting food costs.

Your savings accounts have a very low yield of return in compare to the percentage the food costs are increasing. The wage is not increasing yet the foods are at least 30% higher over a year or so. This is going to continue and spike very soon. the wise steward considers these things.

Even though most things here are homemade the basic short order items need to be kept on hand.

• what is it you use on a month in month out basis
• Imported spices and such items that we depend on from imports
• staples, flour and any grain items will increase rapidly
• pasta
• rice will get harder to get soon, my favorite basmati is now gone on market. I have kept my eye on the horizon and saw that the rice was increasing fast. I purchased 2 twenty pound bags now no longer available. Yes some other types are on market but of lower quality.
• cereals (we only use two main ones)
• bacon or anything related to your breakfast table
• sauce or condiments (glass containers are best)
• canned fruit (fresh is best but canned is better than non) imports will reduce rapidly very soon.
• orange juice (fresh is best yes) will sky rocket so get several frozen concentrates to have on stock. Florida lost a good percentage of crop this year to freeze
• pet foods
• feminine items
• dish washing soap
• vinegar (many uses)

 Keep your eye on the times by observing the world around you.

People freak out and that is because of a 'sudden panic'

there is no need to panic when you prepare and observe.

This is not a panic it is a proactive action.

Invest your earnings wisely.

The hardest part of a full pantry is keeping it secure with good containers. NEVER leave things in boxed packages if you can help it. Ration things out as well teaching the children that a full pantry is not a 'pig out' it is a resource. Teach the way of the grain stores to others. Joesph of old rose to great heights of honor by saving a nation. You can do the same for your family.

It is wisdom.

Each day as food rises your capital decreases. By filling up your pantry you reserve a greater percentage of your income. Use good shopping techniques. Couponing is a good thing too if you only get what you would normally use. Lead in adds are very helpful. Buying in a bulk fashion is costly at first yet saves so much more than your savings account yield. Remember to keep an eye on the expiration dates. Never get more than you can use before the expire date. The good years, the years of plenty are coming to a slowing. See the times at hand and be relaxed in your proactive stance.

Morning greeting

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Egret/idSnowy Egret at the very moment that I turned around and stepped out of the garage there he was! Right in front of me at roof level. Steve was just exiting as well. He got to see it as it flew down the street. Now that's a way to start ones day!

Learn more about him click here

World Water Day

learn more at  World Water Day site

—According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 60% of the world’s population will be living in cities causing a shortage of clean water for people and business in the urban environment worldwide.
—A third of humanity will have only half the water required to meet basic needs, which is likely to impact food production because agriculture accounts for more than 70% of water usage.

All things living are due the respect to sustain the life there in. 

Water is living and life sustaining. 

There is an old saying...

walk softly upon the earth.

Preserve what is here so it will not all be gone tomorrow.

Plug the tub. Then use the hot side to fill the tub while the cool water clears the line. As it gets hot then turn hot off. Then fill up with cold. The result is warm water. No water down the drain.

 

When doing dishes fill your washing sink up only 1/3 of the way. Rinse first load over the  washing sink until it is half full. Then fill up the rinse sink, that is what it is made for. Running water down the drain is just silly.

Keep a low sink of warm water in the kitchen sink and wash your hands in it through out the day (rinsing over it) . When just a few dishes need to be tended water is there simply add a little hot to it. If your using water that is set to boil pour it in the dish water after it has served it's use. Heats up the sink water and washes the last of the supper dishes. The rinse water in the other sink clears off all soap and such.

At the end of the dishes when it is time to rinse off the oils or muck off pots and pans use a measure or large bowl and simply transferred rinse water over to main wash sink.  Use paper toweling or newsprint to wipe off oils/grease. Run VERY hot water over the oily pans. Set water in a pot or pan that is caked on turn the burner on and let it boil. When soft shut it off. Pour off of soiled water a hot pan then will reheat the washing water.

This is just the method I have always used. 

Growing up poor has a way of instilling a healthy humility.

This all sounds complicated but it is not. Just makes good sense. Think of the souls in history...who would just walk on over to the well? They would never think of using so much water as now? Water is so very heavy to carry. I seriously doubt it would be wasted so. It would just ware your legs and shoulders so.
The cost of heating it (cutting a log) would also cause one to think twice. That is another story in itself however.

Hand Washing is the single most important means of preventing

the spread of infection but turn the water off while you soap up. 

Lower the flow as well.

 Do not just let the water run full blast.

Walk softly respecting this life sustaining gift.

Offer up to the future a cool drink of water.

Also consider rain water harvesting.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

It would be against all I am to disregard this provision. 

friday funnies

click to enlarge

"Dash did you throw those old shoes away like I asked?"

 I guess I should have rephrased that

 "I promise I won't ware them to school"
He was saving them in the tree. Oh yes he has real nice ones to use.

The Snakes driven out 'twas Joy taking Ground

In religious lore the snake (or serpent) represented evil, godlessness and the devil's will (e.g., offering the apple to Adam). St. Patrick has been heralded as devoting his life to converting the pagans (or godless) to Christians. Thus, driving away evil. Symbolically this is shown as Patrick driving the "snakes" out of Ireland.

Some people say that Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland by leading them into the water, which is why Ireland has no snakes.

Oh the joy of this day was priceless. Ever have one of those days when it is that no snakes in the grass are snapping at your heals. Where Godliness is over all the evil in the land. It was such a day here today. Slept in until 11a.m. I did!
We are on spring break here and have been all week. Dash came to me asking if they could make their own pizza and go swimming. Spending some time on line to find that non indoor pools were available the plans changed. During shower a thought occurred it would be less to take them to the favored Subway instead. Then to the mall thought I to the picture show. We did so stopping of at a Walgreen ($1) to buy some candy for to bring. Much wiser purchase than at the cinema ($3.50) same box.  Once there the prescription for Doves daily meds was acquired for only $3! a $20 script. Delighted I was.
Dove had a grave insult that she smelled so...really hurt the child. There on the clearance was the entire line of a citrus body wash, lotion and such. A good $20+ all for $4! just what she needed and it did not lite up my asthma either. A bra the only one her size $4.99! lotion I need for mine be all empty half off. All in all a good size purchase. With a $20 cash back to go to the dollar movie it totaled $86.90 well just yesterday I kid you not a check came into the budget from our Costco refund for yes...$86.90!!

 click to enlarge

We delightfully went on to the mall and had a nice lunch after purchasing tickets in advance. (we watch the Narnia movie voyage of the dawn treader )I actually bought a iced caramel coffee! yes I did. Oh what a delight when it is an infrequent thing. Makes life much sweeter when so. With the popcorn and drinks for the kids came to the exact amount, $20!
Then returning to the shop that a anniversary gift was awaiting the amount of it came some 50% off unexpectedly! One of those days when the clerk was shining right back at me. The kids said Mom he liked you, he really liked you. Not in a sexual way...they said his eyes lit up when you asked him how his day was.
The clerk had come in when the owners fell ill, to cover them. We had a very long wait, patiently asked a bid and then to return. He had been so busy he felt sorry of it. He then went to check on a bid for the item and not only did he have for more in stock but they for some strange reason (ha!) were 50% off! The engraving the same. We came out some $30 ahead. It turned out beautiful!
This day my children had so much laughter as did I. We were so full of levity and light hearts. It felt so good.

We have had so many a hard weeks, days a good month of hard emotional hits. We even visited a pet store. It was really hard for a few second missing my Rena the feelings flowed and touched me in passing the peace and delight of the kids faces found me refreshed. Grieving was tender and timeless. We all three enjoyed the life in all of the pups. Learned lived loved. Smiled into each others eyes and hearts. Laughed at each others good humor.
Refreshed I find my soul. My infusion of Saturday finally refreshing my body, it took a bit longer to do so this month. When so worn out it is harder to rebound. Yet rebound I did.

Those ol' snakes to the water...

Sunday is our 29th wedding anniversary. A dear friend will come here to have our kids play with one of hers and to give us leave for a date.

Some moments of my week

 Found enough energy to clean the coop, left the poop to be carried for another to the compost.

 Harvest the parsley before bolt

It is now in the 80*'s now

 Drinking water before the infusion on Saturday. 

Resting in the garden. Lasted only an hour before I had to quit and go in to rest.

What a fine hour it was

 Ruby helped me to get the critters out of some compost so I could get it to the freshly sprouted sunflowers.
(still sitting on the porch) gotta get help to carry it yet

 fennel and parsley

 They are vying for a cool slice of earth they were so peaceful just hat to sit and watch them awhile

 My child of heart and a child placed in our home and hearts. Dress up time.

 Vanilla set to mull. Vodka is a good 2-3 years old just use it for this purpose. The dark jar was to rest a good year before it was set to use. The flavor of the vanilla is amazing in recipe. Nothing like the fake store bought, or even like the expensive brandy type.

This is a dress that Dove asked for and chose the fabric. I have been working on it since the third of March. Had the quilt for Dash to finish first. Slow but steady little at a time. Has the zipper to go yet and the straps to set. She is thrilled. It is actually purple looks more blue in this image.


Enjoy the gift of the evil replaced with good. Love covers all. Loving enough to overcome and allow truth to rule our hearts, minds and spirits. Even if it so difficult to do so. There are so many that my heart loves and treasures even with our minds in the mix, misunderstanding and hardships or feelings. Love is truth.

that child does not have ushers!

Friday with the favor of the ages I was able to get Dash into the best of the best! Monday appointment just two days wait. That in itself a miracle.

With the morning full of cookies and kids we were late for our appointment. I looked up at the clock at 3 that was the time we were set to be there. I gave the neighbor kid the bums rush and hit for the truck with the home phone in hand notifying them we were late and asking for favor. We were given few minutes of travel. We parked and with a limp we dashed up in the elevator and in the door within the time allowed us barley.

We were grateful and patient for our visit. Dash had dilation waited a half hour only to find the drops did not take. He had to be dropped again and another 30 minute wait. This master of pediatric special cases took one look at the test, looked into my boys eyes and just stated so matter a fact the wonderful news we are relieved to hear.

"this kid does not need glasses, and you can just forget about Ushers his retina's are just fine. This child does not have ushers!"

I told the lady at the desk when she bid us a good evening...I told her we will be dancing in joy tonight!

The urgent care doc let us down twice in it, the St Joe's clinic had us watching this boy now some 7 years. He is free of it. I once felt that way when his hearing was restored two years back. NOW we know. This is off of his head and our shoulders once and for all!

The most touching was when for the first time Dash asked what it was and I told him the whole of it. I told him of our concern over this all these years. I explained the relief. He reached to me at bed time to tell me thank you. The drops hurt he said but then he thanked me for taking him to the eye doctor today.

A New Day will dawn

Gaining strength this evening. Went to visit my sister and her daughter,  daughter in law was there. Each had a baby (my great nephews). The dil had her other two kids near age as my two. Had a busy visit helping with the babies a little. Took some art stuff to keep the kids occupied. Gotta love art for that.
Had to take off in a hurry for my strength just crashed. Came right home and slept an hour or so.


This morning I just could not get my temperature over 96.2. I just felt awful! After soaking in a HOT shower letting the water flow under my armpits till it ran out it came up to 98.2. This has become a real issue of late. While Dove was ill week or so ago, I awoke with a 95.* temp just shaking.  I have always run cool, never a fever even if I were sick. My normal temp has always been 97*, 98 would be high for me.
Any one else ever has this oddity?


I was able to tend to a few dishes this evening. My chest tore a bit under the port when she removed the needle. It has really been painful. Not her fault. The port has ends that are made so that the tissue will grow to it. To hold it in time in place. It will take a few months to do so. Until then that little silicone disk within the port really snugs the needle. It will get better over time.

This last month was really hard...here is to a new term, new month of fresh strength (infusion). May it be calmer.

Well my mind is empty :)
Happy Monday. My kids have Spring Break this next week. I am so happy to have a few days time together.
My Lab is really grieving the loss of my Golden. Her name was Rena, it means Queen in Spanish. She was a rescue Golden Retriever. A good friend. We are grieving her absence. So is my Lab. I do not give the dogs names on blog. I think it wise to keep them nameless here. As I do the children.

PS Doves foot was fine by morning thanks for your thoughtful prayers.

My strength and my song

Steve, I and the kids are watching the series of 'Roots'. Tough stuff but we feel strongly that our children understand history. We raise the kids to understand. Steve wanted to show them it. As long as we pause and help them understand I'm good with it.
History is so important.
Now take scripture a snap shot of many many generations back. Helps with mercy if we are able to understand the why of who and how. It is an endless song sung through out the echos of time.

The song, that is my heart, knew many things in life. It has made me who, how and why I am. We as a unified couple have a song. It is our history. None other could have written the lyrics. If another mate were met the song would have not been woven and strung the same way. Perhaps better or prettier yet then the beauty of Steve and I, our song, would not have been written. So it is with history. It is our story and non other. Our song alone.  The response or hope for a legacy based in expectations will never be met . Expectation placed on or longed for by another is a false history. A story of discontentment and resentment. Generation after generation parents want the very best for their children. We hope that they will marry well whatever that might be defined within the mind to mean. We hope that they will bring us honor. It is our great privilege to give them the honor. To take away our expectations of who we want them to become, what we want for their lives. Most always it is our desire that they have better than we have had. That often can look totally different than what we might think. Gods ways are better, most always differ. Free choice has left generations a mystery and expectations into disappointments.

We are married 29 years next week...we would never have re-written our song other than the loss of health. We are so good for each other. Strange to know that I am so good for him as he is for me. Without me his song our song never would of been sung. Who is to ever say whether another song could have bettered his or my life. We both strongly believe it would have been to our determent as individuals. Often the history of mine that precedes me has left me to thinking. Thoughts that Steve would have been better to have met the expectations or desires of a perfect life...a woman of breeding, of education and high rank. It must have been a great disappointment to his parents to see the hard road he has walked along side of and because of me. Because of me.
I wonder what if my kids met and married a wounded mate...how would I handle the disappointment? Best left I think the future as a history unmet without expectations. Only hopes for the things that are the very best in Gods eyes. His song for them...
As history carries on...in each moment.

Thanks for your prayers