KuntryMama's Klatch

Happy Mother's Day

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:13:00 +0000

"Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Mom's!!!

Eating Fritos at 4AM

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Wow, I stayed up all night messing around on the computer and listening to rock and roll.

I fried chicken for Skully at midnight and made gravy too!

Yesterday we had a thunderstorm that lasted about half an hour. That is very unusual for southwestern Washington. Usually we get a thunder about once a year. And lightening is an anomaly. I miss the thunderstorms back in Illinois. I never lived in a place that didn't have thunderstorms until we moved to Chehalis, WA. I'm willing to move anywhere that get some good storms. I like when the thunder is so massive the whole house shakes. Bring it on!!

We are finally into spring. It's hard to believe that we had snow a few weeks ago. I know it's spring because I have mowed the lawn twice now.

I also planted some Pocket Book flowers, Zinnias and two pine tree type plants. One is like a shrub. I have to get plants that will do okay in partial sun because we have so many trees around the house. I need to find a plant that will thrive in no sun light at all; for under the Hazelnut trees. It is totally bald under those trees.

Okay...fine

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Well now, you will read my last blog and wonder where the second Jerusalem clock went. Hm, aye...I found out how to rid myself of it. LOL! Who knew.

Good-night Sweet family and Friends. The night awaits me. I have plans. Darting on four paws between evergreens...ha-ha!

Well...poo!

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:26:00 +0000

This picture is my beautiful Grand daughter "G."

"G", is the apple of my eye! When I look at her pictures I just want to hug her and squeeze her, then ply her with kisses! Thank you "C" for the beautiful gift of "G" five years ago, what a great birthday present that year!

I have tried to put my clock on the side and now I have two. I'm laughing about it because I don't know how to change it! I'm not a computer whiz, I knit socks!!

Lately I have been too tired to be online much. I need my yearly blood transfusion. Dang medical insurance criteria is much different from mine.

All in a day's whatever...

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:43:00 +0000

At KMart I ran my debit card, entered my pin and went through the whole role. I thought I put the card in my wallet. Well, the purchase got balled up and she said I had to swipe my card again. No card. Looking through everything as the line gets longer. Finally I said I'd write a check. As that is processing I'm wondering if I left the card at home, after making some online purchases this morning? Did I swipe my blue Chevron card accidentally and I left the debit at home. "Oh God that be true."

While this sale went on a woman with two small children went pass me. So, I think shoot did she swoop in and take it when it dropped on the floor. Plus she was standing behind me in line for awhile. What if she saw me punch in my pin number?? I have to get home to search.

I run into my neighbor. Then I ran into my second neighbor.

I get home and tear the bedroom apart. Call the bank to report a possible theft. Yes, that woman snookered me big time. I have to wait ten days for a new card and go check my bank account for the next few days and it is now a hot card. I put Ben's card through the shredder.

I got these cute blouses for $3.99 each! And, I had to get a new cassette player/CD player to listen to audio books. On the bottom of the bag was my debit card smiling at me.

But, I wondered if that woman had swiped my card!? I told Ben I was so happy it wasn't that woman. I always say the only exercise I get is jumping to conclusions.

Dust Mop Kerchief

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:09:00 +0000

This is a project that I should have frogged. This hair kerchief is so ugly!! I call it my dust buster kerchief. You can use this to dust as you walk around. The yarn was from Smiley's and cost me a dollar. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it now, it's hard to work with.

I realized today that I can't get through all my email, it's taking up too much time, so I have to cut back. I want to work on my projects and read.

That's it for tonight.

I finished the Pillow!!

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:25:00 +0000

I finished my Candy Corn Pillow. He's a cutie isn't he? My daughter already called "dibbs," so as soon as I find a box for him, he is on his way to Louisville, Kentucky. I'm sure as soon as my daughter "C" gets him, my Grand daughter "G" will take over as his owner. (Just a hunch.)

In other news, we had snow again. Someone sure ticked off mother nature! We don't have buds on the trees yet nor one wild daffodil sprouting up anywhere. We did have icicles this morning. Reality, what a concept!!

I'm working on a couple things right now in the crafts department. I'm knitting "G" a hooded sweater, crocheting a toilet paper cover (while getting used to ergonomic crochet hooks-they are fabulous!) and starting an afghan on my biggest loom. I am also pondering what loom to use for some puppy pads and blankets for the local animal shelter and dachshund rescue.

That's all the news at the moment. I am married to a very wonderful man that I don't appreciate as much as I should. He is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

My Latest Project and it's crochet!

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:13:00 +0000

I found this kit while perusing my stash. I haven't crocheted in awhile because my wrists begin to hurt and my fingers can start freezing if I don't quit at the early warning signs. I won some ergonomic crochet hooks on EBay and I'm waiting for their arrival. In the mean time I do a little crocheting and rest then pick it up again.

I did this half of the pillow yesterday and quit before madness set in.

This Candy Corn Pillow seemed like the perfect distraction. For some reason working on a Halloween project in February is exciting. Like working on Christmas projects in July.

October 30th is National Candy Corn Day. Candy corn was created in the 1880s by the Wunderlee Candy Company and, by 1900, was being produced by the Goelitz Candy Company (now Jelly Belly) it's been produced for more than a century.The recipe changed slightly over time and there are probably a few variations in recipes between candy companies, but the use of a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin and vanilla (as well as honey, in some brands) is the standard. A serving of candy corn has about 22 pieces and contains 140 calories, no fat. While it is just about all sugar, the sweet can still be a better choice than a couple of mini candy bars or other Halloween treats that are high in both calories and in fat. Additionally, 22 pieces of candy corn will last a lot longer than one mini candy bar will. I love that candy corn. One day I might try making it. So far I have created them by knitting. crocheting or cookies.

Knitted Kitty

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:58:00 +0000

My first knitted kitty. I will make a couple changes for the next one. This varigated is cute but I need to find a way to embroider colors that will show up brighter. This too was knitted on two needles.

Blue Felted Bag

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:52:00 +0000

I knitted with two needles and felted this bag. I was negative about the whole thing until I saw the results. I have ordered 9 skeins of Bernet Wool to make three more bags that are different from this one. LOL Not bad for the first, just one slight mistake that I won't make with the next bunch of bags I'm making. Now I need to learn how to put pictures in a place where people can go look at them all.

My Granddaughter's Valentine Bag

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:39:00 +0000

I knitted this with two needles for my Granddaughter "G." She's my inspiration when it comes to crafting. Her Valentine's Day gift.

Mountain lion tastes like...

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:49:00 +0000

Mountain lion tastes like...
Veal!
I'm watching the Today Show and the guest chef in the cooking segment mentioned cooking it. He also said the meat is incredibly tender.
I don't think so! I mean, I'm sure it is tender and tastes like veal but it will not go down this pie hole. Do you know what 'nada' means?
I'm sure this chef didn't stumble upon nothing new. Americans have probably been eating mountain lion since the cats started eating us.
I enjoy food but not what I consider..."change." I have never eaten many things and that's not to say I never will eat these things. If I'm starving the lion's going down.
It probably has a lot to do with the first 'exotic' meat I ever ate. That would be squirrel. Back in the 60's there were many people out there shooting squirrels for food. Do people still shoot and eat squirrel in Illinois? Do you need a hunting license for squirrel? Where is my friend Sue, she's from Illinois too. I'm quite sure she doesn't hunt squirrel but she may know someone.
OKay, I remember my adopted Dad frying this. I don't remember if my Mom was actually in on this brilliant idea. I think I saw her roll her eyes a couple of times. If Dad cooked, she got out of the way and let Dad cook.
Anyway, if someone ever tells you it taste like chicken you might not necessarily believe it. This was not chicken...the meat is grey and tough. I think this might be mostly used in stews or soups.
I'm not going to go look it up because I don't care to care.
I have been offered snake, venison, rabbit, buffalo and emu. Oh, let's not forget turtle and frogs legs. No! The good news is that you can have it all for yourself!

Yeah...

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:13:00 +0000

To the person that emailed me this morning saying her husband was acting like a jerk last night. Suck it up a lot of us are married to jerks!!

I made a pot of Navy beans with Ham Hocks yesterday. For the first time ever, I soaked my beans over night. I usually throw my beans in a crock pot without soaking and cook them on high for about 8 hours. After soaking, I found that the beans stayed in form better and didn't get mushy. I cooked them in my crock on low for about 8 hours and they were great for breakfast. Yummy!

With that said, here is what my jerk did.

He digs into the hocks to remove the big pieces of meat, leaving the small meat portion, gristle, bone and fat in the pot. This annoys me because when I go to get a hock it is hollow or there are piecs of his rejects in the pot that I have to scoop out and toss. I just think he's rude for doing this. What is hard about putting a hock in your bowl with your beans and tossing the stuff you won't eat into the garbage? I brought this up to him and he tossed all his beans back into the pot and ate fritos. How grade school is that?

Well, we all have pet peeves and we all break other's pet peeves.

My husband isn't really a jerk, he just acts like a jerk on occasion.

I can be a jerk on occasion too.

If you can't talk about it with your jerk find somewhere else to vent. That's what I do. Get yourself a blog like I did then tell the world how you feel. You will be surprised how many women out there are going through the same thing.

Have My Taste Buds Changed??

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:51:00 +0000

Okay, are my taste buds changing? Inquiring minds want to know. So, I googled it.

Everyone's tastes are different. In fact, our tastes will change as we age. When first born, we have taste buds, not only on our tongues, but on the sides and roof of our mouths. As we grow, the taste buds began to disappear from the sides and roof of our mouths, leaving taste buds mostly on our tongue. As we age, our taste buds will become even less sensitive.

To the left is where different tastes play out on the tongue.

This all came into play as Skully and I shared a can of ravioli. A brand we had eaten as children and grew up with. I know the recipe has been changed too because of the color in the sauce. Now the sauce is darker and sweeter than we remembered. So much sugar in sauce, why? I'm told the sugar is to cut acidity but give me the acid please. Anyway, my darling and I have decided we won't buy this brand anymore. I am going to purchase the Ravioli attachment for my Kitchenaid to make our own.

There have been other blasts from the past that have seemed to change like Twinkies. Have my taste buds changed there too? Or, have the ingredients changed?

Have any of you experienced taste changes and wondered if it's the food or you? Let me know..

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:22:00 +0000

In 1953 Swanson invented the TV dinner after aquiring a plethora of frozen turkeys. Fifty-five years ago and we were changed in the way we would eat from then on.

Food, football, chilly weather and the smell of snow in the air. God is good. Grab your afghans, wrap up and enjoy the weekend!

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Is it just the one day or are you the "weekender?" We're "weekenders." Leftovers, football, new "Monk" and "Psych." Christmas movies, old movies, any movies.

Many of my friends have already experienced snow fall. Lucky friends that they are.

The annual White House tradition of pardoning a turkey before Thanksgiving began in 1947, when President Harry Truman took pity on one lucky fowl.

Somewhere there is a picture here of Turducken. Like Russian nesting dolls, a turkey stuffed with a duck worked with a chicken. Then there is Tofurkey but this woman don't go there.

Have a great weekend!

Break out the Pepto, its the Day After Thanksgiving.

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:17:00 +0000

I pray that ya'll had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving Day. I spoke to my son a few days ago, they were traveling for the holiday. And my little raisin eyed daughter called.

I'm very thankful for my family and friends.

I'm especially thankful this year because my son Richard is back in my life. We have been catching up. I also have a wonderful woman and friend named Penny in my life, she holds my sons heart. I have five more Grandchildren, three boys and two girls to get to know. My oldest daughters baby has five cousins now.

My family has grown like a water filled sponge. Well, the more the merrier!

You know at a younger age, I always thought the days would stay the same forever. Now that I'm older the reality is that our lives can be changed in the blink of an eye and somebody we love might be gone. It feels good to know we will all be together again for eternity. We're not of this earth, we are aliens.

I'm thanksful for all my cousins; first, seconds, thirds and whatever.

I'm thankful for Lacey's love and friendship. She touches my soul. She has been the silver lining of some dark clouds.

I'm thankful for my husband, he keeps me laughing and grounded. He watched "Tropic Thunder" three times in the last two days. (I hope that's the name of the movie. Ben Stiller, Robert Downey, Jr. and Jack Black.) Skully's such a sweetheart and he's mine. He just bought me some KitcheAid products and they rock!!! Fill my kitchen with KitchenAid and I'll bake you chocolate cake anytime you ask Skullman!!

The Seahawks lost today but the gravy had no lumps so I guess that evened it all out.

Now its Friday morning 03:00 and both man and beast are digesting while they sleep.

Safety Precautions for Deep Fried Turkey because I love U

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:42:00 +0000

"This is for any dear friends that decide to deep fry their bird this year. Last year a friend of mine dropped the turkey in a fryer that had too much oil. The fryer over flowed. The pot was on fire, the table was on fire. They kicked the pot over and ended up with a 20 foot circle of burnt grass with a turkey covered in dirt. When the fire went out the dog grabbed the turkey and ran off, they ended up having Chinese. LOL We can laugh about it now."
Patti

In an effort to inject some variety in their Thanksgiving meals, some home chefs are choosing to use outdoor propane deep fryers as a different way to prepare their turkey dinner. This is a cooking method popular in the southern United States that has been featured on several cooking TV shows and has spread northward. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue encourages citizens to follow turkey fryer directions carefully and use extreme caution for several reasons:

• When filled, many outdoor fryer units can easily tip over spilling the hot oil
• If the pot is overfilled, the oil may spill out producing a flash fire
• Partially frozen turkeys placed in hot oil can produce a violent eruption splashing hot oil out of the pot
• With most units having no thermostat to regulate temperature, turkey fryers can continue to heat the oil to combustion temperatures
• The sides and handles of the pot get dangerously hot

If you choose to deep fry your turkey, follow these safety tips to help ensure you have a safe Thanksgiving meal:
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use
• Never overfill the fryer with oil
• Keep an all purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher nearby when the fryer is in use – Remember, water and hot oil do not mix!
• Ensure your turkey is thoroughly thawed in the refrigerator prior to use (thaw at least 24 hours in the refrigerator for every five pounds of turkey)
• Always position your turkey fryer outdoors on solid ground or concrete away from your home
• Never place your turkey fryer on a wooden deck, under a carport or in a garage
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer during and for several hours after use as the oil can remain dangerously hot for a lengthy time
• Never leave the fryer during use since they do not have a thermostat and can heat oil past its ignition temperature
• Use well-insulated oven mitts or potholders to handle the pot or lid

Tried a Subway Spicy Sub

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:44:00 +0000

After spending most of the morning at Madigan Army Medical Center and having to fast for blood tests, I was starving. Well, not starving but very hungry, you know where I'm coming from. I discovered the hospital added a Subway sandwich shop. (There is also an Anthony's Pizza that has been there forever. The Hot Dog place has been closed and replaced with a Sushi Shop.) A woman I met in Endocrinology and I decided to share one of Subways $5.00 foot long subs. We got the spicy sub with tomatoes, black olives, pepperocinis (however that's spelled), tomatoes, parmesan cheese, mozzerella, pepperoni, salami, oregano, oil and vinegar; on toasted garlic bread. Wow, did that hit the spot! The bread was light, the vegetables crisp and there was a nice tang to every bite. We asked the foot long be cut into four pieces and of course there was a piece left for us later for dinner too. Definitely a bang for the buck.

I enjoy meeting people and this nice lady was from Texas was a breath of fresh air. We discussed our grown children, our retired husbands, Sarah Palin, etcetera, etcetera. This is the first time I ever shared lunch with a stranger but it was refreshing and fun.

Frustrated but giving it a go!

mrs.conrad@gmail.com (KuntryMama's Klatch) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:44:00 +0000

I am giving this a test drive before I test my blood glucose and take a nice long bubble bath. I am not so much new at this but being use to myspace there is a difference.