And The Oscar Goes To...

Betty Jane. You won't be familiar with that name, but I remember that shining star with hopeless devotion and great emotion.

That year we gave her an Oscar Party for her eightieth birthday. The red carpet, the gold, shiny statue, the limousine, the movie posters with her name next to Rhett Butler's... all of it!

The performance that stands out in my mind was one day when we grocery shopped for a very large meal in Colorado. The roads were snow packed and slippery and a truck was supposed to pick us up at a designated time. For one reason or another, the truck couldn't make it. I was young and muddled. Betty Jane went into the market and asked the butcher if he had a piece of rope and a large cardboard box. I could not have imagined what would come next! She moved here a little, there a little, tied this, and cut that...and built a sleigh! We walked home, trailing the sleigh behind us.

I've never known anyone who could make something from nothing the way that she did. Her knack for improvising and her industrious nature were beyond compare.

The Lucille grin, the infectious laugh, the out-of-the-side-of-her-mouth whisper all gave her star quality.

I'll never forget her.

Warmly,
Alis

Snow in San Francisco?

A Very Good Morning To You!


I had forgotten all about that photograph, so when I opened that book and the page fell open to it, I was caught off guard. The words spilled off my tongue, "Look Marilyn, it's an ice-cream social!" Ouch! But let's back up.

In 1976, I was living with my grandmother when it snowed in San Francisco and the Bay Area. She took a snapshot of me building the tiniest of snowmen. I crowned him with a dark green, sequinned, knit hat of hers. It was more exciting than you could have imagined.

My grandmother observed all noble occasions with food and this holiday was no different. We went to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor for a sundae. To this day, I still prefer ice-cream in the cold weather. She always celebrated the ordinary. I have never failed to remember that special day.

Speeding forward many years, we would share our last ice-cream social in Idaho. The gift basket I prepared to take to the care center had a card attached with the photograph from the book. It was a vintage photo of a large crowd eating ice-cream. I wrote, "Look Marilyn, it's an ice-cream social!"

She was in her pajamas with the name tag sewn inside, and we ate out of Styrofoam cups. The regular attendants knew her favorite flavors. I started to cry when I left her. "Why the tears, sweetheart?" she asked. "Oh grandma, I'm so sorry you have to go through this!" I told her.

"I'm not sorry," she said. "I've got the best granddaughter in the world."

So typical of her...How I miss her!

I don't know if they'll get snow in San Francisco as forecasted.


Best to you,
Alis

Child With a Garden Hose



Good Morning Sweet Friends!

Freely flowing, fast moving water, gushing into puddles beneath him. Garden hose stretching long in an exaggerated twist, squirting fluid without restriction. Grass and mud clothing his water-logged feet, and dripping ringlets of wet straight hair. Unconfined...

That's how I want to look. Even in this weak and worsening economy, I pray for hands wide open. Not open to grasp with selfish hands, open to pass on and move all that I can.

My grandmother once told me that we must never lose our spirit of generosity.

It's so easy to store shoe boxes in the ground.

I once knew a woman who gave generously. She gave with utter abandonment. Her home, her food, her time, her resources...it didn't matter because she never really took ownership of them to begin with. She understood that she was just using them temporarily.

I still have the crumpled, yellowing sheet of paper that holds the words that I had hoped to tell at her memorial. You see, the same day that Mimi died, a boy in Africa died from AIDS. His motto was, " Do all that you can, with all that you have, for as long as you can, wherever you are."

These two people, continents apart, lived their lives the same way.

Like a child with a garden hose.

Warmly,

Alis

Do You Know Teeccino?

Photo by Kim Newberg/ Public Domain

Salutations!

Frigid! That word best describes the yard this morning. Dense icicles are cascading from the porch trim and all the items resting on the porch are seized with frost. The snow crunches, and the concrete is dressed in thin panes of icy glass. Brrr!

Inside, the thermometer, in the kitchen window, reads a half crack to the right. I'm not sure if it was ever accurate. Mornings like this were made for Teeccino.

Teeccino is Mediterranean Herbal Coffee. Made from carob, barley, dates, almonds, and chicory mostly, it is caffeine free and delicious. It is also ground and can be used in a French-Press or espresso machine. There are a variety of blends. This morning I am enjoying Java Organic. I add hot frothed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Teeccino has a slightly sweet taste on its own from the dates and figs.

Teeccino for two weeks can break a caffeine habit. I happen to be caffeine-sensitive, so it is a favorable option for me. If you are a hearty coffee drinker, your taste buds might take longer to acquire a taste for Teeccino. There are other health benefits. It's non-acidic, contains heart-healthy potassium, and supports your digestive system with prebiotics.

Kids can drink Teeccino too. It has less sugar than cocoa and zero stimulants.

Warm and inviting! That is the best word to describe a steaming mug of Teeccino. They have a website.

Have a great day!

Alis

The Whole Experience

Good Morning Porch Pals!

Four consecutive days off is just another way of saying, pack all that you can, up to the last minute, into four full days. I'm not sure why my family doesn't see four days of rest ahead of them! So, now it's time to catch up, from having time off.

Yesterday was such a delight. My Titus Two Girl and I went into the city. Knowing that there are some places men simply don't enjoy in the city, as much as women, we planned our trip to include thrift stores, the yogurt shop, and a Disney for grown-ups, aka Whole Foods.

A popular thrift chain offered over an hour of 1/2 price day specials and lots of decisions to make. We even looked at prom dresses. Having a second opinion when one is trying to decide shades of pinks, or blouse styles is so much more fun than going it alone. We were satisfied with our purchases and spent very little money.

Next we indulged in a healthy treat- frozen yogurt at the same place I've been going to for almost twenty years. Blackberry and Vanilla Custard with yogurt chips was just perfect! Her sweet best friend joined us at that point. These girls go way back and it is a joy to watch the two of them together.

Lastly, we shopped at Whole Foods. This store is not a place to do regular grocery shopping  because it is very high-end, however, in all fairness, they do offer printable coupons and I have even combined coupons with in-store specials and saved plenty! Whole Foods for me is more about the experience- the fresh cut tulips and other flowers are beautiful! The rows of colorful, organic produce and fresh fruits are presented with such flair, and the bakery cases are a vision of sweet delights! Then there are bread ovens popping out fresh, chewy, crusty loaves of all sorts of bread...

 We planned several nutritional choices for her to take to the college for lunch. Balanced meals with energizing whole grains and stabilizing lean proteins. Here are a few examples:

1. Cottage cheese with chopped green pepper and tomato, and whole grain crackers.

2. Whole grain tortillas with nut butter, sliced banana and shaved coconut.

3. Short grain brown rice and cooked chicken, tossed with olive oil and her favorite raw veggies...

She'll be as clever as ever! And the best dressed.

 I sampled gourmet Afghan food by Bolani and loved it! An unleavened bread loaded with spinach and hummus, yum!

Thai tea and a "protein snack" gave us the energy we needed to head home.
We shared encouraging personal conversation on the drive back and laughed with merriment at the day behind us.

That was one of the ways I spent the last four days. Dear readers, I hope you enjoyed times with loved ones over the weekend. It's so important to connect with other people and not isolate ourselves.

All the best,
Alis

Catching Up With Katy

Good Morning Dear Readers!

Last night we received a very welcome phone call declaring today a "Snow Day." To fall on a Friday means a long weekend and this delights the boys!

 I have just made peace with Wonderdog who completely irritated me this morning with a rompous fit over a loose dog in the yard. He has since warmly offered puppy kisses to my cheek, and I have given in, as usual, to those sparkling dark eyes.

As you are aware I have been reading "Stepping Heavenward", by Elisabeth Prentiss. I so enjoy this book and this author. The book is about the lifelong, spiritual journey of Katy, a fictional character, but someone that you and I can relate to. Her journey to godliness begins at age sixteen and that is when we are introduced to her and her family.

In 1838-1839 Katy becomes a mother. She is fascinated with baby Jotham Ernest, named after his father.

A close friend of Katy's shares a book with her titled, "The Imitation of Christ."
In that book are Four Steps To Peace:

1.) Be desirous of doing the will of another rather than thine own.

2.) Choose always to have less, rather than more.

3.) Seek always the lowest place, and to be inferior to every one.

4.) Wish always, and pray, that the will of God may be wholly fulfilled in thee.

I thought I'd leave you with that list over the weekend. And also leave you with a comment from Katy's husband. "When a man has been all day encompassed with sounds and sights of suffering, he naturally longs for cheerful faces and cheerful voices in his own house."-Ernest

It is not easy to become self-less. In the quietude of the snowfall, if we ponder the portion that is ours and thank God for that perfect piece that he has entrusted to us, our gratitude to Him enables us to want the best for the ones we love.

Today I pray that you will meditate on the eternal. If you are "cooped up" or snowed in, confined to four walls, thank God that you are not a shovel!

Blessings,
Alis

Low-Cost Nutrition

Good Morning Friends!

What are you eating for breakfast? A poached egg and whole wheat toast? A hearty bowl of thick cut oats with a splash of maple syrup and walnuts? Perhaps a smoothie made with silken tofu and bananas? None of these suggestions would set you back much.

I've heard a lot of talk about not being able to eat right because it costs too much. The good news is that even families on a fixed budget can afford sound nutritional choices. Here is a list of foods written by Brie Cadman to assist you on your next shopping trip.

The Twenty Healthiest Foods for Under $1

1. Oats

2. Eggs

3. Kale

4. Potatoes

5. Apples

6. Nuts

7. Bananas

8. Garbanzos

9. Broccoli

10. Watermelon

11. Wild Rice

12. Beets

13. Butternut Squash

14. Whole Wheat Pasta

15. Sardines

16. Spinach

17. Tofu

18. Lowfat Milk

19. Pumpkin

20. Coffee

If you're not sure how to incorporate these foods into your menu, check out cookbooks from the library or look up recipes on the Internet. Allrecipes.com is a valuable resource.

Try preparing a broccoli soup from scratch. You'll never want canned soup again. Butternut squash is delicious roasted with a little olive oil, kosher salt and pepper. Have you ever made homemade applesauce?  I prefer to keep it chunky and sprinkle in a healthy dose of cinnamon. Oatmeal cookies are a satisfying snack.

Look for these healthy bargains on your next shopping trip. Staying healthy has a lot to do with what we eat, so decide to eat right. Your pocket book and your body will thank you.

From the porch,

Alis

Dear Memory

Salutations Sweet Friends!

I was just recollecting the weekend's activities. We witnessed a whirlwind of meaningful events. Precious readers, sometimes I say to myself, "Dear Memory, please make a pretty scrapbook page of this in my mind." Life is an interrupted series of days isn't it. It is penetrated with joy and trespassed with pain. It is slow and purposeful and intensely speedy. I don't want to forget a single frame, but would rather store them in my head with pretty corners and lovely backgrounds.

So, please remember...

boys laughing so hard they couldn't speak, boys rolling on the floor with joyful giddiness,

Tiny fingers sifting through a first birthday cake, stained with pink frosting
and beaming, grinning parents,

red roses at a funeral home in honor of a friend,

little man pausing to send messages over the net in the middle of a sleep-over, just to say hello,

a congregation full of get well-wishers and
contented hugs from cheerful children hearing the story of baby Moses in a basket,

man-child covering the set-up and prep at church that the man couldn't do,

a late run for chicken and frozen yogurt with my true love,

a merry maiden in a bright yellow coat, smiling...

Thank you God for a weekend of memories.

What is in your scrapbook?

Warmly,
Alis

When Eggs Are on The Menu

Good Morning Porch Pals!

The wind is howling this morning and it's causing me to feel like a cat with its hair standing up on end! If I were a cat my tail would be sticking straight up!

I wish that I was visiting the White Horse Inn in Galveston, Texas, where this recipe originates from. Have you ever stayed in a B&B? It's really a treat to walk into breakfast and have a happy host serving savory hot food. The recipes are made with great care. Normally the tables are set with eye-catching place settings and centerpieces. Most often, the proprietors do not hand out their secret recipes, but some have made it into popular cookbooks series based on recipes from such inns.


Baked Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:
6 eggs, hard-boiled
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
4 English muffins, split
8 slices Canadian-style bacon
1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, grated

also, freshly ground black pepper

In a bowl, chop the eggs with a pastry cutter.
Combine eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard and blend well.
Top each muffin half with a slice of bacon, then 1/4 c. egg mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with pepper.

Quick, easy and so yummy!

Perhaps this recipe will make it into my friend's recipe exchange. This dish is delicious when served with fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes or cheese grits.


Have you ever noticed what happens when eggs are on the menu? Somehow everyone feels like eating. Breakfast for dinner is comforting. That's why some restaurants keep eggs on the menu all day. Eggs make us want a cup of coffee and some small talk. We think of Smucker's Strawberry Jam and a hot biscuit.

Squeeze around the table,  y'all.

Your Innkeeper From the Porch,
Alis

My Titus Two Girl

Good Morning Sweet Readers!

On this Valentine's Day I thought it appropriate to introduce you to my Titus Two Girl. She has spent the last year knitting herself into our family and into our hearts. I am so beholden to be this merry little maiden's "mum." After my mom's dreadful accident I felt like life had handed me a beginning, an end, and nothing in between. But this sweet girl has given my life a "middle." The glorious friendship we share means the world to me.

Let me tell how it started. We were both involved in the launch team of a new church. One night after a meeting, many months ago she asked if we could spend more time together. I raised boys and was not sure what to do with a young girl. I took it to prayer and immediately knew that the empty foyer in our home would make a lovely project for the two of us. We painted, and decorated, and laughed and shared stories.

The responsibility of teaching and training my new maiden gave me energy and creativity. It inspired me to be better. It gave me a reason for gratitude and celebration. It gave me the best gift- love for a daughter who is biblical, not biological. Although some have made the mistake of deeming us mother-daughter. Her mother is very important to me. She has done an amazing job with this gal. I am not a replacement, or substitute, nor would I wish to be. The most important personal relationship a young lady should have is with her mother.

My little maiden, who is college-aged, has given me someone to invest in. She has provided me an opportunity to obey God's word in Titus to teach younger women. She has healed great loss and void in my life. And, she has given me hope.

My first priority is always taking her to Scripture. I do not have a perfect life, nor perfect answers. To fill her mind with the recommendations and suggestions of Alis would be far too cheap. I want the best for her and must always point her to Christ. We share girl-talk and exchange thoughts and ideas all the time. But I have learned how weighty words are. I pray my words are few.

There are so many activities to include a Titus Two girl in. I find fresh ideas daily.

Lastly, please understand that I could not pour myself into this maiden without being flowed into myself. There is a trickle-down effect. I have a couple ladies in my life whose guidance and maturity help develop me. In fact Marie, Lisa, and Diane are like pillars that support my whole structure. They show me who I am and who I want to become. They have already experienced the season I am in. I can trust their leading. And I love them deeply. Many others are praiseworthy.

Dear readers we have the skills and capabilities to change a young lady's life. Will you look closely to the young ladies in your circle or even in your church body and be an encourager to them. Perhaps it's a neighbor, a niece, a student...

I must close with extreme thankfulness for my boys. They have taken to this "adoption" with the love and kindness that I would expect from them. There is no jealousy or resentment, only friendliness and patience.

Someday when I am old I will sit in the garden watching her children play. We will take tea together and talk about these days. The days I was her "Claire" and she waited for her "Charlie."

Love you,
Alis

National Marriage Week

"You know you're in love when

you don't want to fall

asleep

because reality

is finally

better

than your

dreams!"

Dr. Seuss

May your weekend include

the love of your life!



Something About Maria

A Very Good Morning to You!

She could be characterized by one word, rejoice. And in the brief time you spent with her you forgot that poison was running through her veins and she was running against time and the cancer was destroying her fragile body.
Because all she could talk about were the blessings! Her red-sequined hat may have disguised hair loss but she couldn't veil the "halo of heavenly-mindedness sparkling around her."

She made you want to linger. "Loiterers were quickened to greater diligence by her example." The impact she had on our community will certainly come untucked at her memorial as each one delivers their account of the one it was easy to lose time with.

Her "words and works allured others to the highest walks of faith and love." Who could grumble in her presence or rave of simple discomforts? The strength that emerged from that old car on Sundays emitted into the building.

Such a stark contrast to a wretch stuck in the mire!

"But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
All losses are restored and sorrows end."
 -William Shakespeare

May the treasure of Maria stay buried deep in our hearts!

Her faith has become sight!

Warmly,
Alis

Words Like Honey

"How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth."

Psalm 119:103

Substituting Honey for Sugar:

*Use 1/2 c. honey for every 1 c. sugar

*Lower oven temperature by 25 degrees

* For every 1 c. honey, reduce liquid by 3 Tbs.

-Sandra Smucker

Baked Honey Custard

3 eggs

1/4 c. honey

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 c. milk

ground nutmeg or cinnamon

Whisk eggs, honey and vanilla in bowl. Stir in milk.

Spoon into 6 custard cups and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Place in larger pan of hot water. Bake custard for 40-45 minutes

at 350. Custard is done when a knife inserted comes out clean.

Serve warm or chilled. Lots of protein, and minimal sweetening.

-Whole Foods For the Whole Family

A Sweet Gift Idea

Purchase beeswax candles from a local bee farm. Wrap them in a pretty

linen towel and tie with ribbon. Attach a honey spoon. Add an

attractive jar of local honey and tie with

coordinating ribbon.

Bee Happy Today!

Alis



Our Affections

A Very Good Morning to You!

Last night was a peaceful time here. I made a cozy casserole with a homemade creamy white sauce and tuna. Then I made a loaf of shallot and blue cheese quick bread. We had a fire burning in the wood stove. My husband and I took time to share a hot drink together and talk about the day. It was a refuge from great gusts of wind blowing outside.

After dinner I was able to do homework for a class we're taking. It was all about the Scriptures. Immediately I was taken back to a quote I heard last year, " Every word of the Bible is designed to increase our affection for Christ."

I would like to invite you to revisit Psalm 19 today. There are four things listed there that the Scriptures accomplish in us. They include, reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, and enlightening the eyes.

The Scriptures are not there just to inform us, but to affect us. As Rick Holland said, "Love denotes affections." What is governing your emotions, your mind and your heart? Where is your soul inclined to lean? Those affections were meant for Jesus.

He is upholding everything right now readers. Just fill in the blank. My marriage, my children, our finances, my health, our home, my friends, my work,... If you don't know that, then at least know about who you are refusing.

Have a terrific day!

Swinging with you,
Alis

Growing Groceries

Salutations!

Yes, talking to the red leaf lettuce made it grow faster! Each late morning as I watered, a conversation always took place. The water was not too cold having been gently warmed by the sun, and the little weeds were quickly pulled out. The compost bucket underneath the greenhouse was growing inch by inch into black mulch for the next season...

We built the greenhouse from plans out of a popular homeschooling magazine.
Pea pods twisted up the sides and cilantro ascended all the way up to the thick plastic sheeting covering the roof.

Groceries grew on the porch as well. Sturdy containers of tomatoes, and squash and both red and purple potatoes.

Will you raise plants this year? Container gardening is easy and economical to start. Almost any clean container will work once it has drainage holes drilled into it. Potting mix goes on sale several times throughout the year. Pots are mobile, and that's what I really like. If plants aren't doing so well in one spot, they can just be picked up and moved to a better one.

Our greenhouse is up off the ground sitting on cement bricks. This makes tending to it really effortless. It also keeps the squirrels, rabbits, and other wildlife from destroying my plants.

Growing the ingredients for a fresh, green salad is satisfying. Even natural herbs can be used in breads, sauces, salads, and grill rubs.

If your family plans on traveling, just leave the containers in a kiddie pool, half full of water. They will soak up the water they need.

In this economy it is smart to grow groceries. It's true that we don't have a money tree in the backyard, but come spring, we will have a few containers growing some green.

This is a suitable time to start collecting and cleaning out all sorts of containers. Yard sales make a good place to start looking. Keep an eye out for used gardening tools too.

The early bird gets the worm. I've failed to plan a couple of times and missed the short growing season here. This year won't you join me? I'd love to garden with you and see photos of your homegrown produce. Let's can some tomato soup together.

From the porch,
Alis

Fly

Sweet Porch Pals,

I'm constantly watching their nests for signs of development. Will the one they've raised for its allotted time spring forth this morning and fly on its own? Do they hope the flight will be flawed thus requiring more time for the fledgling to mature? In their selfishness do they desire to hold on and hold tight rather then let fly?

Lord, let me release, willingly. Let me rejoice when they're fledged and they are ready for independence. Remind me that they are not eggs which will fall from the tall tree and break. They are the nourished, chirpy chicks with the aerodynamics to fly. To soar.

And help me to hold close to my heart this little poem,

Be like a bird that, halting in its flight,
Rests on a limb too slight.
And feeling it give way beneath him sings,
Knowing he has wings.

Selected. Author Unknown.

I will continue to keep watch this morning over tea.

I will keep these lessons from the birds in my heart. And I will pray for the wisdom to know when to hold on and when to let go. I will devote myself to keeping the feeders full. I will not get weary of splitting worms. I will help prepare for the solo flight. It is my job, it is being a mother.

With best regards,
Alis

When Cupcakes Are On The Menu

Blessings Friends!

I'm savoring the last sticky bite of a chocolate drizzled, orange infused macaroon, an early valentine from a close friend. It paired so nicely with my mug of steaming decaf. I really enjoyed it! I must confess dear readers that I love a little sweet treat in the morning. A piece of berry pie, a plump muffin, a crunchy biscotti...

A home baked treat is best shared isn't it! Last year I made Raspberry-Swirl cupcakes for my sister. Her trip here was cancelled, but I couldn't help snapping photos of the delightful, playful, petite cakes. I wanted so much to bring her the happiness she brings to others. Cupcakes make me happy! They are so celebratory. Flipping through the pages of a cupcake themed day-planner, I am reminded of how the cakes have become haute cuisine!

Raspberry puree creates their dreamy pink color. Best of all, the recipe comes from Eating Well so there's no reason not to make a batch for your sweetie!

Cupcakes:

2c. raspberries plus 12 for garnish
1 Tbs. plus 3/4c. sugar, divided
3/4 c. ww pastry flour (whole wheat)
3/4 c. cake flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4c. canola oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 c. nonfat buttermilk

Frosting:

8 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest


Prep:

Preheat oven to 350. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners and coat with cooking spray.
Puree 2 c. raspberries and 1 Tbs. sugar in a blender and strain. Extract all the puree and discard the seeds. Reserve 4 tsp. for the frosting.
Whisk together the flours, baking powder, soda and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat remaining sugar and oil. Next add eggs, vanilla, and 1 tsp. lemon zest.
With mixer on low alternately add dry mixture and buttermilk to wet mixture.
Fill muffin cups half full. Place a scant portion of puree on each cup and then divide the remaining batter over the top of each. Use a toothpick to swirl the puree into the batter.
Bake 22 minutes.
To make the frosting simply beat the cream cheese, sugar and zest along with the reserved puree. This needs to chill for two hours. Spread over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with berries. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Have you ever noticed what happens when cupcakes are on the menu? Some folks don't even peel the paper, they just bite down into the middle. Some folks lick the frosting off before they eat the cake. Some very tenderly strip off the liner and carefully inspect the work that went into creating such an elaborate dessert- but I don't know anyone like that!

Smiles all around!

Your Porch Pal Always,
Alis

I would love to hear from you! Let me know if you try these.

Marked By Expectation

photo by Jon Sullivan

Good Morning Porch Pals!

Last night I came across one of the most endearing little notes ever written by my youngest child. He had written to the UPS delivery driver regarding his school book order. He was going to start first grade. Printed on the outside of a large wide-margined piece of newsprint he wrote, "Opn It Up." On the reverse side he penned, "Too the yoops man. I won too hav mi scul bcs!" He taped this special message to a pole in the front yard. Then he waited, watched, and rested.

What a heart full of hope! He was expecting results. He believed the school books were coming.

What are you expecting? What are you waiting for? A weekend, or a day off? Test results, an interview outcome, a financial need to be met? A child to regain his independence? It's as simple as writing it out on that worn yellow paper.

"Open It Up." And, "To the UPS Man- I want to have my school books!"

"Dear God..." And, "I ..."

The next thing is to wait, watch, and rest.

Believing With You,

Alis



How To Consume Oats Like A Kid- Home Works! Series

Good Day Ladies!

The teapot is on which means it's a Home Works Day! This morning I've just finished off a hearty bowl of oats and a little toast with olive oil and I'm all fired up to get started.

Are boxes of instant oatmeal making residence in your pantry? You know the ones. Usually there are three deserted packets left that nobody will eat because they don't like that flavor.

This morning we're going to put an end to lone oats. We are going to create our own oatmeal packets which can be cleverly placed in plastic sandwich bags, and even personalized with stickers and name tags. What's more is that we will choose our own flavors.

The popular brand in my cabinet, despite its "hearty medleys" whole-grain advertising contained walnuts with BHT and salt. It also contained banana flake powder.

This recipe comes from the author of Vegan Lunch Box and I think you'll really love it!

Basic Recipe:
This makes one serving, so adjust to fit. Pulse some instant oats into course flour using a food processor. Mix 2 Tbls. of this oat flour with 1/4c. instant oats. Place in sandwich bag. Add the following flavors:

Cinnamon Raisin Walnut- (my favorite) Stir in 1 Tbls. raisins, 1 Tbls. raw cane sugar (Turbinado), 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon, and 1 Tbls. chopped walnuts.

Strawberry-Banana- Stir in 1/2c. freeze dried strawberries and bananas.
Apple-Cinnamon- Stir in 1 Tbls. date sugar, 2 Tbls. freeze dried apples, 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon, and 1 Tbsp. chopped pecans.

For a tropical flavor, add shredded coconut and chopped dried pineapple. Try dried blueberries. You can even add vanilla powder. That is located next to the pure vanilla extract in your supermarket.

To Prepare:
So simple. Just empty bag into a bowl. Add about 2/3c. hot water, and let it sit for two minutes. They smell so good during those two minutes! Then stir.

These packets are more filling than the store bought, however double the packet size for a more filling breakfast.

The portability of these packets makes them a natural superstar!
Label the bags and place rolled in a drawer. Enjoy with all ages 1-99!



Warmly,
Alis