Live and Learn

I read something the other day that stuck with me...I wish that I could tell you who originally said it, and I do not take credit for this quote:
"Life's lessons are opposite those of school, in school you learn about something, then take the test,  In life you take the test first than learn the lesson".

I found this to be incredibly true. So often we seem to forget that our life is one huge test...whether we learn from each lesson and move on to the next chapter is all up to us.

When I seem to be "repeating" the same thing, I consciously stop and remember...ah yes, this would be my opportunity to do it differently, make the change, and hopefully NOT repeat it again.

So, short and sweet....Live and Learn!!!

Here's hoping you get an "A" on your next test!!

Until the next time,
Momma T

Remember Me

In memory of Clarissa Engstrom.  A lovely woman in her middle 40's who helped so many. Leaving this world so suddenly, and leaving a huge hole. An animal doctor, a lover of nature, a friend of the Earth. A woman of peace.

My eldest daughter called after attending the hastily prepared memorial for Clarissa today. She said that her best friend had flown in from North Carolina, preparing the obituary to place in our local paper. Then this friend who was so saddened and lonely was told that her loving words would cost (are you sitting down...) over a THOUSAND dollars.  Needless to say I am more than appalled by our newspaper. The journalistic raping of people who just want to remember their loved ones is criminal in my opinion.  I understand that the newspaper needs to make a profit, and they have a business to run, but REALLY???

So from now on, I invite anyone who wishes to remember their loved one in print, to use this site to do so, and share it with their Facebook, Twitter or other friends. I ask only one thing...please be respectful using this platform in a G-rated, Family format. If you join this blog as a friend, you can share your information at any time. Share this site with friends and family.

I am personally touched by the love that Dr Clarissa "Gooey" Engstrom showed our family. She walked in, held me in her arms and made herself at home.  I knew that she had been in the E.R. with a family friend most of the afternoon, and she still kept our "appt with heaven" for our Retriever Bailey. She spoke with each of us, Dave, Gabie, Matt and Danie, and comforted us. She advised us what she would be doing, and then spread her blanket down and invited me to join her. We talked about Bailey and the events of her rescue, her extreme eye surgeries, her infinity of love of playing fetch with her ball and then before we knew it, an hour had passed and Dr. Engstrom was taking the ball out of Bailey's mouth and advising us that she would not have lived more than another week due to her cancer. The kids and I were with her the entire time. (Dave had taken Belle our Brittany on a long walk) Dr. Engstrom and Danie carried the blanket out to her truck (ball and all) and the only "thank you" Dr. Engstrom would accept from me was a hot meal that I had prepared for her to take with her and a loving hug with our gratitude for making such a hard event so wonderfully loving!  This is the one story of Dr. Clarissa Engstrom I have to share and contribute to her Memorial.  Rest in Peace sweet lady...you are already missed by so many. Take good care of our loved ones that you have helped away...they were waiting for you.

May God Bless you all, and those you love,

Momma T

The Winter of 2012...well sort of

Hoping this finds you all enjoying what is left of the most gentle winter I can remember.  We waited and waited for the cold to come...a few days here and there, but not much to speak of. We have hardly had the heater on. I have actually prepared the garden to plant next week, getting some of the early root vegetables and lettuces planted before March. I wanted to share my Pea Soup Recipe as this has been on our table of recent, and shared with loved ones. There is something so comforting about soup, any kind that is your favorite.  I always remember the story of "Stone Soup" when I am preparing the veggies...How cool would it be to actually invite your neighbors to bring something to put in the pot...maybe play a game of monopoly or cards while the precious solution simmers to a tasty, delightful concoction waiting to be splashed with fresh cheese and maybe a dunk or two of homemade bread...

Easy Peasy Soup (Split Pea)

Made in a Crock Pot

Put 1 quart container of low sodium chicken stock in crock pot (or 2 cans) with 1 cup water
Add 1 bag of dried and rinsed split green peas, mix

In saute pan on med heat, with 3 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp EVOO saute:
1 medium onion (chopped small)
2 large carrots (chopped small)
3 ribs of celery (chopped small)
1 clove garlic (chopped small)

After 8-10 minutes, add 3 peeled and chopped small potatoes with the following herbs:
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Oregano and chopped Bay leaves
1 tsp Basil, Thyme and Dill

Mix all herbs and Veggies together well. When vegetables are well seasoned together, add to crock pot and mix everything together. Make sure the crock pot is on high, put the lid on and let it go! Every 45 min give it a mix.  After about 4 hours the peas will have "popped" and will begin to breakdown. At this time you can add chopped ham if you like. (some people start the soup with a ham bone left over from the holidays...) After 5 hours take off the lid, and stir every 10 - 15 minutes for the next hour. This will thicken the soup.  Enjoy!!

I make dinner scones to go with the soup, using using original scone recipe and substituting 1/2 cup of finely grated guyre cheese instead of sugar in the recipe and top with dill weed.

I have also been spending some of my winter at the sewing machine, taking a class with a dear neighbor. Who knew Heirloom sewing would be so much fun and incredibly satisfying!! I will post the pictures after the class is over along with the finished product.  Make the most of your winter!
Enjoy and Be Blessed.  Until next time...

Momma Turner