Funny Little Story - Tips on Tuesday

 I don't know what made me think of this today, but it's a funny story from several years ago.  Our daughter's and I went on a CIE tour of Scotland and Ireland.  You know, I'm "real country" right?  I probably epitomize "rural America" to a T.  So, here is the story.

We were on some "free" time in Edinburgh.  As we walked from the castle to a tea house Anna made reservations to, we saw an antique shop.  Now, an antique shop, well this one anyway, in Scotland doesn't look like your average antique mall here in Wisconsin.  

When we walked in, there was a very well dressed man sitting by the counter, "are you looking for anything in particular?"  He had all the "snobs" (voice, look, condisending....you know what I mean).  "Well, I was wondering if you had any milk bottles?"  Now, you know Al loves milk bottles with advertising on them.  Different dairies and such.  He tilts his head down and looks over his glasses, "milk bottle?"  So, I proceed to "school" him on what my definition of "milk bottle" is.  Ahahha

"Ma'am, this is an antiquities shop, our antiques are centuries old.  America is younger than some of these things in this shop."  "We, do NOT sell milk bottles."  Oh boy...."thanks anyway..."

So, my tips would be:

1.  Pick shopping at a place that suits you.

2.  Never "school" a shop owner.

3.  Always be pleasant, even in the face of "snobbery."

4.  Take your business to a proprietor who appreciates it.  

5.  Collect what you like, even if you are told "it's not valuable."

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Things I've Been Thinking About

 Ever get into a writing "funk?"  I guess, that's where I'm at.  My regualar themed weekly posts, nahh just not into it.  I am sure I'm not alone in saying, that this year has offered all of us loads of things to reflect on.  I don't "do" political posts, so this won't be any of that.

My 2020 word of the year is PROGRESSION.  I know the word of the year thing is getting old to some, but not to me.  I usually start making a list of interesting words that come to my attention, from now till end of year.  These are words that when I hear them, it pricks something in my heart.  I put them in a hat and draw one on January 1.  I let "fate" pick it.  That's how I roll.

So, today's post is on somethings I thought of lately that runs the path of my progression.  I don't know what word fate could possibly pick for me in 2021 that would better fit me than this year's word.  That word gave me direction.  I joined Noom, lost over 20 pounds and still working on, Covid stopped my being able to sell for others and focus on cleaning out my "stash" and I even sought out counseling for my personality weaknesses.  I really made some remarkable progression.  In doing so, I found these things to be true and I hope they can help you too.

1.  See worth in who I am JUST the way I am.  This, for me, was an inside kind of healing, but once I worked on that, my outside changed too and for the better.

2.  You can't escape who you are, no matter how much you socially distance.  I've always said, "I have to live with me" as a way to keep myself in check.  No amount of distancing from someone or problem will be a true escape, until you accept yourself and others for who THEY are and face those difficult issues in your life.

3.  What I WANT isn't what will make me happy.  I've wanted all kinds of things for myself, events to create, places to sell, spaces to stage - all of "that" for someone or place other than for me and here.  I found happiness in my own "stash" and created a new selling experience for my business that I had no idea of doing prior to Covid.  That leads me to this one....

4.  EMBRACE the opportunities in front of you instead of those you wish were there.  "There's no place like home" kinda for me.  InstaSHAM, FAKEbook feeds really had me down - "if I only could do that" or "I wish I had that opportunity" - stop it Dicky Bird, look around - your opportunity abounds!

5.  Reflect on NEEDS vs. WANTS - physically, emotionally, mentally and spirtually.  This is far more deep than just "I want a crock but I don't need one" kind of thing.  For me, it was way more than that, although, I did do a lot of that too.  Or rather, didn't do, I'm not sure how to say that - didn't buy much.

I plan to do more posts like this before the year's end.  I just have had an amazing PROGRESSION this year.  I hate to even say it, because I hate bragging....remember my post "there's a fine line in sayin' and braggin' "  I've just been working on accepting my reality as an opportunity to grow and put in some work on myself.  You know it's been said, one can work to live or live to work.  That applies to more than a 9-5.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Dicky Bird's Pantry Cookie

 What to do on a snowy unmotivated Monday?  Bake.  Baking is my comfort.  So, I looked in the pantry, what do I have?  A bit of this and a bit of that (I already have a cookie with that name....teehee).  So, I decided to call it a pantry cookie.

I love to make up recipes.  It's not that hard to do.  Cookies are easier because every recipe has a ratio of wet to dry.  

This is how I made them:

1/2 C butter

1/2 C vegetable shortening

1 C brown sugar

1C sugar

Cream together, add

2 large eggs

1 C applesauce

1 T cinnamon

1 t baking soda

1 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

3 C oatmeal

mix together, add

3 C flour

2 C raisins

2 C flaked coconut

2 C chips (I did white chocolate)

mix together and drop by large rounded tablespoon on to parchment lined cookie sheet.  Bake 350 for 14-16 minutes until the tops are light brown.  These are a soft cookie and this make 3 dozen large cookies.  

I hope you give these a try.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Motivational Monday - We Have the Power

 I know this Monday, may be hard for 1/2 of you politically.  Motivation is hard to find when your "party" faces a loss.  2020 has been tough, not just for us here in America, but for all.  Let's remember that!  

As one who doesn't put her faith in politicians or politics, this really isn't that hard for me.  Truth, in my 40's I was a "loud mouth" poltically.  When I think of some of the unkind things I said then, I am ashamed.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I still have strong convictions and conspiricy concepts that may be even stornger today.  However, an older, Dicky Bird understand that "my steps are/were ordained by the Lord" and I had to walk that path to know, I don't want to act that way today.  

So, for today's Motivational Monday, I want to motivate, encourage and remind us of this thing:  we have the power.  YOU my reader, have the POWER within you to FEEL whatever way you want.  It's your choice.  I know I've done many posts on this, but even I needed the reminding today.  

This isn't a long post, just one to remind us that we CAN be encouraged during "this" (whatever "this" is for you).  There are still good people doing good things - look for them.  Better yet, be one of them.  Seek out the good things in your day, relish in them.  Finding that power within yourself starts small, "the sun is shinning, yay!"  If you start looking for these things, really thinking about it, motivation will come.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

  

Are you Karen or Carin'?

 First, I had to have someone explain to me what a "Karen" is.  I did Google it too.  As I thought about it, was there a term like "Karen" used on any other generation of women?  I can't think of one, if you know of one, please leave a comment.   

I will not let the term "Karen" define my generation of women or use the term to make an excuse for a coniviction.  I will do my part to show the younger and honestly even older women that a "Karen" can choose to be "carin'" (I had to say in slangish to make it rhyme)

I am appalled and saddened at the comments on social media between ladies that I graduated with.  The women of my age, all acting like "Karen" democrats and republicans.  I know it says that a, "Karen" is an angry white woman - all ya all fittin' that bill.  I know better than to comment on ANY political post, because you all are "Karens."  I wanted to comment some kind words or something that would bring unity.  I went to bed last night so sad!  You are all being so mean to one another.   Who cares who did what first, when, to whom - come one now "Karen" ..... you know I speak truth!  The women of our age group are missing an opportunity to be carin' (caring) and not "Karen."  

Do I think "this or that" about it all?  Of course I do!  We all are entitled to our own opinion.  Will I still stand on my convictions?  Of course I will!   No comment, mean, hurtful or otherwise will make me change my mind on any of it.  

So, I woke to these 2 words - Karen and carin' - that was enough for me.  Therefore, this middle aged woman is going to do her part not to be defined as a "Karen."  Rather, I choose my mother and her generation as an example.  Like them, I will be "carin" for my family, community, church and others.  I will choose my words carefully, show kindness and mercy, speak truth when asked and love to the best of my abilty.  This is HOW you show who you are.  Actions speak louder than words!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin

Farmhouse Friday - Daily Grind

Good Farmhouse Friday morning.  The weather here in Marathon County Wisconsin has been glorious!   I took advantage of it, by working outside and cleaning up the barnyard before the snow.  I still need to winterize the chicken coop, Al needs to pull by business trailers under the lean, take out all the wire cages from the garden so they don't blow away and put the patio set away.  We have the weekend to do that.  

Speaking of working outside, I had to clean up a "mess" outside my pole building before the snow.  It was so nice out that I pulled out 10 or so lots each day to sell on my 

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1914536328603700  

I was able to meet with people for SOLD item pick ups too.  I actually am very pleased with what I was able to accomplish this summer in my destashing.  One of my friends came to pick up her items and I "let" her look in my pole building (I rarely, let anyone in there as it should be on an episode of Hoarders) as bad as it still is, she said "well, you're making progress."  Then she holds up a doll size drying rack with a broken leg, "should I put this in burn pile?"  "No, I said, here is it's leg."  She smiled and put it back...help me Lord...baby steps.

While I was working, this was Dolly.  She is getting so thin, she is 13 now and this is how I will remember her, sitting in the sun  and supervising all the activity in the yard.

Al made us a "gym" in the barn.  We have been going out to the barn, after supper, walking, he rides an exercise bike and hold our bunnies.  I look forward to this routine during the long winter months.  I figure, in boots and Carharts I'll really be working out!

Nellie, was hanging on to the carrot.  She is so cute, but still fiesty, she almost nips me daily.  "Hey, I just gave you a carrot" ahaha.  

My kids were sick this week, so I made some chicken and wild rice soup and gave them a "care" package.   I made a bed of herbs, celery, onions and roasted the chicken breasts on top.  I really like the seasoning in the picture too.

I worked the first 6 days of this week, now today, I'm going to have fun.  I am off to Shawano and Bonduel to drop off some SOLD lots and go thrifting.  Not that I need a thing...but, no harm in looking.  (wink, wink).  

What is going on with you this Friday?  I would love to hear about it.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

 

My Dream: It's All in the Baseball

 I mentioned this before, but I'm a dreamer, sleeping and not.  I do have big dreams and goals, however, I do have a "gift" of dreams.  I really do.  Anyway, I had a dream last night that I can't stop thinking about.  I don't share all of the ones I have, but this one I will.

My dad was 1/2 Potawatomi, Native American.  My mom a mixture of the ol'melting pot of America and Scotch/Irish.  This genetic, cultural mix, makes up who I am.  I truly think my story telling and artistic liberties taken while I tell them...ahahah...is my "gift" and it comes from this mix.  So, on with the story and dream.

In my dream, I was with some other native people, we were all celebrating something, together.  The other's looked to me for some direction as a "Christian."  When I shared my thoughts with them, several came up to me and said they now have to "denounce" or "give up a belief in" traditional spirituality.  My dreams have symbols, this one was a young man who said "I can't believe in the Condor anymore."  I was in Peru and the faces of those in my dream were like the ones I saw there.  The Condor is to them, what an Eagle is to the Potawatomi.  Anyway, I quickly grabbed that "young man's" hands and I said "No, that's not true!"  "You can be spirtual and be a Chrisitan."  I was shown a baseball, that is what came to my mind.  I said to him, "you see this baseball, how one side of the leather goes this way and the other side of the leather go that way, they are sewn together to make this ball stronger.  You can be both spiritual and a Chrisian" I told him.  

I know this, because I am.  Truth is, to be a Christian, one must be spiritual.  "God is a spirit" - you can't believe if you don't believe in the unseen.  Now, I do know that I don't put my faith in a Condor or Eagle.  For the record, I don't know any tribal member who worships one.  They both culturally, represent a symbol of one's spirtuality.  Whenever I see an Eagle, I think of my dad and say "thank you dad for all the lessons you taught me, thank you Lord for allowing me to appreciate them and giving me another day to see this Eagle."

  

I can't stop thinking about the baseball.  I couldn't wait for Al to have a cup of coffee so he would be awake enough for me to share my dream with him.  I'm sure some mornings he would rather go back to bed than listen...ahahah.  When I think about it, this baseball concept with the 2 pieces of leather, placed opposite and joined together to make stronger could be applied to so many things in life.  Husband, wife; horse,rider; attorney, client; just to name a few.  However, today....election day...I want to you think about this:  democrat/republican.  Yes, both sides make a complete America!  And I'm more of a "3rd party" talkin' here.  No matter if one was here; came here, free, enslaved or endentured; you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or nothing to eat, America is stronger when we come together.  History proves it!  

I hate talking politics (and religion) thanks to my arguing, loud talkin' Scotch/Irish Kincaid family!  However, I though this dream came to me at a good time and I wanted to share.  Glean from it what you will.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.   

Motivational Monday - Anyway

 Good Motivational Monday.  Anyway?  What do I mean?  I know, I've posted similar themed thoughts on this before.  Truthfully, I do struggle with "this,"  I have my whole life.  I've made huge strides in the past few years in NOT feeling like this.  So, I've started this post, deleted most of it and started again. I think, sharing in a weakness, not only makes one face it, but writing this could help another.  

I had a huge middle section here, it went through some personal things about me.  It ended up being too personal...but, I did put my thoughts into words, read it, thought on it and deleted it.  So the abridged version would be what is left here. 

This word "anyway" came to me in a way that is more like this; would you do this "anyway?"  If you didn't have a camera to take a picture of it, a blog to "brag" about it, social media to post it to, family who appreciates it, a "thank you," recognition from peers - you see where I'm going with this?  In my PROGRESSION (word of the year) in working on me, this "anyway" keeps coming up.  

I come from a long line of strong women.  When I think of all the things these women accomplished not only in a day, but their lifetime, I am humbled to think, they did it "anyway."  No blog posts on how to can a tomato, no pefect picture at every step, no checking on likes, views, comments....they just canned, sink after sink full of tomatoes.  They did it "anyway" - maybe out of enjoyment or need to feed 1/2 dozen kids on a budget.  I wish I would have thanked each of them more!  Instead of just eating the tomatoes.

That annology, is exactly what this "anyway" is about.  I'm trying to find Motivation in my "anyways" without the "hey, thanks!"  Because, truthfully, I've been doing some difficult things and no one notices "anyway."  (see what I did there...teehee).  It had me down.  It really did, I have been working on me and some of the things I've tried the hardest not to do...no one even noticed.  But, guess what, I'm going to keep doing them "anyway."  I have to remind myself, that I don't need approval, recognition, likes, comments, views - from anyone other than (Jesus of course) myself.  Would you, Dicky Bird, do "this" "anyway?"   

I guess, it's right there that I find Motivation.  I would be a liar if I didn't say I don't like the likes, comments and views.  I would also be a liar if I didn't say that I don't compare mine to others.  I hate that I even check.  You all know, I want everyone to succeed and get the most out of their life experiences.  I really, really do!  This need to check on (whatever) is something, I've been working on.  I've written and posted all kinds of things "put your blinders on" "mind your own row" "I don't need my name in lights" - I'm a 7 (Enneagram Personality Test)  that's what 7's do.  

Well, this 7, is going to seek her contentment in doing things "anyway."  I love to share my thoughts, ideas, lifestyle on here.  I would do it "anyway" as a journal.  I do write this blog for myself, but I am tickled that you all decided to follow along.  I am always amazed when someone, I had no idea even read these, mention something I wrote about.  My numbers don't reflect, actual verbal "likes."  So thank you for that. 

So, today for Motivational Monday, think about the areas in your life, things that you do, would you do them "anyway?"  Maybe you already are and if so, good job!  I would appreciate some tips if you want to share.  

I have and would still do that, in the picture, "anyway."

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.    

Herb Crusted Tenderloin - S & R Angus

 

My friend, Renee and her children own S & R Angus.  When Justine and Anna were younger, they did their chores while they were away at cattle shows.   I can still hear my dad, "they are NOT walking a bull over to another building?!?"  "Dad, he is like a trained dog" (until the actual dog, bites at his legs - I did NOT mention that to my dad - he was a worrywart).  

Anyway, with it being just Al and I now, we have bought from her instead of raising our own.  We may still do a steer again, just not right now.  Anyway, have you seen the price of beef at the store?  WOW, buying a bundle or half is such an economical way to go.  Look for a reputable breeder near you.  

S & R Angus is a generational operation.  This is not your corn fed, feed lot variety!  Beef is their business, from calf to cut and wrap.  Plenty of pasture, rotational grazing, quality feed, vet checks, complete hands on herdsmanship of their product.  How can one put a price on that, yet they do.  Their product reflects the quality of their care.  It's easy to prepare an amazing meal when you start out with a quality cut!

I thought I would do a little post about this, as she is selling and some social media marketplaces won't allow "animal for sale" posts.  Yes, social media is being a stickler with stuff lately, as all of us know.  Anyway, I wanted to share my recipe for Herb Crusted Tenderloin.

Tip 1, take out your loin about 30-40 minutes so that it reaches room temperature.  The meat will be more receptive to the herbs and pan.  

The herbs I used to crust this loin were from my garden, rosemary and thyme.  I minced them and added it to some garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, however, you can use whatever herbs you like.  I also tie a string around the loin to hold it together during the process.  

Rub the herbs on the loin and brown in a pan.  I used olive oil.  Roll around till it forms a crust.

I like to put my loin or any meat actually on a bed of onions, pour the pan drippings in the roaster, bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes depending on how you like it.  

Tip 2, let the meat rest 5 -7 minutes before you cut it.  The juices will stay in the meat and not run out.  Cut the strings off. 

Don't forget the pan drippings, they are so good!  Drizzle that on, it'll look so pretty!  This was amazing, better than any fillet I've EVER had at a restraurant, not  because I made it, but because of the quality of meat!  

If you are close, click on the link to their website and place an order, you will taste the difference!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.