Thursday, January 26, 2012

Onions Make Country Folk Cry, too..

                                                                                           
onion 4I searched the 'net regarding the following question, and this is what I found (About.com.Chemistry):
Question: Why Do Onions Make You Cry?
Answer: Unless you've avoided cooking, you've probably cut up an onion and experienced the burning and tearing you get from the vapors. When you cut an onion, you break cells, releasing their contents. Amino acid sulfoxides form sulfenic acids. Enzymes that were kept separate now are free to mix with the sulfenic acids to produce propanethiol S-oxide, a volatile sulfur compound that wafts upward toward your eyes. This gas reacts with the water in your tears to form sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid burns, stimulating your eyes to release more tears to wash the irritant away. . . read more by clicking here.
Grandson, Jerrod, recently discovered this discomfort, simply from being nearby when his mom was chopping onions.
Onions are still delicious and add so much flavor to otherwise, often, bland dishes. I frequently caramelize my onions before adding to many cooked dishes. 
Ya'll have a wonderful Country weekend whether you live in the country, or just wish you did.
© 2012 Cat Brennan

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Country Discounts for Senior Country Folks

Dear Country Shoppers,


Do you like to "save a buck" when you can?   OK, I know there are some of you who don't want to admit to being old enough to get a senior citizen discount, but personally, I like my bank account more than I like my pride.  Some of these discounts start as early as age 55, and these days, that's not "old".


Kroger, the largest food chain in America, offer discounts of up to 10%; the day is decided on a local basis.  Here in central Virginia, our Kroger Stores off a 5% discount every Tuesday to youngsters over the age of 55.  
Ross: Dress for Less gives a 10% discount to this same age group, also on Tuesdays. 
Senior Day at Hancock Fabric is the first and third Wednesday of each month and they offer a 15% discount to those who are 55+.

Your "Kroger" might be King Sooper's in Denver, or Smith's in Albuquerque - Kroger has many different store names; as they purchased "local" food chains, they had the good sense NOT to change the store name.


There are so many discounts "out there" - you just need to know where to look, and I looked!  Rather than 'reinventing the wheel', I'll pass along this web site where you'll find over 120 stores, restaurants, motels and a variety of other services.  Just click here for that list.


Happy saving for all my country friends whether you live in the country or simply wish you did.

© 2012 Cat Brennan

Monday, January 2, 2012

Country New Year


new year streamers
     How was YOUR Christmas?  Was Santa good to you?  Mine was a delight with so many wonderful gifts and time with part of my family.
     The Christmas Eve Church Service was delightful.  Two of  my grand daughters sang with the choir - can you say PROUD GRAMMA? 
     The east coast family had Christmas Eve gifts and goodies at married grand daughter's home; what a wonderful time and her home was delightfully decked out in wonderful holiday fashion. She served some cute little 'penguins' and her Parmesan Canapes were to die for as well as pretty.  She used the lovely white napkins her Aunt June machine-embroidered for her wedding and the presentation of those was really nice.  I've posted pictures of these on the page Cats and Cat's Kittens.   
     I will be sharing some of the gifts I made, as well as the annual ornaments I produced this year.
     One of the things I would like to try out this coming year are some craft and/or sewing tutorials.  There are zillions 'out there' on the Internet, so I thought I would add my 2¢ worth!  Any input out there?
     Here's a neat idea from Martha Stewart that is both practical and functional. To check out her web page, just click here.
     I'm praying that the New Year will bring you what you want and all you need. Plus, I wish you that Perfect Peace that passes ALL understanding, Wisdom and Joy. Until next time, Happy New Year, whether you live in the Country, or just wish you did!

© 2012 Cat Brennan  © 2012 Cat's Country Place