Winter in the Country

Winter has come to Central Virginia; since it's the middle of February, I shouldn't complain. Of course, the operative word in that sentence is shouldn't. I don't mind rain and/or snow, but, I do NOT like being cold and right now, at approximately 4:00 PM, the thermometer outside my apartment reads 38°. brrrrr.. 

We had just enough snow yesterday for me to snap a picture, and then it went away. In its wake, we had whistling winds and cold temperatures. If you look closely, you can see the snow falling which was kind of pretty. The temperature registered 43° when I took this photo.
So, like any normal  Country woman, I stayed inside, made Beef Stew and cut out a few projects to sew.  I'll keep you posted on those as I get to the cushions that I'm recovering with a "Log Cabin" pattern.  I'm recycling some denim jeans for this project (thank you all who have provided me with your unwearable jeans).
Christmas was delightful for me again this year.  I  posted some new photos of Christmas gifts that I made.  One is the ornament that I made this year for my family and friends; it's a little ski-guy constructed from gum-ball tree pods from Maryland (in my daughter's yard) and acorns from Virginia (in a friend's yard).  The little skis are actually doll house roofing shingles split in half and the little guy wears a scarf of Home Spun cotton.
Next is a Cupcake Pincushion that I gifted to friends and family members who sew, and yes, I actually made one for myself. Some were "frosted" in chocolate and some are topped with pink "marshmallow frosting".
You'll find the little ornament on Cat's CHRISTMAS Country Style page and the Cupcake Pincushion on the CAT FUR to KITTEN BRITCHES page - all of the page "buttons" are at the top of this blog in the "green area".
Stay warm and have a great week. If you have a Valentine in your life, give him or her an extra hug and kiss and be kind as well (a box of chocolates wouldn't hurt, either).

© 2012 Cat Brennan

Country Organizing

 We're approaching another weekend in the Country.  Just in time, an organizing idea I've found useful. Interestingly, I've seen this idea pop up lately in several locations, including Martha Stewart's online tips.  This is a great way to save space and it keeps all of your spray-bottles handy.  I've been doing this since I moved into my apartment more than three years ago.  Since the "big gun gurus" of homemaking and organizing have published this tip as a "new" idea, I thought I should put in my (old idea) 2¢ worth.  You can see that I've labeled ALL of my spray bottles, even the commercial products, with a trusty permanent marker - I can locate at a glance which one I need. The other 4 spray bottles (my home-brew cleaning products) contain (from Left to Right) Vinegar/Water - in a 50/50 ratio for all-purpose light-duty kitchen cleaning, next LOC, an Amway bio-degradable product I've used for 40+ years, third, an Ammonia mixture for window care and lastly, a Three-part Mixture for treating stains on clothing (this works so much better than any of the commercial stain-treatment products). These are all within easy reach just off my kitchen area. Simply hang the bottles by their "triggers" slipped over your apparatus.

In my apartment, the utility room and all the closets are fitted with these white rack and shelving units that you see above.
Martha's tip included installing a spring-loaded "curtain rod" under your sink for these bottles.  The idea is to get the bottles with their "trigger-like handles" off the floor or shelf to make room for other items.

© 2012 Cat Brennan

Onions Make Country Folk Cry, too..

                                                                                           

I 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

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

Country New Year

     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

  

Christmas in the Country

We're on the downhill side of Christmas countdown and I hope you're ready.

Check out the new recipes I've just posted. One is a dessert recipe I promised; Pineapple Surprise Gelatin Dessert/Side dish - it has a surprise ingredient that will have all at the dining table trying to guess what it is.   My family has been making and serving this delicious treat for over 40 years!

Another recipe I promised is one to drink on those cold nights; party fare at it's finest during this beautiful holiday season - hope you enjoy my recipe for Tom & Jerry's.

Just click on Cat Food to find both!

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Country Christmas is Coming

     Where did 2011 go?  There are only 30 days left in this year.  I'm excited about Christmas as I'm sure you all know; such a wonderful holiday encompassing the Birth of our Savior and a season of fun, food, festivities, gifts and lots of other celebrations. 

My sewing machine has been running a lot! I enjoyed helping to celebrate three birthdays in November; now Christmas and six RED (adult) tutu's for a church program and many, many other sewing projects so I've been busy. 

     I'll be making at least two more tutu's for grand daughters; a red one and a purple one.  Have a lot more "on the books", but I'm not going to divulge those surprises just yet!

     Don't forget your "from scratch" recipes to share with all our readers. I've posted at least one new one for Pumpkin Pie Bars that is a real hit. My family refers to it as 'Punkin Heaven'!

     Tom and Jerry's? Pineapple Surprise Jello? I'll be posting these and others in the next few days, so please, stay tuned.  Be sure to try some of the other recipes I've posted.  Unless otherwise noted, they are all MY creations or reinventions and YES, I've tried them all ... some are old favorites and some are getting there. They're all on the Cat Food page.

     Speaking of staying tuned .. did you see the Lighting Celebration November 30th at Rockefeller Center (in person or on television)?  Neil Diamond and Tony Bennett! ! Oh my goodness. Of course some of the up and coming 'young pups' were also featured, but Neil Diamond!  I've always been a fan of his and you just can't not love Tony Bennett; he's older than dirt!

     Do you have any special holiday traditions, ornaments or anything else?  Want to share? 

     Have a wonderful Country life as the days wind down to Christmas.
© 2011 Cat Brennan    © 2011 Cats Country Place