Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Time Team - America's Birthplace

I have enjoyed watching the 'Time Team' (a British TV series) ... they have an episode on Jamestown.

At one time in my genealogical search, I had found a line leading to Jamestown, but my son Nathan sat down at my computer to play a silly game and closed the link.  Oh well, maybe one day I'll rediscover the lead.  Our family does have colonial relatives from Virginia ... so it's not too far fetched.

If you like history shows, take a peek at this episode.


Sunday, August 05, 2018

Historical Docu-Drama

... set between 1785 through 1812 in the state of Maine, USA.  A Midwife's Tale, ..."this intimate history illuminates the medical practices, household economies, religious rivalries, and sexual mores of the New England frontier.'  Pulitzer Prize Winning Book available through Amazon (here) or, perhaps your local library.  

If you like early American history, read the book and/or watch the American Experience movie version available on DVD format from Netflix and full movie version on YouTube.

Blessings on your Sunday.

Mrs. Mac

Saturday, August 04, 2018

Fermented Pickles

My favorite fermented pickle recipe.  I use my own pickling spice blend, but follow the recipe.  Fresh grape leaves can be used instead of horseradish leaves with the same results.

Of late, the cucumbers are not too abundantly producing, so I read a tip to spray a light sugar water mixture around the flowers to help attract pollinators.  Will try as pollination seems to be a problem of late.

When I don't have sufficient cukes to ferment, I buy this yummy-licious brand from the market - available year round.  They also make a mean fermented sauerkraut!

Pickles, pickles, pickles!


"On a hot day in Virginia, I know nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up trout-like from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the stairs of Aunt Sally's cellar."
Thomas Jefferson


Wednesday, August 01, 2018

These Happy Golden Years ...

Retirement .. well, the hubby is retired, I'm a forever homemaker, honing my skills each day and learning new old ways to prepare nutritious meals with what is on hand, gardening, volunteering around the community, helping out nurturing our grandchildren when needed.

Retirement is not for the faint of heart.  It's also not sitting around from morning til night in a rocking chair.  We are always on the go whether at home or in the community.

Planning ahead for retirement can be done.  Retiring debt free is a blessing but takes many years of strategy, going without in the present to assure the means later on.

Many today are living for today and spending like there is no tomorrow.  We are not guaranteed our tomorrows, but it is best to plan for the future than to get there and be in a panic filled with worry.

How are you planning for life after career?

"There is actually no such thing as retirement .. you just put on a different hat and redirect yourself."
Mrs. Mac



Debt Free Living/Dave Ramsey