Everyone it seems has an opinion on Coronavirus. Even defining panic is controversial. Is making sure you have adequate supplies to minimize spreading the germ prudent or panic?
When a snow storm is expected in the South milk and bread disappears from the grocery shelves. When a hurricane threatens, batteries, water, ice, bread, lunch meat, snack food, and for some, alcohol become must have commodities. I would call this preparation, not panic. Prudent preparation for hurricanes should begin weeks before the season begins!
So how does one prepare for a virus that may require a 14 day quarantine? Ideally I would plan to order online and pay for delivery, but what if services like InstaCart are overwhelmed? Then I began thinking about how our church could reach out to it’s members and community.
I sent an email to our church about setting up a delivery plan for online orders at grocery stores, Walmart, Target and even restaurants. (I haven’t heard back LOL). Today I made bone broth for the freezer to have on hand should one of us become ill. As I poured it into pint containers I wondered if I should make more to share should a neighbor fall ill.
Let’s think about ways to look out for each other. To borrow a phrase, “if you see something, do something.” I would appreciate ideas on how as individuals, organizations and churches we can help each other make it through this scary time.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
We are back in the mountains for a short stay. Our daughter was feeling the need for a vacation and we were more than happy to help. It has been a warm winter in Florida and I was ready for some “chill time.”
We arrived on Saturday to a less than optimal weather forecast. One day of sunshine, then four days of rain. Normally we need a rest day after the 6oo mile road trip, but we decided to take advantage of the day of sunshine to explore a nearby farm/resort, Julep Farms in Dillard, Georgia
“While driving up to Highlands, NC to look for investment properties, Lauren (a decorator, designer, & restauranteur) and Rick Weaver (techno-geek & former US Marine ) stumbled upon this enchanting pasture. Lauren & Rick decided to purchase the land and Julep Farms was born. They then started to create a farm with a nod to the regal elegance of the Kentucky Derby with a splash of sweet tea southern meets modern.“
The first time I noticed Julep Farm we were heading to Sky Valley, Georgia and I was impressed with the beauty of the land. I think the property was in the process of being constructed and I thought it was simply a private farm. On another drive to Sky Valley (to enjoy a beautiful waterfall) I glimpsed a sign as we drove past. Once we were home, I looked it up online and added it to my want to see list.
My husband wasn’t quite sure why we were going to a farm but he was happy to drive us. I was pleased to see a good number of cars in the parking area. A good sign.
Here is a side view of the main building.
A closer picture show the outdoor fireplace and casual seating.
It was hard to get a nice photo of the main building’s front.
Before going inside to explore the marketplace, restaurant and event center we walked around checking out the farm. The ponies were adorable but too busy munching to lift their heads for a picture. I had no idea that horse munching is loud!
When our daughter was in Ireland, she fell in love with sheep. We only saw these two.
These two beauties were in charge of the sheep.
The Marketplace sells farm fresh eggs. This is the nicest chicken house I have ever seen! Not a bad fire pit either for sipping cocoa or coffee as the sun goes down.
The egg room. The door leads to the roosting box room.
The farm also rents 4 cabins. Here is a picture of two.
Finally we went inside. The coffee bar, restaurant and Marketplace are decorated in crisp white. Our daughter said it felt very Chip and Joanna Gaines. We weren’t ready for lunch but I could picture myself meeting friends for lunch and enjoying the scenery through the big windows. I didn’t take a photo of the restaurant. I felt weird about taking pictures of strangers.
Event room
The merchandise was a nice blend of country and trendy. If one were in a buying mood, you would definitely find something to take home.
The Julep Farm is located at 500 Hwy 246 Dillard, GA30537. Their contact information is 706)-960-9600info@julep.farm. If you are planning a country getaway, check them out! There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area to keep one busy, including a nearby winery.
As we left Julep Farm, we decided to drive further south on highway 441 to revisit the Tallulah Gorge overlook. We haven’t been there in years.The Tallulah Point Overlook store is rustic and junky looking from the outside, but inside is like stepping back in time.
The store has an upstairs gorge viewing area.The swing beckons one to sit a spell.
And what roadside tourist attraction would be complete without a Sasquatch?
We enjoyed our day in the sunshine. Fortunately, I am a big fan of rainy days as well.
I love living in a small town but it does mean that sometimes when one needs to see a specialist, it involves a drive. This morning was one of those appointments. The trip was uneventful, no traffic snarls and we arrived 10 minutes early. So off to a good start.
For over a week I have been having some concern that my eye pressure might be elevated. I had placed a call to the nearest office of my cornea specialist and left a message. No one returned my call and that was unusual. My cornea specialist no longer has office hours in our town, but there are several offices between the location of my morning appointment and our route home. I tried calling two of them but the automatic system dropped my calls. We decided to drop in to the first office we came to and ask for a pressure check appointment. Over the past week I had been self diagnosing…it’s allergies, a sinus issue, or it’s Rosacea. It was time to stop being foolish and risking my vision.
They were kind and offered to work me in. I knew that meant a considerable wait, but I was thankful to be seen. And I was right, something was wrong. I left with a new regimen of eye drops and a follow up appointment.
We still had two errands left to take care of before we made it home. We were ready for lunch!
After supper we scooted in to Aldi to pick up a couple of items. It was a beautiful evening so we drove down to a small park on the Indian River. The eastern sky colors were beautiful. I got out of the car to snap some photos with my phone. I am so very thankful for the medical care that allows me to continue to enjoy God’s beautiful handiwork.
Across the river is Kennedy Space Center and the VAB
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
This morning I prepared scrambled eggs for our breakfast. I remembered that I had saved egg whites from the last batch of ice cream I made and never wanting to waste food, decided to add the whites to the eggs.
I took one bite, then another. Something wasn’t right!
I sniffed. It couldn’t be! Cautiously I asked my daughter, “do your eggs taste like pickles?”
“Yes, she said and I kind of like the taste. It gives the eggs some zing.”( I love this girl)
Being a wise man and fond of his food, my husband kept eating.
Thinking on how this happened, I remembered making ice cream and adding two egg whites to a half full, small round container in the fridge. I often used that size for egg whites.
I asked my daughter about that container. Turns out she was saving pickle juice and the official pickle jars were full.
She put some in the type of small round containers that I put egg whites in!
Mystery solved and the eggs weren’t bad!
Have you had a cooking oops? Share so I won’t feel that I am the only one.
Life has been a combination of hectic and slow this past two weeks. My husband’s breathing and energy levels have swung wildly, somedays hour by hour. I am accustomed to this but it does unsettle me.
On a positive note, Valentine’s day our blogger group met for our annual dinner and everyone was able to attend! We welcomed Janet’s husband to the group. I think he is a keeper. We had so much fun talking and catching up on everyone’s lives. To my delight I learned that Bill Lites will be taking a Fall journey into Canada and may possibly be in Victoria, BC, Canada when we will be there.
Louise Gibson our poet emeritus turned 91 years old on February 13 and she was not able to be with us but her two daughters were. At 91 Louise still has a lot to say and I am hopeful that she will share a poem or two in the future.
Melody, our photoblogger, has been sharing photos from a new wildlife park in Florida. Be sure to stop by on Tuesday. She has a wonderful video of two giraffes playing.
I have read that running a group blog can be challenging. The only challenge I have with this group is to live up to the standard they set in their commitment and faithfulness. I love and am blessed by each one.
Moving on to a different thought, technology can be annoying but at times it is a blessing . Our health bumps make it difficult some weeks to attend both services at church. This past Sunday I missed the sermon but I was able to watch it on Facebook. This is a quote from the sermon. If you have been around Seagulls you know that they are argumentative creatures.
Did you know that churches now have apps? Our church does not have one yet but I hope it will soon. With all of the anger in our culture I find myself seeking out encouraging words. I especially enjoy the apps of my friends and families churches. On a funny note, my cousin’s church uses Facebook live. I peek in on their broadcast to see if her and her mom are well and at church.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
I ended up a bit muddled this week and posted Judy’s blog a day early and reblogged Janet’s a day late. Numbers tend to confuse me-Onisha
February 14, 2020
“I’ll be honest with you,” a friend said as we waited for our food at our favorite restaurant. “I want true love. I want to cry out, “Help, I’m married to a man made of stone.” I wish just once, on Valentine’s Day, he would show a little romance.”
Way deep inside, many women want the same. They want to be cherished, desired and romanced. Some receive it, others cry out for it and some never taste it, not even on Valentine’s Day.
Then disappointment invites self-pity. And both become her companion at night. But all changes when wisdom comes. The wisdom to recognize that love, genuine and lasting, trumps romance every time.
Romance vs. Love
That’s because contrary to love, romance is simply this:
Romance is the expressive and pleasurable feeling from an emotional attraction towards another person associated with love. (Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance)
Who wants a simple, temporary pleasurable feeling? Maybe the woman at the well made this mistake during her journey. She looked for romance, but remained hungry for something more. She searched for true love, but found fake expressions instead. And as she desired a lifetime commitment, she found temporary satisfaction wrapped in discouragement.
Nothing has changed today. All the above are true. Similar to the woman at the well, we carry our own jar of insecurities, secret longings and romantic desires.
And as the woman at the well did, we need to put down that jar. When she did, Jesus, the lover of her soul, arrived. He spoke into her emptiness. He set her free. And with the living water He offered her, He quenched her thirst for security and misguided romance.
Jesus offers the same living water today.
He says, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13).
And with each trickle from that spring of water, we fill our cup with these five truths:
Romance is simply the vase that holds the roses of love.
The fake Hollywood kind of love is deceiving. Jesus’s love is genuine and never-ending.
Only Jesus can fill the emptiness.
Instead of looking for love in all the sad places, we embrace the joy only His love can bring.
We learn to rely on Jesus’ love, trust that its constant, abundant and unconditional.
Let’s Pray
Father help me discern between my desire for romance and my need for love. Create in me a hunger for You and a thirst for Your living water. And grant me the wisdom to recognize and receive them. In Jesus’ name.
What is your heart thirsty for?
Who loves you with an everlasting love?
Have you found true love yet?
Janet
______________________________________
Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.
Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.
Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.
Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
This week has been exciting. I love road trips and we have begun planning and plotting a long trip to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Technically it will be a forty-nine and one half anniversary if one wants to quibble.
We will be traveling from our home in North Carolina to Montana, then spend a week exploring the Canadian Rockies before moving west.
Above photos credit Pixabay
Since the first time I watched the movie O’Canada at EPCOT, I have longed to visit Victoria, British Columbia. We have made two trips to the Canadian Rockies but always ran out of time and money before we could get there. We won’t have a lot of time to spend there this trip, (I’m sure I could spends days there exploring all the small islands) but I am going to be joyful and thankful for the time we have!
Above photos credit Pixabay
Speaking of being joyful and thankful, I wouldn’t be able to see Victoria on this trip without the generosity of a precious friend sharing her vacation treasures, time share and hotel points. To make it even better she and our daughter will fly in to join us for part of the trip. We are so blessed.
I love camping. On our first trip to the Canadian Rockies with the family we tent camped. It was quite an adventure. Our second trip we transitioned to an RV. I felt nostalgic for the tent experience but my husband’s back simply wasn’t compatible with a bed on the floor of a tent.
As I began searching VRBO for places to stay, I came across a 22 foot 5th wheel trailer in a campground for rent. It is beautiful and has two bedrooms! I am already savoring a campfire.
To make this trip more delightful, the timeshare home in the Canadian Rockies is located in a campground! I get my camping fix and husband gets a comfortable bed. Win-Win.
I haven’t mapped our route west to Montana or the return but I will definitely be looking for camping opportunities! I am trying hard to not create a road trip snowball. As my husband gently reminded me, you have to draw a line, we can’t see everything!
If you have tips on places you recommend please share! I found that AAA TripTiks allow me to customize the suggested route by dragging the line. I look forward to dragging a lot!
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After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.–>
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
“I dread this year,” someone posted. “I don’t think I’ll stomach the political scene with all the accusations and insults.”
Not sure if you agree. But one thing for sure is that as we sail off into the sea of another year, no one can predict what awaits us. Will it be calm seas, rough waters, or sudden storms? By some standards, we’re already sailing in a rocky boat while huge waves toss our emotions and shake our sense of security.
The disciples also sensed that rough movement. Like us, unpleasant helplessness visits when facing uncertainty.
“Then he [Jesus] got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came on the lake, so that the waves ‘wept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, and “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’
He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm” (Matthew 8:23-26).
What’s wrong with those disciples?
They were physically close to Jesus. They could touch Him, see Him, and speak to Him. They knew His power and they witnessed His miracles. Wasn’t that enough? Not for them. They allowed their human emotions to rule.
And with fear at the top, they nudged Jesus awake. But here’s the surprise: Jesus didn’t express understanding, He offered no thoughts of comfort, nor did reassuring words slipped from His lips.
Instead, He challenged them, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Direct, wasn’t He?
How about you? If He were to ask you the same in the midst of your heartache, your storm and fear, how would you answer Him?
Here’s a challenge.
Will you pause a minute and do a self-check of the level of faith your heart registers?
Does it show in the red that faith is in the negative? Or does it show intermittent faith, one moment, praising God for the answer and the next, with muscles tense, asking God Why? or When? Or maybe, like many, you suffer from the misplaced-faith syndrome: faith to calm your storm—in your bank account, in doctors, in the economy, in your family, in your pastor or in your friends.
No matter how our faith registers on the charts, Jesus asks us the same question, Where is your faith and why are you afraid?
Here are five ways to anchor your faith no matter the storm:
My faith is big because I know God is bigger than my problems.
My faith says that when I see the impossible, He’s already working on the possible.
When I doubt, He understands and still plans to bring the answer.
When I’m afraid, I have faith in His protection.
When the answer doesn’t come, in faith, I will praise Him anyway.
Secure in Jesus’ power to bring stability, and knowing He’s our anchor, faith-filled emotions refresh our focus.
Then we can look beyond the storm, and we choose the same trust, the same commitment to lean On Him and the same faith in what we yet don’t see.
We can’t see tomorrow…
…or know just how rough the waters will get. That’s why when we open the container of uncertainty, we drink the water of worry that pours from all sides. Its pollutants destroy our peace and passion for life.
“But the fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd” (Hebrews 11:1-2 The Message).
When the boat of life is swaying, the choice we make also distinguishes us—do we cater to our emotions or bring honor to God. Because “…It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world” (Hebrews 11:5-8 The Message).
When nausea stirs in our belly because of the violent movement of our boat, we can take our thoughts captive, gaze at the color of hope in the horizon, and inhale a deep breath of faith. The scenery of our circumstances begins to change. Peace visits once again. And trust in God has a more defined meaning. The trust, certain and sure, that Jesus is indeed sailing with us inside our shaky boat.
Let’s Pray
Father, when fear erases my faith, show me to trust in You more, to rely on Your promise and to count on Your protection. In Jesus’ name.
How much faith are you holding on to as you face your storm today?
Janet
______________________________________
Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.
Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.
Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.
Comments: I welcome your thoughts; please consider leaving a comment. Just look for the word REPLY at the end of the post after the list of keywords
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Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
I’m stepping away from my lighter blog subjects today. For several months I have been praying for a solution to the United States homeless population. I don’t have that solution but then again, government agencies don’t have one either.
To narrow focus I see two types of homeless status: The unexpected loss of home due to financial straits and long term chronic homelessness.
To seek a national solution is unwieldy and impractical as each town, county or state have unique challenges, but also unique abilities.
To aid those who experienced an unexpected loss, I believe in the good hearts of the people in our communities. My heart’s desire is that my brothers and sisters of faith will join with their neighbors to focus on the needs and put together local networks to assist our most vulnerable neighbors. I know that my small community has such networks, it’s a matter of letting the individuals know what is available.
The long term or chronic homeless is more challenging. It has been stated that a significant number of these people suffer from mental health issues.
Thinking along this line, could we not consider treatment programs as we do for alcohol and drug addiction?
I recently read a news article about a tiny house village being built for our homeless vets. It will include a clubhouse which can be utilized to plug the homeowners into agencies to assist them if they have needs.
After going through counseling and treatment for underlying health issues could not such a community be a step forward in assimilating the homeless back into a healthier lifestyle?
We are a generous country and the good Lord knows we have an abundance of charitable foundations. Community/ foundation partnerships could fund these efforts and avoid the bureaucracy and inefficiency of government programs.
As an example, this is from the Nine-Line Foundation. They assist Vets to start over. We can do this for those who are not vets too.
“Nine Line Foundation is pleased to announce a partnership with the Golden Isles Veterans’ Village Initiative to build another Veterans Village, this one in Brunswick, Georgia. The members of the Golden Isles Veterans Village initiative include
Cornell L Harvey, Chief Master Sergeant (CMS) USAF (Retired)
Nine Line Foundation
Rotary International District 6920, comprised of the Rotary Clubs of Brunswick, the Rotary Club of Jekyll Island, the Rotary Club of St. Simons’ Island and the Rotary Club of the Golden Isles
The SSG Dustin M. Wright Foundation
The initial vision to build a Veterans’ Village in Brunswick came from CMS Cornell L. Harvey, the owner of the property which is being donated for the project. Having benefitted from seeing the spirit of cooperation and community support that Nine Line Foundation generated in their Savannah project, CMS Harvey recognized that by partnering with other similarly minded organizations, the project would become a reality that much sooner.”
I believe that seldom does one person become burdened with a need. I’ve shared my thoughts, what are yours?
As I finished this post last night I learned that a young wife and mother of 3 in our community suffered a brain aneurysm and will be taken off life support Thursday. Her parents are flying from Chile. Would you remember this family in your prayers?
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
A frequent interview question in the Indie writing world is “are you a plotter or a pantser?” Meaning do you carefully plot out your story or write by the seat of your pants.
For my entire marriage my meal planning has been pantser style. I would buy whichever meats were on sale and wait for inspiration. My whole way of meal planning changed in May of 2018 when we took the plunge to begin the Keto way of eating.
As I began reading recipes and creating mental meal combinations I quickly found that my pantser ways would not work.I did begin making shopping lists but they were pretty general.
This continued until this past Christmas when I faced the challenge of creating Christmas Eve treats for our family tradition. We have an early supper, attend Christmas Eve services then drive around enjoying the Christmas light displays. After which we return home and enjoy a spread of cheeses, crackers, and chocolate baked goods.
As I made plans for the treats I realized my pantser self was in way over my head.
I decided it was time to change my ways. Using the List app on my phone, I made a list of the foods I planned to make, then I notated the cookbook and page number. I get so frustrated not being able to remember where I found a recipe. Underneath that list I created a shopping list and used the checkmark feature as I put items in my shopping cart.
This was life changing! Now I make a weekly menu of at least 4 meals plus any desserts I would like to make. Usually I have enough leftovers for two suppers and we treat ourselves to take out once per week. Under each meal I create a sublist with items to buy and where to shop for them if they on sale or aren’t available at Aldi.
The list below I neglected to add the source and page number of the recipe . Big mistake.
shopping list
SPAGHETTI AND MEAT BALLS
Tomatoes. HAVE ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS
CHILE’S RELLENO BAKE
2 OUNCE OF COTIJA CHEESE Walmart
ENCHILADA SAUCE
8 OZ MONTEREY CHEESE
28 OZ OF GREEN CHILIES walnart
8 0Z CHEDDAR CHEESE
4 CUPS OF CHICKEN (BUY WHOLE)
TACO SOUP-TUESDAY
1 CUP ZUCCHINI Walmart
I JALAPENO PEPPER Walmart
2 LBS GROUND BEEF
8 0Z TOMATO SAUCE
BEEF BROTH- 2 CUPS
QUICK CHICKEN CHOWDER
1 /2 CUP CHOPPED COOKED BACON (BUY LARGE BAG AT WALMART OR SAMS
1 ½ POUNDS CHOPPED COOKED CHICKEN ( CHECK OUT THE CUBED CHICKEN
2 CUPS CHOPPED CAULIFLOWER STEMS AND FLORETS
PHILLY CHICKEN CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
12 SLICES PROVOLONE CHEESE
8 0Z MUSHROOMS Publix
8 OZ CHEDDAR CHEESE
2 BELL PEPPERS Walmart
ITALIAN SEASONING
How about you, do you create weekly meal plans?
Since beginning the Keto lifestyle my husband has lost 65 pounds and has seen improvement in his inflammatory issues. I have lost a mere 25 pounds but am no longer close to being pre-diabetic, inflammation is greatly improved and energy level 100% improved. There are many version of Keto floating around. We strive to eat whole food with minimal processing and additives. I read a LOT of labels! I get most of my meal ideas from Diet Doctor dot com and Kristie Sullivan’s cookbooks.
iAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books .
My 2020 goal is to continue using my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
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After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
Old Things R New 
