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Monthly Archives: May 2012

Strawberry Banana Trifle

Posted on May 31, 2012 by bigsmileu1

I just love Jennirific’s recipes. I had to repost this one, for sure! Enjoy! 🙂

 
 
 
 
Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Jennirific

Dessert is a favorite word in my vocabulary!  Cakes, cookies, tarts, pies, puddings; they all have a special place near and dear to me.  Baking is the first culinary adventure I embarked on, while standing on a chair in my mother’s kitchen stirring pudding to make pies.  After some time, I graduated to cookies and my hunger for knowledge kept me testing out more and more recipes for sweet treats.  Baking is common tradition shared in families, and mine is no different.  The most fabulous pound cake ever is made into lambs every Easter by my godmother and covered with a unique cream cheese like frosting.  She bakes, then freezes the cakes; which I think contributes to their dense, silky texture. The recipe is not mine to share, and even with it my results have never achieved lamb cake status.  Some recipes are all about the method.  I have included the Joy of Cooking pound cake recipe; which is very…

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25 Activities to Keep the Summertime Blues Away

Posted on May 30, 2012 by bigsmileu1

It is summer vacation, and the kids are home from school. Once the initial excitement wears off, what will you do to keep those Summertime Blues away?  Here are some ideas to keep the kids active and have some fun while you are doing it.

1. Plan a visit to your local museum.  It is air-conditioned and interesting.  Call ahead or check the museum’s website to see if there is a discounted day or “free” day to visit. This will help to keep costs low.

 2. Pack up a cooler with some sandwiches and drinks; grab an old sheet, blanket or beach towel; and head for your nearest park for a picnic.  The kids love eating outdoors, and they can also play at the park.

 3. Visit a local Zoo.  Many Zoos allow coolers and have outdoor picnic areas, so bring your own lunch and enjoy the animals.

 4. Take a walk in a nature center or a forest preserve near your house. 

 5. Plan a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt complete with a map and prizes.

 6. Have an old-fashioned water-balloon fight.

 7. Collect some rocks on your nature hike, picnic, or walk around town.  The rocks should be no larger than your palm.  Clean them up and spend an afternoon painting them.  Homemade “Pet Rocks”!

 8. Rainy Days are no problem.  Plan to have a “Rainy Day” Movie Festival.  Set up the Family Room or Living Room with chairs, make some popcorn, and watch your favorite movie together. The Library is a great resource for DVD’s and Video Cassettes.

 9. Backyard Camping can be a blast.  Set-up the tent in the back yard, and if you have a portable fire pit, cook up some Smores and tell stories around the campfire. 

 10. Service projects can be fun and can help teach kids to think beyond themselves.  Try picking up garbage on your street.  Plant some marigolds or other annuals in small clay pots and give them to the neighbors.

 11.  Have a game day.  It can be outdoor games like “hide and go seek” or indoor board games.

 12. Make hand puppets and put on a show.

 13.  Play in the sprinkler, go swimming or to the beach.

 14.   Set-up a time to visit with the local Fire Department or Police Department for a tour of the facilities.

 15.   Visit a Botanical Garden.  Check and see if there is an ongoing exhibit.

 16.  Spend the day at the local Library. They often have summer programs for children.

 17.  Make chocolate chip cookies together.

 18.  Take the kids fishing.

 19.  Have the kids help you wash the car. Get buckets, sponges, towels and clean away while having fun.

 20.  Go for a bike ride.

 21.   Volunteer to help at an animal shelter for the day.

 22.  Teach the kids how to play Croquet, badminton, or tennis.

 23.  Create a time capsule. Use a container with a lid. Place items in the container that represent summer. Maybe add a few pictures or post cards from your adventures. Close it all up and put it away to open next year.

 24.  Tie-dye items like T-shirts. Allow children to choose their own colors.

 25.  Use some sidewalk chalk and create a hopscotch board.  Have everyone play.

Useful Links:

Chicago Museums Free Days- www.chicagokids.com/free.html

Places for Kids New York- http://www.ny.com/kids/

How to play hopscotch- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopscotch

How to make a time capsule-YouTube Video–http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5eL81RXxXE

USA Zoo List by state- http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/zoos/

Volunteering Ideas for kids- http://parenting.kaboose.com/raising-children-who-care.html

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

 

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Nature at Its Best

Posted on May 29, 2012 by bigsmileu1

A beautiful video of nature’s pollinators in all their glory. A must see!  The work that must have gone into this video is astounding. I could not help but share.

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The Beautiful Blogger Award

Posted on May 28, 2012 by bigsmileu1

The Beautiful Blogger Award

The nominated recipients are asked to:

  • ·       Thank and Link-back to your nominator…
Grandmothermusings is blessed and grateful to be nominated for the Beautiful Blogger Award by Yellowlancer at Positive Word Magazine. She is one of the first blogs I started following just three months ago when I began my own blog.  Positive Word Magazine always posts fascinating photos and prompts to shake-up the creative juices.
  • ·       Nominate 7 (or more) other blogs that you enjoy to receive this award as well;
  • ·       Post a comment on each of your nominees blogs with a link to your page for the details;
  • ·       Paste the Award image somewhere on your blog, if so desired;
  • ·       In addition, continue blogging all your beautiful thoughts, suggestions, and musings. More readers are coming!
It is very difficult to choose seven nominees from all the wonderful blogs I follow. I have listed some of my newest follower’s blogs below, and I hope you enjoy looking at their blogs as much as I do:
  1.   I.        Word by Word Superbly written book reviews and quotes. Love it!
  2. II.        Knowthesphere Deep thoughts and his excellent writing style keep me going back.
  3. III.        Omnomalicious  Superb place for superb recipes.
  4. IV.        Mydearbakes Wonderful 3-D cake models.
  5. V.        Preservation in Pink  A site featuring great historic preservations pictured with interesting facts.
  6. VI.        MaggieMaeI justsaythis Poetry and stories that always fascinate the reader with their truth.
  7. VII.        Evoking the Deep  Love to read Scott’s stories.
Enjoy everyone! 🙂

 

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

 

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Do you know your Memorial Day history?

Posted on May 27, 2012 by bigsmileu1

It is Memorial Day Eve.  Sgt. York, a great movie about a World War I hero is playing on the TV.  During a commercial break, my grandson asks me what Memorial Day is and why we celebrate the day. This inspired me to do a little research concerning the history of Memorial Day, and how Americans came to celebrate it. I found out some interesting information that I shared with my grandson and I thought my reader’s would also be interested in reading the reasons why Memorial Day is observed.

Sgt. York (1941)

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was a day declared three years after the Civil War to honor the deceased soldier’s graves with flowers. “Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.”

“Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged:

“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

According to an article in Military.com, the crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.

Memorial Day was officially declared a Federal Holiday in 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.

 Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials.

Each year on Memorial Day, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.  Please take the time to remember a soldier.

Here are a few other places to read about Memorial Day happenings:

Memorial Day on Main Street– http://mommeetsblog.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/memorial-day-on-main-street/

War Produces Heros– http://gyatoday.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/war-produces-heros/

 Memorial Day 2012– http://airportsmadesimple.com/2012/05/27/memorial-day-2012/

 A Memorial Day Tribute to My Grandfather- http://backseatwriter.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/a-memorial-day-tribute-to-my-grandfather/

Works Cited

Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade . (2012, 5 27). Retrieved from Explore Chicago The City of Chicago’s Official Tourism Site: http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/memorial_day_parade.html

Hawks, H. (1941). Sgt. York. Retrieved 5 27, 2012, from http://www.sgtyork.org/Movie%20Stills/still6large.jpg

Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920 (from Duke University). (2012, May 27). Retrieved from American Memory: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?dukesm:58:./temp/~ammem_7vON::

Memorial Day. (2012, 5 27). Retrieved from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

Memorial Day in New York. (2012, 5 27). Retrieved from About. Com New York City Travel: http://gonyc.about.com/od/springinnewyorkcity/a/memorial_day.htm

Military Advantage. (2012, 5 27). The History of Memorial Day. Retrieved from Military.com: http://www.military.com/memorial-day

National Memorial Day Parade. (2012, 5 27). Retrieved from http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com/

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

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Grandmother’s Black Drawing Salve

Posted on May 26, 2012 by bigsmileu1

Drawing salve is an ointment that is used to treat a variety of minor skin inflammations. The ointment “draws out” problems such as pimples, boils, wood splinters, glass shards, and insect poison. For generations, this home remedy has been used to heal pimples, remove toxins from boils, bee stings and many other surface abrasions.

To make your own drawing salve, follow the recipe below.  This salve can be kept in a clean container with a lid for several days.

RECIPE:   

1 Tablespoon Triple Antibiotic Ointment (any brand)

1 Capsule of Activated Charcoal (any brand)

1 small plastic container with a lid

 

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Wash plastic container and lid with soapy water and rinse.  Dry completely with a paper towel.

2.  Measure out 1 Tablespoon of Triple Antibiotic Ointment and place in plastic container.

3.  Open Charcoal capsule carefully and add the charcoal into the plastic container.

4.  With a cotton swab or a clean toothpick, mix the Triple Antibiotic Ointment and the Charcoal together until the charcoal is completely incorporated into the Triple Antibiotic Ointment.

5.  To apply, use a clean cotton swab and dab on affected area.  Allow the salve to work on the area for a few hours.  A covering such as a Bandage can be placed over the area.

6.  Repeat as needed being sure to wash the area before reapplying the salve.

7.  If the affected area becomes worse or infected, please consult your doctor.

8.  This is homemade recipe. Use at your own discretion.

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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It’s A Punny Day

Posted on May 25, 2012 by bigsmileu1

Puns, a form of word play, are used to create humor and often require a large vocabulary to understand.  You will know a pun as soon as you hear it and get the meanings.  They usually make the listener groan…ugh.  Newscasters love to use puns as do comedians and writers.  Some famous people like William Shakespeare and George Carlin are known for their puns. Puns were also found in ancient Egypt, where they were heavily used in development of myths and interpretation of dreams.

Below are a few puns, some are mine and a few are from other “punsters”.  Feel free to share your favorite puns.

1.    I had a pool of thoughts concerning the recent economic downturn; however, they cannot hold water with the new statistics.             Jamie Nowinski

 2.  White collars are clean because blue collars do all the dirty work.       Jamie Nowinski

 3.  “No, ’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door, but ’tis enough, ’twill serve: ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.” Romeo and Juliet (Act iii, S.1)

 4.   I used to work in a blanket factory, but it folded.             www.DigitalDreamDoor.com

 5.  I made wine out of raisins so I wouldn’t have to wait for it to age. Stephen Wright

 6.  Energizer Bunny arrested – charged with battery.               www.DigitalDreamDoor.com

  7.  When you dream in color, it’s a pigment of your imagination.             www.DigitalDreamDoor.com

 8.  Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says Dam!’  www.DigitalDreamDoor.com

 9.  Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, ‘I’ve lost my electron.’ The other says ‘Are you sure?’ The first replies, ‘Yes, I’m positive.’  www.DigitalDreamDoor.com

 10.  And then there was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.  www.DigitalDreamDoor.com

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

 

 

 

 

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Posted on May 24, 2012 by bigsmileu1

A great recipe from one of my favorite cooks. I love the creaminess of the chili and the mixture of many kinds of beans.

Jennirific

Busy weeknights are a common place occurrence at the Jennirific house.  Sometimes dinner makes it into the crockpot in the morning and sometimes it just doesn’t.  I am sure we all have those days. 
This recipe is a go to for me because it turns out wonderfully no matter which method I am able to apply to it, crockpot or stove top.  Packed with veggies, protein, and fiber this meal will keep the family fueled through all their activities!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 fresh jalapeno chile peppers, seeded and chopped (you may increase amount to taste)
  • 2 medium chopped red, green, and/or yellow bell pepper
  • 2 15- to 15-1/2 ounce cans Great Northern, pinto, or cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 ounce can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups…

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THE OUTSIDERS by S. E. Hinton

Posted on May 23, 2012 by bigsmileu1

The OutsidersThe Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is amazing that S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders as a teenager in high school and had it published in her first year of college. The novel takes place in 1965 in Oklahoma and the action is between two teenage groups the Socs and the Greasers. The two groups are always clashing and fighting. The Socs are the rich kids who drive mustangs and the Greasers are the poor kids without much but their “tuff” look.

The book opens with the main character, Ponyboy, jumped by a group of Socs as he is leaving the movie house. Ponyboy is saved by his gang of Greasers that include his two older brothers. Darry takes care of his younger brothers after their parents die in a car crash and Sodapop, a high school dropout works at a garage.

The next evening Ponyboy and his best friend, Johnny, meet two Socs girls named Cherry Valance and Marcia. Ponyboy learns that Cherry and he have a lot in common. They meet up with the drunken boyfriends of Cherry and Marcia and the girls go home with them to avoid a fight. The problems escalate as the story continues until Ponyboy and Johnny are on the run because Johnny killed one of the Socs when they ambushed the boys in the park.

This story, though it takes place more than 40 years ago, is still a favorite with teenagers, today. The themes of bridging the gap between rich and poor, honor, courage, loyalty, and sorrow are timeless. The time and the look of the story may be antiquated; however, the themes presented in the novel still ring true. Teenagers can associate and feel compassion for the plight of the greasers.

The writing style is simplistic and easy to follow. Overall, the plot makes the story a good read no matter what age you are. Once you finish the book, you may wish to rent the movie. Many stars got their start in this movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Some faces you will recognize are Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, and Rob Lowe. This is a must read.

View all my reviews

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Defeat A Bad Attitude

Posted on May 22, 2012 by bigsmileu1

 

“The way to repair a bad attitude is to practice gratitude.”  When things seem to be going all wrong and anger is welling up in your gut, it may help if you try to find things that you are grateful for in your life. A bit of self-control may be necessary to focus on something other than your problems; however, the benefits will astound you.  It is difficult to be mad when you are thanking the universe for your blessings. 

According to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in 2002, “Optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50% compared with those who leaned more towards pessimism. “  Therefore, by being optimistic and grateful for your life and the people and things in it, you are giving yourself a better chance at a longer life. Consequently, your practice of gratitude will make that long life a much happier one.

What are some things to be grateful for?  You can start with the things most of us take for granted like food, water, and shelter.  Many people in the world are not as fortunate to have these simple necessities of life.  Be thankful for the car you drive, the light in your house, the washer and dryer. Show gratitude for the cashier that rang up your order at McDonald’s, the janitor who cleans your office, or the person who sorts your mail at the Post Office.  Look around you. There are thousands of things for you to be grateful for as they touch your everyday. 

Once you begin to experience gratitude practice it daily.  Suddenly, that bad attitude will be just a memory and your life will be a joyful place.  Does this sound too preachy? Try it and see if it works.  What do you have to lose but a bad attitude?

 
Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

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