God has blessed our garden with bountiful harvest right from the start.  I couldn't believe the GINORMOUS cucumbers that have "sprung forth" from that tiny plant we set in the ground not too long ago.  WOW!  The cucumber on the left is a "normal" sized one my sister brought over. 

We have also been blessed with beautiful tomoatoes that are almost ready to be picked.........

( you, Mom!)

On Saturday, my sister, C., along with her children and Kiddo, went to a coupe of yard sales WITHOUT ME!    While they were out, she called me and said that Kiddo wanted me to go with them and that they would come and pick me up.  Awww, my young man wanted me to be them as they shopped for bargains.  I told C. to remind him that if I went, he would have to sit in the back in the middle between Boog and Nemo.  It didn't take him 1 second to come back with, "NEVERMIND!"  lol  He is such a card! 

Anyway, one of her great find, was a box of cooking magazines for $5.00.  When she got back to my house, she realized that the box was filled with almost nothing but Paula Deen and Rachel Ray magazines.  WAHOOO!   Can you believe that?  So, of course, the first thing we did was divide them up.  She let me borrow Paula Deen first because she knows how much Goose LOVES Rachel Ray and wanted her to sweat it out for a few days!  Isn't she cruel?  lol 

Well, when the girls got home yesterday, the first thing they did was pull out the magazines and start picking out recipes.  Goose came across this Cornbread Waffles with Spicy Chili recipe and I wasn't too happy with the way it looked, but I thought, hey, why not!  So, guess what we had for dinner?

You guessed it.......................CHILI!!

I am reposting this upon request!

"GOD IS GOOD!!!"
I just had to say that!! 

            

Have you ever had something on your mind and then out of nowhere, someone asks you about what it is you have been thinking about and there is NO WAY they could have known that?  THAT IS SOOOO COOL!  Well, Belinda over atluvs2bemom read my mind yesterday.  I kept thinking all day that I needed to make more laundry detergent before I ran out, but something would come up and I would forget.  Thank you, Belinda, for reminding me I need to make detergent! 

When we decided to homeschool, I knew I had to find ways to help us live a more frugal lifestyle, now that we were going back to one income.  Not only that, I just LOVE things that are home made, no matter what it is.  (unless they are dust bunnies)   My kids have always known that I have a very hard time spending money, but when I started making the detergent, they thought I had gone "CRAZY!"  We have been making and using this recipe for over 7 months now and I have only made 3 batches.  Each batch I make will fit in one of those Purex containers with the pour spout and cup.

So, here are the directions.......and with pictures too!    I am a "visual" person and need to see how things are done.  I have a hard time reading directions, so when we first made this, I had my husband read the directions and do it with me.  For some reason, I can read the same directions, book passage, scripture verse, etc., and get something out of it completely different than you.  So, the last time I made the detergent, I decided to take pictures in case someone wanted to make it.

So here you go, Belinda.........this is for you! 

There are 2 ways to make this detergent, liquid and powder, but they both use the same 3 basic indredients.  Also, if you can, whatever utensils you use to make the detergent, it is a good idea to label them and keep them separate so you won't cook with them.   I can't remember if I got my untensils at the thrift store or at a yard sale.   This detergent will not suds up very much, which also makes this great for front loading washers, but it is still cleaning your clothes.  The first time I used it, I put in my detergent and the clothes, but I forgot to close the lid.  When I went back and looked at the water it was dark.  I thought something had run because of the BORAX of the Washing Soda.  Looking more closely, I realized that nothing had run, it was the dirt from our clothes.    Y U C K !!!!  I know, I know.....stop talking and get on with the directions! 

The 3 basic ingredients you need for your detergent are:

1 cup of Grated bar soap  -  (Fels Naptha, Ivory, Coast, Irish Spring, basically any kind you like...scented or not)  you can add a little bit more soap if you want a stronger scent or you can add essential oils to scent it. 
(Now you know what to do with all those bars of hotel soap  )

1/2 cup BORAX - you can get this at Wal-Mart or almost any grocery store down the detergent aisle
I purchased mine at Wal-Mart for $2.97 for a 4 lb 12oz box.

1/2 cup Super Washing Soda (not to be confused with Baking Soda....they are NOT the same thing) You can find this at Martin's, Kroger's, and Farmer Food's here in VA.  You would need to call your local grocery store to see if they carry it.  I purchased mine at Martin's for $1.99 for a 3 lb 7oz box.

Other items you will need:

5 gallon bucket or container with a lid (if making the liquid or some other container for the powder)

Grater ( or you can use a food processor, but you need to grate the soap for both kinds)

Cooking Spray or something else to "lightly" grease your grater for easy clean-up later (trust me on this one from personal experience!

Pot - big enough to hold 1/2 gallon (this is needed to dissolve the ingredients)

Measuring cup - 1/2 cup size

Mixing spoon with a long handle - to stir your mixture in the bucket

Ok, we are going to make the powder first.

The first thing you need to do is to "lightly" spray your grater with cooking spray to make cleaning the grater easy later on. 

Now, grate your bar soap.  Grate the whole bar even though you only need 1 cup, as you can save the remaining soap for another batch.  Put soap into a bowl or container.

Measure out a 1/2 cup each of BORAX and Super Washing Soda.  Put them in the bowl/container with the grated soap.

Stir or shake your 3 ingredients together.

Now if you have a food processor, some have even used a coffee grinder, you can grind it up to make a finer powder.  I did that to mine.  The picture above is with the soap just grated, the pictures below, is what it looked like before and after I used my Ultimate Chopper.  I prefer to make a finer powder.

See the difference?  It is just a matter of preference.  Now all you need to do is store it in some kind of container.

How much powder do I use?  I use 1 tablespoon for a normal load and 2 tablespoons for a large or extra dirty load.

Onward to the liquid~

Follow the same directions for grating and measuring the soap (you do not need to put this in the food processor because you are going to dissolve it in water), BORAX, and Washing Soda only this time keep them separated.

Take your pot and put about 2 quarts of water in and put it over a medium flame till heated. 

(you don't have to be EXACT with this recipe.  As my mom would say, "It's not rocket science, Laura!"  ha ha  (LOVE AND MISS YOU, MOM!) 

While the weather was warm and we cooked outside, I would make my detergent on the grill using the left over coals.  This way I was not wasting the charcoal or using the electricity.

Ok, now we are going to add our ingredients ONE AT A TIIME, stirring and dissolving each one before adding the next one.  The mix will get thicker but to what degree all depends on the soap that you use.  

                    1 cup grated soap,

                    1/2 cup BORAX,

                     and 1/2 cup Washing Soda

Are you still with me?  It's pretty easy, huh?  It's okay, we are almost finished!!!

Alright, after those three ingredients are dissolved, turn off the heat and remove pot from burner.  Get your bucket/container and put again about 2 quarts of water in it. 

I like to use warm water for this part, only because I am ALWAYS FREEZING and if I get my hands in it, it's WARM! 

Next, pour your soap mixture into the bucket and stir. 

Now add about a gallon of warm water and stir again.

Coming to the home stretch..........................Now all you have to do is put a cover on it and let it sit overnight, however, I have used it right after making it because I waited to long to make more and I really NEEDED to do laundry.

The next day when you remove the lid, there are a few different ways it may look.  There is no WRONG way, as again, it all depends on the kind of soap you used.  I don't have a picture because mine looked the same as before.

• It may look just like it did before you put the lid on
• It may look like nothing but a big blob of gel
• It may have the look and consistency of egg drop soup

In any case, all you need to do, if it has gelled, is to stir/shake before use.

How much liquid do I use?  I use 1/2 cup per  normal load and up to a cup for large and extra dirty loads.

Well, there you have it in a nut shell.  Homemade laundry detergent.  I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do.

Should you have ANY questions, please feel free to message me. 

~COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU.....................
HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER~

Blessings~
Laura

Do I really need a DISCLAIMER? Should this say something different?  "As with any recipe, please take caution using any/all appliances.  Results may vary.  I do not assume any responsibility for your results."

Today is a special day in our family.  We are celebrating the birthday of our beautiful daughter, Bean.  At 2:05 this afternoon, she turned 20 years old.  OMGosh!!!   Is this possible?  Where has the time gone? 

How blessed we are that God has entrusted us with three amazing children to love and take care of.  It is our responsibility, as parents, to raise them to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, body, and soul.  We need to show our love to our children by living out our faith on a daily basis.  Thank you, Father, for this awesome privilege!

I wanted to show you some pictures of Bean growing up, but I couldn't figure out how to use the scanner, so I hope these will do.  

I went on the internet last year to find something to do with all the cucumbers we were blessed with, when I came upon this wonderful recipe for pickles you make in the freezer.  Yes, that's what I said................THE FREEZER!   As soon as I found this recipe, we just HAD to make it!

This recipe is super easy and produces a crisp, sweet pickle that goes well in salads, have on the side, or even use it on sandwhiches.  I have used it on my hamburgers and have even used it in my tuna salad and it is fantastic!  I wanted to post my source for this recipe, but when I went on-line to see if they had any other delicious recipes for cucumbers, I found out that they were no longer up and running. 

The secret to the crisp texture to these pickels, is the sugar.  So whatever you do, DO NOT reduce the amount of sugar.  This recipe works well with any kind of cucumber.

Ok, for this recipe you will need:
 

•  2 quarts cucumbers, peeled (optional) and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon salt (table salt, canning salt, or kosher salt can be used)
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar

In a large mixing bowl, mix cucumbers, onions, and salt.  Cover with plastic wrap and set on the counter for 2 hours.  Drain and put back into rinsed bowl.  In separate bowl, combine sugar and vinegar, stirring well.  Pour sugar mixture over cucumbers and toss gently.  Put cucumbers into freezer containers or zip-lock bags.  Freeze immediately.  Pickles are ready in 3-4 days. Just thaw and eat.  If you wish to freeze for a later date, these can be kept in the freezer for up to a year.

I have made this recipe where I have frozen the pickles, and also where I have made it and then put them in jars to be eaten whenever.  I prefer to eat them without being frozen, however they are delicious either way!

I pray that our Heavenly Father will bless all your gardens with an abundant harvest this season!

Blessings~
Laura

I was on Kelli's blog the other day and she had a picture of the most beautiful 4th of July dessert using Suger Cookie Cake and fresh, sweetened fruit.  Well, I just HAD to make!  Kelli had gotten the recipe from Amy, so off the her blog for the directions I went.

I made this on the 4th, using fozen mixed fruit I had gotten at Wal-Mart the day before.  I was really good, but I like using fresh fruit a lot better.  It really does make a difference in the flavor.

I hope you get a chance to make this dessert.............you won't be sorry! 

 

Blessings~
Laura

As most of you know, I have been having a lot of problems with my right shoulder due to falling down my front stairs on New Years' Eve when I went to walk my friends dog.  The Orthopaedic/Sports Medicine group I have been going to, has determined that I have  Adhesive Capsulitis.   Prior to this, I had never heard of what is commonly called, a Frozen Shoulder. 

I started aggressive physical therapy twice a week and that has helped.  I have gained a small bit of my ROM (range of motion) back and I am now able to put on my deodorant and do my hair by myself.  Now let me tell you, THAT IS A BIG DEAL!  I have not liked having to have Goose and Bean do my hair for me or Skippy putting on my deodorant.  SO NOT COOL! 

Today was my follow up appointment and Dr. S. was okay with my progress.  However, the pain has been very bad and I have not really been able to sleep good for awhile!  I have to sleep with my arm propped straight up with pillows or on the couch with the chair in a semi-reclining position to relieve the pain. 

 

During my visit, Dr. S. suggested a cortisone injection which would contain a fast-acting pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory.  I agreed hoping to find some relief since this has been going on since end of January/beginning of February.  Well, it was a good thing that I had NO IDEA what to expect.  Dr. S. had to give my not one but TWO injections.  I have a fairly high tolerance for pain, but I was NOT prepared for this.  Thank God, Skippy was there with me, which I think, is the ONLY REASON I did not scream.  However, the tears did roll down my cheeks.  I will tell you though, that as soon as the dr. removed the needle from my shoulder, I had NO pain and was able to move my arm more than I have in almost 6 months.   PTL!

Skippy said, "I'll bet you won't do that again, will you?"

My response was, "Even though it hurt so bad, and now knowing how I will feel AFTER it's over, I would!"

I have another follow-up appt in a month.  Please pray that my progress will continue and that I will have the strength and determination to keep up with my exercises and stretches.

Blessings~
Laura

____________________________________________

I did some research and found out some interesting things that I wanted to share with you.  My information was found on virtualmedicalcentre.Com and MedicineNet.com

Adhesive Capsulitis/Frozen Shoulder: What Is It?

Adhesive capsulitis is the currently accepted term for one of several disorders grouped under the umbrella heading "frozen shoulder." This group includes any combination of shoulder conditions that contribute to reduced range of motion (ROM) at the glenohumeral joint, including arthritis; bone spurs; bursitis; rotator-cuff tears; and impingement syndrome. These problems occasionally lead to secondary adhesive capsulitis, but require different types of intervention for complete resolution.

 

Adhesive Capsulitis/Frozen Shoulder typically has a long, slow, painful onset ("freezing"), followed by a period during which pain is reduced, but function is severely restricted ("frozen"), and finally, a period during which all pain subsides and function is fully or nearly fully restored ("thawing"). The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to well over a year.

Frozen Shoulder can afflict anyone at any age, but it is seen most frequently among women in their 40's - 60's. Some researchers suggest that it affects as much as 2 percent to 3 percent of the population at some point, and somewhere between 10 percent and 15 percent of those patients may have it bilaterally.

Etiology, Signs and Symptoms

Because the shoulder joint has less supporting connective tissue than most joints in the body, it has unparalleled mobility and a huge normal range of motion. Even the capsular ligament that links the humeral head to the glenoid fossa is looser than most joint capsules. This increases mobility, but it leaves the shoulder vulnerable to a number of injuries other joints typically don't face, because they're better protected.

Stage I: Freezing

When the process of adhesive capsulitis starts, the joint capsule begins to adhere to the humeral head. Sometimes, this process is secondary to another injury that limits shoulder use, but it also can occur without any discernable trauma or trigger. This time frame, during which the adhesions between the humerus and the capsular ligament progress and worsen, is the first of three stages, sometimes referred to as the "freezing" stage. The first stage of frozen shoulder can last for two to four months, and is acutely painful in both active and passive movements of the shoulder. Typically, range of motion is lost in medial rotation first, but may progress to all directions.

Stage II: Frozen

The second or "frozen" stage of adhesive capsulitis lasts anywhere from four months to a year. During this time, the joint capsule thickens and essentially glues itself to the humeral head - particularly the anterior portion. Although range of motion is severely limited during this time, much of the pain usually subsides.

Stage III: Thawing

Perhaps the most mysterious thing about adhesive capsulitis is that after many months of severely limited movement in the shoulder, and progressive formation of connective tissue adhesions between the joint capsule and humeral head, the condition begins to resolve spontaneously. The joint capsule becomes free, pain is eradicated and movement is restored. This process may take a long time; a year or more is not unusual. If completely untreated, it is likely that range of motion at the shoulder joint may not be fully re-established, but the percentage of lost function (again, this is usually in internal rotation) is often not significant enough to warrant further interference. The goal of many treatment options is to ensure that when the adhesions begin to melt, the fullest possible range of motion is recovered.

Contributing Factors

At this time, no single factor has been identified as a direct cause of adhesive capsulitis. Certain statistical relationships have been traced, however, that raise interesting questions. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing this problem than the general population. The same is true for people with chronic fatigue syndrome; people recovering from heart attacks or strokes; and people with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Adhesive capsulitis has been investigated as an autoimmune disorder; however, while some immune cell abnormalities occasionally have been observed, this does not seem to be a universal situation. If there is a single reliable causative factor for adhesive capsulitis, it has yet to be identified.

Diagnosis

Generally, adhesive capsulitis is diagnosed based on patient history and clinical tests. The end-feel of the joint is firm, but not as hard as joints with a bony end-feel. Its pattern of progression is predictable enough that it can be identified without a specific blood marker or diagnostic test. X-rays and MRIs may be conducted to rule out other possible scenarios (bone spurs, osteoarthritis, tumors, tuberculosis, etc.), but they are not diagnostic for frozen shoulder. Arthrograms (tests in which a contrast medium is injected into the joint space), give useful information; not only do they show where adhesions may have developed, they also reveal how much fluid the affected joint can accommodate. A healthy shoulder will accept 20-30 mL of dye for an arthrogram; a shoulder with adhesive capsulitis will only be able to take in 5-10mL.

Treatment

The results of various treatment options for adhesive capsulitis are not exactly cause for celebration. Studies of various interventions show that while they may be successful at restoring full, or nearly full, range of motion, they may not shorten the process. Indeed, overly aggressive physical therapy and exercise, while being painful, also increase inflammation and prolong the freezing or frozen stages. Interventions for adhesive capsulitis typically start with NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatories, then progress to home exercises, physical therapy and perhaps surgery. Cortisone injections

may be prescribed to limit inflammation, and allow for the possibility of manipulation under anesthesia to detach adhesive material. This treatment can improve range of motion if successful, but the possible complications are serious: fracture of the humerus; rupture of the joint capsule or subscapularis muscle; and neurovascular or cartilage injury. Surgery to mechanically separate adhesions also can improve ROM, but carries the risks associated with surgery, and significant postsurgical pain.

 

 

On Saturday, after our blueberry pickin' morning, we decided to stop off at the Historic Meem's Bottom Covered Bridge, in Mt. Jackson.  I just LOVE covered bridges, and any change I have to go to Meem's, I take it.

Here is some information about the bridge that I found on the Virginia is for Lover's website.

One of the best-known covered bridges is the 204-foot single-span Burr arch truss known as Meem's Bottom Covered Bridge in Mount Jackson. The Meem's Bottom Bridge was constructed in 1892-93 from materials cut and quarried nearby for the massive arch supports and stone abutments, which extended 10 feet below the riverbed. It was deeded to the Highway Department in the 1930's in return for assuming its maintenance.

This long span over the North Fork of the river carried traffic for more than 80 years before being burned by vandals on Halloween 1976. After salvaging the original timbers, the bridge was reconstructed and eventually undergirded with steel beams and concrete piers. The bridge was reopened to traffic in 1979 and is still in operation to date.

If you are ever in this area, this is a great place to stop.  With picnic benches and access to the river, you may not want to leave!

Blessings~
Laura