Making do

So we had oodles of leftover hot dogs from the family reunion on Sunday. I'm trying to get creative with ways to use them. I hauled out my old fashioned grinder and in just a few short minutes had two bowls of ground meat- one bowl will become tonight's supper of sloppy dogs (make like sloppy joes but with hot dogs instead of hamburger) and the other will become sandwich spread - like ham salad.

My grinder sits on a shelf in the pantry, all assembled and ready to pull out at moment's notice. It took me less than 5 minutes to put it on the chair (one we keep only because it will accommodate the grinder clamp), and grind the hot dogs. It will be easier to clean than my food processor, used no electricity and always gives me tons of satisfaction to be using the same kitchen "appliances" that my grandmother and mother used. Plus we like the texture of the grinder, far better than we like the food processor.

The light of my life

Well 2 of them at least :) And the only good reason to get out of bed before 6 AM. These 2 are such a joy. Aubrey had me laughing for most of the morning, and Elli is becoming quite the little princess.

Aubrey spied her birthday present under the tree, while we were out at the swing set, so of course we had to try it out. She loved it! So did Elli :D

I forgot how much I love poetry.

My grandmother used to recite poetry to us as we'd do chores, before naps, etc. She'd recite short poems sometimes, but mostly she'd recite the long "story" poems. One of the first poems I can remember reciting was "Hiawatha's Childhood" by Longfellow.

I recited poetry to my kids as well. Doug was pretty much the only one who "liked" it though. His favorite was always "The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt. It's the sort of poem that a preteen boy would like, but I remember when he was in Jr. High and finally "GOT" what the poem was really trying to say.

Deana wrote her own poetry for a long time and had a few published in various magazines, etc. She had a boyfriend that stole one of her poems for a class project and ended up with it being published under his name. She was really hurt by that, and I'm not sure she has written any since.

Do you like poetry? Do you have a favorite poem or poet?

Continuing with the theme of little things

Drinking my juice (yes that's mixed berry juice in the glass) from a wine glass today. I buy odd wine glasses/goblets at yard sales to give as bridal shower "apology goblets". Decided to dust this one off and use it today.

Been reading poetry and listening to worship music online. Trying to refill my spiritual empty feelings.

It's the little things

I found this little plate/saucer at a yard sale for a nickle. I bought it for my usual food gifting occasions (someone who is sick, had a baby, just needs a good thought). However, this morning I decided "I" was the one who needed a little pick-me-up, so I made my morning toast and served it to myself on this.

Silly? Yes, but I felt indulgent and I loved looking at the pretty flowers. It made my simple breakfast seem special, and it took no extra effort on my part this morning.

What about you? What little things do you do that makes something simple seem extra special or indulgent?