Saturday errands: library, garden stand, and then a good lunch

I went to the library and renewed "Premonition" about a modern Jewish couple who accidentally time travels to Jerusalem in AD 57. So, they know what is going to happen ... to Stephen, to the Temple ... and wrestle with ethics of, should they tell? Also, the latest from No. 1 Detective Agency, "Tea Time for Traditionally Built." LOL, I'd get it for the title alone.

I am sauteing some fresh veggies from the farm stand and will have that for lunch along with cantaloupe. I plan to read this afternoon, and then later, study up on two curricula. One of them is my Good News Club lesson. We plan to start the Club this Monday. Good News Club is an after-school club in the schools where children (with parental permission) come weekly to learn bible stories. This semester's lesson is Genesis, the Creation. LOL, I get to teach creation in the public schools! The second curriculum is the Wednesday night church lesson for kids. We are doing Pioneer Club. This is a midweek club program to evangelize and disciple children and teens from 2 to 18. I have the 6 and 7 year olds this year. So I need to prepare for these two lessons especially since both are the kickoff lesson and there will be a lot going on, such as new kids coming, learning names, and establishing routines..

You know, I listened to a few minutes of Hannity last night. Not a lot, I can't take news by the time Friday night comes, too brash and grating on my ears, which by that time, is lonign for peace and quiet. But I did hear a few minutes and it was a good few minutes. Ann Coulter was talking about the Joe Wilson 'You lie!" outburst. (link is to video, skip to 6:00) She said that originally when the President spoke to both houses of Congress, there was NO reaction from the Congressmen when listening to the President. No applause, no standing ovations, no shouting or yelling praise OR condemnation. Zip. Nada. You sat there, you listened, you applauded politely at the conclusion, and then you left.

Her point was not to say specifically that yelling "you lie" is a good thing, but that if the Democrats are allowed emotional reactions that interrupt the president, such as lengthy applause and standing ovations, do they expect the Republicans therefore to sit there mutely? With no reactions of their own? "You shouldn't have an audience where only one side is allowed a response." Hmmm. I think that is a double standard.

So, my veggies are done and I am going to eat and read and then study. Sounds like a good day to me!

We're in a Depression now

Remember, a bare few weeks ago Bush was insisting we were not even in a recession. Now there is an explosion of articles questioning or declaring that we are not only in a Depression but that it will likely be worse than the first one. Also, the end times prophecies tell us that the times will be hard, and I'm talking HARD.

Worse than the Great Depression
Second Great Depression in Detroit
Was 2008 the beginning of another Great Depression?
The Subprime Crisis and the Great Depression – How Similar Are They?

So, it's time to alter usual behavior. Cut back. I suggest strongly that it is time to think about putting in a garden. I have been researching garden items for my area and herbs too. As soon as I catch up with my landlord I'll ask him if I can put one in. If not I'll do it at a friends' house who lives very close, who has already offered.

I am using the God-given sunshine here in this warm-weather state to dry my clothes. It's 70 degrees here today and the first sun we have had n a week and a half, not that I am complaining about the rain! No way. We're in a drought. But taking advantage of what is available and free is number one in a Depression. As Depression Cooking with Clara said in one of her early videos, "anything to save anything" She as talking about, when your food has reached a boil or to a certain point, turn off the stove and let it finish cooking in its own heat. Saves gas/electricity. Anything to save anything, remember! Caption: Laundry getting dry on a sunny day. notice the hay bales, lol.

I have stopped all unnecessary spending, and I have stopped all unnecessary driving.

I found this great list of 61 things to do with baking soda. I happened upon it because I like to keep my tub clean but don't like to use poisons. Not only for the environment but because my two kittens insist on playing in the tub and in drinking from the drain. I do not want them drinking poison. Baking soda and vinegar are great, natural cleaners and do many other things around a house. Finding inexpensive, readily available alternatives for poisonous cleaning agents is a good idea in any economy.

Uses for vinegar
61 uses for baking soda

So that is a beginning. Has your behavior changed to reflect the reality of the new economy? It has for many folks around here. An article in our local paper: "Economy has many Madison Countians reluctantly asking for government aid." How about you? What are you doing to save?

I loved my dinner last night

I loved it so much I had it again for breakfast.

I sauteed a fresh garden yellow squash, a garden green pepper, a garden tomato and a local vidalia onion. Meanwhile, on the other burner, I was boiling 3 c water, and in a mixing bowl, one cup cold water and 1 cup yellow cornmeal. When the water boiled, ass the cornmeal mixture. I like doing it that way because it cuts down on lumps as opposed to adding the cornmeal directly to the boiling water.

When cornmeal is set, mix with veggies. Eat! Top with cheese or tomato sauce, but I like it plain and unadulterated.

You could put the mix into a rectangular pan and let set in fridge overnight and then grill or fry squares of it. But this way it's healthier.

Hmm, I think I will make some more for lunch.