PEACH COBBLER

 PEACH COBBLER

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 C. butter
• 1 C all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 t. baking powder
• 1/4 t. salt
• 1 C. sugar---halved
• 1 C. milk
• 1 t. vanilla
• 4 C. peaches--peeled, pitted, and sliced 

INSTRUCTIONS:

   Melt the stick of butter in an 8" x 8" baking dish in the oven as you pre-heat it.  Heat the peaches over medium heat with half of the sugar until sugar is dissolved and peaches are warm. Wisk flour, baking powder, salt, half of the sugar, and the milk, and vanilla; pour over the melted butter in the baking dish.  DO NOT STIR.   Spoon the peaches over the mixture.  DO NOT STIR, but splash the butter from the edges back onto the peaches.  

Bake at 350 degrees until brown and bubbly, about 40 minutes.  Then, I like to dot with butter and sprinkle some sugar/cinnamon mixture over it and bake another 8 - 10 minutes.

GOING THROUGH THE HURRICANE

 

 GOING THROUGH THE HURRICANE  

 Dear Everyone,

     If you read this when the storm just was about to start my mom and my dad and my big 2 sisters left so me and my little sister and my sister that is 2 years older then me sadly is older then me but we went to our Oma's (grandmother's) house and then the storm hit.   luckily!  My Mom and Dad and sisters made it before it hit so we called them to see if they were fine and safe so then after we called them, we went to sleep and I woke up and the bathroom light was off so I got up and tryed to turn on the light and then I look around and the power was out and then my Mom and Dad and big sisters came back and we had no power for a weak and then our power came back on and I felt so happy i could cry like so bad.

the end.  

made by:  Tè-Ti

(9 years old)

REVIEW FOR YUMMY TUMMY CAKE SHOP

 REVIEW FOR YUMMY TUMMY CAKE SHOP

NEW CANEY

photo of store front

   I phoned Yummy Tummy this evening, Friday, to place an order for a cake four days from now.  The female who answered the phone would barely allow me to get a word in.  She began by telling me I ordered an 8 inch cake, which I wanted to order a 10 inch cake when I called.  Then she immediately wanted to get payment information.  I told her I was paying in full today.  As I was reading off my debit card numbers, she kept interrupting.  When we finally got all of that done, she asked for the three numbers on the back, which did not present a problem.  Then we finished up with the expiration date.  Then she asked for my phone number and said she would text me the receipt.  I gave her my phone number and told her I wanted to order the 10 inch cake, and could I speak to her supervisor.  She said no one was there but I could talk with the owner on Monday.  

   Looking at the receipt, I learned that I was charged extra  $2.38 for paying with the debit card.  Of course, I was not told this on the phone, nor given options to wait to pay in the store.

   This must be why I don't like doing business with this bakery.  It starts with rude people on the phone and ends up with over-priced products that really aren't as tasty as those from Randall's Grocery that used to be close by.  And did I mention that I said twice that this was for a birthday and this girl never asked the name of the birthday girl.

UPDATE:  I did not receive a call that the cake was ready, so I went to the store to pick it up.  There were three people working there when I arrived.  I told them I was there to pick up the cake, but they could not find an order for it.  They asked me if 1) I ordered it in person or by phone, 2) was I sure it was for today, 3) do I have a receipt for it.  I was made to appear that I was at fault that they did not have it ready.  

   So, since they did not bake it to order, they slid a cake that was in the showcase into a box and called it good.  I wanted a freshly baked cake but I got the last one they had in the flavor I ordered.  When I questioned about the age of the cake, I was informed that they receive fresh cakes daily.  I still don't know how old the cake was.  I would surely have walked out but this cake was for my granddaughter. 

photo of top of cake

   They even put WHITE strawberries on it!!!!!  At the price they put on these cakes, you would think that they would at least have used ripe strawberries, but I don't know how long they leave the cakes in the showcase. Maybe they were thinking the strawberries would ripen before the cake was sold?  Who knows?

   Know that I asked for the owner while I was there, and was told she rarely visits this store.  I took a print out of this blog post with me so I could give it to her in writing.  As far as I know, she is unaware of how the store is being run.

   That's my 2 cents worth.  Thanks for allowing me to vent.  You are welcome to leave a comment on your experience there if you would like.  We won't spam you.  Have a nice day.

ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATION FOR DOGS

 ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATION FOR DOGS

 Sileo Review

   I am favorably impressed with Sileo, an anti-anxiety medication for dogs.  I purchased this product before the New Year celebrations began.  Little did I know that I would use it a week or so before New Year, as we had a major thunderstorm come through.  It worked beautifully.  Where the dogs are usually panting and pacing with thunderstorms, after giving them this medication, they were calm.  It also worked when the fireworks began.  I will definitely keep some of this in stock at my house.  Sileo is so worth the investment.

   And do yourself a favor and make sure you have gloves on hand when ordering this.  That way, you can use it when it arrives.

   Let us know what you think by leaving a comment on this site.  Thank you.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

 SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE

• 1  (40 oz) can of cut sweet potatoes, well drained
• 2  eggs
• 1 1/2 C. brown sugar, divided
• 1  t. vanilla
• 1  t. salt
• 1/2 t. cinnamon
• 1/4 C. butter, melted
• 1/2 C. all purpose flour
• 1  C. chopped pecans
• 2  C. miniature marshmallows

1) Heat oven to 375° F.  Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish

2) In a large bowl, mash sweet potatoes.  Add eggs, milk, 3/4 C. brown sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon; mix well.  Spread evenly in baking dish.

3)  In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, flour, and remaining 3/4 C. brown sugar; stir in pecans.  Sprinkle evenly over sweet  potato mixture.  Top with miniature marshmallows. 

4) Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until topping is browned.  Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Disclaimer:  I have never baked this before but Mother loves this stuff, so I will try it to please her.

BARBACOA RECIPE

 BARBACOA RECIPE

1 T olive oil

3 1/2 lb. choice boneless chuck roast

1/2 cup beef broth

1 T. chili powder

1 t. salt

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. onion powder

1 t. ground cumin

1 t. paprika

1 t, black pepper

1 4oz. can of roasted chilis (optional)

1) Cut roast into several pieces, removing the big chunks of the fat.

2) Season roast lightly with salt and pepper.

3) In a large skillet, heat olive oil and to high and sear roast.

4) Place roast in slow cooker and use seasoning to season on all sides.  Add beef broth and chilis to slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.  I cooked on low for 8 hours.  It was very tender.

5) Once meat is tender, shred meat in slow cooker with fork and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle of cilantro.

Let us know if you make this dish and how you liked it.  We love to hear from you.

You can also follow us on our Holy Bible study blog, 'https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com Thank you.

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI RECIPE

 CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

1 lb. spaghetti*

2 lb. Velveeta cheese

2 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 10.5 oz. can of condensed cream soup*

1 lb. diced chicken, cooked

Cook your choice* of style of spaghetti (angel hair, thin, regular, etc.) per package directions.  Drain and set aside.

In a large microwave friendly bowl, dice Velveeta cheese.  Add the tomatoes and green chilies (may use mild, original, or hot according to taste).  Microwave until cheese is melted and smooth.  Stir in the soup* (your choice of flavor:  mushroom, chicken, broccoli, cheese, etc.) until mixed and microwave another 2 minutes.  Add the chicken and microwave another 2 minutes.  Pour cheese mixture over cooked spaghetti noodles and mix until all of the noodles are coated with cheese.  Enjoy.

CUJO

CUJO

   I am such a babbling mess.  Today at 4:20pm, Cujo will go home and receive his reward.  His reward for being the greatest friend known to man.  He was a loving dog.  He watched over and protected my Mother and all of the family for so long.  Everybody loved Cujo.  He will be sorely missed.  I will post more of a tribute when I can focus on that task.

   He came into our lives when Mother was 73 years old.  He was a constant companion to her, always at her side.  He took care of her through 2 major surgeries.

 He was a man of the world.  He traveled with her, between Texas and Louisiana.

 Fearless:  He would chase deer, big dogs, anything that tried to enter his domain.  He didn't back down. 

   He was tech savy.

 He was full of love.  He followed our grand babies around the house just wanting some love.  They loved him, too!

  He was the boss of the house.  He would tell me to take him outside or to feed him, or that he wanted some love.  He was even raising his sister, teaching her to go potty outside and to care for the grand babies.

  He had such personality!  Our lives were certainly enriched by this little dog.  We honored him with an actual biodegradable burial pod.

   RIP Cujo.

CHOCOLATE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST RECIPE

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST

1 1/2 C. chocolate Graham crackers 

6  T. butter or margarine (melted)

2  T. sugar

   Mix sugar and Graham crackers.  Pour butter over dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.  Pour into baking dish and press it down.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 8 - 10 minutes.  Cool before filling.

PICADILLO RECIPE

PICADILLO RECIPE
MEXICAN STYLE GROUND BEEF

modified recipe from holajalepeno.com

2 T. olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 large carrots, chopped

1 T. minced garlic

1 pound ground beef

1 T. taco seasoning

1 C. diced potatoes

3/4 C. beef broth

Heat oil, onions, and carrots together in large skillet over medium heat.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften.  Add garlic and cook another minute more.

Add beef and taco seasoning, breaking up the beef with the back of the spoon.  Cook until most of the beef is browned, about another 5 minutes.  Drain excess grease.

Add the potatoes and broth, cover and reduce heat to low.  Cook about 15 more minuets, until potatoes are tender.  Season further to taste.

Serve in warm tortilla with jalapenos, cheese, sliced scallions, and/or lime wedge; or over a bed of Spanish rice.

HOMEMADE TACO MIX

1 T. chili powder*

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. onion powder

1/4 t dried oregano

1/2 t paprika

1 1/2 t. ground cumin

1 t. salt

1/2 t ground black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together.  Store at room temperature in a sealed jar for up to 3 months.  

* may substitute chipolte chili powder

T.= tablespoon
t.-teaspoon
C.= cup

You are encouraged to visit us at our Holy Bible study blog:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com

WALMART GROCERY PICKUP REVIEW

WALMART GROCERY PICKUP REVIEW

   Let me start by saying I don't like using my debit or credit card for purchases.  I believe that paying cash for purchases helps minimize the risk of adding unnecessary items to my purchase.  However, I have to admit that using the grocery pickup saves me time (which is extremely valuable to me) and money.  Walmart pickup does require payment with plastic.  I believe the grocery pickup is a valuable tool in budgeting.  Don't take my word for it; try it yourself!  If you want to save $10.00 off your first order, leave us your email address before you place your order and we will help you with that (and won't publish your email address).

  Here is how it works:  you order your groceries online and select a time and day for you to pick them up. At the time and day you scheduled, just notify them you are outside (or on the way).  They will bring your groceries out to your vehicle and load them up for you.  How simple is that?!?

  Now, understand that I don't buy meats from Walmart, so I don't know if I would be happy with having them select meats for me.  I also don't use the pickup for a large amount of fresh fruit and vegetables.  I have not always been happy with their selection of celery and bananas, but I can't say they didn't bring the best that was available.

   If they don't have exactly what you order, you have an option to allow them to substitute other items, which you choose at the time you place the order.  If you are not happy with the substitution, you decline the item and are not charged for it.  If they upgrade the item, you don't pay extra for it.

   They also have a "favorites" button that you can click and review if there is something you might have left off your list but you really need.  This comes in handy if you are a little forgetful or if you get distracted while placing your order.

   You can use this method to control your spending when you have a limit on how much money can be spent on groceries.  You can also see on what you are spending your allotted amount of money.  This can result in behavior modification and a happier wallet.  For us older folks, when you see how much you are spending on the grand babies, you might consider showing your receipts to your children and allowing them to reimburse you for some of it.  Haha

   Leave us a comment if this post was helpful to you.  We are always happy to hear from you.

You are invited to visit us at our Holy Bible study group @ http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com

M & M COOKIE RECIPE

M & M COOKIE RECIPE

1 cup Butter, softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cup M & M plain candies, divided

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

Beat together butter and sugars in large bowl until light and fluffy.  Blend in eggs and vanilla.  Combine flour, salt and baking soda in small bowl.  Add to butter mixture;  mix well.  Stir in 1/2 cup of the candies

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Press additional candies into top of each cookie.

  

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

If you bake this recipe, please let us know in a comment how you liked it.

You are also invited to visit us at our Holy Bible study blog @  http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com.

FOUR LAYER PUDDING DELIGHT

FOUR LAYER PUDDING DELIGHT

pictured four layer chocolate delight

1 C all purpose flour
1 C chopped pecans
1/2 C butter
1 T. sugar

8oz cream cheese
1 C powdered sugar
3 C whipped topping

2 pkgs (3.9oz each) instant pudding mix (your choice of flavors)
3 C milk

3 C whipped topping

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a mixing bowl, combine flour, pecans, butter, and sugar with a pastry cutter.  Pat or press into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.  Bake for 13 minutes.  Cool completely before covering with next layer.

   In another mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, powdered sugar.  Add 3 cups whipped topping and beat until incorporated.  Spread evenly over crust.

   Beat the two pkgs of pudding mixes and milk with whisk for 2 minutes.  Pudding will be soft but will set in 5 minutes.  Spread evenly over cream cheese layer

   Spread the remaining 3 cups whipped topping on top of the pudding layer.  Chill for 2 hours, cut, and serve.

   Refrigerate any left overs.

Leave a comment if you make this dish and let us know how you like it.

You are invited to visit us on our Holy Bible study blog at   http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com .   See you there!

TEXAS SEAFOOD AND STEAK REVIEW

TEXAS SEAFOOD AND STEAK REVIEW
2555 N. MAIN ST

LIBERTY, TEXAS

   I took Mary, out for lunch in celebration of her birthday.  I was a few days early this year, but I expected to be busy on the actual day.  As usual, I let her pick the place.  This year, she chose to experience the new restaurant in Liberty, Texas, Texas Seafood and Steak.  It is located next to the donut shop across Main Street from the old Mas Amigo's Mexican Food Restaurant, which is now Hacienda San Lorenzo.

   We were greeted at the door and given our choice of a booth or a table.  There was a television above our table, which the waitress offered immediately to reduce the sound so we could visit without raising our voices.  She also took our drink orders upon seating us.  

   When she brought our drinks, we ordered the lunch special, which she said came with our choice of two sides. Mary ordered the chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and fried okra.  I ordered the fish and shrimp, mashed potatoes with white gravy, and fried okra. 

   This is where it gets frustrating.  When the waitress brought our food, my order was missing the potatoes and Mary's was missing the okra.  No tarter sauce or ketchup was brought with my order, so Mary waved the waitress down and asked for that.  I also let her know about the missing items from our order.

   As we are waiting for the tarter sauce and the ketchup, my mashed potatoes are brought.  I reminded the person who brought them that we are still missing Mary's okra (which I was sharing mine with her).  I finally decided to get up after about 10 minutes or so of waiting on the tarter and repeated requests for it to get it myself.  The waitress assured me she was bringing it, so I went back to my table.   

   By the time the waitress brought the tarter sauce, my food was barely warm.  I don't eat cold seafood.  Then the manager, Mariee, brought Mary's okra and told us that the waitress was new to the job and that the lunch special did not come with the two sides we ordered but that she brought them saying they were "on me", as if we were begging food or looking for a hand out.  

   We asked the manager if the lunch included bread and she said no.  After she left us, Mary said, "Well, I guess if you want bread with your meal, you will have to order a hamburger!"  (She is such a funny girl.)

   I have to say, the fried okra was the best I have eaten.  Mary also got a slice of the chocolate cake (because every birthday girl should have cake).  Mary said the cake was good, too.  She also liked the chicken fried steak but she did not go into detail.  

   I give the place 2 stars out of 5 for the okra....it was that good.  I have no plans to return to this restaurant.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Chocolate Frosting

1 C butter or margarine, softened

1 C powdered cocoa

5 1/2 C powdered sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2/3 C milk

   Cream butter.  Add cocoa, cream.  Beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time.  Add vanilla and half of the milk, Beat.  May use the other half of milk if frosting is not proper spreading consistency for you.

Yields about 4 cups frosting.














You are invited to visit our Holy Bible study blog at https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com.

BELL PEPPERS

BELL PEPPERS

   Bell peppers, also known as green peppers.  Are you aware that green peppers have different genders?  There are male peppers and female peppers.  How can you tell them apart?  The same way you tell people apart:  look at their bottom sides!  The female peppers have four bumps and the males have three.  Who knew?

   The female peppers are sweeter and are better for eating raw.  They also have more seeds.  The male peppers are better for cooking.  

   How many of us are going to be flipping those peppers over the next time we go shopping?  

PIE CRUST RECIPE FOR DOUBLE CRUST PIE

PIE CRUST RECIPE FOR DOUBLE CRUST PIE

• 2 C. all purpose flour
• 1 t. salt
• 1/8 C sugar
• 2/3 C. and 2 T. shortening
• 4 - 5 T cold water

   Combine flour, salt, and sugar.  Cut shortening into flour until it resembles corn meal

Add water and work until dry ingredients are moist.  Be careful not to overwork dough so it doesn't become tough when cooked.

   Form dough into two balls.  Roll out first ball of dough with rolling pin until it is slightly larger than the pie plate, place in the pie plate.  Fill with filling of choice.  Roll out second ball with rolling pin and place on top of filling.  Flute edges.  Cut a few slits into top crust to vent.  Cover edges with aluminum foil so they don't brown faster than the rest of the pie. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 - 50 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil for last 5 - 10 minutes. 

   You can use half of this recipe for recipes that call for baked pie shells or you can use it for pies with top and bottom crusts.  If you use it for recipes that call for baked pie shells, be sure to protect the edges with aluminum foil for the until 5 - 10 minutes.

   Makes one pie crust for double crust pie.

You are welcome to leave a comment with your thoughts.  We would love to hear from you.

You are also invited to visit us at our Holy Bible study blog@ https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com.

TRIBUTE TO HOWARD EARL WISER by SUSAN DUNHAM

TRIBUTE TO HOWARD EARL WISER

Howard Earl Wiser. He is my brother. The oldest of a family with 7 kids, he was the only son of an only son. So when he left this earth, he took with him his fathers name leaving no heirs to carry our name forward for the generations to know where they came from. Being the oldest and only son, there were many tough expectations put upon him at a very young age. I know if they were both here today, my Dad would say," I wish I had not been so tough on him" and "I wish I had hugged him more". But, although they were always so far apart in life, they are together in death. And I know in my heart that they stand hand in hand at the gates of heaven to meet all the family that follows them.

Howard was a loving brother who gave me 17 years of hugs and kisses. He was my "Binkie" when I was scared at night, as I was afraid of the dark. He would let me crawl into his bed and snuggle me in his arms till I fell asleep. He walked me to school, walked me home from school and when he went to work, I sat on the curb until he got off to walk me home. He ran me home after the movie "The Birds" let out and I was afraid the birds would eat our brains! He taught me to drive on the back roads of Liberty, Texas while sitting on his lap. And therefore it was imperative that I learn how to fix cars when they broke. He taught me how to make mud men so we could have mud men wars. He taught me how to plant and grow a garden. How to toast a marshmallow just right and shoot fireworks without getting burnt and He taught me how to shoot a squirrel out of a tree. He taught me to ride a bicycle and how to fall without breaking anything. Although he broke my sister Edith's foot while carrying her on his bicycle, I think it was her fault! He taught me how to aim a slingshot under the house while chasing dogs and giving your other sister a birthmark right between the eyes. He also taught me bravery with the ice pick wars in the dining room! What?! He was my coach when we were in training for the "front yard tree Olympics" and showed me the best way to climb a tree, after we named them (Jackie, Penny and Bow-Wow). He taught me how to love unconditionally and left a hole in my heart the size of Texas when he left us.

He joined The Marines at the age of 18 and spent 3 years in Viet Nam loosing many of his friends and fellow Marines to the horrors of war, only to loose his own trying to avoid a deer one night going home after work. I am totally convinced that he came from 2 tours in Viet Nam with PTSD! He was very skittish, worried, uneasy. I would have to open the bedroom door and throw a shoe at him to wake him up safely. He could not find a job that would match his personality . . . He was too proud to ask for help, and so turned to alcohol and cigarettes. He did marry, but had no kids of his own. Although in his 27 years on earth he never had the pleasure of finding his soul mate or true love, He will always be mine. And I looked for that feeling of love and security until I met my Bill. He had big shoes to fill, but has never let me down.
I Love You Brother and miss you Every day. ?#?alwaysinmyheart?
Happy Birthday Bubba . . . .

"YOU CAN'T TOUCH THIS"

FILING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AFTER DISABILITY

 FILING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AFTER DISABILITY

BORN BEFORE 1954

   This post is directed to Americans born before 1954 who have been receiving disability payments from the social security administration.  Understand when you read this that I am not a financial expert nor do I work in the financial field.  I have researched the subject and this is how I understand the new rules:

   When you reach the age of 66, your payments will automatically switch from disability payments to social security payments at the same amount you have been receiving; the name will change but the amount won't.  You have to contact the social security Administration if you want to change that.  

   If you have been married for 10 years and your spouse (or former spouse) has filed to receive his social security payments, you are entitled to file for what is referred to as spousal benefit.  This benefit WILL NOT affect the amount of money he receives from Social Security; this amount is paid IN ADDITION TO what they pay him.

   Let me clarify about the "former spouse":  If you were married at least 10 years then divorced and never remarried, you are entitled to the spousal benefit.

   And this is a quote from the Social Security Administration's own website:   

"If a spouse is eligible for a retirement benefit based on his or her own earnings, and if that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, then we pay the retirement benefit. Otherwise we pay the spousal benefit."

   A side note is that for those born AFTER 1954:  They will be deemed to be applying for their own benefits and their spousal benefits when they apply, and will receive the one which is larger.

You are always encouraged to leave a comment here and share your thoughts with us.

You are also invited to visit with us at our Holy Bible study blog, https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com.