Blackberry Buckle
I do remember eating Blueberry Buckle at our grammar school cafeteria, but I dont remember them ever having Blackberry anything. I wonder why. Back then, it was anything that was sweet which pleased us most of all. If I remember correctly though, wed have hamburgers...
In Memory of Baby (Persian Cat)
Beautiful Cat. I know you miss her, but sorrow will fade leaving you room to pack in more love with another kitty one day. It seems that there is always room for One More when you are ready. I am so sorry that she had to leave you. Thanks for sharing her with...
Corn Pudding
Using the Half and Half must add a lot of richness to the dish, so I know it has to be delicious. Itd be difficult to mess up good corn in my humble opinion. Its a staple food around here for sure. Great recipe. Thanks for sharing. MisMachado
Old Fashioned Peach Cake
I had the good fortune of living in Georgias Peach Country one summer just when peaches were at their height of glory, and we must have eaten them every way you can think of. One of our favorite ways was a similar peach cake that was served in an old-fashioned...
Summer Squash Casserole
We often mix yellow squash with zucchini and onions, then saute in bacon grease if you have it for a dish fit for the King. Ive never tried a casserole but if you and Pookarina say its good, then Im all for giving it a try. This is the best source of great...
Saving the Harvest
It must be very rewarding to see all the nice food youve canned lined up on shelves and in cabinets. My grandmother was a wonderful cook, and won many blue ribbons with her canned fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, preserves and pickles. My mother went to work...
Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Green Onions
These potatoes and the glazed meatloaf recipes are going to be my husbands favorites, I can tell you right now. The man loves meatloaf, but hes a real meat and potatoes type of guy. I think his mother made one of the best meatloaves Ive ever tasted, so I can...
Glazed Meat Loaf
Can I come to live with you? Ill bring my own bowl, spoon and bib. Your recipes sound like everything my grandma used to make, and I got to stay with her almost every summer. They were some of the best days of my life. She had a garden that she allowed me to...
Greenhouse at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (Ohio)
I love visiting greenhouses as they always make me feel like I can go home and grow almost anything. I enjoy the cool dampness, and the exotic blooms, and the fragrances all mixed up together. Thank you for sharing the beautiful picture. Do save it and make...
Pairing Herbs and Other Flavors with Vegetables
I like the idea of having the information in the same area as you keep the spices and herbs. Should have thought of it myself. Duh. Thank you Julia.
Newborn Calf
All baby animals have a sweetness about them that endears them to our own humanity. Ive raised horses which are some of the most amazing youths in the animal kingdom . Until youve watch colts playing in a pasture, youll never realize just how much like children...
Darling Miss Emma (Great Dane/Lab)
Heres a Thumbs Up for your Darling Miss Emma. She is such a sweet faced fur-baby. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Peach Cobbler
Peach is the magic word in this recipe. We love everything made using peaches, canned, fresh or frozen. Thanks for sharing this winner. MisMachado
Pork Chops in Onion and Beer Sauce
We use beer and wine a lot for tendering and enhancing the flavors of just about all grilled meats as well as stews, roasts and soups containing meats. Deglazing pots and pans with it really adds a lot to meat and vegetable flavors. Its also kinda nice for...
Lilly Lulu (Domestic Long Hair)
Love Lilly Lulus name and sweet face. She is beautiful. Im always happy to see a whole house full of pets and the love they bring to a home. Thank you for sharing her with us. Thumbs Up! MisMachado
Tucker (Aussie)
A very handsome fur child, and I love his markings. Im not familiar with Aussies, sorry to say, so I dont know if his lovely coat is typical or not. I can only say how much I like it. Its also wonderful to know that someone can want something, make an effort...
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Sounds like a luscious dessert. Im guessing you could use frozen berries once the season is over. Its worth a try as this is so simple. Thank you for sharing your recipe. MisMachado
Fry (Cat)
Our cats have all loved boxes and large paper bags. Theyll play for hours, then end up going to sleep in them when theyre worn out. Your golden tiger is a very handsome Buddy. Wishing you long happy years together, and many thanks for sharing him with us.
Dallas (Pomeranian)
Dallas is really an adorable little fur-baby, and I also believe in things happening as they should. You were supposed to have him all along, but it just took the gods a while to put everything together for it to happen. He sounds so sweet and just exactly...
My Little Bear Bear (Pomeranian)
Little Bear-Bear is a precious little friend. How wonderful that youve been able to share such a nice long part of your life with him. Eighteen years is a very long time for a Pom or any small dog. I wish you the best with him, and thank you for sharing his...
Socks (Maine Coon)
A very beautiful Tuxedo Kitty, and one of our favorites breeds. A Maine Coon has such a wonderful personality and disposition. She has a lovely luxurious coat and gorgeous eyes too. You have obviously taken very good care of her, and Im sure youre repaid with...
Dragonfly Card
Very nice idea for a card for any birthday or just a thinking of you everyday card. Write any message youd like to say inside to make it appropriate. Thank you for sharing. MisMachado
Attaching Wheels to a Dog Kennel?
Just be sure that however you make it, you use the ball wheels so that itll roll in any direction without a lot of trouble. I like the solution that Heather Diane suggested. A wooden platform with wheels attached to it, (and set the wire crate on it) would...
Caring For Newborn Kittens
I would never have thought of most of these things, and have never had to really care for newborn animals. You make it sound like something Id not be afraid to try though. I do know how sharp little claws can be though, and I love your solution for avoiding...
Panther (Cat)
This is a very beautiful photograph and worthy of enlarging and framing for a major location in your home. A very pretty little granddaughter and a very nice tuxedo kitty. A child and her pet are the best subjects for interesting photographs. Thank you for...
Simple Citrus Pie
This has to be the perfect summer dessert. My mouth is waiting for a first bite. Thank you for sharing your recipe. MisMachado
Peach Chili Sauce
Ill bet this would work with curry added to it as well. Its a wonderful sounding sauce to begin with. Thank you for sharing your recipe. MisMachado
Baby Cat (Russian Blue)
Baby Cat is so cute. Russian Blues are especially sweet and have such pretty fur coats. You are lucky to have found him. Hell be a great family pet. Thanks for sharing him with us. MisMachado
Individual BBQ Meatloaves
This is a great way to freeze individual portions. Never thought of doing it myself. Thanks for the idea and delicious sounding recipe. MisMachado
Use Baskets To Organize Freezer
All good ideas and ones I plan to put to use in our chest freezer. Its true that I can never find anything in there, and once its buried, it tends to remain that way. There is a large basket at the top that is built into the freezer, and it should have given...
Keeping Salt From Clumping
Several good ideas here. I like the one using salt in a jar to keep it from clumping, and someone else mentioned using a jar with holes in the lid for flour. I should have done that long ago as Im always needing just a little flour for thickening gravy. Being...
Make Your Own Cleaning Wipes
I make the cleaning wipes using diluted Clorox, but it takes about 1/2 cup or a little more to thoroughly wet the half roll of the brand of paper towels we use which I use as quick mop-ups for small spills on the kitchen floor. I cant believe how many times...
Getting Kids to Keep Their Rooms Clean
My husband and I have recently become foster parents for 2 small children (siblings) of a family member who is very ill. These children have been in daycare since they were only a few weeks old, and Im afraid the daycare was one of those that sits the children...
Freezing Mangoes?
Yes, you can freeze them very well. Just peel them, and remove the seed cutting around it to get all the fruit off, (I will then use a spoon to scrape any remaining fruit from around the seed), then puree the fruit and put it in Ziplock freezer bags. Flatten...
Buster (Cat)
What a great story. Buster is a very handsome cat. Thank you for sharing him. MisMachado
Duchess (German Shepherd)
Sweet story and a very pretty dog who looks like such a nice companion. I agree with the other feedback. You are both lucky to have one another. Animals can be our very best friends and usually are. Thanks for sharing your Duchess with us. MisMachado
Storing Straws In A Cookie Tin
This is a good idea. I never thought about using my old Saltine can for storing straws, but I can put it to good use now. Thanks for the tip. MisMachado
Salmon Patties
We have Salmon Patties about once a week or every 10 days. Its a staple product so I keep a couple of cans in the cabinet. There are some things that are just plain good, and good for you. I think Salmon is one of those foods. I was told that all canned salmon...
Lucky (Dog)
I love that cute look on his face. Its just like he posed for you. Hes a very nice looking dog and a lot of fun, I imagine. Thanks for sharing him. MisMachado
Thrifty Water Bottle Cozy
This is so simple that youd think everyone would have thought wed all be running around with socks on our water bottles. I never once thought of it. Keeper, you are a genius. Thank you so much for sharing a great solution to my rings on tables and soggy wet...
Hutch (Husky/Wolf Mix)
I think Hutch is just about the luckiest dog on the planet right now. Your story is wonderful and makes me wish I had done more for the animals Ive seen in bad situations. I may have helped a little, but you have made such a difference in the life of this dog...
Snowball Cake
This has to be a very pretty cake when all dressed up in snowy white coconut and red or green cherries. I dont have a trifle bowl, and I think Im going to hunt one now. It sounds like a delicious dessert. Thank you for sharing your recipe. MisMachado
Planning Senior Events?
As a class, you might think about selecting a nursing home for instance, and making tray favors that really are something useful. Ditty bags containing small items are nice if you have cash to spend, and you have the means to make the little bags. Spending...
Tomatoes Turning Black on the Bottom?
William, this sounds like blossom-end-rot and if it is, check with your local nursery (any of them including WalMart) and ask for Dolomite or some type of calcium for amending your soil. Better yet, take one of the worse tomatoes in with you, and ask what your...
Mother's Chicken Salad
I would love this salad with just the thin Triscuit crackers and a big glass of ice tea. Its been so hot and miserable that all I can think of is something cool and refreshing. I would cook the chicken in my crock pot just so I dont have to be around a stove...
Heavenly Tarts
I like this recipe and Im going to make them too. Somewhere in the back of my memory, there are little stick cookies that might be these. Thank you for sharing your recipe. MisMachado
Pip (Calico Cat)
She is beautiful. Such pretty colors and her coat looks as soft as silk. Im so glad you picked up that spitting little bit of fluff, and that you kept her. Pip is a lucky girl too. Thank you for sharing her with us. MisMachado
Barbecued Meatballs
Ummmmm. Sounds so good. Well try these Jodi. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs Up! MisMachado
Cream Cheese Crescent Squares
Sounds easy enough and really delicious. Well try them. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs Up! MisMachado
Bella (Calico Cat)
Bella is a very unusual coloring with all the grey on her. Very pretty too. With that little tongue hanging out, she is so cute. Wishing you a very long and happy life together. Thanks for sharing her with us. MisMachado
Patch (Miniature Jack Russell Terrier)
I can understand what you mean about finding one another at low spots in your lives. I once had a dog that was a rescue. He knew I saved him, and I hope he also knew he saved me from a very sad time in my life. We had 5 good years together before he died with...
Mom's Scalloped Potatoes
Julia, youve done it again. Every time you post one of your old family recipes, you make me break my diet. LOL Thats OK, Im enjoying every minute of it. Keep em coming. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs Up! MisMachado
Black and White Striped Cookies
These sound like a nice change from oatmeal-raisin cookies which my family all love. Thank you for the recipe. Thumbs Up. MisMachado
Making Healthy Dog Biscuits?
Dog Biscuits From an Amish store in Indiana. This is the basic recipe, and it will double or triple as you need it to. They keep longer in the freezer than it states in the recipe Ive found.. Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup cornmeal 1 Tbsp. canola...
Crocheted T-shirt Clutch Bag
Great idea. These would also make good coupon or pen and pencil wallets. My pens are forever at the very bottom of my purse. You call them poppers, and we call them snaps. :-) Thank you for sharing, MisMachado
Sausage Milk Gravy
This is something my mom always made for us when we were children. It stretched a little bit of meat into a meal for 6 people. We ate it often over rice or noodles as well as hot biscuits and sometimes cornbread. Sometimes we had the gravy with a can of tomatoes...
Ashley, Tay Tay, and Baby (Guinea Pigs)
Its always interesting to see what you come up with next Robin. Your collection of pets is so varied and they must keep you busy as well as entertained. Thank you for always sharing their stories and pictures with us. MisMachado
Texas Blue (Catahoula Leopard Dog)
Poor baby. Im so glad you found and were able to keep her. I dont know much about the breed, but she looks like a nice big dog now. Thanks for sharing her with us. MisMachado
Mike's Polynesian BBQ Sauce
Oh Yum! This sounds delicious. I will certainly try it on meat as well as vegetables. Thank you and thank Mike too. Thumbs Up Julia MisMachado
Chaze Cinco Reyes (Catahoula)
Its a strange thing, but when a person or animal has some defect it somehow becomes part of their personality, and is no longer even noticeable. Your puppy will soon be as perfect in your eyes as any others could be. You sound like the sort of person who is...
Miss Etta's Fourth of July Pickles
Ill be adding onions to mine, and if I slice them thin, the hot vinegar mix should just about cook them enough to soften them some. I love allspice. Thank you for the recipe and other advice. MisMachado
Herby's Angel Biscuits
Ill have mine with honey, please. Better make it 3 biscuits too. They sound so good Julia. Thank you for sharing this great-sounding recipe. MisMachado
My Frugal Life: Going Home Again
Well-written and the message carries quite a whallop. Thanks for sharing it. MisMachado
Make Your Own Trail Mix
I find your idea of having the various ingredients on hand and making individual portions of everyones favorites to be the best Ive ever heard. Ive had to throw out partial bags of different places simply because theres stuff in them that no one really likes...
In Memory of Sebastian (Cat)
It is so hard when we lose a pet that weve loved and cared for. I dont want to ever have another dog or cat that cant be indoors all the time, other than for a dogs daily necessary walks on a leash. I know they think they want to be free, but like children...
Cooking Stems of Broccoli and Hearts of Cabbage
I sure do agree about not wasting any part of our produce foods that we can render edible in some way. I never thought about using the stalks of broccoli or the hearts of cabbage in this way. Im going to have to try it as I do not like throwing out such a large...
My Frugal Life: Ask And You Shall Receive!
What a wonderful and gratifying opportunity to help those who need you. We wish you the best as you enrich your own life while helping these young people and giving others the chance to work with you. You are already blessed with a loving spirit. MisMachado
Keeping Milk Fresh
I really appreciate this tip as I have to shop for a week at the time most weeks. Ive had a whole gallon of milk go sour before we can use it, and if only Id known to put those containers in a bag so that light couldnt get to the milk. My kids just wont drink...
Seven Mile Sunset (Delray Beach, FL)
Ive not seen a sunset over water in Florida, but Ive seen some in Louisiana that looked very much like this one. They are almost too beautiful for words to describe. This photo you took is a keeper and one that Id love to paint. Thanks for sharing it. MisMachado
Thawing Frozen Bread
Hmmmmm. Im hoping that I can remember to do this. So often, Ive had to just cut off the bottoms of bread slices because they were soggy. What you say makes a lot of sense, and will end up saving me almost half a loaf of bread more times than I can count. Thank...
Crochet Hook Holder
Love it! Thank you for the really good instructions too. I gotta make one of these. :-) MisMachado
Scrapple
Ive seen scrapple in the cold section of supermarkets where bacon is found, however, I never knew just what it was. Your recipe sounds like something wed really like, so its at the top of my grocery list items. I cant wait to try it. Thank you for sharing the...
Breakfast Parfait
Thank you for sharing a recipe that I know for sure my kids will eat. Youll be getting my vote. MisMachado
Champ (Dachshund - Terrier Mix)
Champ is so cute, and I know hell make you feel a lot better for having adopted him to fill up the empty space left by your Jada. You know that Jada is smiling in approval. Thank you for sharing Champ. MisMachado
Miss Peaches (Miniature Peke-a-Poo)
When I was a little girl, my mom bought a toy white poodle for me He was just a ball of white fluff, and I named him Wolf. He was my almost constant companion for 12 years. He would stand at the door of our front porch and wait for me to get home from school...
Sasha (Beagle/Basset Hound/Dachshund Mix)
Even the people who breed dogs and sell them are not always aware that the dogs are living, breathing creatures with feelings. Leaving a young puppy out in the snow all winter is a real cruelty. Im so happy you took her and that she is now enjoying a much better...
Raising a Puppy?
Poor little baby doggie. He wasnt old enough to be taken away from his mother in the first place, and now with no one to cuddle up to, he is alone, lonely, and no doubt terribly frightened. He needs you to do a lot of cuddling him, petting him, stroking him...
Dark Mother Bread
I will try this recipe just because it sounds so good and healthy. I make homemade applesauce that is dark and rich with spices that will go very well with your bread. Thanks for sharing. MisMachado
Moist Zucchini Bread
I will be planting zucchini squash for the first time ever this year. Ive often seen other gardens and know theyre very prolific which is what Im going for this season. I intend to share with a couple of my neighbors who have lost jobs in the past year, and...
Glue for Envelopes
What a great tip. I love making my own cards and envelopes, but being able to add a glue that will dry and keep until ready to mail is going to be so nice. I cant wait to try this. Thanks for sharing. MisMachado
Hendrix and Layla (Chihuahuas)
I have a little chihuahua now that is almost identical to your Layla. Her name is Bambi, and she is the same color and has a little white tip on the end of her tail as well. They could be twins almost, except for the fact that I know Bambis mom and papa. My...
Bella (English Setter)
Ive never met a setter of any kind that didnt have a loving personality. They make great members of a family with or without children. Bella is a very beautiful English girl, and she looks so happy and contented. Thanks for sharing her with us. MisMachado
Nicky (Calico)
When I was a child and we all lived on a farm, my father would have several cats living in the barn always. They were all torties and female. He said they were the smartest cat found anywhere, and were the best mousers, which was very important. They had all...
Beach Visit
She really looks like shes having fun. I had a little red bucket and shovel just like hers when I was a little girl. I once found a starfish, and kept it in my bucket with water, but my mother wouldnt let me bring it home. She told me its mother wouldnt know...
Super Special Salmon Patties
I love fish, almost any kind, but especially, I like the canned fish as its so easy and so many ways of preparing a nutritious meal with it. Your Super Duper Salmon Patties sound delicious. I will often just open a can of Salmon or Tuna, drain it, and (I do...
Orange-Pecan-Raisin Cake
Julia, this sounds like another keeper for me. I was looking for something a little different from the old chocolate cake variations I use way too often. I dont know about anyone else, but I get a bit tired of chocolate. Im more than likely to be shot for a...
Scenery: Crocus In Snow (Oregon)
Crocuses look so fragile, but so brave, poking their sweet faces up through the snow. I love them, and when I see my first ones, I know that winter is not going to be forever. They inspire me to start getting ready for a new spring. Thank you Jess. Brrrrrrrrrr...
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Can comeone tell me where is the best place to get good vanilla beans? I bought a couple at a Whole Foods Store (which is supposed to be so great), and they were simply not good at all. They looked good, but didnt taste right at all. Now, Im afraid to even...
Brunswick Stew
Weve eaten Brunswick Stew several different places, and I dont think any of them had okra in it. We love okra, so Im so glad to see that you do add it to yours. The rice sounds like a good idea too as well as good old southern cornbread. Thanks for your recipe...
In Memory of Zoe (Golden Retriever)
I am so sorry that you lost Zoe. She was a beautiful fur-baby, and Im sure that shell live in your heart always. Its really heartbreaking to lose a pet youve loved for a long time, but I choose to believe that well be reunited with them too one day. I hope...
Pork Loin Hawaiian
This sounds wonderful Robin. Ive often used pineapple preserves to glaze fresh pork roast, but never peaches. This should be interesting. Between you and Julia, Im going to be as round as a barrel, but my husband is going to be the happiest man in the country...
Belle (Domestic Short Hair)
Have your husband feed Belle a few times when you know she is hungry so that Belle can bond with him too. She just doesnt know him yet. This is in case he wants to bond with her. Many times our animals fail to understand a mans louder and deeper voice unless...
Fruity Chicken Salad
This is going on my list for summer salads. It sounds so fresh and good. Im already planning how to garnish my plates with fresh strawberries and pineapple. Can you tell I am a real lover of fruits? You bet I am. Thank you for sharing your recipe. MisMachado
