Thank you...for being kind....

 I was watching what I call "crappy British TV" the other day (it's not crappy - that is just a funny phrase for me) - I can't even remember what show it was - I am on quarantine again and so have been working in the office and the sewing room and have it on in the background.  It helps keep me from hearing every wind noise outside (we have had a couple of Monster Storms recently) and the dogs from freaking out over every little earthquake (we have had about 6, 3.0+ earthquakes this past week also).

In the show, a small boy who had lost his friend to a fire was asked what he would say to her if he could tell her anything and he said "I would say that I am sad that she is gone and I would thank her for being kind".

Reed (6) and a Chickadee. 

"I would thank her for being kind"..... exactly.  I have been blessed by so many kindnesses on this journey we are on, by so many people.  Some even from people I didn't know.  I have made some new friends from this journey, and some old friends have left my life - on journeys of their own or just away from the awful "hard" that is sometimes us now.  Some have stayed and become better friends than before and slogged through it with us, sometimes dragging us along so we stay the course.  Sometimes helping us up out of the muck that tries to drag us under occasionally.  Gently and kindly showing us light. 

I Thank You for being Kind!

The kindness shown to my Reedo when it seemed that he was struggling to go on and we feared he might not finish high school, or life.  

The small kindness shown to me every day from some of Rye and Reeds friends; a story of Rye or Rye and Reed that comes late at night in messenger.  The good stories, of good things and good times.  The Giver story.  The 4 Wheeler jump video.  The "mat shot" video. The wedding toasts that remember Rye as part of the group even though now in spirit.  The original picture of happy guys that is one of my favorites, so that I would have the best quality picture. Which I have downloaded incorrectly here so this is not the best one!!! All Good as they say!

The text to ask how I am doing out of the blue when people know somehow that I am having a struggle.  Or sometimes even when I am not - just that little "ping" of kindness during the day (or night) that lets me know you are there.

The CD with a beautiful song of loss and hope sent with a beautiful note at Christmas time - one of the hardest times for a loss parent.Which I play throughout the year when  need to hear that I am not alone.

The kindness of people at the Garden of Reflection where we placed the plaque for Rye.  I am in awe of them every day that they can help families to do that "hard thing" with such kindness and gentle grace.  I thank you for being kind.

To those who came with me to do this "hard thing" knowing that there would probably be a melt down and ugly crying and the whole shebang (bonus for you - there wasn't)! Thank you for being there and being kind.

The kindness of the uncle who took so many wonderful pictures of both of the boys and was more than generous with his gift, his home, his time and his heart.  I thank you deeply!

Rye did not think it nearly as funny as I did - pretending to hold him under the hot tub!

I have been working hard lately to make sure I notice and recognize the signs, the messages, and the kindnesses all around us.  I am trying to "raise my vibe" so to speak so that I can honor the life that I have.  It is one of my "hard things".  I am doing a better job of it, but I have not been as mindful of the "thank you" part of the picture.

It took "not so crappy British TV" to make me recognize that I owe so many thank you's - all around the world and even to the Universe.  If you don't recognize your part in this post, please know that I thank you for your kindness - I just didn't have room to write them all here - it would take days to read a post that long!

I hope that you have many kindnesses in your life, and I hope that you are able to recognize them as the blessings that they are.

Blessed Be and Be Kind!

Google - What am I having for dinner?

I have been really struggling lately to come up with great recipes that everyone will like - or that won't leave so much leftovers that Hubby and I can't eat it all or even freeze it all when there are no kids on our horizon (Reedo being out of town, or staying at his own place and not raiding our fridge)!  There are rules to be followed about what and how things get cooked - not too much fish, no "slimy chicken" (meaning has to have crispy crust or skin), and not too much "soupy" items.  We aren't really picky - we just like what we like and we like good food!

I have also been trying to eat more veggies, and produce from our garden which has done really well this year - especially in the cabbage and squash and green bean categories!

Menu board in the baking zone of the kitchen - its a hot mess right now!  Processing apples, berries, beans and tons of cabbage!  Stay tuned for kraut making soon!

So on a whim and jokingly, I Googled the main ingredients I had on hand (pork ribs, cabbage, and squash) and said "What am I having for dinner?"

Here is what came up!

It really works!  I actually made the Country Pork Ribs and Cabbage and it was delicious!  We used the squash for a side dish.  Definitely a keeper and we even ate the leftovers!  It used up some of the bounty from the garden in a great way and was easy to prepare.  So far this week I have made two new recipes that I have found this way.  It's a little like a Chopped mystery basket except that you get to choose the ingredients!  It seems to work for just about any ingredient - there are an overwhelming amount of chicken recipes - and you can even find hot pepper recipes!  I also added "for two" at the end of part of them and that worked well for some smaller portion recipes.

By the way - Mucho Nacho Peppers are a Jalapeno varietal - they are mucho hotter though!  Tasty but hot!

I'm not always sure that "Dr. Google" knows what he is talking about when I am looking up symptoms, (we've all done it!) but I sure am liking "Chef Google" and his big ideas today!

Give it a try with some of the things from your garden, fridge or freezer (you can even Google leftovers that you have to re-purpose them)!

Enjoy the process, the produce and the pleasure of the new that you will add to your menu!

Be well and Blessed be!