Good Manners

The Calgary Eyeopener had a feature on table manners this morning. Numerous people tweeted and emailed comments about their pet peeves and gave examples of some atrocious manners they'd witnessed in public. No matter where you live, I think we'd all agree that clipping your nails while standing in a buffet line (one example this morning) is definitely over the top!

One of the points made in today's radio interview was that “the rules” are no longer so clear cut, partly because of the many different cultures represented in a typical community today. As people travel greater distances, they quickly learn there's definitely more than one way to do things!

I still remember a lesson I learned many years ago when I moved to France. Rules of Table Etiquette in France – this exact situation happened to me! Fortunately, a very kind, grandmotherly lady gently pointed me in the right direction.

I guess it all boils down to respect for others.

A few days ago, I happened upon an excellent article, 30 Manners Everyone Should Know. Please read it. It's very good!

Thank you,

Maggie

Carry-On Baggage & Vegetable Stock

Simplicity is making the journey of this life 

with just baggage enough.

- Charles Dudley Warner

Hmmm....

Just back after a quick visit to see some snowbird friends in the Phoenix area.

Hmmm.... Just in time for a Canadian prairie storm.  Sigh!

As for being limited to carry-on baggage?

Wonderful...uncluttered...stress free  : )  That makes for a great holiday!

What would life be like if we all had to limit our possessions to what could fit in a carry-on bag?

Our snowbird friends are living a wonderfully uncomplicated life these days.  We enjoyed some great visits to interesting places (more about that another day) and some great meals based on very simple, well-prepared food.  

Making their own stocks for cooking, baking their own bread (on the BBQ), squeezing oranges for fresh juice...inspiring!!

Still feeling that motivation this morning, so join me as I make some...

Vegetable Stock

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 orange pepper, chopped

Saute gently for about 8 minutes.

3 tablespoons McCormick "No Salt Added Seasoned Herb Medley"

3 litres (about 12 cups) water

3 dried tomatoes

Add and gentle simmer for about 45 minutes.

That's it.  Simple!  

You'll notice I didn't add any celery (didn't have any) or salt - thought I'd wait and add that later when I use the stock.  

Basically, (almost) all vegetables are going to be happy jumping into the pot, but there are some exceptions - check here.  For some additional handy tips, I'm also linking a second article.

Happy Monday!

Maggie

# 90 Reflections in the Potato Patch

There are two kinds of cooks.

Most of us

 are the first kind.

We pick

the quickest route,

the safest route.

We enjoy the journey

and are pleased

when we reach our destination.

The second kind of cook throws away the map,

and eagerly anticipates

the challenge

and the hurdles that must be overcome.

The route picked is unfamiliar,

with twists and bends and all kinds of complications

and unexpected surprises.

The journey may end in celebration

or

in disaster.

This cook doesn't really care.

This cook is already thinking of the next

adventure.

Which kind of cook are you?

Puddle-Ducks and Cats

It has been brought to my attention (Thank you, Grandma Kc!!) that I may have confused you the other day when I used the term puddle-duck...  

I can only excuse myself by saying that I was feeling particularly mellow after a wonderful family weekend of company and an especially good brunch of cornmeal pancakes.  

Anyway, to clear up any confusion, here's what "puddle-duck" means.  It truly is a great expression!  Here's how I used it.

..."This morning, we had a late brunchie breakfast after puddle-ducking around in our jammies. (That's the best part of a long weekend!!)"...

You probably get the general drift of how we spent most of the morning lounging around and chatting, having a second (or third!) cup of coffee, etc.  

"Laze around" would probably be the best substitute...

laze |leɪz|

verb [ intrans. ]

spend time in a relaxed, lazy manner : she spent the day at home, reading the papers and generally lazing around.

If "puddle-duck" had not popped into my head, I might likely have used the expression "mulch around" but that must be Canadian as well for the only definition for that word in my dictionary is...

mulch |mʌl(t)ʃ|

noun

a material (such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost) spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil.

Note: There was definitely no mulch involved the morning we made the cornmeal pancakes!

Grandma Kc's remark did leave me a little befuddled.  Where exactly did puddle-ducking come from?  It must be my British roots.  A Puddle-Duck is actually a plain old duck and we all know how they love swimming around aimlessly in circles.  Then there's Beatrix Potter's Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.  (We generally just think of Peter Rabbit when we think of Beatrix.)  A Puddle-Duck Racer is a kind of boat enjoyed in Britain.  Little children in the United Kingdom can take Puddle-Duck swimming lessons.  (Do only American children learn how to dog paddle?)  

Anyway, Grandma Kc, I'm a little tongue-tied now, so I'll mention in advance some other British expressions I've been known to use on occasion:

...the bee's knees - something great, wonderful or exciting.  "Well, isn't that the bee's knees!"

..."Oh, a man on a galloping horse..." - what my mother would say if I wondered someone would notice something slightly crooked, shabby or not perfect.  After all, if a man is galloping by on a horse, he's not going to be able to see ANYTHING closely!

..."six of one, half a dozen of another" - what I would say (as a mother) to my own kids.  It doesn't really matter WHICH one you pick! They're both the same! It doesn't make a difference. 

..."There's more than one way to skin a cat!"  - Oh, dear!  I don't actually use this one anymore.  It really just means there's more than one way to do something.  One of the first times I used this one outside of family, I realized people were taking me literally.  No, folks, I DO NOT skin cats!  I like cats!

Enough said!  Isn't language wonderful?  Have a great day, everyone!

Linguistically yours,

Maggie

A Journey

It's amazing how life can change in an instant. 

As I look back and read my entry about Rainbow Chicken Soup, I can actually remember chopping those vegetables, planning the day and enjoying the sunshine.

A lot has happened since that morning.

Yes, Grandmother was picked up and brought home from the hospital.  Amazed at how weak she was, the next few days quickly turned into caregiving 24/7...and I was picking up 12 of those hours each day.  We knew we had a giant task ahead, helping her regain her strength and setting up care so she could remain at home. 

After a few days, it was obvious that her health was continuing to decline.  Breathing was difficult and her legs started to swell.

My sister-in-law and I took her back to the hospital where they decided to admit her for a few days.  As the ER nurse discussed bringing her some toast, Grandmother took us to the edge and back.  

She had a stroke.  

The first 24 hours were the worst.  We stayed with her as everything inside her tumbled around and around.  All we could do was hold her hand and let her know we were right there beside her, along for the ride.

A week later, she's still here, confused and exhausted, unable to tell us her needs.  She has highs and lows, times when she remembers who we are and times when she doesn't. 

As we wait until she's more stable and the doctors figure out how to manage her multiple problems, we're still holding her hand...24/7.

Life has settled into a pattern...sleep, hospital, sleep.  

Tonight is the first time I've sat at the computer to "play around" and browse through some of the sites I've bookmarked.  I'm trying to wind down enough to go to bed.  My next "shift" is at 3:00 a.m.

We're not sure what's going to happen and how this story is going to end, we just know it's a journey and someone bought us a ticket.

Thank you for listening.  It helped.

Nutrition for Seniors

Our family is in a bit of upheaval right now.  Grandmother, who is 88, very independent and stubborn is coming home today after a spell in hospital.  Yes, she's fine, but we are going to have to seriously address the whole support services topic to make sure she can remain healthy and safe in her home.

Did I mention she's extremely stubborn?!?!

Nutrition is a big concern so I've been reading up on this topic...

Senior Nutrition and Diet Tips is one of the best articles I've read so far.  

It discusses physical changes...

...sense of thirst declines.

...metabolism slows.

...you generate less saliva 

...your taste and smell senses don't work as well (you lose salty and bitter tastes first)

...your stomach produces less gastric acid (affecting vitamin absorption)

...your digestive system slows down

...medications and health issues often negatively affect sense of taste and appetite

I thought I knew a lot about good nutrition, but learning more about the specific needs of seniors has opened my eyes wide!

Back to my research!

An Outbox...I need one!

At Apartment Therapy, they've started the January Cure...daily posts to get people started on cleaning out, freshening up and revamping their homes.  

Anyone around here (besides me!) that needs to do that?

Day 2 is all about the OUTBOX.  Yes, I've read about having your "exit" strategy set up...a handy box for donations, ready to be filled as you declutter and then promptly removed from the house.  

The Outbox is a little different, however.  It's a type of halfway house - you can put anything in, but it has to stay there at least one week.  Then you can decide to give away, throw away, recycle OR KEEP that item! 

Sometimes, when I declutter, things just never make it into the donation box...maybe I can find another use for it, or I'll need it some day...  

Putting things into an Outbox is a different approach.  Separate out these questionable items now.  No stress; no worry.  Feel what it's like to live without that item for a week or two, then make the final decision.

Is this approach for everyone?  Maybe not, but it would probably help a fence sitter like me!  What about you?

# 83 Birds and Butts

I don't smoke.

I have never smoked.

I've never had anything positive to say about smoking...

...until today.

The University of Mexico in Mexico City has released a study on birds, nests and cigarette butts.

Apparently, birds that feather their nests with used cigarette butts are able to rid their nests of parasitic mites.  

Note to birds: Unsmoked butts do not work nearly as well. They don't contain (sucked up) nicotine.

There's more!!

Tobacco plants are often grown to protect crops by fending off plant-eating insects.  They are also grown to help control parasites where poultry is housed.

Amazing!

# 81 Happy New Year

Do you make resolutions?  Fess up!  

  

"Top Ten" for 2012 were:

1. Lose weight.
2. Get organized.
3. Spend less. Save more.
4. Stay fit, healthy.
5. Learn something exciting.
6. Quit smoking.
7. Help others accomplish their dreams.
8. Fall in love.
9. Spend more time with family.

If you were one of the 8% who actually kept or accomplished your 2012 resolution... good for you!

If you're like the rest of us, recycling a resolution can be "a good thing".

According to the University of Scranton, people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't.

Go ahead... commit!

Lest we forget...

I dream of giving birth to a child 

who will ask, "Mother, what was war?"

~ Eve Merriam

Today, please take a moment to remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace.

# 61 Kids in the Kitchen

Reading about Amara and her grandmother baking brought back fond memories yesterday.  

When our children were young, we had a good supply of kid cookbooks.  Not only was it quality, family "bonding" time, there were many memorable "good friends, good times" occasions and triumphs such as First Prize for a Little Mermaid cake (16 bottles of food colouring!!) at our local fair. 

Cookbooks also taught my kids how to read.  Wanting to figure out a recipe was super motivation!  

If you're looking for some kid-friendly recipes (that don't require 16 bottles of food colouring!), check out SparkPeople.  

Happy cooking!

Tips, Tricks and Treats to Teach Kids to Cook

Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen? No Such Thing!

-- By Sarah Haan, Registered Dietitian

# 51 Hey, smile! It's the weekend!

Today's smile.... : )   If you laugh, even better!

A laugh is a smile that bursts.  

~Mary H. Waldrip

...some of the winning submissions to The Washington Post's yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternative meanings for common words.

Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.

Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has

 gained.

Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only
a nightgown.

Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavoured mouthwash.

Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

# 42 How to efficiently run your home!!

My mother's high school "Home Economics" notes (1946?)....

Amazing!

7:15    Rise.

7:45   Serve breakfast.

8:15    Clear away dishes.  Wash up.  Prepare vegetables.  

           Tidy kitchen.  Wash tea towels.

8:45    Attend to entrances and stairs.

9:00    Attend to living room and dining room.

9:30    Bathroom and lavatory.

9:45    Bedrooms

10:15   Cooking.  Mid-day meal and preparations for tea, 

           including baking.

11:15   Mid-morning snack.

11:30   Special work.  Wash dusters.

12:30   Have own lunch and wash up.

1:30    Change.  Do shopping, mending, gardening, etc.

4:15    Afternoon tea.

5:15    Lay table.  finish preps. for tea and make sandwich supper.

6:00   Tea

6:30   Wash up.

# 33 Dreaming of a plastic-free world...

At school, we really tried to push the RECYCLE message... for all the obvious reasons.  Sometimes, we forget, however, that there are some other RE words we should be thinking of first.  Words like...

...RENEW...

...REUSE...

...REDUCE...

...and how about REFUSE?  

That's what a British couple decided to do in January, 2007, after they realized how much PLASTIC they were using.  Of course, they realized that they needed to substitute other things for all that plastic and that's what their website, Plastic Is Rubbish, is all about.  Product sources, recipes and strong opinions!  There's lots to learn.  Check it out.

# 26 The Five Language of Love...oh, my!

Last Wednesday, The Pioneer Woman was talking about love...

I followed the link to Gary Chapman's website...

saw the book, 

tried the quiz,

and read about...

THE FIVE LANGUAGES OF LOVE

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION - "I love you!" and the reason why...

QUALITY TIME - full, undivided attention...

RECEIVING GIFTS - thoughtful, "perfect" gifts... 

ACTS OF SERVICE - helping out, providing relief...

PHYSICAL TOUCH - hugs, holding hands...

How often do we ignore the love gesture of another simply because it's not the kind of love we're seeking?   

Do we think about and give the right kind of love gesture to the one we love?

# 25 Reflections of a Harried Housewife: Cleaning a Kitchen

Do you clean a little every day or very thoroughly once a week?

(No, this is not me.  Are you kidding?)

I argue (with myself) the merits of each style every time I clean.  This morning, as I tidied up after breakfast, I started to count some of the "once in awhile" kitchen spots.  

Grrrr.... Exactly how many are there?  

I counted...

● the rim UNDER the counters and kitchen table

● water cooler drip tray 

● top of the fridge

● under the microwave

● stove drawer 

● inside, under the lip of the dishwasher door

● cereal shelf

● toaster crumb tray

● stove knobs

● floor behind the recycle bins

●

Depressing!

Did I miss any?

# 19 Three Tasty Teas

"As far as her mom was concerned, tea fixed everything.

Have a cold?  Have some tea.  Broken bones?

There's a tea for that too.

Somewhere in her mother's pantry, Laural suspected,

was a box of tea that said, 'In case of Armageddon,

steep three to five minutes."

- Aprilynne Pike, Illusions

Three tasty teas from the Banff Tea Company

One month before 

My sixth birthday,

Sitting beside my mother

On an airplane,

Late at night.  

Flying

To Canada!

A new life for our family.

Exciting!

An adventure!

My mother, bent over, crying,

Her tears confused me.

Flight attendants hovered.

I asked her

If she wanted a cup of tea.

- Maggie

#18 Liquid Candy

Today, the Board of Health in NYC decided to bar any establishment with a food-service license from serving sugary beverages in cups or bottles larger than 16 ounces.  Sadly, six in ten New Yorkers (New York Times poll) are opposed to these restrictions.

Sugar!  My goodness, it sneaks in everywhere.  I learned that when I made grape jelly last week!

Did you know...

Coca-Cola (355 ml can)  =  10 tsp. sugar

V8 Splash (473 ml.)  =  14 tsp. sugar

Fruitopia (600 ml.)  =  16 tsp. sugar

Sunny Delight (547 ml)  =  16 tsp. sugar

Pepsi (600 ml.)  =  17 tsp. sugar

Not good : (

# 9 Every day needs a bit of a kick start...

Yes, a cup of java, but much better... the comics and horoscope page!

Today, in BETWEEN FRIENDS, the chat over coffee goes like this:

    "I'm feeling a little lethargic lately."

  "Eat less sugar, drink less caffeine, watch less television."

  "Do you really think depriving myself of everything is the answer?"

  "- Eat MORE fibre, drink MORE water, get MORE exercise."

Eugenia Last in YOUR HOROSCOPE tells me to show my feelings, embrace change and follow my heart.  Love, apparently, will bring stellar results (yes!!) and there could be a trip or some socializing!

Hmmm... busy day! Better get out of bed... : )