Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Product – E-cloths/Chemical Free Cleaning

On By TimelessladyIn Product8 Comments

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There are so many reasons to try E-cloths. They work without chemicals, water is all you need for thorough cleaning. There is no added scent. They create no pollution. After the initial purchase they are long-lasting. I’ve used them for a few months and I love them. All I need to do is launder them and they are ready to use again and again.

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I recently took dozens of paper snowflakes down from my windows and the E-cloths made the clean up super easy.

Check out their site for more information: How Ecloths Work. A healthy alternative to the overload of chemicals in our homes. E-cloths are available in stores and online.

Pleasures – You Lift Me Up

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures10 Comments

“Strive to be first: first to nod, first to smile, first to compliment, and first to forgive.” – Unknown.

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In this post I am going to be the first to repeat the wisdom I found in another WordPress blogger’s post. I’ve only read a few blog posts today, but in doing so found my spirits lifted up by what I found there. In Our Lives – His Purposes the author wrote of having her mood lifted by walking and singing, and that struck a companionable chord within me since I love to do the same and find it so often lifts me into a happier frame of mind. I also loved the quote I read in 999 roses in my life, and left a comment that I hoped she would not mind my using the same quote in my post today. God bless you all for the goodness and beauty you bring into my life through your blogs. I wish you the happiest of days. Please…keep on blogging!

Pots & Pans – Butternut Squash

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans8 Comments

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The color is gorgeous, the aroma sublime, the taste delectable…the vegetable…the humble butternut squash. Butternut squash is available in most grocers and farm stands at this time of year. Reasonably priced, the bland exterior hides vibrant orange flesh within.

Roast the squash face down on parchment or in a lightly oiled glass cake pan.
Roast the squash face down on parchment or in a lightly oiled glass cake pan.

Here’s a good recipe I blogged a while ago for Winter Squash Soup. The recipe works for most varieties of winter squash, including the Butternut.

Brown roasted areas of the squash add flavor to the soup.
Brown roasted areas of the squash add flavor to the soup. Scoop flesh away from the outer skin.

Butternut Squash Tip: Did you know most people choose a Butternut Squash by virtue of its round bottom, following the wisdom of the cliché: the bigger the better. This will lead you in the wrong direction when you are buying a butternut squash. The bottom is where the seeds are located. The rounder the bottom of the squash, the more seeds you are buying. Look instead for a butternut squash with a large neck area. This is where you will find the largest amount of edible vegetable.

 

A butternut squash can be roasted flesh-side down on oiled parchment paper, or roasted in a glass pan with a touch of water added.

Place – Woodlands in Winter

On By TimelessladyIn Place5 Comments

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The woods are crisp with fallen leaves and cold temperatures. I took a woodland walk with camera in tow, searching for the perfect fallen tree as an answer to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge – Inner and Outer. Within the trunk of a split tree I found a beautiful abstract design. It’s easy to pass by and never noticed the unseen ethereal beauty created by weather and mossy tendrils.

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As I walked I purposely trudged my feet kicking up the wonderful scent of the woodland path. I found another instance of inner and outer in the recesses of a knotty fallen branch. It reminded me of a miniature bird nest; I found myself fascinated by the complexity of what on first glance appeared simple. The swirling bark was the perfect choice for the Color Your World – 120 Days of Crayola/Shadow.

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I searched for greens amid the fallen leaves and was surprised by how many I found. Here’s my Ten on Tuesday & One, highlighted by the brilliant yellow of a dandelion bringing a touch of sunshine into the day.

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Phavorites – Victoria on PBS

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites2 Comments

I’m enjoying the series ‘Victoria’ on PBS. If you love history, you will enjoy this well-made television show through Masterpiece Theater.

Perspective & Phavorites – Don’t Worry

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Phavorites6 Comments

“Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.”~ Bob Marley

As young as they are, my grandchildren already talk about memories they have of ‘Nanny’s house.’ My middle grandchild said to me recently, “When I was a baby, I came here, and I would sing.” It turns out this singing was Bob Marley’s song, ‘Three Little Birds.’ When my grandson was a toddler, I watched him several days throughout the week, we’d play Reggae and when our favorite, ‘Three Little Birds,’ filled the living room with its lilting notes, I’d pick him up and we’d dance together. He remembers these moments.

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I came to love Reggae music later in life. I’d definitely say ‘Three Little Birds’ is one of my favorite songs. I’ve said before in these posts, the wisdom in the song, echoes Jesus’ words in the Bible.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

                                                                  ~ Matthew 6:25-27

Today I read an article with a little more proof that Reggae music will make you smile. Dogs prefer Reggae.

Another Reggae group that fills me with joy is Christafari Band.

The dreariness of winter can put a blight on your happiness…take a few moments to listen to some upbeat music and smile.

People – Mary Tyler Moore

On By TimelessladyIn People2 Comments
Photograph courtesy of Morguefile.com
Photograph courtesy of Morguefile.com

Mary Tyler Moore 1936 – 2017

I don’t know of anyone who didn’t love Mary Tyler Moore or her work. Our world lost a little bit of its sunshine today. Thank you Mary.

Plants – Graceful Orchids

On By TimelessladyIn Plants7 Comments

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Orchid Days have begun at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. I know I mention the conservatories and gardens at Longwood quite often, but truly, it is one of my favorite places to visit in my area. If you have a chance to travel to the Delaware Valley, please try to visit Longwood.

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The orchids bloom in so many colors and shapes; I wish I could capture the fragrance that greets you when you enter the orchid room. I think orchids resemble dancers with their long stems stretched high and curved in a graceful ballerina’s pose.

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Plant & Pharmacy – Tea Tree Oil – Benefits and Dangers

On By TimelessladyIn Pharmacy, Plants17 Comments

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In our last excursion to Longwood Gardens we noticed this shrubby bush growing in the conservatory. The marker beneath it identified the plant as Leptospermum laevigatumas, or as it is better known, Australian Tea Tree.

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Essential oil from the Melaleuca alternifoliae species of tea tree, is a well-known remedy for many kinds of skin conditions, ( Always diluted with a carrier oil or products such as Witch Hazel) and also a good addition to organic cleaning recipes. Care must be taken when using tea tree oil, as with any essential oil. Mayo Clinic Tea Tree Oil Warnings

Caution:  If you have cats, many essential oils can build up in their system and become toxic. Tea tree oil is one of these oils. More information on essential oils that are dangerous if you have pets can be found here:
30 Essential Oils Toxic to Pets

As with all essential oils care must be taken when using tea tree oil.

“Pure tea tree oil should not be ingested, and should be kept out of the reach of children; several cases of tea tree oil poisoning have been recorded. The oil can also cause contact dermatitis.” ~ Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

Reader’s Digest has a good article and list of some of the uses of tea tree oil: Tea Tree Oil Uses

Pressed Flowers – Blue Monday

On By TimelessladyIn Pressed Flowers8 Comments

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Pressed Blue Hydrangeas – The secret to capturing these lovely shades of watercolor-like blues and greens is letting the flowers begin to age before you pick them for pressing. When the petals are streaked with many shades of blue and green, and have a papery feel, they are ready to press. Blossoms of hydrangea pressed too soon will quickly brown. I don’t use microwave heat to press hydrangeas, pressing between the pages of older books works best. These beautiful hydrangeas are a little preview of Spring in the midst of Winter.

Phun & Philm – Sleepovers, Scavenger Hunts and Dragons

On By TimelessladyIn Philm, Phun5 Comments

This post is for all the wonderful people who create fun for the little people in their lives. My grandsons love scavenger hunts. It’s been awhile since they have slept over so I wanted to have a special movie night for them. First we’ll barbecue some shish kabob on the grill, then we’ll have a scavenger hunt all around the house. I’ve hidden quite a stash of items in various hiding spots, all with a movie night theme.

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I’ll give each of them a basket, the first clue, and there will be some wild scampering around the house to find the treasures and the next clue.

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I have several movies on hand for them to choose from tonight. One of those is Pete’s Dragon. We all saw it together a few months ago in the theater. It is now available on DVD, and because I loved the story as much as they did, I bought a copy for all of us to share. Disney Films, Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard, the children who play the leading roles, along with Pete the Dragon, do a wonderful job in making this story magical.

 

Pots & Pans – Pork Chops in Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans6 Comments

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Two days ago I cooked a panful of pork chops in fire-roasted tomato sauce. They were delicious. I spoke with my sister about the recipe the next day and told her it was one of my favorites. She asked me to email it to her. I told her I would, and that I thought it would be a good blog post. Since I was serving the leftovers again, I knew I would have a good photograph to include. Hmmmm…as you can see we ate the leftovers before I remembered to take that photo. So, for now, all I have to show for the recipe is an empty plate. That’s the good news though. This recipe is scrumptious and very economical.

PORK CHOPS IN FIRE-ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE

Ingredients

1 tbs butter
1- 2 tbs olive oil or vegetable oil
6 -9 Thinly sliced pork chops (The thinner the better, I use boneless)
1/2 C purple/red juice, wine, etc. (I use whatever I have on hand)
1 14.5 – 15 oz. can of fire roasted tomatoes
1 Cup tomato sauce. (I’ve used ketchup in a pinch)
1/4 C water
3 tbs chopped parsley or 1 tbs dried
2 cloves garlic (I use 1 tsp garlic powder)
1/2 tsp minced rosemary
1/2 tsp dried basil or more if you use fresh

(At this point I add anything else that I have a whim to add)

Heat butter and oil in heavy skillet. Add pork chops. Cook uncovered until sides are nicely seared. Pour off all but 1 tbs of drippings (I usually don’t have much in the way of juices in the pan and don’t pour off, especially if I’ve used olive oil.) Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer lightly for 30 – 40 minutes. Enjoy.

The recipe can be made with larger pork chops, but perhaps simmer a little longer if you do use the larger chop. I’ve also easily doubled it and cooked it in a big cast iron Dutch Oven. We like it over rice, but you can serve it over noodles too. Sprinkle with cheese if you like, but we usually don’t need the cheese. Add a touch of water if the sauce seems to thick.

Photographs & Postcards – Throwback Thursday/Teaberry Gum & Photo Tweaking

On By TimelessladyIn Photographs, Postcards12 Comments

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Does anyone remember the flavor of Teaberry Gum?

“Clark’s Teaberry is a brand of chewing gum which the D. L. Clark Company of Pittsburgh’s north side purchased the patent from Charles Burke, who experimented with various flavors of chewing gum in the basement of 533 McClintock Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Teaberry is currently marketed by Clark Gum Company in Buffalo, New York, and made in Mexico. The gum dates to 1900” ~ Wikipedia

I haven’t seen Teaberry Gum in any large grocers or box stores for many years, but it is still sold in my local Amish Market dry goods store. The flavor is distinctive and so is the aroma.

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I searched in vain for a copyright free photograph of someone blowing a bubble. I finally resorted to two favorite sites I use for photo tweaking: Adobe Photoshop (Paint, a free computer application also works well for cutting away backgrounds) and the free photo editing site PicMonkey. Most of the applications on PicMonkey are free. The image I used was a postcard stamped with a 1920 postmark.

I cut away the background in Adobe, and used PicMonkey to add the transparent pink bubble.

For those of you who are not sure about images you can use for your blog, look up public domain image laws. I can rest assured that I can use this postcard because it was created and sent before 1920, and the copy I use for my art is owned by me.

“A great source of true public domain images that are available to you are old books and postcards. Look inside the book at the publishing details, if the date of publishing is before 1923, you can legally scan or photograph these images and use at your leisure. The same applies to old photographs and postcards, if the original pre-dates 1923, you can use the image for your purposes without permission or payment.” ~Ebay

Plants – Atomic Tangerines

On By TimelessladyIn Plants4 Comments

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Winter doldrums were certainly sent scurrying as we walked through the Longwood Gardens Conservatory on Saturday. Today’s Color Your World – 120 Days of Crayola/Atomic Tangerine perfectly matches what we found within the glass walls. These Red Hot Pokers (Kniphofia Uvaria) were stunning from a distance, and up close. I immediately knew I had to try to grow this brilliant variety of the plant in my 2017 gardens.

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My goal this year is to grow most of my plants from seed. It will be a challenge to bring this plant into flower its first year. To get a jump-start on possible bloom this year I am going to try growing the seeds in two ways, Winter-sowing involves placing sown seeds outdoors in a milk carton. More info can be found on winter-sowing here: Winter-Sowing Seeds.

I will also try growing some of the seeds by following the directions on a website called Outside Pride. Their directions call for giving the seeds a period of cold before sowing.

Dampen a paper towel, wring out excess moisture and carefully place the flower seeds on the damp towel. Roll up the towel, place it in a Ziploc bag and place in refrigerator for 4 weeks. ~Outside Pride/Red Hot Poker

Red Hot Poker plants come in a variety of ‘hot’ colors. An added bonus: Red Hot Poker flowers draw hummingbirds to your yard.

Here are a few additional examples of ‘Atomic Tangerines’ growing in the Conservatory.

Flame Vine
Flame Vine
Lily with Atomic Orange Stamens
Lily with Atomic Orange Stamens
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise

Quote – Continued Resolutions

On By TimelessladyIn Quotes2 Comments

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The dawn of the New Year might be two weeks in the past, but every day, the whole year through, holds the potential for forming a resolution that can do much to improve your life. Yesterday, on the hour’s drive to Longwood Gardens, a church sign caught my eye with its wise quote. I resolved immediately to trust the wisdom it imparted and have faith in God that he knows the solution to every problem. A perfect reminder for me to relinquish the ‘accumulation’ of difficulties, large and small, into his care and keeping.

“There are no worries like little worries, particularly if there is an accumulation of them.” ~ George Matheson

GIVE IT ALL TO GOD!