Respect

Recently we had a confrontation with an individual in our community regarding the loud music and voices emitting from the yard immediately next door. Asking them to turn it down was to no avail and then an exchange of loud words from our part to no avail and we were told to take a Nyquil and go to bed….such impertinence from younger people. We then called our local sheriff rather then deal with the situation and they came and reminded the individual that there is an ordinance of shutting down loudness at midnight (it was 2:30 a.m. when we asked them to lower it) and it was eventually turned down to a much lower boom, boom, boom…needless to say it was a terrible next day with only 3 ½ hours of sleep.

The next day the individual came over to the fence and waved me over and wanted to give his apology which was accepted by us with much trepidation as the individual had to let us know he was a correctional officer with the prison system and that the sheriff that showed up to talk with him was his friend. What a self centered, narcissistic individual using sublime comments to let us know that he basically thinks he has the upper hand in this attitude of supreme control and the individual probably was barely over twenty-one in age,

He asked if they could party once more if they kept it lowered and I told him that he could party whenever he wanted and that after midnight the sheriff will be called on a routine basis regarding the midnight ordinance.

Then I gave the homeowner (his uncle) a large bag of fresh corn for their clambake that evening as a peace offering on our part regardless of the insulting pretend apology from his young guest.

I try very hard not to be an ass to people like this but it is extremely difficult for I am quite capable of using harsh language that I am sure he would understand (honestly I did put in a few street words) and it is very hard not to fly off at the handle in situations like this for any of us can be put over the edge and none of us are perfect….but my one truth is that karma is a great teacher and this young man has a long journey ahead.

Mutual respect is a great missing attribute in our society today…for as many good humans there are just as many lacking in common respect.

Armadillo Hotel

Well the rains have brought us an array of weeds and knee high grass.   A trip to the stream out back had evidence of Willy, Tilly and Milly stopping by the Armadillo Hotel in the hollow stump of an old tree.   Discovered last year we have noted they visit there now and then.   Few weeks ago Willy must have gotten into some left over beer for he was out front digging around one of the posts on our porch….our dog Tisha was barking incessantly trying to run ole Willy off and instead the armadillo went underneath the RV and started a large hole there.   Eventually he  left the area and I am sure went back to the Armadillo Hotel with the rest of his family.  The critters are very entertaining and bring us such joy.

Rice and Zucchini bake

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 20m| Total Time: 55m

Ingredients

• 1/2  cup  half cooked cooled brown rice (just cook until partially done…baking will complete the rice cooking)
• 4  small zucchini
• 1  cup  grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1/2  cup  almonds, sliced
• 2  cloves chopped garlic
• 3/4  cup  grated Parmesan
• 4  tablespoons  olive oil

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F..
2. Meanwhile, cut the zucchini  in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Arrange in a large baking dish, cut-side up.
3. Fluff the rice  and fold in the beans, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, ½ cup of the Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons of the oil.
4. Spoon the mixture into the zucchini. Top with the remaining tablespoon of oil and ¼ cup Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake until the zucchini is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Flames and sounds

The humidity dropped a wee bit and we had a lovely camp fire in the back.

Pitch dark with no moonlight…just the flames and the serenade of frogs and crickets.  The blending of their sounds was like a medicine of calm for our souls.    The frogs were singing with joy of all the rain received the last few days and the crickets joined in with their harmony.

Each time one has a camp fire a new picture is created or memories arise.  A piece of pudgy wood turned into a rose with petals burning away until it was once more just a bud. 

Memories brought back images of my brother David, sitting in a chair with his arms crossed giving out a deep sigh and saying this is peaceful…such perception of purity from one labeled as mentally disabled.  He like the quiet nites around the camp fire.

Aw…another good memory to add on the shelves of our minds.

GD

Crescent Bacon-Cheese Tartlets

found on Pillisbury site and they are delicious

Crescent Recipe Creations™ makes quick work of bite-size pastry cups filled with a classic flavor combination.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

 Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 appetizers

Ingredients

• 1  can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
• 1/3  cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4  cup chopped cooked bacon
• 1  tablespoon chopped green onion (1 medium)
• 1  egg
• 3  tablespoons whipping cream

Directions

1. 1Heat oven to 375°F.
2. 2If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle on work surface. Press into 12×9-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough on work surface. Press into 12×9-inch rectangle.
3. 3Cut dough into 12 squares. Gently press squares into 12 ungreased mini muffin cups, shaping edges to form rims 1/4 inch high. Spoon cheese evenly into dough-lined cups. Top each with bacon and onion. In small bowl, beat egg and whipping cream with wire whisk or fork until blended. Spoon slightly less than 1 tablespoon mixture into each cup.
4. 4Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and filling is set. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups.

The gift of rain has made all the lovely frogs sing relentlessly.  The sound could be heard even though the windows were shut….a melody that made one doze easily off to dreamland.  Water is needed all over our area and for all we have received, we are most grateful.

Today, The First Day for the Rest of your Life

It has often been quoted “that today is the first day for the rest of your life”….so true so what do we do….live, laugh, love and take some time to reach out to a friend or neighbor….love and light.