Gourmet secret discovered

I've discovered a secret in Bonnie's kitchen, and it was confirmed by her. I've written in past posts about Bonnie being a gourmet cook, she can create some culinary masterpieces, and if I had a choice of going on cruise or eating at her table, that's an easy choice. The ship would sail without me 'cause I'm eating at Bonnie's- without a crumb of a doubt  ten times more satisfying than any meal served on any cruise ship. I speak from experience.  This day,  I worked in my yard before going to visit Bonnie and her husband on a cold Sunday December afternoon.  She made spaghetti with a meat sauce-perfect to warm up after being out in the cold.  I wanted my bowl of spaghetti with extra garlic powder to help me fight off catching a cold.  I went into her kitchen to get garlic powder.  I found the garlic powder, and a whole lot more. I discovered well over one hundred different spices and herbs hidden in her kitchen cupboards and drawers. These photos show some of the spices I found. She told me she uses them all and it's her secret in making her flavorful gourmet dishes.

In one cupboard alone, I found 48 different spices and herbs 

More spices to flavor those mouth watering dishes

And this drawer is full of more food flavorings

I asked if it was alright to take these photos and Bonnie was concerned her cupboards and drawers didn't look neat. I said who cares!  I've never seen so many herbs and spices in anyone's kitchen before.  So, now, I know her secret for making all her dishes so robustful.  I should have known.  And now, you know her secret, too.
View my earlier post showing Bonnie's blue ribbon cake and other goodies. And her Nature's Notables website.



                                          ELITE ELIXIR EXPERIMENT No.2

Now, if you've read my post of my visit to Bonnie's back in October, with photos of Elite Elixir, and my first experiment comparing Elite Elixir with two other skin moisturizers, I've conducted a new experiment. This time I have two accomplices. First, Gilbert was blindfolded so he could only use his sense of touch. On the hands of my second helper,  I applied moisturizers, a different one on each hand, which you can see in the photos below.  I want you to know Elite Elixir is all I've written it to be and more, and this is more undisputed proof.  I have yet to try Elite Elixir to tame my frizzy hair, which I've heard it will do. That will be another experiment to conduct. But for now, the photos below prove while blind folded, Elite Elixir can be detected on the hand that felt moisturized the best. The photos don't lie and Gilbert had his eyes closed beneath that blindfold.

Gilbert, my eager blind-folded participant

 Gilbert chose the Elite Elixir moisturized hand while blindfolded


This concludes the experiment.

Note:
This experiment was performed not harming any cute animals. Gilbert said he chose the hand that felt silky smooth. Thank you Gilbert for being a willing participant on the spur of the moment. A few minutes later I had to have a feel for myself and I report without bias, there really was a noticeable difference comparing both hands of my second participant in this experiment.  I say Elite Elixir is again the clear winner. 

(And for heavens sake. Elite Elixir is for your skin not to be put in your eyes or eaten. And if you have some reaction to it, by all means stop using it. The ingredients are listed on the jars. Just as you have other items in your home, keep then out of reach of small children. Be responsible and use only as directed only.)

A world of friends

Recently, I've had the pleasure of visiting a dear friend.  My, the years have changed us. I don't realize how much my appearance has changed until someone who hasn't seen me in a while tells me. I know Myrna was being kind in mentioning how much shorter my hair was from the last time she's seen me, and not mentioning my face looks fuller, or my tummy being rounder. She had to really look hard to recognize me.  Yes, a lot can happen in three years to a body.
This is Myrna, my friend.  She helped me through a very rough, emotional season in my life. She was volunteering as a Steven's Minister and I will never forget her making herself available on numerous occasions to compassionately listen as I vented, cried, and vented and cried some more.  I didn't think I needed that kind of help, but I set my hurt pride aside and gave this Steven's minister a try, and I found Myrna was just what I needed, God sent her to me.  She wasn't critical or pushy, just a friend who patiently listened no matter the hour, day or night. She put her own work aside, putting together a monthly local publication, to be my sounding board and caring shoulder for me to cry on when I desperately needed someone to vent my outbursts of pain and frustration while going through a divorce. She never was weary of hearing me, (or at least concealed that from me very well), as I needed to express my feelings to get past my emotional upheaval for the most part of a year.  Three years have passed since then.  I've healed, had my last cry and moved onward to better things in my life.  I learned immensely from that experience while wading through the muck and mire which I didn't want to be in, my life seemed to have turned on me and I couldn't do a thing about it... but just wait. The pain, the devastation that cut so deeply into my heart, does ease and lighten.  Each day I gradually became myself again, becoming stronger on my knees earnestly praying and trusting God for guidance, wisdom and grace. God answered my prayers quickly, because the tears that used to swell up in my eyes and pour down my face, now seem like a distant memory.  I waded  through that muck and mire to the other side, and thank God, it's good. I'm all the better and I'm just fine from the experience.  Looking back, I see God was right with me, even while I was hurting.  God has always provided everything  I've needed right on time. My shattered heart has mended (I never that it would be possible, but it has), and smiles and laughter have returned.  I had lost track of Myra for a while, and it was so nice to reconnect and visit with her.  She allowed me to take this photo of her. Seeing her that day, just before Thanksgiving, felt just like we used to visit. Only this time, both our faces had big smiles.

Look at that smile- a beautiful friend

  

I have many dear friends I wish I could see more often. Sadly, family, work, life, or separation of miles poses limits for keeping in touch more than I'd like.  Ah, great memories with my best-est of friends from high school, the Marines, college, my practice, and with those I've met in church.  My life is beaming with friends from every turn and chapter in my life.  Let me tell you one thing about real friends-when we meet, just as I recently met Myrna after not seeing her for three years, it's as if no years had passed at all. The only evidence that years had past is seeing how our bodies have changed. But on the inside, we still have that connection as friends. It's special and the passage of time doesn't touch that one bit with true friends. Thank God for friends who've held my hand and prayed with and for me through some pretty trying times, and the best part is they're there laughing and smiling with me in the good times. That's exactly how God is- faithful all the time. I thank Him for my world of friends.

Works for me every time

Yesterday afternoon I started feeling a bit sick. I was outside taking care of the animals and I definitely was starting to not feel so good. I thought I need to just get in bed, cover up,  and put off the exercising today.  I needed rest worse than exercise right now.  My ears were feeling warm and I felt like I had a fever-my face was hot, and my stomach was feeling funny.  A few days ago I did visit some friends and they told me last week they'd been sick. Maybe I caught what they had, but I can't afford to be sick right now. I needed to nip this in the bud.

evergreen branches 

Photo credit: bosela from morguefile.com

I took care of the animals, and as I was going inside I was thinking which essential oils would do the trick.  I came up with- Balsam FIr, Mountain Savory, and the essential oil blend Sacred Mountain®. These mostly conifer oils are soothing to my respiratory system. I got the bottles, and turning the lid of my container I make my homemade facials in, I put five drops from each bottle of essential oil into this shallow turned upside down top, and placed it near the intake of my CPAP machine. I thought this would be more concentrated as opposed to diffusing the oils into the entire room especially with my CPAP mask on.

evergreen needles

Photo credit: karpati from morguefile.com

I got ready for bed, put my mask on and turned the CPAP on, and could slightly smell the aromas of the essential oils. The oils would  work on my respiratory system with each breath while I slept.

evergreen trees

Photo credit: marykbaird from morguefile.com

Five hours later I woke up, and not a sign of any symptom I had before going to sleep. I'm writing this the next morning, and I'm feeling perfectly fine. Whatever was attacking me and making me feel sick, got the axe. Thanks to the essential oils.


 Fir essential oil natural constituents have antiseptic pulmonary properties, plus more.
 Mountain savory essential oil also has strong antiseptic properties, and a general tonic on the body, as well as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune-stimulant properties,  and more.
Sacred Mountain® essential oil is a blend of spruce, fir, cedarwood, ylang ylang, and pine
       essential oils. All to dilate, open, balance the respiratory system.

All without a pharmaceutical drug. Natural first for me, and so far essential oils work every time for me.

Note: essential oils need to be used cautiously at all times. They are very concentrated and could be harmful if not used properly and correctly. That goes for drugs as well.

Visit my aromatherapy/essential oil page on my health website. While there, type essential oils in the search box to take you to my other posts on benefits of using essential oils in and around the home.

Back in time

I wasn't in a hurry the other day and decided it was an ideal time to treat myself and take a back road through some scenic territory on the way to town.  I found this old country road by accident a few years ago, and whenever I drive it, I feel like I've gone back in time.

old country road

There are no street signs, no pavement, no power poles, no other traffic, just three miles or so of old trees on both sides of this winding and amazingly smooth dirt road. It's so peaceful. Even though I'm in my truck, I can't help but think this is a little what it must have felt like traveling during the turn of the century. At night it must be pitch black without a single light pole during the entire length of this dirt road. It's escaped being developed. Not many places like this around any more that are this untouched.  I like it.

I slow way down and put all the windows down and take in the very pleasant 66°F air and the quietness of nature along this undisturbed road. Sounds of nature naturally make me slow  down. I've escaped from civilization.  I like that, too.

a road back in time

One day I want to walk this road with a friend. It would be a nice walk with the dogs. That would be a treat for us all. This hidden road is off from another country road which is a turn off another country road. It's probably only used by the land owners and cattle farmers.  I do see some cattle off in the distance along the way. For ten minutes I absorb all I can of blissful peace and quiet. It does the soul good. Then, coming out onto a paved road, I'm back to  present time.  Those few minutes back in time were refreshing and restful.  I hope that road always stays just like it is.

Matthew 11:28-29  In this scripture I find that I can always go to God and find rest with Him anytime I want, no matter what's bothering me.  That's sort of how I feel on this road, at peace and close to God. So refreshing and all my cares are gone.

Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday

Well, thank God for the Fall. It's a break from the humidity and I can do more things outside without feeling so drained and weighed down. The Thanksgiving holiday is just upon us- it's my favorite of the whole year. It's the least commercialized holiday, but of course food is a focal point when family gathers. I did my usual grocery shopping after church and the store had three times as many shoppers. I pray all have a table to sit and eat with loved ones, but and I am mindful that many don't. I pray God will provide for them.

Season of Thanksgiving

Photo credit: taliesin from morguefile.com


I hate to see the grass and trees turn from green to shades of orange, yellow and brown, but the scenery is spectacular. Life is about change.  The leaves will all soon fall and only the evergreen trees will supply greenery in this part of the country until next Spring.

 I'm thankful for so much. So much so that it's mind-boggling. I've got so much more than I need, that I need to have a yard sell to get rid of stuff. I wanted to simplify my life this year. I've made a stab at it, but still have a ways to go. I've given away many unused things to friends whom I thought would find them useful and I had some stuff set up at a friend's yard sell and sold and gave away a good deal of stuff,  but not everything sold.  I really do want to purge my life of things so I can concentrate on the important things I want to do, and that's to make use of the hours in the day to be of service to those I love and mostly to be about God's work. The Good News needs to be shared.  I sincerely hope my life and the words I speak, the actions I take, and the words I write or type all point to Jesus. I ask the Lord to direct my steps and to be an instrument for His use. My life is His and my heart belongs to Him. I am no way perfect while living in this body with faults and imperfections, but try to make use of the days for Him and be responsible as a citizen, daughter, friend, and neighbor.

No matter what is going on, each day is closer to the day of the Lord's return. People are still getting married, cheering their favorite football team, hunting, shopping, working, vacationing, partying, and partaking of daily activities, myself included. But the signs are all around in nature and in the news that the days are growing nearer and nearer to the Lord's return just as it reads in the Bible. Life goes on, but there is an urgency I sense.  I remember when I was probably around age 5 or so, before my brother was born, one of my grandmother telling me the Lord will soon be knocking at the door. I believed her. I was ready and could imagine Jesus coming to knock at my door, and I would invite Him in and we'd have a real nice visit.  Well, Jesus knocked at the door of my heart and I invited Him in and I've never been the same since. For some time I didn't answer the door. I don't now why I didn't, being stupid I guess.  But the night of St. Patrick's Day in 1985, I'll never forget, my brother died, I swung that door to my heart wide open and invited Jesus in for good. See, I knew about Him, but I wanted to know Him personally and have Him in my life, not on the outside, but the inside. I've very thankful and blessed and so happy He didn't give up on me. Now each day I open my eyes, I have another day to thank Him for so much. My life is enriched with so many good friends and a close church family do devoted to serving the local community and a few missionaries around the world seeing to spreading the Good News about Jesus. In all, God gives me just what I need. I can't ask for any thing more.

In prayer 

Photo credit: taliesin from morguefile.com

The man in the photo above was either in prayer with the Lord, or deep in thought. He may have even be crying.  Regardless, we all face needs and challenges, sometimes for a season or two we're in serious need of intervention or help of some sort. No matter what that need may be, there is still cause for thanks. No matter what, God promises to never leave nor forsake His children. With Him, there is always hope. That's something to always be thankful for. And all thanks goes to the Lord. He gets all my thanks.

I hope you've opened your heart when Jesus knocks. He is The Way, the Truth and the Light, without a doubt.

I give thanks every day. I could write a series of encyclopedias giving thanks to the Lord. To me it's always a Thanksgiving Day.

Be nice, it's just coffee

I was leaving work and one of my coworker seemed upset so I stopped to ask what was wrong. He said another coworker had messed up his coffee machine and in so many words, he was calling him stupid for doing so. I know people have their likes and dislikes and I've seen people not be able to function without their morning cup o' Joe.  I don't drink the stuff, but I can imagine it's a good get out of bed jolt to get moving in the morning drug or something like that.  Caffeine for some reason doesn't affect me that way.

Coffee grounds

Photo credit: jdurham from morguefile.com


I remember the very first time I had to make coffee. Believe it or not, I was in the Marine Corps. Remember, I don't drink coffee nor did my parents drink it, so it's basically a foreign beverage to me.  Well, in the squadron electronic shop where I worked with about eight other guys on my shift, I was very regularly assigned the duty of making coffee for the shop.  Remember I had no experience with coffee, so for me to be assigned this task, I made sure they guys knew I was a rookie. I had to fill a large coffee maker with water from the outside spigot,  haul it back inside and add coffee grounds. I had no idea how much to add, but you know what, those guys drank the stuff no matter how much coffee grounds I added to the pot. It always smelled good brewing, but I noticed over time observing the guys, since I worked with them 5 or more days every week, that coffee stains teeth and makes the breath stink. But coffee sure smells good when it's brewing.

A hot cup of Joe

                                      Photo credit: batespro from morguefile.com


I'm going to stay out of this coffee conflict.  I sure hope the coffee drinkers handle their coffee business peaceably as gentlemen.  I hope they'll be nice, since we all have to work together. As for me, I could care less about coffee or the coffee pot. But coffee sure smells good when it's brewing.

But I think I am going to try a cup of coffee substitute- made with cardamom, sometimes called cardamon, ( and not the adulterated stuff) but the pure Elettaria cardamomum, a perennial plant of the the ginger family. I hope it doesn't have caffeine in it. I'll definitely let you know my findings if they are good, cause maybe you might like to try it for a change.  And I just discovered besides Columbian,  French and Italian coffee, there's Turkish, Mexican, and Cuban coffee?  I bet there are many more coffees all over the world. But is there an easy way to cover up coffee breath?  But while it's brewing, that coffee aroma sure is nice.
 Until next time, 

View my health website
and my other blog

Enjoying the best juice

I'm ready for my next order of Fruit of the Spirit juice  I can tell ya'll if you've not tried this one juice/puree, you're missing something special. This juice is unlike the juices you get in the store. Matter of fact, most store bought stuff can't touch it's homemade equivalence. I'm not saying Fruit of the Spirit is a homemade drink, but in my opinion it's ten times better than any store bought juice.  Besides juice, there are some other things that come to mind that when compared to store-bought, the homemade version wins every time-

1. Homemade yeast rolls; all baked goods; any home cooked meal over a frozen dinner
2. Homemade soap- ingredients better for your skin, and no detergent unlike in store bought
3. Homemade ice cream; fresh-churned butter- no explanation necessary, just plain good

When food or drink is fresh it doesn't have that processed-sitting-in-storage taste. Fresh is how food should taste and I think we've been settling for convenience over fresh.   Well, there's something unique in the way I would describe Fruit of the Spirit juice/puree. It's slightly thicker than tomato juice, but not lumpy - it's not watered down. It's a puree meaning it's a slightly thicker drink with so much vitality or vital force in it.  It tastes so full and vibrant and lively on my tongue.  It's an experience you should experience first hand for yourself. This drink is loaded with all the healthy stuff your body craves. I'm not exaggerating or kidding here.
 Visit my website to see the amazing ingredients making up this Biblical fruit, mineral, essential oil infused puree so nicely named- Fruit of the Spirit.-click the link on the right hand column, or my 'Nutrition Page'.

Store bought  juices are mostly watered down and sugary

 I bypass this isle in the grocery stores because I can get something much better to drink. And you can, too. Once you get your own Fruit of the Spirit drink, I want to hear your comments.