JSM's BEGGING FOR BAN THREAD #10

[joesamas mama]

I'm no Betty Crocker either believe me, and those were Pillsbury cut out dough, the cookies turned out, but the decorating did not, when my daughter started laughing and saying the snowmen looked stoned, I knew that I couldn't give those out as gifts  The Amish people would not even want me, I can't sew, cook, bake, nothing, but I still like their simple life.

I never could figure out why the snowmen didn't look like they did on the package!

The simple life, yes, but then I start thinking about the no electricity, and no phones, and I don't think I could do it. It would be hard for sure! But I guess when that's all you really know, you're not really missing anything.

Last week I read in the news that an Amish man was arrested for drunk buggy driving! 
He was asleep in his buggy, and it was crisscrossing in the middle of the road, and the horse was walking slow, probably not sure where to go.

  I thought they didn't drink.  Did the horse know to pull over when the lights and sirens came behind him or did they guy wake up?

[no rose colored glasses]

I'm no Betty Crocker either believe me, and those were Pillsbury cut out dough, the cookies turned out, but the decorating did not, when my daughter started laughing and saying the snowmen looked stoned, I knew that I couldn't give those out as gifts  The Amish people would not even want me, I can't sew, cook, bake, nothing, but I still like their simple life.

The Amish wouldn't want me either, I couldn't get on the internet and I have no skills either. 

  I probably would be in charge of sewing and cooking  And even though it looks like a peaceful and somewhat sane life, I guess there is no way I could go without the tv or computer.

[Northern Rose]

Toffee Buttercrunch

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 TBSP water
1 TBSP light corn syrup
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans or almonds
3/4 cup semi sweet or milk chocolate pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds

Butter the side of a heavy 2 quart saucepan. Put candy thermometer in saucepan. In it melt butter.  Add sugar, water and corn syrup.  Cook over medium heat until your candy thermometer in the pot reads 290 degrees (soft crack stage) stirring frequently (mixture gently boils over entire surface).  Watch carefully after the thermometer reads 280 degrees.  Remove from heat and quickly stir in the 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts.  Immediately turn onto a greased cookie sheet.  Wait for 2-3 minutes for surface to firm then sprinkle with chocolate pieces.  Let stand for 1 - 2 minutes or until chocolate had softened then spread the chocolate over the toffee and sprinkle with the 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts.  Chill till firm then break into pieces.  Makes about 1.5 pounds of toffee.

[joesamas mama]

I'm no Betty Crocker either believe me, and those were Pillsbury cut out dough, the cookies turned out, but the decorating did not, when my daughter started laughing and saying the snowmen looked stoned, I knew that I couldn't give those out as gifts  The Amish people would not even want me, I can't sew, cook, bake, nothing, but I still like their simple life.

I never could figure out why the snowmen didn't look like they did on the package!

The simple life, yes, but then I start thinking about the no electricity, and no phones, and I don't think I could do it. It would be hard for sure! But I guess when that's all you really know, you're not really missing anything.

Last week I read in the news that an Amish man was arrested for drunk buggy driving! 
He was asleep in his buggy, and it was crisscrossing in the middle of the road, and the horse was walking slow, probably not sure where to go.

I did a lot of research on the Amish for a recent class, and have always been fascinated with their lifestyle. Part of that comes from being German. Anyway, after the research, I figured I could "go Amish" as long as I had a computer in the barn. Under some of their communities' rules, electricity and phones are allowed in the barn, for business purposes - in true men fashion, the guys get the toys! So, I'd have a quilt business and have to run it online. That would be my excuse. That is the ONLY reason I couldn't go Amish...well, there's that whole Catholic thing.... but I would love every other single thing about it.

Hahaha, I would go Amish too if I didn't have to do what a man tells me too, milk cows, churn butter, sew, cook, clean, etc.

 I will say one thing about the Amish, when those girls where raped and killed in that school house by that creepy guy. I was so impressed how they forgave him and didn't condemn his family. That to me is something I could never have done. That has always stuck with me. I don't think I could be as forgiving as they were.

[joesamas mama]

Green Eyes, I wanted to ask you about quilting. I've been wanting to learn this for awhile, but don't have a single clue as to where to even start with one.  Any tips?

I live near Amish country, and there's a store close by that we can watch the women gathered around, doing them by hand, and it looks so easy. I use to embroider, so I have kinda a little bit of experience with sewing.

I just would like so much to be able to do one, like a memory quilt. But I don't even have a sewing machine. Do I need one for starters?

Wow Gizzie that would be so awesome to watch the ladies quilt. I had an Aunt that hand quilted. From start to finish, my uncle built her Quilt rack. That she put the quilt in to hold it tight when she got to the actual quilting part. It's an art for sure.

I would get a sewing machine. I have done mine on a portable one. I would start with something small until you feel comfortable going bigger. If you like you can ask Klaas to give you my email addy as I don't have a throw away one. I will be more than happy to help. Start with something simple first. 

Really? Thank you so much! That'd be a huge help! Yes, watching the ladies quilting together like that was fascinating! They all have their own area that they work on and it looks so easy for them. There even were very young girls working on it. When it was finished, it was hung for display and had a price tag of $1600.00! 

I don't even know how to use a sewing machine. My mother years ago offered me one that was my grandmothers. Had the foot pedal and was on a nice old wooden stand type, and I said no. Wish I had thought about it first!

Hmm, do I email Klaas or maybe I should leave a post on musings for her? That's what I'll do...

Thanks again! 

Gizzie  I wrote Klaas in musings also. I am glad to help. I am no expert by any means. Oh man what I wouldn't give to have my grandmothers old treadle machine. That's what I learned how to sew on. But my darling brother gave it away without asking me if I wanted it. I was bummed out over it for a  long time over it. 

Greeneyes, I have a treadle machine sitting where my Christmas tree should be. I wouldn't know how to work it if I tried, but it is very pretty. If my Christmas saga palm wasn't in front of it I would take a picture of it. It was left out in the rain at one point so some of the top is cracking, but other than that it is really pretty. The machine itself is in my closet because when I moved it was too heavy to carry up the stairs all in one piece.

[no rose colored glasses]

Thank-you Northern Rose that sounds really good  Well we are going to go pick up my daughter and her husband and go for her birthday dinner. 25 years old today, I don't know how that happened  Time sure flys

[joesamas mama]

  Hope everyone is writing down these recipes that are being posted.
I am.   

NorthernROse,I love the avi of Max.  Hello to CBB 

Back to the sidekick now.
I am leaving this for JSM    Digger was busy this morning.   
See you monkeys later. 

How does little Digger do it  He is quite the little hunter, and he looks so proud. Have a fun day with your little sidekick. 

His Daddy shoots them and he fetches them.     Then he eats them.   

  I thought he hunted them Trimm. Like my nephew's dog (God rest his soul) did with mice. You could be in the barn and say "LB, skit the mice" he would run into the hay and come back and you could still see the critters crawling around in his belly ALIVE 

[joesamas mama]

I'm no Betty Crocker either believe me, and those were Pillsbury cut out dough, the cookies turned out, but the decorating did not, when my daughter started laughing and saying the snowmen looked stoned, I knew that I couldn't give those out as gifts  The Amish people would not even want me, I can't sew, cook, bake, nothing, but I still like their simple life.

The Amish wouldn't want me either, I couldn't get on the internet and I have no skills either. 

  I probably would be in charge of sewing and cooking  And even though it looks like a peaceful and somewhat sane life, I guess there is no way I could go without the tv or computer.

It does look peaceful, but I really thought I was going Amish by getting rid of cable tv, I don't know what I would do without the internet 

[joesamas mama]

Toffee Buttercrunch

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 TBSP water
1 TBSP light corn syrup
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans or almonds
3/4 cup semi sweet or milk chocolate pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds

Butter the side of a heavy 2 quart saucepan. Put candy thermometer in saucepan. In it melt butter.  Add sugar, water and corn syrup.  Cook over medium heat until your candy thermometer in the pot reads 290 degrees (soft crack stage) stirring frequently (mixture gently boils over entire surface).  Watch carefully after the thermometer reads 280 degrees.  Remove from heat and quickly stir in the 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts.  Immediately turn onto a greased cookie sheet.  Wait for 2-3 minutes for surface to firm then sprinkle with chocolate pieces.  Let stand for 1 - 2 minutes or until chocolate had softened then spread the chocolate over the toffee and sprinkle with the 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts.  Chill till firm then break into pieces.  Makes about 1.5 pounds of toffee.

  Sounds Yummy. I wish my mom's back wasn't still bothering her or I would ask for Fudge for Christmas.

[joesamas mama]

Thank-you Northern Rose that sounds really good  Well we are going to go pick up my daughter and her husband and go for her birthday dinner. 25 years old today, I don't know how that happened  Time sure flys

Have a great time at dinner tonight. Tell you daughter evil Josef says Happy Birthday and so does JSM

[joesamas mama]

Northern, Tevye or any cold weather monkeys I have a question for you.

I get really really dry skin on my legs during the winter. I use lotion, but when I wear long johns or running tights that seems to make my skin so itchy. I have scratched them now and they are almost bleeding.

Is there anything I can do for that, I wore running tights to skate in and that made it worse. Long johns are the same way. I don't know what I can do to keep this from happening. Once I got the tights off, I scratched like a dog with hot spots.

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA JSM 

[Northern Rose]

Northern, Tevye or any cold weather monkeys I have a question for you.

I get really really dry skin on my legs during the winter. I use lotion, but when I wear long johns or running tights that seems to make my skin so itchy. I have scratched them now and they are almost bleeding.

Is there anything I can do for that, I wore running tights to skate in and that made it worse. Long johns are the same way. I don't know what I can do to keep this from happening. Once I got the tights off, I scratched like a dog with hot spots.

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA JSM 

I use Burt's Bees hand salve after every bath or shower in the winter when my skin is still moist. It really helps the dry flaking skin and I have eczema that it really helps with.  I use it all over, legs, arms, etc.

http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/hands-and-feet-hand-moisturizers/

[Brandi]

Thank-you Northern Rose that sounds really good  Well we are going to go pick up my daughter and her husband and go for her birthday dinner. 25 years old today, I don't know how that happened  Time sure flys

Oh cool! Have a wonderful time, no rose!

Tell her from us monkeys!!!

[Brandi]

Northern, Tevye or any cold weather monkeys I have a question for you.

I get really really dry skin on my legs during the winter. I use lotion, but when I wear long johns or running tights that seems to make my skin so itchy. I have scratched them now and they are almost bleeding.

Is there anything I can do for that, I wore running tights to skate in and that made it worse. Long johns are the same way. I don't know what I can do to keep this from happening. Once I got the tights off, I scratched like a dog with hot spots.

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA JSM 

I use Burt's Bees hand salve after every bath or shower in the winter when my skin is still moist. It really helps the dry flaking skin and I have eczema that it really helps with.  I use it all over, legs, arms, etc.

http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/hands-and-feet-hand-moisturizers/

Burts's Bees is GREAT!

I got a tube of their foot cream and use it on my elbows and occasionally my hands. Just really good stuff!!!

[darla]

Good Evening Monkeys.

Thanks NRCG, Dinner was great last night.

JSM. Corn Huskers lotion is also good for the itching and dry skin.

[joesamas mama]

Northern, Tevye or any cold weather monkeys I have a question for you.

I get really really dry skin on my legs during the winter. I use lotion, but when I wear long johns or running tights that seems to make my skin so itchy. I have scratched them now and they are almost bleeding.

Is there anything I can do for that, I wore running tights to skate in and that made it worse. Long johns are the same way. I don't know what I can do to keep this from happening. Once I got the tights off, I scratched like a dog with hot spots.

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA JSM 

I use Burt's Bees hand salve after every bath or shower in the winter when my skin is still moist. It really helps the dry flaking skin and I have eczema that it really helps with.  I use it all over, legs, arms, etc.

http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/hands-and-feet-hand-moisturizers/

Thanks Northern, I have used the lip balm but didn't know they had moisturizers too. 

I was about to go to the store and get a can of Crisco because they are so dry. 

[joesamas mama]

Good Evening Monkeys.

Thanks NRCG, Dinner was great last night.

JSM. Corn Huskers lotion is also good for the itching and dry skin.

  Darla I used Corn Huskers lotion tonight once I got home and it seem to have done the trick for now.  That is so funny you mentioned it. I use it because when I tie my skates tight, I get dry skin on my fingers so I thought I would use it on my legs. So far it has worked.

[joesamas mama]

Northern, Tevye or any cold weather monkeys I have a question for you.

I get really really dry skin on my legs during the winter. I use lotion, but when I wear long johns or running tights that seems to make my skin so itchy. I have scratched them now and they are almost bleeding.

Is there anything I can do for that, I wore running tights to skate in and that made it worse. Long johns are the same way. I don't know what I can do to keep this from happening. Once I got the tights off, I scratched like a dog with hot spots.

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA JSM 

I use Burt's Bees hand salve after every bath or shower in the winter when my skin is still moist. It really helps the dry flaking skin and I have eczema that it really helps with.  I use it all over, legs, arms, etc.

http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/hands-and-feet-hand-moisturizers/

Burts's Bees is GREAT!

I got a tube of their foot cream and use it on my elbows and occasionally my hands. Just really good stuff!!!

I will get some Burts Bees as well, I used Corn Huskers Lotion and Darla mentioned it as well.

I wear these things called Bunga pads around my ankles when I skate and they are like an ace bandage, but have mineral oil on the inside to keep from getting chapped ankles. I swear if they made them to cover all the way up to my calves I would sleep in them.

[Northern Rose]

Northern, Tevye or any cold weather monkeys I have a question for you.

I get really really dry skin on my legs during the winter. I use lotion, but when I wear long johns or running tights that seems to make my skin so itchy. I have scratched them now and they are almost bleeding.

Is there anything I can do for that, I wore running tights to skate in and that made it worse. Long johns are the same way. I don't know what I can do to keep this from happening. Once I got the tights off, I scratched like a dog with hot spots.

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA JSM 

I use Burt's Bees hand salve after every bath or shower in the winter when my skin is still moist. It really helps the dry flaking skin and I have eczema that it really helps with.  I use it all over, legs, arms, etc.

http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/hands-and-feet-hand-moisturizers/

Burts's Bees is GREAT!

I got a tube of their foot cream and use it on my elbows and occasionally my hands. Just really good stuff!!!

I like it as there is no scent added and it does not irritate my eczema like so many other moisturizers do.

[trimmonthelake]

  Hope everyone is writing down these recipes that are being posted.
I am.   

NorthernROse,I love the avi of Max.  Hello to CBB 

Back to the sidekick now.
I am leaving this for JSM    Digger was busy this morning.   
See you monkeys later. 

How does little Digger do it  He is quite the little hunter, and he looks so proud. Have a fun day with your little sidekick. 

His Daddy shoots them and he fetches them.     Then he eats them.   

  I thought he hunted them Trimm. Like my nephew's dog (God rest his soul) did with mice. You could be in the barn and say "LB, skit the mice" he would run into the hay and come back and you could still see the critters crawling around in his belly ALIVE 

   He does hunt them,but usually he only catches the little ground squirrels.The bigger squirrels bite the chit out of him.   
Now he can catch an armadillo or possum,but they get pretty snappy too.He likes it it better when his Daddy can wound them first.
.   
I am headed for the bunky.Sidekick wore me out.I was ready to go to bed hours ago.   

See you monkeys in the morning.