Week 45 Wednesday 11/19/14)

Recipe Review               

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Rice Pudding

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/11/rice-pudding/

         Rice pudding dates back to the Roman Empire. Rice was a costly item in those days, and were pretty much used by the wealthy for their holidays. In the 1600’s rice pudding began spreading through the world.

A lot of the older rice pudding recipes I found had cinnamon and/or raisins added in to the mix. I personally am not a big fan of raisins, so this would not be a dish for me.

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         I am quite thankful this week for exterminators. Today, was the day Chem-Wise arrived at my home to save me from the mice. By this morning, I had killed a total of eight deer and field mice. I learned the types of mice from the wonderful man who came and set 10 traps in my basement and garage to kill any mice that remained. I took a picture of the trap so you could share in my excitement at the beginning of the end of my newest stress. Chem-Wise will return in two weeks to secure all small ways the mice are entering, as well as collect their traps.

This is a trap near ceiling level

This is a new trap where I caught the first two deer mice

         As if the mice are not enough, today we had an invasion of another type. This morning I saw hundreds of what looked like fruit flies near the dining room door. The exterminator determined that they were a type of gnat. Apparently, one of the palm trees that I had brought in from the backyard had larvae that were hatching in the soil. As they emerged and flew, then quickly died. I cleaned the area up before I left for school, but another hundred or more emerged before Nicole came over. So poor Nicole walked into this mess.

         The exterminator helped me carry the tree outside and hopefully I have alleviated yet another stressful problem. Lord help me. The joys and sadness in owning your own home.

        

Memory Musings

         There are friendships that we have, that can last a lifetime. The Burger family has been our dear friends for the past 50 years. They are a wonderful family who share so many interests with us. First of all, Bob and Marla are my parent’s best friends. They shared a love for golf. What I love about the Burgers is that they welcomed by Mom’s second husband, Ron, into the fold. Bob and Ron are great friends. Mom and Marla are as close today, as they were over a half century ago. (Gosh Mom, that’s a long time). I adore every one of the Burger kids, and their children. Whenever we are together, it is joyful. I can’t wait to see them again.

         I am so blessed that I have this special family in my life. We may not see each other as often as we used to, but they all will always hold a special place in my heart.