Patriots Day

 It's been 20+ years since the attack that devastated America on September 11, 2001. Three thousand individuals would lose their lives, and many first responders went down in history as hero's. Four airplanes were in the air and their missions were dictated by those flying the planes. The pentagon, the twin towers in New York and the other plane destination was not truly known. However, all of these planes would crash killing the individuals in the plane as well as many others in the areas that were hit. 

What a terrifying day it was I will always remember that day. I was at work and our Administer announced turn on the TVs we are under attack. For days it seemed we were all glued to the TVs trying to find out all that we could. I felt for those families that had family members in those areas and prayed while we all wanted to hear if they had been found. 

While today, September 11 is not a public holiday it is a day to remember. Many places around America have celebrations to help not only remember but to think about what we could do to make America better. 

The response of this attack on America was answered by forming the Department of Homeland Security. This organization created in 2002 is responsible for border security, immigrations, disaster relief and prevention. In addition, many other steps have been taken to ensure safety. Screening of baggage by airports as well as full body scans help to insure safety to all those as well. 

Shall WE Never Forget 

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns have been around for many hundred years. Some say that they were introduced to the world by a monk who marked them with a cross in honor of Good Friday. He wanted all to share them and show love in their friendships. 

Queen Elizabethan in England decided to limit the production of hot cross buns in the 16th century. They would have only been sold during Christmas, funerals and Good Friday, the Friday before Easter. This law to ban the buns was not one that was observed, and many people disagreed with the ruling.  Thus, the buns were made throughout the year whenever the people wanted.

Another idea that the hot cross buns held special healing powers also was found to be a suspicion. Some that enjoyed these buns believed that if the hot cross buns were baked on Good Friday, they would never go stale and would ward off evil.  In the past ages these buns would only be ate on Good Friday, however modern time has saw them baked many times throughout the year and hosting no special powers. 

Make your own Hot Cross Buns 

• 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams) , Note 1, CHECK still active!
• ▢1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• ▢1 1/2 cups (375ml) milk, warm , full fat or low fat (Note 2)
• ▢4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour (or plain / all purpose) (Note 3)
• ▢2 tsp cinnamon powder
• ▢2 tsp All Spice OR Mixed Spice (Note 4)
• ▢1/2 tsp salt
• ▢1 1/2 cups (210g) sultanas (Note 4)
• ▢1 – 2 oranges, zest only (Note 4)
• ▢50g / 3.5 tbsp  unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ▢1 egg , at room temperature

Mix dry – Place flour, yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Briefly mix with stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Add wet – Add butter, milk, egg, sultanas and zest.

Standmixer: Mix for 5 minutes until a smooth elastic dough forms. Start on speed 2 then once the ingredients are combined, increase to speed 4. After 1 minute, add extra flour if required, just enough so dough comes away from side of bowl when mixing and doesn't stick terribly to your fingers. (Note 5).

Hand kneading: Alternatively, dust a work surface with flour and knead by hand for 10 minutes.

Dough is kneaded enough when it's smooth and does not break when stretched – see photos & video for before/after comparison.

Rise #1:

Leave dough in the bowl, cover with cling wrap and place in a warm, wind free place to rise until doubled in size. This will take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours depending on how warm it is – see Note 6.

Forming Balls (watch video, it’s helpful):

Line a 31.5 x 23.5 cm / 9 x 13″ tray with baking paper with overhang.

Remove cling wrap and punch dough to deflate.

Dust work surface with flour, place dough on work surface, shape into a log – this will deflate the air. Cut into 12 equal pieces.

Take one piece and press down with palm, then use your fingers to gather into a ball, then roll the dough briefly to form a ball. This stretches the dough on one side and that’s how I get a nice smooth surface.

Place the ball with the smooth side up on the tray. Repeat with remaining dough. Line them up 3 x 4.

Rise # 2:

Spray a piece of cling wrap lightly with oil (any), then loosely place over the tray.

Return tray to warm place and leaver 30 – 45 minutes, until the dough has risen by about 75% (less than double in size).

Partway through Rise #2, preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).

Crosses:

Mix flour and water until a thick runny paste forms – see video for thickness required.

Spoon into a round 3 mm piping bag or small ziplock bag then snip corner.

Remove the cling wrap and pipe crosses onto the buns. Go slow so it hugs the curves.

Baking/Glaze:

Bake in preheated oven (180°C/350°F) for 22 minutes, or until the surface is a deep golden brown. The surface colour is the best test for this recipe.

Meanwhile, place jam and water in a bowl, microwave for 30 seconds. Mix to combine.

Remove buns from oven. Use overhang to lift buns onto a cooling rack.

Brush with jam mixture while warm. Allow to cool to warm before serving.

Recipe Notes:

1.  Yeast: Use any yeast labelled instant or rapid rise yeast. I use Lowan Dried Instant Yeast (red tube, sold at Woolies/Coles baking aisle). 

YEAST CHECK to ensure your yeast is still active (unless you just bought/opened a fresh bottle): mix 1 teaspoon yeast with 1/2 tsp white sugar and 1/4 cup warm water (40C / 100-110F). Leave 10 minutes. Foamy and creamy, smells yeasty = yeast is good. If no foam, it’s dead. Time to get another!

Normal yeast / active dry yeast – same ingredients, but start as follows:

mix yeast, 2 teaspoons of the sugar and all the warm milk in the bowl, then leave 5 – 10 minutes until surface gets foamy;

add all the other ingredients (including remaining sugar minus the 2 tsp used above), then mix/knead per recipe; and

proceed with recipe as written.

Fresh yeast (comes in a block that crumbles, not powder like dry yeast) – use 27g/ 0.9 oz. Crumble it into the milk and let stand until it foams up, same as using active dry yeast per above.

2. Milk warmth – Scalding hot milk kills the yeast. I heat it for 45 seconds on high in the microwave. The test is this: stick your finger in. If it was a bath, would it be pleasant? Good. It’s not too hot or too cold!

3. Breads are also fluffier and more tender if made with bread flour rather than normal flour. However, this recipe works great with normal white flour too.

Flour quantity – differs all year round, and with different flour brands. Start with 4 1/4 cups to be safe (better to start sticky and add more flour as required), expect to add an extra 1/4 cup. DO NOT add too much flour – results in dry dough = tough buns.

4. Flavourings

Spices – All Spice is my default, but I also use Mixed Spice too and no one would ever know the difference. Sub with: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp each cloves and nutmeg

Sultanas: Some recipes say to add sultanas after the dough has been kneaded or risen. If you do this, you’ll find it very hard to disperse them evenly throughout the dough. By adding them before kneading, some do get squished. But it’s not noticeable in the end resu

National Hummingbird Day

 Today, September 7th is the first Saturday of the month and is a day that bird lovers and others observe as The National Day of Hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are loved by those that admire them and are born with the chic and males both caring for them from time of birth. The chic will do her job as the mother, but the male is the defender of the nest and there are many things that the nest must be defended for. The hummingbird is small in nature and is threatened by pesticides, bad weather, big insects and other predators as well as any habitat changes. 

The hummingbird is a brave creature choosing to fly alone often. Not only are they the only bird that can fly backwards it is one of the fastest moving birds as well. A hummingbird wings have been to be known to move as fast as 200 times a second. Most species of hummingbirds are from North and South America. It may seem odd to have this holiday at this time of year rather than spring or summer, but the hummingbird is the busiest during the months of August and September. Thus, it only seems right to bring awareness to this fast small proud bird at this time of year. 

Hummingbirds have one large flaw and that is that they cannot smell. Thus, they are attracted to bright colors, and they often like to be in an area where vines and so forth are present. Bright colors as well as nectar producing plants, red and white tubular flowers and brightly colored hummingbird feeder 

For all of you nature lovers there are a few other bird days that will be coming up. First, will be National Bird day in January and then a day to remember to feed the birds in February. 

National Beard Day

 When you think of individuals with beards what characteristics come to mind?? Masculinity, rugged, wisdom and possibly even wildness. Some mean can look strong and mature, others may look rugged and strong, while others are blessed with a look of wisdom but at the same time a beard may also make some look a bit wild. Do you have a beard or love someone that does?? 

Beard Day is celebrated the first Saturday of September every year. History would show that all men primarily had beards until around the year 4,000 when shaving became a custom. One reason that men sported beards was because a beard helped prevent a layer of warmth. Many places around the world admired their men and the beards that they wore. In fact, one town in Sweden would ban all men without beards out of the town as a way to shame them for not having a beard. 

One of the famous individuals that appreciated his look because of a beard had the word beard as part of the name he went by. Black Beard was a pirate whose real name was Edward Teach. Black Beard was around during the early American colonies that were still under British control. 

Being from Illinois I would be shamed if I did not include our famous president from Illinois. President Abraham Lincoln was one of only 5 United States Presidents that sported a beard. The others were Ulysses S Grant, Rutherford Hayes who gets credit for having the longest beard, James Garfield, and Benjamin Harison. However there is another famous man that while he has never been president, he wears a full beard to aid in warmth and is recognized everywhere he goes, dressed in red and is known to the world as Santa Claus. 

Don't worry for all you that do not like the look of beards or the feel of them either your day will arrive next month. On October 18th the National NO Beard Day will arrive. 

Two Musicians Celebrate September 1st as their birthdays

 As of 12:01 am we entered the month of September. This month holds many great days for our family. Including birthdays, anniversaries and more. There are also a cople of famous singers celebrating their birthdays this month as well.

Both Conway Twitty and Barry Gibbs were born in the month of September. 

Harold Jenkins better known as Conway Twitty was born September 1st 1933 in the great state of Mississippi. Conway Twitty sang music, wrote music for himself and others, and earned himself in the great hall of fame. Conway at the young age of 10 sang on the radio and also would preach a bit as well. In school he would become a baseball star of his own and even earn a chance to play professional ball by the Philadelphia Phillies. However, the army would draft Conway before he made a decision to play or not. 

Elvis Presley was idolized by Conway Twitty and the military could not stop him from continuing his music. In the army Conway would form a group that would entertain the troups during down time. By 1965 Conway had left the original sound of rockabilly and was strictly playing country music. In 1970 he would write and perform one of the songs that made him famous "Hello Darlin" 

In addition to music Conway Twitty would find himself starring in some movies as well. His love for baseball / softball would not disappear and he actively supported many teams and players. June 1993 would be the last that he would be seen as the star would pass away at the age of 59 just shy of his 60th birthday. 

Another great singer with his own records to be proud of that celebrates September 1st as birthday is Andy Gibbs. 

Born Barry Alan Compton Gibbs would be born to a musical family. With his father a drummer when Barry was born it was not hard to figure music would play a big part of this young mans life. At the age of 12 Barry and his brothers would fit the world-famous group Bee Gees. The Bee Gees would break up in 1969. Later Barry would come out on his own as solo star and his brother Andy Gibbs would also be a solo star. 

Barry would not only sing and perform but write music as well. With over 100 songs wrote in total Barry holds a record for having 6 #1 songs. To honor his accomplishments Barry was added to the song writers hall of fame as well as the Rock and Roll hall of fame. 

Its Raining Are You Prepared for the Flood

 

While southern Illinois is a beautiful place to live. Weather in southern Illinois can be a bit scary at times. We live on the New Madrid fault line and fear of earthquakes have long been around. The tornado in 2012 was one that I will never forget. The storm damaged my house, and I can recall the time during the storm where the entire family took shelter waiting as the tornado blew past. There have also been many rainstorms as well as snowfalls that would put the fear into many as well. 

Tornadoes, earthquakes and storms can all be scary and destructive but the weather event I want to talk about today is flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency better known as FEMA estimates the damage cause by flood to be in the billions. While many believe that floods occur mostly around the coastline areas they would be wrong. Rather everyone should know what to do in the case of flood to be prepared so that panic will not strike in the moment that a flood comes. 

Flash flood warnings are often called and are a result of heavy downpour, storm surge, coastal storm, snow or overflow from a local dam or other waterway. Flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service should be paid attention to. Take note to move to a safer location. High ground locations should be safe. Thus if you are not in a safe place when the flash flood warning occurs get to a safe location so that you will not be in danger. 

If you find yourself in a flooded area do not use electricity in any area that has been flooded. Water coming into contact with live electrical outlets makes the danger of being electrocuted or a fire starting possible. If you are in a flooded area where wild animals can be found stay away from the as they can be dangerous because of their fear to survive or the diseases they may carry. In a follow up post, we will share how to make a weather emergency kit so that you are prepared if you find yourself in a storm or flood. 

Thank you for visiting our blog and I hope that this post will help you prepare and be ready in the case a flood should come your way. 

Bananas from green to too far gone

If your house is anything like mine then your shopping list normally contains a fruit item or two. Today in this post we are going to look at bananas. Ideas how to use.... HOw long they are good for and when we can no longer use. 

A few of our favorite recipes that include fresh bananas are

The first time I ever tried this type of dessert was as a girl at my grandparents. My grandmother made this banana split dessert. Oh so yummy and delicious. 

This recipe for frozen fruit salad is not only great on a summer hot day but also taste great and good for you. 

Bananas are Good For the Body. 

Bananas are good for the body as they contain fiber and other nutrients the body needs and uses. These include potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as antioxidants. Bananas have been shown to help with blood sugar, aid in digestive help and with weight loss. In addition, bananas have been shown to help both heart and kidney health. For more information this article on the healthline website can tell you more. 

So now I have shared with you why and how bananas are good for our health and shared a few of our favorite ways to prepare and eat. Now the only question is when is the best time to use a banana?? When it is still green around the edges, fresh and yellow, with a few brown spots or when they begin to look like this....

Common to green tomatoes you can also eat green bananas. 

Green bananas are good to eat but many do not like the taste of these. Sometimes you will find green bananas mixed into smoothies. The best way to eat green bananas is by preparing it by cooking. You may not be aware but you can boil bananas and make up like mashed potatoes. Slicing and frying green bananas chips makes for a great delicious snack. 

There are a few recipes that request those bananas that have aged just a bit. These recipes include banana bread

However, there comes a time when bananas can no longer be used. If one of these following 3 happen you need to get rid of the bananas as they are too far gone

1. If you notice any mold on your bananas, it's time to throw them away or toss them in the compost bin. ...
2. If a banana smells rotten or fermented or is leaking fluid, it's time to say goodbye.
3. If the fruit inside, not just the peel, is black, that's a sign that your banana is too far gone to safely eat.

I hope you enjoy the post and learned a bit more about bananas. If you get a chance try a recipe or two and let me know how it tasted. In addition if you have any information to add please place in comments would love to know what you think

Day for Forgiveness

 

Are you in search of forgiveness or is there someone ort something you need to forgive?? Today may be the perfect day for that. Today, June 26th is National Forgiveness Day. It is a day to offer forgiveness to all that need it. One of the best examples of forgiveness can be found in the bible with many different stories both old and new testament. One of the best examples may be Jesus hanging on the crowd forgiving all.

Forgiveness is good for many health benefits as well. Not holding grudges and rather offer forgiveness offers reduced stress, reduced anger and anxiety and lowers blood pressure as well. The decision to release feelings of resentment can bring peace and understanding to the life of the individual forgiving as well as the one that forgiveness is being offered to. Through forgiveness empathy and compassion can be demonstrated. 

Whether it be friendship, family, or a couple uniting having the ability to offer forgiveness can offer the chance of a strong relationship. There is no apology needed to give forgiveness as it is for the one offering rather tan for the one that needs it to feel better and perhaps in time the apology will come. However, the action of forgiveness helps one take full control of their feelings and helps one live a full life. After all forgiveness helps demonstrate that Love is stronger than hate. 

Loved Porkchop History and a recipe

 Did you know that pigs have been raised for their meat by man since around 7000 BX. The chinese first domesticated pigs and normally prepared them by cooking thick slices of meat that was cut from the pigs loin or rib. Normally this meat was grilled or roasted over an open fire.  Later the Romans would develop culinary techniques to prepare the pork chop. Both the wealthy and those that were poor would enjoy pork chops. Pork chops were often also preserved and later led to the use of bacon and ham. Europeans would bring pigs and the tradition of eating pork when they settled America. Porkchops are still a staple of many areas in the United States even today. 

Pork chops can be prepared a number of different ways and many of these are traditions that have came from the area that they were first prepared. Chinese would marinate pork chops in soy sauce and spices , Europeans would bread and fry their chops or grill the porkchops with herbs. Many places in America will serve porkchops with barbecue sauce and often with applesauce as well. Porkchops are often prepared by grilling, roasting, fried or braised. Home cooks as well as diners often serve up porkchops. 

• 1 pound baby yellow potatoes
• ▢4 tablespoons olive oil

• ▢4 boneless pork chops
• ▢Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ▢½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ▢⅓ cup honey
• ▢⅓ cup Dijon mustard preferably coarse-ground
• ▢1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ▢1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

• Par-boil the baby potatoes in salted water until tender when pierced with a fork.
  1 pound baby yellow potatoes
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet and cook the baby potatoes until the skin in golden brown. Set aside.
  4 tablespoons olive oil
• Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
  4 boneless pork chops,Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil and pork chops. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Set aside on a plate and cover with aluminum foil to rest.
• In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, chicken broth, honey, mustard, and seasonings until well blended. Add to the skillet and cook on medium high heat until sauce thickens.
  ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth,⅓ cup honey,⅓ cup Dijon mustard,1 teaspoon garlic powder,1 teaspoon onion powder,½ teaspoon dried oregano,½ teaspoon ground paprika
• Return the potatoes and pork chops to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
  1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

originally found this great easy porkchop recipe here

shared at the Blog Pieced Pasttimes on Saturday Sparks

Happy Juneteenth

 June 19th is the National Independence Day as the abolition of slavery. New holiday?? No not really just new that it is celebrated in such an Indepth manner. The date of June 17th 2021 is the day that the bill to celebrate this special day was signed into law. The special meaning behind the holiday is that June 19th 1865 was the date that word finally reached Galveston Texas that slavery had been abolished and the enslaved people of African descent were released. 

Freedom was granted through the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. Texas was the farthest of the Confederate states, and slaveholders there made no attempt to free the enslaved African Americans they held in bondage. This meant that President Lincoln’s proclamation was unenforceable without military intervention, which eventually came nearly 2.5 years later. United States has often seen a celebration on June 16th in cities where the Black populations would host parades, reunions, speeches and picnics. Now the date can be celebrated by all with businesses and banks closing and other events taking place. 

 

Summer Splurging in a HOdgepodge

 1. It's National Splurge Day...what's something you might splurge on today? What have you splurged on recently? 

groceries or something for the grandkids are the normal 2 areas that I splurge. Good prices on groceries often sees me buying more to put some up for later but other times grocery prices have went up yet i still want what I want. As far as the kids go I buy for them to much but they deserve it and they are only normal once for a bit. 

2. Do you have a beach bag? What's in it? Is a trip to the beach on your summer bucket list? Do you have a summer bucket list? 

We are working on a summer list. We have a few trips planned but the beach is truly not one of them. I have a travel bag where I keep snacks, bandaids, neosporin etc...

3. What's a song that makes you think of a summer past? What comes to mind when you hear it? What memories does it stir up for you? 

So many great memories and individuals that are not here any longer. TO repeat some of those great times would be awesome.

4. Sushi-yay or nay? Have you actually tried it? If you love it what's your go-to order? 

No have never tried

5. I own a ridiculous amount of ____________________________________. 

I own a ridiculous amount of clothes it seems I often find great items at awesome prices. I have many fashion favorites

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Pictures of the grandkids where we had lots of fun. 

Animal Lovers Be Aware stories about koalas, horses and disabled pets.

 Animal lovers all over the world will be ready for this weekend with all the awareness activities that are upon the animals. 

First of all, perhaps you have seen the super cute koala bears at your local zoo. how cuddly they appear. Their word Koala means no drink and that may possibly be related to the continent they live on. While Austria is not the hottest area it is definitely one that does not receive a great amount of rain. likewise, the koala bears food is often eucalyptus leaves that are considered toxic and extremely poisonous while, the koala bears have a difficult area to live the WWF organization is trying to draw attention and help the wild koalas before they are extinct. 

koalas are marsupials and are classified as such. They are related closer to the kangaroos than other bears. While wild bears live in social groups often near each other koalas choose not to be social. Their great sense of smell helps them greatly within their habitat. Unlike other bears that hibernate Koala bears sleep 18 plus hours a day and do not hibernate. They can live up to 15 years in the wild under the right habitat but due to statistics the numbers are starting to decline. 

By raising awareness into what is going on where the beautiful koalas live is the place to begin and is fairly easy via social media. Using drones to tract the area where the koalas live will help bring awareness of what is going on. Planning and saving the trees where the koalas live is also very important as it is where they live. Ensuring the animals health is important as well because they are spreading disease in the community. 

The way the world looked at animals, pets include changed when the animal welfare laws of 1972 were created. Disabled pets are still here to love and while like humans are very loveable but need extra care and help. Adaptive equipment, training and support for both the animals and pet owners as well, and groups for support all help disabled pets and their owners. 

This weekend May 3rd and 4th the Kentucky Derby will be hosted in Louisville Kentucky. The race as taken place with the first one being ran in 1874. Three-year-old fillies will take the stage ready to run the best race they can. Owners' spectators and others are all taking bets on which horse will win. The race has taken place at Churchill Downs since Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark started them all those years ago. The gates opened for all to be welcomed in to watch the races at 9 am and the first race took place shortly after. 

Have a great day with lots of animal love today as you enjoy the rest of the day.