Ruth's Dishes

Supper Time

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Click on image to enlarge!

Here’s a recipe for mashed potatoes with butter, Brussels sprouts with a few carrots, and meatloaf:

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
  2. Place the chopped potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  3. Add the butter and milk to the pot with the potatoes, then use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. While the potatoes are cooking, steam the Brussels sprouts until they are tender but still slightly firm, about 8–10 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  6. Press the meat mixture into a loaf pan, then bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and browned on top.
  7. Serve the mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and meatloaf hot, garnished with additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Gardening, Weather

Rainy Old Day Here In The North

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April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. And while it might be tempting to grumble about the rainy weather that seems to follow us everywhere this time of year, there are actually plenty of benefits to all that precipitation. Especially up here in the northern part of the world, where April can be a pretty dreary month, as it is today.

First and foremost, rain in April means that we’re finally starting to say goodbye to winter. No more snow (hopefully), no more icy walkways, no more scraping frost off your windshield in the morning. Instead, we get to enjoy the fresh scent of rain. It’s a refreshing change of pace after a long, cold winter.

Rain in April is also great news for gardeners. All that moisture helps to nourish the soil, making it easier for plants to grow and flourish. In fact, some plants actually prefer a little rain this time of year – think of those early spring flowers like daffodils and tulips, which practically dance in the rain.

And let’s not forget the benefits of all that rain on our lawns and gardens. A good downpour can help to wash away any built-up pollutants or debris, leaving everything looking fresh and green. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a rainbow once the rain stops – talk about a mood booster!

Of course, there are some downsides to all that rain. It can make it tough to plan outdoor activities, for one thing. And if you forget your umbrella or raincoat, you’re in for a soggy walk home. But hey, that’s what makes life interesting, right? There’s nothing quite like a sudden downpour and a bit of lightning and thunder to add a little excitement to your day.

So the next time you’re tempted to grumble about the rain, remember all the benefits that come with it. From helping our gardens grow to washing away winter’s grime, April showers may be a little inconvenient, but they’re definitely worth it in the end. And who knows – maybe they’ll even bring a smile to your face. Happy April, everyone!

Podcast

Episode 125: Jeb and Emmet, Life on the Farm

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Episode 125: In this episode, you’ll get a glimpse into the simple yet profound perspectives of two farmers, as they discuss the importance of hard work, family, and community. Through their stories and anecdotes, you’ll gain insights into the joys and challenges of rural life, and how it has shaped their values and beliefs. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this insightful conversation between two wise farmers.

I hope you enjoy: Jeb & Emmet, Life on the farm!

Podcast: Download

George's Writers Corner

What’s Happening On April 21/2023

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Click on the image below to enlarge. It explains exactly what is going on these days. At least the way I see it.

Good Morning!

It’s not too bad of a morning temperature wise, with it sitting at 5.3 C | 41.54 F. It won’t warm up much more than it is now for the remainder of the day. We will also see some showers off and on all day long. The old saying April showers brings May flowers is holding true. Highway 522 is quiet this morning, but it will pick up being Friday with folks needing, or should say wanting, things for the weekend. My wife and I have everything we need for now, so we will be staying at home.

And being that my wife is still recouping from her episode with the dentist, she doesn’t feel like going anywhere, anyway. And on top of all that, the price of gas has once again gone through the roof with it sitting at $1.72 a Litre in North Bay, A crazy price that isn’t warranted. These so-called Powers that Be that are adding on this carbon tax hasn’t got a clue on what is really happening with our environment, as this tax is hurting more than it is doing any good. If asked, there would be no way they could justify it. Any money they do make from it is given away anyway. Kind of a sad state of affairs the working man/woman is living with these days.

Ah, hell! I could go on here for an hour, but it wouldn’t accomplish anything, so I am heading off for a bite to eat and will then see what the day has in store, other than all this bureaucratic nonsense that is happening these days. That’s the polite way of saying it!!Ha ha

In Closing I Would Like To Wish You Well. GW

My Opinion Only

Blinders For Horses are Now Being Put On Humans?

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Let’s talk about how most of our Powers That Be have used propaganda over the years to corrupt folks’ minds.

Now, propaganda is kinda like advertising, but instead of selling you a product, it’s selling you an idea. And sometimes, that idea ain’t always the truth.

Some of our Powers That Be, have been using propaganda for a long time now. It started way back in the day when rulers would put up statues of themselves to show how great they were. And it’s only gotten more sophisticated since then.

Nowadays, most Powers That Be, use all kinds of tools to spread their message. They use TV, radio, newspapers, and the internet to get their message out there. And they use all kinds of tricks to make you believe what they’re saying.

One of the biggest tricks they use is called “spin.” That’s when they take a piece of information and twist it around to make it sound better than it really is. For example, they might say that they’re creating jobs, but they won’t tell you that those jobs pay minimum wage and have no benefits.

Another trick they use is called “fear-mongering.” That’s when they try to scare you into believing something by exaggerating the dangers. They might say that there’s a terrorist threat and that you need to give up your freedoms to be safe.

And sometimes, they even straight-up lie to you. They’ll tell you something that’s just not true, but they’ll repeat it over and over again until you start to believe it.

All of this propaganda can be really harmful. It can make you believe things that aren’t true, and it can make you distrustful of other people and other countries. It can also make it hard to have a real conversation about the issues, because everyone is so caught up in their own propaganda.

So, what can you do about it? Well, the first step is to be aware of it. Whenever someone is trying to sell you an idea, think about where that idea is coming from and what their agenda might be. And always do your own research before you believe anything you hear.

Remember, my friends, just because someone says something is true, doesn’t always mean it is. Keep an open mind, and be willing to question what you’re told. That’s the best way to keep yourself from being corrupted by propaganda.

My Opinion Only

My Views On War and The Environment

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Wars are some of the most devastating events that can occur in human history. They leave behind a trail of destruction, loss of life, and environmental damage. In fact, wars are far worse for the environment than oil, gas, or coal. Here are some reasons why.

  1. Destruction of Habitat War can destroy entire ecosystems and habitats, leading to massive loss of biodiversity. Explosions, bombings, and chemical warfare can destroy forests, wetlands, and other habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. This destruction can lead to the extinction of many species that depend on these habitats for survival.
  2. Pollution and Contamination War generates massive amounts of pollution and contamination. The use of conventional weapons, such as bombs and missiles, creates toxic waste and debris. The burning of fossil fuels by military vehicles and aircraft also generates pollution, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues for humans and wildlife alike.
  3. Soil Degradation War can cause long-lasting soil degradation. The use of heavy military equipment and vehicles can compact soil and reduce its fertility. The use of chemical weapons and other toxic substances can contaminate soil and make it unsuitable for agricultural or other purposes.
  4. Water Pollution War can also contaminate water resources, leading to severe environmental and health consequences. The use of chemical weapons, oil spills, and other pollutants can cause water pollution, affecting aquatic life and contaminating drinking water sources. This pollution can lead to long-term health problems for humans and animals that depend on these water sources.
  5. Deforestation Wars can also lead to deforestation, as armies need to clear forests to create paths, military installations, and camps. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, flooding, and desertification. It can also reduce the capacity of forests to store carbon, contributing to climate change.
  6. Loss of Biodiversity Wars can lead to the extinction of many plant and animal species. Destruction of habitats, pollution, and other factors can reduce the biodiversity of affected regions, leading to a loss of valuable genetic resources and ecosystem services.

In conclusion, wars are far worse for the environment than oil, gas, or coal. The environmental damage caused by wars can have long-lasting and severe consequences, affecting human health and the survival of many plant and animal species. It is essential to strive for peace and conflict resolution to avoid the catastrophic environmental impacts of wars.

Health

Tea vs. Coffee: The Benefits of Choosing Tea

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Here’s a blog post about the benefits of tea compared to coffee:

For many people, a cup of coffee in the morning is a daily ritual. But did you know that tea can be just as energizing, and may offer a host of other health benefits as well? Here are some reasons to consider switching to tea.

  1. Lower caffeine content

While some types of tea, such as black tea, can contain as much caffeine as coffee, many teas contain significantly less. For example, a cup of green tea typically contains around 25 milligrams of caffeine, compared to around 95 milligrams in a cup of coffee. This lower caffeine content means that tea may be a better choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to limit their intake.

  1. Antioxidants

Tea is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Green tea, in particular, is high in a type of antioxidant called catechins, which have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and possibly even reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

  1. Hydration

Tea can help keep you hydrated, which is important for overall health. While coffee can also contribute to your daily fluid intake, it has a diuretic effect that can cause you to lose more water through urine. Tea, on the other hand, is less likely to have this effect, making it a good choice for staying hydrated.

  1. Lower acidity

Coffee is known to be acidic, which can cause digestive discomfort for some people. Tea, on the other hand, is generally less acidic, which may make it a better choice for people with sensitive stomachs.

  1. Variety

Tea comes in a wide range of flavors and varieties, which means there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer the earthy taste of a good green tea or the floral notes of a delicate white tea, there’s a tea out there that will suit your tastes.

  1. Relaxation

While coffee is known for its energizing effects, tea can also have a calming effect on the mind and body. This is due in part to the presence of an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

  1. Dental health

Finally, drinking tea may be good for your teeth. Tea contains compounds called polyphenols, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Green tea, in particular, has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of these oral health problems.

In conclusion, while coffee certainly has its benefits, there are many reasons to consider switching to tea. With its lower caffeine content, high antioxidant content, and potential health benefits, tea is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. So why not give it a try?

George's Writers Corner

What’s Happening On April 20/23

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Good Morning!

It’s another cool morning here, waking up with the temperature sitting at 0 C | 32 F. However, it will warm up quite a bit as the day moves forward. But in saying that, we won’t be having any summer weather like we had last week for a while yet. What we will be getting is a lot of rain off and on, which is normal for this time of year, at least in our area. Highway 522 is getting busier every day with out-of-towners roaming around. It is nice to see folks out and about.

On another note, my lovely wife and I had to go to the big city yesterday, as they finally found time to remove her tooth that was bothering her for the past three weeks or so. It wasn’t very pleasant, to say the least. But it is done, and now she has to heal a bit. She hasn’t had any real food for a day now, so I am thinking she is getting somewhat hungry. While in town, we picked up some groceries along with some yogourt, so she should be able to eat that without too much difficulty. Hope so. Other than that, the ride to town was nice with the roads being dry, and we did have some sunshine following us which brightened up our life so to speak.

Today I will work here on my computer, being that it is still cold outside.

With that I am off for a bowl of shredded wheat and will then see what the day has in store. You never know, life is like a mystery novel, you never know what the next page might bring.

In Closing I Would Like To Wish You Well. GW

Other Things

Living Life to the Fullest

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One day I had lunch with some old friends.  Jim, a short,

balding golfer type, about 80-years old, came along with them; all in all, it was a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, my friends and I ordered salads, sandwiches,

and soups, except for Jim who said, “A large piece of home-made apple pie, heated please.”

 I wasn’t sure my ears heard him right, and the others were aghast, When Jim continued, completely unabashed….”along with two large scoops of vanilla ice cream.”

 We tried to act quite nonchalantly as if people did this all the time, but when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy eating mine. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Jim as I watched him savouring each bite of his pie a-la-mode. The other guys just grinned in disbelief as they silently ate their lunches.

 The next time I went out to eat, I called Jim and invited him to join me. I lunched on a white meat tuna sandwich, while he ordered a chocolate parfait. Since I was chuckling, he wanted to know if he amused me.

 I answered, “Yes, you certainly do, but you also confuse me. How come you always order such rich desserts, while I feel like I must be sensible in my food choices?”

 He laughed and said “I’m tasting all that is possible for me to taste.

I try to eat the food I need and do the things I should in order to stay healthy, but life’s too short, my friend. I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned)  I’ve never been this old before, so, while I’m still here, I’ve decided it’s time to try all those things that, for years, I’ve been ignoring.”

 He continued, “I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There are more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

“There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes.  I’ve missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

“I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.

I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

“I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast.

 I want untimed long-distance calls to the one I love the most.

 “I haven’t cried at all the movies yet or walked in the morning rain.

I need to feel the wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

“So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before nightfall, I’d say I died a winner because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire.

 I had that final piece of pie before my life expired.”

 With that, I called the waitress over… “I’ve changed my mind,

 ” I said. “I want what he’s having, only add some more whipped cream!”

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening On April 19/2023

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Good Morning!

Other than being a cold morning, it is a good morning. The temperature waking up was sitting at -4.3 C | 24.26 F. And we did have flurries for most of the day, off and on yesterday. I would say we had a 1/4 of an inch that remained on the ground. But with the ground now being warmer, it will melt pretty fast. We are also seeing a lot of sunshine this morning, which is nice. Clouds however will enter into the picture as the day moves forward, but we won’t be having any more snow, and after today things will slowly start to warm back up.

On another note, my lovely wife’s tulips are sure growing these days, she is hoping that the freezing weather last night didn’t harm them. But I am thinking they can handle it. About half of our snow drops are finished blooming. They sure look nice, being the first flower of spring. We have a lot of them. My wife keeps breaking them up, moving them around, as she does with all her plants. She has hundreds of different kinds. When one finishes showing off, another takes it place, all summer long. The grass is also turning greener every day, and it won’t be long before I will have to wake up our lawn mowers. In one way it’s good and in another not so good. But it does look nice after the mowing is all done. Especially after the first cut. I think I enjoy it the most, with the smell of the fresh cut grass.

With that, I am off for a bite to eat and will then see what the day has in store.

In Closing I Would Like To Wish You Well! GW

Gardening

Bird Feeders

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There is some good news today, for those that have been told that feeding birds can be harmful to the bird themselves. I didn’t believe them in the first place, but now it’s said that …

Seeds and suet do more for birds than merely fill their bellies. Birds that are fed over the winter are healthier, because they do not have to spend as much energy fighting diseases.

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening On April 18/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy, cool morning here waking up, with the temperature sitting at 1.1 C | 33.98 F. If the temperature remains cool we could see a few flurries throughout the day. Nothing that will stay, though, as things will start to warm up a wee bit more starting tomorrow. Highway 522 has been kind of busy with a few folks coming in from the cities. It won’t be long before a lot more will be opening up their cottages for summer. And then the day trippers will start to move through, which will keep our few small business happy. We will be opening our store in June I think, and then we will see how the weather is, and go from there.

Yesterday I took it a bit easy, resting up as my old body is feeling it these days. It always does around this time of year, as it’s not used to a lot of physical work, like my wife and I have been doing for the past week or so. Sure sign of .what lays ahead. I did however work away on some projects on my computer yesterday, and will probably do the same today.
With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and a piece of toast that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and we will see what develops after that.

In Closing I Would Like To Wish You Well! GW

George's Writers Corner

One of My Stories About School Days For You to Enjoy!

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“Dear reader, I am happy to share one of my stories about school days with you. It’s a tale that is both nostalgic and entertaining, filled with moments of laughter, friendship, and mischief. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through my memories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed living it.”

The old one room school house was warm that morning.  Laura and Reg, the folks that I lived with, also looked after the school, but today they were busy on the farm and couldn’t make it.   Usually they had all the windows open and the building swept out before anyone got there.  The oldest boys soon fixed the problem by opening the windows, while the girls swept the floors, in no time at all, things were ready to go. 
     Miss Jameson, had just started teaching at our school a few months ago.  Most of us kids treated her pretty good, but there were a few that liked to pull the odd prank once in a while.  They wouldn’t ever do anything that would hurt her or anyone, but scare, now that was a different story.  Only thing was, though, her being so nice, most of us didn’t want to play any tricks on her.  I kind of figured she had been lucky so far as no one attempted anything, but I knew that was about to change. There were two older fellows in grade eight, that usually came up with the ideas and then made the younger fellows do the dirty work.
     Well, on this day the two older fellows arrived at school earlier, and they picked up a Garter snake along the way.  They cornered this young fellow new to the school and told him to put the snake in the teachers top desk drawer.  The younger boy didn’t really want too, but in fear of getting picked on for the rest of the day, he said he would.  The snake was put in the drawer and pretty well the whole class knew about it, other than a few girls that were real friendly with the teacher.  If they had found out, for sure, they would have said something.
     We all opened our books and were sitting there waiting for her to open her desk. To our dismay, though, she never even went near the drawer, till around noon. Then it happened.
    “Lunchtime,” she said and started to put her things away.  We all sat there holding our breath. Thinking, now she will scream, jump from her chair and run to the other side of the room, maybe even out the door, like all the other teachers had done before.  The girls  that knew what was going on, were holding their hands over their mouth. The guys were on the edge of their seats, the teacher, well, she slowly reached down and opened the drawer.  But to our surprise, she just reached in, took the snake in her hand and laid it on her desk.
    “Well, she said, it looks to me like a few here in the class are interested in snakes.  So right after lunch we will get our science books out, and I will go over the different kinds. I am very happy you brought it to my attention.” 
     Every one that knew about it, just kind of sat there with a look of disappointment on their face.  The laugh, this time, was on us.
    No matter what they came up with, through the year, they just couldn’t scare her. Spiders, mice, more snakes, nothing seemed to bother her. She took them all in stride. 
     Later on we found she was raised in the country and while growing up she was kind of a tomboy.  I will say this, she was the best teacher that I ever had.  She taught all eight grades and never once complained.  Eventually, the older boys found other girls to bother, and the teacher was left alone to do her job.
    So there you have it, a day in the life of a country school teacher.

The Old Craftsman's Woodworking Shop

Old Wood Hold Secrets

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Now, some folks might say that old used lumber is about as useful as a one-legged cat in a sandbox, but I beg to differ. Why, that old wood has got character and charm that you just can’t find in the shiny new stuff.

Sure, it might have a few knots and knotholes here and there, but that just adds to its rustic appeal. And let’s not forget about the stories that old lumber could tell if it could talk. Maybe it was once part of a grand old barn that housed a bunch of rowdy farm animals, or perhaps it was part of an old homestead that saw generations of families come and go.

So, if you’re in the market for some good ol’ fashioned character and charm in your next woodworking project, look no further than old used lumber. It may not be perfect, but then again, neither are we.

My wife and I, who work in the woodworking business, crafted some truly unique wooden items. For a period of time, we rented a building situated in a sawmill in St. Catharines, Ontario. There, I established my shop and set to work creating wooden furniture and other pieces for our stores located in Thorold and St. Catharines, Ontario.
During this time, my wife took orders, designed them, and I brought them to life in the shop. One of the best aspects of having a shop in a sawmill was the unlimited supply of lumber that was readily available to me. Whenever I needed it, all I had to do was step outside, and I was surrounded by it.
On one occasion, I stumbled upon twenty piles of aged lumber that had been sitting there for over thirty years. Upon inquiring about it, Steve, the owner of the mill, revealed that his father had cut it many years before, and it had been abandoned ever since. Although he expressed his doubts, he allowed me to take it for myself.
A few days later, as I began to remove the top boards, which were of no use, I soon discovered a treasure trove further down the pile. I was ecstatic to find a beautiful yellow-colored wood that had aged gracefully and was full of character.
I utilized this lumber for almost all my orders, and it turned out to be the most successful year we ever had at the stores. I made the most of every piece of lumber, even the smaller ones that most people would have discarded.
I saved these smaller pieces and eventually utilized them to craft checkerboards and chessboards. These boards, made with a combination of the darker and lighter wood, were a huge hit with customers, and I sold a significant number of them.
New wood may be easily available, but it lacks the unique character of the old and weathered wood, with its nail holes, wormholes, cracks, and color. To me, the old lumber is like a wise old man, waiting patiently for his wife to return from shopping and reveal all the new treasures she has bought.

The Old Craftsman's Woodworking Shop

Item Of Interest

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Y’know, there’s this old tool I use a lot in my woodworkin’ shop called a Draw Knife. Maybe you ain’t never heard of it before. But back in the day, it was a darn versatile tool, let me tell ya.
There are two kinds, the Draw Knife and another one called Spoke-shaves. I got a couple of those, but they were made later than the Draw Knife and ain’t as good. They’re a real pain to keep in good workin’ condition.
Here’s the thing, a Draw Knife is good for rough cuts and takin’ off wood fast. Spoke-shaves can go both ways, but a Draw Knife can only be pulled towards ya. They both shape wood, though, so ya can use ’em for the same job.
Nowadays, I use my Draw Knife to make flutes. Some folks use a lathe, but with lots of practice, I can shape a flute faster doin’ it by hand. The trick is to keep it sharp, mine’s got handles on both ends made from cherry wood, and I sharpen it by hand with a file.
Besides flutes, I use it for plenty of other things too, like makin’ paddles for canoes and boats, trimmin’ bark off logs, and makin’ handles for chisels, hammers, and axes. Ain’t nothin’ better than a Draw Knife for shapin’ wood.
One thing ya gotta learn is how to read the grain of the wood. Once ya master that, it don’t matter how hard or wet the wood is.
Oh, and let me tell ya ’bout this other tool called a shave horse. I made one of those myself, and it’s a real time-saver. It’s like a bench with a foot-operated clamp that holds the wood steady while ya work on it.
My dad used to say they don’t make Draw Knives like they used to. He had his for over fifty years and only had to replace the handles six times and the blade twice. It took me a while to figure out what he meant, but now I know he was right.
So, if ya ever see one of these for sale, snatch it up. The older, the better, just like us old woodworkers.

Ruth's Dishes

Fresh Pork Loin Roast Recipe

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Here’s a recipe for a delicious pork roast that’s sure to please your taste buds, that will take you back to the good old days!

Ingredients:

  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) pork roast
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

  1. Start by making the marinade for your pork roast. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors together.
  2. Take your pork roast and place it in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the roast and seal the bag tightly. Be sure to coat the roast evenly with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the roast to marinate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
  3. When you’re ready to cook your pork roast, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the roast from the plastic bag and discard any excess marinade.
  4. Place the pork roast in a large roasting pan and cover it with foil. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 1 hour.
  5. After 1 hour, remove the foil from the pork roast and baste it with any juices that have accumulated in the pan. Continue to roast the pork for another hour, basting every 20 minutes or so, until the internal temperature of the roast reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Once the roast has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Y’all, this pork roast is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The marinade adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the meat, and the slow roasting process ensures that it’s juicy and tender. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious taste of the old-time farm cooking!

Health

Healthy Living Years Ago

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Well howdy there, pardner! If you’re lookin’ for some tips on how to stay healthy livin’ on the farm, you’ve come to the right place! Back in the day, folks didn’t have fancy-schmancy hospitals and doctors like we do today. Nope, they had to rely on their own know-how and some good old-fashioned remedies to stay healthy. Here are some tips for stayin’ fit as a fiddle in the olden days:

  1. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables: One of the best ways to stay healthy on the farm or ?? Is to eat a diet chock-full of fresh fruits and veggies. Packed with vitamins and minerals, these wholesome foods will keep you strong and healthy. Plus, they’re mighty tasty too!
  2. Get plenty of rest: Livin’ on the farm can be tiring work, so make sure you get plenty of rest at night. Sleepin’ in a dark, quiet room will help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
  3. Use herbs for medicine: Folks used to rely on herbs for all sorts of ailments. For example, a tea made from chamomile flowers was said to help with stomach troubles, while a poultice made from comfrey leaves could help soothe aches and pains.
  4. Stay active: Whether you’re workin’ in the fields or tendin’ to the animals, stayin’ active is key to stayin’ healthy. Regular exercise will help keep your body strong and limber.
  5. Keep clean: Livin’ on the farm can be mighty dirty work, so make sure you keep yourself and your surroundings clean. Take a bath or shower regularly, and wash your hands before eatin’ and after usin’ the outhouse.
  6. Drink plenty of water: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re workin’ up a sweat. Make sure you drink plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day.
  7. Take care of your teeth: Dental hygiene was just as important back in the day as it is now. Make sure you brush and floss regularly, and consider chewin’ on some mint leaves to freshen your breath.

These are just a few tips for stayin’ healthy on the farm the old-fashioned way. So if you’re lookin’ to live a simpler, more wholesome life, why not give ’em a try?

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening On April 17/2023

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Morning Chores are awaiting!

Good Morning!

It’s a cool morning here waking up, the temperature has cooled down a lot with it setting at 5.4 C | 41.72 F. It will warm up some as the day moves forward but not all that much; and it will remain cool now for the next week or so. Which in some ways is good, as it makes things nicer when doing some of the strenuous chores that are waiting to be done. But before my lovely wife and I get into doing them, we are going to take a couple of days off, giving our bodies a bit of a rest. Yesterday we finished up with most of the raking and moving of plants along with the trimming of trees that we wanted to do. It sure looks nice around our home now, and the grass turning greener every hour is making it look that much nicer.

The next project will probably be moving and piling next year’s firewood. We will have around 20 cords to put to bed for the summer. So that will be a chore in itself. It’s a lot of work, but it is nice to have, especially with the price of oil, fuel and propane these days. I’ve always made it a priority to provide my family with a warm bed to sleep in, food in the cupboard, and a roof over their heads. They never went to bed cold, hungry, or feeling insecure.

With that, I am off for a bowl of shredded-wheat, and I am thinking I will do a bit more work on my novel I have in the works. Since it is a touch cool outside along with some rain in the forecast.

Have a great day and stay safe, there is still a lot of sickness in our midst. GW

Ruth's Dishes

It’s Pizza Time

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Here is a unique and delicious recipe for pepperoni vegetable pizza with aged cheese! Here is Ruth’s recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded aged cheese (such as aged cheddar or Parmesan)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (use a variety of colors for a more visually appealing pizza)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and place the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
  2. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
  3. Sprinkle the aged cheese over the tomato sauce.
  4. Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese, followed by the red onion and bell peppers.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the vegetables.
  6. Season the pizza with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious and unique pepperoni vegetable pizza with aged cheese!

Welcome to my little corner of the countryside, where storytelling meets the everyday joys of woodworking, farming, and gardening. I’m GW, a writer and published author with over thirty years of experience.