August trip to Mom's

I had a wonderful few days at Mom's. It just wasn't long enough! We did get in several fun activities, though.

Mom and I worked a jigsaw puzzle while I was there. This is one of those things I really look forward to. I don't really have a good place at my house to set up a card table and keep a puzzle going, so working them at Mom's is a real treat for me.

We also played cards one night - Duo. I have already forgotten who won which games, nevertheless, it was fun whoever won.

We shopped at a new clothing store in their town. We all found a few things we liked and they had some pretty good percentage-offs going on for their grand opening, so we got nice things at a bargain. While we were out, we stopped by a health food store where I picked up some great salt-free seasoning mix that my Sis uses. I can't wait to use it in my own cooking. Sis also shared the recipes she uses for an all purpose seasoning mix that doesn't have salt.

Saturday, we attended a museum event where a local farm family demonstrated how they live off the land. They grow and preserve much of their own food including milk, meat, cheese, and a wide variety of vegetables. They shared that their church also makes string tied quilts to send not only to disaster victims in this country but around the world. They brought a few along and they were beautiful.

They've lived this lifestyle for a very long time and they teach it very well. It included some short lessons on canning and freezing, as well as bread making, grinding grains, and alternative food storage choices. I was, of course, fascinated by it all. At the end of the session they sliced thick slabs of home made bread which they generously buttered and slathered on home made apple mint jelly. Yum!

I had brought a couple of my own loaves of bread to share with Sis, Mom, and Brother-in-law, but I was happy to eat the museum treat, too. I took some dried chocolate mint to give to Sis, too. Of course, she is free to share it with anyone she wishes, but I know that she likes a cup of tea from time to time, and she also likes chocolate. I told her how to use the dried mint in her decaf tea to brighten it up and get a chocolate mint taste, too.

I had brought along a variety of mint cuttings that I'd rooted. I personally love all kinds of mints to put into hot tea so I hope my other family members love it as well.

Some of you may remember that I used to grind my own wheat for bread. I haven't done that in some time, but I'd sure love to get back in the habit. Freshly ground wheat just has a flavor and texture that commercial flour cannot imitate.

After lunch on Saturday, we enjoyed a couple of movies my Sis got. Grease and Hair Spray. I had never seen Hair Spray before and got a real kick out of it. Besides, it has a great message.

After a week of being well-fed (in a very healthy way), I headed back home Saturday night. I was sorry to have to leave so soon since I'd only arrived Thursday evening around suppertime, but I had to work Sunday morning very early so I could stay another night.

Next time we may be meeting to visit at an RV park near the Capitol City. There, we'll visit some great locations around the City and have lots of fun in the process. Maybe someday I can get an rv financed for me and start doing a bit of traveling of my own. I can see myself having more freedom to do things like that when I'm retired. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to next month's trip to Mom's!

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