“Thinking of Our Children, every DAY”
Some PHOTOS are so terrific – that I could think of more than a hundred good ways to use them in my writing about every thing. This PHOTO of my GRAND-SON, Alan is such a PHOTO – the reason being, that I feel that all families should have ample supplies and in an abundance for the children – so that they feel, that they can use and be creative – while they have DREAMS – that are so important and need to be developed from day “ONE” of the their birth!
A young person has “Ideas and Dreams” – that we know nothing of – but – if they are allowed to use a supply of different materials – will have all kinds of new wonders – ready for the world at large to further develop and be terrific in so many new uses – that there will be lots of us – scratching our heads – and wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” But, that is the way the world works – – “New minds – bring forth new ideas – that were never ever thought of – and will be just perfect for all of our new inventions – all coming up – and – right around the corner!
“Due Diligence” is the name of this PHOTO.
Alan Aldrich in this picture shows what we should start doing early in life – learn and work hard to make tomorrow a brighter day!
May the Almighty Yahweh bless all of our young children – with the knowledge and wisdom that is needed – to further help AMERICA – be the best HOME on this EARTH, for all of the AMERICAN people! D.V.
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“CHRISTMAS NOW and Then”
Thought that I had heard something – maybe the doorbell – but, and since I was down stairs – and no extra rings nor any other noises – just went on with what I was doing – here at the keyboard.
Just like everyone else, today – had to check for messages – any important ones – and see what if any thing, that I had to do – in case I forgot all that I had planned for today or as sometimes, one can forget – something important – and not even realize it – till it is entirely too late!
Maybe twenty minutes later – when I was upstairs – just thought I would check to see if the “MAIL-MAN” had been around – opened the door – and what a surprise – just with in two feet of opening the door – a package of hand cut fresh flowers – no name on package – nor a for or a from – no other mail – so into the house I go in complete confusement, if ever – WHO and or WHAT day is it for a “FLOWER” delivery to me? WHO am I suppose to THANK – a real mystery?
“So Christmas – Then and Now!”
Back then, when we (kids) were little – in the 1940s – my Dad had to go to California to do “welding work” on the ships – and we , that is my Mother would write letters – and also enclose my “chicken-scratch” letters to DADDY and one of the important parts of the day – was waiting for the “MAIL-MAN” to bring something from DADDY!
Maybe there were fewer people living in the greater Saint Louis area – and of course there was no TV – we only had the radio and usually if a couple of the families had the same radio station turned on at the same time – you could be out-side and hear the program – and now thinking about listening to the radio then – you could mentally see what was going on – and still be able to do whatever you have to do! But today, with TV – you have to get yourself – right in front of the TV – so that you can “know” what is going on. You have to see “IT” – just listening you will miss out – so today you are – trapped – in front of the TV – but, it was fun for us – back, when you only had the radio – as you were free to do other things – and never missed out on anything important in the story or the program – something that I feel – people living now and today – are locking their selves into another world?
I remember having so much fun – just watching for the “Mail-Man” – when I was a little girl – because the “Mail-Man” came two (2) times a day! Something that we do not have today – and if you were to get your letter in the “MAIL BOX” by nine (9:00 p.m.) in the evening – that piece of mail was delivered the next day! Maybe because of the WAR going on and the mail had to be moving – so that everybody would know as soon as possible – what was happening in the world ! Even as fast as the mail was received – there were a good many times that my DAD would send a “Telegram” to us. My Daddy was always sending some little special things – just for me – and that is how I remember him – sending some of his-self – “sending little bits of LOVE – to me in the mail!”
During the WWII years – those young boys riding on the bicycles – delivering telegrams – usually were bringing “BAD NEWS” – and I know that when the young man would be ringing your door-bell – your heart would just sink – especially if you had a family member enlisted in one of the different branches of service! My DAD used the “Telegram Services” because being in California – a letter would take a couple of days – but, if you paid a few pennies more you could send your letter “AIR-Mail” and then for a few more pennies you could have that letter deliver with “Special Delivery” – so you were able to be in touch for pennies back then – and so fast was the service! – Remember that was yesterday – today it is different, and I am not a little girl – waiting to hear from my Daddy!!!
“Today I received a wonderful surprise of fresh flowers – for no special reason – and from someone I do not know – so to “YOU” – special person – “THANK YOU” – from me and everyone on our block – that I have checked with!”
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“With a WEEK to go – ARE YOU READY”
When It gets down to these last few days – maybe a week – is everything in its place – all set up – nice and bright to “shine” – and more than enough to share with everyone – to make this a bright and wonderful occasion for all to enjoy and remember – forever!
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“The CHRISTMAS COOKIE – You Remember”
**** All most – everyone has had this type of cookie – so that you can now have it more often – here are the directions – enjoy *****
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS:
-
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
-
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the shortening and sugar together on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Add the sour cream and vanilla and blend together until creamy.
-
With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients (I add it 1/3 at a time) mixing just until incorporated and evenly mixed.
-
CHILL THE DOUGH FOR AT LEAST 1-2 HOURS.
-
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one section at a time. It’s easier to work with a smaller piece.
-
Roll out with plenty of flour on your board to avoid sticking issues. But don’t work the dough TOO much or it will get tough. Also make sure to flour your ROLLING PIN and COOKIE CUTTERS as well.
-
Once you have cut out as many shapes as will fit, scoop them off the board with a spatula and transfer to a cookie sheet. It helps if you nudge a little bit of flour under the cookie as you lift it off the board.
-
Bake the cookies for between 10 and 12 minutes at 350 degrees.
-
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons milk.
- food coloring (I usually use about 4 to 5 drops of just the regular kind you buy at the grocery store)
- Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and keep adding about a teaspoon at a time after that until the frosting is at just the right consistency. Not too thick, but not too runny.
- Spread on cookie
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Sour Cream Cookies
It never fails, this time of year I get requests from friends and neighbors for my recipe for “those delicious soft sugar cookies”. I have probably made thousands of them over the years for special occasions and as Christmas gifts for neighbors and co-workers, etc. It is one of those recipes that never fails to delight.
In our family they are called “Sour Cream Cookies”, although the name hardly does them justice. Think Granny B’s or Lofthouse Cookies…..but WAY BETTER!
The main appeal being how thick and soft they are and the fact that they are covered in a thick layer of yummy powdered sugar frosting!
So if you’re a fan of big, soft, frosted sugar cookies…this recipe is for you!
Sour Cream Cookies
I made these cookies today because a couple of neighbors I have made these for in the past were asking me on Facebook for the recipe. I thought as a bonus I would post the Step-by-Step instructions for them (and for you), because while they aren’t HARD to make…there are some definite tried and true TIPS that make them turn out PERFECT!
First…the recipe:
My Mom’s AMAZING Sour Cream Cookies
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(I usually DOUBLE this recipe when I’m making for gifts. A single recipe will make approximately 24 BIG cookies.)
Sour Cream Cookies
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Sour Cream Cookies
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the shortening and sugar together on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy.
Sour Cream Cookies
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sour Cream Cookies
Add the sour cream and vanilla and blend together until creamy.
Sour Cream Cookies
With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients (I add it 1/3 at a time) mixing just until incorporated and evenly mixed.
Sour Cream Cookies
You will have a very sticky dough at this point so it is very important to CHILL THE DOUGH FOR AT LEAST 1-2 HOURS. This is the hardest part for my kids! When they see I making their FAVORITE cookies, they want instant gratification! (Who doesn’t???). I find setting the timer on the stove saves me from answering the question “has it been an hour yet?” at least a million times.
After the dough has chilled the rest is about technique. Here are the tips that will ensure your cookies come out PERFECT.
Sour Cream Cookies
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one section at a time. It’s easier to work with a smaller piece.
Sour Cream Cookies
Roll out with plenty of flour on your board to avoid sticking issues. But don’t work the dough TOO much or it will get tough. Also make sure to flour your ROLLING PIN and COOKIE CUTTERS as well.
Sour Cream Cookies
Don’t roll the dough too thin. I shoot for just a little over 1/4″ thick.
Once you have cut out as many shapes as will fit, scoop them off the board with a spatula and transfer to a cookie sheet. It helps if you nudge a little bit of flour under the cookie as you lift it off the board.
If you have silicone baking mats use those. You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cooking directly on the cookie sheet works too…it’s just more clean up.
Sour Cream Cookies
Bake the cookies for between 10 and 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Timing is CRUCIAL…so keep an eye on them.
Sour Cream Cookies
You are shooting cookies that are just BARELY, BARELY starting to brown on the edges.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
Sour Cream Cookies
My Powdered Sugar Frosting “Recipe”
I mostly “eyeball” these amounts.
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
2-3 tablespoons milk.
food coloring (I usually use about 4 to 5 drops of just the regular kind you buy at the grocery store)
Sour Cream Cookies
I start with 2 tablespoons of milk and keep adding about a teaspoon at a time after that until the frosting is at just the right consistency. Not too thick, but not too runny.
Sour Cream Cookies
Then I pretty much GOB it on the cookie…and spread.
Sour Cream Cookies
Top it off with the decoration of your choice (I’m a sucker for these multi-colored nonpareils. They remind me of TINY little ornaments! I wish I could find plain white ones. I’m sure they make them…just haven’t found them yet.)
Sour Cream Cookies
Now go and pour yourself a tall glass of ice cold milk and ENJOY the fruits of your labors! No doubt these aren’t the easiest cookies to make…..but OH SO WORTH THE EFFORT! I know you will agree.
Oh…if you make these and give them away at Christmas…or any other time…don’t be surprised if the recipients come knocking on your door wanting the recipe.
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“A Real Christmas Treat to start the HOLIDAYS”
Fun Christmas Music from the U.S. Air Force
Thanks to my brother, Tom McClarren – for sending this special treat to me – so that, I may share with everyone that likes to remember, some of the things that I can remember, from way back and when!
Happy HOLIDAYS to all!
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“Can NOT say NO – to Little Kitty”
It is “Freezing COLD” – outside! “Meow- Meow!”
“I feel so good – now, that I have this “OLD BOOT” – to keep WARM in!”
Early this morning, as I was looking out the glass doors, saw a wild animal, something like a “Ground-Hog” – as he was running back to his “main” hole in the far end of our property, and just disappearing for a few minutes, as I just had to continue to watch – to see what all was going on, and then, he scampered so fast back up the incline to where, I could now, really see him, and then he hid on the other side of our deck – probably knowing that – he was being watched!
After awhile, he ran, right back to his under ground hole, I could almost watch forever, since this is where, he was getting something, maybe something that he had hid in secret, and in an under ground hole, very near to our house, maybe some kind of special food stuff, and just for his family, this I have to continue to watch as he was so very careful with his stash of food stuffs, it may have been, a real LIFE or DEATH situation for his family, those that could not dig as yet, maybe just too young and or even crippled, could be stuck in the hard ground, as he sure was working hard and fast, as time could be running out and no matter what else – his family needs him to help them – and every second counts, since I was watching, I must continue to look, as I look too little, nothing matters now, why or how – could I ever try to stop him, his needs for his family were so much greater than mine – and I do not know, how to really be, maybe more of a little bit of a special kind of helper!
All of our animals, especially those on the wild side, have to learn that in this COLD weather, we all need to help each other, and number one is, with the getting of food to and for our hungry family, and we all should help, each other as best as we can.
As I continue to look out the glass doors, I only wish, that I could give more to those animals – that stop by – by way of my backyard – as I give “Food Treats” to the “BIRDS” and to the stray “CATS” and even put out “Corn for the DEER” – as that is what they like – and some of the old boots, that I may have – since some young “CATS” love to have their very own home – in a nice “dark un-laced-up boot” – that, they and only they can fit into, an extra special little place to keep nice and WARM – and only when in the mood to play – will decide to POP up their nice little funny face – ready to play more “Hide and Seek!”
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