April 2019

  1. The Trip

    contributed by RL As we packed for a visit with the children, it took a bit of time. We loaded the car and then headed south. Of course we made sure that we had everything we needed and then some, we even checked twice.  We even remembered to put in the emergency kit because the children live in a remote...
  2. Backpacking Meal Planning: Keep It Light and Nutritious

    Contributed by Jennifer Dawson Photo by Tyson Dudley on Unsplash Backpacking is a fun, but strenuous activity, with the average 160-lb. hiker burning approximately 430 calories per hour. Depending on your body type and level of activity, you could potentially burn over two-thousand calories a day. Backpacking requires a lot of energy, and you’ll need to refuel your body with lots...
  3. Sugar Cookie Mix

    (These recipes are found in the “Mix A Meal” cookbook, pages 72, 73; written by Deanna Bean & Lorna Shute. This book includes many other great basic mix recipes and delicious recipes using those basic mixes.)   Sugar Cookie Mix   Combine: 6 cups flour 3 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups dehydrated butter 1 ½ tsp. baking powder 2 tsp...
  4. The Cooing of the Dove

    Contributed by RL As you go out onto the porch or sit in the yard do you notice?  It’s the different sounds of spring that come drifting into your ears and eyes, if we are paying attention. You know it’s the soft sound of the dripping ice off the shed roof or the overhead searching call of geese as they...
  5. Rain Drops Keep Falling

    Contributed by RL As I look out the window I watch as these little rain drops ripple in the puddles just outside. In the gloom of damp which engulfs us today I am drawn back to when the grandchildren were visiting last week. A grand time was had by all in this transition time of winter to spring. Snow to...
  6. Meal Budgeting Tips For New Graduates

    Contributed by Jennifer Dawson Photo by Mike from Pexels Every year nearly 5 million students graduate from colleges around the USA, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. One of the hardest parts about flying the nest and fending for yourself is learning to cook independently. Not only can preparing appetizing, nutritious meals be harrowing for someone who has never had to...
  7. Let Go!

    Contributed by RL 2 person 72 hour kit It’s starting to melt!   There is even some lawn showing in the yard and if I am not mistaken there is a hint of green on the borders by the house of that lawn. The sun comes out and the birds sing.  There’s mud.  You can hear the geese as they flock...
  8. The Ritual of a Haircut

    Contributed by RL It’s funny how we are all different in our own ways.  When one is at the barber, while waiting your turn, if you are not reading a magazine you are watching those who come into the shop who also want to get a haircut.  Lots of times those who come in are people you know and it...

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