tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-367966982024-03-05T03:13:21.713-05:00Occasional boredom in an otherwise exciting lifeR. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.comBlogger1545125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-33834569916962286722024-01-05T13:51:00.002-05:002024-01-05T13:59:18.524-05:00Paprika Shrimp with Avocado and Peach over Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqmhXESR_P1sGk0nP3Extnua28NbxHLz_wb23ubV-9m6pXqIRDBJKt6-bfTIt0W6cDMBkw0tb0Y8D-AYfisQ6myCENJ3uK3WwZ3PWitUraC0OCgzslayfs3bMT7AAzRBd5mbpFdm_FFfObc-QUOV9PyjmNfsnz7q0zn2uDvizr4_6JVsAOXa1/s3024/IMG_0943.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqmhXESR_P1sGk0nP3Extnua28NbxHLz_wb23ubV-9m6pXqIRDBJKt6-bfTIt0W6cDMBkw0tb0Y8D-AYfisQ6myCENJ3uK3WwZ3PWitUraC0OCgzslayfs3bMT7AAzRBd5mbpFdm_FFfObc-QUOV9PyjmNfsnz7q0zn2uDvizr4_6JVsAOXa1/s320/IMG_0943.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I found the original recipe in Fine Cooking over 10 years ago, and it seems to have gone out of business during the Covid years. I tried looking it up but I could only find variations with oranges. I distinctly remember it having mango though, so here is what I've made based on memory and adjusted to my taste.</p><p>Serves 2.</p><p>Ingredients: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>12 jumbo shrimp</li><li>1/4 teaspoon Hungarian Sweet Paprika</li><li>1 cup brown jasmine rice</li><li>1 avocado diced</li><li>1 canned whole unsweetened peach diced (or mango approximately 1 cup frozen or fresh)</li><li>1/8 teaspoon Kosher Salt</li><li>olive oil</li></ul><div>Instructions:</div><div>Cook rice per instructions on the bag. Plan for approximately 40 minutes of cooking time, I find brown rice takes longer, no need to start the rest until rice is done because it goes fast if you have all your ingredients ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heat up an iron skillet, or whatever skillet you have, to medium temperature. Add a drizzle of olive oil for cooking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coat the shrimp in the paprika and a drizzle of olive oil.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dice avocado and peach, combine with a drizzle of olive oil and kosher salt and set aside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cook the shrimp for three minutes on each side, 6-7 total. </div><div><br /></div><div>Put brown rice in two bowls, divide the avocado/peach mixture evenly into each bowl, over the rice, then put the shrimp on top.</div><div><br /></div><div>This also works really well with a mango, frozen or fresh but of course thaw completely, or microwave before serving so it's warm, not hot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Edamame out of shell works well as an added protein. </div><p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-91308585083459828032023-10-04T20:43:00.000-04:002023-10-04T20:43:39.675-04:00Homemade Yogurt<p>I've been making homemade yogurt for 4+ years, off and on, usually in the summer when I could count on 90-degree days to keep the yogurt warm during its incubation period. In 2021 I got an air fryer for Christmas that has a dehydrator feature. Light bulk moment - I could make yogurt any time with this!</p><p>I've made this every week for 3-4 months with consistent results.</p><p>I like to start with Chobani Whole Milk Greek Yogurt as my starter, reserve 1/2 cup and let it sit out while milk heats up. Side note to any experienced yogurt makers - I've tried reusing my homemade yogurt as a starter, but results are runnier than I'd prefer so I continue to use Chobani as my starter.</p><p>My plan is to finish with 48 ounces of yogurt, so I start by filling 3-pint size jars with whole milk and heat the milk in a pot with pour spout to 180 degrees. I use a candy thermometer that hangs on the side of the pot. This process takes up to 20-30 minutes, I don't like to go too fast, or it will make the milk skim. Stirring frequently helps deter milk skim.</p><p>Once the pot has reached 180 degrees, remove from heat and wait for it to reduce down to 120 degrees. This takes about 20-25 minutes. Once the temperature is 120, stir in the 1/2 cup of yogurt, mix well, then pour mixture into the three pint size jars. I use this size because it fits nicely into my air fryer.</p><p>Set the air fryer to 110 degrees and 6 hours, with no lids.</p><p>Once finished, let it cool for about 30 minutes, then add lids and put into fridge. Cool overnight, by the next day it should be nice and solid. It won't be exactly like Greek yogurt, to do this you'd need to take an extra step to strain it. I personally prefer regular yogurt so I stop at this point.</p><p>Savings - one container of Chobani Whole Milk Greek Yogurt cost $5.58 for 32 ounces at Walmart. I can make 8 recipes. A pint jar is 16 ounces, so every recipe makes 48 ounces of yogurt x 8 recipes equals 384 ounces of yogurt. It may sound like a ton of yogurt, but we have 4 kids making smoothies before workouts several times a week, and I eat 8 ounces every morning. It's a necessity!</p><p>Milk cost $2.62 currently at Aldi, which is $0.02 x 48 ounces = $0.99</p><p>Chobani Whole Milk Greek Yogurt cost $5.58 for 32 ounces, which is $0.17 x 4 = $0.6975</p><p>In summary, my out-of-pocket cost is $1.68 to make 48 ounces of plain whole milk yogurt, which equals $0.035 per ounce. </p><p>The lowest price I can find for plain whole milk yogurt is at Weis for $3.97 for 32 ounces which equals $0.12 per ounce, and at 48 ounces, it would cost $5.76. </p><p>Total savings for my homemade version is $4.08.</p><p>Is that a lot of effort to save $4.08? I guess that's up to each person. I work from home, and I can easily work my primary job and check on the yogurt every 20-25 minutes as needed. If I worked full time away from home, I might not bother with this but as it is, I enjoy this little task and it saves us a little money each time I make it.</p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-56587872167333484162023-08-30T19:07:00.001-04:002023-08-30T19:07:00.133-04:00Applesauce Spice Muffins<p>I got the original recipe on epicurious, but I've changed so many details that I finally need to record it as my own.</p><p>Ingredients:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 1/2 cup flour</li><li>1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</li><li>1/2 teaspoon allspice</li><li>1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</li><li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li>1 stick unsalted butter</li><li>2 eggs</li><li>3/4 cup brown sugar</li><li>1 cup unsweetened applesauce</li></ul><p></p><p></p><div>Instructions:</div><div>Mix dry ingredients together and cut butter into the mix. Mix eggs, sugar, and applesauce together in small bowl then add to the dry ingredients.</div><div><br /></div><div>Use a muffin scoop to distribute the mixture into 13 muffin cups. I don't use liners because I'm cheap, but it can help reduce mess. By cutting the butter into the mix, and not melting it, the muffins do not spread, which makes them hard to dig out, and forms a nicer domed muffin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.</div><p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-58185766435574980972023-08-29T18:44:00.001-04:002023-08-29T18:44:19.906-04:00Why we went back to Costco<p>In 2021, I documented the pros and cons of keeping Costco. It's 30 miles from our home, we were not getting the benefit of discounted gas, and I thought we could find similar items at our local Sam's Club. </p><p>We held out for one year before we went back to Costco for these specific foods that we love, and cannot get at Sam's club:</p><p>* Sukhi's Tikka Masala - 2 pack (Sam's has a different version that is not as good) - it's a meal staple that we have every two weeks with Rice, Garlic Naan from Aldi, and homemade Mango Lassi's. It's quick and honestly feels like a meal out!</p><p>* Costco Chicken Breasts (I don't know what they do, but they are huge and less fat than everywhere else).</p><p>* Costco Cheese Pizza 4 pack (I literally never find frozen pizza at Sam's, it's a helpful Friday lunch meal for the kids).</p><p>* Starbucks Breakfast Blend 2lb coffee - I can find Starbucks coffee at Sam's but this blend is exclusive at Costco.</p><p>* Costco Espresso 2lbs - I buy it online at least once every two months, it's literally the best deal on espresso, not counting Cafe Bustelo (which I don't care for).</p><p>* Panko Coated Tilapia - another meal staple that we like to have with tater tots or fries and call it 'Fish and Chips' night. Sometimes we change it up with a bag of frozen veggies that can be microwaved.</p><p>* Tasty Bite Madras Lentils - we have this with the Tikka Masala.</p><p>Costco also has great deals on items throughout the year, especially around Christmas. I like getting 32 winter leggings/tops every few years, they eventually wear out because I wear them every day in the winter. </p><p>In my bio, I mentioned our meals are 95% homemade, well the above quick items are part of the 5%. There are some days that need quick meals, and these are some of our favorites.</p><p>In summary, I'm glad we took a year off to be sure this was really important to us. We go every 2-3 months and by 2-3 of each item depending on when we want to go back. We did keep Sam's club for the local discount on gas, which does pay for the membership, and there are a few items that we can only get at Sam's, so I've justified keeping both clubs. </p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-44756429623509772852023-08-28T20:38:00.005-04:002023-08-29T17:02:50.785-04:00Mixed Berry Mini Pie<p>This is for when you have enough left over pie dough to fill a mini pie, but not enough for a top. Sometimes we make pigs in blanket, which is pie dough rolled out, butter smeared on top, then cinnamon and sugar sprinkled over and rolled. Bake for 20 minutes at 375. My kids love extra cookies, but sometimes I prefer to make a mini pie.</p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>* 2 cups mixed berries (raspberry and blueberries, or blackberries)</p><p>* 1/2 teaspoon allspice</p><p>* 1 Tablespoon cornstarch</p><p>* 1/3 cup sugar</p><p>If working with fresh berries, put into a small pot and cook on the stove with all ingredients for 1-2 minutes, this helps juice up the berries. If frozen, then just mix above ingredients in a bowl.</p><p>Roll out pie crust, place into mini pie plate, trim edges, add filling. Sprinkle streusel on top. I usually have extra in the freezer because I make it in a large batch. Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes. Put a pan under the pie plate in case of overspill so it doesn't go onto the oven floor.</p><p>Streusel - I follow Sarah Kieffer's recipe at <a href="https://www.thevanillabeanblog.com/" target="_blank">The Vanilla Bean Blog</a></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-2565466465840732382023-08-22T15:29:00.001-04:002023-08-29T17:25:37.225-04:00Buying Contact Lenses<p>It seems like every year it changes as to who has the cheapest contacts. I buy Biofinity Energy lenses and before getting a years supply, I made sure to cross check with three suppliers:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Target Optical – </u><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rakuten 4% cash back</li><li>6 pack $229.96</li><li>5% back from Target card, $11.50 savings</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>1800contacts – </u><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rakuten 6% cash back, $11.90 savings</li><li>6 pack $198.37</li><li>$40 rebate (cash card, claim it when contacts arrive, takes
6-8 weeks)</li><ul><li>Still cheaper than Target even if I somehow miss the
deadline</li></ul><li>Used Discover Miles which earns 1.5% back</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Walgreens - </u><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rakuten – no discount</li><li>6 pack $263.96</li></ul><div>I used to get a discount with State Farm insurance for Target contacts which gave them the best deal, but after that was dropped, I started searching other sites. Last year Walgreens had the best price, now this year 1800contacts is the winner. I almost missed the cut off date for the rebate card. I assumed it would come in the mail, but after logging my monthly purchases, I looked up the receipt and realized I had to go to the 1800contacts rebate page, print it out and mail it by the 23rd. Hurray! I'm getting it in the mail today.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also found an excellent detail - 1800contacts will replace torn contacts! I tear at least one set per year so this is pretty cool. Target also used to replace them for me so I like having this option. </div><div><br /></div><div>1800contacts for the win!</div><div><br /></div><div>As a side note, I still haven't caved and bought Vision Insurance. I've researched it and know I could write it off on my taxes, but it comes up to just under $300 per year, and with the discounts I would pay $200 more per year so it's not worth it to me.</div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-61005424064806271812023-05-20T23:03:00.003-04:002023-05-20T23:17:48.562-04:00Hong Kong Weekend Updates<p>This weekend I tried out the pool on the rooftop and found it to be really nice. It's completely outside so open based on the weather, thankfully Saturday was free from rain. I swam for an hour and enjoyed some time reading on the lounges but it started to get really hot, in the mid-80's and Maryland is still in the low 70's so I'm not used to the heat yet. After the pool I found the ladies locker room and it was so amazing, they have an experience shower where you can choose rainfall, tropical, etc. I picked tropical and the shower nozzle is located super high so it really feels like you are standing under a water fall. It was so cool. </p><p>I had lunch at Spasso where I had a fairly boring piece of Salmon, but the dessert was amazing. The menu mentioned a 15 wait and with nothing pressing to do, I didn't mind waiting. It was a mini chocolate lava cake, with a scoop of Espresso 26 ice cream, one scoop of chocolate pudding, and a few raspberries for decoration. I'll upload a photo when I get back, for some reason I can't seem to transfer any right now.</p><p>After lunch I got a coffee and walked around a bit but didn't really find anything interesting and it was too hot to go far. I probably should have gone somewhere as I got quite bored in my room and tired from the morning swim and previous day arm workout.</p><p>For supper I went to Outback Steakhouse for Toowoomba pasta. It was a bitter disappointment. I got this dish as far back as when my husband and I lived in California in 2002-03. It's supposed to have little crawfish and be spicy. After awhile, I could only find this dish in HK as they stopped selling it in the US so I'd look forward to it when coming here. It was basically plain fettuccini alfredo with five shrimp. Very boring, not at all what I've remembered and gotten in HK many times. The brown bread was also not the right taste. I barely ate any of it and it gave me indigestion. </p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-44834160864096438172023-05-19T02:28:00.017-04:002023-05-21T02:37:34.943-04:00Pablo - A Hong Kong Mexican Restaurant<p>Pablo, a Mexican restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui building. On Google maps there is no star rating, is it
because it’s too new? Or because Google
is showing 4* and higher options and this is no 4 star establishment.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The décor is nice, the service deplorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I came with my creative team and we decided to order from
the set menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first dish was either
salad, pumpkin soup or something I didn’t recognize, and since I didn’t want
soup or salad I went with the surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had raw fish over a spicy mix of something purporting to be salsa and
bits of avocado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t in the mood
for raw fish, or I’d have gone with a sushi restaurant which might be more
trustworthy since in the their business of keeping raw fish fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiter didn’t even ask what was wrong, he
simply scooped up our first course without comment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After the first course was cleared, the waiter came back to clarify that I'd asked for grilled chicken with my bowl. He obviously hadn't put my order in yet, or correctly, because he came out a moment later with the my two colleague's meals, something my boss always says is terrible etiquette for a restaurant to bring meals out separately.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second course for me was green rice, black beans,
avocado, and grilled chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
it was pretty good and made up for the bizarre first course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, my colleague was disappointed
in his three tiny tacos and left hungry. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No chips were served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Complementary chips and salsa are so part of the Mexican restaurant
culture that this stood out as a very odd thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Texas, both are even served with breakfast!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I ran out of water mid-meal, it was low when the second
course was served but no one bothered to refill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I desperately tried to signal our waiter, he
looked right at me and ran away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even my
co-worker was puzzled, why did that guy run off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much later we see him come out with a
birthday item for the table near us, he’s so caught up in the celebration that
he couldn’t be bothered with our needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I waved at him every time he bobbed into view and he finally
sent a co-worker to see what we needed who promptly refilled our waters.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dessert was served, one churro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Earlier my colleague had suggested we split dessert, so I casually broke
it in half and ate 4 inches of churro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What an epic failure of a restaurant.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just in case I was too harsh, I went back the next day, by
myself, and got the soup, same bowl but with pork and one churro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t eat the soup, it was weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time a different waiter expressed
concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bowl was disappointing
because it wasn’t grilled pork, it was fried pork fat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ewwww.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I ate the beans, rice and avocado, then had my one churro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-81847950310229167062023-05-18T23:03:00.002-04:002023-05-20T23:08:43.004-04:00Ruth Chris Steakhouse - how many ways can I say I love you<p>If you are feeling a tiny bit homesick for traditional American cooking and want the servers to make a huge fuss over you, go to Ruth Chris Steakhouse in Kowloon, HK. I've been there two times this week and I can't wait to go back.</p><p>The first time was my first evening here, and I was quite tired. I only ordered a spinach salad and crab cakes, I told them upfront I was only getting salad and appetizer. They didn't care, they still fussed over me and made sure I had everything I needed.</p><p>The 2nd time I went I was feeling better so I had mac and cheese as an appetizer (comfort food) and the ahi tuna stack. Too be honest, the tuna stack was not as good as I've had it before, but they are so sweet and nice that it really didn't bother me. </p><p>I really can't say enough good things about the service, they are genuinely nice people and take the best care of you no matter what you are ordering.</p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-89168657994286412582023-05-17T19:37:00.003-04:002023-05-20T23:03:28.733-04:00Back to Hong Kong<p>It has been 4 years and 3 months since my last trip - the longest stretch in between trips in my entire 23 years of coming here. Last trip was January 2019, that year rioters took over HK streets fighting for human rights. Then at the end of 2019 Covid spread and shut down HK for almost 3 years to visitors. My bosses first trip back was October 2022 when they still had the mask mandates and required testing in place. I'm thankful those have been lifted.</p><p>So much has changed. The war between Russia and Ukraine means we can no longer fly over Russia. Instead we fly from the east coast to west and leave out of San Francisco, this adds several hours to an already long trip.</p><p>The hotel where I've stayed at for 15 years, has dropped many of it's luxuries. No mini bar, no free cell phone to walk around with, and no ordering breakfast for dine in room service (I'm still confused by this one and it was one of my favorites), seating throughout the hotel has been removed to discourage people from sitting around and presumably spreading germs. They've removed the night time menu dining options and I feel like the menu has been severely reduced to limit requests for room service. I don't believe they do downturn service anymore. </p><p>At least Ruth Chris Steak house is still here! </p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-67033433384737129362023-05-04T10:00:00.052-04:002023-05-21T03:07:08.775-04:00May the Fourth Be With You!<p>Star Wars day was pretty epic this year. The kids got really involved and helped set up the toy display along with making some of the foods.</p><p>This year it fell on a Thursday, which is challenging because we had gymnastics, but at least there was no school the next day so kids could stay up late and watch a show. Currently we're watching Obi Wan Kenobi.</p><p style="text-align: center;">A few days prior to the holiday, the kids made tie fighter cookies. They've gotten really good at making these.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxJ7mgawC1rdXVwaUg7CawuisSYiB7ZQzvRcrkm0Dzt8gVWMi7latVIQ-naHHf0a_RbByNCgdzxJk0DgKYnlDt7xowTeBbeyLQ_xXItM6GpLZrnR1zxeilBXCdNIYqO2X2jbHhi5Xo19usKgiBDaEZAfHj4OMw42AegKwLkEccwQLVL9tHw/s4032/IMG_8970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxJ7mgawC1rdXVwaUg7CawuisSYiB7ZQzvRcrkm0Dzt8gVWMi7latVIQ-naHHf0a_RbByNCgdzxJk0DgKYnlDt7xowTeBbeyLQ_xXItM6GpLZrnR1zxeilBXCdNIYqO2X2jbHhi5Xo19usKgiBDaEZAfHj4OMw42AegKwLkEccwQLVL9tHw/s320/IMG_8970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;">While they were in school I made Han Solo in carbonate. Next year I think I'll use purple jello in the same pan.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pq1TAw9vIXv9w64vx0JFhRudVoTEDVDKGVOmMq4jBcpMHVKa6476shBEKr5i3iC71uOOavvFajxl0MN3TVLh0ZOJwC5ZHvwEf-2-gXpgQfTeUvXgem8vvt9fCWSNWfd1C1hnHUC0ajuNDQImXnIicD-vSGOK6Oa9aYunifvXiqRAix8esA/s4032/IMG_8956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pq1TAw9vIXv9w64vx0JFhRudVoTEDVDKGVOmMq4jBcpMHVKa6476shBEKr5i3iC71uOOavvFajxl0MN3TVLh0ZOJwC5ZHvwEf-2-gXpgQfTeUvXgem8vvt9fCWSNWfd1C1hnHUC0ajuNDQImXnIicD-vSGOK6Oa9aYunifvXiqRAix8esA/s320/IMG_8956.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">While we were at Gymnastics, Charlotte who was feeling under the weather, helped make Droid Balls (popcorn with m&m's which the kids helped sort by color earlier in the week).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY-UKgKC2t7nnrHknDLVOoO_WWz0Y0wX7i5tKIB0qgNHEj_8NMgbQSwREYRJIaTv6Zggu5C0HZvpBIwz3Ky5yszV_NAlVS_psAqZZQB03pNDqVQlfrrphNEg2MBdgLfIWSskuSAKhF5GJv7--Z04nhjpuQlzcFULS2R_qBVBiZ1fZW0bIwg/s4032/IMG_8958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY-UKgKC2t7nnrHknDLVOoO_WWz0Y0wX7i5tKIB0qgNHEj_8NMgbQSwREYRJIaTv6Zggu5C0HZvpBIwz3Ky5yszV_NAlVS_psAqZZQB03pNDqVQlfrrphNEg2MBdgLfIWSskuSAKhF5GJv7--Z04nhjpuQlzcFULS2R_qBVBiZ1fZW0bIwg/s320/IMG_8958.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier in the week I made Chewie Chews (Ginger Cookies).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9hpYsQwQe_BSXTLkpnt_YzTUnbfUBcBI0Z3yttc5lsz-ISZATTskyfY-qWf69YRJfpG_Qi4QNCaiFVJpv_XwExSKjwMubp86oxcmDyOrF2FZdOFM6dT88NfQa75EVCibQRqQGRQ1svXrceDkUmIsKonawurZR8nvzfXTkPqUyU12pK1eKw/s4032/IMG_8968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9hpYsQwQe_BSXTLkpnt_YzTUnbfUBcBI0Z3yttc5lsz-ISZATTskyfY-qWf69YRJfpG_Qi4QNCaiFVJpv_XwExSKjwMubp86oxcmDyOrF2FZdOFM6dT88NfQa75EVCibQRqQGRQ1svXrceDkUmIsKonawurZR8nvzfXTkPqUyU12pK1eKw/s320/IMG_8968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Dad made this awesome Death Star pizza (I photographed it the wrong so sorry for the oddly flipped photo).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo4uWtjJ5okRP6OuwH5VQJGpfUPgSyknDCyvn-vUkDzEFEpq287fgwlJ8Wcp0hk6tH5Q7O7JXDfFhh1ATEHqSJ0BmT2JKnQdOdlv93yiRlRBpu0bVVdUiba-AXnPY8Em1ZncUefR46CKe40wkzNE856Y6ar6pMlH2bQpC5XXKqEqoQccfNQ/s4032/IMG_8961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo4uWtjJ5okRP6OuwH5VQJGpfUPgSyknDCyvn-vUkDzEFEpq287fgwlJ8Wcp0hk6tH5Q7O7JXDfFhh1ATEHqSJ0BmT2JKnQdOdlv93yiRlRBpu0bVVdUiba-AXnPY8Em1ZncUefR46CKe40wkzNE856Y6ar6pMlH2bQpC5XXKqEqoQccfNQ/s320/IMG_8961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">We also made light saber mozzarella sticks, and the most ultimate drink ever - Darth Maul Soda </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYP0D27B9xaSMd1b6UjZ-4JErs7Zp9YQvdDSx4p5FGH1KhtBi_QGKXN9F2pgdHQsy-adEho70RK0tRW1hzkqdgNCcrd2ffaHOmKUZV81IuGx2QjlHg5QlQalso40JXBa3JycbFVMUXY3KSlr2EAEMtOgQys-WqMlyhYhszV5YVrSKF9xIG6g/s4032/IMG_8959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYP0D27B9xaSMd1b6UjZ-4JErs7Zp9YQvdDSx4p5FGH1KhtBi_QGKXN9F2pgdHQsy-adEho70RK0tRW1hzkqdgNCcrd2ffaHOmKUZV81IuGx2QjlHg5QlQalso40JXBa3JycbFVMUXY3KSlr2EAEMtOgQys-WqMlyhYhszV5YVrSKF9xIG6g/s320/IMG_8959.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFujh8VH4a8O4kMa8eGLDQ2-t6hgbh7QVnsEQ2NzyDDSlzu0emDMYD11SrOXrSb6jk4m5KPzxuXnvJ95yQEc8zPzFN8Jd8MUYW3fjP6SVR59RGl1PDSoIteOfxfzoA5MK4_ij1Gbl_NkbpjaWpCaKsF7UbeN2XUAfHgAwuhMJAGqWPtmf7Mg/s4032/IMG_8960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFujh8VH4a8O4kMa8eGLDQ2-t6hgbh7QVnsEQ2NzyDDSlzu0emDMYD11SrOXrSb6jk4m5KPzxuXnvJ95yQEc8zPzFN8Jd8MUYW3fjP6SVR59RGl1PDSoIteOfxfzoA5MK4_ij1Gbl_NkbpjaWpCaKsF7UbeN2XUAfHgAwuhMJAGqWPtmf7Mg/s320/IMG_8960.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Finally, here is our collection of Star Wars toys, many of which I've had a hand in developing for Galaxy's Edge, along with legos, Pez dispensers, and a few roto head Grogu's that belong to the girls - one who is getting into the "fish eggs", and a handmade Ewok in a plant made by Violette!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Xt5KWDXWQLXwvXGe9pAN1Yomew8WZmxzePlgtZe4XDG7w8uXwLA34fKfPxZSqQxbhp3KGEnHaghzmwx0NQEKcY-gU7gAbsJuhhNhMyrlzIhMw9OuXGScAJhm1oJIhAvgYOZxEBHDdMSUHPlg4XEIgqI8-jyhJA74QFI0j-mYvykJHeoBOQ/s4032/IMG_8954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Xt5KWDXWQLXwvXGe9pAN1Yomew8WZmxzePlgtZe4XDG7w8uXwLA34fKfPxZSqQxbhp3KGEnHaghzmwx0NQEKcY-gU7gAbsJuhhNhMyrlzIhMw9OuXGScAJhm1oJIhAvgYOZxEBHDdMSUHPlg4XEIgqI8-jyhJA74QFI0j-mYvykJHeoBOQ/s320/IMG_8954.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHcx-GM6s7qX1LjmXRlg5dJ1l9GBTtYnzZmO57JJmtixML_kFq6mUQ_V8jNJoae-1eHNbpzcnvN1mesiVzqXifL0goIOZH6gfGEZIcM1_Td_lvs96OyguXwPs_ejqUDPQiClrphsxx9_j-27aQzRCHc-2j-7Gf_O3jQJpLqFGmENo-DOIDQ/s4032/IMG_8962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHcx-GM6s7qX1LjmXRlg5dJ1l9GBTtYnzZmO57JJmtixML_kFq6mUQ_V8jNJoae-1eHNbpzcnvN1mesiVzqXifL0goIOZH6gfGEZIcM1_Td_lvs96OyguXwPs_ejqUDPQiClrphsxx9_j-27aQzRCHc-2j-7Gf_O3jQJpLqFGmENo-DOIDQ/s320/IMG_8962.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xJpe39h5B2cwUoZAwhGEFBxtN4Bs3RCdcTbLJYLOAE0-RYBTsSMu8oqf-Tns4ETNHCtaL53dZm_MMhzRmZlRbgEhozwQkq0m5W_pYkDQkgwnMorF-VP7lxAF9rExz9iA5ZWRbGyXLo4RR8OzGu8KN1LfqGcocbqh7j7FAkeyl_iAmv643Q/s4032/IMG_8966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xJpe39h5B2cwUoZAwhGEFBxtN4Bs3RCdcTbLJYLOAE0-RYBTsSMu8oqf-Tns4ETNHCtaL53dZm_MMhzRmZlRbgEhozwQkq0m5W_pYkDQkgwnMorF-VP7lxAF9rExz9iA5ZWRbGyXLo4RR8OzGu8KN1LfqGcocbqh7j7FAkeyl_iAmv643Q/s320/IMG_8966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-15801255054278864492023-01-02T11:58:00.004-05:002023-08-29T17:03:08.495-04:00Cherry Scones<p>Cherry Scones</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 ½ cups flour<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1/3 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 Tablespoon Baking Powder<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 stick of butter<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">½ cup heavy whipping cream<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 egg<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 egg yolk<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 cup cherries, halved and pits removed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Preheat oven to 400 and bake 18-20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream and
sprinkle with turbando.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Very crumbly, didn’t notice the cherry juice, might double
it next round and use less cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Would be great with cherry juice glaze.</span></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-13770312899031612902023-01-01T11:59:00.003-05:002023-01-02T12:09:09.026-05:00MMXXIII<p>My biggest accomplishment for 2022 was learning how to swim. Four classes at the YMCA, Saturday mornings from 8-9. Mid-year I added walking and biking twice a week when Sam decided he wanted to do a triathlon and by the end of the year I was able to complete a 12 year old triathlon. </p><p>I was able to drop my cholesterol from 164 down to 124 just with the additional exercise. </p><p>I really don't have any grand goals for 2023 except to stay consistent at working out and help Sam achieve his goal of completing the triathlon in July.</p><p>The three oldest kids all learned to ride bikes in August, that was an awesome accomplishment.</p><p>I want to save more money this year, last year we saved 20% of my salary, this year I'd like to aim for 25%.</p><p>I'd like to blog more often, go to church on Wednesday's, and have an organized house.</p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-61736873811750190702022-09-12T21:30:00.009-04:002022-09-15T14:27:26.740-04:00Game Day 2022 - Epic Failure<p> Game Day was an epic failure, or so I'm inclined to believe based on the moaning and groaning of #2.</p><p>"Mummy", he cried, in a British accent, and while we're not British, it sounds more amusing in my head this way. "Game day was not great", pauses, at a loss for words to explain what an epic failure he believes the day to be without actually coming out and saying it. "We", dramatic pause, "only got, TWO hours of phone time". Caught up in his grief and disappointment, he doesn't notice the warning signs of a parent who is becoming annoyed with his ungrateful surmisings. He continues to sulk as the mother stares him down whilst preparing dinner.</p><p>"You had two hours of phone time", she declares, "one more than on a normal school day, continue complaining and we will simply cancel video game day next year". Face pained, but unwilling to anger the mother further, he sculks away, undeterred from his belief that he should have been allowed to play his phone until his eyeballs fell out, or bedtime, whichever came first.</p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-34145123188313562552022-08-17T14:07:00.006-04:002022-09-15T13:36:10.352-04:00Voraciously Reading Children<p>I don't read to my kids. One time, I tried, I got 3/4 of the way through my favorite book as a kid, "Treasures of the Snow", when the oldest was in grade school and the youngest a baby. I don't think anyone retained anything but it haunts me that I never finished that book with my kids. After a time, it was impossible to go back without starting over. I finally realized, I'm not meant to read to my kids.</p><p>I see other parents rapturously extoling the virtues of reading to their kids. Look at my darlings read, they crow, with a sanctimonious hand over the heart, and it's all due to the fact that we read to them as they were young.</p><p>Well, mine turned out just fine. Perhaps a little too fine. Obsessive to the point of writhing around in sheer utter agony when they do not have a book in hand. Oh the drama, had I only read to them as children how much worse would it be?</p><p>My 4th child, who is now 7, is in love with the Kingdom of Wrenly series. As a gift, before our Montana trip, I bought books 9 and 10. To her sheer horror, book 9 has pages 67 - 79 cropped due to printing error so she's unable to read the story in it's complete and utter glory. I've been reminded continuously to replace the book to the point of finally writing to Thriftbooks and alerting them to the dire situation. I'm grateful to them for sending a replacement copy.</p><p>My 3rd child, who is now 10, is hooked on the Wings of Fire series, as is her oldest sister who got all the books for Christmas last year but refuses to let her sister borrow them. So, while in Montana, she begged to spend her chore money to buy the digital version of book 6.</p><p>My 2nd child, who is now 12, is probably the most addicted to reading but doesn't quite realize his ability to absorb mass quantities of data in a short period of time. Prior to the one month trip, I noticed he'd begun re-reading the Harry Potter series and helpfully suggested he take all the books. We had room in the book box, it was only half full, he said no need. One week into the trip and he was found listless and brokenhearted, having read every single one of his books with three weeks to go. We scoured the local thrift stores of Polson, MT and nearby towns to no avail, surprisingly there were no bookstores. Either no children live in that area, or they don't read books, or maybe they do and never let them go. Just as he believed all hope was lost, we remembered that our local library offers books on an app called Hoopla, and all Harry Potter books were available. Now he could combine his two loves, iPhone and reading and be able to do both outside of phone time. Since we've returned he's gone through the Fablehaven books 1-3 in less than a week and was stopped only due to the fact that the library hasn't located book 4 yet.</p><p>My 1st child, who is now 14, reads at more leisurely pace than 2nd, but is also lost without 5-6 books in rotation at any given time. She's currently reading the Aru Shah, White Bird the graphic novel, has a dog book from her birthday, and has developed a love for WWII stories. </p><p>One of the many hurdles with VRC's (Voraciously Reading Children) is not only keeping them in books but resolving the squabbles that occur when more than one passionately loves the same series. Who gets to read the new release first? Should every reader have the entire series in their room? Convincing those who are adrift when their series ends to try something new.</p><p>I grew up with two brothers and I don't think we read the same book unless it was mandated by school. Oldest read Hardy Boys, I read Nancy Drew. Youngest didn't like reading. We literally never had these problems.</p><p>Perhaps the solution lies with not buying any more books? Let all books be library check outs! To which the two oldest, who have managed to find this blog and actually read it shall now end this post by screaming NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO while I laugh manically in the background.</p><p>Finally, if you are still reading, and have the sudden urge to come and interrogate me on not buying any more books, there will be a quiz on some of the random words used here today. Unless you've grown up and can now afford to buy your own books, carry on, and hopefully you have better luck with your children. </p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-44457757477367562892022-08-15T21:29:00.001-04:002022-08-15T21:29:03.323-04:00Part 3 of our Summer Break<p>Part 3 of our summer break began the day after we returned from Montana. It includes all the basic doctor appointments such as dental cleaning, eye doctor, orthodontist, and even a foot doctor to assess an ingrown toe nail. Managing appointments for 4 kids has become a side job.</p><p>Next we will tackle school supplies which also means reconciling with the fact that the school website needs updated (another side job).</p><p>School clothes - my third child is 10 but has outgrown 10/12's, the next size is 14/16 which my 14 year old daughter wears. They attend a private school so we buy Lands End polo's and I guess it's time to assign colors. This tall girl needs to slow down. No one expects girls who are 4 years apart to wear the same clothes!</p><p>At some point we really should clean the camper as we did live in it for almost a week but it's currently parked at the church because my mom had a driveway issue that needs addressed so it's been put on the get to later list but hopefully this month we can get it back to mom's house and give it a proper cleaning.</p><p>The dishwasher is making a crackling sound so we need to get those guys back to fix it.</p><p>Aisha, our black cat, and Charlotte discovered a mouse on a sticky pad in the kitchen today. To make a long story short, we now need to search for it's friends and make sure they evacuate. As if having a Jack Russel Terrier and 2 cats wasn't enough to drive fear into the hearts of small creatures. I really can't imagine what the mouse was thinking but maybe, just maybe it was only one who didn't have time to facebook all his little friends and family to join our terrifying abode. </p><p>I need to get caught up on a month and a half of bills. Boo hiss.</p><p>One of the apartments in our rental property needs updated. I think we're looking at 2-3 months of repainting and repairs, needless to say we'll be there every weekend until it's done.</p><p>Our lawnmower needs fixed. </p><p>All the kids must learn to ride a bike this summer, we've simply crossed the line of reasonable timeline in which our oldest should be proficient. Our oldest is my size, she's literally wearing my clothes and only 1/2 size smaller in shoe size and probably the same in height difference! Henceforth, she cannot ride the medium size kid bikes anymore. Husband has gallantly offered to build her a bike using 3 old bikes, each of which have some issue that somehow requires rebuilding one with the working parts of three. Prior to this proclamation we had gone to a bike store and found the most basic bike to be over $600. We've tried working with her on my college bike but the seat is too high, we can't get it any lower, and despite being almost my size she's unhappy with a bike that I've dearly loved and apparently got quite used to stopping while on the tips of my toes. It gives me the best turning stride and I used to get every ounce of speed out of that machine. Alas, my oldest wants to be able to put her entire foot on the ground so we are now going to build her a bike. How will this fit into the above schedule? Lord only knows.</p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-19499932330898757322022-05-02T11:07:00.000-04:002022-05-02T11:07:20.548-04:00April 2022<p> April was a busy month:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bridal Shower for my friend Gina held at Tranquila Tea house in Waynesboro, PA</li><li>Violette's 10th birthday</li><li>A baby shower</li><li>Easter - where our church put on an Easter play, the first in two years of which my husband had a big part and had bi-weekly play practice for months. </li><li>It finally warmed up enough to work on the camper every weekend that wasn't occupied by an event</li><li>Revival at church</li></ul><div>I'm really looking forward to the month of May where we have considerably less on the calendar and more opportunity to make progress on the camper. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that is missing is gardening. Usually late March/April is when we begin our seedlings indoors. This year we are taking a break on gardening. We've decided that based on the number of projects we are behind on, we need to reduce the number of projects and gardening is a big chore in terms of keeping up with weeding, trellising, harvesting, and canning. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were originally planning to go to Montana in June, as soon as school let out, but now my friend has moved her wedding a year so we are less pressed to leave early. It's extremely fortunate for us because we did not make much progress in April on the camper rework. More on that in a separate post.</div><p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-33079227619526589112022-04-22T13:01:00.032-04:002022-04-22T13:01:00.180-04:00Sustainable Choices ~ Earth Day 2022<p>We are still following our <a href="https://www.occasionalboredom.com/search/label/Earth%20Day" target="_blank">2017 and 2019 lists</a> and here are a few more ideas that are we've implemented over the years.</p><p>1. Borrowing books from the library, one book can be read by hundreds of people. If you amortize the cost of the book into just one hundred people, book cost of $30, the cost is $0.30 per person.</p><p>2. Reading digital books, no printing and no physical waste!</p><p>3. Buy less products online. There is so much waste involved in shipping a single item, if it can be bought at the store for a similar price to online, go get it while combining the trip with other needs. </p><p>4. Do not use plastic bags to hold produce unless it's "wet". Wet examples include spices like basil and certain salads. Anything that is loose such as bananas, avocados, apples, etc can sit in your cart and then get bagged at the cashier station in your own totes. We wash everything at home, and we're careful in handling these items, so I see no need for an extra plastic bag. I've been following this rule for many years with no damage to produce.</p><p>5. We donate all clothes that are no longer wearable but are still in good condition. I used to sell them through consignments but it got to be too much work. </p><p>Goals for 2022:</p><p>1. Take totes to all stores, despite getting 75% of our groceries from Aldi and Costco, the remaining 25% give us a ton of bags and since the pandemic it's becoming increasingly hard to find anyone who is still offering recycling bins. </p><p>2. I want to take a tour of our local recycling plants and learn more about it to make sure we are doing everything correctly.</p><p>3. Switch to biodegradable trash bags. I'm guilty of two things:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I buy the cheapest trash bags.</li><li>I use Target/Walmart bags for small trash cans</li></ul><div>I've realized that while we have cut back significantly on our trash output, we still put at least one can out per week with 2-3 bags of trash inside. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD9NMa92eSretNWTkaRMZdnyn1zT6VDh5pDJ5ntn-oHyzv3TaKZa7Lhqela_pWBjMR2sBaSAVGmmHitlX5_4fwsrEHDg269rZChH6NkP9NNdkuWnHi0LBltFsbrFO9hX93X-SH-8-06_mAn4rlo379rVpqe6bg0p-HmVWBRg0Rwk8xTeegA/s225/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD9NMa92eSretNWTkaRMZdnyn1zT6VDh5pDJ5ntn-oHyzv3TaKZa7Lhqela_pWBjMR2sBaSAVGmmHitlX5_4fwsrEHDg269rZChH6NkP9NNdkuWnHi0LBltFsbrFO9hX93X-SH-8-06_mAn4rlo379rVpqe6bg0p-HmVWBRg0Rwk8xTeegA/s1600/download.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-63626946999954872562022-04-21T11:00:00.001-04:002022-08-15T21:03:10.575-04:00Toys I refuse to buy my kids<div>Sorry kids, as you read this one day, I tried my best to indulge but some items are on the permanently banned list. I'm sure you will understand once you have kids of your own one day.</div><div><br /></div>1. Easy Bake Oven - if they want to bake, follow me to the kitchen, I bake homemade breads, cookies and other desserts several times a week. It's how I learned to bake. I'm not buying into the packages of pre-made foods so they can dump in a few ingredients and pretend to bake. <div><br /></div><div>2. Electric Scooters - I think they are ridiculous and miss the entire point of having a scooter, which is to exercise one leg and learn good balance. If you hit a bump, fall, and get up without screaming, as my son did about a year ago, then you get huge props for endurance. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Radio controlled Drones - just what I need, an expensive toy that can be flown and crashed. They can buy it when they grow up and appreciate the money spent. Maybe they will be cheap enough to crash them at that point without any concern for the money spent.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Hover boards - get over your fantasy of Back to the Future or buy it when you grow up. I'm not spending ridiculous bucks so you can fall off a zooming board that rams into the neighbors house while you lie on the ground screaming after crashing into a tree or something.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-81990852221401054152022-03-28T18:56:00.000-04:002022-03-28T18:56:09.474-04:00Goodbye Mr. Peppers<p>Today we lost our sweet cat, Mr. Peppers. He had a disease known as FIV, which is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It's not very common, only about 2.5 - 4% of cats have this but it's passed through biting with outdoor cats and Mr. Peppers was a rescue cat. We knew from early on that he had the potential to pass away quickly from an infection.</p><p>Six months ago he had a urinary infection and I was able to get him to the vet in time for an anti-biotic shot. When it happened again this past week, I was hoping it would be the same, he'd get the shot and feel better. He seemed to perk up for a few days and then today we could tell he was in quick decline. I'm just glad he didn't suffer.</p><p>The kids took it very hard, several cried. I took the day off work, it was very hard to concentrate.</p><p>Some of my best memories of Mr. Peppers:</p><p>* He could not meow, so he'd look up at us, catch our eye and then make these very cute little head movements to get our attention and get us to pet him, despite being a silent cat, he was able to communicate his wants and needs.</p><p>* He was very gentle. One might expect a great outdoors-cat to be more rough, but he was very cautious and never aggressive at all. </p><p>We've had him one year and six months. I'm so honored to have been part of his cat family for the last part of his life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQaNs88NlBrfp7n9GYhfo-1ldLYBNeJQXkrkegeZbtqpVGIRWHrwnym2PcIC4OAoNnfoANQc2uTKjq1jzkL39pLro1MgzqUTISTppXHPBKlsqiQK6D6KRfoLDP8UNaIZAE4N_Ykh9rsEADrA7c5cmpvQ4gf7eRdN9GD-Cw8Vp-lIl_ovCUg/s4032/IMG_2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQaNs88NlBrfp7n9GYhfo-1ldLYBNeJQXkrkegeZbtqpVGIRWHrwnym2PcIC4OAoNnfoANQc2uTKjq1jzkL39pLro1MgzqUTISTppXHPBKlsqiQK6D6KRfoLDP8UNaIZAE4N_Ykh9rsEADrA7c5cmpvQ4gf7eRdN9GD-Cw8Vp-lIl_ovCUg/w400-h300/IMG_2596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-50971832766949451922021-10-11T20:56:00.002-04:002022-03-05T17:35:06.577-05:00Summer/Fall Summary 2021<p>I haven't blogged in a really long time! We had some big projects that took many weekends. We helped my cousin move out of her home of 35 years. She's the last family member left to live in this house so it was rather daunting to get through the collection of items that a family picks up over so many years. We did two yard sales, many trips to the dump, packed boxes, cleaned, painted, fixed things and finally the house sold this past weekend. I'm sure for my cousin it was an emotional journey, for me it was more of a tactical one in getting her relocated and working through all the details. </p><p>After our work was done on my cousins house we were ready for a camping adventure. On the appointed day we ran late packing and getting our camper ready which included a trip to the store for a hitch part that was suddenly on another vehicle at another location! We left so late we had to get Chick Fil A for supper, so late we couldn't even cook when we got to the campground which was only 45 minutes way. As soon as we hit the highway I looked in the side mirror and noticed the side of our camper was pulling away a good 6 inches from the frame! We immediately went back to mom's house, ate our CFA and began planning the rework. It was less involved than what we did to the front of the camper 2 years ago but extensive enough that it took about 4 weekends of non-stop work to complete. Suffice it to say, no camping trips in the camper yet this year, but, my friend Gina did have us up for a weekend in August where she rented a cabin for us on a weekend when our SUV was broken, it needed a new head gasket and that took three weeks to repair. So we took our entire camping gear in the back of our pick up truck, on a day that was threatening to rain all day, and some how made it there with dinner and food for the entire weekend!</p><p>It's been a crazy summer/fall to say the least. </p><p>Next we have to rebuild the floor of the camper. We didn't finish it correctly the first time. I won't go into the details just now, it's a tale of too many things to do and not enough time to get to them, but it can't be put off any longer.</p><p>We want to use our camper for spring break next year and our summer trip to Montana so we will be working hard to finish the floors this fall. We also plan to redo all the furnishings and repaint inside, it should look pretty awesome when finished.</p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-48630448526862361352021-05-27T20:19:00.001-04:002021-05-28T20:23:47.575-04:002020-2021 School Year is OVER!<p> After I wrote my last post, my third born decided to return to school so I guess she had about six weeks with her class. My oldest held out until the last two weeks of school and then returned for special events, some of which stressed her out and gave her headaches but she enjoyed being with her friends. So even though it means kids are home again and I'm balancing work from home with them here, I'm happy to have them back. Looking forward to a fun summer! Also, no trip to Texas this summer, a break in a 6 or 7 year tradition. I might need to go on a Tex Mex bender in July to compensate. I'll learn how to make homemade tortillas and Pork Asada. </p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-30757645977226954402021-05-15T20:29:00.010-04:002021-05-28T21:19:11.330-04:002021 Garden Update<p>May 15th - finally got all the plants in the ground. We waited this long because the nights had been in the 40's and this is the first point where it seems to be solid 50's at night for the next 10 days. I had excellent success with my seedlings, much better than last year, credit goes to heat mat and wrapping the plant stand in plastic with a heater in the room keeping temps in the 80's. Once the plants reached a point where I could begin hardening them, my husband suggested I turn off the heater so they could get used to 70 degree temps in the house which were closer to what they'd experience during the day once planted outside. I'd say they spent about a month in the super humid 80's environment and then 2-3 weeks re-potted and waiting to go into the ground. I thought I started my seedlings late by starting April 11th but it turns out to be perfect for this year.</p><p>I also had the incredible fortune of turning one purple sweet potato into enough plants that I did not need to buy any, but I had placed my order back in February to <a href="https://filareefarm.com/" target="_blank">Filaree Garlic Farm</a> so I called and asked them to switch it to Beauregard sweet potatoes. They couldn't have been nicer and made the switch so now I have to figure out where to put 12 more plants when they arrive.</p><p>The following is a photo of my purple sweet potato plants grown from one - just one - purple sweet potato! I may never need to buy slips again!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSsMgDiOXwsi1-hNS3DvFOXfJzO2yINd-wWz7mFDCqOLFj_-hfsiHYq0IVXRJbdljGziabP4rVuIgHT28aYYRIBCuEIEdS2-t0c_sEXkNn4yJMXapbKMZi5CjOZDM_ZiJS_t-/s2048/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSsMgDiOXwsi1-hNS3DvFOXfJzO2yINd-wWz7mFDCqOLFj_-hfsiHYq0IVXRJbdljGziabP4rVuIgHT28aYYRIBCuEIEdS2-t0c_sEXkNn4yJMXapbKMZi5CjOZDM_ZiJS_t-/w400-h300/IMG_3388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-68536039638292499802021-04-14T19:00:00.020-04:002021-04-14T19:00:00.242-04:00One kid pushed back into school!<p>They've been home for two quarters, in this time we've seen one major surge of coronavirus in this area which I covered in November/December. The levels in our area appear to have fallen back to 5% as people are getting vaccinated. I guess it's fair to say our quarantine is coming to an end.</p><p>Evie is the first to go back because she needs more reading time with her teacher than what I can provide. Despite my best, or I should really say floundering efforts, she's not where I'd like her to be and I know she will benefit from being in school. She was so excited to go back, up at 6:30 and promptly dressed in her best outfit, it is literally the first day of school all over again. I'm really happy for her.</p><p>The others, well I'm sad to say Sam didn't do so well this past quarter. He missed many assignments, there's been lots of debate over the how and why but regardless, the numbers don't lie. I ordered new school pants, he grew out of the ones I bought for the school year, and they arrive on Friday so next week he goes back!</p><p>Charlotte has been a rock star in all this, and I don't say this to compare apples to oranges when it comes to my kids but the simple truth is she's more mature and has handled her work load well. She wants to stay home and I'm of a mind to let her.</p><p>That leaves Violette, who also wants to stay home. She gets her work done and her class is super full at school so I'm of a mind to keep her here.</p><p>We might have a 50/50 split for the remainder of the year. I guess that's fine. </p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36796698.post-29922781619511306112021-04-13T19:00:00.065-04:002021-04-13T19:00:00.283-04:00Ten Years of Travel<p>It's time to renew my passport! I know that once I turn it in that I won't get it back. I'm sad to say goodbye to some of these stamps, Japan and Paris are two fond memories. For these more unusual trips, one never knows if they will happen again! </p><p>Apparently 2011 was a BIG year for travel for me:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>February 26th - went to Japan, had a layover that because the original flight left late, meant I had to spend the night in Japan! They put us up in a hotel and gave us dinner. For me it was so incredibly cool because I've always wanted to visit. I spent hours the next morning walking through the airport and had a nice teriyaki lunch before boarding my flight to Vietnam.</li><li>After Vietnam, I went to Hong Kong and China for a few days. Then back to Vietnam for a few more days and on my return to Hong Kong, while in the airport, I watched in horror as the tsunami coverage unfolded on every television in the airport. I literally watched live coverage. It was heartbreaking. I then had to return through Japan because United would not change my ticket. My flight was the first back into Japan after they were able to return to work. It almost felt disrespectful to barge in right after a national tragedy but they were so polite and professional. It was so tragic.</li><li>July 8th I went to Paris! To date it's the only time I've gone and it was a trip I'll remember for the rest of my life. I was actually pregnant with Violette at the time! After Paris, we went to London!</li><li>In September I was back in Hong Kong and China </li></ul><div>Violette was born on 4/3/12 so I did not travel this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2013 I went to Asia in the spring and fall. I also went to London in February and it was my last trip there as our client merged with their US office thus negating the need to return. I'm forever sad about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2014 I went to Asia in the spring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Evie was born on 12/29/14 so I didn't travel in 2015</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2016 I went to Asia in the spring and fall. I was given a 10 year visa to travel into China! It's funny that my passport was set to run out in 5 years but I think they only offered like 1 year or 10 year after you get through the shorter months of 1 month or 3 month. I don't think they'd offer me another 10 year at this point given the cooled relations between US and China.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2017 I went to Asia in January.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2018 I went to Asia in October.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2019 I went to Asia in January. The rest of 2019 was filled with Hong Kong people rioting so all trips were canceled.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2020, Covid-19 took over the entire year so there was no travel.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2021, who knows what will happen, it's still early!</div><div><br /></div><div>In summary, I went to Asia 10 times, Paris once, England twice, had two babies, and experienced one international corona virus lock down. Looking forward to the next 10 years! </div><div><br /></div><p></p>R. Molderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119986754283927453noreply@blogger.com2