Orphan Train

by Christina Baker Kline was published by Harper Collins 2013. I am fascinated by the process, placement and ways of life. While I was waiting for our read, I read "The Orphan Train Trilogy" by Jane Peart, published by Guideposts in 1990.

The first book is set in today. The Trilogy begins in 1888 and follows three orphan girls through school into the first couple of years of their adulthood. Worth the read.

My sister remembers we had an orphan train child in Wahoo, NE. Jim Vanek had one leg about 8" shorter than the other, and yet managed to walk with it. He was a local real estate agent I worked with briefly, but I never heard him talk of his life. My parents had a friend in Omaha that had been on the train, too. Both men were successful in life despite their situations.

I appreciate each woman's novel.. I can imagine the children's angst and the variety of placements. In some cases, they were worse off than when they were in the orphanage.The stories made me appreciate my loving childhood home, the roof over our head and food on the table. I admire people's courage to press forward when all seems lost. I don't know what the rest of my life holds, but I hope I have the faith and courage to live it no matter what happens.

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

Elvis, John Lennon and Ihop

When we were in Memphis last week, we drove past Elvis' home. His yard had multiple scenes from the Nativity, but he was no where to be found. Someone said he was probably in the bathroom.

Across the street an outdoor board quoted John Lenon: Before Elvis there was nothing.

I had a craving for an Ihop omelet full of veggies and cheese. We haven't been in a while and were surprised we could buy one and get one free. Yum! And I had crepes with Lingonberries. My Swedish ancestors would be happy. We called in and praised our server and the food.

Fast forward to late that night. John came upon a hungry, homeless Vietnam Vet in the smoking room. He started to give him his meal ticket when he remembered the omelet. Thank you Ihop. You  blessed two families. Now that's a fine way to "pay it ahead."

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

Sunset Kumato Tomatoes

Chocolate anything gets my attention.

Five chocolaty  tomatoes

were packaged in single file

in a foot long cardboard 

wrapped in cellophane.

Samples were necessary

It was tender but firm

and less acidic

I bought a sleeve

and will buy them again.

The Kumato label is printed in four languages

Unique twice, Unico twice

sunsetproduce.com

I tested the link and found 

Sunset is a Verified Non GMO Project

4th generation Mastronardi family business

Executive Chef Jason Rosso

I will watch for the Sunset label on my veggies

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

Beef Neck Bone Soup in cold MS

We've been in the single digits with occasional ice, but our pipes didn't freeze. Our hearts go out to those in the extremes. Does a cold winter set the stage for a hot summer, or is that an old wive's tale?

After the F2 twisted over our house raking up the shingles and laying them down 12/21/13, we noticed our backyard pecan tree was leaning toward the middle of our house, back to front. We are grateful gravity, a sneeze, a feather-weight bird, or a feather, did not fell it, the trimmer did.

After three Deep Southern summers, I understand the need for an outside kitchen or a least a grill. The upside to cold weather is soup. It's twice blessing: when cooked and when eaten. Our Kroeger's is revamping their produce section with more variety, bright lights and mirrors. It reminds me of Whole Foods on a smaller scale. Eat the Rainbow!

The price of a roast was over the moon. I bought neck bones I browned on all sides before putting in the crockpot. The rest of my recipe was by the seat of my pants.

Saute one or more sliced onions
         chopped garlic
         sliced fresh mushrooms
Pour over the roast

Add  1 cup of red wine
         2 cups of beef broth
               
         I didn't add veggies until the meat was near tender.
        Add  more broth if you like.

I cut up fresh green and yellow peppers, zucchini and yellow squash circles, sliced carrots and parsnips, chopped turnips and rutabaga, unpeeled potatoes, and frozen sweet corn. It smelled so good cooking and tasted wonderful!

Happy Soup Saturday to you!

Love,
Maeann

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

I want to see the world, Carl!

Let me introduce you

Carl is the handsome red and black algae eater

Below him is a brown algae eater

In the clay skull

only the catfish's tail is visible

I don't know what the rest of him looks like

One morning we heard a clatter and splash

Carl tried to jump out of the aquarium

He didn't make it

went to the corner and sulked

My heart goes out to you, Carl

Try to bloom where you're planted

The water isn't any better 

on the other side of the glass.

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

Carol's Baked Fruit

Carol Jasa made this when I stayed with them.

Delish! 

I made it at home in an 8x8 and ate it all myself..

She used a 9x13

All fruit was canned and drained.

In a 9x13 she started at the outside

with a row of apricot halves on each end

the second row was peach halves

pitted plums were the next row

a row of pears were centered

(or make your own arrangement

with whatever fruit you have)

Lay pineapple rings on top

Heat 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 Tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

and 1/2 cup pineapple juice

Cook, stirring until sugar dissolves

and butter melts

Pour over fruit

Bake uncovered 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes

Enjoy!

Tastes great cold, too.

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

The 2013 Cook Off

I moved 800 miles from NE to MS, but my heart belongs with my three adopted grandchildren.



I always visit school when I'm in town. Aja is ten and in 5th grade. Her class was social studies, and the teacher was talking about plantations. I'd been to Seven Chimneys Farm recently and gave them first-hand information.

Ryker, 11, and Alec, 12, were in writing class. I took Leaning into the Wind and read my story, "Tractor Travels". As aspiring writers, I wanted them see it is possible to get published. Principal Harris introduced himself and asked if he bought a book would I autograph it for the school? You bet!

Ryker, Aja and Alec decided to do a cook off the next day and I was to judge the best.

Aja made a smoothie with frozen raspberries, chocolate chip mint ice cream and whipped cream. Delicious!

Ryker cooked Ramen noodles with his roasted red pepper seasoning and topped each serving with a slice of fresh yellow pepper and fresh parsley leaves. Yummy!

Alec made cupcake cookies with Snickerdoodle cookie dough. While they were still warm, he added white frosting and sprinkles. His Mom said, "You can never have too many sprinkles." They were great!

Judging included originality, presentation, flavor and texture. Since all other contestants had been cut, a $1 prize was awarded to each for winning their category. Yah!!!

Hugs to all. No goodbyes. See you later

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series