This just came to my attention even though it dates back to 2013.

Smithfield Foods, which is behind many brands including Armour, John Morrell, Farmland, Nathan’s Hot Dogs and many others, is a “wholly-owned subsidiary of Shuanghui International Holdings Limited” which “was renamed WH Group“. Something to keep in mind when it’s reported 40 million acres of agricultural land in the US is now owned by foreign interests.

It only takes two ingredients to make your own peanut butter:

1. Peanuts

2. Food Processor

No kidding! more »

I’m still kicking.  With the end of summer the garden has been put to sleep which is going to allow more time for other things like music!  It’s been a busy summer for a lot of reasons.  Even though it’s a terrible time to be needing a vehicle we found one we could easily afford, a 2010 Ford Explorer.  It’s the last year of this body style, one of my all time fav vehicles, and I’m very happy to have it.  Other much needed things were accomplished as well.
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Christmas is nearly upon us.  I grew up loving the holiday.  The lights, television specials, the anticipation, and especially the music.  A special time with family and friends. more »

Giving thanks.  We say it, especially in this U.S. nationally recognized holiday of doing so.  But what does it mean?  Really mean?

I’ve been pondering this often this week.
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Moving is also fraught with innumerable possibilities for things to go wrong.  The upside is it’s also survivable.  As is brain surgery.  I’m not sure that brain surgery isn’t FAR easier though. more »

Most humans hate change.  If you’ve ever had a cat you may have noticed they don’t like change either.  Yet there are times when change is necessary.  Required.  And there are seasons in life where change is like a rhinoceros stampede and all you can do is run like mad to stay in front of it. more »

11.4 inches of snow yesterday + 30-40mph winds last night + actual temps below -10 = snow day.  Here’s a couple of pics out the back door.  Beautiful!  Even if it did take nearly 2 hours to thaw out and de-ice the cars.