Neck Coolers.

 Neck Coolers.

 

Jenn suggested that some neck coolers would help me stay cool. Looked on Amazon and put some water on an old tee shirt tail that had been cut up, slipped it inside the top freezer, and now an expensive neck cooler belongs to the old woman. Could NOT believe the prices they wanted for some bandanas that were the same principle as my shirt tail! Oh well. Meanwhile, put some of those ice things that go inside the coolers in the nests for the girls so they would not get so terribly hot while laying eggs. Found two eggs and saw two hens coming out of the coop. If the hose washing the water under the deck helped at all, the hens should be a little bit more comfortable. It was 117 by the gauge on the deck. The breeze just kept the air moving pretty good, but it didn’t do much for cooling. Dear Hearts, it is just miserable out there. Can’t imagine how folks in really hot areas are even surviving! And this frozen tee shirt tail is thawing out quickly around my neck!

 

Went to Wally World early this a.m., and the truck that brings in the meat had been late getting there, and that meant they had not put out the marked down meat yet. Not a completely wasted trip since a half gallon of milk went home with me. Such is the story of my attempts at being frugal.

 

Jennifer wanted me to put some sharp ends on the two walking sticks she sent to me. The ones that came with the little bag did not really have anything resembling sharp, so it was just easier to leave the ones that came on there. It’s not like the old woman is going to go walking out in this heat right now. Early, early morning or late in the evening will be about the only times that it is decent for getting outside. Feel a bit like one of those vampires that can’t get out in daylight or something.

 

Have been slowly learning terms for objects that are totally unfamiliar to me. This morning it was “cezve” for one of the hidden objects in this puzzle game. It looks like a little cup sized pot with a handle that is used to make strong Turkish coffee. Probably would never drink that stuff, but it is fun to learn the terms. These puzzles can really be tricky. They have taught me to look with more than just my eyes. Some things blend into the background. Anyway, it keeps me thinking and having something easy to do that keeps me out of trouble.

 

Here is the recipe for the soup that Jenn said opened up her head. Besides all that, it is quite tasty.

Immunity Soup

Serves 8 (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

By Ann Taylor Pittman 

January 2017

This easy soup is full of immunity-boosting foods: vitamin C–rich kale, vitamin D–enhanced mushrooms, zinc-containing chicken and chickpeas, and antioxidant-packed garlic. Plus, the hot, steamy broth and a hint of pepper heat get your nose running—great for flushing out sinuses and potentially staving off an infection. It’s a big pot of brothy soup that you can make ahead and enjoy for a couple of days; the flavor just gets better over time. You may be wary of the large amount of garlic, but keep in mind that it mellows considerably after being cooked. Though we love using bone-in chicken breasts here, you can also swap in 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast in a pinch (be aware that it will add more sodium)."

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

3 celery stalks, thinly sliced

2 large carrots, thinly sliced

1 pound presliced vitamin D-enhanced mushrooms (such as Monterey Mushrooms)

10 medium garlic cloves, minced

8 cups unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)

4 thyme sprigs

2 bay leaves

1 (15-oz.) can unsalted chickpeas, drained

2 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken breasts

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

12 ounces curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn

Ok, someone my children grew up with just posted on FB that she is in a mess with her electrical stuff. It seems like an electrical surge should be the responsibility of the electric service, but who knows?

"Back in March an electrical surge took out the capacitor on my HVAC. This morning a surge took out my entire breaker service. I'm told it can't be repaired, I have to replace and upgrade my electrical service. Just when my roof is being replaced and temps are reaching 108°.  "

Her name is Julia Chambers. She is a widow with two older children who are in college. Let’s pray for her.

 

It seems to me that my tendency is to moan about the heat and all the crud that is happening in this world—heat waves, desert dust, crime, impossible politics, drought, fires, earthquakes—all the stupid stuff that happens. But still, my dogs love me. The hens seem to think they are loved. Most businesses around here are doing their best to keep employees. Folks are learning how to be thrifty. We are conserving water and other resources. We TRY to have a good attitude. Let us thank God for all the blessings He has given us. Try to rest as much as possible under the circumstances. Do not be discouraged. Let your hearts still and believe. You are loved.