SELF RELIANCE FAIR

Last Saturday was our Stake Self Reliance Fair.
Howie and I were in charge of it.
Hours and hours and hours of work go into this.

You wanna know about food storage, canning, gardening?
Ask a Mormon.
No, we aren't the experts or the only ones, but we do know a little bit about it.

It is a principle that is taught and emphasized frequently.
How can you fill someone else's cup when your own is empty.
Being self reliant, not depending on someone else to feed you or clothe you is an important principle for everyone.

This year Howie and I assigned each Ward (congregation) to present something on the topic of Self Reliance and also do a display. People attending were able to choose 3 classes of things they were interested in.

This class was taught by a lady that teaches "Meals in a Bag"
Perfect for families with young kids and you need to save time.
It was taught 2 different times and well attended.
She also had samples of food.
Why didn't I take pictures of that???

This gentleman taught about gardening in this area and how to extend your growing season and what to plant. Considering we still have a lot of snow on the ground and no one plants until after Memorial Day, we have awhile to think about it.

This was a display by my neighbor, Ruth.
This is a One Year Supply of food for ONE person.
Yup.
It's very basic, but it is a great visual of what it takes for one person to survive.

And this display.....
is my contribution.
I believe in storing necessities!
Chocolate.
Twinkies.
Yup.
I actually did vacuum seal twinkies.
I have 6 quart jars of those nasty tasting things.

We also had a gentleman talk to us who's son had been in Hurricane Sandy.
They thought they had been well prepared, but found they weren't.
It was approximately 5 days before anyone to get to them and help them.
They did ok, but found things they will do differently.

This lady's booth was showing the stuff that she grows and cans.
She grew peaches and pears in her backyard.
I had no idea we could get peaches here.

This guy is showing his "hot water heater".
An aluminum garbage can.
Copper and a charcoal heater.
Ya, I was impressed.

It doesn't take a natural disaster to have a need for things like this.
Unemployment, illness, major power outages.
It gives a feeling of security to know you can take care of your own.

This fair was a lot of work.
Hours and hours of work.
But those that attended said they loved it and learned a lot.

CAN I JUST SAY?

Can I just say...

I'm glad February is over.
Done.
Longest, coldest, darkest, hardest month.
OVER!
Amen.

Can I just say....

I have brilliant grandchildren.

They just are.



Can I just say.....

My empty nest isn't empty.
And it's ok.

Can I just say....

I would LOVE to see some dirt.
Some awesome earthy loamy smelling dirt.
The snow is way too deep.

Can I just say....

I love cats.

How much is that kitty in the window?
Both of those faces are pretty stinkin' cute!

BEST PART OF THE WEEK

Zone Conferences were held for the missionaries.

The Elder on the right is from the same Ward (church congregation) as Tammy.
He's from Arizona and freezing.

Singing "Called to Serve"

They do serve and they enjoy every minute of it.
What a blessing to me to be there.
It's been a long and difficult week.
I needed this time to renew.

{I'M NOT TELLING}

The frosting didn't look like this when I finished frosting the cake.

"Lexi who put the finger swirlys in the frosting?"

"I'm not telling"

So there ya have it.
I guess we'll never know.

I'M JUST LIKE THE SUPERBOWL

I had a blackout!

No, the power didn't go out.
But I worked the weekend.
Sometimes the ER is just nuts.
This past weekend was entire grove of nuts.

I just needed today to:
clean
do laundry
iron
So no facebook, emails, or blog until I could see the floor.
And the authorities weren't here to close this joint down.

So therefore, there was a delay after the halftime....
in announcing the chocolate winner.
So I felt guilty.

And picked two.

Life in Red Shoes

and

Barbaloot

Email me and I'll get your address.

CHOCOLATE GIVEAWAY {JUST 'CUZ}

Just 'cuz it's January.
Just 'cuz it's SNOWY.

Just 'cuz the holidays are over.
And 'cuz I felt like dipping more chocolate last week.

I thought I'd do a GIVEAWAY!

Just 'cuz.

And just 'cuz I've been emailed asking how I dip.

I'll show ya.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiCmMcmtmz0&list=HL1359409510
(Yes, that is me)
Good quality chocolate doesn't have wax in it.
Yes WAX! That's what makes candy bars shiny!

So the chocolate must be worked to mix the cocoa butter and chocolate together so that you have a shiny product as the chocolate dries.
If it hasn't been worked well
or if there is too much humidity in the air,
or if the room isn't cold enough....
the list goes on and on....
anyway if the conditions aren't perfect you will get white streaks in the candy.

That is bad.

After the chocolate has been "worked" enough and is cool,
then each chocolate needs to have a "sign" put on it so you know what's inside.
Like a caramel or orange cream or cinnamon bears.
Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwT-EkEUuLc

My mom dips chocolates.
I grew up watching it.
Then I worked for Florence.
I worked 8 years for this amazing lady and she's built an incredible business.
I no longer work there, but the dipping bug still bites me!

So my chocolates aren't all gorgeous like the above photo.
But I use the same chocolate and I think they taste ok.

So leave a comment.
Just 'cuz.

You're entered into the giveaway.

I'll end it on Super Bowl Sunday.
Just 'cuz.

LOTS OF IT!

I guess it is January.
And this is Idaho.

BLOGGING

I started blogging in 2008.
My DIL's had blogs and I enjoyed reading theirs so much.

I use it to write,
express my opinion and show off photos of my family
and other things that interest me.
I've printed my blog into a book each year.

I didn't expect to have so much fun.
I have met so many women who have the same interests,
teach me awesome things,
and make me laugh.

There are those I haven't met but still have such a connection with.

Saturday, one of those women lost her husband.
Very unexpected.
My heart hurts for her.

Tammy, you inspire me and have made me laugh.

You are in my prayers, dear friend.
You are far too young to have to go through this.

Send her some love.
Then hug your own.