Kentucky Cream Candy

Growing up in small-town Kentucky I experienced some of the best home cooking that exists. We didn't have fast food, and the restaurants we had were mostly little diners.  That meant that everyone I knew cooked, and they did it from scratch.  I remember frozen TV dinners, but they were a treat.  We ate home-cooked, made-from-scratch meals every night.  My mother made meat loaf and macaroni with a homemade cheese sauce and topped with buttery, toasted bread crumbs.   Her mother wasn't a great cook, but I always loved her coleslaw.  My aunt Doris made an incredible blackberry jam cake.  Dad makes the best gravy.

With food and mentors like that I learned to cook at an early age.  Betty Henderson taught me to bake peanut butter cookies and how to flip pancakes before I could even reach the stove.  Mom taught me to make things like divinity and cabbage au gratin. The first cake I ever baked was in a wood burning oven with my aunt Joyce. 

I can, and have, cooked just about everything.  I make a pretty good transparent pie from a family recipe. I love to bake cheesecakes and make candy.  In the winter I relish a big pot of soup or stew.  Summer finds me crafting salads for myself, and dishes with fresh vegetables for anyone who will eat them.  I enjoy cooking, but there are, regrettably, two things I just never quite got.  One is my dad's gravy.  He's shown me.  I've practiced.  I just can't get the hang of it.  

The other is Lorene's cream candy.

Cream candy is a Kentucky specialty.  It seems so simple because the only ingredients are sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and water.  It's pulled like taffy, cut, and then left to sit overnight.  That's when the magic happens.  The candy transforms into a delightful airy confection that will absolutely melt in your mouth.   

My step-grandmother, Lorene Fultz, made incredible cream candy, and one of the last days I spent with her involved her showing me how to make it.  She boiled the mixture and knew when it was ready without even using a candy thermometer.  I hauled the marble slab in from outside, where it had been chilling in the winter air, and she poured the mixture onto the cold marble.  When it was time, we pulled it together.  Then it was cut and left to do its magic.  The next day I had cream candy to enjoy as I drove home to Cookeville.  

I tried to make cream candy after that.  I got a small marble slab I could put in the freezer when I made it.  Mine just never worked.  I don't know if I didn't pull it long enough or what happened.  I just know that I tried it three or four times, and it never came out right.  

I found a good tutorial on cream candy at My Country Table.  If I can find a marble slab, perhaps I'll try it again someday.  Until then, I have some delicious memories.

When will we protect our children?

Nashville suffered a horrific tragedy today.  Lives were taken, and we ask why?  What happened?  What failed?  What caused this?

While we grieve as a city, we ask questions and demand explanations, but they may not come for days, weeks, or even months.  They may never come.  

The families directly affected grieve in a way we can't understand, with hearts so broken that they may never heal.  They have holes in their lives and in their souls tonight that will never again be filled by anything more than memories.

We don't know what to do, what might help, so we offer thoughts and prayers.  Yes, it's good to show that we care, but those thoughts and prayers won't bring back those stolen lives, and they won't prevent more losses in the future.  

So what do we do?

Many will continue to pray.  Others will demand that we do things such as arm teachers or place armed guards in our schools.  However, are more guns really the answer?  We already have more than 393 million guns in the United States.  That breaks down to more than 1.2 guns per person.  Our military only has 4.5M, and our law enforcement agencies have a little more than 1M.  

We are, in all honesty, outgunned.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Violence begets violence; hate begets hate; and toughness begets a greater toughness. It is all a descending spiral, and the end is destruction — for everybody. Along the way of life, someone must have enough sense and morality to cut off the chain of hate."

And for those turning to prayer, there is Matthew 26:52.  "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."

Until we acknowledge that gun violence is now the number one killer of  our children and teenagers, and pledge to take active measures to change that, there's not much we can do.  We, as a nation, are "living by the gun,"  and our children are dying by it.

And now, because I have had the audacity to even think of gun reform, many will jump up and scream about the constitutional rights set forth by our founding fathers.  So, let me share with you the words of Thomas Jefferson, one of those founding fathers.

Jefferson wrote: “Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment. I knew that age well; I belonged to it, and labored with it. It deserved well of its country.

“I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions. I think moderate imperfections had better be borne with; because, when once known, we accommodate ourselves to them, and find practical means of correcting their ill effects.

“Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”

I am thankful for the rights our founding fathers fought so hard for us to have, as well as for those who continue to fight so that we may remain free, but times have changed.  We no longer require a "well-regulated militia" of citizens bearing arms to keep us safe. That is what we have tasked our military and law enforcement officials to do.  Jefferson foresaw the possible need to change our Constitution as we changed as a nation.  Why can't we see that?

I do not advocate we abolish gun ownership or anything even remotely that severe.  However, until we honestly reform our gun laws and advocate for responsible gun ownership, as well as better mental health care, we will continue to descend the spiral toward destruction.

What we are currently teaching our children is that worrying about dying in school, where they should feel safe, is normal.  It's not.  Solving problems with shootouts in the streets shouldn't be considered normal behavior either, but how often do we see it now?

By doing nothing, we are normalizing fear, hatred, ignorance, bigotry, racism, and violence for our children.  Then we cry and gnash our teeth when they respond with those very things.  We offer thoughts and prayers, but we do nothing real.  They say "children are our future," but look at the future we're giving them.

Please, do something to save our children.

***

Note: One of the things we can do to help our children is to talk to them when bad things happen.  This Sesame Street video may help you do that.  

What did I just hear?

I've always enjoyed music.  (I actually have a playlist for my life.)  If I'm alone I sing along to everything on the radio, even if I don't know the words.  I'll just make up my own lyrics and go for it.

But sometimes, well, sometimes...

I've always enjoyed "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind.  It's so upbeat and catchy.  I honestly thought it was a cute little love song.  Well... it's not.  I finally heard a line from the song a couple of weeks ago and looked up the lyrics.  Yeah, that is NOT a love song.  It's about doing crystal meth.  Did I hear it wrong?  Did I just not hear that line?  I have no idea, but it's not the only time I've done something like that.

In 1973 a band named Golden Earring released it's own catchy little tune.  Well, I guess it's not little since it comes in at around six minutes, but anyway...  I liked the song, and I would just belt out, "We've got a thing that's called Radar Love."  I sang it that way for two years or so, and then someone told me the name of the song wasn't "Radar Love" but was actually "Red Hot Love."  So, I changed up, and I've been singing "We've got a thing that's called Red Hot Love" for about the last 47 or 48 years.  

On my drive home this afternoon I heard the song on the radio, and I just sang my lungs out about "Red Hot Love."  As soon as I got home I went to add the song to my Oldies playlist on Amazon Music, but when I searched for "Red Hot Love" what came up was NOT the song I was looking for.  I couldn't find it anywhere, so, on a whim, I searched for "Radar Love" instead.  Heavens to Betsy!  I was singing it right the first time.  It really is "Radar Love."  I've been mishearing it for decades after I originally heard it correctly.

Misunderstood song lyrics are nothing new.  We don't understand or clearly hear a phrase, and our brain turns it into something that makes sense to us.  That's known as a mondegreen, a word coined by writer Sylvia Wright when she misunderstood a line in the "The Bonny Earl of Murray."  While Green heard "Lady Mondegreen," the actual line was "lay'd him on the green."

So, do we just mishear lyrics, or do we hear what want, like I did with "Semi-Charmed Life"?  I have no idea, but I'm getting a new Amazon Music play list out of it -- "Songs I obviously don't know the words to."  

CrazyLadies.shop

Well, we did it!  We have a tiny little shop up and on the internet, and it's going to be full of interesting little things that .we Crazy Ladies find cute, charming, odd, handy -- Oh, anything that catches our fancy!  Donna is currently putting things in on a regular basis, so be sure to check it often.  It will change!

Right now, some of the things you might find in our little shop are butterfly garden seeds, women's clothing, cute t-shirts, readings with the Spirit Lady and more.  Plus, there's even more being posted tonight!  You just never know what you might see, so check it out!

CrazyLadies.shop

Save the Monarch!

When many think of a butterfly they picture the beautiful Monarch. Sadly, thinking of this incredible creature may be all we can do in the very near future. 

In 1991, over 75% of the wintering Monarchs from North America froze to death in Mexico as a result of three days of rain and sub-freezing conditions.  Since then, the increased use of pesticides, climate change, and urban sprawl, has the Monarch and other butterflies in a disastrous decline, and Monarchs could actually be extinct by 2024. That's only two years -- TWO YEARS.

Due to the severity of the Monarch's decline, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Scientists has declared it endangered. However, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that listing the monarch under the Endangered Species Act is warranted, they have opted not to do so due to higher priority listing actions.  Translation: the USFWS feels that other things are more important than butterflies.

So, are butterflies important?  YES!  They pollinate our plants, which means they help us live.  It's as simple as that.  Butterflies help us live.  

Monarchs need our help!

There is something you can do to save both the Monarch and the other endangered butterfly species.  Plant flowers!

As a fundraiser for Yvonne's Trip of a Lifetime, we're going to help save butterflies.  For only $2 plus $1 S&H ($3 total) we'll provide you with enough seeds to start a small butterfly garden.  Included in the seed packet will be several varieties of seeds, including milkweed, the only plant upon which Monarchs will lay their eggs.  The other seeds will be wildflowers known to feed various caterpillars and adult butterflies.  We'll also send along instructions on how to get started.

Once the garden begins to bloom you'll think of Yvonne every time you see a butterfly.  What a wonderful way to save a species and remember a friend!

Buy Now

Recipes of a Lifetime for the Trip of a Lifetime

If you know Yvonne then you know that she LOVES to cook.  If she's happy, she cooks.  If she's sad, she cooks.  If she's depressed, she cooks.  Yvonne just loves to cook.  It's her "thing."  That's why she's amassed a few recipes through the years.  And by a few, I mean a LOT.

In thinking of ways to raise funds for Yvonne's Trip of a Lifetime to see her mother, we thought one of the most fitting ways is to use her love of cooking.  That's why we're putting together a cookbook of some of her favorite dishes.  It's a wonderful way for her to share her love, and it's a fitting way for her to be remembered for years to come.  

Please visit the "Recipes of a Lifetime" page and let us know if you'd like to order a book when they're available, hopefully within the next 2-3 weeks.  It will contain at least 50 recipes, and all proceeds will go toward Yvonne's Trip of a Lifetime.  

So, that's where we stand.  If you would like to see what's been donated, that's all on the Thank You page.  Then there's the Amazon list, and we have several ways to donate.  

• CashApp: $thespiritlady or $mysticlady54

• Paypal: @marmeesfriends or @musiccitywhowho

• Zelle: circleofspirit@gmail.com

• Venmo: @mysticlady54

• Amazon Wish List: Yvonne’s Trip by Donna Marsh

• By Mail: Contact me for our mailing address

• Gift Cards: Kroger Co., Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Texas Roadhouse, McDonald’s, etc.

Yvonne's Dream: Update

Let's update everyone on Yvonne's Final Dream.

We've had two cash donations come in, and several folks have sent items from the Amazon list.  Thank you all so much!  I can tell you that no donation is too small because every dollar or item adds up, and we appreciate it all.

Thank you!

What we're currently doing as we get everything together for the trip is working on the trailer.  Yvonne is beginning to have some mobility issues, and it's not such a big deal when I'm home, but I'm not always home.  I've included a couple of items on the Amazon list, and some may wonder why I put them there.  It's simple:  they'll not only help her at home, but we can take them on the road with us.  

Can you tell that I'm trying to make this trip as easy as possible?  Right now, I'm more worried about the price of gas than anything!

So, that's where we stand.  If you would like to see what's been donated, that's all on the Thank You page.  Then there's the Amazon list, and we have several ways to donate.  

• CashApp: $thespiritlady or $mysticlady54

• Paypal: @marmeesfriends or @musiccitywhowho

• Zelle: circleofspirit@gmail.com

• Venmo: @mysticlady54

• Amazon Wish List: Yvonne’s Trip by Donna Marsh

• By Mail: Contact me for our mailing address

• Gift Cards: Kroger Co., Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Texas Roadhouse, McDonald’s, etc.

Thank you! It means so much to both Yvonne and to me that we have such wonderful friends. Other than that, bookmark this blog, join the list, follow us on TikTok or Facebook, and then you can follow along as we undertake this journey.

And I'll be including all of it. Not just the good parts.

Yvonne's Final Dream

I met Yvonne in 2010, and even though we are different, we quickly became best friends, spirit sisters, I don’t know what to call us.  I do know that Yvonne is a good person who deserves more than she’s gotten out of life.  She may be a little rough around the edges, but she has a heart of gold.  If she has two dollars, she’ll give one to someone with less because she can’t turn away from someone who needs help, no matter who they are or what they may need. 

Yvonne has been chronically ill for years, but this year has been the worst.  She has been diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis with Cirrhosis. She has Esophageal Varices and is showing signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE).  What does all of that mean?  Yvonne has liver failure that has led to abnormal, enlarged veins in her esophagus, which could rupture and cause her to bleed to death in moments. As her liver loses its ability to filter out toxins, those toxins are settling in her brain, and we are beginning to see the physical and psychological symptoms of HE, which include losing the ability to use her hands, lack of coordination, stumbling, slurred speech, fatigue, forgetfulness, personality changes, mood swings, and more.  Originally her doctor said she could have 2 to 3 years, but the last third to half of that time could be lost to HE.  Now, however, we think her time is closer to 1 to 2 years, and she's already losing time to HE.

I recently asked Yvonne what she most wants to do or see before she dies, and she said she just wants to see her mother one more time.  That doesn’t seem to be such a difficult request, but here’s what we’re up against.  Yvonne is in Nashville, and her elderly mother in Tucson.  Due to their health issues, neither can fly. That means we need to get Yvonne on a 3,200-mile road trip (1,600 one way).  Since Yvonne can only travel for an hour or two before she needs a break to move around, it looks like the best options are to go by RV or train, as they both allow for freer movement during the trip.  Fortunately, a friend is giving us unlimited use of her travel van.

Yvonne would really like to celebrate Thanksgiving in Tucson with her mother, so we need to start planning this trip now.  Also while in Tucson, Yvonne would like to see her happy place again: Mount Lemmon.  We’ll actually stop at several places on the way to Tucson and back because we’ll be taking this trip slow and easy.  We may drive a few hundred miles one day, but we may only drive 50 the next.  We’ll just take it as our health allows, stopping for breaks and to let Yvonne see and experience the things she always thought there was more time for.  

Can you help make Yvonne’s final dream come true?  And I mean help in any way – donations, gift cards to various stores and restaurants, connections, ideas, anything.  We’ll need gas, food, toiletries, whatever it takes to live on the road for a few weeks. Yvonne also needs a new wardrobe. This illness has caused her to drop over 100 pounds, and nothing fits. She's put several things on the Amazon Wish List.

In addition to the trip, we’re working on getting our trailer in better shape to make it easier for both of us, making repairs to the floors and roof, possibly putting rails in the bathroom, etc.  Should we possibly receive more donations than we need for the trip, everything will be put toward making our home easier for Yvonne to navigate.

If you can help make Yvonne's final dream a reality here are ways to donate:  

• CashApp: $thespiritlady or $mysticlady54

• Paypal: @marmeesfriends or @musiccitywhowho

• Zelle: circleofspirit@gmail.com

• Venmo: @mysticlady54

• Amazon Wish List: Yvonne’s Trip by Donna Marsh

• By Mail: Contact me for our mailing address

• Gift Cards: Kroger Co., Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Texas Roadhouse, McDonald’s, etc.

Thank you! It means so much to both Yvonne and to me that we have such wonderful friends.

The McCormick Family Cooks

The Crazy Ladies recently launched a new page on Facebook:  The McCormick Family Cooks.

This page features recipes from The McCormick Family Cookbook, edited by Donna McCormick Marsh, as well as other favorite recipes, hints, and tips from around the internet.

Purchase your own copy of The McCormick Family Cookbook.

The Christmas Challenge

Yesterday I was out running errands amid the Christmas shopping madness, and madness is really the best way to describe what I saw.  In the seasonal movies Christmas shopping is full of hustle, bustle, smiles, and people wishing each other a "Merry Christmas."  That's not at all what I saw and experienced.  Very few people smiled, I didn't hear a single "Merry Christmas," not even a "Happy Holidays."  One woman snapped at a cashier over something the poor girl had absolutely no control.  Another woman was loudly complaining because the item she was looking for wasn't available.  Everyone seemed rather rude and in such a hurry.

When did Christmas become such a chore?  

Something the last couple of years has taught me is that life is to be cherished, and our loved ones are the true gifts.  I know I wouldn't have survived what I have without my family and friends.  Christmas should be a joyous occasion, and gifts should come from heart.  

I have a challenge...

The Christmas Challenge

• Tell your family and friends that you love them.  That may be something they don't hear often, and they should hear and know it.


• Do something for someone else.   

• When you're baking your Christmas cookies, take a half dozen over to your neighbor so they know you're thinking of them.  
• Spend $5 at the Dollar Store on a hat, scarf, and pair of gloves.  Then either drop them off at your local homeless shelter or give them to the homeless man you see every day at lunch.  
• Donate a bag of food to the pet shelter, or better yet, take an animal home for the holidays so the shelter employees can have time off as well.
• Take muffins to the police or fire station in your neighborhood.
• Donate canned food to a foodbank.
• Volunteer.


• Be nice!

• Remember your manners.  Say please, thank you, and excuse me.
• Smile at those around you.  A smile is contagious, and you may find yourself starting a cheery trend.
• Don't yell at the cashier, servers, or others.  The majority of the time they aren't even responsible for whatever has you in such a sour mood anyway.  
• Pay someone a sincere compliment.

And that's the Christmas Challenge.  It does have three parts, but none of them are difficult or expensive.  The only thing they really require is for each of us to take a few moments to have a better attitude toward others. Think you can do it?

C'mon, I double dog dare you!

Take Time to Breathe

 

Thanksgiving Blessings

 

The Perfect Pet / House Sitter

A few years a go this Crazy Lady stayed with a friend's dog while she went out of town with her family.  I had no idea that would lead to what I do now -- pet and house sitting.  I guess I just didn't think about people paying others to stay in their home while they were away, but I can certainly see a need for it now.  

Of course it's easier on the pet to stay at home than it is to be in a kennel at the vet's office or someplace like that, although there are some really great boarding kennels out there now.  (It's also a good way for me to earn a few extra dollars because I can honestly tell you that no one gets rich on disability!)

It's also just good for the homeowner because someone in the home not only deters break ins, but it sure helps in other situations.  Just a couple of things that have occurred while I've been on a job have been a broken water pipe and the house getting struck by lightning, after the storm had passed.  (That was one crazy day!)  It's so much better to have someone there to respond as the crisis is happening, rather than coming home and having to respond to the mess you would find after the disaster has struck, and I can tell you that both of the incidents I mentioned could have resulted in disasters for the homeowners.  

And in a roundabout way, that brings me to the point of this blog post...

Because I'm a pet / house sitter I'm often asked, how does one find the perfect sitter?  Well, here are a few tips to help your search.

First, think about your pet.  For instance, if you're seeking a sitter for a dog, is your dog young, high energy, requires daily runs, etc.?  If that's the case, then you probably want to concentrate your search on someone who can spend a lot of time with your baby, take her on daily runs, and really use that energy so that she's not destructive while you're on vacation.

However, if your dog is older and enjoys napping the day away with occasional trips through the doggy door into the back yard, then a lower-energy sitter, such as a grandmother is probably the perfect choice.  

What if you have a puppy?  You might want to concentrate your search on someone who has experience training young dogs.  Match your sitter choice to your pet.

Now that you have an idea of who you're looking for, where do you look for them?  There are several places to check.  You can ask family, friends, and neighbors if they know someone.  You can also do a search at places such as Rover.com, Care.com, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Professional United Pet Sitters, etc.  Most sites allow you to search by location and more.  You can usually search by price as well.  

Look for a sitter who's experienced, has references, will meet with you and your pet beforehand, and provides updates with pictures during the stay.  When you meet the prospective sitter, make sure they mesh with both you and your pet.  If anyone is uncomfortable, don't be afraid to say, "No, thank you."

Make sure you check references that are provided, and be sure they come from clients, not from friends and family.  Friends and family are great, but you want to know how the sitter is on the job, not how they behave during a night out or at a family event.  

You also want to make sure you find a sitter that's capable of handling any emergencies that may arise, both pet related and otherwise.  That means checking to make sure they know pet first aid and CPR, while also knowing what to do should a pipe burst or some other home crisis occur.  

If the sitter doesn't ask you about, share with them about your vet, insurance, etc.  Also detail your pet's schedule for feeding and activities, so everyone knows what's involved and expected.  The more information that is shared up front is the less chance for surprises in the end.  

Again, see how your pet interacts with the person.  If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to keep looking.  Animals are very good judges of character, and this person will be staying in your home while taking care of a beloved, furry family member.  You need to trust them.  

One thing to always remember is to book your sitter as soon as you know the dates you'll need them.  Good sitters can book up months in advance, so you don't want to wait until the last minute to schedule the visit.

I hope this helps.  If you have questions, please ask them. I'll be more than happy to answer them, expand this post, and help in any way.

Have a great one!