Rustic Potato Salad

This Potato Salad is an easy and comforting side for any protein you choose to barbecue or bake. We’ve enjoyed it with hamburgers and smoked pork. Great for a picnic, potluck or barbecue.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 pounds of small red potatoes
4 eggs hard boiled
2 stalks of celery, diced
1/2 small white onion diced
1/4-1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
1 cup mayonnaise
1 or 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 handful chopped fresh parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste

Method:

Boil unpeeled potatoes in salted water until fork tender, drain and chop into bite sized pieces and add into large bowl.
Shell and dice the eggs and add to the potatoes.
Add the diced celery and onion to the bowl.
While the potatoes and eggs are still hot add the mayonnaise and mustard and mix well.
Mix in the parsley.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Because you cook the potatoes in salted water you might not need too much extra salt for the finished product. I added a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper to start and then tasted to see if it needed more.

Hawk Flying and Turkey Strutting

The hawk was too high in the sky for me to get better photos. I zoomed as close as I could.

The male turkeys have been strutting about these Spring days.

Besides hawks and turkeys we have visits from quail and robins and swallows. Hummingbirds are returning, too. Everything has grown quickly and I’ll need to get out to take some photos of the greening of the yard and the peonies about to open. With the heat we’ve been having I’ll need to water instead of counting on the Spring rains to do that for me. We are getting some of the haze from the fires in Alberta. Fires this early does not bode well for our fire season. A peculiar thing that we’ve noticed this year, too, is an abundance of moths flitting about.

Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Truth for Today #56

Thursday May 18th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during the week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

Psalm 9:9-10

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Isaiah 26:3-4

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

From Vera:

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

From Leonard:

Exodus 34:6-7

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

From Karen:

Psalms 146:5

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
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Write it Down Hodgepodge

I’ve jotted it down in my notebook and it’s time for Hodgepodge Wednesday. Joyce asked the questions and we answered them.

1. What surprises you the most about people?

How little the general population knows about God and the Bible. God and His Word are the source of life and peace and wisdom, just to name a few benefits. Why would we ignore what God has to say to us and what He wants us to know about Him?

2. Would you rather have a chauffeur, nanny, gardener, maid, personal shopper or cook? Tell us why that one?

Gardener because that is the hardest task of all the ones mentioned for me. My wrists and lower back suffer after a day doing the weeding, etc.

3. May 18th is National Notebook Day. No idea what that means but let’s run with it anyway. What’s something you currently keep in a notebook? Have you seen the movie The Notebook? On a scale of 1-5 how does it rate? (5=a favorite, can watch and re-watch and re-watch again)

I can’t recall if I have seen The Notebook. I watched the trailer and it looks entertaining but I can’t rate it without watching the whole movie.

I do love notebooks and use one daily for my devotions, prayer lists, Sunday sermon, notes to self, etc.

A quote from my notebook from Sunday February 5th, 2023:

J. I. Packer ~ God Has Spoken

“Faith in the Bible is not, as existentialists make out, a leap in the dark, but rather a step in the light, whereby one puts one’s whole weight on the firm ground of God’s unshakeable promises.”

and

“The promises of God are the ground of faith; for where Christians are not living in the joy of the knowledge that all God’s promises are theirs, the truth is that God’s Word is not being heard.”

4. Do you like mushrooms? Last dish you made or ate that had mushrooms on the ingredient list? Your favorite dish that calls for mushrooms?

Yes, we do enjoy mushrooms.

My favorite way to enjoy mushrooms is in a sauce like in this recipe below. Other creamy sauces for topping a steak, etc. are also delicious.

This Polenta with Mushroom Sauce is delicious. Click on link to see the recipe.

We’ve also enjoyed sautéed mushrooms alongside eggs for a not so full-English.

5. What would you say is the most annoying thing people do in public?

Talking on their phones using the Speaker option. Oye!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We enjoyed the company of Pastor Dennis and Miss Lori, as our Grands call her, last evening for dinner. They are moving to Iowa for a special calling to teach at Faith Baptist Bible College and theological seminary. We will miss them dearly but know that in their new positions they will be used mightily in teaching the younger generation.

Our church, First Baptist Colville, looks to the promises of God for a new lead Pastor to fill the pulpit soon. It will be a time of growth for us…

Our State Bird

We’ve been enjoying some summer weather here the last few days. Things are growing fast.

It was fun to spot our state bird in the bushes of one of our planters and it stayed long enough for me to zoom in for some photos.

The American Goldfinch was designated as the Washington State Bird in 1951. This beautiful golden bird is found throughout our state and is commonly seen in flocks in fields, bushes and trees.

The state bird proved a point of contentious debate in the state of Washington. After more than two decades of voting and arguing, the state chose the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) officially in 1951.

We had a good weekend with lots of outdoor work that takes it’s toll on my wrists and back but still gives a measure of satisfaction to get the work done.

We had a nice Mother’s day starting off at church and having dinner at our Colville Kids’ home. Thanks for stopping by.

Souls of Men, Why Will Ye Scatter ~ Hymn

Souls of Men, Why Will Ye Scatter

Souls of men, why will ye scatter
Like a crowd of frightened sheep?
Foolish hearts, why will ye wander
From a love so true and deep?

Was there ever kinder shepherd
Half so gentle, half so sweet,
As the Savior who would have us
Come and gather round His feet?

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows
Are more felt than up in Heaven;
There is no place where earth’s failings
Have such kindly judgment given.

There is plentiful redemption
In the blood that has been shed;
There is joy for all the members
In the sorrows of the Head.

For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind.
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.

Pining souls! come nearer Jesus,
And oh! come not doubting thus,
But with faith that trusts more bravely
His huge tenderness for us.

If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would all be sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

Words: Frederick William Faber, 1854.

One Skillet Steak for Two

This is a complete one-skillet meal for two that is satisfying. I found the idea in a magazine and I added my own twists to the recipe.

Ingredients:

1 – (12 ounce) New York Strip steak
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 teaspoons, plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup dry white wine or any broth, divided
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons shallots, finely chopped
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup cream or half and half

Method:

Season both sides of patted dry steak with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Heat a 9 inch cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium high heat.
Rub seasoned steak with 2 teaspoons oil and cook, turning every 2 minutes, to desired doneness, about 7-11 minutes, depending on thickness of your steak.
Transfer steak to a cutting board to rest.
Heat remaining tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan adding 1/4 cup wine or broth slowly scrapping pan to de-glaze over medium high heat.
Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Continue to cook, stirring, for one minute.
Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium-low, add the shallots to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, 1-2 minutes.
Add the other 1/4 cup wine or broth slowly.
Add half the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted.
Add remaining spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted.
Add the cream, remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cream has thickened slightly.
Return the mushrooms to the skillet and stir them with the creamed spinach mixture.
Remove from heat.
Slice the steak and serve on top of the mushrooms and creamed spinach.
Serves: 2

Tips: When I went to the grocery store boneless Rib-Eye steak was on sale at $5.00 less per pound than the New York Strip so I used it instead and it worked nicely. If you buy a small bag of baby spinach you can use the whole bag, dividing it in two. It wilts down significantly. Have all your ingredients ready and proportioned before you start to make the process work smoothly.

Piano Recital Spring 2023

Addy played Jesus Loves Me for her recital piece.

Auntie Lolo caught this shot of me and my buddy listening to the piano pieces.

It was wonderful that Auntie Lolo was able to be here for the recital.

Granny Great was back home from Arizona and able to enjoy the recital, too.

Happy Friday everyone. It’s been a busy week in the outdoors, mowing and weeding and pruning till it was hard for each of us to stand up straight. Things are looking better but there are miles to go before we can rest.

We are moving into Mother’s Day weekend here in the U.S.A. and Canada. We celebrated last weekend with our kids on the West side and this Sunday we will celebrate with our Colville kids.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s that visit here.

Truth for Today #55

Thursday May 11th

Psalm 3:3

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to him.

and this verse in Russian;

Господь–крепость моя и щит мой; на Него уповало сердце мое, и Он помог мне, и возрадовалось сердце мое; и я прославлю Его песнью моею.

From Vera:

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

From Anneliese:

Psalm 65:8

“You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”

A Motherly Hodgepodge

Hello and welcome to my blog and another Hodgepodge.

I received an early Mother’s Day present from our kids this past weekend, the framed photo above. I love it and love them!

Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge in which we answer the questions our hostess with the mostess organizes for us. Thank you Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

1. Did you watch the coronation of King Charles III? Share some of your thoughts about that, or about the royal family in general.

Yes, and I’m still trying to watch it all. I didn’t record it on our TV but was happy to find it on Brit Box. Love Prince William and family and hope they get to step in soon. Their family unit would be a nice model for the country. Not a fan of Charles and Camilla. Loved Sir Bryn Terfel and his solo in Welsh…amazing. Loved the head pieces that Princess Catherine and Charlotte wore. Prince George and Prince Louis were fun to watch. Looking forward to seeing more details. We were at our son and DIL’s home on Saturday morning and we enjoyed scones while we watched some of the event before we went out for the morning.

2. What are you the uncrowned queen of?

Uncrowned Queen of One Liners…

3. In a box of chocolates which one do you usually go for?

Dark chocolate with nuts or a mocha filling or caramel…

4. Something learned at your mother’s knee?

Belief in the one true LORD God almighty of the Bible.

5. ‘Like mother, like daughter’…in what way is this saying true for you?

Our mom was a true homemaker and sacrificed a lot to make home a place that was a good and peaceful place to be. I hope that is true of me, too.