Let's Welcome May

May Day is May 1st, and has its roots as a Pagan holiday, more like an agricultural celebration. Ever seen a Maypole? Kids or prettily-dressed women would dance around them to welcome planting times. Some countries consider it a Worker's Day (although here in the USA we celebrate that on Labor Day in September.) 

May the 4th is a nod to STAR WARS, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. So wish all you see 'May the 4th be with you!' They should respond in kind with 'And also with you.' 

May 5th is also known by our Latino friends as Cinco de Mayo. (Cinco mean '5') and many go out and celebrate with fantastic Mexican food as well a margarita or two.

May 10th is Mother's Day this year. It always falls on the second Sunday in May. This is a special day for anyone that has had a hand in raising a child. (Dads have to wait until June.) I miss my Mom.

May 25th will be celebrated as Memorial Day. It used to be May 30th, but was changed to wherever the last Monday of May lands. I wish I could have met my Uncle David, but he died during WW2.

However you celebrate May, do it with smiles and laughter and remember to enjoy the sunlight. If its raining (it's Spring, remember) try reading I have a few books out there. See the list and all Buy Links HERE

Nancy Lee Badger

Already Groundhog Day? Where did January go?

 

It does not matter if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. Enjoy the coming of Spring. Days are getting longer! Here, in Raleigh North Carolina, I was surprised that the sun has been shining and the temperature was in the 60's this week.

His Prediction for 2024: "An early spring awaits us!" because he did not see his shadow.

Now, if you live in the chilly north or along the very wet California coast, just wait... the weather HAS to get better! And if your February and March prove dull, cold, and dreary and you are still stuck inside...READ BOOKS! 

Find all my Buy Links HERE

In Loving Memory of my dad

Robert F. Beegle

June 1, 1925 - Feb 2 2019 

Low Sugar Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

I tweaked a favorite recipe to keep the sugar content lower than normal while keeping the flavor and juiciness. Strawberries were on sale, so I grabbed two boxes and a handful of Rhubarb stalks. Yum!

Nancy's Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

9" Double Crust pie (I used 2 frozen shells, defrosting 1 for the top)

1/2 Cup white sugar

1/2 Cup sugar substitute (I used Splenda)

1/2 Cup flour

Approx. 1 pound Rhubarb stalks

2 Pints fresh strawberries

2 Tablespoons butter          Cooks @400 35 to 40 minutes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place pie shell on cookie sheet to catch drips. Mix flour and sugar then add sliced fruit (thinner the better). Toss and set aside about 30 minutes. Pour fruit mixture into unbaked shell. Dot with butter slices. Cover with top crust and seal edges. Cut about 8 slits in the crust for steam. Cover top loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue cooking about 15 to 20 minutes or until top is golden brown and fruit is bubbling.

Best served cold (to solidify) but can be gently reheated. Vanilla ice cream is a great addition.

Enjoy a slice while reading a book or two, all of which you can find HERE.

Hurricane Season is Nothing to Laugh About

"Singing in the rain" can quickly turn to "Drowning in the tidal surge" so I have listed a few reminders to help you put together a basic hurricane kit...something that can keep you alive and well if the power fails, or can travel with you if you are urged to relocate. (remember Katrina?)

*water for 3 days per person
*first aid kit & prescription meds
*food: non-perishable bags or cans & a can opener
*flashlights AND batteries
*pet food and a pet carrier or leash
*Books, print ones too in case the power runs down on your Kindle, Nook, or iPad*

Wind damage to our fence

Secure your home. High winds can do a lot of damage.
*Cover windows with shutters or wood
*trim trees and clear rain gutters
*bring in outdoor items like chairs & grills  
*Stay away from non-covered windows

Power Outages
*Make sure your vehicles' tanks are full. Gas pumps need power
*Fill a bathtub with water for washing and making the toilet flush
*Turn your frig down and freeze as many items as can fit
*ATMs will not work without power. Stock up on cash
*Charge your cell phones
*Again, stock up on paperback books...no power needed!

These are just a few reminders. Listen to the Weather Stations and be prepared.

Nancy Lee
*looking for a good book to read? Check out my blog's BOOK tab, or on my Amazon Author Page HERE