Once again, tragedy has shaken our country and left us all feeling vulnerable and exposed.
The bombing at the Boston Marathon has reminded us how fragile and fleeting life can be-how quickly things can change.
We all mourn for those who were killed or injured!
My heart aches for those who could be so misguided as to seek to destroy life.
While the cowardly actions of a few have such an effect on so many people, we as a country tend to bond together and strengthen each other during these terrible times.
Yesterday it was raining, but this beautiful flag reminded me that we are still a united country.
With many tireless heroes who protect us.
As I already mentioned, yesterday it was wet and rainy here.
The ducks and geese welcomed the moisture.
I love it when they venture right out to the road.
We spent yesterday morning with other inner-city missionaries, serving breakfast at a Provident Living Fair, sponsored by our stake (church group).
There were lots of helpers.
And lots of participants.
They had display tables all around the edge of the gym, sharing information ranging from emergency preparedness to spinning yarn from wool.
I loved this idea for portable out-house supplies.
From an empty margarine container they created a bathroom kit. Gloves, hand sanitizer, and of course, the t.p. I think there were also some empty plastic bags tucked in, too.
There were food samples, too.
This delicious wheat bread was baked in juice cans.
Here is the recipe:
90 Minute Whole Wheat Bread
Mix and let stand 5 minutes: 1 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar
Mix 1/3 cup oil, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon salt, 3 cups warm water, 1 cup instant powdered milk (or 1/2 cup non-instant powdered milk mixed with flour to avoid lumping)
Add yeast mixture to 2nd mixture. Add 8 cups whole wheat flour and stir well. (I use my hand mixer). Grease three 46 ounce tall juice cans with 1 end removed. Divide batter into cans. (Cut down into batter with a knife to remove air bubbles.)
Place cans standing up in oven. Turn oven to 350 degrees for 1 minute. Turn off. Let the bread rise for 15 minutes in the oven. Turn oven to 350 degrees and bake 45-50 minutes or until done. Remove bread from oven. Let cool in cans about 5 minutes before shaking out of can to cool.
This recipe can be doubled.
Did I mention that it was delicious?
And now the promised chicken plucking…
Although it is not legal to kill your own chickens within the city limits (except at certain places), it might be helpful to know how – just in case you find yourself in a real emergency (and just in case there happen to be some stray chickens around).
I remember my own grandmother killing chickens when I was really young. It was a dreadful experience for me so I’m probably not going to try this.
Did you know that the feathers will come right out if the chicken is dipped in scalding (not boiling) water first?
So there you have it.
We do live in an uncertain world, and it is nice to be independent enough to survive during a disaster.
While I’m not quite ready to become a meat-packaging mama, I will make the little bathroom kits and I’m sure I’ll make the bread.
I’ll let you know how it turns out.
JoAnn
P.S. Costco’s $4.99 roasted chicken sounds better and better, doesn’t it?
