Country Living With Emma

The beginning of the last century's 4th turning was officially October 29, 1929, when the stock market crashed. Economic problems only exacerbate other problems, like natural disasters. It's important to prepare as best we can for these challenging times.

The lowly nutcracker is a simple tool, but it makes a big difference!

The leading cause of death from injuries for seniors is falling. I'll share my own experience with falling and what I plan to do to fall less. 

First installment of Ann Raney Thomas Coleman's journal. 

I wanted a small portable project that I could work on during downtime at a work trio. I chose a fingerless glove pattern that I can wear when I'm demonstrating hand quilting at a heritage event next month. Here are links to the kit containing 11 sets of double-pointed knitting needles and a host of other knitting tools. It's definitely worth the $18.99 price tag! Double-pointed knitting needle ki...

The low this morning was 50° F this morning. Fall might actually have arrived in Texas. What kind of winter can we expect?

We continue to hear from people who are supposed to be knowledgeable that the Chinese are in not only the grid, but all types of utilities and services. Are we prepared for that?

We finish up with Mary Wightman Helm today and discuss a topic that is as old as mankind itself.

For years, we have compiled recipes in what we refer to as "The House Cookbook". Some recipes are printed, some are torn from magazines, and some of the really old ones are handwritten.  Imperial Pure Cane Sugar has taken the old cookbooks down from their site. I will post the actual recipe on a later description.

This is a great tool if you need to pick fruit from high branches.  Telescoping Fruit Picker Basket An Apartment For Peggy

I've talked about what are now referred to as "granny hobbies" before. Now there's evidence that they have cognitive benefits.  https://www.snapdragonlife.com/news/blog/the-neuroscience-of-making-why-your-hands-matter-more-than-you-think/

First part of the writing of Mary Wightman Helm, who came to Texas with her first husband six years after Mary Rabb. They would have been there at the same time. I would love to know if they ever met. 

Thursday, I took a trip to Houston to attend the Houston International Quilt Show. I had a great time! I'll share what I liked best and what I wished was there. 

This is s great tool to deter pests, especially rodents.  Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

A discussion of the dichotomy of prepping and hospitality and the importance of balance.  Hack of the Week: Making Mayonnaise  Ingredients 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 cup neutral-flavored oil (light olive, avocado, or grapeseed) 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp dry mustard  Instructions Combine ingredients. Add the egg, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and dry mustard to a jar...

Weekend plans and getting ready for future big events. Fall is a busy time! What are you doing this weekend? Take a Cold Tater and Wait

We finish up the adventures of Mary Rabb and her family in the 1820s & 1830s as they build a life in Texas. 

Baby Boomers are familiar with the Civil Defense Agency. In school, we did "duck and cover" and watched many films on what to do in case of emergencies. However, "Civil Defense" is no longer a thing, and FEMA took its place. Was that a good thing? Use your own judgement on that one.

This is a great tool for processing and preserving apples! Apples Peeler & Corer

In the digital age, it's important to have some things in hard copy.  The Bible is one of them. PBS Nova Series "In the Event of Catastrophe

It's Friday, so I thought I'd give an update on what I have going on. Also, I'm going to briefly discuss why it's important to be grateful for the people who came before us. I researched the price of land in the area where Mary Rabb and her family settled. The cost is about $10,000 per acre. That would make the "league and a labor" worth over $46 million today. 

This is the story of Mary Crownover Rabb's journey to Texas in the 1820s. I couldn't find what I think Mary's saddle would have looked like, but this might be close. Insect repellant: Picaridin

I use these with sewing, but they have a thousand uses! Offset Screwdriver Telescoping Magnet Kitchen Utensils - Cosmopolitan Cornbread

Anytime a big event happens, especially if it's a bad thing, the conspiracy theories run rampant. Is that always the answer? 

This is the last chapter in Mary's memoirs, and she gives us a quick history of how her family fared through the Civil War. Needless to say, it's eerily similar to our own time.