Potato Salad

There is nothing that goes with an American Summer Picnic quite like Potato Salad. I grew up thinking that potato salad was yucky...but it was because of the crunchy onions and sweet pickles...both of which make me shiver in horror!I never really thought that I could make Potato Salad without those two ingredients...that is until I tasted this. It originally came from one of my sister in laws, but I have tweaked a couple of things to suit our liking.

Potato Salad

3 Pounds of Red Potatoes-scrub clean and cut into quarters. I like to leave the peels on mine.

Boil the potatoes until fork tender. Drain, cool and mash just until slightly mashed, leaving some chunks.

1 1/2 cups of Mayo

1 Tbsp. Mustard (optional)

1/4 tsp. of onion powder

Dill pickle juice to moisten

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the above ingredients together and pour over cooled potatoes.

1 cup of chopped, cooked bacon

2 hard boiled eggs, sliced

1/2 cup chopped dill pickles

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Add these ingredients to the the potato and dressing mix and stir all together. If it seems dry, just add a little more pickle juice. (it doesn't take much)

Sprinkle paprika on top (be careful when taking it to a party/picnic. Some people are allergic to paprika)

Stick a big spoon in it, and serve beside a Hamburger or Fried Chicken (or whatever else is you choose) Enjoy!

Truth the Rubber Ducky

This is Truth, the Rubber Ducky. I got him today from one of my sisters. He is sitting in my kitchen window sill to remind me that...

"Truth is like a Rubber Ducky. You can push him under, but he will always pop back up to the top!"

The next time someone spreads a lie about you or someone you love, and you want so badly to act out in defense...remember to think of Truth, the Rubber Ducky!

Responding with Purpose

I was visiting THE LETTERED COTTAGE BLOG this morning, and Layla had posted this yesterday. It is now afternoon, and I have been back to read it four times. It spoke a library's worth of volumes to me today!

Respond with purpose
What upsets you is not what happens.
What upsets you is your response to what happens.Just as easily as you respond in a negative way,
you can easily and naturally respond in a
positive, empowering, uplifting way.The biggest problems are often caused by
what you choose to do about the smallest problems.
Most of those big, painful problems are so unnecessary.Keep reminding yourself that you are in control of you.
You are in control and you can decide
exactly how you wish to feel at any point.Imagine the power of remaining calm and focused
and resourceful when some totally unexpected,
disappointing development interrupts your day.
Truly, you can make the disappointments not disappointing at all.Respond on purpose, with purpose.
Feel the power and the joy as every moment gives you a way to move forward.
Ralph Marston

Something to ponder....

This is a question that I have been pondering for a few days....

"Where is your mountain, and are you climbing it?"

Personally, I have identified an entire mountain range!! But then realize that there is one standing like Mt. Rainer...high above the rest!

The answer to my question upon further reflection is: "Yes, I am climbing it!"
It has been a booger of a climb too! I have wanted to give up over and over...I have been ready to turn around and throw my pack down more than once. But then I read that He who causes eagles to soar, will renew me with His Strength, and cause me to soar to the top of my mountain (Isaiah 40:31).

The most amazing part of this story, is that I am not alone! My Strength-Renewer travels with me, and encourages me along the way!
And while I am saying, "I think I can, I think I can...." He is saying, "I know you will, I know you will..."

Psalms 3:5...I lie down and sleep (in peace); I wake again (ready to climb my mountain), because the Lord sustains me."

(words in parentheses are mine)

Vacation

Our vacation is coming to an end...but we are ready to go home. We have had such a great week!!

I will post more pictures and share more about it in a few days...for now, we are going to relax in our hotel room and get ready to drive home tomorrow.

Antiquing in Seattle

Our family is currently vacationing in the Seattle area, and today my Aunt Kim took us girls to an older town, and we went "antiquing and lunching". (Not sure if lunching is a word, but it sounds good!)
I am always on the lookout for vintage linens that come with fruits and flowers in the red, yellow and green variety. This was in excellent condition!
I came across the one below for Nikki to use while she is serving tea to friends. It is covered with pictures of children. I LOVE IT!


I enjoy adding to my collection of covered refrigerator dishes, and today I found a small yellow one. I am not sure how I will use "her", but she will have a job soon enough!

To go along with the yellow theme, I couldn't pass up the glass piture with sunny lemons dancing around it! Kim spotted this one for me!

I have such a love for things that have been gently used. I try to imagine that somewhere, one day, these linens and glassware belonged to someone that loved them as much as I do now. Perhaps they were wedding gifts, or things longed for, that had to be "saved-up" for...whatever their stories...they are now mine and I love them!