stuff i tell my sister

Elephant Stew Recipe

Posted on November 17, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Today was the annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Henry’s Catholic Church. My purchases were simple. Chocolate cupcakes for Jermel, an employee of my hubby’s, and a cookbook for my Aunt Betty. ~~Betty~ if you read this, be surprised!~~ The book consists of recipes from the members and is awesome. I thought I’d share a couple of them with you. ~~Aunt Betty, quit reading now!~~

Bailey’s Irish Cream, submitted by Fr. Richard Bradley, Pastor

2 eggs

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp fudge topping

1/2 pint whipping cream

1 cup Whiskey

1/4 tsp coconut extract (optional)

Blend all ingredients at high-speed for 1 minute. Refrigerate. Will keep up to six months. ~~Ya wanna bet?~~

Elephant Stew submitted by Virginia Helm

1 elephant

salt and pepper

2 rabbits (optional)

Cut elephant into bite size pieces. This should take about 2 months. Add enough brown gravy to cover. Cook over kerosene stove about 4 weeks at 450 degrees F. This will feed 3800 people. If more are expected, two rabbits may be added, but do so only if necessary. most people do not like hares in their stew.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to meet Virginia Helm. 🙂

Have a great “rest” of the weekend. Be nice to people! ♥

Posted in Food, Humor, Oklahoma, recipe | Tagged 2 hares, Aunt Betty, Bailey's Irish Cream Recipe, Catholic Church, Chocolate Cupcakes, Christmas Bazaar, Christmas shopping, Cookbook, Elephant Stew, Jermel, recipe, Virginia Helm | 51 Comments

Things are not always as they seem…

Posted on November 14, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Several weeks ago we celebrated our youngest son’s birthday, meeting he and his bride in the halfway town of Stillwater, Oklahoma. After enjoying lunch at the famous Hideaway, we went for a walk around the beautiful campus of Oklahoma State University. We strolled, we laughed, we sat and reflected.A few moments later, hubby notice something. This something was quite alarming and in the pictured tree.There were hundreds of these little critters. If not for a great zoom lens, you would not be a witness! So our walk in that area came to an abrupt end.

Things are not always as they seem…… and the same goes with people. ~~But not dogs.~~

Hope your week is going better ~ Be nice to people, even when they are not so nice to you. ♥

Posted in Dogs, Oklahoma, Ramblings, Reflections, Relationships, Uncategorized | Tagged bees, bench, Hideaway, Oklahoma State University, old concrete bench, OSU campus, red wasps, Stillwater, Things are not always as they seem | 27 Comments

Visiting Small Town America ~ Adair, Oklahoma

Posted on November 13, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Maybe you recall that yesterday, I shared a pre-parade with you from Saturday. After we left that parade in Owasso, Oklahoma, we headed down old Route 66 toward Adair, Oklahoma. The trees were at peak in color, the temperatures were in the 70’s and with rocks in our pockets, the wind did not slow us down a bit. We passed by the Crooked Little Houseand pecan harvest was taking place. I wanted to stop BUT, we couldn’t be late for the parade!

A few short miles up the road, we arrived in Adair.. This is a quiet little town we’ve passed through on many occasions. But on this day, we would park, visit, and take in the festivities of the day. The annual Christmas in the Country Parade. (even though it happens to be on Veteran’s Day) Come & enjoy with us:Thank you Adair, for a fun-filled parade. My next drive through your town will be with cherished memories and smiles. Small town charm. You don’t have to look far to find it ~

Posted in appreciation, Fall, Friends, photos, Reflections, Uncategorized, Visiting Small Town America | Tagged Adair, Adair Parade, cars in parade, Christmas parade, Country Christmas Parade, Dry Gulch, fire engine, horses, horses in parade, marching band, Oklahoma, Parade, poop brigade, Santa Claus, The Crooked Little House, Tulsa shock mascot, VW | 18 Comments

Everybody Loves a Parade ~ 1

Posted on November 12, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

This past weekend would be hubby’s last one off for a while. So we decided we needed to make the best of it and see what all we could work into this beautiful Saturday. It began with attending a fundraiser sale early that morning. We didn’t know who they were raising money for, but they were kiddos, so we contributed. Next stop, a Veteran’s Parade in town to celebrate and thank our service men and woman. We arrived a bit early, so instead of being the normal onlookers, we parked in the prep area and “mingled”. ~~took photos~~ The only bad part of the “pre-parade”? There was no candy throwing. But don’t cry for me yet! 🙂 There was another parade in another town later in the day. The winds on Saturday were crazier than normal, even for Oklahoma. They sure made the flags stand proud.I guess what is so terrific about folks and small towns is that all ya have to do is give them a reason to gather, and it is turned into excitement, cause, promise and hope. We would have none of these, were it not for our veterans.

Let’s be their support vehicle. Thank a veteran every day!

(and don’t let the parade pass you by, instead, just jump right in!)

Posted in Oklahoma, Thankful, Tulsa. Oklahoma, Veterans, Visiting Small Town America | Tagged celebration, Everyone Loves a Parade, freedom, Hire a Vet, Jason, Military, Oklahoma, Owasso, Parade, Patriot Guards, Small towns, Thank a veteran, the gathering, throwing candy, Veteran, Veteran's Day Parade, Veteran's Parade | 14 Comments

Honored Veterans ~

Posted on November 11, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Shortly after moving back to Oklahoma, I dropped by hubby’s work to take him to lunch. While we were in the parking lot, we noticed a very unusual pickup truck. Curiosity got the best of us both ~~of course,~~ and we approached the man in the vehicle. He quickly got out, sharpie marker in hand, and said, “Please add your veteran’s names to my truck.” I watched while hubby wrote the names of our loved ones. For a few moments, in that store parking lot, it was sacred ground. Just as sacred as those we honor today. Join me today, on this Veteran’s Day, in saying thank you to our veterans! May we never forget their dedication and many sacrifices for us, so that we can enjoy our daily freedoms. Please add the names of your veteran friends and family to the comment area.

O say can you see by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Francis Scott Key

Posted in Thankful, Veterans | Tagged Francis Scott Key, Honoring Veterans, Military, My Dad, Rolling Memorial, Sacrifice, signing truck, Star-Spangled Banner, Support our troops, thank you, Twilight's Last Gleaming, Veteran, Veteran's Day | 30 Comments

Meet the Artist! Juliana Forster

Posted on November 8, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

About a year ago, hubby and I went on one of our Sunday afternoon drives. On this particular day we were destined for Dewey, Oklahoma. The Pilot’s Club hosts an annual arts and crafts sale in this small town. We appreciate the journey for something unique. That’s where I met Juliana. Her radiant smile drew me to her table. Her artistic gift kept me there for a while.Juliana moved to the United States from Brazil when she was fifteen. To me, her paintings reflect both “homes”.The year has passed quickly and she and I have had many opportunities to chat. She has quickly become a favorite artist and friend. Her work is just too lovely to keep to myself!Did I mention that she makes notecards? Christmas, Thanksgiving, and all occasion. I love sending her cards to friends because I know that the they will hold a special piece of her art and the heart that goes into it.When you can’t make up your mind…..you just buy all of them! Painted Note Cards by Juliana Forster (Facebook) or Painted Note Cards. com.If you happen to be in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, you can meet Juliana at one of her weekend shows. And if you do stop by, tell her Paula sent ya. (and no….she did not pay me to say that! 🙂 )

Have a super weekend, friends! Be nice to people~ ♥

(and to Maria, Juliana’s mother, I pray you are feeling better very soon.)

Posted in art, Friends, Friendships, Meet The Artist, Reflections, Tulsa. Oklahoma, Uncategorized, Women | Tagged Art Shows, artist, Brazil, cards, Christmas cards, colorful paintings, Dewey, Juliana, Juliana Forster, Meet the Artist, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Artist, Painted Note Cards, paintings, Pilot's Club, pumpkin painting | 28 Comments

Never Give Up

Posted on November 7, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Capturing the colors of a sunset can be tricky. The changes happen so rapidly that you can find yourself in the darkness, and too late, you realize you’ve missed the big picture. Not to fret though. Hopefully, with closer attention and some new purposed effort, you’ll have tomorrow to try it again~

Happy Wednesday, friends. Here’s to never being afraid to try again ♥

Posted in Fall, Oklahoma, Reflections, Sunset photos | Tagged colors, determination, fear, hope, hopefulness, Lake Keystone, Never Give Up, reflections, sadness, starting over, sunset pics, thoughts | 19 Comments

What are you thankful for?

Posted on November 5, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

It’s the Monday after time change here in our world. Yawn… Darkness now comes earlier. A sad reminder that wintertime could approach whenever he so desires. But for now, we will continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall. Can’t you just hear trees talking to each other in the wind? The rustling leaves? The dog barking in the distance because he knows I am an intruder? Awww….sweet November. I have so much to be thankful for…. Counting my blessings ~HappY Anniversary to my Erin and Mad. Seven years ago today they were married in the beautiful Ozarks. CONGRATULATIONS! Much love ♥

What are you thankful for today?

Posted in Fall, photos, ponderings, Reflections, Relationships, Thankful | Tagged Anniversary, blessings, counting my blessings, erin and mad, fall color, fall pics, fall train, Happy Anniversary, leaves, Marriage, relationships, thankfulness, time change, train track, wedding photo | 32 Comments

Another Peaceful Sunday ~

Posted on November 4, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalms 56: 3

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday…..

Posted in Oklahoma, Reflections, Sunset photos | Tagged Another Peaceful Sunday, Lake Keystone, peaceful, Peaceful Sundays, quiet | 32 Comments

Signs

Posted on November 3, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Signs. They are everywhere. Either selling something or someone. Bashing someone. Our election in the United States is this coming Tuesday. The campaigning began before the current president was even elected. It is ongoing. It is never nice. And it goes to show that regardless of your political affiliation or assumed “class”, no one has any real class. I’ve heard many say they will be so glad when it’s all over. ~~I’ve heard myself say that!~~ But it will never end. As long as we have breath, we will always be fighting for something. Dignity might be a good place to begin ~ reposted from Google Images reposted from google images LEST WE FORGET