Happy, Happy, Happy

A few friends and I got to go hear Phil Robertson speak today.

Look Out

Moose got his drivers permit today! Look out world here he comes.

Moose: "Can I drive home?"
Princess: "No. Wait until Boomer moves back home to drive with her."
Moose: "No, really can I drive home?"
Princess: "No, really you CAN NOT drive home. It's going to take my nerves a while to process this."

Our state does not require drivers education so your drivers education begins with a drivers permit. When you start to learn to drive. Moose has only driven the lawn tractor. I need baby steps or an open field or Boomer to take him out.

Alarm Clock?

Moose came home from Boy Scout camp today with a new "alarm clock". He was helping replace the fire alarm system at camp this summer. One of the Scout Masters helped him use one of the old alarm sirens, a batter, switch and wire to create his very own "alarm clock". I can't wait until I ask Moose to get up in the morning and he doesn't. It is going to be a great way to wake him...(said with an evil grin)...mwahahaha!

Wet Camping for Moose

It occurred to me today, that when I was younger and went camping with our scout group, my parents waited until the weekend was over to know how we made it through the rough weather. And that just isn't the case anymore. With today's technology kids have cell phones, Facebook, and the internet.

Moose went camping with his Boy Scout troop. They left yesterday evening to camp at a Civil War fort. By 10:15 p.m. straight line winds, tornadoes, thunder, lightning, and rain were headed their way. One of the boy's parents called me because she couldn't contact her son on his cell phone (Moose's troop has a strict policy of NO cell phones). So, I texted the leader told him about the weather heading his way. Well, they made it through perhaps a little wet but no major damage or destruction. Everyone was in bed by 11:15 p.m. as it continued to rain.

Back to the boy with the cell phone, he called home all night long, told his parents how bad it was for him. His tent was wet, sleeping bag was wet, he was sleeping under a pavilion on the cold hard floor, you get the picture. His parents are now on their way to camp with dry gear for him.

Going back to my childhood parents couldn't contact us at camp so if we were wet from rain we figured it out. There were a few occasions where leaders took wet sleeping bags to town to dry. But most times we were wet a clothes line was strung and we hoped our bags were dry by nightfall. And let me tell you every time a certain adult went camping it rained and flooded.

Here is my question, do you think kids should have a cell phone?

I know that is a tough question. You want your kids to have all of the resources they  need to protect themselves but at the same time...If they are constantly calling you they are missing out on a great learning experience with the other scouts.

I did suggest to the parents on the rescue that they take all of the wet sleeping bags to town to dry at the laundromat. I just received a text from "Mama" and they are on their way to town now with a few wet sleeping bags.

So, what do you think?

Fried Chicken

Here is the piggies favorite food, I make it every year for our Independence Day picnic.

Fried Chicken Strips/Nuggets

Ingredients

1 cup cracker crumbs

About 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken

LouAna Pure Coconut Oil 31.5 fl oz (or any other coconut oil)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 egg

½ cup milk

Ok, here's what you do…

1. Crush the crackers and set aside.

2. Prepare your chicken, cut away all the fat and icky stuff. Cut the chicken into strips or nuggets. (You can also use ¼ cup Italian dressing and 1 cup water to marinade the chicken overnight or for several hours).

3. Get three bowls/containers to use for breading/battering. Here is how you get them ready.

                Bowl 1

                1 cup all-purpose flour

                1/2 teaspoon salt

                1/2 teaspoon pepper

                Mix together

                Bowl 2

                1/4 cup all-purpose flour

                1 egg

                1/2 cup milk

                Whisk together so there are no lumps.

                Bowl 3

                1 cup cracker crumbs (Ritz, Saltines, etc. you pick)

                1/4 cup flour

                Mix together

4. Toss the chicken one piece at a time into each bowl until you have breaded/battered all of the chicken. Start with bowl one move to two, and finish with bowl three.

5. Heat the coconut oil on medium heat in a Dutch oven (to about 350 degrees, BTW I don’t’ check the temp but you can if you want). Use metal tongs to place each piece of chicken in the oil. (If you drop the chicken the oil splatters and ouch that hurts, been there done that!) Cook for about 5 minutes. (I save the oil and use it one more time.) Drain the chicken on a napkin (or paper towel) covered plate. 

Yummy, try this with homemade Ranch!

Theater

Today Lil Bit was in a play at our local theater. She was so fun to watch and several of her friends were in the play with her. After her participation in the program I suggest you get involved in community theater. It is great inexpensive quality entertainment for the family!

Homemade Ranch Dressing

I made this Ranch Dressing for a big event at church this week. Everyone loved it! I love it because you know exactly what you are getting. I would give a Piggie Rating but they don't like Ranch Dressing. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Let me know if you try it.

Ranch Salad Dressing

½ c. sour cream
½ c. mayonnaise
½ c. buttermilk (add 1-1/2 tsp. vinegar to milk to equal 1/2 c. if you can't find real buttermilk)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ tsp. garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley, or 3 TB. chopped fresh
½ tsp. onion powder
¾ tsp. sea salt (or to taste)
½ tsp. black pepper
1-2 tsp. dried dill

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, and lemon juice in a pint jar or mixing bowl. Shake or whisk to mix well.

Add the remaining ingredients and shake (or whisk) again until well combined. If using a bowl, transfer to a dressing container with lid.

Refrigerate one or more hours before using.

For a thicker dip: increase sour cream by 1/4 cup (or, conversely, add more milk, a little at a time if a thinner consistency is desired).

Shake well before each use.