Sixteen Spool Blocks

 

I did share a recipe here for baked rice pudding a year and a half ago. This one calls for a lot more rice and a lot less milk. They're both delicious. I guess if I had a lot of leftover rice, I'd use this new recipe. If I had way too much milk, I'd stick with the recipe I posted October 24, 2020.

Baked Rice Pudding

 

2 cups cooked white rice (This is a great way to use up leftovers!)

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup raisins (Sometimes I use more.)

Fresh ground nutmeg (I’m really not sure how much I use. More than a pinch.)

 

In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Stir in cooked rice and raisins. Spoon into a buttered 10” baking dish. Bake at 325F half an hour. Remove from oven and gently stir; sprinkle with nutmeg. Continue baking another half hour, until nearly set. Serve warm.

Six Plaid Pines

 

“May I express my personal warning about a practice that is common in many cultures? I am referring to sleepovers, or spending the night at the home of a friend. As a bishop I discovered that too many youth violated the Word of Wisdom or the law of chastity for the first time as part of a sleepover. Too often their first exposure to pornography and even their first encounter with the police occurred when they were spending the night away from home. Peer pressure becomes more powerful when our children are away from our influence and when their defenses are weakened late at night. If you have ever felt uneasy about an overnight activity, don’t be afraid to respond to that warning voice inside. Always be prayerful when it comes to protecting your precious children.” – Larry R. Lawrence

Nine Spool Blocks

 

My favorite lamp is actually a stack of glued-together crockery. Beneath an unremarkable white shade, the base is a porcelain teacup and saucer, a teapot and larger cup with two more saucers, a plate and an overturned bowl. I found it in Anthropologie when that store was at the Gateway shopping center. They were asking more than I was willing to pay for such a frivolous thing. But over the next few months I visited it frequently, trying to figure out how I could make one like it. I researched adhesives and special drill bits, but knew I’d never match this perfect symmetry with thrift shop pottery. Then Anthropologie moved to City Creek Mall. We toured the new store, but didn’t see the teapot lamp. A salesperson stopped us as we were leaving. They’d put the lamp aside, knowing I’d be back for it. That was ten years ago. I don’t remember what I paid for it. I don’t care.

Pin Cushion Cactus

 

Outside Carroll County Veterinary Clinic in Westminster, Maryland, there’s a clever changeable sign that amuses and uplifts: 

“I don't think it's fair that only roosters are allowed to start the day screaming.” 

“If a black cat crosses your path, he probably has important cat stuff to do.” 

“Dogs are living proof good still exists in the world.” 

“Cats can memorize 120 commands, but they don’t want to.” 

“Having cats in the house is like living with art that throws up on the carpet.” 

“Whoever said diamonds are girl’s best friend never owned a dog.” 

“Dog’s such a small word for something that takes up so much room in your heart.” 

“My dog will eat anything until you put a pill in it. Then he’s Gordon Ramsey.” 

“If a tree falls in the forest and no one’s there, a Chihuahua 500 miles away will still bark at it.”

“Accidentally used the dog’s shampoo. I feel like such a good girl.”

Four Spool Blocks

 

We tried Crack Chicken last week for the first time, and it was a big hit. We had it over baked potatoes, with green and yellow beans on the side. I may quadruple this recipe when the weather is warm enough for a picnic, and see if the whole family likes it.

 

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

 

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 packet DRY ranch dressing mix

8 ounces cream cheese

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Thinly sliced green onions, as a garnish

 

Put chicken in slow cooker. Sprinkle with dry ranch seasoning. Top with cream cheese. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Remove and shred chicken, then return it to pot. Top with bacon and shredded cheddar. Cover and continue cooking until cheddar melts. Serve hot on toasted buns or baked potatoes, or over cooked pasta or rice.

Four Plaid Pines

 

Everyone likes to make a fuss about Disney princesses. It’s not surprising. When you think about it, they’re all pretty awesome. But many of my favorite Disney movies are completely princess-free. I’m not talking about actual princesses who aren’t in the official pantheon, like Anastasia, Kida, Nala, Atta, Dot, Vanellope, Leia, Anna and Elsa. I’m also not talking about members of the pantheon who aren’t really princesses (at least not until they marry a prince) like Cinderella, Belle, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana or Moana. Here are the princess-less movies I adore: Mulan, Zootopia, Lady and the Tramp, Tarzan, Lilo and Stitch, Alice in Wonderland, 101 Dalmatians, Rescuers Down Under, Big Hero Six, and especially Meet the Robinsons. If you haven’t seen every one of these, I’ll recommend them with all my heart. And if you have a favorite Disney movie (with or without a princess), I’d love to hear about it.  

Three-Inch Spool Block

 

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

 - Pope Francis

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