The subject matter does not bother me. We really ought to be talking about things. Death is a part of life that, in our kind of culture, is swept under the rug and kept as unobtrusive as possible. But we will all face it. We ought to know our choices and make the best one. Both for burial and what comes after death. That's an interesting proposition. Truly, that's what is supposed to happen to bodies; decompose and be re-used. But I probably would not go that way myself. There is something to be said for traditional dignity and teaching the young that life is more than just recycled chemicals. However, I can easily see that if someone believes that's all human life is, it would be a logical next step. There are a couple of great books I have, "Caring for Your Own Dead" and "The American Way of Life and Death". Both of these are eye openers on the funeral industry and how to not only save money, but dignity. Thinking of donating your body to science? "Stiff; the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" might change your mind, if you have the idea that your body will lay on the table to be examined in med school. Most cadavers are used in very... unexpected ways. As for me, I want a simple hole dug on my land, wrap my night gowned body in a simple sheet the same day I die. Cover me with a mound of dirt and walk away. I'm not there. Don't come and visit my grave. I'm not there and I'll be really mad at the time and tears anyone wasted visiting a storage pit. If the curious eyes of people make them feel the need to do SOMETHING, they can plant a Rose of Sharon bush on top. That's a nickname for the One who has victory over death and freed me from the grave. And I want a HUGE party thrown. Lots of food, lots of singing, lots of dancing and joy. I'll be seeing them soon. :o)

Wouldn't that be a great workout video for winter time (down time for gardeners)? Somehow simulating all the moves we do a hundred times a day throughout the growing season. Fall comes and BAM! down I sit, and that's it til spring (usually 10 or so pounds heavier). I always find that this time of year is the worst - but by the end of the summer, I feel much better, almost no pains at all. I am 50. This year - my 6th winter sowing was almost a non-starter. I just didn't feel motivated - kind of depressed actually - aches and pains. But, somehow I forced myself to do around 30 containers (previous years it was in the 100's) - maybe I'll do a few more while the nights are still frosty up here. But let me tell you, when I saw my first sprout 2 weeks ago, I got that same old thrill - it's still there :)

I madeGreen beef enchiladas last night.DS is re heating a couple right now for lunch.They sure smell good! Easy to make too. Green Beef Enchiladas 2 lbs. extra lean ground beef (Boneless,skinless chicken breast can also be used,cooked and shredded) 10 medium size flour tortillas or 12-15 corn tortillas.I used flour last night and they were delish! About 4 cups shredded Jack or cheddar cheese or a mixture of both. 1 large can green enchilada sauce.(The kind made with tomatillos and green chilies). Cook the ground meat in a pot with a little water if needed.Season with salt,pepper,garlic powder and about a tsp.cumin.Drain off any liquid. Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave just to soften them a bit to make them easier to handle.I just open the bag and throw bag and all in for 60 seconds or so until they are warm through.If using corn tortillas heat them in hot oil for a few seconds and drain on paper towels. Place the meat on the tortilla with a little shredded cheese and roll up tightly.Place rolled tortillas close together in a casserole sprayed with non stick spray.Pour the can of sauce over the top and sprinkle with desired amount of shredded cheese.Cover with foil and bake in a 350* oven for about 20 minutes.Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is bubbly. Another easy one that I just made a few days ago. Ritzy Chicken Casserole About 6 cups cooked and cubed boneless,skinless chicken breast.I season the chicken with salt,pepper,garlic powder and poultry seasoning,place in a baking dishsprayed with non stick spray and bake at 375 uncovered for about 30 minutes or so until done.Pour off the liquid and set the dish aside to use later for the casserole.Let the chicken cool,then cut into small cubes and spread evenly into the baking dish. Mix 1 can cream of chicken soup and a cup of sour cream together and spread evenly on top of the chicken.My original recipe calls for 1 cup of mayonaise.I substituted sour cream once when I didn't have mayo and everyone here likes it better.It is good either way so it's your preference. Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers finely in a plastic zipper bag or you can use a food processor.I use my little food chopper for this and it works great. Melt 1 stick of butter(Has to be butter,not margerine.Too much water content in margarine) and add to the cracker crumbs,mixing well.Spread the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the soup mixture.Bake uncovered in a 350* oven for 30-40 min. or until until the topping is lightly browned.

Slow! you are right!......it's so out of place without a tray......etc. That might be why I feel like it has no home! Nicethyme.....my reason for doing it was for the gallery, and I just don't like it enough to try to sell it. I bought it for that purpose..........and don't like it enough, and don't think it represents my work well enough to try to take it in as my first piece. It was fun to do....but I don't like much about it! So that really sucks! Maybe like slow said with the whole set......it might be something I want to keep........ or sell. I have an antique teapot to play with too...... gonna go a totally diffent way with that!....we'll see how that goes! I love the black one posted........ so we'll see......I have no china or plates to replicate it in any way! hazie