Metcalf Family Mews

As I sit here reevaluating my life, the way I’ve spent the last few years of it, working every minute of it to maintain a home, that for the most part, is decaying faster than I am. I think I want to make some serious changes.

Now that I’m 50, I think I’d like to move somewhere warmer. Not that I don’t love my house, neighbors, park district, my surrounding and the way I live, but when you wake up every morning hating to put your feet on the floor, because the soles of your feet throb for the first 5 minutes, my back and arms hurt. I know it’s just the natural aging process, its really starting to take its toll. The only thing that makes me rethink it is my family.

Today is the last day of October and Halloween; 61 days left in the year. I didn’t even decorate for the holiday, except of a single vignette in the living room; the kids have already eaten the Halloween orange & black wrapped candy that I had on display. No matter, we don’t get any trick-or-treaters out here anyway. It’s really a shame, I do love giving out candy and seeing all the kids in costume. I usually go to one of the kids houses and help pass out candy there, but this year, I don’t think I have that left in me.

You’ll have to excuse how tired I am, as I’m writing this, my arms hurt, I’m waiting for that second cup of coffee I just drank to kick in. I didn’t eat breakfast, although I did make it for Anthony, just wasn’t in the mood. Yesterday, I was dreaming of a day when the Krispy Kreme truck would drive down my road and sell coffee and doughnuts off the back of his truck, like the ice cream man. It may not happen in my lifetime, but it’s nice to dream. I could use that donut today. I’ll just wait for lunch.

I baked a turkey breast yesterday, didn’t get to eat it until after 7 p.m. with all the running that I had to do. I just made some crescent rolls to go with it; kept it simple. It certainly wasn’t a balanced meal, but we had eaten candy on the way to Cincinnati. I can’t say that I’m watching my weight, but I should be. Maybe next week, I’ll start that badly needed diet, or not.

I was making the invitations to my cookie exchange party, only after I had them all the way finished; I realized that I had forgotten two very important details on the invitations. So they’re still on my desk. I will either have to reprint them all or come up with a second card to go in with the first. Maybe a recipe card with it on the back or print it on the back of the envelopes. Oh well, nobody’s perfect.

I’ve let so many little things go over the last month trying to get the house ready for the holidays, and all the parties back that were back this month, I’m not sure what all I’m going to get done for all the parties coming up in November.  We’re going to combine a few birthday’s and have a huge football party; Cowboy’s vs Vikings. I’ve been working on Party Central aka our front garage for a solid month, trying to finish it up. The floor was epoxied and cleared. I way… over flecked. I love it. It hung a layer of paintable wallpaper (that stuff covers a lot of ugly) over half and hopefully, today will complete a coat of paint over that half. We’re only doing half of it at a time, so that we could work out there without having to rent a Pod or some kind of storage unit.

I want to get the front door (green) and foyer painted (3 colors), the big closet in the foyer papered and painted, with shelves hung, and all the carpets cleaned by the end of the week. Wish me luck!

I’ve done most of my Christmas shopping, but I want to buy a little Christmas tree for the garage and decorate it like the tree that Roger has at the Village Flower Shop with the sunflowers and teddy bears, to match all of my Autumn/Thanksgiving decorations. I think it will be a nice backdrop for Ms. Kelly. And “No,” I don’t collect teddy bears; I have 100’s due to saying that I liked the Boyd Bears, one year. Now, I have to keep tying them into the vignettes to use them all. I also bought my two splurge items for this month, new pumpkin placard holders and 3 wire baskets, for my Thanksgiving tables, cheap from The Christmas Tree Shoppe. True, they weren’t needs, but that’s why I call them splurge items. Got along without them before I had them, but I wanted them. Everyone should indulge every now and then. No guilt!

Here is the list that I didn’t get done over the course of the month of October, while doing the garage…

A2   Scrub grout

A3   Clean both bathrooms and the utility room.

A   Anthony’s haircut

A   Update Calendar Birthday’s & Anniversaries for the month.

B   Ro-Lin Farms – Mulch 855-4128 $85.00 ( $35.00 per scoop – 2 scoop minimum) $10.00 delivery fee

B   Replace toilet bowl deodorizers

B   Vacuum

B   Organize shoes & handbags in my closet

B   Change Furnace Filters… 16″x20″x1″

B   Mop bathroom floors and clean the woodwork

B   Dust furniture & wipe the windowsills.

B   Menu Planning/Grocery shopping.

B   Have the kitchen, family room, & hall carpet steam cleaned.

B   Wash all candle holders/votive cups & replace candles in my bedroom.

B   Change the oil in the Expedition.

B   Apply Flea & Tick Control to the Cats.

B   Vacuum & Rotate the Mattress(s)

B   Wash bathroom rugs

B   Throw out all the clothes I haven’t worn in 2 years. Rotate the clothes in the closets.

B   Check fire alarms

B   Replace dryer vent hoses

B   Clean all overhead light fixtures.

B   Unclog slow-running drains

B   Prepare Birthday and Anniversary cards for following month.

B   Safetly Kleen

B   Wipe switch plates

B   Wipe interior and exterior doors and trim.

B   Vacuum window treatments, moldings, and windowsills.

B   Dust portable and ceiling fans.

B   Wipe telephones.

B   Vacuum & wipe fireplace screen.

B   Wash ventilation hood filters.

B   Launder duvet covers, pillow protectors, mattress pads, and shams.

B   Wipe tub and shower surrounds.

B   Clean the Gutters

B   Wipe insides and outsides of trash and recycling bins.

B   Clean hanging pot rack and polish copper.

B   Remove contents of cabinets and clean interiors.

B   Wipe kitchen ceiling.

B   Sweep out fireplace.

B   Wipe baseboards and moldings.

B   Scrub porch ceilings and walls.

B   Disinfect Flowerpots

B   Inspect Trees

B   Organize the Shed

B   Prepare the flowerbeds for winter.

B   Turn Off Faucets and Roll Hoses; Store for the Season.

B   Add Dishwasher Magic to the dishwasher.

B   Clean the bird cage

B   Mail out invitations to the Cookie Party

B   Make cards to mail out for the Cookie Party

B   Plan the invitations & address envelopes for the Cookie Party

B   Wipe down the tables and chairs

B   Wipe the small appliances.

B   Wipe Out the Microwave.

B   Go thru the Junk Drawers.

B   Wipe out the kitchen sink.

B   Windex the windows.

B   My haircut.

C   Inspect appliance hoses and ventilation according to owner’s manuals.

This all has to be done this week along with the additional work, just to stay on track. I was never sure how people could possibly think that house work isn’t a full time job? Let it go and see what happens. I always say, “It can’t all be my job,” but somehow it is. Thank God for Outlook or I’d never keep it all together. I see now, why Martha Stewart has 14 assistants, they make it look so easy. When in reality, it takes an entire family working together, to get it all done. This is the main reason, I’d like to move to a small apartment somewhere WARM and let all this mundane housework belong to someone else for a change. Yes, it’s true, I’ll still have most, if not all, of these same chores to do, no matter where I live, but it would really help, if I didn’t mind getting out of the bed in the morning.

If you see me run an ad for an auction, you’ll know that I got Anthony to come around to my way of thinking. Look out Tennessee or Georgia here I come!

Except the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory. ~ George S. Patton

Persimmon Drop Cookies. An English Dessert, that takes 12 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook with an Oven.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup persimmon pulp
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
½ tsp. ground cloves
½ cup butter
½ tsp. nutmeg
1 egg beaten
1 cup nuts (we use a mix of walnut & pecan)
½ tsp. salt
1 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS
Beat until creamy: pulp, soda, sugar & butter
Add: egg & beat well
Sift flour & spices
Add: flour, raisins & nuts to creamy mixture
Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet
Bake at 375° for 12-15 min.
Makes 3-4 dozen

We cannot hope to scale great moral heights by ignoring petty obligations. ~ Agnes Repplier

‎Flesh (vanilla ice cream), blood (strawberry sauce), and wax fangs!!

This picture was posted by Kathy Williams Wallace on Facebook. It was a picture that she took at her local ice cream shoppe “The Inside Scoop” in Fairborn, Ohio and I thought I’d make it for my Grands. As you know I don’t do much in the way of decorating for Trick – or -Treat or Halloween, since we live so far out in the country. I tend decorate for Fall, its my favorite time of the year, but this was just too fun not to share. So I thought I’d share. It couldn’t be any easier to make and the look on my Grands face will be priceless. Enjoy!

The man who has accomplished all that he thinks worthwhile has begun to die. ~ E. T. Trigg

Ronnie say’s that he’s not tech savvy. His daughter handles all of his computer needs. Believe me, I wish he did, many is the time, that I would have love to jet him a line or two, but nope. He’s so nice when you call, he really is, just give him a call and see what he thinks.

As for my research, I’ve been spending even more quality time with my family and working a lot more these days than usual. I actually, just walked through the door and sat down. Then was thrilled to see your comment.

Most of the Adkins’ from Missouri come down from William. Most are from my own great uncles, son’s of Lewis Adkins. I’m headed out that way to try and find Eli Adkins’s death date and burial. He was alive and well in 1939 from his electric bills, so I have a place to start. People think I don’t take this seriously, but when you’re tracking people the same way the IRS does, that’s serious. I’m just teasing, but I do want to find his information and maybe his family if they’re still there. Benjamen’s as well. That will probably be more along the line of next year. Cross your fingers.

I plan on spending a peaceful Holiday at home with my family for the remainder of this year – some badly needed R & R. Then I’ll try and see what I can get from more of the distant cousins on and off the reservation. I was promised some (old) pictures and a few new books should be on the market soon, maybe by then some thing new will be found. I know where some stuff is, just can’t get it for us.

As for “Multitudes and Milestones”… I have done a few excerpts, but I cannot complete it, since I have vowed to never write a book and that’s what it would end up being. So, I just blog away. Too many of the family and non-members that have written – have threatened me with all sorts of things. So that’s out. I give my work away for FREE. If I learn something, I share it, its that simple. I haven’t made a dime off of the family and don’t plan to start now. It’s what I love to do and will continue to do, as long as I live. I’ll just keep writing as long as people keep reading. The book would end up with a hundred family members names as coauthors, since no one could write this alone.

I cover more on my close family now, but you can read Me & William V http://wp.me/p8juh-1ey it kind of sets the stage for where I’m at at this point in my life or http://wp.me/p8juh-1hO which should shed even more light. I’m taking some badly needed time off, but will always be here for question and answer sessions.

I love to hear from family and hear their stories, so come back often and share whatever, where your hubby comes from, thoughts and ideas and/or any family stories, maybe a recipe or two… my door is always open.

Thanks as always and Welcome to the family,
Sheila Jean Adkins Metcalf

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Courage is as often the outcome of despair as hope; in the one case we have nothing to lose, in the other all to gain. ~ Diane de Poitiers

It’s early … early … but …here’s some choices… if you haven’t gotten your menu all planned out.. 

This gigantic recipe collection has every Thanksgiving recipe you could want and more! We’ve included 138 recipes, including appetizers, side dishes, main courses, beverages, and desserts, of course! We’ve got turkey, pumpkin pie, sweet potato, cranberry and stuffing recipes for everyone! So gather your friends and family close and fix them a Thanksgiving meal they’ll never forget!

Everyone needs a little Thanksgiving inspiration every once in a while.

Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Creamy Deviled Eggs

Harvest Moon Soup

Squash Meatballs

Pumpkin Dip

Pumpkin Bread

Golden Herb Rolls

Spicy Sweet Potato Wontons

Herbed Stuffed Pumpkins

Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs

Caramelized Apple and Leek Soup with Cider Cream

Golden Bacon Corn Bread

Cranberry Pecan Cheddar Cheese Spread

Honey Pumpkin Salad with Sage Croutons

Spicy Pumpkin Appetizer Soup

Yam Corn Bread

Broccoli Dip

Wild Mushroom and Brie Quiche

Munchy Tangy Carrots

Tasty Acorn Squash

Pumpkin Butter

The Pilgrim Loaf

Lentil and Chestnut Soup

Autumn Appetizer Strudel

Zucchini Appetizers

Turkey is traditional, but don’t be afraid to try something new, instead!

Thanksgiving Main Course Recipes

Smoked Turkey

Perfect Turkey

Savory Roasted Turkey

Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Pear Stuffing

Slow-Cooked Garlic Turkey Breast

Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey

Deep Fried Turkey

Maple Roast Turkey

Stuffed Turkey

Rosemary-Roasted Turkey

Atkins’ Original Roasted Turkey

Honey Spice Glazed Turkey

Flavorful Turkey Breast in the Crockpot

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry-Honey Glaze

Greek Traditional Turkey with Chestnut and Pine Nut Stuffing

Perfect Roast Turkey with Best-Ever Gravy

Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breasts

Lemon-Sage Turkey with Wild Mushroom Gravy

Curried Squash, Garbanzo Bean and Potato Stew

Apple-Cinnamon Glazed Turkey

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The Kitchen

As the natural hub of your house, the kitchen becomes even more vital as the temperature cools down and the social calendar heats up. The breakfast table is where you start your day, fueling up on coffee and making plans. It’s often the most casual room in a home, but one of the most important.

Tip: Keep jams, granola, and good coffee on hand, then round out the spread with fresh fruit.

As you know that when I say, “Vivre” that it means life with style.  With that said, it’s hard to imagine house work “with style,” no matter how pretty the apron. But I do try!

As I was trying to organize my day, my week and my month, since today is the 1st of the month and make the final plans for my 50th (intimate family “tea style”) birthday party at home in Party Central aka our attached garage. I couldn’t find my mop. I also, didn’t think it prudent, that I should Swiffer my garage floor. The mop is here somewhere, just have no idea what someone may have needed it for, to remove it from its rack, but worse than that, they didn’t put it back. No matter, I’ll just run and get me a new one. It’s about time for a new one anyway. Does anyone know a good Stanley sales person? It’s either that or the Dollar Store. I have to purchase some new toothbrushes for each of us and discard the old ones anyway; might as well make it a twofer.

The list was a long one today, so I’m pacing myself. I seem to tire a lot faster than I used to. Cleaning the gutters & the garage is on the list for today, and I’m thinking that one if not both are completely out of the question.

I have no idea as to how all of these chores… this entire list, hit on the same day. Just to name a few: Rearrange the family room furniture; Organize shoes & handbags in my closet; Add RidX to the Septic Tank; data backup (luckily, I have that programmed & it will even clean & run the system restore for me to create a new system restore point on the 1st of every month, can’t beat that); Ro-Lin Farms – Mulch 855-4128 $85.00 ($35.00 per scoop – 2 scoop minimum) $10.00 delivery fee. This doesn’t include all the daily chores that have to be done or those that are in red.

How did this happen? I’m only one person. People still seem to think that I’m some kind of conglomerate or company that employs 50 people, but nope, it’s just me. I wish I was Martha; she has a ton of assistants. I should see if she could lend me one for a few days, just until I catch up. I will admit that our lawn is maintained by a service – he’s just one guy too, but it’s not Anthony. Anthony will pay to have it mowed, so that he doesn’t have to. I would mow myself, if he’d pay to get the house cleaned every week! Deal?!

Anthony works too much (and he really does) to help around the house (so he reminds all the time, he has never helped out before – so I doubt if he’ll start now – unless I have it about 99% complete anyway). He’s at the Pumpkin Run in Owensville, Ohio today; buying or selling or both. It’s the Fastiques annual car show & swap, so that makes the gutters, virtually out of the question. Unless, and it’s seriously doubtful, that I’m going to get the ladder out and have at it myself. It’s probably… not going to happen. If I had the energy to that, I’d paint the bathroom, foyer and front door, weed and start planting more spring bulbs. Not enough hours in the day.

We (me & party central) survived three birthday parties last week and when mine is done, no more until the middle of November. Yeah. I need the rest and will play a little catch up.

I’ve asked for a “SIMPLE” family birthday party. I chose the 50 and fabulous there, seemed more than fitting (insert chuckle here). I just want relax and enjoy turning 50 (half of a hundred) with my immediate family. It should be lots of fun and less stressful for me.

Just have to get the day to day things done now… complete my To Do list. I do appreciate all of the requests this week, except for the one I deleted about guitars. Most are on hold for a few more days, please bare with me, at least until I get this last party over with. Thanks

I want to move the dance floor to the other side of the room, that’s a big job, but I guess, I can add it to the list (bigger chuckle here). Just my luck, I’ll end up throwing my back out moving it and will hate it, then have to move it back again. This may require a little more thought.

I should Windex the windows and wipe the switch covers while I’m at it (and no, I’m not indorsing any products, here – I just happen to have it saved to Outlook that way). I just read it and try to get it done. I get some serious satisfaction when I check the box, COMPLETE! It’s being held accountable by an unbiased program that makes me nuts. It can’t yell at me for not getting it done, but it will go red, which is basically the same thing if it’s not done, and that’s what does it! I knew that going 50 meant going RED, but it wasn’t supposed to be in Outlook (sigh)!

It wouldn’t be so bad, had I not let so many things go in order to plan for these spa, birthday parties and the wedding. I’ve got every shade of pink, black & white coming out my ears (not literally). I’ve been washing glassware from daylight to dark for a week now. It must be cleaned before and after every party, some even during, and I keep buying more. You think that’s not a job? I do love the “Crystal” cycle on my dishwasher, it’s the only cycle that doesn’t leave white streaks on my dishes. I’m not sure why, but I may start using it for all my dishes.

I’ve said all of this, just to say one thing, “I’m HAPPY!” and raspberries to all of the people that have criticized me, my hobby (which is “History,” family history to be more specific), and my research this past month. I have a LIFE, a real one, complete with family, friends and obligations. I clean my own house, love to cook and to eat, and care for all those whom enter here.

It is to them that I owe my due diligence. If I make a mistake or don’t like something, I’ll just change it, but I love my life, so there is little to change. I’m happy with the way it has turned out. I don’t mind turning a fabulous 50. As I said before, “I’m half way through a life well lived.” I have a handsome husband that loves me, more than he does himself; he allows me the freedom to be me, to make mistakes, reminds me of the things I may forget, and loves me for all of my quirks, for which I am eternally grateful. I have beautiful children and lots of gorgeous Grandchildren; biological, adopted and foster – few can tell, or even know, which are which. I love them all.

What more could a woman ask for?

Last week, my Facebook status read, “…wants a Tom Jones CD and pajama jeans for her birthday. Lowered expectations!” Its not that I don’t really want anything, I just go get it. I have more than most could expect to get out of this life, maybe even more than that. It’s not monetary or worldly goods, or even things that you can see that make me happy – but the things that matter the most to me, is my family and everything that comes with it. I don’t see chores as demeaning to me, but rather satisfying, it may not be to you, but we don’t all want the same things out of life. Someone has to vacuum, clean the oven and icebox – why not enjoy it?

If you ask me, I have it all. I don’t need a big production for another year lived, regardless of the number. I do wish that and much more for you, and twice as much as that, for my Grand’s.

Turning 50 isn’t a bad thing; to me… it’s a reward. It is a wonderful life!

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances but a certain set of attitudes. ~ Hugh Downs