Lentil Sloppy Joes

This is what we are having for supper tonight. We aren't vegetarians, but try to do meatless meals a few times a week for the sake of the environment and our health. Lentils work well for this because they can be made to almost look like ground beef. 

Enjoy!

Serves 6

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 to 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped (about 3/4 to 1 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon organic brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon  vinegar
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust according to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or more as needed)
• 6  buns
• Toppings of choice (Tabasco sauce, sriracha, pickles, onions, sauerkraut, coleslaw, avocado slices, etc.)

1. Place lentils in a large pot, and cover with water (enough so that there's at least a full inch or two of water above the lentils). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are chewable, but still have some firmness to them. Drain them and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion is soft and clear, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, chili powder, and paprika,  and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the garlic is quite fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, tomatoes, brown sugar or maple syrup, vinegar, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add more broth as needed. Simmer until the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 15 to 20 minute, until as thick as preferred
4. Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Divide sloppy joes onto the buns and top with toppings of choice, including some Tabasco or sriracha for heat, if desired. Serve. 

What are you having for supper?  

I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost

Earth Day and Science

Today is Earth Day. 


There is also a march for science happening, as people feel that science is being threatened by the current government. Along with the big march in Washington, there have been marches in cities all over the country. People are pointing out how science as helped us and how badly needed it is. 

One quote going around is: 

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”

                                                                          ~Neil deGrasse Tyson

My personal response to that is this statement, that I posted on Facebook:

Science helps us explore the universe and our own back yards. It gives us a systematic way to observe and test what's around us. Science really isn't true or false, it helps us discover what is true or false about the physical world. It is highly important that we have people well educated in scientific method and aware of what has been learned and discovered in the past. Science and science education need to be supported. 

Science isn't something to be "believed in." It's a process (or a set of processes) which help us to learn many things. It has it's limits. It changes over time.

Put it in the context of Earth Day. Climate change is a big issue. It would be hard to say based on scientific evidence that global warming isn't real. It would also be difficult to argue that it isn't human driven. But scientists don't claim to have found out everything about this phenomenon. They are still studying, seeking causes and remedies, refining theories. Views on the specifics change all the time and vary from scientist to scientist. Also, no scientists studies all aspects of it. Some study the greenhouse effect, others melting glaciers, others the connection to increased severe weather events.

Here's another thing. Science doesn't tell us how to behave. Scientific discoveries can show us what the consequences of certain actions will be, but it doesn't offer moral evaluation. It's not meant to do that.

Science also isn't either good evil. It is how it is used that determines that. Remember scientists  have brought us both the cure for polio and the atomic bomb. Healing and destruction.

Personally, I believe that God gave us the inquiring and curious minds that have lead to the development of science. His Word can also give guidance in how to use it, to build the Kingdom of God rather than tear people down. 

Judeo- Christian culture historically supported science and allowed it to flourish. Check out more on that here: Are Christianity and Science Compatible?  There have been many clashes between science and the church, but really theology and science, if each is rightly understood can be complementary. 

One final response to Mr. Tyson's statement: 

God is real and alive and good, whether you believe in him or not. 

And that doesn't change the fact that science is important.

Getting Organized -- Playroom, Final Update

 We started here:

 And now we're here!

 I'm happy. 

Understand me, the room is by no means "done."  But my goal was to have a usable room that was lived in, as opposed to a total disaster by July1. I think I got that far. In fact, my husband is doing a project up there as I write. 

My son now has a surface for lego-building and he and his friends can play games or have sleep-overs in there. 

It was thoroughly dusted and vacuumed for the first time in a while as well. 

Next goal? Make it a public room, with the rest of the boxes cleared out and it being consistently tidy. That way we can take adults up there for board games or hold club meetings up there. An we need to make that sustainability plan I mentioned before. 


 But I'd say I made my goal.

 I remember that I attended a homeschool support group meeting on getting organized once. There was a quote: "Unmade decisions are one of the greatest sappers of energy." I am glad over this past month to have made many decisions regarding things. Some are now displayed. Others have been put away, returned to their owner, given away, donated, recycled or trashed. I think the quote is true. 

I also think that being publicly accountable by posting here helped greatly. Thanks to those who have been part of this!

So, how are your projects coming along? 



Getting Organized -- Playroom Update 1 Update 2
Update 3 




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On of the places I learned to stick to commitments was CYC. It's a great place for teens to learn about God and leadership while making friends and having fun. Two weeks every August in Maine. Check out our website!

Getting Organized -- Playroom, Update 3

 With a week to go, we're getting there. We've donated stuff, put stuff away, sorted stuff, trashed stuff, hung stuff.

We are on track with the minimalist game and are feeling like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Still not a usable room, but it feels like it might get to be one.


 Just need to keep the energy up and not get distracted. That's happened before. Then we'll need a sustainability plan for the organization of the room so it doesn't go back to the way it was. That's probably going to be a real challenge. Ideas welcome!!

                             

What organization projects have you been working on?

Previous posts on this:


Getting Organized -- Playroom
Update 1
Update 2

Song For Sunday: Father's Eyes

I had a hard time with deciding what song to use for today's post.

It's been a week since the horrible attack at Pulse in Orlando and I haven't written a thing about that here. Not that it hasn't been in my prayers and on my mind! It has. It's just... what do you say? There are really are no words that would give comfort. And repeating what's been said after each incident begins to sound hollow.

It's Father's Day. My father has been in Heaven since 1995 and I would like to make a fitting tribute to him. He was a man of compassion who was always willing to lend a hand.  A nod, too, to my husband, who loves our son dearly.

Then a young friend from CYC posted this on Facebook:

Happy Father's Day to the only ONE who will never leave me or forsake me!A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” Psalms 68:5-6  

A reminder that God is Father.

Putting it altogether and mulling it over, I found myself recalling this old song. I first encountered at a high school revue, when a friend sang it.  It was a real favorite, and a prayer of mine, for a few years.


Now, I share it with you. Praying that God will let us "find the good in things, when no good can be found" and will "find the source of help when no help is around." It seems like that good and helo are far away when there is --yet another -- mass shooting.

Also, that I will have my father's eyes. And my Father's eyes. Thankfully, they aren't too much different.

Blessings, friends!

Getting Organized --Playroom, Update 2

Well, getting there. This second weekly update brings visible progress. Some, anyway.

Still need encouragement and prayers though. I've still got the target date of July 1.

For those following along. here's photos:


Beginning:

Current:

The fact that this is visible progress is testimony to how bad it was when I started. *sigh*

Well, on we go.....


Thanks to my biggest encouragers-- and competitors in "The Minimalist Game" -- who are fellow members of the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park (CYC) community. Three of us were students together. The other started attending a few years later. Not all of us are active in CYC anymore and there is some geographic distance, but CYC cements friendships. Encouragement is part of that.

If you know a teenager who would like to make lifelong friends while enjoying two weeks of God, learning and fun a quarter mile from the beach this August, check out this link.

We're also on Facebook.

Previous posts:

Getting Organized -- Playroom
Getting Organized -- Playroom, Update 1


Blessings on your housework this week!

Getting Organized -- Playroom. Update 1

Last week's post about my disorganized playroom is the most popular of my recent posts. Go figure.

I said, in Getting Organized--Playroom that I would post weekly updates on this project, to keep myself on track. So here goes.

Here are some photos from last week.

Now this week's photos:

 

There has been some progress. A week's worth? Maybe not, but in my defenses I was away a few days. 

Several bags that had been near the door have been removed and sorted through with stuff being thrown out or put away. Several books have been donated. Paper has been filed or recycled. Things have been stored.  I am not quite where I want to be, but I am on my way.  

As part of this process a friend suggested that we play the minimalist game. Start on the first of the month and get rid of one thing (donate, return, recycle, or trash as appropriate). On the second day get rid of two things, on the third, three and so on. If I count every piece of paper, I am way ahead. Going by stacks and handfuls, I have kept up.  

Keep up the prayers and encouragement!  

God bless you and many thanks!!

Getting Organized --Playroom

Every once in a while I've posted "Getting Organized" articles. They've been my "success stories:"

Getting Organized -- Pantry

Something Accomplished (Garage)
Getting Organized -- Kitchen!
Getting Organized -- Kitchen, Part 2



  Today I am writing about one of my trouble spots. Our "play room".(HELP!!)

It's been in this state for years. Since we moved in, except for an occasional brief period of usability. 

Five years is too long. It's time to stop this "yo-yo diet" style 

of organization and get down to business. 

I think that might take some public accountability. Hence, this post. I'd love it if you'd keep after me. My goal?  A lived in but functional room in one month. July 1. If it's not ready by then, I might have to higher a professional organizer. (Which isn't in my budget.)

But, honestly, this can't go on. 

 

Of course I still have my regular housekeeping and spring cleaning as well, so say a prayer for me. 

I'll post weekly updates, to keep myself on track.

What's your biggest organizing challenge?

Surprised by Gratitude (While Cleaning)

I am spring cleaning. Yes, I am weeks late. That's just how I roll.

In the process, I became very grateful for the tilt-in windows that make this possible. So much easier than the old style windows.

Then, I became grateful that I have windows at all. Windows that let in light. That allow air to enter when open, that protect from the elements when closed. Millions of people around the world either live in dark, windowless spaces or have uncovered openings in their walls.

I realized how thankful I am that I can spare water to mix with vinegar to wash my windows. In some places, water is too precious for that. Every drop is needed for drinking.

Even the fact that I have lesiure for spring cleaning is cause for gratitude. For many procuring water, and growing, gathering and preparing food are tasks that overwhelm their time. The basic tasks of survival make cleaning house a luxury.

I have so much. And I hardly ever realize it. It is sin to be so profligate and so unmindful of my blessings as I live my daily life.

That has been my reflection as I washed my windows. God grant I do not forget it.


What are you grateful for today?

Mouse in the House

I am not afraid of mice. 

Correction. I was not afraid of mice. Actually, I used to raise them at the  Small Animal Center my 4H club ran in high school. We rescued them from closing shelters even. They were cute. The teachers used them in biology, to demonstrate animal behavior. In psychology class, we taught them to run mazes. I enjoyed the little critters.

But now there is one in my kitchen and I am terrified. Can't even walk in the room without being scared of it jumping out at me.

To be fair to myself, this is a wild mouse. Much more likely to spread disease than the domesticated kinds kept as pets.


So what to do?

First off, calm down and get some perspective. I mean, it's a mouse. Maybe a family of mice .. but still.

After that, get rid of the mice.

How to go about that?

After some internet research, I told the guy at the hardware store... local place, for sure...that I didn't mind killing the mouse, but I'd rather not have poison in my kitchen. He agreed and gave me a quick killing trap. I also picked up some steel wool for sticking in the hole I found under my sink. I want to use organic methods.

I have located the most likely spot for the nest, but I haven't looked there yet, because, for some reason, I am afraid of mice. 

*sigh* Back to step one. 

I am also rethinking killing the mouse. Maybe a live trap would be better. 'Cause even though I am afraid of him, he is kind of cute and I don't like killing any living creature. 

Then again he was bold as brass last night running about my kitchen and keeping me from my housework. My son wants to look for that nest. He also wants me to pay him for catching the mouse and getting rid of it.




What would you do?  




This is my seventh post for the April 2015 Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Song for Sunday: Trailer Hitch

First my friend over at ReInventing Silver Threads wrote a piece on the 30 Day Minimalism Challenge.

Then, I saw this on my Facebook newsfeed:

  
Then I turned on the car radio, flipped through a few channels and came across this song (starting at the second verse.)

 

I picked it for today's song for Sunday for Sunday because I think Someone's trying to send me a message. So, here's my plan: for the next 30 weekdays (leaving Saturdays for catch-up and taking Sundays off) I will clean out one box from my attic. My attic should be clear of excess stuff by Easter and my unpacking from moving three years ago will be done! I plan to donate or trash much of it. Glorious freedom.

What's your decluttering plan? Or, if you don't need to declutter, your Lent plan? 

Anyway, hope you enjoy the song and that Lent is helping you grow closer to our Lord.

Have a blessed day!

Getting Organized -- Pantry!

I have a wonderful pantry. It came with the house I inherited and my brother -in-law fixed it up before we moved in.

The thing is, though, over three years it had gotten into a mess. And I mean, a mess!

Here. I'll prove it.

 

Pretty bad, eh? I'm not sure how I stood it.

So, I emptied it out, wiped it down and reorganized it. I even donated some stuff and threw out some junk. 

Here's the "after" version:

Jordan did get a pic of the "unseemly" bag of potatoes on the floor: 

 But overall, much better, I'd say:

 How are your organization projects coming along?

Photos by J. Parry

He has a Job

My son has a job.


Oh, he's had little jobs before, like cutting a neighbor's bushes, but this is a bit bigger. Hours every week.


It's actually a volunteer job. It involves two things: helping a librarian plan and present a science program for elementary kids and developing activities on a gaming server for the same age group.


His work does involve showing up for planning sessions, preparation times, and lessons. It also involves a lot of self-directed hours. Almost all of the server work has been "on his own."


It's crazy to think he's old enough to have a job. I want him to still be little!! On the other hand, it's great to see him grow into these responsibilities. He's learning how to manage his time, handle anxiety and deal with slacking coworkers. It has been a fabulous experience for him.


Of course, it also means this is a different kind of summer for us. We have to plan our family time around his schedule. (My husband is a school teacher and so sets his own hours --and there are plenty of them-- in the summer. I am a stay at home Mom) But this change is just a harbinger of the greater changes to come as he moves toward adulthood. I guess small steps like this are good as they make big changes later less overwhelming.




Anyway, he has a job.


What changes are going on with your children and family?

Money Watch

It wasn't so long ago that there were certain things you could count on when shopping or eating out:


Buying a bigger bag or larger amount of something was cheaper than buying a smaller one.

Purchasing  a  combination deal -- say a sandwich, drink and chips -- was cheaper than buying the three items separately

Things like that.


Well, lately I have been noticing something:

I needed 24 oz of chocolate chips. It was $1 cheaper to buy two 12 oz packages than a 24 oz package.

I went to a coffee shop and discovered that it would be cheaper to buy my sandwich and tea separately than to purchase Combo #5, which included the same items.

At one gas station, instead of lining up the selection buttons from left to right in order of price, they put the button for the cheapest grade in the middle.

Today, I found toilet paper rolls 2 for $1. However, the packages of four were 2 for  $5 -- so eight  rolls for $5 instead of four. Packs of 12 were $7 and packs of 20 were $12, all for the same type of roll. I bought the individual ones, though some people might think the convenience of  the package worth the extra money. Which is fine if they know they are paying it.

Have some people been tricked? Is that the stores' intention?

I have no idea. I just thought I'd mention it so you could be on the lookout.

Anything similar in your area?

Pantry Challenge: One Week Down

A week ago, I explained that I am participating in an April Pantry Challenge: Buying only perishable items to give my pantry a spring cleaning and save a bit of money.


Look at my earlier post: Pantry Challenge for details of how it works.




So far, so good.


I am within budget for the first two-week segment, although I am down to a little over $12 for perishable items if I am to stay within that goal. I have stuff on hand, though, and we are away for the weekend, so I may be able to pull it off. If not, perhaps I will take a little from next segment.


I have spent less than $20 from the "Treats & Meals on the Road" budget line. I am trying to keep $75 for the trip.


I haven't bought any pantry items and have used up bits and bobs - I am down to one packet of frozen vegetables and have only a little barley left.


There is still plenty of rice (white and brown), pasta, flax seed, etc. We still have two boxes of cereal, too.

So all in all, this is working out fine.


What are you challenging yourself with right now?  How's it going?

Pantry Challenge

Prompted by two friends, I have decided to try an "April Pantry Challenge."


The idea is to only buy perishables and use up all the foodstuffs in your pantry and freezer.


My food budget is in two monthly installments, beginning on the 1st and 15th of each month, and I do two large shopping trips each month, occasionally picking up things in between,  I decided to set the following parameters:




$80 for each budget period for perishable items.
$100 for treats (including the chips for the chocolate chip cookies I promised a friend) and meals on the road during April vacation (we'll take snacks and sandwiches as well)
Special dispensation for Easter treats/dinner items.


Only food counts. Cleaning supplies, toiletries and similar items are in a different budget line.


I did fill in two holes in my pantry before starting: white flour (those cookies require it) and Earl Grey decaffeinated tea (the boy's request.)


Did the first shop today. So far, so good.


I will need to menu plan, I think to make this work.


For this week's dinners:


Tonight: Potatoes with homemade salsa and cheese
Tomorrow: Soup with stock from the freezer, rice and lentils from the pantry, and vegetables
Thursday: Homemade eggrolls and Jasmine rice
Friday: Pancakes, Bacon, Fruit
Saturday: Leftovers/meal at a retreat
Sunday: Pasta with sautéed veggies
Monday: Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole




We'll see how this goes. I hope my pantry gets a good spring cleaning!




Have you ever tried anything similar?

Urgency and Importance

I haven't been writing much lately, but I was inspired to write this post today.

Back in college, I was given a little booklet of an article by Charles Hummel called Tyranny of the Urgent. Honestly, I never read it but the title frequently comes back to me. I know that the idea of the article is that the "urgent" often crowds out what is important.

Today, I had plans to clean my playroom/schoolroom. This has been a project long in the making. Sometimes, the room gets to usable condition, but it has never been fully organized and it always slips back to cluttered. I have made a couple of strides recently and want to keep going, so I was going to give it some attention and had set a goal to complete two aspects of the organizing.

Then, I was asked to host a group at the last minute. I was happy to be asked and to host.

The focus of our housekeeping changed for the day. Suddenly it became "urgent" to tidy up the downstairs and deep clean the bathrooms. Plans for the playroom went out the window -- and we won't be able to reschedule until next week. Oh, well.

Did the urgent overtake the important? In terms of housekeeping, yes. I really do want that playroom ready and need to prioritze the work on it. (Then again, hosting that meeting and helping out the group was important, too. Urgent vs. important is not always that clear cut I guess.)

I do wonder how often maybe I set aside important things, spiritually, emotionally, relationally in favor of the urgent. Something to keep in mind.


How has the "urgent" "tyrannized" you?

Getting Organized-- Kitchen: Part 2

My family got invaded by tiny ants. We found them along baseboards and in one cupboard. They especially liked our honey.

This happened at the start of our stay-cation and I first felt that it, along with the rain-outs of various planned activities were going to put me over the edge into a bad mood. However, my son loved attacking the ants with the vaccuum cleaner ("Can I do that?" "Have at it, kid.") We actually had fun trying different kinds of pepper to discourage them.

And I got a project done that I had on my list but just wasn't getting to. (If you also struggle with putting things off, check out my blogging buddy Karen's new series on Preventing Procrastination.)

I had been planning to clean out and reorder that cupboard as part of a an overall reorganization of my kitchen  Now, with everything out on the kitchen table, I had a strong impetus to do it.

We removed everything, washed everything down, and vacuumed ants repeatedly. Getting rid of them took a few days. We then contact papered the shelves. I threw out outdated food and put expired medications aside to take to the collection spot. Then I put everything back in an organized fashion.

I didn't have the presence of mind to have my son take a "before" photo, but you can take my word that it was a mess. Here are a couple of  "after" photos
.

My family and I have agreed that when anything is taken out of the cabinet it will be returned to the same half shelf (unless it is used up or needs refrigeration after opening.) This is a crucial step in maintaining organization.

Anyway, I am happy to have accomplished this!

What projects have you completed recently?

Photos by J. Parry

Getting Organized -- Kitchen!

Well, I need to organize my kitchen a bit better, but I lacked both motivation and inspiration, to my mind essential ingredients in getting this sort of work accomplished.

Inspiration came from a blogging buddy's post. I highly recommend this article if you have organizing to do.  I began to take baby steps and the motivation is coming along.

So far, I cleaned out a few drawers and started using one of them as a new home for oven mits and hot pads which used to clutter a section of the counter.

I moved the blender to a more convenient spot.

I cleaned the top of the bookcase and then the underside of the shelf above it and hung up some herbs to dry.

I also started to use more canisters. I had three full ones -- holding whole wheat flour, white flour and sugar -- and five empty ones. I have now filled two canisters with tea bags. One of those canisters is actually labeled "Tea;" the other says "Coffee." Well, we don't drink coffee at my house, but I figure this canister won't mind being "re-purposed." Another canister I filled with rice and I plan to use one for lentils. The fifth, a tiny one, will remain empty for the moment.

I have a lot more to do, especially rearranging pots and pans. Things are going in fits and starts, but I feel like I have accomplished something. Onward and upward!


How about you? How are your projects coming along? Do you have any organizing tips to share?

Anniversary

Today's my wedding anniversary. I have been married 19 years.

Going with one of the main themes of blog the last few weeks, I will mention that I am in an intercultural marriage. I am an American of European extraction. My husband is English. We met at church while I was teaching at an international school in London.

Most people wouldn't really think of us as being a multicultural family, I suppose. I remember attending a lecture in London on teaching third culture kids. The speaker told us that families usually figured that England would be an easy transition from the U.S., but it never was. Parents and kids still need to get used to a new school system, a new medical system, a new bed, and, yes, a new language.

Seriously, if you compliment an English woman on her "pants" she'll take offense. "Pants" in England are men's underwear. Then there are zebra crossings, smart clothes, flats. A "store" is a closet; you go to a shop. Tea isn't just for drinking, it's also the evening meal.

Oh, and if a six year old asks you for a rubber it's fine. They just want to erase a mistake.  Etc, etc, etc.

English and Americans think about money differently. English people will wait longer in line without getting impatient. Different sports (how does cricket go again?) different ways to look at holidays (is Valentine's Day for kids or isn't it?). The differences go on and on.

So, I will say I am in an intercultural marriage. And I love it.