Simple Things make Life Good- no matter where you are!

I had a doctor's appointment today. Just a checkup.
When I walked out, I has happy and cheerful. The weather is forecasting the heavy snowfall to start any moment. Had my pap smear and full check up. Blood work. No reason to be happy and cheerful right?
The secret to happiness is simple. I was sitting in a row of chairs waiting in the hallway for the lab to call my name. Next to me were a woman and 2 men. They were complaining about having to wait....




The woman and I proceeded to talk about our life, children, grandchildren, and the up-comin weather. We had a nice conversation. Her husband joined in now and then. We were laughing ,having a good time. That left one man sitting quietly. Well can't have that so i pointedly brought him into the conversation. By the time I was called in the lab, the others were finishing.

But the finished ones didn't leave, they sat and waited so we could continue talking and laughing. So yes we were sitting , having fun NOT waiting for the lab!
Yes , we all have busy lives and things to do. But there are times when happiness and fun takes front seat.

Sometimes it just takes seconds to say "hey, How ya doin?"

Did I tell You that I live in the mountains of NC? It is outside of the big town of Asheville but just about 30 minutes driving time.


To have a nice conversation while waiting isn't unusual here. Standing in line at the grocery store, waiting for your prescriotion at the druggist even waiting to be called at the DMV can be a perfect location for happiness. Anywhere that someone is within hearing distance from you, is the prefect place and the perfect time.

I know you might be thinking well people look grouchey, in a hurry and pissed off. Well darling, those are the people that need you to start a nice friendly conversation. They are usually the ones that get their turn and wait, just to continue the fun.


It's nice to make someone else smile, laugh or just feel good. You can do it. Big Town or Small- works everywhere.

Just Smile and say "Hey, How ya doin?" That's all it takes :.)

PS. I got more good mountain stories to share soon!

Am I ready for another foot of snow?

The news just said possible foot of snow this weekend. Does that mean we have to run to the grocery store and hope something is left from the other "it's going to snow" shoppers? No, I am sitting here and writing this to help you be prepared for the next snow storm, other natural diaster, financial situations or I am sick and don't want to go to the store.I want to share with you how to be prepared aka "think ahead"!

Are you already coming up with the excuses that you can't be prepared? Takes a lot of money - NO you actually SAVE money . Takes a Lot of time- No, you save time too. You don't know how? That is why I am here my friend!

Being prepared: (Take out a notebook and start your current and back up lists)
To prepare for winter in the western North Carolina Mountains, I must keep keep 2 "sets" of every food we use.By this I mean I keep the current staples and a backup!I always replace current used items with backup. (I never have to worry about back up use by dates :.)

Your staples might be different but I am showing you my list as a southern mountain mom of grown kids, grandchildren and a very hungry husband!My husband and I are the only full time eaters plus our doggie kids:.)

No I did not go out one day and buy double everything. Every week, I would buy several things for my back up list and use coupons when possible (that is another survival tips). Before we knew it ,we were set.



Staples:
All purpose flour 20 lb bags
grits 5 lb bag
sugar 25 lb bag
rice 20 lb bag
powdered sugar
various noodles
coffee
baking powder
baking soda
coconut
chocolate chips
bread flour
powdered milk
evaporated milk
condensed milk
water- large containers for cooking and drinking


Refrigerated and frozen items on current and backup plan:
butter 5 lb total
bacon
sausage
all meats
mayo
mustard
ketchup
canned OJ (for emergencies)

Vegetables canned or frozen from garden:
corn- cream, whole kernel and on the cob
greasey and butter beans
dried various beans
garden peas
potatoes
sweet potatoes
onions
squash-butternut
tomatoes
various berries

There are some things that need to be replaced on a current basis. Milk,fruits etc.


As you can tell I cook mostly from scratch. This enables me to have more control over the nutritional numbers of our meals but also makes it easier to prepare anything we want even on a whim and I save a LOT of money!. And If I see a recipe I want to try I usually have the items. If not, it will be placed on my "current and Backup "lists or preserved. So my lists are constantly be updated but not alot..
Do you think cooking from scratch takes more time? Oh you are mistaken! I work full time and then some. Don't worry , we will tackle time saving tips too. :.)

I hope this explains the number one system that enables me to hear " a foot of snow tomorrow night" and not panic! Of course we need more than food to survive. I will post my (non-food) survival list soon!
Please leave your tips and questions in the comments.
Thanks so much your comments and questions open my eyes to other survival needs and tips!! Thanks for sharing!