I am Pioneer Woman

Once upon a time, there was a young woman who fancied herself a "city girl." City girl's have a busy social life and a demanding career. City girl's eat for convenience. City girl's wonder why anyone would consider making yogurt, cheese or granola from scratch. When hosting dinner parties, City girl's order take-out and put it on nice serving dishes, but never dirty a pot or pan. Yup, once upon a time that was me. I don't know that girl anymore. That girl has transformed in to Pioneer Woman.

Pioneer Woman makes everything from scratch. Pioneer Woman dreams of owning a self-sustaining home in the country and growing her own vegetables. I am Pioneer Woman.

I wanted to share with you a few of the things I have been making lately.

Navajo Tacos

This is something I grew up eating at special events in my hometown. When I told my family that I made Navajo Tacos. They asked, "you made Indian bread? How did you do that?"

Indian bread is a key ingredient in Navajo Tacos. In New Mexico, it was always something we would buy from a local vendor. Making it wasn't as difficult as one might think. Though on the first attempt I didn't get the consistency right, but by the second attempt I had it down.

In addition to the Indian bread, I also made the salsa from scratch. I had never done this before living overseas, but what makes it particularly difficult is that it must be done without any small kitchen appliances - no food processor, no standing or hand blender. Just the power of my arm, a knife, and kitchen shears. Yes, I used scissors to refine the texture of the salsa.

Other items that I made recently:

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  Black bean burgers (not from a box and warmed up; but mashed, seasoned and made in to patties then baked)
• 
  
  apple-cinamon muffins (not from a box with liquid added; but from raw ingredients blended and baked)
• 
  
  maple syrup (when making your own maple syrup, one quickly learns how much sugar is in syrup - thankfully I can control the sugar content when making it from scratch)

I am Pioneer Woman. Hear me roar.

What have you been making in your kitchen lately?
 
Sheri

Quotable Quotes: Mark Twain

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
- Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain

this is ladies night...ohh, ladies night

I recently met a new friend, Beth. I am so glad I met Beth. She welcomes us weekly in to her home for a women's Bible study. She generously gave us food during the riots. Just before that terrible event, she invited us over for a night of food and fun. I learned to play Bunko that night. I've often heard of this Bunko thing, but hadn't remembered playing before. I really enjoyed it.

This weekend, Beth had a group of ladies over to her place. We made sushi (also a new experience for me and much easier than expected). The highlight of the evening though wasn't the food. Beth had invited a few Indian women over to do henna. This is Beth getting her henna tatoo.

This was my favorite henna tattoo of the evening. One of the ladies has short hair and came up with a unique idea to have the back of her neck decorated. The end result was stunning. All I can say is "Wow!"

Sushi. Henna. Good company. What more could a girl ask for? Oh, yes. Though we were all from different places, we all spoke English. That was an added bonus and made for a wonderful night.

Did you do anything fun or interesting this weekend?

Sheri

Quotable Quotes: full on

"God is looking for women and men who are full on for Him - people who have abandoned their own program and are just looking for how they can use their unique talents and abilities to further God's activities and programs in this world. These are the people God will tap on the sholder and say 'Come with me and we're going to do something great in your lifetime. Come we're going to do this together.'" ~ Bill Hybels

affordable healthcare?

On March 23, 2010 the Affordable Health Care Act became law. It made international news (before, during and after). CNN called it "Making History."

After watching a town hall meeting on the topic, I posted my thoughts. I still feel the same way.

This is all ancient history. Why am I bringing it up now? It's already gone in the win column and the world has moved on. Right?

I am bringing it up because I don't think the "reform" fixed anything and my husband I encountered the problems that persist.

When living in Cambodia, Kenyon went to a kick-boxing class. He didn't have the right equipment, but he wanted to try it out. He hurt his wrist. Months later it still hurt. Medical care is difficult to come by in the developing world and good care is often very expensive. Kenyon has health insurance, but it only covers emergency medical evacuation and catastrophic illness. My employer only covers my health insurance and we couldn't afford the alternative. The insurance world doesn't know how to deal with the whole "international" thing - frankly, they panic.With or without insurance, Kenyon needed an x-ray.

While in Kansas City we visited the KC Free Clinic. Why? Well, the clue is in it's name...it's free. We had to call a day ahead of time and wait on the phone for a long time, but free is all we could afford. The free clinic has it's limitations, for instance they don't have an x-ray machine. They referred us to the state run hospital.

Since we cannot prove residency in any US state right now based on their residency rules we were not eligible for medical financial assistance. When we were told the price to run an x-ray our jaws dropped. Did we not mention we just came from the free clinic? Do you think we would have gone there if we had another choice?

Kenyon did not get an x-ray. His wrist still hurts.

I thought health care problem was fixed? Isn't that what all the hype was about? Am I missing something? Because from where I am sitting, I still see problems and would certainly not call health care affordable. Just sayin'...

Sheri