Sarah Sevelia's Best-Ever Rabbit Thanksgiving Day

Today's blog post is just a little story I wrote a good many years ago. Some of the names will be familiar to some family members....*wink*

From the works of Beatrix Potter

Sarah Sevelia's Best-Ever Rabbit Thanksgiving Day

From the works of Beatrix Potter

"Wake up, Sarah Sevelia, please wake up. Oh, why won't you wake up? Do wake up, Sarah Sevelia. Don't you know what today is?"

Sarah Sevelia slowly opened her eyes and saw her sister Rebekah Ann jumping up and down on the bed.

"Sarah Sevelia, how you can sleep on a day like this, is what I want to know" cried Rebekah Ann. "Please hurry up. Grandma already has three pies baked and sitting on the window sill and here you are still in the bed!"

Oh, how could I forget?, wondered Sarah Sevelia as she hopped out of the bed. This was the most special day of the year. And she had wasted too much of it already. She loved being at Grandma and Grandpa's house, sleeping in the little room with the slanted roof and the window seat. And she loved being there on this day better than any day in the year.

"Oh, Sarah Sevelia, come quick," said Rebekah Ann. She was kneeling at the window. "It's snowing." This was the first snowfall of the year and made Rabbit Thanksgiving Day even more special. It was Sarah Sevelia's very favorite holiday. This was an even more special Thanksgiving than usual, because she was ten years old and it was her turn to help Grandma bake the carrotberry bread for dinner. She had to hurry, for Grandma might start without her.

She rushed into the kitchen and stood for a moment just looking. She loved Grandma's kitchen. Her Grandpa, Revelation T. Rabbit (everybody just called him Rev.) was sitting by the fire sipping a steaming cup of hot carrot juice, reading the Carrot County News. Grandma was bending over the stove, stirring the carrot stew. (They always had carrot stew for Rabbit Thanksgiving Dinner.) Sure enough, there were three hickory nut pies on the windowsill, cooling. She could almost taste them now.

Grandma had all the ingredients for the carrotberry bread on the table, and the fire was just right in the oven. Sarah Sevelia very carefully measured everything, mixed it together in the big blue bowl, and poured it into the pan Grandma had waiting on the table. When Grandma opened the oven door, Sarah Sevelia popped the pan into the oven. All they had to do now was wait. Which was very hard for Sarah Sevelia to do, by the way.

Sarah Sevelia sat down by Rev. and thought about all the cousins, aunts and uncles that would be hopping across the field any minute now. This was going to be such an exciting, happy day.

Suddenly, the most awful racket she had ever heard interrupted the quiet, peaceful morning. She didn't know who was the loudest, Grandma or the bluejay on the limb outside the kitchen window. Whatever could have happened to upset her Grandma so much?, Sarah Sevelia wondered. Grandma went running out the door, with her rolling pin in her hand.

"Oh, no," cried Rebekah Ann, "look, Sarah Sevelia, that bad rabbit stole one of Grandma's hickory nut pies from the window sill."

Sarah Sevelia went running out the door after Grandma. "Grandma, please wait," she cried, "I know that rabbit."

Grandma stopped running and waited for Sarah Sevelia to catch up. "Do you know that pie thief, Sarah Sevelia?" Grandma asked.

"Yes, Grandma. His name is B.J. and he lives over on the other side of the garden. He was in my class at school, but he doesn't get to come any more because his daddy is sick and he has to help in the carrot field. I don't think they'll have a very happy Rabbit Thanksgiving Day this year," replied Sarah Seveliah sadly.

"Oh, my," said Grandma, shaking her ears.

Sarah Sevelia looked at Grandma with tears in her eyes. "Grandma," she said, "I'm sure he only stole the pie because they were hungry. Would you mind very much if I gave B.J. our carrotberry bread?"

"We'll do better than that, Sarah Sevelia," said Grandma. "We'll just hop over to B.J.'s house and invite his entire family over to our house to share our Thanksgiving dinner. Would you like that?"

"Oh, yes," cried Sarah Sevelia, "I'd like that very much. Grandma, you are the best grandma in the whole wide rabbit world, and I love you very much."

So, they put on their coats, their hats and their mittens and hopped on over to invite B.J.'s entire family over to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving in Rabbitsville! 
They gave thanks for the harvest, for all their rabbit cousins and for their newest friends. It was a great day all day long. After lunch, they played in the snow, built snowrabbits and made rabbit angels in the snow. They had great adventures and made many memories to share.
As far as they were concerned, it was the best Rabbit Thanksgiving Day that had ever been in Rabbitsville. 
And would you believe it, everyone said that the carrotberry bread that year was the very best ever! 
The end!

patti page white ©
Happy Thanksgiving from Patti's Place to your place!

It's The Simple Things That Make Life Special

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and we won't be gathering at our house this year, but rather at my son's new place, which is quite roomy and has acres for rambunctious kids to romp and play.

So, to make up for that a bit, we have five little boys at our house today, to have a "boys' day" at Nana and PawPaw's.

Such fun. Such memories for them. They won't forget these days.


I was talking to my husband, better known as PawPaw to these little boys, just yesterday about how we surround ourselves with so much junk that really doesn't mean anything. Then I realized that those little things do mean something. We do it for our kids and our grandkids, we give them memories to hold after we're gone from this life.

Paleo Maple Sugared Pecans/Walnuts

The Best Ever Sugared Pecans/Walnuts...I promise!

I confess, this is probably one of the most addicting little snacks I've ever made.

It's also quite likely the easiest. It takes about ten minutes and three ingredients(that's including the salt) to make these little pieces of divine yumminess!

All you need is a big cast iron skillet, some pecans/walnuts, some maple syrup and a stove.

My recipe varies a bit from most of the others I've tried from around the web. I actually use a bit more maple syrup, I suppose it just gives them a bit more coating and hey.....that's a good thing, right? I mean, seriously....if a little sugared is good, then more sugared just has to be better!

So, let's get it going, ok? Trust me on this, you're going to be making them a lot this winter. They've become a favorite at gatherings around here.

Steel Cut Oats with Maple Syrup & Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

Nothing says “comfort” any better than a steaming bowl of oatmeal for breakfast on a brisk Fall morning. 

Our favorite version around here is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats. 

That’s a mouthful….no pun intended.

Steel Cut Oats take a little patience. They’re certainly not instant and they’re not quick. It takes about 20 minutes to cook a pot of Steel Cut Oats, but they’re worth the wait.

All Natural Lavender Rose Body Powder with Essential Oils

Everyone who knows me at all, knows I'm a bit old fashioned...well, actually a lot old fashioned.

I've always loved dusting powder, especially lavender or lilac scented.

Since I quit buying commercial body products, I've done without.

Yesterday, I finally got around to making some.

Yea, me! I sort of like it too! It's a great, old fashioned sort of bath powder.

Almost Paleo Big Skillet Chicken

I have to call this "almost" Paleo because it does have two small variations, but I was basically experimenting in a hurry with this one and I think the end result pretty much justified the variations in this.

I've said it before, one of the things I love about eating Paleo and natural, is that you just look at what you have and figure something out.

I have to confess, I ran across something called "Big Skillet Chicken" that someone had eaten in Branson and I worked off that, modifying as much as possible.

GOD CROCHETS A RUG ~ A Story of GOD's Design!

Today's blog is a bit personal. It is a story I've been wanting to share for some time. I actually wrote the story years ago, and today I felt it was time to dig it out, edit it a bit and share it with you. Many of you have seen the big crocheted rug on my pictures of my front porch and some have asked about the rugs. I think it's time for this miracle to be published. Some of you likely won't believe it, I had a time believing it myself at first, but remember, with GOD....all things are possible.

GOD CROCHETS A RUG

I happen to love crocheted rag rugs!

My love affair with hand crocheted rag rugs began years ago at a yard sale. 

I was just out for a drive in the country one day when I sort of happened upon a yard sale at the home of an elderly lady who was moving.   

I found a multicolored round rug, which I thought at the time was a braided rug. I took it to my little grandmother who told me it was not braided but crocheted. 

She then told me how women had saved scraps of fabric, cut them into strips and using a double chain stitch, crocheted them into rugs for their homes. She taught me to do the double chain stitch and I began to make rugs from every strip of fabric I could find. I cut up old dresses, shirts and sheets, anything that would work. I bought fabric and planned the color schemes for some, while some just became a collage of prints and colors. These lovely things I could create with my own hands fascinated me and I had them all over my home.

If GOD Seems Far Away, Guess Who Moved?

Who Moved?

When I saw this picture this morning, it reminded me of a little story I heard many years ago.

A man and his wife were in their vehicle, just traveling down the road.

The wife is sitting on her side of the car.

The husband is behind the wheel, driving. (this is important to remember in this little tale.)

After several minutes of quiet, the woman looks at the man and asks him a question.

How to Make an Entertainment Center From a Desk

I’m not a big fan of those large entertainment centers.

I also don’t like to see a lot of electronics everywhere.

I like a simple country look, my home is on the small size and large pieces of furniture seem to overwhelm the living space. I was looking for something that matched, but I couldn't seem to find what I wanted.

I had a tiny little brainstorm one day.

Why not just make your own from something that you already have?

I had to enlist the help of my husband for this project.

 In fact, my grandmother’s favorite saying fits this situation rather well here. “We killed a bear and Pa shot him.” Pa shot this bear all by himself with me watching.

Freezing Fresh Tomatoes

Freezing Tomatoes

Canning tomatoes is my preferred way of preserving them, but when time and tomatoes are limited, freezing is the way to go for me.

Also, everyone doesn't have a canner, everyone doesn't prefer canning, and just like to put everything in the freezer.

Whatever the reason, here’s a quick guide to freezing your fresh tomatoes.

Paleo Butternut Squash and Egg Scramble

They say that “necessity is the mother of invention.”

The necessity in this situation was the rather large bowl of squash that was beginning to pile up on my kitchen table.

Not to mention the constant supply of fresh eggs the girls keep us supplied with. Sometimes they pile up too.

The main necessity was that I was hungry and needed breakfast and...

THERE WAS NO BACON!

Ultimate Serum for Timeless Skin by Camp Wander

Camp Wander's Ultimate Serum

Today I'm sharing a wonderful blend for an anti aging serum that was developed by Rebecca over at Camp Wander.

Four months ago, on January 1st, 2014, I decided to give it a try and on an impulse, took a "selfie" of my neck.

My neck has been my "problem" area for quite some time now and I had no idea what to do about it.

I was pretty sure plastic surgery was not an option.

I'm not a fan of pain and I'll keep my wrinkles rather than inflict that sort of pain upon myself willingly.

I have been very pleased with the results I've seen after four months.

I can't say that I used it every single day for the last four months, but I tried!

For the recipe and particulars on this blend, please visit Camp Wander via the link below.

The Ultimate Serum for Timeless Skin 

The Tree~A Poem

Down behind the big pond, in the back of the field, on the banks of “the gully”, grew a big Mulberry Tree. 

The branches spread out over the dry creek bed and they forked in just the right way to form a perfect reading nook for a young girl. 

It became one of my favorite childhood “happy places.” 

Many days, I walked past the cows grazing and dodged bull nettles and fire ant mounds to spend hours in The Tree with a favorite book.

Tuesday Tip for Empty Essential Oil Bottles

Just a quick Tuesday Tip!


Don't trash those empty Essential Oil Bottles!

You'd be surprised how much good stuff is still hanging around in that bottle.

When I empty a bottle, I take it straight to the bathroom and set it on the side of the tub.

If it's a scent I'm not crazy about using for my bath, then I rinse and use it in a diffuser.

I still can't bring myself to throw a bottle away. 

I have drawers full of them, I'll use them for something eventually, I'm sure of it!

They are handy to mix blends in, it's nice to have those frequently used blends all mixed up in a bottle with a dropper and all you have to do is measure into a gelcap.

They also make the cutest tiny flower vases for those little violets and other tiny blooms.

For all your Essential Oil needs please visit Spark Naturals for quality oils at affordable prices.

You get 10% off all orders with coupon code: patti

Orders of $99 or more get free shipping!

Blessings from Patti's Place to your place! 

Paleo Ground Turkey(or chicken or grassfed beef) Spaghetti and Fried Almond Flour Bread

Paleo Ground Turkey Spaghetti

If you’re in a bit of a rush and need a quick “throw it together” recipe, this is one to remember. 

I try to keep a jar or two of organic, all natural spaghetti sauce on hand just in case. 

It takes about 30-45 minutes to have this on the table.

No Ordinary Man~An Easter Poem

No Ordinary Man

Two crosses stood

on a lonely hill,

with a void between...

only HE could fill.

Summertime Mint Cooling Spray with Essential Oils

Summertime and hot weather are just around the corner.

It's time for baseball, fishing, camping and lots of other great outdoor activities.

If there's a cool breeze blowing, it can be glorious.

Truthfully, most summer days are stifling and if there's a breeze, it can feel like the blast of a furnace. If you've ever been to a Little League game in July or August, you know what I'm talking about.

How to Make Your Own Almond Flour/Meal

Pulp left after making almond milk

In yesterday's post, I gave you my recipe and method for making all natural, healthy almond milk at home. If you missed it, you can find it here:

How to Make Your Own Healthy Almond Milk at Home

Remember all that pulp you had left afterwards?

Today I'm going to show you what to do with it.

We're going to make our own almond flour, or meal as some call it.

Relaxing Baking Soda & Lavender Mattress Freshener

It's that day again...

you know...

the day you simply have to strip the beds and wash the linens.

It's always a good idea to freshen the mattress and even the pillows while the laundry is being done.

Paleo Crockpot Chicken/Turkey & Bacon

I ran across a quick recipe for crockpot chicken, made some changes and it was so good I just had to share. 

The original recipe came from Ancestral Chef and you can find it here. 

Mine evolved into a one dish meal and I really like those on busy days. Also, it gets very hot in the summer time here in East Texas and it's always good to be able to cook an entire meal without heating up the kitchen.

This is one of the easiest and fastest meals I've ever cooked, also very, very moist and tasty. It will be a favorite, I'm sure of that.

Paleo Roasted Chicken & Paleo Applesauce Cake

Today's lunch was so yummy, I just had to share it with you.

Thankfully, I did take a couple of pictures before and after cooking to show you.

The prep time on this is super quick, the cook time of course is a bit longer, but this is a great thing to pop in the oven and let bake while you're occupied elsewhere. By the time lunchtime arrives, your house is smelling unbelievably delicious!

Throw in the applesauce cake and it's a meal to write about!

Diva in a Double Wide

This blog is going to be a bit more personal than usual.

I'm going to give you a look inside my home and life and it's not all that easy for me.

I'll explain more later, but here's the reason I decided to do this blog.

Oh and by the way...I'm not really a Diva, I just thought it sounded cool.

I posted this picture recently on a very busy Facebook page, Fresh Eggs Daily. 


I had such an unbelievable response to this picture. So many people wanting to see the rest of my kitchen.

My kitchen?

Why would anyone want to see my kitchen?

I live in a double wide mobile home.

That's right.

I don't live in a two story Victorian mansion, nor a log house, a brick house or even a plain old wood frame house.

Make It Yourself Hummingbird Nectar

Spring time and Hummingbirds!

It's that time of year.

Well, it's just around the corner anyway.

I'm simply re-posting a blog I did a few months back on how to make your own nectar to attract and feed these beautiful marvels of GOD's creation.

My mother and I always competed to see who got the first hummer of the year.  If you get your feeders up and filled while the migration is going back north,  you may see some that you don't normally see in your area.

The same applies for when they head south before winter.

Paleo Leftover Chili & Chicken Taco Soup & Some Paleo Tips

The full title of this should be:

Leftover Venison Turkey Chili and Chicken Taco Soup

or 

What To Do When The Husband Wants Lunch and You're Too Busy to Cook

or 

What I'm Learning About the Paleo Diet and a Good Recipe All Together in One Blog!

So, just call it whatever you want, here's how it all began:


When my husband asked at 12:30 what we were having for lunch, I knew I had to think of something quick...really quick.

Before I tell you what I came up with, let me say a few things:

I am by no means a Paleo expert, having only been doing this for around six months, but I'm learning.

I'm learning that the best way to do Paleo is to buy the right type of food.

I'm learning that spices play a big role in preparing good dishes.

I'm learning to look at what I have bought and then figure out what to cook. In other words, I don't really plan menus before shopping.

Why?

We've Come This Far By Faith

Chances are you've never thought about the fact that GOD has invested in you. Now, if you invest in something, you're going to do the best you can to keep that thing alive, well and flourishing. If you plant a garden, you've invested in those seed and you're not going to just throw them out there to fend for themselves. You're going to tend to that garden, water and nourish that garden until it brings forth the fruit at harvest.

GOD has begun this work in us, GOD has planted the seed and according the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Phillipi, GOD will perform this work all the way to the end. Paul urged the church to be confident is that very thing.

Those words, centuries later, are still urging us to be confident in that very thing.

Don't give up in the face of trials and difficulties. GOD has faith in you and HE has invested much in you! HE is your strongest supporter. 

Hebrews 13:5 reminds us "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for HE hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

The Many Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil and Peppermint Tea

This blog is a re-post of an earlier blog with updated and additional information about the Spark Naturals Oil of The Month, Peppermint Essential Oil.

Oil of the Month

I do love a good cup of tea!

I know what we say down here in The South...if you're from The South,  the only way to drink tea is from a tall glass with ice and lots of sugar. I used to, but for various health reasons, I no longer drink regular black tea and for many  reasons, I try to avoid as much sugar as possible.

So....some things you just learn to do without and sometimes in the process, you discover something even better.

I started buying every flavor of tea that I could find it seems and before long, I had to devote an entire shelf in my cabinet to my teas. However, I found myself choosing the peppermint over all the others over and over.

There's just something so soothing about Peppermint Tea.

I also grow a lot of mint in my flower beds, so I add mint to my lemon water and if I should run out of tea bags, I can just make my own peppermint tea.

How to Make Your Own Peppermint Tea

To make your tea using dry peppermint leaves, if you have your own plant, lay the fresh leaves on a tray and let them dry in the sun for 24-48 hours until they become crunchy. You could also use your dehydrator. You can also make your tea using Peppermint Essential Oil.

Using fresh mint:

• add 2 tablespoons of dried leaves to a cup of hot water(use tea or herb ball if you have one)
• cover
• steep for 10-20 minutes
• strain(if you have a tea ball or herb ball there's no need to strain) a
• add a little honey or lemon for even more health benefits.

Using Peppermint Essential Oil:

• Simply add a few drops of Pure Peppermint Essential Oil, how many depending on the strength you prefer your tea to be, to a cup of boiling water.
• This is especially good with honey as a sweetener
• Add a few drops of lemon if desired

To store fresh peppermint, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag and keep in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for several days.

Now, on to the benefits of Peppermint Tea

For centuries, peppermint tea has been enjoyed for its refreshing flavor as well as used medicinally. It has traditionally been recommended for relief from a variety of disorders. More recently, peppermint tea has been explored by scientific researchers, who are increasingly verifying the evidence of history and recognizing the health benefits of peppermint tea. 

What are these benefits? 

Peppermint tea has long been a popular "folk medicine" simply because it was reported to work so quickly and effectively in relieving a variety of disorders, including:

• Headaches
• Sinus problems
• Stomach upsets
• Menstrual cramps

Just the aroma of peppermint tea can help relieve the symptoms of colds or headaches, which is one reason why it is a popular ingredient in aromatherapy. In addition, when applied topically, peppermint, peppermint infusions and peppermint oil have traditionally been used to treat conditions such as skin disorders and arthritis.

It has been discovered that the active ingredient in peppermint, menthol, has an anti-spasmodic effect. This explains why it relieves stomach upsets so quickly. The fact that it is a muscle relaxant may explain why it has been found to help relieve stress. Significantly for sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a little known and difficult to treat disorder, peppermint oil, when clinically administered, has shown a great deal of promise in relieving this condition and it is believed that regularly drinking peppermint tea may help relieve the symptoms of IBS. 

Other Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint contains properties that give it a number of other potential health benefits. It is known to have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, so can be effectively used as a cleansing agent on the skin and to help fight bacterial infections. It is also known to have decongestant properties, so can be a potentially effective treatment for a number of respiratory disorders. A known analgesic, peppermint can help with pain relief.

Peppermint tea may also be an ideal study aid for students and help commuters drive more safely. In one study, just the aroma of peppermint tea was shown to help students remain alert and focused when studying. In another study, peppermint tea helped drivers stay alert and relaxed in traffic. A friend of one of my granddaughters was here one day and we were discussing the benefits of peppermint.  She said she had a teacher that gave the students peppermint before tests.

Peppermint tea can also help with bad breath problems. Some say that it removes the problem permanently.  

Regular use of peppermint tea can also help to reduce appetite. Your cravings for food intake is thus reduced helping in weight loss. It's a good idea to put a drop of pure peppermint essential oil under your tongue before meals also to reduce your appetite.

Peppermint Tea can also help ward off colds and flu. It acts as a great preventative force against catching the common cold or the flu. It has good amounts of potassium, calcium and vitamin B, all useful agents in the fight against colds and flu.

I have a granddaughter who suffers from digestive problems and she often requests a cup of peppermint tea to soothe her stomach. It's a good feeling when you can help in a natural way.

Few side effects of peppermint tea have been noted, though health care professionals caution against its use by those who suffer from gastric problems related to excess stomach acid, such as acid reflux and ulcers. In general, though, peppermint tea is healthful, healing and relaxing. 

Precaution: since infants are still developing their immune systems, peppermint could cause an allergic reaction.

These are just some of the ways that Peppermint Tea is beneficial to you.

Now, go put the kettle on, Polly and we'll all have tea!

All about Spark Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil, the January Oil of the Month. To join the oil of the month club go here: 

Spark Naturals Oil of The Month Club

When you join the OOTM Club at Spark Naturals, for $15.99 monthly(shipping and tax included)you get a 15ml bottle of pure Essential Oil or Essential Oil Blend each month, shipped on the same date each month(your original order date.) 

Peppermint– Mentha Piperita – United States

Description: Peppermint Essential oil is used to help with many things such as liver, digestive and respiratory problems along with irritable bowel syndrome. It also stimulates the mind and increases mental accuracy.

Properties:  Analgesic, Anesthetic, Antiseptic, Anti-galactagogue, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Cordial, Decongestant, Stimulant and Vasoconstrictor

Historical Uses: Peppermint has been very effective as a digestive stimulant, it has also has been used to disinfect and treat respiratory ailments. In more recent years studies have shown peppermint to aid in improvement of taste & smell when inhaled and to create a sense of fullness after meals.

Possible Uses:

Rub a few drops of peppermint to temples to relieve tension.

Dilute 2 drops of peppermint in 4 oz of water to aid in digestion.

Apply (dilute) drops on abdomen to help with stomach discomfort.

Diffuse to help with decongestant and to improve taste and smell.

Blends well With: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Rosemary and Melaleuca

Peppermint Essential Oil Application:

Can be use aromatically

Can be consumed

Can be used topically (Dilute for young or sensitive skin)

I almost forgot the most important use of all for Peppermint.....

it keeps spiders away!

Never, ever let yourself run out of Peppermint Essential Oil!