For Christmas several years ago my sister gave me a "Just in Case" kit for my car. It was a simple little duffle bag filled with a fleece blanket, a flash light, bottled water, snacks, and a couple of road flares. I thought it was a great idea, especially since I was constantly on the road either commuting back and forth to work or traveling. A couple years later I decided to add to the kit. I threw in a couple pairs of socks and some old sweat pants and a shirt…just in case. For me, this

I'm a very private person. I tend to keep things to myself, deal with life on my own. If the sky was falling and the ground covered in lava, I probably wouldn't ask for help, let alone talk to someone about my feelings (shudder). If I can't make it on my own, than what's the point? I know it's a pride issue. I freely admit that I hate asking for stuff, or talking about my feelings, because I honestly don't like the taste of humble pie. Too sour....or whatever.

I think it takes a certain amount

My nephew brought home a turtle earlier this week. This wasn’t a surprise. In fact, I (uncharacteristically) agreed to letting the reptile live with us several months ago…with the stipulation that we name it Crush. (If you get it, you get it. If you don’t, explaining it won’t help.)  It was a nice compromise, since I wouldn’t give in to getting a dog.

Comfort and joy come in many different forms…and those forms change from day to day for each person. Currently, my comfort comes in the form of leftover cornbread smothered in honey and soaked in warm milk. Cringe if you will, but it’s been a staple meal since I made the cornbread to go with the chili earlier this week, and each time I eat it, I feel better on the inside--not like the “my hunger is being satiated” feel good, but rather the “life is good and everything will be okay” feel good

As I begin the section on finances, I find that there is really only one place to start: making goals. It is also one of the most fun things to do. So, if you aren't having fun, then you are doing it wrong. This is your chance to dream big and imagine all of the best things for your life.

Grab a piece of paper. (After all, a goal not written down is only a wish.) Start thinking about things you want to accomplish or experiences you'd like to have or things you'd like to do.

Just some notes on canning basics, since I'm starting to fill in canning recipes.

You can buy new jars as needed, you can buy jars at thrift stores or go through grandmas garage and collect her old ones. All you really need to know is; are there any cracks? Is the rim chipped or intact? I have jars that are probably 50 years old and they work fine. Just inspect them before each use and throw away cracked or chipped ones.

Jars should be washed, very clean. Some say you have to boil them but I