Category Archives: at home

Cousin Eddie’s Bathrobe.

March 23, 2023at home, etiquette, respect, the neighborhoodetiquette, manners, neighborhood, neighbors, respectSusan Marie Molloy

The other morning, Best Friend told me that when he went out to the mailbox, he was greeted by a stranger in sandals, socks, shorts, and a wide opened bath robe.

It was an odd vision, I’m sure. Yet, I’m not surprised since the guy who we nicknamed “Cousin Eddie” was in the driveway of our next-door neighbor who has the oddest people living with him – like Turban and Lady Godiva. We think they rent rooms from him – The Wild One – and at first, we thought Cousin Eddie was a new renter. But after a week, we didn’t notice him around, so he might have been a visitor.

The Wild One, our neighbor who owns the house, is a snowbird. That is, he spends time here from October to April, then trucks his way back to the backwoods of northern Wisconsin from May to September. He totes his Harley between homes in his pickup truck, and every day we hear him start up the hog and zoom off, only to return late in the day. And if he’s home, it’s pretty much guaranteed that we’ll hear him using his jig saw, grinding rust off of his patio table for hours, or running some sort of electrical tool. Inside his house, he has several mounted animal heads, such as deer and bear, and a pool table in his living room.

Turban is one of his renters who enjoys sitting in the driveway and talking on the phone. She used to wear a turban, and though she doesn’t anymore, our nickname for her stuck.

Lady Godiva was the other renter who was waiting for her house to be built. I’m not sure why we called her Lady Godiva, but I’m sure there was a good reason.

All I can say is that when The Wild One returns to Wisconsin, the neighborhood will be much quieter, and hopefully, no men standing in the driveway with an opened bathrobe.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Smart Home Economics – Chicken Stew in White Wine.

March 9, 2023at home, cooking, home economics, Uncategorized, winechicken, cooking, dining at home, home ec, home economics, homemaking, stew, wineSusan Marie Molloy

These days, with the ridiculous inflationary reality all of us are experiencing, it can become challenging to maintain your household on a sensible budget. Here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms, we work diligently to maintain a sensible household budget, without sacrificing nutrition and quality.

A couple of weeks ago, I made a simple chicken stew comprised of inexpensive chicken thighs. One way to say money on foodstuffs is to look for near to the best buy or expiration dates. They are usually discounted by the store for faster sales. This is completely safe; just make sure you use that product the same day or the next or freeze it for a later date.

Following is my recipe for Chicken Stew in White Wine that will serve two to four people:

Ingredients

1 T olive oil

3 slices bacon, cut into thin, small pieces

1 small leek, sliced into thin coins

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts

8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 bottle (750ml) of white wine (can substitute chicken stock)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

Optional for garnish: chopped dill or chives

Warm the olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until the bacon has rendered some of its fat (about 2 minutes). Add the leek; sauté for about 4 minutes. Add the chicken, mushrooms, thyme, wine, and seasonings.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked – about 45 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice.
To serve:

Place chicken on a bed of hot, cooked flat noodles or rice. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh dill or chives.

I bought an inexpensive, on sale, white wine, so you don’t have to buy top shelf, unless you want.

From time to time, during this year, I will be sharing my tips on stretching your homemaking dollars. Sure, food and tangibles have become outrageously expensive, but with a little fortitude and imagination, you, too, can become more economically wise.

Check out my essay on Soups HERE, my Shepherd’s Pie HERE, and my Cabbage-Leek Sauté HERE.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

On Being Relaxed.

March 2, 2023at home, cooking, relationships, tips for gracious livingbaking, cooking, dining at home, essay, health, home economics, homemaking, relaxation, respectSusan Marie Molloy

Earlier this week, I got the inspiration to bake. The impetus was Best Friend mentioning one evening that he “sure can go for a piece of cake right now,” and that lead me to thinking, “Hey, I haven’t baked a cake since late last summer.”

I wound up baking “Two Egg Cake,” which is a no-fuss recipe for a basic white cake. I used the recipe from the 1957 edition of Cakes and Tortes by the Staff Home Economists of the Culinary Arts Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Then I whipped up a cream cheese lemon frosting with chopped walnuts from scratch. (I cannot stand ready-made frostings.)

Was I done? Well—

I went ahead and baked three batches of miniature scones (cranberry-walnut; raisin-apple; and cinnamon raison). They are packed well in the freezer, waiting to thaw on the mornings that Best Friend and I have a couple with our morning coffee either in the courtyard or at the dinette table. It is a pleasant way to gently start our day.

As I write this essay, my thoughts go to a serene life, a life without all the craziness of Go! Go! Go!, unceasing technology, and harmful egotism. As I mixed the batters, the world around me became peaceful and unhurried. As I waited for the cake and scones to bake, I hand washed the utensils and bowls and remembered how therapeutic the simple tasks of kitchen clean-up are for me. Sure, modern appliances are time savers, yet what is it that we use those extra minutes for? Check social media? Watch a mindless television program? Eat a bag of potato chips? Do nothing at all?

I cook and bake from scratch as much as possible. I find no real time saved using a box of cake mix, for example. Making a cake from scratch might use up maybe an extra four minutes than using a boxed cake mix. Cooking a meal of chicken piccata, rice, and fresh vegetables might take a little longer to make than microwaving a salty, preservative-filled TV dinner. But it is healthier to cook from scratch. And less expensive than buying prepared foods.

So what about those extra found minutes?

I ponder my thoughts. I pray. I formulate story outlines for my new books. I converse with Best Friend. I think about my day. I revel in the unhurriedness. I relax.

Would it be splendid if all parts of our lives were toned down – even just a little?

Not only would our lives be more relaxed, but life would also be healthier for us, physically, mentally, and religiously.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Smart Home Economics – Cabbage-Leek Sauté.

February 16, 2023at home, cooking, home economicsbidenflation, cabbage, chicken, cooking, home ec, home economics, homemaking, inflation, leeks, menu, mushroomsSusan Marie Molloy

With the ever-rising cost of foodstuffs, using every bit of food, and wisely buying provisions, is key to maintaining the household on a sensible budget. My “waste not, want not” motto works well in this economic climate. Not only is that good to follow with everyday home resources, but it is also a practical, wise, and economical way to get the most out of food and leftovers, so why not wisely stretch meals and create light lunches, while keeping the cost of food as reasonable as possible?

One of the ways I use leftovers or portions of foods is to prepare fresh cabbage with a variety of other vegetables that sauté easily. Today, I am sharing my Cabbage-Leek Sauté recipe for two.

Take three slices of bacon and cut them into thin lardons. Sauté in a large frying pan. Then add about a third of a thinly shredded small green cabbage and one leek stalk cut into thin rounds. Stir gently. Meanwhile, slice about six button mushrooms; toss them into the pan. Add about one half cup of chicken stock (or water, if you prefer) and half a tablespoon of dried thyme. Season with black pepper and salt, if desired. Stir gently to combine. Simmer on a low flame, until the vegetables are limp, but not overcooked. Transfer to plates and serve.

So, you see, there is no need to spend a lot of money for a wholesome home cooked meal. With a little creativity, you can have nice meals that stretch your buying power.

From time to time this year, I will be sharing my tips on stretching your homemaking dollars. With a little fortitude and imagination, you can become more economically wise. Check out my essay on Soups HERE, and my Shepherd’s Pie HERE.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Carrots, Mothballs, and a Crazy Afghan.

February 6, 2023at home, books, current events, essay, home economicsbidenflation, current events, inflation, shopping, stores, supply chain, supply issuesSusan Marie Molloy

At this point, 2023 is 1/12^th finished. January went by at a snail’s pace for me, even though there were so many tasks accomplished:

January saw me write four new short stories – “The Jeweled Slippers,” “The Grand Duke and His Valet,” “Cave Justice,” and “Three Scottish Pearls.” All are now available on Amazon Kindle for your reading pleasure, as found HERE.

Best Friend and I noticed that our local grocery store hasn’t had fresh carrots in stock for about two weeks now. In fact, many items are missing from the shelves: oyster crackers, canned tomatoes, many Oriental cooking ingredients, and contact lens solution is out (I took the last bottle, and finding it there was a surprise).

Also, when Best Friend and I stopped by a department store earlier this week, we noticed the unmistakable strong odor of mothballs in the clothing department. We speculated that the inventory was sitting on the supply ship for months, hence the mothball odor. It was a turn off, and we soon left the store and headed to another to continue our shopping.

For the past four months, I have been busy crocheting a crazy quilt afghan with the leftover yarn I have. I am getting close to finishing it, and since I still have a lot of yarn remaining, I’ll most likely make another afghan, but in a different pattern. The afghans will come in handy for the chilly, yet ideally short, winter months here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms.

I am toying with the idea of writing a short home economics book with the idea of smart money saving hints and tips for our time. I have it formulated in jotted down notes and outlined in my thoughts. If this idea comes to fruition, I may have it ready by late spring this year. Stay tuned.

And during January, I read two books by Alice Duer Miller, “The Happiest Time of Their Lives” and “Ladies Must Live.” Both were written at the turn of the century and were enjoyable to read. I sprinkled in a current magazine, “Taste of Home,” for good measure.

Now, the calendar turned to February – a month of a Saint Valentine’s Day celebration, preparations for Lent, and a bit of yard work and planting planning. Although this is a short month, it will be packed with activities, which I will be happy to share with you here.

Here’s to optimistic thoughts and good actions on our part. The world is becoming darker, and we surely need more light and optimism.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Cool Nights, Warm Hearts.

February 2, 2023at home, books, essay, festivity, gardening, holidays, relationships, spring, winteressay, festivity, fireplace, gardening, holidays, neighborhood, neighbors, relationships, romance, saint valentine, spring, st valentine, tea, valentine, valentine's day, winter, yardworkSusan Marie Molloy

Winter here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms has been chilly longer than I remember. Usually, the cold weather lasts about a month – a period of time where jeans and a warm jacket or heavy sweater are part of the fashion. Not so this year, yet I did manage to wear shorts yesterday. So, it might finally be warming up.

We were working in our yard yesterday with the usual late winter clean up. The sun was shining brightly, and in the trees, birds were singing happily. It was quiet otherwise, except for Turban, a neighbor living nearby with The Wild One. She was yakking on her phone, but not wearing her trademark turban. Earlier that morning, The Wild One went somewhere on his motorcycle – vroom! vroom! vroom! They are a story for another essay. Maybe.

I noticed that some of our more tender plants died from the heavy frosts in December. I cut back many of them to about two or three inches because I could see they are still viable. Over the next few days, I will be researching replacement plants and making a list for a trip to the nursery. I have some ideas, but I need to research to make sure my ideas will work in the specific bare spots. The azaleas have buds, and one already popped open her red blooms.

The evenings now are warmer, but still cool. A snuggle next to the burning fireplace is a warm experience – add a cup of hot tea and a good old book, and there’s a night to enjoy!

Saint Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away. I am planning something, but I am not sure of the “what” yet, except that it will be tailored to us. Oh, that reminds me: it’s time to address and send out a few Valentines to those I and/or we care about. I usually add a short note to update the recipients on what we’ve been up to since the Holidays. It’s a nice gesture to keep in touch with people and it goes both ways with the more caring and interested people.

I remember when I was in grade school, one of the art projects we did was to cover a shoe box with festive – and hopefully Valentine-y themed – wrapping paper. Mom or Dad would cut a small slit in the top, and these decorative shoe boxes were ready for the Valentine’s Day card exchange in the classroom. It was so much fun to see who gave us a card, and they were so much prettier than today’s cards. They usually were a single piece, covered in silver glitter, and with a fun sentiment so appropriate for youngsters. They came in a box of twenty or so, complete with white envelopes.

Though the evenings might be cool here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms, warm hearts still prevail.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Smart Home Economics – Shepherd’s Pie.

January 30, 2023at home, cooking, home economicscooking, dining at home, home ec, home economics, homemaking, leftovers, menu, shepherd's pieSusan Marie Molloy

Today, with the ridiculous inflation we all are experiencing, using every bit of food, and wisely buying provisions, is key to maintaining the household on a sensible budget. My “waste not, want not” motto bodes well in this economic climate. Not only is that good to follow with everyday home resources, but it is also a practical, wise, and economical way to get the most out of food and leftovers, so why not wisely stretch meals and create light lunches, while keeping the cost of food as reasonable as possible?

One of the ways I use leftovers is to prepare Shepherd’s Pie, one of Best Friend’s favorite meals.

I took the leftover beef chips I had frozen last month when I made Italian beef sandwiches here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms. Those little pieces of beef chips are good to save for Shepherd’s Pie.

While the beef was thawing out, I cut up a couple of Russet potatoes and boiled them. I mashed them well with their jackets still on and mixed in about a quarter cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.

To the thawed beef chips, I added a couple of chopped carrots, a sliced celery stalk, and a little spoonful of flour and mixed it thoroughly.

Using individual Fiesta^® casserole bakers in a pretty Sunflower yellow hue, I first applied a light olive oil spray inside them before adding the beef mixture. Then I topped them off with the mashed potatoes and baked for a half hour at 350^OF.

So, you see, there is no need to throw out scraps, and with a little creativity, you can have a nice hot meal that stretches your buying power.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Smart Home Economics – Soups.

January 5, 2023at home, cooking, home economicscooking, economy, home ec, home economics, smart living, soups, turkey, turkey soup, waste not want notSusan Marie Molloy

While I was growing up, my mother taught me how to cook and bake. There were many days where I enjoyed watching her make pepper steak, pierogi from scratch, and create ice cream bombé and kolacky. The same goes for my grandma – there were the holidays where my grandparents’ house smelled so very appetizing while she cooked kapusta z grochem on the stove while her delicious babka baked in the oven. I could hardly wait to sit down at the table and enjoy her tasty, traditional foods from the Old Country.

Over the years, I learned how to make all our family’s traditional foods, including my dad’s oxtail soup and its many ingredient versions, his version of Polish macaroni, his baked spaghetti, and how to grow the best backyard tomatoes. Though I follow most recipes to the letter, there is nothing wrong with improvising just to mix it up a little. Yes, I’ve had some hits and some misses doing that, and that’s the fun of learning!

I was fortunate to be able to take home economics in school, and from those lessons, I learned a few techniques that help my own kitchen creations to this day, although what I learned from my family is still tops and the best with me. Nevertheless, it all is an on-going experience that I seem to have tailored well to my own tastes.

One of the things I learned from my family is that there is so much truth and practicality with the “waste not, want not” dictum. Not only is that good to follow with everyday home resources, but it is also a practical, wise, and economical means to get the most out of food and leftovers. From scraps to the littlest bit of leftovers, I can wisely stretch meals and create light lunches, while keeping the cost of food as reasonable as possible.

These days, with the ridiculous inflationary reality we all are experiencing, using every bit of food, and wisely buying provisions, is key to maintaining the household on a sensible budget.

Preparing soups from scratch is one of those practical ways to use the scrap bones and meat from chicken, turkey, and beef.

Last Thanksgiving, we bought a whole Tom turkey here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms. From that one bird, I was able to serve the Thanksgiving meal, set aside the legs and serve them on another day, freeze most of the remaining meat for other uses later such as turkey tetrazzini, salads, and sandwiches. There was enough of the carcass left to freeze two plastic bags’ worth – wings, ribs, various other bones, and skin. From those scraps, I was able to make two pots of soup, at two different times. Into the soup also went carrots, celery, pearled barley, and ground black pepper.

So, you see, there is no need to throw out the bones after a feast. You can use turkey, chicken, beef. They all make a good soup that could be a meal in itself, and with adding a few crackers on the side, you’re done.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Gracious Holiday Living – Part V.

December 29, 2022at home, christmas, comportment, dining, etiquette, grooming, guest, holidays, manners, new year, new year's eve, respect, tips for gracious livingbeing a good guest, cocktail party, comportment, etiquette, grooming, holidays, manners, parties, respect, respectfulnessSusan Marie Molloy

One of the simple enjoyments I have during the holiday season is dressing up, particularly if the occasion or activity calls for more than jeans and a shirt.

Presenting oneself in an appropriate ensemble with good personal grooming is key. Too often today, in our laid back, sloppy world, people view “dressing up” as wearing faded jeans, gym shoes, and a wrinkled sweatshirt to any occasion these days, no matter the casualness or formality of it – I have seen such “fashion” at weddings, wakes, funerals, church, concerts, and nice restaurants. I have seen people wear pajamas in public, and one huckster on television hawks his slippers that you can “wear any time, any place.” Well, there’s nothing like promoting slovenliness!

Sigh.

Best Friend and I were at a holiday philharmonia concert a few weeks ago. We couldn’t help but notice the varied modes of dress: ripped and faded blue jeans, a wrinkled cotton housedress, a forest green lamé pantsuit, colorful sequined jackets, sweatshirts, oversized ugly Christmas sweaters, dark suits and ties, and the most shocking of all was the micro miniskirt with thigh-high suede boots.

Why, even the current leader of the Ukraine spoke in person to the United States Congress last week in nothing better than cargo pants and a tired-looking sweatshirt. And that isn’t even the traditional Ukrainian national dress, so there was no excuse for not wearing a suit and tie. In fact, his ensemble loudly proclaimed disrespect and thuggery. Moreover, I believe there is a guy who will be going to the United States Senate next term who wears oversized hoodie jackets and jeans everywhere as his signature ensemble.

Mercy!

The manner in which you dress and groom yourself presents to the world how you view yourself, and it shows the world what you think of everyone else.

The way you dress also has an impact on how you communicate. I believe that when a person is dressed in clean and ironed clothing and personal grooming is neat and fresh, respectful comportment and language follows. You cannot help but feel good and speak with intelligence. This isn’t to say that is a one hundred per cent fact, that once a person combs his hair and puts on a tuxedo that magically he is metamorphosed into the personification of etiquette and the King’s English, but it does ring true in my experience with others – that a well-groomed person feels better about himself and thus exudes respect towards others in manners and language.

A person doesn’t have to be a slovenly slob at home, either. In fact, there are days that even if I stay home all day, I still comb and style my hair, put on a little makeup, and wear stud earrings. That little bit of simple grooming goes a long way into making me feel good about myself. To be an unkempt slob is to not care a wit about yourself or others.

The 2022 holiday season is drawing to a close, and soon it will be written as yet another chapter in my journal for the year. If you are attending a New Year’s Eve party, being a guest at someone’s house, or just staying home to celebrate the incoming new year, why not think well of yourself – comb your hair and dress up!

Make your holiday season classy.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

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***Delightful celebration at the table.***

Gracious Holiday Living – Part IV.

December 22, 2022at home, christmas, holidays, new year's eveappreciation, christmas, gratitude, holidays, new year's eve, the new yearSusan Marie Molloy

They’re well-known stereotypes –

The perfectly decorated house. The aromas of cinnamon and pinewood and freshly baked cookies. The constant in-and-out of family and friends and the phone ringing every half hour with good news and heartfelt wishes. The gathering around the baby grand piano singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The constant hugs and kisses, and everyone getting along with nary a cross word.

That is what I named The Hallmark Holiday. And it’s not always the reality. Sure, it’s something pleasant to which to aspire, but don’t think you’re missing out if this isn’t in your world. Much like crypto currencies, it isn’t real.

As for me, sure, I’m not with all the people I’d like to spend the holidays with, since circumstances prevent it – most have passed away, some live in another state and others are living in other countries. I will be spending this holiday season with Best Friend, Rat Terrier, Miss Doxie, and Mademoiselle Kitten, here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms, and we are grateful for that. So, we are spending our holidays by ourselves, but not.

That brings me to the fact that some people – many people – spend the holidays by themselves; or at least not with the people they would rather be around. Perhaps you will be alone during the holidays. It might be your choice. It might be happenstance. Your holidays might look different from what you think a Hallmark holiday, or a Christmas in Connecticut, is all about.

Yet, the reality is never, ever what the hype tries to sell. Many people – more than you know – are by themselves during the holidays. That is not strange. There is nothing wrong with it. Your holidays might appear much different from the hyped-up “norm” of the perfectly appointed celebrations with perfection nonpareil. Sure, that does paint a pretty picture, but that is rarely the reality.

How you spend your holidays depends on your attitude. No one wants to hear someone’s “poor me” mantra; no one wants to hear gossip about others – you know, the yado-yado-yada. No one wants to hear complaints either. That might take them down a path they don’t want to go, and you yourself might feel all the more miserable. Snap out of it! No one deserves that. Not them, not you. Here are a few of my thoughts to help you actually enjoy this time of year:

Don’t compare your holiday season or life to someone else’s celebrations. That’s them; this is you. What you see in others’ lives isn’t all the truth. Unless you’re them, or unless you live in their homes, you really don’t see, nor know, the entire picture.

Accept and be grateful for what you have.

Remember the true purpose of the holidays. Introspection is key.

Don’t compare your life or your holidays to anyone else’s. You shouldn’t assume that their meadow is greener on their side of the fence. Look at your own. It just might be that your pasture is as, or more, emerald green and luxurious than you ever imagined.

Play a Christmas carol album.

Call someone you know and send some happiness.

Drop a friend a line or two with happy news.

Invite another “solo celebrator” over for supper. Make it a party.

Keep busy with the activities you love to do.

Make your holiday season classy.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

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