Warm and pleasant greetings to all.
Happy April! It’s my favorite month of the entire year! We hope you are enjoying a good week.
TVEPA workers were in the area last Thursday continuing the work upgrading the power system to improve services. Residents were notified prior to the scheduled power outage while the work was ongoing.
Of course, it’s a good day when we are out and about and have the blessing to greet you!
However, this day was brightened again as we drove around the courthouse square and admired the most beautiful, colorful and bountiful tulips adorning the surrounding square. The community appreciates you, Charleston Magnolia Garden Club members. Thank you! Yes, it’s worth the trip to town to see the beautiful flowers, inspiring the springtime and showing how beautiful nature really is, if we stop and notice.
What’s new in kitchen appliances this year is colors in bold hues, deep green, navy blue and matte black, and beige, creme finishes.
Maybe the latest is “butter,” a soft yellow shade with a crème satin finish. This is according to appliance spokesmen.
I remember the first color appliance I saw was a pink refrigerator. It was back in the middle 1960s when I was visiting a homemaker, the Lewis family in the Sharkey community.
Many colors of refrigerators since then have been popular: brown, beige, yellow, stainless steel and, of course, white. Most home appliances are designed with today’s technology making them both attractive and useful to consumers. You have a choice of selective options. Some people like the plain and simple. For those who will need to make the selection, you have many options.
When shopping, never be too hasty even if it means one more day without, to give you time to make the best choice. It’s an investment you want to be pleased that the choices you make were right for you. What’s suitable for you and affordable for you are very important.
Speaking about the kitchen, I have opened a few cans of beans lately, and had them on hand to make different recipes. I always drain and rinse before using in the recipe. Yes, you should always rinse canned beans unless the recipe instructions say otherwise.
Rinsing helps reduce sodium and improve flavor and texture. Rinsing also reduces the amount of gas-causing carbohydrates in beans. The liquid is water, salt and starch, which is used to preserve the canned beans.
Some cooks use the thickening liquid especially in soups and stew. Regardless, I recommend rinse and drain to reduce sodium (salt) intake and get a better flavor. Rinsing beans allows the beans to take on other ingredients in the dish and absorb the flavors.
Our community joins you in prayer as we show care and concern for those who may be facing difficult challenges or experiencing uncertain situations. The world has yet to see “in full” what God is willing to do in response to prevailing prayer. I believe this.
Enjoy life today. Be blessed.
