I Didn’t Find A Poke’mon

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

Today I didn’t find a pocket monster, but I did find a pug- a really tiny one. Yesterday was a very long day. Up at 5 a.m. and at work by 6:15. Worked all day, went home to start preparing for my weekend plans, then made an unexpected trip to the ER with my youngest son. We got back home at 2:30 this morning. (Side bar: He will follow up with another doctor next week, but he is feeling a good bit better.)

Even though I was exhausted from our ER visit, my plans for today could not be changed. One hundred-fourteen year old farm houses do not demo themselves and a small army to do the work had already been assembled. So…

Let’s  just say that none of us needed an app on our phones to get any exercise today. I didn’t find any Pokémon characters, but I did find a coat of arms and an old family picture – not my family, of course, but someone’s.  More little toys were unearthed, including a no-eyed, yellow Care Bear and the tiny black and white pug dog. Close as I will ever get to finding a Jigglypuff or a Pikachu. Is that what they call them? 

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It’s good to work hard. Know why? Hard work makes quittin’ time that much sweeter. I’m gonna sleep like a rock tonight.

Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen.

I Reminded Myself

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

Lying in bed this morning, the question nagged at me. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? The immediate answer was No. So, I got up and cooked breakfast for Mama and Georgie. Then I headed out to my project.

Just me and my broom and dust pan. Just me and my ladder. Pandora was programmed to my thumbprint settings. Creedence Clearwater Revival shared the sultry morning air with Phil Wickham, The Piano Guys and The Mavericks.

Never have been a fan of heights;  four feet off the floor and I get vertigo. But up the ladder I went.

As I jerked the curtains down, some fought me. They had been there for decades, after all. It was hot today, as July in Mississippi inevitably is. I was alone, with no help. Now, I’m not poor mouthing, just stating that I was working by myself. The early morning question spoke up again: have I bitten off more than I can chew? Can I do this?

My Daddy’s words came rushing in and with it a memory from my childhood. Math homework and Daddy was trying to get me to understand it.

“I’m just not good at math,” I had said, very frustrated.

Daddy wouldn’t have any of that defeatist attitude and he told me: “You are George Leo Ellison’s daughter. There is nothing you can’t do. You’ve just got to make up your mind to do it. Now, try again.”

So, I tried again and down came the curtains. Out went the wool area rugs. Hauling them outside, scripture came to mind. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

I reminded myself, that yes, I am George Leo Ellison’s daughter, but I am also the daughter of the Most High God. Hoohah!

Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen.

 

Quick Dip for the Fourth

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

Happy Independence Day, Y’all.

If you need a quick side to take to the afternoon cook-out, here ya go: Quick Vegetable Dip

1 16 ounce carton  Light Sour Cream

1 envelope vegetable soup mix

Several dashes of Louisiana Hot Sauce

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Mix all together in medium size bowl and then pour it back into the sour cream carton and place in the refrigerator. Chill for at least two hours, so the flavors meld and the vegetables rehydrate. Serve immediately  in a pretty dishes with your favorite chips or crackers.

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Patriotic blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen.