Day Two on the Yard Sale Trail

Day two of our yard sale adventure began early.  We wanted to get out before the day's record breaking heat was just too much!

Our only plan was to go North on Highway 127.  Our first stop in Albany was the only place we made a purchase.  We stopped at several sales between Albany and Russell Springs/Jamestown  but we did not find a single treasure.  We also safely crossed Wolf River Dam where we noticed they are still adding concrete to keep it from breaking.

 Our favorite store Mighty Dollar has a location in Russell Springs, so of course we made a stop there.

 We continued to stop at some sales, but we were just seeing junk--like old dirty junk and it was getting hot.  Just as we were about to turn around, we saw a sign advertising a place to eat called Bread of Life.  The sign said it was ten miles away and would be worth the drive!

And worth the drive it was.  Bread of Life had a buffet lunch with  salad, soup, pulled pork, chicken, ham, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, fried okra, fresh corn,  baked beans, steak fries and huge yeast rolls.  Dessert included banana pudding, cake,  peach cobbler and fresh cantaloupe.  Soft serve ice cream was also available.  The $8.99  price included a drink.  We're certain we  got our money's worth.
We stopped at a few more spots on the way back, but we have decided we will stay on the south portion of 127 from now on.  We just regret that Bread of Life is too far to visit on a regular basis. By 2:30 we were back home.
Wondering what items we bought today?

We don't normally like cider, but this was purchased from one of Peanut's tax clients.  We tasted all the flavors and this was our choice.

I'm sure this item will be featured in future blog posts!

First Day on the Yard Sale Trail

The World's Longest Yard Sale is suppose to begin on Thursday.  It's on Highway 127 and just a hop and skip away from the Ponderosa!  But don't tell all the people that are already set up and all the treasure hunters that were out today because they are already in full yard sale mode!  This sale began about 20 years ago and until about six years ago we did not participate because we heard about traffic nightmares and it is always very hot this time of year.  The first time we went we found so many treasures that we were hooked and we brave the heat and the week end traffic snarls each year the first of August.  Today we set out early with intentions of taking 127 toward Crossville where we knew many vendors were ready. We never made it to Crossville.  After stopping a couple of places we ran into our old friend, Lee.  He had a nice shady spot with a good breeze so we sat with him for a while.  He was neighbors with the Jesus Rocks guy who came over and visited with us.  He is the guy who makes the Ten Commandments Rocks/signs that you see in people's yards all over the region!  He also gives everyone he meets three rocks from his pocket and invites you to go to heaven with him! 

 There's our friend Lee going to visit the Jesus Rocks guy as we are leaving!

 

These are the little rocks he gives out!

We made our way to Clarkrange and had lunch at the Cumberland General Store where it was so busy they had run out of french fries.  We shopped our way back home only stopping where there was some shade.  Here are the treasures we found today.

 Photo paper, envelopes, candy, writing tablets, magnetic picture holders  toys all for 50 cents each.

 A new birdhouse

Wooden table for Ponderosa parties and very cool wooden chair bought for a photo prop, but it looks good on the porch by the front door.

 

My favorite purchase of the day, vintage hankies.  I want to be like my grandmas and carry them in my purse, just in case a grand child needs wiping off!

 

In the morning we are going north on Highway 127 on the trail of more treasures.

Home Improvement

Here on the Ponderosa, we've been painting deck rails. . .

And painting porch rails. . .

And painting rails around the steps. . .

There are so many rails and it takes hours and hours

But we only like one section. . .

   

Then we can start on the floor! 

Outside my front door

You just might be a redneck if this is your front door!

Tuesday on the Ponderosa

 

Can it be a casserole without Ritz crackers?

We are not a big fan of casseroles here on the Ponderosa.  Maybe it is because most casserole recipes contain onions and peppers and things we don't like, but it seems that many of the casserole recipes I find have Ritz crackers.  Since we have plenty of squash from our garden, I searched my favorite recipe site, Tasty Kitchen for ways to use squash.  I found a recipe called  Mom's Squash Casserole and yes it does have Ritz crackers.  I prepared it for the Ponderosa supper tonight and we found it to be quite good, even blog worthy.  Here's the ingredients, but I adjusted and changed them to fit the ingredients in my kitchen so therefore I am changing the name to Ponderosa Squash Casserole.

Ponderosa Squash Casserole

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh sliced squash--this was two large squash from the garden

2 Tablespoons Butter, melted--that's Blue Bonnet Margarine for me

1/2 chopped onion--there are no onions here but I did use a small amount of minced onions

1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, crumbled and divided -- You can't mess with a good thing

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese--a staple in my fridge

2 ounces of diced pimentos--left these out since there are no pimentos on the Ponderosa

2 whole eggs, beaten--eggs are always good

4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled or bacon bits--I only had microwave bacon

Dash of salt and pepper

Preparing Ponderosa Squash Casserole

Combine squash and water to cover in a medium saucepan.  Bring to boil.  Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until squash is tender.  Set aside.  Saute onion in better until tender.  Combine onion, squash, 3/4 cup cracker crumbs, cheese and remaining 5 ingredients.  

Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish.  Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

We liked the squash casserole and it would be a good dish for a potluck.  It's too much for just two and you make a lot of dirty dishes just getting the ingredients ready--a pot for boiling squash, a skillet to saute the butter and onions, a bowl for the crumbled crackers, a plate for the bacon, not to mention the measuring cups and spoons.  I had a sink full of dishes by the time the casserole was ready for the oven!

 

It doesn't have much color or look real pretty, but it was tasty with green beans, corn and mashed potatoes! 

Caution--Cuteness Ahead

Warning--this post is filled with what has to undoubtedly be the three best looking grand kids in the entire world. . .

Even if they have milk on their chin!

Freezin' Beans

First you pick them!  We got up at six to beat the heat.

Then you break them.  This will take a while so breaking them in front of the TV is recommended.

 Next you blanch -- prepare (vegetables) for freezing or further cooking by immersing briefly in boiling water.

 Spread on the table to dry.

 Bag them up and place in freezer to enjoy on a winter day.

Our 4th of July

Our Fourth of July was filled with

Family

Friends

Food

 Fun

 Fireworks

 Firsts

 And

Frogs!