World War II was over and Pug was home from the war. We were newly married and living in our new house on Hanover Road just outside of Pulaski. I was not knowledgeable about the benefits returning servicemen were able to receive. Too bad.

Pug had a way of doing something that affected both of us but not telling me until afterwards when I could then do nothing about it. For instance, he bought a new steel cabinet sink with double drainboards on it. The attraction for it was the name "Shirley" on the nameplate. It was bigger than necessary for our new kitchen. Then there was also the time he brought home an expensive garden tiller. It was useless on our rocky garden. It sat out on the edge of the garden until Pug found someone to take it off his hands for a fraction of what he paid for it.

I remember back in Great Depression days when we didn't have a refrigerator. Hey, we didn't even have electricity. Some folks were lucky enough to have a spring house to keep milk and other foods cool. It was usually a concrete block or stone shanty built over a spring of running water. We weren't so blessed. I don't remember eating ground beef during those days either. Mother seldom was able to drive into town. She did most of her shopping in a nearby small grocery store at a country crossroads. They didn't carry fresh meat. Mother kept chickens so we had our own eggs.

In large pot place first 8 ingredients. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Garnish with fresh dill before serving. Makes 6 servings.

This cookie has everything you like, from chocolate to cream cheese to peanut butter. I suppose you like eggs as well. Anyway, these cookies are delicious.
Preheat oven to 375 F. Place all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Beat at low speed for 2 minutes. Beat at medium speed for additional ...

Chicken livers make a great dip. The recipe doesn't cost much to make. In saucepan melt small amount of butter. To it, add livers and cook, covered, stirring occasionally until livers are no longer pink. Chop livers in blender. Blend with remaining ingredients. Pour mixture in 2 1/2 cup mold. Chill several hours. Carefully unmold. Garnish with hard-boiled egg slices, if desired.

My father completed eight grades back in the day when that was all that was offered or needed. He was a farm boy. Dad could have thrived on much less. I wonder what the requirements were for a soldier when he enlisted in the Marines in 1917? Much different than today, I am sure.

Dad figured what was good enough for him was good enough for his children. My two brothers, Rodney and Russell ended their schooling at the eighth grade. Anyway, that was all that was offered in Pulaski Township in Jackson County in the 1940's. Rodney enlisted in the Navy and Russell did, too, a short time later. It was war time again.

I was the only one in our family that liked school. My grades were always at the top of my class. I wanted desperately to go to college, but that was not to be. Dad said unkind things about high school girls. I was encouraged to drop out of school and get a job. Women were only good for keeping house and having babies, he said. I fought to stay in school.

When you're out of potatoes, rice is the next best to go to. There are so many ways to flavor a bowl of rice. Here is another one.
In skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and brown the onions, celery, chopped chicken livers, oregano and salt. Add the rice and brown a few minutes more. Add the hot chicken broth. Transfer to baking buttered casserole. Cover and bake at 350 F. for about 40 minutes. Stir at least twice during cooking.

Attitude is where it's at. This baby chick has the right idea. There is a brother or sister residing in that egg. Family comes first.

But what about protecting "our" house? Insurance is expensive nowadays. Those people in Florida suffered from Hurricane Ian in October of 2022. Yes, flood insurance is costly. No matter for us, some would say. We are high and dry here on our ridge in Union County, Tennessee. Nothing like a ridge side to channel water down to Norris Lake.

Combine soup and milk in bowl. Stir in 1 cup of cheese. In large bowl combine chicken, broccoli and rice. Stir to combine. Add soup mixture. lightly lift and stir to combine. Pour into 9 by 13 inch buttered casserole dish. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Bake in preheated 350 F. oven until bubbly and heated through, 35 to 40 minutes. Serves 6.

About fifty years ago we were out of dogs. Our precious Kater was gone, as were several others after her. She was a full sized short­ haired dachshund. A friend at work had a small long-haired dachshund with a new litter of puppies. Kater had short black hair. These puppies had long wavy red hair. The mother was beautiful but mean. My friend distracted her long enough for me to grab the runt of the litter. It has been said they make the best pets but that's not always true. Certainly not in this case.