Anyone who has ever drove a school bus has stories to tell, if they will. I certainly have and will. I only drove for a little over one school year, but what a time I had. I have written before about applying for the job in what I called my interview suit complete with high heels. I was prepared to make a good impression. It was a waste of time. If I was walking and breathing, I was hirable.

I grew up on beans. When you were poor during the Great Depression that was what you ate. Saute onion, celery and garlic in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil until tender. In large saucepan combine refried beans, canned tomatoes and water. Heat over medium heat. Add more water for desired consistency. Add sauteed vegetables and seasonings. Simmer together about 5 minutes. Top each bowl with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips.

Are you late in starting supper? What could be quicker to prepare than this recipe? Your pantry has it all. Takes a few minutes to stir up, then to bake it. It's a good recipe to go to when you forget to pull something from the freezer earlier in the day.

Back in my working days, i would try to think of what i would fix for supper before I left for home. A little late, you say? Ok, but I did have a few "go-to" menus to dork from. This is one of them.

During World War 11 Dad lived at a hotel in Ypsilanti, Michigan when he was an electrician at the Bomber Plant there. He used his winnings from a poker game as the down payment on the 160 acre farm I remember from my teenage years. In those days you were frozen in your job for the duration of the war. Union electricians worked out of the AFL hiring hall in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He had been assigned to a rubber plant in Akron, Ohio. That was a hardship for our family living in Bay City, Michigan. I remember Dad bringing home a butyl rubber sample.

Use the last of the leftover ham in this recipe. It is a simple recipe, but good. In saucepan, heat milk slowly over low heat, Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer, covered, for about 25 to 30 minutes.

I remember back in the 1950s when waterless cookware was all the rage. The War was over. New things were popping up everywhere.
Some of them were based on wartime inventions. The microwave oven was a prime example.
Waterless cookware wasn’t really waterless. The pans were club aluminum with a tight-fitting lid. If you cooked them on low heat, you didn’t need to add extra liquid, just a small amount to start with. That was what was meant by waterless.

Here is an easy carrot recipe. The carrots come out of the package ready to go. Just combine everything and boil them up. What could be easier?
In large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Transfer to serving bowl and serve with slotted spoon. 4 servings.

I like to buy a rotisserie chicken at Food City when i make this dish. Everything goes together so easily then.
In large bowl combine first 6 ingredients. Then in small bowl combine the 6 dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Pour over salad. Toss lightly to coat. Chill at least 1 hour. Fold in cashews just before serving. Makes 12 generous servings.

This is so good. Much different from usual brined cucumber salads. Add as much sweet onion as you like.
Peel cucumber and cut into thin slices. Slice peeled sweet onion into thin rounds. Combine in medium bowl. Set aside. In small bowl, combine sour cream, vinegar, salt and chives. Pour dressing over veggies. Toss gently to coat. Chill at least 2 hours and serve.