An Up and Down Week, So Far

This photo of Callie was taken the year she was born...2013. 

My sweet Callie girl slipped out the door Monday afternoon

and we haven't seen her since.  I saw her run north of our

house and have called the neighbors to ask if they had seen

her.  No one had.   I've searched and called to no avail.

She loved to sit on my lap and with the new kittens occupying

my time lately, she hasn't had the attention she was used to.  I

don't know if that has anything to do with her disappearing

act or not.  I'm sad and worried.  You can imagine all the thoughts

that run through my mind.  Did someone pick up her up or did

a coyote get her?  At least she hasn't been seen on the highway.

We've had a couple of storms move through since Monday.  I do

hope Callie found shelter. 

Many farmers in the area haven't gotten all their soybeans planted yet.   And of course there is the water standing in some of the fields that has damaged some of the corn already planted.   I'm sure the farmers have much more to worry about than a missing kitty.

As the world gets more troubling and life gets busier, even worrisome at times, simple pleasures are all the more important to me.  Enjoying a tall glass of iced tea while sitting in the shade of my patio and gazing at the pretty flowers, cuddling a sleepy, purring kitten on my lap, reading a good book while listening to the rain fall against the window panes, or watching the sun set.  These are just a few simple pleasures I enjoy.  What about you?  What are some of your simple pleasures? 

 

Eating comfort food is a simple pleasure.  A meal of mashed

potatoes and roast beef is a favorite of mine.  I don't like to use the oven very often in the summer, so I will share a stovetop recipe that my dear aunt gave me a few years ago.  It has become my favorite way of fixing a rump roast.  

This recipe came from my aunt's mother-in-law and I call it Mammy's Roast.  Marie, aka Mammy as her grandson called her, was an excellent cook and baker.  She made the best angel food cakes with that delicious fluffy white icing.  I haven't ever forgotten how wonderful they were.   

Mammy's Roast

1.  In a heavy dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings or oil.
2.  Generously sprinkle a rump roast on all sides with Lawry's Seasoning Salt and cover with flour.
3.  Place salted and floured roast into the hot bacon drippings.  Brown on all sides, turning frequently so it won't burn.
4.  Remove the roast once it's browned.  Add 2 or more tablespoons of flour to the drippings and stir, making a good paste.  Add more salt, and pepper, as desired. 
5.  Add water to make a thin gravy.  It will thicken as it cooks.
6.  Place the rump roast into the gravy and turn the burner down to a slow cooking stage.  Spoon a little gravy over the top of the roast and cook 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the roast, until tender.  Turn the roast every half hour.
7.  Remove the roast from the pan and let cool enough to slice.  The gravy is wonderful served with the roast and mashed potatoes!    

This is the best roast I've made and my daughter declares it her very favorite, too.  If you want a roast and don't want to turn on the oven, try this.  You'll love it or I'm not the Farmer's Daughter! 

Have Thursday to you!   
xo Cheryl