Posts – Page 46 – Billie's Back Porch

November 27, 2020

America’s political divide could end if we all considered this ‘Brief But Spectacular’ idea

According to Tod Perry, writing in Upworthy, “[T]here may be hope for America if, as individuals, we take a more holistic look at how we participate in our democracy.” Citizen University CEO Eric Liu gives his Brief But Spectacular take on living like a citizen, “I think one of the best ways to teach children about civic engagement…

November 27, 2020

7 Red Flags Someone Is Stealing Your Wi-Fi

Meghan Jones Updated: Oct. 27, 2020 Wi-Fi is a hot commodity—especially right now when remote work and school are critical to everyday life and people are spending hours online to pass the time when many outside attractions are closed. If you’re lucky enough to enjoy good, working Internet during this time, that’s great—but could someone else…

November 27, 2020

Thanksgiving Baking Guide

One of my favorite sites for baking information is King Arthur Baking Company. They have a Thanksgiving Baking Guide, for those of us who have (or make) time to bake from scratch. Yum. While I couldn’t care less about pumpkin anything, their apple and pecan pie and parker house roll recipes are to die for. Good baking Here.

November 27, 2020

Beyond Good Intentions

November 27, 2020

How to Make Perfect Gravy from Turkey Drippings

I use Wondra flour to avoid lumps and a bit more butter or oil. When I skim the fat from the drippings, I use that instead of butter or oil. I also add parsley or other herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.

November 27, 2020

“How can I feel hopeful without deluding myself?”

By Jenny Taitz Smarter Living That is a question many of us are asking ourselves these days. But there is room for hope! And even when pursuing hope feels unnatural, finding it can be liberating. Maintaining hope when facing challenges predicts both emotional and physical resilience, while hopelessness, or the combination of experiencing negative life events and believing you’re powerless, fuels depression.…

November 27, 2020

Buy, Buy, Buy!

This morning (it is now about 10 am) I opened my main email and counted 112 new messages. Of the first 50, 30 were urging me to buy something. Clothing, books, office products, furniture, food, whatnots, coffee, shoes, fruitcake, jackets and coats, sweaters, boots, pots and pans, memberships, services, and of course, Black Friday everything.…

November 27, 2020

If You Have This in Your Pantry, Get Rid of It Now

The FSIS, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued the public health alert mid-November relating to Wegmans Beef Culinary Stock No Salt Added, sold in 32 oz. cartons. The safety issue has arisen because the products were not presented for import re-inspection when coming into the United States. They were imported on or around Nov. 5,…

November 27, 2020

RIP, David Dinkins

He was New York City’s first African American mayor. Obituaries and comments HERE and HERE.

November 25, 2020

The Four Questions from Byron Katie’s The Work

Q1. Is it true? Q2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true? Q3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought? Q4. Who would you be without that thought?

November 25, 2020

Just for Today

Just for today, I will not be angry. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will be kind to others. Coralia Rocha

November 25, 2020

The Etiquette of Defeat: What Donald Trump Can Learn From History’s Biggest Losers

BY DANIEL MENDELSOHN NOV 17, 2020 “I concede nothing.” With those three words, tweeted out nearly two weeks after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, which handed him a decisive electoral and popular defeat, Donald Trump took his place in one of the longest and most distinguished traditions that history offers: the sore loser. But if history and…

November 25, 2020

The Final Gasp of Donald Trump’s Presidency

By Olivia Nuzzi THE SWAMP NOV. 6, 2020 “A lot of what Trump says is the opposite of what he means. That’s true of all of us, to some extent,” the president’s friend said. But when Trump said he didn’t mind losing to Biden, even though he famously hates losers of any ilk, his friend believed him.…

November 25, 2020

It’s Never Been Harder to Be the New Kid on the Block

Moving to a new place is never easy. It’s even harder, and lonelier, when no one is supposed to come within six feet of you. By Ronda Kaysen Nov. 20, 2020 In the best of times, moving is stressful and exhausting. Under pandemic conditions, the transition to a new home can be deeply disorienting and isolating. Gone…

November 24, 2020

A Little Bread Pudding

Last night, I wanted something but it was too late to go anywhere and I wasn’t sure what I wanted anyway. I looked in my crowded fridge for something, anything appealing. Nothing. Cake? Too much work. Pie? Really too much work. Candy? Not in the mood. Ice cream? I want warm, or at least room…