FINALLY--just2gypsies are back...

Hi--Grainne here...by myself at the moment.  Liam is  in the bedroom, watching a stupid race.  (sorry.)  Siobhan is in her bedroom, laughing at the stupid emails I sent her earlier...(What can I say--she has an excellent sense of humor.)

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post...and I do apologize--at least a little--for my last few posts being so political.  Gypsies, as a rule, are not political, but I can't seem to help it...Like all true gypsies, I am a tree hugger, nature lover, and a conversationist at heart...Just look at our gypsy flag.

"Blue sky above me, green grass below me, open road before me..."

That is my motto, my heart's longing, mine (and my ancestors) creed...My heart does ache at Donald Trump's stupid, heartless policies that are destroying our natural resources, our national parks, our air and water,  our very nation. My heart breaks at his constant chipping away at the rule of law, the checks and balances of our government, the very freedom that our democracy guarantees us. (Gypsies, of all people, value freedom.)  And gypsies, more so than most of society's groups, are family-oriented; we cannot tolerate the thought of ANY children in cages.  What really breaks my heart?  Those children are still in cages, but people don't even talk about it any more.

Which is the main reason I fell of the radar for a while. That and the fact that my family and I are a lot older now, have a myriad of health problems, and I can't very well poke fun at them, even tongue-in-cheek. So I took to drinking like a fish, instead.  (Ahh, mimosas!)

 How are the Freak Show, you ask?  Well,  Mama is still meaner than the devil--87 and still hell on wheels.  I avoid her all I can.  Saphrona almost died from an opiate overdose a few months back, and seems to have quite a bit of permanent brain damage.  I visit her all I can.  Eamon had a stroke at work but miraculously recovered, and still hates everybody and everything. 

Sioban had a horrible allergic reaction a year ago to oral Lamasil (prescribed because she had what appeared to be a fungal infection under ONE fingernail) and suffered for 9+ months from a head-to-toe rash (that looked for all the world like a sunburn).  All the skin on her whole body peeled REPEATEDLY from head to toe (even in her ears.)  Months later, when the rash and peeling finally stopped, then her hair began to fall out.  My poor beautiful, sweet, kind, compassionate Siobhan.  Thankfully she is much better now--her lovely hair is growing back, her skin is clear, and she is off all medication. Thank God.

So... we are back!

And in spite of Trump, the corona virus, crappy Cigna, and the medical bills--Spring is coming, and happier posts are ahead.

Stay Tuned--

Grainne and Siobhan
Just2Gypsies

My Husband Is An Asshole...

Okay...My husband is an asshole.  There--I've said it.  And while it may sound harsh, I promise you, it's true.

From time to time, Liam will pick a random day where he will bitch/fuss/complain/etc. about how much money is being spent in our household online.  On credit cards.  Today is one of those days.

I admit to buying things on Ebay--yes, I admit to buying $360.00 worth of CPAP supplies(Cigna supplier's price) for $52.00 (Ebay seller's price)--but, hey...WHO WOULDN'T?!?   I DO need these things.   And YES--I do need to breathe at night!!!

I admit to spending $31.95 on Amazon for Dentiva Dry Mouth  lozenges--but the same lozenges cost twice that at the local drug store.  (When you can find them.)   And our dentist swears by them for preventing cavities due to dry mouth...(which Siobhan definitely does have).

And YES, I  did buy dog supplements from Chewy instead of from our local vet--Chewy is considerably cheaper, and has free shipping.   So what is wrong with that?!

And last, but not least--YES, I DID buy a few clothes on Ebay in the last eight months...a USED pair of KEEN SANDALS for $30 (a new pair s over $100.00)two pairs of used shorts, and one pair of used Levi capris.  So all my new clothes are USED, while all your new clothes came from Belk.  (I know, because I bought them.)

Remind me again why you're complaining?!

Easter Greetings From Just2Gypsies, Grainne And Siobhan!

Easter Greetings!

WE'RE BAAAACK! 

At this very moment, Siobhan and I are elbow-deep in our own Easter traditions--boiling and dying Easter eggs; filling candy baskets ( for each other and for Liam); eating Peeps and Peeps and more Peeps...

 I'm washing mine down with glasses (pleural) of  Dennis Vineyards Spring Muskadine Wine.  (You can order your own at:  www.dennisvineyards.com)

 Siobhan is washing hers down with multiple (also pleural) peep-tinis (recipe to follow).

Ingredients

1.5oz Sobieski Lemon Meringue Vodka

0.5oz white chocolate liqueur

1oz cream

sugar, for rim

Peep, for garnish

Directions

Dip rim of chilled martini glass into sugar to coat. Add Sobieski Lemon Meringue Vodka, white chocolate liquor and cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into sugar coated martini glass. Garnish with a Peep and serve. Tip: you can cut a slit in the bottom of the Peep to help it stay on the rim of the glass!

The fact that Siobhan's recipe calls for marshmallow rabbits led to a lengthy discussion on Peeps.  Being the senior authority on Peep anatomy, type, genus, sub-genus, etc., I contend that only chick-shaped Peeps are true Peeps.  All the others--rabbits, jack-o-lanterns, and snowmen--are not legitimate Peeps, and are therefore Bastard Peeps. Siobhan obviously doesn't agree with this theory, as she is snorting with laughter, and Peep-tini is coming out her nose.  Regardless of my daughter's Spraying Fountain act, I assure you it's true-- all of the  non-chick peeps are commonly known as Little Bastards. These should always be eaten first, just to put them out of their misery.

As to Peep anatomy--they all have a bad case of Gone-Ass (flat bottoms), and no legs at all.  The least said, the better.

Another common Easter misconception concerns chocolate rabbits.  Most folks assume the ears are the best place to begin eating one.  Well, that is just Wrong.  The kindest way is to whack his entire head off with a meat cleaver, and after waiting 20-30 minutes, eat the whole thing.

As I look around our kitchen, I realize that all Easter candy is either an animal or an animal by-product (lambs, chicks, rabbits, eggs). Which kinda raises a whole new set of questions...What kind of candy do vegetarians put in their children's baskets? Do they have candy bean sprouts and marshmallow soy beans?  Chocolate tofu?   Do they dye their boiled potatoes? Hmmm...After a few more glasses of wine, I might call up a few and ask them.  Meanwhile...

Happy Easter!  

Just2Gypsies/ Grainne'sTruly Southern Easy Cheesy Pimento Cheese Recipe

Our summer days have turned long and lazy... Each day the relentless sun beats down, hour upon hour, searing everything in its path.  The air hums with the droning sounds of crickets, of frogs, of cicadas.  A low growl of thunder rumbles in the distance.  The heat is oppressive, the air is heavy and still...Now we long for a cooling breeze, and we welcome a stray thunderstorm like a long-lost friend, grateful for the small measure of relief it gives.  For a short while.

Days such as these are not spent in the kitchen.  Nor are they spent by an open fire.  We long for foods that cool our senses, foods that temper the heat of summer.  Idly I drift to and fro in my weathered porch rocker, a glass of sweet tea in my hand, and dream of such soul-quenching sustenance...



 I find myself daydreaming about pimento cheese...Seriously.  Not that tasteless, plastic-looking Donald Trump Orange crap that they sell in the grocery store-- REAL pimento cheese.  Home-made pimento cheese.  Pimento cheese made the old-fashioned way--with sharp cheddar cheese, real pimentos, and Duke's Mayonnaise.  ( not Kraft, not Hellman's, not Miracle Whip--It HAS to be Duke's.  It says so in the Bible.  AND the Constitution.)



Folks, I'm talking a Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich...Pimento cheese slathered lovingly between two slices of fresh White Wheat bread.  Pimento cheese, gently blanketed by a juicy slice of vine-ripened garden tomato, lightly salted and peppered.  Heaven on a plate!  And the perfect sandwich on a hot summer day...

 

 Grainne's Truly Southern Easy Cheesy Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

3 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 (4 oz.) jar of diced pimentos, drained
1/2 cup Duke's Mayo (more may be added if a creamier texture is desired)
salt and pepper to taste

Grate cheddar cheese into large bowl; add drained pimentos, salt and pepper, and stir; add Duke's mayo and stir well.

Spread between two slices of fresh white bread (home-made or store-bought), along with a hefty slice of red, ripe tomato, salt and pepper.  Savor the Southern Flavor.
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*Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.  Will keep in refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

 **P.S.  Note to Paula Deen--I saw your recipe--Real Southern Women use Real Cheddar Cheese and Real Duke's Mayo--NOT Philadelphia Cream Cheese!  Pah!



  

Letter To PETA / The End Of Barnum And Bailey Circus...

Through no fault of their own, 600+ people employed by Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus will soon be unemployed.  Ringling's veterinarian staff will probably find work elsewhere.  The folks that put up and take down tents might luck up on a job moving rental equipment.  But a small percent of these people are ringmasters, aerialists, acrobats, animal trainers, and clowns--all of which are highly skilled entertainers,  most at the top of their field.  Sadly, none of their remarkable skills will help these poor folks find employment--not with today's economy, not in today's job market.  The biggest percentage of circus employees are the hard-working vendors--the ticket takers, the snack and souvenir sellers..  Unfortunately, there is little or no demand elsewhere for their skill--in spite of their years of experience and job dedication. All of their careers are over, their job prospects are none--thanks to PETA.

Most of these circus employees live in small furnished apartments in the Ringling railroad cars.  When they lose their jobs (along with their medical coverage), they also lose their homes.  So along with their families, their children, and their pets, they are facing imminent homelessness, followed by destitution and hunger.  Let's face it--without a permanent physical address, they can't even sign up for unemployment.  Or welfare.  Or food stamps.  So no job.  No income.  No home.  No medical coverage. Their future is nothing but grim--thanks to PETA

And what will happen to the elephants that PETA has fought so long to "free"?  Ringling Bros. had a wonderful plan for retiring them--in a beautiful natural area on their own property in Florida, where they could be studied for educational and conservation purposes...But with no income from the circus to fund it, chances of that  plan coming to fruition are looking slim.  More than likely, the intended property will be sold along with the other circus assets.

What will happen to the elephants then?  They couldn't be released in the wild--they're domestic animals that were born in captivity...They could not survive in their natural habitat. They can't be sold to private homes--even if you could afford their feed, housing, and veterinary care,  laws surely prohibit private ownership of any exotic animal as large and potentially dangerous as an elephant.  So where does PETA suggest the elephants go?  To even smaller circuses, where living quarters are even smaller, hay is often moldy, feed is sometimes scarce, handlers are not always trained, and veterinary attention is non-existent?  Not to mention the elephants will then be right back in the same situation PETA supposedly "rescued" them from.  In reduced circumstances, these elephants will face hunger, medical neglect, and abuse--thanks to PETA.

 Possibly one or two elephants might find a home in a zoo, where food is more plentiful and medical care available... But will these lucky few be happy, separated from the other circus elephants--losing their "family",  their companions, the only "herd" they've ever known?   Will the zoo's elephants accept these newcomers--or will they be run off from the herd, shunned by the rest, forced to live a life of  loneliness and solitude?  Their outlook is bleak--thanks to PETA.

The other circus animals will fare no better...The lions and tigers will face a similar fate as the elephants.  Their horses and ponies?  They're trained to work in a small ring, ridden bareback as a vaulting horse or else performing tricks without a rider. These are intelligent, well-trained animals, but this is the only work they know how to do.  Re-training a horse is timely and expensive.  With horses being both cheap and plentiful, "retired" circus horses have very little chance of finding a good home....

 These noble, beautiful horses will  leave behind a life of glamour...A life with loving attention, plentiful food, daily grooming and proper exercise. A life that most horses only dream of.  Unfortunately, once the circus closes, these horses will face the same sad fate as the majority of today's horses...Most will pass through a long succession of owners,  with treatment and living conditions steadily worsening as they age. Some will die of starvation, some will be worked until they break down.  Eventually they will most likely be sold for slaughter.  All as a result of the original owners losing their very livelihood, leaving them unable to keep them no longer.  Again, thanks to PETA.

So I have to ask PETA--

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
WHAT DID YOU THINK WOULD ULTIMATELY HAPPEN TO THE ANIMALS ?!
 DID YOU REALLY THINK THIS THROUGH?!

 Regardless of the thought you put into this,  you got what you wanted...the circus animals--as well as the circus-- will soon be gone.  Their lives-- and all ours--will be infinitely poorer for their going.

THANKS TO YOU, PETA.

*NO, I am not anti-animal rights.  And NO, I am not an animal abuser.  I am a farm owner and a  caretaker of animals, as I have been for the past 25 years.  During that time, I have had the pleasure of knowing and caring for :  14 horses, 9 dogs, 17 cats, 14 chickens, 5 rabbits, 2 goats, and 1 sheep. Our dogs and cats are spayed or neutered. We don't sell our horses, we don't eat our chickens. We take in strays. All our animals have been happy, healthy, well fed, well cared for, and very much loved.  From closely watching Barnum and Bailey Circus over the years, I have concluded that their animals are cared for much the same as my own.

**As far as whips, hooks, chains, or restraints:  Have you PETA people ever raised or handled a young horse (much less a young elephant)?  Try leading one ANYWHERE without the restraint of a halter or lead rope.  Even with a halter and lead, you'll get dragged around a little... feet get stepped on, the occasional toe is broken.  Not because the horse is bad, but because he's young and untrained.  To train him, you need a whip (not to beat him but to move him away from your feet) and a chain under his chin (not to injure him but to apply enough pressure to stop him from dragging you).  A young horse with no discipline or restraint will unintentionally hurt you--possibly even kill you.  So will an elephant.

12 Days Of Christmas / or...Grainne And The 'Possum

                                                               
 








                                                                                                          
On the 1st day of Christmas, my terrier gave to me
a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the 2nd day of Christmas, my husband gave to me
two shaky ladders and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my daughter gave to me
3 wooden crutches, two shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.






















On the 4th day of Christmas, my  neighbor gave to me
4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, two shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree

On the 5th day of Christmas, my daughter gave to me
5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches,2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the 6th day of Christmas, my husband gave to me
6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, 2 shaky ladders,
and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my doctor gave to me
7 pain pills and a tetanus shot, 6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4  humane traps, 3 wooden crutches,
2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

 


















On the 8th day of Christmas, my daughter gave to me
 8 carabiners, 7 pain pills and a tetanus shot, 6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, 2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the 9th day of Christmas, my husband gave to me
9 yards of rope, 8 carabiners, 7 pain pills and a tetanus shot, 6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, 2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the 10th day of Christmas, an EMT gave to me
a 10-mile ride to the ER, 9 yards of rope, 8 carabiners, 7 pain pills and a tetanus shot, 6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, 2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

On the 11th day of Christmas, my doctor gave to me
11 more pain pills and 2 casts, a 10-mile ride to the ER, 9 yards of rope, 8 carabiners, 7 pain pills and a tetanus shot, 6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, 2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.














On the 12th day of Christmas, my daughter gave to me
a 12-gauge shotgun, 11 more pain pills and 2 casts, a 10-mile ride to the ER, 9 yards of rope, 8 carabiners, 7 pain pills and a tetanus shot, 6 rusty scaffolds, 5 finger splints, 4 humane traps, 3 wooden crutches, 2 shaky ladders, and a 'possum in my persimmon tree.

  On Christmas Day I gave the 'possum a very nice funeral**, and my family a big persimmon pie.













**No 'possums were actually injured in the above tale--I shot and missed, and the 'possum died laughing...

Merry Christmas To All!

GRANNY'S RECIPE FOR PERSIMMON PIE

9 inch single pie crust
3 eggs
2 c. persimmon puree
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 lg. can evaporated milk
1/2 tsp. salt 

 Beat eggs, add puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, cloves and milk. Beat to blend thoroughly. Pour into pastry.Bake on lowest rack at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake until pie looks set, but jiggles slightly in center...about 45 minutes. Cool to room temperature.   Serve with fresh whipped cream, and enjoy!

Goodbye, Elf!

Christmas Day at last !
Good tidings of great cheer...
 That rotten Elf can vanish
for another whole year...
Ahh--do you hear it?!!   Peace and quiet...