Mom's Pickles and Beets - Remembering Mom With a Story and a Song

As autumn returns and the cooler weather settles in, my mother has been on my mind every day. 

When the seasons change, my parents come front and center in my thoughts, bringing back all the things I miss about growing up. 

Fall always reminds me of my mom preparing homemade pickles and beets, filling the cellar and freezer up with homemade goodies.

To honor my late mother, I decided to write her this song called Mom's Pickles and Beets. Below, you will find the story of me as a fifteen-year-old girl back in September 1975. I hope you enjoy the story below and the related song.

A Page from My Life in 1975:

September 1975 brought that familiar, sharp chill to the air, signaling the start of a brand new season. I was fifteen years old and it was all in front of me. 

For me, autumn was always the absolute best time of the year, filled with the return of school routines, skating lessons, and the comforting sense that September offered a fresh start.

Coming home at the end of the day meant stepping through the front door into a warm haven. The kitchen always smelled richly of spices and a pot of homemade soup simmering steadily on the stove. 

Countertops would be lined with rows of freshly packed mason jars filled with homemade pickles and beets. My usual routine was to head straight for the living room fireplace to warm my hands, just as Mom would call out from the kitchen, asking me to head down to the basement to handle the laundry basket and grab a container of fudge on the way back up.

Mornings didn't always run smoothly, of course. There were frantic days when sleep got the better of me, and I had to scramble, racing into the kitchen to plead, "Mom, can you drive me? I'm going to be late!"

With a familiar roll of her eyes and a quick, resigned nod, she would agree, usually adding with a knowing smile, "You know, I won't always be here to fix every mess."

More than five decades have slipped away since those days. Yet every time the autumn leaves begin to turn, those memories return just as vividly as ever. 

The scent of her cooking, the quiet warmth of those evenings, and the lasting comfort of her presence remain woven into every part of who I am today. I miss my mother.

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What memories do fall and the changing seasons bring back for you?

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"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

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🎵 I write and produce story-driven lyrics. Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording.🎵 ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved - Original Lyrics Authored | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed digital composition (Commercial Rights Held). The visual artwork may include AI-assisted digital elements. SOCAN Member.

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Anti Slip Dog Protector Pads Reviewed

 The battle of the hardwood floors continues! Upon the positive recommendation of a friend with a senior dog I tried the Anti Slip pads to evaluate if this was a tool for the older dog arsenal. 

The stick on paw pads are shaped like the bottom of a dogs paw and are peel n stick. There are little rubber treads all over the stick on pads to help with traction on smooth floors.

Installation

The pads were easy to install and my dog tolerated them well. Did he love the pads? No But he didn't try to remove the pads either. I do think the tolerance would be dog specific as dogs can be very picky about their feet. However, compared to other senior dog products for traction the pads were one of the least intrusive. 

Do They Work?

Yes, they do help with traction.

Price Point

There are a few manufacturers on the market, search dog paw protectors online to examine the selection. The prices do vary. 

Recommendation

This is a product I ultimately returned. The product did work for my situation as  I found the removal of the product was too cumbersome and difficult. 

My friend loves the pads and reports the pads fall off regularly after a few days and she simply replaces the pads with no muss, no fuss. If the pads I used had fallen off that would be highly preferable than attempting to unstick the pads.

I definitely believe the pads are worth trying to evaluate if they are a good fit for your dog.

Which Product Helped The Most?

After weeks of evaluation and a few trial and error attempts,  I found the best solution actually using 2 products simultaneously : Dr. Buzby Toe Grips for the rear paws and the Tiger Toes socks for the front paws. 

Full Review on Dr. Buzby's Here.

Full Review of Tiger Toes Socks Here.

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Book Review - Tracker: A Fox Walker Novel by Indy Quillen

Tracker: A Fox Walker Novel is an award-winning, suspense novel set in the beautiful but rugged terrain of Colorado near the San Juan mountains.  Fox Walker is asked to go into the wilderness to confirm or put to rest the rumors that someone or something is out there. In this story, cold weather may not be the only danger coming. 

The Tracker. Fox Walker is a Native American who lives in remote Colorado near the San Juan mountains. His grandfather taught him the old ways of living and survival. Fox's tracking skills are supreme and he is often asked by the local Sheriff to assist with search and rescues in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. This story begins with Fox being asked to assist again.

Historically, the area that is now named Gray's Forest was considered mukua sogope (a place of mystery and spiritual power). Add to existing reputation an unsolved murder last spring, sightings of someone or something recently, and pressure from the local press with their stories that keep the rumors stirred up causes the Sheriff to act. Walker is asked to prove no one is out there, that there is not someone who may be in need of assistance, or confirm that there is or isn't some sort of fugitive hiding out.

 Soon after he begins his search, Walker finds evidence of a person using wilderness survival techniques to dig and harvest edible wild plants. With confirming human presence, he wonders if it is true that the murderer is hiding out. When he finally finds footprints, the mystery compounds when he determines that it is a barefoot woman. 

"A woman. Out here, shoeless and alone?" 

                                                            -from Tracker: A Fox Walker Novel 

The Wilderness Woman. The woman is alone in the wilderness. Walker hears her before he sees her. She is singing a song that was reminiscent of native Ute songs. The woman uses wooden, fire-hardened digging sticks to gather edible plants. The cookfire is near the cliffs and shallow creek. And near the front of a cave entrance. 

The petite woman is also barefoot, clothed only in a pair of shorts, and has long blonde hair. Her physical appearance and dress does not reconcile with her living in a cave with things such as hand-woven bark container and fishing in the creek with her wooden spear. 

When Fox Walker and the wilderness woman finally make close contact, he notes that she has some sort of markings or scars on her torso. And surprised that she speaks in a basic mix of English and Shoshone. Many words and things are not familiar to her. While she has some survival knowledge, she lacks memories of a time before waking in the wilderness approximately 6 "moons" ago.  She seems familiar with nothing except the wilderness.

Fall is here. Winter is coming. The woman is as skittish as a young deer and Fox Walker needs to find a way to win her trust and help her survive.

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

The Fox Walker series consists of 7 books. I quickly started book 2 as soon as I finished Tracker. The author, Indy Quillen, has a new fan. Quillen's knowledge about and love of the natural world shine through. Fox Walker's connection with nature and survival skills flow out of the pages. This is no regurgitated generic survival story. The honest characters grabbed me and I wanted more.  

Tracker: The Fox Walker Novel is currently reviewed by 2,183 readers with 4.4 stars. Please take a look at what those reviewers have to say.

Intro photo courtesy of: Dsdugan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Text added with Fotojet.

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Review of Fall Home Decorations for 2026

 I enjoy changing the decor in my home to fit the seasons and autumn is my favorite season.  I prefer decorations that are simple and classic.  For fall bringing the colors of the season into the home with colorful pillows and throws, leaves, pumpkins and candles give you a warm and cozy feeling.  I have an entrance table that I like to decorate with a fall runner and some simple decorations.  In early fall I have a sunflower runner and add a colorful pot and some fresh flowers in the colors of the season.  Later in the fall I will change to a pumpkin designed runner and some pumpkins and candles.  Below is a photo of my early fall runner and flowers.

Amazon has a lot of interesting fall decorations.  Here are some that I really like and thought they would be a great addition to my fall decor.

Leaves

Leaves make great decorations for a staircase or a fireplace mantle. This colorful leaves with berries and small pumpkins is 6 feet long.  it will be perfect for my mantle.  Here is a link to Amazon for the leaf's pictures above. Fall Leaves

Another great way to bring fall leaf color into your home is with this pair of colorful "Fall Maple Trees".  They are each 22 inches tall and are battery operated.

Here is a link to the trees on Amazon. Fall Maple Trees

Table Runners

Table runners are a great way to add a touch of autumn to your home.  I like to use them several different way.  They are great for my dining room table, my entrance table and sometimes I hang them over the banister leading to our downstairs.  Here are two that I found on Amazon.

Fall Pumpkin and Leaf runner                                                                           

Pumpkin Runner                                                                                               

Pillows

Colorful fall pillows can add a touch of fall to your sofa or chairs.  Here is one I really liked on Amazon.  They are covers for pillows and come in a set of two that are 18x 18 inches each.  What a great way to convert pillows you have into a fall theme.

Pumpkin Pillow Covers                                                                               

Fall Bathroom

I also like to bring a touch of fall into my guest bathroom.  Here are some items I found on Amazon the help give your bathroom a touch of the season.

Fall Hand Towels                                                                                              

Pumpkin Soap Dispenser                                                                                   

Fall Bath Mat                                                                                                 

Flameless Pumpkin Candle

Fall Kitchen

I also like to add a touch of fall decor to my kitchen.  Here are some ideas for you from Amazon.

Pumpkin Trivets                                                                                               

Fall Kitchen Towels                                                                                   

Fall Coasters

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A Review of Flavored Coffee Recipes

I was visiting a friend today, and she made the most delicious coffee I have had in a long time.  It was cinnamon-orange with a hint of vanilla.  It was delightful, so I asked her how she made it.  Imagine my surprise when she told me one of the ingredients was Jello!  She actually uses her coffee maker and simply dumps all the ingredients into the filter with the coffee and out pours tangy orange coffee!

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of ground coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon of orange Jello
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Dump all dry ingredients into a coffee filter, gather it up and shake to mix.
2. Add the extract in the center of the filter.
3. Turn on your coffee maker and brew normally.

You can make this with tea as well, just make your tea as usual, then add the vanilla, cinnamon and Jello to the tea pot and stir to mix.  In tea it is extremely flavorful, and is delicious with butter cookies or scones.

Two Recipes for Chocolate Coffee

Chocolate flavored coffee is really delicious, one of the easiest ways to make it is by using chocolate syrup:

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1-2 teaspoons chocolate syrup

Combine the brewed coffee and chocolate syrup in a large mug. Stir well to combine, then top with whipped cream if you like.

Another way to make chocolate coffee is by using cocoa powder. This method involves adding cocoa powder to a cup of brewed coffee, stirring well to combine.

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

If you want a taste of pure fall, this is the drink for you.  You can use store bought pumpkin spice, but I prefer to make my own so I can tweak the recipe to how I like it.  I usually put more cinnamon and nutmeg and a bit less clove.  I use pumpkin spice in other things, like cookies, pie or pumpkin bread, so I make a lot at a time and store it in a mason jar.  You can buy the spices already ground up, or you can buy them whole and use a spice grinder to grind them yourself. Here's the recipe for homemade pumpkin spice:

• 6 tablespoons of cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons of ginger
• 4 teaspoons of nutmeg
• 3 teaspoons of allspice
• 3 teaspoons of cloves

To make Pumpkin Spice Coffee:

1. Fill your coffee maker with water and insert a filter
2. Put one heaping teaspoon of pumpkin spice on top of 1/3 cup of your favorite coffee in the filter 
3. Stir the two ingredients together thoroughly
4. Turn on your coffee maker and brew as normal 

I love drinking this coffee on my rear deck on crisp fall mornings with my homemade raised doughnuts.  Fall bliss!

Mexican Coffee

Mexican Coffee is a spicy blend that is truly different from regular coffee.  The ingredients may sound like a strange combination, but believe me, it is a really unforgettable taste that is great for after dinner or a mid-afternoon break.

Ingredients

• 6 oz. hot coffee
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup milk (can use skim or 2%)
• whipped cream (I use the squirt from a can kind)

Directions: 

1. In a mason jar, pour the hot coffee and brown sugar and screw the lid on and shake till all the sugar is melted and there are no lumps.
2. Add the cocoa, cinnamon, and ground cayenne into the jar, screw the lid on and shake till all ingredients are incorporated.
3. In a large coffee mug, pour in the milk and a pinch of cinnamon, stir and place in the microwave for 30 seconds.
4. Remove from the microwave and pour the coffee mixture in the cup and top with whip cream.

This is a great drink to serve in the evening after a barbeque or while sitting on the couch with your sweetie watching a movie.  Spicy!

Peppermint Coffee

This coffee is always a hit around the holidays!  Try it at your next gathering, I bet it will be a big hit!

Ingredients

• 6 oz. extra strong coffee
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Directions:

• ▢ 

1. Place the milk, sugar, cocoa powder and peppermint extract in a medium saucepan over low heat. 
2. Stir gently until heated, DO NOT boil!
3. Pour the coffee in and stir to mix, tasting to see if you feel it needs more sugar, peppermint or cocoa.
4. Pour in a cup and top with whipped cream and a candy cane

Every time I make this, everyone just loves it!  They say the peppermint, cocoa and coffee flavors mix beautifully!

I know this last recipe isn't actually coffee, but it is a recipe you will want, trust me!  This is the hands down most delicious coffee smoothie you will ever have in your mouth, guaranteed!

Coffee Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black coffee (lukewarm is better)
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 cup milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon cocoa

Directions:

1. Cut up the frozen banana (you can use a 3/4 cup of ice if you don't like bananas) and place it in the blender.  
2. Pulse a few times to break the banana up and then add the peanut butter, milk, vanilla and cocoa.  Blend on medium until smooth then switch to puree for 30 seconds.  
3. Pour into a smoothie cup and enjoy!

I think all of these drinks are exceptionally delicious.  I love to making things that are unusual and surprise my guests. All these drinks are good at doing that!  Try a few out and see what you think, especially during the upcoming holidays.

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Image Credits: tinyurl.com/pmm3esu

I http://tinyurl.com/jmrqlyn

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The Life I Built From Broken Things - A Song Review

 

When You're Done Trying to Put Your Name in the Sand

Have you ever had one of those days, or years, where it felt like you were trying to write your name in the sand while the tide was coming in at full speed? 

You keep smoothing it out, trying to make it stay, but the water just wipes it away again and again.

Although I'm a positive person, I do feel this way at times. I spent a long time thinking that if I could keep everything neat and predictable, I was winning. Not anymore. Life has a way of showing us that some things are out of our control. 

I poured these thoughts into a new song called "The Life I Built From Broken Things". It has become my own little anthem, and I wanted to share it with you because we all need the reminder that we are tougher than we give ourselves credit for.

Building Something Real When You Are in a Crunch

When things fall apart, our first instinct is often to worry. We look at the mess and think, "Well, that is it. I am done." I have been there. You look at your life and see the broken floorboards and the leaks, and you feel like the whole thing is coming down.

But we don't have to fix the whole house in a single day. Recovery is often quiet and slow. It is just one band-aid at a time, as I wrote in the song. It's deciding that even though the floor has holes in it, we will still sweep up the sand. There's something beautiful about building a life out of our broken things. 

It means the foundation is not just some perfect, sterile thing. It is made of experience. It is made of the times we fell down and got back up anyway.

Why a Little Stubbornness Is Actually a Good Thing

If anyone tells you that you are being too stubborn, take it as a compliment. There is a specific kind of stubbornness that I think is a superpower. It is that quiet, deep-down refusal to let the storm win.

In my song, I wrote, "I'm just too stubborn to know how to fail." People might look at your life and see the rain or the struggle. But they don't see the work you are doing when you hide your wings. They can't see the way you are reinforcing the walls in the dark, preparing for the moment you're ready to fly again.

I've learned that the one thing nobody can take away from me is me.

You're the only person who can decide when you're done. If you haven't decided you're done, then you're not failing. You're still in the middle of the project.

We Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Strong

It is perfectly okay to have weak days. We're human. It's going to happen. We don't have to be a superhero every single day. It's okay to be tired or frustrated. It's only part of your story, not the whole story.

I believe that every tiny, incremental inch we move forward counts. Even if it is just one nail you hammer in, it's progress. The life you are building might look different than the one you started with, but it is yours. 

Thanks for letting me share this with you. I hope that if you are going through a storm right now, these words give you a little bit of shelter. You've got this.

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"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

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**I write and produce story-driven lyrics. ** ** ** ** Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording. ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved. Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held). I wrote, created, and produced this piece on June 21st, 2026 - Member of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada)**

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Ororo Lightweight Heated Vest Review

It's summer and so of course it makes perfect sense for a Ororo Heated Vest review! This is the time to pick up great deals on winter clothing and I will be looking for my favorite purchase of last year on the summer sales.

It was an extremely long and cold winter in the northern United States, but then again, summer is very very short as well, so this is a vest which will bode you well through most of the year. The Ororo heated vest exceeded my expectations with every feature.

Heat Levels

Three heat levels easily controlled by a toggle button on the outside of the vest. The button turns colors for each heat level of red, white, blue. I found warming the vest on the high setting before putting the vest on would then allow a lower setting while wearing the vest. 

Weight

I was pleasantly surprised as to how light the vest is with the battery. A few years back I had tried a heated vest and the battery was so heavy all I could feel was the battery literally weighing one side of the vest down. The overall weight of the vest is similar to a higher end quilted down vest, but streamlined. 

Battery

The rectangle battery pack is installed in the rear of the vest on the bottom about right behind the hip. I honestly forgot the battery existed the majority of the time. The battery felt heavier when charging, but not installed in the vest. I did invest, when on sale, for a second battery just for ease when it became apparent this vest was going to be a winter fall staple in the wardrobe. 

Colors

The Ororo vest is available in a variety of colors, mostly the staple colors of vests. The usual black, blue, grey, cream and a pretty cobalt blue would be the brighter option.

Price

I recommend purchasing on sale! Whether it be a summer sale, or Black Friday sale or holiday sale as the vest is not inexpensive. I've also seen flash sales online for the holidays with a nice savings available.

Where To Purchase

Search Ororo Heated Lightweight Vest for online options to purchase. 

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How to Grill Better

 

Prime grilling season is here!  Time to get out that grill, wash it off, check the gas tank and get out those utensils. Make sure you have lots of aluminum foil, barbecue sauce, meat and vegetables because it's grilling time!

Are you worried because your grill skills are rather lackluster?  Do your friends bring tacos to your barbecue?  if so, here are some tips to help you on your way to becoming the perfect Grill Master!

Make sure to preheat the grill - You cannot get a good sear if you put your food down on a cold grill.  The food could stick and rip to pieces when you try to turn it, and it can make meat or chicken taste different.  (not in a good way)  You should turn your grill on at least 10 minutes before starting to cook.

Make sure to use the right temperature - for what you are cooking.  You can use positioning of the items to help with this. For chicken and thicker cuts of meat and fish, medium or medium-low heat works well for most cuts because the center needs time to cook through before the exterior burns. For hot dogs, sausages, and brats is also ideal to allow the links to cook evenly before finishing them over high heat to crisp up the casing. 

Use Cooking Zones - a common mistake in grilling is to set the whole grill on the same temperature.  It is so much easier to cook different things at once if you have high heat on one side, low heat on the other side and leave the middle off completely for indirect cooking or warming.  Use each zone for what you are trying to accomplish on each item at the proper time.

To add hickory flavor on a gas grill- soak hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes and wrap in double aluminum foil and seal, then poke holes in it with a toothpick.  Lay this packet on top of your gas grill's burner to get delicious flavor.

Use an aluminum can to hold your barbecue sauce - you don't want to save leftover sauce since it has been contaminated with your grill brush covered in raw juices, so just use a tin can and toss it when you are done!

Use a variety of sauces - BBQ sauce is not the only sauce that is great for grilling.  Teriyaki or Hoisin sauce is also tasty, as is honey mustard.  Red hot sauce is perfect for making hot wings!

Easy way to grill for vegetarians or veggie lovers - Make "veggie packs" and grill them before your guests arrive, then leave them on the outer edges of the grill to stay warm. To make them, simply put peppers, onions, zucchini, potatoes or any other veggies you have on hand, in tin foil with garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt, and seal.  Grill for 15 or 20 minutes.

The secret to grilling fish - seal each piece in an individual foil envelope, than way it is easy to cook and you don't have to worry about it falling apart.  It also helps keep the fish moist, and you can add a lemon slice and seasonings for flavor.

How to avoid dry grilled food - you can avoid problem by using a marinade.  One of my favorites is Italian salad dressing.  It is wonderful on any kind of meat or seafood.  It also makes grilled vegetables more tasty. You can also make marinade from store bought packets or internet recipes.

Don't over flip - don't constantly flip your meat because you are bored or impatient.  It will cook even more slowly if turned over excessively.

Forget the smash - Do not smash food items on your grill!  All this will do is push out the juices and make them dry inside.

Grill some fruit Put sheets of aluminum foil on your grill and brush pieces of pineapple, apple, melon and cantaloupe with honey. Grill on both sides and serve warm.

When grilling shish kebobs - cut your meat and vegetable pieces bigger and use two skewers per kebob.  Your pieces will be much less likely to fall off or spin on the skewer so one half is always toward the fire.  Don't forget to soak wood skewers in water before use so they won't burn on the grill.

Avoid Overcooking -  Once an item is removed from the grill, it continues to cook from the heat inside.  To avoid overcooking, you should remove your food from the grill 5 to 10 minutes before it is fully done.

To keep food items that you grill warm - use two small 6 pack coolers, one for meat and one for vegetables to keep extra them warm and away from insects.

One of my favorite items I use in grilling is my BBQ Grill Basket.  It saves time because it flips more than one item at a time and it also keeps items from falling apart, like hamburgers, or fish fillets.  My favorite thing to cook in it is vegetables.  I just slice up our favorite vegetables, season and brush with Italian dressing and place them in the basket, close it and place on the grill.  I usually only flip it once after 10 minutes and it another 10, you are ready to serve.  (Potatoes may take longer) It is the perfect side to steak, pork chops and burgers!  I bought mine at Amazon and when I bought it the price was only $15 and it came with a silicone brush!  I highly recommend it!

UNCO- BBQ Grill Basket

I hope these tips help to elevate your grilling talents.  Your friends and family will love the results, I promise!

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Insulated Bags to Keep Cold Groceries Cold and Carry Out Food Warm

I absolutely hate going to get fast food or pick up from a restaurant only to arrive home and the food be cold.  We recently ordered pizza delivery and the pizza was "right out of the oven" hot.  That is how all carry out food should arrive!  

I considered the bags pizza deliverers use and set out to find an insulated bag for our pickup orders.  I found a 2 pack set of heavy duty insulated bags with a zipper top.  The shape of the bags is perfect for a large carry out bag of food or 2 medium size bags.  Just set the bags or containers in the insulated bag, zip the top and head home.

The first time we tried them, we brought home burgers and fries.  I folder over the top of the restaurant bag and set it all down in the insulted bag.  When we got home, the food was still warm.  What a great change!  

One other unexpected benefit of using the insulated bag is that the food didn't fall over and spill out when set in the floor of the car.

I haven't tried the bags yet for cold products, but I have confidence they will be equally as wonderful.  I will be very happy to bring home unmelted frozen food, especially ice cream products, during the summer months.  It will also be nice to get our cold milk and orange juice home at a cooler state than room temperature. 

The next time we go to a pot luck dinner, I will definitely be using the bags to transport the food we are taking regardless of whether it is hot or cold.  With 2 bags, we can have one hot bag and one cold bag if needed.  To be clear, you can't mix hot food with cold food in the same bag, but I bet you already knew that! 

 

2 Pack Insulated Bags 

 BALEINE 2Pk Insulated Reusable Heavy Duty Large Insulated Bags, Collapsible for Storage (16''x9''x13'')Check PriceThese are the insulated bags I purchased.  Not only do they keep carry-out food warm, but they fold down nicely for storage. I could even leave them folded down and stored in my car for easy access when needed

Other reviewers have stated that they are perfect for keeping groceries cold too, but I have not had the opportunity to try that yet.  

Each bag is 16" tall, 13" wide, and 9" deep.  

To clean, simply wipe them with a damp cloth. 

I bought the 2 pack, but they are also available as a single bag or a 4 pack. 

I opted for black, but they are also available in other colors and designs. 

 BALEINE 2Pk Insulated Reusable Heavy Duty Large Insulated Bags, Collapsible for Storage (16''x9''x13'')Check Price

 

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Insulated Bags to Keep Cold Groceries Cold and Carry Out Food Warm written by:

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Sunflower Hill Farm

Beautiful Sunflower Silos


In this post I will be reviewing my visit to Sunflower Hill Farm and the beautiful silos painted in sunflowers that are nearby.                   

Sunflower Hill Farm

My cousin and I were looking for a good place to meet for lunch on a sunny afternoon in May.  I mentioned I wanted to photograph the painted sunflower silos in the wine country near us and she suggested a nearby cafe at Sunflower Hill Farms.  It was an excellent choice.  Our food was great and the whole place was a great relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

We ate on the patio and and I enjoyed a delicious veggie grilled cheese, it consisted of provolone and cheddar cheese along with mushrooms, peppers, spinach and onions, all grilled on sourdough bread.  Yummy.

Sunflower Hill Farm is a wonderful event space too. The farm is located on 130 acres.  Along with the cafe there is a shop  with homemade items on sale.  There is also a nursery on the property and a large event space.  The farm has become a delightful wedding and event space.  As you can see in the photo below, the event area sits up on the hill overlooking the Missouri river valley.  

Sunflower Hill Farms is located at 245 Terry Road in Augusta, Missouri.  On their website www.sunflowerhillfarm.com they have listed lots of information about their events, calendar, and a menu from the cafe.  If you are in the area, I would highly recommend this venue.  Here are a few of my photos.

Painted Silos

These beautiful silos were commissioned by the owners of the Sunflower Hill Farm.  They are located near the Katy  Trail just south of the entrance to the farm. It is at mile marker 661.6 on the Katy Trail. They were  painted by artist Anne Molasky and her painting partner Kim Alsop and were finished in the fall of 2023.

These vibrant sunflower paintings are a nice stop for people along the Katy Trail.  There is also acess to them off of Hwy 94 halfway between Defiance and Augusta deep in the heart of Missouri Wine Country.  

I stopped to visit and take photographs of these beautiful works of art just before I visited Sunflower Hill Farms.  They are quite amazing to look at from all different angles. I would have loved to see them as they were being painted.  Very talented artists!

 Zazzle Products

Here is a link to a greeting card made from my sunflower silos photograph.

Sunflower Silo Greeting Card

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