2020 - A Year in Review

 It's time to take a look back at all of the scary things that happened this year.

Here are some of the highlights of 2020 on Scary Journey:

I confessed (once again) my addiction to Corn Nuts (they are so good!)

They play a lot of country music where I work

How certain songs get stuck in our head, like Da Ya Think I'm Sexy

How I use other names when placing orders

My dislike of our plastic plates

My Uncle and the tiles 

My birthday present this year (hint:  the computer has been moved)

Alex joined the Army National Guard

We entered a pandemic together

We survived the quarantine with a little count down

My family are napkin snobs

Added painter to my resume

We had to wear masks

Mask making became a career, for some people

I made a quarantine song list

We became bagel hoarders

My Clock Died during quarantine

I celebrate two easters

Bella finished 8th grade

I was able to buy a new clock online

Someone plays bagpipes in our neighborhood

We started celebrating weird National Days

Our bedroom clock is 17 minutes ahead (so we can do math in the middle of the night)

I'm secretly dating Elon Musk

I read all negative reviews on products first

I challenged you to a writing challenge

I started a career in mulch throwing 

I entertained you with some Karen stories

I increased my number of viewers on Netflix (shh!!  don't tell the kids!)

I survived 88 days in quarantine (and didn't kill anyone!)

Bella loves all music (just like me)

We learned new sayings like, Stay Safe and Social Distancing

My kids and spiders

My kids weird reaction with new things

Curly moved in with us

I got my big break and became a Walmart greeter

I created a playlist inspired by the songs they play at work.

My Girl Scout Troop received their Silver Award

I bought a new purse!

Finally able to have a date night and we can't eat out (Thanks a lot, Governor!)

I was a Target Employee for Halloween

We survived a never ending Presidential election (umm, is it over yet?)

I have a huge stockpile of Band Aids

My dislike of Election Signs

We found out that the common cold and flu have been cured

We learned a little about RT this year:

The effects of Cherry Juice 

The effects Coconut water has on him (or others)

How attached he became to his Sunflowers

The launch of his fence making business

His decision to go barefoot

His wallet issues

RT's obsession with ice cubes and ice cube making

And, we learned a lot about My Weird Dog:

Pippen made a new "friend" (the term used by the other dog owner)

Pippen got a new dog bed.  It took him 2 weeks  awhile to get used to it, but, he loves it now.

Pippen and I are a lot alike when it comes to new things

His Mommy clinginess

His weird eating habits

His future as a weather dog

He eats bird seed

We made some stuff:

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Angel Hair Pasta with Puttanesca 

Vegetarian Avgolemono Soup 

Soft Ginger Cookies

Soft Pretzels

Beer Batter Cheese Bread

Sugar Cookie Cake

Easy Artisan Bread

Chicken Tacos

Roasted Eggplant Hummus 

Vegetable Stir Fry

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins 

Delicious Crusty Bread 

Halloween Candy Dessert

Baked Falafel 

Pfeffernusse Cookies

And, sadly, we had a huge loss this year.  Miss you, Mom!

It's been 9 long  scary  frightening  wonderful years here on A Scary Journey.  Thanks for sticking around.  Let's hope 2021 is a little better!  Happy New Year everyone!

Cheers!

RT Wallet Update

Wanted to give a little update on RT's wallet situation. 

If you recall, RT was using a plastic bag as a wallet after the kayaking incident while on vacation.  You can read about that story here and here.   I forgot to mention how popular he became in the UP (Upper Peninsula).  The people at the coffee shop knew him as the "plastic bag wallet guy."  Honestly, I think the entire town knew him by that name.  We joked that they would ask him to be in their 4th of July parade.  He could be on a float holding his wallet.

Unfortunately, holes started forming on the plastic bag.  The holes got a little too big and RT had to abandon the plastic bag.  

Enter the large binder clip.

RT started using a large binder clip as a wallet.  It was great to see how creative he could be with what was available to him.  The binder clip was great until one day when he couldn't find his drivers license.  He spent a day or so searching the house, car, yard, etc.  He found his license and decided that he might have to take the plunge and purchase a wallet.  

Luckily, RT received a wallet for Christmas and was able to successfully transfer everything from the binder clip.  

I think things will start going back to normal now.

Fun National Days in January

I did a little research and found some fun holidays that we can celebrate next month.  I started this Fun National Days in the middle of the year and thought I would continue until I come full circle.  

Here is a look at some of January's Fun National Days:

January 3

National Drinking Straw Day

This is the day in 1888 that Marvin C. Stone received a patent for the drinking straw.  The first straws were used for drinking beer.  By using the straw they could avoid the solid byproducts of fermentation that might have sunk to the bottom.  Straws are now made in a wide variety of materials.  If using a straw today, please drink responsibly with a reusable straw!  (I'm looking at you, Patti!)

It's also

National Fruitcake Toss Day

It's time to get that first workout in of the year along with using up that lovely fruitcake that Aunt Martha gave you.  How to celebrate the day?  Gather your friends for a fruitcake toss competition.  Everyone must bring a fruitcake they received.  The one who hurls the fruitcake the farthest, wins.  Make sure to have hot cocoa and prizes on hand.

January 6

National Bean Day

Great day for Vegetarians and Vegans to celebrate.  Beans come in many sizes, shapes and colors and are a big source of protein.  I did a little digging and found that this holiday was started to honor Gregory Mendel, whose research of breeding pea plants is the basis of modern genetics.  How to celebrate today?  Try a new bean variety.  Try a new recipe with beans.   Suggestions:  Black Bean Brownies, Chocolate Chip Blondies or Black Bean Protein Bites.

 

January 8

National JoyGerm Day

Today is a reminder that positivity and kindness to others can influence others to pass along that positive attitude.  Laugh, smile and spread some joy today!

January 11

National Clean Off Your Desk Day

Good, because my desk is a total mess!

January 14

National Dress Up Your Pet Day

Pippen!  Where are you?  

January 16

National Nothing Day

It's just that.  Nothing.  A day set aside with nothing to celebrate.  You can celebrate by, well, doing nothing.  Put nothing in a glass and use it as a centerpiece.  Write nothing in your diary for today.  Send an email with nothing in it to your friends and family.  When asked, "What are your plans for the day?" You can reply, "Nothing."  In fact, "Nothing" can be your response to everything today.

January 19

National Popcorn Day

Sweet? Savory? Buttered or plain?  Caramelized?  With nuts or chocolate?  I will definitely be celebrating with some lightly salted popcorn.  How about you?

January 20

National Cheese Lover's Day

A day set aside for RT to enjoy various cheeses.  If one day is not enough for you, look for 

Feb. 10 Cream Cheese Brownie Day

March 5 Cheese Doodle Day

April 12 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

May 18  Cheese Souffle Day

June 4 Cheese Day

July 30  Cheesecake Day

August  Goat Cheese Month 

September 20  String Cheese Day

October 9 Moldy Cheese Day

November 6  Nachos Day

December 20 Sangria Day (wine and cheese always go together!)

January 21

National Hugging Day

Hugging releases oxytocin, a feel good hormone.  Hugs can reduce stress, ease anxiety and lower blood pressure.  Hugs and touch also improve our sleep. This day is set aside to help everyone to show more emotion in public.  The only way to celebrate is to offer a hug to someone.

It's also 

National Get to Know Your Customer Day

Umm.  I work retail and I know too many Karen's already.  How about getting to know the retail employees instead?

January 23

National Handwriting Day

A day set aside for us to put pen to paper and write down our thoughts.  Sure, using technology is a lot faster, but, the art of putting pen to paper is very tactile and requires patience.  It forces the mind to slow down.  Ways to celebrate today?  Write in a journal.  Write out your "To Do" list.  Write a short note (or letter) to someone.  Work on your handwriting skills.

January 24

National Compliment Day

What a great way to brighten someone's day!  A compliment boosts the receiver's mood and also shows them that the giver noticed them.   How to celebrate the day?  Take the time to reflect on what you admire about that person.  Give out compliments.  Make a list of different ways to compliment others.

It's also

National Peanut Butter Day

Hint, Hint, Uncle Steve.

January 25 

National Opposite Day

Hello!  Or is it Good Bye?  Am I cold?  Or, maybe I'm hot?  Have fun today doing the opposite of what you say or mean.  Breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast?  

January 26

National Spouses Day

A day to celebrate the bond between you and your loved one.  A day to appreciate all that your spouse has put up with over the years.  A day to show gratitude for putting up with your random water glasses strewn about the house.  For putting up with me and my weird dog.  How to celebrate?  Spend some time with the one you love.  I'm sure RT will just love more time with me and my water glasses. 

 

January 31

National Hot Chocolate Day

It's probably pretty cold outside today which makes it a great day for a cup of hot chocolate.  

It's also

yaD drawkcaB lanoitaN

A day to reverse our ways, our direction or maybe just our shirt.  How to observe the day?  Go out the back door.  Have dinner for breakfast (or vice versa).  Add coffee to your milk.  Write your name backward.  Wear your shirt backward.  Read a book starting with the last page.

The Flu

It's a miracle!  The Flu has been cured! 

After years of being bombarded with a HUGE push to get the flu shot, it looks like it must have worked.  There is no more flu!

Ever since I can remember, OK, maybe not that long, how about, for the last 20 years?  starting in October, there was a push for people to get their flu shot.  Some stores even offered the shot for free.  It wasn't a guarantee that you wouldn't get the flu, just a precaution against some of the strands of flu that were out there at the time.  People lined up to get their flu shot before winter started.  I remember years where they ran out and had to turn people away.  Because of the depletion, they increased the amount made and have not run out again.

This year COVID-19 was introduced.  All focus has been on how to stop the spread of this virus.  In October, there was no push to get a flu shot.   No one mentions the flu or even the common cold.  It's as if both of these have been miraculously cured.  

The CDC website confirms that flu activity is low at this time.  It also states that a pandemic is going on.

Last year, the United States had 38,000,000 (yes, 38 Million) people who had flu symptoms.  This year, we have 18,000,000 (18 million) who have tested positive for COVID-19.  Wow, according to those numbers, we must have really kicked the flu in the a$$.

Due to inflated numbers by some states for Covid for financial gain, I'm not going to list the number of deaths.   It is interesting, though that the number of people with other conditions, for example, heart disease, cancer and diabetes is a lot lower this year.  

Kicking the flu to the curb....I guess we can say something good came out of 2020.

*Coronavirus is a type of airborne virus that causes acute respiratory illness.

National Thank You Note Day

 As I always say (or write), people love getting handwritten letters and notes in the mail.  It's always the first thing someone reads when they bring in the mail.  I would rather read a letter from a friend or family member before diving into the bills. 

Sure, it's easy to send off an email or a quick text to thank Aunt Sally for the ugly Christmas sweater.  But, Aunt Sally would much rather receive a nice handwritten Thank You note in the mail from you.

Today is National Thank You Note Day! 

I'm unable to find out how or why this day was started.  Some say it was created because of all the presents people received on Christmas Day.  I, on the other hand, believe it was started by my Mother, The Queen of Thank You Note writing.

I remember being called down to the kitchen a couple days after Christmas.  On the table there were three place settings.  At each spot there was a sheet of paper with list of names and gifts that they gave,  and a pen.  In the center of the table there was a stack of Thank You note cards, stamps and an address book.  You had to find your spot at the table.  The rules?  Write a Thank You note to everyone on the list, address and stamp the envelope.  Oh, and you can't leave the table until you are finished.

My Mom never taught us how to write a Thank You note.  My brothers would hurry, scribble some stuff and leave the table.  I would be stuck there for hours asking my relatives how their dog is doing and trying to figure out how to nicely thank someone for the gift they gave me  (money is always difficult to thank people for).

If you do participate today, and I hope you will, you can use #NationalThankYouNoteDay on social media.

If you need any tips on Thank You Note writing, I'd love to help, especially if you want to know how the family dog is getting along.

Merry Christmas!

 "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you:  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."

And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth, Peace, goodwill toward men!"  Luke 2:8-14

International Tea Day

This is going to be a HUGE holiday celebration in our house today.  Tea for everyone!

International Tea Day has been celebrated on December 15 since 2005* in tea producing countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malaysia and India (just to name a few).  It was started so they could draw attention to global tea trade and the impact on workers and growers with the hopes for price support and fair trade. 

*2005 is very fitting for the origination of this holiday.  That is the year that Bella was born which is probably why she is a huge tea aficionado?

How can you celebrate International Tea Day

Start by having a cup of tea.  

Try your tea hot or on the rocks (iced)

Try a new brand or flavor of tea

Have a tea party

Do a little research on tea brands that support fair trade and switch to their brand.  Or try out one of their fair trade teas.

Oh, and don't forget to post to social media.  You can use #InternationalTeaDay to help recognize the day and to educate others about the tea industry.

I'll make sure I mark this date on our calendar for next year.  I know I won't want to miss out!

Cheers!

National Letter Writing Day

My Dearest Reader,

It has been so long since we last wrote,  so I thought I would pen a letter to you since today is National Letter Writing Day.   For hundreds of years, letter writing was the only way to communicate with one another.  Of course, along came the telephone, and then the internet and finally the smartphone.   If I need to tell you something, I can just text you.  Or, if it's too long, I can send it to you an email.  But, that feeling sitting down and writing you a letter is just something so special.  I do hope that you agree.  Please write back soon.  Love, Me.

Hand writing a letter makes you stop and think before you put pen to paper.  You don't have that easy back space key to erase any mistakes.  It also gives you a chance to practice your cursive handwriting.  Some schools don't teach cursive handwriting.  Instead they opt to teach typing on the keyboard.    

Letter writing gives you a way to connect personally with an individual.  Your letter has their undivided attention.  It's a great way to make a connection with another person.

Oh, and you get to use pretty paper and fun pens to write you letter.  You had me at fun pens.  Who doesn't like fun pens?

How to celebrate today?

Purchase some new stationary.  Or, better yet, dig out that pretty paper you have hiding in the bottom of your desk drawer.

Write a letter.   You can write a friend or relative or even a congressman/woman.  

Don't forget to decorate the envelope.  A wax seal?  Stickers?  

And, of course, a festive stamp.

So, make a pot of tea and start writing some letters!

St. Nicholas Day

 There are many stories about the life of St. Nicholas.  I found my information here.  The following is a quick summary.  Click on the link to read more details. 

St. Nicholas came from a wealthy family.  His parents died when he was very young.  He grew up in his faith and strongly believed to give to the poor.  He became Bishop and was know for his generosity, love of children and concern for sailors.  Under the Roman Empire he was persecuted for his faith.  He went to prison.  He was released and died on December 6.  The anniversary of his death became a celebration known as St. Nicholas Day.

There are many variations of the story of St. Nicholas. He gave money for three poor girls dowries, he helped children, gave to the poor. Do a little research.  You will even see how Santa Claus evolved. 

My children are older and they still make sure that their shoes are placed by the front door for St. Nicholas visit.  

Do you have any special traditions you do with your family during the holidays?

Pfeffernusse Cookies

 I read about these cookies while I was writing about December's National Days and had to find a recipe so I could try them.  I mean, they have a national day named after them so they must be good, right?  I did a little research and found these cookies to be similar to Ginger Cookies.   The only difference is the addition of pepper, cardamom and anise.  

I made a batch for research purposes so I could say that I have tried Pfeffernusse cookies.   I'm a big fan of anise, so, I was quite excited to see how that comes into play.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous about all of the pepper.  One bite and, oh, I was in heaven.  The anise comes through while the pepper and cardamom seem to separate the other flavors.  

Besides being tasty, the name, Pfeffernusse, is fun to say.  Go ahead and say it.  Pfefferusse.  Make the cookies just so you can say the name!

Here's the recipe:

Pfeffernusse Cookies

ingredients:

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1 egg

2 1/4 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp anise seeds, finely crushed*

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/8 tsp ground cardamom

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

directions:

Combine butter, brown sugar and molasses in large bowl.  Beat until smooth.  Add egg and beat until combined.  

In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and all of the spices.  Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

Chill dough in the refrigerator for an hour.

Oven 350F.

Scoop 1 TBSP of cookie dough and roll into ball.  Place balls on baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or silicone mat).

Bake 13 minutes or until firm to touch.

Remove from oven and let cool on sheet for three minutes.

Put powdered sugar into container with lid.  Place a few cookies in the container, cover with lid and gently shake until cookies are coated.  

Let coated cookies cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* I used anise oil and they came out wonderfully

These can be made early and put in the freezer for up to three weeks.  You can make these cookies now, freeze them and then enjoy them on National Pfeffernusse Cookie Day on December 23.

I found my recipe for Pfeffernusse cookies here.  

If you make Pfeffernusse Cookies, let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Christmas Crafts and Holiday Gifts

It's that crazy time of year again!  

Snow.  Holiday Parties.  Snow.  Crafts.  Gifts.  Gift wrapping.  Snow.  Cookie making.  Hot Chocolate.  Sledding.  And, more snow!

I thought I would make your life a little easier and put some links up from my blog to some easy Holiday Crafts and Gifts that you can make yourself, with kids or even a Girl Scout Troop.

Here we go:

Christmas
Animal Ornaments 
Brazilian Holiday Flower  (great children's craft)
Candy Cane Sleigh 
Christmas Cards and tags
Felt Heart Ornament 
Foam Gingerbread House  (children's craft)
Foam Ornament Gift Tag 
Jingle Bell Bracelet (children's craft)
Mitten Gift Tags 
Mosaic Christmas Tree (children's craft)
Picture Frame
Snowman Ornament 
Stocking (out of construction paper) (children's craft)
Winter Scene (children's craft)
Snowman Ornament
Snowman Winter Craft (children and adult craft)
Ugly Christmas Sweater Felt Banner


Gifts
Homemade Bubbles
Bath Bombs
Laundry Detergent (powder)
Homemade Hair Detangler
Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade Lotion


Miscellaneous Crafts/Gifts
Bangle Bracelet (wrapped)
Blank Books 
Bubbles (homemade)
Book Mark
Bottle cap necklace
Cork Board using Old Picture Frame
Decorative Wrapping Paper 
Dryer Balls
Fun Scrapbooks
Gift Box
Paint Chip Monthly Calendar
Pumpkin Soap Recipe
Twine Napkin Holders 
Note cards  
Homemade Sidewalk Paint 
Sit upon (a cushion to sit on)
Wrapped Bangle Bracelet


Don't forget to make some cookies this season.  They go great with hot chocolate!  (They go great with everything!)  Here are some links to cookies that appear on the blog:

Cookies:
Butterscotch Chip Cookies
Avocado Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chocolate Chip Blondies (vegan)
Chocolate Chip Chokies (Mom's famous recipe)
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Deep Dish Cookie Pie
M & M Cookies
Nutella Cookies 1
Nutella Cookies 2
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Raisin Bran Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Vanilla Pudding Cookies

My favorite cookies are the pumpkin cookies and the M & M cookies.