Thursday, June 30, 2016

Abigail's Understanding





Looking out my window this morning, I closed my eyes asking for understanding of those who  can’t find it in their hearts to understand those who are battle worn and life tired. 

We all come for different backgrounds and experiences; what shapes our individual worlds  makes us who we are. My greatest prayer is that I can I look at those who are battle worn and life tired and extend to them the same understanding that I want extended to me.

There is, in my opinion, no glory is being tough as nails with those who have had their lives turned upside down either through their own deeds or those of others.  I always want to stand on the side of right and fairness not  because it’s the right thing to do, but because I can and I understand life affects us all.  

Battle worn or life tired, I want to always remember that it could be me. What I know for sure is that people make mistakes and I hope that on all occasions I remember my own when dealing with people and don’t condemn them for the things I myself have done or have thought about doing.

Abby

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Abigail's Sun & Moon




I often wonder if the Sun disagrees with the Moon on what time to rise and what time to set. I wonder if those disagreements lead to the Moon casting off the Sun and trying to deny it a place in the sky. I also wonder if what shaped the Sun is ignored by the Moon. Is the Sun sanctimonious in its recrimination of the Moon? I am not sure what the relationship of the Sun and Moon is, but I hope and pray that it is one where the Sun gives the Moon another chance each night.

Abby

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Finding Wilder


    
    

I was born on May 1, 2025, when the first wave of immigrants from the South entered Wyoming. My parents took one look at my wild head of red hair and knew they had to name me Wilder.

My mother and my father, Maria and Sinclair Wolf are from a little town outside of what use to be N’awls, Louisiana called Abbeville.  I was born on the overland transport that carried my parents from their home in Abbeville to Finding, Wyoming.  My parents have memories of life before the Overcast and I have none. I have always lived in a world that is cold.

Finding Wyoming is my home but unlike most folks I have traveled to my other cities that are still viable even those in the South. My mother is the Sectary of State in Finding and serves on the Regional Council of City States which was established to ensure that all cities have access to the same information about surviving until the sun comes back.

My mother was once a leading bioengineering for the United States Government before the Overcast.  She was the primary scientist on a team that was trying to find out what happened to the sun. She was made Sectary of State for Wyoming after Overcast to protect the interest of the people. My dad’s a part of the engineering crew that constructs greenhouse for people to grow food.  

Finding, Wyoming is a med-sized town and a mixture of folks from all over the United States. Most if not all of the young people have lived here all their lives. There are two public schools, and public transportation that runs underground. Most of the cabins have a basement that lead to the underground trains. No one ever goes outdoors unless they are forced to. Even the shops and malls can be entered from underground.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Abigail's Boozy Favorite Milkshake




Bourbon, chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream? Don’t mind if we do. This Bourbon chocolate milkshake is perfect for any occasion.
2 oz. bourbon
2 oz. chocolate syrup
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Tools: blender
Glass: milkshake or pint
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Ben Johnson, West Egg Café, Atlanta
http://imbibemagazine.com/Bourbon-Chocolate-Milkshake/

Thursday, June 23, 2016

I am Abigail Madison Chase


 
 
There are days when I am reminded that I am uniquely crafted to be me. I am me. I am Abigail Madison Chase. I am my own light and my own darkness. I am the hope of generations and the disappointment of few.  I am the sunrise that rises and sets. I am the moon hung high in the sky. I am me and that is all I have to be.
Abby,

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Abigail Loves Mango Watermelon Lemonade

Nothing says summer like a delicious cold frozen drink. During the summer months my blender gets a work out. I love use fresh fruit to make slushies' and frozen drinks.

While surfing the net I found the most delicious frozen drink yesterday at jamonkey.com for frozen mango watermelon lemonade.

This drink is fantastic for those who love mangos like I do.

Abby




Frozen Mango Watermelon Lemonade


The only thing you’ll need for this drink recipe is;
Watermelon (about a 1/4-1/2 depending on size)
Mango (about 3)
Lemonade (16oz)

Read more at http://jamonkey.com/frozen-mango-watermelon-lemonade/#iHVdOKG7wHRbeRsw.99

To start, you’ll need to cut up some watermelon and mango and place the chunks into separate containers. Seed the watermelon as you’re putting it into the container. How much fruit you will need will depend on how big your family is of course, but I was able to make 4 drinks with 3 mangoes and 1/4 of a watermelon.
image: http://jamonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC00051-620x413.jpg
Watermelon Mango
You are freezing the fruit in different containers because you will be blending them separately as well. When your fruit is frozen, place either the watermelon into your blender first with 8 oz of lemonade. I decided to put watermelon on the bottom because it contains more water than mango so I knew it would help blend further in the cup when it starts to melt.
image: http://jamonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC00103-620x413.jpg
Frozen Watermelon
Pour all of your watermelon lemonade into the cups first. Then blend your mango mixture with the remaining 8 oz lemonade. Pour on top of the watermelon mixture. Garnish your drink with a slice of fresh cut watermelon. image: http://jamonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC00112.jpg
Frozen Mango Watermelon Lemonade
You can enjoy with a spoon or with a straw, either way, it’s going to be delicious! We sat around outside and enjoyed them before the rain started to pour this weekend.  These hot days in the south call for some serious cool down and we don’t have ice cream trucks that come by Like I did when I was a kid. Besides, I wouldn’t want them eating ice cream every day, but frozen fruit as good as this, means it’s game on summer! image: http://jamonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC00111-620x932.jpg
Frozen Mango Watermelon Lemonade

Enjoy! 

http://jamonkey.com/frozen-mango-watermelon-lemonade/

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Finding Wilder


 


      The South is not totally uninhibited but those who stayed have to wait months for supplies to come by military transport. The population of the world was down by a third. Most of the losses in the United States were in the South were the people were least able to handle the cold and the coldest temperatures were registered.

     Americans during the Overcast abandoned cities for rural areas where large greenhouses could be built to feed multitudes. Charleston, Atlanta, Memphis, Little Rock, Houston, New Orleans, Dallas Montgomery and Jacksonville Florida were repopulated with less folks then before the Overcast.   The cities were now starting to thrive again and in a year when the government removed the ban on land travel lots of folks were planning to move back to the South as soon as an underground train was built.

      The first underground monorail after the freeze connected the west to the northwest. It was more than a day’s travel to the first major city in the northwest on the high speed trains.  The new monorail to the South was going to be difficult to build since infrastructure was no in place for workers and their families to live in the south as the trains were being built.  

     The cold had changed the world and now the world was learning to adjust slowly to the cold.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Abigail's Love Affair With Sloppy Joes


I love Sloppy Joes. Sloppy Joes are the most delicious sandwich after BLT's. As a kid I spend my summers eating Sloppy Joes and playing in the sun. As an adult I eat Sloppy Joes and remember the lazy days of summer when I was a kid.

 Abby

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Abigail Loves Greek Mythology in Western Art




Somewhere deep in my soul there lives a world famous artist whose hiding out and does not want to ever be heard from. In lieu of her appearance, she left me to marvel at the works of other great artist. I’ve been thinking lately that I want to get a Masters of Arts in Art History. What would I do with this degree you ask. Nothing. I just want it so that I will know the history of the art that I enjoy so much

Abby.
 





Benjamin WEST : Phaeton asks Apollo for permission to ride the charriot of the Sun. 1804, Musée du louvre

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Finding Wilder




America was in a deep ice age and no one knew when it would end. The entire US was a frozen tundra including the Southernmost of Florida. Scientist in America and around the world were puzzled as to why the weather changed.

Families now had to rely on themselves to grow fruits and vegetables. Communities had banned together to create large greenhouses and most homes had their own smaller greenhouses that were issued by the government to help people survive. Livestock was weathering the age in side of barns.

      Most folks learned to adjust to life in the cold without a study source of heat from the sun to warm their bodies. Much of the homeless population was lost the first winter when temperatures dropped to below zero. Most folks now try to spend what use to be winter on the outside when the sun breaks through the clouds for an hour each day. Most of the time the clouds and the heavy fog obscure the sun.

The world was a new place with the Overcast. Planes where no longer a viable transportation option so the government had built high-speed trains that would carry folks underground all over the US.  Schools, hospitals, fire stations and other public building were still open and operating despite the cold. Nothing much changed. People adjusted and learn to live without.

The US survived and thrived as usually under the new weather condition. Elections were still held every four years and folks still found time to complain about politicians.  The panic that was supposed to grip the US if a global disaster happened never materialized.

In the 12th year without the sun Wyoming became one of the first states to reopen its borders to outsider as the temperatures in many states began again plumb it. The government has planned for many scenarios and this was one of them. A large spread of land had been taken by the government to build homes to house those who were fleeing their homes in other states.  The first mass migration of Southerners came in the Fall of 2025.  Hundreds of thousands made their way to Wyoming and within a year the borders were closed again for good. The year after North and South Dakota opened up and more people poured in until the borders closed a year later. The next year Colorado, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York opened their borders for six months and many folks from the south relocated. Now all the borders are closed and everyone has to stay put where they are. No one is authorized to travel over land accept the military.

The South is not totally uninhibited but those who stayed have to wait months for supplies to come by military transport.

Friday, June 10, 2016

It's Friday and summer for my blog is off to a roaring start!

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Abigail devours Caramel Cashew White Chocolate Blondies

My favorite go to snack is brownies. I love brownies especially blondie brownies. Last week I found the most delectable recipe for brownies and its so delicious I have made it twice. Celebrating Sweets is the blog that I found the recipe and I am eternally grateful for her post. ! Yummy

Caramel Cashew White Chocolate Blondies
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Soft and chewy brown sugar blondies loaded with caramel pieces, white chocolate chips, and salted cashews. Sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy - so addicting!
Author:
Recipe type: dessert, bars
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 10 soft caramel candies, unwrapped and cut into eighths (about ½ cup)
  • ½ cup roasted, salted cashews, chopped
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips
  • Ice cream, for serving (optional)
  • Salted caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 square pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk butter and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Add egg and vanilla extract, whisking to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, until combined. Fold in the caramel candies, cashews, and white chocolate chips.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want to remove them from the oven just short of being done. They'll continue to cook as they cool. Place pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
http://celebratingsweets.com/caramel-cashew-white-chocolate-blondies/#
Notes
Make sure the caramel candies you use are fresh and soft.

It's important to use roasted, salted cashews, not raw cashews. The saltiness is needed to balance all the sweetness. You could also add a sprinkling of sea salt to the top of the blondies for extra saltiness.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Abigail's Healthy Snack


When the summer sun is high temperatures can make it impossible stay indoors, why not make a nutritious snack and take the kids outside. One of my favorite go to snack in the summer is a nice nutritious skewer of fruit. It’s also a way to get the kids to eat fruits.

Abby

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2014/06/healthy-summer-snacks-with-taste-of-nature-backyard-play-craft-realtastesgood.html


Party Fruit Skewers - Fruit Kabobs
Fruit is made fun and convenient with these colorful grab-and-go fruit kabobs. A variety of fruit is encouraged in the daily diet for maximum health benefits. These threaded layers of fruit not only create a beautiful presentation but pack multiple vitamins, minerals, micro-nutrients, and antioxidants onto one easy to eat wooden skewer.
Fruit Skewers

Some of the fruit we love:
Strawberries:
  • excellent source of vitamin C
  • rich in vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid
  • contains vitamin A, vitamin E and many antioxidants
  • contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine
Mango:
  • rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds
  • excellent source of Vitamin-A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin
  • rich source of potassium
  • good source of vitamin B-6, vitamin C and vitamin E
Papaya:
  • contains a good amount of soluble dietary fiber
  • has one of the highest vitamin C content for fruit
  • excellent source of vitamin A and flavonoids like beta carotenes, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthins
  • rich in folic acid, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, and vitamin B-1
  • contains a good amount of potassium
Kiwi:
  • rich source of soluble dietary fiber
  • excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C
  • very good levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K and anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and xanthin
  • kiwi seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids
  • rich source of potassium
  • contains good amounts of minerals like manganese, iron and magnesium
Bananas:
  • replenishes energy and revitalizes the body instantly
  • contains a good amount of soluble dietary fiber
  • contains health promoting flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants
  • very good source of vitamin B-6
  • moderate source of vitamin C
  • contains adequate levels of copper, magnesium, and manganese
  • very rich source of potassium

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Finding Wilder



     The dry fog rolled in on the first day of Spring and on the first day of summer it was still covering the city.  Two weeks ago the fog began to redden and dim the sunlight. On the rarest of occasions sunspots were visible to the naked eye. Nothing seemed to effect the fog.  
Farmers at the higher elevations the climate changed. It was cooler and the local formers were unable to grow crops. On June 3rd all the crops were killed by frost and snow began to fall on June 12th.  Ester Morganfield wrote on her blog that the weather was backward. Bennett Hollingsworth wrote on his blog that "The Lord is coming back.”   Bennett Holyfield reported on his blog that the temperature in upstate Wyoming had been below freezing every day since June 1st.  By the 4th of July is was so cold that everything has stopped growing.

The entire US was in a deep freeze. Crops were failing and severe frost was in Miami.  Food prices were high and supermarkets were having a hard time getting food. Lakes and rivers were frozen. Temperatures did not rise above freezing during the entire month of July and August. Summer highs of 95F would drop to near-freezing within hours.  

The winter was a hardship even for those accustomed to cold weather. The New York Times reported that “scientist continued to diligently working a solution.”  The sun remain obscured and overcast with clouds; while the air was damp, and chilly all summer long. NASA sent up several satellites up in the atmosphere to try and dissipate the clouds. Nothing worked.

By September the small farms were able to produce crops but the prices were still high. The government began to ration the dwindling food supply. Travel bans were implemented in major cities to keep ensure that only citizens of the state were able to buy food. The effects were widespread and lasted beyond the summer. Europe, Asia and Africa experienced the same pattern of weather. The skies were overcast and Summer eventually became winter never to return to summer.

The Year with A Summer had return and this time winter seemed to never end. Scientist nicknamed the phenomenon Overcast.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Abigail Loves Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad - Easy chicken salad recipe filled with tender chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts, apples, celery, dill and parsley.

I found the most delectable salad recipe at kitchenista ( http://www.kitchenistadiaries.com)/ in  my quest to discover the most delicious chicken salad on the planet.


Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:
2 c. chopped cooked chicken
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/4 c. mayo
1/4 c. full fat strained Greek yogurt
1/4 c. finely diced shallot 
2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp celery seed
2 tsp whole grain dijon mustard
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh whole grain bread
Arugula, baby kale or mixed greens

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Equipment Needed: N/A

If you've cooked the chicken yourself, just make sure it's cooled completely before making your chicken salad. This is one of those sandwiches that's great to make when you have leftovers in the fridge! It's super economical to cook your own whole chicken, and for a small family you can usually get several meals out of it. I used 1 large breast and 1 thigh, skin removed.



http://www.kitchenistadiaries.com/2014/11/cranberry-walnut-chicken-salad-sandwich.html

Friday, June 3, 2016

Abigail Picnic Basket


 
 
When I was a kid I dreamed of owning a really nice picnic basket. Over the course of my adulthood I have owned at least three very nice picnic basket. This summer will be no exception. I have ordered the most delightful picnic basket from Amazon. My picnic basket is a must have! Eight ceramic plates, matching napkins, wine glasses, stainless steel flatware, salt and pepper shakers cheese-knife, corkscrew, tartan blanket and coffee mugs. This is the ultimate picnic basket.

Abby

Picnic at Ascot Dorset English-Style Willow Picnic Basket with Service for 4, Coffee Set and Blanket - London Plaid

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Abigail Love Berry Watermelon Fruit Salad




One of my favorite things to eat as a summer is fruit. I love fruit and when summer arrives and my local market puts out the fresh fruit on Tuesday I am the first inline to purchase some. One of my favorite things to make is Berry Watermelon Fruit Salad. Berry Watermelon Fruit Salad is a simple easy delicious treat that is easy to make for breakfast lunch or and afternoon or  morning snack.

Abby


A fresh and healthy Berry Watermelon Fruit Salad, perfect for Summer gatherings. Vegan and Gluten Free.

Ingredients

Vegan, Gluten free, Paleo

Produce

  • 1/2 pint Blackberries
  • 1 pint Blueberries
  • 1 pint Cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 pint Raspberries
  • 1 pint Strawberries
  • 4 cups Watermelon

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Abigail's Summer 2016 Summer Blog


Welcome to the Abby. Today at we kick off our Summer 2016 Schedule.

This summer, like last summer, I will feature foods, drinks, travel, romance, fashion and all the fun that make us love summer. I will also try and improve my terrible writing skills with a summer story called Finding Wilder, every Tuesday.

Abby

                                                             Summer 2016 Schedule

Monday- Travel

Tuesday-Finding Wilder

Wednesday-Summer Food & Fun

Thursday- Summer Fashion

Friday-Summer Tranquility & Romance

Saturday-Sunday Closed For Summer Fun
 
© Abigail Madison Chase

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