Meet Spots!

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

Vehicle Repairs On The Homestead

kat's old car,  1977 Corvette 

Most people take their vehicles to a garage nowadays to repair them. Or for preventative maintenance. When I was growing up, most people worked on their vehicles themselves. Teenage boys were known for working on their cars and often their parents' cars too. I remember as a young teenager, sitting with my girlfriends, while all the boys were underneath their, and each other's cars. In the sixties, what was more important than a guy's looks, was his wheels! The cars of that period were outstanding in my mind and still are. I always pause to study a Cheville, a Mustang, A GTO or a Tbird. I loved to have a boyfriend with a fast car!

It is good to know how to work on vehicles!

My father was an auto mechanic, and he welcomed our friends to park in our driveway, as he gave them a hand and knowledge on repairing their cars. Mickey, my brother, was always working on his car. I can still remember him having me sit in the driver's seat of his Chevy, while he and some friends would push it, so I could "pop the clutch" to get it started.  At that time, we lived in Flagler Beach, FL and had a lot of friends. Our driveway was a big circular one and if my brother was home, that driveway was usually full of cars. He knew how to fix them having learned from my father, and back then, that was powerful knowledge!

Hubby's 66' Harley Sportster

Now though, if you know how to fix your own vehicle and can do the repairs yourself, you will save a lot of money. I am fortunate that my husband knows how to fix our truck or he can figure it out. What he has found to be invaluable for repairs is researching on the internet. He has been rebuilding his motorcycle, a 1966 Harley Sportster. Finding the parts he needed and ordering them online saves him the time of searching all over and driving around. He has also been watching videos on utube that show the whole process of doing various repairs or preventative maintenance. He now has a diagnostic tool that he can hook up to the computer on our truck, and hook his computer to it. It tells him what is wrong with the truck. After you fix it, he can clear the codes out. Nice little item!

Our old Ford Van was great!

Another good reason to know how to fix a vehicle is that you can buy a cheap one and it will need to be repaired often, but if you can do it, then you may have a bargain. Our old van, was like that. We bought it for $150. and used it a lot. It could carry a lot of stuff and was great for camping too. When it finally died, it made a good dry spot for storing hay. Now we have a good truck and it has only recently had a problem that needed repairs. My husband though, was able to do the repairs himself. Saved us a ton of money! How about you? Do you do your own repairs?

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

Spending Time Away From Home This Summer

Broome County, NY Courthouse

I have not been writing much since July, after my father had his stroke, and then died on August 11th. Being the one he chose to take care of all of his affairs, if he could not, and then after he passed away, has not been an easy task. It should have been. His death was made ugly, due to someone trying to steal what little he had. I am sad that this person was allowed to abuse my father in his elderly years. When I asked him if he wanted me to do something about her, he'd say he could handle it. He could not. And now I realize he was afraid of her.

Stairs I Had To Walk Yesterday!

Through out this process, I have become a much stronger woman. Even though I am older now, 60 years of age, I now feel much stronger than ever before. I had been feeling, due to my knee troubles and walking with a cane, that my time of strength was on the downside. Now, I KNOW, that is not so! Not at all. My strength was renewed. Most of our time has been spent driving back and forth to the city of Binghamton, NY, throughout this time. Learning how to fill out legal papers and file them. Learning how to stand up for what I know is right, no matter what others may so or do. Strength!

Lots Of Construction In Downtown Binghamton!

 
I have learned many things that I never thought I'd be able to do. I filed my father's will in the Surrogate court yesterday. After preparing ALL the paperwork myself, as the Executor. The clerk said I did a good job, after she looked over each paper. It was a lot of work, and a learning process for me and my husband. But we DID IT!!!!! Of course, my father's estate is a small one. And even smaller after someone messed with his things. Now I will be able to work on making them pay it back. I needed every penny to cover any bills he had outstanding, or medical not paid by Medicare.

My Father Was Quite The Gardener!

Now we will be working on cleaning his house up and repairing it to get it ready for sale. I hope I can get this done before winter hits us.I will be making the time to write my blog posts, and visit my blogging friends' blogs again. Thanks for sticking with me!

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

Rest In Peace, Daddy

Michael Dran, Jr. May 13, 1919 - August 11, 2012

Time to take that rest you always talked about, Daddy. You will always be a part of me and in my heart. The things you taught me over the years have served me well, especially in my homesteading life. We shared so much, so many memories, just you and me, and as a family. I am proud to be your daughter!

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

Oven Fried Chicken With Hot Wing Sauce, Mmmm!

One of our favorite meals is my oven fried chicken with hot sauce!

It is common sense to try to save money at the grocery store these days. I grow as many vegetables as possible on my small homestead. I do not raise meat animals though. We eat meat and yes, I understand where it comes from. I just do not have enough land, time or money to raise it myself. I now purchase almost all our meat from a local restaurant supply store and it has made a big difference in our grocery budget.

Like them on Facebook!

The chicken at Mainesource Food & Party Warehouse is sold in ten pound bags. If I am canning it, I will buy 2-3 bags so I can put a good supply away at once. If I am using it for a few meals now, then I buy one bag, unless it is for company. If you have a freezer, you can buy more than I do. They sell it in special case lots even cheaper. Stock up when it is on sale. Then when you have time, create some of your favorite recipes with it and freeze or can them. Fast food couldn't be simpler or better!

Oven Fried in Cast Iron Skillets

Oven Fried Chicken

Rinse the chicken pieces with water. Then shake or roll in seasoned bread crumbs. Put them in your skillet or pan. Sprinkle garlic powder liberally on each piece. If you want for additional flavor you can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on each one also 

Pour a little melted butter on top of each piece. Put in the oven at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes to one hour. Check it to see if they are done. Juices should run clear. We like it moist and crisp on top. It doesn't matter if they are skinless or not. Even skinless comes out crispy for me. Breasts cook faster than legs and thighs, so cut them a little to see if they are done. Nothing is worse than biting into chicken that is not done! When it is done serve with my hot wing sauce below, and you can add a little blue cheese dressing if desired. Much cheaper than buying hot wings!

Homemade Hot Wing Sauce

katlupe's Hot Sauce

12 Tbsp. any hot sauce

1/2 cup butter (can be less, adjust it if needed)

2-3 Tbsp. white vinegar (add more if you made it too hot)

1/8 tsp. celery seed

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste)

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Dash of black pepper

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Mix all ingredients in a small pan over low heat until the butter is melted. Stir occasionally.

Fresh Salad made by Jeff, my son

This is a really good recipe and easy to make. Add a salad and you have a easy meal that everyone will love! If you buy a bulk supply of chicken, you can make this recipe and wrap and freeze it for quick meals during the week. Try it and tell me what you think!

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

According to the FTC Blogging Disclosure, I have to let you know that Mainesource did contact me about writing a post about how to save money by shopping in bulk. That was after I had posted about their store in several past posts, since it is my regular store. In no way did they influence me on what I wrote!