Kathy Whittaker, MCC

02/14/2025

Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

1 packet taco seasoning mix

1 packet ranch dressing mix

4 cups beef broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to a crockpot.

Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced gr

01/26/2025

*****WARNING BRIEF RANT*****

In May I was rushed to the emergency room with a blood count of 5 (normal is 12-13). They transfused 5 pints of blood and did many tests but were unable to find the source of the bleeding. I was discharged with an order for 6 weekly infusions of iron and tests that can only be done over in Stony Brook. Before doing those tests, however, my hematologist/oncologist wanted a full body scan which, among other things, showed an 8.5cm mass in my left abdomen by the ileum. So then I recently completed aaaallllll the testing at Stony Brook. A few days ago someone called me to tell me all my tests, including CT enterography were negative and don't know, quite yet, what the Dr will want next. That, to me, was both good news and bad news. Just now my Drs physician assistant called to tell me that only the stool samples were negative but everything else was inconclusive. I have to repeat the pill cam and then have a double balloon colonoscopy that reaches places a endoscopy or colonoscopy can reach. This uncertainty, on top of all else going on, has been robbing me of my peace. What the hell is it going to take to find out where I'm bleeding from. I'm weak and am about to go for my 4th round of iron infusions for another 6 weeks .... I've become cranky and impatient and just want to know if I have cancer again. The longer this goes on the more tired I become and don't know if that's because of whatever's going on with me or if it's a bout of depression. Please, guys, pray for those working on my case so they might be able to find some answers. Rant over and a most heartfelt thank you for letting me vent. I'm just so tired of the uncertainty!!

01/22/2025

Teach yourself the strength of restraint, for revenge only ties you to the pain you’re trying to move past. By choosing to walk away, you protect your peace and keep your karma pure. Let the universe handle what’s out of your control—trust that those who wrong you will face the consequences of their actions in time.

True power lies in rising above, letting go of bitterness, and focusing on building a life that brings you joy. While others wrestle with their own karma, you’ll be free to grow, heal, and thrive.

01/17/2025

“Happiness is a choice, a decision to live with gratitude, to see the beauty in each moment.
The art of living is found in simplicity, in contentment, in relationships filled with kindness and mutual respect. Life is an adventure, a gift to be cherished. True happiness is not in having, but in giving, in serving others, and finding joy in being part of something greater than oneself.”

01/14/2025

True humility comes from understanding that we are all made of the same essence. No matter our achievements, wealth, or status, we all share the same beginning and the same end. Life is fleeting, and what truly matters is not how high we rise but how gently we walk among others. Kindness, respect, and compassion are what leave a lasting impact—not superiority. Remember, from dust we came, and to dust we shall return, so let our time here be marked by humility and grace.

01/14/2025

Instead of saying, "I know what it feels like", let's say "I cannot imagine your heartbreak".
Instead of saying, "You're strong, you'll get through this, let's say " You'll hurt, and I'll be here.
Instead of saying, "You look like you're doing well, Let's say, "How are you holding up today?"
Instead of saying, "Healing takes time", let's say "Healing has no timeline".
Instead of saying, "Everything happens for a reason, let's say "This must feel so terribly senseless right now".
And when there are no words to say at all, you don't need to try and find some. Love speaks in silences too.
Words' By: Ullie Kaye Poetry

01/03/2025

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef

1/2 diced onion

1 cup crumbled saltine crackers

1 cup milk

1/4 flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

3 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper to taste

For the gravy sauce:

1-2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1.5 cups of milk

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled saltine crackers, milk, minced onion, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

3. Shape the mixture into oval or rectangular patties, similar to traditional steak shapes.

4. Coat each patty with flour, shaking off any excess.

5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

6. Place the coated patties in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the patties and set them aside. (This is just to give color and enhance flavor.)

7. Transfer to greased 9×13 baking dish. Mix gravy sauce in bowl and pour over patties.

8. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 50 mins. Remove cover and bake for 10 more mins.

Enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of this Amish classic, where simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish the whole family will love.

01/02/2025

As the year begins, let us carry this prayer in our hearts—not just in words, but in action. Be the kindness that lifts someone up, the love that brightens a lonely soul, and the peace that calms a restless heart. Together, we have the power to heal and restore, one small gesture at a time. May this year be a reminder that even the smallest acts of compassion can create ripples of hope in a world that needs it most.

01/02/2025

Resonated with me so felt the need to share. So many wishes for you guys are in my heart! Here's to the old us!!

01/02/2025

Good morning beloveds!! I share this attachment and BOOM drop the mic ~ why? Because THIS is the epitome of FAITH and as long as you have, and exercise, FAITH, all will be well. Now go kick this day's ass ......but, please, be safe and enjoy!

01/02/2025

GOOOOOOD Morning everyone! Bbrrrrr .......

"9 out of 10 times it is WE who get in our own way of realizing our goals and dreams so let's ditch that habit in this New Year.

12/30/2024