Month: February 2026

What’s In The Pantry?

by ladypbwiggins

Over the last few years I have mined and experimented vegan burger recipes to make a burger that has the mouth-feel I wanted. My other requirement was I did not want to use TVP, or seitan (vital wheat gluten).

I realized today that I can make a burger patty out of almost anything I have in the pantry and fridge. For me, I just need beans, mushrooms, veggies, tofu, a binder, and tasty seasonings. This is the list from which I choose. I don’t always use all those in the list at the same time. The patties pictured are made from black beans,  shitake mushrooms, onions, garlic, yellow bell pepper, hot sauce, chia seed egg (binder), Panko bread crumbs, tamari and vegan liquid smoke. Normally I add avocado for the fat content but I forgot it. 😆. I baked them at 350 degrees until the smell and appearance looked cooked. I flipped them to cook on the other side for a few minutes. I also discovered if when I eat them the next day the mouth-feel is what i’m wanting. This realization has given me freedom. I can use leftover veggies so nothing goes to waste. I can make veggie patties with what I have in the kitchen as long as I remember the 🥑.

This is a lot like how my grandmothers, great-grandmother and grand-aunts cooked. They could make a feast out of whatever was in the kitchen. I guess that’s why I didn’t know we were technically poor. Always ate well.

To Vote or Not

by ladypbwiggins

There are those who say my vote doesn’t matter or count. Consider this. When you don’t vote you are sending messages to the candidates, to the parties that say

  1. I don’t believe my voice matters so why should you?
  2. You can ignore my thoughts and needs.
  3. I am giving you permission to trash ny voice and power.

But if you vote, whether you get the desired outcome or not

  1. You announce,  I matter.
  2. I will use my voice and I will be heard. I know you are listening that’s why you are so desperately trying to make it difficult to vote.
  3. I will not just give you my power. You will have to fight to take it. 
  4. Get informed. Get the League of Women’s Voter Guide or similar resources.
  5. Create a strategy.  What issues are important to me? Then choose a candidate or propositions that align with what you need

VOTE. Send your message. Raise your voice. Use your power. You do matter.

VOTE!

How did they do it

by ladypbwiggins

I am looking at my apartment listing all the things I need to clean or organize. It seems I am never done.

How did my grandmothers’ homes were so clean and organized? They cooked almost all the meals from scratch every day. They also went to work everyday.

I have all these modern conveniences. I have a stand mixer, juicer, food processor, air fryer, even a mandolin. I have Swiffers for floors and dusting; A washer and dryer removes the need for hanging clothes on the line.

I can’t seem to get it all done. Am I the only one?🤔🤪

Watch What They Do

by ladypbwiggins

He(she) who goes about as a tale bearer reveals secrets. Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his(her) lips.  Proverbs 20:19

Remember when you get that call which purpose is to spill the tea about someone, those same lips will possibly spill the tea about you to them.

My restatement of the next part is, “Don’t get caught up with smooth, complimentary conversation. Watch what they do. Compare it to what they say.”

I wish I had listened to a version of this advice when I was younger. My grandmothers had their version. One in particular I remember.  Lips all the time flapping are probably lying. Your ears are not trash cans.

So hear me young’uns, 😉, Listen closely through the filter of honest and clear observation. Don’t be blindly swayed by gossip wrapped in flattering words.

Love, Hate  Indifference

by ladypbwiggins

I heard something today that made me say, Hmmm. Here it is.

We think the opposite of lov e is hate, but it’s not. It’s indifference. The reasoning is hate implies there is still some emotional tie. You have to care or feel something to hate. Indifference, you feel nothing. You don’t care.

I would love to hear your thoughts.  Comment, subscribe and share.

Unexpected, Simple and Powerful

by ladypbwiggins

My Soil was so enriched Sunday at Church. It came from fellow members who went beyond to show me care and love. You see our church greeters are warm and kind to everyone who enters the doors. But what i’m about to share was beyond that.

I walk with a cane most times because of lower back problems that affect my balance. All of the senior parking spaces were taken. The only one possibly open was reserved, so I had to park a little farther away. As I crossed the parking lot I heard someone behind me call my name. The person wanted to give me her parking spot that had been reserved for her because she had to unload some things so she had to be close. I told her, No but thanks. I walked on.

I must tell you it was a very cold morning. When the greeter saw me nearing the door he opened it. He asked me if there was anything I needed and that he could help with, I said, just to get inside. He smiled and said, May I hug you? It was like a son hugging his mother. I’m not old enough to be his grandmother 😀. It was purely kind affection. He’s kind to everyone but there seemed to be something different, something special, something tenderer than usual. A little later the same gentleman’s wife walked past me on her way to the sanctuary. She realized I was sitting there in the foyer, backed up and gave me a hug and a kiss. She interrupted her purpose to step back and hug me. ❤️.

I had only one student in my Bible study class. She and I had a good discussion. We had fun. We shared, laughed and learned together. I realized the fire I felt when teaching had been missing. It returned. Richness.

During the service, we had a consecration ceremony for all leaders; ministers, elders and ministry volunteers. We were prayed for and anointed with oil. At the end of the ceremony we were asked to tell the people around us that they were a gift. This is our theme for the year. We did. The person behind me leaned over and with emphasis said, I know you are a gift. I didn’t know who it was until I turned around but I still didn’t know why she said it like that. It didn’t matter. Yahweh had just dropped some more nutrients to my soil.

The final additive was made by another son-like relationship. I had gotten in my car and was looking for a phone number to order lunch. There was a knock on my window. I lowered the window and the person who was studying there said, I just wanted to share some love with you and leaned in to give me a hug. I didn’t know I needed that but I did. Yahweh knew. He sees. He walked out of his way to do that.

Now, alone each encounter may not seem like much but collectively, they meant more than gold. They were simple, unexpected and powerful. My soil darkened several shades of blackness. The blackness signaled the richness, the added nutrients, that which will nourish, and strengthen me for days.

Rich Black Soil. Healthy Growth. Blessed Life.