Have you ever had a person in your life that just defies description? I have one that is out of control. This person is literally putting their life in danger on the internet and I don’t know what to do. If I could arrange it I think I would try to have a full blown intervention for this person because they are totally out of control. Momma Said, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.” Well I think I am going to have to drown this nag.
When all common sense is thrown out the window there is no reasoning with someone. You can talk until you are blue in the face and it won’t do any good. I am fearful for this person’s life because of what is going on with the internet. I don’t trust anyone who communicates strictly through the internet. No phone calls, no face time, no personal interaction at all. There are many ways to communicate through the internet that you can get face to face with someone.
I don’t believe in all these dating sites and meeting in chat rooms. What ever happened to going to church or a town social to meet someone? There is someone for everyone out there, you just have to look, but be responsible about it. How did people meet before the internet? We had pen pals in school that you would meet from all over the world. I had a pen pal in Utah but I didn’t have to worry about him getting access to my banking information or meeting me and knocking me in the head to rob or kill me.
Momma Said, “The more I am around people the more I like my animals!” I am getting to a point in my life that I do not need all the drama. You can be by yourself and not be alone. I don’t need someone in my life to feel fulfilled. I am content with meeting people at my job, and having a life that I can live how I want. I want that for my friend too but they are out of control and I don’t know what to do. I wish Mom were here, she would knock some sense into them whether they wanted it or not. I wish I had her wisdom, I have her strength I just don’t know how to apply it.
SLOW COOKER POTATO SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 slices cooked bacon*, diced
- 3-4 cups good-quality chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled (if desired) and diced
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- optional toppings: thinly-sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, extra bacon, sour cream
DIRECTIONS:
- Add bacon, 3 cups chicken stock, potatoes and onion to the bowl of a large slow cooker, and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender and cooked through.
- Once the soup has slow cooked and is about ready to serve, cook the butter in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat until it has melted. Whisk in the flour until it is completely combined, then cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Gradually add in the evaporated milk while whisking it together with the flour mixture, and continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Let the mixture continue cooking until it reaches a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then it should get really thick.
- Immediately pour the milk mixture into the slow cooker with the potatoes, and stir until combined. Add in the cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), salt and pepper, and stir until combined. If you would like the soup to be even thicker, you can use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash about half of the potatoes (while the soup is still in the slow cooker) to thicken the soup up. If you would like the soup to be thinner, add in an extra 1-2 cups of warmed chicken or vegetable stock. Stir to combine, then taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with desired topping or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.