Hindsight is 2020

Well I found it only fitting to wrap up this year by posting one last time on the last day of the year. 

2020 has been one for the record books as they say. What started out in mid-March with “15 Days to Slow the Spread” became an entire year of restrictions. 

Now fortunately we don’t live in a blue state where those initial restrictions were never lifted. That being said I couldn’t help, but feel a little sad the other night as I realized everything that had changed this year.

I remember feeling on top of the world in February as I reflected on how full my life was. Who would have ever thought for one moment how all of that would come to a screeching halt? 

I thought I would list the activities that changed this year:

Bible Study- we finished the year via Zoom. By fall I was in Comanche on Wednesdays so I wasn’t participating. 

Weight Watchers- I spent the year attending meetings on Zoom each week. Slowly, the familiar faces faded away as the year progressed. Today was actually my first day back for an in-person meeting. It was so refreshing. I will be making an attempt to attend in-person whenever possible, even though a mask is required. 

Library- My weekly trips to the library came to a screeching halt, and just today I returned for the first time to our newly renovated library. 

Book Club- Our meetings resumed in June via Zoom. I’ve only read a few of the books, so I’ve not attended regularly. 

Frisco Retired Teachers- These meetings stopped in March and I’ve really missed seeing some familiar faces. I ran into an old co-worker at the doctor’s office earlier this month, and was thrilled to catch up. 

Yee Haws- Our last meal at El Fenix was in February. Although, the group made an attempt to get together in November, due to the uptick in Covid, Chuck and I chose to stay home. 

Gym- My morning walks along the track at our city recreation center came to a screeching halt in March. I miss seeing the regulars, but although the gym has reopened, walking around the track with a mask on just doesn’t sound appealing. Up until a few months ago I did walk religiously up and down our long front hallway each weekday to get in my exercise.

Grace Found Daily-my poor blog has really been neglected this past year. With no place to go, and nothing really to do my creativity just dried up and withered away. During the summer months I attempted to write about healthy eating, but as my resolve weakened my eating habits did as well. I miss the discipline of writing daily. 

Ireland- our once in a lifetime trip to Ireland had to be cancelled as the pandemic continued into June. Luckily we were refunded our ticket cost, but I’m not sure I see myself traveling much if a mask is required on a ten hour flight. 

Friends- There are several friends who I have not seen since February. I had gotten into the habit of meeting monthly or weekly with friends and family in the area. One of those friends has since moved out of state to be closer to her daughter. I miss getting together with my friends. 

Chuck has been working from home since April, and we have adjusted to both of us being home pretty much all day together. I do miss my office area, and have on occasion set up the card table in the guest room to have a place of my own. 

Abby-Sadly, we had to put down our beloved cat Abby this past summer. We surely miss her presence as part of our family. 

The positives of 2020 are not to be overlooked. In August I began traveling to Comanche to watch the boys on Tuesday and Wednesday. This allowed Brittany to return to work, and I did a little homeschooling with the older one who was not able to attend full time pre-K as originally planned. Luckily, both boys were able to attend a wonderful preschool offered by the Baptist Church. 

Chuck and I made the unexpected decision to go ahead and get started on the building of our house on the property in De Leon. As of today we have a beautiful gate, a driveway and a foundation. We are hoping next week to see the start of the actual structure. It’s been an exciting time seeing it come to fruition. We are looking forward to being closer to Brittany, Will and the boys. 

In April I completed a children’s book that I had been working on. The discipline of working on it daily helped it come to pass. Now as to whether it actually gets published remains to be seen. 

Church- Luckily, our church resumed in person services on Mother’s Day. ThIs literally has been a Godsend to us as we look forward to attending each Sunday. Those Sundays when we have communion are even more special. Sadly, though many of our friends have not returned to in-person worship, and we definitely miss them. 

Bible- Chuck and I have been able to read the Bible in a year thanks to an app recommended by Chuck’s cousin’s wife Debbie. There is a great sense of accomplishment in doing this. 

Walks around the Lake- Chuck and I enjoyed the times we were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather in the spring. Walking around the lake at our old apartment was one of our favorite pastimes, as well as exploring some of the trails here in Euless. 

On-line Wellness class- I was able to participate in a six week course offered by Veritas Wellness out of Lubbock. I learned a lot about my health and the virus from Dr. Ben Edwards whose desire to share and teach the truth is inspiring. 

Miracle- our family was blessed at the miraculous recovery of my brother-in-law Danny this spring. Praise God that he is with us today, because it was pretty touch and go. Initially we feared he had Covid, but although he did not it was a miracle that he lived. Our family all became closer to God during that period. 

Aunt Theresa- I’ve been able to talk weekly to my 94 year old aunt during this past year. We even have been able to FaceTime a few times, and it was wonderful to actually see her.

 

Rabbit Hole- just a side note here. I’ve spent countless hours learning all about Covid, masks, vaccinations, medicines, election fraud, corrupt government practices, and pretty much anything else you can think of. I’m not sure I’m a better person for it, or just ready to host my own conspiracy theory podcast. 

As I contemplate this next year I feel it is time to move on. What I had hoped would end over a course of a few months it appears will still continue to linger. Even with the vaccines we are still going to be required to social distance and wear masks. This makes me sad, but at the same time I’m tired of putting my life on hold. 

I pray for good health for my family and friends this coming year. 

Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Joy

                             

   As I thought about how different Christmas will be this year something came to mind that gave me a different perspective. As Chuck and I were sitting at Dairy Queen the other night I noticed a small white Christmas tree set up in the corner.

It was simply decorated, and nothing spectacular, but it was a reminder of the season. Just like our meal was simple, it was nice getting out for a change, and knowing that a Dilly Bar was part of the meal made it even sweeter. 

As I thought about this past year I couldn’t help but compare this virus to the Grinch, and his attempt to stop Christmas. The words from Dr. Seuss came to mind when the 

Grinch is awakened in the morning to the sound of singing from the town below: 

“He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!

Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,

Was singing! Without any presents at all!

He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"

"It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!"

"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."

"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

And what happened then? Well...in Whoville they say,

That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day!”

                                             Dr. Seuss

Christmas may look different this year, but our hearts can be assured that the true meaning of Christmas has not changed. Our Lord Jesus was born into this world on that very first Christmas to be our savior. 

I’m wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas this year.

The Ever Elusive Goatman

This past Halloween Chuck had an idea to create a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on our property. He send me on a mission to locate pumpkins, and some spooky decorations for the occasion. (FYI You can get really large pumpkins at Aldi for only $1.99 a piece.)

That weekend we made our way there with three good sized pumpkins, and an array of bats,

pumpkins and spiderwebs to create a spooky ambiance for the boys. We arrived a day early to set up the patch. 

At the time our son-in-law was running cattle on the property, and if you know anything about cows, they are extremely curious. While we decorated the area about twenty sets of eyes followed our every move. 

We tried to arrange our pumpkins in the least conspicuous way as possible hoping not to arouse their curiosity even more. After all, a pumpkin is edible, and who knows what a hungry cow might do?

Well to make a long story short, when we arrived the next day we saw that one of the pumpkins had been rolled down the hill a bit, and one other had been pushed aside. All in all, the patch was still in good shape,  but we did get a good laugh imagining the cows having a pumpkin rolling contest!

When our grandsons arrived they were thrilled to see our little Pumpkin Patch, and ran from tree to tree checking out all the different Halloween decorations hanging from the trees.  

It was then that Chuck decided to up the ante with the introduction of the Goatman who mysteriously lived somewhere in the trees found on our land. As he chunked rocks into the bushes he would ask the boys, “Did you hear that?” Remarkably the boys were not the least bit afraid, only enthralled by the idea that a Goatman actually lived on their grandparents’ property. 

Looking for this elusive Goatman has became an actual thing each time we return to the property now.  On a whim I decided that maybe the Goatman needed a name so I told the boys his name was Cabrito , vaguely remembering that Cabrito had something to do with goats in Spanish. 

Chuck decided that the throwing of rocks could be improved upon by using an empty coconut to simulate the sound of hoofs in the distance. My next mission was to pick up a coconut from the grocery store. I wasn’t sure how seasonal coconuts were, but I was successful at finding one at my local Walmart. 

The next time we returned about a week or so later after naming the Goatman, I heard the two year old in the back seat mention something about Brito. Oh my, he’d remembered the name! 

So although, we’ve never actually seen or met Cabrito it appears he is a beloved member of our family now. Leave it to Chuck to make all things fun!

What’s That Tune?

It’s that time of the year again. You know the pre-Thanksgiving Christmas music listening time!

Today as I headed off to do my grocery shopping I dug through my console to find an old Christmas CD that I keep there just for emergencies. Actually, it is my favorite Christmas CD, and before I bought it as a CD I owned it as a cassette tape. 

Yes, I think I’ve been listening to this Christmas album since the early 90’s. I’ve memorized every word, and although I have collected many more Christmas CDs over the years, I always return to this one. 

What I have noticed over the years though, and what has become a game to me each holiday season, is predicting what song will play next on the CD.

Now if my life depended upon it there is no way I could ever tell you the order of the songs on the CD. Yet remarkably I have some sort of music memory muscle that automatically knows what song is next when I’m listening to it. 

This happens every year, and I get the biggest kick out of predicting the next song. Now this favorite Christmas CD of mine is Amy Grant’s Home for the Holidays, and I highly recommend adding it to your collection. 

Of course, today we stream our music, but it’s a great one to request from Alexa. 

While I was at the store I also picked up a cute red Christmas barn for the mantle and a Seasons Greetings pillow for the living room. 

They both have been tucked away until after Thanksgiving because although I will cheat and listen to Christmas music ahead of time I always wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate. 

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

November

 

Well we are almost to the end of another month, and I thought I’d check in again. 

November has been a month of visiting my grandsons weekly to help out Brittany, and to do a little schooling with the boys. The almost five year old is beginning to learn to read. 

It’s been fun having a hand in helping him do so. Tuesday afternoons are spent with him while his younger brother naps. Then on Wednesday both boys join me in our little closet classroom to do “school work.”

We've seen quite a bit of progress on our property this month. We have water, a beautiful new gate, a driveway, the forms for our foundation, and a concrete pad for our barn. By the end of the month we should have the concrete poured for the foundation, and the pipes ran up the hill for the water. 

We are still waiting on the electricity, and are hoping to see progress there soon, as it has been over three months since we applied for a transmission permit. 

We have met our neighbors who remarkably are related to one of my Yee Haw high school friends. What are the chances?

We are looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with Brittany, Will and the boys at our house this year. The food has been bought, and chocolate turkey surprises for the boys have been nestled in the ceramic turkey centerpiece on our dining room table. 

We are blessed to have our health, and each other along with our constant canine companion Cooper. We’ve taken several walks along the lake at our old apartments as we have contemplated our future. The water stirs my soul during these trying times of the pandemic. 

After our pop-up pumpkin patch in October we have convinced the boys that the goat man is real, and the two year old amazed us by remembering his name, Cabrito. Or Brito as he likes to say. 

Each time we are out on the property I can’t tell you how happy it makes me. As I anticipate our future closer to our daughter and her family I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to do so. 

God is good!

October

October

I thought I would check in at least monthly to keep some cohesiveness to this blog. 

October has found me traveling to my daughter’s on Tuesdays to home school my oldest grandson in the afternoon while she goes into her office. The next morning I watch the boys while she works as well. I’ve just started picking up her groceries for her as I pass through Stephenville on the way to her house. 

This saves her packing up the boys for a forty minute drive both ways to get their groceries. I’ve really enjoyed putting my teaching hat on again, and I can tell that both boys enjoy me being there. Even the youngest one has gotten into the swing of homeschool. 

A few months ago we made the decision to go ahead and build a house and a barn on our property. It’s been a slow process of applying for a construction loan, arranging for electricity and water, and getting a gate built. 

Unfortunately, we were unable to hit water in our attempts to have a well dug. As a result we are having municipal water instead. Although, there was electricity on the property we were required to have a transmission permit, and we are still waiting on that to go through. 

We do have a new, beautiful gate, and have learned that our builder will begin our driveway in a couple of weeks. It’s all falling into place, and we are thrilled to be getting to move closer to Brittany, Will and the boys. 

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.”

Psalm 23

September

September

As I sit here on my back porch sipping coffee, and reading my Bible I find it hard to believe that the month of September is almost behind us. 

What saddens me most is that it appears that I have lost my desire to write. Perhaps that has more to do with a life that has become so simplified that it lends itself to very little reflection. 

Each day seems to fold right into the next as each week and month does the same. Where I once looked more at life as an opportunity for adventure or growth I have become more complacent about how I spend my days. 

I must admit I am happy that fall weather has arrived early this year. Sitting on the porch enjoying the cool breeze does seem to awaken my spirits. Chuck will be taking the coming week off, and we have a few plans to explore some neighboring communities we have not visited before. 

I will say, though, that traveling to Comanche mid-week has been the highlight of my days. Getting to spend time watching the boys, and getting to actually teach Casen has brought a spark back to my life. Knowing that I’m contributing to Brittany being able to work uninterrupted has also brought me great pleasure. 

As I’ve eluded to before Chuck and I have some big plans in the near future, but I’ll save those for another day. I just didn’t want to let the entire month get away from me without checking in. 

Pandemic

Pandemic

It’s hard to believe that we are almost through August and that September is right around the corner. It’s even harder to believe that life as we have known it changed completely five months ago in the middle of March. 

One moment you are playing with your grandsons at the local park, and the next you are locked down in your home with an overflowing pantry of rice and beans wondering when you’ll be able to get your hands on some more toilet paper. 

Since March we’ve spent more time at home than we ever realized was possible, we’ve worn a mask each time we’ve enter a store, we’ve not gotten together with friends or much of our family for months, and we’ve been bombarded with so much information and misinformation that we don’t know who or what to believe. 

Add to all this rioting and looting in many of the major cities throughout the country since Memorial Day. The world is upside down, and people are so divided that we’ve lost any semblance of understanding each other. In many ways we fear for our nation, but pray that somehow things will get better. 

Churches are still closed for many, the presidential candidate for the Democrats appears to be in cognitive decline, and yet it’s a classic example of The Emperor Has No Clothes. Daily we are bombarded by a news media encouraging us to move along as there is nothing to see even though our own eyes tell us differently. Words like socialism and Marxism are brought up in daily conversation now. 

In my personal life there are some major changes ahead, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself so I’ll write about that later. Perhaps the silver lining of this pandemic is I’m getting to spend more time with my grandsons, which I love, and I’m learning to be overall more content. Even though, at times it can be discouraging wondering when we’ll get our old lives back. 

Spiritually my walk with Jesus is deepening, and although I’ve only read one novel in the last five months I have read my Bible daily. I pray more for my country and our president than I ever have. 

Chuck and I are together pretty much all the time since he now works from home, but we have transitioned and adjusted quite well. When he does finally retire I don’t think it will be too terribly hard to adjust. 

I’ve studied, and cooked, and pondered, and reached out to family and friends more often using the wonders of technology. Five months ago I knew nothing about Zoom meetings, and today I’m an old pro. 

The restlessness I used to feel about not accomplishing enough or simply being enough has faded, as today I put my identity in Christ, and trust that he is in charge. I pray that this pandemic comes to an end soon, but look forward to the future and the possibilities it may bring. 

Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad

Whenever I’m trying something new for dinner, and it turns out well I’ll probably share it with you. 

This salad did not disappoint. The flavors are Mediterranean and include chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, yellow bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. 

The other main ingredient is orzo. Now although orzo looks a lot like rice, it is actually a pasta, and it was delicious in this salad. I boiled the orzo, and rinsed it under cool water before combining the other ingredients. 

The dressing is a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano and S&P.  You add the dressing to the salad mixture, and then let it all cool for at least thirty minutes in the refrigerator.

I actually halfed this recipe except for the chickpeas ( I used a whole can) and it was more than enough for Chuck and I with plenty left over for lunch the next day. 

I served pita chips along with this meal, and got this brand from Aldi, although I’ve used Stacy’s before, and both are good. 

I’m including the recipe below:

https://bakerbynature.com/greek-orzo-salad/

By the way I wish I had taken a picture of the diced veggies. Chuck made a comment about how beautiful they were. Just imagine the color palette of red tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, green English cucumbers, red onion, and kalamata olives. 

Abby

Abby

Almost sixteen years ago I got a phone call from Chuck and Brittany. They had been out practicing highway driving and had come up with the idea that Brittany needed a kitten on their way to Oklahoma and back. 

It had been a while since our cat Popcorn had passed away, and since Brittany had never actually had a kitten before, she had convinced her Dad that she should have one. 

To be honest I had gotten used to not having to deal with a litter box so I didn’t jump on board  the idea immediately. However, it didn’t take too much arm twisting to get me to agree to meet them in McKinney at the SPCA.

I wish I could say that we picked Abby, but if truth be told she actually picked us. To be more accurate she actually picked me. When we arrived the place was crawling with kittens so we made our way into the cat room and took a seat. 

 We weren’t there any time at all when a kitten jumped in my lap. She sat contentedly for a few moments, and then jumped down to get a bite to eat. 

As soon as she was through she jumped right back up into my lap. I remember the volunteer commenting on what had just happened, and at that moment it was pretty much a done deal. This little kitten would be accompanying us home. 

According to her collar her name was Abby, and it did seem to fit her so we just kept it, and added Lou as her middle name. It didn’t take long, though, for me to start calling her Princess Honeybun. 

When we returned home it became quickly apparent that Abby wasn’t just any ordinary cat. In many ways she reminded me of a dog. She would come running when I called her, and would roll over to have her belly rubbed. She and I instantly bonded. 

I wish I could say the same for her and Brittany, but alas it wasn’t meant to be. At age fifteen Brittany preferred spending time with her friends, which resulted in me spending quite a bit of time with Abby. 

Consequently Abby took an actual disliking to Brittany, and Brittany pretty much felt the same way. I used to tease Brittany about being jealous of Abby and reminded her that Abby would never leave for college and break her mother’s heart. 

Once Brittany unsuspectingly walked by, and was pummeled by Abby’s paws around her ankles. Abby was known to growl or hiss if Brittany got too close. Her dislike for Brittany carried over with the next generation when Brittany’s children were born. 

Abby may not have been over the moon about the boys, but they both were still fond of her.  The youngest would always request seeing Abby when we FaceTimed, and the oldest insisted that he could tell that Abby was actually warming up to him. 

As the years have gone by I’ve actually fallen to the number two spot in Abby’s life. Over the years she has fallen more in love with Chuck, and he has really won over her heart. He cradles her in his arms while watching TV as she looks up adoringly at him all the while purring loudly. She will reach out with her paw to touch his face to remind him how special he is to her. 

I’d say this noncat person has become smitten by this kitten over the last sixteen years. 

Abby celebrated her sixteenth birthday this last June. I remember when she was a kitten as I calculated her possible life expectancy I realized that she would be mine until I was sixty-four. Abby has met that milestone, but it has become more and more clear that this old girl is not long for this world. 

Yesterday we had to make that decision you never want to make. Chuck and I were with her as she crossed over that rainbow bridge. Our hearts are broken, and the tears flow as I write this. 

We’ve loved this little girl for sixteen years, and she will missed tremendously.

Green Salad

Green Salad

I’m calling this one Green Salad, because everything in it is green. Now before Mrs. Pennington, my high school home ec teacher objects, this monochromatic dish actually was quite eye appealing.

Each ingredient had a different shade of green, and made for a delicious salad. My original intent was to find a way to add raw cabbage to my diet. I had read that cabbage is full of nutrients, and may help reduce chronic inflammation. 

The basic ingredients are cabbage, defrosted frozen green peas, English cucumber, and green onions. 

Now if you are not a green pea fan you might be surprised at how different they taste uncooked in a salad. I grew up eating only canned peas, and they were basically the bane of my existence.

I imagine my mother looking down from heaven and scratching her head at how much I enjoy peas today. Although, we were required to eat everything on our plate, she did allow me to pick the peas out of my chicken pot pie occasionally when she and my Dad would go out for dinner, and leave us behind with the babysitter. 

The dressing for this salad is quite simple, and includes apple cider vinegar. Make sure you buy the apple cider vinegar that is raw and unfiltered. I like Bragg Organic, and will be doing another post on the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar in your diet in the future. 

I’m including the recipe below:

https://natashaskitchen.com/cabbage-and-pea-salad/

Let me know what you think. 

Tasty Lunch Idea

Tasty Lunch Idea

I came across this tuna salad recipe the other day, and thought I would share it with you since it was quite yummy. It made enough for two lunches for me.

I used a single serving package of light tuna packed in water. I drained and rinsed half a can of white cannellini beans. Next I cut a stalk of celery into half moon shapes.

I mixed everything together in a small bowl. Then I whisked together about a tablespoon of olive oil with about half a lemon and about a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and added salt and pepper to taste.

I added this to the tuna mixture, and stirred it all together.

I served it with a thinly sliced apple, and some Triscuit thins.

This was a nice change from my usual Amy's burrito, and tasted just as good the next day.

White Broccoli

White Broccoli

About a week ago I was visiting my daughter's and eating lunch.  Now generally when I come to visit I bring my own lunch to help me stay on track with my WW maintenance.  Most of the time I bring an Amy's burrito, and some raw veggies and hummus.

My youngest grandson, at two and a half, has grown quite fond of sharing my carrots and broccoli, all the while dipping them into hummus. In fact, he's the one who coined the term "hummy" for both sweet and savory hummus.

Now last week I had added cauliflower to the vegetable mix, and after crawling up into my lap to share my lunch I noticed him staring at my ziplock bag of veggies.

He didn't miss a beat, though, and I heard him say, "Hmmm white broccoli!"

I cracked up at the sheer genius of his observation. This boy knows his broccoli and knows his colors too.

Why wouldn't this strange new veggie be white broccoli?

Now I wish I could say he enjoyed his white broccoli as much as the green stuff, but after chewing it up, it found its way back into my hand as he slowly spit it out.

Later I asked his older brother if he knew what this strange looking vegetable was, and he replied, "Nope."

I've got to give the youngest kudos for the most creative answer!

Pico de Gallo

Fermented Pico de Gallo

I wanted to share with you a recipe for fermented Pico de Gallo that Chuck and I have made. Again I have to give Chuck the credit for encouraging me to try fermenting food. His interest prompted me to buy him a fermenting kit for 
Christmas. 

We were excited to make the Pico this time because we were going to be able to use the jalapeños that we grew on our back porch garden. I’m happy to report that we actually have tomatoes growing (from some sprouted seeds from a tomatoes I was cutting up for BLTs.), however they are not ready to be picked yet. 

The ingredients needed for Pico are tomatoes, jalapeños, white onion, cilantro, garlic, and salt. 

Chuck diced up the tomatoes relatively small. We used my handy dandy onion chopper to easily dice the onions. Chuck seeded and diced the jalapeños quite tiny so as not to overpower anyone bite. 

I cut off the stems from the cilantro, and Chuck chopped up the leaves. He also diced the garlic quite small as well. 

We put all of it in a large bowl and added the salt. Remember to add an extra teaspoon of salt if you are planning on fermenting your Pico. We mixed it together, and scooped it into mason jars. 

Because we have the fermenting kit, Chuck used the wooden tamper to push down the mixture into the jar. We topped it with a glass weight to make sure it was completely covered, and not being exposed to air. 

Then we used the special lid with the air slit in order to allow the carbon dioxide to escape during the fermentation process. We will let our Pico sit out in a cool, dark place ( the shelves in our laundry room) and will check on it in about five days. I usually jot down the date we made it on the calendar to help us keep track of the time. 

Then after a few days we will check it. If we are not satisfied with the taste (sometimes it’s still too salty) we will let it sit a little longer. 

After that we keep it in the fridge, and replace the lid with the metal lid that comes with the jar. I’ve been told it can last for several months in the fridge, but I guarantee it won’t be there long enough to find out. 

I’m looking forward to some pretty yummy breakfast tacos when it’s done. 

I've included the recipe below:

https://prepareandnourish.com/fresh-and-fermented-tomato-salsa-or-pico-de-gallo/