Caramel Apple Dip

8 oz. pkg cream cheese softened
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
garnish with cinnamon
In a medium serving bowl, combine cream cheese, caramel topping, honey and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.  Beat until smooth.  Store in refrigerator until chilled.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with apple slices.
Makes 2 cups

Folgers can stickers

I found these on the Folgers site.  One you put on the lid too.  There are 2 or 3 scenes to choose from.  Nice to give with baked items/candies inside.

Pistachio Cake

18 1/4 oz. pkg. white cake mix
3.4 oz. pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup oil
1 cup club soda
3 eggs
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
Combine all ingredients blending for 4 minutes.   Pour batter into a greased and floured 10" tube pan.  Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes remove and cool completely on wire rack.  Frost and garnish with nuts.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Makes 12 servings.
Frosting:
2 envelopes whipped topping mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
3.4 oz. pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix
Combine whipped topping mix and milk, beat until soft peaks form.  Add pudding mix beat until fluffy.

Christmas present received last yr.

My mom made this for me and then gave me several family recipes that she had written down.  I love gifts from the heart.

Shorty and Friend

This is our dog Shorty (Shortcake).  Alittle over a year ago a gray alley cat showed up at our house and it will not let you get close to it but would eat Shortys food and sleep in the doghouse with him.  This spring she had kittens in the house.  Had 5 2 dead and 3 alive.  Anyhoo the 3 2 black and white and this black one stay right with him.  At time they are all sleeping with him, on him, by him or close around.  This black really stays the closet.  So cute to see.  Shorty is on a rope (barge rope found at Kentucky Lake yrs. ago)  that hangs in the tree and he has a lot of area to move in.

Hot Pecan Dip

8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
1 onion grated
3 oz pkg dried beef chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients mix well.  Spread in a buttered 9" pie pan, sprinkle with toasted pecans.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Serves 12
Toasted Pecans
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
Toss all together, spread onto an ungreased baking sheet.  Broil until golden brown stirring often.

Christmas Decoration

I purchased this a few yrs. ago and the little wooden items to make more, but haven't yet.  The top says Happy Holidays.

Some miscellaneous shots

The one shot is of sunflowers we have planted along the fence line.  Should be over 300.  Can't wait to see all in bloom. Some of our sheep with Allen.  We have some really tame ones.  Love the reflection of the clouds in the pond.

Creamy Potato Soup Mix

I received this mix and recipe one year with a bowl set. 

3 1/2 cups instant potato flakes
3 cups powdered milk
1/4 cup chicken bouillon granules
.9 oz.  pkg. vegetable soup mix
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients.  Store in an airtight container until ready to give.  Attach instructions.  Makes about 6 3/4 cups soup mix.

Instructions: Place one cup soup mix in a 2 1/2 cup mug or bowl and stir in 2 cups boiling water. (if using an 8 oz. mug, use 1/2 cup soup mix and stir in one cup boiling water.)  Stir until thickened about 2 or 3 minutes.  Makes one serving.

Add in small amount of ham if desired.

Another Chirstmas present done

Have 2 done and 1 left that I know of.  These are really fun to do!

Creamy Nog Punch

1 gallon vanilla ice cream
1/2 gallon eggnog
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
16 oz container frozen whipped topping thawed
scoop ice cream into a punch bowl. Pour eggnog over it and sprinkle with nutmeg & cinnamon.  Gently stir in whipped topping.  Serve immediately. Stir as needed.  Makes 1 1/2 gallons.





Apple-Cranberry Sparkler
4 teabags
2 cups boiling water
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail chilled
1 cup apple juice chilled
2 teaspoons sugar
Place teabags in boiling water and brew for 5 minutes.  Combine tea, juices and sugar in a pitcher and chill.  Makes 1 quart.

My grandmas

My grandma died in June 2008 and I was given a couple of her angel ornaments.  She collected all types of angels.

Simple Broccoli Casserole

I like this receipt because it can be the main dish or leave out the chicken and can be a side.

10 oz. pkg. frozen broccoli thawed
10 3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
6 oz.  pkg. herb flavored stuffing mix
1/2 cup butter melted

Place broccoli and soups in a buttered 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish and mix well.  Toss stuffing with butter in a mixing bowl and add to casserole dish.  Stir gently to mix.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.  Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Shredded cooked chicken can be added in.

I have put shredded cheese on the top and cooked a few minutes longer till cheese is melted.

snowman Ornament

This is one of the cute ornaments I received in a Christmas In July swap.  The girl who made this posted a picture of all she received but not one she made.

Country Decorating

I thought this was kinda pretty with a piece of homespun tied around a candle.

Candy Cane Cocoa

4 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups baking cocoa
1 pint mint chocolate chip ice cream
chocolate syrup
8 candy canes crushed
Combine milk, sugar, peppermint extract and cocoa in a large saucepan.  Heat over medium heat until hot, do not boil.  Divide evenly into 8 large mugs.  Float a scoop of ice cream in each mug then drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with candy cane pieces.  Makes 8 servings.

Christmas Crunch Salad

Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar

Salad
2 broccoli brunches broken into small pieces
1 cauliflower head, broken in small pieces
1 red onion, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half or tomato pieces

Combine dressing ingredients mix well.  Toss with vegetables. Serve well chilled.  Better made a day ahead. 
Serves 6

A simple gift

I got some of these after Christmas last year so have about $3.50 invested in it.  Will either put some homemade candy or cookies, bath items or a mini loaf of bread in it also for some gifts.  Hairdressers, co-workers. (soxs inside it with a candle)

Garden Herb Bread Blend

This bread is a nice change once in awhile.  I need to make some again.

1/3 cup dried parsley flakes
1/3 cup dried minced onions
2 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
2 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Blend herbs together in a bowl.  Pack into an airtight container or bag.  Makes 1 cup or enough for 6 loaves of bread.

Bread Recipe
3 to 4 teaspoons of Garden Herb Bread Blend
1 package hot roll mix
4 tablespoons margarine, divided
1 egg
Add garden herb blend to dry hot roll mix.  Follow instructions on the mix box for mixing, kneading and resting.  Shape dough into regular size or mini loaves or follow instructions on box for rolls.  Allow dough to rise.  Bake regular size bread loaves in greased loaf pans for 35 to 40 minutes at 375.  Bake mini loaves 25 to 30 minutes.  Brush tops with remaining 2 tablespoons margarine.

A new twist on the sox monkey......

Now a Sox Gingerbread.  I ran across this when looking back thru my Gooseberry Patch Christmas Books (this was in #2).

Easy Cream Cheese Truffles

8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
5 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup almonds, pecans, walnuts or your choice chopped (can toast if you desire)
1/4 cup coconut flakes ( if you like toast it)
Beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Add in the 4 cups of powdered sugar slowly beating until smooth.  Add in the melted chocolate beating until well blended.  Chill for 1 hour.  Shape mixture into about 1" balls.  Roll the balls into some cocoa, or nuts of choice, coconut, or the other 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.  Put into an air tight container and can be stored in fridge for 2 weeks.  6 1/2 dozen approximately.

Star Ornament

Last year in a Christmas card swap that I joined this was folded up inside of one of the cards.  I would like to try some this year.

Nutty Cinnamon Crisps

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter softened
1 egg separated
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc)

Beat sugar, butter and egg yolk together then stir in cinnamon and flour.  Press mixture onto a lightly greased 15x10" jelly roll pan.  In a medium mixing bowl, beat egg white and water with a fork until foamy then brush over dough.  Sprinkle with nuts, bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden.   Cut into strips and cool on wire rack.  Makes 3 dozen.

Snowman container

I ran across this picture and thought I would share.  In the past I have used coffee creamer containers also.  I do paint eyes and buttons on the ones I do.  I also love to give homemade cocoa mix in a quart jar that I have sponge painted the outside, and added a face on.

Cheesecake Cake Batter Dip

I saw this on pinterest this week and thought it would be a keeper.  Have to try it yet.

8  oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup white cake mix
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup sprinkles

Cream cheese, mix for 3 minutes or until light and whipped on medium high.  Add sour cream and vanilla on medium until mixed then slowly add cake mix and powdered sugar mixing till combined.  Gently fold in sprinkles and chill.  Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, etc..

Earrings

I saw these earrings on the back of a magazine and thought they were really cute! 

Pretzel Snack Mix

6 cups baked cheddar cheese crackers
1 9 oz. package bite size square pretzel snaps (5 cups)
1 12 oz. can peanuts
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic minced
Preheat oven to 300 in a roasting pan, combine crackers, pretzels, and peanuts.  In a bowl, stir together melted butter, Italian seasoning, pepper and garlic.  Drizzle over cracker mixture.  Stir evenly to coat.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.  Spread snack mix on large sheet of foil to cool.  Makes 12 cups.

Another ideal for the Santa paintbrushes

There are several versions of these around and I thought these were cute too.

Pesto Popcorn Seasoning Mix

I received some of this as a gift along with the recipe a few years back.

5 tablespoons finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
In a bowl combine Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley flakes and garlic powder.  Transfer mixture to a small tin and cover.  Makes about 1/3 cup seasoning mix.
Sprinkle over 10 cups of freshly popped popcorn.

Store tin in refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Christmas Tree skirt from ties

If you would be lucky enough to have ties from your father, grandfather and anybody else (husband or son) special to you this would be such a nice heirloom to do.

Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup peanut butter
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
12 oz chocolate flavor candy coating cut up

At times I add chopped up pieces of pecan to the mixture.

Line a tray or baking sheet with waxed paper, set aside.  In a bowl, stir together peanut butter and butter.  Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until combined.  If nessary knead with hands until smooth.  Shape peanut butter mixture into 1" balls place on the prepared tray.  Set aside.
In medium heavy saucepan melt candy coating over low heat stirring until smooth.  Remove from heat, cool 5 minutes.  Using a fork, dip balls one at a time into coating, allowing excess coating to drip off.  Return to waxed paper, let stand until coating is set (10 minutes). if desired, drizzle balls with any remaining coating.  Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.  Makes about 40 candies.

Name Cards

Using either red construction paper or poster board and a ribbon.

Pumpkin Butter

2 15 oz. cans pumpkin
1 1/4 cups pure maple syrup
1/2 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a 5 qt. heavy pot combine pumpkin, maple syrup, apple juice, lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.  Bring to boiling, reduce heat.  Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently, about 25 minutes or until thick. (if mixture splatters reduce heat to medium-low.) remove from heat and cool.

Ladle pumpkin mixture into clean pint or half pint size plastic freezer containers or jars, leaving a 1/2" headspace-seal.  Makes 4 1/2 cups.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 months.  Thaw in refrigerator to use.

Snowman from a stick

I ran across this in a magazine and thought they were cute.

Pizza Bake

1 (16 oz.) package spiral pasta
1 (1 pound) package bulk ground hot Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 (24 oz.) jar spicy tomato basil sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 (5 oz.) package mini sliced pepperoni
Preheat oven to 350.  Prepare pasta according to instructions. In a skillet combine sausage, onion, and bell pepper cooking it till done.  Drain. In a large bowl combine pasta, sausage mixture, tomato sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and chicken broth.  Pour mixture into a 9X13" baking dish and top evenly with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and pepperoni.  Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese melts.

Gift Ideals at Lowes

Earlier this afternoon my husband, son and I were in Lowes and they had several types of tools marked down to $9.98.  The ones they brought had 3 different sizes in the pack, and they were Kobalt (guaranteed for life).  They got vice grips and channel locks.

Crab Dip

1 8 oz. package cream cheese softened
1 jar cocktail sauce
1 can crab meat


Spread cream cheese on platter.  Top with the cocktail sauce.  Add the drained crab meat on top.  Serve with crackers.

Christmas gifts 2014

Finally learned how to do the crocheted version.  Want to make a few for Christmas.

Spicy Tex-Mex Mix

We also enjoy this mix

2 1/2 cups lightly salted peanuts
3 cups corn chips
3 cups shredded wheat cereal-mini
2 1/2 cups lightly salted pretzels-mini
1 1/4 oz package taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup butter melted

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss well to coat.  Store in an airtight container.  Makes 11 cups.

Pasta Angel Pin

 

I was given this pin several years ago.

 

Ornament from a cruise

My daughter and 2 of her friends went on a cruise in June of 2010 and she got this ornament for us.

Woodchucks

2 cups walnuts (or 1 cup black walnuts and 1 cup pecans)
1 cup pitted dates
1 cup brown sugar packed
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups shredded coconut, divided
Put walnuts and dates through coarse blade of grinder or chop coarsely using steel blade of food processor or blender.  Add brown sugar, eggs and 1 1/2 cups of coconut, mix well.  Shape mixture into 1" balls.  Roll balls in remaining 2 cups coconut and place balls on well greased baking sheet.  Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven 10-12 minutes or until coconut is toasted.  Cookies will be soft so be gentle, they will firm up when cooled. 

I am not fond of dates but my mom and several others are.

Berry Bubbles

1/2 cup baby shampoo
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
10-15 drops strawberry fragrance oil

Mix shampoo and water in a bowl.  Stir gently, add salt and stir until mixture slightly thickens.  Add fragrance oil.  Keep in sealed container.

I made some of this several years back.  I used different fragrances and labeled it with whatever it was.  Went over has a nice gift, given with other bath items we made an a luffa sponges we grew.

Ranch Snack Mix

My family likes this recipe.  From a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook-2004

1 envelope ranch style dressing mix
1 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon dill weed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups mini shredded wheat squares
2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup blanched peanuts or mixed nuts
1 cup shelled sunflower seeds

Combine dressing mix, oil and seasonings and mix well.  Mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Pour oil mixture over all and stir to coat well.  Spread on a baking pan and put into a 250 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.  Stir once during baking.  Store in airtight container.  Makes 6 cups.

Cookies and Cream Dessert

1 lb. 2 oz. pkg. of chocolate sandwich cookies crushed
1/2 cup butter or margarine melted
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
2 (3.4 oz.) pkgs. vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups milk
8 oz. container frozen whipped topping thaw

Mix cookie crumbs with butter reserve one cup of mixture for the top.  Press the rest of the mixture into the bottom of a 13X9" dish and set aside. I spray the dish with alittle Pam.
Beat cream cheese on medium speed with an electric mixer.  Add pudding mix and milk beating until smooth.  Fold in whipped topping.  Spread over cookie mixture and sprinkle with reserved cookie mixture chill one hour.  Serves 15

Snowflakes

I am not sure if I showed these before or not but I made these about 2 or 3 years ago.  The snowflakes were from Dollar Tree (can't remember if 6 or 12 in a pk.) and you could get blue or white.  Make a yo yo and then I used old Christmas cards punched with my scallop punch and hot glued the card to the material and then onto the snowflake.

Kids blocks

I love using kids blocks for words at the holidays.  This isn't a picture of mine but I do use them.  Spelling out Merry Christmas----snow fun ( by my snowmen) etc.

Snappy BBQ Seasoning Mix

3 Tablespoons onion powder
3 Tablespoons garlic powder
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
2 Tablespoons celery salt
2 Tablespoons dry mustard
1 Tablespoon pepper

Blend all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.  When ready to use sprinkle on beef, pork or fish while grilling or broiling. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Christmas movies for July on Hallmark Channel

Monday, July 8 8/7c: The Case for Christmas

Tuesday, July 9
8/7c: Hitched for the Holidays

Wednesday, July 10
8/7c: Christmas Song

Thursday, July 11
8/7c: Christmas Magic

Friday, July 12
6/5c: Naughty or Nice
8/7c: Matchmaker Santa
10/9c: The Case for Christmas

Saturday, July 13
12a/11c: Annie Claus is Coming to Town
2a/1c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle
4a/3c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle
6a/5c: The Case for Christmas
8a/7c: A Christmas Wish
10a/9c: Annie Claus is Coming to Town
12/1c: Naughty or Nice
2/1c: Matchmaker Santa
4/3c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle
6/5c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle
8/7c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas
10/9c: A Christmas Wish
Sunday, July 14
12a/11c: A Princess for Christmas
2a/1c: Holiday Engagement
4a/3c: The Christmas Card
6a/5c: Lucky Christmas
8a/7c: Help for the Holidays
10a/9c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas
12/1c: Holiday Engagement
2/1c: A Bride for Christmas
4/3c: Hitched for the Holidays
6/5c: A Princess for Christmas
8/7c: The Christmas Card
10/9c: Help for the Holidays

Another poster from a Christmas site I am on posted these.

Peanut Butter Pinwheels

1 pound confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
milk, as needed
peanut butter

Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk to the sugar until a ball forms that can be rolled out and is not too sticky.  If it is too sticky, add more sugar.  Roll out on wax paper to desired thickness and spread with peanut butter.  Roll up into a log and wrap in wax paper.  Chill in the refrigerator and cut into circles.

It was a gift BUT.....

I purchased these after Christmas last year to have in the gift closet, but I really liked them so they were out in no time.  I got them at Peebles.

A sweet gift

Thought I would share a picture of a very festive cup I received from a good friend.  It is so cute!  Love it and it was so NICE of her to send it to me.


For Christmas gifts fill a cup with chap stick, mittens, hot chocolate mix, soxs, gift cards, some homemade chex mix, cookies or such in a baggie.

Chicken Bites

1 pound chicken tenders
1 pound bacon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.  Cut bacon in thirds and wrap around a chicken bite.  Secure with toothpick.  Coat chicken pieces in a mixture of brown sugar and chili powder.   Place on a non- stick foil lined pan with a rack.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until chicken and bacon are done.  Serve warm.

Holiday Strawberry Bars

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts (I use pecans)
1/2 cup strawberry jam (I use other flavors at times)
In a bowl, beat butter until fluffy, add sugar and egg yolks.  Blend in flour and walnuts.  Press half the dough into a greased 8" X 8" baking pan.  Spread jam over top, keeping jam about 1/2" from edge of pan.  Add remaining dough, spreading it over top of jam layer.  Press dough down with floured hands.  Bake at 325 degrees for one hour.
cool cut into squares.  Makes about 2 dozen.

Christmas Star

Star we made from twigs.  Can be spray painted and if desired and glitter added. Can make an assortment of sizes for the tree.

Have family or friends who decorate the yard then....

for Christmas make them a gazing ball.  Using and old bowling ball and the flat marbles, silicone.  So while the rummage sales or going on be on the look out for the balls.  I actually made this one I but 15 yrs. ago and just now starting to lose a few marbles off.  Probably because the last 3 or 4 yrs. I have left it out over the winter. Depending on the ball color and the marbles used for the overall effect.

German Chocolate Cake Frosting

1 cup evaporated milk
1 stick oleo
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup of coconut (or more to your liking)
1 cup of chopped pecans
Place milk, oleo, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla in a sauce pan.  Stir until melted.  Boil for 1 minute.  Cool.  When cool fold in the coconut and nuts.

Paper Snowflake

I am hoping to try some of these in the near future.

Ham & Cheese Snacks

1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury crescent rolls
1/4 cup margarine
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1/2 cup cubed ham
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Spread a 13X9" pan with the 1 can of crescent rolls.  Seal and spread sides up 1/4".  Next, spread with the margarine and mustard, which were mixed together.  Then sprinkle with the ham, onion, green pepper and cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.  It is difficult to cut directly from the oven so let cool.

Christmas Ornaments

Ideal from Gooseberry Patch Christmas #14 Book.  Using cookie cutters.

Peanut Chocolate Drops

A recipe from my grandmas recipe box

3 cups uncooked oats, quick or old fashioned
1 1/4 cups chuck style peanut butter
1 6-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine

Toast oats in a jelly roll pan in preheated 350-degree oven about 10 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool.  Melt together peanut butter, chocolate, honey and butter in  medium-sized saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.  Stir in oats.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto wax paper.  Chill until firm; store in refrigerator in tightly covered container.  Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Snowballs and glitter balls

Some more glitter ornaments

Snowball

 

Using a glass ornament, spray glue or the acrylic sealer gloss into ball add the snow and move it around.  Shake out the excess.  Can use glitter also.