The world just goes too fast for me! I tried Turbo Tax for filing our returns this year. It is rather intense as they seriously ask you every little question that might pertain to your income, etc. I finally got to an ending point and e-filed our returns. This morning, I got the news that while the State of California has accepted our return, as filed, the IRS did not. I can understand the State of California having no problem as it doesn't look like they are interested in actually refunding overpayment of taxes this year. I have yet to check on what the IRS requires for final acceptance of our return. Poor IRS! Whatever they may be concerned about, may be minimal as I forgot a substantial tuition deduction and can now refile with that in place. The IRS is going to be sorry they asked.
Anyway, this is still too fast for me! Other years when the IRS might have had a question, it was six or eight weeks before we found out and another six or eight weeks before any refund was forthcoming. In less than eight hours, we knew. Amazing but kind of scary world. I'm going to close the shades . . . just in case any tax authorities are looking in my window!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Safety thoughts . . .
As we gradually approach Spring, we notice more and more of our favorite fruits and melons coming into season. Living in California, however, many of them are available year round . . . at a price! Believe it or not, there are some safety concerns that you might not take into consideration.
I use to have a friend that made fun of me because we thoroughly washed our watermelon with dish soap and water before taking that first cut. She said that if the knife was clean, what was the problem. If the rind is dirty, the knife slices right through, spreading any possible germs across the edible portion. Melons grow in dirt, people with unwashed hands handle the melons, the melons are touched by prospective buyers . . . My husband and I got a massive stomach upset, one summer, after eating watermelon. It was years before we could even look at one so, yes, now we wash our melons and don't care who laughs!
Bagged salad greens can cause a problem, too. They do claim the lettuce or whatever is washed three times, but . . . A great investment is an expensive salad spinner. You put in your greens, spash them with vinegar, rinse, and spin. We also add a peroxide rinse just to make sure. The only thing we want to survive on our salad is the salad dressing!
We take precautions because we like to eat healthy and it is frustrating to get sick from eating food that is supposed to be good for you!
I use to have a friend that made fun of me because we thoroughly washed our watermelon with dish soap and water before taking that first cut. She said that if the knife was clean, what was the problem. If the rind is dirty, the knife slices right through, spreading any possible germs across the edible portion. Melons grow in dirt, people with unwashed hands handle the melons, the melons are touched by prospective buyers . . . My husband and I got a massive stomach upset, one summer, after eating watermelon. It was years before we could even look at one so, yes, now we wash our melons and don't care who laughs!
Bagged salad greens can cause a problem, too. They do claim the lettuce or whatever is washed three times, but . . . A great investment is an expensive salad spinner. You put in your greens, spash them with vinegar, rinse, and spin. We also add a peroxide rinse just to make sure. The only thing we want to survive on our salad is the salad dressing!
We take precautions because we like to eat healthy and it is frustrating to get sick from eating food that is supposed to be good for you!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Productive quilting . . .
I like the days when the fabric stash works with the creative ideas running through your mind. I hate it when I look at my rather abundant collection of fabric and feel like I can't start a project without yet another trip to the fabric store!
Today, it all went together and I had the time and inclination to piece two quilts: one a pretty, girl-type pattern and the other one, a definitely boy sort of baby quilt. Both of them used picture fabric.
I hit the jackpot when I find good-quality fabric with a great picture print on it. Once it hits my sewing table, the fabric doesn't always go into the quilt the way it arrived. Scrap quilts are my favorite and picture fabric works well with that concept.
I usually begin my scrap quilting with six-inch squares of pre-shrunk muslim. I cut out a picture from the chosen fabric, place it at an angle on the muslim and proceed to add strips of contrasting fabric as the whim takes me. The muslim provides a good foundation for the square. After the square is finished and trimmed, I add one or two borders, depending on how big the finished square needs to be for the project.
An afternoon of sewing was a nice beginning to Lent. You can do a lot of thinking when you sew and send out a few prayers as your mind touches on various occasions or friends who might need them. My favorite way to multi-task!
Today, it all went together and I had the time and inclination to piece two quilts: one a pretty, girl-type pattern and the other one, a definitely boy sort of baby quilt. Both of them used picture fabric.
I hit the jackpot when I find good-quality fabric with a great picture print on it. Once it hits my sewing table, the fabric doesn't always go into the quilt the way it arrived. Scrap quilts are my favorite and picture fabric works well with that concept.
I usually begin my scrap quilting with six-inch squares of pre-shrunk muslim. I cut out a picture from the chosen fabric, place it at an angle on the muslim and proceed to add strips of contrasting fabric as the whim takes me. The muslim provides a good foundation for the square. After the square is finished and trimmed, I add one or two borders, depending on how big the finished square needs to be for the project.
An afternoon of sewing was a nice beginning to Lent. You can do a lot of thinking when you sew and send out a few prayers as your mind touches on various occasions or friends who might need them. My favorite way to multi-task!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Defender of the Faith??
While in line at the grocery store, the pre-schooler in front of us asked my pre-schooler "Why is your forehead dirty?" "It's not dirt, it's my ashes" answered my son. "Why do you have ashes, does your dad smoke?" "No! It's because I'm a catholic and it's cool!" The little girl turns to her mother and asks, can we be catholics too!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Great deals in quilting fabric . . .
I'm always on the hunt for interesting, unique, or inexpensive quilting fabric. In my Internet wanderings, I came across this one: http://www.marshalldrygoods.com/. Marshall's Dry Goods keeps their prices below four dollars a yard. They also list the fabric according to designer or manufacturer. My best purchase, last year, was a 'bundle' of blends fabrics. Blends are the lightly marbled fabric in unpatterned colors that are good for quilt backs, borders, or accents in a fabric. Not only did I get an exceptional deal, it is great to not have to worry about having the right color on hand.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Some merit to this quote . . .
"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."
-- Elizabeth Taylor
-- Elizabeth Taylor
Saturday, February 21, 2009
On God's Terms . . .
When I was growing up, there were various social strata when it came to people. There was, of course, our family with whom we were on close terms. Then there were school friends, after school activity friends, and neighborhood friends. There were also a lot of people we knew but only had a nodding acquaintance with for the most part. They were there, we greeted them civilly when we met but we never delved into a deeper relationship on any level.
And as I was growing up, there were certain proformas to be observed in situations. It seemed that most of my discipline outside the family took place in my formation of behavior in church. I was brought up to realize that although the church was built by man, it was in actuality God's House and we respected this.
I remember practicing for my First Communion. To avoid excessive talking and moving around the church, the good sisters did most of our rehearsal for the great day outside the church. To be sure, we did have several ‘dress' rehearsals in church but only after we had mastered our place in line and could behave properly in God's house. It was drilled into us with kind firmness that we were guests in God's house. To show our respect, we must enter quietly, bless ourselves reverently and genuflect graciously to show our utmost respect. Since this took place in the fifties, we didn't have the handicap of trying to locate the Blessed Sacrament in order to pay homage.
When the changes in the Mass and church began, I knew deep down inside that the transubstantiation was still the center of the Mass. I stepped aside in the wake of the exodus of Catholics who left because Mass was not as they knew it or wanted to know it anymore. As they left, the ones still in attendance seemed to take a more casual viewpoint of God. Instead of our Lord and Master, many considered Him less in his role as our Creator and more of a forgiving Pal. As I have gotten older, I know that you can't be a parent and a pal to your children. Friends are on an equal basis and equality cuts down on respect to a degree. You don't often look up to a friend.
I have noticed that as people have started considering God more of a friend than a Father, their consideration of Him has lessened. Believing and honoring don't go hand in hand. Thinking on this, I have started to reflect on my various levels of friends that I categorized in my growing up years. Many times I have seen genuflecting replaced by a nod in passing to the tabernacle. I remember my thoughts on people with whom I had a nodding acquaintance with--- I greeted them civilly but never thought of encouraging a deeper relationship.
And as I was growing up, there were certain proformas to be observed in situations. It seemed that most of my discipline outside the family took place in my formation of behavior in church. I was brought up to realize that although the church was built by man, it was in actuality God's House and we respected this.
I remember practicing for my First Communion. To avoid excessive talking and moving around the church, the good sisters did most of our rehearsal for the great day outside the church. To be sure, we did have several ‘dress' rehearsals in church but only after we had mastered our place in line and could behave properly in God's house. It was drilled into us with kind firmness that we were guests in God's house. To show our respect, we must enter quietly, bless ourselves reverently and genuflect graciously to show our utmost respect. Since this took place in the fifties, we didn't have the handicap of trying to locate the Blessed Sacrament in order to pay homage.
When the changes in the Mass and church began, I knew deep down inside that the transubstantiation was still the center of the Mass. I stepped aside in the wake of the exodus of Catholics who left because Mass was not as they knew it or wanted to know it anymore. As they left, the ones still in attendance seemed to take a more casual viewpoint of God. Instead of our Lord and Master, many considered Him less in his role as our Creator and more of a forgiving Pal. As I have gotten older, I know that you can't be a parent and a pal to your children. Friends are on an equal basis and equality cuts down on respect to a degree. You don't often look up to a friend.
I have noticed that as people have started considering God more of a friend than a Father, their consideration of Him has lessened. Believing and honoring don't go hand in hand. Thinking on this, I have started to reflect on my various levels of friends that I categorized in my growing up years. Many times I have seen genuflecting replaced by a nod in passing to the tabernacle. I remember my thoughts on people with whom I had a nodding acquaintance with--- I greeted them civilly but never thought of encouraging a deeper relationship.
Friday, February 20, 2009
A quote to keep in mind . . .
"Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery."
-- Dr. Joyce Brothers
-- Dr. Joyce Brothers
Pay dirt between pay days . . .
There is food enough in the cupboards to last until payday but anything extra or special will have to wait . . . unless you happen to have six cups of flour, a packet of yeast, salt and water available. Although it seems an unlikely combination to evolve into something of any particular palate-pleasing result, there are possibilities.
First you have to mix up the basis of your future inspirations! Dissolve the yeast in a quarter cup of cool water. Put in the flour, salt and enough water to form into a pliable dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. The time you spend kneading give you moments to start creating possibilities! Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside to double in bulk. Go on with your life as this can take a couple of hours depending on the weather.
You come back later to find a delightful, great batch of dough pushing against the plastic film. Pull back the wrap, take a deep breath of the smell of developing bread dough and. . .punch it down! I know! It hurts to seemingly destroy that beautiful puff of dough but this procedure helps develop the flavor of the final outcome and it will rise again.
Now you come to the creative part of your day. What do you need to round out your family's snack time or meal? Do you need sweet, savory or plain? The following are some suggestions but remember almost anything works and with a little thought you can come up with that secret, family recipe.
Rolls are always nice with a meal. They stretch the calories and everyone loves them. You can take half your dough and divide into roll size bits. Carefully curve them into smooth rolls, place them on a lightly-greased cookie sheet, let rise and bake at 425 degrees for about ten minutes. In fact, with a little forethought, the rolls can exit the oven as your family enters the kitchen for dinner. A brush with beaten egg before baking and a pinch of poppy seeds on the top, will make them even more spectacular.
The other half of your dough can be placed in a loaf pan and when it has risen, baked at 425 degrees until you have a golden loaf to be put aside for breakfast the next morning.
Now if bread is not what you sweet tooth wants, you can pinch off tablespoons of dough, roll them into pencil-thin lengths and deep-fry them until brown. Drain them on paper towel, pile them on a platter and dust with confectioners' sugar. This makes a good dessert during the hiatus between paydays. You can also shake them in cinnamon and sugar for a donut-like treat.
You aren't in the mood for sweet or plain? Take a portion of the dough, roll it out into a rectangular (or as near as possible!). Sprinkle a generous handful of grated cheese (your choice) over the dough. Fold the dough together, roll out again and repeat with the cheese. Do this three or four times, depending on how much you like cheese. With the final rolling, cut dough into narrow strips,, place about an inch apart on greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees about ten to fifteen minutes.
If you take the time to figure out the price of flour, your investment in time will make the days between payday so easy, you may forget to watch for payday. . .but I doubt it!
First you have to mix up the basis of your future inspirations! Dissolve the yeast in a quarter cup of cool water. Put in the flour, salt and enough water to form into a pliable dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. The time you spend kneading give you moments to start creating possibilities! Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside to double in bulk. Go on with your life as this can take a couple of hours depending on the weather.
You come back later to find a delightful, great batch of dough pushing against the plastic film. Pull back the wrap, take a deep breath of the smell of developing bread dough and. . .punch it down! I know! It hurts to seemingly destroy that beautiful puff of dough but this procedure helps develop the flavor of the final outcome and it will rise again.
Now you come to the creative part of your day. What do you need to round out your family's snack time or meal? Do you need sweet, savory or plain? The following are some suggestions but remember almost anything works and with a little thought you can come up with that secret, family recipe.
Rolls are always nice with a meal. They stretch the calories and everyone loves them. You can take half your dough and divide into roll size bits. Carefully curve them into smooth rolls, place them on a lightly-greased cookie sheet, let rise and bake at 425 degrees for about ten minutes. In fact, with a little forethought, the rolls can exit the oven as your family enters the kitchen for dinner. A brush with beaten egg before baking and a pinch of poppy seeds on the top, will make them even more spectacular.
The other half of your dough can be placed in a loaf pan and when it has risen, baked at 425 degrees until you have a golden loaf to be put aside for breakfast the next morning.
Now if bread is not what you sweet tooth wants, you can pinch off tablespoons of dough, roll them into pencil-thin lengths and deep-fry them until brown. Drain them on paper towel, pile them on a platter and dust with confectioners' sugar. This makes a good dessert during the hiatus between paydays. You can also shake them in cinnamon and sugar for a donut-like treat.
You aren't in the mood for sweet or plain? Take a portion of the dough, roll it out into a rectangular (or as near as possible!). Sprinkle a generous handful of grated cheese (your choice) over the dough. Fold the dough together, roll out again and repeat with the cheese. Do this three or four times, depending on how much you like cheese. With the final rolling, cut dough into narrow strips,, place about an inch apart on greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees about ten to fifteen minutes.
If you take the time to figure out the price of flour, your investment in time will make the days between payday so easy, you may forget to watch for payday. . .but I doubt it!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Motherly love vs. quilting . . .
Decisions! Decisions!
My husband treated me to a trip to the fabric warehouse yesterday. For anyone who lives in Southern California, M&L Fabrics on Ball in Orange County is the place to go for designer fabrics at Wal-Mart prices. The trip was a 25th Wedding Anniversary present so I got to indulge quite drastically. When I got home yesterday, I had an enjoyable time refolding my fabric stash and putting away my new fabric. A lot of ideas were running through my head about what I could make with the fabric. I also have six almost completed quilts waiting for final stitches. My conscience said to finish those before starting yet another project. My new fabric seemed to tell my conscience to 'shut up' and go with the creative flow lest it be lost. My son just reminded me I promised him a trip to Barnes & Noble and lunch out. Guess I'll discuss quilting priorities with my fabric when I get back from the bookstore. Sigh . . .
My husband treated me to a trip to the fabric warehouse yesterday. For anyone who lives in Southern California, M&L Fabrics on Ball in Orange County is the place to go for designer fabrics at Wal-Mart prices. The trip was a 25th Wedding Anniversary present so I got to indulge quite drastically. When I got home yesterday, I had an enjoyable time refolding my fabric stash and putting away my new fabric. A lot of ideas were running through my head about what I could make with the fabric. I also have six almost completed quilts waiting for final stitches. My conscience said to finish those before starting yet another project. My new fabric seemed to tell my conscience to 'shut up' and go with the creative flow lest it be lost. My son just reminded me I promised him a trip to Barnes & Noble and lunch out. Guess I'll discuss quilting priorities with my fabric when I get back from the bookstore. Sigh . . .
A favorite, fast, meatless meal . . .
1 pound spaghetti
10 peeled cloves of garlic
1/2 stick butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth
Freshly ground pepper
Fresh basil (optional), shredded in strips
Salt to taste
1 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese
Smash the garlic with the flat of a knife blade and finely chop. Smashing the garlic helps release the flavor. Very gently saute the garlic in the butter until the garlic is soft but not browned.
Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti until it is just barely done. It will cook a bit more in the final preparation and you don't want mushy pasta. Drain, and put spaghetti back in the pot. Add the garlic,/butter and mix thoroughly. With the stove set on a low flame, add the eggs and quickly stir them in so they cook and spread out evenly. Add the cheese, pepper, and basil and mix. Add salt and serve immediately.
This is a nice meal for a meatless Friday and goes well with a big salad and some sour dough bread, lightly toasted.
Interesting thing about Fridays and no meat. Everyone (I hope!) strictly observes them during Lent but seem to think that it does't apply the rest of the year. Unfortunately, many pastors have not been clear on this. Meatless Fridays have not exactly been changed but we are offered the option of choosing another form of penance for Friday. Too many Catholics I have talked to seem to view meatless Fridays as a thing of the past. The 'rule' is that unless you come up with a definite alternative, you should still refrain from meat. We have found it more of a penance and less of a strain on our brains to observe all Fridays as a meatless day.
Another year, another Lent . . .
I just realized that the Lenten Season is nearly upon us . . . again! There always seems to be that slight feeling of dread about what we can't have in order to be sacrificial during Lent. Yes, we should 'give up' things in order to strengthen our spiritual resolve, but we can add things to our life, during Lent, to bring about change in our outlook, too.
Our family always does meatless on Wednesdays as well as the mandatory Fridays of Lent. We also try to stick to the 'old-fashioned' notion of fasting. We have our three meals a day and avoid snacking. It is always interesting to note, during the first few days of Lent, how many times we actually find ourselves absentmindedly putting food in our mouths.
That is our 'give ups' of Lent. This year, however, I'm thinking I'd like to put some more positive spins on the six weeks. I'm going to be a better steward of our grocery budget taking more time and creativity in meal preparation. I usually fix a decent meal for my family but am thinking about watching the health aspect more and incorporate more healthy foods in a way that will add to their nutrition as well as their happiness. I guess I want to cut down on the unnecessary edible extras (like fats and sweets) yet present an acceptable meal that is enjoyed. It is sort of like the 'good' way of fasting where you wash your face and put on a smile so people don't know you are being penitential thus making your sacrifice more meaningful as you aren't looking for admiration.
Anyway, I'm going to spend time researching meatless recipes and healthy recipes recipes this week in preparation for the next six weeks. I'm hoping that some of the habits we put into play will last us beyond Lent, too. Seems like the incorporation of extra prayers and healthy habits that remain kind of give you a good report card for Lent!
I'll share any meatless recipes I discover and enjoy. Anyone with like-minded ways, is welcome to also give us the benefit of their experience.
"It is better not to fast and be thereby humbled, than to fast and to be self-satisfied therewith." Pascal Pensees 17th century
Our family always does meatless on Wednesdays as well as the mandatory Fridays of Lent. We also try to stick to the 'old-fashioned' notion of fasting. We have our three meals a day and avoid snacking. It is always interesting to note, during the first few days of Lent, how many times we actually find ourselves absentmindedly putting food in our mouths.
That is our 'give ups' of Lent. This year, however, I'm thinking I'd like to put some more positive spins on the six weeks. I'm going to be a better steward of our grocery budget taking more time and creativity in meal preparation. I usually fix a decent meal for my family but am thinking about watching the health aspect more and incorporate more healthy foods in a way that will add to their nutrition as well as their happiness. I guess I want to cut down on the unnecessary edible extras (like fats and sweets) yet present an acceptable meal that is enjoyed. It is sort of like the 'good' way of fasting where you wash your face and put on a smile so people don't know you are being penitential thus making your sacrifice more meaningful as you aren't looking for admiration.
Anyway, I'm going to spend time researching meatless recipes and healthy recipes recipes this week in preparation for the next six weeks. I'm hoping that some of the habits we put into play will last us beyond Lent, too. Seems like the incorporation of extra prayers and healthy habits that remain kind of give you a good report card for Lent!
I'll share any meatless recipes I discover and enjoy. Anyone with like-minded ways, is welcome to also give us the benefit of their experience.
"It is better not to fast and be thereby humbled, than to fast and to be self-satisfied therewith." Pascal Pensees 17th century
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Today's Quote to ponder . . .
"Never try to tell everything you know. It may take too short a time."
-- Norman Ford
-- Norman Ford
Monday, February 16, 2009
An interesting point . . .
Our pastor made an interesting point in his sermon yesterday. He said that God has a plan while man has free will.
God's plan for us is always good while our free will could and often does lead us astray. In the matter of the unborn, there is always a reason a child is conceived because God doesn't create 'trash'. When man, using his free will, deliberately kills that unborn child, he changes God's plan for that baby and changes a bit of the course of the world.
Naturally, man can and does make good choices and his good choices can improve the future of the word from his small corner of it. Abortion, however, never makes a change for the good and a life is lost each time this 'freedom of choice' is made.
Remember to support the bishops' postcard campaign to send our message to the president. Also consider participating in the red letter campaign, too. If you can't find red envelopes in the stores, they can be ordered on-line. I found mine at Paperworks.
God's plan for us is always good while our free will could and often does lead us astray. In the matter of the unborn, there is always a reason a child is conceived because God doesn't create 'trash'. When man, using his free will, deliberately kills that unborn child, he changes God's plan for that baby and changes a bit of the course of the world.
Naturally, man can and does make good choices and his good choices can improve the future of the word from his small corner of it. Abortion, however, never makes a change for the good and a life is lost each time this 'freedom of choice' is made.
Remember to support the bishops' postcard campaign to send our message to the president. Also consider participating in the red letter campaign, too. If you can't find red envelopes in the stores, they can be ordered on-line. I found mine at Paperworks.
A Quote and no comment!
"Anybody who wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office."
-- David Broder
-- David Broder
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Red Letter Day for the Unborn . . .
I just received the following message and think that it is an incredibly FANTASTIC idea!!!!! Please join me in spreading this message and bombarding Washington with these RED envelopes . Pray that this pro-life message changes and converts the hearts of all who see and read the message in all the red envelopes!
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:55:39 -0500
Subject: Help send a message to Washington
From: belonginghouse@gmail.com
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.
As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.
Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
"This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception."
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.
Warmly, Christ John Otto
This letter was signed by "Christ John Otto." Christ (pronounced with a soft "i") John Otto is working in lay ministry in the boston area right now. He did not support one candidate over another in this election, but chooses his battles carefully.
The silent majority" can’t remain silent especially regarding the sanctity of all life. We have to do what we can and this is a peaceful symbolic way to make our voices heard. Also pray that millions of red envelopes will be delivered to the White House.
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:55:39 -0500
Subject: Help send a message to Washington
From: belonginghouse@gmail.com
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.
As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.
Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
"This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception."
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.
Warmly, Christ John Otto
This letter was signed by "Christ John Otto." Christ (pronounced with a soft "i") John Otto is working in lay ministry in the boston area right now. He did not support one candidate over another in this election, but chooses his battles carefully.
The silent majority" can’t remain silent especially regarding the sanctity of all life. We have to do what we can and this is a peaceful symbolic way to make our voices heard. Also pray that millions of red envelopes will be delivered to the White House.
A Quote for the Day . . .
"Before I met my husband, I'd never fallen in love, though I'd stepped in it a few times."
-- Rita Rudner
-- Rita Rudner
Friday, February 13, 2009
The last time YOU cleaned YOUR windows . . .
A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean', she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean', she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Makes sense . . .
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I wonder . . .
We have a rule in our home. We only have dessert on the weekend whether it be a dish of ice cream or a freshly baked pie or cake. On Mondays through Friday, don't even ask if you want to avoid the disappointment of a negative reply. The children are being raised with this rule and they know more than an extra sweet will be lost if they nag.
There have been times, however, when an extra dessert was forthcoming during the weekdays because of a holiday or other special occasion. The children greatly enjoyed this break but it doesn't take them long to consider this the new rule! Any break from the usual discipline sends them on a quest for more and more laxness in their upbringing. It is very seldom considered a rare treat but a stepping stone to more freedom.
When I was checking my calendar, I noticed that Holy Days of Obligation are not always an obligation for us anymore. Making time for Mass on a Holy Day in my childhood was often a challenge between school and parents' jobs but we always managed it. Now, when ever a Holy Day falls on an 'awkward' day, the diocese make it easier for us by canceling our obligation. I often wonder if, we, as grown ups view it much the same as children and treats. Do we strive to live within a certain discipline or do we adjust our discipline to fit our lives?
There have been times, however, when an extra dessert was forthcoming during the weekdays because of a holiday or other special occasion. The children greatly enjoyed this break but it doesn't take them long to consider this the new rule! Any break from the usual discipline sends them on a quest for more and more laxness in their upbringing. It is very seldom considered a rare treat but a stepping stone to more freedom.
When I was checking my calendar, I noticed that Holy Days of Obligation are not always an obligation for us anymore. Making time for Mass on a Holy Day in my childhood was often a challenge between school and parents' jobs but we always managed it. Now, when ever a Holy Day falls on an 'awkward' day, the diocese make it easier for us by canceling our obligation. I often wonder if, we, as grown ups view it much the same as children and treats. Do we strive to live within a certain discipline or do we adjust our discipline to fit our lives?
Quote for the day . . .
"Those thinkers who cannot believe in any gods often assert that the love of humanity would be in itself sufficient for them; and so, perhaps, it would, if they had it."
G. K. Chesterton
G. K. Chesterton
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunshine in the kitchen . . .
The weatherman was wrong and the intial forecast of clearing skies provided us with pouring rain throughout the morning. We don't use the central heat - no bail out for budget-minded people - so baking provides a win/win situation. Nothing like keeping warm and getting something good to eat.
Our faithful orange tree gave us a good harvest this year so I knew that any baking project should include oranges in some shape or form. I decided on a Sunshine Cake. Easy recipe that required the warmth of the oven and made a good room freshener. Baking cake smell beats out floral sprays any day!
Sunshine Cake
1 box yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Grated zest from two oranges
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or use vegetable spray on two 8-inch round cake pans.
Combine all the ingredients and mix well without over beating. Pour into prepared pans and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top springs back when gently pressed. Cool in the pans on a rack. You can frost and layer them with your favorite canned frosting or ice them with a lemon/orange glaze.
Lemon/Orange Glaze
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teasoon grated orange zest
Enough fresh lemon juice to form a spreadable icing.
Our faithful orange tree gave us a good harvest this year so I knew that any baking project should include oranges in some shape or form. I decided on a Sunshine Cake. Easy recipe that required the warmth of the oven and made a good room freshener. Baking cake smell beats out floral sprays any day!
Sunshine Cake
1 box yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Grated zest from two oranges
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or use vegetable spray on two 8-inch round cake pans.
Combine all the ingredients and mix well without over beating. Pour into prepared pans and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top springs back when gently pressed. Cool in the pans on a rack. You can frost and layer them with your favorite canned frosting or ice them with a lemon/orange glaze.
Lemon/Orange Glaze
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teasoon grated orange zest
Enough fresh lemon juice to form a spreadable icing.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Rainy Days and Quilting . . .
I took advantage of the rainy day to spend it inside working on quilts. And, yes, it is plural. I have this problem. I get an idea for a quilt and just have to drop everything in order to get the concept down in 'fabric'. Often, in the middle of the creative surge', another idea strikes and the first quilt gets set aside. Today, I actually finished a full-sized quilt and got two others pinned and ready for hand sewing. I did NOT start a new one today . . . although the temptation was there!
I decided one of the Lenten 'sacrifices' would be to finish up ALL my pending sewing projects before I cut into another length of fabric in the quest of a new idea. I have a feeling this will be much harder than avoiding chocolate and eating out.
I decided one of the Lenten 'sacrifices' would be to finish up ALL my pending sewing projects before I cut into another length of fabric in the quest of a new idea. I have a feeling this will be much harder than avoiding chocolate and eating out.
Rainy days . . .
Almost two months into 2009 and the warmer months are soon to follow. Rain in the forecast today! It may be one of the last really cold days in which to do something to make the house cozy. Easy math - Cold weather plus heat times oven equals cookie baking! A fast, easy recipe that is a stand-by in my kitchen is cut out sugar cookies. They are easy to make and fun for the children to do. Add warm hearts and fun to the math to complete your answer!
Easy Roll-Out Cookies
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs with vanilla. Add baking powder and flour one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be stiff; blend last flour in by hand. Do not chill dough.
Roll out a portion of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Dip cookie cutters in flour before each use. Bake coolies on ungreased cookie sheet for approximately 6-7 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.
Variations:
A teaspoon or so of peppermint extract makes a refreshing cookie when frosted with vanilla icing.
For chocolate cookies, stir in 3 ounces of melted baking chocolate into the batter before adding the eggs. If dough is too stiff, add water a teaspoon at a time.
Easy Roll-Out Cookies
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs with vanilla. Add baking powder and flour one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be stiff; blend last flour in by hand. Do not chill dough.
Roll out a portion of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Dip cookie cutters in flour before each use. Bake coolies on ungreased cookie sheet for approximately 6-7 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.
Variations:
A teaspoon or so of peppermint extract makes a refreshing cookie when frosted with vanilla icing.
For chocolate cookies, stir in 3 ounces of melted baking chocolate into the batter before adding the eggs. If dough is too stiff, add water a teaspoon at a time.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Out of the mouths of babes . . .
When we say our family Rosary in the evening, we often sing the Credo instead of reciting the Apostles Creed. One night my then five-year old daughter was not being attentive and insisted we hadn't done all the prayers. I said we had recited the Creed rather than sing the Credo. "Oh," she replied, "No wonder I didn't understand it. You were saying it in English!"
My daughter was flipping through the pages of a telephone book one day when she asked me, "Mom, everyone has a telephone number, right?" I agreed. She went on, "Then I guess you can kind of tell who is who by their special telephone number, right?" I agreed. "Okay," she demanded, "So who is 985-4206?"
My daughter was flipping through the pages of a telephone book one day when she asked me, "Mom, everyone has a telephone number, right?" I agreed. She went on, "Then I guess you can kind of tell who is who by their special telephone number, right?" I agreed. "Okay," she demanded, "So who is 985-4206?"
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
All too true . . .
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." -- Albert Einstein
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thank you thoughts!
As you rushed around during the holiday season, you probably heard many words said that didn't take in the actual meaning of Christmas. One person was heard to say, "Of course I didn't tell him what I wanted for Christmas! Just let him give me pots and pans again, however, and see what happens!" Another said that the part she liked best about Christmas were the small packages from her husband that always contained expensive jewelry.
The children lined up for miles to tell someone in a red suit what all they were expecting under the Christmas tree and forgetting St. Nicholas who believed giving was better than receiving when it came to happiness.
There was an undercurrent of worry about the economy and many overpsent in order to meet 'needs' that might not be available next year. I heard a lot of "Thank God!" and "Oh, God!" as I went about my errands but got the feeling God was just an overused expression rather than a heartfelt comment about our Savior.
Very little in the way of thanks was heard as everyone stampeded for the best bargain. And since the overworked clerks were getting very few words of gratitude for their efforts, it is hard to believe many were putting God anywhere near the top ten for thank yous. There are so many thank yous we can all find in our lives as we get into 2009. In between the gift wrap and post-holiday activities, I would hope there were some thoughts about what we have been given by God in spite of economic mishaps, elections, etc.
1. Our child's cry of hunger can be satisfied within minutes.
2. Warm clothing is as close as our closet.
3. Clean water flows into our sinks and tubs. (Do we ever give this luxury a second thought?)
4. If anything is missing from our dinner table, it is because we forgot to buy it, not that we couldn't afford it.
5. We have friends and relatives who care about us.
6. Medical help is just a telephone call away.
7. Mass and sacraments are there . . . are we?
8. We have God's help in maintaining a one-income way of life for our families.
9. Electricity lights up our homes even when we forget to let God illuminate our hearts.
10. God gave us His only Begotten Son over 2,000 years ago. Don't put His thank you at the end of your list!
The children lined up for miles to tell someone in a red suit what all they were expecting under the Christmas tree and forgetting St. Nicholas who believed giving was better than receiving when it came to happiness.
There was an undercurrent of worry about the economy and many overpsent in order to meet 'needs' that might not be available next year. I heard a lot of "Thank God!" and "Oh, God!" as I went about my errands but got the feeling God was just an overused expression rather than a heartfelt comment about our Savior.
Very little in the way of thanks was heard as everyone stampeded for the best bargain. And since the overworked clerks were getting very few words of gratitude for their efforts, it is hard to believe many were putting God anywhere near the top ten for thank yous. There are so many thank yous we can all find in our lives as we get into 2009. In between the gift wrap and post-holiday activities, I would hope there were some thoughts about what we have been given by God in spite of economic mishaps, elections, etc.
1. Our child's cry of hunger can be satisfied within minutes.
2. Warm clothing is as close as our closet.
3. Clean water flows into our sinks and tubs. (Do we ever give this luxury a second thought?)
4. If anything is missing from our dinner table, it is because we forgot to buy it, not that we couldn't afford it.
5. We have friends and relatives who care about us.
6. Medical help is just a telephone call away.
7. Mass and sacraments are there . . . are we?
8. We have God's help in maintaining a one-income way of life for our families.
9. Electricity lights up our homes even when we forget to let God illuminate our hearts.
10. God gave us His only Begotten Son over 2,000 years ago. Don't put His thank you at the end of your list!
advertising your quilts
Hi Barbara,
I was thinking, I've seen your quilts and they are beautiful, and I've tasted your wonderful baked treats, they are delicious to say the least, why not advertise? I know people who might be interested. Do you think it's worth a try? Let me know. The IECH group lets you advertise on Fridays. What about starting there? I think this could be very lucrative for you!
I was thinking, I've seen your quilts and they are beautiful, and I've tasted your wonderful baked treats, they are delicious to say the least, why not advertise? I know people who might be interested. Do you think it's worth a try? Let me know. The IECH group lets you advertise on Fridays. What about starting there? I think this could be very lucrative for you!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Quotes of interest . . .
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants." Whitney Brown
"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."
Tom Robbins
"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."
Tom Robbins
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