Last post of the month of May. Check back the first of June and, God Willing, I will be back on line with lots of recipes and adventures to share with you. The process toward final departure got a good start this morning as our pastor gave my son and I each a special blessing for our trip. He has traveled a lot so had lots of advice and good wishes for us. His main word of advice was to pack light so we can fill up our suitcase with memories of our trip. Actually, my son would probably feel comfortable walking on the plane with a passport in one hand and his toothbrush in his back pocket. Mothers, however, have this thing about changing clothing even on vacation.
Our shared check-in bag is under 50 pounds and our carry-on bags are within the limits. We have books to read and look forward to finally finding ourselves off and running after thinking about this vacation for almost two years now.
So . . . Hope the rest or your Spring is temperate and beautiful and the summer month arriving in June is gentle to us!
God bless!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Cookies to keep the spice in your life!
Crispy-Chompy Molasses Cookies
1 cup butter
2 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup molasses
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter and stir in sugar, spices, and egg, combining well.
Dissolve soda in water and add to mixture, beating well. Stir in molasses and flour.
Drop by teaspoonsful, about 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Makes approximately 8 dozen cookies.
1 cup butter
2 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup molasses
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter and stir in sugar, spices, and egg, combining well.
Dissolve soda in water and add to mixture, beating well. Stir in molasses and flour.
Drop by teaspoonsful, about 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Makes approximately 8 dozen cookies.
Wonder why I'm thinking about travel today . . .?
“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Beginning to think of Father's Day . . .
Mother's seem to corner the market on their yearly holiday. I think it is time to start thinking about our our male parents and how much they have done for us to bring us to where we are today. Even if your father was not the best parent in the world, most of us have to admit that we learned something from his shortcomings and changed our lives for the better for having lived through it.
After tomorrow, I won't be posting again until the first of June but thought I'd get some extra verbal applause sent out to the dads of the world. Remember to mark your calenders for Father's Day in June!
A father carries pictures where his money used to be. ~Author Unknown
Dad, you're someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown. ~Author Unknown
The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown
After tomorrow, I won't be posting again until the first of June but thought I'd get some extra verbal applause sent out to the dads of the world. Remember to mark your calenders for Father's Day in June!
A father carries pictures where his money used to be. ~Author Unknown
Dad, you're someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown. ~Author Unknown
The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown
I imagine everyone has had a moment or two like this in their life . . .
There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Enhancing vegetable soup broth . . .
I like a vegetable broth for some of my recipes but I can never seem to get them quite tasty enough. It isn't too much of a problem as I use it for a base for a stronger-flavored soup but know that the more depths you can build into a meal, the better it will taste.
I just realized that if I saute whole garlic until it is golden in a few teaspoons of olive oil, the flavor is very mellow and takes away from that raw, fresh garlic sharpness. Gently braising the diced onions until deep golden brown really excites the taste of the broth. The finishing step is to roughly cut your celery, turnips, etc., whatever you have on hand and then roast them in the oven for 10 of 15 minutes to release some of the sugar and flavor. Dump them all into a cooking pot with the prepared garlic and onions, add salt, pepper, and water to cover. Gently simmer for an hour or two, taste adn adjust the seasonings. At this point, you can think about adding some of your favorite fresh or dried herbs to the pot.
You can use it like you would for any recipe calling for broth. You can make it ahead and freeze it in containers and know you have a head start on a meal come some busy day.
If you want your soup NOW, drain the soup into another pot and discard the much simmered and used vegetables. Dice up your choice of vegetables for the soup. Taste for flavor. When the vegetables are almost tender, add diced potatoes. It would be good served over pasta or rice. You can even add some canned, diced tomatoes to the mix.
I just realized that if I saute whole garlic until it is golden in a few teaspoons of olive oil, the flavor is very mellow and takes away from that raw, fresh garlic sharpness. Gently braising the diced onions until deep golden brown really excites the taste of the broth. The finishing step is to roughly cut your celery, turnips, etc., whatever you have on hand and then roast them in the oven for 10 of 15 minutes to release some of the sugar and flavor. Dump them all into a cooking pot with the prepared garlic and onions, add salt, pepper, and water to cover. Gently simmer for an hour or two, taste adn adjust the seasonings. At this point, you can think about adding some of your favorite fresh or dried herbs to the pot.
You can use it like you would for any recipe calling for broth. You can make it ahead and freeze it in containers and know you have a head start on a meal come some busy day.
If you want your soup NOW, drain the soup into another pot and discard the much simmered and used vegetables. Dice up your choice of vegetables for the soup. Taste for flavor. When the vegetables are almost tender, add diced potatoes. It would be good served over pasta or rice. You can even add some canned, diced tomatoes to the mix.
Missing the point . . .
Over the last few weeks, a woman has deliberately walked into church in the middle of Mass. No, she wasn't late in the true meaning of the word as she didn't seem to be coming for the purposes of attending Mass. She comes walking down the side aisle right to the front of the church, lights a votive candle or two, stands in prayer before the Blessed Mother, and then leaves. Not only is she a bit intrusive on the solemnity of the Mass, you have to wonder if she understands that if she is in need of immediately contact with God on a close and personal level, she has been walking right past Him in the celebration of the Mass. Very bewildering that she doesn't understand the layers of prayer and devotion available and totally ignores a Mass in progress.
A second part of this is the fact that we now have votive candles that aren't even 'real'! By real, I mean they are not candles requiring a match to light them. Nope, pop in your quarter and you get something like 15 minutes of flickering electric light. Someone once said that come the End Times, the only light in the world will be in the sanctuaries of our churches. I always have to wonder if that include electric candles, too?
A second part of this is the fact that we now have votive candles that aren't even 'real'! By real, I mean they are not candles requiring a match to light them. Nope, pop in your quarter and you get something like 15 minutes of flickering electric light. Someone once said that come the End Times, the only light in the world will be in the sanctuaries of our churches. I always have to wonder if that include electric candles, too?
A very thoughtful reflection on our world today . . .
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1577
Why do they do that?
Once again, I had the fun of driving to the airport and, once again, I got turned around and spent 15 minutes trying to find the correct parking lot for the flight I was meeting! Even when I think ahead and do my best to get it right the first time, I always seem to fall short.
And, WHY do airports make it all so convoluted in getting in and out of the area? You turn off to the airport and are presented with six lanes to chose from with hundreds of cars anxiously waiting behind you for that decision to be made as THEY know where they are going and YOU are slowing them down!
This time, I thought I had it all scoped out. I knew it was the second building I needed to avoid the quarter of a mile walk by parking near the first building. Uh, I came in from another direction thus turning the second building into the first one. I caught the error but was already in the paid parking area so I bit the bullet and exited. The clerk at the exit looked at my parking voucher, tried to hide a grin, and waved me through without a charge.
My daughter has been through the long walk to the car twice before with my error in parking choices. After two more drives around the airport, we not only found the right parking lot but a parking space close to where we cross the street into the terminal. Success!
My son, however, suggested we actually walk to the other parking lot, as usual, and then tell my daughter we were really in the correct one and we could all laugh. I considered the fact that my daughter has been on a plane all day after a morning of cleaning out her dorm and mailing off household goods and decided against it! Hey, and how much better can it get? A reasonable parking place, the plane arrived early, and I have one of my daughters home for the summer. Okay, my son and I leave on our trip in two days but we, at least, waited until she got home to abandon her! I think the two pumpkin pies in the refrigerator are helping her get over our leaving her for two weeks! She can help my husband paint the kitchen while we are gone! She's an art major, after all. It's right up her alley!
And, WHY do airports make it all so convoluted in getting in and out of the area? You turn off to the airport and are presented with six lanes to chose from with hundreds of cars anxiously waiting behind you for that decision to be made as THEY know where they are going and YOU are slowing them down!
This time, I thought I had it all scoped out. I knew it was the second building I needed to avoid the quarter of a mile walk by parking near the first building. Uh, I came in from another direction thus turning the second building into the first one. I caught the error but was already in the paid parking area so I bit the bullet and exited. The clerk at the exit looked at my parking voucher, tried to hide a grin, and waved me through without a charge.
My daughter has been through the long walk to the car twice before with my error in parking choices. After two more drives around the airport, we not only found the right parking lot but a parking space close to where we cross the street into the terminal. Success!
My son, however, suggested we actually walk to the other parking lot, as usual, and then tell my daughter we were really in the correct one and we could all laugh. I considered the fact that my daughter has been on a plane all day after a morning of cleaning out her dorm and mailing off household goods and decided against it! Hey, and how much better can it get? A reasonable parking place, the plane arrived early, and I have one of my daughters home for the summer. Okay, my son and I leave on our trip in two days but we, at least, waited until she got home to abandon her! I think the two pumpkin pies in the refrigerator are helping her get over our leaving her for two weeks! She can help my husband paint the kitchen while we are gone! She's an art major, after all. It's right up her alley!
A wake-up call? Socialism/Liberalism . . .
Quote from Norman Thomas (U.S. socialist presidential candidate) on the true evils of liberalism:
"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened."
"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Worth a grin . . .
"The lion and the calf shall lie down together but the calf won't get much sleep."
-- Woody Allen
"If there's anything unsettling to the stomach, it's watching actors on television talk about their personal lives."
-- Marlon Brando
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
-- Voltaire
-- Woody Allen
"If there's anything unsettling to the stomach, it's watching actors on television talk about their personal lives."
-- Marlon Brando
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
-- Voltaire
Can't get away without some morning quotes!
If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
My sewing maching is resting . . .
I have been busy over the last two weeks so had to put my sewing machine and quilting projects away until after the trip. Sigh . . . I feel sort of empty not having a needle and swatch of fabric in my hands. I do have two crazy quilts in the works as well as two 'planned' crazy quilts. A planned crazy quilt is one where I select four or five specific colors of fabric and build a random design using only those colors. My REAL crazy quilts use whatever falls out of the scrap box and can be very bright and, well, crazy.
I'm hoping to find some fabric on the trip. In fact, I discovered that Munich, Germany has some quilting stores I hope to visit during my week there. Hey, I'm sure my teen son will LOVE spending time browsing through bolts and bolts of fabric!
While I'm gone, my husband plans to paint the kitchen. Another reason for putting away my projects as I have the far side of the area for my sewing place. I think I got the better part of the deal for the next two weeks but my husband KNOWS he is the lucky one to NOT have to travel. Opposites do attract, you know!
I'm hoping to find some fabric on the trip. In fact, I discovered that Munich, Germany has some quilting stores I hope to visit during my week there. Hey, I'm sure my teen son will LOVE spending time browsing through bolts and bolts of fabric!
While I'm gone, my husband plans to paint the kitchen. Another reason for putting away my projects as I have the far side of the area for my sewing place. I think I got the better part of the deal for the next two weeks but my husband KNOWS he is the lucky one to NOT have to travel. Opposites do attract, you know!
Impressive results for the kitchen!
This is a favorite recipe I like to make for either holiday mornings or when we have company and want them to wake up to a treat with their morning coffee. I like the make-ahead idea. When you have company in the house or coming over first thing in the morning, it is wonderful to pull out a tray of warm cinnamon rolls steaming with fresh lemon glaze. The family/company will be impressed and you will be less stressed.
Overnight Sweet Dough Cinnamon Rolls
2 tablespoons dry yeast
½ cup warm water*
1 ¼ cup buttermilk**
2 eggs
5 ½ cups all-purpose flour - approximately
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water in large mixer bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, 2 ½ cups flour, the butter, sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend 30 seconds with mixer on low speed, scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat two minutes on medium speed
Stir in remaining 3 cups flour. (Dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.) Knead five minutes, or about 200 turns on a lightly floured board. With a standing mixer, you should be able to do the entire thing with the dough hook.
Shape into coffee breads or rolls as desired. Place on greased baking sheet and refrigerate over night. In the morning, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake. Frost while still warm.
*You can’t used cold, tap water in this recipe. Sweet dough require the slightly warm temperature to prevent the dough from souring.
**Instead of going out and buying buttermilk, just add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let stand a moment. This works just as well and is cheaper!
Fillings:
½ cup melted butter
¾ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
dash of cloves
dash of nutmeg
½ cup finely chopped nuts, optional
Roll out a portion of dough, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts. Roll the dough up and then cut slices (1/2 inches) and place on baking sheet and go on as indicated.
Frostings
Powdered sugar, about two cups
Grated lemon rind
Juice of lemon
Teaspoon of vanilla extract
Combine ingredients and mix into a thick paste. Use more water if you can’t get the consistency you want.
Or:
Brown half a stick of butter in a pan. Mix in about two cups powered sugar and vanilla extract. Again, add small amounts of water to get proper consistency for spreading on rolls.
Use a baking sheet with a rim around the edges so melting butter and such won't run over into your oven.
Overnight Sweet Dough Cinnamon Rolls
2 tablespoons dry yeast
½ cup warm water*
1 ¼ cup buttermilk**
2 eggs
5 ½ cups all-purpose flour - approximately
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water in large mixer bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, 2 ½ cups flour, the butter, sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend 30 seconds with mixer on low speed, scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat two minutes on medium speed
Stir in remaining 3 cups flour. (Dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.) Knead five minutes, or about 200 turns on a lightly floured board. With a standing mixer, you should be able to do the entire thing with the dough hook.
Shape into coffee breads or rolls as desired. Place on greased baking sheet and refrigerate over night. In the morning, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake. Frost while still warm.
*You can’t used cold, tap water in this recipe. Sweet dough require the slightly warm temperature to prevent the dough from souring.
**Instead of going out and buying buttermilk, just add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let stand a moment. This works just as well and is cheaper!
Fillings:
½ cup melted butter
¾ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
dash of cloves
dash of nutmeg
½ cup finely chopped nuts, optional
Roll out a portion of dough, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts. Roll the dough up and then cut slices (1/2 inches) and place on baking sheet and go on as indicated.
Frostings
Powdered sugar, about two cups
Grated lemon rind
Juice of lemon
Teaspoon of vanilla extract
Combine ingredients and mix into a thick paste. Use more water if you can’t get the consistency you want.
Or:
Brown half a stick of butter in a pan. Mix in about two cups powered sugar and vanilla extract. Again, add small amounts of water to get proper consistency for spreading on rolls.
Use a baking sheet with a rim around the edges so melting butter and such won't run over into your oven.
The worst part done . . .
Vacation prepartions continue but I got the worst part of the trip done, yesterday . . . getting the travelers' checks! For once, there wasn't a line at the bank but there sure was one behind us by the time we finished with the transaction. I know it is all for security purposes but there is a lot of paperwork involved for the bank. Just when you think you've got it done, comes signing all the travelers' checks in front of the bank teller. I did learn from my traveling days, years ago, that one does not want to get the checks in increments of $10. If you change money, you usually want more than $10 of the local currency so why sign off on five checks when you could do it with one signature on a $50 check?
Anyway, aside from closing the suitcases the night before we take off, things are pretty much done now. It is still unbelieveable that this trip is actually going to happen. I happily put away my traveling shoes when I got married but can't believe how I'm looking forward to seeing foreign climes, again.
Before I got married, I worked for eleven months out of a year and then took the 12th month off to travel. This will be the eleventh time I've been overseas and I'm thinking it is going be almost a fresh view as I'm going with my 17 year old son who has never been outside the country.
Anyway, aside from closing the suitcases the night before we take off, things are pretty much done now. It is still unbelieveable that this trip is actually going to happen. I happily put away my traveling shoes when I got married but can't believe how I'm looking forward to seeing foreign climes, again.
Before I got married, I worked for eleven months out of a year and then took the 12th month off to travel. This will be the eleventh time I've been overseas and I'm thinking it is going be almost a fresh view as I'm going with my 17 year old son who has never been outside the country.
The newly discovered wonders of grilling . . .
As you know by now, I enjoy cooking very much. I have felt a bit behind the times because so many recipes call for grilling meats and vegetables. We do have an outdoor, charcoal grill but when dinner time looms in the very near future, I don't always have time to get charcoal going, watch whatever is on the grill, and keep an eye on what might be simmering on the kitchen stove.
I was surfing the Internet a few weeks ago and ran across a mention of an indoor grill and that got my attention. I had to find out how that would work because I envisioned clouds of smoke and the smoke alarm going off. I'm good at research and read all the claims by various companies as well as remarks by people who have purchased such items.
I narrowed down my choices and not only did a find what seemed to be a reasonable indoor grill, it was on sale. The price was pretty low and the last one in stock. I took a chance. My first meal on the new kitchen play thing was boneless steaks with grilled peppers. It worked complete with grill marks and juicy meat. The smoke was minimal and a small fan aimed past the cooking area to the open door took care of it. Hoping it wasn't beginner's luck, I tried chicken breasts with grilled cauliflower for dinner last night. Let's just say that my son who is very careful about food portions, went back for seconds.
Yes, I still prefer the taste of charcoal grilled food but having my grilling area on the counter by the stove certainly makes meal preparation convenient. My husband's thrill over it all? I found a place to store it between uses!
I was surfing the Internet a few weeks ago and ran across a mention of an indoor grill and that got my attention. I had to find out how that would work because I envisioned clouds of smoke and the smoke alarm going off. I'm good at research and read all the claims by various companies as well as remarks by people who have purchased such items.
I narrowed down my choices and not only did a find what seemed to be a reasonable indoor grill, it was on sale. The price was pretty low and the last one in stock. I took a chance. My first meal on the new kitchen play thing was boneless steaks with grilled peppers. It worked complete with grill marks and juicy meat. The smoke was minimal and a small fan aimed past the cooking area to the open door took care of it. Hoping it wasn't beginner's luck, I tried chicken breasts with grilled cauliflower for dinner last night. Let's just say that my son who is very careful about food portions, went back for seconds.
Yes, I still prefer the taste of charcoal grilled food but having my grilling area on the counter by the stove certainly makes meal preparation convenient. My husband's thrill over it all? I found a place to store it between uses!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Uh, perhaps not . . . a mild giggle for the day!
One morning a man came into the church on crutches. He stopped in front of the holy water, put some on both legs, and then threw away his crutches.
An alter boy witnessed the scene and then ran into the rectory to tell the priest what he'd just seen.
"Son, you've just witnessed a miracle!" the priest said. "Tell me where is this man now?"
"Flat on his back over by the holy water," the boy informed him
An alter boy witnessed the scene and then ran into the rectory to tell the priest what he'd just seen.
"Son, you've just witnessed a miracle!" the priest said. "Tell me where is this man now?"
"Flat on his back over by the holy water," the boy informed him
My dog firmly believes the first quote . . . the third one is all too true!
"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of."
-- Ogden Nash
"The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
"Liberals are very broadminded: they are always willing to give careful consideration to both sides of the same side."
-- Anonymous
"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."
-- Mark Twain
-- Ogden Nash
"The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
"Liberals are very broadminded: they are always willing to give careful consideration to both sides of the same side."
-- Anonymous
"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."
-- Mark Twain
Posting Hiatus . . .
In case anyone wonders about the lack of posts from me between May 13th and June 1st, this is to let you know that I will be on vacation. The first vacation in over 28 years! Can you spell EXCITED? The odd part is that it will only be myself and my son going on the trip. The rest of the family is waiting for that perfect vacation . . . the one where we each have three maids to pack and carry the bags! Seriously, my husband wants to do some kitchen repairs and it has been difficult to do so when he and I both have this inclination to cook meals every day. He figures that with some of the family home, he can get going on long-desired projects.
My son has never been on a plane much less overseas and is very excited. He is especially thrilled that the tour we chose is totally themed around World War II battlefields, museums, foxholes, beaches where the allie came ashore, holocaust memorials, etc. He plans to major in History and is looking forward to actually standing in place where history was made.
It is funny that when we started saving for this trip, it seemed more like an interesting project than a reality. I think getting to that early morning flight this week will put the reality spin on the fact that we are actually going! My husband is a bit wistful about missing me. He keeps saying the whole idea sounded better six months ago. What a 'miracle' age we live in, however. He doesn't have to wait for the first postcard to arrive to know we are at our first destination. For $1.29 a minute, we can call from any country on our trip from the cell phone.
The next couple of days before take off, we are charging up the cell phone, rechecking our packing, and making sure we have passports and travelers' checks in hand. My mother-in-law is thrilled about our adventure and said she would be praying us there and back which means a lot to us. Here's praying the world behaves and travelers, including us, have safe and wonderful adventures.
My son has never been on a plane much less overseas and is very excited. He is especially thrilled that the tour we chose is totally themed around World War II battlefields, museums, foxholes, beaches where the allie came ashore, holocaust memorials, etc. He plans to major in History and is looking forward to actually standing in place where history was made.
It is funny that when we started saving for this trip, it seemed more like an interesting project than a reality. I think getting to that early morning flight this week will put the reality spin on the fact that we are actually going! My husband is a bit wistful about missing me. He keeps saying the whole idea sounded better six months ago. What a 'miracle' age we live in, however. He doesn't have to wait for the first postcard to arrive to know we are at our first destination. For $1.29 a minute, we can call from any country on our trip from the cell phone.
The next couple of days before take off, we are charging up the cell phone, rechecking our packing, and making sure we have passports and travelers' checks in hand. My mother-in-law is thrilled about our adventure and said she would be praying us there and back which means a lot to us. Here's praying the world behaves and travelers, including us, have safe and wonderful adventures.
Summer Fare . . .
We've already experienced a few days of summer temperatures which quickly reminded me that I don't want to spend too much time cooking meals that require hours in front of a hot stove. Along with grilling chicken on the barbecue, this is a good salad to go along with it. I like healthy meals that taste good, too.
SUMMER TOMATO/FETA SALAD
Four to six ripe, red tomatoes, preferably Roma
4 ounces Feta
½ tsp. dried dill
½ tsp. basil
½ tsp. oregano
1 tsp. ground pepper
½ tsp. salt or to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped, red onion, optional
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and place in bowl. Mix the olive oil, vinegar, onions, spices and herbs together in a small bowl. Pour over tomatoes, toss gently and let marinate for at least a half hour before serving. Just before using, crumble in the Feta. The room temperature tomatoes make a nice contrast to the chilled cheese.
SUMMER TOMATO/FETA SALAD
Four to six ripe, red tomatoes, preferably Roma
4 ounces Feta
½ tsp. dried dill
½ tsp. basil
½ tsp. oregano
1 tsp. ground pepper
½ tsp. salt or to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped, red onion, optional
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and place in bowl. Mix the olive oil, vinegar, onions, spices and herbs together in a small bowl. Pour over tomatoes, toss gently and let marinate for at least a half hour before serving. Just before using, crumble in the Feta. The room temperature tomatoes make a nice contrast to the chilled cheese.
First-class candy at candy bar prices . . .
This is a favorite treat for the holidays but I've come to the conclusion that one doesn't always have to wait for Christmas trees to sprout up in our living rooms to enjoy a batch of these candies. The only real trick to getting a good batch is making sure you don't leave the room and maintain the level at rolling boil not burning sugar!
ALMOND TOFFEE AT HOME
1 ½ sticks butter, no substitutes
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped almonds
Melt the butter and sugars together in a pot and bring to a gentle rolling boil. Maintain the rolling boil for five minutes, stirring constantly. Add the nuts, bring to a rolling boil and continue for another five minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
Spread the mixture on a sheet of greased foil (heavily use any vegetable oil spray.). Sprinkle with chocolate chips and spread out as they melt. Put in the refrigerator until set. Break into pieces and store in a closed container in a cool place.
ALMOND TOFFEE AT HOME
1 ½ sticks butter, no substitutes
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped almonds
Melt the butter and sugars together in a pot and bring to a gentle rolling boil. Maintain the rolling boil for five minutes, stirring constantly. Add the nuts, bring to a rolling boil and continue for another five minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
Spread the mixture on a sheet of greased foil (heavily use any vegetable oil spray.). Sprinkle with chocolate chips and spread out as they melt. Put in the refrigerator until set. Break into pieces and store in a closed container in a cool place.
Comfort and Praise . . .
“Jesus was pleased to show me the only path which leads to the divine furnace of Love; this path is the abandonment of the little child who sleeps without fear in its Father’s arms.” ~St. Therese of Lisieux
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Dessert Reconstruction!
I made two pound cakes earlier this week and with only one child on the premise, right now, I had one that wasn't going to get eaten any time soon. Since it was a lemon pound cake and we like lemon around here, I decided to reconstruct it for dessert tonight. I made a lemon pudding and while it was cooling down to lukewarm, I slice up the pound cake into relatively thin slices and arranged them in the bottom of a glass pie pan. I spooned over half of the lemon pudding. I repeated the cake layer and pour on the rest of the pudding and let it spread out to cover all the cake pieces. I save a slice of the pound cake and turned it into crumbs and sauteed them in a bit of butter and orange zest to crisp a bit and sprinkled them over the top layer of pudding. Reconstructed pound cake!
I like leftovers of most anything as it gets our creative juices going when you have to prepare a meal yet want to save a bit of money. I also like the fact that no one can tell you how it should look or taste because it is a new 'invention' and never seen before in the kitchen near you!
I like leftovers of most anything as it gets our creative juices going when you have to prepare a meal yet want to save a bit of money. I also like the fact that no one can tell you how it should look or taste because it is a new 'invention' and never seen before in the kitchen near you!
And then they eat it?
Every holiday, a neighbor behind us fires up his barbecue using coals instead of the usual propane grills so popular these days. I'm with him on this because it doesn't seem like cooking outdoors if all you have to do it turn a knob and instant heat. I do, however, have to wonder how he can eat what he grills because it always smells like he dumped a couple cans of gas on the coals to make them burn. It fools me every time it happens because it creeps in through the windows and I panic thinking we have a break in a gas main. It is just his over abundance of starter fuel.
My husband long ago discovered a way to start a charcoal barbecue with a 'chimney'. It looks like a large tin can with a grating on one side and a handle. You stuff in some paper and plain charcoal, light it up and within 20 minutes, you have enough hot coals to get your outdoor cooking going. AND, it dosen't taste like you are nibbling at a gasoline hose.
Given how many years this neighbor has been doing this, I'm thinking he has grown to love the taste of fuel on his hamburgers and might be disappointed if it wasn't part of the final outcome in his meals.
My husband long ago discovered a way to start a charcoal barbecue with a 'chimney'. It looks like a large tin can with a grating on one side and a handle. You stuff in some paper and plain charcoal, light it up and within 20 minutes, you have enough hot coals to get your outdoor cooking going. AND, it dosen't taste like you are nibbling at a gasoline hose.
Given how many years this neighbor has been doing this, I'm thinking he has grown to love the taste of fuel on his hamburgers and might be disappointed if it wasn't part of the final outcome in his meals.
Passing on a clue to pain-free travel . . .
When I booked my recent flights for a vacation, I was careful to insure I had more than an hour between flights in order to have sufficient time to get from one terminal gate to the next. This morning, I got my final flight confirmation in my in-box. Since we had just worked on it, yesterday, I copied it off and was putting it with my travel papers when I suddenly felt a need to go over it, again.
Wow! I immediately noticed that the previously hour and a half layover before my trans Atlantic flight had been reduced down to 51 minutes. Since the layover airport is HUGE, I worried that we might not make the connecting flight if there were the slightest delays. My husband checked the flights going out from that airport on our travel day, and the flight we had to catch, was the last flight for the day. We miss it, and we wouldn't make our tour connection.
We studied the times more closely to see what happened and without notification, our first flight was being delayed 30 minutes. I have to admit that I was VERY impressed with Continental Airlines. We contacted them on line about possible ways to recitify the situation and they called us immediately. For no further charge they not only got us on an earlier initial flight but found another flight overseas that would leave in line with the new schedule and get us to our final destination two hours early. When thanked the clerk for all his help, I asked if we could go ahead and reserve our seating on-line. There was about two minutes silence and he gave me the seating reservations for both flights. My panic headache is now down to the dull roar or a happy headache!
I knew about confirming flights prior to the departure day and am so glad I stopped and checked the confirmation sent and noticed the change. Just a head's up to everyone about anything scheduled - never take it for granted that the system will stay in line with what you need or thought you had set in cement!
Wow! I immediately noticed that the previously hour and a half layover before my trans Atlantic flight had been reduced down to 51 minutes. Since the layover airport is HUGE, I worried that we might not make the connecting flight if there were the slightest delays. My husband checked the flights going out from that airport on our travel day, and the flight we had to catch, was the last flight for the day. We miss it, and we wouldn't make our tour connection.
We studied the times more closely to see what happened and without notification, our first flight was being delayed 30 minutes. I have to admit that I was VERY impressed with Continental Airlines. We contacted them on line about possible ways to recitify the situation and they called us immediately. For no further charge they not only got us on an earlier initial flight but found another flight overseas that would leave in line with the new schedule and get us to our final destination two hours early. When thanked the clerk for all his help, I asked if we could go ahead and reserve our seating on-line. There was about two minutes silence and he gave me the seating reservations for both flights. My panic headache is now down to the dull roar or a happy headache!
I knew about confirming flights prior to the departure day and am so glad I stopped and checked the confirmation sent and noticed the change. Just a head's up to everyone about anything scheduled - never take it for granted that the system will stay in line with what you need or thought you had set in cement!
Oh, oh?
What happens if a big asteroid hits Earth? Judging from realistic simulations involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can assume it will be pretty bad.
Dave Barry
Dave Barry
Is it excitement or fear . . .
Up until now, our proposed vacation has been sort of an academic project. Since we have been saving and planning for it for almost two years, it took on the aspect of a process. Suddenly, there is luggage sitting around, frantic moments on the computer lining up flights, confirming reservations, etc. I think it is turning 'real' on me.
I mentioned to my husband that I was starting to get a little worried/scared/concerned about the trip. He asked WHY? I said it was because I felt such a responsibility in taking our baby boy (he is 17 years old!) so far away from home on my own. I mean, I would be the one who would have to take care of him.
My husband turned to my son and asked, "Are YOU worried abut the trip?" My son calmly replied, "Nope . . .cause Mom is taking care of ME!" Sigh . . .All responsibility is back in my court, again!
I haven't been overseas in over 28 years so it IS a bit exciting to see how things have changed. I'm sad because some of my family over there is no longer of this world and I will miss stopping by to see them. Although I am retracing some of my overseas visiting tracks, we are going on a tour that is entirely different for me. My son is excited at his first trip, ever. I'm looking forward (after I calm down my nerves!) to enjoying the vacation through his eyes. My husband? He says his treat is NOT having to travel!
I mentioned to my husband that I was starting to get a little worried/scared/concerned about the trip. He asked WHY? I said it was because I felt such a responsibility in taking our baby boy (he is 17 years old!) so far away from home on my own. I mean, I would be the one who would have to take care of him.
My husband turned to my son and asked, "Are YOU worried abut the trip?" My son calmly replied, "Nope . . .cause Mom is taking care of ME!" Sigh . . .All responsibility is back in my court, again!
I haven't been overseas in over 28 years so it IS a bit exciting to see how things have changed. I'm sad because some of my family over there is no longer of this world and I will miss stopping by to see them. Although I am retracing some of my overseas visiting tracks, we are going on a tour that is entirely different for me. My son is excited at his first trip, ever. I'm looking forward (after I calm down my nerves!) to enjoying the vacation through his eyes. My husband? He says his treat is NOT having to travel!
Happy Mother's Day to ALL the Mothers in the World!
Mother's Day already! The various holidays are sneaking up on us more quickly every year. Unfortunately, my husband has to work today but I can't complain as his extra hours are what have kept me at home to raise our children over the years. Sure, flowers and cards are nice but a relatively steady income because he approves of me keeping house and home for our family goes a lot further in the betterment of all our lives.
I hope everyone is being spoiled and pampered and given a day off from their usual motherly chores today!
Happy Mother's Day!
I hope everyone is being spoiled and pampered and given a day off from their usual motherly chores today!
Happy Mother's Day!
Good Quotes for Mother's Day . . .
Although thise quotes do not addressed the actual Mother's Day holiday, the first one credits us with multi-tasking genes (!) and the other three are good thought to pass on to our children in the hopes that they grow up with more smarts than the people in 'power' who THINK they have it all figured out!
"You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there."
-- George Burns
"Love is the difficult realization that something other than oneself is real."
-- Iris Murdoch
"Technology is dominated by two types of people: those who understand what they do not manage, and those who manage what they do not understand."
-- Putt's Law
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
-- Will Rogers
"You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there."
-- George Burns
"Love is the difficult realization that something other than oneself is real."
-- Iris Murdoch
"Technology is dominated by two types of people: those who understand what they do not manage, and those who manage what they do not understand."
-- Putt's Law
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
-- Will Rogers
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Lemon musings . . .
I was thinking about lemons today. It was probably the fact that I wandered out into the backyard for the sole purpose of picking a few off our sturdy, faithful little lemon tree. It is a sight to behold right now. The one and off again weather pattern has the poor tree rather confused. There are about 20 beautiful, golden lemons hanging from it branches BUT, there are also many new blossoms offering the promise of more lemons in the coming Fall. BUT, there are also some new, green lemons already in evidence almost catching up with the yellow ones long on the tree.
Now, my favorite citrus fruit in the world is an orange. An orange warm and fresh from the tree must have been one of the fruits spending time in the Garden of Eden. I've yet to purchase an orange from the store that tastes as good. Upon reflection, however, if I had to deal with only one fruit the rest of my life, I'd probably chose the lemon. Why? Lemons are more versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. A lemonade on a hot day is wonderful. Broiled chicken that has been marinated in garlic and lemon juice is a whole, other wonderful story.
My thoughts on lemons did 'bear fruit' . . . I just took out a lemon pound cake from the oven. Before it cooled down, I poured a mixture of fresh lemon juice and sugar over the top to soak it. If I'm electing lemons to be my favorite, I should really use them to the fullest, right?
Now, my favorite citrus fruit in the world is an orange. An orange warm and fresh from the tree must have been one of the fruits spending time in the Garden of Eden. I've yet to purchase an orange from the store that tastes as good. Upon reflection, however, if I had to deal with only one fruit the rest of my life, I'd probably chose the lemon. Why? Lemons are more versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. A lemonade on a hot day is wonderful. Broiled chicken that has been marinated in garlic and lemon juice is a whole, other wonderful story.
My thoughts on lemons did 'bear fruit' . . . I just took out a lemon pound cake from the oven. Before it cooled down, I poured a mixture of fresh lemon juice and sugar over the top to soak it. If I'm electing lemons to be my favorite, I should really use them to the fullest, right?
So, being Christian is only for IN the context of church?
I attend a relatively small parish that has an even smaller attendance for daily Masses. There are some regular attendees who only come for the Saturday morning Mass. We get to know each other either just by sight or by actually going out of our way to stop and speak.
For literally years, one elderly woman would come to the Saturday Mass and eventually started pausing to ask about my children, share the time of day, etc. My youngest daughter is very close friends with her elderly uncle who also comes to this Mass. Right after our current president came into power, I mentioned something about how sad it was that 65% of the Catholics voted a pro-abortion president into office. He proved his stance when he recinded all of the restrictions President Bush had put in place during his time as president. Well, this sweet, old lady reared up in indignation and snarled, "I voted for obama. He is a massive improvement over Bush!" With that, she walked off and has never spoken or smiled at me, again.
Now, you have to wonder about this. Given the obvious problems since obama came into office, does she still feel the same about her choice? Does she ever wonder if being unchristian to me and my family before Mass get forgiven because she is excessive in her prayer postures during Mass? It would seem to me that if a political choice made me turn my back on a friend because of a difference of opinion, I would rethink the situation.
I have a lot of friends who don't always agree with me on various subjects and we still enjoy each other's company. It must be a common mind set amount a lot of people with the same thoughts on the subject like the woman at church. We actually have relatives that will not talk to us unless it is necessary and treat us as if our freedom of choice in our vote somehow sends us away from the chosen 'flock'.
I've given up trying to figure this stuff out! I relish my free will in making choices and pray that I continue to do so with some research and thinking on my part. Definitely NOT a perfect person but I do try to do what is right for the now and the future.
For literally years, one elderly woman would come to the Saturday Mass and eventually started pausing to ask about my children, share the time of day, etc. My youngest daughter is very close friends with her elderly uncle who also comes to this Mass. Right after our current president came into power, I mentioned something about how sad it was that 65% of the Catholics voted a pro-abortion president into office. He proved his stance when he recinded all of the restrictions President Bush had put in place during his time as president. Well, this sweet, old lady reared up in indignation and snarled, "I voted for obama. He is a massive improvement over Bush!" With that, she walked off and has never spoken or smiled at me, again.
Now, you have to wonder about this. Given the obvious problems since obama came into office, does she still feel the same about her choice? Does she ever wonder if being unchristian to me and my family before Mass get forgiven because she is excessive in her prayer postures during Mass? It would seem to me that if a political choice made me turn my back on a friend because of a difference of opinion, I would rethink the situation.
I have a lot of friends who don't always agree with me on various subjects and we still enjoy each other's company. It must be a common mind set amount a lot of people with the same thoughts on the subject like the woman at church. We actually have relatives that will not talk to us unless it is necessary and treat us as if our freedom of choice in our vote somehow sends us away from the chosen 'flock'.
I've given up trying to figure this stuff out! I relish my free will in making choices and pray that I continue to do so with some research and thinking on my part. Definitely NOT a perfect person but I do try to do what is right for the now and the future.
Catholic Pick Up Lines . . .
This makes the rounds ever so often but I always enjoy chuckling over them again. Thought I'd share what came through my e-mail today!
10. May I offer you a light for that votive candle?
9. Hi there. My buddy and I were wondering if you would settle a dispute we're having. Do you think the word should be pronounced HOMEschooling, or homeSCHOOLing?
8. Sorry, but I couldn't help notice how cute you look in that ankle-length, shapeless, plaid jumper.
7. What's a nice girl like you doing at a First Saturday Rosary Cenacle like this?
6. You don't like the culture of death either? Wow! We have so much in common!
5. Let's get out of here. I know a much cozier little Catholic bookstore downtown.
4. I bet I can guess your confirmation name.
3. You've got stunning scapular-brown eyes.
2. Did you feel what I felt when we reached into the holy water font at the same time?
1. Confess here often?
10. May I offer you a light for that votive candle?
9. Hi there. My buddy and I were wondering if you would settle a dispute we're having. Do you think the word should be pronounced HOMEschooling, or homeSCHOOLing?
8. Sorry, but I couldn't help notice how cute you look in that ankle-length, shapeless, plaid jumper.
7. What's a nice girl like you doing at a First Saturday Rosary Cenacle like this?
6. You don't like the culture of death either? Wow! We have so much in common!
5. Let's get out of here. I know a much cozier little Catholic bookstore downtown.
4. I bet I can guess your confirmation name.
3. You've got stunning scapular-brown eyes.
2. Did you feel what I felt when we reached into the holy water font at the same time?
1. Confess here often?
The conflicts of human nature . . .
As mentioned before, my teenage son and I have planned an educational trip together for almost two years now. Departure day looms in the more immediate future now, and suddenly it all seemed like a better idea a year ago . . . when it was in the far distant future!
I think it is the combination of excitement, the last-minute things that have to be done, and the fact that for more than two weeks, we will be on personally unchartered territory. I know this pre-departure will subside once we find ourselves on the plane and realize that as long as we have our passport and travelers checks, most forgotten items can be purchased on the trip. It is jus all the 'what ifs' of right now.
Yes, our bags are packed! My son is beside himself with excitement as he will get to see where history happened during World War II. We are basically following the troop route of the Easy Company. Although I have been overseas several times before marriage and children, I have never seen most of the places we will be visiting on this trip.
I think the fact that we ARE going on this trip really struck home, last night, when I realized that this time, next week, we will be boarding an English Channel Ferry and subsequently landing in Normandy. I would venture to speculate and sincerely hope that it will be a much easier landing than when the allies came ashore during World War II.
I think it is the combination of excitement, the last-minute things that have to be done, and the fact that for more than two weeks, we will be on personally unchartered territory. I know this pre-departure will subside once we find ourselves on the plane and realize that as long as we have our passport and travelers checks, most forgotten items can be purchased on the trip. It is jus all the 'what ifs' of right now.
Yes, our bags are packed! My son is beside himself with excitement as he will get to see where history happened during World War II. We are basically following the troop route of the Easy Company. Although I have been overseas several times before marriage and children, I have never seen most of the places we will be visiting on this trip.
I think the fact that we ARE going on this trip really struck home, last night, when I realized that this time, next week, we will be boarding an English Channel Ferry and subsequently landing in Normandy. I would venture to speculate and sincerely hope that it will be a much easier landing than when the allies came ashore during World War II.
The quotes about politicians always seem to hit the mark!
"I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them."
-- Ian Fleming
"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."
-- Joseph Conrad
"When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained."
-- Edward R. Murrow
"If you don't find it in the index, look very carefully through the entire catalogue."
-- Unknown
-- Ian Fleming
"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."
-- Joseph Conrad
"When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained."
-- Edward R. Murrow
"If you don't find it in the index, look very carefully through the entire catalogue."
-- Unknown
Friday, May 6, 2011
Best explanation anyone ever sent to me!
DOES GOD EXIST?
This is one of the best explanations on
the nature of God that I have ever seen...
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.'
'Why do you say that?' asked the customer.
Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children?
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: 'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'
'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'
'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.'
'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'
'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'
If you think God exists, send this to other people---
If you think God does not exist, delete it!
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
I really liked this; I hope you share it...........
This is one of the best explanations on
the nature of God that I have ever seen...
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.'
'Why do you say that?' asked the customer.
Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children?
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: 'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'
'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'
'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.'
'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'
'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'
If you think God exists, send this to other people---
If you think God does not exist, delete it!
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
I really liked this; I hope you share it...........
Is modesty outmoded?
How sad it is to see so many Catholics dressing for the summer season in attire that is unbecoming to a person wanting to please God! What is it about summer that lowers inhibitions and blinds so many to what is modest? Several church bulletins have covered this subject yet many Catholics still uncover themselves as soon as the weather warms up.
Although we should always present ourselves in a modest way, do we ever stop and consider that immodest dress shows a lack of respect, not only for ourselves, but for the other people who share in the Mystical Body of Christ. The signs at the door asking for decent apparel in church, goes way beyond what we wear at Mass. Modesty is not a good dress or outfit worn for Sundays but a way of life the entire week.
We are responsible for how we represent ourselves. Clothing that incites sinful thoughts or distractions during Mass falls entirely to our own blame. How many times, however, have you met modest people from Mass who do not carry the modesty into the rest of their lives? They seem to have compartmentalized their modesty to the situation in which they find themselves. Is there less sin involved in short shorts worn at the mall than in church? It seems that many good people have failed to grasp ‘the big picture’. The thinking on modesty is adjusted to meet their needs of the moment, not God’s holy desires for us.
A modeling class once taught that you should always take a few minutes to review your dress for the day in a full-length mirror. You need a head to foot check to make sure everything is as it should be for where you are headed. Perhaps, we need to install a spiritual full-length mirror. It would be kind of a review of how our soul will look according to how we are viewed by the world. Delving into this kind of thought process can be painful. Many items of clothing in our present wardrobe would be tossed out. We might have to wear something that may be a little warm for a summer day but the hereafter could end up being a good deal warmer! Modesty is a conscious decision and a matter for the free will graciously given to us by God.
Although we should always present ourselves in a modest way, do we ever stop and consider that immodest dress shows a lack of respect, not only for ourselves, but for the other people who share in the Mystical Body of Christ. The signs at the door asking for decent apparel in church, goes way beyond what we wear at Mass. Modesty is not a good dress or outfit worn for Sundays but a way of life the entire week.
We are responsible for how we represent ourselves. Clothing that incites sinful thoughts or distractions during Mass falls entirely to our own blame. How many times, however, have you met modest people from Mass who do not carry the modesty into the rest of their lives? They seem to have compartmentalized their modesty to the situation in which they find themselves. Is there less sin involved in short shorts worn at the mall than in church? It seems that many good people have failed to grasp ‘the big picture’. The thinking on modesty is adjusted to meet their needs of the moment, not God’s holy desires for us.
A modeling class once taught that you should always take a few minutes to review your dress for the day in a full-length mirror. You need a head to foot check to make sure everything is as it should be for where you are headed. Perhaps, we need to install a spiritual full-length mirror. It would be kind of a review of how our soul will look according to how we are viewed by the world. Delving into this kind of thought process can be painful. Many items of clothing in our present wardrobe would be tossed out. We might have to wear something that may be a little warm for a summer day but the hereafter could end up being a good deal warmer! Modesty is a conscious decision and a matter for the free will graciously given to us by God.
Barbara's Motherly Lament . . . feel free to join in the chorus!
I have a feeling that if the entire world fell into stillness for one long moment and a universal clamor could be raised, it would be "Why don't THEY listen to ME?" (They being the generic for children and me being we parents.) Even without the one moment to voice this plea as a group, I know it does get said by most parents on an average of three times a day.
One day I decided to take time to listen to what I was saying and compared it to what my children did in response. They DO listen! They just process the results of our commands differently.
When you tell children to clean up their room, you have to be very specific. You have to tell them what day and time you expect to see the results of their labor. Phraseology is very important. During one of my housecleaning purges, I exclaimed, (okay, so I yelled), "Clean up your room and I don't want to see ANYTHING on the floor." Two hours later, there was not a thing on the floor. It was all piled on their beds. I neglected to mention that beds were out of bounds.
Another time I said I did not want to open their closet and find everything stuffed in it. Later I opened the closet in question and found everything stuffed in it. The children were very shocked at my anger. As they explained to me, they HEARD me say I didn't want to open their closet so they figured they would not have to worry about cleaning it!
There is one rhetorical question I know most of us are guilty of saying to our children. We come into a room, find one or more of our offspring busily painting the walls with toothpaste (substitute item of your experience here.) Your query is, "What do you think you are doing?" Immediately the children presume your parental stupidity as it is perfectly clear WHAT they are doing!
I really thought I had them once. I actually got their attention and I know they heard what I had to say. I mentioned that Three Kings' Day was coming up. If they wanted the Three Kings to leave surprises in their shoes, they had better get their bedrooms in order. With the inborn suspicion of childhood, my children looked me in the eye and said, "The Three Kings never left anything in our shoes before. . ." I smiled and said, "Precisely!"
The next time I viewed their rooms that day, I found the closet securely closed, everything piled on their beds and every shoe they could get their hands on lined up along the perimeter of their rooms. WHY DO THEY LISTEN TO ME???
One day I decided to take time to listen to what I was saying and compared it to what my children did in response. They DO listen! They just process the results of our commands differently.
When you tell children to clean up their room, you have to be very specific. You have to tell them what day and time you expect to see the results of their labor. Phraseology is very important. During one of my housecleaning purges, I exclaimed, (okay, so I yelled), "Clean up your room and I don't want to see ANYTHING on the floor." Two hours later, there was not a thing on the floor. It was all piled on their beds. I neglected to mention that beds were out of bounds.
Another time I said I did not want to open their closet and find everything stuffed in it. Later I opened the closet in question and found everything stuffed in it. The children were very shocked at my anger. As they explained to me, they HEARD me say I didn't want to open their closet so they figured they would not have to worry about cleaning it!
There is one rhetorical question I know most of us are guilty of saying to our children. We come into a room, find one or more of our offspring busily painting the walls with toothpaste (substitute item of your experience here.) Your query is, "What do you think you are doing?" Immediately the children presume your parental stupidity as it is perfectly clear WHAT they are doing!
I really thought I had them once. I actually got their attention and I know they heard what I had to say. I mentioned that Three Kings' Day was coming up. If they wanted the Three Kings to leave surprises in their shoes, they had better get their bedrooms in order. With the inborn suspicion of childhood, my children looked me in the eye and said, "The Three Kings never left anything in our shoes before. . ." I smiled and said, "Precisely!"
The next time I viewed their rooms that day, I found the closet securely closed, everything piled on their beds and every shoe they could get their hands on lined up along the perimeter of their rooms. WHY DO THEY LISTEN TO ME???
Sorting the cupboard shelves brings on inspiration . . .
In making sure my kitchen is in good shape while I'm on vacation, I sorted through the pantry cupboard to see what was on hand and what I might need to purchase. Even when I'm out of the house (and country!), I want to make sure my husband has everything he needs to eat sufficiently. I have very long apron strings and they are anchored in my home and family.
I noticed I had stocked up on canned pumpkin so went in search of possible recipes that could use the extra ones up. I found this one and although I haven't tried it yet, it looks simple yet makes a fancy presentation. It has everything in it - citrus, pumpkin, and spice plus a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Interesting note but canned pumpkin only has to have a certain percentage of actual pumpkin in it to be labeled as such. We might be getting some Butternut squash in it as less expensive filler. Doesn't bother me as Butternut squash can be cooked into a 'pumpkin' pie without anyone noticing the switch. So, if my store-bought can of pumpkin incorporates some other squash, I'm okay with that.
Pumpkin Squares
1 spice cake mix
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 16-ounce can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all the pumpkin bar ingredients in a bowl just until well combined. Pour into a 13x9-inch cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out of the center clean. Cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, cream the cream cheese and butter together in your mixer bowl until quite fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar until well blended. Add vanilla, orange zest, and mix well. Chill frosting in the refrigerator until the cake is completely cool, frost, and serve.
I noticed I had stocked up on canned pumpkin so went in search of possible recipes that could use the extra ones up. I found this one and although I haven't tried it yet, it looks simple yet makes a fancy presentation. It has everything in it - citrus, pumpkin, and spice plus a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Interesting note but canned pumpkin only has to have a certain percentage of actual pumpkin in it to be labeled as such. We might be getting some Butternut squash in it as less expensive filler. Doesn't bother me as Butternut squash can be cooked into a 'pumpkin' pie without anyone noticing the switch. So, if my store-bought can of pumpkin incorporates some other squash, I'm okay with that.
Pumpkin Squares
1 spice cake mix
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 16-ounce can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all the pumpkin bar ingredients in a bowl just until well combined. Pour into a 13x9-inch cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out of the center clean. Cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, cream the cream cheese and butter together in your mixer bowl until quite fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar until well blended. Add vanilla, orange zest, and mix well. Chill frosting in the refrigerator until the cake is completely cool, frost, and serve.
Quotes and thoughts for a Friday . . .
"Part of the inhumanity of the computer is that, once it is competently programmed and working smoothly, it is completely honest."
-- Isaac Asimov
"Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge."
-- Paul Gauguin
"Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes."
-- Mickey Mouse
This last quote brings back such memories of trying to get the basic concept of arithmetic into my older son's head! I was sure he would have to attend college math classes barefoot in order to do the lessons! Fortunately, he grew out of that mind set by age five and graduated in the top one percent of his class . . . with shoes!
-- Isaac Asimov
"Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge."
-- Paul Gauguin
"Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes."
-- Mickey Mouse
This last quote brings back such memories of trying to get the basic concept of arithmetic into my older son's head! I was sure he would have to attend college math classes barefoot in order to do the lessons! Fortunately, he grew out of that mind set by age five and graduated in the top one percent of his class . . . with shoes!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Infringing on the truth and parental rights . . .
UN Wants Billions for STD Vaccination Scheme
By Susan Yoshihara, Ph.D.
http://www.c-fam.org/publications/id.1847/pub_detail.asp
NEW YORK, May 5 (C-FAM) The UN is about to ask governments to fund the vaccination of every girl in the world against the sexually transmitted disease HPV, human papillomavirus. The controversial campaign could cost as much as $300 per person, totaling billions.
Dignitaries who launched the campaign at the UN in mid-April included a prominent African first lady, leaders from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the American Cancer Society, and the contraceptives manufacturer PATH.
UNFPA and PATH want donor nations to buy the vaccine at $14 per shot. Three shots are required over a period of six months, totaling $42, and the treatment is only good for five years. Seven treatments would be required to cover each woman’s reproductive lifetime.
Advocates warned the assembly that the idea would be contentious. Casting the campaign as an effort to eradicate cervical cancer rather than a massive vaccination program against a sexually transmitted disease will help steer clear of political resistance, they said.
One advocate advised the dignitaries that when they are asked why children should be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted disease, the UN should use the precedent of infant vaccinations against Hepatitis B.
When American local governments tried to mandate inoculation of school girls against HPV several years ago, popular outcry quashed the initiatives.
While none of the UN speakers addressed the issue, cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, which is spread through sexual contact. The panel lamented a dramatic increase in the cancer in the developing world, but were less clear on the reasons for its rise, sidestepping issues of sexual behavior and focusing instead on gaining political will to fund the vaccination program.
Of the half million new cases of cervical cancer each year, more than half of the patients die, usually because they did not know they had the disease until it had reached advanced stages.
UNFPA deputy executive director Purnima Mane said UNFPA would spearhead the campaign. If approved by UN member states, UNFPA stands to receive a significant boost in funding, given the fact that there are billions of women and girls who would require the $42 treatment every five years.
The funding would reverse a decline in donations for international population programs, which have fallen from a high in 2008 due to the global economic downturn and plummeting global fertility rates. The Obama administration had to marginally cut UNFPA funding for 2011 during budget battles with U.S. lawmakers, but promised to increase it to $50 million in 2012. PATH likewise received $50 million, about a fifth of its funding, from the U.S. government in 2009.
Critics are concerned that the vaccination scheme will subsume the fight against cancer into the already well-funded reproductive rights agenda at the UN. They warn that because UNFPA aggressively promotes “sexual rights” for minors, the effort will not address sexual behavior or parental rights regarding medical decisions and could lead to an increase of the disease rather than its cure.
UN member states will deliberate the issue September 19th and 20th at the UN High Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases.
By Susan Yoshihara, Ph.D.
http://www.c-fam.org/publications/id.1847/pub_detail.asp
NEW YORK, May 5 (C-FAM) The UN is about to ask governments to fund the vaccination of every girl in the world against the sexually transmitted disease HPV, human papillomavirus. The controversial campaign could cost as much as $300 per person, totaling billions.
Dignitaries who launched the campaign at the UN in mid-April included a prominent African first lady, leaders from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the American Cancer Society, and the contraceptives manufacturer PATH.
UNFPA and PATH want donor nations to buy the vaccine at $14 per shot. Three shots are required over a period of six months, totaling $42, and the treatment is only good for five years. Seven treatments would be required to cover each woman’s reproductive lifetime.
Advocates warned the assembly that the idea would be contentious. Casting the campaign as an effort to eradicate cervical cancer rather than a massive vaccination program against a sexually transmitted disease will help steer clear of political resistance, they said.
One advocate advised the dignitaries that when they are asked why children should be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted disease, the UN should use the precedent of infant vaccinations against Hepatitis B.
When American local governments tried to mandate inoculation of school girls against HPV several years ago, popular outcry quashed the initiatives.
While none of the UN speakers addressed the issue, cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, which is spread through sexual contact. The panel lamented a dramatic increase in the cancer in the developing world, but were less clear on the reasons for its rise, sidestepping issues of sexual behavior and focusing instead on gaining political will to fund the vaccination program.
Of the half million new cases of cervical cancer each year, more than half of the patients die, usually because they did not know they had the disease until it had reached advanced stages.
UNFPA deputy executive director Purnima Mane said UNFPA would spearhead the campaign. If approved by UN member states, UNFPA stands to receive a significant boost in funding, given the fact that there are billions of women and girls who would require the $42 treatment every five years.
The funding would reverse a decline in donations for international population programs, which have fallen from a high in 2008 due to the global economic downturn and plummeting global fertility rates. The Obama administration had to marginally cut UNFPA funding for 2011 during budget battles with U.S. lawmakers, but promised to increase it to $50 million in 2012. PATH likewise received $50 million, about a fifth of its funding, from the U.S. government in 2009.
Critics are concerned that the vaccination scheme will subsume the fight against cancer into the already well-funded reproductive rights agenda at the UN. They warn that because UNFPA aggressively promotes “sexual rights” for minors, the effort will not address sexual behavior or parental rights regarding medical decisions and could lead to an increase of the disease rather than its cure.
UN member states will deliberate the issue September 19th and 20th at the UN High Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases.
Does an 'enemy' deserve a compassionate viewpoint? I think so . . .
Osama Bin Laden! How Much Do You Love Your Enemies?
Posted: 04 May 2011 08:21 AM PDT
This will make many people upset. It is a homily from Fr. Timothy Henderson. Very wise words for us to contemplate following the death of Osama Bin Laden. He answers some of the following questions.
How does our reaction to Osama Bin Laden’s death stack up against the teachings of Christ?
Why was he killed?
Are you angry at this man?
Can we curse Him?
Can we want him to be in hell?
Have you forgiven him?
Have you or will you pray for him?
Do you want justice against this man’s crimes?
Emphasis added.
_____________________
The Death of Osama Bin Laden and the Christian Response
Padre Pio once said, ‘without the Grace of God, all I know how to do is to sin and sin again.’ The Epistle of St. Jude tells us, ‘The archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses, did not venture to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him but said, “May the Lord rebuke you”.’ Jesus personally has told us, ‘”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.’
How do your emotions and my emotions concerning the death of Osama Bin Laden stack up against the teachings of this Christ who we claim to be our leader and savior?
I do not speak of the question of whether or not he should be killed; by any standard of Just War Theory, his death saved lives. The question of the morality of his killing is not – repeat NOT – what I am talking about. He was killed to save lives, and I have every confidence his death achieved that.
Are you angry at this man? You have every right to be angry. There is such a thing as just anger. Do you believe he deserved justice? He deserved justice.
But now that he is dead, how does our reaction to this man’s death stack up against the teachings of this Christ who we claim to be our leader and savior? His actions were evil – there is no question about this. But are not the words of Padre Pio not also true? ‘Without the Grace of God, all I know how to do is to sin and sin again.’ There but the grace of God go you and I. His actions make us angry – and rightfully so, but as the Epistle of Jude tells us, the very holy St. Michael feared to curse out Satan – Satan who is more evil even the actions of this man bin Laden.
St. Michael feared to pronounce a reviling judgment on Satan. And if there was ever a human in our lifetime whom would fit my category of enemy, it is this man who ordered 19 other men to slam planes into buildings. But the words of Jesus tell us, ‘I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.’
I am sure most of us are not going lose too much sleep over the death of a man who was the cause of so much trouble – I know I will not. Yet at the same time, how does our reaction to this man’s death stack up against our Christian calling? Can we even say a quick prayer asking God for mercy or a last second conversion? Remember what I said yesterday, the call of being a Christian is absolutely incomprehensible to the world.
You know, one of the first homilies I ever preached here was on forgiveness, and I never ever received so much angry mail and e-mail in my life – no other homily has compared… and the anger was on forgiveness. I know I choose an extreme example, but Jesus’ example included the extremes. The level of anger I saw tells me I need to keep preaching about anger and forgiveness and how we treat our enemies until we all get it. This is a core teaching of our Faith.
Do you have a just anger at bin Laden? You should. Did you want justice against this man’s crimes? That is okay. Justice and mercy are – repeat are – compatible.
Jesus said, ‘I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.’ How does your reaction and my reaction towards this criminal stand up against the call of our Christianity? And I do not ask this question only for the sake of Osama Bin Laden; if you and I have non-Christian attitudes towards him, might we have them to a greater or lesser degree towards our neighbor?
_________________
Posted: 04 May 2011 08:21 AM PDT
This will make many people upset. It is a homily from Fr. Timothy Henderson. Very wise words for us to contemplate following the death of Osama Bin Laden. He answers some of the following questions.
How does our reaction to Osama Bin Laden’s death stack up against the teachings of Christ?
Why was he killed?
Are you angry at this man?
Can we curse Him?
Can we want him to be in hell?
Have you forgiven him?
Have you or will you pray for him?
Do you want justice against this man’s crimes?
Emphasis added.
_____________________
The Death of Osama Bin Laden and the Christian Response
Padre Pio once said, ‘without the Grace of God, all I know how to do is to sin and sin again.’ The Epistle of St. Jude tells us, ‘The archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses, did not venture to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him but said, “May the Lord rebuke you”.’ Jesus personally has told us, ‘”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.’
How do your emotions and my emotions concerning the death of Osama Bin Laden stack up against the teachings of this Christ who we claim to be our leader and savior?
I do not speak of the question of whether or not he should be killed; by any standard of Just War Theory, his death saved lives. The question of the morality of his killing is not – repeat NOT – what I am talking about. He was killed to save lives, and I have every confidence his death achieved that.
Are you angry at this man? You have every right to be angry. There is such a thing as just anger. Do you believe he deserved justice? He deserved justice.
But now that he is dead, how does our reaction to this man’s death stack up against the teachings of this Christ who we claim to be our leader and savior? His actions were evil – there is no question about this. But are not the words of Padre Pio not also true? ‘Without the Grace of God, all I know how to do is to sin and sin again.’ There but the grace of God go you and I. His actions make us angry – and rightfully so, but as the Epistle of Jude tells us, the very holy St. Michael feared to curse out Satan – Satan who is more evil even the actions of this man bin Laden.
St. Michael feared to pronounce a reviling judgment on Satan. And if there was ever a human in our lifetime whom would fit my category of enemy, it is this man who ordered 19 other men to slam planes into buildings. But the words of Jesus tell us, ‘I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.’
I am sure most of us are not going lose too much sleep over the death of a man who was the cause of so much trouble – I know I will not. Yet at the same time, how does our reaction to this man’s death stack up against our Christian calling? Can we even say a quick prayer asking God for mercy or a last second conversion? Remember what I said yesterday, the call of being a Christian is absolutely incomprehensible to the world.
You know, one of the first homilies I ever preached here was on forgiveness, and I never ever received so much angry mail and e-mail in my life – no other homily has compared… and the anger was on forgiveness. I know I choose an extreme example, but Jesus’ example included the extremes. The level of anger I saw tells me I need to keep preaching about anger and forgiveness and how we treat our enemies until we all get it. This is a core teaching of our Faith.
Do you have a just anger at bin Laden? You should. Did you want justice against this man’s crimes? That is okay. Justice and mercy are – repeat are – compatible.
Jesus said, ‘I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.’ How does your reaction and my reaction towards this criminal stand up against the call of our Christianity? And I do not ask this question only for the sake of Osama Bin Laden; if you and I have non-Christian attitudes towards him, might we have them to a greater or lesser degree towards our neighbor?
_________________
This is officially my favorite!
I love this link. It is not only some of my favorite music, the way it brought smiles to so many individuals in an unexpected situation, is wonderful.
http://www.godvine.com/Flash-Mob-Surprises-Everyone-by-Singing-Hallelujah-in-the-Food-Court-90.html
http://www.godvine.com/Flash-Mob-Surprises-Everyone-by-Singing-Hallelujah-in-the-Food-Court-90.html
How many pounds in a Pound Cake?
I love pound cake because it is good alone and a great supporting role for crushed strawberries or sliced peaches. It makes great cupcakes and takes well to a tart lemon icing. This is a particularly good recipe.
2 sticks butter, softened
3 cups sugar
6 egg yolks
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
6 egg whites, stiffly beaten
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix flour and soda together in a separate bowl. Add flour and sour cream alternately to batter. Add extracts and zest and beat until smooth. Fold in beaten egg whites. Pour into ungresed tube pan. Bake approximately an hour and a half.
*Seems to me that a quarter cup of toasted coconut could be used for a change in the traditional taste.
2 sticks butter, softened
3 cups sugar
6 egg yolks
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
6 egg whites, stiffly beaten
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix flour and soda together in a separate bowl. Add flour and sour cream alternately to batter. Add extracts and zest and beat until smooth. Fold in beaten egg whites. Pour into ungresed tube pan. Bake approximately an hour and a half.
*Seems to me that a quarter cup of toasted coconut could be used for a change in the traditional taste.
An upcoming election reminder . . .
“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. it behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. (This could apply to the 2012 election year but is credited to Abraham Lincoln, 1863!)
My secret culinary weapon!
If my freezer had to be used for only one purpose, it would be to store fresh cranberries! You can't find fresh cranberries after December. As soon as they start appearing in the stores in anticipation of winter holidays and family feasts, a bag is happily put into my weekly shopping cart. When I get home, I rebag the cranberries and carefully put them into my freezer. Why?
My first reason is that I really like cranberries and have many recipes for them that used to only happen during Christmas and Thanksgiving. Now that I plan ahead, the scent of cranberry/apple muffins can scent the air in the middle of a hot summer and remind me of cooler weather. My son and I like smoothies with a handful of cranberries thrown in for color and taste. Last night, I made a favorite dessert - a butter crust topped with fresh cranberry jam and homemade chocolate pudding.
I learned to make cranberry sauce when I was around ten years old. I just followed the recipe on the back of the bag and was super proud of one of my first cooking efforts done entirely on my own. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to be more in line with my idea of how I want it to taste. After all, cranberries are almost my favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner. The also go great with beef meals, too.
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
zest & juice of one orange
1 cup water
Mix all of the above in a good-sized pot and slowly bring to a simmer. When all the cranberries have burst and the liquid around them has thickened a bit, you have cranberry sauce! It does thicken more as it cools.
Cranberries are tart so you might prefer it slightly sweeter and can add another half cup sugar to the recipe.
If you want to be extra creative, you can add a cup of diced apple to the mixture halfway through the cooking.
Sometimes, I like a smoother product. When it has cooled down a bit, I run it through the blender.
You can make it a day or two ahead and keep it in the refrigerator.
If you worry about it not being as thick as you'd like, you can add a tablespoon of corn starch mixed with 1/4 cup of water during the last part of the cooking.
My first reason is that I really like cranberries and have many recipes for them that used to only happen during Christmas and Thanksgiving. Now that I plan ahead, the scent of cranberry/apple muffins can scent the air in the middle of a hot summer and remind me of cooler weather. My son and I like smoothies with a handful of cranberries thrown in for color and taste. Last night, I made a favorite dessert - a butter crust topped with fresh cranberry jam and homemade chocolate pudding.
I learned to make cranberry sauce when I was around ten years old. I just followed the recipe on the back of the bag and was super proud of one of my first cooking efforts done entirely on my own. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to be more in line with my idea of how I want it to taste. After all, cranberries are almost my favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner. The also go great with beef meals, too.
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
zest & juice of one orange
1 cup water
Mix all of the above in a good-sized pot and slowly bring to a simmer. When all the cranberries have burst and the liquid around them has thickened a bit, you have cranberry sauce! It does thicken more as it cools.
Cranberries are tart so you might prefer it slightly sweeter and can add another half cup sugar to the recipe.
If you want to be extra creative, you can add a cup of diced apple to the mixture halfway through the cooking.
Sometimes, I like a smoother product. When it has cooled down a bit, I run it through the blender.
You can make it a day or two ahead and keep it in the refrigerator.
If you worry about it not being as thick as you'd like, you can add a tablespoon of corn starch mixed with 1/4 cup of water during the last part of the cooking.
Clarify and then explain again . . . and again!
For several weeks, as a preface to our evening Rosary, my husband had been reading stories from the Old Testament to our four children. My younger daughter had been absorbing it all, even more than we imagined. We were getting ready for the day and talking about the upcoming Easter celebrations. My daughter suddenly demanded, “So when are we going to sprinkle our door with lamb’s blood?” I explained that this was done at the first Passover when the Jews were trying to get the Pharaoh to let them leave Egypt. “Well, if we celebrate Passover, shouldn’t we get some lamb’s blood and sprinkle our door just in case?” My daughter continued. Trying to bring this line of thought to a conclusion, I said, “We don’t celebrate Passover because we aren’t Jewish.” My then-little girl's eyes bulged in surprise and she clapped her hand to her head in dismay and exclaimed, “We’re not Jewish? I thought we were Jewish.” At six years old, my daughter seemed to be religiously challenged. I remember jokingly remarking to my husband that I hoped there was some kind of federal funding available.
American gas prices explained . . .
The highest level of hypocrisy! This will make your blood boil!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKdScVerrBU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKdScVerrBU
Words to remember!
“First of all, I wish that you may never be perturbed, never grow frightened, never be afraid of anything. Is the Immaculate, perhaps, not aware of all that is going on? If she weren't, then we would really have cause for alarm.” ~St. Maximilian Kolbe
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Mysteries that impede my sanity!
I have often wondered if having children results in mysteries or if mysteries naturally come about because children are present or if there is some web site known only to children where they exchange ideas on how to baffle their parents.
In spite of the ongoing tragedy of the single-sock-syndrome, I took a chance and assigned the laundry chores to my Then eight and ten year old daughters. A family of six produces a good amount of laundry so it is almost imperative to keep the washer going for at least three loads every day. The girls work hard on this task, however, you can never depend on getting back what you toss into the dirty clothes hamper. There have been times I have checked the laundry room for possible laundry hiding places but there seems to be an other-worldly holding pattern for missing laundry items. Nothing (except half pairs of socks) ever disappears forever but the wait can be from one day to a year.
We all have our personal habits about when we throw in our donations to the hamper. One son likes to accumulate a week’s worth before turning it into the care of the washer and dryer. The amazing things is that of the seven pairs of socks he turns in, some come back as one sock even though all the laundry has been washed, dried and returned. Handkerchiefs tend to migrate seasonally. All you have to do is buy another six of them to have twenty immediately find their way home.
It doesn’t always work on a deficit level. One time my husband tossed in his dress shirt after work only to find it washed, ironed and back in the closet the next morning. If you have three pairs of jeans, wear one pair, put two in the laundry, you can end up with no jeans the next day.
Laundry detergent and softener sheets are not always used in proportion to the amount of laundry done. Thank goodness for the warehouse deals available now although I have had nightmares of barrel after barrel of detergent being delivered as quickly as the empty ones pile up in the backyard.
I have also found that facial tissue presents problems. And for some reason, the tissue doesn’t have to even be in the vicinity of the laundry room to end up in tattered strands and flakes midst the dried clothing.
Since I have little time to do all the chores that need doing in order to keep a home running smoothly, I have learned to cope with the every day crises provided by the laundry. I have practiced holding my temper, cut down on the yelling and learned to rinse out by hand anything I may want to wear within the next three weeks. My sense of well-being did totter a bit last week. I discovered a sock among the folded laundry that didn’t belong to anyone in the family. It was only one sock and very distinctive. I am pretty sure I would remember it entering the house. It was black with orange trim and little ghosts all over it. I don’t dare throw it away as the shock of seeing it appear again and again would totally unnerve me. No use tampering with one’s sanity any more than one needs to!
In spite of the ongoing tragedy of the single-sock-syndrome, I took a chance and assigned the laundry chores to my Then eight and ten year old daughters. A family of six produces a good amount of laundry so it is almost imperative to keep the washer going for at least three loads every day. The girls work hard on this task, however, you can never depend on getting back what you toss into the dirty clothes hamper. There have been times I have checked the laundry room for possible laundry hiding places but there seems to be an other-worldly holding pattern for missing laundry items. Nothing (except half pairs of socks) ever disappears forever but the wait can be from one day to a year.
We all have our personal habits about when we throw in our donations to the hamper. One son likes to accumulate a week’s worth before turning it into the care of the washer and dryer. The amazing things is that of the seven pairs of socks he turns in, some come back as one sock even though all the laundry has been washed, dried and returned. Handkerchiefs tend to migrate seasonally. All you have to do is buy another six of them to have twenty immediately find their way home.
It doesn’t always work on a deficit level. One time my husband tossed in his dress shirt after work only to find it washed, ironed and back in the closet the next morning. If you have three pairs of jeans, wear one pair, put two in the laundry, you can end up with no jeans the next day.
Laundry detergent and softener sheets are not always used in proportion to the amount of laundry done. Thank goodness for the warehouse deals available now although I have had nightmares of barrel after barrel of detergent being delivered as quickly as the empty ones pile up in the backyard.
I have also found that facial tissue presents problems. And for some reason, the tissue doesn’t have to even be in the vicinity of the laundry room to end up in tattered strands and flakes midst the dried clothing.
Since I have little time to do all the chores that need doing in order to keep a home running smoothly, I have learned to cope with the every day crises provided by the laundry. I have practiced holding my temper, cut down on the yelling and learned to rinse out by hand anything I may want to wear within the next three weeks. My sense of well-being did totter a bit last week. I discovered a sock among the folded laundry that didn’t belong to anyone in the family. It was only one sock and very distinctive. I am pretty sure I would remember it entering the house. It was black with orange trim and little ghosts all over it. I don’t dare throw it away as the shock of seeing it appear again and again would totally unnerve me. No use tampering with one’s sanity any more than one needs to!
Are you kidding?
Real life gems reported on the Internet:
☺A man spoke frantically into the phone: “My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!” “Is this her first child?” the doctor asked. “No, you fool!” the man shouted, “This is her husband!”
☺Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn’t control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the line up to repeat the word, “Give me all your money or I’ll shoot,” the man shouted, “That’s not what I said!”
☺Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them, shouting please to come out and give himself up.
☺In Modesto, California, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket.
☺A man spoke frantically into the phone: “My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!” “Is this her first child?” the doctor asked. “No, you fool!” the man shouted, “This is her husband!”
☺Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn’t control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the line up to repeat the word, “Give me all your money or I’ll shoot,” the man shouted, “That’s not what I said!”
☺Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them, shouting please to come out and give himself up.
☺In Modesto, California, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket.
That's the idea!
If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.
George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sharing a favorite computer site . . .
Dear Friend in Christ,
Many Catholics are concerned today about the feminization of the Church. One of the hot buttons is the issue of "altar girls". Please watch this episode of the Vortex and pass it along to as many friends and family as possible.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RealCatholicTV?feature=mhum#p/u/0/LW-JWhSWmyk
Read the encyclical;
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_15081988_mulieris-dignitatem_en.html
GOD Bless you and your loved ones,
Michael Voris
~senior executive producer, RealCatholicTV.com
Many Catholics are concerned today about the feminization of the Church. One of the hot buttons is the issue of "altar girls". Please watch this episode of the Vortex and pass it along to as many friends and family as possible.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RealCatholicTV?feature=mhum#p/u/0/LW-JWhSWmyk
Read the encyclical;
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_15081988_mulieris-dignitatem_en.html
GOD Bless you and your loved ones,
Michael Voris
~senior executive producer, RealCatholicTV.com
Every quote is a profound winner today!
"Whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters."
-- Margaret Halsey
"The people I distrust most are those who want to improve our lives but have only one course of action."
-- Frank Herbert
"Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so."
-- Gore Vidal
"Eternity's a terrible thought. I mean, where's it all going to end?"
-- Tom Stoppard
-- Margaret Halsey
"The people I distrust most are those who want to improve our lives but have only one course of action."
-- Frank Herbert
"Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so."
-- Gore Vidal
"Eternity's a terrible thought. I mean, where's it all going to end?"
-- Tom Stoppard
Husbands in a wife's 'workplace'!
My husband treated me to a trip to the fabric store a few weeks ago. As usual, there was a long line at the cutting table so my husband said he'd wait in line and sent me off to get the crochet hook I needed for a project. I can back and there is my husband in line with all these females but he is happily surfing the net on his I[Pod Touch. I come up and he looked at me and asked, "Did you find the crochet hook thingy?" I held it up. He said, obviously wanting to get back to the Internet, "Why don't you go back and get some of that stuff that makes the crochet hook work?" There were a lot of smile and giggles from the waiting women in line at his description of yarn!
Another time, we were shopping for fabric at a warehouse outlet store. A friend had asked me to bring her back six different fabrics, two yards of each. In order to keep the receipts separate, my husband said he'd go ahead and take care of that so I could continue shopping for my own fabric. When he finished and came back, he said it was obviously a woman's store. When he got up to the cutting counter and asked for two yards of each fabric, the clerk looked around for his wife and then inquired, "Are you SURE that is what you need?"
Another time, we were shopping for fabric at a warehouse outlet store. A friend had asked me to bring her back six different fabrics, two yards of each. In order to keep the receipts separate, my husband said he'd go ahead and take care of that so I could continue shopping for my own fabric. When he finished and came back, he said it was obviously a woman's store. When he got up to the cutting counter and asked for two yards of each fabric, the clerk looked around for his wife and then inquired, "Are you SURE that is what you need?"
The time is speeding by . . .
When my son and I started saving for a special adventure together to celebrate his high school graduation about two years ago, it seemed like we had forever to wait. Once in a while, I would panic over what I still needed to save and what I had to get done before we actually took off for the trip. I always calmed myself down with, "Oh, well, it's still ten months away . . . Stop worrying, you still have six months to go, etc." It is now coming on less than two weeks until take off so I am officially allowed to start a mild panic!
My son has never been outside the country except to Mexico a couple of times which is a whole other story! He is VERY excited and not worried in the least because all he has to do is follow where ever I may lead. I'm the responsible adult and after years of doing everything in the wake of my husband, I'm on my own for this vacation. My husband feels that sitting on a plane for 15 hours and then walking, walking, and walking some more to see sights is NOT a vacation for him. He is happily staying home to paint my kitchen . . . or so he says. :-)
The suitcases have been set out for two weeks now and as we think of things we need, we toss them in so we don't forget. I've already spent an afternoon going over what is actually accumulating in them to decide if all that stuff is actually needed! My teen son feels that what he will be wearing and a toothbrush is enough for two weeks. As fast as he removes 'unwanted' items, I put them back. My main problem is convincing him that it will be cold on some aspects of the trip and he does need to bring a jacket. Just in case, I've put in a heavy pullover and may see about selling it to him when he finds himself freezing on the trip and I can say in that motherly tone I am so good at, "I told you so!"
Seriously, this is a history adventure with visits to many historic sites of World War II. Besides his great love of history, I want my son to see what happened then and how, in spite of the evidence, the world just doesn't learn from history. History repeats itself because man won't learn.
We leave on Friday the Thirteenth so wish us well. I will continue posting up until that date and will resume on June first. Meanwhile, I've been getting extra scribbles of interested posted to make up for the long silence beginning on May 13th.
My daughter will be home from college so my husband will still get his homecooked meals and my daughter is happy to have a kitchen and ingredients to herself. God is good and has really blessed out endeavor.
My son has never been outside the country except to Mexico a couple of times which is a whole other story! He is VERY excited and not worried in the least because all he has to do is follow where ever I may lead. I'm the responsible adult and after years of doing everything in the wake of my husband, I'm on my own for this vacation. My husband feels that sitting on a plane for 15 hours and then walking, walking, and walking some more to see sights is NOT a vacation for him. He is happily staying home to paint my kitchen . . . or so he says. :-)
The suitcases have been set out for two weeks now and as we think of things we need, we toss them in so we don't forget. I've already spent an afternoon going over what is actually accumulating in them to decide if all that stuff is actually needed! My teen son feels that what he will be wearing and a toothbrush is enough for two weeks. As fast as he removes 'unwanted' items, I put them back. My main problem is convincing him that it will be cold on some aspects of the trip and he does need to bring a jacket. Just in case, I've put in a heavy pullover and may see about selling it to him when he finds himself freezing on the trip and I can say in that motherly tone I am so good at, "I told you so!"
Seriously, this is a history adventure with visits to many historic sites of World War II. Besides his great love of history, I want my son to see what happened then and how, in spite of the evidence, the world just doesn't learn from history. History repeats itself because man won't learn.
We leave on Friday the Thirteenth so wish us well. I will continue posting up until that date and will resume on June first. Meanwhile, I've been getting extra scribbles of interested posted to make up for the long silence beginning on May 13th.
My daughter will be home from college so my husband will still get his homecooked meals and my daughter is happy to have a kitchen and ingredients to herself. God is good and has really blessed out endeavor.
Adding some zing to an ordinary poultry dish!
I use a lot of white chicken meat in our meals in order to keep our fat intake on normal levels and maintain our health. Chicken breast can get pretty dull so I like to zip up the flavor where I can and this sauce really does the trick.
SPICY GARLIC-CRANBERRY SAUCE
6-8 peeled clove of garlic
Slowly brown them in a bit of olive or vegetable oil. You want them softened and golden.
3 tablespoons cranberry sauce
1 heaping tablespoon mayo
salt, pepper, some chili flakes unless Anna is eating it!
Puree the prepared garlic, cranberry sauce, and mayo. Stir in the salt & pepper to taste.
SPICY GARLIC-CRANBERRY SAUCE
6-8 peeled clove of garlic
Slowly brown them in a bit of olive or vegetable oil. You want them softened and golden.
3 tablespoons cranberry sauce
1 heaping tablespoon mayo
salt, pepper, some chili flakes unless Anna is eating it!
Puree the prepared garlic, cranberry sauce, and mayo. Stir in the salt & pepper to taste.
A new twist on the pumpkin pie taste . . .
Pumpkin pie is a favorite at our house but I don't always have time to make a pie crust and get one in the oven. This receipt gives you the taste and a good breakfast OR dessert treat.
1 cup pumpkin
1 3/4 cups milk
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
cooking spray
brown sugar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a five, one cup baking dishes or the equivalent of smaller dishes. Your actual baking time will depend on the size/sizes you use. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, pumpkin, milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Stir together and then spoon into baking dishes. Bake for 15 minutes, remove and sprinkle with brown sugar. I used about 1 tablespoon per baking dish. Then turn oven up to 400 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes or until set in the center.
1 cup pumpkin
1 3/4 cups milk
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
cooking spray
brown sugar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a five, one cup baking dishes or the equivalent of smaller dishes. Your actual baking time will depend on the size/sizes you use. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, pumpkin, milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Stir together and then spoon into baking dishes. Bake for 15 minutes, remove and sprinkle with brown sugar. I used about 1 tablespoon per baking dish. Then turn oven up to 400 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes or until set in the center.
Fast and easy chicken . . .
There are times when you have to get dinner on the table but time and ingredients might not be up to your usual wants/needs. This is a simple recipe that doesn't require a lot of specialized components but will fill the dinner time need in a short time. What I like about this recipe is that you can adjust it to what you actually have on hand.
Chicken and Vegetables
4 chicken breast halves
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons oil (I love olive oil!)
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 medium yellow squash, sliced.
2 cups cut up broccoli
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in skillet: brown the chicken on both sides. Add chicken broth; cover and cook approximately 15-20 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through. Add vegetables; sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper. Cover and cook 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp tender. Makes four servings.
This would go great with rice or a side of cheesy pasta.
Chicken and Vegetables
4 chicken breast halves
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons oil (I love olive oil!)
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 medium yellow squash, sliced.
2 cups cut up broccoli
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in skillet: brown the chicken on both sides. Add chicken broth; cover and cook approximately 15-20 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through. Add vegetables; sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper. Cover and cook 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp tender. Makes four servings.
This would go great with rice or a side of cheesy pasta.
Teachers do not have it easy . . . Real answers from history tests!
Possession by spirits means feeling like the devil.
A seminary is a place where they bury the dead.
Yom Kippur was a general in the Japanese Army.
The result of the Reformation was that people could choose to be either Catholics or Pugilists
The less said about Nero, the better.
Before a man could become a monk, he had to have his tonsils cut.
Buddha is worshiped chiefly in Buddha Pest.
The names of the three wise men are Winken, Blinken and Nod.
False doctrine means giving poeple the wrong medicine.
The Crusades was a movement to drive the turkeys out of Europe.
A martyr is something like a bachelor.
A millennium is like a centennial, only it has more legs.
A seminary is a place where they bury the dead.
Yom Kippur was a general in the Japanese Army.
The result of the Reformation was that people could choose to be either Catholics or Pugilists
The less said about Nero, the better.
Before a man could become a monk, he had to have his tonsils cut.
Buddha is worshiped chiefly in Buddha Pest.
The names of the three wise men are Winken, Blinken and Nod.
False doctrine means giving poeple the wrong medicine.
The Crusades was a movement to drive the turkeys out of Europe.
A martyr is something like a bachelor.
A millennium is like a centennial, only it has more legs.
Bishop Sheen always knew best! RIP
“In the days immediately following Vatican Council II, seminaries rightly began training the seminarians in social and pastoral activities, but wrongly neglected discipline and the spiritual life. The result was that no sooner were the young chicks hatched than they ran with foxes”. Fulton J. Sheen
“How many people there are in Church on Sunday sitting in the first seat of the pew, who resent anyone asking them to ‘please move over’. They came to kneel before a cross, but they do not want one standing alongside them.” Fulton J. Sheen
“How many people there are in Church on Sunday sitting in the first seat of the pew, who resent anyone asking them to ‘please move over’. They came to kneel before a cross, but they do not want one standing alongside them.” Fulton J. Sheen
Knowing where to place the blame . . .
“Those who perish, perish by their own negligence.” ~St. Ambrose
Monday, May 2, 2011
A Prayer for Husbands . . .
Lord, I come into your presence to say a special prayer for my husband. Thank
you for the blessing of a godly life companion. I pray that You would continue
to grow in him a deep and abiding love for You. Guide him, I pray, as he guides this family; give him wisdom and understanding. Invigorate him with the
knowledge of Your grace, and refine him with Your truth. I pray that I would be a helper, a source of encouragement; and I pray that he would find this home to be a place of rest and refreshment.
you for the blessing of a godly life companion. I pray that You would continue
to grow in him a deep and abiding love for You. Guide him, I pray, as he guides this family; give him wisdom and understanding. Invigorate him with the
knowledge of Your grace, and refine him with Your truth. I pray that I would be a helper, a source of encouragement; and I pray that he would find this home to be a place of rest and refreshment.
A relatively easy Italian dinner . . .
Found this recipe in the Food Network Magazine. It was one used by Iron Chef Mario Batali for an Iron Chef competition. I feel rather 'special' that I actually made an Iron Chef dish!
Kosher salt
6 ounces or about 8 cups baby spinach
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling the pasta
3 large eggs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Bring three quarts of water to a boil and add one teaspoon salt. (I didn't have kosher so used regular salt) Set up a bowl with lots of ice and water right next to the stove. Blanch the spinach in the boiling water for about two minutes. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and put immediately into the ice water. Drain the spinach and squeeze dry. I used several sheets of paper towel and repeated it twice more to insure I got a good amount of water out. Set aside.
Combine the flour and spinach in a food processor and process until evenly green. With the motor running, add the eggs and cheese and process until smooth and forms a ball.
Dust a large board with flour, turn out the dough and knead a few times. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out and cut into thin strips. A pizza cutter works great on this. Dust well with flour and lay them on a baking sheet covered with waxed paper or parchment paper. Keep the strips lightly dusted to prevent sticking.
To cook, put pasta in pot of boiling water and cook about three or four minutes. Fresh pasta cooks fairly quickly. Drain, and serve. It goes well with regular pasta sauce or Alfredo sauce.
It's a good way to get lots of vegetables into the family, too!
Kosher salt
6 ounces or about 8 cups baby spinach
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling the pasta
3 large eggs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Bring three quarts of water to a boil and add one teaspoon salt. (I didn't have kosher so used regular salt) Set up a bowl with lots of ice and water right next to the stove. Blanch the spinach in the boiling water for about two minutes. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and put immediately into the ice water. Drain the spinach and squeeze dry. I used several sheets of paper towel and repeated it twice more to insure I got a good amount of water out. Set aside.
Combine the flour and spinach in a food processor and process until evenly green. With the motor running, add the eggs and cheese and process until smooth and forms a ball.
Dust a large board with flour, turn out the dough and knead a few times. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out and cut into thin strips. A pizza cutter works great on this. Dust well with flour and lay them on a baking sheet covered with waxed paper or parchment paper. Keep the strips lightly dusted to prevent sticking.
To cook, put pasta in pot of boiling water and cook about three or four minutes. Fresh pasta cooks fairly quickly. Drain, and serve. It goes well with regular pasta sauce or Alfredo sauce.
It's a good way to get lots of vegetables into the family, too!
A cheerful thought to remember . . .
"If you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton
-Dolly Parton
Must be craving Asian Food Today! Pot Stickers!
This is a family favorite and I like it because it can be made with freshly-cooked meat or you can use up leftover shredded chicken, beef, or pork. I usually serve them with Jasmine rice and gingered carrots - Sort of an American-Chinese meal! Good for that few days before the next paycheck hits the checking account!
Pot Sticker Dough
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 cup boiling water
In 2 separate bowls, place 1 1/2 cups flour
Add cold water to one bowl and stir to form a soft dough. Add boiling water to second bowl and stir to form a dough. Combine two doughs and knead until smooth, about
15 minutes. Cover with a damp towel (use paper towel) and let rest 15 minutes.
Pot Sticker Dumplings
1 pound shredded cabbage (I usually look for the bagged cole slaw cabbage for this. It's in the produce section)
1/2 pound ground pork, cooked
2 scallions, mined
3 slices of fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon dry sherry (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Pot Sticker dough
Combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the 1/2 cup oil. You can roughly chop it or process it slightly. Refrigerate 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
Divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each part into a long thin sausage about 1/2-inch in diameter. Cut each dough sausage into 12 pieces. Roll each piecebetween palms to form a smooth ball. Sprinkle with flour and roll each one into a 3-inch round pancake. Place 1 teaspoon of filling on each pancake.
Dampen the edges slightly and gather towards the top to form a 'bag'.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium high heat. Place the dumplings into the skillet with just barely touching. Cook until bottoms of dumplings are lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. All at once, add enough cold water to almost cover the dumplings. Cover pan and bring to a boil over high heat. cook until tops of dumplinga are waxy and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Drain off the water, return to heat, and crisp bottoms about two minutes. Repeat if you had more dumpling than room the first time around.
__._,_.___
Pot Sticker Dough
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 cup boiling water
In 2 separate bowls, place 1 1/2 cups flour
Add cold water to one bowl and stir to form a soft dough. Add boiling water to second bowl and stir to form a dough. Combine two doughs and knead until smooth, about
15 minutes. Cover with a damp towel (use paper towel) and let rest 15 minutes.
Pot Sticker Dumplings
1 pound shredded cabbage (I usually look for the bagged cole slaw cabbage for this. It's in the produce section)
1/2 pound ground pork, cooked
2 scallions, mined
3 slices of fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon dry sherry (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Pot Sticker dough
Combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the 1/2 cup oil. You can roughly chop it or process it slightly. Refrigerate 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
Divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each part into a long thin sausage about 1/2-inch in diameter. Cut each dough sausage into 12 pieces. Roll each piecebetween palms to form a smooth ball. Sprinkle with flour and roll each one into a 3-inch round pancake. Place 1 teaspoon of filling on each pancake.
Dampen the edges slightly and gather towards the top to form a 'bag'.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium high heat. Place the dumplings into the skillet with just barely touching. Cook until bottoms of dumplings are lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. All at once, add enough cold water to almost cover the dumplings. Cover pan and bring to a boil over high heat. cook until tops of dumplinga are waxy and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Drain off the water, return to heat, and crisp bottoms about two minutes. Repeat if you had more dumpling than room the first time around.
__._,_.___
My favorite Comfort Food . . .
When I'm craving something hot and tasty, I often turn to chicken soup of some sort. My favorite version is the traditional Asian Chicken Soup with eggs streamed in to form wonderful threads of protein!
Here is a basic recipe although I do like to enhance it with finely chopped carrots and celery from time to time.
4 cups chicken broth or stock
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 -2 green onions, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
A few drops of sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon finely grated, fresh ginger
Place everything in a pot EXCEPT for the green onions and eggs. If you are using minced vegetables, simmer until they are tender. Bring the broth to a simmer and swirl in the eggs, stirring gently to form threads. Don't worry if they get a little clumpy as it doesn't change the taste.
Sprinkle each serving with some of the minced green onions and serve immediately. You won't need a fortune cookie to tell yourself how lucky your are to have a bowl of this in front of you!
Here is a basic recipe although I do like to enhance it with finely chopped carrots and celery from time to time.
4 cups chicken broth or stock
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 -2 green onions, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
A few drops of sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon finely grated, fresh ginger
Place everything in a pot EXCEPT for the green onions and eggs. If you are using minced vegetables, simmer until they are tender. Bring the broth to a simmer and swirl in the eggs, stirring gently to form threads. Don't worry if they get a little clumpy as it doesn't change the taste.
Sprinkle each serving with some of the minced green onions and serve immediately. You won't need a fortune cookie to tell yourself how lucky your are to have a bowl of this in front of you!
When thinking about the 2012 election . . .
http://www.youtube.com/user/RealCatholicTV?feature=mhum#p/u/0/9D15XwAKMS0
It pays to read . . .
My daughter was working at her college library and going through some donated books. Much to her surprise, she discovered a secret compartment in one of the books filled with money! She turned it over to the head librarian who said that it was a case of finders/keepers so she got a bonus to her salary today. The amount? $70% Believe me, on a student income, that is a great boost for food allowance this week! God is good and knows just when to step in and help out.
I used to enter contests and have even won a few over the years. Most of the prizes were things like small appliances, teddy bears, tickets, etc. No matter, it was always exciting when your postcard and postage increased in value like that. One day, I was agonizing over the bills and exclaimed to myself, "Come on, God! I need some help here. Don't You even have an extra dollar you can send my way!" A few minutes later, the postman brought the mail to the door. In the mail was a check from a contest I had won . . . for one dollar! Be careful how you phrase your requests!
I used to enter contests and have even won a few over the years. Most of the prizes were things like small appliances, teddy bears, tickets, etc. No matter, it was always exciting when your postcard and postage increased in value like that. One day, I was agonizing over the bills and exclaimed to myself, "Come on, God! I need some help here. Don't You even have an extra dollar you can send my way!" A few minutes later, the postman brought the mail to the door. In the mail was a check from a contest I had won . . . for one dollar! Be careful how you phrase your requests!
End of a decade?
The news reporting was interesting last night. First, I got news alerts on my e-mail saying the president was going to make an important announcement. I guess his news leaked before I then got dozens of reports that Osama Bin Laden was dead. Naturally, I turned on the news and it was on practically every channel. They reporters basically had nothing to add to the fact that he was dead so they jabbered on and on about old news to fill in the time until the president came on. And guess what the president told the country? Osama Bin Laden was dead.
There was so much rejoicing over this fact and I found that difficult to comprehend. Yes, he caused the death of many, many people and, most likely rejoiced over such accomplishments. It seemed we were acting much like him in this respect. Yes, he needed to be taken, dead or alive, but high fives and grins didn't seem respectful of his human factor. I'm not saying this act of war was wrong. I'm just thinking that we should be more grown up in our actions after the fact.
I'm sure there is a sense of relief but death doesn't always bring the closure we are seeking. We certainly need to keep focused on our prayers in the face of what the world keeps bringing to our door.
There was so much rejoicing over this fact and I found that difficult to comprehend. Yes, he caused the death of many, many people and, most likely rejoiced over such accomplishments. It seemed we were acting much like him in this respect. Yes, he needed to be taken, dead or alive, but high fives and grins didn't seem respectful of his human factor. I'm not saying this act of war was wrong. I'm just thinking that we should be more grown up in our actions after the fact.
I'm sure there is a sense of relief but death doesn't always bring the closure we are seeking. We certainly need to keep focused on our prayers in the face of what the world keeps bringing to our door.
Our government is taking the last quote to heart!
"We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over."
-- Aneurin Bevan
"If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome; if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent; if you believe the military, nothing is safe."
-- Lord Salisbury
"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so."
-- Douglas Adams
"Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them."
-- Paul Valery
-- Aneurin Bevan
"If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome; if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent; if you believe the military, nothing is safe."
-- Lord Salisbury
"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so."
-- Douglas Adams
"Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them."
-- Paul Valery
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Count down . . .
After almost two years of scrimping, saving, and selling quilts another handicrafts, my son and I are less than two weeks away from a long-planned educational trip. When we were trying to decide on the adventure, it was between a tour of the shrines of Italy and a tour of the battlefields of World War II. Can you guess who won on this? Are their fox holes usually on tour in Italy? Yes, we are going to tour the route of soldiers during World War II with some emphasis on the Easy Company troops. I don't think I will have to pack a chapel veil and long skirt for this tour!
My husband very much opted to stay home. He went overseas, once, and that was enough for him. The flights are too long.
In honor of the count down, I spent the morning going over our lists, washing clothes, and making sure we aren't packing TOO much but ARE packing enough. I could easily become frantic while my son is merely extremely excited at his first vacation EVER. My husband, thinking of home cooked meales is saying this all sounded like a better idea ten months ago when we booked it. Seriously, he is happy for us and thrilled that my future history major son gets to experience some history first hand.
We aren't leaving until the middle of May so understand the silence on the blog until June first. God willing, I will be back on line promptly and hope to share some of our adventures. Until then, I will continue my ramblings from day to day until departure.
My husband very much opted to stay home. He went overseas, once, and that was enough for him. The flights are too long.
In honor of the count down, I spent the morning going over our lists, washing clothes, and making sure we aren't packing TOO much but ARE packing enough. I could easily become frantic while my son is merely extremely excited at his first vacation EVER. My husband, thinking of home cooked meales is saying this all sounded like a better idea ten months ago when we booked it. Seriously, he is happy for us and thrilled that my future history major son gets to experience some history first hand.
We aren't leaving until the middle of May so understand the silence on the blog until June first. God willing, I will be back on line promptly and hope to share some of our adventures. Until then, I will continue my ramblings from day to day until departure.
Rest in Peace and remembering . . .
Rest in peace to a beloved pastor who often reminded us that we have three votes when we reach our personal judgement day. God casts the first vote for Heaven, Satan votes for our place in Hell . . . and the deciding vote is up to us. How will we vote?
Where Charity and Love Prevail . . .
World War II, for most people, started in 1941 when the United States entered the war in Europe. If you lived in Germany, World War II probably seemed more like an extension of World War I.
My mother was born and raised in Germany. She was a young girl during World War II. In Germany, however, the hard times didn’t begin in 1941 and abruptly end when the war was over. Germany was in economic straits after World War I. We won’t go into the politics of life at that time. Suffice to say that many things contributed to poverty and hardship and it didn’t begin with the events of 1941. My mother was born in 1925. Her father died the same year of a lung wound received in the First World War. He spent a good portion of the first war in a French prisoner of war camp with his unattended injury. When he came home, irrevocable damage had been done.
By the time the war was in full force, rationing had long been an ever-present reality in Germany. Rationing in Europe was much different than the rationing in America during the war years. In America, there were usually items to ration. By the middle of the war in Germany, it was unusual to see litter in the streets as every scrap of paper and cardboard was put to use. Having a piece of cardboard to line worn shoes was a blessing. You thanked God if there was black cabbage and rotten potatoes to eat.
The war was finally winding down but relief was tempered by empty stomachs. Somehow, in the midst of all this, my resourceful grandmother acquired a small bag of wheat grain. It was old, hard stuff but could be pounded down enough to bake into almost equally tough bits of ‘bread’. Naturally, thee was no butter or fat available but just the chewing of these almost unyielding breads kept my mother and grandmother hopeful of survival.
With the advance of the American and Russian armies, there were many refugees passing through my mother’s little hometown. Some of them were German soldiers fleeing the defeated army and desperate to locate their families. Many were displaced people searching for a place to settle down and await the final outcome. All were hungry.
As you would expect, there was many a knock on my grandmother’s door by these homeless, searching people. Even though the wheat kernels were the only food in the house, no one left my grandmother’s doorstep without a handful or two of this precious food. The final episodes of the war took time and it was a matter of weeks before food was brought in to feed the starving people. Ration tickets are worthless without foodstuffs to be purchased.
My mother was glad to see an end to the war. Being the only Catholic in a Protestant town during a Nazi reign didn’t have many perks. It was only when the first tanks and trucks of the American forces came in, that my mother and grandmother realized that the small bag of wheat had lasted them. No matter how much they had given freely away, the wheat had not run out until the day needed supplies arrived.
Every time I think about this story, I realize that giving of your surplus is generosity, but true charity is when you share the little you have. “Christian charity recognizes no property.”(Erasmus)
My mother was born and raised in Germany. She was a young girl during World War II. In Germany, however, the hard times didn’t begin in 1941 and abruptly end when the war was over. Germany was in economic straits after World War I. We won’t go into the politics of life at that time. Suffice to say that many things contributed to poverty and hardship and it didn’t begin with the events of 1941. My mother was born in 1925. Her father died the same year of a lung wound received in the First World War. He spent a good portion of the first war in a French prisoner of war camp with his unattended injury. When he came home, irrevocable damage had been done.
By the time the war was in full force, rationing had long been an ever-present reality in Germany. Rationing in Europe was much different than the rationing in America during the war years. In America, there were usually items to ration. By the middle of the war in Germany, it was unusual to see litter in the streets as every scrap of paper and cardboard was put to use. Having a piece of cardboard to line worn shoes was a blessing. You thanked God if there was black cabbage and rotten potatoes to eat.
The war was finally winding down but relief was tempered by empty stomachs. Somehow, in the midst of all this, my resourceful grandmother acquired a small bag of wheat grain. It was old, hard stuff but could be pounded down enough to bake into almost equally tough bits of ‘bread’. Naturally, thee was no butter or fat available but just the chewing of these almost unyielding breads kept my mother and grandmother hopeful of survival.
With the advance of the American and Russian armies, there were many refugees passing through my mother’s little hometown. Some of them were German soldiers fleeing the defeated army and desperate to locate their families. Many were displaced people searching for a place to settle down and await the final outcome. All were hungry.
As you would expect, there was many a knock on my grandmother’s door by these homeless, searching people. Even though the wheat kernels were the only food in the house, no one left my grandmother’s doorstep without a handful or two of this precious food. The final episodes of the war took time and it was a matter of weeks before food was brought in to feed the starving people. Ration tickets are worthless without foodstuffs to be purchased.
My mother was glad to see an end to the war. Being the only Catholic in a Protestant town during a Nazi reign didn’t have many perks. It was only when the first tanks and trucks of the American forces came in, that my mother and grandmother realized that the small bag of wheat had lasted them. No matter how much they had given freely away, the wheat had not run out until the day needed supplies arrived.
Every time I think about this story, I realize that giving of your surplus is generosity, but true charity is when you share the little you have. “Christian charity recognizes no property.”(Erasmus)
Thoughts on civility . . .
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 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 always 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 always 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.
Cooking because I'm blessed . . .
I cook for my family every night. We enjoy a meal out, once in awhile, but we always prefer to eat at home. Whether it is just my husband and myself or the addition of any or all my children, I cook the main meal every day. I don't do it to show off or because it is my main 'hobby'. I do it because I'm blessed to have a family and because I take it as a responsibility to raise them and keep them in the best health I can through nutrition.
Sure, my children love a soft drink or greasy fast food and we do let them have this treat. I would, however, be remiss in my God-given blessing if I let the majority of their food intake be junk food. Until your children leave home, you ARE responsible for everything they eat at your table. Putting a fast food bag of burgers and fries in front of them is not doing your job.
We had a relative visiting, years ago, and as he enjoyed the meal, he remarked that he KNOWS we don't eat like this every day. My husband looked confused and the relative was very abusive in denying for us that we do not have a good meal every day. He had a stay-home wife who didn't cook and couldn't believe that I did do my job.
My favorite 'insult' comes from other mothers who say I just cook because I like to and that I'm good at it because I had an inborn talent. Uh, I think my mother would have mentioned it to me if I had been born with a mixing spoon in my hand.
I was a latch-key kid and homecooked meals were sparse. I just didn't want to do that to my children. I was an adequate cook when I got married. The more time I spent working around dietary requirements, allergies, and such, the more I became interested in how food went together. I am blessed with a supportive husband who knows he won't get into trouble if he gives me a super mixer or some unique kitchen utensil for a gift.
Yes, I love to cook and bake because I take it as a wholesome, creative enterpise for my family. No, it didn't come easily and I continually learn new things. I like to be in the kitchen and present a nice meal because it is part of my responsibilty and job to my family. I decided to like the process rather than complain about it because I early on realized that it is a blessing from God and I wanted to honor it.
Sure, my children love a soft drink or greasy fast food and we do let them have this treat. I would, however, be remiss in my God-given blessing if I let the majority of their food intake be junk food. Until your children leave home, you ARE responsible for everything they eat at your table. Putting a fast food bag of burgers and fries in front of them is not doing your job.
We had a relative visiting, years ago, and as he enjoyed the meal, he remarked that he KNOWS we don't eat like this every day. My husband looked confused and the relative was very abusive in denying for us that we do not have a good meal every day. He had a stay-home wife who didn't cook and couldn't believe that I did do my job.
My favorite 'insult' comes from other mothers who say I just cook because I like to and that I'm good at it because I had an inborn talent. Uh, I think my mother would have mentioned it to me if I had been born with a mixing spoon in my hand.
I was a latch-key kid and homecooked meals were sparse. I just didn't want to do that to my children. I was an adequate cook when I got married. The more time I spent working around dietary requirements, allergies, and such, the more I became interested in how food went together. I am blessed with a supportive husband who knows he won't get into trouble if he gives me a super mixer or some unique kitchen utensil for a gift.
Yes, I love to cook and bake because I take it as a wholesome, creative enterpise for my family. No, it didn't come easily and I continually learn new things. I like to be in the kitchen and present a nice meal because it is part of my responsibilty and job to my family. I decided to like the process rather than complain about it because I early on realized that it is a blessing from God and I wanted to honor it.
Abraham Lincoln in person!
We were blessed to attend a performance by an Abraham Lincoln presenter, yesterday. My husand and I had met 'Mr. Lincoln' quite by accident back in Februrary and I encouraged my husband to see if he could get him for an event at his library. I invited two, good friends as well as their children to come along and I brought my seventeen year old son who is a history buff.
Since my husband and I had already spend almost two hours with 'Mr. Lincoln' at our impromptu meeting, I didn't expect to be double enthralled, again, with his presentation . . . but I was and his lengthy presentation seemed like mere minutes.
I think 'Mr. Lincoln's' secret is that the presenter has so many of the same values and traits as the historical President Lincoln. The fact that he is practically the image of that great president just add to the whole meeting.
The presenter does his whole performance in the first person as Abraham Lincoln, himself. He didn't seem to so much 'act' but 'live' that time in history. And, his knowledge of past and present day politics made the talk very enlightening. His emphasis was on the young people and how they CAN be anything they want to be if they use the learning opportunities that life sends their way. The real President Lincoln loved children and so does this presenter. He visibly brighted up every time a young person asked a question and treated them all with respect and dignity.
Later, he was holding court outside the assembly room at the library. A little girl came down the hall, stopped dead when she saw ABRAHAM LINCOLN in the flesh, so to speak. He stopped talking to the adult at hand and immediately said, "Well, hello, young lady? How are you today?" She grinned from ear to ear and replied, "HI! Mr. Lincoln!" He immediately asked if she like to read books, liked coming to the library, etc. He was an expert at mixing entertainment with the important aspects of life.
Since my husband and I had already spend almost two hours with 'Mr. Lincoln' at our impromptu meeting, I didn't expect to be double enthralled, again, with his presentation . . . but I was and his lengthy presentation seemed like mere minutes.
I think 'Mr. Lincoln's' secret is that the presenter has so many of the same values and traits as the historical President Lincoln. The fact that he is practically the image of that great president just add to the whole meeting.
The presenter does his whole performance in the first person as Abraham Lincoln, himself. He didn't seem to so much 'act' but 'live' that time in history. And, his knowledge of past and present day politics made the talk very enlightening. His emphasis was on the young people and how they CAN be anything they want to be if they use the learning opportunities that life sends their way. The real President Lincoln loved children and so does this presenter. He visibly brighted up every time a young person asked a question and treated them all with respect and dignity.
Later, he was holding court outside the assembly room at the library. A little girl came down the hall, stopped dead when she saw ABRAHAM LINCOLN in the flesh, so to speak. He stopped talking to the adult at hand and immediately said, "Well, hello, young lady? How are you today?" She grinned from ear to ear and replied, "HI! Mr. Lincoln!" He immediately asked if she like to read books, liked coming to the library, etc. He was an expert at mixing entertainment with the important aspects of life.
Truths behind the quotes . . .
Good quotes, especially the first one. A person never really considers the ramifications of an idle moment and where it could lead. Impatience can often let an opportunity slip by. I liked the reminders behind the wise sayings!
"There art two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness."
-- Franz Kafka
"The point of quotations is that one can use another's words to be insulting."
-- Amanda Cross
"Politicians should read science fiction, not westerns and detective stories."
-- Arthur C. Clarke
"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"
-- Steven Wright
"There art two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness."
-- Franz Kafka
"The point of quotations is that one can use another's words to be insulting."
-- Amanda Cross
"Politicians should read science fiction, not westerns and detective stories."
-- Arthur C. Clarke
"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"
-- Steven Wright
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