Kidnapper sues former hostages for breach of contract
In a bizarre case, a Colorado man is suing the newlywed couple he kidnapped for breach of contract, claiming they agreed to hide him for money after he crashed a stolen vehicle into their yard, then held them at knifepoint.
From The Huffington Post:
In his lawsuit, 25-year-old Jessie Dimmick of Aurora, contends that after breaking into Jared and Lindsay Rowley’s Topeka-area home while fleeing police, he and the couple reached a legally binding, oral contract that they would hide him for an unspecified amount of money. Dimmick, who is representing himself, is seeking $235,000.
"As a result of the plaintiffs breech (sic) of contract, I, the defendant suffered a gunshot to my back, which almost killed me. The hospital bills alone are in excess of $160,000, which I have no way to pay," Dimmick wrote in his civil suit filed last month in Shawnee County District Court.
Dimmick’s gunshot occurred after he fell asleep while eating Cheetos, drinking Dr Pepper and watching the movie Patch Adams, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. Police were able to gain access to the house and when they woke up Dimmick, one officer’s rifle accidentally discharged.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Sad Commentary on the Human Race . . .
India's Proposed Two-Child Policy
by Colin Mason
The southern Indian state of Kerala might be the next in a long line of governments attempting to destroy their own greatest resource: their people.
According to on-the-ground reports obtained by PRI, elements in the Keralan government are attempting to pass what they innocuously call "The Women’s Code Bill." This bill, if passed, would create a two-child policy in the state of Kerala, in an attempt to curb India’s "overpopulation" problem.
Like other restrictive birth policies around the world, the Keralan policy would carry criminal penalties. For instance, if a couple were to become expectant with an over-quota child, the father could face three months of imprisonment, or a fine of 10,000 rupees (about $200 … an astronomical sum for lower-class Indians). People or associations who spoke out against the program could be gagged with huge fines or prison sentences.
And, just like China’s one-child policy, the government would refuse to acknowledge the existence of over-quota children, denying them basic rights and state benefits.
The bill would also encourage abortions as a way for families to remain under-quota. Free abortions would be available in state hospitals. In addition, free contraceptives would be available to married couples. The bill also takes the further step of allowing no-court divorce: essentially it would provide for the institution of a "marriage officer" who would have the power to grant divorces outside of Kerala’s legal infrastructure … if both parties were willing. The reason for this? An explicit desire to "streamline" the divorce process and eliminate backlog in Keralan divorce courts.
The net effect of all this seems to be a systematic and deliberate assault on traditional Indian family structures and values, all for the purpose of disrupting what Keralans have been doing for centuries: having large families.
In addition to this, this two-child policy is being proposed in the face of hard demographic data, data that clearly shows that shows that Kerala is experiencing the same birth rate decline and population aging that is afflicting the rest of the world. In other words, even if overpopulation were a problem, the "problem" would be quickly correcting itself on its own, without the need for forceful, abusive policies.
But what really worries population control advocates around the world is that the Catholic Church has set up its own social agenda in Kerala. These Church policies make a point to extend benefits like education, health care, and other benefits to larger families.
Most Catholics see these policies as merely an extension of the Church’s existing philosophy on the primacy of the family and the value of children. But many radical population control groups have tried to frame it as a sort of "population war," with the Keralan Catholic hierarchy playing the part of the irresponsible villain. According to a recent article in Population Matters, the Church in Kerala is "worried about its dwindling numbers," and as a result is "exhorting its flock to have more children."
"In the southern state of Kerala," the article continues, "where Catholics have long been a large, important minority, church authorities believe the state’s overall Christian population could drop to 17 percent this year, down from 19.5 percent in 1991. While they don’t have precise numbers for the Catholic population, they believe it is also dropping sharply."
Never mind that the Catholic Church is the world’s original charitable institution, so it has always been in the business of giving out free health care, food, shelter, and education. Giving such aid to larger families is nothing new. Population Matters also makes much about the fact that some of these charities give cash benefits to large families, but so what? Large families have more mouths to feed … the money is not social engineering. It just makes sense.
And furthermore, never mind that even this article is forced to admit that these policies are not universal across the region. Some Indian Catholic institutions base their charitable giving on the number of children. Some don’t. It just depends.
The thing is, if there’s anything we’ve learned at PRI it’s this: people who dehumanize other people tend to assume that everyone thinks the same way. In other words: to many, human population is nothing better than a scourge on the planet at worst, and a tool to be manipulated at best. Naturally, they figure that every other social institution thinks this way.
But the fact of the matter is that the Catholic Church sees each human as individual and unique. It sees each person as valuable for their own sake, and it sees each human fertility decision as intensely private and individuated. And as such, the Catholic Church has always been in the business of helping people live better lives. Sometimes helping people live better lives means providing them with free health care or education. Sometimes it means giving them cash bonuses to help them feed their families.
And sometimes, it means leaving people alone to make their fertility decisions in the privacy of their bedrooms. The Keralan government could stand to learn something from the Catholic Church.
Colin Mason is the Director of Media Production at Population Research Institute.
by Colin Mason
The southern Indian state of Kerala might be the next in a long line of governments attempting to destroy their own greatest resource: their people.
According to on-the-ground reports obtained by PRI, elements in the Keralan government are attempting to pass what they innocuously call "The Women’s Code Bill." This bill, if passed, would create a two-child policy in the state of Kerala, in an attempt to curb India’s "overpopulation" problem.
Like other restrictive birth policies around the world, the Keralan policy would carry criminal penalties. For instance, if a couple were to become expectant with an over-quota child, the father could face three months of imprisonment, or a fine of 10,000 rupees (about $200 … an astronomical sum for lower-class Indians). People or associations who spoke out against the program could be gagged with huge fines or prison sentences.
And, just like China’s one-child policy, the government would refuse to acknowledge the existence of over-quota children, denying them basic rights and state benefits.
The bill would also encourage abortions as a way for families to remain under-quota. Free abortions would be available in state hospitals. In addition, free contraceptives would be available to married couples. The bill also takes the further step of allowing no-court divorce: essentially it would provide for the institution of a "marriage officer" who would have the power to grant divorces outside of Kerala’s legal infrastructure … if both parties were willing. The reason for this? An explicit desire to "streamline" the divorce process and eliminate backlog in Keralan divorce courts.
The net effect of all this seems to be a systematic and deliberate assault on traditional Indian family structures and values, all for the purpose of disrupting what Keralans have been doing for centuries: having large families.
In addition to this, this two-child policy is being proposed in the face of hard demographic data, data that clearly shows that shows that Kerala is experiencing the same birth rate decline and population aging that is afflicting the rest of the world. In other words, even if overpopulation were a problem, the "problem" would be quickly correcting itself on its own, without the need for forceful, abusive policies.
But what really worries population control advocates around the world is that the Catholic Church has set up its own social agenda in Kerala. These Church policies make a point to extend benefits like education, health care, and other benefits to larger families.
Most Catholics see these policies as merely an extension of the Church’s existing philosophy on the primacy of the family and the value of children. But many radical population control groups have tried to frame it as a sort of "population war," with the Keralan Catholic hierarchy playing the part of the irresponsible villain. According to a recent article in Population Matters, the Church in Kerala is "worried about its dwindling numbers," and as a result is "exhorting its flock to have more children."
"In the southern state of Kerala," the article continues, "where Catholics have long been a large, important minority, church authorities believe the state’s overall Christian population could drop to 17 percent this year, down from 19.5 percent in 1991. While they don’t have precise numbers for the Catholic population, they believe it is also dropping sharply."
Never mind that the Catholic Church is the world’s original charitable institution, so it has always been in the business of giving out free health care, food, shelter, and education. Giving such aid to larger families is nothing new. Population Matters also makes much about the fact that some of these charities give cash benefits to large families, but so what? Large families have more mouths to feed … the money is not social engineering. It just makes sense.
And furthermore, never mind that even this article is forced to admit that these policies are not universal across the region. Some Indian Catholic institutions base their charitable giving on the number of children. Some don’t. It just depends.
The thing is, if there’s anything we’ve learned at PRI it’s this: people who dehumanize other people tend to assume that everyone thinks the same way. In other words: to many, human population is nothing better than a scourge on the planet at worst, and a tool to be manipulated at best. Naturally, they figure that every other social institution thinks this way.
But the fact of the matter is that the Catholic Church sees each human as individual and unique. It sees each person as valuable for their own sake, and it sees each human fertility decision as intensely private and individuated. And as such, the Catholic Church has always been in the business of helping people live better lives. Sometimes helping people live better lives means providing them with free health care or education. Sometimes it means giving them cash bonuses to help them feed their families.
And sometimes, it means leaving people alone to make their fertility decisions in the privacy of their bedrooms. The Keralan government could stand to learn something from the Catholic Church.
Colin Mason is the Director of Media Production at Population Research Institute.
Something often forgotten . . .
The
Pilgrims came to America not to accumulate riches but to worship God, and the
greatest wealth they left unborn generations was their heroic example of
sacrifice that their souls might be free.
- Harry Moyle
Tippett
Early this morning . . .
Christmas Baking Day Two!
I just finished cleaning the kitchen and putting away the cookies in the freezer. As requested, one of each has been kept out for my quality control panel - my husband and teenage son. My son's only regret this evening? He liked dinner so much, he had seconds so couldn't do justice to all the cookies available!
Poor Santa . . .
Find circumstances that enhance you . . .
People
are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in
circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and
look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.
- George Bernard
Shaw
Second Day of Christmas Baking . . .
I think my husband is happy it is cookie-baking 'season', again! He helped me clear out a space in the freezer for storing them and then went out and cleared yet another space. I think he is looking forward to being part of quality control!
After I cleaned up the kitchen, last night, I realized it was only six in the evening and two hours until my husband returned from work. I decided to make up three batches of refrigerator cookies. I like refrigerator cookies because they have to spend a certain amount of time there and it frees you up for other baking while you wait. I didn't do any more baking but enjoy the fact that I can come home and bake without messing up the mixing bowl.
I put up a batch of very lemon cookies with lots of zest and fresh lemon juice as one of my refrigerator cookie choices. I feel so blessed that we have both a lemon and an orange tree and I can go 'shop' out in the backyard when I need one of either.
I also put together the Chocolate Cookie Covered Wreath cookies, too. It was my first time with this recipe. My only change, next time, would be to divide the dough more in half to insure I have enough of the chocolate dough to surround the fruit and vanilla cookie middle.
The third batch is an annual favorite. It is comprised of two doughs. One is a espresso/chocolate dough. The other one is vanilla with dried cranberries and pistachios. With this recipe, you pack the dough down in layers in a loaf pan - making sure you line it with waxed paper so you can get it back out for slicing. It isn't a difficult recipe so much as detailed but if anyone is interested, I would be happy to post it.
The weather promises to cool down a bit today so it will making baking more comfortable. My husband likes this time of year because I keep out one of each cookie baked for his snack when he comes home from work. The rest are put away for Christmas and Christmas giving.
After I cleaned up the kitchen, last night, I realized it was only six in the evening and two hours until my husband returned from work. I decided to make up three batches of refrigerator cookies. I like refrigerator cookies because they have to spend a certain amount of time there and it frees you up for other baking while you wait. I didn't do any more baking but enjoy the fact that I can come home and bake without messing up the mixing bowl.
I put up a batch of very lemon cookies with lots of zest and fresh lemon juice as one of my refrigerator cookie choices. I feel so blessed that we have both a lemon and an orange tree and I can go 'shop' out in the backyard when I need one of either.
I also put together the Chocolate Cookie Covered Wreath cookies, too. It was my first time with this recipe. My only change, next time, would be to divide the dough more in half to insure I have enough of the chocolate dough to surround the fruit and vanilla cookie middle.
The third batch is an annual favorite. It is comprised of two doughs. One is a espresso/chocolate dough. The other one is vanilla with dried cranberries and pistachios. With this recipe, you pack the dough down in layers in a loaf pan - making sure you line it with waxed paper so you can get it back out for slicing. It isn't a difficult recipe so much as detailed but if anyone is interested, I would be happy to post it.
The weather promises to cool down a bit today so it will making baking more comfortable. My husband likes this time of year because I keep out one of each cookie baked for his snack when he comes home from work. The rest are put away for Christmas and Christmas giving.
Good thought to start the day . . .
True
charity is the desire to be useful to others with no thought of recompense.
- Emanuel
Swedenborg
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Try telling that to a teenager . . .
Maturity
is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter could be
said to remedy anything.
- Kurt Vonnegut
The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies
Using parchment paper instead of greasing the cookie sheets was a great time saver today. The cookies didn't stick and slid right off onto the cooling racks. I didn't have six baking sheets to scrub which is always a plus for me.
Kittencal's Jumbo Chewy Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
I used a double-chocolate chip instead of my regular ones. The flavor was more intense which probably increased the ultimate value of the cookie. This one earned a place in my cookie recipe file!
Cinnamon Cookies - Trial Event!
Leave it to Bill Cosby . . .
Human
beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home.
- Bill Cosby
My new, possibly, favorite cookie recipes . . .
I just went through the cookie link I posted earlier today and found some interesting ones that don't match up to anything in my tried and true files. I don't know which ones appealed to you all, but these are the ones I'm bound and determined to include in my baking.
Kittencal's Jumbo Chewy Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies - I have a similar one in my collection but this one added coffee creamer which intrigued me. I already add coffee creamer to my buttercream frostings with good results so figure this is a good thing.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - I know, another oatmeal cookie but I like the moist, chewy aspect and I already haven enough recipes that produce great crisp versions.
Cinnamon Cookies - I like the scent of cinnamon and these seem to be different than the usual Snickerdoodle cookies. Not that there is anything wrong with Snickerdoodles but two, very different cinnamon cookies on the cookie plate can only be a good thing.
World's Best Butter Cookies - Looking forward to my personal determination as to the world's best status on this recipe but it is very basic and those type of recipes seem to produce the most memorable cookies and become baking standbys.
The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies - Anything with ginger and molasses is a good start. I'm interested in the fact that the dough needs to rest before using. Also, you can roll out thin cookies for crisp and thicker one for a softer version.
Peanut Butter Balls - I made these, last year, and lost my recipe! I was pleased to find it on this site and now have it carefully copied and ready for production in the near future. It's a no-bake recipe but they will pull you off whatever diet you are trying to observe and you won't scream or kick at all.
Kittencal's Jumbo Chewy Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies - I have a similar one in my collection but this one added coffee creamer which intrigued me. I already add coffee creamer to my buttercream frostings with good results so figure this is a good thing.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - I know, another oatmeal cookie but I like the moist, chewy aspect and I already haven enough recipes that produce great crisp versions.
Cinnamon Cookies - I like the scent of cinnamon and these seem to be different than the usual Snickerdoodle cookies. Not that there is anything wrong with Snickerdoodles but two, very different cinnamon cookies on the cookie plate can only be a good thing.
World's Best Butter Cookies - Looking forward to my personal determination as to the world's best status on this recipe but it is very basic and those type of recipes seem to produce the most memorable cookies and become baking standbys.
The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies - Anything with ginger and molasses is a good start. I'm interested in the fact that the dough needs to rest before using. Also, you can roll out thin cookies for crisp and thicker one for a softer version.
Peanut Butter Balls - I made these, last year, and lost my recipe! I was pleased to find it on this site and now have it carefully copied and ready for production in the near future. It's a no-bake recipe but they will pull you off whatever diet you are trying to observe and you won't scream or kick at all.
Watched Persimmons Never Ripen . . .
One of my favorite treats is a persimmon. I like the Hachiya type that have to be dead ripe or your will regret it. A less-than-ripe one will pucker your mouth and make it feel like you have just installed wall-to-wall fur - not a pleasant feeling. Imagine my surprise when I walked into Costco and, for the first time I can remember, were selling boxes of my favorite fruit. They were still hard but a wonderful orange color full of promise. That was three weeks ago . . .
I set my box of precious cargo on the counter at home and waited for them to ripen. After a week, they still looked fresh, lovely, and hard to the touch. I tried putting one in a brown paper bag. Another week went by and it loved the paper bag as it kept to it's pretty color and unripened state. I did some research and there were serveral suggestions.
One site said they only finish ripen after a frost so freeze them and then they will be ready for eating. Further research stated that it is only a coincidence that they finish ripening after the first frost and they will still be too tart.
As stated, we tried the brown paper bag approach with no luck.
Currently, I have three of them residing in a plastic bag with an apple. Supposedly, the gasses released by the apple in captivity will encourage the persimmons to ripen. It's been a week . . .
I set my box of precious cargo on the counter at home and waited for them to ripen. After a week, they still looked fresh, lovely, and hard to the touch. I tried putting one in a brown paper bag. Another week went by and it loved the paper bag as it kept to it's pretty color and unripened state. I did some research and there were serveral suggestions.
One site said they only finish ripen after a frost so freeze them and then they will be ready for eating. Further research stated that it is only a coincidence that they finish ripening after the first frost and they will still be too tart.
As stated, we tried the brown paper bag approach with no luck.
Currently, I have three of them residing in a plastic bag with an apple. Supposedly, the gasses released by the apple in captivity will encourage the persimmons to ripen. It's been a week . . .
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies? You decide?
I can never decide which way tastes best with chocolate chip cookies - fresh from the oven so the chocolate chips can drip down your chin or cold with that chocolate bite. Personally, I don't turn down either version!
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed, dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Grated zest of one orange
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ cup milk chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Whip the butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well-blended. Add flour and baking soda until well-mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets, about two inches apart. Bake for eight to ten minutes or until edges are golden brown. Don’t over bake! Makes about 4 dozen cookies. Especially good, hot and gooey out of the oven!
Ideas . . .
Substitute some of the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips.
Use half milk chocolate chips and half peanut butter chips.
Add a half cup chopped pecans and go all white chocolate chips.
Add a half cup of toffee bits to the original recipe.
One-half cup raisins or dried cranberries aren't against the law.
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed, dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Grated zest of one orange
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ cup milk chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Whip the butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well-blended. Add flour and baking soda until well-mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets, about two inches apart. Bake for eight to ten minutes or until edges are golden brown. Don’t over bake! Makes about 4 dozen cookies. Especially good, hot and gooey out of the oven!
Ideas . . .
Substitute some of the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips.
Use half milk chocolate chips and half peanut butter chips.
Add a half cup chopped pecans and go all white chocolate chips.
Add a half cup of toffee bits to the original recipe.
One-half cup raisins or dried cranberries aren't against the law.
1 Liter of Tears
I've only gotten through half of this series (it's subtitled) but it wrenches at the heart strings, big time! Even with having to read the English subtitles, the power and emotion of the movie comes through quite starkly.
http://www.mysoju.com/japanese-drama/1-litre-of-tears/
1 Litre no Namida (TV series)
http://www.mysoju.com/japanese-drama/1-litre-of-tears/
1 Litre no Namida (TV series)
1
Liter of Tears
Christmas Cookie link!
http://www.food.com/holiday-entertaining/cookies/package?nl=FCW_112911_featlink5&sni_mid=20942&sni_rid=20942.311.869067
Great link for a multitude of Yuletide goodies! I got hungry just reading it and am busy making notes on which ones I may be including in my tried and true favorites.
Great link for a multitude of Yuletide goodies! I got hungry just reading it and am busy making notes on which ones I may be including in my tried and true favorites.
Way too much truth here . . .!
I never give them [the public] hell. I just tell the truth, and they think it is
hell.
Heart breaker . . .
Anxiety
is love's greatest killer. It makes others feel as you might when a drowning man
holds on to you. You want to save him, but you know he will strangle you with
his panic.
- Anais Nin
Son, It's Time We Have a Talk About Where Babies Go . . .
Son, It's Time We Have A Talk About Where Babies Go
By Zhi Peng Wuang
March 3, 2009 | ISSUE 47•47 ISSUE 45•10
Now, Xiu, you're getting to be a really big boy, and I know you've been asking a lot of questions about Mommy and why she's been so sad lately. Well, your mom and I have been talking and we think you're finally old enough to learn where babies—where babies go.
No, the stork doesn't take them away, Xiu. Please, son, just listen to Daddy, okay?
Do you remember when Mommy had a big tummy? Yes, you put your ear next to it, that's right. Now, do you also remember around that time, when that letter came in the mail? The one Daddy ripped up and threw all over the ground? And Xiu, a few months after that, do you remember that man—that tall man in the shiny coat? He came to our door and there was all that screaming?
No, he's not where the babies go, either. Not exactly. Please Xiu, just wait a second…. It's a little more complicated than that.
You see, when a mommy and daddy love each other very much, but they're being pressured by the People's Republic of China and they have nowhere else to turn, sometimes they will walk miles away to a place where nobody knows who they are, and they'll—wait, no. Hold on. Let's start over. Can Daddy just think for a moment here?
Play with your toys for a bit. Why don't you take out Mr. Bear and Mrs. Giraffe and play with them for a little while? It's all right, Daddy's okay. He just needs to go splash some cold water on his face.
Okay, this might make more sense. You know how sometimes I complain about there being too many toys in your room, and how I say that they're making a mess, and in order to not make such a mess, you might need to throw some of your toys out? Well, China is kind of like that, too. What's that? You're right, I've never told you to throw any of your toys away. Because that would be very mean—yes—you're right. Xiu, my son, please don't cry. None of your toys will have to be thrown out.
Nobody should have to get rid of anything they love.
Maybe Daddy can borrow some of your markers and paper. That might make things easier to explain. First, let's draw your mother. And inside your mother's tummy is a tiny little baby. Look how cute she is! Let's call her Eu-meh, okay? That was your great-great-grandmother's name. Well, inside Mommy there is also something else. There's also this black thing here. That's called "fear." And every time Mommy gets a phone call from the census bureau, or a threatening telegram from the National Population and Family Planning Commission, that black thing keeps growing inside of Mommy. Growing and growing until it's bigger than even little Eu-meh.
No, no, Xiu, Mommy's not going to give birth to the black thing. It was just an example. No, the black thing can't be your little sister. Look, it doesn't work that way. Just forget that I mentioned the black thing at all.
Here, this I think you'll understand. Remember Uncle Jm Leor? He was really smart, and used to teach school at the university, and helped to organize big parades against the government? Remember how after one of his parades we told you that Uncle Jm Leor had to move far, far away? Well, that's where babies go. They have to move far, far way.
I guess in a kind of hotel, yes. It's not the kind of hotel you can visit, Xiu. Because it's already full. It's all full of babies. Listen, I don't know who takes care of them. That's not the point of what I'm trying to…
How can I—you're so young and so ...You know what? It's the stork. The babies go with the stork, Xiu. Giant storks come and take the babies away and that's where they go. Make sense? Good.
By Zhi Peng Wuang
March 3, 2009 | ISSUE 47•47 ISSUE 45•10
Now, Xiu, you're getting to be a really big boy, and I know you've been asking a lot of questions about Mommy and why she's been so sad lately. Well, your mom and I have been talking and we think you're finally old enough to learn where babies—where babies go.
No, the stork doesn't take them away, Xiu. Please, son, just listen to Daddy, okay?
Do you remember when Mommy had a big tummy? Yes, you put your ear next to it, that's right. Now, do you also remember around that time, when that letter came in the mail? The one Daddy ripped up and threw all over the ground? And Xiu, a few months after that, do you remember that man—that tall man in the shiny coat? He came to our door and there was all that screaming?
No, he's not where the babies go, either. Not exactly. Please Xiu, just wait a second…. It's a little more complicated than that.
You see, when a mommy and daddy love each other very much, but they're being pressured by the People's Republic of China and they have nowhere else to turn, sometimes they will walk miles away to a place where nobody knows who they are, and they'll—wait, no. Hold on. Let's start over. Can Daddy just think for a moment here?
Play with your toys for a bit. Why don't you take out Mr. Bear and Mrs. Giraffe and play with them for a little while? It's all right, Daddy's okay. He just needs to go splash some cold water on his face.
Okay, this might make more sense. You know how sometimes I complain about there being too many toys in your room, and how I say that they're making a mess, and in order to not make such a mess, you might need to throw some of your toys out? Well, China is kind of like that, too. What's that? You're right, I've never told you to throw any of your toys away. Because that would be very mean—yes—you're right. Xiu, my son, please don't cry. None of your toys will have to be thrown out.
Nobody should have to get rid of anything they love.
Maybe Daddy can borrow some of your markers and paper. That might make things easier to explain. First, let's draw your mother. And inside your mother's tummy is a tiny little baby. Look how cute she is! Let's call her Eu-meh, okay? That was your great-great-grandmother's name. Well, inside Mommy there is also something else. There's also this black thing here. That's called "fear." And every time Mommy gets a phone call from the census bureau, or a threatening telegram from the National Population and Family Planning Commission, that black thing keeps growing inside of Mommy. Growing and growing until it's bigger than even little Eu-meh.
No, no, Xiu, Mommy's not going to give birth to the black thing. It was just an example. No, the black thing can't be your little sister. Look, it doesn't work that way. Just forget that I mentioned the black thing at all.
Here, this I think you'll understand. Remember Uncle Jm Leor? He was really smart, and used to teach school at the university, and helped to organize big parades against the government? Remember how after one of his parades we told you that Uncle Jm Leor had to move far, far away? Well, that's where babies go. They have to move far, far way.
I guess in a kind of hotel, yes. It's not the kind of hotel you can visit, Xiu. Because it's already full. It's all full of babies. Listen, I don't know who takes care of them. That's not the point of what I'm trying to…
How can I—you're so young and so ...You know what? It's the stork. The babies go with the stork, Xiu. Giant storks come and take the babies away and that's where they go. Make sense? Good.
Another Day of Summer . . .
It has been up in the 80's with the weather since Saturday. In Southern California, we seldom pack away our summer/winter clothing because we might need either set on a moment's notice! I'm just happy that Thanksgiving Day was cold for the first time in several years. Nothing less-holiday-like than having to turn on the air conditioning when roasting a turkey in the oven. The very next day, however, the temperatures climed and we got up to around 83 degrees yesterday. According the the weather reports, we should go down to the 70's tomorrow and, by Friday, to the 50's with a chance of rain. I don't fret too much about the weather because I don't have control over it!
Since cooler days are coming, I'm thinking hearty soup and salad meals for cold evening. The following is a very easy recipe and most people have no objection to hiding broccoli with a covering of cheese!
Broccoli Noodle Cheese Soup
2 cups noodles
10 ounces of frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed
1 onion, finely chopped
4 gloves of garlic, peeled, smashed, and diced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups processed cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dash chili flakes
5-6 cups of milk
Cook the noodles until just tender. Set aside for now.
Melt the butter in another pot, add the onion, garlic, and saute until tender. Add the flour and the rest of the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Add the throughly defrosted broccoli and cook a few minutes to incorporate. Slowly add in the milk and bring to a simmer, stir in the cheese until the mixture is hot and the cheese is blended in and melted. Stir in the cooked and drained noodles, bring back to a simmer, and serve.
Since cooler days are coming, I'm thinking hearty soup and salad meals for cold evening. The following is a very easy recipe and most people have no objection to hiding broccoli with a covering of cheese!
Broccoli Noodle Cheese Soup
2 cups noodles
10 ounces of frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed
1 onion, finely chopped
4 gloves of garlic, peeled, smashed, and diced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups processed cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dash chili flakes
5-6 cups of milk
Cook the noodles until just tender. Set aside for now.
Melt the butter in another pot, add the onion, garlic, and saute until tender. Add the flour and the rest of the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Add the throughly defrosted broccoli and cook a few minutes to incorporate. Slowly add in the milk and bring to a simmer, stir in the cheese until the mixture is hot and the cheese is blended in and melted. Stir in the cooked and drained noodles, bring back to a simmer, and serve.
Our Conscience isn't Democratic?
Definition of Conscience
The awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one's conduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong: Let your conscience be your guide.This definition is in line with my idea of a conscience. It is our free will at work to be a part of society without inflicting our beliefs on said society. It is the blessing of acting and believing within the realm of morality in how we interact and give example. Our conscience is what makes us a person which is why formation of a conscience is an important aspect of growing up.
We are also blessed to live in a country where we can live by the precepts of our conscience as long as we act and live responsibly. Yes, there are variations in our beliefs because we all have different conscience makeups but the one challenge we face is allowing each to make their own decisions based on the formation of their conscience.
Knowing and believing this, I was shocked to have the former Speaker of the House demean the Catholic conscience because the majority of us go by the Commandment Thou Shalt Not Kill and we believe/know that abortion does stop a beating heart.
The former Speaker of the House wants everyone’s tax dollars to fund abortion regardless of their conscience. According to her, "They (meaning practicing Catholics) would let women die on the floor." The former Speaker of the House should check back on records as she would probably discover there have been more abortion related deaths since the legalization of abortion. Besides, if something goes against out Faith and our conscience, as a Democratic society, shouldn’t we have a choice as to where our tax dollars are spent?
"I’m a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing [about abortion]," added Pelosi. The Catholic Church’s stand on abortion is very different from the former Speaker of the House’s agenda on abortion. She has either never really studied her Faith or chooses a cafeteria-style way of honoring her faith. Can’t blame her 100% as she is still given Communion at her parish. No, the archbishop cannot judge the state of her soul but he can judge her outward actions. I can only believe he never reads the news or is a coward when it comes to his own stand on the Church.
The awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one's conduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong: Let your conscience be your guide.This definition is in line with my idea of a conscience. It is our free will at work to be a part of society without inflicting our beliefs on said society. It is the blessing of acting and believing within the realm of morality in how we interact and give example. Our conscience is what makes us a person which is why formation of a conscience is an important aspect of growing up.
We are also blessed to live in a country where we can live by the precepts of our conscience as long as we act and live responsibly. Yes, there are variations in our beliefs because we all have different conscience makeups but the one challenge we face is allowing each to make their own decisions based on the formation of their conscience.
Knowing and believing this, I was shocked to have the former Speaker of the House demean the Catholic conscience because the majority of us go by the Commandment Thou Shalt Not Kill and we believe/know that abortion does stop a beating heart.
The former Speaker of the House wants everyone’s tax dollars to fund abortion regardless of their conscience. According to her, "They (meaning practicing Catholics) would let women die on the floor." The former Speaker of the House should check back on records as she would probably discover there have been more abortion related deaths since the legalization of abortion. Besides, if something goes against out Faith and our conscience, as a Democratic society, shouldn’t we have a choice as to where our tax dollars are spent?
"I’m a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing [about abortion]," added Pelosi. The Catholic Church’s stand on abortion is very different from the former Speaker of the House’s agenda on abortion. She has either never really studied her Faith or chooses a cafeteria-style way of honoring her faith. Can’t blame her 100% as she is still given Communion at her parish. No, the archbishop cannot judge the state of her soul but he can judge her outward actions. I can only believe he never reads the news or is a coward when it comes to his own stand on the Church.
Monday, November 28, 2011
A message in this story . . .
The Greedy Sons
From Tales of the Dervishes By Idies Shah
There was once a hard-working and generous farmer who had several idle and greedy sons. On his deathbed he told them that the would find his treasure if they were to dig in a certain field. As soon as the old man was dead, the sons hurried to the fields, which they dug up from one end to another, and with increasing desperation and concentration when they did not find the gold in the place indicated.
But they found no gold at all. Realizing that in his generosity their father must have given his gold away during his lifetime, they abandoned their search. Finally, it occurred to them that, since the land had been prepared they might as well now sow a crop. They planted wheat, which produced an abundant yield. They sold this crop and prospered that year.
After the harvest was in, the sons thought again about the bare possibility that they might have missed the buried gold, so they again dug up the fields, with the same result. After several years they became accustomed to labor, and to the cycle of the seasons, something which they had not understood before. Now they understood the reason for their father's method of training them, and they became honest and contented farmers. Ultimately, they found themselves possessed of sufficient wealth and no longer to wonder about the hidden hoard.
From Tales of the Dervishes By Idies Shah
There was once a hard-working and generous farmer who had several idle and greedy sons. On his deathbed he told them that the would find his treasure if they were to dig in a certain field. As soon as the old man was dead, the sons hurried to the fields, which they dug up from one end to another, and with increasing desperation and concentration when they did not find the gold in the place indicated.
But they found no gold at all. Realizing that in his generosity their father must have given his gold away during his lifetime, they abandoned their search. Finally, it occurred to them that, since the land had been prepared they might as well now sow a crop. They planted wheat, which produced an abundant yield. They sold this crop and prospered that year.
After the harvest was in, the sons thought again about the bare possibility that they might have missed the buried gold, so they again dug up the fields, with the same result. After several years they became accustomed to labor, and to the cycle of the seasons, something which they had not understood before. Now they understood the reason for their father's method of training them, and they became honest and contented farmers. Ultimately, they found themselves possessed of sufficient wealth and no longer to wonder about the hidden hoard.
From the Food Network Magazine . . .
My all-time favorite magazine has got to be the Food Network Magazine. There is hardly an issue where I can't find something new and interesting to make, bake, or cook. This recipe sounds exceptionally easy so, until you get your own subscription, I thought I'd share!
Chocolate Fudge
1/2 cup butter
4 cups marshmallows
1 cup cream
2 cups granulated sugar
1 pinch of salt
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, melt, and simmer for five minutes, stirring constantly. Off the heat, stir in 3 cups chocolate chips until smooth. Spread in a foil-lined 9x13-inch pan. Let cool and cut into squares.
Don't want chocolate? Just substitute white chocolate chips.
This is definitely on my to-do list for the Christmas holidays. And I'm wondering if peanut butter chips would work, too . . .
Chocolate Fudge
1/2 cup butter
4 cups marshmallows
1 cup cream
2 cups granulated sugar
1 pinch of salt
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, melt, and simmer for five minutes, stirring constantly. Off the heat, stir in 3 cups chocolate chips until smooth. Spread in a foil-lined 9x13-inch pan. Let cool and cut into squares.
Don't want chocolate? Just substitute white chocolate chips.
This is definitely on my to-do list for the Christmas holidays. And I'm wondering if peanut butter chips would work, too . . .
Making an Advent Calendar . . .
http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-gifts-cards-decorations/christmas-countdown-calendars/
This was a neat site for inventive ways to have an Advent Calendar for the children. No need to purchase an ordinary one when you can put together a memory for 2011. In fact, if you saved last year's Christmas cards, you have the makings of a great calendar complete with Christmas and holiday illustrations.
This was a neat site for inventive ways to have an Advent Calendar for the children. No need to purchase an ordinary one when you can put together a memory for 2011. In fact, if you saved last year's Christmas cards, you have the makings of a great calendar complete with Christmas and holiday illustrations.
Kind of strong but with some basis . . .
When you cook it should be an act of love. To put a frozen bag in the microwave
for your child is an act of hate.
Taking over?
I'm rather conservative in my beliefs and do not like how our Church has become overrun with women who seem to want jobs better suited for males. I've learned to live with it, however, and can overlook the matter . . . most of the time! Sunday was an exception!
Father had just finished the sermon and was preparing to bless the Advent wreath. He had just gotten the words for the blessing out and was about to make the Sign of the Cross when the reader for that day walked up to the microphone and said she had forgotten to give the intention of the Mass. Her lack of regard for manners and her inattention to the fact that Father was performing a spiritual task was shocking. Naturally, I can't and won't judge the climate of her soul but you have to wonder how much attention she was actually paying to the Mass to interrupt it like that.
Unfortunately, the woman is prone to this behavior and has a few other interesting moments in and around Mass to her 'credit'. My favorite (NOT!) was just before Mass, one Sunday. The sacristan and four altar boys were dressed and lined up for the beginning of Mass. With seconds to spare until Mass began, two girls come in and ask if they could serve Mass. The sacristan nicely said the assigned boys were already there and they couldn't hold up Mass waiting for them to get dressed. The woman yells at the sacristan that girls have just as much right to serve Mass as boys do and he should have two of his altar boys step down in favor of the girls. Our sacristan is a kindly man and rather than further fuel a confrontation, he said if they could get ready in time, they could join the group although our small church really can't deal with six altar servers. That wasn't good enough for the woman and the sacristan just ignored her further gripes while he lined the girls up behind the boys and headed down the aisle.
Once again, Christian Hospitality did not come into play through that woman's attitude. And, what did it teach the young ladies who only wanted to serve and not start a war . . . that a war is okay as long as it gives them first place?
Father had just finished the sermon and was preparing to bless the Advent wreath. He had just gotten the words for the blessing out and was about to make the Sign of the Cross when the reader for that day walked up to the microphone and said she had forgotten to give the intention of the Mass. Her lack of regard for manners and her inattention to the fact that Father was performing a spiritual task was shocking. Naturally, I can't and won't judge the climate of her soul but you have to wonder how much attention she was actually paying to the Mass to interrupt it like that.
Unfortunately, the woman is prone to this behavior and has a few other interesting moments in and around Mass to her 'credit'. My favorite (NOT!) was just before Mass, one Sunday. The sacristan and four altar boys were dressed and lined up for the beginning of Mass. With seconds to spare until Mass began, two girls come in and ask if they could serve Mass. The sacristan nicely said the assigned boys were already there and they couldn't hold up Mass waiting for them to get dressed. The woman yells at the sacristan that girls have just as much right to serve Mass as boys do and he should have two of his altar boys step down in favor of the girls. Our sacristan is a kindly man and rather than further fuel a confrontation, he said if they could get ready in time, they could join the group although our small church really can't deal with six altar servers. That wasn't good enough for the woman and the sacristan just ignored her further gripes while he lined the girls up behind the boys and headed down the aisle.
Once again, Christian Hospitality did not come into play through that woman's attitude. And, what did it teach the young ladies who only wanted to serve and not start a war . . . that a war is okay as long as it gives them first place?
Albert Einstein has the last word . . .
"Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions
which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are
even incapable of forming such opinions." -- Albert
Einstein
Crispy Coconut Chews
My husband doesn't like coconut but, for some reason, he likes these cookies! They are easy to make and a nice contrast to all the chocolate and spice cookies that show up at Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against chocolate and spice cookies but don't mind chomping down on an extra coconut cookie in addition to the rest! Sometimes, I use bran flakes for the called-for crushed flake cereal in the ingredients. I'm always sneaking in extra vitamins and fiber even with treats.
Crispy Coconut Chews
½ cup butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup crushed flake cereal
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream the butter and sugars until smooth and fluffy. Stir in egg, extract, and lemon zest. Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the butter mixture. Add the oatmeal, cereal, coconut, and walnuts. Mix gently until well combined.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto greased baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for approximately ten minutes or until cookies are lightly browned at the edges. Cool on wire racks. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies depending on size.
Crispy Coconut Chews
½ cup butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup crushed flake cereal
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream the butter and sugars until smooth and fluffy. Stir in egg, extract, and lemon zest. Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the butter mixture. Add the oatmeal, cereal, coconut, and walnuts. Mix gently until well combined.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto greased baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for approximately ten minutes or until cookies are lightly browned at the edges. Cool on wire racks. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies depending on size.
Can't get easier . . .
I like meals that taste good but go together quickly when I have many other things that need attention in the household. You can't get any easier than this suggestion and you can also be creative with it.
4-6 thick bone-in pork chops
1 packet of your favorite dried soup mix like onion, herb & garlic, etc.
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup white wine
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Mix together your choice of soup mix with the oil. Generously brush both sides of the chops with the mixture. Bake pork chops in preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until they are no longer pink inside. Remove the meat to a serving platter and keep warm.
Add the hot water and wine to the baking pan and stir. Make sure you scrape up the brown bits from the sides and bottom of the pan. Serve the sauce over the pork chops.
Rice goes great with this meal especially with the sauce.
4-6 thick bone-in pork chops
1 packet of your favorite dried soup mix like onion, herb & garlic, etc.
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup white wine
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Mix together your choice of soup mix with the oil. Generously brush both sides of the chops with the mixture. Bake pork chops in preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until they are no longer pink inside. Remove the meat to a serving platter and keep warm.
Add the hot water and wine to the baking pan and stir. Make sure you scrape up the brown bits from the sides and bottom of the pan. Serve the sauce over the pork chops.
Rice goes great with this meal especially with the sauce.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Chocolate Cookie Covered Fruit Circles
I like fruitcake which makes me a bit of a minority. I also like cookies that include some of the fruitcake taste without having to plow through a chunk of fruitcake. This one is perfect as it is fruity and chocolate! Refrigerator cookies are great in that you can prepare them and leave them to cool down while you work on other types of cookies. When your refrigerator cookies are ready, you just slice and back and enjoy. These seem very Christmas-like and look pretty on the cookie plate.
Chocolate Cookie Covered Fruit Circles½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1 cup mixed candied fruit, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest
1 egg white, beaten
In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, almond, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir into butter mixture until well blended. Set aside 1/3 of dough and place in another mixing bowl. Gently melt the chocolate and mix the melted chocolate into 1/3 of dough. Stir candied fruit and lemon zest into remaining 2/3 dough and form into a 2" thick roll. Refrigerate about 2 hours.
Between two sheets of waxed paper, roll chocolate dough into an 1/8"-thick square. Brush lightly with beaten egg white. Place roll of white dough at one end of the chocolate dough and roll up so that the chocolate dough covers the white dough. The white dough is now the middle of the roll. Refrigerate the double roll about 2 hours.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Remove dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4" slices with a sharp knife. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets and bake about 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool for a minute on the baking sheet and remove to wire racks to cool completely. .
Chocolate Cookie Covered Fruit Circles½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1 cup mixed candied fruit, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest
1 egg white, beaten
In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, almond, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir into butter mixture until well blended. Set aside 1/3 of dough and place in another mixing bowl. Gently melt the chocolate and mix the melted chocolate into 1/3 of dough. Stir candied fruit and lemon zest into remaining 2/3 dough and form into a 2" thick roll. Refrigerate about 2 hours.
Between two sheets of waxed paper, roll chocolate dough into an 1/8"-thick square. Brush lightly with beaten egg white. Place roll of white dough at one end of the chocolate dough and roll up so that the chocolate dough covers the white dough. The white dough is now the middle of the roll. Refrigerate the double roll about 2 hours.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Remove dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4" slices with a sharp knife. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets and bake about 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool for a minute on the baking sheet and remove to wire racks to cool completely. .
Couldn't resist one more on the subject . . .
Modernity
To be merely modern is to condemn oneself to an ultimate narrowness; just as to spend one's last earthly money on the newest hat is to condemn oneself to the old fashioned. The road of the ancient centuries is strewn with dead moderns.
G. K. Chesterton The Common Man (20th century)
To be merely modern is to condemn oneself to an ultimate narrowness; just as to spend one's last earthly money on the newest hat is to condemn oneself to the old fashioned. The road of the ancient centuries is strewn with dead moderns.
G. K. Chesterton The Common Man (20th century)
Liberalism - wish I'd said that!
Liberalism in religion is the doctrine that there is no positive truth in religion, but that one creed is a good as another, and this is the teaching which is gaining substance and force daily. It is inconsistent with any recognition of any religion, as true. It teaches that all are to be tolerated, for all are matters of opinion.
Cardinal Newman: Billietto Speech on being raised to the Cardinalate. (19th century)
Cardinal Newman: Billietto Speech on being raised to the Cardinalate. (19th century)
Sigh . . .
The worst part of having children in college? Nope, it's not the financial aspect although that is always with us. It is dropping them off at college after they have been home for a break. That was our job, today. My daughter seemed of two minds about it and I know we would love to have her back in the nest but that is another era and she is learning to manage on her own. As we were waving goodbye, one of her friends called out to her, she turned, and that's the last we had of a fond farewell. It does me good to see her involved and with friends. But, my mother's heart misses the tiny child that wouldn't let go of my hand.
Thought ahead today so we came home to the smell of pork cooking away in the crock pot. We treated our daughter to lunch out on the way to school so we didn't want to have another fast food meal this evening. The one reason the pork roast got cited for demise was the fact that I need the freezer space for cookie baking this week!
I feel a bit lazy as I type here and the rice cooker is dealing with the starch, the corn is braising on a back burner, and the pork is almost done . . . all on their own. I do enjoy telling anyone that bothers me right now, "Hey, can't you see I'm cooking dinner? Go away!"
About finished with Christmas shopping. We cut back this year because sending children to college is a gift, too! We did get each one something special and filled out the rest of the gifts with needed items. I'm going to wrap them next week so I don't have to hide them anymore!
Our poor dog was very depressed when only three of us returned home and 'her girl' wasn't in the group. I went out to pick oranges and Chick half heartedly hunted for lizards. No one has told her they have all gone into hibernation for the winter.
Thought ahead today so we came home to the smell of pork cooking away in the crock pot. We treated our daughter to lunch out on the way to school so we didn't want to have another fast food meal this evening. The one reason the pork roast got cited for demise was the fact that I need the freezer space for cookie baking this week!
I feel a bit lazy as I type here and the rice cooker is dealing with the starch, the corn is braising on a back burner, and the pork is almost done . . . all on their own. I do enjoy telling anyone that bothers me right now, "Hey, can't you see I'm cooking dinner? Go away!"
About finished with Christmas shopping. We cut back this year because sending children to college is a gift, too! We did get each one something special and filled out the rest of the gifts with needed items. I'm going to wrap them next week so I don't have to hide them anymore!
Our poor dog was very depressed when only three of us returned home and 'her girl' wasn't in the group. I went out to pick oranges and Chick half heartedly hunted for lizards. No one has told her they have all gone into hibernation for the winter.
Soup in ten minutes . . . or so!
This is my go-to recipe when the day has not gone as scheduled and the pot roast is still a rock in the freezer and people will be demanding food within the hour. It is super-simple and lends itself to your own touches and variations.
Quick Soup
4 20-ounce cans of chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
16 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried onion
1/2 teaspoon dried Basil
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste
16 ounces dried mini ravioli with cheese filling*
Bring all the ingredients except the ravioli to a boil, add the dried ravioli and simmer according to directions on the package or until tender. Grate some Parmesan or Romano over each bowl and serve. If you have bread/rolls on hand, you will have it made. Salad fixings, too? You are, indeed, the cook to watch!
*You can usually find the packages of dried ravioli in the pasta section of the store. If you have a frozen variety available, that works, too, only adjust the cooking time as it will heat through faster.
Ideas . . .
If you have some leftover chicken or even canned chicken, you can add that to the soup.
Barley is excellent in the soup but you will have to simmer it longer before adding the ravioli.
My family likes rice and the ravioli in their soup.
This also works great with beef broth only use red instead of white wine.
Quick Soup
4 20-ounce cans of chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
16 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried onion
1/2 teaspoon dried Basil
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste
16 ounces dried mini ravioli with cheese filling*
Bring all the ingredients except the ravioli to a boil, add the dried ravioli and simmer according to directions on the package or until tender. Grate some Parmesan or Romano over each bowl and serve. If you have bread/rolls on hand, you will have it made. Salad fixings, too? You are, indeed, the cook to watch!
*You can usually find the packages of dried ravioli in the pasta section of the store. If you have a frozen variety available, that works, too, only adjust the cooking time as it will heat through faster.
Ideas . . .
If you have some leftover chicken or even canned chicken, you can add that to the soup.
Barley is excellent in the soup but you will have to simmer it longer before adding the ravioli.
My family likes rice and the ravioli in their soup.
This also works great with beef broth only use red instead of white wine.
Pumpkin-Orange Cookies
These cookies do not freeze well but I doubt there will be any left once they exit the oven and land anywhere near hungry family. I like the combination of orange and pumpkin as it perks up the whole tastes and elevates it to a new culinary height. I have had people make fun of me because if I can use orange or lemon zest, it will be included. I do notice, however, that as much as they laugh at me, it is usually through a mouthful of cookie! This is pretty fast and easy recipe and great for an evening with company, a dessert, or just to snack on while you go about your Christmas decorating and other preparation. Coffee perking won't detract from the cookies at all.
Pumpkin-Orange Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup cooked pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and spices. In another bowl, combine butter and sugars, beating until fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg, orange zest, and vanilla, mixing well. Add flour mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are very light brown. Cool slightly before removing from baking sheets to finish cooling on wire racks. Ice with Orange Glaze.
Orange Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh orange juice
Add vanilla and enough orange juice to form a thin icing. Drizzle over cookies and let set before serving.
Pumpkin-Orange Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup cooked pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and spices. In another bowl, combine butter and sugars, beating until fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg, orange zest, and vanilla, mixing well. Add flour mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are very light brown. Cool slightly before removing from baking sheets to finish cooling on wire racks. Ice with Orange Glaze.
Orange Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh orange juice
Add vanilla and enough orange juice to form a thin icing. Drizzle over cookies and let set before serving.
That's the hard part . . .!
Cranberry Muffins
As I've mentioned before, this is my favorite time of year because fresh cranberries are available. What I like about them is you can freeze them and they work just fine straight from the freezer for most any dish. I watch for the sales so I can stretch this treat to the next season they are available. Some people like blueberry muffins. Me, I like the tart tang of cranberries in mine. I think my family is in agreement as I hardly get to eat one before the rest disappear!
Cranberry Muffins
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You can either grease the muffin tins or line them with cupcake papers.
Combine all the ingredients except for the cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla. When just moistened and mixed, fold in the remaining items and divide into the 12-place muffin tin. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before removing to a rack to finish cooling. Serve warm, cold, or even the next day . . . if they last that long.
Ideas . . .
No cranberries on hand, you can peel and dice up fresh apple instead.
Fresh blueberries will nicely substitute.
Adding 1/4 cup chopped nuts is good.
Cranberry Muffins
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You can either grease the muffin tins or line them with cupcake papers.
Combine all the ingredients except for the cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla. When just moistened and mixed, fold in the remaining items and divide into the 12-place muffin tin. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before removing to a rack to finish cooling. Serve warm, cold, or even the next day . . . if they last that long.
Ideas . . .
No cranberries on hand, you can peel and dice up fresh apple instead.
Fresh blueberries will nicely substitute.
Adding 1/4 cup chopped nuts is good.
Sunday!
Hail day whereon the One in Three
First formed the earth by sure decree,
The day its Maker rose again,
And vanquished death, and burst our chain.
Roman Breviary, Hymn Primo die quo Trinitas for Sunday at Matins.
(attributed to Pope St. Gregory I, 6th century)
First formed the earth by sure decree,
The day its Maker rose again,
And vanquished death, and burst our chain.
Roman Breviary, Hymn Primo die quo Trinitas for Sunday at Matins.
(attributed to Pope St. Gregory I, 6th century)
Turkey Leftovers . . .
The stuffing was reinvented into dumplings. Combined with the turkey soup, it was sort of like eating a Thanksgiving meal, again, only with a spoon. The mashed potatoes got mixed with some cheese, eggs, seasonings, and baked into little puffs that made a nice compliment to the soup - something a bit crunchy on the side.
Creating meals out of leftovers is right in line with my enjoyment making scrap quilts. I find more it more of a challenge in both hobbies - making a creation out of odds and ends nobody thought they would want.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Artistic and Smart!
My day is complete . . . more or less . . .!
I finally sat down with pen and paper and listed the cookies I want to make for Christmas. This year, I've sorted them according to type so I can do like-minded recipes on one day and not run back and forth trying to organize my thoughts on different planes! Don't be too impressed as I always decide on more than I actually get accomplished. So far, however, my pretty sure, most likely, sort of definite list of baking chores goes as follows:
Bar Cookies
Peppermint Brownies
Walnut Brownies
Walnut Bars
Cherry Coconut Bars
Date Nut Bars
German Lebkuchen
Drop or Formed Cookies
Amish Sugar Cookies
Gingersnaps
Snickerdoodles
Russian Tea Cakes
Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pecan Balls
Old-Fashioned Fudge Drops
Orange Gum Drop Cookies
Refrigerator Cookies
Pistaschio Neapolitan Bars (This is a new one that I've had in mind so the recipe isn't perfected yet!)
Lemon Cookies
Chocolate Nut Cookies
Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies
Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies
Rolled Cookies
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
English Spice Cookies
Spicy Roll Out Cookies
Special Efforts
German Sour Cream Twists
Slovak Butterhorn Cookies
This is my proposed list but I have a lot of recipe books and cooking magazines so things could change once I delve into the baking phase of the year. I will probably post a few of these cookie recipes but if you see one that interests you, I will make sure to post it right away. And to make the baking more productive, this year, and easier with the clean up, Costco started selling a large roll of parchment paper which is three times as much as the store brands for a third of the cost. Some of these recipes go back to my childhood and bring back some memories of helping my mother with the baking. I've discovered I'm more adventurous in baking than she was but each for their own moment in time.
The thrill of my day is I found an ancient cookbook I've been wanting for my own. The last searches listed this particular book from $40 to $350 as it dates to 1961 and it, of course, out of print. Today, I half-heartedly surfed around a bit and came up with one in reasonably good condition for $17! Merry Christmas to me! It has so many of the old-fashioned recipes I enjoy and know I will appreciate having at my fingertips.
Now, my next list is who gets cookies for Christmas. I alway make up five extra plates because there is always someone who needs a cheerful thought or that just, plain slipped my mind. Again, don't be impressed. I'm not that organized a person, I just work hard at trying to be that person.
Bar Cookies
Peppermint Brownies
Walnut Brownies
Walnut Bars
Cherry Coconut Bars
Date Nut Bars
German Lebkuchen
Drop or Formed Cookies
Amish Sugar Cookies
Gingersnaps
Snickerdoodles
Russian Tea Cakes
Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pecan Balls
Old-Fashioned Fudge Drops
Orange Gum Drop Cookies
Refrigerator Cookies
Pistaschio Neapolitan Bars (This is a new one that I've had in mind so the recipe isn't perfected yet!)
Lemon Cookies
Chocolate Nut Cookies
Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies
Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies
Rolled Cookies
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
English Spice Cookies
Spicy Roll Out Cookies
Special Efforts
German Sour Cream Twists
Slovak Butterhorn Cookies
This is my proposed list but I have a lot of recipe books and cooking magazines so things could change once I delve into the baking phase of the year. I will probably post a few of these cookie recipes but if you see one that interests you, I will make sure to post it right away. And to make the baking more productive, this year, and easier with the clean up, Costco started selling a large roll of parchment paper which is three times as much as the store brands for a third of the cost. Some of these recipes go back to my childhood and bring back some memories of helping my mother with the baking. I've discovered I'm more adventurous in baking than she was but each for their own moment in time.
The thrill of my day is I found an ancient cookbook I've been wanting for my own. The last searches listed this particular book from $40 to $350 as it dates to 1961 and it, of course, out of print. Today, I half-heartedly surfed around a bit and came up with one in reasonably good condition for $17! Merry Christmas to me! It has so many of the old-fashioned recipes I enjoy and know I will appreciate having at my fingertips.
Now, my next list is who gets cookies for Christmas. I alway make up five extra plates because there is always someone who needs a cheerful thought or that just, plain slipped my mind. Again, don't be impressed. I'm not that organized a person, I just work hard at trying to be that person.
Puts a new face on an old problem . . .worrying!
If
you believe that feeling bad or worrying long enough will change a past or
future event, then you are residing on another planet with a different reality
system.
- William James
Explains a few failed 'friendships' in my life . . .!
Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks
of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.
From the Roman Breviary . . .
Hark, a herald voice is calling;
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dream of darkness,
O ye children of the day."
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven;
Let us haste with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven.
Roman Breviary, Hynm enclara vox redarguit at Lauds.
(Ambrosian, 5th century)
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dream of darkness,
O ye children of the day."
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven;
Let us haste with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven.
Roman Breviary, Hynm enclara vox redarguit at Lauds.
(Ambrosian, 5th century)
Just figured it out . . .
I think mothers find Advent most hectic because while we try and observe the waiting period for Christmas and avoid starting in the celebrations too soon, we are still responsible for the prepartions required in order to have both the spiritual and secular goals achieved. The small ways I've tried to keep the 'party' from beginning is to encourage the anticipation through the baking, gift wrapping, and extra prayers for all we have been blessed with throughout the year.
One of the traditions that not longer happens (sniff!) is my husband and I taking turns doing Christmas shopping for siblings and the other parent. During December, no one is allowed to purchase anything for themselves which puts the emphasis and joy on thinking of ways to make everyone else happy. When they were very little, we let the children make their own decisions on what they wanted to give everyone which is probably why my younger son gave me a box of paper clips every year! One year, I got gold ones, another silver, and on an especially creative year, I was gifted with multicolored ones. He is 18 now and I miss my annual paper clips.
I took one of the children shopping for dad. He was my frugal one. He found a screwdriver for 49 cents and suggested we go in this purchase together and make it a joint gift.
When my college-graduate daughter was five, she said, "I love Christmas. I don't care what I get for Christmas because it is Jesus' birthday . . . but if I could have a puppy, that would be good!"
One year, when my oldest was about ten, his grandparents sent him $50 just before Christmas. He immediately had me take him out shopping with his money . . . I used the entire amount to get gifts for his siblings.
Most years, I do try and get Christmas shopping done before December. That way, any trips out into the Christmas crowds can be fun as we aren't in a panic for anything in particular. We are just picking up stocking stuffers and such. We can enjoy the hustle and bustle.
Christmas baking opens up the door to Christmas but I limit everyone to a taste of each kind of cookie and the rest of put away for gift giving and our own cookie plate to enjoy on Christmas. Frankly, that taste is good for anticipation as we all want more now!
Every year, we have new and different Christmas memories but the ones that a mother's heart truly cherishes are the candy cane sticky hugs and the beaming faces when you found them some, small item that made their Christmas perfect.
One of the traditions that not longer happens (sniff!) is my husband and I taking turns doing Christmas shopping for siblings and the other parent. During December, no one is allowed to purchase anything for themselves which puts the emphasis and joy on thinking of ways to make everyone else happy. When they were very little, we let the children make their own decisions on what they wanted to give everyone which is probably why my younger son gave me a box of paper clips every year! One year, I got gold ones, another silver, and on an especially creative year, I was gifted with multicolored ones. He is 18 now and I miss my annual paper clips.
I took one of the children shopping for dad. He was my frugal one. He found a screwdriver for 49 cents and suggested we go in this purchase together and make it a joint gift.
When my college-graduate daughter was five, she said, "I love Christmas. I don't care what I get for Christmas because it is Jesus' birthday . . . but if I could have a puppy, that would be good!"
One year, when my oldest was about ten, his grandparents sent him $50 just before Christmas. He immediately had me take him out shopping with his money . . . I used the entire amount to get gifts for his siblings.
Most years, I do try and get Christmas shopping done before December. That way, any trips out into the Christmas crowds can be fun as we aren't in a panic for anything in particular. We are just picking up stocking stuffers and such. We can enjoy the hustle and bustle.
Christmas baking opens up the door to Christmas but I limit everyone to a taste of each kind of cookie and the rest of put away for gift giving and our own cookie plate to enjoy on Christmas. Frankly, that taste is good for anticipation as we all want more now!
Every year, we have new and different Christmas memories but the ones that a mother's heart truly cherishes are the candy cane sticky hugs and the beaming faces when you found them some, small item that made their Christmas perfect.
Two Too True . . .
"That's the funny thing about havin' a kid. They come with their
own set of problems; make everything else you were worried about seem kinda
silly."
-- Greg Garcia
(The worst part is the lack of an instructional manual that should come with our specialized model!)-- Greg Garcia
"If there is anything the nonconformist hates worse than a
conformist, it's another nonconformist who doesn't conform to the prevailing
standard of nonconformity."
-- Bill Vaughan
-- Bill Vaughan
(This is so evident in our teens, today. They all want to shock the grown ups yet look to each other for the way to shock value and end up conforming drastically! Not an original one in the bunch!)
Much sense here . . .
In
prosperity prepare for a change; in adversity hope for one.
- Hubert de Burge
Gingerbread Cupcakes
This is a great way to start welcoming in the holiday season. Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread unless it is peppermint candy canes. This recipe makes 12 cupcakes so it is perfect for a fast dessert treat on a busy day.
Gingerbread Cupcakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup shortening, melted
Line your muffin pan with cupcake papers. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together the dry ingredients. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat until smooth. Divide the batter between the twelve cupcakes. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Let stand to cool for a few minutes before removing cupcakes to a rack to finish cooling.
Ideas . . .
Dust the cupcakes with sifted powdered sugar once they are cooled.
I like orange or lemon frosting on mine. Anyone want a recipe, let me know!
Finely diced candied pineapple is good. Use about 1/4 cup.
Freshly grated orange zest perks up the flavor nicely.
Gingerbread Cupcakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup shortening, melted
Line your muffin pan with cupcake papers. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together the dry ingredients. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat until smooth. Divide the batter between the twelve cupcakes. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Let stand to cool for a few minutes before removing cupcakes to a rack to finish cooling.
Ideas . . .
Dust the cupcakes with sifted powdered sugar once they are cooled.
I like orange or lemon frosting on mine. Anyone want a recipe, let me know!
Finely diced candied pineapple is good. Use about 1/4 cup.
Freshly grated orange zest perks up the flavor nicely.
Leftover Whipped Potato Donut Drops
I like using up the leftovers from any meal. My family likes donuts so everyone is happy when some whipped potatoes escape the hungry hoards at Thanksgiving! They go together quickly so you could make a decadent, surprise breakfast some morning for what will be a very grateful family.
Leftover Whipped Potato Donut Drops
½ cup leftover whipped potatoes
1/4 cup sugar
1 eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup sour cream
1 vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Oil for deep-fat frying
Cinnamon and sugar for finished donuts.
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, sugar, egg, sour cream and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; stir in potato mixture.
Drop by teaspoons into hot oil. A deep fryer is perfect but I have done will with a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove. Just heat and test a teaspoon of batter to check.
Ideas . . .
-Don’t care for s sugary donut, try dusting them with powdered sugar.
-A thin lemon glaze is good for increasing the flavor value.
-Go truffle-like and dust with a mixture of baking cocoa and powdered sugar.
-Mocha sound good, add some espresso powder to the cocoa and powdered sugar.
-If you are careful to seal it well, stick a chocolate chip into each teaspoon full before frying for a tasty surprise.
-You can substitute up to 1/4 cup whole wheat flour in the batter.
Leftover Whipped Potato Donut Drops
½ cup leftover whipped potatoes
1/4 cup sugar
1 eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup sour cream
1 vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Oil for deep-fat frying
Cinnamon and sugar for finished donuts.
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, sugar, egg, sour cream and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; stir in potato mixture.
Drop by teaspoons into hot oil. A deep fryer is perfect but I have done will with a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove. Just heat and test a teaspoon of batter to check.
Ideas . . .
-Don’t care for s sugary donut, try dusting them with powdered sugar.
-A thin lemon glaze is good for increasing the flavor value.
-Go truffle-like and dust with a mixture of baking cocoa and powdered sugar.
-Mocha sound good, add some espresso powder to the cocoa and powdered sugar.
-If you are careful to seal it well, stick a chocolate chip into each teaspoon full before frying for a tasty surprise.
-You can substitute up to 1/4 cup whole wheat flour in the batter.
I have a few liberal relatives that might like this book . . . you think?
| Sympathize with liberals who feel uncomfortable about celebrating "Christmas." | |||
Helpfully suggest that they might want to celebrate the
pagan festival of Julfest instead—where you still get to have a decorated tree
in the house, but without those awkward Christian connotations. "After all,"
add, "it's what all the most dedicated Nazis used to do in Hitler's Germany, and
they were pagan socialists just like you are..."
|
Thoughts as we enter Advent . . .
“He who desires anything but God deceives himself, and he who loves anything
but God errs miserably.” ~St. Phillip Neri
Another Saturday . . .
Some people wake up on Saturday with a sense of relief that they do not have to run into the office for work, today. Others dread the weekend chores that face them each weekend. The older I get, the more I'm just happy to open my eyes on a Saturday morning, feel rested and pretty good, and send out a heartfelt prayer as I jump out of bed and head for the shower!
My schedule seldom varies and I've gotten to view sameness as a blessing! Sameness gets me to morning Mass for a spiritual recharge. Sameness provides me with enough ingredients to feed my family. Sameness means my washer and dryer will take care of the laundry for me. Sameness is folding laundry and being able to stand there and be able to do so. Sameness is going to bed tired at night from working through the blessing of sameness in my day! Naturally, the sameness isn't always the same but the fact that I am alive and well to take care of whatever comes up, helps me to cope with whatever changes in the sameness of my life that might crop up . . . and still thank God.
My latest quilt is sitting on my sewing table, neglected! Fortunately, all the Christmas gifts of that genre were completed over the summer so it is merely a selfish wish to sit down and sew instead of get on with more pressing matters. I completed one Christmas shawl and am working on a second one that goes to my cousin in Germany. Thank goodness the postal system is a bit swifter than in years gone by as I have time to finish it this weekend, mail it out on Monday, and still have hopes of it's timely arrival.
Turkey leftovers today in the form of turkey vegetable soup with homemade breadsticks which were requested by my husband. Since he drew the short straw and had to work on a Saturday, the least I can do is make a meal he requested.
Besides catching up on the bills and bookwork, I have to seriously get my cookie baking list in order. I've gathered ingredients over the last month or so and intend to match what I bake to what I have on hand - no running out to purchase exotic baking ingredients. Okay . . . probably not!
My schedule seldom varies and I've gotten to view sameness as a blessing! Sameness gets me to morning Mass for a spiritual recharge. Sameness provides me with enough ingredients to feed my family. Sameness means my washer and dryer will take care of the laundry for me. Sameness is folding laundry and being able to stand there and be able to do so. Sameness is going to bed tired at night from working through the blessing of sameness in my day! Naturally, the sameness isn't always the same but the fact that I am alive and well to take care of whatever comes up, helps me to cope with whatever changes in the sameness of my life that might crop up . . . and still thank God.
My latest quilt is sitting on my sewing table, neglected! Fortunately, all the Christmas gifts of that genre were completed over the summer so it is merely a selfish wish to sit down and sew instead of get on with more pressing matters. I completed one Christmas shawl and am working on a second one that goes to my cousin in Germany. Thank goodness the postal system is a bit swifter than in years gone by as I have time to finish it this weekend, mail it out on Monday, and still have hopes of it's timely arrival.
Turkey leftovers today in the form of turkey vegetable soup with homemade breadsticks which were requested by my husband. Since he drew the short straw and had to work on a Saturday, the least I can do is make a meal he requested.
Besides catching up on the bills and bookwork, I have to seriously get my cookie baking list in order. I've gathered ingredients over the last month or so and intend to match what I bake to what I have on hand - no running out to purchase exotic baking ingredients. Okay . . . probably not!
Granny's Oatmeal Crisps
This is one of the few oatmeal cookies that are also a cut-out cookie. Although you can use any shape cookie cutter you like, I tend to go with the circle so I can sandwish them together with some thick jam or a buttercream icing. You could also dip half the circle in melted chocolate and then in ground nuts. Lots of room for creativity here!
Granny’s Oatmeal Crisps
1 1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar together and beat in warm water. Mix together the remaining dry ingredients and add them along with the vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Add the cup of flour, blending in carefully.
Roll out portions of the dough and cut out circles with cookie cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cook on wire rack. Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.
Granny’s Oatmeal Crisps
1 1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar together and beat in warm water. Mix together the remaining dry ingredients and add them along with the vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Add the cup of flour, blending in carefully.
Roll out portions of the dough and cut out circles with cookie cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cook on wire rack. Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.
One of my versions of Macaroni and Cheese!
I don't always stick to the same recipe when I make Macaroni and Cheese. Sometimes, I want to go high tech and use extra ingredients. Other times, it is a budget meal as I hunt down every last bit of cheese to be found in the refrigerator. I like making a sauce for the meal. I like going the easy route and only have one really messy pan to clean. This recipe is my easy method.
Macaroni and Cheese
1 pound of pasta, your choice of shape although elbow is traditional
2 1/2 cups of grated, sharp cheddar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 stick butter
2 tablespoons dried onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Dash of chili flakes
1 cup (or so) of milk
Bread or Panko crumbs
Cook your pasta in salted water until it is almost done. It will finish cooking in the oven. Set aside.
Grate the cheese and place in a large bowl. Mix in the flour, dried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, papper, and chili flakes. If you have a food processor, you can cube the cheese and mix all these ingredients as you process the cheese.
Return the pot of cooked noodles to the heat and add the milk and butter. When the butter has melted and the milk is getting hot, add the cheese mixture and stir until the cheese melts and a sauce forms. You might need to add more milk. Taste for salt and pepper.
Spread the cheese noodles in a greased baking pan. Top with the bread crumbs or Panko crumbs. Grate some Parmesan or Romano over the crumbs, spray with vegetable oil spray to help the crumbs crisp in the oven.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-35 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.
I like doing it this was and it goes together quickly on a rushed evening yet tastes like you fussed. And, the best part, you only have the one pot to clean.
Ideas . . .
If you like cheese and tomato combination, you can add some canned diced tomatoes, drained, to your cheese pasta mix before baking. Some Basil and Oregano will give it an Italian flair.
My husband likes me to mix in 1/4 cup or so of crumbled Feta cheese to sharpen the taste of the whole dish.
I use sharp cheddar but you can go milder, if you like. For the recipe above, I used both a sharp cheddar and a white extra-sharp cheddar.
Tuna or cooked, iced chicken adds some extra taste and protein to the dish.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Poor Man's Candy?
I've seen this sort of recipe around and think it is a great one when you are low on cash yet want to make something special for your family or friends during the holidays. The combination of sweet and salty has gotten to be a classic.
Poor Man's Candy
16 or so saltine crackers
1 stick butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 white chocolate chips
1/2 cup slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans
Line and grease an 8-inch baking pan with foil and grease with vegetable oil spray. Place enough saltine crackers to cover the bottom of the pan, one cracker deep. Set aside.
Bring the butter and sugars to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour the butter/sugar mixture over the crackers in the pan. Bake at 375 for five minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the top and bake another minute. Remove from oven and scatter on the white chocolate chip and when they soften spread out the chocolate and white chocolate to give a marbelizing effect. Scatter the nuts over the top, chill, and cut into squares.
Ideas . . .
Instead of nuts, you could scatter a small candy of choice over the spread out chocolate.
Toasted coconut and dried pineapple (diced finely) would make a good substitute for the nuts.
Crushed peppermint would be a good finale.
All white chocolate chips and crushed pretzels would be quite different.
Peanut butter chips and crushed peanuts could be a favorite.
Poor Man's Candy
16 or so saltine crackers
1 stick butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 white chocolate chips
1/2 cup slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans
Line and grease an 8-inch baking pan with foil and grease with vegetable oil spray. Place enough saltine crackers to cover the bottom of the pan, one cracker deep. Set aside.
Bring the butter and sugars to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour the butter/sugar mixture over the crackers in the pan. Bake at 375 for five minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the top and bake another minute. Remove from oven and scatter on the white chocolate chip and when they soften spread out the chocolate and white chocolate to give a marbelizing effect. Scatter the nuts over the top, chill, and cut into squares.
Ideas . . .
Instead of nuts, you could scatter a small candy of choice over the spread out chocolate.
Toasted coconut and dried pineapple (diced finely) would make a good substitute for the nuts.
Crushed peppermint would be a good finale.
All white chocolate chips and crushed pretzels would be quite different.
Peanut butter chips and crushed peanuts could be a favorite.
Leftover . . . turkey and/or ham!
If you are blessed, you have leftovers from your Thanksgiving turkey. Some people don't feel that way but turkey can provide a number of great meals just from what was left from the feast the day before.
Our turkey was over 20 pounds so we have three freezer bags of turkey carcass to boil down into broth. The bits of meat still clinging to the bones provide enough turkey to fill out the soup along with added vegetables. Add some rice or noodles and you have a very inexpensive meal.
We also saved a good amount of meat which I plan to chop and turn into turkey salad sandwiches. All you need is the turkey, a bit of mayo or cream salad dressing, pickle relish, mustard, and a freshly-baked roll to encase the creation. This will work with ham or turkey although you might want to cut the richness of the ham with some chopped celery in the sandwich mix.
Still have leftover meat? Heat it up with a can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup and serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. My son like to add a sprinkling of chili flakes for some spicy sparkle.
Got leftover gravy? Combine it with bits of meat, lots of mixed frozen vegetables and put it in a pie shell. You can save time by buying the premade crusts from the freezer section of the store. You can make your own pot pies.
My family enjoys seeing what I come up with when we have leftovers. My husband has been known to ask, "So, how many meals did you cannibalize to create this dish?"
If you think about it, we served ten people for dinner on Thanksgiving with three or them going back for thirds. That makes 16 meals. I can come up with three batches of soup from the leftover bones, etc., which should provide four to six meals. Making turkey salad sandwiches will provide six lunches. I have enough to make a pot pie for four people. I might even scrape enough together to make a creamed turkey over rice for another four dinners. I only paid $10 for the turkey, in the first place. I think I stretched the budget pretty well.
Our turkey was over 20 pounds so we have three freezer bags of turkey carcass to boil down into broth. The bits of meat still clinging to the bones provide enough turkey to fill out the soup along with added vegetables. Add some rice or noodles and you have a very inexpensive meal.
We also saved a good amount of meat which I plan to chop and turn into turkey salad sandwiches. All you need is the turkey, a bit of mayo or cream salad dressing, pickle relish, mustard, and a freshly-baked roll to encase the creation. This will work with ham or turkey although you might want to cut the richness of the ham with some chopped celery in the sandwich mix.
Still have leftover meat? Heat it up with a can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup and serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. My son like to add a sprinkling of chili flakes for some spicy sparkle.
Got leftover gravy? Combine it with bits of meat, lots of mixed frozen vegetables and put it in a pie shell. You can save time by buying the premade crusts from the freezer section of the store. You can make your own pot pies.
My family enjoys seeing what I come up with when we have leftovers. My husband has been known to ask, "So, how many meals did you cannibalize to create this dish?"
If you think about it, we served ten people for dinner on Thanksgiving with three or them going back for thirds. That makes 16 meals. I can come up with three batches of soup from the leftover bones, etc., which should provide four to six meals. Making turkey salad sandwiches will provide six lunches. I have enough to make a pot pie for four people. I might even scrape enough together to make a creamed turkey over rice for another four dinners. I only paid $10 for the turkey, in the first place. I think I stretched the budget pretty well.
Back from Black Friday . . .
We ventured out into the Black Friday mobs after lunch today and figured things would have calmed down a bit. I suppose you could consider it merely crowds and not mobs at this point. Walmart was crowded at certain points of the store like electronics, toys, and Christmas items. The check-out lines, however, stretched down the aisles. We didn't find anything we felt was worth waiting in line to buy. My husband had never been out on this shopping day and was a bit shocked. He couldn't believe the 40 carts filled with items that were parked around the clothing section. I explained that each heaped cart was filled with items people had broken, opened, or misplaced in the store. We left.
We stopped by JoAnn's Fabric Store as we needed some Christmas gifts for one of our children and onl they carried the item. There were a lot of fantastic fabric sales going one but the line-up around the cutting table was four deep and slow. We found what we were looking for, had a 40% and 50% coupon on the items, paid, and very happily left.
The Dollar Store was next door and quiet as a tomb with no one milling around in the store. I guess when you base price is one dollar, there isn't any reason to waste Black Friday shopping time in there!
With a quick stop for a frozen yogurt treat, we came home and now knew that any kind of shopping on the day of Thanksgiving wasn't worth the effort.
We stopped by JoAnn's Fabric Store as we needed some Christmas gifts for one of our children and onl they carried the item. There were a lot of fantastic fabric sales going one but the line-up around the cutting table was four deep and slow. We found what we were looking for, had a 40% and 50% coupon on the items, paid, and very happily left.
The Dollar Store was next door and quiet as a tomb with no one milling around in the store. I guess when you base price is one dollar, there isn't any reason to waste Black Friday shopping time in there!
With a quick stop for a frozen yogurt treat, we came home and now knew that any kind of shopping on the day of Thanksgiving wasn't worth the effort.
A pretty quote for the ending of the week . . .
A
relationship is like a rose, How long it lasts, no one knows; Love can erase an
awful past, Love can be yours, you'll see at last; To feel that love, it makes
you sigh, To have it leave, you'd rather die; You hope you've found that special
rose, 'Cause you love and care for the one you chose.
- Rob Cella
Something to take to the voting booth in 2012 . . .
Quote Richard Lamm, former Democratic Governor of Colorado:
"Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it."
"Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it."
Chocolate Biscotti
Time to get serious about Christmas preparations. Today, I'm cleaning out the freezer in order to have room to store my Christmas baking. I usually bake cookies that freeze and defrost well so I can have a good variety on the cookie plates I give out to friends. Last Christmas, I had frozen two, huge tins of cookies for friends who decided not to be friends anymore. Hey, it happens! Anyway, I forgot about them until June of this year. I was about to just toss them when my son opened one and discovered the cookies were still fresh and tasty even after the long ice age in the freezer. He and my husband enjoyed Christmas in June. Proof positive that cookies can be baked and frozen ahead of time!
I've informed my family that we will be living out of the freezer until I can make space for my baking. They usually enjoy this as I come up with some creative meals. I already have my baking ingredients on hand. Yes, I freeze my chocolate chips and dried fruit! Actually, I'm kind of at an impasse as I will have room in the freezer once I use the stocked away ingredients but I can't really get into baking until I make room in the freezer.
At the after-Christmas sales, last year, I purchased a lot of cookie tins for 25 cents each so I'm set for the gift-giving side. Besides, my husband would dearly like to get them cleared out of the closet. They are plastic and don't hurt that much when they fall on your head!
My goal today is get rid of the turkey leftovers this weekend aka eating them and drawing up my cookie lists. To start off the Advent/Cookie Baking Season, here is a favorite of mine.
Chocolate Biscotti
2/3 cups butter, softened
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon brandy
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cups unsweetened baking cocoa
4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coarsely chopped chocolate chips
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and brandy. Combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder and stir into creamed mixture until well-combined. Dough should be stiff, so mix the last of the flour by hand. Fold in the chocolate and nuts.
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Shape into long loaves, approximately ten inches long, two inches wide and about 3/4 to one inch thick. Forming them directly onto the greased baking sheets is easier. You will need more than one baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Cool on baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, slice the loaves diagonally into one inch slices. Return the slices to the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes more. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Makes about 45 cookies.
I've informed my family that we will be living out of the freezer until I can make space for my baking. They usually enjoy this as I come up with some creative meals. I already have my baking ingredients on hand. Yes, I freeze my chocolate chips and dried fruit! Actually, I'm kind of at an impasse as I will have room in the freezer once I use the stocked away ingredients but I can't really get into baking until I make room in the freezer.
At the after-Christmas sales, last year, I purchased a lot of cookie tins for 25 cents each so I'm set for the gift-giving side. Besides, my husband would dearly like to get them cleared out of the closet. They are plastic and don't hurt that much when they fall on your head!
My goal today is get rid of the turkey leftovers this weekend aka eating them and drawing up my cookie lists. To start off the Advent/Cookie Baking Season, here is a favorite of mine.
Chocolate Biscotti
2/3 cups butter, softened
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon brandy
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cups unsweetened baking cocoa
4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coarsely chopped chocolate chips
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and brandy. Combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder and stir into creamed mixture until well-combined. Dough should be stiff, so mix the last of the flour by hand. Fold in the chocolate and nuts.
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Shape into long loaves, approximately ten inches long, two inches wide and about 3/4 to one inch thick. Forming them directly onto the greased baking sheets is easier. You will need more than one baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Cool on baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, slice the loaves diagonally into one inch slices. Return the slices to the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes more. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Makes about 45 cookies.
Always some truth in the wittiest of quotes!
"I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much
jollier than the people who have to wait for them."
-- E. V. Lucas
-- E. V. Lucas
"You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty."
-- Sacha Guitry
-- Sacha Guitry
"Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said
nothing."
-- Robert Benchley
-- Robert Benchley
Black Friday is Not For Me!
I have yet to hear of a sale on Black Friday that would have me camping outside stores, waiting for the doors to open, and then chancing being trampled as people push and shove to grab whatever sale item has brought out the greed in them. Walmart seems to get the brunt of this day but I imagine it is because there are so many stores so their chances of having an incident are higher.
I still remember the after-Christmas rush that killed an employee at Walmart. He opened the doors and the people poured in, knocked him down, and then stomped all over him as they raced to whatever product they just couldn't live without. The report said the police had a difficult time with the crime scene because people would not stop their frantic shopping. The people whose feet had made deadly contact with that young man had to know something was amiss yet they didn't care. They lowered their standards to save a few bucks and acted like animals.
I read in the news, today, that, what has been termed 'a competitive shopper', used pepper spray to get what they wanted and cause other shoppers to back off. Twenty people were hurt, some seriously, with pepper spray directly to their face. To me, that is a case of assult and I hope they catch the person and he/she has to do time and make retribution to all the injured people. I do have to wonder, however, if some of the crowd thinks, "Pepper spray! Why didn't I think of pepper spray!"
I was discussing an exorcism class I had taken at our parish. Not to do them but to understand them. The person I was talking to said that the' imagination' of possession and such disappeared with the electronic/computer age. There is no such thing as that sort of evil. Seems to me that if people die or are hurt by rampaging shoppers who care only for grabbing a bargain, something evil is still a foot!
If we venture out today, the wildest we will go would be a stop at Costco. They keep normal hours regardless of the day, they don't put up with nonsense, and they don't have elaborate Black Friday advertisement/sales. Besides, we only need fruit and cheese!
I still remember the after-Christmas rush that killed an employee at Walmart. He opened the doors and the people poured in, knocked him down, and then stomped all over him as they raced to whatever product they just couldn't live without. The report said the police had a difficult time with the crime scene because people would not stop their frantic shopping. The people whose feet had made deadly contact with that young man had to know something was amiss yet they didn't care. They lowered their standards to save a few bucks and acted like animals.
I read in the news, today, that, what has been termed 'a competitive shopper', used pepper spray to get what they wanted and cause other shoppers to back off. Twenty people were hurt, some seriously, with pepper spray directly to their face. To me, that is a case of assult and I hope they catch the person and he/she has to do time and make retribution to all the injured people. I do have to wonder, however, if some of the crowd thinks, "Pepper spray! Why didn't I think of pepper spray!"
I was discussing an exorcism class I had taken at our parish. Not to do them but to understand them. The person I was talking to said that the' imagination' of possession and such disappeared with the electronic/computer age. There is no such thing as that sort of evil. Seems to me that if people die or are hurt by rampaging shoppers who care only for grabbing a bargain, something evil is still a foot!
If we venture out today, the wildest we will go would be a stop at Costco. They keep normal hours regardless of the day, they don't put up with nonsense, and they don't have elaborate Black Friday advertisement/sales. Besides, we only need fruit and cheese!
Advent is almost upon us . . .
It almost makes you dizzy the way time speeds up once Halloween is over. Yes, the stores are prone to stocking masks and pumpkins right next to Christmas decorations but they don't control the speed of time. Time, however, seems to speed up itself. Wednesday, we were running around getting ready for a company Thanksgiving dinner and today it is the day after Thanksgiving. Makes you almost afraid to blink in case you come upon a living room strewn with unwrapped gifts and discover Christmas has come and gone. No time to lose but we have to keep in mind the reason for the season and find time to savor it to the fullest.
At dinner, yesterday, my friend and I looked down the long table at our collective children and then remarked to each other, "Where did all those grown up children come from?" The youngest in the group is seventeen, one is a college graduate, three are going to college . . . Let's just say, we don't shop in the toy section at the store any more. And I miss it!
Our Thanksgiving, however, as great as we enjoyed and shared it with some of our best friends. Sigh . . . I was missing two or my children, who couldn't get home for the holiday. My friend was missing her oldest son who is in the seminary. Times change and all I can advise parents is to double their efforts to enjoy the 'now' as it soon turns into 'remember when'!
At dinner, yesterday, my friend and I looked down the long table at our collective children and then remarked to each other, "Where did all those grown up children come from?" The youngest in the group is seventeen, one is a college graduate, three are going to college . . . Let's just say, we don't shop in the toy section at the store any more. And I miss it!
Our Thanksgiving, however, as great as we enjoyed and shared it with some of our best friends. Sigh . . . I was missing two or my children, who couldn't get home for the holiday. My friend was missing her oldest son who is in the seminary. Times change and all I can advise parents is to double their efforts to enjoy the 'now' as it soon turns into 'remember when'!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
An early word for tomorrow!
Make
the best of today, for there is no tomorrow until after today.
- Liz Strehlow
Ending the day with a smile . . .
"The greatest mistake is trying to be more agreeable than you can
be."
-- Walter Bagehot
-- Walter Bagehot
"We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could
produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know
that is not true."
-- Robert Wilensky
-- Robert Wilensky
"To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of
civilization, and at present very few people have reached this level."
-- Bertrand Russell
-- Bertrand Russell
"I hate the outdoors. To me the outdoors is where the car is."
-- Will Durst
-- Will Durst
The Aftermath of Thanksgiving!
Every year, there is always one dish and one dessert that turns out to be the most popular/favorite. As you can see from the lone slice of pie on the left, my daughter's Banoffee Pie disappeared first. My Apple Crisp was the favorite of my offerings. Much to my surprise, my cornbread/sausage stuffing was the one most people went back for seconds.
Judging from three bags of turkey bones, I fore see at least three turkey soup dinners in our future. Hope the bread stuffing has leftovers as I want to try the stuffing dumplings, again.
I hope everyone had a wonderday day and those of us celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope you had a happy and blessed one.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just taking a moment, before I'm up to my elbows in turkey fixings, flour, and company, to wish everyone who celebrates this day, a most blessed and happy Thanksgiving.
Right now, I'm grabbing a light breakfast in preparation for the work ahead. Although I got a lot of things done, yesterday, I know there will be that last 30 minutes of panic before the food is on the table and family and company in place.
It looks like we had a bit of rain last night so I'm hoping the day remains brisk and cool. According to the weather report, our current temperatures of around 60 will jump 20 degrees by next week. Typical California weather - swimsuit weather in December!
My husband made a last-minute trip to the store yesterday but, naturally, my daughter comes in just before bed and asks, "Did you get the cream and sour cream I need to make my pie?" Nope! I hate shopping on Thanksgiving but will hold my criticism of this until we get the cream and sour cream!
I'm shocked, however, at some of the stores (other than grocery) are staying open on Thanksgivng with offers of pre-Black Friday deals. Why is the world so intent on disrupting the family dinner and, in the long run, the family unit? Nothing sacred in this secular world of ours.
No, we are not planning to venture out on Black Friday. There is no sale worth my time and effort to get trampled in the crowds who long to spend more money than they have and then complain the banks are stealing from us because of the credit card interest rates. I know I'm rather simplistic but if you don't charge it on your credit card, you won't have to pay hundreds more on unpaid balances.
Off to gear up for the day and get a few things bubbling and baking in the oven.
God Bless!
Right now, I'm grabbing a light breakfast in preparation for the work ahead. Although I got a lot of things done, yesterday, I know there will be that last 30 minutes of panic before the food is on the table and family and company in place.
It looks like we had a bit of rain last night so I'm hoping the day remains brisk and cool. According to the weather report, our current temperatures of around 60 will jump 20 degrees by next week. Typical California weather - swimsuit weather in December!
My husband made a last-minute trip to the store yesterday but, naturally, my daughter comes in just before bed and asks, "Did you get the cream and sour cream I need to make my pie?" Nope! I hate shopping on Thanksgiving but will hold my criticism of this until we get the cream and sour cream!
I'm shocked, however, at some of the stores (other than grocery) are staying open on Thanksgivng with offers of pre-Black Friday deals. Why is the world so intent on disrupting the family dinner and, in the long run, the family unit? Nothing sacred in this secular world of ours.
No, we are not planning to venture out on Black Friday. There is no sale worth my time and effort to get trampled in the crowds who long to spend more money than they have and then complain the banks are stealing from us because of the credit card interest rates. I know I'm rather simplistic but if you don't charge it on your credit card, you won't have to pay hundreds more on unpaid balances.
Off to gear up for the day and get a few things bubbling and baking in the oven.
God Bless!
Invisible Mom - Great Reminder on Our Day of Thanks!
Invisible Mom (passed on by a friend - from the Internet.)
It all began to make sense -- the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids would walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie
this? Can you open this??
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a taxi for order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
Some days I'm a crystal ball; 'Where's my other sock? Where's my phone? What's for dinner?'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . She had just returned from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.
It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
'With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devoured - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it.’ And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.
‘No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.’
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he'd say, 'You're gonna love it there...'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.
It all began to make sense -- the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids would walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie
this? Can you open this??
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a taxi for order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
Some days I'm a crystal ball; 'Where's my other sock? Where's my phone? What's for dinner?'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . She had just returned from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.
It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
'With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devoured - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it.’ And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.
‘No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.’
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he'd say, 'You're gonna love it there...'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.
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