On two, different radio talk shows, today, they related that a college student went for a Congressional hearing to object to the possible overturning of the obama mandate re. free contraceptives. She claimed, that as a college student, she struggles enough with college costs and birth control is costing her and her friends over a thousand dollars a year. She even added a sob story about a friend being turned away from the pharmacy because she couldn't afford birth control pills and possibly being forced to have unprotected sex. The insinuation was this was happening to a majority of the female students.
I had to wonder about that and shake my head over the state of morality in the world today. Why would anyone be forced to have unprotected sex? Is the rule of the dorm such that everyone either wants to or is expected to be that free? Seems to me that students do a lot of growing up and decision making when they go to college. Since this young female and her friends have obviously and, seemingly, proudly opted to require full-time contraceptive help, wouldn't this be considered a decision on her/their part? Why would she expect taxpayers to pay for her recreational decision? And does no one wonder that such an aspect of married committment would be considered a pasttime? Where has the value and blessing of pro-creational relationships gone? Why would a female stand before a hearing and proclaim long and loud that she wants what she wants when she wants it . . . but doesn't want to pay for it? She didn't mention the likihood of STD's but probably expects everyone except herself to pay the tab for that, too.
When I mentioned sarcastically to my husband that this female's parents must be so proud of her, he sadly said, "Given this student's mind set and attitude, I'm willing to bet her parents raised her this way and probably are proud of her."
Some of these 'modern' college students may come to regret their actions. Then, again, others will raise children (the ones they allow to live!) like themselves and beam as their own daughter announces her lack of moral fiber to the whole world and demands that someone takes care of the bill.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Why Abortion is the Opposite of Love . . . by Father Frank Provone
Lent teaches us the meaning of love. Jesus endured His passion and crucifixion for each of us, giving Himself away that we might have life.
Abortion, on the other hand, is the opposite of love, because it takes life.
Love says, “I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person.”
Abortion says, “I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself.”
Strangely, the same words are used in both cases. Supporters of abortion say, “This is my body, I can do what I want.”
Jesus says, “This is My Body, given up for you.”
The same words are spoken from opposite ends of the universe, with totally opposite results.
Let us resolve to live those words as Jesus did, giving ourselves away for the good of others, born and unborn.
Abortion, on the other hand, is the opposite of love, because it takes life.
Love says, “I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person.”
Abortion says, “I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself.”
Strangely, the same words are used in both cases. Supporters of abortion say, “This is my body, I can do what I want.”
Jesus says, “This is My Body, given up for you.”
The same words are spoken from opposite ends of the universe, with totally opposite results.
Let us resolve to live those words as Jesus did, giving ourselves away for the good of others, born and unborn.
All funny with that pesky grain of truth . . .!
"Conscience is what makes a boy tell his mother before his sister
does."
-- Evan Esar
-- Evan Esar
"About the time we think we can make ends meet, somebody moves the
ends."
-- Herbert Hoover
-- Herbert Hoover
"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his
home."
-- Ken Olsen
-- Ken Olsen
"When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him:
'Whose?'"
-- Don Marquis
-- Don Marquis
How humble and how glorious is the gift of prayers . . .
"How great the
power of Prayer... To be heard it is not necessary to read from a book some
beautiful formula composed for the occasion... I do like children who do not
know how to read, I say very simply to God what I wish to say, without composing
beautiful sentences, and He always understands me. For me, prayer is an
aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry
of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy; finally it is
something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus."
~St. Therese of Lisieux
Not your mother's boxed cake mix recipe . . .
As you can tell by now, I prefer to bake from ingredients not from prepackaged mixes, however, I do stock up on boxed cake mixes when they go on sale for a dollar or less. I need a quick batch of cupcakes, they are in the oven fast. There are also recipes for using the boxed mixes for cookies. Of course, there is lots of room for personal creativity so most people don't realize when I've taken advantage of a shortcut.
This recipe is one of those quick fixes that doesn't taste like a cake mix and will suprise your family on an evening when they thought you were too rushed or stressed to spoil them with an after-dinner treat.
Coconut Walnut Apple Cake
1 yellow cake mix, your choice
1/2 cup of butter, diced (butter should be cold)
1/2 cup of coconut, toasted
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
3 large green apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Juice of half a lemon and lemon zest
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup regular sour cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray an oblong baking pan approximately 9x13-inches or a comparable-sized pan.
Place your coconut on one side of a baking sheet and the walnuts on the other. Toast in the oven until fragrant. Be careful to avoid burning! Set aside to cool before using.
Combine the apples, lemon juice, zest, sugar, and spices.
Roughy blend together the cake mix, butter, coconut, and walnuts. Mixture should be lumpy. Spread mixture into the baking pan and press down. Bake for ten minutes and then remove from oven. Arrange your prepared apples over the cake layer. Beat together the egg, sour cream, and vanilla. Spoon over the apples to cover. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.
This goes great, warm from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Stubby . . .
His meow matches his personality. It is a raspy sound and he doesn't even move his mouth when he does it. In fact, he often moves his mouth independently of the meow. We see his mouth move and a few seconds later, we hear the meow.
After feeding and trying to befriend him for a couple of weeks now, he is still skittish. It's a miracle he doesn't have stomach ulcers because his meal time consists of quick bites of food, neck extension to check out the vicinity for danger lurking, a quick run into the bushes, a faster return to the food bowl and the routine starts all over again.
A favorite way to present a bowl of chili . . .
We like chili and usually have it with rice or tortillas. I have discovered, however, that my family is thrilled when I present it as a casserole with a baked layer of corn bread on top. It is so easy and makes a one-dish meal preparation.
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Using canned or your own chili, layer it in a baking dish. If you have an oblong baking dish, you get more cornbread!
Make a recipe of cornbread according to your favorite recipe or the boxed directions. There is a recipe listed on my blog. Pour the batter over the chili and spread gently to cover the chili mixtures. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until corn bread is baked and the chili is bubbling hot. Serve!
If you like it spicer, you can add some chili flakes or canned chilis to the cornbread batter. A change of pace is to sprinkle on a good helping of cheddar over the chili and then put on the cornbread batter.
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Using canned or your own chili, layer it in a baking dish. If you have an oblong baking dish, you get more cornbread!
Make a recipe of cornbread according to your favorite recipe or the boxed directions. There is a recipe listed on my blog. Pour the batter over the chili and spread gently to cover the chili mixtures. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until corn bread is baked and the chili is bubbling hot. Serve!
If you like it spicer, you can add some chili flakes or canned chilis to the cornbread batter. A change of pace is to sprinkle on a good helping of cheddar over the chili and then put on the cornbread batter.
The times, they do be changing . . .
The Quote
of the Decade:
“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America 's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, "the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.”
~ Senator Barack H. Obama, March 2006
“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America 's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, "the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.”
~ Senator Barack H. Obama, March 2006
In total agreement!
"There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish
sometimes."
-- Doctor Who
-- Doctor Who
"Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than
others."
-- Jonathan Winters
-- Jonathan Winters
"Aborting' babies after delivery . . .?
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/shock-ethicists-justify-infanticide-in-major-medical-journal
The world just gets crazier and crazier and not in an amusing manner, either. All I can say is that a doctor who can 'abort' a baby after birth, is not a doctor I would trust with my life on any level. Where have the values of the world gone? How horribly the issue of abortion has come from limiting it to first trimester right up to killing a healthy baby delivered and breathing on his own. God is a merciful God but how would He rule when one of His creations is murdered for the sake of convenience. This article is scary because the issue seems to be growing.
When I was expecting my second child, the doctor talked me into having a blood test which, according to him, revealed my child would have an increased chance of being a Down's baby. We said we weren't interested in abortion and I just wanted to continue with the pregnancy with prayer and hope for the best course for this baby. The doctor decided it would be a good idea to have an ultrasound to check on the baby. I called the clinic for this and was told that they would schedule me for the ultrasound and reserve a subsequent appointment for a termination. I said I wasn't interested in an abortion and the nurse said they would keep the termination appointment open . . . just in case. No matter how I said I wasn't interested in an abortion, the nurse insisted on scheduling both appointments on the same day. I hung up and changed doctors. My baby was born without any health issues. I was so shocked at the pressure being applied, however, for someone just seeking medical attention for a pregnancy.
It is a proven myth that our world is not overpopulated yet the world seems intent in limiting our population resulting in the loss of a valuable population for our future and a moral respect for life.
The world just gets crazier and crazier and not in an amusing manner, either. All I can say is that a doctor who can 'abort' a baby after birth, is not a doctor I would trust with my life on any level. Where have the values of the world gone? How horribly the issue of abortion has come from limiting it to first trimester right up to killing a healthy baby delivered and breathing on his own. God is a merciful God but how would He rule when one of His creations is murdered for the sake of convenience. This article is scary because the issue seems to be growing.
When I was expecting my second child, the doctor talked me into having a blood test which, according to him, revealed my child would have an increased chance of being a Down's baby. We said we weren't interested in abortion and I just wanted to continue with the pregnancy with prayer and hope for the best course for this baby. The doctor decided it would be a good idea to have an ultrasound to check on the baby. I called the clinic for this and was told that they would schedule me for the ultrasound and reserve a subsequent appointment for a termination. I said I wasn't interested in an abortion and the nurse said they would keep the termination appointment open . . . just in case. No matter how I said I wasn't interested in an abortion, the nurse insisted on scheduling both appointments on the same day. I hung up and changed doctors. My baby was born without any health issues. I was so shocked at the pressure being applied, however, for someone just seeking medical attention for a pregnancy.
It is a proven myth that our world is not overpopulated yet the world seems intent in limiting our population resulting in the loss of a valuable population for our future and a moral respect for life.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dinner Prep and Conquering the Dry Pork Roast . . .
In gratitude for a stree-free afternoon of sewing, I treated my family to a roast pork dinner. The fact that the pork was on sale contributed greatly to my kindness! I hesitate to use boneless pork as it tends to get dry being the 'other white meat' and all. I did some research and discovered a few things about almost insuring a juicy outcome for the protein portion of the meal.
1. Marinate the meat for four to six hours. I did this by putting the roast in a sealable bag with enough soy sauce and white wine to give it something to laze around in for the day. I kept it refrigerated.
2. When I was ready to cook, I drained the meat from the liquid and discarded the marinade. I made sure to throughly pat dry the meat.
3. Salt and pepper the meat and brown it in a preheated pan with oil and a bit of butter.
4. Place in a baking pan lined with lots of garlic and chopped onion.
5. Set aside while you add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and eight cloves of smashed and chopped garlic to the oil and brown bits left in the frying pan. Saute until the vegetables are tender. As 1/4 cup flour to the onion/garlic mix and continue stirring and cooking until the flour is incorporated. Add 1/2 cup white wine and stir until it thickens. Pour this over the pork roast and place in a preheated 350 degree over. In about 30 minutes, I added 1/2 cup of water to the pan. My roast was about three pounds so your cooking time will depend on that. The inner temperature should be 150 when it is done. A meat thermometer is a handy items!
6. Let the roast set (covered with foil) while you prepare the gravy. If you kept the bottom of the pan with about 1/2 inch of liquid during cooking, you should have a golden broth with browning onion and garlic. My favorite way of making a fast gravy is to puree it all in a blender until smooth. I pour it back into a pot and add some water if it is too thick. I season to taste and bring it to a simmer.
Quilting on a Rainy Day . . .
My experiment with some new fabric is going almost the way I imagined it would. As with anything in life, nothing ever turns out in the perfect way you create it in your mind. So far, however, I'm pleased. I'm done with the quilting portion and have twenty squares that need sewing together. Lots of handsewing from this moment on!
A crisp and colorful addition to most any meal . . .
I was thinking about what I could do to add more salads/vegetables to our meals yet make them a lure to the dinner table, too. We enjoy cole slaw and it came to me that I could bring that to a tastier level.
Cranberry Nut Cabbage Salad
Approximately 6 cups of shredded cabbage (amount depends on how many you are serving)
1/4 - 1/2 cups of finely diced red onion
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup toasted pecans
Bottle of your favorite Italian dressing
Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add enough dressing to moisten to your preferences. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you are not a fan of Italian dressing, one of your favorite cream-type dressing could work. This is an easy salad that adjusts to your personal tastes. Remember to adjust the ingredients according to the servings you require. Makes a great dish to take to a potluck dinner.
I'm making myself hungry as I realize I still have a bag of dried cranberries in the freezer. Think I'll head over to the store for some cabbage tomorrow!
*If you have the time, you can candy the pecans in a bit of brown sugar before adding to the salad, too!
Cranberry Nut Cabbage Salad
Approximately 6 cups of shredded cabbage (amount depends on how many you are serving)
1/4 - 1/2 cups of finely diced red onion
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup toasted pecans
Bottle of your favorite Italian dressing
Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add enough dressing to moisten to your preferences. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you are not a fan of Italian dressing, one of your favorite cream-type dressing could work. This is an easy salad that adjusts to your personal tastes. Remember to adjust the ingredients according to the servings you require. Makes a great dish to take to a potluck dinner.
I'm making myself hungry as I realize I still have a bag of dried cranberries in the freezer. Think I'll head over to the store for some cabbage tomorrow!
*If you have the time, you can candy the pecans in a bit of brown sugar before adding to the salad, too!
Where has the sunshine gone . . .
Amazing video . . .
This priest has an amazing way of presenting the facts regarding the obama mandate. If you didn't catch his first video on the subject, there is a note on the screen for accessing that one, too. I recommend it as he is factual and funny but serious about the subject.
http://youtu.be/QzPh1-t8VdM
http://youtu.be/QzPh1-t8VdM
The visiting cats . . .
Lizard Season!
Words of Wisdom form St. Ephraem . . .
“Virtues are formed by prayer.
Prayer preserves temperance.
Prayer suppresses anger.
Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy.
Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.”
~St Ephraem
Prayer preserves temperance.
Prayer suppresses anger.
Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy.
Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.”
~St Ephraem
The Termite Man Can . . .
I don't have a skeleton in the closet but I do have a closet that could easily conceal one given the accumulation of junk it once housed. Although I tried to keep a semblance of order in this extra space, it was really a disgrace but as long as it wasn't accessible to the public, I kept it's existence on hold at the back of my mind.
I was 'outed' last year . . . by the termite inspector. We had a small termite invasion in the wall of one bedroom. We signed up for the annual servce and got the problem resolved. The next year, we got a more thorough termite inspector and he opened the door to my Pandora's Box of a closet . . . and found termites. In order to determine the scope of the problem, he started handing out stuff . . . and more stuff . . . and more stuff while my face reddened appreciably. He marked off the areas that needed attention and made an appointment for the following week to treat it.
I spent the next week going through the contents of the closet, purchased some shelving and threw out tons of long-forgotten items. It is almost a thing of beauty to behold now.
I had to laugh over this with my husband. When his parents were still able to travel, they would visit every six months or so and the announcement that they were coming would initiate a frenzy of deep cleaning. They haven't been able to travel for years now so it seems our termite man has taken over the push to clean for us as he looks into more closets and cupboards then they ever did! God provides often to humble us.
I was 'outed' last year . . . by the termite inspector. We had a small termite invasion in the wall of one bedroom. We signed up for the annual servce and got the problem resolved. The next year, we got a more thorough termite inspector and he opened the door to my Pandora's Box of a closet . . . and found termites. In order to determine the scope of the problem, he started handing out stuff . . . and more stuff . . . and more stuff while my face reddened appreciably. He marked off the areas that needed attention and made an appointment for the following week to treat it.
I spent the next week going through the contents of the closet, purchased some shelving and threw out tons of long-forgotten items. It is almost a thing of beauty to behold now.
I had to laugh over this with my husband. When his parents were still able to travel, they would visit every six months or so and the announcement that they were coming would initiate a frenzy of deep cleaning. They haven't been able to travel for years now so it seems our termite man has taken over the push to clean for us as he looks into more closets and cupboards then they ever did! God provides often to humble us.
A lot of truth here!
The
real judges of your character aren't your neighbors, your relatives, or even the
people you play bridge with. The folks who really know you are waiters,
waitresses, and clerks.
- Katherine Piper
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Cooler evenings, warm food . . .
After a week of warmer than usual weather, it is cooling down, again. My thoughts are turning to pots of something simmering on the stove! Today, it is either chicken and dumplings or ham and bean soup. That's the best part of being the Mom - I usually get to decide the meal.
When I was growing up, we were living on a military airman's income which meant lots of budgeting and lots of beans. We never realized, however, that we were poor as my mother would make a great pot of navy bean soup with ham. The ham hock was merely flavor and we were thrilled when we got more than a few threads of meat. There were plenty of beans and our favorite way of eating it was simple and good. We would spread mustard on a slice of bread and place it in the bottom of the bowl. My mother would ladle hot soup over that and the combination was positively gourment to me at that age!
My ham and bean soup of today has a bit more meat in it because we are blessed. I still like to add some mustard to my helping of soup as it brings back memories. Have to admit that I prefer Dijon to the old yellow mustard these days!
What I like about soups is that it is hard to go wrong with them. Thought I'd share my basic ham and bean soup recipe so you can, perhaps, start your own memories.
Ham and Bean Soup
Two or three smoked ham hocks
2 chopped onions
1 pound of white navy bean
3 bay leaves
About eight cups of water
There are two ways to deal with the beans. My method of today is to bring just the beans to a boil in a pot of water. When the water boils, turn it off, cover, and let sit for an hour. When I'm ready to make the soup, I drain off the water and put the beans back in the pot. Another method is to cover the bean with water and let them soak overnight in the refrigerator.
Ready to make the soup, add the rest of the ingredients and the eight cups or so of water. Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer slowly for two or more hours or until the beans are very tender. Pull out the ham hocks, shred off the meat, and add the meat back to the soup. Salt and pepper to taste.
Some people like chopped green onion added to their helping of soup.
There is always the mustard and bread theory!
I've known people to add some shredded cheddar.
Chili flakes work if you are in the mood for more spice and heat.
When I was growing up, we were living on a military airman's income which meant lots of budgeting and lots of beans. We never realized, however, that we were poor as my mother would make a great pot of navy bean soup with ham. The ham hock was merely flavor and we were thrilled when we got more than a few threads of meat. There were plenty of beans and our favorite way of eating it was simple and good. We would spread mustard on a slice of bread and place it in the bottom of the bowl. My mother would ladle hot soup over that and the combination was positively gourment to me at that age!
My ham and bean soup of today has a bit more meat in it because we are blessed. I still like to add some mustard to my helping of soup as it brings back memories. Have to admit that I prefer Dijon to the old yellow mustard these days!
What I like about soups is that it is hard to go wrong with them. Thought I'd share my basic ham and bean soup recipe so you can, perhaps, start your own memories.
Ham and Bean Soup
Two or three smoked ham hocks
2 chopped onions
1 pound of white navy bean
3 bay leaves
About eight cups of water
There are two ways to deal with the beans. My method of today is to bring just the beans to a boil in a pot of water. When the water boils, turn it off, cover, and let sit for an hour. When I'm ready to make the soup, I drain off the water and put the beans back in the pot. Another method is to cover the bean with water and let them soak overnight in the refrigerator.
Ready to make the soup, add the rest of the ingredients and the eight cups or so of water. Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer slowly for two or more hours or until the beans are very tender. Pull out the ham hocks, shred off the meat, and add the meat back to the soup. Salt and pepper to taste.
Some people like chopped green onion added to their helping of soup.
There is always the mustard and bread theory!
I've known people to add some shredded cheddar.
Chili flakes work if you are in the mood for more spice and heat.
Chick and the Chip Mobile . . .
These days, we are very careful about making sure all the car doors are closed. Every time Chick gets to wander into the garage, however, she makes at least three rounds of the perimeter of the car in hopes of finding an open door and, subsequently, another bag of tasty chips. She has been unsuccessful to date. The initial bag of chips was discovered almost two years ago but she still heads hopefully into the garage any chance she gets . . . just in case a door is open because she knows there are probably undiscovered bags of chips all over that car!
Sunday morning smiles . . .
"The graveyards are full of indispensable men."
-- Charles de Gaulle
-- Charles de Gaulle
"Everything in the world may be endured except continued
prosperity."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and
lie about your age."
-- Lucille Ball
-- Lucille Ball
"From the moment I picked up your book until I laid it down, I was
convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it."
-- Groucho Marx
-- Groucho Marx
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Some of those funny but sort of not funny quotes!
"If I only had a little humility, I'd be perfect."
-- Ted Turner
-- Ted Turner
"Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority
off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more."
-- Mark Twain
-- Mark Twain
"I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man's
being unable to sit still in a room."
-- Blaise Pascal
-- Blaise Pascal
"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the
human intelligence long enough to get money from it."
-- Stephen Leacock
-- Stephen Leacock
Home remedies . . .?
I'm all for trying and using home remedies for minor things. We all take our vitamins and calcium and I make sure the meals are tasty and nutritious. You can't get good food eaten if it doesn't taste good, too. If you can save a trip to the doctor's with good sense and healthy eating, I'm all for it.
I, inadvertantly, had a home bone density test, yesterday. I can see the wrinkled forheads as you try to figure out how one could accomplish that at home. At the doctor's, it is an x-ray of your hand to determine the state of your bones. Well, at home, mine turned out to be a trip and bad fall. Since I didn't break anything . . . and the weight of that fall could and should have done that, I'm thinking my bones are still holding up!
Since my daughter came home from college, she has lined our rather narrow hallway with boxes and books. I have transversed this part of the hallway on numerous occasions and have gotten the layout of the boxes memorized . . . someone moved one out of place . . . my foot caught on the edge and I was in flight. It was interesting as I realized quite suddenly that I literally had about two seconds to decide how I wanted to land. I decided on my side to avoid arms, hands, and head. I got the side of my knee.
The swelling was fantastic. For awhile, I had what looked like two kneecaps. The pain wasn't too bad but that might be due to the aspirin my husband immediately made me swallow and the ice pack I kept on it for over an hour. I was blessed as it sure could have been worse. I have a slight limp, not too much pain, and orders from my husband to do nothing more strenuous than quilt today. Being such an obedient wife, I will follow his orders! Ah, the sacrifices I make for my health!
By the way, I do not recommend this home bone density test!
I, inadvertantly, had a home bone density test, yesterday. I can see the wrinkled forheads as you try to figure out how one could accomplish that at home. At the doctor's, it is an x-ray of your hand to determine the state of your bones. Well, at home, mine turned out to be a trip and bad fall. Since I didn't break anything . . . and the weight of that fall could and should have done that, I'm thinking my bones are still holding up!
Since my daughter came home from college, she has lined our rather narrow hallway with boxes and books. I have transversed this part of the hallway on numerous occasions and have gotten the layout of the boxes memorized . . . someone moved one out of place . . . my foot caught on the edge and I was in flight. It was interesting as I realized quite suddenly that I literally had about two seconds to decide how I wanted to land. I decided on my side to avoid arms, hands, and head. I got the side of my knee.
The swelling was fantastic. For awhile, I had what looked like two kneecaps. The pain wasn't too bad but that might be due to the aspirin my husband immediately made me swallow and the ice pack I kept on it for over an hour. I was blessed as it sure could have been worse. I have a slight limp, not too much pain, and orders from my husband to do nothing more strenuous than quilt today. Being such an obedient wife, I will follow his orders! Ah, the sacrifices I make for my health!
By the way, I do not recommend this home bone density test!
Search for the snowball maker . . .
I spent an hour surfing on the Internet, yesterday, in search of the snowball maker! Oh, you would like some clarification? Earlier in the week, I posted my attempt at replicating the wonder Schneeballen (snowballs in German) pastries my son and I enjoyed in Rothenburg, Germany. Schneeballen are thinly rolled out pieces of dough cut into strips and then formed into a ball and deep fried. Although the taste was quite comparable, they didn't hold together as well in the deep fryer. How did those bakers in Rothenburg get them so round and perfect? My research revealed there is such a tool called a Schneeballen tongs. Great! I now knew what to look for specifically in my searches. I even found a picture of one. I did not, however, find anyone or any place that sold one. The closest I could find was a meat ball tongs but it was less than two inches in diameter and not nearly big enough for the fist-sized pastries.
My family did enjoy my rendition of the Schneesballen even if they were far from round. My daughter did let slip when she said, "Mom, can I have another of those Schneeballen brains?"
I told my husband that there was nothing for me to do but go back to Rothenburg to narrow down my search. For some obscure reason, he didn't seem to think this made sense! He ate my Schneeballen 'brains' yet he didn't want to eat them 'properly' as in a round pastry as they were devised to be? The quality of life in him has certainly faded in this area.
Meanwhile, if anyone knows where to get one, let me know. Given that a search on the Internet didn't discover one, I'm feeling rather hopeless on the subject. And, I could have started a Schneeballen craze here in California, too! :-)
My family did enjoy my rendition of the Schneesballen even if they were far from round. My daughter did let slip when she said, "Mom, can I have another of those Schneeballen brains?"
I told my husband that there was nothing for me to do but go back to Rothenburg to narrow down my search. For some obscure reason, he didn't seem to think this made sense! He ate my Schneeballen 'brains' yet he didn't want to eat them 'properly' as in a round pastry as they were devised to be? The quality of life in him has certainly faded in this area.
Meanwhile, if anyone knows where to get one, let me know. Given that a search on the Internet didn't discover one, I'm feeling rather hopeless on the subject. And, I could have started a Schneeballen craze here in California, too! :-)
Something we tend to forget . . .
When
you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is still an evil.
- Max Lerner
A Lenten Contemplation . . .
“Every man in on
a cross. Some ask to be taken down like the thief on the left; others ask to be
taken up like the thief on the right.” ~Archbishop Fulton
Sheen
Friday, February 24, 2012
Whole new meaning to potato chips . . .
Someone shared this with me from the Internet. Once you read it, you will understand why I had to share it!
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted!
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever..
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!
Have lunch with God.......bring chips.
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted!
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever..
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!
Have lunch with God.......bring chips.
So the Spring begins . . .
For California, the planting season can begin early as we seldom have the threat of a late frost. I'm not saying it has never happened, but the chances are pretty slim at this point. My husband discovered a way to get his seedlings going early on and ready for the soil in a few weeks. He set up a table in the garage and warms and provides light for his seedlings by way of an ordinary shop lamp. He has it situated about five inches or so above the plants and, as you can see, they seem to like it.
He saves a lot of money, this way, as he doesn't need to buy the setting plants sold at the local nurseries. Also, he enjoys being a part of the process from the very beginning. The nice part is that after these get into the ground, he can start another set to replace them if they are lost to bugs, dog, or that once in a lifetime late California frost!
On the light side . . .
A big mountain of sugar is too much for one man. I can see now why God portions
it out in those little packets.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
John Holdren - White House Czar and Threat to Humanity
If we have been doing our political homework in order to vote responsibility, we should seriously take note of the obama czars with whom our current president has surrounded himself. Not a great bunch but the one we should be most afraid of is John Holdren. There is no hearsay with Mr. Holdren as he long ago wrote a book setting out in detail how he thinks the world should be run and the efficient manner in which this could be accomplished. Titles from science fiction like Brave New World or 1984 come to mind only potential reality is much more frightening. Given that the president knew Mr. Holdren’s ‘credentials' and wanted him as part of his team speaks volumes on future agendas. Just the current mandate requiring everyone to fund contraception and worse announces a beginning enforced compliance. Prayer can turn hearts. Prayer can turn around battles. Looks like prayer is most needed to turn around our world before it is too late.
Here are some direct quotes from Mr. Holdren’s co-authored book, Human Ecology: Problems and Solutions.
"The fetus, given the opportunity to develop properly before birth, and given the essential early socializing experiences and sufficient nourishing food during the crucial early years after birth, will ultimately develop into a human being,"
"It surely is no accident that so many of the most successful individuals are first or only children," wrote Holdren and the Ehrlichs, "nor that children of large families (particularly with more than four children), whatever their economic status, on the average perform less well in school and show lower I.Q. scores than their peers from small families."
"Population control is absolutely essential if the problems now facing mankind are to be solved."
"Political pressure must be applied immediately to induce the United States government to assume its responsibility to halt the growth of the American population,"
"Any set of programs that is to be successful in alleviating the set of problems described in the foregoing chapters must include measures to control the growth of the human population."
"Certain values conflict directly with numbers, although numbers may also be considered a value by some people, such as businessmen (who see bigger markets), politicians (who see more political power), and parents of large families. . ."
"Those who promote numbers of people as a value in itself, however, may be overlooking the cheapness such abundance often bring . . ."
"One form of conflict between values and numbers arises in the choice between having many deprived children or having fewer who can be raised with the best care, education, and opportunity for successful adulthood," they said on pages 228-229. "This dilemma is equally acute whether it is posed to a family or a society. It surely is no accident that so many of the most successful individuals are first or only children; nor that children of large families (particularly with more than four children), whatever their economic status, on the average perform less well in school and show lower I.Q. scores than their peers from small families."
If that wasn’t enough to turn a moral stomach, these ‘rules’ certainly would:
"Women could be forced to abort their pregnancies, whether they wanted to or not" •
"The population at large could be sterilized by infertility drugs intentionally put into the nation's drinking water or in food."
"Single mothers and teen mothers should have their babies seized from them against their will and given away to other couples to raise." •
"People who "contribute to social deterioration" (i.e. undesirables) "can be required by law to exercise reproductive responsibility" -- in other words, be compelled to have abortions or be sterilized." •
"A transnational "Planetary Regime" should assume control of the global economy and also dictate the most intimate details of Americans' lives -- using an armed international police force."
Here are some direct quotes from Mr. Holdren’s co-authored book, Human Ecology: Problems and Solutions.
"The fetus, given the opportunity to develop properly before birth, and given the essential early socializing experiences and sufficient nourishing food during the crucial early years after birth, will ultimately develop into a human being,"
"It surely is no accident that so many of the most successful individuals are first or only children," wrote Holdren and the Ehrlichs, "nor that children of large families (particularly with more than four children), whatever their economic status, on the average perform less well in school and show lower I.Q. scores than their peers from small families."
"Population control is absolutely essential if the problems now facing mankind are to be solved."
"Political pressure must be applied immediately to induce the United States government to assume its responsibility to halt the growth of the American population,"
"Any set of programs that is to be successful in alleviating the set of problems described in the foregoing chapters must include measures to control the growth of the human population."
"Certain values conflict directly with numbers, although numbers may also be considered a value by some people, such as businessmen (who see bigger markets), politicians (who see more political power), and parents of large families. . ."
"Those who promote numbers of people as a value in itself, however, may be overlooking the cheapness such abundance often bring . . ."
"One form of conflict between values and numbers arises in the choice between having many deprived children or having fewer who can be raised with the best care, education, and opportunity for successful adulthood," they said on pages 228-229. "This dilemma is equally acute whether it is posed to a family or a society. It surely is no accident that so many of the most successful individuals are first or only children; nor that children of large families (particularly with more than four children), whatever their economic status, on the average perform less well in school and show lower I.Q. scores than their peers from small families."
If that wasn’t enough to turn a moral stomach, these ‘rules’ certainly would:
"Women could be forced to abort their pregnancies, whether they wanted to or not" •
"The population at large could be sterilized by infertility drugs intentionally put into the nation's drinking water or in food."
"Single mothers and teen mothers should have their babies seized from them against their will and given away to other couples to raise." •
"People who "contribute to social deterioration" (i.e. undesirables) "can be required by law to exercise reproductive responsibility" -- in other words, be compelled to have abortions or be sterilized." •
"A transnational "Planetary Regime" should assume control of the global economy and also dictate the most intimate details of Americans' lives -- using an armed international police force."
If the whole world could vote in 2012 . . .
I put up a poll for the 2012 election. If anyone in the world could vote for the next US President, what would your vote be? Thought it would be interesting to see how the world, as a whole, views the current US battle for the vote. It is posted to the upper, right of the page. Just pick a candidate and press the vote button! Any forecasts on the 'winner'?
The first one, especially!
"How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to
live."
-- Henry David Thoreau
-- Henry David Thoreau
"If we were not all so interested in ourselves, life would be so
uninteresting that none of us would be able to endure it."
-- Arthur Schopenhauer
-- Arthur Schopenhauer
"I was the kid next door's imaginary friend."
-- Emo Phillips
-- Emo Phillips
"Absurdity, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with
one's own opinion."
-- Ambrose Bierce
-- Ambrose Bierce
Our economy . . .
Now, I am not an economic genius but this statement from someone you would think would know better is staggering. No wonder our country is in such a mess!
White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett spoke at the Student Summit at North Carolina Central University and claimed unemployment stimulates the economy.
Her reasoning behind this is people take their unemployment checks and "go out and spend it" which "help(s) stimulate the economy."
"Let's face it, even though we had a terrible economic crisis three years ago, throughout our country many people were suffering before the last three years, particularly in the black community", Jarrett says.
She continues, "And so we need to make sure that we continue to support that important safety net. It not only is good for the family, but it's good for the economy. People who receive that unemployment check go out and spend it and help stimulate the economy, so that's healthy as well."
If I'm thinking correctly, unemployment funds directly or indirectly come from working people's paychecks. It is an insurance of sorts to help people through a tough situation. This is a good thing when used in moderation and as a help not an ongoing life style. How this White House Advisor, Ms. Jarrett can equate the distribution of unemployment funds as a stimulus to the economy is beyond me. Let's see . . . you give money from other working paychecks to people who are not earning paychecks. People with paychecks are, naturally, being more careful so not spending quite as much to make ends meet. So if the unemployed pay benefits go out into the market place, doesn't it kind of leave things where they were to begin with?
I think a prerequisite of getting into any political office should be a couse in basic bookkeeping because it certainly doesn't show up lately in all the payouts in excess of income. Oh, and raising taxes doesn't bring in more revenue because I know that we are spending less and less which does have a grave, trickle-down outcome.
White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett spoke at the Student Summit at North Carolina Central University and claimed unemployment stimulates the economy.
Her reasoning behind this is people take their unemployment checks and "go out and spend it" which "help(s) stimulate the economy."
"Let's face it, even though we had a terrible economic crisis three years ago, throughout our country many people were suffering before the last three years, particularly in the black community", Jarrett says.
She continues, "And so we need to make sure that we continue to support that important safety net. It not only is good for the family, but it's good for the economy. People who receive that unemployment check go out and spend it and help stimulate the economy, so that's healthy as well."
If I'm thinking correctly, unemployment funds directly or indirectly come from working people's paychecks. It is an insurance of sorts to help people through a tough situation. This is a good thing when used in moderation and as a help not an ongoing life style. How this White House Advisor, Ms. Jarrett can equate the distribution of unemployment funds as a stimulus to the economy is beyond me. Let's see . . . you give money from other working paychecks to people who are not earning paychecks. People with paychecks are, naturally, being more careful so not spending quite as much to make ends meet. So if the unemployed pay benefits go out into the market place, doesn't it kind of leave things where they were to begin with?
I think a prerequisite of getting into any political office should be a couse in basic bookkeeping because it certainly doesn't show up lately in all the payouts in excess of income. Oh, and raising taxes doesn't bring in more revenue because I know that we are spending less and less which does have a grave, trickle-down outcome.
A fresh approach to the current subject . . .
http://www.lifesitenews.com/blog/catholic-priest-gives-obama-mandate-the-finger
Don't worry! The link title might seems a bit 'off' but it doesn't follow through as it states! The priest does a wonderful job of explaining what is wrong with the obama mandate and how every promise he has given the US Citizens has been broken. Where is our media on this? Any other politician just has to clear his throat incorrectly, and they bring up ancient history. This president has recorded, outright lies and the press and media continuously overlook this. Lots of praying for 2012.
Don't worry! The link title might seems a bit 'off' but it doesn't follow through as it states! The priest does a wonderful job of explaining what is wrong with the obama mandate and how every promise he has given the US Citizens has been broken. Where is our media on this? Any other politician just has to clear his throat incorrectly, and they bring up ancient history. This president has recorded, outright lies and the press and media continuously overlook this. Lots of praying for 2012.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Sour Cream Bread
This is an easy, fast recipe you can mix up and forget about until it has risen and is ready to shape for the oven. It could be the perfect compliment to one of your Friday Lenten meals.
Sour Cream Bread
1 1/2 cup sour cream
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon yeast
(1/4 cup poppy seeds or sesame seeds add some drama!)
Place the yeast in your mixing bowl and add a tablespoon or two of cool water and mix to dissolve the yeast. Add the rest of the ingredients and either use the dough hook on your mixer and a sturdy spoon to form into a workable dough. Knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and let rise about an hour until doubles in size.
Knead the dough, after it has risen, and place in a vegetable-oil sprayed loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until almost doubled.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bake the loaf for approximately 60 minutes but keep checking after 45 minutes as it depends on your oven. When dark golden brown, set on a cooling rack for a few minutes and then release from pan to finish cooling.
Remember, with any bread recipe, it could also become rolls, too! Just adjust the baking time.
Sour Cream Bread
1 1/2 cup sour cream
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon yeast
(1/4 cup poppy seeds or sesame seeds add some drama!)
Place the yeast in your mixing bowl and add a tablespoon or two of cool water and mix to dissolve the yeast. Add the rest of the ingredients and either use the dough hook on your mixer and a sturdy spoon to form into a workable dough. Knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and let rise about an hour until doubles in size.
Knead the dough, after it has risen, and place in a vegetable-oil sprayed loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until almost doubled.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bake the loaf for approximately 60 minutes but keep checking after 45 minutes as it depends on your oven. When dark golden brown, set on a cooling rack for a few minutes and then release from pan to finish cooling.
Remember, with any bread recipe, it could also become rolls, too! Just adjust the baking time.
Something to save for Easter . . .
In clearing my cupboards for Lent, I used up the last of some sliced almonds and coconut to make these cookies. I've been looking for a crunchy yet very moist macaroon for a long time and this one fit the bill.
Coconut/Almond Macaroons
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup slivered almonds
14-ounce can of condensed sweetened milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almont extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
4 egg whites
Dash salt
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix together the coconut, almonds, condensed milk, and extracts in a large bowl. In a mixing bowl whip up the egg whites and salt until they form almost stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the coconut/almond mixture.
A medium-sized ice cream scoop works well here if you have one about 1 3/4th inches in diameter. If not, scoop out 1/4 cups measures of batter onto the baking sheet (or make smaller one, if you like!). Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Cool before serving . . . although my son grabbed two of them from the oven and ate them with a fork!
Remember to adjust your time according to the size you make your cookies.
Coconut/Almond Macaroons
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup slivered almonds
14-ounce can of condensed sweetened milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almont extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
4 egg whites
Dash salt
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix together the coconut, almonds, condensed milk, and extracts in a large bowl. In a mixing bowl whip up the egg whites and salt until they form almost stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the coconut/almond mixture.
A medium-sized ice cream scoop works well here if you have one about 1 3/4th inches in diameter. If not, scoop out 1/4 cups measures of batter onto the baking sheet (or make smaller one, if you like!). Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Cool before serving . . . although my son grabbed two of them from the oven and ate them with a fork!
Remember to adjust your time according to the size you make your cookies.
The real deal from the pulpit!
http://youtu.be/ltTd81XpDnc
I wish all Catholic priests would come out this strongly on the obama mandate!
I wish all Catholic priests would come out this strongly on the obama mandate!
Pope Benedict XVI speaks . . .
"Lent
is like a long 'retreat' during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen
to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One. It is a
period of spiritual 'combat' which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with
pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the
word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in
truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism". ~Pope Benedict
XVI
Get your ashes . . .
I suppose that in this hurried world of ours that this was bound to happen but it does seem rather funny. Too many people think that you have to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday or it may prove unluckly. Other people think of it more as a holy day of obligation. Some always show up for the 'freebies' like palms on Palm Sunday, ashes on Ash Wednesday even if they avoid the church every other day of the year. Fast food religion?
I remember one Ash Wednesday at our parish. My then-toddler had fallen asleep on my shoulder. The church was packed and just as it was my turn to receive ashes, a whole troupe of people poured in the side door and pushed in front of the line. I now had 20-30 people forcing their way to the front. I got my ashes and was happy to head back to my pew as the baby was heavy. Eight of the late comers had taken over my pew. As I walked up, they grinned meanly, and handed me my Rosary, prayerbook, and diaper bag. I was shocked that they bothered to get ashes when they were starting off their Lent in such a mean-spirited way!
An Ohio church is offering a drive-thru Ash Wednesday blessing for parishioners who might be pressed for time.
The Rev. Patricia Anderson Cook of Mt. Healthy United Methodist Church in suburban Cincinnati plans to provide the service for people of all faiths and services beginning around 5 p.m.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports (http://cin.ci/wErYFp) that the service is aimed at busy people as well as people who might be intimidated walking into a church.
In addition to ashes, Cook will provide a church brochure and a Lenten booklet.
The church is also offering a more traditional Ash Wednesday service inside at 7 p.m.
I remember one Ash Wednesday at our parish. My then-toddler had fallen asleep on my shoulder. The church was packed and just as it was my turn to receive ashes, a whole troupe of people poured in the side door and pushed in front of the line. I now had 20-30 people forcing their way to the front. I got my ashes and was happy to head back to my pew as the baby was heavy. Eight of the late comers had taken over my pew. As I walked up, they grinned meanly, and handed me my Rosary, prayerbook, and diaper bag. I was shocked that they bothered to get ashes when they were starting off their Lent in such a mean-spirited way!
An Ohio church is offering a drive-thru Ash Wednesday blessing for parishioners who might be pressed for time.
The Rev. Patricia Anderson Cook of Mt. Healthy United Methodist Church in suburban Cincinnati plans to provide the service for people of all faiths and services beginning around 5 p.m.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, which concludes after 40 days with the celebration of Easter.
In addition to ashes, Cook will provide a church brochure and a Lenten booklet.
The church is also offering a more traditional Ash Wednesday service inside at 7 p.m.
Someone who will speak out . . .
Not often that we have a politician that will speak out so adamantly against abortion and all the related horrors that go along with it. It is refreshing to hear Rick Santorum speak his mind and morals over this issue and has the experience to back it up. As he says in this article, he initially thought his daughter was the one hurting when it was his own blindness to the gift she was from God. God sends these little children to us for a reason. How many people will never discover the grace and reason because they opt for the 'convenience' of abortion?
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/02/20/santorum-bashes-obama-over-abortions-on-disabled-babies/
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/02/20/santorum-bashes-obama-over-abortions-on-disabled-babies/
How clean are your windows . . . ?
A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean', she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean', she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
A real fast-food treat?
Chick-Fil-a is a favorite treat for us because the food is always well-prepared, nicely priced, and tasty. The ultra polite service, however, can get a little cloying although it is better than some of the attitude you get at other establishments.
We do have to laugh at a memory of a visit there last year. Although the food clerk spoke the 'party line', her expression and voice pitch did not give us any indication that she meant what she was saying to us. I guess we had gotten used to the cheerful, "Welcome to Chick-Fil-a! We are happy here today and how are YOU?" This clerk just looked at us when we ordered and when she pushed our tray of food towards us and we said 'thank you', she remember to come back with "My pleasure" but we could tell that it gave her absolutely no pleasure at all to see us much less serve us. We figured the poor woman was having a bad day.
A few weeks later, my son and I stopped for ice cream there and Miss Bubbly was working, again! We had to laugh as we got the exact, same treatment and almost felt like apologizing for intruding into her day.
My son said he figured out the problem with her. In order for so many employess to be so consistently cheerful, they have to have one to soak up the negativity . . . and the snarling clerk was it!
We do have to laugh at a memory of a visit there last year. Although the food clerk spoke the 'party line', her expression and voice pitch did not give us any indication that she meant what she was saying to us. I guess we had gotten used to the cheerful, "Welcome to Chick-Fil-a! We are happy here today and how are YOU?" This clerk just looked at us when we ordered and when she pushed our tray of food towards us and we said 'thank you', she remember to come back with "My pleasure" but we could tell that it gave her absolutely no pleasure at all to see us much less serve us. We figured the poor woman was having a bad day.
A few weeks later, my son and I stopped for ice cream there and Miss Bubbly was working, again! We had to laugh as we got the exact, same treatment and almost felt like apologizing for intruding into her day.
My son said he figured out the problem with her. In order for so many employess to be so consistently cheerful, they have to have one to soak up the negativity . . . and the snarling clerk was it!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Are they serious?
I've heard about everything now. The pro-abort people now refer to abortion as a 'motherly sacrifice'! Talk about a contradiction in terms. In my 'backward opinion', being a pope-dominated, narrow minded Catholic(!), it is more a sacrificial offering on the 'altar of convenience'. Motherly sacrifice, in my way of thinking, is bringing up the children we conceive.
Last day of dessert baking until Easter!
The Schneeballen recipe called for four egg yolks so I cleared out the coconuts and almonds in the cupboard and made macaroons - my son's favorite.
I'm not off to cruise the Internet in hopes of finding the secret to making round Schneeballen!
Off to deep fry something . . .
What better way to celebrate Fat Tuesday than with deep frying something! I'm making the Schneeballen recipe I posted earlier. I had forgotten about these treat until I browsed the German site with holiday recipes. They even featured a picture of the bakery we saw while we were in Rothenburg! My son was excited about the prospect of trying to replicate the recipe today.
Our guide in Rothenburg told us about Schneeballen but was rather dismissive of them as the town did offer a multitude of tasty and unusual pastries. He said Schneeballen evolved from bakers using leftover pastry dough. We thoroughly enjoyed our sample and only wished we had purchased a few more for our breakfast the next day. Well, today, I will see what I can duplicate and, perhaps, it will bring back some vacation memories!
My son is always careful about how much he eats and if we were looking at bakeries after he had just eaten, he never wanted to buy anything. After awhile, I would just purchase a bag of goodies and he always seemed to be glad of it when we got back to the hotel and he was hungry again! Towards the end of our trip, he got the idea and would say, "Buy some for later, Mom!"
Our guide in Rothenburg told us about Schneeballen but was rather dismissive of them as the town did offer a multitude of tasty and unusual pastries. He said Schneeballen evolved from bakers using leftover pastry dough. We thoroughly enjoyed our sample and only wished we had purchased a few more for our breakfast the next day. Well, today, I will see what I can duplicate and, perhaps, it will bring back some vacation memories!
My son is always careful about how much he eats and if we were looking at bakeries after he had just eaten, he never wanted to buy anything. After awhile, I would just purchase a bag of goodies and he always seemed to be glad of it when we got back to the hotel and he was hungry again! Towards the end of our trip, he got the idea and would say, "Buy some for later, Mom!"
Something to lift the spirits today!
This information is for Catholics only. It must not to be divulged to
non-Catholics. The less they know about our rituals and top secret code words,
the better off everyone is.
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.
HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original 'Jaws' story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava. (for you non-Catholics it means Lord have mercy)
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO. (Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been rough.)
PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.
Little known facts about the Catholic Church in Las Vegas :
There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshippers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. He, of course, is known as "The Chip Monk."
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.
HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original 'Jaws' story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava. (for you non-Catholics it means Lord have mercy)
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO. (Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been rough.)
PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.
Little known facts about the Catholic Church in Las Vegas :
There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshippers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. He, of course, is known as "The Chip Monk."
Interesting footage from Glenn Beck who tells it like it is . . .
http://www.glennbeck.com/2012/02/20/watch-footage-from-glenns-visit-to-athens-greece/
Amazing footage taken by Glenn Beck's crew of the disaster Greece has become. A real eye-opener of what could be eventually happening to cities all over the world. Such a waste of talent and historic beauty. The Greeks and the Egyptians have countries with enough to support a booming tourist trade and they are destroying it. They might 'win' their political battles but what happens in the future?
I've been blessed to have visited both places, years ago, and am saddened to see familiar places used for battlegrounds. When a world cannot respect their history and the beauty of their artifacts, what does that leave them?
Amazing footage taken by Glenn Beck's crew of the disaster Greece has become. A real eye-opener of what could be eventually happening to cities all over the world. Such a waste of talent and historic beauty. The Greeks and the Egyptians have countries with enough to support a booming tourist trade and they are destroying it. They might 'win' their political battles but what happens in the future?
I've been blessed to have visited both places, years ago, and am saddened to see familiar places used for battlegrounds. When a world cannot respect their history and the beauty of their artifacts, what does that leave them?
Strength is in Perseverance!
In
the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins--not
through strength but by perseverance.
- H. Jackson Brown
Monday, February 20, 2012
Schneeballen! Snowballs this late in the season?
http://www.kitchenproject.com/GermanGoodies/2012/Feb20-2012.htm#Schneeballen
I was looking at various links, today, and discovered a recipe for a favorite treat my son and I enjoyed when we visited Rothenburg, Germany last year. It is a simple fried ball of twisted dough but it tasted so good. We could tell who on our bus has indulged as the powdered sugar got everywhere! No dainty way to eat this but that was half the fun. I just copied off the recipe and hope I can make some for our own Fat Tuesday at home tomorrow.
You can also sign up to receive the recipes in your e-mail from the link above as the owner offers three or four great recipes every three to six weeks.
I was looking at various links, today, and discovered a recipe for a favorite treat my son and I enjoyed when we visited Rothenburg, Germany last year. It is a simple fried ball of twisted dough but it tasted so good. We could tell who on our bus has indulged as the powdered sugar got everywhere! No dainty way to eat this but that was half the fun. I just copied off the recipe and hope I can make some for our own Fat Tuesday at home tomorrow.
You can also sign up to receive the recipes in your e-mail from the link above as the owner offers three or four great recipes every three to six weeks.
Your Lenten Cross . . .
It was nice to be reminded of this story today. One of our former pastors used to tell it to us in his sermon a couple times a year. It never got boring and was always a good reminder to be thankful for what we had and bear what we have to. Good thought for the beginning of Lent.
Carrying A CrossFrom Paulo Coelho's Online Blog
In a certain village in Umbria (Italy), there lived a man who was always bewailing his lot. He was a Christian, and found the weight of his cross too heavy to bear.
One night, before going to sleep, he begged God to let him change his burden.
That night he had a dream; the Lord led him to a warehouse. "Go ahead and change it," he said. The man saw crosses of all sizes and shapes, with the names of their owners. He picked an average size cross – but when he saw the name of an old friend written on it, he left it aside.
Finally, as God had permitted, he chose the smallest cross he could find.
To his surprise, he saw his own name written on it.
Carrying A CrossFrom Paulo Coelho's Online Blog
In a certain village in Umbria (Italy), there lived a man who was always bewailing his lot. He was a Christian, and found the weight of his cross too heavy to bear.
One night, before going to sleep, he begged God to let him change his burden.
That night he had a dream; the Lord led him to a warehouse. "Go ahead and change it," he said. The man saw crosses of all sizes and shapes, with the names of their owners. He picked an average size cross – but when he saw the name of an old friend written on it, he left it aside.
Finally, as God had permitted, he chose the smallest cross he could find.
To his surprise, he saw his own name written on it.
Still befriending the cat . . .
Today, he came howling (thus his name!) for a snack. I gave him cat kibble. He looked at me as if I had lost my mind! He wanted canned cat food which was not forthcoming. Later, my daughter was around and he complained to her about the lack of food service. She gave him the same kibble and he eats it up like it was what he wanted all along!
Howl is definitely the product of a mixed marriage. He has the Siamese markings but, as you can see, stripes instead of solid colored fur on his feet. His tail is interesting . . . It is shiny black, striped fur. When he curls it around his feet, it looks like he borrowed another cat's tail.
Quilt in Progress . . .
I'm making a fan quilt and, so far, am happy with the way the same pattern blends in so well with the different colors. It is not a difficult pattern only a bit tedious but that was about my speed today!
Happily, I discovered a prepared meatloaf in the freezer so just had to put it in the oven for dinner along with a few potatoes and steam a vegetable.
Tomorrow, I'm hoping to be up to do the work part of life like bills and answering correspondence. Today, I was lucky I didn't mismanage the scissors . . . too much. Yesterday, I 'mis-cut' some fabric and it included the sleeve of my shirt!
Never thought of this . . .
We
call that person who has lost his father, an orphan; and a widower that man who
has lost his wife. But that man who has known the immense unhappiness of losing
a friend, by what name do we call him' Here every language is silent and holds
its peace in impotence.
- Joseph Roux
Fast and Easy, Healthy Cupcakes!
I ran across some talk show the other day and they were talking about making healthy substitutes in your baking. Intrigued, I later did some research on-line and discovered that you do not need to add oil and eggs to a cake mix to still come up with a good cake or cupcake. On the television program, they subsituted a cup of pumpkin for the oil and eggs in a chocolate cake mix. They mentioned you could use just about anything to avoid the extra fat. Eliminating the use of oil and eggs cut the serving size calories down substantially.
I didn't have instant access to canned pumpkin so experimented with my baking. I grabbed a yellow cake mix and substituted the eggs and oil with pureed carrots, apple, and orange zest. The result was a pretty orange cupcake with a very moist crumb, and great flavor. I topped it off with a thin, lemon/orange icing.
Knowing the frequent hunger pains of my family, I also used a chocolate cake mix with canned garbonzo beans! They pureed down very smoothly (I used the liquid, too). I also added cinnamon and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. It was dipped in a chocolate/orange icing. I got no complaints even after they learned the secret ingredient! In fact, the garbonzo bean cupcakes turned out to be the favorite!
Although I try and keep everyone's diet on a healthy basis, it was fun to find a snack/dessert that wasn't too horribly bad for you!
I usually prefer to bake my cakes from scratch but when cake mixes are on sale for 88 cents a box, I stock up. They come in handy and there are so many ways to enhance them and produce an excellent cake. You can even make cookies from a cake mix which is fun for children to do as their first baking effort with Mom.
I didn't have instant access to canned pumpkin so experimented with my baking. I grabbed a yellow cake mix and substituted the eggs and oil with pureed carrots, apple, and orange zest. The result was a pretty orange cupcake with a very moist crumb, and great flavor. I topped it off with a thin, lemon/orange icing.
Knowing the frequent hunger pains of my family, I also used a chocolate cake mix with canned garbonzo beans! They pureed down very smoothly (I used the liquid, too). I also added cinnamon and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. It was dipped in a chocolate/orange icing. I got no complaints even after they learned the secret ingredient! In fact, the garbonzo bean cupcakes turned out to be the favorite!
Although I try and keep everyone's diet on a healthy basis, it was fun to find a snack/dessert that wasn't too horribly bad for you!
I usually prefer to bake my cakes from scratch but when cake mixes are on sale for 88 cents a box, I stock up. They come in handy and there are so many ways to enhance them and produce an excellent cake. You can even make cookies from a cake mix which is fun for children to do as their first baking effort with Mom.
Convenient justice?
I heard on the news, last year, that a young woman delivered in a restaurant restroom and left the baby to die. She is now under arrest and facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The newscasters are appalled at the suffering she inflicted on that helpless newborn. I can't help but wonder why?
Abortion is legal in the United States. Abortions can be obtained at nine months. Why is this woman being prosecuted when doctors are shoving pointed scissors into the heads of preborn babies and killing them every day? Seems someone in the newsroom should be a bit appalled at that thought!
Naturally, I'm not advocating abortion at any stage of the pregnancy. I do have to wonder at the medical world who have to know it is human life they are destroying. I also have to wonder about a government that makes this issue primary over others while the world falls apart. Then, there is our modern media/press that often protects the politicians and liberals and reports or 'forgets' to report the truth to the public.
Both this woman and abortion doctors have done the same thing, let a baby die miserably yet the 'procedure' done without a doctor is punishable by the same governing hand that allows doctors to torture preborn babies. Where is the justice before God and man here?
Abortion is legal in the United States. Abortions can be obtained at nine months. Why is this woman being prosecuted when doctors are shoving pointed scissors into the heads of preborn babies and killing them every day? Seems someone in the newsroom should be a bit appalled at that thought!
Naturally, I'm not advocating abortion at any stage of the pregnancy. I do have to wonder at the medical world who have to know it is human life they are destroying. I also have to wonder about a government that makes this issue primary over others while the world falls apart. Then, there is our modern media/press that often protects the politicians and liberals and reports or 'forgets' to report the truth to the public.
Both this woman and abortion doctors have done the same thing, let a baby die miserably yet the 'procedure' done without a doctor is punishable by the same governing hand that allows doctors to torture preborn babies. Where is the justice before God and man here?
All three quotes describe our world today . . .
"Human history becomes more and more a race between education and
catastrophe."
-- H. G. Wells
-- H. G. Wells
"If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much."
-- Donald H. Rumsfeld
-- Donald H. Rumsfeld
"You get fifteen democrats in a room, and you get twenty
opinions."
-- Senator Patrick Leahy
-- Senator Patrick Leahy
Sunday, February 19, 2012
My sewing afternoon . . .
The parents in this house (as in me and my husband!) didn't work well with sharp objects, today. I was trimming a seam and managed to snip my favorite shirt in the process. My husband outdid me by slashing two fingers with a utility knife. Lots of blood but a superficial wound. He went off to urgent care for a tetanus shot only to discover he had one three years ago. The doctor thoroughly cleaned the fingers, no stitches, and he is home, again. Interesting . . . It took all of 30 minutes for the drive to the urgent care, treatment, and back. There was no one there but doctors and nurses! The children have forbidden us to even think about running with scissors!
The promised rain didn't happen but the day is very cool so the chicken roasting in the oven is providing warmth and good smells!
Mardi Gras . . .
Interesting re. the chocolate torte in that the recipe called for toasting the walnuts and it certainly made a wonderful difference in the flavor of the recipe. Next Christmas baking, I'm toasting the walnuts for my brownies. Such a simple concept and one I never considered.
Greeting the day with a smile . . . Great quotes!
"Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on
children."
-- George Bernard Shaw
-- George Bernard Shaw
"I can't understand why a person will take a year to write a novel
when he can easily buy one for a few dollars."
-- Fred Allen
-- Fred Allen
"The problem with political jokes is they get elected."
-- Henry Cate VII
-- Henry Cate VII
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too
long."
-- Ogden Nash
-- Ogden Nash
And, so Lent begins . . .
For Lent each year we abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. Coming up with meatless meals twice a week is sometimes a challenge. I've discovered, however, that you can put just about anything in a tortilla, bake it, and the family is thrilled. Today, my son asked if we could have those meatless tortilla things, again.
Given that Ash Wednesday is this week, I'm going to have to review my meatless recipes. A favorite around here is lentils over rice with grated cheese. Since half of my children can be super picky about what they eat, the fact that they like lentils is a continued source of amazement to me. In fact, while still at college, my older daughter made it for her dorm and college friends one evening. No one had had them before but after days of cafeteria food, one of the friends was heard to sigh, "I don't know what this is but it feels healthy!"
I like meatless meals and look forward to having spinach lasagna a few times in the next six weeks. Not as popular with the rest of my clan as they want meat in their food.
As mentioned in the intro of this post, you can stuff a large tortilla with refried beans, cheese, rice, and bake it in the oven with a cheese sauce. The cheese with the beans forms a complete protein so you keep to the sacrifice and still nurish the family!
Lest you think we are not being sacrifical enough with our meatless, my burden of proof is that my husband eats leftovers at work for dinner three days a week so he will require two meatless meals two days a week. That sometimes means that we might have meatless on another day in order to provide the needed meal for my husband. I figure the fact that we have food on the table every day of the week should keep us from complaining too much about whether it has meat or not.
We came up with this idea when the children were little. We wanted to impart the reality of the action of sacrifice in terms they could understand. We also abstain from eating out during the six weeks of Lent. That means planning our excursions so that we are home when it is a meal time. As little ones, the children enjoyed being part of the plans and some of this tradition has seeped into their grown up years.
Given that Ash Wednesday is this week, I'm going to have to review my meatless recipes. A favorite around here is lentils over rice with grated cheese. Since half of my children can be super picky about what they eat, the fact that they like lentils is a continued source of amazement to me. In fact, while still at college, my older daughter made it for her dorm and college friends one evening. No one had had them before but after days of cafeteria food, one of the friends was heard to sigh, "I don't know what this is but it feels healthy!"
I like meatless meals and look forward to having spinach lasagna a few times in the next six weeks. Not as popular with the rest of my clan as they want meat in their food.
As mentioned in the intro of this post, you can stuff a large tortilla with refried beans, cheese, rice, and bake it in the oven with a cheese sauce. The cheese with the beans forms a complete protein so you keep to the sacrifice and still nurish the family!
Lest you think we are not being sacrifical enough with our meatless, my burden of proof is that my husband eats leftovers at work for dinner three days a week so he will require two meatless meals two days a week. That sometimes means that we might have meatless on another day in order to provide the needed meal for my husband. I figure the fact that we have food on the table every day of the week should keep us from complaining too much about whether it has meat or not.
We came up with this idea when the children were little. We wanted to impart the reality of the action of sacrifice in terms they could understand. We also abstain from eating out during the six weeks of Lent. That means planning our excursions so that we are home when it is a meal time. As little ones, the children enjoyed being part of the plans and some of this tradition has seeped into their grown up years.
Quotes to Consider . . .
The last quote is especially appropriate considering our world today!
"A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell."
-- George Bernard Shaw
"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion."
-- Abraham Lincoln
"The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums."
-- G. K. Chesterton
"You can't say that civilization don't advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a new way."
-- Will Rogers
"A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell."
-- George Bernard Shaw
"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion."
-- Abraham Lincoln
"The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums."
-- G. K. Chesterton
"You can't say that civilization don't advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a new way."
-- Will Rogers
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Nice thought to finish the day . . .
Laughter
is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
- Victor Hugo
Vote and Vote responsibly . . .
This year is our chance to start taking out some of the political trash. Don't forget to exercise your freedom to vote. The preliminary elections to decide candidates usually have low voter numbers and we really need to vote in the prelimnary ones to insure we have reasonable candidates to vote for in November.
I have to wonder, however, about several little, old ladies at our parish morning Mass. After the last presidential election, I was chastised roundly for not being in support of the new president. When I said I could never vote for anyone who advocated abortion so strongly, I was told that this was merely a rumor by the conservative factions. Huh? I still remember the news on the Friday evening after the inaguation, the then new president quietly signed away a lot of the limits on abortion set in place by President Bush. It seemed to me at the time and he has proven to be a person set on providing abortion.
It is kind of amusing, in a sad way . . . Two of the 'little, old ladies' stopped speaking to me before and after Mass when they found out how I voted in that presidential election. All this time later, they still ignore me. I wonder if it is because they blindly perceive themselves to still be right in their vote or they are afraid I might have grounds to chastise them this time. They have to live with what our country has become, today, because the result of their thoughtless vote is a daily plague on our nation in many ways.
I have to wonder, however, about several little, old ladies at our parish morning Mass. After the last presidential election, I was chastised roundly for not being in support of the new president. When I said I could never vote for anyone who advocated abortion so strongly, I was told that this was merely a rumor by the conservative factions. Huh? I still remember the news on the Friday evening after the inaguation, the then new president quietly signed away a lot of the limits on abortion set in place by President Bush. It seemed to me at the time and he has proven to be a person set on providing abortion.
It is kind of amusing, in a sad way . . . Two of the 'little, old ladies' stopped speaking to me before and after Mass when they found out how I voted in that presidential election. All this time later, they still ignore me. I wonder if it is because they blindly perceive themselves to still be right in their vote or they are afraid I might have grounds to chastise them this time. They have to live with what our country has become, today, because the result of their thoughtless vote is a daily plague on our nation in many ways.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cake
This is an easy way to get a cake in the oven for dinner and still have time to cook dinner, too. If you have a family like mine, they would figure dessert should be prepared first and the meat, vegetables, and other mundane things can happen when they will!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cake
2 cups coarsely chopped, salted peanuts
1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (It really brings out the peanut taste.)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Vegetable oil spray a 9-inch, round baking pan and then line with parchment paper.
Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Let cake cool for ten minutes before removing from the pan and letting it complete the cooling process on a wire rack. Either dust with powdered sugar or frost with a peanut butter cream frosting.
Peanut Butter Cream Frosting
1/2 stick softened butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Whip up the butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add in the rest of the ingredients and beat to form a spreadable frosting. You might need to add a few drops of milk to reach this depending on the weather and the dryness of the air.
Generously spread the frosting over the top of the cooled cake. If you want to add chocolate sprinkes or crushed peanuts, do so.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cake
2 cups coarsely chopped, salted peanuts
1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (It really brings out the peanut taste.)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Vegetable oil spray a 9-inch, round baking pan and then line with parchment paper.
Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Let cake cool for ten minutes before removing from the pan and letting it complete the cooling process on a wire rack. Either dust with powdered sugar or frost with a peanut butter cream frosting.
Peanut Butter Cream Frosting
1/2 stick softened butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Whip up the butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add in the rest of the ingredients and beat to form a spreadable frosting. You might need to add a few drops of milk to reach this depending on the weather and the dryness of the air.
Generously spread the frosting over the top of the cooled cake. If you want to add chocolate sprinkes or crushed peanuts, do so.
A very sad commentary . . .
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/now-planned-parenthood-bullies-catholic-food-bank-for-saying-no-to-them
This link speaks for itself. People don't seem to come into the mix on this debate. It is one organization wanting to undermine another. Planned Parenthood doesn't come across as anyone's real friend. Very sad . . . Hurrah for Paul's Pantry that stuck to their ethics!
This link speaks for itself. People don't seem to come into the mix on this debate. It is one organization wanting to undermine another. Planned Parenthood doesn't come across as anyone's real friend. Very sad . . . Hurrah for Paul's Pantry that stuck to their ethics!
More quotes to start the day . . .
"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
-- Benjamin Franklin
-- Benjamin Franklin
"No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room furniture unless
absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation."
-- Fran Lebowitz
-- Fran Lebowitz
"Your true value depends entirely on what you are compared with."
-- Bob Wells
-- Bob Wells
"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad
judgement."
-- Unknown
-- Unknown
Our petitions to God and here is OUR list . . .
We have been praying and praying for rain. Finally, we are promised a pretty wet storm. While we are thrilled with the damp forecast, we had to give more detailed directions to God in our rain request - Can He hold it off a bit on the day my husband has to travel on business! Human nature! We want what we want when we want it and then follow up with further instructions! God's Will . . . But, could He consider that Thursday request!
Some funny/applicable quotes on life:
"My pessimism extends to the point of even suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists."
-- Jean Rostand
"Idleness is not doing nothing. Idleness is being free to do anything."
-- Floyd Dell
Some funny/applicable quotes on life:
"My pessimism extends to the point of even suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists."
-- Jean Rostand
"Idleness is not doing nothing. Idleness is being free to do anything."
-- Floyd Dell
Ambition . . .
A
man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man
with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive. Having
been alive, it won't be so hard in the end to lie down and rest.
- Pearl Bailey
Returning in Triumph from the Fabric Warehouse!
Although I never leave the fabric warehouse without some fabric, each visit provides different choices. You can't depend on finding the same pattern you wish you had gotten more of the last time, but there is always something to get your creative juices going.
We must have hit a good day on our visit. We did see a lot of what we call the old favorites . . . The ones that are there time after time and you have to wonder who thought it would be a good idea to put a pattern like that on fabric. Yesterday, however, there was some new fabrics in the bargain section and I literally returned home with exactly what I wanted.
The fabric store is divided into two sections. Although everything is drastically marked down compared to the fabric store prices, some are still too rich for my blood . . . of bank account! Along one side of the place are about eight rows of flat fold fabric. This is either surplus of a particular fabric, end pieces, or last year's patterns. The aisles are almost five-feet high and you need muscles to pull out likely fabrics. My husband provides the muscle! All the fabrics in this section are $2.49 a yard. I have been looking for a run of fabric that has basically the same pattern but in different colors, sort of a blender fabric to fill out quilt patterns. Found it, yesterday, and actually got ten different colors and it was by one of my favorite fabric companies, David's Textiles. You have to understand that this is not seconds fabric but good, quality fabric that is just not popular or they had a surplus.
The other side of the store has fabric on bolts like at the regular fabric stores with prices ranging from $3.99 to $10.99 a yard which is still a lot less expensive than retail stores. I shop the $5.99 or less fabrics but allow myself a wistful tour of the expensive ones . . . without buying!
I'm not charged up and excited to begin another quilt . . . as soon as I finish the one I promised my younger daughter for her birthday!
I've had some interesting experiences at fabric stores. One time, I was visiting a really, really seconds fabric store where you had to be careful as there was a reason it was so cheap. There was a whole row of the most awful fleece fabric. It was a camouflague pattern in off olive green, neon orange, and bright yellow. I don't know what situation would have every matched that pattern for hiding! I was standing in shock at the display when mother walked into the store with five, little boys . . . all sporting obviously homemade jackets . . . made of that very same fabric.
My favorite time was when I was having my fabric measured and cut at the fabric warehouse and the clerk got a phone call. She looked perplexed as she listened and then said, "Yes, we do have pink fabric but you will have to come in and see for yourself. We have more than one pink!"
I have also been one to purchase fabric that made people wonder! My youngest son was five years old and he fell in love with a deep reddish pink fabric with giant, lifelike snakes on it. I told him he could pick the fabric he wanted for his shirt . . . and he did! The clerk laughed as she measured and it cut and quipped, "This is the first we've sold of this since it arrived last week!"
We must have hit a good day on our visit. We did see a lot of what we call the old favorites . . . The ones that are there time after time and you have to wonder who thought it would be a good idea to put a pattern like that on fabric. Yesterday, however, there was some new fabrics in the bargain section and I literally returned home with exactly what I wanted.
The fabric store is divided into two sections. Although everything is drastically marked down compared to the fabric store prices, some are still too rich for my blood . . . of bank account! Along one side of the place are about eight rows of flat fold fabric. This is either surplus of a particular fabric, end pieces, or last year's patterns. The aisles are almost five-feet high and you need muscles to pull out likely fabrics. My husband provides the muscle! All the fabrics in this section are $2.49 a yard. I have been looking for a run of fabric that has basically the same pattern but in different colors, sort of a blender fabric to fill out quilt patterns. Found it, yesterday, and actually got ten different colors and it was by one of my favorite fabric companies, David's Textiles. You have to understand that this is not seconds fabric but good, quality fabric that is just not popular or they had a surplus.
The other side of the store has fabric on bolts like at the regular fabric stores with prices ranging from $3.99 to $10.99 a yard which is still a lot less expensive than retail stores. I shop the $5.99 or less fabrics but allow myself a wistful tour of the expensive ones . . . without buying!
I'm not charged up and excited to begin another quilt . . . as soon as I finish the one I promised my younger daughter for her birthday!
I've had some interesting experiences at fabric stores. One time, I was visiting a really, really seconds fabric store where you had to be careful as there was a reason it was so cheap. There was a whole row of the most awful fleece fabric. It was a camouflague pattern in off olive green, neon orange, and bright yellow. I don't know what situation would have every matched that pattern for hiding! I was standing in shock at the display when mother walked into the store with five, little boys . . . all sporting obviously homemade jackets . . . made of that very same fabric.
My favorite time was when I was having my fabric measured and cut at the fabric warehouse and the clerk got a phone call. She looked perplexed as she listened and then said, "Yes, we do have pink fabric but you will have to come in and see for yourself. We have more than one pink!"
I have also been one to purchase fabric that made people wonder! My youngest son was five years old and he fell in love with a deep reddish pink fabric with giant, lifelike snakes on it. I told him he could pick the fabric he wanted for his shirt . . . and he did! The clerk laughed as she measured and it cut and quipped, "This is the first we've sold of this since it arrived last week!"
Friday, February 17, 2012
Blessed with another year . . .
Tomorrow, is our anniversary! We are a couple years past the quarter of a century mark (dosen't that make one think ancient!) and I'm continually amazed that God gave me the blessing of a good marriage and children.
We are heading down to the fabric warehouse today as my husband said that is what he wants to do for his anniversary. Uh, my husband doesn't sew and I have a feeling this is for me, you think? I have promised him a chocolate torte for his gift along with salmon for dinner this evening.
It is interesting that the more the years add up on our lives, the more it seems that we look back at 'chapter's of it and often have trouble relating events of the past to ourselves . . . more like rereading a book! When life is happening, we are often too busy to thoroughly appreciate it so memories are our way of eventually really enjoying all that we have been given.
Naturally, my husband's horrible cold of last week is leaving him just as the germs seem to have found me and my son. That's why we are heading down to the fabric warehouse, today, in case I get worse. Right now, it is only a cough and not such a bad one that I emit a mating call to seals! When we came down with the first symptoms, yesterday, my son and I immediately headed down to Walmart and loaded up on ZICAM (highly recommend the stuff!), cough drops, and AirBorne. I haven't had a cold in over five years and I'm not going down without a fight! :-)
My quilt work was productive, yesterday. It only needs a border now which is pretty good as I only started the project three days ago. Some quilts are like that, they just seem to fall together while other ones give me fits. No quilting today as I will be busy coughing and checking out the latest and greatest at the fabric warehouse!
We are heading down to the fabric warehouse today as my husband said that is what he wants to do for his anniversary. Uh, my husband doesn't sew and I have a feeling this is for me, you think? I have promised him a chocolate torte for his gift along with salmon for dinner this evening.
It is interesting that the more the years add up on our lives, the more it seems that we look back at 'chapter's of it and often have trouble relating events of the past to ourselves . . . more like rereading a book! When life is happening, we are often too busy to thoroughly appreciate it so memories are our way of eventually really enjoying all that we have been given.
Naturally, my husband's horrible cold of last week is leaving him just as the germs seem to have found me and my son. That's why we are heading down to the fabric warehouse, today, in case I get worse. Right now, it is only a cough and not such a bad one that I emit a mating call to seals! When we came down with the first symptoms, yesterday, my son and I immediately headed down to Walmart and loaded up on ZICAM (highly recommend the stuff!), cough drops, and AirBorne. I haven't had a cold in over five years and I'm not going down without a fight! :-)
My quilt work was productive, yesterday. It only needs a border now which is pretty good as I only started the project three days ago. Some quilts are like that, they just seem to fall together while other ones give me fits. No quilting today as I will be busy coughing and checking out the latest and greatest at the fabric warehouse!
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