The community college classes begin this week and my youngest is out of the home school classroom and heading for a college class. He is a quiet but independent kid but I had sort of looked forward to seeing him off on his first day. Sigh . . . A friend offered to drive him over and the independence just went up another notch.
Still, with the government abuses/problems on both the federal and state level, there were almost more students than available classes for the Spring Semester. My son could only get into one class but that is one better than the disappointment of the Fall Semester. Now that he is a registered student taking a class, he should get a better sign up date for the summer session.
God was good as the only class he could get was History and History is is favorite subject. Our pastor did warn him, however, that what is often taught in the public sector isn't always how it happened. Given my son's already vast reading on the subject, he shouldn't be too tainted by inaccuracies in his class.
It is hard to believe that I'm through with homeschooling and selling off my books and supplies. I'm not sure when I will stop feeling guilty about the spare time I now have to myself! I'm afraid the whole world might get quilted if I'm given more sewing time. I've diluted the sewing with crocheting in the evenings now. I have gotten to the assembly part on my crocheted granny square afghan. I have a lot of leftover yarn so plan to work ahead for Christmas selling and make scarves. I do have a quilt in the works for one of my daughters. You can't separate me from the fabric cupboard too long a time. I'm almost getting desperate for a trip to the fabric warehouse but updating the central air and replacing the washer have to be dealt with first.
The break in the Spring weather has been nice. It didn't rain this morning so we had time to be with our friends and pastor after Mass. The drizzles started down a couple of hours ago. It isn't too intense, just enough to make itself known.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Even as I Type . . .
Even as I take a few minutes to relax and type here, I have a pot of the Spicy Chicken Soup simmering on the stove. I didn't have the red kidney beans called for in the recipe so am using some white navy beans I found in the cupboard. Homecooking is all about good food and saving money so it paid to use what I had rather than drive over to the store.
I also was inspired by the orange tree out back which is heavy with fruit right now. No matter how many oranges I eat, the supply seems endless . . . for now. I remembered the orange chiffon cakes my mother used to make and decided some of those fresh oranges would do well in baking a memory on a cold, rainy afternoon. I was prepared to do a lot of orange squeezing as I remembered how my mother bemoaned the fact that the cake too so many oranges to make. Perhaps, my oranges are juicier as it only took two to provide the 3/4 cup of juice and the fresh zest for the cake. Cake is cooling on the counter while I ponder a choice of icing for it. I'll probably go with a lemon/orange glaze.
Orange chiffon cakes are not difficult to make. The clue is to line up all the ingredients before you get started so the process doesn't get bogged down at a crucial point. The only 'difficult' part is folding in the stiff egg whites into the orange/oil/flour batter. You have to get out the egg white streaks but take care to not over mix it as it will reduce the volume of the cake. My cake went to the top of the big tube cake pan so I haven't lost my touch.
My mother worked at the local parish every Sunday so from an early age, around ten or twelve, I was making dinner and dessert. I remember getting to the folding in point on the orange chiffon cake and having to call my mother to run home (the church wasn't far) to fold it in for me. It seemed all too soon before I just did it myself and often wondered if my mother missed this interaction as much as I did over the years.
Anyone interested in a recipe for orange chiffon cake, let me know. I cannot promise, however, to be there to help you fold in your cake batters!
I also was inspired by the orange tree out back which is heavy with fruit right now. No matter how many oranges I eat, the supply seems endless . . . for now. I remembered the orange chiffon cakes my mother used to make and decided some of those fresh oranges would do well in baking a memory on a cold, rainy afternoon. I was prepared to do a lot of orange squeezing as I remembered how my mother bemoaned the fact that the cake too so many oranges to make. Perhaps, my oranges are juicier as it only took two to provide the 3/4 cup of juice and the fresh zest for the cake. Cake is cooling on the counter while I ponder a choice of icing for it. I'll probably go with a lemon/orange glaze.
Orange chiffon cakes are not difficult to make. The clue is to line up all the ingredients before you get started so the process doesn't get bogged down at a crucial point. The only 'difficult' part is folding in the stiff egg whites into the orange/oil/flour batter. You have to get out the egg white streaks but take care to not over mix it as it will reduce the volume of the cake. My cake went to the top of the big tube cake pan so I haven't lost my touch.
My mother worked at the local parish every Sunday so from an early age, around ten or twelve, I was making dinner and dessert. I remember getting to the folding in point on the orange chiffon cake and having to call my mother to run home (the church wasn't far) to fold it in for me. It seemed all too soon before I just did it myself and often wondered if my mother missed this interaction as much as I did over the years.
Anyone interested in a recipe for orange chiffon cake, let me know. I cannot promise, however, to be there to help you fold in your cake batters!
Simple Pound Cake . . .
Most people I know like to bake their pound cake in a loaf pan. If you have a tube cake pan on hand, it also makes a nice presentation and is easier to decorate and serve. From what I understand, the name 'pound cake' came from the fact that a pound of each ingredient was used in the cake. Not sure how the measurements go these days but a simple pound cake in any shape or flavor is always a nice finishe to a festive dinner. Leftover pound cake? Not bad with a cup of coffee when you need a morning break.
Simple Pound Cake
3 sticks of softened butter (Margarine just doesn't work well)
3 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
3 cups cake flour
1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons finely grated, fresh lemon zest
This cake like to be baked long and low so preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray or otherwise grease a 10-inch tube cake pan.
Whip together the sugar and butter into light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Blend in the flour and whipping cream. Stir in the extracts and lemon zest. Spread evenly into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for about one hour to an hour and a half depending on your oven. To test doneness, use a toothpick and stick it in the middle of the cake. It should come out clean of sticky crumbs or wet batter.
Cool completely before removing from cake pan.
Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Enough lemon juice to form the icing.
Drizzle over the top of the cake and let run down the sides.
This recipe makes great cupcakes, too. The cupcakes are bit sturdier but taste good along, with an icing, or split and served with strawberries and whipped cream.
Simple Pound Cake
3 sticks of softened butter (Margarine just doesn't work well)
3 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
3 cups cake flour
1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons finely grated, fresh lemon zest
This cake like to be baked long and low so preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray or otherwise grease a 10-inch tube cake pan.
Whip together the sugar and butter into light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Blend in the flour and whipping cream. Stir in the extracts and lemon zest. Spread evenly into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for about one hour to an hour and a half depending on your oven. To test doneness, use a toothpick and stick it in the middle of the cake. It should come out clean of sticky crumbs or wet batter.
Cool completely before removing from cake pan.
Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Enough lemon juice to form the icing.
Drizzle over the top of the cake and let run down the sides.
This recipe makes great cupcakes, too. The cupcakes are bit sturdier but taste good along, with an icing, or split and served with strawberries and whipped cream.
Interesting reminder . . .
I always breathe a small sigh of relief when the celebrant of the Sunday Mass is our pastor. He is conservative in his views and devout in his Faith. He has studied his religion well and if you question him on any doctrine, he can either answer you fully or direct you to more reading on the subject to prove his point and resolve your question.
Today, Father reminded us, as did the Scripture readings, that our mortal bodies were not created for evil and sin. He said that we will always see the world from the our mortal habitat, our bodies. Our senses bring in the world to us but when all is said and done, we cannot leave the confines of our body as long as we dwell on earth. In fact, on the Final Judgement Day, we will be rejoined to our earthy habitat - for better or worse and we should pray that it will be for the better because that will be our last chance.
He further pointed out that we are created in God's Likeness and God thought His creations good enough to breath His life into us. We often forget that besides being the habitant of our bodies, we also share it with God's breath of life in our souls.
It makes one stop to think more seriously about how we present our 'homes' to other people. We need to be aware of how our outer presentation speaks volumes of what goes on inside our souls. Not only do we need to respect this gift from God, we have to teach our children the same respect in how they live within the earthly home God has given us to protect our hearts, souls, and spirituality.
It is also, in a way, a burden when you walk around a mall or store and see how sexuality is the major presentation for many people's bodies. Yesterday, a mother had four, young girls with her. Three were wearing shorts that just about ended at their hips. The other one wore a tight, knit dress that clearly revealed that there was no underwear in danger of being seen - she wasn't wearing any! The age of these 'young ladies'? I'd guess about 10 or 12 years old.
It is sad when the sins of the world are turned into the popular recreation of the world. Mortality is not acknowledged. Grace and dignity of body and soul is trampled under the foot of exalted sins. Yet, people still wonder why the world is going downhill so quickly.
Today, Father reminded us, as did the Scripture readings, that our mortal bodies were not created for evil and sin. He said that we will always see the world from the our mortal habitat, our bodies. Our senses bring in the world to us but when all is said and done, we cannot leave the confines of our body as long as we dwell on earth. In fact, on the Final Judgement Day, we will be rejoined to our earthy habitat - for better or worse and we should pray that it will be for the better because that will be our last chance.
He further pointed out that we are created in God's Likeness and God thought His creations good enough to breath His life into us. We often forget that besides being the habitant of our bodies, we also share it with God's breath of life in our souls.
It makes one stop to think more seriously about how we present our 'homes' to other people. We need to be aware of how our outer presentation speaks volumes of what goes on inside our souls. Not only do we need to respect this gift from God, we have to teach our children the same respect in how they live within the earthly home God has given us to protect our hearts, souls, and spirituality.
It is also, in a way, a burden when you walk around a mall or store and see how sexuality is the major presentation for many people's bodies. Yesterday, a mother had four, young girls with her. Three were wearing shorts that just about ended at their hips. The other one wore a tight, knit dress that clearly revealed that there was no underwear in danger of being seen - she wasn't wearing any! The age of these 'young ladies'? I'd guess about 10 or 12 years old.
It is sad when the sins of the world are turned into the popular recreation of the world. Mortality is not acknowledged. Grace and dignity of body and soul is trampled under the foot of exalted sins. Yet, people still wonder why the world is going downhill so quickly.
Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup
It is finally a cold day and perfect for a spicy hot soup for dinner. This is an easy one and you can easily add or subtract to the flavor heat according to your family’s taste. I’m thinking hot corn bread or warmed tortillas would go well with this. Even some tortilla chips crunched over the top would be good.
Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2-3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
3 cups chicken broth, canned or homemade
1 cup of your favorite salsa
2 large, boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup uncooked rice
5 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro
Juice of one lime
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
A pinch of chili flakes
Favorite shredded cheese
Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides. Remove to another plate. Cube when cool enough to handle.
In the same pot, add the celery and onion and cook until softened. Stir as needed to keep from burning. Add the broth, salsa, chicken breasts, rice and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through. Add the beans. Return the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Stir in the fresh cilantro and season to taste with lime juice, chili flakes, salt and pepper. To serve, divide the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese.
Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2-3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
3 cups chicken broth, canned or homemade
1 cup of your favorite salsa
2 large, boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup uncooked rice
5 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro
Juice of one lime
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
A pinch of chili flakes
Favorite shredded cheese
Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides. Remove to another plate. Cube when cool enough to handle.
In the same pot, add the celery and onion and cook until softened. Stir as needed to keep from burning. Add the broth, salsa, chicken breasts, rice and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through. Add the beans. Return the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Stir in the fresh cilantro and season to taste with lime juice, chili flakes, salt and pepper. To serve, divide the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps:
It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign
dignitary.
How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer to the first question.
Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all he time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and
his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length
mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time ispent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe Lewis {the boxer} Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
God Bless America
How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps:
It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign
dignitary.
How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer to the first question.
Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all he time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and
his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length
mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time ispent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe Lewis {the boxer} Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
God Bless America
The Night Visitors . . .
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