Thanksgiving is NOT about shopping . . .

It is very sad that shopping has taken away the family aspect of Thanksgiving. My memories, as a child, was one of anticipation and a grumbling stomach as so many good smells scented our home. There were neat things like vegetable trays to snack on and calls to the kitchen to taste this, that, or the other to assure my mother it was wonderfully good and can we eat now? Dinner was sort of scheduled but we gathered to eat whenever it was done as a bit more waiting only made the final attack on the turkey all the more tasty.

This year, instead of good thoughts about the Thanksgiving traditions, the stores blasted our televisions and radios with ad after ad about the pre-bargains to be had the day before Black Friday. Wait! The day before Black Friday shopping is . . . Thanksgiving!

I have never joined in the Black Friday frenzy of shopping. There is nothing on earth that would make me want to stand in line with hundreds of other people in hopes of being one of the few that would actually snag one of the great deals. Also, the thought of being pushed, shoved, or even seriously hurt by adamant shoppers dissolved any possibility of allure to the venture.

I just watched some videos of pre-Black Friday and Black Friday shopping mobs. It reminded me of a pack of wild animals snapping and tearing at whatever they could reach. There were injuries at some shopping areas. In our own city, a police officer broke his hand trying to calm down a guy randomly attacking people. What a contrast to years gone by when families gathered in their homes, shared an especially wonderful meal, and made memories.

One year, my daughter and I ventured out on Black Friday around ten in the morning when most of the drama was over. We went to a local Wal-Mart and it was like entering a battlefield after the war. Clothing and other items were almost knee-deep in places. We saw about 30 shopping carts lined up and filled with discards employees had already gathered and were trying to either put back on the shelves or discard due to damage. There were still people 'shopping'. One woman, who should have been old enough to have known better, was systematically opening perfume/bath sets, taking a sniff, and tossing them on the floor. Unwanted shirts and sweaters were still being tossed down on the floor. Harried employees, looking grim, were running around trying to make a difference. They were dealing with humans who decided to be animals set on destruction. A very sad commentary on the human race.

With all the security, we figured things would calm down sooner . . . and it had. The store we went to around eleven on Black Friday was already back in order. What was amazing that without the shouting, screaming, or crowds, we found everything on our list (not based on sales but our own list of gift needs) and checked out and were on our way home in about 30 minutes. We got good deals and no turmoil. Was there really anything on sale that was worth the meanness and bad manners exhibited by the early shoppers?

Reminder from Mother Teresa . . .

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." ~ Mother Teresa

A Sad Commentary to begin the Thanksgiving Week . . .

http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/11/wife-of-christian-pastor-imprisoned-in-iran-devastated-after-obama-makes-no-attempt-to-secure-his-re.html

This is a sad commentary on how our government seems to view human rights even when the solution was probably a given  with the negotiations at stake. Israel and Saudi Arabia both declared the outcome of the negotiation with Iran to be a historical mistake. We can also include the fact that
an American human life was totally left out of the equation.

When we celebrate our Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah holidays this year, let's remember to send prayers to this pastor and his family who will be separated from each other for another Christmas season.

Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie!

 Found a recipe for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (gluten-free, of course!) and had to give it a try. I won't brag about them being a success but after bringing one to my son while he did homework, he showed up in the kitchen and took away four more.

Quote from George Washington!

A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government."  --  George Washington

 

 

Guarded Truce . . .

 Fresh, the cat on the left, is a part-time cat that comes through our house ever so often. She would very much like us to dump our black and white cat, Marcella, and let her take over the home. In the meantime, she often stops by to warm up and take a nap. She usually growls herself to sleep because she does not like our cat, Marcella. Marcella, however, loves everyone and would like to cuddle up with Fresh.



 It was particularly cold, yesterday, and in order to save my furniture from cat hair, I put down some towels. Seems that being warm got the best of Fresh and she allowed Marcella to share the sofa with her for several hours. Nap over, Fresh began her peeved growling and left.

The Memory Bowl . . .

 My favorite mixing bowl is an old, battered stainless steel one. It is my go-to bowl for whipping egg whites, chilling salads, and holding lots of popcorn on a cold evening with a good video at hand. It belonged to my mother and when her household was distributed at her passing, this was the one item I truly wanted in my own home. It's memories started at my mother's home and it had a 'liturgical' beginning and came into my memory bank one Easter Vigil.

My mother was helping set up for the Easter Vigil services and we lacked a receptacle for the Blessing of the Water that evening. A day or two before, my mother finally saved up her pennies and had happily purchased this bowl,  a dream of hers to own. It was shiny, unscratched, and never used when she offered the loan of it for the Easter Vigil Service. I didn't know until that evening at church that her now-favorite mixing bowl was playing an important role in the Resurrection!

As usual, the Easter Service began in a dark church. The Easter candle was lit, people shared the new flame, and the church was illuminated for the Blessing of the Water. It was beautiful and I had to smile when my mother leaned over and whispered, "Do you see the beautiful container for the Easter Water?" I nodded and replied, "It's your new mixing bowl, isn't it?" My mother asked, "When did you realize that?" I grinned, "When I saw the price tag sticker on it!"

For some reason, it didn't take away from the service and I doubt anyone but us noticed the tiny white sticker. I've used that bowl a lot in the last ten years since my mother passed away. It is always there for me and makes me smile. These days, however, it is just a well-used bowl with scratches and dents from much use. There was a time it played a more dignified role and looked golden in the reflection of the flame of the Easter Candle.

Words to the Wise . . . Shared from a friend . . .

In 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal and delivered a prophetic message to mankind. 

She warned mankind of the consequences of sin and the necessity for world conversion.

 

Our Lady's request is divided in three parts:

1 - Prayer, especially the recitation of the Rosary and the Fiver First Saturdays Devotion.

2 - Sacrifices, offered both as an act of reparation for the sins against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and 

the Immaculate Heart of Mary and for the conversion of poor sinners, especially those in immediate risk of going to hell.

3 - Amendment of life in order to stop offending God and to obtain graces and blessings from heaven.

Easy Street Cake

Another easy cake that takes minutes to get into the oven and will provide a treat for the family during the approaching holiday season. The cake can be dressed up with a fancy icing or served with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Need something more 'portable', bake them as cupcakes.

Easy Street Cake
*1 box cake mix (your choice!)
*1 small package instant pudding mix
3 large eggs
*/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice!)
1/2 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup club soda

This recipe is good for a bundt pan but can easily be a sheet cake or cupcakes. Vegetable oil spray your pans of choice or line cupcake wrapper in a muffin tin. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

Mix together thoroughly all the ingredients except the club soda. Then, quickly mix in the club soda to incorporate and pour into prepared pan(s).

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes depending on type of pan(s) you used. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing.

The fun of this recipe is that you can mix and match your cake mixes, instant pudding mix, and choice of nuts. I always watch for cake mix sales, especially around the holiday seasons, and stock up just for this sort of occasion.

Frugal Cake - Spicy Tomato Cake

I like this recipe because it is easy, I usually have what I need on hand, and it is always enjoyed. People tend to ask for the recipe and are always surprised at the inclusion of tomatoes. A great cake to whip up while you put up the tree or come back from a busy day of shopping.

Spicy Tomato Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
Freshly grated zest of one orange
3/4 cup brown sugar (You can use granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand)

 

1 cup, canned diced tomatoes, drained and pureed to measure one cup
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Vegetable oil and spray either an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

 Combine all the dry ingredients including the zest in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients until well combined.

 Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combines. Do not beat or over mix the ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched or a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean of wet crumbs.

Cool on a rack and then think about icing with a lemon or orange glaze!

For the Romantics Among Us - Favorite E-Mail of the Day!

An elderly couple  had just learned how to send text messages on their mobile phone.

The wife was a romantic type  and the husband was more of a  no-nonsense guy.
One afternoon the  wife went out to meet a friend for  coffee. While waiting for the friend to arrive she decided to send her  husband a romantic text message and wrote:
"If you are sleeping, send  me your dreams.
If you are laughing, send me  your smile.
If you are eating, send me a  bite.
If you are drinking, send me  a sip.
If you are  crying, send me your tears.
I love  you."
The husband texted back to  her:

"I'm on the toilet.   Please advise."

Finally!

 Southern California seems to have only two seasons: hot and not so hot so it is always exciting to me to have a bit of Fall show up in the yard. There is just something about leaves turning bright, golden colors that puts one in mind for Thanksgiving and the coming of cooler weather.

Who can resist?

 Admit it, who could resist a radioactive kitten? It is so difficult to photograph our kittens and, as you can see, when one pauses to plot her next move, the light works against me in the picture. Or . . . maybe she is from another planet and here to do harm to the world!

Thought-provoking . . . to say the least . . .

FAST FACTS ABOUT DR. CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER , MD

1. Born: March 13, 1950
2. Birthplace: New York City, New York
3. Raised in Montreal, Canada
4. Attended Mc Gill University and Harvard Medical School
5. 1972 diving accident left him paralyzed from the neck on down.
6. Directed psychiatric research for the Carter administration
7. Began writing career in 1981 with The New Republic
8. Helped develop the "Reagan Doctrine" in the 80's
9. Appointed to Presidential Council on Bioethics in 2002

Dr. Krauthammer is frequently on the Fox News Channel. He is an M.D., a lawyer and is paralyzed from the neck down. A friend went to hear Charles Krauthammer. He listened with 25 others in a closed room. What he says here is NOT 2nd-hand but 1st. The ramifications are staggering for us, our children and their children.

Last Monday was a profound evening. Dr. Charles Krauthammer spoke to the Center for the American Experiment. He is a brilliant intellectual, seasoned & articulate. He is forthright and careful in his analysis and never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is NOT a fearmonger nor an extremist in his comments and views. He is a fiscal conservative and has received a Pulitzer Prize for writing. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and writes weekly for the Washington Post.

The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have summarized his comments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically and internationally.

Even 2 Dems at my table agreed with everything he said! If you feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded and have not drunk the Kool-Aid, feel free....

Summary of his comments:


1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be
underestimated. He is a cool customer who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's behind the mask. The taking down of the Clinton dynasty was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan and Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing with your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attention to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can't be straight forward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand and wants to level the playing field with income redistribution and punishment to the achievers of society. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain or Canada .

4. His three main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION and NATIONAL HEALTHCARE by the Federal government. He doesn't care about the auto or financial services industries but got them as an early bonus. The cap and trade will add costs to everything and stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is his healthcare program because if you make it FREE and add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go through the roof. The only way to control costs is with massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada .. God forbid!

5. He has surrounded himself with mostly far-left academic types. No one around him has ever even run a candy store. But they are going to try and run the auto, financial, banking and other industries. This obviously can't work in the long run. Obama is not a socialist; rather he's a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of revolution. He ran as a moderate but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he DOES, not what he says.

6. Obama doesn't really see himself as President of the United States but more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate and coordinate various countries and their agendas. He sees moral equivalency in all cultures. His apology tour in Germany and England was a prime example of how he sees America as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors This is the first President, ever , who has chastised our allies and appeased our enemies!

7. He is now handing out goodies. He would like to blame all problems on Bush, from the past, and hopefully his successor in the future. He has a huge ego and Dr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcissist.

8. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller government, personal responsibility, strong national defense and State's Rights.

9. The current level of spending is irresponsible and outrageous. We are spending trillions that we don't have. This could lead to hyperinflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent themselves into prosperity The Media is giving Obama, Reid and Pelosi a Pass because they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due and people will realize the huge bailouts didn't work, nor will the stimulus package. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama's allies, unions and the Congress to Placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

10 When Lehman brothers failed, fear and panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, and the war was grinding on indefinitely without a clear outcome. The people are in pain and the mantra of change caused people to act emotionally. Any Dem would have won this election; it was surprising that it was as close as it was.

11. If the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dems continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it will be a dogfight. It will all be about the economy. I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington and Congress There is a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, and he encourages us to keep the faith and join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard but we're right on most issues and can reclaim our country before it's far too late.

12. This country will fall if is refuses to elect conservatives like Reagan, who loved the Constitution and it's ability to limit political power. Unless this Leviathan is destroyed and government is pared back to the limited size originally deliniated by the Constitution we are going down.

It's been a long slog to get us here, starting with the second president, John Adams, being the first to try to dictate instead of serve. This plot was hatched behind the scenes at the convention in Philadelphia in 1787 when the Monarchists lost the vote in their attempt to destroy states sovereignty and form a large centralized federal government. They may have lost the vote, but they have been winning the battles stealthfully for a long time. Time for a change, a real change, back to the original intents and limits of the Constitution.

American Jobs - We Can Make a Difference . . .

GET AMERICAN JOBS BACK!
This video makes clear something we
all can and should do, EACH time we
make a purchase.

http://www.millionjobsproject.us/

(You might have to cut and paste this into your
search engine to access the link.)

H.L. Mencken - A Prophet?

"As democracy is perfected, the office of the President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and complete narcissistic moron." - H.L. Mencken, The Baltimore Evening Sun, July 26, 1920

Kittens, Kittens, Kittens!

It isn't easy taking a picture of lively kittens so our best shots are when they are asleep or just waking up from a nap.

Still looking for homes for them. From what I hear about our county animal shelter, it isn't really so much a shelter as a place to get rid of unwanted animals. These two have so much personality and sweetness, as do all kittens, that I want them to be safe and happy.

Still Waiting for a Home . . .

 Our recent onslaught of kittens are still with us as we continue trying to find homes for them. We are hoping that someone will take both of them as they are very devoted to each other. I imagine their time on the streets on their own contributed to that. We have a large kennel for them at night but block off the kitchen during the day to let them have a run around time. We have to pull the chairs away from the table as they would like to consider the table just another playground. I'm not especially fond of animals in the house so they are learning their boundaries and being good.

The grey one is a bit careful but the black one loves to be picked up. They both go into purring overdrive the minute they see us especially if it means it is time to play inside on the kitchen floor.

Makes sense in the current guidelines . . . :-(

The Affordable Boat Act

The U.S. government has just passed a new law entitled "The Affordable Boat Act" declaring that every citizen MUST purchase a new boat by April, 2014. These 'affordable' boats will cost an average of $54,000-$155,000 each. This does not include taxes, trailers, towing fees, licensing and registration fees, fuel, docking and storage fees, maintenance, or repair costs.

This law has been passed because, until now, typically only wealthy and financially responsible people have been able to purchase boats. This new law ensures that every American can now have an 'affordable' boat of their own, because everyone is 'entitled' to a new boat. If you purchase your boat before the end of the year, you will receive four 'free' life jackets (does not include monthly usage fees).

In order to make sure everyone purchases an 'affordable boat,' the cost of owning a boat will increase on average of 250-400% per year. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don't want or can't afford to maintain. But, to be fair, people who can't afford to maintain their boat will be regularly fined and children (under the age of 26) can use their parents boat(s) to party on until they turn 27, after which date they must purchase their own boat.

If you already have a boat, you can keep yours (just kidding; no you can't). If you don't want or don't need a boat, you are required to buy one anyhow. If you refuse to buy one or can't afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you purchase one, or face imprisonment. If you cannot (or don't want to) purchase an 'affordable boat' from a private business, you can buy a starter boat from the U. S. government 'affordable boat exchange.' Such a boat will have the basic necessities (hull, oars or paddles) and will only cost 'slightly more' than a similar boat purchased from a private business. Plus, since your tax dollars will subsidize the purchase of a boat from the U. S. government's 'affordable boat exchange,' it will appear that you are getting a good deal.

Failure to use the boat will also result in fines. People living in the desert, ghettos, inner cities, or areas with no access to lakes are not exempt. Neither age, motion sickness, experience, knowledge, nor lack of desire are acceptable excuses for not using your boat.

A government review board (that doesn't know the difference between the port side, starboard side, or stern of a boat) will decide everything, including when, where, how often, and for what purposes you can use your boat, along with how many people can ride your boat. The board will also determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to use their boat, and will also decide if your boat has out lived its usefulness or if you must purchase specific accessories(like a $500 compass) or a newer and more expensive boat.

Those that can afford yachts will be required to do so ... it's only fair. The government will also decide the name for each boat. Failure to comply with these rules will result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a boat, they and their families can obtain boats free at the expense of tax payers. Unions, bankers, and mega companies with large political affiliations ($$$) are also exempt.

REMEMBER YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT - SO KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU VOTE.

Christmas Baking - Butterscotch Apple Cookies

Apples and butterscotch are a good combination in these cookies. If you can find cinnamon candy chips during the holidays, that would be a great taste, too.

Butterscotch Apple Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup or honey
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup grated apples (be sure to peel them before grating)
1 cup butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment or use vegetable oil spray.

Cream shortening, brown sugar, corn syrup (or honey) and eggs in a bowl and beat thoroughly. Mix in the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Mix well. Stir in the vanilla and the rest of the ingredients.

Drop by small spoonful or use cookie scoop of your size choice onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges and set in the middle. Remove to cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Holiday Suggestion - Christmas Snacking Cake

Even enjoyable work, like decorating the house for Christmas, can get everyone hungry for a little something to sustain energy and Christmas Spirit. This is an easy cake with lots of scope for personal changes and touches.

Christmas Snacking Cake
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated zest of one lemon
Pinch ground nutmeg
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with vegetable oil spray.

Cream together the butter, sugar, salt in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time and beat until light and fluffy. In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Add to the butter mixture along with the milk and mix to combine. Add the vanilla, zest, and nutmeg and stir to mix. Beat for one minute then pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the center is set and bounces back when touched gently. Cool for 15 minutes then ice with lemon glaze (recipe to follow). Sprinkle with toasted nuts, tiny Christmas candies, or leave plain. Cut into squares and provide to your hungry workers as needed.

Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon extract
enough fresh lemon juice to form a glaze

Ideas . . .
Chocolate Glaze - 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, milk to form a glaze
Cinnamon & Sugar Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on warm cake

Explanation of the new healthcare system . . .

Remember when Nancy Pelosi said:

“We have to pass it, to find out what’s in it”

A physician called into a radio show and said:

"That's the definition of a stool sample".

That pretty well sums it up.