Hard to argue with fact . . .!

Everywhere I go, I'm asked if I think the universities stifle writers. My opinion is that they don't stifle enough of them. There's many a best seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.

- Flannery O'Conner

Best of plans . . .

It always seems that our car needs attention on rainy days! I have more than one memory of following my husband in his car trying to find a repair garage and straining to see through the pouring rain. I was happily crocheting in the car this morning. I was waiting for my son to come out of his college class. I was feeling quite content until I glanced at the dashboard and there was this funny symbol lit up. I had never seen it before but figured I didn't want it to stay there if I wanted the car to continue to work properly. When I got home, my husband confirmed that we, indeed, had some kind of problem . . . but what?

Naturally, the rain really cut loose as we headed out to yet another car repair shop. My poor, old van is currently there being hooked up to a diagnostic machine to try and pinpoint how much it's return to health is going to cost.

The fun part? The repair shop is in the same area as the college. So far, I've driven to the college (20-30 minute drive depending on the traffic) one complete round with my son's early-morning class. We just got back from taking the car in the same direction, another round trip. When the repair shop calls, we may be doing the same trip, again. Oh, and yeah, my daughter has a class this afternoon as the college which equates into another round trip.

I'm counting my blessings, however, that the car didn't just die on the freeway. I always pray for the car to 'die at home' like any family member should be blessed! :-)

Anyway, my elaborate plans for dinner have gone by the wayside. I did find some bratwurst in the freezer and will be braising that with lots of onions, garlic, and peppers for dinner. I serve it with Jasmine rise and steamed carrots. It is a favorite of my children so they won't be missing anything from their idea of an evening meal.

I did get half a scarf crocheted waiting for my son at the college, however. Silver linings in my day when I take the time to look for them. Right now, we are just praying the repair bill will be well within budget. God's Will, of course, but we keep sending Him messages about it!

Prayer Request . . .

Here is a link describing the health problems of a sweet, little boy. I, personally, don't know him but have gotten to see his personality through the stories his mother has written, his health concerns, and spirit. Anyone who has an extra prayer, I think this child and his family could certainly use it!

https://sites.google.com/site/prayforliam/home

Couldn't resist . . .

Being intelligent is not a felony, but most societies evaluate it as at least a misdemeanor.

- Lazarus Long

A Price for Everything . . .

Yes, we love peace, but we are not willing to take wounds for it, as we are for war.

- John Andrew Holmes

Funny but sadly true in some cases . . .

I enjoy the music and comedy of Tim Hawkins. He has a tweet every so often that is always on the humorous note. This morning, it was no exception:

I'm getting the evil eye from a lot of people in church service today. Makes it hard for me to focus on games of Temple Run.

I laughed but with a mild grimace as I remembered an incident from morning Mass last week. During the sermon, I kept hearing this soft click, click, click. It was distracting and I wondered if there was a problem with the light fixtures or something. I glanced over and a woman was busily using sermone 'break' time at Mass to text back and forth with someone! She did this the entire fifteen minutes of the sermon without looking up once. When the sermon ended, she closed her phone and put it away. I had to wonder why she even came to morning Mass if not to attend morning Mass. If there was an extended emergency at home, shouldn't she have gone outside to finish the conversation? These are the times I'm glad my children are grown up and I don't have to figure out ways to answer their questions about the incorrect behavior of people at Mass.

One time, a woman's phone went off during Mass and she picked up and started talking as she walked down the aisle outside. She came back in, sat down, and the phone almost immediately went off, again! She headed back down the aisle, speaking loudly and clearly as she went out. You would think that by this time, she would have put her phone on vibrate but, no, it went off again and we shared in her continuing conversation. She came back into church just as Communion finished. She sat down, looked around expectantly and said out loud, "Did I miss Communion?" No one responded.

Yes, I know Tim Hawkins was joking and this woman was clueless!

Winter Vegetable Roast . . .

Overcast but no rain today which is a blessing from God as we can meet and greet with friends after Mass. Cold, yes, but no damp drizzle seeping down our necks! Found out a friend is having cancer surgery this coming Wednesday. We saw him and his wife going to their car, arms linked, and realized how short and fragile life can get. They have been married 61 years but I imagine they are wondering how the years got past them so fast. If you have a prayer for Carlos' surgery, that would be great. He is open to God's Will but has strong ties to this life . . . as do we all.

I'm enjoying the cold turn in the California weather this weekend. Last night, I made Pita bread to go with our soup. I don't do that much in the summer heat as the oven has to be set at 500 degrees to get the bread to 'pop'. Last night, I was eager to turn on the heat.

Today, I'm thinking of a winter vegetable roast. It is one of the easiest ways to prepare vegetables and even my picky eaters almost enjoy it. What can I say? Some offspring will never face off with vegetables happily.

What I like about roasted vegetables (besides turning on the oven!) is the recipe can be anything you want. I'll list what I usually include and you can add or subtract to your own tastes.

Zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch circles
Miniature bell peppers
Small, whole potatoes (These should be cooked until just done)
Steamed carrots, cut into 1/2-inch circles
Wedges of red onion
Mexican squash, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
Parboiled Brussels Sprouts, barely tender and cut in half
Cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch flowerettes
Broccoil, cut into 1/2-inch flowerettes

Place all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl. Sprinkle generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and onion power. Peel, smash, and dice 8 cloves of garlic and toss with the vegetables. The vegetables should have a light sheen of oil on them.

Scatter on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet (Or grease with vegetable oil spray) and bake in a preheated, 350 degree oven for approximately 15-20 minutes depending on your oven. Check after 10 minutes to see how it is going.

When done, remove from oven and sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and serve.