Wrapping Up The Wrap-up

I've had the pleasure of hanging out with my bosses kids for a few hours these last two days - so adorable and fun they are, in spite of their supreme dislike of anything green or Sparty-ish. When I got to work to-day, my gear, table, seat, and window was done up well with 'Go Blue' and block M signs.

Love the Kermit and Miss Piggy commercial with Charles, Spike, and Samuel L. Sometimes you bring home the bacon, and sometimes the bacon brings you home. Profound :-)

Clemson up 10-7 over Oklahoma in the first semi-final game also known as the Orange Bowl.Commercial breaks are very long, I've noticed already.

Started the day early doing the dishes and wishing it was the weekend - one more day of work before a long weekend (and a short day at that) - I can do it!
And I did it. To the bank after work, then get gas, then shopping at our Kroger (packed - jam packed), then over to Whitmore to look for firewood.Much available, and as I was calling the number posted in front, the guy pulled up! He sold me half a face-cord for $30 and we are blest tonight with a warm fire. I actually couldn't get it all in the Grape so I will get back there tomorrow morning for the rest.

Love the ATT commercials with all the ex-pro players. Is that not right? I made potstickers that look  like tiny football helmets.

Just learned a new college football rule regarding intentional grounding. And the refs are quick to throw their yellow hankies - for everything except pass interference.

Desmond is telling me about an ill-advised play in the first half.

BTN is doing a Cotton Bowl pregame.

Our Wings are up 2-0 over the Penguins.

Clemson up 23-17 halfway through the 3rd quarter.

I'm nervous, but the artichoke dip is done and the pizza is made and ready to bake.

29 degrees F out on our deck, but 68 in the TV room with the fire.

Clemson is up 30-17 with 3 and 43 left in the third.

Wings are up 2-1 with 18:05 left in the 2nd.

7:03 - the radio is tuned in to am 760; George Blaha's pick: MSU by two points :-)

Dantonio just told Blaha he's been asked the dumbest questions he's ever heard heading into this game.

Clemson over Oklahoma 37-17 with 10 and 41 left.

Penguins just tied the Wings 2-2 on a power play goal with just under 8 left in the 2nd.

My favorite Salavation Army Kettle Ringer is home and her season is officially over. We have artichoke heart dip, cold Miller Lites, and a pizza going into the oven.

37-17 with 3 and 41 left... and it's in the books: 37-17 final.

7:54 and Darbo Sweeny is giving God all the glory, to Holly Rowe.

Go Green!!!!!

Wrapping Up 2015

Yestreday was my Mom's birthday the 29th of December. I always thought it was kind of a bummer - that Christmas always overshadowed her day. But she knows her role, and she's been ok with it for a long time, and so I will also.

A week ago Friday we got the squall that stopped Livingston County for an evening. Kind of like what Michael Rennie did way back in '51. This past Monday we had a system move through that brought rain, sleet, snow, and ice (not necessarily in that order) for most of the day. Then it warmed up overnight and we just had slushy ruts the next morning.
This morning is milder and we are expecting rain later. Moni rings to-day and tomorrow and I think they will be done for the season. I will be in the office for a half day and then home for football and pizza and a fire with my bride.

 

My Fantasy Football Championship Diary

We were able to pay some bills this morning, praise God; Moni ran some errands, and I made some delicious chicken barley soup.

I'm currently down 34-0 going into the Sunday games due to Danny Woodhead dropping ten on Saturday night and Jordan Reed dropping twenty effin four on Thursday (neither of these studs felt like performing when they were in MY lineup, I can tell you).
My running back who led the league for many weeks (Freeman) went through a dry stretch but has already scored once for me; my other back also has a rushing touchdown.
My Chiefs defense just picked it off, for two points! I am a 55% favorite.

Williams is leading running backs right now in fantasy points. I miss Lake Michigan with my best friend Moni and our malamute Sierra.
big Ben just threw an interception and his score on the day is -1
My tight end has no points for Tampa bay
I'm up 52-38, a 57% favorite

53-38 going into halftime for most of the early games. Detroit is beating San Fran; i'm a 58% favorite
My beautiful bride is on the phone with her sister and trying to sweep with one hand. this is one of those moments I silently thank God for: she doesn't know how adorable she is.

Half time for everybody. Two of his WR going only have three total, which is huge, especially after his magnified TE 24 points earlier.
And his QB has 0, while mine only has 11 (he's averaged over 40 these last three weeks), he's got a WR and DST going tomorrow night, while I've got all three recievers going this afternoon.
My Chiefs D got score on but my RB Williams has another TD. I'm up 55-44 and a 51% favorite
My Chief's D keeps losing points - i'm a 44% underdog...

58-46 49% underdog. everybody's kind of on pause ...
68-49 55% favorite. Carolina is losing with a minute and change left, and Cam only has 14 points.
79-50 68% favorite as my tight end finally caught the ball and scored - on a "hail Mary"!
touchdown Cooks! 94-49 80% favorite
94-53 78% favorite
96-59 75% favorite
I got one receiver catching any passes wtf

97-59 77% favorite...
I don't wanna work, I just wanna bang on the drums all day
101 - 59 81% favorite.
Well, I took a nap, and thanks to the lousy NYG defense, I'm winning 120 - 70, with a 99% chance of success! I have no more player minutes, and my opponent's got two guys going tomorrow night. It's been fun.

My Silly Dad

...and his new(er) IPhone, which he's having fun learning about...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

My Silly Bro

Big G and Woverine J - we love you guys, too!

Prayer

Father in heaven~

I praise You, Almighty God, King of the Universe!
I praise You for Your glory!
I praise You for Your Son!
I praise You for Your plan!
I praise You for Your Word!
I praise You for Your Church!
I praise You for the beauty of Your Creation!  

Thank You for this day, this special day; thank You for the sun shining through the clouds, thank You for getting us out of bed this morning, thank You for the time Moni and me spent in the kitchen fussing and thank You for the abundance that we get to share to-day.

I confess my sin to You, and ask for Your forgiveness, by the blood of the Lamb. I confess the sins of our family, our village, our county, our state, our great country, and the sins of the whole world: for the sake of Christ's sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

I lift up to you this morning Francis, and all the priests and bishops. I pray for Your Church all over the world. I pray for every child - especially the sick and dying - and for those who have passed on to the other side. I pray for Stan and Rita, Stan and Charlotte and Kathy and Justin and Dana and Aaron and Joey and his wife, for Stosh (RIP) and Stacie and Carter and Ryan and Emily; for Mary Ann and Dean and Court and Rusty and Drew and Mason, for Meggie, Jake, Cam, Quinn, Kacie E and Brett M. I pray for Moni and Bob and John and Jay (RIP) and Jen and Joslin and Liam, for Pam and Ken and Kenny and Kendall, for Carolyn and Doug and his family, for Kevin, Justen, Tori, Kaylie, Kristine, Mike, and his mom; for Terry and Jeannie and Trent and Sophia and Tye.
I pray for mom and dad, for Nancy and Ruben, for Ray, Rick, Ben, Belle, Carlos, and Big Al, for Gary and Susie, and Josh and Taylor and Jeremy.
I pray for Ron and Gina and Maria, Cas, Sophie and Nina, Ron's mom and dad and step-mom and sister and her family. I pray for Fournier and his family, for Termors and Drake, for Michelle and Brian, for Troy, Julie, Fishman, Gil, Cathy, James, Yvonne, Ryan and their families.
I pray for Mike and Gene and Pastor Bob and Kurt and Recker Don and Jim, for Paul and his mom and dad and brother, for those two guys I sat at table with two years ago. for the team and candidates of the upcoming weekends, for Marty, Denada, and their kids, for Adam and Peggy and their kids, for Kevin and Hilda, for Roger, Sheri, and Benjamin.
I pray for the souls of those who have gone before us: for Gramma and Grandpa and Grandma and Grandpa, for Susan and Arlene and David and Arthur and Fred and Delores and Kenny and Mitsy and Gladys and Thomas and Mel and Grace and Harry and Otto and Lacey.
I pray for Doreen and Vic and Dayna and Gray and Wendy, Adam, and the boys, and Jerry, Tiffany, and the girls; for Bill and Nancy and Mrs Chuslo and Brand, Brenda, and their kids, for Kelli, Doug, and thier kids, for Steve and Fran and Charlie and Mary Ellen, for Skip and Elton and Jeff, Dawn and their kids, for Cathy, Jeff, and their kids, and for Kimmi, Mario, and their kids. 
I pray for folks who don't yet know You, for those who are lost, for those who are struggling with weighty decisions, for those who are sad this time of year. I pray for the grieving and those missing loved ones.
I pray for the sick, for the homeless, for the naked, for the hungry, for the widows, for the orphans, for those of us who know You and are struggling to carry our crosses, for those who want to know more about You, for those who think they know all about You, for those who think they don't need You.
I pray for our elected officials, at the local, state, and national level, for those you have placed in positions of leadership and authority, for slaves and prostitutes, for seamen and airmen, for police and rescue workers, for those who work outside, for those who work with their hands, for those who work with their brains, for those who don't work...God bless us, every one.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here, below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen 

Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you. Blest are you among women, and blest is the Fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
   

 

Glory to God in the Highest!

Beautiful thoughts this morning from Loyola Press - they have been sending me devotional readings each morning this Advent; as the CHRISTmas feast is the crown of the Advent season, so these words crown the preceding anticipatory reads. I share then, with thanks and all due respect; from http://www.loyolapress.com/advent-moments-of-mercy.htm.

Christmas

 

The Gospel calls us to discover Jesus and those at the peripheries in need.

Scripture

“For a child has been born for us,
       a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders
       and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6  

 

Reflection

The celebration of Christmas is a most beloved holy day. Even though much of the celebration has been overtaken by commercialization, it still brings human consciousness to center on the birth of the child who has changed the world. This was not the case when Jesus was born.

In the time of Jesus’ birth, the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus (reigned 27 BC–14 AD) was seen as a savior and peacemaker. Through military might, he had ended the era of destructive civil wars and subjugated the Mediterranean world.

Jesus’ birth took place at the periphery of the empire, in a small Palestinian town. He was born in a stable, wound up in bands of cloth, and placed in a manger. Luke is actually giving us potent symbols on the meaning of Jesus’ birth. The bands of cloth allude to Jesus’ royal status as King Solomon was also wrapped this way as a baby (Wisdom of Solomon 7:4). The manger is a food bin, and Jesus is presented as the one who will feed the world.

The first to hear about Jesus’ birth are the shepherds. They live on the edge of society, are unable to practice their faith due to their responsibilities, and are uninvited and unwashed. Yet from the angels they hear the news that all humankind was waiting for: the Savior has been born.

So while we celebrate within our family circle, the Gospel also calls us to discover Jesus and mercifully consider those who are most in need—not simply at the center, but at the peripheries.

Pope Francis

“In him was revealed the grace, the mercy, and the tender love of the Father: Jesus is Love incarnate.”
Homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Vatican Basilica, 24 December 2013

#3 v #2

ESPN College Gameday - this one was voted #32 best of all year

23rd of December 2015

From Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, a former atheist's blogpost Have Yourself a Broken Little Christmas, (http://aleteia.org/2015/12/22/have-yourself-a-broken-little-christmas/)

This is the broken nature of Christmas. We celebrate a Savior who entered a wounded world. And every year we celebrate his birth, we see evidence that our world is still so broken, still so in need of the saving power of Jesus.

Our Savior did not come as a king, although he could have saved us in any way he pleased. Rather, he came as a tiny, vulnerable child. He entered our broken, violent, hate-filled world as a tiny, trusting, child, to be with us.

Emmanuel, God with us.

Would You Like Some Coffee? Would I? Yes, Have Some. Yes, Have Some

"...many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you."

Prayer

• May today there be peace within.
• May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
• May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
• May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
• May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
• Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
• It is there for each and every one of us.
•  
• (Saint Therese of Liseux, Story of a Soul)

His Mercy Endures Forever - Psalm 136

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;

who alone does great wonders,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who by understanding made the heavens,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who spread out the earth on the waters,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who made the great lights,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
the sun to rule over the day,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;

who struck Egypt through their firstborn,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and brought Israel out from among them,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who divided the Red Sea in two,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who led his people through the wilderness,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who struck down great kings,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and killed famous kings,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and Og, king of Bashan,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and gave their land as a heritage,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
a heritage to his servant Israel,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and rescued us from our foes,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who gives food to all flesh,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.

O give thanks to the God of heaven,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.

Morning steam coming off the barn where I picked up a stack of firewood this past weekend

What happens to a shell from Kroger Three Cheese Shells and Cheese Dinner (MADE WITH REAL CHEESE!) when it misses the pot and ends up next to the burner

From when we beat OSU last weekend

Is this not the B'est A sweater ever?!!?

Stockings hung by the chimney with care

Part of the mantle so beautifully decorated this year

Every Life is Worth Living

Praying along with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and millions all over the world this morning:::

Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of life.

Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering.

Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that ever life is worth living.

Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all.

Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

 

Advent! Let Us Prepare Our Hearts!

Lord, as we enter into this time of preparation for Your coming - both as a baby in Nazareth, and as King of kings and Lord of lords when the trumpet sounds - take away anything that would hinder our growth as believers in You. Help us to see past the obstacles, distractions, and traps that would take our heart from where it should be; grant us the self-control to stay focused on You, Your mercy, and Your children here. Give us hearts of love, give us hearts of mercy. Help us to each day grow closer to You; transform us into one Church, as You and the Father are one.
All glory, honor, and praise are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ - one God with the Father and in union with the Holy Spirit.
Amen

 

Norman Rockwell, Wow!

Saturday Prayer

So often I read something and it hits me so personally - it was like it was written specifically for me. I thank God for those times, and ask for His wisdom to apply what I learn to my life.

This prayer by Quoist I read this morning, and wanted to share it again here. Sometimes I am the pray-er, and sometimes I am the big boy with the childish face.

From the book titled Prayers by Michel Quoist, and translated by Agnes M. Forsyth and Anne Marie de Commaille:

"THE DELINQUENT

Man is alone since he is unique, but he is made for communion.Sin divides and isolates us. We must grow closer, share the burden of each other's sins - and atone for them - to overcome the obstacle to our oneness. Solitude causes suffering; it is not part of the Father's plan. Redemptive love alone can conquer it and cement our unity.

A man was on his way from Jerusalem down to Jericho when he fell in with robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. It so happened that a priest was going down by the same road; but when he saw him, he went past on the other side. So too a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him went past on the other side. but a Samaritan who was making the journey cam upon him, and when he saw him was moved with pity. He went up and bandaged his wounds, bathing them with oil and wine. then he lifted him on to his own breast, brought him to an inn, and looked after him there. Next day he produced two silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Look after him; and if you spend any more, I will repay you on my way back.' (Luke X, 30-35)

I know his secret.
His weighty secret.
How, Lord, can it be carried by this big boy with the childish face grown old too soon?

I wanted him to tell it to me.
to give it to me to bear with him.
For long months now I have been stretching my hand towards this young, crushed brother.
Eagerly he seizes that hand, caresses it, kisses it . . . but over the gulf that separates us.
When I want gently to draw him closer, he backs away, for in his other hand he carries his secret, too heavy for him to hand to me.
Lord, he hurts me.
I look at him from a distance, and cannot get near him.
He looks at me and cannot come closer.

We both suffer.
He suffers the more, and I can hardly bear it, for my love is too limited. Lord: each time that I try to span his solitude, my bridge is too short and does not touch his shore.
And I see him, on the edge of his suffering, hesitating, getting set, but drawing back again in desperation, for the distance is too great and the burden is too heavy.
Yesterday, Lord, he leaned towards me, said a word - then took it back; his whole body quivered with the weight of the secret which approached his lips but rolled back again to the depths of his solitude.
He did not cry, but I wiped off the drops of perspiration beading his forehead.
I cannot take his burden from him; he must give it to me.
I see it, and I cannot grasp it.
You do not want me to take it, Lord, since he does not want that.
I have not right to violate his suffering.

I am thinking tonight, Lord, of all the isolated ones,
Of all those who are alone, terribly alone, 
Because they have never let go and been carried by anyone,
Because they have never given themselves to you, Lord.
Those who know something that others will never know;
Those who suffer from a sore that no one can ever tend.
Those who bleed from a wound that no one will ever heal;
Those who are scarred by a terrible blow that no one will ever suspect;
Those who have, locked in the terrifying silence of their hearts, a harvest of humiliations, despairs, hatreds, 
Those who have hidden a mortal sin - cold sepulchres behind cheerful facades.

The solitude of man frightens me, Lord;
Every man is alone, since his is unique,
And that solitude is sacred; he alone can break through it, confide and share confidences.
He alone can pass from solitude to communion.
And you want this communion, Lord. you want us to be united with one another,
In spite of the deep gulf that we have dug between us by sin,
You want us to be united as your Father and you are united.

Lord, that boy hurts me, as do all isolated ones;
Grant that I may love them enough to break through their isolation.
Grant that I may pass through the world with all doors open, 
My house entirely empty, available, welcoming.

Help me to withdraw so as to embarrass no one, 
That others may come in without asking,
that they may deposit their burdens without being seen.
And I'll come, silently, to get them by night
And you, Lord, will help me to bear them."

Thanksgiving 2015

from the snow event last Saturday

Same day ...

sick...

Snow To-day

2015 first accumulation of snow in our area of SE Lower Michigan

Joy

Recipe #391 Venison Pepper Chili

I made this Wednesday night before Survivor and it did not disappoint. Thanks to my hunting brother Doug for the ground meat!

Ingredients ~

1# Ground Venison

3 turns of the pan EVOO

Seasoning the meat:

Chili powder

Paprika

Cumin

Ground black pepper

Dried oregano

Dried Parsley

Red pepper flakes

Ground Cayenne

For the sauce:

3 roma tomatoes diced

3 garlic cloves

½ big white onion

1 Can of Hunts Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Garlic

2 Jalapeno peppers

A squirt of ketchup

A squirt of Dijon mustard

Scoop of Konsyl Psyllium Fiber

½ big white onion rough chopped

1 c diced green pepper

2 Jalapeno peppers chopped

3 cloves of garlic diced

1 c fresh green beans in 1 inch chops

1 can Kroger Black Beans

1 can Kroger Sweet White Corn

1 can Kroger Chicken Broth

1 Can of beer

Process~

I browned the meat in the olive oil, and as it was browning I added all the seasonings. While this was working, I added all the sauce items to the blender and slow churned it to a nice liquid.

When the meat was all cooked and seasoned, I added the sauce, onion, peppers, garlic, baens, corn, broth, and beer.

This simmered for about an hour with the lid slightly ajar to let it cook down a bit.

A dollop of sour cream and a few corn chips crushed in make this a good meal in a bowl.

Blessed be God forever!

Praying To-day...

With my favorite Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign ringer, at our Kroger in Lakeland MI this morning

Friday the 13th of November - Two Weeks Less a Day From Thanksgiving

There are hard white bundles of moisture landing on the roof outside our south-facing window. Moni is ringing her Salvation Army bell all day to-day at our Kroger in Lakeland. LORD, keep her warm and dry.

Change My Heart, LORD

Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others.

Philippians 4:8 TLB

We Honor Our Veterans To-day

The absolute boringist day at work I've ever experienced. (Possibly second to the Fourth of July at Little Caesars in Detroit when I was 16. NO-body ordered pizza, so myself and some other unfortunate soul folded boxes for ten hours. We had them stacked to the ceiling and covering every available square foot of floor space.)

Only one of our Investors is working on the Veterans Day, so nothing was going on with all but one of our loans.

Mahjong Titans - loss
Chess Titans Level 9 (with help from nextchessmove.com) - win
Hearts  - one win one loss
Spider - win
Solitaire - loss
Freecell - did not get to, as my lunch hour expired during the second Hearts


I did get our outdoor planters cleaned up and looking good for the late fall. The Dusty Miller and red Begonias are still doing alright, surrounding our tall wispy grasses of a variety I cannot remember.

God is good.
All the time.

Blessed be God forever.

The Morning Drive

While driving in my little Grape ♫♪
What to my surprise
A ton of fog was following me
A million times my size

I tried to drive real fast to get out of its dark'ning grip
As i turned north, i left that fog - I gave it the proverbial slip

No fog, no fog. I drove right out of the fog.

27 images into an animation from my morning drive along Hamburg Road on the way to Brighton

Yestreday we took a drive, we head toward the north
We left mid-morning from our home, in the Journey we went forth.
The sun was out, the air was cool, the day right for a drive
Thankful we were for the new day - a great one to be alive!

We happened upon a place up there, with free coffee inside
I eagerly went in and drank, so long had been our ride.
But what we met when we got in was a wonder to behold
For CHRISTmas had come, inside this place, for all - both young and old!

Friday

Listening to Pandora Christmas Carols Radio this morning, praying with the USCCB that God would strengthen those folks who suffer discrimination because of their faith.

A line of storms came through this morning that shook the house. The kitchen window was only open a couple inches but the blinds were soaked, and the poor refrigerator magnets could not hold fast the photos of the kids and grandkids. Thanking God this morning for His protection once again.

Time capsule notes, for when I look back in ten years and smile...

Survivor Second Chance has not disappointed so far this season. I especially look forward to the challenges, but with 13 of the 20 original islanders still competing and the tribes merged into one, we are probably likely destined for the bulk of two segments showing the schemes and lies of the wiley, one segment showing the actual immunity challenge, and then of course the vote at tribal council. The two folks I'm rooting for - Kelly Ann Wiglesworth (@KellyWigles), runner up on the first ever Survivor season, and Joe Anglim (@JAnglim21), from last years most recent season. Both are nice people who don't get shown involved in alot of DRAMA.

The Lions' owner Martha Ford fired a couple of assistant coaches last week and then both the president and GM of the team yestreday. Note to Martha: it won't make a difference. 1-7 is not going to turn into 7-1 until the entire Culture of Losing is absconded and replaced.

Canon in D by Music That Will Make You Cry on the Sad Violin album almost did.



Time to work a little...
...

I picked up Moni at the airport after work on Monday after a smooth flight but boy howdy was the arrival drive-up crowded!?! She shared many stories on the way home; thank You, Father, for allowing this visit, and thank You for blessing it so greatly!

Tomorrow morning grocery shopping; then some pre-winter things around the home. Then the fun begins with Rutgers @ Michigan at 3:30 and then MSU @ Nebraska at 7:30; and tons of top twenty-five matchups all day!
 

Lou Holtz: Undergraduate Commencement Address 2015

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Prayer

Lord, my soul is troubled
there is fear in my heart this morning...

The beauty of Your creation - the sun on the colorful trees, the half-moon high in the sky, the myriad of birds at our feeders - could not free me this morning.

So I do the only thing I know how to - and that is give it to You.

I lay my fear and all the associated sin of not loving at the foot of the Cross, and I give it to You.

Take it from me, it shouldn't be mine in the first place - forgive me for carrying it.

'There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.'

Love endures all!

You Are
You Are
You Are

 

Cheyenne WY - Photos from Grandma's Visit

G.M. Gramps!!!!

(G.M. is Good Morning ;-)

Mac & cheese time :-) !

Birds

Animation courtesy of Google Assistant and the Whitmore Lake birds

DTW

Just got back from the airport after dropping my bride off early for her 7:45 flight to Denver. She is all geared up in her green and white and has the side pockets of her backpack filled with travel snacks. Two and a half hour flight to Denver, then a two hour shuttle bus ride north to the Air base in Cheyenne. God, bless her and those kids and the grand babies, and bless their time together. Thank You for this opportunity for her.

Almost full moon rising over our trailer park 26 OCT 15 18:56

Scott Hahn's mom is still Baptist.


: \

"What 're ya rebelling against, Johnny?"
~"Whaddya got?"

"... with ... geometric logic ... "

Two Contrails

Animation made from about twenty images taken at about 6:50 pm on 16th October 2015

Moon and Contrail

Animation made from about 20 images taken in succession at about 6:30 pm on the 16th of October 2015

FOOD

If you have driven in the great state of Michigan north or south on US Highway 23 between Ann Arbor and Brighton, you will have seen this sign at some point.

Since moving to Whitmore Lake, we have discovered the eatery at the base of this FOOD sign, and have embraced it for it's quality of service, quality of food, and value for our dollar. This morning early, we were there - at the Whitmore Lake Tavern - ordering our two waters one coffee ham and American cheese omelet with mushrooms added and Texas toast.
We walked across the street after for a couple photos of the lake, and were on our way.

 

Recipe #129 Chicken Parm You Taste So Good

What a blessing it was to be able to share this meal - the smells we had in the kitchen this past Tuesday was about to die for, and the taste wasn't too shabby either. With minor alterations, I would like to thank Allrecipes.com and my sister Carolyn for the recipe.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons EVOO
2 cloves minced garlic
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/3 of the large zucchini used in recipe #3
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups pasta sauce

dash of oregano
1 cup of garlic salad croutons crushed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

In your favorite baking pan, swirl a turn of olive oil to coat the bottom and add the red pepper flakes and garlic to the pan.

Slice the zucchini into half-inch disks and layer in the bottom of the pan. Drizzle a bit more EVOO over these.

Add the chicken to the pan, and pour the sauce over the chicken. Season with oregano.

Cover with the cheese and top everything with the crushed croutons. I've never used these before and I found these really add a whole nother layer of flavor to this dish.

Bake for an hour and check the meat temp - you want to not get sick by eating under-cooked chicken!

We had a little the next day, very tasty - even heated up in the microwave.

I was just thinking, I only used a half jar of Kroger Homestyle Parmesan and Romano Pasta Sauce, but you could add onion, green pepper, mushrooms, ... bacon, ... ??

Be creative - enjoy!!