Facecord of split firewood: $65
Kroger frozen pizza: $2.50
Sharing dinner and conversation in front of a nice fire with
the woman I want to grow old with: priceless.
#Godisgood
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Recipe #89 - Friday Night Shrimp Linguine
We used cooked salad shrimp and tons of fresh vegetables to make this light dish. We modified the recipe we found on the 2015 calendar from the bank.
The calendar photo shows it should look like this:
Ingredients:
1 pound salad shrimp
1 tbsp EVOO
1 pound asparagus chopped
1/2 green pepper diced
1/2 red pepper diced
8 oz mushrooms sliced
2 large cloves of garlic minced
1 pound linguine
1/2 cup chicken broth
Boil the linguine per box directions and drain, but save a cup of the noodle water. Place noodles in a large serving bowl.
Boil shrimp in the reserve water for just a couple minutes. Drain the water and add shrimp to noodles.
It doesn't look exactly like the calendar photo, but it sure was good. Next time I might add a shred or two of Parmigiana on top. I was just thinking you could add tomatoes to the vegetable mix.
Enjoy!
The calendar photo shows it should look like this:
Ingredients:
1 pound salad shrimp
1 tbsp EVOO
1 pound asparagus chopped
1/2 green pepper diced
1/2 red pepper diced
8 oz mushrooms sliced
2 large cloves of garlic minced
1 pound linguine
1/2 cup chicken broth
 |
| Oh so beautiful fresh vegetables |
 |
| Fresh mushrooms rinsed and ready to chop chop |
 |
| Tiny shrimps and Barilla Whole Grain pasta |
 |
| Fresh garlic |
Boil the linguine per box directions and drain, but save a cup of the noodle water. Place noodles in a large serving bowl.
Boil shrimp in the reserve water for just a couple minutes. Drain the water and add shrimp to noodles.
Add the oil to your pan and heat it up good and proper. Add the garlic and vegetables and cook until just soft
Meanwhile, heat up the chicken broth for a couple minutes.
Add the vegetables to the serving bowl, pour the warm broth over all, and toss gently and with much love.
It doesn't look exactly like the calendar photo, but it sure was good. Next time I might add a shred or two of Parmigiana on top. I was just thinking you could add tomatoes to the vegetable mix.
Enjoy!
Friday, January 23, 2015
Fabulous Friday!
One of the bloggers I follow via email is Vinita Hampton Wright, an author and publisher from Kansas. Her blog - Days of Deepening Friendship (http://deepeningfriendship.loyolapress.com/) - is subtitled For Women Growing Wiser, but it is helping me become wiser also.
Her post for to-day is a simple but beautiful prayer, and I share it here via the wonders of Ctrl C and Ctrl V.
Thank You, Father, for your Church.
Thank You for all those who have come before us, and for those who are with us now, and for all of those who will come after us; who love You and who serve You faithfully.
Thank You for the encouragement and exhortation that You send us through others during our pilgrimage. Thank You for not giving up on any of us.
Your mercy and love are unfathomable.
You are love, perfect love.
All praise and honor and glory to You!
Her post for to-day is a simple but beautiful prayer, and I share it here via the wonders of Ctrl C and Ctrl V.
God, who creates me and who loves me,
I open my thoughts to receive you.
I open my heart to welcome you.
I open my eyes to see your possibilities for me.
I open my ears to listen more attentively to my life.
I open my dreams to include wonders beyond my sight.
I open my future to your grace.
I open my struggling soul to your peace.
Amen.
Thank You, Father, for your Church.
Thank You for all those who have come before us, and for those who are with us now, and for all of those who will come after us; who love You and who serve You faithfully.
Thank You for the encouragement and exhortation that You send us through others during our pilgrimage. Thank You for not giving up on any of us.
Your mercy and love are unfathomable.
You are love, perfect love.
All praise and honor and glory to You!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Recipe # 6 Sausage and Egg Tater Tot Brunch Bake
Blame this one on @RachaelRay; I was watching her week in a day show this morning and started getting all manner of ideas in my mind.
Thanks to Lee Fogle for the sausage recipe.
Before I built the cassarole, I had to 'make' the sausage.
Thanks to Lee Fogle for the sausage recipe.
Before I built the cassarole, I had to 'make' the sausage.
1# ground pork
2 tsp dried sage
Tsp salt
Tsp ground white pepper
¼ tsp marjoram
1 tbs brown sugar
1/8 tsp dried red pepper flakes
Pinch ground cloves
Combine seasoning in small bowl; mix well.
Add to pork in a large bowl and mix thoroughly with hands.
Make into patties or whatever shape you feel good about.
Cook until pork is not pink at all.
THEN, for the bake:
About 20 tater tots
14 oz Velveeta, cut into slices
8 eggs, beaten
1# sausage
Spray the pan inside with cooking oil. Line bottom of your favorite baking pan with the tater tots.
I actually used the Burger King sized tots (on sale from Kroger). Add the cooked sausage on top of the potatoes. Layer the Velveeta over that.
Pour the scrambled eggs over all and bake at 350 degrees for an hour.
Enjoy with a buttered bagel and a tall diet Mountain Dew.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Recipe #19 Beef Barley Soup
Holy macaroni I just tried a bowl of this and why have I never made it before?? Simple and nutritious (I am sure), and warm on a cold night.
One pot is all you need, and a spoon to stir with:
2 tbsp EVOO, divided
1 lb round steak cubed small
2 carrots cleaned and diced
2 celery ribs diced
1 yellow onion diced
10 oz sliced mushrooms
1 box and 1 can of beef stock
oregano and groundblack pepper to taste
2/3 cup barley
Start your soup pot on medium heat with 1 tbsp EVOO and brown the meat for about 5-6 minutes.
Set aside meat.
In the same pot add tbs EVOO, vegetables and a quarter cup of stock. Soften veggies for about five minutes, then add the rest of the stock, the meat and seasonings.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for an hour covered. You may need to add some water if your pot reduces too much; I added about a cup.
Raise the temp and add the barley; cook for another half hour. Turn off the burner, and have a large bowl.
This would be great with a large piece of crusty buttered french bread, but alas I had none.
One pot is all you need, and a spoon to stir with:
2 tbsp EVOO, divided
1 lb round steak cubed small
2 carrots cleaned and diced
2 celery ribs diced
1 yellow onion diced
10 oz sliced mushrooms
1 box and 1 can of beef stock
oregano and groundblack pepper to taste
2/3 cup barley
Start your soup pot on medium heat with 1 tbsp EVOO and brown the meat for about 5-6 minutes.
Set aside meat.
In the same pot add tbs EVOO, vegetables and a quarter cup of stock. Soften veggies for about five minutes, then add the rest of the stock, the meat and seasonings.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for an hour covered. You may need to add some water if your pot reduces too much; I added about a cup.
Raise the temp and add the barley; cook for another half hour. Turn off the burner, and have a large bowl.
 |
| The second of three bowls I enjoyed during the Northwestern-Michigan game, on a Saturday night. |
This would be great with a large piece of crusty buttered french bread, but alas I had none.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Thumpin Thursday
Late evening thoughts all coming into my pea brain at the same time...
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still
Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear
Claude Rains was the invisible man
My brother in law took me out for lunch at Sagano's Japanese Bistro and Steakhouse Restaurant to-day and we ate very well. You sit right by the grill and watch the chef-entertainer throw stuff at you and create huge flames while he creates your meal. The guy had an onion volcano going that had us running for cover; we politely declined the offer to let him toss small bits of chicken into our mouths via his spatula.
How do you feel when the whole world sees you've won $1000 worth of Aleeve on Jeopardy?
The High and the Mighty (1954) tense, drama
The Great Train Robbery (1979) slow moving but builds to a wonderful climax
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still
Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear
Claude Rains was the invisible man
My brother in law took me out for lunch at Sagano's Japanese Bistro and Steakhouse Restaurant to-day and we ate very well. You sit right by the grill and watch the chef-entertainer throw stuff at you and create huge flames while he creates your meal. The guy had an onion volcano going that had us running for cover; we politely declined the offer to let him toss small bits of chicken into our mouths via his spatula.
How do you feel when the whole world sees you've won $1000 worth of Aleeve on Jeopardy?
The High and the Mighty (1954) tense, drama
The Great Train Robbery (1979) slow moving but builds to a wonderful climax
Sunday, January 11, 2015
35 degrees on the deck!!
...and we have all of our running water back God be praised!!
Washing a sorely needed load of kitchen towels right now with another load drooling to get in there. The halogen lamp under the pipes did the trick, aided by the outside temps, which have been rising since yestreday late evening. Monday and Tuesday lows are expected to be back below zero, but for now we will pour the lemonade and sport our shorts.
Washing a sorely needed load of kitchen towels right now with another load drooling to get in there. The halogen lamp under the pipes did the trick, aided by the outside temps, which have been rising since yestreday late evening. Monday and Tuesday lows are expected to be back below zero, but for now we will pour the lemonade and sport our shorts.
The 45 Lessons Life Taught Me
...applicable for all of us, and sent via email from my dear sister Carolyn. This was written by Regina Brett of the Cleveland Plain Dealer; she says it is her most requested column.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Super Saturday!!
Well, the battery I bought for Monica's PT Cruiser not even a year ago ( see http://davidsonofjack.blogspot.com/2014/01/snow.html for a reminder of what was going on) was not meeting our expectations and so we removed it from the Grape and took it to Walmart for an exchange. Moni spent a couple of hours last night finding the receipt so this transaction was seemless. I got the new one in, started her car, and she is off running errands with her sister.
I also needed insulin this morning from Walmart, and I was looking for a halogen light for under the trailer to thaw the water supply (all cold water was frozen by now, all the hot valves still produce). So on the way out there we stopped for a meat-lovers omelet at Sunrise restaurant right there where Chilson hits Grand River. Texas toast with real butter and an average cup of coffee rounded out our quick meal there.
A hop, skip, and a jump down the road and we were at Wally World. I did remember suet for the birds this time, and I placed one more station feeder in the dappled willows for up-close and personal chickadee encounter.
It is a walloping 19 degrees on our deck right now and the wind makes it feel like cold-as-hell.
I am going to check the heat lamp for any fires it may have caused and then relax with some college basketball.
Blessed be God forever!
5:41 pm update: the lamp has been on continuously. Main bathroom all water working (toilet included;-) and kitchen is fully functional. Now we just need the laundry and back bathroom cold.
Thankful
I also needed insulin this morning from Walmart, and I was looking for a halogen light for under the trailer to thaw the water supply (all cold water was frozen by now, all the hot valves still produce). So on the way out there we stopped for a meat-lovers omelet at Sunrise restaurant right there where Chilson hits Grand River. Texas toast with real butter and an average cup of coffee rounded out our quick meal there.
A hop, skip, and a jump down the road and we were at Wally World. I did remember suet for the birds this time, and I placed one more station feeder in the dappled willows for up-close and personal chickadee encounter.
It is a walloping 19 degrees on our deck right now and the wind makes it feel like cold-as-hell.
I am going to check the heat lamp for any fires it may have caused and then relax with some college basketball.
Blessed be God forever!
5:41 pm update: the lamp has been on continuously. Main bathroom all water working (toilet included;-) and kitchen is fully functional. Now we just need the laundry and back bathroom cold.
Thankful
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Thumpin' Thursday
The temps have been below freezing for five straight days
and our back bathroom cold water line has frozen and our clothes washer lines
(both hot and cold) are frozen. Thankfully, our kitchen sink and main bathroom
are fully functioning. 2 degrees on our deck right now at 1440 hours and ,
according to timeanddate.com, highs will not go into the 20’s for another three
days, nor into the 30s for another ten days. Wow!
A year ago, we had four days in a row (6-9 January) of lows
at or below 16 below, AND we were buried under God know how much snow!
Thankfully (again), we only have about two inches on the ground now, and the
main roads are dry, dry, dry!
Due to the plague I am currently embracing, I’m
swallowing my second dosage of a pair of Vicks Day-Quill Severe Cold & Flu
Non-Drowsy Max Strength caplets. I am only able to get these Mr. Ed-sized pills
down with a big swig of my third dosage of Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whiskey and
a ginger ale chaser.
Apparently oblivious to the frigidity of the out-of-doors
are the birds who avail themselves of the suet and seed provide outside our home. I
did see the largest bird on the planet yesterday – but only for a half-second
and could not determine its name or identification. And um I wasn’t fast enough
on the shutter to get a photo either.
 |
| The small birds are plump this winter in Whitmore |
I watched Taken
and Taken 2 back to back last night.
Taken 2 was refreshing after the arrogance and ignorance of Mills' daughter
and ex-wife in the original. The commercial cable network I watched these on
did not permit me to ascertain how Marco from Tripoja’s dad died; Mills kind of pushed him into his chair at the end
and he just ended up staring straight ahead (as if he loathed that chair and
was holding his breath until he could remove himself from it).Ah yes, I will just have to rent it.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Terrific Tuesday
Another chilly morning and I hate seeing children standing abandoned waiting for the large yellow diesel-powered conveyer in these temps. Five degrees right now in Brighton with not much wind, but still, those babies need to be driven to their places of indoctrination (or better yet, walk from their bedroom to their classroom at home!).
We lost the cold water to our shower over night but I'm hoping that by keeping it little warmer during the day to-day, it will redeem itself. We had a fire going for about six hours last night and, as such, the thermostat did not trigger the furnace. The problem is, the fireplace is toward the front of the home and that back corner (the northeast corner, where much cold air blows from!) wasn't properly heated.
Our Spartans handed it to IU last night at home and they have not looked that good this year at all.
Indiana is not in the top 25 (although they did receive several votes this week) but they have looked impressive at times while going 9-3 before last night. They lost big to #4 Louisville and a close one to Eastern Washington (the Eagles; Colin Cowherd went there ffs) in November. Gavin Schilling (10 points, 9 boards) played big and keeps looking better as the season progresses. BJ Dawson (7 rebounds, averaging 8.7 per game) is looking like the Spartan version of Big Ben Wallace - tremendously athletic and a rebounding fool.
I think Guido's tonight, due to the sick coupon that just came to my inbox.
Combined with my bride last night to create a beef stew that tasted pretty darn good. We baked bread also; those smells along with the fire created an pleasant assault on my olfactory nerves. We did dishes together. I ate well.
We lost the cold water to our shower over night but I'm hoping that by keeping it little warmer during the day to-day, it will redeem itself. We had a fire going for about six hours last night and, as such, the thermostat did not trigger the furnace. The problem is, the fireplace is toward the front of the home and that back corner (the northeast corner, where much cold air blows from!) wasn't properly heated.
Our Spartans handed it to IU last night at home and they have not looked that good this year at all.
 |
| Courtney and Brett M, our Spartan niece and nephew, at the MSU game last night |
Indiana is not in the top 25 (although they did receive several votes this week) but they have looked impressive at times while going 9-3 before last night. They lost big to #4 Louisville and a close one to Eastern Washington (the Eagles; Colin Cowherd went there ffs) in November. Gavin Schilling (10 points, 9 boards) played big and keeps looking better as the season progresses. BJ Dawson (7 rebounds, averaging 8.7 per game) is looking like the Spartan version of Big Ben Wallace - tremendously athletic and a rebounding fool.
I think Guido's tonight, due to the sick coupon that just came to my inbox.
Combined with my bride last night to create a beef stew that tasted pretty darn good. We baked bread also; those smells along with the fire created an pleasant assault on my olfactory nerves. We did dishes together. I ate well.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Recipe #261 - Breakfast Casserole
Happy New Year!! And may the Lord's love and peace shine to all in new and wonderful ways this year!!
I was watching the Living Well channel early this morning and the guy was doing a chorizo egg dish with salsa and chilis and I thought well we don't need that much spicy on a cold morning, but I can sure put some meat and cheese and potatoes in there and it should cook up just fine...
So here's what I came up with, and the wife loved it:
5 small potatoes skinned and sliced into about 1/4 inch thick discs
1 pound of turkey sausage cooked up well
8 slices of thick bacon from Kroger cooked and chopped
diced up Kroger Black Forest ham
6 eggs
1 cup of milk
pinch of salt/pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
I boiled the potatoes until they were soft and added them to the bottom of a casserole dish which I had sprayed with cooking oil. The sausage goes on next, then the bacon and ham. Then the cheese and over all, pour the egg/milk/salt/pepper mix.
Cook for 50 minutes and eat with a hot 'everything' bagel from Aldi's and a glass of diet Mountain Dew.
Aw, hot dog!
I was watching the Living Well channel early this morning and the guy was doing a chorizo egg dish with salsa and chilis and I thought well we don't need that much spicy on a cold morning, but I can sure put some meat and cheese and potatoes in there and it should cook up just fine...
So here's what I came up with, and the wife loved it:
5 small potatoes skinned and sliced into about 1/4 inch thick discs
1 pound of turkey sausage cooked up well
8 slices of thick bacon from Kroger cooked and chopped
diced up Kroger Black Forest ham
6 eggs
1 cup of milk
pinch of salt/pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
I boiled the potatoes until they were soft and added them to the bottom of a casserole dish which I had sprayed with cooking oil. The sausage goes on next, then the bacon and ham. Then the cheese and over all, pour the egg/milk/salt/pepper mix.
 |
| Cheese covers a multitude of dishes |
Cook for 50 minutes and eat with a hot 'everything' bagel from Aldi's and a glass of diet Mountain Dew.
 |
| I had only a small section with my bagel... wanting to start 2015 out right!! :-) |
Aw, hot dog!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
The beauty of HOLY SCRIPTURE from to-day's mass readings:
31 December 2014, The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
2 John 2:18-21
Children, it is the last hour;
and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,
so now many antichrists have appeared.
Thus we know this is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;
if they had been, they would have remained with us.
Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.
But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,
and you all have knowledge.
I write to you not because you do not know the truth
but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.
Psalm 96:1,2,11 - 13
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
The LORD comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him
he gave power to become the children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
John 1:1-18
From Jesus Caritas Est http://nblo.gs/12opfM
31 December 2014, The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
2 John 2:18-21
Children, it is the last hour;
and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,
so now many antichrists have appeared.
Thus we know this is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;
if they had been, they would have remained with us.
Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.
But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,
and you all have knowledge.
I write to you not because you do not know the truth
but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.
Psalm 96:1,2,11 - 13
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
The LORD comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him
he gave power to become the children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
From Jesus Caritas Est http://nblo.gs/12opfM
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Splendour and Majesty
I praise our LORD for the beauty of His creation regularly.
Mornings are particularly meaningful to me: the quiet of the day before its busy-ness steamrolls me into a self-imposed stern and task-oriented focus. Driving east out of our neighbourhood approaching US-23, I am near a large lake to the east, and can see the horizon almost all the way to the north and south. Each day is a new landscape exposed there. Each day a different blend of colors and temperatures creates a new greeting from God.
Why only yestreday, the entire eastern sky was pink, before turning orange and yellow as the sun peeped up over the lake. There was enough haze in our atmosphere to allow me to see the red-orange ball of the sun without any glare; a huge, shadow-casting disc, then half circle, then waxing, ... then I began my drive north and the trees (as well as the distraction of being trying to navigate a vehicle moving at 75 mph in morning traffic) prevented my watching any more. Oh how beautiful!! Oh what a wonderful God we serve! Oh His glorious creativity!! He put that sun there! He created the conditions which resulted in me seeing that sunrise yestreday, and the brighter, more fantastic yellow one to-day. He allows me to see all the trees and meadows and farmlands and golf course and water every day on my way to Brighton. He gives me that each day!
Thank you Lord, for Your infinite Gift, and for Your daily gifts.
I praise You for Your goodness.
I praise You for Your creation.
I thank you for Your presence and care.
Help me to grow in Your love to-day, and help me to bring Your good news to others.
Amen
Mornings are particularly meaningful to me: the quiet of the day before its busy-ness steamrolls me into a self-imposed stern and task-oriented focus. Driving east out of our neighbourhood approaching US-23, I am near a large lake to the east, and can see the horizon almost all the way to the north and south. Each day is a new landscape exposed there. Each day a different blend of colors and temperatures creates a new greeting from God.
Why only yestreday, the entire eastern sky was pink, before turning orange and yellow as the sun peeped up over the lake. There was enough haze in our atmosphere to allow me to see the red-orange ball of the sun without any glare; a huge, shadow-casting disc, then half circle, then waxing, ... then I began my drive north and the trees (as well as the distraction of being trying to navigate a vehicle moving at 75 mph in morning traffic) prevented my watching any more. Oh how beautiful!! Oh what a wonderful God we serve! Oh His glorious creativity!! He put that sun there! He created the conditions which resulted in me seeing that sunrise yestreday, and the brighter, more fantastic yellow one to-day. He allows me to see all the trees and meadows and farmlands and golf course and water every day on my way to Brighton. He gives me that each day!
Thank you Lord, for Your infinite Gift, and for Your daily gifts.
I praise You for Your goodness.
I praise You for Your creation.
I thank you for Your presence and care.
Help me to grow in Your love to-day, and help me to bring Your good news to others.
Amen
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Pumpkin Cheesecake
At butterknife-point, I forced my sister to peruse the archives of her recipe-box until she was able to produce the following oh-so-delicious cheesecake recipe. Thank you, Nancy!!
Crust:
1 3/4 c graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c walnuts chopped fine
1/2 tsp cinamon
1/2 c melted butter
Filling:
24 oz cream cheese softened delicately
3/4 c sugar
16 oz pumpkin
5 eggs
1/4 c coffee cream
3/4 c brown sugar packed
1 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Mix all crust ingredeints and set aside 3 tsp for topping.
Press remainder into bottom and side of 9" springform pan.
Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and bet well. Add eggs 1 at atime until beaten light and fluffy.
Beat in pumpkin and spice and cream - mix until smooth.
Pour in pan and add topping.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Allow to cool sensibly.
Refrigerate for a good amount of time and then clut into slices for sharing.
Crust:
1 3/4 c graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c walnuts chopped fine
1/2 tsp cinamon
1/2 c melted butter
Filling:
24 oz cream cheese softened delicately
3/4 c sugar
16 oz pumpkin
5 eggs
1/4 c coffee cream
3/4 c brown sugar packed
1 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Mix all crust ingredeints and set aside 3 tsp for topping.
Press remainder into bottom and side of 9" springform pan.
Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and bet well. Add eggs 1 at atime until beaten light and fluffy.
Beat in pumpkin and spice and cream - mix until smooth.
Pour in pan and add topping.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Allow to cool sensibly.
Refrigerate for a good amount of time and then clut into slices for sharing.
Grandma Mare's Sugar Cookies
This recipe was most generously transcribed by my dear niece Isabelle Anna, at my request, on CHRISTmas day.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cup flower
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon extract
Directions:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. Set aside.
Mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and lemon extract in another bowl.
Combine ingredients and knead.
Form into galaxy-shaped discs and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350, keeping a vigilant eye on the cookies for done-ness.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cup flower
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon extract
Directions:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. Set aside.
Mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and lemon extract in another bowl.
Combine ingredients and knead.
Form into galaxy-shaped discs and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350, keeping a vigilant eye on the cookies for done-ness.
Saturn's Day
O come let us adore Him: Christ the Lord!
In the Church year, yestreday was the feast of St. Stephen, martyred for his faith. Message: O come let us adore Him, but it will cost. Forgive me, Lord, when it doesn't cost.
To-day is the feast of St. John the Apostle. He outran Peter when he heard that the tomb was empty three days after our Lord's crucifixion. Message: Each of us can, and should, outrun even the holiest to Christ. Forgive me, Lord, when I am slow to You.
Moni is ringing out these last few days at our Kroger, where she knows everyone and where she needs a paint stir stick to press down the donations in the evening - God be praised. I have a cheesecake in the oven (if it turns out, I will post the recipe) and am doing a beer can chicken with mashed potatoes for dinner. I will also, with my wife's approval, follow the directions on a box (or two) of Stove-top Stuffing, for the most part. I intend to add, not in any particular order: green pepper, garlic, corn, Christmas stuffing leftovers, chicken broth (from the beer can chicken), and perhaps even a can of green beans just waiting to be eaten.
My other jobs to-day will be setting up the television with our new cable box in the bedroom, and cleaning out the fireplace.
Father, I confess to You my shortcomings and lusts. I confess my self-ish-ness and narcissism. Forgive me these and all my sins, bring me back into full communion with You; may Your name be praised forever!!!
In the Church year, yestreday was the feast of St. Stephen, martyred for his faith. Message: O come let us adore Him, but it will cost. Forgive me, Lord, when it doesn't cost.
To-day is the feast of St. John the Apostle. He outran Peter when he heard that the tomb was empty three days after our Lord's crucifixion. Message: Each of us can, and should, outrun even the holiest to Christ. Forgive me, Lord, when I am slow to You.
Moni is ringing out these last few days at our Kroger, where she knows everyone and where she needs a paint stir stick to press down the donations in the evening - God be praised. I have a cheesecake in the oven (if it turns out, I will post the recipe) and am doing a beer can chicken with mashed potatoes for dinner. I will also, with my wife's approval, follow the directions on a box (or two) of Stove-top Stuffing, for the most part. I intend to add, not in any particular order: green pepper, garlic, corn, Christmas stuffing leftovers, chicken broth (from the beer can chicken), and perhaps even a can of green beans just waiting to be eaten.
My other jobs to-day will be setting up the television with our new cable box in the bedroom, and cleaning out the fireplace.
Father, I confess to You my shortcomings and lusts. I confess my self-ish-ness and narcissism. Forgive me these and all my sins, bring me back into full communion with You; may Your name be praised forever!!!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Adeste Fideles
Up early on Christmas morn and made my cranberry sauce before Mass. Home for a nap and then a quick improvised Clair Robinson Dressing dish before the trip to Garden City to see family.
Wonderful afternoon with sister and brother in law, the niece and nephews, and mom and dad. Turkey and ham and all the fixings, with the best rum punch after dinner. Sweetie put together a basket for them which was a hit; we watched 1951 Scrooge and said our good nights.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, Love's pure Light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Wonderful afternoon with sister and brother in law, the niece and nephews, and mom and dad. Turkey and ham and all the fixings, with the best rum punch after dinner. Sweetie put together a basket for them which was a hit; we watched 1951 Scrooge and said our good nights.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, Love's pure Light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
CHRISTmas
I hope to have already gone to see the final Jackson Hobbit movie by the time this is published; reviews and thoughts will certainly be forthcoming.
Until then, relax and allow yourself to be entertained with the following feel-good story... one which I absolutely adore.
Peace, love, joy and Kit Kats to you!
Until then, relax and allow yourself to be entertained with the following feel-good story... one which I absolutely adore.
Peace, love, joy and Kit Kats to you!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
CHRISTmas Eve
40 degrees and rainy but I will not complain at all. Last winter provided enough, enough, enough snow I say.
Rest your mind in our loving Father.
Rest your heart at the cradle of the baby Jesus.
Rest your soul and let the Spirit overwhelm and purify you.
Heavenly Father,
You have deemed it good and right to have created us in Your image. We chose sin, so You had to come up with a plan - a plan to cover our un-righteousness, our filthiness.
We praise You for Your plan!
We praise You for Emmanuel!
We praise You for the virgin birth of Your Son - the Redeemer of the World!
Let all that has breath praise the LORD!
Rest your mind in our loving Father.
Rest your heart at the cradle of the baby Jesus.
Rest your soul and let the Spirit overwhelm and purify you.
Heavenly Father,
You have deemed it good and right to have created us in Your image. We chose sin, so You had to come up with a plan - a plan to cover our un-righteousness, our filthiness.
We praise You for Your plan!
We praise You for Emmanuel!
We praise You for the virgin birth of Your Son - the Redeemer of the World!
Let all that has breath praise the LORD!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Arabian Proverb
From my daily flip calendar for 23 December:
A friend is one to whom one may pour out all other contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.
What Child Is This
What child is this, who laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading. Refrain
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
come, peasant, king, to own him;
the King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him. Refrain
Words: William Chatterton Dix, c. 1865 Music: Greensleaves
Meter: 87 87 with Refrain
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading. Refrain
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
come, peasant, king, to own him;
the King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him. Refrain
Words: William Chatterton Dix, c. 1865 Music: Greensleaves
Meter: 87 87 with Refrain
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
who orderest all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go. Refrain
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory over the grave. Refrain
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
O come, thou Root of Jesse's tree,
an ensign of thy people be;
before thee rulers silent fall;
all peoples on thy mercy call. Refrain
O come, Desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid thou our sad divisions cease,
and be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear. Refrain
Words: Latin, twelfth century;
trans. John Mason Neale (1818-1866), 1851 Veni Emmanuel (fifteenth century plainsong)
Meter: 88 88 88
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
who orderest all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go. Refrain
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory over the grave. Refrain
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
O come, thou Root of Jesse's tree,
an ensign of thy people be;
before thee rulers silent fall;
all peoples on thy mercy call. Refrain
O come, Desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid thou our sad divisions cease,
and be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear. Refrain
Words: Latin, twelfth century;
trans. John Mason Neale (1818-1866), 1851 Veni Emmanuel (fifteenth century plainsong)
Meter: 88 88 88
Friday, December 19, 2014
Racing Advent Thoughts...
End of the week, trying to close loans, pay bills, and buy presents. God is good and faithful and may His name be blessed forevermore! 1937 Scrooge with the Lockharts last night and my free Amazon Prime 30 day trial is letting me 'watch' A Christmas Story while I work.
Prayer
God is love. Sunny now in the afternoon but icy cars and roads this morning. God is all. Up at 4:30 this am and then to Kohl's for a quick shopping excursion with my sweetie this morning. Praise the LORD! Praying for children today, all children all over the world, that they might grow up in a safe and nurturing home to know and love God. Praise His Name. Praying for Francis and all the priests and bishops who shepherd the Church all over the world. Glory be the Father. Praying for Stan, Rita, Stanley, Charlotte, Kathy, Justin, Dana, Joey, Ryan, Emily, Stacy, Stosh (RIP), Carter, Terry, Jeanie, Tye, Sofie, Trent, Carolyn, Doug, Pam, Ken, Kenny, Kendal. Glory be to the Son. Praying for Kevin, Justen, Michael and his mom, and Kaley, Kristine, and Tori, Moni, Bob, Jon, Jay (RIP), Jen, Joslin, Liam, Denise, and Meridith. Glory be to the Holy Spirit. Praying for Mom and dad and Nancy, Ruben, Ray, Rick, Alex, Carlos, Bennie, and Belle, Gary, Susie, Joshie, Jeremy, Taylor, Ron, Jeana, Cas, Nina, Sofie, Mike and his family, Mike and Drake and his mom. God became Man. Praying for Jim and Donald and Paul and his brother and mom and dad and for the team and candidates of LVCCM #83 and the two guys i sat at table with last year and Tommy and Shelly, and Vic and AJ and Peggy and Ninny and John and Betsie and their kids. God knows our hearts. Praying for Kurt and Bob and Vic, Dave, and Dana and Gray and Wendy, Adam, the boys, Jerry, his wife and kids, Doreen, Bill, Arlene(RIP), gramma(RIP), grampa(RIP), grandma(RIP), grandpa(RIP), Sue (RIP), Jeff, Dawn, and their kids, Cathy, Jeff and their kids, Kim, Mario and their kids, Bill, Nancy, Nancy's mom and brother, Brad, Brenda, Blake, Brooke, Bilbo, Kelli, Doug, Maren and Marina, Steve, Francis, Charley and his wife, Mary Ellen. God is Father. Praying for Marty and Denada and Aaron and Anna, Roger, Sheri, Benjamin, Kevin, Hilda.
Praising the Father, the Son, and the Spirit!!
Prayer
God is love. Sunny now in the afternoon but icy cars and roads this morning. God is all. Up at 4:30 this am and then to Kohl's for a quick shopping excursion with my sweetie this morning. Praise the LORD! Praying for children today, all children all over the world, that they might grow up in a safe and nurturing home to know and love God. Praise His Name. Praying for Francis and all the priests and bishops who shepherd the Church all over the world. Glory be the Father. Praying for Stan, Rita, Stanley, Charlotte, Kathy, Justin, Dana, Joey, Ryan, Emily, Stacy, Stosh (RIP), Carter, Terry, Jeanie, Tye, Sofie, Trent, Carolyn, Doug, Pam, Ken, Kenny, Kendal. Glory be to the Son. Praying for Kevin, Justen, Michael and his mom, and Kaley, Kristine, and Tori, Moni, Bob, Jon, Jay (RIP), Jen, Joslin, Liam, Denise, and Meridith. Glory be to the Holy Spirit. Praying for Mom and dad and Nancy, Ruben, Ray, Rick, Alex, Carlos, Bennie, and Belle, Gary, Susie, Joshie, Jeremy, Taylor, Ron, Jeana, Cas, Nina, Sofie, Mike and his family, Mike and Drake and his mom. God became Man. Praying for Jim and Donald and Paul and his brother and mom and dad and for the team and candidates of LVCCM #83 and the two guys i sat at table with last year and Tommy and Shelly, and Vic and AJ and Peggy and Ninny and John and Betsie and their kids. God knows our hearts. Praying for Kurt and Bob and Vic, Dave, and Dana and Gray and Wendy, Adam, the boys, Jerry, his wife and kids, Doreen, Bill, Arlene(RIP), gramma(RIP), grampa(RIP), grandma(RIP), grandpa(RIP), Sue (RIP), Jeff, Dawn, and their kids, Cathy, Jeff and their kids, Kim, Mario and their kids, Bill, Nancy, Nancy's mom and brother, Brad, Brenda, Blake, Brooke, Bilbo, Kelli, Doug, Maren and Marina, Steve, Francis, Charley and his wife, Mary Ellen. God is Father. Praying for Marty and Denada and Aaron and Anna, Roger, Sheri, Benjamin, Kevin, Hilda.
Praising the Father, the Son, and the Spirit!!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Humanity Was My Bus-i-ness
Oh so busy this past several days... **thinking back**
Our PT Cruiser started leaking brake fluid badly so urgent phone calls all over the county on Saturday to see who was open. Ended up getting a diagnosis from a tire company which happened to be open on Saturday but they closed at 3:00 and couldn't finish the job until Monday. So we got a quote and said thank you very much and dropped it off at the garage down the road, who couldn't work on it until Monday, but they were going to do the work for a much better price. So I made some turkey soup (recipe to follow) and hung out with a nice fire blazing in our living room fireplace.
My sweetie wanted to get back down to her mom and dads because both are dealing with health issues and she likes to help out when she can. Her current boss is very understanding so that wasn't a problem - the issue was then her getting a ride downriver. She asked me so nicely I couldn't resist!
We left about noon and got there without a hitch. I unloaded her and proceeded north to visit my parents for a quick visit, not knowing if they'd be home or not cuz I like suprises. Grabbed a pizza from nearby and stopped in Westland but alas mom and dad were out doing various social events. So I had to drive all the way home with that pizza smelling so good (and, as I soon found out, tasting so good) in the Taurus next to me. I also got to listen to the Lions on the way home - that (the Lions winning) made the trip seem so short.
So I was alone again (Sierra the Wise Malamute and Otis the Quat don't really count. They do not talk as much as Monica, although they eat much more, but still not as much as I do.) with my guitar to play and nothing in the fridge but pizza pieces that survived the trip home (Moni took the turkey soup to mom and dad's.) I got the garbage out and did all the laundry and dishes and stuff and read my Narnia books.
We've been working on very difficult loans at work and I think the stress causes me to over eat. I don't know. I bought a loaf of bread Monday night and some lunchmeat and had six sandwiches for dinner with a little Red Stag. I worked on my songs that I've been practicing and read a bit more.
I picked up a free tv by the side of the road and hooked up the VCR but the cable would not work. Turns out I need an adapter of some sort that I can pick up at my local cable office.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and now it's Thursday and I'll need gas on the way home and probably another loaf of bread. I'll finish The Last Battle tonight before I close my eyes.
It got down to 17 degrees F when I woke up at about 3:00 am to let the dog out. I fed her breakfast, then thought I needed one also so I made a turkey sandwich. I let her back in and tried to sleep but couldn't so I read and listened to the podcasts from my Laudate phone app.
I think I'll try a Sudoku now...
Our PT Cruiser started leaking brake fluid badly so urgent phone calls all over the county on Saturday to see who was open. Ended up getting a diagnosis from a tire company which happened to be open on Saturday but they closed at 3:00 and couldn't finish the job until Monday. So we got a quote and said thank you very much and dropped it off at the garage down the road, who couldn't work on it until Monday, but they were going to do the work for a much better price. So I made some turkey soup (recipe to follow) and hung out with a nice fire blazing in our living room fireplace.
My sweetie wanted to get back down to her mom and dads because both are dealing with health issues and she likes to help out when she can. Her current boss is very understanding so that wasn't a problem - the issue was then her getting a ride downriver. She asked me so nicely I couldn't resist!
We left about noon and got there without a hitch. I unloaded her and proceeded north to visit my parents for a quick visit, not knowing if they'd be home or not cuz I like suprises. Grabbed a pizza from nearby and stopped in Westland but alas mom and dad were out doing various social events. So I had to drive all the way home with that pizza smelling so good (and, as I soon found out, tasting so good) in the Taurus next to me. I also got to listen to the Lions on the way home - that (the Lions winning) made the trip seem so short.
So I was alone again (Sierra the Wise Malamute and Otis the Quat don't really count. They do not talk as much as Monica, although they eat much more, but still not as much as I do.) with my guitar to play and nothing in the fridge but pizza pieces that survived the trip home (Moni took the turkey soup to mom and dad's.) I got the garbage out and did all the laundry and dishes and stuff and read my Narnia books.
We've been working on very difficult loans at work and I think the stress causes me to over eat. I don't know. I bought a loaf of bread Monday night and some lunchmeat and had six sandwiches for dinner with a little Red Stag. I worked on my songs that I've been practicing and read a bit more.
I picked up a free tv by the side of the road and hooked up the VCR but the cable would not work. Turns out I need an adapter of some sort that I can pick up at my local cable office.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and now it's Thursday and I'll need gas on the way home and probably another loaf of bread. I'll finish The Last Battle tonight before I close my eyes.
It got down to 17 degrees F when I woke up at about 3:00 am to let the dog out. I fed her breakfast, then thought I needed one also so I made a turkey sandwich. I let her back in and tried to sleep but couldn't so I read and listened to the podcasts from my Laudate phone app.
I think I'll try a Sudoku now...
Friday, December 5, 2014
The Magician's Nephew
About halfway into the 6th book of CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia titled The Magician's Nephew. The story begins almost two generations before the Pevensie children, Scrubb, and Pole found a way out of London and had their adventures in Narnia. One main character Digory, will turn out to be the old professor uncle of the Pevensies, where they first encountered the wardrobe, allowing the commute between worlds. So, in a sense, this is a prequil; but it is much more. It will tell the tale of Creation in Narnia, and why things turned out the way they did. I remember the last time I read through all seven books admiring the brilliance of this, in light of the history already revealed by the first five.
My wife has been gone for two weeks helping her parents, who are dealing with various infirmities, and I miss her. We talk and text every day, but it's sooooo quiet in the evenings without her.
Many of the top ten college football teams play this weekend for my entertainment.
My wife has been gone for two weeks helping her parents, who are dealing with various infirmities, and I miss her. We talk and text every day, but it's sooooo quiet in the evenings without her.
Many of the top ten college football teams play this weekend for my entertainment.
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