tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69958560825108940332023-11-15T13:54:23.504-05:00Our Tennessee Mountain HomeA Wild Cajun Woman learns to live in the rural forested mountains of Southeast TennesseeYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-139745393862954962012-09-16T11:47:00.001-04:002012-09-18T12:38:01.477-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-5616061254831591942011-11-27T12:57:00.000-05:002011-11-27T12:57:24.376-05:00Where I Believe I BelongLooking at the marina is not as calming as looking out to sea;<br />
I still miss my marsh, but this beats being inland for me.<br />
There is always the circle of life for me to observe<br />
In the sea and the sky and the fish feeding the birds.<br />
I am not always frightened as I was in the woods<br />
Where the shadows seemed to hold much that wasn't good.<br />
Is it in my Cajun blood that I see water as life giving;<br />
Or were my early ancestors actually American Indian?<br />
<br />
I'm looking out now as the pelicans float on the waves<br />
A while ago I saw a blue egret, so regal and so grave.<br />
The fresh trout that we ate last night was a treat;<br />
How easy it is on the water to find something to eat.<br />
It is so peaceful too, with no guns and no noise;<br />
It seems more soothing to the savage beasts in boys<br />
Than hunting and trapping and chanting warrior songs<br />
Yes, on the water is where I believe I belong.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-21781954982599282272011-11-25T08:38:00.000-05:002011-11-25T08:38:13.255-05:00Smile for a WhileThanksgiving was a time to beam over the families we begot.<br />
My grandchildren think it's weird that I laugh a lot;<br />
But I can't help celebrating the blessings that I've got.<br />
Cousins arguing over who is my favorite grandchild,<br />
Knowing full well, when asked, I will simply smile.<br />
And them hold them both tightly for a little while.<br />
<br />
The food, the friends, the family are all part of our bounty;<br />
I'm so glad that when they invite parents, they always include me.<br />
This way I can witness for myself what great families they now be.<br />
It's true that it's chaotic and we don't say a group prayer;<br />
With the love and laughter in the home, The Spirit must be there.<br />
These are the most special values in The Family Life we all share.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-11557644762322525892011-11-23T12:34:00.000-05:002011-11-23T12:34:34.590-05:00Pond Scum and Then SomeIsn't it funny how favorite foods evoke memories? I wonder how many wars are actually about what we eat and what scents waft across the breezeways than about the religious rules that so few really seem to know about their own faiths.<br />
<br />
This Thanksgiving, I've been asked to make a cornbread dressing by my daughter-in-law's mother's recipe, as my daughter-in-law's dad has just had some surgery and his wife will be unable to provide this favored delicacy. My daughter has requested that I stuff celery with a cream cheese, olive, and pecan stuffing. <br />
<br />
Our family tree is more like a tangled vine, so the kids are always looking for ways to celebrate peace between their long-divorced parental units, especially at holiday time. My children think I believe that they've requested their dad's favorite oyster dressing for them, when I'm pretty sure nobody but their dad actually eats it, mainly because it looks just like pond scum. I guess food is as good a way as any to show good faith, so how could I say no?<br />
<br />
The father of my children came from Slavic people, a German mother and a father from Louisiana oyster fishing folks. I guess this marriage of the German who grew up on potatoes and the Louisianan who grew up with oysters plucked directly from the bayou led to this concoction that I was lucky enough to learn before my mother-in-law's early death from cancer. <br />
<br />
Not that I think any of you would want to make this, but here's the old family recipe:<br />
<br />
<b>Pond Scum and Then Some, aka, Oyster and Potato Dressing</b><br />
<br />
½ cup canola oil<br />
1 bunch celery, diced<br />
1 bunch Italian parsley, minced<br />
2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced<br />
4 cups (approximately 3 large) diced onions<br />
2 cups (approximately 2 large) diced green peppers<br />
½ gallon fresh oysters (preferable unwashed) drained – Reserve liquid<br />
5 pounds red potatoes<br />
Salt and black pepper to taste<br />
8 large eggs, beaten (optional)<br />
<br />
In large, heavy-bottomed pot, over medium heat, sauté vegetables in canola oil until soft. Boil potatoes in oyster liquid. Drain well and roughly mash. Cut oysters into one-inch pieces. Add to sautéed vegetables. Heat until oysters curl. Add potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees for thirty minutes, or until heated through. If a firmer stuffing is desired, stir eggs into stuffing before baking.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-27283188635984786362011-11-22T09:01:00.000-05:002011-11-22T09:01:39.071-05:00Thanksgiving ThingsMy daughter's family arrives today<br />
Because Thanksgiving is on its way.<br />
Fruitcake is baked and stuffing's are begun;<br />
We surely can't do with only one.<br />
For one loves the oyster potato dressing,<br />
And one thinks cornbread is a blessing.<br />
The spiced cranberry sauce needs only a dish<br />
And for some the orange-cran relish is delish.<br />
There's pumpkin pie yet to bake, <br />
And two green bean casseroles, for heaven's sake.<br />
A pan of brownies has been requested<br />
I'm already feeling rather "in-digested."Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-80363824964557200772011-11-21T08:54:00.000-05:002011-11-21T08:54:05.493-05:00Extraordinary InterviewsA most wonderful thing happens when one listens to people of positive passion; they seem to draw others of equal passion to themselves. I have been fortunate to meet many extraordinary individuals simply by being around other extraordinary folks.<br />
<br />
While Richard went up to the offices at the World War II Museum, I took the opportunity to bring one of our oldest boat builders, who was a coxswain on Higgins boats during the war, some of me and Mamie's homemade jams. A very attractive woman was interviewing him at length about the details of his service. I'm always fascinated to hear Captain Don speak about his adventures, so I simply stood and listened. <br />
<br />
Upon Richard's arrival on the scene, Captain Don and he began to catch up on their long-standing relationship, so I was free to ask the woman where she was from and broach other usual small-talk topics. I really hit the jackpot. Come to find out this woman was not only an officer and engineer in our United States Navy, she was in the first class of women to graduate from the naval academy. <br />
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She shared with me that she had grown up in a military family and had enjoyed the adventures that their constant moves afforded her. When it came time to decide on a college, she figured that she should go ahead and start her military service since this is what she wanted to do with her life. She and her fellow Annapolis graduate husband now have three children serving our country in the military and she continues her life of service teaching underprivileged children the joys of science and math. What a woman!<br />
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To top it all off, Sharon Hanley Disher is a published author, having written a book, <b>First Class</b>, about her Annapolis adventures. I can't wait to read it and share it with my granddaughter who is getting ready to go to college to become an engineer.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-43229510143695043022011-11-19T08:26:00.000-05:002011-11-19T08:26:30.677-05:00It's Alright to Be OrdinaryA friend who was public relations director for a major medical institution once said to me that the problem with his job was the danger that the people he wrote about would begin to believe what he said in press releases. My father used to say that even the pope put his pants on one leg at a time, just like my dear old dad. (Not that I've ever seen any proof that the pope wears pants under those robes, but still...)<br />
<br />
It could have been upsetting to ascertain that I was meant to be ordinary<br />
Until it occurred that I was meant to befriend those who were not thus meant to be.<br />
Those who are really great keep on doing what they're meant to and not<br />
Worrying about the cost or counting how many friends they have got.<br />
I am in awe that there are some who care not what others may think;<br />
They simply do what they feel led to do, and feelings aren't given a blink.<br />
I, who am led by my feelings and by what others about me surmise,<br />
Find the ability to be true to oneself quite the ultimate prize.<br />
<br />
I feel so honored to be in such personal value-driven company,<br />
And I feel inspired and sanctified by their applied morality. <br />
The challenge in this world of humans, no matter their greatness,<br />
Is to hold them to modeling the values which each of them profess.<br />
This is the challenge of serving those who are our leaders:<br />
To keep them from joining the ranks of those who seek to deceive us.<br />
I am often like the child who called, "The emperor has no clothes."<br />
I would rather be out of favor than their pretenses to them not disclose.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-43457278018533963832011-11-18T10:11:00.000-05:002011-11-18T10:11:44.334-05:00Fraternizing and FriendshipWhat a joy it was for me to be <br />
In the work world of my "Little Dickie."<br />
This is the pet name that he was called<br />
Before he became a doctor and friendships stalled.<br />
The tedious task that he asked me to share<br />
Was truly mind-deadening beyond compare,<br />
But we manged to have a great many laughs<br />
Without committing too many gaffes.<br />
He doesn't think of his fellow workers as friends<br />
Because he into the woodwork blends.<br />
But they all seem to come around<br />
To seek help and advice, which is always sound.<br />
<br />
While it is true that he's wound too tight,<br />
When you get him laughing, he's pure delight.<br />
It simply seems difficult for them to see<br />
That he's just as playful as you and me.<br />
The job is complete; I've met some of the guys,<br />
Who on his attention to detail daily relay.<br />
I wish there was a way to help them relax,<br />
Knowing he's weird, but he's got their backs.<br />
Maybe then they would ask him out for a brew,<br />
And to share stories of what they do.<br />
Or maybe they could go out to a movie or two<br />
And become more to each other than a work crew.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-91320588205188736832011-11-10T08:21:00.000-05:002011-11-10T08:21:14.803-05:00Varying Veterans Day ObservationWe were able to observe Veterans Day a little early this year.<br />
Tuesday we gave a presentation at our granddaughter's school<br />
About the Higgins Boats that Richard holds most dear.<br />
Yesterday we met this class at the World war II Museum;<br />
They were interested in the boats that "won the war."<br />
A Higgins Boat Vet was on hand to greet them.<br />
Captain Don was a coxswain on Higgins landing boats;<br />
He served our country fighting in the Philippines,<br />
Where the Navy taught him how to drive whatever floats.<br />
<br />
I spent the day listening to him tell his many tales<br />
He's a mechanic, musician, teacher, and boat pilot;<br />
He doesn't seem to know the meaning of "fail."<br />
He lost his beloved wife to cancer many years ago<br />
But he continues to give his talents to others; <br />
He puts on an interesting and informative show.<br />
Hearing of his life in Missouri with his mother and dad<br />
And of his adventures out at sea in the World War II;<br />
It was the most memorable museum visit I've had.<br />
<br />
He is a bit of our country's living history;<br />
I can only imagine him as a school teacher --<br />
How exciting and engaging his classes must be.<br />
Passion put into what we teach is so contagious<br />
The teaching by rote of subjects we don't know<br />
Seems to me to be simply outrageous.<br />
We can learn so much by simply sitting at the feet<br />
Of those who are willing to share their life stories<br />
With everyone they happen to meet.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-24130197849608709692011-11-07T09:58:00.000-05:002011-11-07T09:58:43.573-05:00Cooking, Cookies, and ComfortOur niece and her wonderful baby boys <br />
Came to visit us at our sons<br />
And play with Uncle and his toys.<br />
One brother who contemplates <br />
All things in his little life;<br />
What a world his fantasy creates!<br />
The other whose joyful abandon<br />
Is an infectious, wild delight --<br />
They're the same parents' sons!<br />
<br />
Their mother is extremely careful<br />
To treat them quite differently,<br />
Dealing with their individual bull.<br />
In school, working, and separated<br />
She struggles but continues on.<br />
Her dedication is to be celebrated.<br />
Thankfully, their cousin has much energy<br />
To chase and play with the children<br />
As they run through the house so free.<br />
<br />
Granddaughter and I, with one of her friends,<br />
Created the snicker-doodle cookies <br />
On which her older brother depends.<br />
We'd prepared breakfast for his visitors,<br />
Practiced Poppie's presentation,<br />
And Richard had been to the store.<br />
We'd made lasagna for a supper to share;<br />
I wanted nothing more than to observe<br />
From a soft comfortable chair.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-8773452959323111222011-11-07T09:13:00.000-05:002011-11-07T09:13:13.343-05:00Lovely, Loving Little GirlIt's pretty amazing to me how doggedly children insist on spreading their innocent love around. We went to my son's house to be with the pre-teen and teen children of their blended family of our son's family and the family of their best friends while the adults went to a Saints game. As Richard sat at the computer working on a presentation on his work with the Higgins boats for our ten-year-old granddaughter's gifted class, our granddaughter came over and started finger-combing the back of his rather sparse hair. <br />
<br />
When Richard commented that fixing his appearance was impossible, she shifted to tweaking his rather prominent earlobes. As Richard is a very staid New Englander, not given to any outward signs of emotion unless you watch his twinkly Irish eyes, he was greatly confused by this behavior. I had to explain to him that this is typical female behavior toward the people we love. We groom them. Several times that day she spontaneously threw her arms around his waist and gave him her skinny little body's equivalent of a big bear hug and then insisted that he build blocks around her friend and herself as he had when she was very small. <br />
<br />
As we drove home, I explained to him that he is a part of her safe male group and that she is looking for ways to connect to him. Why else would she have told her teacher about her "Poppie" being involved in the Higgins boat builders and have him invited to come talk to her class? This is also why her big brother helped in formatting the slide show for the presentation and why all the children listened and gave feedback on the practice run.<br />
<br />
A friend once told me that her preacher said to his congregation on Father's Day, "Dads, go home and hold your daughters. If you don't, they'll find a man who will." It does seem that we never outgrow the need to connect physically with those we love. I feel so fortunate to be married to a man that is so grounded in his values and boundaries, and is yet so willing to serve the needs of those he loves.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-27722033177124718112011-11-04T18:56:00.000-04:002011-11-04T18:56:19.287-04:00Fall and What We May Have MissedThe fall light on the water has an extra special clarity;<br />
In the autumn it seems that we can much farther see.<br />
The water seems a darker blue and the sky a shade lighter,<br />
As if before the dark of winter we need it to be brighter,<br />
To save up all the memories of nothing but future promise,<br />
Without all the worry about the things we may have missed.<br />
<br />
Perhaps clearing out the old in our lives is the reason <br />
That we, as humans, should celebrate the winter season.<br />
It gives us time to look at things in a different light,<br />
And a time to meditate on how to make our wrongs right.<br />
It would be so nice to think that new relationship beginnings<br />
Would happen with the the renewal of the flowers every spring.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-54674370789289060772011-11-02T12:06:00.000-04:002011-11-02T12:06:13.274-04:00Fast FriendsThe three amigas have met again, and how the fur did fly!<br />
We're all fiery, passionate women who let no sleeping dogs lie.<br />
We discuss how our values apply to our family and personal lives,<br />
We don't mind pointing out our own and others' lies.<br />
<br />
I don't know how the waiter didn't get scorched by our sizzle,<br />
With such passionate opinions from three women of such strong will.<br />
Perhaps we should have tipped him more than his twenty percent;<br />
He may now be requiring therapy to get his psyche unbent.<br />
<br />
We are now conspiring to have a working partnership;<br />
When we work together, it's always quite a trip.<br />
We have such different levels and kinds of energy,<br />
But, it does seem that we balance each other perfectly.<br />
<br />
At times I've disagreed strongly with a boss;<br />
This has led often to a boss who stays cross.<br />
I hope that coming at this as life-long friends,<br />
Any of our anger with each other would soon end.<br />
<br />
If we had a working relationship, it would facilitate<br />
More frequent communication, and at a greater rate.<br />
We've accomplished so much together, working for free;<br />
What joy it would be to get paid for being who we're meant to be.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-31587734532573863902011-11-01T11:07:00.000-04:002011-11-01T11:07:12.215-04:00Looking Less Lady-LikeMy physical therapist is teaching me to<br />
Do many things I thought I knew how to do:<br />
Sit, stand, and walk in a less "lady-like" way.<br />
"Lady-like?" Me? I don't know what to say.<br />
It seems that I need a more athletic stance,<br />
Not a pose like I'm preparing to dance.<br />
I was taught to hold up my shoulders and head<br />
But my swayed back gives me the pain that I dread.<br />
<br />
The athletic stance may look more aggressive;<br />
This is a trait in me that was never recessive.<br />
So I've tried to appear more delicate<br />
Because I seem to scare some folks a bit.<br />
Those I don't scare seem to want to fight,<br />
So I've tried to stay out of their sight.<br />
Rather than fight 'em, I'll feed 'em again,<br />
As soon as I can manage to stand without pain.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-57001682036360417072011-10-31T09:33:00.000-04:002011-10-31T09:33:17.495-04:00On the Periphery of PassionWhat a wonderful thing passion can be; it truly makes life worth living.<br />
My son's passion is his football team to whom lots of love is given.<br />
This same passion he extends to his parents, children, friends, and wife;<br />
He lives his life drawing others into his aura of unbridled delight.<br />
His children, too, are passionate about their family and their friends;<br />
I love to be around them and am saddened when it ends.<br />
<br />
This week-end not only had a televised Saints game;<br />
My son's Halloween birthday was celebrated again and again.<br />
He made chicken and sausage gumbo with a side of rice<br />
We: carrot cake and bread pudding with bourbon sauce for each slice.<br />
If I lived near my children, I fear my heart would explode;<br />
All their love of life sometimes seems a heavy load.<br />
<br />
The neighborhood thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday Saints game;<br />
Richard and I don't watch football, but enjoyed them all the same,<br />
Playing Rummikub with our granddaughter by the swimming pool.<br />
And visiting with our teen grandson, who with us doesn't play it cool.<br />
Our grandson stopped by several times with hugs and sweet words<br />
Kind words of love from teens are some of the sweetest words heard.<br />
<br />
After a week-end of celebration, they must return to work and school;<br />
We will return to our routines with bodies that are over-full.<br />
I will take the memories and tuck them into my heart,<br />
Being ever so grateful that, in their passions, we play a part.<br />
Next week-end we will have more offered opportunity<br />
To take part in these celebrations of life that we love to see.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-41717217120377954162011-10-29T09:41:00.000-04:002011-10-29T09:41:03.327-04:00More Memories Than Mortals Can ConceiveThe sailors in windbreakers heading out to the sea<br />
Bring back memories of our boating, my captain and me.<br />
The cool fall breezes are a sirens' song to sailors,<br />
Whether with vessels in the harbor or boats on trailers.<br />
<br />
We had cushions in the v-berth that served as our bed,<br />
And in the starboard bunks where guests laid their heads.<br />
There were nights that we anchored in a quite river inlet<br />
And other nights at harbors that we had only just met.<br />
<br />
The cruises that we took with friends and family --<br />
Feasting, swimming, fishing -- We felt worry free.<br />
We had sleep-overs at the dock; we didn't need to leave;<br />
There were more memories made than mortals can conceive.<br />
<br />
Fall light is extra luminous as it dances on the waves;<br />
The cloudless sky promises many memories to be saved.<br />
My wish for every sailor embarking from this harbor:<br />
Many blissful moments to share with their sons and daughters.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-49916002659025747352011-10-28T08:46:00.000-04:002011-10-28T08:46:33.825-04:00People From Our PastPeople from our past keep popping up; they heard that we returned "home."<br />
I always thought we'd keep in contact, no matter where we roamed.<br />
But, it seems that face-to-face time is what most people feel comfortable with,<br />
No matter how much the written word is that for which I wish.<br />
We are being called upon to come out and catch up with our friends --<br />
It's so much safer to communicate when I can edit before hitting "send."<br />
<br />
I guess most people are more comfortable with the fleeting nature of life,<br />
Where I don't trust that the good memories will be there in times of strife.<br />
I want to take out stories of love and personal triumph that were written to me <br />
Whenever I become overwhelmed by the unpleasant things I hear and see.<br />
I can curl up under the covers or hide in my own house,<br />
Savoring the kind words of friends and being quiet as a mouse.<br />
<br />
This way misunderstandings may be fewer and farther between;<br />
I was taught to stay out of trouble by being neither heard nor seen.<br />
I was never good at obeying these social nicety directives;<br />
There's something in my lady-like gene that obviously is defective.<br />
I must remember that these folks are citizens of New Orleans<br />
Where loud and proud women are simply part of the local scene.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-86826692062508646292011-10-27T10:37:00.000-04:002011-10-27T10:37:08.121-04:00Rewards of RetirementA big reward of retirement is that we are now free<br />
To explore whatever it is that we "always wanted to be."<br />
This can be quite daunting because, as Richard said to me,<br />
Their is nothing quite as scary as to be completely free.<br />
When we have jobs and children, someone else dictates what we do;<br />
But most of us nurse fantasies that number more than a few.<br />
One of my nieces attending college said recently <br />
She thinks growing up is harder in the land of the free.<br />
She said in many countries each is simply placed in a job, and<br />
In many families it is the case, that parents are job snobs.<br />
I know that unsolicited opinions are worth what is paid for them,<br />
But you know that I still had to put my own two cents in.<br />
I'd like her to consider teaching physical therapy;<br />
It seems a natural grown up progression for a gymnast, to me.<br />
I parlayed my love of giving parties into a catering career;<br />
Now I spend my time writing about the memories I hold most dear.<br />
My body can't stand the strain of long hours on my feet,<br />
But being a writer is another goal I've always wanted to meet.<br />
How sad it would be if on the day of our births<br />
Our dreams wings were clipped, and we were denied the search<br />
For what is our best use in each stage of our lives.<br />
Dreams seem to be the only way the human spirit thrives.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-31205411083724446582011-10-26T17:24:00.000-04:002011-10-26T17:24:58.889-04:00Physical Therapy Is a Miracle to MeEverything I've ever been and everything I am, <br />
I owe to the time of teachers, and a helping set of hands.<br />
The laying on of hands in good physical therapy<br />
Is the stuff of miraculous healing to me.<br />
We seek swift answers from pills and surgery --<br />
Not learning how to keep own bodies pain free.<br />
The teachers I follow are the ones with mastery<br />
Of their subject before they impart knowledge to me.<br />
I could have sought out a personal trainer instead of PT,<br />
But the knowledge of physiology is as important as can be.<br />
Strength building exercises on muscles knotted over nerves<br />
Will never be productive in putting pain in reverse.<br />
When will we honor the individual time and attention<br />
That trains us in our own power's attainment and retention?<br />
.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-41655792679150014262011-10-25T17:40:00.000-04:002011-10-25T17:40:24.597-04:00Aunt Ann's Pot Roast and Very Close to Berry Chantilly CakeThis is what we served our nieces for their birthday celebration. <br />
<br />
My mother made some of the best pot roast I ever put in my mouth. Here's as close as I could come to her way of making it:<br />
<br />
<b>Aunt Ann's Pot Roast</b><br />
<br />
3-4 pound of your favorite cut of beef for roasting<br />
1 cup (approximately) all purpose flour<br />
Salt to taste<br />
Lots of black pepper<br />
Lots of garlic powder<br />
Lots of onion powder<br />
1/2 cup canola oil (She used safflower oil)<br />
1 cup water<br />
1/2 pound carrots, cut in 2 inch pieces<br />
8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in half<br />
1 pound mushrooms, cut in half<br />
6 ribs celery, cut in 2 inch pieces<br />
<br />
Sprinkle roast liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat with flour on all sides. Oil on all sides. Place fat side up in cover roasting pan. Roast at 300 degrees for 2 hours. <br />
<br />
Pour in water. Add carrots and potatoes. Cover and return to oven 1/2 hour. Add mushrooms and celery. Cover and return to oven 1/2 hour. Remove roast from pan. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Very Close to Berry Chantilly Cake</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Cake:<br />
1 box white cake mix, prepared according to package directions in 9-inch cake pans, using four pans to make very thin layers. Bake for approximately 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Berry Compote:<br />
1/3 cup triple sec<br />
1/3 cup powdered sugar<br />
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate<br />
1/4 teaspoon orange extract <br />
<br />
Whisk together and pour over the following fruit:<br />
1 cup fresh strawberries, cut in half <br />
1 cup fresh raspberries<br />
1 cup fresh blueberries <br />
Refrigerate for 1 hour. <br />
<br />
Filling:<br />
6 egg yolks <br />
¾ cup sugar <br />
2/3 cup evaporated milk<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
4 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese<br />
4 ounces sour cream<br />
<br />
In top of double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, sugar and milk. Whisk over boiling water in bottom of double boiler, whisking continuously, until mixture coats spoon with thick sauce like warm pudding (about 15 minutes). Remove pan from heat to a cold water bath. Whisk for 2 minutes. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on surface of custard. Refrigerate for 1 hour. <br />
<br />
Whisk cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream into custard mixture. <br />
<br />
Whipped cream icing:<br />
<br />
2 cups heavy whipping cream<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
<br />
Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff. Beat in softened cream cheese.<br />
<br />
Pipe a border of whipped cream around edge of first layer to act as a “fence” for fruit. Place 1/3 fruit compote on cake layer. Top with 1/2 custard mixture, including juice. Repeat for layers 2 and 3. Top with layer 4. Ice cake with whipped cream and cream cheese mixture. Decorate with toasted almonds and fresh fruit.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-41028384117556796912011-10-25T08:37:00.000-04:002011-10-25T08:37:12.472-04:00Birthday BlunderWe had a birthday party for Waggy --Richard and me.<br />
What she wanted to eat seemed simple as can be.<br />
But I messed up with a comma where interpretation was free.<br />
She said "I want a kitchen sink salad w/ all the<br />
Veggies, meat, cheese, and pasta. And carb smart ice cream.<br />
We set about creating what I thought was her dream.<br />
One of Richard's salads that would be sure to delight,<br />
And a pasta primavera should be just right.<br />
I shopped for every veggie I could put in the pot<br />
And Carb Smart spaghetti to fill the pasta slot.<br />
Imagine her surprise when she thought pasta in salad,<br />
And spaghetti for primavera was all that I had.<br />
Richard's salad pleased her; she even took pictures.<br />
She seemed to enjoy the pasta without her strictures.<br />
Then her ice cream, we topped with fresh raspberries.<br />
I hope she was happy with her birthday fairies.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-30569244543179877852011-10-24T08:33:00.000-04:002011-10-24T08:33:21.910-04:00Great Gobs of GratitudeGreat gobs of gratitude is the way to start any day;<br />
It's so easy to do when we've had so much love come our way.<br />
The baby boys all over the condo, one end to the other,<br />
Under the watchful eyes of their loving aunt and mother.<br />
Uncle Richard as their playmate while we girls got to chat,<br />
The boys climbing on us occasionally for a kiss or a pat.<br />
<br />
One of "those" salads, pot roast with all the fixings, <br />
Beans from a Coker Creek garden are still to our ribs sticking.<br />
To celebrate the birthdays of the girls, the boys could hardly wait;<br />
They had spied the fresh strawberries on the Chantilly cake.<br />
We parted with great smiles and some with grocery sacks<br />
Hoping the sharing of good memories will keep them coming back.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-13526734372426922642011-10-22T15:47:00.000-04:002011-10-22T15:47:02.839-04:00Grabbing Grandchild TimeOur youngest granddaughter is now ten. It seems like we'll blink and lose her to her own explorations of the wide world. I'm so thrilled that she still openly admits to longing for time with us. I feel that I must take every opportunity to spend time with her before she outgrows her granny. <br />
<br />
Richard and I have been invited by her gifted program teacher to assist with a class field trip to the World War II Museum. How sweet is that when your grandchildren are so proud of what you do that they want you to teach their class something about your work? Now her big brother, who really enjoys time with his "Poppie" has asked if he can tag along. I hope it all works out. I'd be on cloud nine, or is it cloud ten?<br />
<br />
Me and my youngest grandgirl had a sleep-over last night and enjoyed each other immensely, but the time was too short. She's in so many activities that it's really cutting into our time together. I'm not really complaining, though, because the class that kept her late was sewing. I'm hoping she can teach me a few new tricks.<br />
<br />
The time waiting for my granddaughter also gave me the opportunity to take our only grandson to his favorite shopping place, Gamestop, where he purchased a Batman game with his own money. What an easy way to be a hero; all I had to provide was the ride. He's thirteen, so every minute with him before he takes the wheel is a gift.<br />
<br />
After the grandchildren were whisked away, our daughter-in-law and I curled up on the couch, still in our jammies and watched a not-suitable-for-children movie as my son bopped in and out in his own inimitable style. What a perfect way to spend a day.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-63694426961286523512011-10-21T08:48:00.000-04:002011-10-21T08:48:38.414-04:00Louisiana Lost and FoundIt is lovely living with a Italian/seafood restaurant on the harbor. Even though we both enjoy cooking, sometimes it's simply more convenient to take visitors out to eat. Our friends, Susan and Mark, who have settled in Louisville, Kentucky after being washed out by Hurricane Katrina and then a several year stint living in Florida, pass within a quarter mile of our condo on their way to visit their son and other sundry relatives and friends in New Orleans. This almost guarantees that we will get to see them as they pass by, especially since they usually arrive at lunch time. As Sam Walter Foss said, "Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."<br />
<br />
In order not to put pressure on them about their arrival time, we opted to meet them at the harbor side restaurant. They had a sailboat slipped here many years ago and reminisced about the wonderful times they had sailing and swimming with their young children. The memory machine, I'm sure, was well oiled by the sumptuous seafood dishes on all of our plates. We ended the meal with a walk to our condo (Richard got a one-block ride in Mark's two-seater red sports car, in which I can't even imagine folding myself up sufficiently to enter and exit). At home, we ate oatmeal/cranberry cookies from the cookie dough I had on hand from the visit by the baby boys and sipped cafe au lait. <br />
<br />
Susan and Mark are now sandwiched between Susan's aging parents and their daughter's family, complete with their first grandchild. I think they're in Louisville to stay, but it sure was wonderful to relive their memories of how our Louisiana lives were before our losses.<br />
<br />
<b>Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies</b><br />
<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
2 cups oatmeal<br />
1 cup dried cranberries<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />
Beat butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add flour, salt, and soda. Mix well. Mix in oatmeal. Stir well. Drop by tablespoon on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Yields about 5 dozen.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995856082510894033.post-21921094996582905522011-10-19T15:53:00.000-04:002011-10-19T15:53:45.128-04:00Beutiful Baby BoysOur niece and her boys came yesterday;<br />
She had homework, and they wanted to play.<br />
What a delight it was to recapture our past<br />
When Richard and the children would have a blast,<br />
Building towers with homemade wood blocks<br />
That come crashing down with gentle knocks. <br />
<br />
The two boys also played boat in a box;<br />
This served to really turn back the clock<br />
To our first grandchild who could make boats<br />
Out of things that were never meant to float.<br />
We read stories, played cars, and laughed a lot.<br />
They're not our grandchildren, but it matters not.Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899198991961663809noreply@blogger.com2