Unlike today’s feast consisting of turkey, stuffing, cranberry and so on…, the original Thanksgiving menu probably consisited of the following items:
► Seethed [boiled] Lobster
► Roasted Goose
► Boiled Turkey
► Fricase of Coney
► Pudding of Indian Corn Meal with dried Whortleberries
► Seethed Cod
► Roasted Duck
► Stewed Pumpkin
► Roasted Venison with Mustard Sauce
► Savory Pudding of Hominy
►Fruit and Holland Cheese
Why did the chicken cross the road? Here are a few responses how I believe some famous people may answer that very question?
Mark Twain: The news of its crossing has been greatly exaggerated.
Molly Yard: It was a hen!
Zeno of Elea: To prove it could never reach the other side.
Chaucer: So priketh hem nature in hir corages.
Wordsworth: To wander lonely as a cloud.
The Godfather: I didn’t want its mother to see it like that.
Blake: To see heaven in a wild fowl.
Othello: Jealousy.
Oscar Wilde: Why, indeed? One’s social engagements whilst in town ought never expose one to such barbarous inconvenience – although, perhaps, if one must cross a road, one may do far worse than to cross it as the chicken in question.
Kafka: Hardly the most urgent enquiry to make of a low-grade insurance clerk who woke up that morning as a hen.
Macbeth: To have turned back were as tedious as to go o’er.
Freud: An die andere Seite zu kommen. (Much laughter)
Hamlet: That is not the question.
Donne: It crosseth for thee.
Constable: To get a better view.
Indian Summer arrives, a change of scene that’s more a sence of memory that a date on a calendar. Finally, the heart is passing, Gradually familiar surrondings don a rustic palate of jewel tones that dazzel with their beauty. Let October seduce you with her charms. ” Beguile us in the way you know,” poet Robert Frost entreated this season of abundence. “Release one leaf at the break of day.”
exerpt from “Simple Abudence”
THE MAN IN THE GLASS
(Author Unknown)
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what THAT man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you’re a straight-shootin’ chum
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end,
And you’ve passed your most dangerous test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,But your final reward will be heartache and tears
Today is Sarah’s birthday. I can’t believe I have a five year old (gulp). I keep thinking back on memories and in ways it feels as if she should still be a baby; and then in other ways it’s gone by so fast that I can’t believe she is in Pre- k.
I always promised myself that I would never have a spoiled child. This child wants for nothing. And, I guess a little bit of spoiling is okay, Alright I’ll admit it a lot of spoiling is okay. Hey you only have one childhood might as well make it the best you can.
We had a small family b-day party yesterday and I think between me, the grandparents, the Aunts and Uncles that my child should have some stock at Toys R Us ( : It was such a delight to see the joy in Sarah’s eyes and the happiness that illuminated the room. She is the light of my life.
The theme this year was Scooby Doo and the cake was precious. Who knew Scooby Doo could go pink, but I have to admit it was very cute.
For now, I am making little treat sacks to give to her friends at Day Care and Pre-k and two sets of cupcakes for both groups. Who knew the things our parents use to do for us that we never appreciate until we become a parent. So if she’s sugared up tomorrow it’s no ones fault but mine.
I am going to tuck her in bed now and sing her ” You are my Sarah” ( You Are My Sunshine) I replace her name with “Sunshine”. It’s her ” night, night” song and then I am going to thank God for giving me Sarah to share for a while. She gives my life meaning.
Are you out of your gourd? No, I don’t mean your crazy. I’m referring to having access to some real gourds.At this time of year, your gourd of choice is probably a pumpkin. (Well, it’s actually a gourd-like squash)
Some pumpkin facts:
Seeds of thought ( :
Receipe serves 6 – 8
4-pounds 8-ounces butternut squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 stalks fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup pecans (optional)
Fresh Parmesan cheese crumpled to add at end. As much as desired
Direction
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Halve the squash, leaving the skin on, and scoop out the seeds, then cut into 1-inch cubes; you don’t need to be precise just keep the pieces uniformly small. Put into a roasting tin with the oil and strip about 4 stalks thyme of their leaves, sprinkling over the butternut squash. If you can’t get any fresh thyme, sprinkle over dried. Roast in the oven for about 30 to 45 minutes or until tender. Once out of the oven, remove the squash to a bowl and scatter over the pecans and crumble over the cheese tossing everything together gently. Check the seasoning and add the last couple of stalks of thyme torn into small sprigs to decorate
Last Saturday kicked off the State Fair and tomorrow it already ends, unbelievable. Yes, I went to the fair today and sometimes if you’re an observer like I am, it changes your perception in more ways than one. First off, today was hot, luckily a cool breeze swept through the air and in the streets, which were lined with people of all shapes, sizes, ages and moods.
I always look forward to the fair. As a child, the event stirred such excitement in me, the rides, the booths, and of course the fair food.
The distinct aroma of the livestock competitors drifted in the air, mixing with the music playing in the background from all kinds of rides. Babies, sticky with the residue of goodies rocked along as their parents navigated their strollers around bulky electric cables that fueled the rides, and children crying because it was to hot and they were to tired to be there, of course i’m not talking about my adorable child ( : Teenagers clumped together in groups, their Letterman jackets branding them according to school loyalties. Couples of every age meander through the crowd, holding hands and creating a world of their own within the bustle.
The crispy scent of food venders with all my favorite goodies and more swirl in the air smelling of footlong corn dogs, cheese sticks, turkey legs — and just about everything else– mixed with warm, fresh, sweet cotton candy sent my taste buds into a fury of indecision. In the end, roasted corn and a large glass of lemonade won. Feeling stuffed like one of the cheap teddy bears on the wall above the dart and balloon games, it was now time for my daughter to ride the kiddie rides. The tilt a whirl, the swing, bouncers, are just a few of the rides that gave my daughter exhilarated bliss. Surprisingly, after all the food, the spins and undulating circles it still didn’t bother us.
Some people don’t take to rides well; okay so I admit it, I don’t do roller coasters and I will never do roller coasters unless forced. Of course, the rest of the family adores roller coasters, so I am sadly outnumbered. I would love to bring a friend along at some point, that feels the same way I do then I wouldn’t have to hold the camera, drinks, etc. And I would have someone to talk to.
Have I mentioned the walking. Walking a significant amount of the day, for 5 1/2 hours … yes, lots and lots of walking. During this precious time my child threw the most amazing fit I think I have ever seen. It was academy award-winning and epic. Once the tears and stomping (from the child) had ceased, it was decided to go home. Over all a great day, but I think my four year old might have been pushed to her limits. Lesson learned – take your child in the evening to the fair, not nearly as dramatic.
A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He’s someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He’s proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad’s love plays a part.
There’s always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you’re even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad…
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father’s Day
We got back from the family reunion near San Angelo (Robert Lee) late last night. Most people complain about family reunions or they don’t even have them. Our family LOVES them, and we enjoy each other’s company so much!
We didn’t get to go last year, but had fun making up for lost time. I always forget how fun it’s going to be until we get there.
Sister in law and brother in law brought their two foster kids and are doing incredible. They are all so happy. It is truly a wonderful sight. The kids are adjusting just like they should be, and they had a great time with my daughter playing. The three of them rode bikes, swam, played games, etc. It brought back wonderful memories of my childhood. The times that we wish we could hold on to forever.
It was 109 Saturday and I was so glad we were all inside where the air conditioners were working. All of the girls stayed inside and played “Catch Phrases” and “Buzz Word” and ate, and ate, and ate… you get the idea, the guys all went to play golf.
Saturday night we sang hymns. I love that part of the family reunions. Hymns really minister to me and there’s just something wonderful about sitting around and seeing all of your family singing along.
Sunday we went to church, ate a fabulous lunch and had a fairly relaxing afternoon. We left the reunion about 5:30 and made it back to town at midnight.
The girl I work with is on vacation this week and I am working her schedule 6:30 – 3:30. It was hard getting up early but I am glad i’m off now.
So, I’m back in the swing of things and loving every minute of it. More soon ….
