True Grit

Proverbs 28:1 are the opening lines to the recent re-make of this John Wayne movie.

The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Actually the Coen Brothers left off the second line, but I'm including it because it's just as important.

Before heading to the local theater and forking over too much money, we watched the 1969 film on DVD at home.  While the younger crowd thought the first was *cheesy*, I loved it and looked forward to seeing how Hollywood would *update* it.

In short, well done!

I give five stars to both versions and have added Mattie Ross to my top-five list of cinematic heroines.

Talk about true grit.

Mattie's character surpasses Rooster on many levels, modeling admirable traits ~

1)  Family loyalty, i.e. honor thy father (and mother)
2)  Negotiation skills, par excellance
3)  Educated, manners and diction
4)  Determination, appropriately channeled  and
5)  Maturity, beyond her years but not misguided




Overall, I preferred Hailee Steinfeld's interpreation and presentation of Mattie.

What do you think?




PS Do you own the book on which the film is based?

Happy 30th Anniversary






A good relationship has a pattern like a dance and is built on some of the same rules.

The partners do not need to hold on tightly, because they move confidently in the same pattern, intricate but gay and swift and free, like a country dance of Mozart's.

To touch heavily would be to arrest the pattern and freeze the movement, to check the endlessly changing beauty of its unfolding.

There is no place here for the possessive clutch, the clinging arm, the heavy hand; only the barest touch in passing. Now arm in arm, now face to face, now back to back -- it does not matter which. Because they know they are partners moving to the same rhythm, creating a pattern together, and being invisibly nourished by it.


Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Gift from the Sea

Photo compliments of mmcarthystudio aka DD#2

Beet Salad

Now that Grandma is no longer with us :-(  I'm in the business of fixing this traditional family recipe.

It's one of those dishes that graced the holiday (celebratory) tables next to the omnipresent black olives and ubiquitous pickles.

She never wrote out a recipe.

So, here's my stab at actual measurements.

4 cans chilled beets, well drained and finely chopped
4 stalks celery, very finely diced
5 Tbs mayonnaise
small amount of finely grated onion
salt and pepper, to taste


Chill for several hours before serving.


Sounds pretty simple.  But I'm telling you,

it just doesnt taste the same as when she prepared it.


We miss you, Grandma!

Santa Claus

Red-suited men sporting long white beards are everywhere:

 in stores,

 on TV,

at parties.

There is no one who doesnt recognize these fellows.






As a youngster, I was afraid of him.  As I got older, I figured him out, but kept the information to myself.  Later, when I had my own children, we gave them gifts from Santa Claus on Christmas morning, but never took them to visit him or sit in his lap.

Now I continue to believe in the gift of giving .

So, I embrace the symbol and prefer to be positive about *him*.

Any one who says *there's no such thing as Santa Claus* looses credibility.

Clearly, he exists.

One of my favorite poets explains ~

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra's See,

Was holy a saint

As a saint could be;

Saved not a bit

Of his worldly wealth

And loved to commit

Good deeds by stealth.

Was there a poor man,

Wanting a roof?

Nicholas sheltered him weatherproof.

Who lacked a morsel

Had but to ask it

And at his doorsill

Was Nicholas' basket.

0, many a basket did he carry.

Penniless girls

Whom none would marry

Used to discover to their delight,

Into their windows

Tossed at night

(When the moon was old

And the dark was showry),

Bags of gold

Enough for a dowry.

People, I read,

Grew slightly lyrical,

Calling each deed

He did, a miracle.

Told how he calmed the sea for sailors

And rescued children

From awful jailors

Who, drawing lots

For the foul design,

Liked pickling tots

In pickle brine.

Nicholas, circa

Fourth cent. A.D.,

Died in the odor of sanctity.

But fortune changes,

Blessings pass,

And look what's happened to Nicholas.

He who had feared

The world's applause,

Now, with a beard,

Is Santa Claus.

A multiplied elf, he struts and poses,

Ringing up sales

In putty noses;

With Comet and Cupid

His constant partners,

Telling tall tales to kindergart'ners,

His halo fickle as

Wind and wave.

While dizzily Nicholas

Spins in his grave.

"Origin of Species"
 from TIMES THREE
 by Phyllis McGinley

Fashion Friday

Not your typical Christmas green, I'm having fun with teal and turquoise this Fall/Winter.

The puffy vest is new (onsale), but the blouse is not ~ one of those items re-discovered when sorting through my closet. That's the basis of my fashion posts - giving new life to an old item and thereby adding a punch to my style.

One holiday season, I dressed my four daughters in pink and white.  Again, not your typical Christmas colors.  But it proved fortuitous by making it easy to spot them in a crowd.  That was the year we went to the Festival of Trees at the World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta..... if any of you four are reading ;-)

So, now that the holidays are upon us and many have decorated homes, tell me....

Do you dress differently in December?





Bonus FAF (Fine Art Friday)
Still Life after Harnett
Pencil on Reeves Paper
by DD#1

Steal Away

DD#3 sang this spiritual as the special anthem during yesterday's worship service.   The words are haunting and not unlike a favorite of mine, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

It was coincidental that Sunday, November 28th, 2010, was the 152nd anniversary of the slave ship's, Wanderer's, arrival at Jekyll Island, GA where she unloaded over 400 Africans who were immediately sold.   Here's a link to a short review the book, The Wanderer.

Refrain
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus!
Steal away, steal away home,
I ain’t got long to stay here.


My Lord, He calls me,
He calls me by the thunder;
The trumpet sounds within my soul,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

Refrain

Green trees are bending,
Poor sinners stand a-trembling;
The trumpet sounds within my soul,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

Refrain

My Lord, He calls me,
He calls me by the lightning;
The trumpet sounds within my soul,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

Day Before Thanksgiving Menu

Honey Baked Ham
Potato Salad
Succotash
Stewed Cabbage

Cavit Pinot Noir
Sweet Tea

Vanilla Ice Cream
Chocolate Chip Cookies




O most merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give the humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen!

Healthcare Answers

Be there or be square.




Link to other posts about healthcare.

New Manchester Mill

Several weeks ago a friend and I took advantage of a ranger-guided tour through the remains of this successful cotton mill destroyed by the Yankees on July 9, 1864.

It sparked my memory and I returned to my own family history where a great-great-great uncle raccounts the destruction of the Planters Factory on the Ocmulgee River this very week 146 years ago.  Read a short clip about it on my other blog.

While I got my exercise that day, learned some history, and absorbed some beautiful vistas, I couldn't help but recommit my body and being to resisting the continued encroachment of the Federal government into the hearts and lives of all Americans.

General Sherman wanted to do it then.

Legislators and politicans continue that mission by overstepping their bounds, most recently demonstrated in the body-scanning practices and full-bodied patdowns of the TSA

AND

the multiplying tentacles of big government invading our privacy all the way down to our personal medical records.

Howl, please.

and then

Howl some more.

Happy Birthday, (Father) Abraham!

"Oh, no single piece of our mental world is to be hermetically sealed off from the rest, and there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!'"*


Today remember this fine historian, theologian, philosopher, writer by reading something by him.

It's his 173rd birthday!

The Christian Classics Ethereal Library makes it easy with their online articles.

Or at The Kuyper Foundation.  I'm particularly interested in To Be Near Unto God, 110 essays inspired by Psalm 73.


Also, Happy 76th Birthday to my father who introduced me to this Kuperian principle!


*"Sphere Sovereignty", in James D. Bratt, ed., Abraham Kuyper, A Centennial Reader, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998) (p. 488)

Fall Menu

Beef with Currants

Baked Barley

Steamed Carrots

Sauted Kale

Buttered French Bread

Black Swan Merlot (2008)

Dessert (recipe link) 

Vivian's Apple Pie a la mode

Memory Verse of the Week ~

So teach us to number our days,

that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Fashion on Fridays:Handbags

Introducing

Spartina449's

*Drifter* Shoulder bag

Complete with many of the colors from the Fall 2010 Pantone Palette, she's sporting:

Woodbine
Chocolate Truffle
Oyster Gray
Lagoon

 
 
 
 
 
  Versatile beyond measure, this pocketbook is serving me well this fall ~ zippered compartments, sturdy straps, and a wide opening, I am highly recommending this new brand of leather and linen from a Hilton Head designer.
 
Spartina449 came to my attention from the owner of a local gift shop, The Chamberhouse, newly remodeled and always resourceful.

So, tell me about your handbag and how much you like it .... or not.

OR

tell me about a favorite gift shop in your town.

A Woman's Answer to a Man's Question

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the hand above—
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love?

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy,
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy?

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Man-like you have questioned me;
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars,
And as pure as heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef;
I require a far better thing.
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,
And a man that the maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did the first
And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose will fade
From my soft, young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mid the bloom of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give all this, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot do this — a laundress and cook
You can hire, with little to pay,
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.


Mary T. Lathrap
1838 - 1895

[Written in reply to a man's poetic unfolding of what he conceived to be a woman's duty.]


Photo taken Fall 1977
Hillsdale, Michigan

Fashion on Friday:Denim and Linen

Desperate for a wardrobe change by this time of year, I remind myself to check the weather report hoping for cooler temperatures and a soaking rain.


But yesterday, the first full day of Fall, the thermometer registered 91 degrees.

Hence, the sleeveless denim shirt.

While I consider denim a year-round fabric choice, I stop wearing linen at the end of September.  Sienna brown is a favorite color, unlike the chocolate truffle color (which seems to have a touch of purple in it) on this season's report.

This multi-colored linen skirt has been in my closet for six seasons and always rejuvenates the attitude during these weeks of transitional weather.

And that's the basis of my Fashion Friday ~ no new purchase.....

What did you find in your closet this past week that added a bit a flair to your style?





Bonus FAF (Fine Art Friday)
(in the background)

Head Study After Bouguereau
Oil on Canvas
by Margaret Jago 2003

Top Ten: Walking Routes

Mark Fenton's book is the one which helped me establish a walking program.

Truth be known ~ after purchase, it sat on the shelf for a couple of years.

And then I took his simple advice.

I hopped got out of the car (waiting in carpool line) and walked five minutes in one direction, turned around, and walked the five minutes back to the car.

Quickly I built up steam and stamina.  However, it always takes a bit of mental discipline to get up and going.

Here's a short list of my favorite ordinary routes with links a one-time blog entry.


1)  Larkwood
2)  Heritage Park
3)  Boling Park
4)  Canton Loop
5)  Canton Stretch
6)  Canton Historic
7)  Canton Bluffs
8)  River Green
9)  Prominence Point
10)The Basement


Early on, I determined that I didnt want to train for competition (racewalking), but for health and pleasure. 

Learning the local history and trying to keep in shape are motivators enough.

But I think I may work through this PBS series on walking to help me stay on task.

And remember J M Barrie's* sound advice ~

 Make your feet your friend.

Where do you like to walk?




*Author of Peter Pan

Fashion Friday:Fall Colors

Autumn officially begins next week.

Wednesday, September 22, at 11:09pm to be exact.

I'm not ready.

It's still hot here.

90 degrees today...



But blogging buddy Carol's wonderful words are urging me on...

Out with the decaying petunias in pots; hello you gorgeous gerberas.

Out with the pathetic wispy plants that always look so good in May; welcome merry mums!

See ya' summer salads; gotta fix some soup and bake some sweet potatoes!

See ya later 8 o'clock twilight; greetings to reading by lamplight!

Who doesn't love autumn?



After reading these words, I promptly bought some hardy chrysanthemums at the grocery store.

I think they qualify as *Golden Glow*.













What do you think?

Genealogy:William Ferguson Smith

My maternal great-great grandfather was born on this date, September 16, one hundred forty five years ago (1845).

As you can see from the photo of the dust jacket, he is the author of of The Rival Lovers: a story of The War Between the States.

It is an authentic and original tale of a solider, citizen and public servant written in 1877, originally published in serial form in the Butts County Argus.


Even more interesting are the second and third parts of the book which contain first a biographical sketch entitled William, The Man; and then Essays: Other Writings of William Ferguson Smith.


He is mentioned in the New Georgia Encyclopedia as a *mover and shaker* of 19th century Butts County because of his overall leadership, most notably as editor of the newspaper and president of the railroad.

In his remarks when he took charge of the Flovilla and Indian Springs Railroad (1888?), he challenged his listeners to act their parts as patriots and save the Republic.

Now I leave you with his actual words which continue to be appropriate in the perennial task of cultural renewal.

Can we - will we - perpetuate this Republic for the benefit of the children of both races?  Or will we allow race prejudice and sectional hatred to rob us of reason, smother our patriotism, and engage us in factional strife, while our great Republic goes down under the grasp of financial despotism?

I present these questions for the thoughtful, prayerful consideration of the great middle class of the American people to consider, with the hope, the prayerful desire, and the sincere belief, that the great responsive heart will answer in the affirmative.

Take heart over these issues.

Remember our great Constitution, as tomorrow is Constitution Day.

Preserving that permanent thing...

maintains liberty and justice for all.




Many thanks to my cousin, Harriet Ann Stovall Kelley (Editor) who discovered WFS papers and took the time to preserve them for posterity.  Read one of her poems here.

Privilege of Corporate Worship

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,






where she may lay her young, at your altars,
O Lord of Hosts,
my King and my God.

Psalm 84 was written by the Sons of Korah for the express purpose of singing the prayer in the temple.  Thousands of year later I am blessed to be able to read it, understand it, and perform the noble exercise of praise and thanksgiving so described.

Dont miss the opportunity to be a doorkeeper in the house of God.

Then sing about it!





For further study ~

Listen to a sermon expositing Psalm 84: A Bird's Nest in God's House.

Issac Watts's hymn Lord of the worlds above is based on this psalm.

US Constitution Day

"Great states with good constitutions develop when most people think of their duties and restrain their appetites.


"Great states sink toward their dissolution when most people think of their privileges and indulge their appetites freely. . . .







"And no matter how admirable a constitution may look upon paper, it will be ineffectual unless the written constitution, the web of custom and convention, affirms an enduring moral order of obligations and personal responsibility."


Quoting Russell Kirk's Rights and Duties: Reflections on Our Conservative Constitution, I'm reminding myself (and you) of the upcoming Constitution Day celebration.  Some begin as early as September 16th and continue through Saturday, the 18th, framing the actual signing date of September 17, 1787.

Read ~

First Principles, ISI's web journal,  houses a host of fine articles addressing constitutional liberty.

Brad Birzer's review of Kirk's Rights and Duties.

Then act ~

Contact your representative and learn how s/he feels about voting in line with the principles he swore to uphold.

Protect the future ~

Join in the fight to restore our Republic.

Final Summer Roses

WHEN roses cease to bloom, dear,

And violets are done,

When bumble-bees in solemn flight

Have passed beyond the sun,



The hand that paused to gather 

Upon this summer’s day

Will idle lie, in Auburn,—

Then take my flower, pray!

 
 
 
 
 
Thinking of those we lost over the summer.....

Miss Dickinson supplies the words.

Here's a link to Emily's lexicon where I learned that Auburn is the name of a cemetery which boasts an impressive list of residents.

The Thinking Conservative

The Thinker (Le Penseur) is an easily recognizable icon for intellectual activity and that's how I'm using it today.

Most schools and colleges are back in session which means that many of us have abandoned our summertime routines in favor of more rigorous schedules involving academics.

I followed suit by listening to George Grant challenge a crowd to don their thinking caps.




The enthusiasm is catching!

Which in turn made me ponder the characteristics and convictions of the citizens who would ideally comprise civilized society.

And one of my favorite authors, Russell Kirk, neatly defined the model with this short list of ten principles.


From this essay found at The Kirk Center

1)   The conservative believes that there exists an enduring moral order.

2)   The conservative adheres to custom, convention, and continuity.

3)   Conservatives believe in what may be called the principle of prescription.

4)   Conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence.

5)   Conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety.

6)   Conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability.

7)   Conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property are closely linked.

8)   Conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as the oppose involuntary collectivism.

9)  The conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions.

10)The thinking conservative understands that permanence and change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society.

One of my favorite conservatives was Larry McDonald.  I always think of him in September because that's when he died and that's when Constitution Day is celebrated.

What about you?

Do you have a favorite conservative?

Memorial Highway - Larry McDonald

 

	HR 1098 - Larry McDonald Memorial Highway; designate

First Reader Summary

A RESOLUTION designating the Larry McDonald Memorial Highway; and for other purposes.

Franklin, Jr., Robert L (39th)		Coan, Michael T (82nd)		Hammontree, James A (4th)
Lewis, Walter Jeffrey (14th)		Mann, Harold M (5th)		Scheid, III, Charles F (17th)
Status Summary	HC: Trans	SC:	LA: 02/26/98	H - Favorably Reported

Page Numbers - 1/ 2

House	Action	Senate
2/18/98	Read 1st Time
2/19/98	Read 2nd Time
2/26/98	Favorably Reported

HR 1098                                             LC 9 9628 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                             A RESOLUTION 
 
  1- 1  Designating the Larry McDonald Memorial Highway; and for 
  1- 2  other purposes. 
 
  1- 3  WHEREAS, Honorable Lawrence Patton McDonald was born in 
  1- 4  DeKalb County, Georgia, on April 1, 1935; and 
 
  1- 5  WHEREAS, he was educated in the schools of Georgia, received 
  1- 6  a doctorate in medicine from Emory University in 1957, and 
  1- 7  completed his residency at Grady Memorial Hospital; and 
 
  1- 8  WHEREAS, he served his country with dedication and ability 
  1- 9  as a U. S. Navy overseas flight surgeon from 1959 to 1961; 
  1-10  and 
 
  1-11  WHEREAS, for many years he made his home in Cobb County, 
  1-12  where he practiced medicine and served in many positions of 
  1-13  honor and trust, including membership on the State Medical 
  1-14  Education Board, the National Historical Society, and the 
  1-15  Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; and 
 
  1-16  WHEREAS, from January 1, 1975, until his untimely death 
  1-17  aboard Korean Airlines Flight 007 on September 1, 1983, 
  1-18  Honorable Larry McDonald served as a Representative from the 
  1-19  Seventh United States Congressional District, and as such he 
  1-20  eloquently articulated the concerns of his fellow citizens; 
  1-21  and 
 
  1-22  WHEREAS, he dedicated his political life to the defense of 
  1-23  the United States Constitution; and 
 
  1-24  WHEREAS, Representative McDonald's tragic death as a victim 
  1-25  of the cold war deprived the State of Georgia of one of its 
  1-26  most outstanding native sons; and 
 
  1-27  WHEREAS, on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of his 
  1-28  untimely death, the State of Georgia wishes to preserve the 
  1-29  memory of the sacrifice and service of this able and 
  1-30  outstanding Georgian and recognize his service to the people 
  1-31  of his district. 
 
  1-32  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 
  1-33  GEORGIA that Interstate Highway 75 from the Chattahoochee 
  1-34  River northward to the Tennessee state line is designated as 
  1-35  the Larry McDonald Memorial Highway. 
 
 
                                 -1- 
 
 
 
  2- 1  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation 
  2- 2  is authorized and directed to erect and maintain appropriate 
  2- 3  signs at appropriate locations to reflect the designation 
  2- 4  provided in this resolution. 
 
  2- 5  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of 
  2- 6  Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit 
  2- 7  appropriate copies of this resolution to the family of 
  2- 8  Honorable Larry McDonald and the commissioner of 
  2- 9  transportation. 

Fashion on Friday:Exercise

Coral Fusion-colored exercise skirt and top notwithstanding, I have fallen out of synch this summer, even though Living-Coral (Pantone 16-1546) is showing up on the Fall 2010 Color list and keeping me fashionable.


Yes, I have exercised regularly, but my eating habits have gotten out of wack.

I need to retake this test in portion control because,
there's just a little too much of me in this picture.




You're probably thankful that I'm not as brave as Jamie Lee Curtis (link to photo), although I do appreciate her frankness in an effort to be real.

So, it's time to make a public confession by listing my bad habits and shaming myself into shape.


Here's what I look like after walking 45 minutes in my hilly neighborhood.

Pretty red in the face, huh?



Despite the drawstring pants,

I still claim fashion points for sporting shorts that qualify as



Herb (Spring report color) and

Woodbine (Fall report color), okay?



Here's the list of habits to fashion together with this fitness plan.

1) Drink more water.
2) Drink less alcohol.
3) Eat more fruit/veggies.
4) Eat fewer chips/chocolate.
5) Eat more protein at breakfast.
6) Eat less fat at dinner.
7) Increase exercise to 4 hours per week.
8) Decrease telly time to 10 hours per week.
9) Improve the mood.
10) Disprove the scales.


Are you ready?

Set?

Go!!

25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

(l-r) Norman, Carolin, Vivian, Dan, Dana, Ken
Charlottesville Road, Newfane, New York

Sunday, August 20, 1978

RESOLUTION

Whereas, Bert Jordan is one of the pre-eminent attorneys in the State of Alabama (2010),  whose legal skill and acumen are virtually unparalleled in the legal profession;


Whereas, Bert Jordan's practice of law is well known to be consistent with the highest ethical standards, exceeding by great measure those standards to which attorneys are expected to adhere;


Whereas, Bert Jordan is well known to possess the highest level of integrity and honesty in both his personal and professional life;

Whereas, Bert Jordan has, for many years, served the Alabama Republican Party and its candidates and members faithfully, dutifully, and tirelessly;





Whereas, Bert Jordan's efforts on behalf of the Party and its candidates have resulted in innumerable successes at the ballot box, in the courtroom, and ultimately, in public policy, and have advanced the causes of justice, liberty, and democracy in the State of Alabama;

Whereas, beginning in 1994, Bert Jordan served as one of the attorneys in the year-long struggle against Sonny Hornsby and the Democratic Party that culminated in the vindication of the rule of law with regard to the proper treatment of absentee ballots and concluded with Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr., becoming the Alabama?s first Republican Supreme Court Justice since reconstruction;

Whereas, Bert Jordan served as chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee from 1995 to 1999, and, while serving in that position, was instrumental in facilitating the process by which ten judges of the Jefferson County bench left the Democratic Party at one time and joined the Republican Party; and

Whereas, Bert Jordan's good name and reputation have been unjustly and inappropriately sullied by an outrageous and politically-motivated prosecution that was initiated as retribution for his successful work on behalf of the Party and its candidates;

Therefore, be it resolved by the Alabama Republican Party,

That the Alabama Republican Party hereby expresses its gratitude to Bert Jordan for his long and distinguished service and looks forward with great anticipation to his continued involvement with and contribution to the Party, its candidates, its principles, and its ideals;

That the Alabama Republican Party hereby expresses its dismay over the wrongful and politically-motivated prosecution of Bert Jordan, its outrage over the erroneous judgment entered against him, and its confidence that he will ultimately be exonerated of those baseless charges of which he has wrongly been convicted; and

That the Alabama Republican Party hereby calls upon all Republicans to convey their expressions of support for Bert Jordan through their words, prayers, and resources.


January 2006



Art Credits ~
*Solitude*
Pencil Study
by M L Jago
2005

*Logo*
borrowed
ARP website

Patrick's Path

Wishing you always

Walls for the wind

A roof for the rain

And tea beside the fire.

Laughter to cheer you,

Those you love near you




And all that your heart may desire.

Okra, Corn and Tomatoes

Making use of plentiful summer produce, I concocted this tasty vegetable dish to share at Sunday's Fellowship Meal.

Okra and Tomatoes were compliments of neighboring gardeners.

Corn kernels ~ frozen.... (sigh).   But their color and shape enhance the combination immensely.  In addition, they're nutritious.

Okay, this recipe is a keeper, precisely because it was not.slimy.at.all.

That means, if you think you don't like stewed okra, you should try this recipe anyway.

This first detail seems to be important.  So, dont skip it.

For 30 minutes (or about the amount of time it takes to prepare the other ingredients), soak in ice cold water (to which 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice has been added) 8 cups sliced fresh okra.

In the meantime, peel, seed, and chopped enough fresh tomatoes to equal 4 cups.

Then in a very large saucepan, saute 1 large chopped sweet onion and 3 cloves minced garlic in 3 Tbs safflower oil until translucent.

Drain the okra and add to the sauteed onions.  Add 3/4 cup water and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often.

When the okra is soft, add the tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook for five more minutes.  Remove from heat.  Add 16 oz frozen corn.  Cover and allow medley to *stew* before serving.

Fashion on Friday:What Not to Wear

Despite my regular bragging about how I re-vamp an article of clothing taking up space in my closet, I dont think I'm brave enough to participate in the television show What Not To Wear.

And I think Stacy needs to wear her hair shorter.

But that's beside the point ;-)

First introduced to me by DD#2, I have watched occasionally... and appreciated the transformations.

More entertaining though is to read this article about the reality show from Salvo Magazine.


Which prompts me to develop my own Fashion Meme.


1)  Have you ever watched What Not To Wear?

2)  Where do you get (or not) your fashion sense?

3)  What's been your favorite outfit this summer?

4)  What's your fashion weakness?

5)  What's your fashion strength?

A Divine Cordial

Thomas Watson, 17th century non-conformist English preacher, prescribes a little liquor for all of us.

The recipe is all things work together for good to them that love God.

You may recognize these ingredients from Romans 8:28.

But dont allow the familiarity of these words or the age of the writer to keep you from reading more about them.

Watson's words are available free online  at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

So, retrieve your best stem from the cabinet.

Pour out this libation.

Enjoy the Word of God expounded.

You will be invigorated and exhilarated.




Here's an excerpt from the preface:

Christian Reader,


There are two things, which I have always looked upon as difficult. The one is, to make the wicked sad; the other is, to make the godly joyful.  Dejection in the godly arises from a double spring: either because their inward comforts are darkened, or their outward comforts are disturbed.


To cure both these troubles, I have put forth this ensuing piece, hoping, by the blessing of God, it will buoy up their desponding hearts, and make them look with a more pleasant aspect. I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God.


To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over.



Now I am looking with a more pleasant aspect.

Brothers and Birthdays

Ten reasons to celebrate the birthday of my younger brother with a cake baked by my daughter ~

1)  He never fails to remember mine.
2)  He leaves messages on my voice mail.
3)  He likes my cooking.
4)  His wife is nice to me ;-)
5)  His #1 son answered my email.
6)  His #2 son enjoyed a Summer Sunday with us.
7)  His daughter writes sweet thank-you notes.
8)  His #3 son's lacrosse game prompted this get-together.
9)  He remembered to share a book with me.
10)He shows his appreciation.










Here he is on the left, posing with DH.

Both fellas have July birthdays.

Brothers and Birthdays.....

Just go together.

Summer Supper

Chicken Salad-stuffed Tomato
Fruit 'n Nut Bread
Fresh Pineapple Chunks

Pinot Grigio


Home-grown tomatoes are prized possessions in the South and I dont pretend that I can grow them.  I do, however, gladly receive them from friends and give them their place of honor at mealtime.

Just because we'd already enjoyed BLTs earlier this week did not mean that we couldnt have tomatoes once again. 

Tomatoes inspire not only new menus (chicken salad creation by DD#3), but also gastronomic verse in the style of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Here's some tomato love poetry which I copied from a 2006 Washington Post article.

 Sonnet #43, Kitchen Style.

How do I love thee, tomato? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and might
My palate can reach, when remembering out of sight
Your peak month of August, when you bear fruits of juicy Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most urgent need for a BLT, by sun or moon-light.
I love thee with abandon, as Venus might her Mars or Vulcan
I love thee purely, as surely as the summer wanes
I love thee with the passion of my appetite
Above all fruits, and with my childhood's eye of Georgia tomatoes
As if they were falling from the sky.
I love thee with a hunger I seemed to lose
With my lost innocence (and the icky mealy tomatoes of January)! I love thee with the smell,
Unlike no other in the garden, and your vine-ripened sweetness
That bring me smiles, tears, only at this time of year! -- and if the farmers choose
I shall but love thee better after many bowls of gazpacho.



What your favorite summer garden vegetable or fruit?

Summer Sunday

Watermelon Soup and Collard Green Pie were two of my contributions to the fellowship meal held after our morning service today. 

Practically speaking, I opened the refrigerator last night trying to decide what to prepare for the next day's meal.  I was determined to use what was already there ~ a very large watermelon from the family reunion and collards from last Sunday's dinner.


Recently we had enjoyed a perennial summer favorite, Gazpacho.  That cold vegetable soup together with the soaring summer temperatures inspired me to consider more cold options.
 
With only minor variations I followed the watermelon soup recipe found at Great Cold Soups. For example, instead of a Riesling, I used a homemade sweet white that I had on hand (a gift from a friend).  In turn that made me choose sparkling water where the recipe called for sparkling wine.  Then impulsively right before serving, I added some finely diced cucumber (not pictured) for contrast.

The collard green pie is crustless and made with seasoned greens, a combination of ricotta and cottage cheeses, eggs, butter, and flour.  The brown topping is crumbled homemade croutons.  I'm still working with this recipe which I'm trying to re-create from a teenage memory.  I think it needs less cheese and a puff pastry to be more in line with what I remember from my summer abroad.

Overall, it was lots of fun to share new food with old friends.

Quarrelling

Let dogs delight to bark and bite,
For God hath made them so;
Let bears and lions growl and fight,
For 'tis their nature too.

But, children, you should never let
Your angry passions rise;


Your little hands were never made
To tear each other's eyes.







Isaac Watts
1674 - 1748
English poet, hymnwriter

My Hero

On the battlefield, when surrounded and cheered by pomp, excitement, and admiration of devoted comrades, and inspired by strains of martial music and the hope of future reward, it is comparatively easy to be a hero, to do heroic deeds.


But to uphold honor in ordinary circumstances, to be a hero in common life, that is a genuine achievement meriting our highest admiration.

Booker T. Washington

1856 – 1915

Fashion on Fridays:Turquoise


Meet the 2010 Color of the Year!

Dont take my word for it, read all about it in this Pantone Color Report announcement.

I have always loved this color, but not been bold enough to wear it always.

Imagine a seafoam turquoise like Carribean resort waters, not the southwest American Indian blue turquoise.

True to the premise of my fashion outlook - I focus primarily on what is already in my closet - I'm promoting the idea of refreshing my wardrobe s.i.m.p.l.y.

Choosing the right color is the answer!

While these capris are new (for the upcoming family reunion), I recently wore an old navy blue linen suit with a turquoise T-shirt instead of the standard *white* - and felt more stylish.

So, identifying a new(er) color or hue is sooooo much more economical that purchasing skirts/pants in the newer cuts and styles every few years.  There are always over ten fashion colors to choose from.  Surely you can find one that you like.

Furthermore, consider updating with accessories: like a watch with a colorful band or a new pocketbook.

Make a statement.

  










Afterall, handbags are like girlfriends ~ one is never enough!