Thanksgiving

Gettin’ together to smile an’ rejoice, 
An’ eatin’ an’ laughin’ with folks of your choice; 
An’ kissin’ the girls an’ declarin’ that they 
Are growin’ more beautiful day after day; 
Chattin’ an’ braggin’ a bit with the men, 
Buildin’ the old family circle again; 
Livin’ the wholesome an’ old-fashioned cheer, 
Just for awhile at the end of the year. 


Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door 
And under the old roof we gather once more 
Just as we did when the youngsters were small; 
Mother’s a little bit grayer, that’s all. 
Father’s a little bit older, but still 
Ready to romp an’ to laugh with a will. 
Here we are back at the table again 
Tellin’ our stories as women an’ men. 


Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer; 
Oh, but we’re grateful an’ glad to be there. 
Home from the east land an’ home from the west, 
Home with the folks that are dearest an’ best. 
Out of the sham of the cities afar 
We’ve come for a time to be just what we are. 
Here we can talk of ourselves an’ be frank, 
Forgettin’ position an’ station an’ rank. 


Give me the end of the year an’ its fun 
When most of the plannin’ an’ toilin’ is done; 
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest, 
Let me sit down with the ones I love best, 
Hear the old voices still ringin’ with song, 
See the old faces unblemished by wrong, 
See the old table with all of its chairs 
An’ I’ll put soul in my Thanksgivin’ prayers.

by Edgar Guest (1881-1959)
 "the poet of the people"

Independence Day

O! say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming:
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming,
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:

O! say, does the star-spangled banner still wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mist of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam—
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream

‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is the band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country would leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave!

And the star-spangled banner in triumph cloth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the foe’s desolation;
Bless’d with victory and peace, may our heaven‑rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just—
And this be our motto—“In God is our trust!”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Francis Scott Key

Traditional Fare

New Year's Day Menu

Collard Greens
w/pepper sauce

Roast Pork

Baked Sweet Potato

Black-eyed Peas
w/Chow Chow

Cornbread


Then dessert ~

(more) Cornbread, butter, and lots of sorghum syrup!



This year one dinner guest enjoyed sorghum for the first time.


Is there any sorghum at your house?

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

Summertime

Memorial  (Decoration) days have long been set aside to remember and honor war heroes.

 Principally after the War Between the States, most legislatures established specific dates scattered throughout the Spring.  Georgia (and Florida) chose April 26th; North and South Carolina May 10th (Stonewall Jackson's demise); Kentucky and Louisiana chose June 3rd (Jeff Davis's birthday). 

Here we are now, the fourth (or final) Monday in May, celebrating since 1967, the federally-legislated holiday.  Many strive to keep us true to the purpose and others ignore them, thinking that *memorial day* signifies the beginning of Summer.

Sigh ~

I have four nephews in the Army right now.

I wonder what each is doing today?

One is in Jerusalem, according to his FB status for R&R.

One just returned from his honeymoon, again FB status info.

The activities of the third and fourth are unknown, but neither are in Afghanistan.... at the moment.

But whom I really like to remember is William Ferguson Smith, Confederate soldier and great, great grandfather. I've written about him here.

All in all, we'll enjoy our traditional summertime fare and pray for our soldiers before we partake.

BBQ Babyback Pork Ribs
(recipe compliments of Janet Walworth)
Oriental Coleslaw
Corn on the Cob
Toasted French Bread

Iced Tea or Beer

Ice Cream Sandwiches

What do you think?

I'm reading up on the Battle of Seven Pines.

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One ha' penny, two ha' penny,
Hot cross buns!
If you have no daughters,
Give them to your sons
One ha' penny,
Two ha' penny,
Hot Cross Buns!






So, it's true. I'm enjoying half of a hot cross bun for breakfast. It's sharing the plate with my hard boiled egg and my hot tea (PG Tips compliments of my favorite Brit.)

And for the curious (or not) ~ here's Sunday's after church menu:

Roasted Leg of Spring Lamb
Eggplant Casserole
Steamed Asparagus
Sauted Sweet Orange Peppers
Croissants

Black Swan Shiraz

Carrot Cake
Coffee


Lots to do between now and then.

Pictures will follow.

Corned Beef and Cabbage


Call me impatient.

I couldnt wait any longer.

Even though St Patrick's Day is not until March 17th,


I've already enjoyed the traditional fare once this past Sunday.

Now I'm looking forward to planned-overs tonight!


I braised the corned brisket (for three hours on Saturday morning in a dutch oven filled with water) and wrapped it in aluminum foil for Sunday's re-heating (with the time bake function on my oven.)

Then I used some of the liquid (stock) in the pressure cooker to steam the potatoes, onions, and carrots.

I re-heated the veggies while I was at church on Sunday by using a timer attached to the crockpot?








See the cabbage there in the background.... on the far left?

I did wait until we got home from church to fix that. 

After slicing the head of cabbabe into big chunks, I steamed it in the pressure cooker with approximately 1 cup of stock.


Here's a link to the Irish Soda Bread recipe complete with photo.

A Cavit Pinot Noir complimented the flavorful meal.

Dessert, you wonder?

Georgia Peaches I'd *put up* last August, then served with Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream, a Pecan Sandie Cookie and a cup of Starbucks Verona Coffee.

What's your favorite way to celebrate St Patrick's Day?

Labor Day

Federally legislated after its first celebration in 1882, Labor Day seems to have strayed far from course, not much celebrated for its original intent of protecting the laborers. However, I've never been a member of a labor union, so perhaps it is still alive and well in those brotherhoods.

Most of the weekend's activities center around recreation and rest. In our local newspaper, I found one article touting the *true* meaning of Labor Day.

From Wikipedia:

The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families.

I dont think I've ever attended a Labor Day Parade. Have you?

I will admit to attending a political rally around this time of year (in my youth), but now I fall clearly into the camp that this holiday represents the end-of-the-summer-beginning-of-football-season camp.


Fashion-wise, it is an important day, too.

No more white shoes!

I switched to these!









However, there are others who are trying to capture attention by renaming the day to Vocation Day.

Here's a link to Gene Veith's proposal, which is really a thinly-veiled advertisement for his book, God at Work. I like his opinions, but dont own many of his books.

Blogging buddy, Cindy, created an interesting discussion about Motherhood and Vocation, which I hope she will continue because she raised some good questions. We workers at home clearly have the best job of all, enjoying the rewards of the most important career known to man.

That's why it is so important to know who we are and our nature.

I think an integral part of seeing myself (my vocation AND my avocation) accurately must include an understanding of how others view me and how I fit into the overall situation (society).

So, today I'm starting with this Valley of Vision prayer entitled Vocation. It's helping me be faithful.



Now it's time to fix a couple of side dishes for tonight's dinner of BBQ ribs.



How are you marking this special day?

Flag Day



The opening and closing scenes of this movie are significant and worthy of your attention on this June 14th, Flag Day in the United States.








Never mind the fact that the movie tells a good story, it also demonstrates the widespread ignorance associated with the treatment of our national flag. In the opening scene, the main character portrayed by Tommie Lee Jones is explaining to the janitor of a school the proper way to raise a flag.

Whether you agree or disagree with the policies of the federal government, there is a place for civility and respect in society. There are lots of ways to show that - like standing when our President enters the room, even if I disagree with him. Another is the proper treatment of our national banner.

At the end of the movie, Tommie Lee Jones is again with the janitor and they are talking about how an upside down flag indicates distress. This is so true on many levels, not just in the movie, but in our lives in general.

Today is a good day to think about the stars and stripes by reviewing the link to flag etiquette.

Furthermore, the Israelites lined up around banners/flags. From Numbers 2

1Now the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2"The sons of Israel shall camp, each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' households; they shall camp around the tent of meeting at a distance.

Another thought -

Remember who triumphed in the Valley of Elah?

Bravo Company / 1st Battalion / 6th Infantry Regiment















My nephew leads this company and buried in this post detailing his 25th week in Iraq is the impressive news that he received a Bronze Star!

Praying today for those who serve and protect us militarily,

I feel small.

Orange Roses





Still having fun tying scarves in different ways, I'm wearing this one today. I had to go back and rewatch Big Mama in order to remember how to make that knot.







The orange is significant because I like to talk about my Protestant (Scotch-Irish) heritage and counterpoint the green-loving Irish Catholics... on this man-made, Hallmark holiday.

Sounds a little rebellious, huh?

Just a little.

How are you celebrating St Patricks Day?














This year's reading assignment is Chapter 2: Domestic Life of the Lowland Scot.

Quotes to follow :)

MLK Day and Mass Age

.
This particular Monday in January always makes me pause and reflect. I can remember being in the elevator in the Canon House Office Building with LPMcD, my boss and representative of the 7th District of Georgia. He was waxing eloquent about Newt Gingrich's first vote as a new member of the House (1979): one in favor of establishing this federal holiday.


It also makes me want to re-read the speech that accompanies Dr King's famous line *I have a dream*.

It makes me want to search Scripture and wonder to which chapter and verse Dr King was referring. Was it in Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 23
25.
"I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies
in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!'
26.
How long will
this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions
of their own minds?
27.
They think the dreams they tell one another will
make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal
worship.
28.
Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the
one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?"
declares the Lord.
29.
"Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and
like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
30.
"Therefore," declares the
Lord, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly
from me.
31.
Yes," declares the Lord, "I am against the prophets who wag
their own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.'
32.
Indeed, I am
against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the Lord. "They tell them and
lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint
them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the Lord.

It makes me really appreciate Blogger, a new cultural form, which has helped me keep track of my thoughts. Here's a link to a previous MLK Day entry.

Here's a link to some of my thoughts on integration.

Here's a link to how Alveda King, MLK's niece, thinks the dream incomplete. Do you know how your Senator or Representative feel about the Freedom of Choice Act.

And so, with respect to my current online book club where we are reading about Pop Culture (is there a war?), I wonder if the important focus is the message (mass age) or the medium on this holiday?

What do you think?

Happy New Year!!

Collard Greens

and

Black-eyed Peas









are cooking on the stove in preparation for our traditional dinner. Sweet potatoes are baking in the bottom oven, while a fresh ham has been roasting S.L.O.W.L.Y. in the top one since yesterday.

All the Christmas decorations are put away.

January first is a good day for rest, relaxation, and reflection.

And maybe a little football.

Watching, not playing :)

Christmas Postcard































Here's a link to the original artwork for this postcard.

A Christmas Dinner



















Here's a different view of my dining room,
showing my china cabinet.














A close-up of my inexpensive centerpiece, made with discounted glass balls arranged in a glass bowl.






I'm pleased with the way the meat turned out. The recipe was easy.















Preheat the over to 500 degrees for 30 minutes. Make sure the meat is brought to temperature before you place it in the oven, cooking for 5 minutess per pound. Then turn off the oven. Do NOT open the door for three, even four hours. Slice as shown. Served au jus and with horseradish sauce. Oh, and sauteed button mushrooms!

Yes, I did sprinkle seasonings on top before roasting.


Here are the veggies ready to be steamed.


Do you like my Christmas theme?

Green and red!

Sorry, forgot to photograph the rice and the croissants.






We visited over coffee and opened a few presents.

Then it was time for dessert!

Poached Pear with Chocolate Sauce



















This meal was preceded by a wonderful worship service in which we sang some Christmas hymns, heard a sermon based on Psalm Four, celebrated the Lord's Supper, and ended with the psalter hymn based on Ps 4.

There is no day more special than one spent this way, especially this week :)



Update: We ended up drinking a Merlot (2005 Ghost Pines)

Christmas Tour

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house, even though we dont have snow like lots of folks (DD#1 included)


For many years the tree was in the living room.

But now that we are all adult-sized, there is not enough room on Christmas mroning for all the people, the tree, and the gifts.

Hence the foyer location of our nine-footer.

Yesterday's Sunday lunch was simple soup and sandwich fare, but it's more festive to eat in the dining room on Christmas china.

Turkey noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwhiches are hard to beat.








It's was a long time before I was hungry again, so I just had tea later in the evening, when I got chilled.

It was Lipton's orange-spice (herbal).









And I listened to the angels sing.

Second Chance Christmas

Looking for a delightful Christmas gift?

What could be more fun than to sit down in the quiet of your own living room and enjoy a concert suitable for all ages?

This year after dinner on festive china I'm hoping all my siblings will gather 'round to hear this symphonic story.

Presented in the style of a Broadway mini-musical, SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS is the uplifting story of how a troupe of traveling musicians and the children of a fictional town in West Virginia returned music and dancing to the holidays after thirty somber years.

This entertaining story is expertly narrated by Stuart Culpepper and features a small cast of additional voices, as well as the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Murray County Chamber Choir.

Based on the original poem, THE HOLIDAY RULE, by Ric Reitz, the cadence of this production is reminiscent of classic Dr. Seuss, and follows Ric's first, very successful offering in this genre, THE JOURNEY OF SIR DOUGLAS FIR, which received tremendous reviews and the 2000 IPPY Award for Best Children's Audio Book.

Order one here.

There's a good chance you'll receive it in time :)

Christmas Meme

from Donna at Quiet Life


1. All I want for Christmas is.... for others to enjoy themselves.

2. My favorite holiday cocktail.... a glass of merlot.


3. My favorite holiday party hors d'oeuvre.... brie en croute (baked with fig preserves and roasted pecans)




4. The average price I spend per gift.... $25

5. My favorite gift to give during the holidays .... something *I* want ;)

6. Something overrated about the holidays .... fruitcake!

7. Something I must have before Christmas .... Thanksgiving.

8. One thing I always do during the holidays ... attend a Lessons and Carols service.

9. Where I love to shop for the holidays ..... before the crowds get there.

10. A holiday tradition I have .... to give my daughter’s charms for their bracelets.

11. One thing you won't find me doing during the holidays... going to the mall.

Happy Fall Y'all
















Cutest jack-o-lantern I have ever seen.

Such creativity! I never would have thought to use the stem for the nose. I probably wouldnt have even bought that pumpkin because it looks like it would not sit up straight. Oh well.

Kudos to the artist.

See some of her photography here.

Fall is an identifiable season in my neck of the woods and I always enjoy it: the colors, the leaves, the food. Except I don't like it when it gets dark really early. And so, that's why I think I'll say I like Spring better.

Halloween can put a damper on the season, too. Without being a total stick-in-the-mud, I tried assiduously to avoid celebrating this holiday. When my children were very small, they were truly frightened by the constant doorbell ringing and the people dressed up in costumes. Because they attended a Christian elementary school, we didnt have too much trouble avoiding trick or treating. There were Fall Festivals or Reformation Day Fairs which provided good alternate activities.

But in the neighborhood if we were at home, I would buy candy and hand it out to the few visitors who came by. Mostly I would try and schedule a night away from home. It became traditional to see a movie, nothing scary. And horror is totally off limits. Something historical like Luther or Cromwell.

Here's the whole pumpkin family...on Fall Break.

Christmas Eve

This year the 24th falls on Sunday, so we will be at church that morning. Our girls will the singing the anthem, a soprano/alto mix of Mary's Magnificat. I anticipate a sermon from Luke 24. For years our pastor has been teaching verse by verse through this synoptic gospel. JCM is masterful at expository preaching. Search for him at Sermonaudio.com

Afterwards we will have a fine feast at my parent's home. Traditionally we have beef tenderloin, asparagus, red peppers. This year Asiago potatoes will be on the plate instead of wild rice. For dessert....chocolate mousse cake. Yum.

We will exchange presents and then the girls head out to sing for two Christmas Eve services. DH and I will attend the 11 o'clock service and accompany the girls home.

Blessings on your celebration!