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Gazpacho

First introduced to this summer soup, I was a teenager and we didnt use air conditioning.

We ate later in the evenings, enjoying cold soups (cucumber or spinach) and other vegetarian fare, i.e. flat rocks.

Then in 1995, I made gazpacho for the first time myself. It's the perfect hot weather meal!

Start with 6 cups V-8 juice and 6 cups ordinary tomato juice in a very large stock pot. Add the following veggies. Chill well before serving. Top with croutons, if desired.

8 cloves garlic, crushed
8 Tbs olive oil
12 Tbs wine vinegar
4 tsp salt
4 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp black pepper, ground
24 drops tabasco

10 tomatoes, peeled and diced
6 ribs celery, diced
3 cucumber, peeled and diced
6 spring onions, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
some chives, chopped
some parsley, chopped

Makes one gallon.

Store in glass container.

Keeps up to a week, refrigerated.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Thursday

Cousins' Week at Callaway is just not complete without a handwritten note to declare thanks for hosting such a wonderful week in the lives of our families.












There is added enjoyment to such gatherings for several reasons.

First, the anticipation is great as we all look forward to this gathering all.year.long.

Second, having plain, old-fashioned fun creates more and more memories to share not only with my own children, but with my siblings' children, and special cousins.

And last but not least, reflecting on the long-lasting ripple effects of building strong families this way inspires me.



Thank you for the bottom of my heart for continuing this terrific tradition.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Wednesday

Attendance was up this year.

In fact, I think it was our highest count to date. Here's the basic breakdown from our Family Calendar:


2 Parents
6 Children
5 Spouses
29 Grands







Nuclearly speaking, we're talking 42 people. While we didnt have quite that many when we first started years ago, the numbers have increased steadily to the point that we're adding to Gen Four aka great-grandchildren at a rapid rate.

So, add the spouses of grands (4) and two great-grands (2) and we're topping out at 48!!


It all started with the classic sofa picture.

This one was taken in the summer, 1985.



Click on the link for 23 years worth of snapshots.





Here's one of the earliest reunion photos, summer 1987.

















We've always had close friends join us as well. From childhood family friends, schoolmates and colleagues, to the proverbial *special* friends, who end up marrying into the family, we enjoy increasing the size of our circle.

There were close to 60 at our Friday night Leftovers Picnic because we had an influx of cousins at the latter part of the week.

We just keep growing!

CWAC 2009 Recap:Tuesday

Walking the 10-mile Discovery Bike Trail is one of my vacation goals while at Callaway. It takes me almost 3 1/2 hours, which calculates out to a rate of 3 mph - just the right pace to enjoy my surroundings and get my heartrate up into a fat-burning range.










It's a good thing I left early Tuesday morning or I would have missed this fine luncheon with my 83 yo aunt who came down from Atlanta for the day. Her son and husband are sitting around the table, too.

Starting with the blue shirt (grinning fella) and proceeding clockwise:

1st cousin=Dan
My father=Dan
Me=Dana - trend here?
Uncle=Ed
Aunt=Jane
Sister=Noel
Cousin=Ron
Aunt=Mary (back of her head)






But this picture takes family photo albums to a new level.

My father, mother and aunt are identifying people on the computer screen.










My cousin, Dan, had scanned a bunch of old photos (late '50s, early 60s) and burned a disk for everyone. This is the new *scrapbooking* skill.

We had a fine time.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Monday

Here's our home away from home while we're at Callaway Gardens. The cottages are very nice: especially spacious, and comfortably furnished.

When we're not eating at this large dining table, we're playing cards, reading, or planning our next outing.



Climbing back into bed and reading in the early morning is something I reserve for vacation. There's also a nice screened-in porch on the back of the cottage - perfect for these pasttimes of reading and playing cards.

In an time where most families dont own any land or have a large enough home to accomodate everyone for a week-long vacation, we're happy to claim Callaway Gardens as our *family farm*, if you will.

I think this is what the Callaway Family had in mind when they opened their land to others. Here's what Cason said:

Take nothing from the Gardens except
nourishment for the soul
consolation for the heart,
and inspiration for the mind.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Sunday

After attending the interdenominational worship service at the Callaway Chapel, we headed back to Sparkleberry Lane for the all-important photo shoot. The pictures taken this morning are the basis for our family calendar which my parents produce and give to us for Christmas each year.

Family members need to be available for the better part of the morning because there are several obligatory sessions:

Individual head shots













Family portraits



















Birthday months











With over 29 grandchildren, and now 2 great-grands, it's a challenge to make sure everyone's photos are taken.

My father helps keep track.

















Usually we're finished with this process around noon, just in time to enjoy our first picnic of the week.

I'm all about fried chicken at Southern picnics. So, it should come as no surprise that Krispy's in Pine Mountain has become a tradition.


















We serve our plates and head back outside to eat together, finishing the meal with a giant chocolate chip cookie cake.

Are you having a family reunion this summer?

Special Cakes

This past Sunday we celebrated DH's birthday with this fancy dessert.










I myself love to cook and bake. But this year I'd just returned from a week-long family reunion at Callaway Gardens and didn't have enough time to *do it all*. Thank goodness I believe that outsourcing is an integral part of being an efficient homemaker :)

That's how Jill's Cakes and Bakes comes into play.

While I was busy in the kitchen preparing this menu:

Roasted Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Gravy
Steamed Broccoli
Beet Salad (actually Sis-in-law prepared this family favorite)
Pickle Tray complete with peaches, okra, and olives
Garlic Bread

Plantation Tea
Coffee

Jill had already done her part.

It just seemed *smart* take care of this detail before I left for vacation. The holiday weekend dictated the timetable and the shop was closed on Saturday. So, the cake had to be picked up on Thursday; sat boxed in the 'fridge for three days; and still was maximally moist for Sunday evening's party.

Jill also prepared the cake for DD#2's wedding last August.

I really hope her shop continues to grow.

If you live nearby, I highly recommend her cakes.












What about you?

Who helps you out in a pinch?

Is there a special bakery you recommend?

Fashion on Fridays

Lime Green has surfaced as my fashion accent this summer.


I bought these inexpensive sandals on a whim at Target in late May, not really sure how they were going to fit into my wardrobe.




But low and behold, they were a perfect match for these green print capris that I wore for the family reunion photo.



That's me with my siblings (and spouses).







Then I remembered this green striped blouse from a few years ago and paired it with some stone colored capris.

Voila!





This snapshot with my niece is more flattering, although I need lipstick.











Plus there's this mosaic scarf which I'm wearing today with a jean dress.

Last week I wore it as a belt with a white skirt and lime green T-shirt.








Wait! There's more!

See this light-weight summer dress?

It was already in the back of the closet.

And it blossomed with this sweater.





All on account of those lime green sandals.



What's keeping your wardrobe fresh this summer?

Thankful Thursday


Here are some categories that come to my mind when I begin counting my blessings. Today I just want to contemplate these areas in their broadest sense and perhaps later (each week or month) be more specific.














Faith - that God quickened my heart at a young age and He keeps me on His path
Health - that mine is indeed good and I enjoy it
Temperament-that I awaken rested with a positive outlook each day

Husband - that he works sacrificially and lovingly for me
Family - for four beautiful daughters (and 2 SILs) who love and serve the Lord
Church - for over thirty years of sound sound preaching

Home - safe haven in a lovely community
Employment -for the ability to serve DH in his profession
Country - for these United States, O Lord, have mercy on us and save us from civil tyranny


I want to try next time and count (recognize) blessings like Kelly's or simple pleasures like Carol's.

Bingo!

As I was looking for a picture to illustrate my writing, I remember this beautiful bouquet brought to the office by one of our nurses. I am thankful for her and her gardening skills.

What a blessing!

This is a simple pleasure at its finest!

Summer Five

What is your favorite thing to eat in the summer?

BLTs aka Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches. In fact, they're on the menu tonight along with steamed corn on the cob. Grandma Jago is coming over :)

Actually, the highlight in addition to home-grown, juicy, ripe, red tomatoes is garlic cream cheese.

Have you ever tried it?

What is your favorite thing to drink in the summer?

Lately I've been making my own wine spritzers, using lots of LeCroix (carbonated water with no sodium) and a little bit of whichever wine is open. This beverage doesnt top the all-time favorite gin and tonic with lime, but it does help reduce caloric intake.



I think it's the bubbles.... I like the bubbles.





What is your favorite thing to wear in the summer?

I think my *new* (last five years) favorite thing to wear for summer is painted toenails ;) This month I'm wearing an OPI color - Tazmanian Devil.






Also, I get a charge out of coordinating clothing for my daughters. But now that they're grown, it's somewhat more difficult. DD#2 proposed a color board of yellow, white, and blue/greens for our family photo. It's based on this fun scarf from Old Navy.

What is your favorite thing to read in the summer?

A newly-published fiction from the light (brain-candy) reading category.

This year's is yet to be chosen, unless you count The Help, already completed and reviewed on my Xanga site.

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?






Family reunions are my favorite thing about summertime. We've been gathering since 1983 around the pool and at Callaway Gardens. We've named it CWAC or Cousins' Week at Callaway.

This highlight of the year combines the fun of Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, and Independence Day into one, fast-paced week of bonding.

I highly recommend establishing this tradition.





HT: Donna at Quiet Life

Father's Day Menu


Baked Pork Chops 'n
Rice

Collard Greens

Grilled Yellow Squash





Pinwheel Croissants

Black Swan Merlot
Tea/Coffee

Banana Pudding
(made with Nutter Butter cookies)



At church today we were blessed by worshipping together with the saints: singing hymns and psalms, hearing the preached Word of God, participating in the Lord's Supper, and receiving the benediction.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! Psalm 57:11

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?

Tasty Thistle

Here's one example of something I've been doing lately:

learning

how to

edit

pictures.














Here's a link to the hike where I found this gem.

Scarlet Tanager

Hiking along the Chattahoochee River over the weekend, I encountered a beautiful bird.








This Summer Red-Bird was singing so happily that it was impossible not to notice.


I believe it is a Scarlet Tanager as they do enjoy the southeastern US at this time of year; and his color may not have been as bright as the mature male.... because he was *immature* Here's a photo clipped from Wikipedia.











I have seen one once in my own backyard. His redness was so obvious, I couldnt not notice him. They're only around for a few months, before they head south again.

Time to clean out the feeders again.

I've been neglecting my friends.

Pine Mountain Trail

On the road out from the Allatoona Visitor's Center, I spotted the parking lot for the newest recreation area for the City of Cartersville, GA. The morning two-mile hike just wasn't enough fresh air for my mind and body, so I insisted that we hike the East Loop of this trail.

This picture is supposed to show how steep the trail is.

We began our 2.34 mile walk at 900 feet above sea level.

I had to stop often to catch my breath, as the summit level (1562) confirmed the moderate to difficult status of this trail.

Here is am at the top, smiling because I'm so proud of myself :)

We lunched on tuna fish sandwiches and enjoyed this view of north Georgia.














There will be more hikes like this because I'd love to do this one again. On foot or on a bike :)

Plus there's the Vineyard Mountain Trail at Riverside Park, 6.5 miles, calling my name. It's on the other side of Allatoona Dam in Bartow County. Here's a link to more trails in the Etowah Valley area.

And then, closer to my home, but still in Bartow, there's the Pine Log Creek Trail, 4.5 miles long.

Let's go!

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.

Outwitted

For Poem-In-My-Pocket Day.

He drew a circle that shut me out --
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!

Edwin Markham
American Poet
1852 - 1940



What's in your pocket?

Theme for English B

This poem is one of the one's recited by Poetry Out Loud Contestant, William Farley. He is from Arlington, Virginia and won first place. Here's a link to a newspaper article announcing the results. The other poem chosen by Farley was John Donne's, The Flea.

The instructor said,

Go home and write
a page tonight.
And let that page come out of you—
Then, it will be true.

I wonder if it’s that simple?
I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem.
I went to school there, then Durham, then here
to this college on the hill above Harlem.
I am the only colored student in my class.
The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem,
through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas,
Eighth Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y,
the Harlem Branch Y, where I take the elevator
up to my room, sit down, and write this page:

It’s not easy to know what is true for you or me
at twenty-two, my age. But I guess I’m what
I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you.
hear you, hear me—we two—you, me, talk on this page.
(I hear New York, too.) Me—who?

Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.
I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.
I like a pipe for a Christmas present,
or records—Bessie, bop, or Bach.
I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like
the same things other folks like who are other races.
So will my page be colored that I write?
Being me, it will not be white.
But it will be
a part of you, instructor.
You are white—
yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.
That’s American.
Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be a part of me.
Nor do I often want to be a part of you.
But we are, that’s true!
As I learn from you,
I guess you learn from me—
although you’re older—and white—
and somewhat more free.

This is my page for English B.

By Langston Hughes


I have discovered that Kathleenaomi (like that name) Wooten was Georgia's state winner. She's from the Columbus area, but I dont know which poem she recited.

What can you find out about your State's contest?

Poetry Out Loud

Each day this month I've been posting a poem: one I like, want to remember, or has special meaning.

It's easy to read poetry.

Much more difficult to write.

But it's an exercise in discipline to memorize and recite.

It can even be a gift.





From Caroline Kennedy:

For each holiday or birthday, John and I would have to write or chose a poem for my mother. We had to copy it down and illustrate it, and she pasted them all in a special scrapbook.

In fourth grade, I remember struggling to memorize I Corinthians 13 or the Love Poem. The problem was not with the words, but the fact that I had waited until the night before to begin the process.


Today in Washington, DC, the finalists in the Poetry Out Loud contest are reciting their final selections and soon we will know the winner.

I'm curious to know who wins.

And what poem was recited.

In the meantime, for today?

Tell me about the first poem you had to memorize and recite.