Eggs

 Top ten ways I like to eat eggs ~

1)  Benedict-style - pictured is Sunday's deliciousness but you can't see the crab cake

2)  Scrambled with cheese

3)  Hard-boiled with lemon pepper

4)  Poached 

5)  Quiche

6)  Shakshuka

7)  Omelette-style

8)  Deviled

9)  French Toast

10)Lemon-cheese Cake

Recipes to follow ~

Favorite Books/Authors

Challenged to post the dust jackets of 7 favorite books (on Facebook), WITHOUT any explanation, I spent a week contemplating the possibilities.

First, for the sake of simplicity, I am limiting my choices to fiction.

Second, I decided to divide my life into decades.  That made it easier to select a favorite from that time in my reading life, despite the fact that ten years is too long of a period for choosing just one favorite.

Third, as I was jotting down titles, I realized that many were part of a series by a single author.

Finally, in order to ease the pain of not defending myself (the selected book titles) on Facebook, I am logging my opinions here, where I can later re-examine them.

Elementary Age (0-9yrs)

I loved reading biographies and have very pleasant memories of library time in elementary school.

The one book cover to make the cut is Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, probably because it fits the series approach for cataloging my reading experiences.












Youth (10-19)

I remember loving historical fiction/romance, and started collecting books for my own library.

Lighthouse by Eugenia Price, the first in a trilogy about St Simons Island, is a clear favorite from this time period, in addition to being a favorite vacation spot.












Young Adult (20-29)

I first read Gail Godwin, the author of A Southern Family, during this decade, and did not re-visit her until my forties, when I read five of hers in a row.
















Adult (30-39)

Frankly, in my twenties and thirties, I read mostly non-fiction (theology, childbirth, and parenting stuff).  So, anything I read during this decade was very light.  I only finished four in this particular series but it fits my taste for historical fiction.















Adult (40-49)

Over the years, I have revisited this Georgia author sporadically.


This title I enjoyed so much that I bought another and gave it to a good friend.


The first Terry Kay novel that I read was The Year the Lights Came On.











Adult (50-59)

Not too long after I read this book, I heard author Susan Vreeland speak at The High Museum.  What a treat.

Girl in Hyacinth Blue was the first of hers that I read, but not before I'd been introduced to Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring.

In comparison, I prefer Vreeland's novels over Chevalier's.

I was sorry to read that Vreeland died about this time last year (August 2017) at age 71.








Adult (60)

Just now finishing up this 14th novel by Jan Karon, I can wholeheartedly recommend all the Mitford novels.

"I feel like I am there" when I read about Mitford.  It's like a mini-vacation.  Relaxing.

Oh! and I recommend Esther's Orange Marmalade cake, which I have personally baked and shared.

Top Ten - Pumpkin

Aside from the proverbial jack-o-lantern use for pumpkins, I have found a host of ways to enjoy this plentiful autumn gourd.

After roasting and pureeing, here are the top ten ways I've enjoyed pumpkin and its flavoring ~ links, if available



1)  soup
     really easy to fix, and I generally leave out the milk/cream
2)  roasted seeds
     freeze well, and a treat to add to salads
3)  pie
     DD#4 prepared a noteworthy version this year
4)  bars
     bought some cookie bars at the grocery store this year
5)  cake
     bought one from my favorite bakery this year
6)  muffins
     received some as a gift this year
7)  cheesecake
     too easy to buy the Cheesecake Factory version at BJs
8)  frappe (pictured)
     low-calorie, nutritious meal replacement
9)  latte
     coffee, vanilla protein powder, and Torani pumpkin syrup
10) ice cream
      Turkey Hill brand tastes delicious alone or a la mode

PS  I use Libby's canned pumpkin mostly, but insist on freshly roasted, pureed for my soup.

PPS  Bonus link to DD#2's recipe for pumpkin bread  ;-)

Curves Circuit Training

Top 10 reasons I exercise at Curves ~

 Safety -
 The location is well-lit and close to home.  I feel comfortable driving home even after dark.

All Girls
 I just feel less self-conscious exercising around women.

Climate Control
Neither inclement winter weather nor scorching summer heat impedes my workout.
Plus the HVAC is pretty consistent indoors :-)

Camaraderie
I've made some friends who help make the task more enjoyable.

Weight Control
Losing pounds was never my first priority.  But after 2 1/2 years of consistent training, my shape is firmer. I've only lost 6 pounds, but that includes 2% body fat.  Update: 2017 - I lost 6 more pounds after writing this post and have been able to keep it off by continuing with the Curves Circuit.

Improved sleep
On the days that I exercise I am less likely to wake up in the middle of the night.

Improved metabolism
Lab results to prove my numbers.

Improved mood
If perhaps I arrive at the club a little out-of-sorts, I always leave feeling better... even accomplished

Improved digestion
Indigestion/gastritis symptoms are fewer and far between.

Low-pressure sales
The staff doesn't push products.  Even though there are clothes, vitamins, protein powder, etc displayed prominently, I appreciate that I don't feel compelled to buy.   2017 pdate:  I have enjoyed snacking on Curves bars and wearing a couple of pieces of their clothing.

Top Ten Reasons to Join Weight Watchers

1)   I have never tried their plan(s) before.
2)   I want to jump start my metabolism and loose some weight.
3)   I like the vast array of resources and information.
4)   I think the accountability will help my ability to exercise will-power.
5)   I hope to relieve some major indigestion by making better food choices.
6)   I want to use regular food, not packaged meal shakes/protein bars.
7)   I like the online version and mobile application (read no meetings!).
8)   I have a friend who signed up and encouraged me.
9)   My doctor (DH) thinks it's the best diet of all.
10) It changed what I ate for dinner tonight!






Wish me luck!

PS  Photo of homemade Blackeyed-Pea and Sausage Soup and cheddar cheese toast.  Recipe for soup will be posted sometime next week.

Top Ten:  Parenting Books

1)   The Bible
2)   The Example (my parents-book yet to be published )
3)   Withhold Not Correction by Bruce Ray
4)   Six-Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children  by John Rosemond
5)   The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
6)   Every Child Should Have a Chance by Leila Denmark
7)   Teach Them Diligently by Lou Priolo
8)   Ten Ways to Destroy Your Child's Imagination by Anthony Esolen
9)   It Takes Backbone to Raise Terrific Kids by Carol Demar
10) The Strong-Willed Child by James Dobson

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

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?

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!!

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.

Fall/Winter 2009

Top Ten Clothing Items:
1) Feminine Blouse
2) Boho Skirt
3) Jean Vest
4) Chunky Sweater
5) Novelty Jacket
6) Fashionable Dress
7) Sweater Set
8) Anything with Ruffles
9) Something Glittery or Shiney
10)Pantone Color Palette

So, you've read this far and dont feel inspired?Okay, here's the best fashion advice I've ever received. It was from the owner of an upscale accessory shop.If you cant do anything else, Dana, pay attention to your lips and your ears.

Top Five Accessories:
1) Lipstick
2) Earrings
3) Watch
4) Pocketbook
5) Sunglasses

Fall Favorites

Fresh Starts - new academic years are more invigorating to me than the beginning of the calendar year. This year we sent our fourth daughter to Hillsdale, freshly starting her collegiate experience.






Leaves - yellow patches showed up first in our backyard of trees. Blogging buddy, Carol, has an especially beautiful picture of yellow. Even before the temperatures got cooler the leaves began to manifest the change of the season. Right now the red leaves on our many dogwoods are the prettiest to me.


Football - a confession....I actually like watching football. Hubby and both brothers played highschool and one year of college ball. Professional teams do not interest me.


Festivals - not being a crowd lover, I tend to shy away from attending festivals. Especially when my children were little, I hated taking them to festivals: too many temptations to overeat and spend money on unnecessary trinkets, or temporarily *losing* a child, which happened to me more than once :( Of late, I have gone to a couple....for historical interests :)

Cooler Temps - not only is the dropping mercury amenable for outdoor activities, but I also like covering up with lots of blankets and sleeping in a cool room. Update: as of 10/27 I still havent turned on the heat.

Sweaters - can be fashion statements, but I've yet to knit one. Do you wear seasonal sweaters?


Pumpkins - in addition to Jack-O-Lanterns, I love food made with fresh pumpkin, especially soup. Here's a link to my recipe.





Reformation Day - such a better holiday than the scary one on the 31st. One of my favorite books is Ladies of the Reformation by J. H. Alexander. I just finished reading about Marguerite de Valois.





Politics - it's in my blood, since I started knocking on doors for a candidate when I was a mere thirteen years old. LOTS of stories here.





Thanksgiving - food, family, and the signal that Christmas (winter) is just around the corner. I never tire of the ritual of gathering the family for special meals. Here's a link to last year's celebration. During Thanksgiving weekend, I refuse to decorate for Christmas and decline opportunites to shop at reduced prices. You may find me working on a list though :)

Ten Exemplary Conservatives

1) Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator

2) Marcus Aurelius Antonius, Roman emperor

3) Samuel Johnson, English moralist

4) Sir Walter Scott, Scottish romancer

5) John Randolphe, Virginia politician

6) Nathaniel Hawthorne, New England novelist, short story writer

7) Theodore Roosevelt, American President, writer and fighter

8) Joseph Conrad, Polish sea captain novelist

9) Richard Weaver, college professor and recluse

10)Freya Stark, English wanderer in antique lands

This list is from Russell Kirk's essay,"Ten Exemplary Conservatives", originally published in his The Politics of Prudence (1993), but which I have from The Essential Kirk, George Panichas, editor.

Kirk chose these ten because they influenced his opinions. Burke and Eliot are not listed because even though they both greatly influenced Kirk's perspective, he has written extensively about them elsewhere.

I am posting the list because I am embarking upon the reading of Ideas Have Consequences AND Richard Weaver is on the list.

Fifty Years Old

There may be lot of truth in the popular book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, but I’ve never read it.

 Now that I’m approaching the big Five-O, if I want to read it, I’ll need to order it in the Large Print Edition.

I think I’m afraid to read it because I already know I have trouble with *sharing*, a standard kindergarten lesson.

So, despite my advancing years, I may not be as mature as I think. Futhermore, I’ve discovered a new list by which to judge my abilities.

Check out this article in the AARP magazine.

 I can’t even believe that I’m admitting to reading this type of literature in the first place. Would you believe it came to the office? And that’s how I stumbled across it?

 Hah! Yeah, right!?

Nevertheless, run down this list and see how you fare.

Fifty Things You Need to Know by Fifty

1) How to have great s*x after 30 years of marriage.
2) How to forgive.
3) How to refrain from flirting.
4) How to know your abilities.
5) How to save money.
6) How to lose weight.
7) How to look like you’ve lost weight.
8) How to find the bathroom in five languages.
9) How to find your keys.
10) How to speak in public.
11) How to know your place in the world.
12) How to die.
13) How to fire someone.
14) How to sing in public.
15) How to give a compliment.
16) How to take a compliment.
17) How to ask for a date.
18) How to make an amazing dish.
19) How to give a gift.
20) How to play the lottery.
21) How to grieve.
22) How to get a law passed.
23) How to respond to a letter from the IRS.
24) How to deliver bad news.
25) How to choose a radio station.
26) How to rear teenagers.
27) How to travel without getting sick.
28) How to navigate the company picnic.
29) How to amuse grandchildren.
30) How to score an upgrade.
31) How to choose a good book.
32) How to talk.
33) How to save a life.
34) How to save the planet.
35) How to say *I'm Sorry.*
36) How to know how much is enough.
37) How to shoot a Skyhook.
38) How to surf the Web.
39) How to make peace with your parents
.40) How to take a fall.
41) How to rate pain on a scale of 1 - 10.
42) How to stay married.
43) How to make friends.
44) How to schedule a day off.
45) How to tell a joke.
46) How to stop smoking.
47) How to be afraid.
48) How to divide the heirlooms without a will.
49) How to have *The Driving Talk.*
50) How to say *No - thank you*.


Remember, fifty is young.....if you're a tree.

Favorite Sandwiches

Pimento Cheese
Peanut Butter and Banana
Tuna Salad
Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Reuben
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato
Tomato w/garlic'd cream cheese
Cucumber, hummus, and sprouts
Egg Salad
Grilled Meatloaf Marinara