Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Almost Turkey Day

OR Turkey day is for the BIRDS? HA HA
~~
Slowly the SIMMER begins. YUP the excitement of having the kids home, smells wafting upwards. Checking the grocery list thrice…

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Turkey will go in the oven tonight. Tomorrow morning before the kids arrive, the wondrous smells that evokes memories in us all. I bet the smells will drive the PUPS BONKERS.
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WOW, come to think of it, this is Lily and Houses first Thanksgiving.
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Jazz is finally settling down to a life with a real family…wonder if she will sense the difference, the excitement? Dear George, our elder dog, will be content to lie in the middle of any room where food MIGHT drop to the floor, while pools of drool surround his paws.
Amidst all of this, my car is ill…SIGH! By noon I will know why THAT light is on as well as if my muffler has a hole in it. I will be STUCK at the mechanics place until the verdict is pronounced.

~~

The bummer about that is: people no longer are allowed to watch what they do to your car. Insurance, accidents etc have disallowed curious arm chair mechanics like I to learn. I do not like that! It’s not like I am going to open a shop of my own up! Geesh Louise!

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Memories of less hectic times, YA memories of childhood… Dad taking me with him, while he hung out with his buddies that were mechanics. Looking back it was probably a treat from his weekly routine… Ummmmmmm ya think I was bugging Mom so I had to go with DAD? Probably likely actually… Those were great times…I really was no problem, that I RECALL! I did learn more than I thought…

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So instead of being impatient this morning, I will TRY to sneak a look to see what they are doing to my car. As well as amending the grocery list. Let’s see, 1. Diet Coke 2. Root Beer 3. Snacks for the WVU Football game Saturday 4. Fresh flowers for the girls rooms 5. LIFE IS GOOD! AND YES dear daughters, the Pepperoni Rolls are freshly out of the oven awaiting your arrival. The Home Made Ice cream is forthcoming as well! LIFE IS GOOD!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Excitement reigns

The first of Christmas GOODIES have been ordered…
The barn is decorated…the temptation is great to turn the lights on…BUT I shall wait…until after Thanksgiving

~

Tomorrow begin the turkey thaw, HA sounds like a weird dance…

Refrigerator Thawing: Thaw breast side up, in unopened wrapper, on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow for at least 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey.

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GADS I need a diaper for the bird SIGH

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How do you diaper a 24# boid? HA very carefully I bet

20 to 24 pounds

5 to 6 days

And I thought I was ahead????????????????? LOL

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SIGH soon the kids will be here, now I am sorry but it cannot get better than that!

~~~~~~~~~

THEN we all go out to PICK the perfect Tree LIFE IS GOOD!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Ponderings about Thanksgiving

Here are some updated pictures of Goldie and Slate.

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I first posted about them [Goldie & Slate] October 6th of this year. CLICK HERE!

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Here we are with a little over a week before one of my favorite Holidays. Seems the reality settled in with the first snow dusting that we had the other day.

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For sure I am pleased all of the wood has been split and stacked as well as covered. We have yet to have a fire inside, not quite cold enough YET. I chuckle inwardly as I will see the neatly pile diminish and leave voids of interest come spring.

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Time to dig out the Christmas and New Year Cards…

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Once again attempt to get them addressed during the Thanksgiving weekend.

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HA that has always been a goal, who knows this year I might attain it.

Well it is a delicious thought.

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Speaking of delicious… what foods come to mind that take you back years?

Those are the memories.

One that my Mother delighted in making was: Creamed peas in a Timbale.

Gosh have not thought about that in years.

~~

A timbale is a disc-shaped - mould for various sorts of food.

Mom used upside down glass custard cups...she used the left over raw pie dough,

and then she would prick the dough with the tines of a fork. That way there was

no waste.

The name is derived from 'thimble'.

~

While thinking about this almost lost memory I found this recipe.

Sure sounds yummy.

I think we will add this to a meal on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, because one

of our children requested Popovers. ;) Someone else has a memory.

What fun it was to sit in front of the glass oven and watch the POP of the OVERS!
~
They descended from 17th century batter puddings made in England.
Yorkshire pudding is the most famous example of these.
"Popover. A light, hollow muffin made from an egg batter similar to that used in making Yorkshire pudding. The name comes from the fact that the batter rises and swells of the muffin tin while baking...In American Food (1974), Evan Jones writes: Settlers from Maine who founded Portland, Oregon, Americanized the pudding from Yorkshire by cooking the batter in custard cups lubricated with drippings from the roasting beef (or sometimes pork); another modification was the use of garlic, and, frequently, herbs. The result is called Portland popover pudding, individual balloons of crusty meat-flavored pastry." Most popovers, however, are not flavored but merely set in buttered muffin tins. They are served a breakfast or with meats at lunch and dinner."---Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, John F. Mariani [Lebhar-Friedman:New York] 1999 (p. 249)
~~
Popover recipe from 1877:
Minted Green Pea Timbales
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups peas
2 1/2 tablespoons mint, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 egg whites
1/2 cup whipped cream Sour cream or crème fraîche
Dissolve all but 1/4 teaspoon salt in large pot of boiling water.
Add peas.
Blanch 2 minutes.
Drain and rinse under cold water.
Chill and drain thoroughly.
Puree in blender or food processor the peas, mint, and sugar remaining salt and pepper until
smooth. Continue to puree while adding egg whites 1 at a time.
Pour in cream. Blend until combined.
Divide mixture among 6 greased 1/2 cup ramekins or custard cups.
Set ramekins in baking pan.
Add boiling water to pan to halfway up sides of ramekins.
Cover with foil and vent.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center pulls
clean.
Let set a few minutes. Run sharp knife around edges and invert onto serving dish.
Garnish with mint sprig and dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, November 17, 2008

As “They” say Now for the rest of the story~~~

This is part of the Winners response to the VALUABLE Gift!
“Here is the REAL interesting thing about that. When I first started going to
Canada that lure (rebel pop-r) was the primary lure that I used.
The 3 biggest bass that I’ve ever caught in Canada I caught using that particular
lure and I’ve got pictures of those fish with that lure dangling from their mouths
hanging in that room.”

~~~~

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww gave me Goosebumps!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

The WINNING Fish Story

Give me a condor's quill!
Give me Vesuvius' crater for an inkstand! To produce a mighty book you must choose a mighty theme.

Oops, my bad, wrong fish story!!
Ah, before I start it needs to be said that this fall was not the best when it came to catching large game fish.
I attribute this to the lack of Dee’s famous fish soap.
~~~~
Anyway, my story begins on the afternoon of September 21, 2008 in a small bay on Brent Lake.
~~
It was a relatively uneventful afternoon punctuated by lots of wind and very few
fish. This is not a good combination for the wayward mind. I was with John.
He was fishing the south east corner of the bay.
Since things were not going well I decided to try something different.
I moved to the narrows leading into the bay.
After fishing for 30 minutes or so and without catching much of anything… it
happened!
~
No not a big fish but more of a big thought.
I thought that I would just lie back in the canoe and wait for John to get done fishing and then head back to camp.
Since John was about a mile away I figured I’d be waiting awhile.
~
Now, the key to what happens next is that John was about a mile away.
I figured that once he got through fishing and started paddling back that I’d be sure to see him in plenty of time.
Now, I’m sure you're wondering, plenty of time for what?
~
As soon as he started paddling towards me I put the rather large net that I was
using in the water on the opposite side of the canoe from which he was heading
towards. I had no fish but I wanted him to think that I had a really big fish.
~
To further "sell" this idea I leaned over the side of the canoe with my arm in the
water up to my elbow.
As John approached he started regaling me with stories of all the fish that he'd
caught and lost.
It took him a second before he realized that my arm and the net were both in the
water.
~
When he did he said "but I’m sure you've got something a lot bigger".
I said I did but that I didn't think I could get it in the canoe without his help.
As he came over to hold my canoe I lifted up the net and started laughing.
~
He looked momentarily startled and then started laughing the hardest I’d ever
seen him laugh.
Even though I did not have what you would call a "traditional" game fish in the
net I still managed to catch the biggest "sucker" I’d ever seen!
~~
NEXT Post the response from the WINNER!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Fish Challenge

This year like every year in the Fall, my Sweetie goes Fishing with the GUYS.
Has been like this for well over thirty years.
Last year I sent SPECIAL Soap for all that participated.
The results I was told were gigantic.
The perfect soap for fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts. It keeps the bugs off, masks the human scent, attracts fish, and contains fine pumice for exfoliating. With anise essential oil, this bar makes a great gift for the sportsman as well as a useful household soap, especially when preparing raw fish or meat. The smell of licorice (anise) masks human odor and that fish are attracted to its smell. As an added benefit anise oil has strong antibacterial qualities.
This year I needed something different.
This was what ensued
No Bones About It
Dear Anglers, fly fishers and other Hobbyists of the World’s Oldest Profession [or the Second one]

This is an occasion for you to make a “BASS” out of your legal prowess at finagling words.
It has come to our attention that most of you are known for your verbosity [none of us had a hard time believing that!] In an effort to enhance your forthcoming trip to the lands of our Northern neighbours. WE; your judges, have decided to CAST forth this challenge.
The challenge [Trial] being:

Knowing your propensity to be loquacious and your adroitness to, how shall we say, STRETCH the truth/ facts concerning your exploits / manipulate and dexterity as fishers of men…we set forth to each of you to come up with
YOUR “BEST FISH STORY”
Rules
We ask that you fine Gentle men, you pillars of society, you learned men, you defenders of all that is manly, etc. etc. etc… We humbly ask that you provide us with your best “WHOPPER of a Fish Story.
We could say, that you need to feel free to embellish your story, however we know how well you are able to CAST your
LI [E] NES… ;)
A diverse, politically correct, fair minded and balanced panel will judge all entries.
Stay tuned for the winning story

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Ponderings

Taking time to SMELL the Roses…metaphorically speaking
~~
OR
This Quote seems to say it all!
"Plenty of people miss their share of happiness,
not because they never found it,
but because they didn't stop to enjoy it."
William Feather
1889-1981, Writer

Sunday, November 09, 2008

OH NUTS

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In flavor and quality the SHAGBARK HICKORY is held in the highest esteem as the choicest of native hickories. The pecan and SHELLBARK HICKORY are a close second.
~~
Alternate name: Big Shagbark, Hickory Kingnut
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hickory Nut Cake* 4 eggs
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of milkone-
half cup of butter
3 cups of flour
2 cups of Hickory nuts
2 teaspoons of baking powder
lemon or almond flavoring Beat sugar and butter to cream, then add eggs, well beaten;
add milk;
mix baking powder and flour and add;
beat well, then add nuts sprinkled with flour.
Cook in moderate oven. Mrs. H. M. Royal
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dainty Nut Sandwiches* Nut Mixture:

1/2 almond,

1/4 English Walnuts,

1/4 Hickory Nuts

2 cups of sugar

butter

loaf of bread

salt grated cheese

Chop the nuts very fine.

Butter the bread, slice, put on it a thin layer of the chopped nuts, a dust of salt, a

sprinkle of grated cheese and cover with another slice of bread.

GASTRONOMIC,Allentown, October 27, 1897

Hickory Nut Salad* 1 cup of nut kernels

1 stalk of celery

celery salt

salt

3 to 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise or salad dressing

Crack, pick kernels and chop enough nuts to have a cupful of kernels;

chop fine one stalk of celery (saving ends with leaves for garnishing);

sprinkle some celery salt,

pinch of salt and mix the kernels, celery,

celery salt and salt with mayonnaise or salad dressing.

Serve on salad or lettuce leaves, a small quantity being put on each leaf,

or it can be garnished with the ends of the celery stuck upright in the salad bowl.

Servings: 6

Mrs. L. J. K. Fowden,Philadelphia Press, 1897

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Shellbark Cake*

1 level cup of butter

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of milk

3 even cups of flour

6 egg whites

3 whole eggs beaten separately

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 cup of shellbark kernels, chopped fine

Cream the butter and sugar.

Add milk and gradually stir in the flour and baking powder,

then egg whites

and lastly one cup of shellbark kernels, chopped fine, stirred in gently.

Bake in pound cake mold.

Mrs. F. B. Wisecaner

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More Nut Recipes CLICK HERE!

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Wood pile is ALMOST finished…

Time for a well deserved break!
Relax and get ready for WVU vs. Cincinnati
7pm EST ESPNU
LET'S
GOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Mountaineers!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

What a DAY! Reflectively speaking!

Click HERE!!!!!! To JOIN as well as ENJOY Sky Watch!

I preferred to walk about the woods and enjoy yet another extraordinary Autumn Day.
One of my favorite things to do is take pictures with reflections…
The rays glitter like ornaments throughout the woodland.
As the foliage floats down this particular one looked like an UFO. What a crystal BLUE Sky we had today! Most of the leaves gently slither downward, creek, all in all a good time to be outside. This song came to mind … Andrea Bocelli singing "Autumn Leaves" Lyrics by Johnny Mercer

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Thanks to All that Voted!

You voted and I am proud you did.
Voting is the most important thing we Americans can do.
We all do not like the same people that run for our offices, but I always felt that the American people are very smart people and it`s the people that decide where we go in the future.
That is what makes us the BEST country in the world
NOW
Onward to Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 03, 2008

Anticipation of the VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This song popped into my head! Lyrics by: Carly Simon Music by: Carly Simon

~~

We can never know about the days to come

But we think about them anyway

And I wonder if I'm really with you now

Or just chasing after some finer day.

Anticipation, AnticipationIs making me lateIs keeping me waiting

And I tell you how easy it is to be with you

And how right your arms feel around me.

Bit I rehearsed those words just late last night

When I was thinking about how right tonight might be.

Anticipation, Anticipation

Is making me late

Is keeping me waitingAnd tomorrow we might not be together

I'm no prophet, I don't know natures way

So I'll try to see into your eyes right now

And stay right here, 'cause these are the good old days.

~~ VOTE

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Ponderings on the wonth of Nov… ;)

November is the eleventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four Gregorian months with the length of 30 days. November retained its name (from the Latin novem meaning "nine") when January and February were added to the Roman calendar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The weather outside was magnificent. The wind gently blew more leaves to the ground. The squirrels were using the tree branches like trampolines. You do know it is never wise to be under a NUT tree in the fall?
WVU won against U Conn -West Virginia 35, Connecticut 13

~~~~~~~~

It was over when... Jock Sanders scored his third TD of the third quarter to give WVU a 28-13 lead.Gameball goes to... Pat White. The WVU quarterback ran for two TDs (109 rushing yards) and threw for one (121 passing yards).Stat of the game... 4,000-5,000. White surpassed the 4,000 career rushing yards and 5,000 career passing yards milestones. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=277
October 18 began Bow for Deer. Remember to wear ORANGE…specifically BLAZE orange because Hunting goes through December 31, depending on bow, muzzleloader, antlerless etc.
~~ Here is one proud Bow Hunter… WTG James!

~~

Before the game began and again at halftime…I was outside enjoying leaves and the relocation of many of them.

~

Yup lots of nuts in the woods. Today as well offers some fabulous weather, the sun is already shedding its luxurious glow to the leaves. The ground around the house is now devoid of leaves. They have been placed in all of the flower beds. The grass looks like spring green velvet. There are occasional BUMPS of orbs that punctuate ones walk around the area.

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The word walnut derives from Old English wealhhnutu, literally "foreign nut", wealh meaning "foreign" (wealh is akin to the terms Welsh and Vlach; see *Walha and History of the term Vlach).[1] The walnut was so called because it was introduced from Gaul and Italy. The previous Latin name for the walnut was nux Gallica, "Gallic nut".

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History Of Walnuts by: Pat Malcolm

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The first historical accounts of walnut trees growing under civilized cultivation was in ancient Babylon (Iraq) about 2000 B.C.; however, walnuts have evidently been attached to mankind much earlier by excavations from cave fossils as suggested by archeologists.

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More Information Here!