Kathy Twist

Traditional. Like a Norman Rockwell.

Usually, I tend to be somewhat unconventional. BUT...this Turkey Day I am actually going traditional. That's what we call it in our neck of the woods, anyway.

I'll be roasting a 22 pound bird in a brown paper bag. Don't chide. The ol' bird will get nice and browned AND...even the white meat will be moist. Tom T will get to enjoy an Italian Extra Virgin rubdown with a full Scarborough Fair (i.e. parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme) of flavor...yummy!

But even before big bird hits the oven, my dozen red garnet "yams" will be doing a prick-'n-tick cook off (prick the skins with a fork and tick-off the minutes till done), then set aside to cool before their fabulous makeover later in the day.

Mr. T will be dressed with the convenience of pork (yes, I said pork) Stove Top. Okay, okay. Nothing truly traditional (from my era anyway) about Stove Top Dressing, BUT...Lord knows I've tried a lot of scratch programs: 2-day dried bread, fresh bread crumbs, corn bread, tortilla, etc. Stove Top wins -- unmodified.

My  beautiful fresh gree-ee-een beans will have an early garlic saute and jump into a sultry veggie better-than-boullion bath, before joining their cream-of-mushroom-soaked craisin friends in the casserole dish. Tucked in with French's Fried Onions and prettied by slivered almonds, it's enough to appease any palate.

Hand-mashed red potatoes...in their skins...after boiling their half naked quarters in fresh chopped (not minced) garlic water touched by the Extra Virgin. Aha!..now I get to be naughty. Real butter (unsalted) and real milk (2%) added for creaminess.

Turkey giblet gravy -- of course! Jellied cranberry sauce. (Actually tried making it fresh one year.) And, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls -- everyone knows how addicting those are, right??

And what to drink? Wine. Pinot Noir. Willamette Valley or one of the Napa vineyards. Probably a Riesling, too...for my mother. All compliments of my brother.

Wondering whatever happened to the garnets?  Those precious jewels got skinned, sliced and smooshed into a good-sized glass baking dish, enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, black pepper, brown sugar and unsalted butter. Not to forget those toasty melty marshmallows seeping into all the crevices as they make their way to the table. Oh my!

When all is said and done -- dessert. Warm lattice apple pie topped with vanilla bean ice cream, paired up with a slice of award-winning pumpkin pie, crowned with vanilla-pecan real whipped cream. 

Ahhh...traditional sounds sooo good right now. But there's one part I haven't dared to mention yet... 

The prelude.

Dare I tell of our delectable fresh-squeezed margarita mix?  Blood or navel oranges and key limes awaiting the perfect ratio of silver tequilla and contreau (this time, the cadillac -- Grand Marnier).

And dare I admit to indulging in all the afternoon appetizers?   

• slightly spicy Italian dry salami with a tidbit of applewood smoked cheddar atop a Monet vegetable round; 
• the intense flavor of asiago resting on a Zesty Salsa pita crisp; 
• cream cheese and peanut butter filled celery sticks;  
• an array of marinated Greek and Italian olives; 
• and a finishing touch of unsalted roasted walnuts and pecans. 

Yes, it appears that even I can handle traditional. Or, as my mother would say: 

Traditional, with a Kathy twist. :~)

P.S. I will probably be adding pictures in a couple of days.
P.P.S. No pictures...lesson learned: I simply can't be drinking like I'm in my 20's or 30's, when I'm actually in my 60's, and expect to have wonderful food photos.

Everything Seems to Happen at Once

Have you ever noticed how there are times in life where everything seems to happen at once? 

While fighting a sinus infection, a tooth filling falls out, the sewer mainline pipe backs up into the basement shower, and the thawed swordfish is waiting to become that evening's dinner. Which do I ignore and which one gets attention first?

That was the most recent episode. I opted for calling the Drain Doctors first. Everything else got scheduled, including the swordfish.

There was also a mid-summer mini-series...

I am actually managing to prepare a great dinner after having a rather rough night and fighting to stay awake all day, when a favorite neighbor decides to ring the bell, all 3 dogs become obsessed with barking, and my invalid live-in mother suddenly has increased shortness of breath. 

What did I do? I quickly headed to the ER, leaving three dogs, my neighbor AND my dinner ALL hanging. No other good choice -- right?

But, I ask: Is this normal?  Does this sort of thing -- I mean the timing of it all -- happen to anyone else? Or, is it something I've simply brought upon myself? 

PLEASE tell me: It is indeed -- normal.  

Right?!

Less I Too Become A Ruminant

With all the diverse political opinions thrown back and forth today for grazing, and all the multivarious social media chewing the cud, I concluded it wise to again review my purpose and goals for writing, less I too become a ruminant. 

As I thought more deeply about the direction I want to take, I recalled a post I had written nearly 2 years ago. I believe it good to bring it forward and recommit.


Of All The Things  (January 18, 2011)
 

The other day I received an email with the following quote:

Of all the things I've learned in life, I know that change is the strongest truth.

                                                    ~Janice Van Dyck

Briefly I considered the words, then immediately I wanted to change them. I thought: Change is perhaps the one constant in life, but it is not the strongest truth.

Carefully, I reread it and began to acknowledge that she was not talking about me. She was speaking of all the things she herself has learned in life.

But my thoughts grew louder within me: There is a simple principle - a law - the strongest most powerful law in the entire universe. It's the Law of Believing...all believing equals receiving and all receiving equals believing. It is a greater law than all the other laws of physics, because it transcends everyone of them.

I even began to wonder if others would read what she wrote and even...(gasp)... agree with her! At that point I finally realized I was being tempted, to not only pit the knowledge and understanding I've acquired in life against hers, but to do it in writing. And I didn't even know who she was!

Pausing, I asked myself: Do I really want to get into that kind of writing? Do I really want to start picking apart what others say - whether I think it's relevant or true or vital or not?

Without hesitation, I replied: No, I don't. Absolutely not! There's a place for commentary and opinion writing, but that's not where I want to go - not at all.

Logically, the next question is: Then where do you want to go, Kathy? The answer is simple. I have one purpose - one mission:  

I write with the belief to both inspire and challenge the human experience, welcoming criticism, for there is no person on earth who fails to intrigue me, and thereby touches my soul in some significant way.

It is not my intention to cast opinions that tend to judge the relevance or validity of what someone else may have thought or concluded. My desire and goal in writing would be defeated if I wrote in a framework that might tear down the very place another has reached by scaling their own mountain(s). Honestly, how welcoming would that be?

Totally unaware, Janice Van Dyck has touched my soul in a significant way. She has pushed me to reconsider my purpose and to decide whether or not my mission is still real to me - still where I choose to be. And - of all the things I've learned in life - she has inspired me to write of judgments and comparisons that we, at times unknowingly, superimpose on one another.

Although we've never met, please allow me to say, "Thank you, Janice."

 ~~~~~~~~

Okay, you caught me. Yes, I actually brought out an older post to be re-chewed...much like the cud. So, I admit it...perhaps I am part ruminant after all.     ;~)

  

Potential is Not a Valid Argument

With all the talk this year, about abortion, pro-life, planned parenthood and the such like, I cannot resist throwing in my plug nickel's worth. At least I rest assured that many will feel that's what my thinking may be worth. We'll see...

I've always advised young single girls to never marry potential. To lessen the degree of disillusionment, never confuse a man's potential with factual reality. It's simply not wise.

Rather, a savvy young lady should look into a man's track record for what's valid before considering a marital commitment, no matter how great the probabilities are of his possibilities. A guy could have great savoir faire [adaptable; knowing what to do in any situation] and the appearance of becoming the most successful and loving husband...ever..., yet never apply himself.

Potential is simply not valid criteria to base a marriage on.


Likewise true of pregnancy.

I honestly believe what is written in the Bible [the original Word of God given to man]. It is important to note that the first human being, Adam, became a living soul when God breathed the breath of life into him...and not a second before.  

Let's just consider that this has never changed.

A fetus would not become a living soul, until it takes its first breath...and not a second before. Potential -- even the greatest probability of a reality -- would not make it a live human being. That's right. It would have to take it's first breath of air to actually be that wonderful new baby girl or boy.

Why, you might ask, do I refer to the fetus as it?  Because a fetus is only the potential of being born a baby boy or girl, even though it may already look like one. Besides, even Jesus Christ -- God's only conceived son -- was referred to as an it and thing prior to being born, in spite of the fact that Mary had already been told it would be a boy. Seriously.

So, is it a crime to prevent, stop or kill potential?  

Perhaps it should be when considering a young man whose potential has died within him, stopping him from ever becoming what he possibly could have been. But, the last I checked, that is not yet a crime. 

Besides, who would we pin it on if it was? Seriously.

With the same logic, how could we consider, even for a moment, that stopping the potential of a fetus from the possibility of becoming a living soul -- a live and breathing baby girl or boy -- is, of all things...murder??! 

Doesn't an individual have to first be alive [meaning, breath-life] in order to be murdered? And doesn't a person have to be alive to have certain unalienable rights? I'm being somewhat rhetorical, of course.

Is abortion playing God? If a pregnancy is terminated because a fetus aborted from natural causes, does that make God a murderer? Our loving heavenly Father, God, in whom there is no darkness...a murderer??! You have got to be kidding!

Don't misunderstand me. I think potential is tremendous, especially when it is realized...especially when you get to see the baby! But, potential is not a valid argument.

Remember: Killing potential is not a crime. 

Not yet, anyway.

No Status Quo Ante* In My Future

An entire summer and more than half of autumn have crept away without nary a word from yours truly. There are good reasons for this, I tell myself. Really? I query. Truly and assuredly, I reply.

Admittedly, it was quite a large log that fell into my pond. One that brought little needful rest and even less consolation that life would ever return status quo ante. I turned the page, and... "Lo and behold!" an unexpected new chapter lay before me. 

I was not a cute little 3 or 4 year old girl playing nurse with her dollies -- this was REAL. Dry weight and vitals were to be recorded each and every morning. Combined with checking for edema and ease in breathing, medication decisions would be made. I soon realized that I had become an unlicensed, live-in practical nurse. 

My 87 year old mother was no longer just a simple matter of blind and crippled; she now had chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). 

The cardiologist directed a low-sodium diet of 2000 mg or less -- daily. This alone was enough to engulf my time each day. But I knew I also needed to balance that intake with potassium -- daily. What was set before me, I felt, would soon become an all-consuming and overwhelming task.

About 60 days into it, I seemed to be adjusting quite well, when, "Lo and behold!" another new chapter lay before me.

My beloved husband saw an infomercial that perfectly answered his fitness needs. Seriously. I saw it and agreed that this was the right thing for him. In less than a week, we were diving into... INSANITY! I do not jest.

Here's the REAL question: Why am I saying, we? Yes, why we, indeed!

No sooner had I begun to get comfortable with a "low-sodium, equal potassium" style of food planning and preparation, then now having to accommodate Insanity's program of Elite Nutrition. This would require 5 equal-caloric meals per day of high protein, moderate carbs and low fat. And I agreed with this!!!??

Did I say something about a large log that fell into my pond!? I may be mistaken, but I think it was more than one! 

Ah...don't take this wrong. I'm not complaining. I pulled it all off and am even writing again.  

No, I am far more concerned as to why I would think that anything I engage in would ever be status quo ante. Why would I even entertain that as a possibility? That has never been the case in my life, and I should rest assured, never will be. It's simply not who I am or what I wish my life to be. 

There are good reasons for this, I tell myself. Really? I query. Truly and assuredly, I reply. Truly and assuredly -- there is no status quo ante in my future.

*Status quo ante - Latin for "the way it was before." 

Or, Better Yet -- Fax It?

Have you ever had to copy-and-send additional info to an insurance or medical billing company? I would almost bet my bottom dollar that they won't receive it -- the first time, anyway. 

Inevitably, it always gets lost -- even if it's mailed in their own postage-paid envelope or faxed directly to the right person. It never fails. It was planned to happen this way. 

You discover the mishap when their Explanation of Benefits or billing statement arrives in the mail. It simply doesn't agree with the extra info you so diligently gave them. So, you call.

Following fifteen minutes or more of jumping through hoops with your fingers punching in numbers to satisfy the automated system, a live voice appears, wondering why on earth you thought it necessary to call them.

This is the one who almost always doesn't understand what you're talking about (or you can't understand what they're talking about), so you ask for a supervisor. After another five or ten minute wait, you decide to hang up. You'll try again at a better time. [HA!]

Finally reaching a CSR (Customer Service Rep) who knows what's up, you are informed of the inevitable:

It might be lost...but give it just one more week. They always run a bit slow in that department. Can you call back then?

Wanting to sound cooperative, you agree. It really doesn't make any difference though. In one or two weeks you will again hear the inevitable:

Certainly it's lost by now. It's been over a month. Did you mail it in or fax it? I know this is an inconvenience for you, but...

Now here's the clincher...

...could you mail it in again? Or, better yet -- fax it?

As if this will make any difference. Obviously, they're not only buying time, but also playing the odds that you will choose to simply give up and agree with/pay whatever the EOB or statement says.

I'd like to think that I practice what I preach in choosing my battles wisely, but this is one I'm not at all certain as to the smartest way to go. I mean, it involves money, and I seriously watch every penny. On the other hand, too much hassle can cost me more than just money.

Both Citibank and Chase have informed me that I am in the top less-than-2% in the U.S. Can you believe it!? There is really that small of a percentage who actually reconcile their credit card or bank statements. The vast majority of consumers today simply trust their electronic systems...or so I was told.

Besides the hundreds of dollars saved in unaccountable adjustments made to receipts and statements, I've also recovered nearly $1000 cash from card companies and banks over the past 8 years. It's not a fortune, but I believe it's better than having kissed it all goodbye. Wouldn't you agree?

Perhaps I am choosing my battles wisely after all. Now, if I could only remember this the next time I hear that annoying yet inevitable:

...could you mail it in again? Or, better yet --fax it?

Seriously...No Comment

I know it's hard to believe, but in pondering my extensive lack of words to write, I have made an interesting observation:

It seems that whenever I have to actually take the time out to seriously focus on my life, then take the time to do what is needed to adjust or fix all my ongoing affairs, I simply have no opinion -- one way or another -- on what anyone else is doing with theirs...or...even my own, for that matter.

I have yet to decide whether this is a good thing...
                                                                             or not ;~)

Thankfulness For Life Helps

My mother is back from her ten day stay with my brother. The first 3 days seemed somewhat rough going, but we adjusted and actually managed to survive the transition without any serious damage. 

Thankfulness for life always seems to help.

Nearly a week later, I was taking my beloved husband to the ER for acute stomach and side/back pain -- less than 2 weeks after being there with his mother. He's doing fine...nothing catastrophically serious anyway. But it caused me to pause in thankfulness for having something as simple as -- life.

Then he got his paycheck. It was 4 days short on pay. I'm still not at all sure how everything got covered those 2 weeks, but I know I chose to remain calm and confident that we would survive without any major consequences. Of course, remaining thankful for life certainly didn't hurt.

When the 3 dogs got cabin fever yesterday, because of sudden inclement weather, and I felt like strangling each of them for ignoring every single command...guess what!?

Thankfulness for life really does help!

There Is Always A Choice

Just finished reading my conclusion of last year's journal writings: nearly every entry speaks of balance, focus, purpose and freedom. It's interesting to realize that God's Word answers each of those things, when it is truly the only rule of faith and practice. With that Word, life becomes simple, balanced, focused, purposeful and I become free.

Courtesy of HubPages.com

Change. Now there's another wonderful theme. I believe that one is befitting 2012. It only takes a teeny tiny tweak to alter the course of any subject, and I have a few subjects that really need to find new paths to travel on.

There are decisions I can make -- that I have control over -- which can make a difference in not only a day, but my week, and thus my year. 

It can be something as simple as grocery shopping Friday (or even Monday) mornings, rather than Sunday (or even Saturday) afternoons. Or, taking a shower at 6 AM rather than in the afternoon. Or, riding my bike in the mornings while our 3 dogs nap. Each choice I make to vary my norm in the here and now, will alter my future.

If a particular picture (physical or mental) upsets -- causes mumblings or possibly even depression -- then get a new or different picture! Why hold on to something that makes us feel miserable? 

Contrary to what our minds may occasionally try to tell us, ...there is always a choice.

Profound??

Pondering deeply? Not quite. But of course that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to be. I simply need to get my focus back -- focus for writing.

I was such a prolific writer in my 30's...makes me wonder what it would've been like for me if blogging was available then. But, that was then and this is now. Profound? Hardly.

For the past 4 weeks, I've been using our little 2 year old Gateway netbook to access the internet -- not sure yet whether I like the keyboard or not. It also explains why I haven't been too social lately. Guess I'm like a lot of other people, wanting things simple and convenient, or not much happens. Of course, I'm assuming I know how a lot of other people are. I could be dead wrong. Yes, me. Profound? There are those who think I may have just qualified myself. (haha)

My mother left to stay with my brother 6 days ago...she'll be back in 4. Her third day away found us at the ER with my mother-in-law (who also lives with my husband and myself). She had fainted. They never figured out exactly why, but we learned she had a good case of the flu. She's 72.

Other than that, nothing very interesting has been happening in my life lately. Our car is running fine. Our 3 dogs are fine...considering what it is to have 3. The house is hunky-dory. My decluttering plan is going...well...progressing as I had about expected.   Everything is actually quite fine.

I have to admit, life is pretty much the same it's been for awhile -- that is, considering all things to be considered.

(Sounds like one of those wonderfully profound remarks from the movie The Matrix -- doesn't it? Well...doesn't it????)

Okay,...so I definitely need help. I admit it. Now that is  deeply profound ;~)

Thinking of God at Holiday Time!??

Amidst the hustle and bustle and "Buy me!" of the holidays is not the time to be asking anyone how they feel or think about God. Why not? Because this is the one time of the year more than any other that, basically, is God-less. (I have my opinion...you may have yours.)

Guess one might say that sounds a bit calloused, but I simply cannot believe someone took a poll about "feelings and thoughts of God at holiday time," and wrote about it as if it is some sort of barometer on the subject for our country. Good grief!! Six months from now those same people will more than likely say something totally different. 

It's not that these people are hypocrites; it's just that buying more "stuff," out of our tired-economy wallets, brings out the darker side of our nature. (sigh...) Has anyone noticed!??


So...let's not stop and re-evaluate our priorities and values just now. And let's not stop long enough to hear, "Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus." Definitely, not.

Instead, let's just make it through all this hustle and bustle and "Buy me!" time of year without too much wearing-away of the edges, and see if we can spring into the New Year thanking God that we made it!!

Ho-ho-ho!! Merry Christmas!! :~))

I'm Going to Do It

Starting today. This is it. I've simply let it go way too long. That's the sum and gist of it all. 

I mean, why not? There's absolutely nothing stopping me. As a matter of fact, everything in the universe -- and I mean "everything" -- is compelling me to move on it. Ignoring it is affecting way too many other things...and especially, people. Isn't that the true deciding factor? Affecting people? 

Well, perhaps...but the real crux of the issue is that the "people" it's affecting is moi...

Me :~)

So, this is it. Finally. I am going to take care of...me. :~))

What does this all mean? What is "it?"

Clutter!!!!!!!!!!! Not-so-good, old fashioned, clutter!

Oh...so you have a similar issue!?? And here I thought I was the only one who let things go this far. Hhhhmmmmmm...

I'm pulling out a dark green 33 gallon bag from the garage and heading over to those junk and "keepsake" drawers and closets. Then some quick and final decisions: throw? sell? or store? No inbetween-ers. No exceptions. 

To be vigilant in life, one must be clear headed. To be truly clear, one must travel light -- both mentally and physically. For many many months now, most of my efforts have been on the mental. It is time to set in order my physicals.

What are you doing to make way for what you love in life?

Lobster and Lamb

A 25th wedding anniversary should not be taken lightly, especially during the past few decades of multiple divorces, and especially if the couple is happier than when they first married! I must admit, my ideas for celebration were just a bit on the side of grandiose, but what the heck...it only happens once!

I am highly particular about fresh herbs and gourmet taste in food, so I figured we would have to either spend a lot of money eating out, or I'd have to do it myself. It was my mother-in-law who said it was sort of sad I couldn't have someone else cook for us here -- the way I like it. The light came on in my tiny brain, and I thought of my favorite chef...someone who once took beef tongue and made it so delectable, you'd think we were eating Chateaubriand!

He enthusiastically agreed when I approached him, but to my great dismay, a major conflict in schedules and timing developed just 2 weeks prior to the event. *huge drawn out sigh* We were back to square one, but I stayed with my original menu plan: lobster and lamb.

I had a no-fail, in-oven, lobster method I had acquired from the blog, Transparent Mama, and a fabulous wine and liquor store just down the street (right next to Whole Foods Market I might add). What more could I need! It was set in motion, and, on the first of June, 2011...voila!

Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean lamb kabob topped with crimini mushrooms sauteed in a garlic-basil infused olive oil, served alongside a tender 5 ounce Maine lobster tail, accompanied by roasted asparagus with hollandaise and a fluffy, twice-baked potato topped with sour cream and asiago-cheddar. (Note: all on one plate designed for easy cleanup :~)

Yummmmmy! So much food that we opted out of a salad. But we included tiny Italian rosette rolls, and of course, wine :~)

Although a white would be standard with seafood, or possibly a pinot noir to best compliment both entrees, we leaned more toward a Bordeaux -- which we knew would at least work well with the lamb. It proved to be a surprisingly good choice for the entire dinner.

Chateau Guichet, Bordeaux 2008 -- Not top-shelf, but nonetheless, rich and balanced.

Ah yes...although the camera missed the shot, we even squeezed in a sweet finish. My husband, Kelly, went for the Sicilian flair and had cannolis, while I became French indulgent having vanilla creme brulee.

Kelly, insisted I include the picture he took, showing his contentment. There's one thing that puzzles me though...what did he do with the lobster shell?!!

"Nineteen, Twenty...my plate is empty."

Nineteen, Twenty?? Okay...it's from an old, old...actually, very very old counting rhyme. But who's counting! Unless, of course, it's your Silver Anniversary!

Almost Up and Running...

First, I'll write of significant events in my personal life that have come about over the past couple of months...along with a few pictures, of course. Then I'll be digging into two or three deeper subjects that seem to have risen from some hidden place within. I trust it'll prove an interesting voyage for all...including me :~)