This second article from Dear Abby has some great advice:
http://news.yahoo.com/teenager-39-taxi-disgruntled-rider-050007636.html
Monday, January 20, 2014
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Thanksgiving and Christmas
Now is not too early to think about Christmas and Thanksgiving. Prepare your menu, look at your recipes, and start buying things now. That way you won't get stuck in line, or find out they are out. Remember, the best way to defrost your turkey is in the refrigerator, and that doesn't happen in a short time. About.com Southern Food recommends the following:
http://southernfood.about.com/library/info/bltrkeyb.htm
- 8 to 12 pounds..........1 to 2 days
- 12 to 16 pounds..........2 to 3 days
- 16 to 20 pounds..........3 to 4 days
- 20 to 24 pounds..........4 to 5 days
- 8 to 12 pounds...........4 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds...........6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds.........8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds.......10 to 12 hours
http://southernfood.about.com/library/info/bltrkeyb.htm
Hurricanes
Just a thought on hurricanes. If you evacuate your house during a hurricane, make sure you turn the gas and electricity off. This might save your house from burning down.
Why do we fill the bathtub with water during a hurricane? To flush the toilet in case the water goes out. You should have plenty of water in bottles too.
If you will mix about a 1/4 lb. of salt with water and fill a couple of milk jugs with it, and keep it in the freezer, your stuff will stay frozen if the electricity goes out. The salt lowers the freezing temperature of the water so it will keep the temperature below 32 degrees. If you just put ice in, it will maintain the freezer at 32 and everything you have in the freezer will defrost.
Why do we fill the bathtub with water during a hurricane? To flush the toilet in case the water goes out. You should have plenty of water in bottles too.
If you will mix about a 1/4 lb. of salt with water and fill a couple of milk jugs with it, and keep it in the freezer, your stuff will stay frozen if the electricity goes out. The salt lowers the freezing temperature of the water so it will keep the temperature below 32 degrees. If you just put ice in, it will maintain the freezer at 32 and everything you have in the freezer will defrost.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Foley Catheters
Many men as we pass the age of 50 are likely to have to deal with the problem of prostate enlargement. In fact literature I have read, indicates that it is all but inevitable, so, if you are past 50 and are having any troubles urinating, or start to have to urinate frequently, go see your doctor.
If you are catheterised you can go to these two sites for good information:
http://www.drugs.com/cg/foley-catheter-insertion-discharge-care.html
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/bladder/foley5_17.pdf
I pass these on, as doctors and or nurses don't always tell you every thing you need to know.
Some additional hints for men:
Trim the pubic hair. This will remove one source of irritation.
Apply hand conditioner to the corona (i.e. immediately behind the glans)the portion where it connects to the the shaft. (this will help prevent itching in circumcised men)
Apply KY jelly to the meatus.
Keep the penis and the tube as clean as possible. This will help prevent infection.
If you are catheterised you can go to these two sites for good information:
http://www.drugs.com/cg/foley-catheter-insertion-discharge-care.html
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/bladder/foley5_17.pdf
I pass these on, as doctors and or nurses don't always tell you every thing you need to know.
Some additional hints for men:
Trim the pubic hair. This will remove one source of irritation.
Apply hand conditioner to the corona (i.e. immediately behind the glans)the portion where it connects to the the shaft. (this will help prevent itching in circumcised men)
Apply KY jelly to the meatus.
Keep the penis and the tube as clean as possible. This will help prevent infection.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
My wife says to remind everyone to keep a flash-light (with good batteries). It is not a bad idea to have one in the dining room and family room as well. This is good for an earthquake, or hurricane or whatever. I will add keep one in your car as well, and if you work in a place with no windows (teachers), have a flash-light where you can find it.
I'll never forget being in the teachers workroom when the electricity went out, with 10 otjher teachers trying to feel our ways to the door in pitch darkness.
Also keep a radio with fresh batteries (unless you can find one of those neat wind up (yes you wind it like a clock and it has a mainspring to run the generator) South African radios.
One more thing, land lines are more likely to work in an emergency.
I'll never forget being in the teachers workroom when the electricity went out, with 10 otjher teachers trying to feel our ways to the door in pitch darkness.
Also keep a radio with fresh batteries (unless you can find one of those neat wind up (yes you wind it like a clock and it has a mainspring to run the generator) South African radios.
One more thing, land lines are more likely to work in an emergency.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Conatiners
Buying plastic containers for the kitchen. The store brand (Krogers,Randall's etc.) is usually the best price. The most important thing though is write down the brand, and always buy the same brand. That way if you lose containers or lids, you will always have a match. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to store something when you have multiple brands of containers and lids that do not fit each other. Periodically go through your containers, and if you have lids that don't fit anything, chunk them. Container and no lid, do the same.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Flowers or vegetables
In these trying times, many of us may doubt the wisdom of planting flowers. The solution is a decorative vegetable garden. In the winter we had curley parsley in our decorative herb garden together with sage, thyme and rosemary. Rosemary makes a nice bush on its own, and as long as it is in well drained soil grows excellently in many areas. It will take a hard Houston freeze, and it will take the drought as well. Around the roses we had cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Looked nice and tasted good as well.
So in the spring and summer, why not plant your squash around your roses. We have our row of tomatoes behind the cana lilies. Many hot peppers make decorative plants as well. In the Houston area, as long as they don't freeze, they will grow several years. Just pick the peppers. Have too many. Fill up a wine bottle with several different types and colours and fill with vinegar for a nice slightly different east Texas pepper sauce (traditionally used on veggies, but goo for what ever you want to spice up.) You can also put them in nice bottles for Christmas or birthday presents.
So in the spring and summer, why not plant your squash around your roses. We have our row of tomatoes behind the cana lilies. Many hot peppers make decorative plants as well. In the Houston area, as long as they don't freeze, they will grow several years. Just pick the peppers. Have too many. Fill up a wine bottle with several different types and colours and fill with vinegar for a nice slightly different east Texas pepper sauce (traditionally used on veggies, but goo for what ever you want to spice up.) You can also put them in nice bottles for Christmas or birthday presents.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas
Just like Thanksgiving, Christmas is planning. Hopefully you have all that done. If you saved your turkey bones from Thanksgiving, here is a great recipe.
In a large pot take all your turkey bones and water, and boil several hours or simmer all day. After the meat has come off the bones, take the bones out. Strain out the meat, and put in a pot and add the left over broth until you have enough for your family. The remaining broth can be saved or frozen for later use.
Add carrots, celery and potatoes to taste. Since the soup has been well cooked all ready you just need to heat it long enough for the vegetables to cook. Fifteen minutes before serving, add from 1/4 to 1 cup of rice depending on how much soup you made. Five minutes before serving you can add either a big handful of cilantro for a more Mexican taste, or poultry seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste. This is what we will start our Sabbath meal with Saturday night.
In a large pot take all your turkey bones and water, and boil several hours or simmer all day. After the meat has come off the bones, take the bones out. Strain out the meat, and put in a pot and add the left over broth until you have enough for your family. The remaining broth can be saved or frozen for later use.
Add carrots, celery and potatoes to taste. Since the soup has been well cooked all ready you just need to heat it long enough for the vegetables to cook. Fifteen minutes before serving, add from 1/4 to 1 cup of rice depending on how much soup you made. Five minutes before serving you can add either a big handful of cilantro for a more Mexican taste, or poultry seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste. This is what we will start our Sabbath meal with Saturday night.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thanksgvining Day
Thanksgiving just around the corner. If you like to bake, yet are running out of room, you have several options. My favourite is the roaster pan. Basically, stick the turkey in and leave it. If you live in a place like Texas where it is possible to be hot at Thanksgiving you can stick it on a table in the garage so as not to heat up the house.
My favourite recipe is:
cut apples and onions into quarters, and insert a clove into each quarter. Add a handful of celery and parsley. Cover the whole turkey with really fat bacon. Roast at 325 according to weight, 15 minutes per pound. After the first hour you might want to baste every 30 minutes and you might add a little more bacon. This always comes out nice and tender. I've been cooking it this way for forty years now.
You might also want to BBQ your turkey, in such case, chop up onion, coriander (cilantro), and Serrano peppers. Put in large zip lock, add turkey and sufficient beer to cover the turkey. Soak for a day or two, and then smoke for about 4-6 hours. If your internal temperature does not get to 180 degrees, put in oven, covered with oil until it does. For better flavour, soak the wood several days before BBQing. You should have a pit with a separate fire box to do this right, and put the turkey as far away from the fire as possible. You may baste with beer and spices if you desire.
Other possibilities are deep fat friers, oiless friers, or a gas grill with rotisserie. The gas grill with rotisserie works really well, and a small turkey will cook in an hour and one half. At this time I have no experience with frying turkeys, so we will leave that alone.
If I roast the turkey, I make stuffing, but I make it apart so the turkey will cook quicker. I make my cornbread the day before. To make the dressing, I take two 9" pans of cornbread, and break into crumbs. On the stove I add one stick of butter and a couple of eggs. If two dry I will add the drippings from the turkey. Fry chopped onion in drippings and add together with cooked celery. I will take a little water or drippings and put into the blender with a handful of parsley, a handful of time, three or four sage leaves, and a handful of time. Blend fully and add to dressing. Cook on the stove for about thirty minutes and cook in oven at 325 for about 30 minutes. Be careful not to burn.
For gravy, take some of the turkey drippings, add a couple of tablespoons of flour and cook. Add milk and thicken. Just before serving add two tablespoons poultry seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
The main trick to a good Thanksgiving dinner is planning. You should know who is coming, what and how much you want to cook, and have most of your ingredients in the cupboard. Not a bad time to check your spices either, because you'll probably want them for Christmas as well.
My favourite recipe is:
cut apples and onions into quarters, and insert a clove into each quarter. Add a handful of celery and parsley. Cover the whole turkey with really fat bacon. Roast at 325 according to weight, 15 minutes per pound. After the first hour you might want to baste every 30 minutes and you might add a little more bacon. This always comes out nice and tender. I've been cooking it this way for forty years now.
You might also want to BBQ your turkey, in such case, chop up onion, coriander (cilantro), and Serrano peppers. Put in large zip lock, add turkey and sufficient beer to cover the turkey. Soak for a day or two, and then smoke for about 4-6 hours. If your internal temperature does not get to 180 degrees, put in oven, covered with oil until it does. For better flavour, soak the wood several days before BBQing. You should have a pit with a separate fire box to do this right, and put the turkey as far away from the fire as possible. You may baste with beer and spices if you desire.
Other possibilities are deep fat friers, oiless friers, or a gas grill with rotisserie. The gas grill with rotisserie works really well, and a small turkey will cook in an hour and one half. At this time I have no experience with frying turkeys, so we will leave that alone.
If I roast the turkey, I make stuffing, but I make it apart so the turkey will cook quicker. I make my cornbread the day before. To make the dressing, I take two 9" pans of cornbread, and break into crumbs. On the stove I add one stick of butter and a couple of eggs. If two dry I will add the drippings from the turkey. Fry chopped onion in drippings and add together with cooked celery. I will take a little water or drippings and put into the blender with a handful of parsley, a handful of time, three or four sage leaves, and a handful of time. Blend fully and add to dressing. Cook on the stove for about thirty minutes and cook in oven at 325 for about 30 minutes. Be careful not to burn.
For gravy, take some of the turkey drippings, add a couple of tablespoons of flour and cook. Add milk and thicken. Just before serving add two tablespoons poultry seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
The main trick to a good Thanksgiving dinner is planning. You should know who is coming, what and how much you want to cook, and have most of your ingredients in the cupboard. Not a bad time to check your spices either, because you'll probably want them for Christmas as well.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
22 September 2010: Credit Cards
Credit cards have their place, especially in building credit to buy a home, the only thing I believe that you should borrow money for (barring medical emergencies). The important things when you have a credit card are:
1) Pay the full amount each month, not the minimum payment.
2) Keep a checkbook register for each credit card. When you reach your maximum amount (what you know you can pay back, stop using it until you pay it off. I recommend using it for gas, etc. to build credit, but never pay the minimum payment. You can even pay it each week or two weeks by internet depending how you are paid. That way you can keep from over doing it.
3) Know and follow your limit.
4) If you lose your job, cut up your credit card and avoid the temptation. Credit card debt can really mess you up.It is too tempting to use that card if you have no job saying, "I'll pay it all off when I have my new job." I have experience here, as I am still waiting for that new job 12 months after being laid off.
Remember, unless it is a house or emergency medical, if you have to borrow, you probably do not need it. If you can keep driving that old car till it reaches 300,000 miles, that gives you time to save up for a new(er) car.
1) Pay the full amount each month, not the minimum payment.
2) Keep a checkbook register for each credit card. When you reach your maximum amount (what you know you can pay back, stop using it until you pay it off. I recommend using it for gas, etc. to build credit, but never pay the minimum payment. You can even pay it each week or two weeks by internet depending how you are paid. That way you can keep from over doing it.
3) Know and follow your limit.
4) If you lose your job, cut up your credit card and avoid the temptation. Credit card debt can really mess you up.It is too tempting to use that card if you have no job saying, "I'll pay it all off when I have my new job." I have experience here, as I am still waiting for that new job 12 months after being laid off.
Remember, unless it is a house or emergency medical, if you have to borrow, you probably do not need it. If you can keep driving that old car till it reaches 300,000 miles, that gives you time to save up for a new(er) car.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
21 September 2010
Got an automatic dryer, for best results when using it on the automatic rather than times setting, do not overload, and make sure everything is the same material. i.e. nothing but blue jeans, or just t shirts, or just dress shirts. Doing so will allow the drier to work more efficiently. If you are alone and need to wash and dry various things together, use the timed setting as opposed to automatic.
Time for the winter garden if you live far enough south. We have planted tomatoes and squash. In October we will be planting cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and related veggies. We won't plant them all at once, so they won't get ripe at once. Broccoli can be planted even in some of the colder climes. Milt freeze don't seem to hurt it. Don't have a yard, you can still plant tomatoes, peppers, egg plants etc in pots. Just make sure you water them and give them sun.
Time for the winter garden if you live far enough south. We have planted tomatoes and squash. In October we will be planting cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and related veggies. We won't plant them all at once, so they won't get ripe at once. Broccoli can be planted even in some of the colder climes. Milt freeze don't seem to hurt it. Don't have a yard, you can still plant tomatoes, peppers, egg plants etc in pots. Just make sure you water them and give them sun.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
9 September 2010: Rosh Hoshaanah
Following the Jewish Calendar, today is Rosh Hoshana, the Jewish New Year. Last night we had a festive meal, and dipped our bread and apples in honey signifying that we would like God to give us a sweet year. The shofar will be blown today. The shofar is a ram's horn trumpet with a distinctive sound. Trumpets were used to announce the coming of the king. Our King of course is Yahweh Shabbaoth, the Lord the Lord of Hosts.
Following the lessons and collect is a short poem on my reflections celebrating Rosh Hoshanah in a Messianic Synagogue some years back.
Readings:
Numbers 29:1-6
Jer. 31:1-19
Genesis 1:1-31
Collect:
Father as on this day we commemorate the creation of human kind, help us to repent in truth from our many sins, and to learn to truly walk and talk with you as did Adam and Hava. Let the shofar truly call us to be with you, and may you grant us a sweet year to come. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. (white)
What Does the Shofar Say
Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Awake, sleepers arise!
Don’t be like sheep, so sound asleep,
Letting the wolf in the door, to destroy, corrupt and more.
He’s in the music, promoting drugs,
He’s on TV promoting sex and rebellion,
He’s in the school teaching one to be a hellion.
Parents, do you love your children,
Then teach them, teach them.
At their rising, at their sitting,
Going out, coming in, at their eating,
Jesus Christ is Lord, He died for you, and many more,
And expects to be your Lord.
Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Awake, sleepers arise!
Don’t be like sheep, so sound asleep,
False shepherds abound misleading the sheep,
Saying science, psychology is King.
If it feels good do it, if it hurts no-one, ‘tis not a sin, or so they sing.
Jesus is not Lord, he’s just one way, of which there are many more.
Stand up O sheep, flee from such shepherds, For at that last day, they shall flee, or
Be astounded, upon finding resurrection is true,
But alas they are blue,
For never having known Jesus, they have condemned themselves,
And those who followed them to a future so bleak,
That to think upon makes me weak
Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Ti ra! Ti ra! Arise, charge, ‘tis time to fight the good fight,
‘tis time to show the adversary our might.
Put on the Gospel Armour, refrain from retreating,
It is time to gain souls, it is time to gain kings,
It is time to show the world our Lord and King.
We have been asleep, allowing Satan his will
And we have had to pay the bill.
The time is over, Satin take cover,
For the church is called to be on the move.
Blow the shofar, blow the trumpet, Good Christians, ATTACK!
You are the mighty hosts of the Lord, armed with his Spirit and Word,
The battle is yours, the war is the Lord’s.
Following the lessons and collect is a short poem on my reflections celebrating Rosh Hoshanah in a Messianic Synagogue some years back.
Readings:
Numbers 29:1-6
Jer. 31:1-19
Genesis 1:1-31
Collect:
Father as on this day we commemorate the creation of human kind, help us to repent in truth from our many sins, and to learn to truly walk and talk with you as did Adam and Hava. Let the shofar truly call us to be with you, and may you grant us a sweet year to come. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. (white)
What Does the Shofar Say
Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Awake, sleepers arise!
Don’t be like sheep, so sound asleep,
Letting the wolf in the door, to destroy, corrupt and more.
He’s in the music, promoting drugs,
He’s on TV promoting sex and rebellion,
He’s in the school teaching one to be a hellion.
Parents, do you love your children,
Then teach them, teach them.
At their rising, at their sitting,
Going out, coming in, at their eating,
Jesus Christ is Lord, He died for you, and many more,
And expects to be your Lord.
Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Awake, sleepers arise!
Don’t be like sheep, so sound asleep,
False shepherds abound misleading the sheep,
Saying science, psychology is King.
If it feels good do it, if it hurts no-one, ‘tis not a sin, or so they sing.
Jesus is not Lord, he’s just one way, of which there are many more.
Stand up O sheep, flee from such shepherds, For at that last day, they shall flee, or
Be astounded, upon finding resurrection is true,
But alas they are blue,
For never having known Jesus, they have condemned themselves,
And those who followed them to a future so bleak,
That to think upon makes me weak
Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Ti ra! Ti ra! Arise, charge, ‘tis time to fight the good fight,
‘tis time to show the adversary our might.
Put on the Gospel Armour, refrain from retreating,
It is time to gain souls, it is time to gain kings,
It is time to show the world our Lord and King.
We have been asleep, allowing Satan his will
And we have had to pay the bill.
The time is over, Satin take cover,
For the church is called to be on the move.
Blow the shofar, blow the trumpet, Good Christians, ATTACK!
You are the mighty hosts of the Lord, armed with his Spirit and Word,
The battle is yours, the war is the Lord’s.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Saving electricity or gas
A reminder, especially for those who have had a hot summer. While the weather is nice, save money by drying your clothes on a clothes line. This ancient form of utilising wind and solar power will often leave your whites whiter. For best results, put all coloured garments inside out to give a reprieve from fading. Take clothes off while still slightly damp and put them on hangers and you won't need to iron, or for those really high maintenance items, let them tumble on no heat for fifteen minutes or so. In the south, you can probabley keep drying on the line into October.
Also, most detergents work fine in cold water. If you are bleaching to kill germs anyway, hot water doesn't make that much difference, and can really add to your gas or electric bill.
Also, most detergents work fine in cold water. If you are bleaching to kill germs anyway, hot water doesn't make that much difference, and can really add to your gas or electric bill.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Years Eve 2009
This really should have been a few days ago, but sadly I am not always as organized as I should be.
First some recipes:
Sauer Kraut Casserole.
1 large can of Sauer Kraut
2 packages of sausage
5 tablespoons of mustard powder.
2 tablespoons of caraway seed.
Slice the sausage thin. Mix everything together and bake or microwave until hot. If baking, I suggest 350 for about thirty minutes. Cover with foil before hand to avoid browning.
Sauer Kraut is popular in Germany and in parts of the US where German immigrants settled for New Years Eve.
Black eyed peas
2 cups peas (soak overnight before cooking)
1 hambone
2 jalapeños
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash Worcestershire sauce.
Chopped onion and cilantro (optional)
After soaking, cook for about an hour and a half. Add water as needed. Add cilantro in last 10 minutes. Add onion in last 30 to 5 minutes depending on how well you wish them to be cooked.
Both these recipes are considered good luck for New Years. Blacks in Central America also consider it good luck to be in church on New Year’s eve. Of course we as Christians know that we don’t have good luck from any of these, but that God will bless us as we obey him (and withhold the blessing if we don’t. For that reason it is important to line our lives up with his will.
Some people make resolutions for New Year, and some of those are good, but most are forgotten before January is done. Personally, I think the best thing to do on New Years is to see where you came from, where you are now, and plan for the future. As Christians, we know the future is not ours to see, but we should still plan for it. We should have certain goals, and should be aiming at those goals. Some of these goal we will look at again as we come into pre Lent, but for the secular year, we should be checking carefully in these times on our management of time and money. In both of these the first things we need to look at is God’s portion. You show me how you spend your time, I will tell you if you are really a Christian. Sunday definitely should be set aside for God and for family. Hopefully you are a member of a church which still has morning and evening Sunday services. Go to both. Ditto for Wednesday services or Bible Studies if available. Time for family prayer, spousal prayer and private prayer time are also important as well as studying God’s word. Look at where you are on these, and seek improvement. The time is there if you put God first. (I might not in passing, that I came up from Honduras to vacation one year. Of course there were no funds for this, so I worked at a car wash. I told the guy I would not work on Sunday, and he respected that. For some strange reason, even though I was the only one not working on Sunday, I always managed 40 hours or more per week, something that the other guys rarely managed. God respected my commitment to him.)
Aside from church, and Bible study, Sunday is a good time for family time. Pic Niks, hiking, bike riding, monopoly, whatever are good family activities. We always have leftovers Sunday lunch so no one has to cook, and after sunset we fix something simple (our family keeps Sunday Sabbath from sunset to sunset as Jesus did.) We don’t buy anything, or go to movies or knowingly do anything that would require anyone to have to work to serve us, so as to keep the Sabbath. Many young people today have no opportunity to go to church on Sunday anymore because they end up working on Sunday.
God must come first though. We have a habit of allowing other things, which may be good in an of themselves to be gods in our lives. Some time should be set aside for exercise, but it should not consume us. How much time do you spend playing tennis, or soccer, or golf. These are all good things, unless we allow them to be gods in our lives. I have seen the same thing with volunteer fire fighters. That becomes their god. So always be careful how you spend you time.
Money of course is the other big one. The Bible tells us the tithe is the minimum standard. I have found that when I am tithing, things have a way of working out, despite the amount of money I have. We also need to plan our use of money. Car and other major repairs. Money saved up for house repairs, money saved up for if a job is lost. We need to always be prepared, especially in these precarious times. Do we really need a four bedroom house? Or a brand new car? Spouses should sit down and think about these things.
Also of course teach your kids about wise use of time and money. Either a regular allowance or report card money or both. I know of one guy who gave his kids (starting in jr. high) money to buy their own clothes for a year. He didn’t help them, and they learned to make the dollar stretch. One of his sons was stunned when he realized that his prom tux had to come out of that money too, and found a perfectly good tux at Goodwill. It is not enough to tell the kids, we have to show them as well.
We might think about a vegetable garden too. If you are in the south or southwest, you might even want to start know. Cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, swiss chard and beats all grow well in cool weather. Cabbage and everything mentioned before it, but especially broccoli takes a light freeze well. Cilantro and parsley grow well in cool weather, as do some spices. We have thyme, parsley, and oregano that all took a hard freeze and still growing well. If you live further north, think about what you can plant and when.
By the way, for tonight, egg nog, smoothies, banana milk shakes are all good. Pray for a good year to come, and especially pray for the church, and for the leadership of the country and your state. After we ahve finished praying and making noise, we watch movies.
May God bless you this year to come.
First some recipes:
Sauer Kraut Casserole.
1 large can of Sauer Kraut
2 packages of sausage
5 tablespoons of mustard powder.
2 tablespoons of caraway seed.
Slice the sausage thin. Mix everything together and bake or microwave until hot. If baking, I suggest 350 for about thirty minutes. Cover with foil before hand to avoid browning.
Sauer Kraut is popular in Germany and in parts of the US where German immigrants settled for New Years Eve.
Black eyed peas
2 cups peas (soak overnight before cooking)
1 hambone
2 jalapeños
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash Worcestershire sauce.
Chopped onion and cilantro (optional)
After soaking, cook for about an hour and a half. Add water as needed. Add cilantro in last 10 minutes. Add onion in last 30 to 5 minutes depending on how well you wish them to be cooked.
Both these recipes are considered good luck for New Years. Blacks in Central America also consider it good luck to be in church on New Year’s eve. Of course we as Christians know that we don’t have good luck from any of these, but that God will bless us as we obey him (and withhold the blessing if we don’t. For that reason it is important to line our lives up with his will.
Some people make resolutions for New Year, and some of those are good, but most are forgotten before January is done. Personally, I think the best thing to do on New Years is to see where you came from, where you are now, and plan for the future. As Christians, we know the future is not ours to see, but we should still plan for it. We should have certain goals, and should be aiming at those goals. Some of these goal we will look at again as we come into pre Lent, but for the secular year, we should be checking carefully in these times on our management of time and money. In both of these the first things we need to look at is God’s portion. You show me how you spend your time, I will tell you if you are really a Christian. Sunday definitely should be set aside for God and for family. Hopefully you are a member of a church which still has morning and evening Sunday services. Go to both. Ditto for Wednesday services or Bible Studies if available. Time for family prayer, spousal prayer and private prayer time are also important as well as studying God’s word. Look at where you are on these, and seek improvement. The time is there if you put God first. (I might not in passing, that I came up from Honduras to vacation one year. Of course there were no funds for this, so I worked at a car wash. I told the guy I would not work on Sunday, and he respected that. For some strange reason, even though I was the only one not working on Sunday, I always managed 40 hours or more per week, something that the other guys rarely managed. God respected my commitment to him.)
Aside from church, and Bible study, Sunday is a good time for family time. Pic Niks, hiking, bike riding, monopoly, whatever are good family activities. We always have leftovers Sunday lunch so no one has to cook, and after sunset we fix something simple (our family keeps Sunday Sabbath from sunset to sunset as Jesus did.) We don’t buy anything, or go to movies or knowingly do anything that would require anyone to have to work to serve us, so as to keep the Sabbath. Many young people today have no opportunity to go to church on Sunday anymore because they end up working on Sunday.
God must come first though. We have a habit of allowing other things, which may be good in an of themselves to be gods in our lives. Some time should be set aside for exercise, but it should not consume us. How much time do you spend playing tennis, or soccer, or golf. These are all good things, unless we allow them to be gods in our lives. I have seen the same thing with volunteer fire fighters. That becomes their god. So always be careful how you spend you time.
Money of course is the other big one. The Bible tells us the tithe is the minimum standard. I have found that when I am tithing, things have a way of working out, despite the amount of money I have. We also need to plan our use of money. Car and other major repairs. Money saved up for house repairs, money saved up for if a job is lost. We need to always be prepared, especially in these precarious times. Do we really need a four bedroom house? Or a brand new car? Spouses should sit down and think about these things.
Also of course teach your kids about wise use of time and money. Either a regular allowance or report card money or both. I know of one guy who gave his kids (starting in jr. high) money to buy their own clothes for a year. He didn’t help them, and they learned to make the dollar stretch. One of his sons was stunned when he realized that his prom tux had to come out of that money too, and found a perfectly good tux at Goodwill. It is not enough to tell the kids, we have to show them as well.
We might think about a vegetable garden too. If you are in the south or southwest, you might even want to start know. Cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, swiss chard and beats all grow well in cool weather. Cabbage and everything mentioned before it, but especially broccoli takes a light freeze well. Cilantro and parsley grow well in cool weather, as do some spices. We have thyme, parsley, and oregano that all took a hard freeze and still growing well. If you live further north, think about what you can plant and when.
By the way, for tonight, egg nog, smoothies, banana milk shakes are all good. Pray for a good year to come, and especially pray for the church, and for the leadership of the country and your state. After we ahve finished praying and making noise, we watch movies.
May God bless you this year to come.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
30 December 2009
As Christians, we are about raising up our children to be good Christians as well. Part of this process is in developing communication skills, and socialising. It seems and others are in agreement with me that mealtimes should be the main time for socialising, for finding out what is going on with your kids and to plan activities.
Of course with all out busyness and schedules and what not this can be very difficult, but if possible it is good to try and have two meals a day with family. Impossible you cry. When we were in Danli, Honduras, we had 5 kids in three diferent schools, with three different schedules, yet managed to have breakfast and dinner together every day. It is just wanting to do it enough, and being willing to sacrifice other things. The trick is to mark out those mealtimes as necessary and work around them, instead of putting everything else as necessary. So if God is first then everything should be arranged around prayer times and meal times. You can do it, if you really want to.
Don't forget to set boundaries. Everyone is to be on time. If you just cannot stand to let call notes or the answering machine answer your phone, unplug it. Remember it is family time, not work time, not friend time but family. In the same mode, cell phones should be off, no texting, no telephoning, no telelvison, no radio. It shows tremendous ego that we have to be connected at all times. In other words, we don't. If it is really important, they will call back or leave a message. One of the saddest things I ever saw was a car load of people all on cell phones, all talking away, but with nothing to say to each other. Cell phones are useful. I even text occasionally, and use it mostly for emergency, but there is something insidiously wrong about not being able to be disconnected from the cell phone or phone. We need ot sit down and be family together and friends together.
In a family that I have been working with, the mother complained that her family never talks to her at meals, yet she always managed to be talking with someone else on the phone during meals. In other words, set the example. If you want your kids to talk to you at dinner, you need to talk to them. If we start off making meal and prayer times sacred even before kids come along and keep it up, the kids will keep it up as well, as long as both parents buy into it. The moment either family decides not to go along, it will rapidly fall apart. We adults have to be disciplined to be leaders in our families.
One other thing, it is good to have silence in our lives. Between radios, stereos, televisions, telephones, many of our kids (and some adults) no longer have silnce in their lives. The TV or radio goes on first thing and stays on all day. The teenagers have their cell phone surgically attached to the ear or text all the time. Remember, God revealed himself to Moses and Elija in the silence. We all need some quiet time each day (and not just during our regular prayer time.)
Have a great day.
Of course with all out busyness and schedules and what not this can be very difficult, but if possible it is good to try and have two meals a day with family. Impossible you cry. When we were in Danli, Honduras, we had 5 kids in three diferent schools, with three different schedules, yet managed to have breakfast and dinner together every day. It is just wanting to do it enough, and being willing to sacrifice other things. The trick is to mark out those mealtimes as necessary and work around them, instead of putting everything else as necessary. So if God is first then everything should be arranged around prayer times and meal times. You can do it, if you really want to.
Don't forget to set boundaries. Everyone is to be on time. If you just cannot stand to let call notes or the answering machine answer your phone, unplug it. Remember it is family time, not work time, not friend time but family. In the same mode, cell phones should be off, no texting, no telephoning, no telelvison, no radio. It shows tremendous ego that we have to be connected at all times. In other words, we don't. If it is really important, they will call back or leave a message. One of the saddest things I ever saw was a car load of people all on cell phones, all talking away, but with nothing to say to each other. Cell phones are useful. I even text occasionally, and use it mostly for emergency, but there is something insidiously wrong about not being able to be disconnected from the cell phone or phone. We need ot sit down and be family together and friends together.
In a family that I have been working with, the mother complained that her family never talks to her at meals, yet she always managed to be talking with someone else on the phone during meals. In other words, set the example. If you want your kids to talk to you at dinner, you need to talk to them. If we start off making meal and prayer times sacred even before kids come along and keep it up, the kids will keep it up as well, as long as both parents buy into it. The moment either family decides not to go along, it will rapidly fall apart. We adults have to be disciplined to be leaders in our families.
One other thing, it is good to have silence in our lives. Between radios, stereos, televisions, telephones, many of our kids (and some adults) no longer have silnce in their lives. The TV or radio goes on first thing and stays on all day. The teenagers have their cell phone surgically attached to the ear or text all the time. Remember, God revealed himself to Moses and Elija in the silence. We all need some quiet time each day (and not just during our regular prayer time.)
Have a great day.
Monday, December 28, 2009
29 December 2009
Blessed Childermas to all. To find out more about Childermas go to: http://hagiographies.blogspot.com/
The thought for today is in saving money. Many of us have dripping faucets or toilet valves that run all the time. These can cost us a lot of money. So, should you call the plumber? No definitely not. Most people can take care of most of the plumbing needs in their house. You will need to buy about $30.00 worth of tools, (tub and basin sockets, seat wrench, small stilsen wrench and maybe a crescent wrench) but you will have them forever as long as you put them up. Instructions on how to change the washers can be found on the internet, just type in your question, “How do I change the shower washers?” or kitchen sink washers or whatever. Once you have the tools in hand, the parts are cheap. It cost me about $3.00 in parts to change the washers on one shower today, much cheaper than calling the plumber. Toilet flapper valves are usually easy to change as well. Sometimes a new float is needed. Don’t be afraid to try it, and look for stuff that saves water.
While thinking of this, do you have fluorescent bulbs in the house, or the new energy saver bulbs. Please don’t throw them in the garbage. They have mercury in them and will contaminate the water supply. Take them, and any mercury batteries (and NiCad batteries for that matter) to the recycling center so as not to contaminate the water supply. Something else new out. Wallmart and several other stores now have trash bags made of starch. Right now they are twice as much, but if people buy them the price will go down. Use them especially for leaves, and the bags will biodegrade, allowing whatever is in them to biodegrade as well. This will help keep the landfills from filling up so much and will cut down some on our use of petroleum. We do need to save money and protect the environment.
One more quick way to save money in the bathroom. The hardware store has small screen drain plug filters, they come in a size good for the tub or wash basin and also for the sink. Put one in each tub, and you will never have your plumbing stopped up by hair. Also if you wash your hair in the kitchen sink you can put one there, and it will keep the hair out. They also make rubber ones which are good for shower applications.
Got a septic tank. Copper sulfide crystals will help keep roots out. RidX will keep your tank clean. Butter milk once a week will do the same trick (I am talking the old systems, not the new anaerobic ones.
An ounce of prevention in worth a pound of cure.
The thought for today is in saving money. Many of us have dripping faucets or toilet valves that run all the time. These can cost us a lot of money. So, should you call the plumber? No definitely not. Most people can take care of most of the plumbing needs in their house. You will need to buy about $30.00 worth of tools, (tub and basin sockets, seat wrench, small stilsen wrench and maybe a crescent wrench) but you will have them forever as long as you put them up. Instructions on how to change the washers can be found on the internet, just type in your question, “How do I change the shower washers?” or kitchen sink washers or whatever. Once you have the tools in hand, the parts are cheap. It cost me about $3.00 in parts to change the washers on one shower today, much cheaper than calling the plumber. Toilet flapper valves are usually easy to change as well. Sometimes a new float is needed. Don’t be afraid to try it, and look for stuff that saves water.
While thinking of this, do you have fluorescent bulbs in the house, or the new energy saver bulbs. Please don’t throw them in the garbage. They have mercury in them and will contaminate the water supply. Take them, and any mercury batteries (and NiCad batteries for that matter) to the recycling center so as not to contaminate the water supply. Something else new out. Wallmart and several other stores now have trash bags made of starch. Right now they are twice as much, but if people buy them the price will go down. Use them especially for leaves, and the bags will biodegrade, allowing whatever is in them to biodegrade as well. This will help keep the landfills from filling up so much and will cut down some on our use of petroleum. We do need to save money and protect the environment.
One more quick way to save money in the bathroom. The hardware store has small screen drain plug filters, they come in a size good for the tub or wash basin and also for the sink. Put one in each tub, and you will never have your plumbing stopped up by hair. Also if you wash your hair in the kitchen sink you can put one there, and it will keep the hair out. They also make rubber ones which are good for shower applications.
Got a septic tank. Copper sulfide crystals will help keep roots out. RidX will keep your tank clean. Butter milk once a week will do the same trick (I am talking the old systems, not the new anaerobic ones.
An ounce of prevention in worth a pound of cure.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
28 Deceber 2009
Well I thought I had something for today, but I either didn't or saved to some unknown point in cyberspace.
For those of us who are working, and who are not teachers, tomorrow is stepping back to the normal workweek, except of course for students. It is still Christmas though and remains Christmas until the 5th of January. Today is the 4th day of Christmas, and if you like, to remind yourself, you could sing the 12 days of Christmas today up to the the fourth day. That is something we do most years until we get to the 12th day. In addition, we keep the Advent wreath on the table and will continue praying and lighting all five candles. For the 12 days of Christmas, we sing "the Light of Christ has come into the World" January 5, we will sing, "Shine Jesus Shine," a great song to bring in Epiphany, and that will be the last night of the Advent, now a Christmas Wreath.
Drive your neighbours crazy, keep your Christmas lights on and your tree up until January 6th. Remember we start Christmas December 25th and celebrate 12 days. Keep telling everone "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas" outside the US.
Kids driving you crazy? Put them to work, leaves to rake, snow to shovel (well not here in La Porte), there is no reason the kids cannot help, and when done, put them to work making Christmas cookies. Go caroling tonight. There is always something to do. Nothing wrong with having Christmas parties for the kids either. Help them be in the mood that we are still celebrating the dear Saviour's birth.
Another recipe for left over turkey:
Turkey omelet:
Chop the turkey into fairly small pieces.
Scramble eggs, and pour into skillet on high. Allow to cook without stirring and flip over. Spread the turkey over half the omelet, and then spread guacamole. Fold over, heat a little longer, flip over and serve.
If you don't know how to make guacamole:
Slice up two avocados.
Mash, and mix in four tablespoons of mayonaise,
Chop fine 1/4 stick of celery.
Chop fine 1 Serrano pepper.
Chop fine 1 tablespoon of Coriander (cilantro)
Chop fine 1 tablespoon of onion.
Mix it all together adding a dash of salt,
Grind about 1 teaspoon of black pepper and mix in.
(if you have left over guacamole, leave the seed in the guacamole to keep it from turning black. Most people add some lemon juice, which is not for flavour, but to keep it from turning black as well. If you make it immediately before eating, there is no need for lemon juice, and in my opinion, it is better without it.
For more American style leave our Serrano and cilantro. For Honduran style, chop in some hard boiled eggs.
For those of us who are working, and who are not teachers, tomorrow is stepping back to the normal workweek, except of course for students. It is still Christmas though and remains Christmas until the 5th of January. Today is the 4th day of Christmas, and if you like, to remind yourself, you could sing the 12 days of Christmas today up to the the fourth day. That is something we do most years until we get to the 12th day. In addition, we keep the Advent wreath on the table and will continue praying and lighting all five candles. For the 12 days of Christmas, we sing "the Light of Christ has come into the World" January 5, we will sing, "Shine Jesus Shine," a great song to bring in Epiphany, and that will be the last night of the Advent, now a Christmas Wreath.
Drive your neighbours crazy, keep your Christmas lights on and your tree up until January 6th. Remember we start Christmas December 25th and celebrate 12 days. Keep telling everone "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas" outside the US.
Kids driving you crazy? Put them to work, leaves to rake, snow to shovel (well not here in La Porte), there is no reason the kids cannot help, and when done, put them to work making Christmas cookies. Go caroling tonight. There is always something to do. Nothing wrong with having Christmas parties for the kids either. Help them be in the mood that we are still celebrating the dear Saviour's birth.
Another recipe for left over turkey:
Turkey omelet:
Chop the turkey into fairly small pieces.
Scramble eggs, and pour into skillet on high. Allow to cook without stirring and flip over. Spread the turkey over half the omelet, and then spread guacamole. Fold over, heat a little longer, flip over and serve.
If you don't know how to make guacamole:
Slice up two avocados.
Mash, and mix in four tablespoons of mayonaise,
Chop fine 1/4 stick of celery.
Chop fine 1 Serrano pepper.
Chop fine 1 tablespoon of Coriander (cilantro)
Chop fine 1 tablespoon of onion.
Mix it all together adding a dash of salt,
Grind about 1 teaspoon of black pepper and mix in.
(if you have left over guacamole, leave the seed in the guacamole to keep it from turning black. Most people add some lemon juice, which is not for flavour, but to keep it from turning black as well. If you make it immediately before eating, there is no need for lemon juice, and in my opinion, it is better without it.
For more American style leave our Serrano and cilantro. For Honduran style, chop in some hard boiled eggs.
Friday, December 25, 2009
26 December 2009
Today is the feast of St. Stephan and the second day of Christmas. What to do today? Lots of wonderful recipes on the internet for left over turkey, look around and try one out. Of my favourites is Turkey Pot pie, turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey in cheese sauce, white chili using turkey instead of chicken, of course turkey soup as well. Since we smoked out turkey, we will be having turkey sandwiches. As I have four hungry carnivores for children at home for Christmas, we don’t have to worry very long. If you do have a bunch left over, freeze it in bags with portions right for the family, or for the guests to take home with them.
Today is a great day to go to the store and buy Christmas supplies if you need them. Main trick, make a list and make a promise not to buy more than one thing that is not on the list. That will help you to save money. The new LED lights really save electricity. The electricity for one bulb of the traditional lights (C7) will light two strings of 60 LED’s, so if funds are available, it might be a good idea to start changing over to keep that electrical bill down. Limit your time at the store. If you need to take something back, it is probably better to wait to January, especially if it is a Wall Mart item.
Some of us sadly have to work. Just make the best of it, and remember, eleven more days to celebrate the birth of Christ. Twelve days of Christmas is not just a song. The liturgical churches celebrate the Nativity of Christ and his incarnation from the 25th of December until the 5th of January. The 6th of January we celebrate the Epiphany, a day associated with the visit of the Wise Men to see the toddler Jesus some two years after his birth.
Today is also a good day for evaluation. What worked and didn’t work yesterday. Were we worried more about Christ, or presents, more about food or fellowship. Food is a means to fellowship, but can also be an idol. Too much turkey leftovers, smaller turkey next year. Make a list of things you may have run short of and have it ready to check next December. Did something not get eaten this year. Don’t get it next year. Did someone spend too much time cooking, maybe change what you are eating. My wife spends a lot of time making tamales for Christmas. Maybe she should make them some other time and freeze them, so she is not so worn out, or we should help her more, or both even. If you don’t like traditional Christmas foods, do something different. How about Chinese for Christmas. You decide. Look at how Christmas might be more Christ centered. Maybe remove presents from Christmas all together and have them on St. Nicholas day. You decide what works for you. I am only giving suggestions. In your house, God is the boss, followed by you.
Merry Christmas and blessings to each of you.
Today is a great day to go to the store and buy Christmas supplies if you need them. Main trick, make a list and make a promise not to buy more than one thing that is not on the list. That will help you to save money. The new LED lights really save electricity. The electricity for one bulb of the traditional lights (C7) will light two strings of 60 LED’s, so if funds are available, it might be a good idea to start changing over to keep that electrical bill down. Limit your time at the store. If you need to take something back, it is probably better to wait to January, especially if it is a Wall Mart item.
Some of us sadly have to work. Just make the best of it, and remember, eleven more days to celebrate the birth of Christ. Twelve days of Christmas is not just a song. The liturgical churches celebrate the Nativity of Christ and his incarnation from the 25th of December until the 5th of January. The 6th of January we celebrate the Epiphany, a day associated with the visit of the Wise Men to see the toddler Jesus some two years after his birth.
Today is also a good day for evaluation. What worked and didn’t work yesterday. Were we worried more about Christ, or presents, more about food or fellowship. Food is a means to fellowship, but can also be an idol. Too much turkey leftovers, smaller turkey next year. Make a list of things you may have run short of and have it ready to check next December. Did something not get eaten this year. Don’t get it next year. Did someone spend too much time cooking, maybe change what you are eating. My wife spends a lot of time making tamales for Christmas. Maybe she should make them some other time and freeze them, so she is not so worn out, or we should help her more, or both even. If you don’t like traditional Christmas foods, do something different. How about Chinese for Christmas. You decide. Look at how Christmas might be more Christ centered. Maybe remove presents from Christmas all together and have them on St. Nicholas day. You decide what works for you. I am only giving suggestions. In your house, God is the boss, followed by you.
Merry Christmas and blessings to each of you.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
24 December: Chritmas Eve
Christmas Eve at last. Some of us will be having our Christmas meal tonight and others on the morrow. Take time to be with friends and family this day. Keep an eye out for older family members, especially those who have lost a spouse, and for younger family members (and friends) who may be alone for the first time ever at Christmas. Christmas without family (and without Christ) can really be depressing, and suicides spike this time of year. Take the time today and tomorrow to talk about Jesus, who came to make us whole, showing us the way and dying on the cross for our salvation.
Have fun doing whatever needs to be done today. Take the time today and tomorrow to call those relatives you haven’t seen for a while. Talk about family, talk about Christ. Be sure to go to church tonight and/or tomorrow depending on your church’s tradition. If you are in La Porte, Texas, or near by, come see us at 204 Sylvan St. at 8:30 tonight. We would love to have you. Remember, Christmas is chiefly about Christ, and him coming into the world to show us the way and to save sinners.
Guys, and kids, help the lady of the house in the kitchen. There is always lots to do and everyone can help.
Christmas donations are always welcome.
Shalom to each of you, and a very blessed Christmas celebration.
Mar Michael Abportus, OSL
Have fun doing whatever needs to be done today. Take the time today and tomorrow to call those relatives you haven’t seen for a while. Talk about family, talk about Christ. Be sure to go to church tonight and/or tomorrow depending on your church’s tradition. If you are in La Porte, Texas, or near by, come see us at 204 Sylvan St. at 8:30 tonight. We would love to have you. Remember, Christmas is chiefly about Christ, and him coming into the world to show us the way and to save sinners.
Guys, and kids, help the lady of the house in the kitchen. There is always lots to do and everyone can help.
Christmas donations are always welcome.
Shalom to each of you, and a very blessed Christmas celebration.
Mar Michael Abportus, OSL
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