The end of the year is here already. Am wondering if I should make some resolutions. My mother used to make them every year. I would come across her little lists for years afterwards. 'Lose weight' was always one of them, and I think she was always trying to be a better person too.
Eating Black-eyed Peas
I have black-eyed peas cooking on the stove now. Southerners have to eat them on New Year's Day for good luck although one year I told my mother I wasn't eating any one year because things had been bad in my family for years so I didn't see how not eating them was going to bring me any worse luck.
But I still eat them on New Year's as an adult and try to get my English family to eat them too. But they think it's a silly custom and refuse. Their lives have seemed lucky enough so maybe they are right.
Stuff I'm Reading
I read one of the vampire mysteries by Charlaine Harris (Dead Until Dark) that my relatives in New Orleans told me was good. I've never been one for gothic stories though -- I prefer characters that seem like they could be real. It was interesting enough as a book, but I won't be reading the rest of the series. Maybe you need to be from New Orleans to really enjoy them?
I've also been reading The Age of American Unreason by Susan Jacoby as I'd enjoyed her Freethinkers book. The book is about anti-intellectualism in the US of the sort that would give rise to a Sarah Palin type as a serious candidate for high office. But she didn't even know about Palin when this book was written. Jacoby is pretty angry in the book about the situation -- she puts some blame on the Internet and computer age but since that's where I make my living and also where I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people, I can't agree with her on that.
A Superstition Bites the Dust
My mother always said you had to take all the Christmas decorations down by New Year's for good luck, even though she said good Episcopalians kept everything up until 12th Night. I have never had a Christmas tree up past the 1st of January in my life. But my tree this year, a big fat Scottish Pine, has been so beautiful that I can't bear to take it down yet. I've put everything else Christmassy away but this tree enchants me in the evenings with its quiet lights and memories hanging off of every branch in the form of childhood ornaments. My husband reminded me that I live in England now with its customs -- they never take anything down until 12th Night so guess I'm going native at last.
The Health of my Household
My daughter has woken up ill. She assures me that she hasn't suddenly become sick so she can't help out with things in the house or attend a party with me tonight. I put the quilt my great-grandmother made over her to keep her warm, and made her some cinammon sugar toast -- that cures most ills -- or at least it did in my childhood when my mother made it. You have to make it properly under the grill, though, or it loses some of its magic.
I was going to force her to go running with me but now she has a great excuse to stay indoors on this bitterly cold day. I will force myself to go out and run, even if only for a mile.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? Please post them if so -- I need some inspiration.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Teenaged boys sometimes do this
We were playing Articulate just now -- you have to describe things to make people say the correct word while a timer goes so the atmosphere is tense and rushed. Katie, my 19-yr-old daughter, was trying to get Mikey, my 15 year old, to say 'brooding.'
Her brow wrinkled as she tried to think of the best way to make him say the word. She said, 'Um, teenaged boys do this sometimes...'
Mikey shouted out instantly: 'Masturbate!'
Boy, did we laugh when he said that.
Her brow wrinkled as she tried to think of the best way to make him say the word. She said, 'Um, teenaged boys do this sometimes...'
Mikey shouted out instantly: 'Masturbate!'
Boy, did we laugh when he said that.
My lame blog
"Are you going to put this on your blog?" my son demanded.
"Put what?" I asked, looking around at the Monopoly board. I hadn't noticed anything blogworthy in the game we were playing last night.
"Just don't write about it," he said. Then he muttered about my blog and how "lame" it is.
He used to be such an adorable son but now he hates me. Maybe it's due to Neurokinin B, I think. I was reading an article last week on how this hormone turns 'angelic children into foul-tempered teenagers.' Or could it simply be that I am a bad parent?
Whatever has happened, my kids have disappeared. Katie and Mikey used to love to go to London for little day trips during the holidays with me, now I can't entice them to go, even if I offer to buy them lunch somewhere fun. "Mikey, let's go up to London," I said the other day. "We could go see the Darwin exhibit at the Natural History museum, then go somewhere for sushi."
"I am not going anywhere that has the word 'museum' in it," he retorted.
Katie hasn't even been around during the holidays -- she's gone off to visit friends or go to parties. She'll be home tonight during which I'm sure I can guilt-trip her into a game or two of whist. I'll be sure to treasure whatever hours she deigns to spend with me before she's off on another adventure.
"Put what?" I asked, looking around at the Monopoly board. I hadn't noticed anything blogworthy in the game we were playing last night.
"Just don't write about it," he said. Then he muttered about my blog and how "lame" it is.
He used to be such an adorable son but now he hates me. Maybe it's due to Neurokinin B, I think. I was reading an article last week on how this hormone turns 'angelic children into foul-tempered teenagers.' Or could it simply be that I am a bad parent?
Whatever has happened, my kids have disappeared. Katie and Mikey used to love to go to London for little day trips during the holidays with me, now I can't entice them to go, even if I offer to buy them lunch somewhere fun. "Mikey, let's go up to London," I said the other day. "We could go see the Darwin exhibit at the Natural History museum, then go somewhere for sushi."
"I am not going anywhere that has the word 'museum' in it," he retorted.
Katie hasn't even been around during the holidays -- she's gone off to visit friends or go to parties. She'll be home tonight during which I'm sure I can guilt-trip her into a game or two of whist. I'll be sure to treasure whatever hours she deigns to spend with me before she's off on another adventure.
Monday, 29 December 2008
Visual Hallucinations are a normal grief process
Have you had this happen to you? Someone close to you dies, and after their death, you think you can feel them around you? It's the oddest experience, and makes you think maybe there is life after death, even though I think that really can't be.
Here's a fascinating explanation from Scientific American:
"Vaughn Bell has written an interesting essay at Scientific American about grief hallucinations. This phenomenon is a normal reaction to bereavement that is rarely discussed, although researchers now know that hallucinations are more likely during times of stress.
Mourning seems to be a time when hallucinations are particularly common, to the point where feeling the presence of the deceased is the norm rather than the exception. A study by Agneta Grimby at the University of Goteborg found that over 80 percent of elderly people experience hallucinations associated with their dead partner one month after bereavement, as if their perception had yet to catch up with the knowledge of their beloved's passing.
It's not unusual for people who have lost a partner to clearly see or hear the person about the house, and sometimes even converse with them at length. 'Despite the fact that hallucinations are one of the most common reactions to loss, they have barely been investigated and we know little more about them. Like sorrow itself, we seem a little uncomfortable with it, unwilling to broach the subject,' writes Bell. 'We often fall back on the cultural catch all of the "ghost" while the reality is, in many ways, more profound.' "
Here's a fascinating explanation from Scientific American:
"Vaughn Bell has written an interesting essay at Scientific American about grief hallucinations. This phenomenon is a normal reaction to bereavement that is rarely discussed, although researchers now know that hallucinations are more likely during times of stress.
Mourning seems to be a time when hallucinations are particularly common, to the point where feeling the presence of the deceased is the norm rather than the exception. A study by Agneta Grimby at the University of Goteborg found that over 80 percent of elderly people experience hallucinations associated with their dead partner one month after bereavement, as if their perception had yet to catch up with the knowledge of their beloved's passing.
It's not unusual for people who have lost a partner to clearly see or hear the person about the house, and sometimes even converse with them at length. 'Despite the fact that hallucinations are one of the most common reactions to loss, they have barely been investigated and we know little more about them. Like sorrow itself, we seem a little uncomfortable with it, unwilling to broach the subject,' writes Bell. 'We often fall back on the cultural catch all of the "ghost" while the reality is, in many ways, more profound.' "
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Stressful Sales
I jumped on a bus on Saturday morning to go to the sales in Reading quickly. I knew it would be insane there with all the crowds but I have holes in my furry black boots and have been trying to find another pair for a while. I was also interested in buying a dress for a New Year's Eve party at a discount.
I was so lucky -- I found some nice boots at a knock-down price and spied a Kaliko sparkly green dress with taffeta/netting under the skirt -- it used to be £200 but I got it for £50.
Where I went wrong was going into another store that was packed with people and trying to buy a couple of things half price for presents for next year. I ended up in a line for an hour -- by the end I was tired and dispirited and had to go home.
Mel tried to model my dress -- will get a pic of me in it on NY's Eve so you can see how cool it is. Until then, here's Mel with it:
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Boxing Day hijinks
Fun day in London yesterday with my husband's sisters and their families.
My nephew Sam offered me an Austrian liqueur that is something like 80 proof. I had no idea it was going to burn my insides out so bravely downed some.
My sister-in-law Paula was overcome by Andy Williams singing 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' and had to dance around the room:
I've heard my brother-in-law complain about my sis-in-law Paula sometimes (too much credit-card use) so I got him a new wife for Christmas:
If you get tipsy at any point this weekend and you want to stare at something mindless, check out this vid of Paula's dancing Santa. I never dreamed he would turn mid-way through and jiggle his bottom at me.
I almost forgot to put up a pic of Louis and his new inflatable wife. I think they will have a very happy 2009:
My nephew Sam offered me an Austrian liqueur that is something like 80 proof. I had no idea it was going to burn my insides out so bravely downed some.
My sister-in-law Paula was overcome by Andy Williams singing 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' and had to dance around the room:
I've heard my brother-in-law complain about my sis-in-law Paula sometimes (too much credit-card use) so I got him a new wife for Christmas:
If you get tipsy at any point this weekend and you want to stare at something mindless, check out this vid of Paula's dancing Santa. I never dreamed he would turn mid-way through and jiggle his bottom at me.
I almost forgot to put up a pic of Louis and his new inflatable wife. I think they will have a very happy 2009:
Yay, we're going to Heaven too
From the New York Times today. So nice that many Americans think you can get to Heaven just by being a good person and not because you believe one particular permutation of Christian belief:
"In June, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published a controversial survey in which 70 percent of Americans said that they believed religions other than theirs could lead to eternal life.
This threw evangelicals into a tizzy. After all, the Bible makes it clear that heaven is a velvet-roped V.I.P. area reserved for Christians. Jesus said so: “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” But the survey suggested that Americans just weren’t buying that.
The evangelicals complained that people must not have understood the question. The respondents couldn’t actually believe what they were saying, could they?
So in August, Pew asked the question again. (They released the results last week. Sixty-five percent of respondents said — again — that other religions could lead to eternal life. But this time, to clear up any confusion, Pew asked them to specify which religions. The respondents essentially said all of them.
And they didn’t stop there. Nearly half also thought that atheists could go to heaven — dragged there kicking and screaming, no doubt — and most thought that people with no religious faith also could go.
What on earth does this mean?
One very plausible explanation is that Americans just want good things to come to good people, regardless of their faith. As Alan Segal, a professor of religion at Barnard College told me: “We are a multicultural society, and people expect this American life to continue the same way in heaven.” "
"In June, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published a controversial survey in which 70 percent of Americans said that they believed religions other than theirs could lead to eternal life.
This threw evangelicals into a tizzy. After all, the Bible makes it clear that heaven is a velvet-roped V.I.P. area reserved for Christians. Jesus said so: “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” But the survey suggested that Americans just weren’t buying that.
The evangelicals complained that people must not have understood the question. The respondents couldn’t actually believe what they were saying, could they?
So in August, Pew asked the question again. (They released the results last week. Sixty-five percent of respondents said — again — that other religions could lead to eternal life. But this time, to clear up any confusion, Pew asked them to specify which religions. The respondents essentially said all of them.
And they didn’t stop there. Nearly half also thought that atheists could go to heaven — dragged there kicking and screaming, no doubt — and most thought that people with no religious faith also could go.
What on earth does this mean?
One very plausible explanation is that Americans just want good things to come to good people, regardless of their faith. As Alan Segal, a professor of religion at Barnard College told me: “We are a multicultural society, and people expect this American life to continue the same way in heaven.” "
Friday, 26 December 2008
the Queen's Speech
A couple of readers admitted they had missed the Queen's Christmas Day speech yesterday so I will put it here for your edification. I have to drive up to London for Boxing Day with my husband's family so see you later.
Thursday, 25 December 2008
Fab Christmas
My daughter Katie has been longing to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing for days, even dragging me to a Christmas Eve service in the hopes of hearing it. We didn't see it last night during the lessons and carol service from Cambridge then this morning, I heard it on the radio.
I blasted the radio volume into the hall so the song would float up to her on the top floor of the house. I waited a few minutes then my daughter-angel came down the stairs singing.
We've had a wonderful Christmas and were just eating an enormous lunch while listening to the Queen's speech on the radio (my daughter's idea; we'd never bothered before).
Here's my daughter modeling a winter hat I bought her. She has a weekend job as a steward for a London football team so she's outside all the time when she works.
I did pretty well this Christmas -- when I spied Chanel wrapping paper and bow on one gift and a Jo Malone bag under tree I knew I was going to be OK.
I got some other cute stuff -- a daily calendar for 'women who do too much' so I can re-think my busyness -- and some Believe in God spray from Lisa so I can finally get over all the religious angst I feel. One spray of this, the box says, and I am a believer.
Here are a few other presents we opened today. My friend Elizabeth in Detroit sent me a book about Kwanzaa -- we always wish each other a Happy Kwanzaa since she's Jewish and I'm not; we chose some middle ground.
Also pictured are Mel's Christmas Mead from Devon and a nice boob pillow. (You always have to give some jokey presents, don't you think?)
I blasted the radio volume into the hall so the song would float up to her on the top floor of the house. I waited a few minutes then my daughter-angel came down the stairs singing.
We've had a wonderful Christmas and were just eating an enormous lunch while listening to the Queen's speech on the radio (my daughter's idea; we'd never bothered before).
Here's my daughter modeling a winter hat I bought her. She has a weekend job as a steward for a London football team so she's outside all the time when she works.
I did pretty well this Christmas -- when I spied Chanel wrapping paper and bow on one gift and a Jo Malone bag under tree I knew I was going to be OK.
I got some other cute stuff -- a daily calendar for 'women who do too much' so I can re-think my busyness -- and some Believe in God spray from Lisa so I can finally get over all the religious angst I feel. One spray of this, the box says, and I am a believer.
Here are a few other presents we opened today. My friend Elizabeth in Detroit sent me a book about Kwanzaa -- we always wish each other a Happy Kwanzaa since she's Jewish and I'm not; we chose some middle ground.
Also pictured are Mel's Christmas Mead from Devon and a nice boob pillow. (You always have to give some jokey presents, don't you think?)
Thinking of those not here this Christmas
I just wanted to leave a little space in a post so we could remember those we have lost this year and aren't here to celebrate Christmas. If you're like me, these people will always be alive in your heart but it's nice to have an official moment to think of them with fondness....
(I'm missing my mother; who are you remembering this year who is gone?)
(I'm missing my mother; who are you remembering this year who is gone?)
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Christmas Eve service
My daughter was determined to attend a carol service at the church around the corner. I went along, glad there was something festive she wanted to do with her old mother. (She's been home for a week but never here, always out with her pals.)
After we got to the service, though, she said she wanted to leave. "But why?"I asked.
"I wanted to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing with an organ playing," she replied. "But it's not on the list."
I said that we really needed to stay so we did. I told her we could sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing when the carols from Kings College in Cambridge came on (it's on both the radio and television) --we'll blast it and sing along.
Anyway, we are at the carol service and the vicar is saying all those patronizing things to kids that you do. We got the giggles when his personal PA system failed (he wears those things like gym teachers do when they are teaching aerobics) and it sounded like he was farting. We started crying from laughter during The First Noel.
At the end of the service, he was telling the kids about the visitor they could expect tonight. I was sure he was building up to say it was the baby Jesus, but he said it was SANTA. Then he was chatting about Santa and how they had to be good girls and boys to get presents, and I thought, this is a church?? I thought that was just department-store type talk.
Just off to make fried shrimp, cornbread and fried okra for Christmas Eve. The family loves the break from traditional English Christmas food. Will break out the beer to go with shrimp. One wise thing my grandmother taught me is that you can't eat fried shrimp without cold beer to go with it.
Tomorrow I'll make a breakfast casserole for Christmas breakfast. Here's the recipe:
2 cups toasted croutons in casserole dish. Put cooked sausage meat over that, then 1 cup cheddar cheese over that. Beat 6 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 tsp dry mustard, salt and pepper and put on top of everything else. Cook for 30-45 min in moderate oven. Delish.
Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks for being such wonderful blog readers in 2008.
After we got to the service, though, she said she wanted to leave. "But why?"I asked.
"I wanted to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing with an organ playing," she replied. "But it's not on the list."
I said that we really needed to stay so we did. I told her we could sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing when the carols from Kings College in Cambridge came on (it's on both the radio and television) --we'll blast it and sing along.
Anyway, we are at the carol service and the vicar is saying all those patronizing things to kids that you do. We got the giggles when his personal PA system failed (he wears those things like gym teachers do when they are teaching aerobics) and it sounded like he was farting. We started crying from laughter during The First Noel.
At the end of the service, he was telling the kids about the visitor they could expect tonight. I was sure he was building up to say it was the baby Jesus, but he said it was SANTA. Then he was chatting about Santa and how they had to be good girls and boys to get presents, and I thought, this is a church?? I thought that was just department-store type talk.
Just off to make fried shrimp, cornbread and fried okra for Christmas Eve. The family loves the break from traditional English Christmas food. Will break out the beer to go with shrimp. One wise thing my grandmother taught me is that you can't eat fried shrimp without cold beer to go with it.
Tomorrow I'll make a breakfast casserole for Christmas breakfast. Here's the recipe:
2 cups toasted croutons in casserole dish. Put cooked sausage meat over that, then 1 cup cheddar cheese over that. Beat 6 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 tsp dry mustard, salt and pepper and put on top of everything else. Cook for 30-45 min in moderate oven. Delish.
Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks for being such wonderful blog readers in 2008.
A few last parties
Last night I had two parties to go to -- the problem was one was near Fleet and the other was in Henley -- 40 minutes of driving down dark country roads between each. But I always think if someone is going to all the trouble to give a party and is nice enough to ask me, I need to make sure I attend.
The first was given by my friend Elise from North Carolina. Her house becomes a Christmas wonderland at this time of year; see pic below.
Elise's party was full of delicious food and interesting people. Mel and I got to the dining room first while people were still in the other room chatting and eating cheese balls, clam dip, cheese straws, etc., so we had first pick of the ham, lamb, potato casseroles, etc. The table was laden down with food, and we were happy to help lighten it up.
Here's me, Elise and E's mother, over for Christmas:
Our friend Karen Firbank came later. She said that her daughter's friend had decided to Google her, and was appalled that Karen had so many hits with what she thought were 'horrible' photos of her. Well, I knew immediately that she must have pulled up my blog posts as Karen doesn't use a computer if she can help it. But I thought the pics I put up are great -- I even took another one last night to put up:
(OK, that's kind of a joke one for the teen to find the next time she goes a Googling for Karen.)
It was getting late so we rushed off to Di Allen's party in Henley next. It took forever to get there, though, but we made it by 11:00. Here's a pic but it's really too dark to be of any use:
The first was given by my friend Elise from North Carolina. Her house becomes a Christmas wonderland at this time of year; see pic below.
Elise's party was full of delicious food and interesting people. Mel and I got to the dining room first while people were still in the other room chatting and eating cheese balls, clam dip, cheese straws, etc., so we had first pick of the ham, lamb, potato casseroles, etc. The table was laden down with food, and we were happy to help lighten it up.
Here's me, Elise and E's mother, over for Christmas:
Our friend Karen Firbank came later. She said that her daughter's friend had decided to Google her, and was appalled that Karen had so many hits with what she thought were 'horrible' photos of her. Well, I knew immediately that she must have pulled up my blog posts as Karen doesn't use a computer if she can help it. But I thought the pics I put up are great -- I even took another one last night to put up:
(OK, that's kind of a joke one for the teen to find the next time she goes a Googling for Karen.)
It was getting late so we rushed off to Di Allen's party in Henley next. It took forever to get there, though, but we made it by 11:00. Here's a pic but it's really too dark to be of any use:
the Christmas Car
We went to see our friends the Williams family in Devon over the weekend. It's a tradition that each year we go for a ride in their Christmas car. Dave Williams and I love Christmas, but his wife Meg and my husband Mel don't. So one year Dave decorated the inside of his car with lights, ornaments, a little tree, etc., and we drove around the little town of Beer looking at the Christmas lights, singing at the top of our lungs and shouting out Merry Christmas to anyone we saw.
Meg and Mel, on the other hand, silently followed us around in the Scrooge Car, totally undecorated with no singing occupants inside. Our kids would choose which car to ride in each year. It became a Must-Do Christmas event for our families.
Here's some footage from this year's Christmas card ride, one in the day and one at night.
Christmas car by day: (note teen in front seat who refuses to participate due to acute embarrassment)
Christmas car by night:
Meg and Mel, on the other hand, silently followed us around in the Scrooge Car, totally undecorated with no singing occupants inside. Our kids would choose which car to ride in each year. It became a Must-Do Christmas event for our families.
Here's some footage from this year's Christmas card ride, one in the day and one at night.
Christmas car by day: (note teen in front seat who refuses to participate due to acute embarrassment)
Christmas car by night:
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
No Reason for the Season
I enjoyed reading this article below on Slate. Link to full article is at the end of the post.
The joy of celebrating a godless Christmas.
By Torie Bosch
"Bemoaning the bastardization of the Christmas season is becoming a holiday tradition. In newspaper letters to the editor and in the blogosphere, purists offer chiding reminders that Jesus is "the reason for the season" and that Christmas is supposed to be his birthday party—not a random excuse for shopping and very special sitcom episodes. Adding his voice to the choir this year is megachurch leader and inauguration invocationer Rick Warren, who pleaded in his new book The Purpose of Christmas, "If you'll slow down for a few minutes … and pause to consider the purpose of Christmas, you can receive and enjoy the best Christmas gift you'll ever be given." For Christians, I have no doubt that that's some sound advice. But I don't want to slow down and consider the purpose of Christmas. What I love about the holidays are what Warren and his ilk surely consider distractions: the trees, the lights, Santa, and Muppet specials.
...
For much of my life, I felt guilt about our happily godless Christmases. I worried that we were leeching off of someone else's holiday. When Bill O'Reilly railed about "Christmas under siege," I felt complicit. If I was content to listen to Christmas-themed pop songs instead of hymns, to open presents with gusto instead of heading to church, or to dig right into the meal instead of saying grace, was I diluting the holiness of others' celebration? Was I insulting Jesus? Cheapening the experience for Christians?
There was no one moment that crystallized my thinking or relieved me of my guilt. Rather, it was a series of observations: Most of the classic songs and movies that celebrate Christmas don't even mention God or Jesus. Santa doesn't check church attendance to decide whether he's going to give a child a present—he checks whether she's been naughty or nice. He's the perfect secular judge of moral fiber. To say that the secularists injure the Christmas spirit is much like the claim that two men getting hitched will besmirch the sanctity of marriage. Why should the way I mark Christmas bother anyone? Christians appalled by my secular holiday will no doubt argue that I am depriving myself of the greater joy that comes with accepting Jesus into your heart. But I'm not attempting to take away anyone's right to go to church or to display a Nativity scene. All I need to celebrate Christmas is a tree, stockings, baked goods, some people I love, and some gifts to give (and, yes, receive)."
Read all of the article here: Slate
The joy of celebrating a godless Christmas.
By Torie Bosch
"Bemoaning the bastardization of the Christmas season is becoming a holiday tradition. In newspaper letters to the editor and in the blogosphere, purists offer chiding reminders that Jesus is "the reason for the season" and that Christmas is supposed to be his birthday party—not a random excuse for shopping and very special sitcom episodes. Adding his voice to the choir this year is megachurch leader and inauguration invocationer Rick Warren, who pleaded in his new book The Purpose of Christmas, "If you'll slow down for a few minutes … and pause to consider the purpose of Christmas, you can receive and enjoy the best Christmas gift you'll ever be given." For Christians, I have no doubt that that's some sound advice. But I don't want to slow down and consider the purpose of Christmas. What I love about the holidays are what Warren and his ilk surely consider distractions: the trees, the lights, Santa, and Muppet specials.
...
For much of my life, I felt guilt about our happily godless Christmases. I worried that we were leeching off of someone else's holiday. When Bill O'Reilly railed about "Christmas under siege," I felt complicit. If I was content to listen to Christmas-themed pop songs instead of hymns, to open presents with gusto instead of heading to church, or to dig right into the meal instead of saying grace, was I diluting the holiness of others' celebration? Was I insulting Jesus? Cheapening the experience for Christians?
There was no one moment that crystallized my thinking or relieved me of my guilt. Rather, it was a series of observations: Most of the classic songs and movies that celebrate Christmas don't even mention God or Jesus. Santa doesn't check church attendance to decide whether he's going to give a child a present—he checks whether she's been naughty or nice. He's the perfect secular judge of moral fiber. To say that the secularists injure the Christmas spirit is much like the claim that two men getting hitched will besmirch the sanctity of marriage. Why should the way I mark Christmas bother anyone? Christians appalled by my secular holiday will no doubt argue that I am depriving myself of the greater joy that comes with accepting Jesus into your heart. But I'm not attempting to take away anyone's right to go to church or to display a Nativity scene. All I need to celebrate Christmas is a tree, stockings, baked goods, some people I love, and some gifts to give (and, yes, receive)."
Read all of the article here: Slate
Pecan Bisque
A friend of mine just told me about a party she went to last night where Pecan Bisque was served. That sounded delicious so I got the recipe to post here. I'll try that with the leftover pecans after I make my sister-in-law a pecan pie for Boxing Day in London.
Pecan Bisque
Wonderful creamy pecan flavored bisque that is especially good for winter holidays. This recipe comes from Jambalaya, the Jr. League of New Orleans cookbook. I make this every Christmas for gatherings and am always asked how to make it. Pecans are a Southern delicacy and I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
Ingredients
2 cups pecan halves
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup water
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
Process pecans until finely ground, Melt butter in saucepan, add green onions and saute' on low heat until soft but not browned. Add garlic and cook an additional 1 minute. Slowly add broth and ground pecans, tomato paste, and dissolved cornstarch.
Cook uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. Beat egg yolk into cream, and then slowly whisk into pecan mixture and heat through. DO NOT ALLOW TO BOIL. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bisque can be refrigerated for 4 days. Serve hot.
Pecan Bisque
Wonderful creamy pecan flavored bisque that is especially good for winter holidays. This recipe comes from Jambalaya, the Jr. League of New Orleans cookbook. I make this every Christmas for gatherings and am always asked how to make it. Pecans are a Southern delicacy and I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
Ingredients
2 cups pecan halves
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup water
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
Process pecans until finely ground, Melt butter in saucepan, add green onions and saute' on low heat until soft but not browned. Add garlic and cook an additional 1 minute. Slowly add broth and ground pecans, tomato paste, and dissolved cornstarch.
Cook uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. Beat egg yolk into cream, and then slowly whisk into pecan mixture and heat through. DO NOT ALLOW TO BOIL. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bisque can be refrigerated for 4 days. Serve hot.
Why did she tell me so late?
Theresa sent in the following recipe. Why did she wait until I was finished duking it out with everyone else in Tesco last night to give me the recipe? I'm not venturing back inside a supermarket until after Christmas. Really, people were rushing to get the last ham on the shelf -- a woman was eyeing me as I went for one of the last boxes of crackers. It's dog-eat-dog in there!
Anyway, here's Theresa's recipe -- I can try it for New Year's:
"If you like chocolate and peanut butter, spread some peanut butter on the puffy side of a Ritz and then put another on top (puffy side to the center) so that you make a sandwich and then dip in melted chocolate candy coating, from Tescos and place on wax or parchment paper to set and (a) people won't know that it's Ritz crackers; and (b) won't believe you made them yourself."
On another subject, I loved this quote below in today's New York Times. I am guilty as charged in equating money with personal worth.
In elevating to a level of demi-worship people with big bucks, we have been destroying the values of our future generation. We need a total rethinking of who the heroes are, who the role models are, who we should be honoring.
- RABBI BENJAMIN BLECH, professor of philosophy of law at Yeshiva University, on the downfall of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff.
Anyway, here's Theresa's recipe -- I can try it for New Year's:
"If you like chocolate and peanut butter, spread some peanut butter on the puffy side of a Ritz and then put another on top (puffy side to the center) so that you make a sandwich and then dip in melted chocolate candy coating, from Tescos and place on wax or parchment paper to set and (a) people won't know that it's Ritz crackers; and (b) won't believe you made them yourself."
On another subject, I loved this quote below in today's New York Times. I am guilty as charged in equating money with personal worth.
In elevating to a level of demi-worship people with big bucks, we have been destroying the values of our future generation. We need a total rethinking of who the heroes are, who the role models are, who we should be honoring.
- RABBI BENJAMIN BLECH, professor of philosophy of law at Yeshiva University, on the downfall of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff.
Getting sentimental at Christmas then feeling revulsion
I've been enjoying Christmas this year because I got a permanent job at Nokia, my husband's job is safe for now and my kids are OK. I was worried that I'd be depressed because my mother died earlier in the year and this was her favorite time of year and I used to go see her.
So I've been wallowing in American Christmas music over the Internet and getting nostalgic for my youth, as you do. Here's the URL for any expats who need a shot of American festive tunes:
Accuradio American Christmas music
I gave an enjoyable Christmas party, had my cards done and in the post by the 1st of December. I was in a delightful Christmas concert in London last week so I've sung carols. Last weekend, we made our tradition trip to Devon to see our friends the Williams (more on that later in the week). This is my favorite spot near Beer Beach where they live, Woozie's Deli.
But now, I can slowly start to detect my Christmas saturation level approaching. Do you have this where instead of sighing with delight when you hear the start of a beautiful Christmas tune, you really want to hurl a bottle at the radio? When the sight of gold tinsel and ribbons make you want to run the other way?
Some years I have had so much Christmas joy that by the early afternoon of the 25th, I have all the decorations taken down and have thrown the Christmas tree out of the front window.
I think I'll be better this year, but I'm betting there won't be a bauble to be seen in my house by this time next week.
So I've been wallowing in American Christmas music over the Internet and getting nostalgic for my youth, as you do. Here's the URL for any expats who need a shot of American festive tunes:
Accuradio American Christmas music
I gave an enjoyable Christmas party, had my cards done and in the post by the 1st of December. I was in a delightful Christmas concert in London last week so I've sung carols. Last weekend, we made our tradition trip to Devon to see our friends the Williams (more on that later in the week). This is my favorite spot near Beer Beach where they live, Woozie's Deli.
But now, I can slowly start to detect my Christmas saturation level approaching. Do you have this where instead of sighing with delight when you hear the start of a beautiful Christmas tune, you really want to hurl a bottle at the radio? When the sight of gold tinsel and ribbons make you want to run the other way?
Some years I have had so much Christmas joy that by the early afternoon of the 25th, I have all the decorations taken down and have thrown the Christmas tree out of the front window.
I think I'll be better this year, but I'm betting there won't be a bauble to be seen in my house by this time next week.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Vegans and Veuve Clicquot
I had a party and opened a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, that expensive French champagne to celebrate the holidays. I imagined people imbibing such a special thing slowly, cautiously, with reverence. But suddenly, bottles of the stuff just vanished. Where could it have gone so quickly?
Alert party guest Simon Elkins told me later that he saw a couple of vegan guests downing the stuff like it was water. I was disappointed. Were they just using me for my supply of Veuve?
I've mulled their behavior over all year and decided on the following course of action:
No more party invites for them.
Switch to a cheaper brand of champagne for next party.
Now yesterday, Simon brings me the news (below) that the vegans shouldn't have been drinking champagne at all. What a betrayal of their principles to drink Veuve. They won't even eat honey because it exploits bees, so I'm sure this was very bad what they did, besides the fact that it left my champagne supply depleted.
What is vegan wine?
Vegan wine is wine (a fermented, alcoholic grape drink!) that is made using no animal-derived ingredients.
Why are all wines not suitable for vegans?
Many wines are made using animal-derived ingredients to assist in the processing of the wine. Whilst these ingredients in the main are filtered out of the wine before it is sold, the use of animal ingredients in the creation of the wine makes them unsuitable for consumption by vegans. Typically these ingredients are used as processing aids in the "fining" or filtration part of the winemaking process to help remove solid impurities such as grape skins, stems, pips, to remove the yeast used in the fermentation process or to adjust the tannin levels in certain wines. This is done to end up with a clearer, brighter, better tasting and more presentable wine.
What animal ingredients are commonly found in wine?
The most common animal ingredients used in wine making are isinglass (a very pure form of gelatine from sturgeon fish bladders), gelatine (extract from boiled cow's or pig's hooves and sinews), egg whites (or albumin) and caseins (a protein from milk). Very occasionally blood has been used as an additive - "sangre de toro" means "bulls blood" - but rarely literally any more. This ingredient was declared illegal for use in European wines in the aftermath of the outbreak of BSE (mad cow disease).
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Credit-crunch Christmas presents
A great tip from my niece Lauralee:
Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers as gifts. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.
How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:
You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.
Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.
These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.
I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty
slippers for yourself....
Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.
Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers as gifts. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.
How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:
You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.
Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.
These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.
I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty
slippers for yourself....
Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Christmas singing
I sang in a chorus at the Albert Hall last night. We sang with the Philharmonia Orchestra in a Christmas concert. When the boys from the Kings College Choir sang in front of the beautiful Christmas trees in the hall (above), it was magical.
The day was tiring though. We rehearsed in the afternoon at the Holy Trinity Church near the Albert Hall. YouTube video below. The sounds in the background are of the Philharmonia tuning up, and the singers settling down.
After rehearsals were over, I had to wait around for another few hours before the concert started. I live too far away to go home and come back again, and there's nothing going on in the way of restaurants, shops or coffee places in that particular area so I just hung out around the hall. I'm always so busy so to have enforced quiet time was unusual. I got a Coke and some peanuts and looked down on a man dressed in a red uniform who himself was bored, sitting around waiting for people to come in with their tickets. The people who sold me the Coke were bored because there were two concerts at the Albert Hall that day so they couldn't go home between them either.
Here are some of the orchestra and singers backstage, waiting to go on:
This Philharmonia guy let me take his pic:
I got sort of nervous singing the high notes onstage so probably went a little flat.
Finally it was all over and I could take my sore feet home (I'd walked a lot in heels and stood up a lot for the singing). But the quiet train ride home I had planned was ruined when two bores talked at the top of their voices the whole time, hardly stopping to take a breath. They went through every person in their company and Christmas card address list, ripping them to shreds while building themselves up. I took a little video so you could see how my trip home was but their voices aren't very loud. If you could just imagine them talking loudly, so loudly it cut through my ear plugs, then you'll get the gist of it.
Friday, 19 December 2008
An un-Christmas thought
Do you ever catch yourself having distinctively un-Christmas thoughts? I didn't mean to, but I was putting cards through doors earlier this evening and thought as I walked up to one of the houses: "Gawd, I hate these people."
I laughed to myself when I realized what I had thought then the end of one of my leather gloves caught in their metal mail-slot thingie. When the delicate inside fabric ripped as I pulled the glove out, I thought: "This is all your fault! Here I am trying to be thoughtful by giving you a Christmas card, and this happens."
I laughed to myself when I realized what I had thought then the end of one of my leather gloves caught in their metal mail-slot thingie. When the delicate inside fabric ripped as I pulled the glove out, I thought: "This is all your fault! Here I am trying to be thoughtful by giving you a Christmas card, and this happens."
Russian stuff
I'm going to post about the concert I was in last night at the Albert Hall later but on the way to rehearsals yesterday afternoon, I thought I'd go to the V&A for a quick peek at the exhibit featuring the royal outfits of the Tsars through the centuries.
Soon I was standing in front of the coronation robes worn by Tsar Nicholas in 1896. The gold brocade and ermine was beautiful, and it was amazing to think that an ordinary Joe like me could be looking at the finery of Russian royals a century later.
Here's a pic of Nicholas in his finery. Doesn't look like he ever shopped at Primark:
On my way out of the museum, I picked up a present for my Russian friend at work, Vladimir.
On the back of his present, it explains that NASA realized that regular ballpoint pens would not work in outer space with no gravity so they spent millions of dollars trying to develop a pen that would write when the writer was upside down. The Russians, when confronted with the same problem, simply used a pencil.
The picture below is of the Russian Space Pen that I bought Vlad (really a pencil):
Soon I was standing in front of the coronation robes worn by Tsar Nicholas in 1896. The gold brocade and ermine was beautiful, and it was amazing to think that an ordinary Joe like me could be looking at the finery of Russian royals a century later.
Here's a pic of Nicholas in his finery. Doesn't look like he ever shopped at Primark:
On my way out of the museum, I picked up a present for my Russian friend at work, Vladimir.
On the back of his present, it explains that NASA realized that regular ballpoint pens would not work in outer space with no gravity so they spent millions of dollars trying to develop a pen that would write when the writer was upside down. The Russians, when confronted with the same problem, simply used a pencil.
The picture below is of the Russian Space Pen that I bought Vlad (really a pencil):
Sarah D's christmas pics
My expat friend Sarah D has a good blog with fantastic photos. Because I nagged her to put up photos of her Christmas tree, she even dedicated the post to me (politely calling me 'persistent' in my requests, rather than the 'nag' that I am).
Go visit her site Soupsake and check out the other Christmas photos.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Another fab recipe
I was just making a cheese ball for my friend Elise's party next week, and I thought you should have this recipe. It is so easy but people never think so, especially after you roll it in chopped nuts for the finished product. After the flavors marry, it's stupendously good eating. In fact, I'm testing the cheese ball now. That's my favorite part of baking/cooking -- the pre-testing in the kitchen of the thing you're making.
2 8 oz packages of cream cheese
1/2 lb of sharp cheddar cheese
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp onion
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp seasoned salt
chopped parsley
chopped pimiento
Mix this all up and refrigerate for a while. Shape into a ball then roll in chopped nuts.
I just noticed as I was typing this that I didn't really follow the recipe. You need the cream cheese and cheddar cheese and worcestershire, but I sort of threw in a bunch of different spices -- even added some chipolte chili sauce to give it a darker flavor. I also added soul food spices that I found in Florida. Am testing now, and it's wonderful.
Hope just because I posted a recipe doesn't mean you stop arguing about religion in the other posts. I love the discussion.
I have to go now to go argue with Amazon over a defective Guitar Hero that they never came to collect. Then my husband called me about stuff, and I noticed that I had two messages about a Christmas champagne thing that I hadn't even noticed. I barely use a landline phone anymore, much less check for messages. I use my work cellphone or email or Facebook to communicate. I am so embarrassed that it seems to this woman that I was ignoring her. Must make amends.
Whosoever shall make or cause to be made....
I was reading about how Christmas was banned in England for 16 years (1644 to 1660) during their Civil War. Here's the background:
"Extreme Protestants believed there was no justification for the celebration in the Scriptures. Nowhere in the Bible did it say that Christians should observe as a festival the nativity of Christ....They believed that Christmas was little more than a pragmatic festival, created by the early Catholic Church as a way of incorporating, and therefore neutralizing, pagan winter solstice celebrations and other non-Christian feasts originating in Druid, Roman and Norse religions. To them, the observance of the Nativity was also 'papist', as it exulted the religious standing of the Holy Family, especially the Virgin Mary."
You can see their point. The ordinance below was what really amused me though:
No prayers or sermons in the churches on the said 25th December, and whosoever shall hang at his door any rosemary, holly, or bayes or any other superstitious herb, shall be liable to the penalties decreed by the ordinance of last year; and whosoever shall make or cause to be made plum pottage or nativity pies, is hereby warmed that it is contrary to the said ordinance.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Carol service
I haven't been to a carol service this year, even though I am singing at a Christmas concert tomorrow night in London.
I was thinking of going to the carol service at St. Paul's on the 23rd at 4:00. If anyone's around, let's meet at the gift shop first! (Hope my husband doesn't read that sentence as he is clamping down on spending these days.)
I'm not sure I can take this news
You know, this recession is pretty bad. Jobs are going, familiar companies/stores are going under, but I've handled things OK. I try to be like Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and think positive. I tell my husband, 'just think, we already have our Christmas turkey in the freezer. We don't have to rely on some miser having an epiphany on Christmas Day to send us a bird.' I'm sure this cheers him up a little, as he is Mr. Recession Misery Guts in our house.
But today I find my recession composure shattered with the news that the National Enquirer might go bankrupt. I've been reading this trashy paper since I was 15 years old and without it, my life will be darker. There was nothing I enjoyed more than kicking back on the sofa and reading about secrets celebrities don't want you to know. (I especially enjoyed the secret shots of them emerging from face lift surgery when they'd bragged for years of having a totally natural look.)
Here's the story from gawker.com:
Is AMI going to go bankrupt? Nooooooooo! Do you know what that would mean: trouble for the new zombie version of Radar.com! Keith Kelly reports this morning that AMI, which publishes Star and the National Enquirer in addition to zombie Radar, missed a deadline on an interest payment and is "feverishly negotiating" with its lenders.
How can you publish the National Enquirer in its finest year ever and still be coming up short of cash?
But today I find my recession composure shattered with the news that the National Enquirer might go bankrupt. I've been reading this trashy paper since I was 15 years old and without it, my life will be darker. There was nothing I enjoyed more than kicking back on the sofa and reading about secrets celebrities don't want you to know. (I especially enjoyed the secret shots of them emerging from face lift surgery when they'd bragged for years of having a totally natural look.)
Here's the story from gawker.com:
Is AMI going to go bankrupt? Nooooooooo! Do you know what that would mean: trouble for the new zombie version of Radar.com! Keith Kelly reports this morning that AMI, which publishes Star and the National Enquirer in addition to zombie Radar, missed a deadline on an interest payment and is "feverishly negotiating" with its lenders.
How can you publish the National Enquirer in its finest year ever and still be coming up short of cash?
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Adding to your manger scene
I didn't realize that my friends and I were so cool with our manger-scene activities. We have little nativity scenes in our homes, and one friend put a dinosaur in hers, another lost her baby Jesus years ago so puts in different amusing objects to stand in for the baby each year, and I put a Shiva figure in my manger scene and recently added a nun in that I bought in Rome a while back, but I didn't know that this was the correct thing to do. Read below.
"They hailed him as the Messiah and said his election was a miracle, but now Barack Obama has made it into the Holy Family to appear in the Nativity scene alongside Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus.
Hand-carved figures of Mr Obama and his wife Michelle are on sale in a Naples Christmas market with the rest of the Nativity set regulars. Italian families prize their Nativity sets and often add a new character to the stable scene each year. This year they can choose from a host of political and high profile figures including Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni, or the Pope himself. Even Silvio Berlusconi - Italy's much derided Prime Minister - finds himself rendered in wood and standing next to the cattle."
Addendum to this post:
I was just looking around the Internet to see where I could buy some of these figures for my manger scene and for my friends when I saw these irate comments on another site:
"That is just wrong, wrong, wrong. I don't care who they add to the nativity.. it is wrong."
"I'm just sitting here shaking my head in shock. Seriously, since when do we add political figures to nativity scenes?"
"Wow, that is just ridiculous...to use ANY political figure in a Nativity scene is disgusting."
Dancing Queens
I gave a Christmas party on Saturday night. I spent days cooking and getting the house decorated. I was so worried that no one would show up, or that the party would be really dull. I planned for Mel to give a Christmas quiz after the guests had eaten and had lots of egg nog and gluwhein, then I moved the furniture in the kitchen, strung up lights and made a Kitchen Disco.
People showed up fashionably late as they do in England so before they came, I was sure I had a disaster on my hands and vowed to never give a party again. (I had one guest arrive at 12:45 a.m. She made a movie-star entrance in her designer clothes and striking looks.)
By 9:30, though, I had a house full of people laughing and talking, so I was relieved. Everyone enjoyed the quiz but I had trouble herding people into the Kitchen Disco to dance, so I gave up.
At midnight, though, some of the guests discovered I had an Internet radio in the hall playing Christmas music from America. When they realized they could listen to tunes from Trinidad and Cameroon, the house really livened up. THEN everyone started dancing. Who knew a little Internet radio could make or break a party?
YouTube of guests dancing to music from Trinidad below. (Wait a couple of seconds while it plays -- then I finally realize I should turn on the lights and video quality improves. duh.)
People showed up fashionably late as they do in England so before they came, I was sure I had a disaster on my hands and vowed to never give a party again. (I had one guest arrive at 12:45 a.m. She made a movie-star entrance in her designer clothes and striking looks.)
By 9:30, though, I had a house full of people laughing and talking, so I was relieved. Everyone enjoyed the quiz but I had trouble herding people into the Kitchen Disco to dance, so I gave up.
At midnight, though, some of the guests discovered I had an Internet radio in the hall playing Christmas music from America. When they realized they could listen to tunes from Trinidad and Cameroon, the house really livened up. THEN everyone started dancing. Who knew a little Internet radio could make or break a party?
YouTube of guests dancing to music from Trinidad below. (Wait a couple of seconds while it plays -- then I finally realize I should turn on the lights and video quality improves. duh.)
Monday, 15 December 2008
Billboards from Jesus
I saw these misguided women on Fox news. They have rebelled against people saying 'Happy Holidays' in stores so they put up billboards telling you what to say as sanctioned by Jesus himself (because they know what he really wants). I love the way they are 'signed' by Jesus, like he was sitting in on their meetings. And remember, they are upset over what people are saying in retail stores. Isn't that non-Jesus territory anyway? The market stalls and all that? Besides I'm sure all their friends toe the line and say Merry Christmas.
The most aggravating thing is that people have donated thousands of dollars to put these stupid things up -- that's money that could have gone to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis instead.
"Joanne Brown and her friend, Linda Bennett, said they were doing their Christmas shopping last year when they noticed many people saying "Happy Holidays" to them instead of "Merry Christmas."
"Tired of hearing that greeting," they decided to do something about it, they told Fox News. The two brainstormed and finally decided to purchase a billboard as a way to spread the Christmas greeting.
The idea caught on and donations poured in, allowing the duo to post a total of four billboards last year.
This year, Brown and Bennett, along with some friends, have run red and white billboards saying, "It's OK to say 'Merry Christmas' and "I miss hearing you say 'Merry Christmas.'" Both were signed by Jesus."
Michigan Mom's famous husband
Here's a fascinating article from the Chicago Tribune that features regular blog contributor Michigan Mom's husband, Phil Applebaum. He is a genealogist. As part of a recent job, he brought two brothers together who hadn't known each other existed for 80 years. Here's an excerpt with a link to the full article at the end of the post:
"They're brothers. They live six blocks apart. And for 80 years, neither knew the other existed.
Neither man had a clue what to expect that morning last March as they stood toe-to toe, 42 stories above the city.
The men were guarded yet friendly, as they sized each other up, trying to decide whether to shake hands or hug. After all, they were strangers.
The younger of the two was Lewis Manilow, prominent Chicago lawyer and real estate developer, co-founder of the Museum of Contemporary Art and major fundraiser for cultural institutions and such Democratic party luminaries as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The other man was Jacob "Jack" Shore, an international patent attorney ho wrote the patent application for the insanely popular TMX Elmo doll, the 2006 Toy of the Year.
Over the course of their long careers, the two men have taken part in countless negotiations. But never with each other and never anything like this. Not in their wildest dreams."
To read the rest of this story, go here: Amazing reunion story featuring Phil Applebaum
Watch out for a TV segment about this on Good Morning America soon.
"They're brothers. They live six blocks apart. And for 80 years, neither knew the other existed.
Neither man had a clue what to expect that morning last March as they stood toe-to toe, 42 stories above the city.
The men were guarded yet friendly, as they sized each other up, trying to decide whether to shake hands or hug. After all, they were strangers.
The younger of the two was Lewis Manilow, prominent Chicago lawyer and real estate developer, co-founder of the Museum of Contemporary Art and major fundraiser for cultural institutions and such Democratic party luminaries as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The other man was Jacob "Jack" Shore, an international patent attorney ho wrote the patent application for the insanely popular TMX Elmo doll, the 2006 Toy of the Year.
Over the course of their long careers, the two men have taken part in countless negotiations. But never with each other and never anything like this. Not in their wildest dreams."
To read the rest of this story, go here: Amazing reunion story featuring Phil Applebaum
Watch out for a TV segment about this on Good Morning America soon.
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Schokoladen Kranze
I was serving gluwhein at my party all night last night, along with my homemade egg nog, then put some things on a tray that I'd picked up at a German supermarket. Among them were some pretty chocolate rings from Germany called Schokoladen Kranze.
My Austrian and German guests explained to me that you aren't supposed to serve them. They go on the Christmas tree and can't be eaten until after the Christmas celebration and all the presents are opened.
I enjoy learning things like this and adopting the customs myself.
Here are the chocolate rings on my tree -- not only are they pretty additions, but they fill the room with a delightful chocolate smell.
On another topic Christmas related, I looked down from the tree and saw distinctive signs of Kitty Inteference with carefully wrapped gifts.
Doesn't this present look like something feline has been gnawing on it?
My Christmas party
I had so much fun at my own Christmas party last night. Am going to YouTube the videos tomorrow.
Here are a couple of pics of my house and of me and my friend Elise. I couldn't find anything cute to wear, so I dressed in comfy black and strung some battery-powered lights around me. That way no one noticed my Christmas weight gain plus I looked festive.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
My husband's work dinner
Went up to London last night to attend my husband Mel's Christmas party with his colleagues from the French bank BNPParibas. I'm still so provincial that going up to London gives me a buzz -- the architecture, shops and history are so impressive. Mel said to meet him at Baker Street so I went there and stood by the large statue of Sherlock Holmes and waited.
Mel pretended to be a mugger and sort of scared me -- but then we walked to the Temperance pub for a drink then on to dinner. The group had a secret Santa thing this year -- here's Mel trying on the Incredible Hulk boxing gloves he got. They make some noise when you punch something. I've been using them this morning, and they are very therapeutic.
Here's Mel with his gloves:
Another guy, John O'Donnell, got a Darth Vader light saber as his Secret Santa gift. So of course, he and Mel began to fight, right there between the tables.
Thinking of the terrible job cuts at banks these days, a wag commented:
Two bankers fight over the last available job in the City.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Christmas party recipes
All I did was mention I was making egg nog with dark rum and brandy on Facebook and suddenly, everyone wants the recipe (a taste of it, more like). So I'll put it here plus my recipe for faux Chex Mix. We expats can't get Chex Mix in the UK so have to do it ourselves:
Faux Chex Mix:
Mix shredded wheat bites, cheerios, peanuts, popcorn, etc., & throw into a big pan. On the stove top, melt butter, Worcestershire sauce and seasoned salt (I put in Lawry's) then mix in with snacky things and bake.
Egg Nog recipe:
6 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups powdered/icing sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla
Combine these in a large bowl or pitcher, mixing well.
Stir in:
2 cans of 12-oz evaporated milk
3 cups of milk
Now the best part. Add:
1 1/4 cups of dark rum
Chill for 24 hours then mix in 3 tablespoons of brandy and nutmeg.
Have a glass and feel like you've gone to heaven.
Actually, I put the brandy and nutmeg in mine right away and tested immediately without even letting the flavors marry for 24 hours. Boy, did I get the Christmas spirit immediately!
Recipes for Carol
Carol from Ithaca (she used to live in Reading with me but she escaped back to the US) has requested more recipes. Here's a date nut squares recipe that I made to great acclaim at book club the other week. It's pretty easy. I always use more spice than recipes call for, especially with these dark Christmassy spices.
I've taken the day off work today to nurse my son who is still ill and get ready for my little Christmas party tomorrow night. I'm making big batches of egg nog today with brandy and dark rum. Might have to test it while I make it as it is so cold and dark outside today -- we won't see the sun for even a minute today. Am going to walk over to a charity shop with items for them to sell in a few minutes. I love the way you can walk to most things in England -- I'll get all cold doing that then come back to my warm house and a nice hot cup of tea.
We got a call last night that a woman wants to come look at Lizzie our foster cat and possibly take her away. When Mel looked at the name of the woman, he realized she's the woman who drives airport cars -- we use her twice a year when we go places. Now because she knows us, she'll probably take Lizzie.
Date Nut Bars Recipe
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
* 1 cup walnuts (4 oz), finely chopped
* 1 lb dried pitted dates, finely chopped with an oiled knife (2 cups)
* 2 cups confectioners sugar
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13- by 9- by 2-inch metal baking pan, then line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides, and butter foil. Whisk together flour, salt, and spices. Beat together butter and granulated sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer (preferably fitted with paddle attachment) or 6 minutes with a handheld. Reduce speed to low and add eggs 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add baking soda mixture and mix until combined. Add flour mixture, walnuts, and dates and mix until just combined. Spread batter evenly in baking pan and bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Cool in pan on a rack 15 minutes. Carefully lift date mixture out of pan using foil overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 1-inch squares and peel from foil. Toss warm squares a few at a time in confectioners sugar, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with more confectioners sugar just before serving.
I've taken the day off work today to nurse my son who is still ill and get ready for my little Christmas party tomorrow night. I'm making big batches of egg nog today with brandy and dark rum. Might have to test it while I make it as it is so cold and dark outside today -- we won't see the sun for even a minute today. Am going to walk over to a charity shop with items for them to sell in a few minutes. I love the way you can walk to most things in England -- I'll get all cold doing that then come back to my warm house and a nice hot cup of tea.
We got a call last night that a woman wants to come look at Lizzie our foster cat and possibly take her away. When Mel looked at the name of the woman, he realized she's the woman who drives airport cars -- we use her twice a year when we go places. Now because she knows us, she'll probably take Lizzie.
Date Nut Bars Recipe
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
* 1 cup walnuts (4 oz), finely chopped
* 1 lb dried pitted dates, finely chopped with an oiled knife (2 cups)
* 2 cups confectioners sugar
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13- by 9- by 2-inch metal baking pan, then line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides, and butter foil. Whisk together flour, salt, and spices. Beat together butter and granulated sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer (preferably fitted with paddle attachment) or 6 minutes with a handheld. Reduce speed to low and add eggs 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add baking soda mixture and mix until combined. Add flour mixture, walnuts, and dates and mix until just combined. Spread batter evenly in baking pan and bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Cool in pan on a rack 15 minutes. Carefully lift date mixture out of pan using foil overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 1-inch squares and peel from foil. Toss warm squares a few at a time in confectioners sugar, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with more confectioners sugar just before serving.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Snowing in New Orleans
New Orleans is so hot and humid usually. But just now I've received an e-mail from my aunt in New Orleans telling me it's snowing. That's unheard of there.
Photo below of my aunt's backyard:
Photo below of my aunt's backyard:
Ellen's cat Tula
I put a silly video of our foster cat Lizzie up earlier. Then my friend Ellen outside Boston sent this photo and news of her cat Tula:
"I finally found some photos of Tula to send to you...don't you think she and Minnie(bless her soul) must be sisters? Here she is, appearing placid but in fact engaging in a stealth hunting operation in the garden of our last home. These days she does no more hunting, she is 16 and spends her time (except for 2 daily excursions to the food bowl) in the sunny window chair in my office. Occasionally she spends time with s in the TV room in the evenings, if the dogs are all quiet. She has had a good life since I rescued her from the streets of Basingstoke :-)"
Silly kitty video
There I was minding my own business wrapping presents when the cat Lizzie decided the wrapping paper was hers to destroy. I took a video. It's a bit slow to start because I haven't figured out how to edit the footage yet. I will pick up this skill shortly and not subject you to any more dead time.
I just got some cat anecdotes and photo from regular reader Ellen in Massachusetts, so expect more kitty posts soon.
I just got some cat anecdotes and photo from regular reader Ellen in Massachusetts, so expect more kitty posts soon.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Flu and sudden politeness
My son is at home with the flu. He's been sick since last week and is weak and feverish. I asked the guys at work if I should take him to the doctor and they said no, unless he's developing a cough, but to make sure I gave him Lemsip.
Lemsip is the answer to all British colds and flu. They drink this stuff religiously when they are ill, but I've never tried it. It's a lemon-flavored hot drink that has pain relievers, decongestant and some other magical ingredient in it for the common cold. I can't remember Americans having such a remedy -- don't we just reach for a hot toddy when flu strikes?
I collected this advice from the guys at work then got the afternoon off to go home and be with my son. When I went into his bedroom bearing hot Lemsip, a trashy mag to read, still and fizzy water, a shrimp snack to try and tempt him to eat, he managed a smile and said, "I'm glad you came home to be with me."
My son saying something appreciative to me -- it's a miracle. It must be Christmas and the animals will speak at midnight on Christmas Eve.
My daughter comes home for the holidays this weekend. She's already been saying things like if there are too many germs emanating from my son, she'll delay her trip home. Anything to stay in the college social scene, I think.
Lemsip is the answer to all British colds and flu. They drink this stuff religiously when they are ill, but I've never tried it. It's a lemon-flavored hot drink that has pain relievers, decongestant and some other magical ingredient in it for the common cold. I can't remember Americans having such a remedy -- don't we just reach for a hot toddy when flu strikes?
I collected this advice from the guys at work then got the afternoon off to go home and be with my son. When I went into his bedroom bearing hot Lemsip, a trashy mag to read, still and fizzy water, a shrimp snack to try and tempt him to eat, he managed a smile and said, "I'm glad you came home to be with me."
My son saying something appreciative to me -- it's a miracle. It must be Christmas and the animals will speak at midnight on Christmas Eve.
My daughter comes home for the holidays this weekend. She's already been saying things like if there are too many germs emanating from my son, she'll delay her trip home. Anything to stay in the college social scene, I think.
Christmas trees and cats
Got our Christmas tree up this weekend. It has so much eccentric stuff on it, pictures of old pets, dolls from my childhood, even an old skeleton from Halloween. Other friends have neat, tidy and lovely trees but mine is always a nostalgic mess but I just love it. I love every single thing on there. Here's a pic of this year's tree:
Lizzie the cat went into the room with the tree and regarded it from a distance for some time. Finally she wandered over and found a spot underneath, and we couldn't get her out of there. She's not a big eater (how can she live in our family, we wonder, where food is so important?) so we couldn't tempt her out with a treat. Here she is:
Mel finally got her out, but I don't know how.
Came to work this morning to see a gigantic tree at office, two stories high:
Lizzie the cat went into the room with the tree and regarded it from a distance for some time. Finally she wandered over and found a spot underneath, and we couldn't get her out of there. She's not a big eater (how can she live in our family, we wonder, where food is so important?) so we couldn't tempt her out with a treat. Here she is:
Mel finally got her out, but I don't know how.
Came to work this morning to see a gigantic tree at office, two stories high:
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
English Christmas lunch & my son's homework
I just went to the office Christmas lunch, and I'm starving now. It was traditional English fare -- red cabbage, parsnips and brussel sprouts were the veg. I ate one sprout for good luck but the parsnips were so underdone, they looked like logs I could put in my fireplace instead of cooked vegetables. Then there's Christmas pudding drenched in a brandy sauce.
We had to do Christmas crackers first, of course. It was all very nice but I couldn't eat that much of it and am looking around for a snack already.
Before lunch I had my first performance review as a permanent employee. I have to get used to hearing criticism of me that isn't coming from my husband and children, I guess.
Last night I had to work on my son's English paper as he is so ill from the flu, running a high temp. I thought it would be easy stuff since I did a literature degree, but honestly, you try to compare and contrast these two poems and say how each poet handles the imagery of bitterness in an hour or so.
I'll give you short excerpts and you see what I mean about this being headache-inducing:
Gr-r-r-there go, my heart's abhorrence!
Water your damned flower-pots, do!
If hate killed men, Brother Lawrence,
God's blood, would not mine kill you!
What? your myrtle-bush wants trimming?
Oh, that rose has prior claims--
Needs its leaden vase filled brimming?
Hell dry you up with its flames!
Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe;
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I water'd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with my smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,
And into my garden stole
When the night had veil'd the pole:
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree
A Poison Tree
William Blake
Actually, I put the whole Blake poem up because it's so much easier to read than the Browning stuff. My son is only 15 -- how is he supposed to do this stuff?
Any comments welcome. I'll probably put them in his paper later. :)
We had to do Christmas crackers first, of course. It was all very nice but I couldn't eat that much of it and am looking around for a snack already.
Before lunch I had my first performance review as a permanent employee. I have to get used to hearing criticism of me that isn't coming from my husband and children, I guess.
Last night I had to work on my son's English paper as he is so ill from the flu, running a high temp. I thought it would be easy stuff since I did a literature degree, but honestly, you try to compare and contrast these two poems and say how each poet handles the imagery of bitterness in an hour or so.
I'll give you short excerpts and you see what I mean about this being headache-inducing:
Gr-r-r-there go, my heart's abhorrence!
Water your damned flower-pots, do!
If hate killed men, Brother Lawrence,
God's blood, would not mine kill you!
What? your myrtle-bush wants trimming?
Oh, that rose has prior claims--
Needs its leaden vase filled brimming?
Hell dry you up with its flames!
Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe;
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I water'd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with my smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,
And into my garden stole
When the night had veil'd the pole:
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree
A Poison Tree
William Blake
Actually, I put the whole Blake poem up because it's so much easier to read than the Browning stuff. My son is only 15 -- how is he supposed to do this stuff?
Any comments welcome. I'll probably put them in his paper later. :)
Poor CEOs, lacking motivation
Thank you to one of our readers for sending this post in. Those poor CEOs -- their stock options are worthless, so now they have no motivation to do a good job running their companies. Their plight makes me want to cry:
"Interesting article in the Sunday Times today. It seems the collapse of the stock markets has caused an unforeseen problem - how do we motivate our executives if their stock options are "underwater" (ie worthless, with little chance of going positive in the short term)?
Now, if I went to one of my senior management and told them I was having a problem getting motivated because I wasn't being paid enough, one of two things would happen. Either I'd be told if I don't like it I can go and work somewhere else (the honest answer) or, more likely, be spun some bullshit about how money isn't be important and I should have a passion for my work.
I'm not sure how this is supposed to work. Apparently I should give all my waking hours to the company, just for the satisfaction of doing a good job. Then, if I'm lucky enough to be promoted high enough, suddenly become motivated solely by money?
Am I the only person to have noticed this?"
"Interesting article in the Sunday Times today. It seems the collapse of the stock markets has caused an unforeseen problem - how do we motivate our executives if their stock options are "underwater" (ie worthless, with little chance of going positive in the short term)?
Now, if I went to one of my senior management and told them I was having a problem getting motivated because I wasn't being paid enough, one of two things would happen. Either I'd be told if I don't like it I can go and work somewhere else (the honest answer) or, more likely, be spun some bullshit about how money isn't be important and I should have a passion for my work.
I'm not sure how this is supposed to work. Apparently I should give all my waking hours to the company, just for the satisfaction of doing a good job. Then, if I'm lucky enough to be promoted high enough, suddenly become motivated solely by money?
Am I the only person to have noticed this?"
Monday, 8 December 2008
John Lennon's murder
I was a student at New York University when John Lennon was shot on this day in 1980. My roommate Kyoko Mine and my friend Pierre Boyer and I were playing cards on West 4th Street (on the edge of the Village) when we heard the news on the radio. We were shocked as Lennon had just made a comeback, and his music was playing all the time on NYC stations.
Kyoko had always admired Yoko Ono, a fellow Japanese woman, and loved John Lennon's music, so she was devastated. Then Pierre said, "Well, there goes any chance of a Beatles reunion." It was a very funny remark but Kyoko took it badly.
Anyway, Pete (I always called Pierre Pete -- it is one of my quirks that anyone I know well gets a nickname) and I rushed to get on the subway and go up to the Dakota apartments to be voyeurs at the death scene. We were some of the first people there and were right at the front of the police barriers. News people and cameras were everywhere. Crowds gathered, candles were lit, people were crying. It was so interesting to be there.
postscript
I lost track of Kyoko. I can't find her on the Internet; she must have got married after she moved back to Kyoto and has a new name that I'll never know. Pierre went on to fame and fortune in business. I have always regretted that I was not a good friend to him. My twenties were hard for me. I was depressed and immature. Pete was very kind to me but I did not reciprocate. I hate living with the knowledge of how bad I was then. I have apologized to him since, but our friendship has never been the same.
Below is a pic of me and Pierre at NYU. I'm on the left; Pete's on the right. The two guys in the middle aren't germane to this post.
From the BBC:
Former Beatle John Lennon has been shot dead by an unknown gunman who opened fire outside the musician's New York apartment. The 40-year-old was shot several times as he entered the Dakota, his luxury apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side, opposite Central Park, at 2300 local time.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Sunday chores
Yesterday was tiring. I ran out first thing to nab stuff in the sales before everyone else got there first. The recession is causing prices to be cut right before Christmas. And Woolworths is going out of business and says everything is cut by 50 percent. So I smash my way in there on Saturday morning, and they lied. Things were only reduced by 10 and 20 percent -- so was that worth standing in line for an hour to get those measly savings?
I finished most of my Christmas shopping, got the Christmas tree and the turkey. (Turkeys sell out over here and aren't re-stocked so you have to get one in early.)
Now this morning I have to get busy decorating Mr Tree and wrapping presents, etc.
Here's the sort of thing going on at my house this morning. I need my husband Mel to fix the metal hinge thingie on one of my expensive Victoria Secret's bra. He fixed it last week but one wash ruined it. I threw it on his Sunday newspaper near the picture of Oprah that I put on the fridge to remind me not to eat so much so I don't end up as big as she is. He won't be able to read the paper without fixing my bra first.
Here are bags of stuff that I bought -- now I have to wrap it all up and put cute little messages on it. (We don't write regular gift tags in my family -- it always has to be something amusing that helps them guess what's inside.) For example, my daughter is on a Russian literature kick, so I got the Russians at work to recommend books for me to get for her, and I'm going to get them to write the tags for her presents in Russian with some little Russian message --it'll make it more fun for her.
Here's Mr. Tree, waiting to be decorated. I can't start decorating until I turn on all of the Christmas music that drives the rest of my family crazy. I have to listen to the Bonanza cast singing their Christmas tunes on the CD "Christmas on the Ponderosa" each year.
What amuses me too is to think that the entire cast of Bonanza were Jewish, yet they made a Christmas album. Just like Ed Ames, whose Christmas album I listened to all through my youth, and recently ordered from a vintage record store.
Here's Lizzie the cat, waiting to get into all the tinsel I'm bringing out now.
I finished most of my Christmas shopping, got the Christmas tree and the turkey. (Turkeys sell out over here and aren't re-stocked so you have to get one in early.)
Now this morning I have to get busy decorating Mr Tree and wrapping presents, etc.
Here's the sort of thing going on at my house this morning. I need my husband Mel to fix the metal hinge thingie on one of my expensive Victoria Secret's bra. He fixed it last week but one wash ruined it. I threw it on his Sunday newspaper near the picture of Oprah that I put on the fridge to remind me not to eat so much so I don't end up as big as she is. He won't be able to read the paper without fixing my bra first.
Here are bags of stuff that I bought -- now I have to wrap it all up and put cute little messages on it. (We don't write regular gift tags in my family -- it always has to be something amusing that helps them guess what's inside.) For example, my daughter is on a Russian literature kick, so I got the Russians at work to recommend books for me to get for her, and I'm going to get them to write the tags for her presents in Russian with some little Russian message --it'll make it more fun for her.
Here's Mr. Tree, waiting to be decorated. I can't start decorating until I turn on all of the Christmas music that drives the rest of my family crazy. I have to listen to the Bonanza cast singing their Christmas tunes on the CD "Christmas on the Ponderosa" each year.
What amuses me too is to think that the entire cast of Bonanza were Jewish, yet they made a Christmas album. Just like Ed Ames, whose Christmas album I listened to all through my youth, and recently ordered from a vintage record store.
Here's Lizzie the cat, waiting to get into all the tinsel I'm bringing out now.
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