Random Acts

In perusing comments on blogs this week I've run into this comment or something it like several times in response to the recipe of some particularly decadent dessert: "Oh, there goes my promise to give up sweets, or chocolate, or dessert for Lent!". I've even had several well-meaning friends ask me what I had decided to "give up" for Lent. While I understand the concept, I don't take part in it as a general rule. At my church we are encouraged to add something rather than take away something during the Lent season. Oh, I can hear you now. As my mother-in-law used to say, "A poor excuse is better than none at all"! But listen to the idea before you totally nix it as my way of copping out. During this season I am going to concentrate on doing one really nice thing every day for someone from whom I have no expectation of repayment or gratitude. Another rule: you can't tell anybody about it (except me , of course!). That means no tooting your own horn to your family and friends. It doesn't have to be big. It might be letting someone in your lane at the next road construction site. City traffic provides endless opportunities. It might be as simple as opening the door for a young mom with a stroller at the grocery store or remembering to thank your own Beloved for daily kindnesses. It might be something you don't do--like smiling instead of coming back with snappy retort (even a deserved one). You get the idea. So that is my plan for Lent. Maybe you can add this even if giving up something is your tradition. You can tell me; I don't count! Let me know how it works out for you and I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Meet the Fockers Menu

This is a test run for me in more ways than one. First, it is my maiden attempt to join in Gollum's Foodie Friday and more importantly, it is a recount of our hosting the parents of the groom-to-be for dinner for the first time. Think "Meet the Fockers". The future in-laws were in town briefly to firm up rehearsal dinner arrangements so it seemed like a good time to start "melding"! But the first bugaboo reared its ugly head when my husband announced he would be cooking ribs on the grill or frying up one of his famous catfish dinners. Now "Beloved" is very good at both of these, but February didn't seem like the best time to be hanging around a grill or deep fat fryer getting to know each other. Besides, I wanted this dinner run on a tightly run schedule---mine! So, I set about planning a menu that would be tasty but not exotic, gourmet but not ostentatious, friendly but not needy. Who knew I could find such deep hidden messages in food? So this is the "Meet the In Laws" menu: Mixed baby greens with strawberries, orange slices, chili sugar glazed pecans, and blue cheese in a balsamic vinaigrette, thick center cut bone-in pork chops marinated and cooked on the grill by "Beloved", fresh green beans cooked with coarse Dijon mustard and almonds, wild rice and mushroom casserole, Sister Schubert's rolls (because I certainly can't beat them) and for a taste of "downhome" a dessert that begins with a layer of ice cream sandwiches. Oh, and I almost forgot-- we started with an appetizer torte made with cream cheese, roasted red peppers and pesto. Whew!!! I have to say I think the dinner came off fabulously--at least no one has called about being sick yet and the wedding is still on! Click on the Foodie Friday button on the sidebar to see what else is cooking!

We Are Experiencing.....er...uh...Technical Difficulty

Well, this blogging stuff is certainly not as easy as it looks! While I am not a computer whiz, I do (or did) think I possess at least common sense. Now I have a whole new appreciation for all of you who post on a regular basis with pictures, and and gadgets, and music.... oh my! I am a regular follower of Susan at Between naps on the porch and her Q & A answered a lot of questions for me. My next goal is to post something for Met Monday or for Gollum's Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum -gotta figure out how to do that. I also hope to share with you my unfolding- as- we- speak adventures as mother of the bride. Thank you for the comments from all three of you!! LOL Stay tuned and watch my progress!!!

My Entry into the World of Blogdom

I have enjoyed reading the blogs of so many people. I started thinking....I have always loved to write. I love to journal. And what else is a blog besides a journal to share with other people who share the same interests, passions, hopes, and frustrations. Mayabe some of those same people I enjoy reading about would enjoy what's going on in my world. This is an exciting time in my life. The nest is finally empty (at least today) and I have time to pursue and write about the things and people I love. So, this a test run for me. I hope to write something that wives, mothers, and daughters can relate to--after all, I have some experience in all those areas. So this blog is a Valentine's Day gift to myself. I am going to learn as I go along...maybe some of you will come along for the ride.