Split Peas and Champagne
Last week, as we celebrated Christmas with the Garmans, my sister-in-law, Monique, and I were talking recipes. She had made my chili that day (we have forgone formal for fun) and I had brought her husband, Ralph's, favorite carrot cake. She asked me if I had a good split pea soup recipe, as she's trying to learn how to make his favorites. Apparently his mother had made a mean split pea soup, herself, and took the recipe with her to heaven. When she asked, I just stood there, blankly, wondering why in the world I didn't have one. I know my own husband loves anything with peas, yet I had never once made split pea soup. So, on the way home, I consulted the Google for the best recipes...
Downton Revisited
We have been rewatching Season 4 of Downton Abbey, as a refresh in preparation for Season 5, which (YIPPEE!) starts on January 4th. It's been almost a year since we've hung out with the Crawleys and, as we powered through the season, one or the other of us kept interjecting things like... Man, I love how respectfully they address one another. They take such pride in their positions and work. See how he started to complain about his life, then stopped and apologized, calling it vulgar and self-important? Why don't we do that more often? And on and on. During the last episode, Cousin Rose is presented to London society before the king and queen. Lady Crawley's mother, brother, and his...
It’s Not Just a Movie
**Into the Woods - SPOILER ALERT** Yesterday afternoon, Maddie and I went to a matinee. We went to see something to which we had both been looking forward: Into the Woods. It was originally a Broadway musical garnering great acclaim, including several Tony Awards, and later, a novel. Afterward, we both walked out bewildered, with statements like "That wasn't what I was expecting," and "What was that really all about?" I later mentioned my concern about the movie's message on Facebook, noting that I might be writing about it this morning, and that post was followed by a host of differing opinions, including defense of the film. After all, isn't it just a movie? The answer is yes. It...
His Words (for when you are ready to move forward)
Every Sunday around here is for His words instead of mine. It's so common to find yourself setting goals and preparing to move forward at this time of year. He has something to say about that. I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. ~ Philippians 3:12-14 MSG Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways...
All About the Plan
It's the day after Christmas. I don't know about you, but every year on this day I start looking forward. A new year stretches out before me like a blank page and that excites me. At the end of 1999, we were living in Iowa and wondering, like everyone else, if the world was going to end with Y2K. Really, we both felt pretty confident that nothing would happen, but do you remember the hype? It was CRAZY. Anyway, Kevin was gearing up for all the beginning-of-the-year stuff at the office, not the least of which was his "annual plan" with his management team. Over a two-day period, they would get away from the office, and sit around a big table (often in my dining room) to define goals,...