Last year around this time, I wrote about my friend Cindy who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I found out about her diagnosis just after I had posted about having had my annual mammogram and was complaining how much it I hated it and how much it hurt. I will return again this month for my annual check. I will be sure to take some Tylenol before my appointment.
I am happy to say that Cindy has finished her chemo and her hair has grown back long enough for her to color it. She looks fabulous. She has been so positive through the entire process. I never heard her complain about anything. I wish I had that kind of strength.
Another friend Kathy, got a great report from her doctor last month that she was cancer free. She had started chemo for breast cancer just a little before my friend Cindy. Kathy's mom, Betty, was diagnosed last month with breast cancer. Betty is the sweetest person in the entire world. She truly never complains. I pray that her treatment will go quickly and that she will not have any complications.
Last week my friend Lisa, told me she was diagnosed in September with breast cancer. She will start her chemo on Tuesday. She has a plan to be cancer free in at least ten years. What a great warrior she is. She has planned her attack and set a goal.
It feels like an epidemic. We need to take a pro-active approach. Self breast exams and yearly mammograms are two of the most important things we can do. If you have a relative who has had, it seems to run in families. Every female in my step daughters maternal family has died of breast cancer. Their paternal grandmother, the mother-in-law I never met, also died of breast cancer. In my family there is very little cancer, but that does not mean I should not be on the alert.
I am thankful for my health. I am thankful that I have medical insurance that offers me the opportunity to have a mammogram that is paid for. I am praying for Lisa, Betty, and Kathy as they continue to manage their treatment and followup. God please give them strength and keep them healthy. God, make us always thankful for the blessing of our health.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Epicurean Feast
I had a very unusual week of eating. I had some of the best food I have ever eaten all in one week.
On my trip last week to Washington DC, my co-workers and I ate at Ruth Chris. Every time we go up, another co-worker and I always want to eat there. However the majority of the co-workers do not eat a lot of beef, so we usually end up eating at a very good seafood restaurant. Well, this trip the beef eaters were in the majority and we went. It was restaurant week and you could order your salad/soup, main course, side and dessert all for one price. It was a great deal. I ordered gumbo instead of a salad and it was by far the best gumbo I have ever eaten. I lived in Louisiana for a long time and I never had gumbo this good. The steak was melt in your mouth tender, and all that butter was delicious. But, the gumbo is what I will always remember about Ruth Chris. And there was fresh French bread for dipping too.
The next day, we went for lighter dinning and tried a little local place. One of my co-workers had been there before and ordered crab soup. I watched her eat spoon full after spoon full with giant pieces of crab and I just had to have some. Oh, it was delicious. Best crab soup I have ever had. Now I will admit that I have not had crab soup very often, but the bar is now set very high.
Then last night, Joe and I celebrated our anniversary at Del Friscos. I had never eaten there, but Joe had. I made an early reservation for us. We were the first people in the place. The service was outstanding. Our server had been there for 13 years. I had a delicious ribeye that was way too big for me to eat. So I will enjoy it a second time on Monday for lunch. They even packed the bone from Joe's steak for Ellie to enjoy. She will have to wait until she can enjoy it outside when it is not raining. They had Jalapeno and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese. I don't typically associate mac and cheese with a great steak house, but this was wonderful. This location created the recipe. The server brought out complimentary Cheesecake with a candle for our anniversary. It was the best cheesecake I have ever eaten. The crust had pecans in it. While the steaks were excellent, it is the fabulous service and cheesecake that I will remember about Del Friscos.
OK, now that I have enjoyed these great meals, I guess whatever I have this week will be a let down. However, we did eat at our favorite Mexican place for lunch and the table side guacamole was delicious as usual. So, I guess you can find outstanding food in all kinds of restaurants. I guess it is all good when you don't have to cook and clean up.
Happy dining!
On my trip last week to Washington DC, my co-workers and I ate at Ruth Chris. Every time we go up, another co-worker and I always want to eat there. However the majority of the co-workers do not eat a lot of beef, so we usually end up eating at a very good seafood restaurant. Well, this trip the beef eaters were in the majority and we went. It was restaurant week and you could order your salad/soup, main course, side and dessert all for one price. It was a great deal. I ordered gumbo instead of a salad and it was by far the best gumbo I have ever eaten. I lived in Louisiana for a long time and I never had gumbo this good. The steak was melt in your mouth tender, and all that butter was delicious. But, the gumbo is what I will always remember about Ruth Chris. And there was fresh French bread for dipping too.
The next day, we went for lighter dinning and tried a little local place. One of my co-workers had been there before and ordered crab soup. I watched her eat spoon full after spoon full with giant pieces of crab and I just had to have some. Oh, it was delicious. Best crab soup I have ever had. Now I will admit that I have not had crab soup very often, but the bar is now set very high.
Then last night, Joe and I celebrated our anniversary at Del Friscos. I had never eaten there, but Joe had. I made an early reservation for us. We were the first people in the place. The service was outstanding. Our server had been there for 13 years. I had a delicious ribeye that was way too big for me to eat. So I will enjoy it a second time on Monday for lunch. They even packed the bone from Joe's steak for Ellie to enjoy. She will have to wait until she can enjoy it outside when it is not raining. They had Jalapeno and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese. I don't typically associate mac and cheese with a great steak house, but this was wonderful. This location created the recipe. The server brought out complimentary Cheesecake with a candle for our anniversary. It was the best cheesecake I have ever eaten. The crust had pecans in it. While the steaks were excellent, it is the fabulous service and cheesecake that I will remember about Del Friscos.
OK, now that I have enjoyed these great meals, I guess whatever I have this week will be a let down. However, we did eat at our favorite Mexican place for lunch and the table side guacamole was delicious as usual. So, I guess you can find outstanding food in all kinds of restaurants. I guess it is all good when you don't have to cook and clean up.
Happy dining!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Redemption
The week before last, I was glued to the television as the funeral service for Sen. Edward Kennedy was broadcast. I was fascinated by the pageantry and ceremony, but most of all by the family. The Kennedy family dynasty could be the last of its kind.
I was too young to know much about President Kennedy. I remember I had the measles and was home from school the day he was shot in Dallas. I grew up very near Dallas and I remember seeing over and over the footage of the speeding car in the motorcade and Jackie Kennedy reaching back for the secret service agent. I really don't remember much about Bobby. But, I can remember his widow in her black veil at the funeral.
When Ted Kennedy announced he would run for president, I became a supporter. I was very young and it would be the first time I voted for a president. I was a social work student and believed that Democrats were always the champion of those in need. Programs to help those in need also meant jobs for social workers.
I remember telling my ultra conservative in-laws that I would vote for Ted Kennedy and they were appalled. I don't really know what their political affiliation was, but it was apparent that it was whatever party not supporting a Kennedy.
I don't really think my in-laws were opposed to social programs funded by taxpayers. It was that one thing they could not get past: Chappaquiddick. I heard it over and over during the reports on Sen. Kennedy's life. It was like a dark cloud over his life. Ted Kennedy's behavior that night in 1969 when he drove off a bridge and left Mary Jo Kopeche to drown was inexcusable. Most people, who were not Kennedy's, would be arrested and more than likely found guilty. But, it would seem because he was a Kennedy, that he was spared that fate.
I don't know why Ted Kennedy did what he did. I hope for his sake he confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness from God and from her family. I hope for the sake of her family they were able to forgive and not allow the horror and injustice of what happened to Mary Jo consume the remainder of their lives with bitterness and anger.
I seems that Sen. Kennedy felt he had to atone and give back through public service. He worked hard for those who had no voice. His record as a Senator is impressive. His life was about redemption.
I believe from the moving tributes that his children offered at the funeral, that he was a good father. It is often those last words spoken about us, that indicate whether we have been faithful or not. I would no longer call myself a Kennedy supporter. My political views have changed. I am no longer a member of the ultra conservative family I mentioned above.
However, I am thankful for the forgiveness and redemption of a loving God. I am thankful that being able to forgive someone who has committed a terrible wrong against us, frees us from being held captive by that hurt.
I am inspired to be a better parent and better person and hope that at the end of my life I will be found faithful. I am thankful for redemption and for second chances.
I was too young to know much about President Kennedy. I remember I had the measles and was home from school the day he was shot in Dallas. I grew up very near Dallas and I remember seeing over and over the footage of the speeding car in the motorcade and Jackie Kennedy reaching back for the secret service agent. I really don't remember much about Bobby. But, I can remember his widow in her black veil at the funeral.
When Ted Kennedy announced he would run for president, I became a supporter. I was very young and it would be the first time I voted for a president. I was a social work student and believed that Democrats were always the champion of those in need. Programs to help those in need also meant jobs for social workers.
I remember telling my ultra conservative in-laws that I would vote for Ted Kennedy and they were appalled. I don't really know what their political affiliation was, but it was apparent that it was whatever party not supporting a Kennedy.
I don't really think my in-laws were opposed to social programs funded by taxpayers. It was that one thing they could not get past: Chappaquiddick. I heard it over and over during the reports on Sen. Kennedy's life. It was like a dark cloud over his life. Ted Kennedy's behavior that night in 1969 when he drove off a bridge and left Mary Jo Kopeche to drown was inexcusable. Most people, who were not Kennedy's, would be arrested and more than likely found guilty. But, it would seem because he was a Kennedy, that he was spared that fate.
I don't know why Ted Kennedy did what he did. I hope for his sake he confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness from God and from her family. I hope for the sake of her family they were able to forgive and not allow the horror and injustice of what happened to Mary Jo consume the remainder of their lives with bitterness and anger.
I seems that Sen. Kennedy felt he had to atone and give back through public service. He worked hard for those who had no voice. His record as a Senator is impressive. His life was about redemption.
I believe from the moving tributes that his children offered at the funeral, that he was a good father. It is often those last words spoken about us, that indicate whether we have been faithful or not. I would no longer call myself a Kennedy supporter. My political views have changed. I am no longer a member of the ultra conservative family I mentioned above.
However, I am thankful for the forgiveness and redemption of a loving God. I am thankful that being able to forgive someone who has committed a terrible wrong against us, frees us from being held captive by that hurt.
I am inspired to be a better parent and better person and hope that at the end of my life I will be found faithful. I am thankful for redemption and for second chances.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Heros
I have a very emotional reaction to military personnel at airports. My eyes will well up and a giant lump forms in my throat and I want to weep. I am not usually given to crying over strangers. I first noticed it a couple of years ago while waiting to board the plane to my daughter's wedding. I could hear the sound of people clapping and it just kept on going. I finally turned around and looked and above the waiting area was an elevated walkway and there was a line of military men and women, wearing desert camo exiting and the clapping was from welcome volunteers waving flags and applauding them as they entered the terminal. There were excited family members there as well. It was all I could do not to cry. I put it aside as being emotional about my daughter getting married.
Then, I had the same reaction to the military personnel in the waiting area several months later. I could not stop looking at them and wondering if they were going home or back to the military. In today's world, that would likely mean going back to war.
I was a military wife for several years. My military spouse did not fight in a war. He would not have fought at all, because he was a non-combatant. But, he did deploy sometimes and it was always hard to see him leave before the deployment and it was a very joyous day to see him return. When my children were old enough to know what was going on, his return was a true celebration.
I flew to Phoenix last week for a conference. In the waiting area, there was a young solider in his dress uniform. He had a folded flag in a plastic bag. It was the kind of bag that a new blanket would come in, but it was triangle shaped for the folded flag. I was strangely fascinated by the plastic bag. I thought to myself that he must be leaving a duty station and the flag was probably a momento from that base. When we landed in Phoenix and started taxiing down the runway for the airport I saw three firetrucks with their lights on. I was alarmed and thought we might be having an issue and wondered if we would have to go down the exit slide. I was not excited about that prospect. Then I noticed the firemen were all lined up beside the trucks and the ground crew that loads the bags were lined up by the terminal. Then I saw the hearse. The flight attendant was looking out the galley window and the pilots remained seated in the cockpit as the passengers exited the plane. I then understood the folded flag in the plastic bag. The solider was escorting the body of a fallen hero. The lump formed in my throat. The people in the terminal waiting area lined the windows.
As I was trying hard not to cry, I looked beyond the crowd lining the windows and saw several young children dressed in red, white and blue and holding little American flags. There was a young man being wrapped in his mother's arms. Her face had tears streaming down. I tried to determine the relationships. I think it was a returning military man being met by his mother, his brother, sister-in-law and nieces and nephews. They were taking pictures and very happy to have him home. It was a very different story for the family whose son or daughter was being transported in the hearse.
I am thankful that there are brave young men and women who willingly volunteer to protect our country. They may be the bravest of all generations who have served. I pray for the fathers and mothers, spouses, sons and daughters who wait at home. I pray for protection of all those heros as they face another day fighting so that we can enjoy the freedom we take for granted. There were no suicide bombers, no air raids and no one kicking in the doors and dragging people away at the conference. We experienced the peace and protection freely given to us by those who serve this country and never gave it a second thougth.
God bless America and bless those brave heros who freely serve.
Then, I had the same reaction to the military personnel in the waiting area several months later. I could not stop looking at them and wondering if they were going home or back to the military. In today's world, that would likely mean going back to war.
I was a military wife for several years. My military spouse did not fight in a war. He would not have fought at all, because he was a non-combatant. But, he did deploy sometimes and it was always hard to see him leave before the deployment and it was a very joyous day to see him return. When my children were old enough to know what was going on, his return was a true celebration.
I flew to Phoenix last week for a conference. In the waiting area, there was a young solider in his dress uniform. He had a folded flag in a plastic bag. It was the kind of bag that a new blanket would come in, but it was triangle shaped for the folded flag. I was strangely fascinated by the plastic bag. I thought to myself that he must be leaving a duty station and the flag was probably a momento from that base. When we landed in Phoenix and started taxiing down the runway for the airport I saw three firetrucks with their lights on. I was alarmed and thought we might be having an issue and wondered if we would have to go down the exit slide. I was not excited about that prospect. Then I noticed the firemen were all lined up beside the trucks and the ground crew that loads the bags were lined up by the terminal. Then I saw the hearse. The flight attendant was looking out the galley window and the pilots remained seated in the cockpit as the passengers exited the plane. I then understood the folded flag in the plastic bag. The solider was escorting the body of a fallen hero. The lump formed in my throat. The people in the terminal waiting area lined the windows.
As I was trying hard not to cry, I looked beyond the crowd lining the windows and saw several young children dressed in red, white and blue and holding little American flags. There was a young man being wrapped in his mother's arms. Her face had tears streaming down. I tried to determine the relationships. I think it was a returning military man being met by his mother, his brother, sister-in-law and nieces and nephews. They were taking pictures and very happy to have him home. It was a very different story for the family whose son or daughter was being transported in the hearse.
I quickly walked away to the baggage carrousel and waited for my luggage. I selfishly thanked God that I did not have a child who served in the military. I love my country and truly loved being a military wife, but I don't know if I could encourage my children to join the military.
I am thankful that there are brave young men and women who willingly volunteer to protect our country. They may be the bravest of all generations who have served. I pray for the fathers and mothers, spouses, sons and daughters who wait at home. I pray for protection of all those heros as they face another day fighting so that we can enjoy the freedom we take for granted. There were no suicide bombers, no air raids and no one kicking in the doors and dragging people away at the conference. We experienced the peace and protection freely given to us by those who serve this country and never gave it a second thougth.
God bless America and bless those brave heros who freely serve.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Life Before Ribs
I never really ate ribs when I was growing up. I thought they were messy and would get all over your face and in between your teeth. Too much work for such a little amount of meat. I doubt that Mother ever cooked a rib. I have become enlightened and now, I love ribs.
My friend Judi introduced me to dry rub ribs from Corky's a long time ago. We lived in New Orleans and there was a Corky's there. They were delicious dry ribs. Judi was from Memphis and the rib mecca of the world was is in Memphis. It was a place called the Rendezvous that she spoke of as being the best ribs. I think it is still there and I will have to check it out one day.
However, Texas knows a thing or two about ribs. There was a great rib place close to where I live called the Cotton Belt. The parking lot was filled with pot holes, the restaurant floor was bare concrete and not level, and there were peanut shells all over the floor. You just knew it was going to be good. They smoked those ribs until the meat was falling off. They would cook fries, fried okra, corn fritters and bring them out to the table steaming hot. It was wonderful. When we had family visiting from out of town, we would take them there. But suddenly in December they closed their doors. We miss the Cotton Belt. Then my sister Lizzie found a new rib place called the Red Barn. It is a tiny parking lot and a very small restaurant. But, they can cook ribs. They also have broccoli salad that is delicious. Lizzie found out that the Red Barn is opening a second location in the old Cotton Belt place. Oh my, there is great symmetry there. It is opening the end of May and I can't wait.
Oprah shared her receipe on the show one day for slow cooking ribs in the oven all night and I now can make a good slow cooked rib. The only problem is that after they have cooked all night, you have to eat them for breakfast. There is no way that Joe and I can smell them and not want to eat them right away. I don't know who taught Oprah how to make these, but they are delicious. It is the country style ribs with lots of meat on them. The Neely's are one of my favorite shows on the food network and I think they are in Memphis. Watching them make ribs, set my drool glands off.
Texas is all about barbeque. There are a lot of other places. The Red, Hot, and Blue can make great ribs, but they are best on the weekend. Red, Hot and Blue is similar to Corky's. They have those guitar playing pigs everywhere. They make great potato salad as well. There is also Dickey's, Smithfields, Shady Oaks and I am sure plenty of others. I bet we have a donut shop, dry cleaner and barbeque place in every square mile! Well maybe not a barbeque place every square mile, but definately the donut shops and dry cleaners.
Life was really dull before I discovered ribs. Thanks Judi for enlightening me. My apologies to all the vegetarians out there, but tofu ribs are just wrong!
My friend Judi introduced me to dry rub ribs from Corky's a long time ago. We lived in New Orleans and there was a Corky's there. They were delicious dry ribs. Judi was from Memphis and the rib mecca of the world was is in Memphis. It was a place called the Rendezvous that she spoke of as being the best ribs. I think it is still there and I will have to check it out one day.
However, Texas knows a thing or two about ribs. There was a great rib place close to where I live called the Cotton Belt. The parking lot was filled with pot holes, the restaurant floor was bare concrete and not level, and there were peanut shells all over the floor. You just knew it was going to be good. They smoked those ribs until the meat was falling off. They would cook fries, fried okra, corn fritters and bring them out to the table steaming hot. It was wonderful. When we had family visiting from out of town, we would take them there. But suddenly in December they closed their doors. We miss the Cotton Belt. Then my sister Lizzie found a new rib place called the Red Barn. It is a tiny parking lot and a very small restaurant. But, they can cook ribs. They also have broccoli salad that is delicious. Lizzie found out that the Red Barn is opening a second location in the old Cotton Belt place. Oh my, there is great symmetry there. It is opening the end of May and I can't wait.
Oprah shared her receipe on the show one day for slow cooking ribs in the oven all night and I now can make a good slow cooked rib. The only problem is that after they have cooked all night, you have to eat them for breakfast. There is no way that Joe and I can smell them and not want to eat them right away. I don't know who taught Oprah how to make these, but they are delicious. It is the country style ribs with lots of meat on them. The Neely's are one of my favorite shows on the food network and I think they are in Memphis. Watching them make ribs, set my drool glands off.
Texas is all about barbeque. There are a lot of other places. The Red, Hot, and Blue can make great ribs, but they are best on the weekend. Red, Hot and Blue is similar to Corky's. They have those guitar playing pigs everywhere. They make great potato salad as well. There is also Dickey's, Smithfields, Shady Oaks and I am sure plenty of others. I bet we have a donut shop, dry cleaner and barbeque place in every square mile! Well maybe not a barbeque place every square mile, but definately the donut shops and dry cleaners.
Life was really dull before I discovered ribs. Thanks Judi for enlightening me. My apologies to all the vegetarians out there, but tofu ribs are just wrong!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
New puppy in the house!!
Ellie and the squeeky ball
She is so pretty
She sits/lays right here on the futon couch right beside my work tables. She is 6 inches away from me!We picked up Ellie from the Doberman Rescue of North Texas on Sunday morning. We were their first customer. Her foster mom had her in this cute purple coat. She looked so sweet. We filed out the contract and talked with the volunteer for a little while. This other young dog came in and Ellie wanted to play with him. He sniffed her ears and they wagged their tails at each other. She seems to get along really well with other dogs. Ellie is about 1 year old. She was a little shy around us at first but she is doing much better.
She has not had any accidents in the house. She has not chewed anything up. Being a rescue she has a few odd habits. If you give her a treat, she thinks she is supposed to go in her kennel. If you show her the leash she goes in her kennel. She does not like to ride in the car. I think her past experiences in the car were not happy memories. Her former owners drove two hours to surrender her last week. Then the foster mom took her home with her and then she took her to the vet to be spayed. Then on Sunday, she came back to the rescue place and then we got her and brought her home with us. So, I don't think getting in the car is a happy place for her. Joe took her with him to go to the drug store drive through and she was very hesitant. A great trainer I know told me to keep taking her outside to the car and giving her a treat and then coming back inside. So, we will work on that. We would like for her to go places with us.
We have not worked on walking on the leash yet because she still has stitches from her spay surgery. They can come out on Sunday and then we will start some training. We will put her in a class too.
Having a dog is such a joy for us. She has been keeping Joe company and it is so nice to come home and have her waiting there to see me after work.
There are a lot of great dogs out there just waiting for someone to adopt them. Our experiences with a rescue dog have been very positive. I will keep you updated as she learns new things and as she grows!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
3 Days of Valentines
On the first day of Valentinemy true love gave to me:
A dozen peach colored roses with purple bells
On the second day of Valentines,My true love gave to me :
A bag of Peanut M&M's Cupids Mix
On the third day of Valentines,My true love gave to me:
A lovely Hallmark greeting
that was very moving!
We have had a bad week at our house. We are trying to adjust to George not being around. We are getting used to no one standing at the door when we come in. We are looking in the local shelters for a new dog. We submitted our application to the local rescue. They wanted 3 references and were going to call our vet. We may get invited to attend the open house at the Dober haus next week. It is a little intimidating. Are we suitable parents?
The Joe pet decided that since I was having a bad week, I might need 3 Days of Valentines instead of one. He is my reward! On Thursday, I had a beautiful bouquet of peach colored roses and purple bells. On Friday, it was the Peanut M&M's Cupids mix. Oh, I could not stop eatting them, and then my stomach sent me a Valentine, telling me it does not appreciate the peanuts. Then on Saturday morning, I had a beautiful, sentimental Valentine. On Saturday night, we met our friends Harry and Ruth Ann at our favorite restaurant - Frescos. We always go out on Valentines with Harry and Ruth Ann. They have been married forever!
In a former life, Valentines was not happy. It was white knit pajamas with red hearts from Victoria's Secret and some nasty, cheap, heart-shaped box of chocolate that ruined it. It symbolized a failure for me.
God's grace is wonderful. He is a God of second chances. He knew the desires of my heart. God brought Joe into my life and Valentines has changed. I have a man who made Valentine's into a three day event. It is grace this side of eternity.
I am not saying I am running into Victoria's Secret to buy some foo foo pajamas. I don't even go into the mall. A catalog does come to my house. One of the girls must have ordered it. I will always hate cheap, heart-shaped chocolates.
I finished and mailed some Valentines for my friends that I had started earlier in the month. I just mailed my kids Valentines on Saturday. I am sorry Katie and Jamey to send late greetings. I hope you have a wonderful belated Valentine burger on me!
Second chances are the sweetest!
Valentines I made for my BFFs.
Oh, I did make a sweet one for Joe too.
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