Seldom has it been said cross-stitch saved a captured man from insanity or that a sampler was used by the resistance against a conquering foe. But such things are always possible.
Although certain members of our family are interested in trying the new flavor from Ben & Jerry's (vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum and fudge-covered rum and milk chocolate malt balls), I'd rather replicate the recipe in our ice cream maker than support the new vulgar name the company chose.
Apparently One Million Moms, a division of the American Family Association feels the same way. "The vulgar new flavor has turned something as innocent as ice cream into something repulsive. Not exactly what you want a child asking for at the supermarket."
Kandace Smith, 20, has cystic fibrosis and a single birth could lead to her death, but her fetal scan showed three heart beats. The doctors said she had no choice, but to terminate the pregnancy. Kandace, however, had already decided to take the risk for her unborn children.
With daily medication for Kandace, she was able to last until 28 weeks gestation. "I was so worried about them because they were being born so early. I just had to pray that they would all survive." They did survive and the identical girls Brooklyn, Savannah, and Dakota have also entered the scientific journals for cystic fibrosis childbirths. With that kind of entrance into the world, who know's what awaits these young ladies in the future?
Just another case of God's miracle turning out better than man's plan.
"...The top 10 percent of earners pay nearly 70 percent of all income taxes, according to the I.R.S. People in the richest 1 percent pay 31 percent of their income to the federal government while the average worker pays less than 14 percent, according to the Congressional Budget Office." - from "The New York Times"
And Rome fell.
Every year this time, amid grilled foods and sparkling projectiles, someone you know will still be patriotic enough to sing the National Anthem. "The Star-Spangled Banner" is difficult to sing and God bless the singer who makes it through, but would it surprise you to know that there are three more verses?
Here's a YouTube video showing a former Marine singing the National Anthem's final verse:
Let's not let these pieces of our history disappear.
Here's a YouTube video showing a former Marine singing the National Anthem's final verse:
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust;"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust;"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Let's not let these pieces of our history disappear.
Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things,
Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
Soaring fire that sways and sings,
And children's faces looking up
Holding wonder like a cup.
Life has loveliness to sell,
Music like a curve of gold,
Scent of pine trees in the rain,
Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
And for your spirit's still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night.
Spend all you have for loveliness,
Buy it and never count the cost;
For one white singing hour of peace
Count many a year of strife well lost,
And for a breath of ecstasy
Give all you have been, or could be.
This is Vincent Van Gogh's Vase With 12 Sunflowers - painted in 1888. It is one of several inexpensive art posters we have around the house. I love the Impressionists and I love sunflowers, so here is a double blessing. (Yes, I know Van Gogh was actually a Post-Impressionist. Let's not nitpick.)
I have the children sketch a still life every other week, but D was inspired by an episode of Doctor Who (featuring Van Gogh) to instead sketch this painting using pencil with a bit of colored pencil added for clarity.
She wanted me to post the original painting along with her hasty sketch. I believe she likes Van Gogh's art a lot. I know we both wish someone could have calmed his tumultuous mind.
My 2010 Bookshelf:
You can check out my 2010 reading list at Goodreads, my favorite site for bookworms. Sadly, my 2010 total was only eight books. George W. Bush read far more than that while leader of the free world and it looks like Obama also enjoys reading. If they can find the time to read several books a year, I think I should, too. I would like to at least complete one book per month.
What sort of books did I read this year? Two were children's books. One was an autobiography. Two were mysteries. Two were classics. Four were written in modern times. Six were set during the French Revolution and/or Napoleonic Era.
I have one book already on my to-be-read list for 2011:The Histories by Herodotus. I began it two years ago and really need to complete it. Anyone have any reading recommendations?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! God bless you!
From As Cozy As Spring I discovered an easy recipe for homemade Ricotta - courtesy of Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP.
Homemade Ricotta
Makes about 2 cups
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons good white wine vinegar
Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
Pour the milk and stream into a stainless steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
Sounds delicious, especially with fresh herbs added as Paltrow did with her Ricotta.
About Mrs. Happy Housewife
Married to my high school sweetheart. Mother of two. A housewife.
I'm full of opinions and curiosity. I'm not an expert, but on a quest of self-improvement.
Welcome to my life.
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