This day marks the closing of a year, and the official beginning of a new year. All accounts of the previous year are coming to a close which means any business you would conduct for the year must be finished in these next hours, and any tax deductions you wish to take must be completed in the next hours as well. The next year is but a mere speculation at this moment, all future business is at this point simply futures. For many individuals this is a great time of reflection of the events of the past year or years of their life. It is a time that adjustments can be made to their hopes and ambitions of the coming year, and the methodology in which they hope to achieve each of these great things.
The coming hours bring a close to the year of many firsts for you, however being ushered in is a year also filled with firsts for you and a few seconds. Your first Christmas, Thanksgiving, teeth, words, and many other firsts have been the highlights of the closing year for you. The great and wonderful things that are yet to arrive for you in this coming year is a small sparkle of light in the distance which can best be described as a prediction of a coming age. Your first birthday cake, first steps under your own power, and your first spoken sentence are among these amazing feats which one may assume will occur for you in this coming year.
I look forward to your future with great ambition of many fantastic events for you. It comes with understanding that I have created a planned course of action of the many things which I can do to make your future as promising as what it is in my power to assure. Even after all I have done to ensure that you are well fed, housed, clothed, and cared for in every way the rest will remain up to you. It is essential that you always maintain for yourself a great level of self respect and a positive attitude. With these you will be able to fully manipulate the outcome of how your future unfolds itself.
There is really no concrete and certain method that can be applied in order to ensure the desired outcome in anything which we do. Outside forces are constantly at work which may either help, hinder, or be indifferent to the projects we undertake. The best advise that can be given on the subject is that you greet every obstacle and stumbling block with the great power that is to be had in positive thinking. When things do work out slightly alternate to what was anticipated how you react will be a great reflection of your character and yourself as a person. There will be many individuals who help you to get to where you are going as well and it will always be essential that you treat them with much love, respect and dignity. As it is said, "Great men stand on the shoulders of giants." There will be hard times, and I am in no way promising you all rainbows and cupcakes in everything that you attempt to do. In fact much to the opposite of this I promise you hard times, unexpected obstacles, and disappointing let downs from the very people you thought you could trust the most to never let you down in any way. You are only human and all of those people around you suffer from this same shortcoming. Remember this, expect the unexpected, and no matter what treat each person and event with respect, an open mind, and a positive attitude.
I beg you my son to always see the best in people, always see the learning experience that accompanies the disappointments, and cherish every day the Lord gives you to be involved in the daily dealings of this world. Do your best every day to make someone else smile. Do your best every day to make yourself smile. I desire for you to have many years of reflections of great happenings at the close of the year. I hope for you to have great hope for many coming years to come.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Philippians chapter 4
In closing I leave you with this recipe you may want to try out for your New Year's Eve party or celebrations:
Lamb Meatball Sliders
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 ounces fresh goat cheese (1/4 cup)
1/2 pound merguez (spicy lamb sausage) or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 pound ground lamb
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
Kosher salt
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 28-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sliders:
1/2 pound fresh goat cheese (1 cup)
2 1/2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
24 slider rolls
Pickled sliced cucumbers, for serving
Directions
Make the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Stir in the coriander, fennel seeds and rosemary; toast 1 minute. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and refrigerate until cool.
Meanwhile, roll the goat cheese into 1/2-inch balls (the size of marbles); set aside.
Add the sausage, ground lamb, breadcrumbs, eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the bowl with the spice mixture and mix with your hands until just combined. Roll into 24 small ovals (about 2 tablespoons meat each). Make an indentation in each with your thumb, then insert a goat cheese ball and form the meat around it. Roll between your hands to make a smooth ball. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the sugar; cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the oregano.
Add the meatballs to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Assemble the sliders: Beat the goat cheese, mascarpone and milk in a bowl with a wooden spoon. Stir in the oregano, rosemary, thyme, dill, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Spread the goat cheese mixture on each roll; fill with the pickled cucumbers, meatballs and more sauce.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Super Man and Super Son
We are the men of Steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and all other shiny metallic objects.
Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house, were remnants of the holiday explosion that occurred. Toys and Clothes were strewn all about and a mountain of cardboard boxes awaiting trash day to be taken out. The little boy was asleep, exhausted from the past days events, and daddy was uploading the videos for the rest of the family to enjoy for generations to come.
created by David Hiett
From our family to yours we hope that each of you had a Christmas holiday filled with good food, family fun, cheer and laughter!
created by David Hiett
From our family to yours we hope that each of you had a Christmas holiday filled with good food, family fun, cheer and laughter!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Wise Old Mechanic
In a remote town along a lonely stretch of road miles deep into the desert of Nevada, there was a single service station tended to by a friendly older gentleman who happened to be an exceedingly great automotive mechanic. This man, always making a habit of making friendly conversation with each person that stopped in by asking what they did for a living and so on, had on occasion been known to really help individuals out when they mentioned that they were out of work or having a hard time keeping enough hours. By "really helping them out," I mean he would often do their repairs free of charge only charging them the price of the parts required.
One day there was an individual that stopped in at his quiet little shop complaining that his engine light had been on for several miles. He also explained that this was the only service station he had seen since it first lit up. The old man began to examine under the hood when he asked the customer, "So what do you do for a living?"
The man explained that he was a doctor.
Upon hearing this, the old mechanic closed the hood, looked at the man and explained, "Well, your check engine light is on and you will need to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Now this visit will only cost you $850 although the interest rates will be rather steep. On a side note, I can almost promise you the car will die before you make it to the next town with a garage."
At this the doctor was extremely surprised at the sudden change in demeanor from the old man and this rather ridiculous charge for simply stating back what he already knew. So he looked at the old man and in a serious tone he asked, "why on earth should I pay you so much money for you to just tell me what I already know and furthermore why are you sending me away from here without fixing my car for me?"
Then the old mechanic explained the whole situation. You see some years back, the old man had driven his wife many miles from this remote location to a hospital. The doctors took a look at her and then told the old couple that she needed to go see a specialist that she would need to schedule an appointment for one. These doctors were unable to offer any sort of a diagnosis other than the fact that she was pretty sick. Well the old man made the appointment however, his wife passed away before the appointment date came. Later a bill came in the mail from the one hospital visit for $850 and the man nearly lost his small garage over the outrageous interest that was charged.
Realizing there was no hope in the man having a change of heart the doctor drove off in search of another garage. His car indeed did break down before he reached one. The old man's wife had an infection that a few shots of antibiotic could have cured and the doctor only needed a couple quarts of oil added to his engine. Although this story is not technically true, it is a true representation of the blight that our current health care system is under. Blue collar Americans will never stoop to their level but this is what it would look like if they did!
One day there was an individual that stopped in at his quiet little shop complaining that his engine light had been on for several miles. He also explained that this was the only service station he had seen since it first lit up. The old man began to examine under the hood when he asked the customer, "So what do you do for a living?"
The man explained that he was a doctor.
Upon hearing this, the old mechanic closed the hood, looked at the man and explained, "Well, your check engine light is on and you will need to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Now this visit will only cost you $850 although the interest rates will be rather steep. On a side note, I can almost promise you the car will die before you make it to the next town with a garage."
At this the doctor was extremely surprised at the sudden change in demeanor from the old man and this rather ridiculous charge for simply stating back what he already knew. So he looked at the old man and in a serious tone he asked, "why on earth should I pay you so much money for you to just tell me what I already know and furthermore why are you sending me away from here without fixing my car for me?"
Then the old mechanic explained the whole situation. You see some years back, the old man had driven his wife many miles from this remote location to a hospital. The doctors took a look at her and then told the old couple that she needed to go see a specialist that she would need to schedule an appointment for one. These doctors were unable to offer any sort of a diagnosis other than the fact that she was pretty sick. Well the old man made the appointment however, his wife passed away before the appointment date came. Later a bill came in the mail from the one hospital visit for $850 and the man nearly lost his small garage over the outrageous interest that was charged.
Realizing there was no hope in the man having a change of heart the doctor drove off in search of another garage. His car indeed did break down before he reached one. The old man's wife had an infection that a few shots of antibiotic could have cured and the doctor only needed a couple quarts of oil added to his engine. Although this story is not technically true, it is a true representation of the blight that our current health care system is under. Blue collar Americans will never stoop to their level but this is what it would look like if they did!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve
Merry Christmas Kiddo,
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"
I sincerely hope that Christmas always fills your spirit with a fantastic sensation of joy and good cheer. Remember the reason that this sacred night is celebrated and may you always be careful not to get caught up in the commercial worldly ways of the holidays. Be sure that your stocking is hung with care and leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for the fat man in the red suit. It is always better to give than it is to receive.
Track Santa
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"
I sincerely hope that Christmas always fills your spirit with a fantastic sensation of joy and good cheer. Remember the reason that this sacred night is celebrated and may you always be careful not to get caught up in the commercial worldly ways of the holidays. Be sure that your stocking is hung with care and leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for the fat man in the red suit. It is always better to give than it is to receive.
Track Santa
Friday, December 21, 2012
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