DIARY

Jan. 31/Feb. 1
A productive weekend. My role as caretaker and sextant of my family's 140 y.o. cemetery was called upon. My uncle assisted me on this very chilly Saturday morning with the measuring and staking of the plot in our Section 2 for a recently deceased 82 y.o. local citizen who is being interred in the family's large plot beside his mother and his grandparents.
Once concluded, we strolled around and reminisced about the many families in our cemetery and their interesting stories, before driving out our gate and into the cemetery alongside ours - that of our family's church - and again did a lot of reminisicing. "Oh look, this is so-and-so, remember them..." Lot of great history. We then drove into Granger and found Main Street closed again for the film crew currently producing some new Dennis Quaid and Roseanne Barr TV show. Granger regularly gets chosen. Movies like "True Grit" and many TV shows have been made here. We watched the goings-on for a while and then crossed over to the other side of town so I could show Uncle Albin the new museum our hometown is about to open.

Once home, I addressed the other tasks related to a new interment. Updating our website, Alpha Directory, historical database, and preparing the Certificate of Ownership for the family member who purchased the plot. Once done, I set about making my 15-Bean soup and my German cabbage slaw.
Yes, that's a peach tree blossom!

Just before the freezing temps, ice, and snow arrived last weekend, Arne and I were stunned to find several of the trees in my peach orchard were budding and blooming. Not good. I was somewhat comforted by the fact that rain came first last weekend - before it turned to ice. This means the trees were soaked, and this actually provides protection. I learned this from my Dad. If he found trees budding and knew there was a hard freeze coming with no rain in sight, he'd actually go out in the orchard with the water hoses and water all the trees down. This weekend I inspected the buds and, I'm happy to say, they looked fine. I then grabbed my two pairs of pruners for my annual attack on the peach trees. Two-handed I get going - clip, snip, clip. It's important to remove all the little sprigs that pop up along the bigger limbs, and remove all the down-pointing sprigs. One might think this is harsh - removing even sprigs with buds on them. But this is essential if one wants the trees to produce larger peaches.
The weather report says we are done with freezing temps for the time being, so I then set about removing all my plants from the shed. Sadly, a few didn't survive those evenings when we dipped into the teens, even though draped and inside the shed. I lost three of my favorite succulents. I'm also unsure whether a topiary shrub will be able to revive itself or not.
I then grabbed tools and a ladder and headed out to the barn in the pasture to repair some loose sheet metal on its roof. Removed the blocks of ice from Walter's trough, refilled it with fresh water, and refreshed his hay in the barn.

Carried the ladder down to the front gate and changed out the batteries in two of my Blink cameras before inspecting a problem with the front gate. I'm not sure if the ice storm had anything to do with it, but it's definitely no longer level and one end seems to be dragging a bit when opening and closing. Also, a recent grease application to the hinge zerks has not effectively silenced a squeal when the gate is in operation. Given both of these issues, I decided to reach out to my installer. Ken's good about returning out here for maintenance.

Inside the house again, I went to work clearing off my desk. Mail, bills, and other paperwork got away from me. So many bills. Thursday, I made the first installment on the new property taxes - argh! That hurt! And then I had to get both of my rental homes' propane tanks refilled - argh! That really hurt! But, such is life.

I got everything filed away and also finished putting together my folder of 2025 Tax documents for Mindy over at Jackson-Hewitt. I'm going to drop it after work tomorrow. Hoping for a big refund!

I devoted an hour at the piano (still struggling with a Rachmaninoff piece) before turning on some Gregorian Chant, launching into the recliner, and enjoying the latest download on my Nook. Arne let me know it was suppertime - but he had to wait. We had showers to take first. He loves his new peppermint shampoo, and I love my new loofah.

Enjoyed my bean soup while watching PBS' Sunday Mysteries. Great weekend!
_____________
Sunday, Jan. 25

SNOW DAY! I did something I haven't done in years - I called out from work. But really, I did not feel safe going out on the road covered in snow and ice at six this morning. And we'll not be out of the 20s until tomorrow. Forecasting 15 tonight!
Arne got to enjoy the white landscape.

I'm also closely monitoring my rental homes' propane tanks and poor ol' Walter (my goat). He's wisely staying in his barn. Arne and I delivered him some food and a bowl of (unfrozen) water.

Made some cider this evening. A cupful of pure apple cider and a cupful of cranberry juice in a saucepan, with slices of orange in this, along with cinammon stick and cloves. Smells wonderful. Perfect with my new mystery I'm reading to Arne. He's not quite sure what to make of my thick German accent, but I felt this particular detective required one.
___________
Monday, Jan. 12
I am loving my new evening read:
"The Universal Christ"
by
Fr. Richard Rohr

I am especially loving how well this ties into my university and seminary learnings - particularly the evolutionary thought of  Fr. Teilhard de Chardin and, later, my studies in process theology.

 

Melinda Gates is quoted as saying about "The Universal Christ," 

"Fr. Richard challenges us to search beneath the surface of our faith and see what is sacred in everyone and everything..."   

And U2's frontman Bono wrote,

"Rohr see Christ everywhere, and not just in people. He reminds us that the first incarnation of God is in Creation itself, and he tells us that 'God loves things by becoming them.' Just for that sentence, and there are so many more, I could not put this book down."

Brian D. McLaren writes in the Forward,

"Yes, bad religion can hurt you -- you've probably witnessed how bad religion has hurt people around you who happen to be practicing bad religion. But good religion can help you - really help you, even save your life and our world's future, especially at a time when bad religion is currently running the show.

Fr. Richard Rohr's life has been dedicated to articulating, advocating, and embodying good religion and good theology - theology that helps us create a better future... When you immerse yourself in the chapters of this book, you will be invited to see the Christian faith in a radically new and fresh way.

... Even more important, you'll be invited to look at life and the universe differently." 

In Rohr's Preface, he writes about 

a 20th-century mystic named Caryll Houselander who described how an ordinary underground train journey through London transformed into a vision on Saturday morning that changed her life.  In this "vision" she suddenly "saw Christ in everyone."  She began her ministry after that vision, emphasizing her "realization of oneness," that "every kind of life has meaning," and that "every life has an influence on every other kind of life that exists in God's created order."

Rohr spends a few paragraphs explaining how, 

in the Great Schism of 1054, the western church lost something that the eastern orthodox churches maintained - and that is the true meaning of "the Christ."  The West gradually limited the Divine Presence (the idea of Christ incarnate) to the single body of Jesus, "when, in fact, it is as ubiquitous as Light itself - and uncircumscribable by human boundaries." 

He then ties this important distinction between the historical Jesus of Nazareth, the man, and the notion of "the Christ" to the Gospel of John 1:1-14

"He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light..."

Rohr asks, 

"What if Christ is not Jesus' last name (as some seem to think) but rather the transcendent within of every "thing" in the universe?"

G.K. Chesterton once wrote,

"Your religion is not the church you belong to, but the cosmos you live inside of."

Rohr expands on this by reminding us that the essential function of religion is to radically connect us with everything - material and spiritual.  (Re-ligio = to re-ligament or reconnect.)  Truly enlightened people see the oneness of the universe because they look out from oneness, instead of labeling everything as superior or inferior, in or out.  

If you think you are privately "saved" or enlightened, then you are neither.  A cosmic notion of Christ competes with and excludes no one. Rather, it includes everyone and everything (Acts 10:15, 34)
________________

Saturday, Jan. 10

After a very long day at work, I was glad to get home and find my new book had arrived.  I've been eagerly anticipating this one.  

A little background:

At one of the lowest times in my life, finding myself in a terrible place and surrounded by frightening circumstances -- I discovered Father Richard Rohr.  Someone struggling to survive in the same challenging environment as myself handed me Rohr's

"Falling Upward:
 A Spirituality for the Two Halves Of Life" [2011]
 


in which
 Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who can understand and/or fully appreciate "being raised up." 

Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite.  What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward."  In fact, it is not a loss but actually a gain.  

This important book explores the counterintuitive message that we grow spiritually much more by having done wrong and fallen, than by doing right and never having experienced great loss - and explains why the second half of life can and should be full of spiritual richness.  

This book provided me hope in that place I was at, and even today I turn to it regularly before turning in at night.
________

Today, I received another of Father Rohr's books -- 
The Universal Christ" [2019].  

The book has not been without controversy, unsurprisingly.  And yet, having only read the synopsis about it and seen Rohr interviewed about the book, I am sure my own spiritual beliefs and understanding of "Jesus" and "Christ" are aligned to his definitions.  

Rohr presents a nondual understanding of Jesus by distinguishing between Jesus (the historical figure) and Christ (the divine presence that permeates all of creation).  

And I say, Amen to that.

"The Universal Christ" is Amazon's number-one book in both Christology and Christian ethics, was featured in Oprah's book club, and it was blurbed by U2 singer Bono.  And now I'm really looking forward to reading it!


Richard Rohr (right), a prominent Franciscan friar and spiritual teacher, met with Pope Francis (left) in 2022, receiving direct encouragement from the Pope to continue his work on contemplative spirituality and Christian mysticism to renew Christianity, heal the world, and transform human relationships.  Rohr deeply admires Pope Francis, viewing him as a prophetic figure who embodies the spirit of Francis of Assisi and is bringing about a significant, much-needed renewal within the Catholic Church.
____________

Saturday, Jan. 3

Chad came over with his bike.  We parked my truck at Willis Creek Park and went on a bike ride.  There were quite a few people enjoying the day and/or weekend camping at the park.   
Picnic area at Willis Creek Park

I no longer like cycling near heavy car traffic.  I was very pleased he came out here to ride this time.

We rode on the little trafficked country roads extending around Willis Creek. 
It was a very windy day, however, and I was struggling so we kept our ride short this time - only 11 miles.  But I sure did need the ride -- particularly after all that bad stuff I never eat nonetheless made it into my mouth over the holidays.

We threw together a yummy late lunch.  I tossed steamed kale with some balsamic vinegar and topped with feta crumbles.  He made a scrumptious hummus in the blender (see recipe here).  

We watched "Greenland" with Gerard Butler on Amazon Prime and thought it was very entertaining.
______________  

NEW YEAR'S Eve / Day 

At work on New Year's Eve I was delighted to find I'd not only got a nice year-end bonus in my paycheck, I'd also received a wage increase.  Yay!  This will certainly help with property taxes and other expenses. 

But, hmmmm - perhaps I could also address a few of those "wants" on my dream list, like those leather seat covers for my front seats in the truck.  Yep, I'd placed that order before leaving work 

and then I stopped at Homo Depot on my way home to pick up the three new pots I've been needing for three matching succulents in need of re-potting into something larger for their extensive root systems.  I also picked up three new HVAC filters for my home and the two rentals.

Once home, I pulled out the Instapot.  Before long I had a steaming hot, and quite spicy (the way I like them) pot of black-eye peas.  Ready for tomorrow!

New Years Day was blissful solitude with my Arne.  We rose late and began our stretching exercises on the floor (this always includes a bit of tug-o-war with the rope toy, dragging one another across the floor).  I had my sprouted, steel-cut Oats for breakfast topped with blueberries and maple granola crumbles.

After breakfast Arne and I enjoyed outside activities.  We cleaned and refilled Walter and Ralph' water troughs, filled all the outdoor bird feeders, changed out the lithium batteries in the Blink cameras, watered plants on both patios, pruned some shrubs and tree limbs, sprayed WD-40 on the front gate's arm that was squealing, put new flyers in the brochure stand out front reflecting the

new price on the property (650K),

and then gave the backyard TuffShed a thorough cleaning before pulling out my bike and giving it a little TLC maintenance.  Chad's coming over this weekend for a ride so I wanted to make sure my tires were looking good.

Whew!  Exhausted after doing all of that. 

Time for the Black-Eye Peas!  
OMG - I outdid myself this year. 

These were so good and, of course, I prepared a side of cornbread.  Arne and I were in hog-heaven!  We watched a couple of our favorite episodes of our favorite Agatha Christie detectives - one episode each of Poirot and Miss Marple - before taking a 2-hour nap.

The evening included more black-eye peas and prepping my work lunch with them for tomorrow.

2026
________________
________________

2025

CHRISTMAS DAY

I rose early and had two cups of my favorite holiday bean.  I pulled out the French press for this one and was really glad I did - the aroma was divine.  I sipped the two cups while reading my Advent devotional that comes every year from Austin Seminary.  This year's daily meditations, written by the faculty and staff, were particularly well-written and thought-provoking. 

[Click Here to read some of these]

I then had a wonderful day with Arne.  We began with the annual ritual of him ripping into his stocking while "Jingle Bells" plays in the background.  The green crocodile, a toy he picked out himself at PetSmart two weeks ago, was a big hit!  

He also got lots of treats - including a package of 6 peanut butter snowmen that he finished off.  My fault entirely.  I was not paying attention to him surreptitiously taking it with him when I let him out for a potty break.  Sneaky little rascal!  Devoured the entire package on the back patio, leaving not a crumb!

It was a balmy 80 degrees this Christmas -- a perfect day to wash the truck and vacuum it!  Arne helped by a.) dragging one of the floormats away where Daddy couldn't locate it for an hour; b.) darting into the spray each time Daddy fired up the water hose nozzle;  c.) tipping over Daddy's bucket of soapy water; and d.) shredding Daddy's new chamois before Daddy had a chance to dry his truck with it.

I then watered all the patio plants and filled the bird feeders before heading back into the house for the rest of the day. 

First chore - throwing Arne into the shower and trying out his new peppermint doggie shampoo (see pic at right).  He came out silky soft, too!

In the kitchen, after Daddy popped open a new bottle of his favorite sparkling cider, Arne and I made our favorite buttermilk biscuits, followed by a huge batch of spaghetti I created with ground turkey.  

My sauce was amazing.  I sauteed my chopped up leeks, mushrooms, carrots, small red peppers, and garlic first.  Later, I added them to the browned ground turkey along with fresh chopped oregano and diced tomatoes.  I added two jars of Roasted Garlic pasta sauce and let the meat sauce simmer for some time.  Yummy!  

I also made mashed Yukon Gold potatoes with spicy dijon mustard, and a huge batch of kale that I tossed in balsamic vinegar.

We watched three episodes of a new mystery series on BritBox before turning in early with the Nook.  I'm reading the complete collection of Father Brown mysteries by G. K. Chesterton.   I selected some lovely chorale music to play on my JBL speaker, and Arne smelled so good while resting his head on my chest.

 Definitely a great Christmas!  Arne and I hope yours was as well!

____________

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Chad, Joe and I went to see an excellent movie this afternoon and I highly recommend it to you all.  It’s about a true historical event, one that is so important to never forget.  

Nuremberg (see preview) delivers a tense, haunting portrait of the tribunal that sought to bring the masterminds of Nazi terror to justice.  The movie sticks to the facts and is based on the actual accounts of those who were involved in the first War Crimes Tribunal ever held – the infamous Nuremberg Trials.

The setting is the smoldering aftermath in Germany following the end of World War II, the world's attention is focused on the city of Nuremberg as the American military and its Allies, along with international media, gather courageously for a reckoning unlike anything in history. 

The central character is a U.S. Army psychiatrist, Douglas Kelley (played by Rami Malek), who has been assigned to evaluate the high-ranking Nazi prisoners. His greatest challenge: Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), who was the second most powerful official in Nazi Germany aside from Adolf Hitler (who had already committed suicide during the Allied invasion of Berlin).  With Hitler dead, the U.S. and our Allies make it clear they intend to make Göring principally responsible for the horrible things the Nazis did throughout the war.

The conversations between Kelley and Göring are chilling – and, wow, have much to say about the current authoritarian regime we are living through, an examination of the dangers of unchecked power, political manipulation, and the unsettling normalcy that develops in people who blithely ignore the accelerating hate speech of their leaders.

Meanwhile, the star U.S. Prosecutor who is orchestrating this first ever international criminal court is Justice Robert H. Jackson (played by John Slattery).  He and his team work under crushing pressure to build a legal case that the world has never seen — one that will henceforth define genocide, establish international law, and determine whether justice can truly rise from the ruins of war. (After his meticulous work building the case against the Nazis, Jackson will return to the U.S. and be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court)

It is well worth your time to sit through this movie and pay careful attention to the words of Kelley (particularly his comments at the conclusion of the movie) and the frightening words of the egotistical, charismatic leader Göring.   

Nuremberg blends the intensity of a great courtroom drama with psychological thriller elements, revealing the human struggle behind a moment that changed our global justice system forever. It is a stark reminder to us of the cost of silence in times of political corruption and what happens when we sit idly by during the rise of racist ideologies in our midst — as well as the fragile hope that can emerge in such times when humanity chooses accountability over fear.
______________

Saturday, Dec. 20

My dinner guest this evening was my wonderful friend of many years, Jan Pickett Rich. 

I made my
Chicken Scampi on Angel Hair Pasta, a side of buttery broccoli crowns, and salad. 

After dinner, we watched a movie, and midway through it I served us slices of Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake.  I garnished the plate with squares of salty dark chocolate.  I enjoyed my slice with a cup of Rooibus hot tea, and Jan had a cup of Peach-Ginger-Tumeric hot tea.

Jan and I reminisced about the old days in Granger when she and her late husband Denny lived on Main.  These two New Yorkers came down to my small hometown, bought the old Bartosh saloon and transformed it into a chic urban loft.  It was such a breath of fresh air on a Main Street lined with abandoned old buildings.  
I loved being invited to their gatherings and meeting the artsy types.  Denny, an SU alum, was an artist and Jan was a nurse.  While I attended SU, she was nurse there.   

Forty years later, I still love spending time with Jan.  We are so like-minded about political and spiritual matters, and we always have great conversations about these subjects.

This evening I was so touched and overwhelmed by the generous Christmas gift she gave me -- a beautiful Bohemian crystal dish. 

This prized antique, dating to the 19th century, is now in my display cabinet and will be something I will always cherish from someone who has always been so special to me.
__________________

Dwight's 65th B'day; Dec. 13
 

Dwight,
avid fisher of men.
My former partner and still great friend, Dwight

(being goofy with his fish in the pic),

has turned 65

-- and I simply can't believe this is happening. 

65?!  Dear me, life is happening too fast. 

It seems to me that it was only yesterday we were driving through fields of sunflowers in the Andalusia region of Spain, climbing up to the castle in Sintra Portugal, and admiring the spires of Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral while making a late evening stroll across Karlov Most.  Yet, now I realize that was 25 years ago.  Those were great times, and now such treasured memories.
Dwight at 3.

Saturday, the 13th, he and his new partner, Vincent (whom I adore), threw a magnificent party at their Travis Heights home -- which they've recently done a splendid remodel job on. 

There was an amazing turnout for the celebration, and it was so great seeing so many of the old gang.  The food that was laid out was so beautifully done.  Throughout his many years in Austin, Dwight consistently put on some of the most memorable dinner parties. 

Here's to you Dwightums!   All the best to you and many happy returns!    

Sunday; Dec. 7 

Do you, like me,
have a Sunday ritual
prepping for
the work
week?

My work week essentials are
- laying out clothes for Monday morning
- prepping the coffee maker and timer

and
- stocking the frig with a week's supply of:
  • The Smoothie
    A full Ninja pitcher supplies me with
    5 days worth of daily 8oz shots
    CONTENTS:  2 c. blueberries, 2 Grapefruits, 1 sm ziploc bag of my own frozen sliced peaches, unsweetened applesauce, unsweetened organic 100% cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, matcha, whey protein, flax seed, honey.
  • The Buttermilk Biscuits
    After kneading, the dough is carefully cut with my trusty circle cutter before baking in order to produce exactly 11 -- for my 2 daily, eaten during my morning commute.  And, if you were paying attention, you know there was one set aside - it goes to Arne. 

    Two tossed into toaster oven each morning.  I slowly savor their buttery and floury texture along with the preserves I spread on their warm tops while I am listening to my podcast on my journey into work. 
  • The Meal Prep
    I prepare a casserole, big batch of spaghetti, salmon portions, tunafish or, in winter, my various Instapot soups.  Whichever it is, trust me, it includes Kale.  Always, always, the Kale must be involved!  Arne and I have a ritual saying in the kitchen.  You've heard of "Release the Kraken!" He loves it when big daddy roars, "Release the Kale!" 

    Sigh, guess you have to be there.

    The Meal Prep this Sunday:
    Vegetable Soup containing
    chickpeas, cauliflower, zucchini squash,
    and, you guessed it, loads of kale.
    Each daily serving gets sprinkled
    with feta crumbles.
    When microwaved at the office,
    it melts nicely into the broth.

  • The Tea 
    Large pitcher preparation of loose black and [Gunpowder] Green tea leaves, that will resupply my thermos for the next five mornings. I drink this energizing and organic simplicity all afternoon.
__________________
Saturday; Dec. 6 

I devoted Saturday to my volunteer gig as groundskeeper of our family's historic cemetery. 

It was still pretty chilly and wet in the morning so I intentionally took my time preparing.  This entails pulling the flatbed trailer out of my pasture and ensuring it's ready to get on the road.  I found one of the tail lamps had a loose connection so I worked on resolving that issue with some trusty electrical tape.  Then found the tires low in pressure. The cold temps were a contributing factor, but still way under recommended PSI.  So I pulled out my electric air pump and took care of that and the mower's tires as well.  I grabbed the edger and blower and gas cans and threw those on the trailer before grabbing my final items from the house - couple of granola bars, my green tea, face mask and safety goggles - and I blasted off.   

I was out there for about 3.5 hours and gave it a good manicure. 
____________________
Giving Tuesday; Dec. 2

Today is GivingTuesday, a day set aside each year to support one's favorite charity organization or engage in volunteerism or community service.  

For the fifth year in a row now I've chosen to make Meals on Wheels Central Texas my charity of choice on this day.  I made this pledge five years ago to continue supporting them in years to come because of the important service they've been providing in our area since 1972 to homebound elderly folks and, as you know, my own parents during their final years at home with dementia.  Having the warm meals delivered daily was a godsend and the volunteer deliverers were always so kind when they brought the bags to the door.  

I encourage everyone to support the work that they do and help them with your donation to make these warm meals possible for all our seniors in the Central Texas area.  https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/

I thought Giving Tuesday was also the perfect day to engage in my volunteer service I do at each change of season or holiday.  I went out to the Taylor City Cemetery and our Machu Family Cemetery to replace the Fall flowers with Christmas flowers.

 

I also serviced the port-a-potty at the Machu Cemetery while I was out there.   I will be performing the final mowing of the year at that Cemetery this coming Saturday.

Later in the evening, Arne and I put up our small Christmas tree on the credenza.
See pic on our Holidays 2025 photo page.
_______________________________

Thanksgiving; Nov. 26

I was honored to be invited into the home of my friend Chad Cotton and his mom, Linda, once again on Thanksgiving Day.

I prepared my Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
(see my "Fall Recipes" here

and, because I miss her so much on these holidays, my Mom's Easy Chocolate Mud Pie (see recipe here).

Following our meal, we enjoyed table games 

and, later that evening, Chad and I headed to the Alamo Theater (S. Lamar) to see the second chapter of Wicked.

___________________

Sat. - Sun., November 22-23

After giving the property a good mowing, including a manicure of the backyards at all three homes, I then decided it was time --

yes indeed,
the slow evolution of the holiday lights
began this weekend.  

After Mom passed away in 2023, the past two years I set up an 8 ft. Christmas Tree on my front patio done solely in red, Mom's favorite color, in memory of her.  Passerbys sent me very nice compliments on the red tree that could be seen a mile away!  

Not doing it this year.  This year my nod to Mom will be represented by a large red-lit bow set before a trio of planters, each with a cedar bedecked in green lights.  

I also started, not finished, my white fairy lights in the tree canopy over my back patio.


[See 2025 Holiday Lights, Decor, &
  Gatherings
as they evolve
]

Also this weekend, I visited with Jan and brought her the keifer she wanted from the store. She was hosting her good friend Margaret for a few days.  

While visiting with them Margaret shared her Catholic tradition of St. Joseph with me as she knew I was trying to sell my place.  It was very kind of her.  I especially like the prayer card that was included with my little Joseph statue.  

I did ask her if it would be okay that I did not bury this "head of the royal household," aka father of Jesus Christ, in my front yard (for fear of being struck down by lightning) and, instead, kept him inside near my front door?  She said she thought that would be fine and equally effective in securing my sale.

Later, out at the church cemetery, Jan and I fulfilled our mission to bring a little Buddha to our old friend, St. Dan.

Sunday evening, I browsed the web looking for a holiday side dish that I might bring to the family Christmas next month.  I ran to the grocery store to get all the ingredients and threw it together.  

It passed the test, definitely going to bring this great Holiday Slaw!  You should give it a try, I've posted it at Terry's Recipes
_______________________ 

Thursday, November 20

This is a pic of
an unhappy Arne.

It's the look that says, "You kept me in the kennel for way too long, Daddy!  I don't care how much fun you were having."  

We co-exist in a home the size of a studio apartment.  As if the bathroom wasn't small enough, I have Arne's kennel in this space. He knows this is his place when Daddy is entertaining a guest (or guests) and obediently walks into it.  I toss him a treat and shut the gate. 

Apparently, Daddy exceeded his allotted time for personal gratification with others and should have returned his attentions to Arne much sooner.  

So miffed was he at me that when it finally was our bedtime, there were no snuggles or cuddles.  Arne hopped onto the bed and headed straight for the foot of the bed, heaving a big "Do Not Disturb Me" sigh.

I know when I've been thrown shade, and so
I thought best to let sleeping dogs lie.
_________________________ 

Thursday, November 13

A few nights ago I'd pulled a classic from one of my shelves, Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped," and last night had only a few pages to go before dozing off.  Arne and I wrapped it up this morning and both of us really enjoyed this riveting tale of David Balfour.  

It's been 40 years since I first read this 1886 classic and, I have to say, it's one of the most exciting adventure novels ever written, a model of brilliant plotting, compelling narrative.  But there's another level to the book I had not noticed before -- it's a profoundly homosexual novel.

After our breakfast, we headed outside to load the birdfeeder and tend to Walter and Ralph.  While cleaning out their water vessels, a large lizard shot out from beneath one and gave Arne quite a fright.  He then made a feeble attempt at pursuit, but to no avail. 

Went to the local BS&W clinic and got my flu vaccine before heading over to Al's house for a little push mower repair.  I sure did appreciate all that Al did getting my mower repaired and properly tuned up.  Stopped in at Southwestern AC Repair on 10th St. to pay for the recent repairs they did at one of my rentals.  Bob has done a really cool re-do of his business location's front yard -- laying astroturf, complete with golf ball cups, and adorable iron cacti and armadillos!  Loved it!


Once back home I got busy on my patios.  I found that a couple of my succulents had new blooms, including this one shown in the pic with cute little yellow flowers.  The weather was picture perfect today so I blew the leaves, watered my plants, did some re-potting, and rearranged the inside of my garden shed.  Arne laid out on the driveway in the "dead bug position" while enjoying the warm sun and pleasant breeze blowing across his belly.  

Thrilled about the update my friend Shed posted on LinkedIn.  His immunotherapy with Keytruda has been very effective.  Continuing to keep him in my prayers.  As well as my friend Jan who I visited with this evening.  She and I found a little Buddha that we're going to set out on our old friend Dan Martinets' grave.

_______________________

Sunday, November 9

Rose early and did some stretching and lifting exercises with Arne.  We then enjoyed several of our buttermilk biscuits made yesterday, before heading out to feed Walter and Ralph.  

Arne caught 10 out of 12 throws of his favorite stick  >>>>

before turning his attention to an area in the yard littered with pecans.  Worried my little man would suffer later from ingesting the sharp shells, I ushered him back inside and began getting ready for church. 

I was sad that my friend Jan could not accompany me as usual to services at SGUUF.  She has returned home from a brief hospital stay, but is continuing to recover.  

San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship had a good crowd this morning and Pulpiteer Eric Hepburn gave us plenty of food for thought on insights he had gathered at the recent Peace Summit at Southwestern University.  I especially enjoyed hearing again the great Victor Frankl quote, "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose…”  I also have been reflecting a lot on another kernel he dropped in the course of his morning message regarding “how to listen without an agenda.”  

After the service, I went to HEB and Home Depot in Georgetown.  At HD I picked up a couple of new planters and cypress trees for my afternoon project.  Yesterday, I had the help of my wonderful tenants who live in the Main House on my property. They assisted me with the removal of three dead trees and carrying the debris to the burn pile in my pasture.  One of these was the tall Italian Cypress that’s been a familiar identifier for the past decade on my home’s east wall.  Following the Ice Storm of 2023, this poor tree never fully recovered, and I’d grown tired of its raggedy appearance, so I asked Andrew to fell it as well. 

Problem afterward: the void. 
The solution is pictured here:

I’m not happy with just the two of these planters.  I think I’ll be adding a third, taller  one on the right.  I’ve always heard said from decorator queens I've known that these types of arrangements should always be in groups of three.  I do miss the great height of the old Italian Cypress that had towered over my roof.   Hopefully, these will attain more height in time.

In the evening, I whipped up something I was proud of.  I browned both sides of some cabbage wedges with caramelized onions in the skillet, poured veggie broth and heavy cream over them, grated Gruyere cheese all over, and slid this into oven for half an hour.  [RECIPE]  Yummilicious!  Speaking of Yummilicious, I devoured this while watching my new heartthrob “Maigret” on PBS Masterpiece Mystery.  

__________________
Halloween, October 31

I had to work on Halloween, but I made big plans with Arne for the evening.  

Still wearing his Halloween costume (Superman t-shirt and cape) when I arrived home, Arne deftly vacuumed up a bowl of kibbles, quickly conducted his outdoor "business," declined my tossed invitation to play fetch, and insisted on immediately returning inside.  I took this as his eagerness to proceed with the evening's agenda. 

He conducted his ritual of giant leaps in the kitchen as soon as the kernels began popping in the microwave popcorn maker.  I’d promised him a new twist on our customary movie-time snack.  I blended dried dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt into a scoop of grated Parmesan.  Dumping our freshly popped corn into a large bowl, I gave the contents a generous dusting, and the taste test ensued. There seemed to be some indecision in his expression after devouring the first two I tossed into the air for him.  But the third toss-and-scoff clearly indicated my little food critic approved of the new seasoning.  

We then set down for the evening’s selection, Murder by Death, the 1976 comedy (a spoof of the classic mystery genre) written by Neil Simon and directed by Robert Moore.  The stellar cast includes Peter Falk, Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith, David Niven, Truman Capote, James Cromwell, Nancy Walker… What a lineup!   Arne and I were cracking up throughout this timeless parody!  

We highly recommend both this movie and the new popcorn seasoning recipe!
__________________

Saturday, October 25
93 Day Drought
at my home has been
interrupted...
Hallelujah!
Look at that rain gauge!

I received two and a half inches of wonderful rain last night, after having resigned myself to the reality that it would never rain again.

A small chance of more is predicted for 
later this afternoon.  And so I have my "Rain" sound playing on the stereo and am fully engaged at the moment with the Great Spirit that this will be so.   We sure do need more!

And thanks, Uncle Albin, 
for my patriotic rain gauge!
______________________

Thursday, October 23

I invited my Aunt Angie to lunch at Taylor's new Main Street Deli (1426 N Main, directly across from the EMS station).  
I'd become acquainted with the owner through my work at Restaurant Depot, and I'd been promising her I'd stop in to grab a bite.  Glad we did!  Angie and I really enjoyed our nicely plump Turkey-Bacon-Avocado sandwiches.  Angie had as her side the soup du jour, a thick and comfy cream of broccoli.  I had a perfectly spicy cucumber pasta salad.  

Little did we know the best was yet to come when, on a whim while heading to the cashier to pay, I spotted the dessert case and what I thought were lemon bars (which I have a weakness for).  As it turned out, this was Neiman Marcus Cake and it was divine!  Angie and I recommend Main Street Deli to all, check it out and let's support our local business owners!

After our lunch, we visited Aunt Marie Ann (sister of my Aunt Angie and my dearly departed Mom) at the SPJST Assisted Living Center. Her daughter and son-in-law (my cousin Sherill and husband Rex) were engaged in the sad process of taking down her beautifully appointed suite she's had there for over a year, and preparing for the transition to a facility closer to their home in south Austin.

Angie and I then did some grocery shopping, mainly for me, as I had in hand a new recipe for a vegetarian take on Shepherd's Pie.  After returning Angie to her home, I headed back to my place and got busy in the kitchen.  It turned out great!
___________________

Sunday, October 19
Marking two momentous occasions today.

Happy 110th Heavenly Birthday to my paternal Grandma Elizabeth "Lib" -- my staunchest 'coming out' supporter and one of the most stoic-minded women I've ever met.  Brought her flowers on this special day (and even laid some at husband 1 on the left and husband 2 on her right!)  I sure do miss going to Austin Opera productions with you, Gram.  Love you!

Today also marks the 14th anniversary of my departure from Austin (after 20+ years living there) and move into the house I designed for myself back on the family property in Circleville. Arne and I celebrated with our feet up on the sofa while enjoying our favorite snack - popcorn - and watching Masterpiece Mystery on PBS.  Ah-h-h-h, such bliss.   
_________

RALLY - 
Saturday, October 18
Today I stand in solidarity with all those marching and rallying across this great nation in protest against the authoritarian policies of Donald Trump and the widespread corruption in his administration.
_________

Sunday, October 12

Jan Pickett Rich and I visited the San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and were inspired and uplifted by the message delivered by Pulpiteer Eric Hepburn on the theme of Cultivating Compassion. We then enjoyed brunch at Wildfire followed by a stroll around Georgetown's Square and browsing through the shops. After storming through the Wolf Ranch HEB, we returned to our homes to put away our purchases -- all except the ingredients I'd picked up for mine and Arne's favorite buttermilk biscuits.  They turned out great!  The evening consisted of reading my latest mystery on my Nook and watching the new PBS Materpiece Mystery series, "Maigret."

________

Saturday, October 11:
CEMETERY WORKDAY

Today I rose at 6 a.m. and loaded my truck with equipment, heading out to my maternal family's 130 y.o. historic cemetery before it would get too hot on me out there.  
I addressed the hardest labor first. Using a shovel and our excess dirt pile in the rear of the cemetery, I filled the back end of my truck fully and then transported it to the front of the cemetery where I then used my shovel to unload the dirt, slowly filling in the sunken gravesites of my uncle and that of my parents. It's not uncommon for plots of recent interments to need topping off with soil several times in the year that follows.  I did three of these truckloads. 

I did my best to smooth each of these plots over nicely, ensuring it to be level with their encompassing grounds.  Disappointingly, t
he dirt was very dry and filled with large clods.  Hoping the winter period will cause it to settle and I can return in Spring and throw some Scott's TurfBuilder on to it. 

I then mowed the front fence line and road ditch with my push mower.  I used my Echo weedeater to edge around all the headstones in the cemetery as well as the ornamental curbing at the site.  I grabbed my handsaw and went after four dead shrubs, loading them into back of my truck along with the large trash bin that was full of trash in order to take all of this back to my place for disposal. I used three big water jugs I'd brought along to wash out and sanitize the port-o-potty we have there.  Finally, I used my blower to blow the cuttings away from all headstones, curbing, roadway, as well as the outdoor Pavilion and picnic table area. 

I loaded everything up and headed back to my place.  After dumping the cemetery's large trash bin into my own disposal bin, I grabbed Arne so he could take a ride with me to return the trash bin to the cemetery.  As we always do before departing the cemetery following our work out there, we sat on the bench beside my folk's gravesite and gave them an update on all our recent doings.   Arne had more to share than I, as usual.
________

Thursday, October 2:
Dinner & Dessert with Jan


Jan Pickett Rich and I headed in to Taylor to check out the new Goodwill.  She found some cool vases.  I found a DVD boxset of the Miss Marple murder mysteries and some new shirts. 
 

We then headed to Taylor Seoul Food.  
This is our second time to patronize this welcome addition to Taylor's increasingly broad selection of dining establishments.  I got the same thing I got last time, the signature dish of the owner - Curry Chicken Cutlet.  

After great conversation and delicious meal, we went back to my house and I served up bowls of Pistachio Mochi before Jan departed home to Granger.


Terry's Portfolio
including my Short Stories, Poetry, Novels,
Family History,
Book Reviews, and Articles of Interest
can be found in the
Reading & Writing section of
Terry's Library

____ Check out Terry's____
 Meditations!


Top 3 Terry's Meditations
ranked by largest viewership:

November, 2023


April, 2024
___________
NOVEMBER 2024

NOVEMBER MEDITATION
A Special ALL SOULS DAY Feature Story:
Anton Janyska
Sec. 2; Row 7

machu-cemetery.org

The Mysterious Death
of Anton Janyska

My investigation into the numerous tragedies in Anton Janyska's life developed while I was conducting a survey at my family’s 140-year-old cemetery …

…. there lying beside him is a 2 month old child named Vlasta Janyska.  

His daughter?  If so, isn’t the timing of this man’s enlistment only one month following his child’s death strange?   

Why is there no wife buried beside Anton?   Why would the mother of this child be buried only a year later in a different cemetery rather than here beside this child she bore?

So many questions were churning in my head.  Little did I know how many more questions were to come!

I hope you enjoy reading
my investigation into the life of and
The Mysterious Death of Anton Janyska.


© 2024 Terry Loessin; All Rights Reserved.  Any illegal reproduction of the written works found in Terry's Portfolio at terrys-library.blogspot.com will result in immediate legal action.
_____________

New Short Story
 


Terry's Portfolio
including my Short Stories, Poetry, Novels,
Family History,
Book Reviews, and Articles of Interest
can be found in the
Reading & Writing section of
Terry's Library
____Terry's ____
Music Reviews!
_________________________

VACATION in OREGON

Aug. 27 - Sept. 3


Featuring:

the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, Multnomah Falls, Crown Point's Vista House, Silver Falls, Devil's Punch Bowl, Bridge of the Gods, Bridal Veil, Corvallis, Manzanita, Pittock Mansion, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Tillamook Creamery and much more...

Fleeing the horrid drought and three-digit temps of Texas, Chad and I headed to the lush green trails and refreshing waterfalls in Oregon.  

Portland was home base from which we ventured out each day for our adventures and many thanks to our lovely host there, Christie.  

________
travel down
Terry's Memory Lane 
_____________

I'm glad you stopped in to browse and, 
as always,

Enjoy looking through my Library


Terry’s “Good Living” Guide:

Body:
Avoid the 3 PsBsSs
Processed Foods, Phthalates, Plastics;
Beef, Butter, Breads;
Sedentary activities, Sugars, Salt.
Trust me,
you’ll be feeling better in no time!

Mind & Spirit:
Avoid the 3 F’s
Manufactured in these mediums are
misinformation, fear, anger and hate!

JOIN ME IN ENSURING AN EDUCATED CITIZENRY!

JOIN ME IN ENSURING AN EDUCATED CITIZENRY!

___________

TERRY's ADVERTISEMENT:
I love coffee! 

I drink it morning through late afternoon.

Best Bean Ever!

While on vacation in Oregon I fell in love with the many varieties I discovered at Portland Coffee Roasters

I recommend both Morning (I love the milk chocolate and cherry finish.)

and Steel (Most popular blend. One taste and you’ll see why: it’s rich, smooth, and full of sweet toffee flavor. It tastes great as both a coffee or an espresso. An instant classic when introduced over 20 years ago.)

Since their founding in 1996, Portland Coffee Roasters has sourced their coffee directly from farmers while building sustainable relationships with them and the communities they support. 

Read more about their Mission & History

No comments:

Post a Comment