New Year Thoughts

AT SEVENTY-SEVEN



When you get to be my age,

You should not wish for a Happy New Year

Instead, try for a Happy Tuesday.

Put down those green bananas,

And reach for the ripe ones.

The green bananas will ripen by Thursday;

Who knows what Thursday will bring.

If it's winter, do not long for spring.

Enjoy the bare branches and cold winds

While resting by a warm fire

With old memories.

A glass of old wine

An old cat purring in your lap

As you doze off

Into tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The tree is down and the decorations packed away for another year. It is time to think about our New Year's Day dinner. Since it never varies there is very little planning involved.

MENU:

Blackeyed Peas, the dried kind that soak all night then are cooked with ham hock, a few cloves of garlic, chopped onion and various seasonings.)

Turnip or Collard greens (ham hock and onion)

Pork roast

Rice

Cornbread

We cook the blackeyed peas with a 1940's silver dime for good luck in the New Year. The same dime each year and no one has swallowed it yet.

The turnip Greens represent prosperity.

Mix the Blackeyed peas with the rice on your plate and you have "Hoppin John", an old southern tradition. Add hot sauce,Tabasco or Texas Pete to taste.

This plain meal tastes just right after the excesses of the holiday season.


HOPPIN JOHN


"This dish is thought to have originated with African slaves on southern plantations, and is essentially black-eyed peas cooked with salt pork and seasonings, and served with rice."

"There are several theories on the origin of the name, 'hoppin-john'; a lively waiter who served the dish at a Charleston hotel; a lame cook who hopped up and down while cooking it; and finally from a custom that children must hop around the table before the dish is served. It is traditionally served on New Year's Day in the Southern U.S., and is supposed to bring good luck during the coming year."











Link

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The tree is decorated, the presents are wrapped

The table is set with the good china, silver

And crystal wine glasses.

The Christmas red candles await the match

Which will bring them to shimmering light

Falling softly on family faces,

Bright with anticipation.

For just one day in time

We are children again.

EGGNOG CHEESE CAKE

FOLLOW UP TO PREVIOUS POST
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

DECADENT CHRISTMAS EATING
Please post your own most decadent holiday recipe.

CAUTION I have not tried this. Proceed at your own risk.


Eggnog Cheesecake

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 7 Hours 30 Minutes
Yields: 12 servings

"A simple easy-to-make cheesecake served with a yummy Pecan Caramel Sauce. It's perfect for holiday get-togethers."
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup white sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream
cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened
condensed milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup dark rum 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup packed light brown
sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum
1/2 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup melted butter, wafer crumbs, and white sugar. Press firmly on the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk. Mix in eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Stir in 1/4 cup rum, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Pour into the prepared pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until set. Cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife blade carefully around the inside rim of the pan to loosen the cake from the sides. Cool in the pan to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled. Remove from pan before serving.

4. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup of water. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add 2 tablespoons dark rum. Cool. Just before serving, stir in pecans. Serve sauce with cheesecake.

ALLRECIPES.COM

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

Holiday Eating Tips


1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact,
if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where
they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine
single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than
single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year
but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories
in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole
point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make
a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy.
Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with
skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?
It's like buying a sports car with an automatic
transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort
to control your eating. The whole point of going to a
Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots
of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now
and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have
nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which
you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a
10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size
of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have
as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them
behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of
each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and
one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have
more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with
the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all
cost. I mean, have SOME standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave
the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying
attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is
just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in
one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and
screaming,

"WOO HOO what a ride!"

Safety tips for the holidays

From a local neighborhood news letter, here is some sound advice for the serious crime problem that plagues is all,especially during the holidays.

PS(I love the last line)







HOLIDAY CRIME PREVENTION TIPS


DON'T GET RIPPED OFF
One thing you need to remember is this: Crooks don't take the holidays
off. Nope. Business as usual....in fact it's the busy season for most..

Enjoy the Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware

The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is
fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes
forget the basics for maintaining our safety on the streets and at
home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and
following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season
that is both happy and safe. A primary factor in crime prevention is
being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger - thereby
closing the criminal's keyhole of opportunity.

Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of
street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we
speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal
can size up a potential victim.

. Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets,
walkways and parking areas - for both walking and parking.
. Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft
such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
. Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by
straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants
pocket.
. Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to
use when you reach the door.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind regarding the car or house
you've left behind while on your travels.
. ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a
few moments.
. Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in
open view in your car. Take valuables away with you, lock them in your
trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way.
. Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after
dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
. If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for
someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a
sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those
envelopes for holiday gifts that might be enclosed. E-mail
steve.rose@sandyspringsga.org or ask for a SSPD House-Check form if
you're going to be gone.

'Tis the Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers

The holidays are swiftly approaching. The stores are putting up their
decorations and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Sandy
Springs Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look
forward to holidays as much as everyone else. Maybe more so! The
department asks women to beware of purse snatchers because they look at
women carrying pocketbooks as easy prey and fast money. The thieves know
that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful
as they should be when out.

Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.

. Keep your purse close to your body.
. If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
. If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping. A fanny pack
is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
. Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others
behind.
. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
. Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine,
and use one in a high traffic area.
. Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit
areas. Don't take so-called short cuts through wooded areas.
. Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
. If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch
directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared,
yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important. Make some
noise and draw attention.
. If you have a fruitcake, use it as a weapon.

WALL STREET JOURNAL'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

I am posting this Christmas Message early in case I doze off and it is 2007 already.






"In Hoc Anno Domini
Vermont Royster's annual Christmas message.

Sunday, December 25, 2005 12:01 a.m.

This editorial was written in 1949 by the late Vermont Royster and has been published annually since.


"When Saul of Tarsus set out on his journey to Damascus the whole of the known world lay in bondage. There was one state, and it was Rome. There was one master for it all, and he was Tiberius Caesar.

Everywhere there was civil order, for the arm of the Roman law was long. Everywhere there was stability, in government and in society, for the centurions saw that it was so.

But everywhere there was something else, too. There was oppression--for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar. There was the tax gatherer to take the grain from the fields and the flax from the spindle to feed the legions or to fill the hungry treasury from which divine Caesar gave largess to the people. There was the impressor to find recruits for the circuses. There were executioners to quiet those whom the Emperor proscribed. What was a man for but to serve Caesar?

There was the persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was everywhere a contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world?

Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee saying, Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's.

And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new Kingdom in which each man could walk upright and bow to none but his God. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. And he sent this gospel of the Kingdom of Man into the uttermost ends of the earth.

So the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe salvation lay with the leaders.

But it came to pass for a while in divers places that the truth did set man free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light. The voice said, Haste ye. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you, for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Along the road to Damascus the light shone brightly. But afterward Paul of Tarsus, too, was sore afraid. He feared that other Caesars, other prophets, might one day persuade men that man was nothing save a servant unto them, that men might yield up their birthright from God for pottage and walk no more in freedom.

Then might it come to pass that darkness would settle again over the lands and there would be a burning of books and men would think only of what they should eat and what they should wear, and would give heed only to new Caesars and to false prophets. Then might it come to pass that men would not look upward to see even a winter's star in the East, and once more, there would be no light at all in the darkness.

And so Paul, the apostle of the Son of Man, spoke to his brethren, the Galatians, the words he would have us remember afterward in each of the years of his Lord:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.


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