Channeling the Warmth of the Tropics

Exotic supper club headed to the South Pacific, or at least closer to the equator this month. Jay and Denise got a Maui cookbook for Christmas and prepared two great dishes, a beef stew with vegetables, raisins and peanut butter (sound weird, but really tasty) and Hawaiian chicken. Sara and Philip made tostones with a spicy mango salsa as well as tropical fruit salad.



I made lomi lomi salmon and banana pineapple upside down cake. And sprung for Hawaiian coffee (though it was a product of canada?).

Deep Freeze

Here's hoping the camelia bushes can withstand the ice and bitter cold weather. If not, here are some memories.

This Means War

Mom and Dad gave me a new birdfeeder for the backyard for my birthday in early December. By the end of the month, the monstrosities called squirrels had their way with it. They somehow got it off the shepherd's hook, broke several of the perches and dumped the seed out. I am offering bounties on their heads, should you want to teach your children hand eye coordination with a slingshot.

Not a Good Year for Roses

Now you see them...

And now you don't! These two unruly climbing roses were removed and systematically disassembled for disposal. Back before Christmas a friend from work with extensive gardening knowledge and skill generously offered his time to help remove and relocate some plants in the backyard. I hope this gives me a reason to weed and attend to other areas of the yard. Stay tuned for the "after" pictures or come to visit.

Turducken 5

Cousin Eddie made an appearance, along with this handsome gentleman in his festive apparel.
Grandpa Pate's punch bowl held a custom batch of egg nog, complete with freshly grated nutmeg.

Another year, another nagging doubt that I should punt on Turducken without Jeff and Erin, but clearer heads prevailed. It came together with the help of Ryan and Liz preparing the stuffings. The turkey fought back when one of the bones broke and stabbed me in the finger. In the end, we won the battle, many familiar faces appeared and lots of good food was consumed. Merry Christmas, Vicksburg!

Flashback: Thursday Night Football

It was cold, they lost by two, but played decently in the 2nd half. Here's hoping CJ and the boys see a lot of endzone today. GO TITANS!

Deck the House

Didn't manage a Christmas card this year, but the tree is up, and some holly was scavenged from the backyard. Planning to hit the after Christmas sales for decorations.