dughlas

Thank you one and all for the efforts you contribute to providing a place for this community. Peace be yours this holiday season. Namasté my brothers and sisters.

So you have something to survive on in the event of snowpocalpyse.

I hate when the livestock escape from their train car.

Each had its own special qualities.

Mum and I watched the rocket launch this morning. NASA in conjunction launched an unmanned resupply capsule headed to the international space station. Unfortunately there was a glitch and the capsule burned its fuel too soon and didn't reach the proper orbit to rendezous with the station. Hasn't been a particularly good year for Boeing. That being said because it was a predawn launch here along the Carolina coast we could see the rocket as it headed into space. Saw it separate from the main boosters. It was actually pretty cool.

Well damn, how did I miss this? CONGRATULATIONS!

I'm not a queen ... I'm a pretty, pretty princess.

What a wonderfully crafted tale of fantasy.

Hmmm, let me think. What about New Years Eve or maybe Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day, Sunday, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Monday, Flag Day, Tuesday, July 4th, Wednesday, Bastille Day, Thursday, Labor Day, Friday, Halloween, Saturday, Thanksgiving, aw hell any old day will do just put those two in plaid.

Glad she's getting the care she needs.

Oh good. Puppies to counter balance all the kittens. This way no one will think he's the crazy cat guy ... he's just plain crazy.

Thank you Albert. He's just my size ...

It's cold here this morning, 34/1° and beautifully clear and bright. Off for our morning walk. Blessed be y'all.

More time spent on your knees ...

Years ago I had a boss who's husband was Vietmanese. She made the most wonderful crispy springrolls. She shared her recipe and one year for New Years my wife, my sister and I teamed up to make them. It was alot of work and we had about 3 dozen of them. They were delicious. My wife and I have been separated nearly 20 years and my sister died 16 years ago ... still it's a happy memory. Your story brought it back, for that, I thank you.

Warm socks ... wear warm socks.

Hi Page.

It's currently a blustery 47/8°, 15 degrees colder than yesterday at this time. The day is be clear and sunny.

I'm glad you got a break even though it wasn't the day your son had planned.

My dad sent me a text saying back home it was in the 30's/1° all day today and that it's supposed to get cold and blustery tomorrow. Something to do with a gift from Canada.

Me too. I mailed a Christmas card to her today. Hope it arrives in time.

Thank you Page. Mum and the pup are both well.

Your mom and I probably do them in a very similiar manner. These can be roasted in the oven or on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet or dutch oven. 1lb Brussel sprouts 2 shallots or 1 medium sweet onion, chopped .25 Cup precooked bacon pieces (Hormel or Oscar Mayer, less fat and sodium than cooking) .25 Cup good quality olive oil Freshly ground pepper to taste. Aged balsamic vinegar (I use dark but white works too, it just has a lighter sweeter flavor) I simply clean and cut the sprouts in half before cooking. In a bowl combine with chopped shallot/onion and coat generously in olive oil. If roasting in the oven spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Season with black pepper to taste. Roast for 30 minutes at 400°. Remove from oven. Scatter the bacon bits over top and stir. Drizzle with vinegar to taste and return to oven for 5 - 10 minutes to allow vinegar to reduce to a glaze. If roasting on the stovetop heat skillet over medium high heat. Add sprout/shallot mixture to hot skillet and cover. Check after 5 minutes and stir. Continue cooking and checking every 5 minutes until sprouts have softened and begun to brown. Reduse heat to medium low and add in bacon bits and vinegar. Allow to simmer uncovered until vinegar has thickened and formed a glaze. Remove from heat season with black pepper and enjoy.