King of the Hill

The birds have been at the feeders all day. They don't need Accuweather to tell them snow is coming.

Not sure about this one

This was by a mailbox today. I'm guessing a dog carried it there. Click on the picture for a better view.

Keeping up with Words

The Capital Journal published an article by Mike Hall few days ago about banned words in the media. The phrase "banned words" brought to mind the comedy routine by George Carlin, "Seven words you can never say on television." (This is a link to the entire monologue. It might be offensive.)

I can hardly believe it was 1972 when the album came out. At the time, we all thought it was hilarious because some were definitely backroom words that most people would not say in public. And, no one, even to this day, can surpass Carlin in word play.

How far we have come, though. We could blame the popular music. Maybe its because there are so many ways to communicate, we just talk informally more often.

I will admit my language could use a bit of editing. With just the two of us, we are lax. However, the grandboys are getting to the age that they catch everything. Perhaps I should make it a resolution to ban all bad words in my vocabulary. Just as Mike said in his newspaper article, there are better ways to communicate. Still, sometimes, when there is no one around, no other word or words express just the right feeling.

Taste of Italy

The hostess of my ladies group served this soup last night--delicious

Tuscan Chicken & Artichoke Soup
4 celery ribs, diced
1 red onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups (64 oz) chicken broth
16 oz quartered artichoke hearts
1 lb. mushrooms. sliced
2 lbs. cooked chicken breasts, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup lemon juice

Saute celery, onion, and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add chopped chicken and seasonings and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer 30 minutes. Mix flour and wine and add to soup, stirring well. Add lemon juice.

Project Finished

It was a joint project between Dan, Kim and Marc. I just watched the kids. The wood, pine; the finish, a special gym floor variety; the plan, from a woodworking magazine. They made one for each boy's room. They are cool.