Saint (Santa) Nicholas (Claus) Merry Christmas!

WHO IS ST. NICHOLAS?

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;  The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;….’   Clement Moore

The Christmas season, for me, has always been a joyous season. Fanciful, blessed with  the underpinnings of  religion. Some years surrounded by family. Some seasons working nights and away. Some seasons alone, cut off and remembering. Through it all, the underlying pleasure has never, for me, succumbed to commercialism burn out, negativity over family strife or a bah! humbug! moment. A balance is maintained over realities, fantasies and faith.

For all the trappings, the build up, the season and the aftermath (a bit of a let down) no cynicism will take away the wonderful feelings I derive and share. Keep the faith as it suits you. Share the love. To all Merry Christmas.   Digital story of nativity…..

Happy St. Patrick’s Day….

I couldn't resist. She just seemed so festive and I love green.

Considered one of the more popular patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick appears to have had a sacrificial life to say the least. Hardship and service. So, for all of you that find the occasion a celebratory excursion of pub crawls take a moment to study up on the more stoic life of Pádraig. And for goodness sakes be careful out there with the Jameson’s, Old Bushmills and the brews!!! Slán go fóill   LOTGK (a little freaky/sexist I would say; no offense to Pádraig and his devoted followers)

Yes, a more reverential, less sexist sort would have used this rendition of St. Patrick from St. Benin’s Church.

BBQ Rub Recipe

SAVEUR & Original Issue re BBQ

1 1⁄2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 1⁄2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
1 tbsp. sweet paprika
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. mustard powder
1 1⁄2 tsp. black pepper
1⁄2 tsp. ground coriander
1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin
1⁄2 tsp. dried thyme

1. Mix in a jar; store up to 6 months.

MAKES 3⁄4 CUP

Cowboy Caviar & Flanken Cut Ribs

• 1 (11 ounce) can small, white shoepeg corn, drained
• 1 can of black eye peas, drained
• 2 firm-ripe avocados, finely chopped
• 1 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• finely minced jalapeno peppers

Hot Summer night at the kid’s house. Cold beer, grilled, marinated Korean, flanken cut ribs, grilled veggies, the cowboy caviar; cold, cubed melons, chicken and burrrp….pie. 

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Liberty Day~Aunt's Flagpole (SwittersB)

Camera Battery Charger (Car/Cabin/Room)

More than once, my battery for my Pentax Optio W60 has died on a trip. Yesterday, with a dead battery and the original charger ‘borrowed’, I went looking for a replacement at a camera store. I found a charger unit for different Lithium batteries that not only plugs into the wall, but also the port in my truck. As I drove around on business, my battery recharged in no time. This will be nice in the field as well.

Wines: Serving Temps…No, Not Warm Room Temps

WINE SERVING TEMPERATURES…ENJOY