Dick Francis

Sadly, one of my very favorite authors, Dick Francis, passed away on February 14 at the age of 89. I have enjoyed his stories for years, especially in audiobook form, and am saddened to think that this era has come to an end. His last few books were collaborations with his son, so perhaps Felix will carry on the tradition. Reports are that most of the books were collaborations with his wife, and many criticized that they were formulaic. True - but I still loved them! The crimes were always ingenious and I always thought it was a good thing that he decided to be a writer instead of a crook.

There is a Hope

Stuart Townend is one of my favorite Christian songwriters, and this song of his is one of my favorites. There is a wonderful video of it on youtube. Someday maybe I'll master how to embed it in my blog. Until then, you'll have to google it. Anyhow, here are the lyrics - perfect for a rainy Monday morning in January!

There is a Hope by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards - 2007

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
that gives me strength for every passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
yet drives all doubt away:
I stand with Christ, with sins forgiven;
and Christ in me, the hope of heaven!
My highest calling and my deepest joy -
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
a consolation strong against despair,
that when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers "courage" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
and they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
that lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
to see the matchless bueaty of a day divine
when I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied.
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
for I am truly home.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Music

The other day I created a station on Pandora using Mannheim Steamroller (holiday). The resulting song list is wonderful - great songs to work to. I also made stations using Hillsong (holiday) and Kathy Mattea (holiday) and they are equally enjoyable.

Happy Thanksgiving from Clovis and Raquel

I have yet to take a photo of Raquel that does her justice. That's one reason why learning more about photography is on my list of goals for 2010. Meanwhile, these shots of Raquel were taken yesterday, and the ones of Clovis were taken on 11-21. Raquel is now 8 lbs. 8 oz. and Clovis is now 7 lbs. 10 oz. They continue to be sweet and affectionate.

Chicken and Leek Soup

I made this soup this week in an effort to use up some leftover chicken and some very tired leeks and it came out better than I ever expected.

Chicken broth - I used chicken soup base from Sam's Club, using about half the recommended amount. (ex. if it calls for 1 tsp per cup of water, I use 1/2 tsp., etc.)

Chicken - I had a cooked boneless chicken breast and a little bit of rotisserie chicken, so I cut it all up into bite-sized pieces.

Leeks - I cut these into bite-sized pieces, tossed them in some olive oil and roasted them at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes until they were tender.

I combined all of the above and heated it to "eatin' temperature". Little Man's Father raved about it. Mission accomplished!!!

Chicken Rice Soup

I made this soup for this year's hypertufa party and was very pleased with the end result.

Chicken broth - I used chicken soup base from Sam's Club, using half the recommended amount. (ex.-if it calls for 1 tsp per cup of water, I use 1/2 tsp.) I think any chicken broth or stock would be fine.

Rice - I cooked a batch of basmati rice in the microwave per the directions on the package.

Chicken - I bought a rotisserie chicken from Sam's Club and pulled all the meat off it.

Vegetables - I chopped up carrots, celery and onions and roasted them in the oven in some olive oil - 400 degrees for about 20-30 minutes until they were tender.

I combined all of the above together in a large pot, brought it to a simmer, then left it on the burner on low for 3-4 hours until lunch time. A crockpot would also work well.