Southern Tradition ..New Years

Southern Tradition For New Years

Black Eyed Peas

Being raised in the south one New Years Tradition has always stuck in my head and have done it for years.

EAT BLACK EYED PEAS FOR GOOD FORTUNE!

I found During the time of the Pharaoh, black-eyed peas were a symbol of luck and good fortune. The belief was that those who ate black-eyes, an inexpensive and modest food, showed their humility and saved themselves from the wrath of the heavens because of the vanity they might have. In fact, black-eyed peas aren't a pea at all - they're lentils.

In the South black-eyed peas in some variation, with or without ham hocks, greens as Hoppin' John, that combines peas, rice and ham. Black-eyed peas were used for cattle feed in the old South. During the battle of Vicksburg during the Civil War, the town was under siege for over 40 days. No supplies came in or out. Vicksburg was on the edge of starvation. The people had no choice but to eat those black-eyed peas, therefore starting a southern tradition. Today, black-eyes are eaten every New Year's Day to bring good luck for the new year.
There are, however, beliefs that exclude some foods as bad luck. These include lobsters, they move backwards and chickens, that scratch in reverse. Eating these on New Year's day might cause a reversal of fortune.

I have made up my black-eyed peas in advance but with a twist this year.

REDNECK CAVIAR

2 cans black eyed peas, drained

2 cans shoe peg corn, drained

2 cans Ro-Tel tomatoes, drained

2 lg. bell peppers, chopped1

2 sm. green onions, chopped (stem and all)

3 ripe tomatoes, chopped fine

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. garlic salt

1 tsp. parsley flakes

16 oz. bottle Zesty Italian dressing

1 can black beans, drained (optional)

Mix peas, beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes with garlic salt, garlic powder, parsley flakes, and Italian dressing. Refrigerate at least 12 hours. Serve with Frito Scoops.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tomb of Jesus

As I was in my kitchen this morning and listening to news on in the family room .I pass a painting I did a few years ago.My painting is the Tomb of Jesus.While standing there my heart sank.Fighting, bombs killings all happening in the Holy Land.
I stop and pray for PEACE

Finding Old friends

For the past year I have found so many friends old and new and even family members through this machine that sits on my desk.I go to only free sites and put pieces together.I know it takes longer to do it this way but I have had luck. The one friendship that has taken me back the farthest I would say is close to 30 years where I grew up in Tampa.This friend knew more about me than I think I knew about myself at that time.It is strange how such strong relationships just fade.So often through the years I have thought about this friend and wondered what they were doing .I wondered if they were married , children or even grandchildren like myself.After connecting and with a few e-mails in about a 24 hour span my friend answered so many questions.

As I sit here with a smile and thank God for all my blessing. This is one friend that will always be a blessing to me.

Assembly Required

Assembly Required

Papa and Grandma got to babysit.So guess what toys they brought to play with? It sure did brought back memories.Papa was saying,"They sure don't make things like they used to" Many moons ago I think I heard my Dad say the same thing."

Emotions

Emotions
No need for any other word.Sometimes it happens during the Holiday's

Hallelujah!

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas in the 60's

This was 1965 and the little girl just happens to be me.If memory serves my right, this was taken at an Aunt and Uncles house on my fathers side of the family.The saddle shoes bring back a few memories as well.Two times in my life I wore them at this age and 17 when I was on the pep squad in high school.

There is the wrapping paper as stated on the blog below...a little messy but tons of fun!

The song playing is special to me "Away In A Manger". My mother was reading to me out of a Golden book when I was little and on the back page was this song.I remember telling her over and over to sing it again.

Sad day In Centreville. Ala.

Century-old Bibb County school gutted by fire

CENTREVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Fire destroyed a former junior high school in Centreville that was nearly a century old and was undergoing renovation.
Brent Fire Chief Jerry Pow said faulty wiring apparently was to blame for the fire that started Tuesday afternoon in the attic of the old Bibb County Junior High School.
Centreville Mayor Tom Bamberg said Wednesday the fire has been put out but parts of the old school were still smoldering.

The two-story, red-brick school with white columns was built mostly out of pine and opened in Centreville on Jan. 1, 1909. It was undergoing renovation for use by the school system's central office staff. The fire consumed the roof and most of the school's interior.
"It's a sad thing," Bamberg said Wednesday. "Everyone in this community came through that school"

First Christmas For Grandma

For the first time in many years I have gone out toy shopping and I am so looking forward to Christmas Day !I know Aubrey will be one month old on the 25th and won't remember this day only through photos but Bryan who is 4...well I don't have to remind you about that age.I think it is so easy to put gifts into gift bags but for the children the excitement of ripping into the gift and paper all over just adds to the drama.

The Whirligig Man

For the past 7 years all the locals between Stanton and Plantersville Alabama has see The Whirligig Man .Gene Lawrence and his wife Edith have been the team in this endeavor, while she makes he sell.Mr.Lawrence gave me a little history behind them.The money he got from selling them goes to his church tithe each Sunday and when gas prices started climbing it also helped out there.

Those who have seen this stand know that each time you pass here an arm will go up and he will give a great big wave while his Whirligigs spin.He went on to tell me that his "Whirligigs" are spinning all over the world from people who have stopped at his stand

Sad news came from Mr. Lawrence yesterday while I stopped to wish him a Merry Christmas.His wife Edith passed away Dec. 10th and he said that Dec.24th will be his last day open.My heart sank I told him so many people in this area are going to miss him and to rethink.He then told me, "Well, maybe on special occasions I could set up".

God Bless The Whirligig man and those who know who this is need to stop and wish him a Merry Christmas and let him know how much he will be missed.

Pretty Pink / Skywatch Friday

As the sun was sitting I was out at the back fence giving treats to the neighbors goats.I think they enjoyed the sunset too as our sky's have been gloomy for days.Notice the goats profile in the second shot...click on it

For more Skywatch Friday click

Icon below

Lady and Cash

Yesterday morning my daughter calls me and says, "Come on over for some coffee!"

She has two full blooded Labrador's named Lady and Cash. Eight puppies were born and all I could say was, "Ho Ho Ho glad it's your house and not mine"

All joking aside I think it was a nice way to start my day.I think it is amazing how animal instincts take over and know right what to do .What a miracle!!!

Through the eyes of a child in N.Y.C.

A Christmas that will be etched in my mind forever.I was eight years old and my step father (Dad) had taken us to New York City to meet his huge Italian family.There were so many there Aunts, Uncles, Grandpa, Grandma, and cousins.....tons of cousins.The story about the family will be saved for another time.

My Dad had to show us all over New York City.My jaw dropped at the huge buildings and our trip all the way up to the top of the Empire State Building.A tour through Macy's and a pair of rabbit skin mittens with leather on the palms..... Oh they were so soft.

Radio City Music Hall or as the locals call the "Christmas show".The movie was Albert Finney in "Scrooge"Radio City is a beautiful theater and just like in the Broadway shows the chandler goes up before the performance.I bet you can see my head following it up.When the movie ended I hopped up out of my seat with my brother.We were told to sit back down. How strange I thought...the movie is over!THE SHOW started OH MY GOODNESS I can not come up with a word to describe the feelings I had at that moment.This little girl from Indiana had never seen a stage show let alone anything from Broadway.

Through the years I have gone back to N.Y.C. and have often thought about my first visit and nothing can compare to that visit.

Merry Christmas to my family in New York!

Panettone

This is a lighter version of fruit cake.I had this as a child made the old fashion way.I use my bread machine because it is just as good and easier.Real good with a morning cup of coffee!

Panettone Italian Bread

For Bread Machine

1 c water, warm

3 TB butter or margarine, cut up

1 lg egg - scant 1/4 cup

3 1/4 c bread flour

2 TB powdered dry milk

1 1/2 ts salt

2 ts sugar

1 ts anise seed (may be omitted but better with)

3/4 ts lemon peel*; freshly grated

3/4 ts orange peel*; freshly grated

2 1/4 ts Fleischmann's bread machine -yeast

3/4 c chopped candied fruit

1/2 c sun*maid raisins or currants

1/3 c almonds slivered or chopped pecans

Instructions
Measure carefully, adding ingredients in bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer - except cherries, raisins or currants and almonds. Select Sweet or Basic/White cycle. Use Light or Medium crust color. Add red and green candied cherries, raisins or currants, and almonds at the raisin/nut cycle or 5 minutes before last kneading cycle ends. The dough becomes VERY SOFT and WET in appearance at this point! DO NOT add flour, as the bread will become tough.

Three Little Carolers

What a sweet surprise!

Three Carolers in my house this weekend.

Can you guess what they sang?

Mele Kalikimaka!

Even my guest bathroom has a Santa and a Tree.

Can you find the Chritmas tree?

The art on the wall is one of my Trompe l'oeil paintings I have done meaning 'Trick the Eye"

Burlap

One of my Nativity Scenes made of Burlap

Oh holy night!The stars are brightly shiningIt is the night of the dear saviors birth!Long lay the world in sin and error piningTill he appeard and the soul felt its worth.A thrill of hope the weary world rejoicesFor yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!Fall on your kneesOh hear the angel voicesOh night divineOh night when christ was bornOh night divineOh night divineLed by the light of faith serenely beamingWith glowing hearts by his cradle we standSo led by light of a star sweetly gleamingHere come the wise men from orient landThe king of kings lay thus in lowly mangerIn all our trials born to be our friend.Truly he taught us to love one anotherHis law is love and his gospel is peaceChains shall he break for the slave is our brotherAnd in his name all oppression shall ceaseSweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,Let all within us praise his holy name

The Full Cold Moon/ Skywatch

December 12 — The Full Cold Moon Sky watchers will be dazzled by an exceptionally high, bright, and large Moon . In fact, this Moon is 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons this year. Why? The Moon is both in its full phase and at a point in its orbit that is nearest Earth, called its perigee. When these events occur together, the Moon is closer to Earth than usual. The effect? The Full Cold Moon will appear especially large near the horizon as the Sun sets. The Moon is also high at this time of year; when it's overhead (near midnight), it will light up the landscape. Take a magical stroll and see your world at night. You won't need a flashlight.

This full Moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some Native American tribes.

Farmers Almanac

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

CINNAMON-DOUGH ORNAMENTS
6 tablespoons applesauce
10 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
MIX APPLESAUCE, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth and clay like. Sprinkle cinnamon on your tabletop and rolling pin, and roll the applesauce/spice mixture to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a small knife to cut out your shapes. With a small skewer make holes for hanging ribbons and draw details on the shapes. Place cutouts on a cookie sheet and put in a 120 degrees F oven. After 1-1/2 hours turn the oven off but leave the ornaments in overnight to dry. Store in an airtight jar until ready to use. Decorate with ribbons and hang on the Christmas tree or tie them to holiday gifts. Makes about 20 fragrant ornaments.

From The Old Farmers Almanac

Wordless Wednesday / SWEET

Front Porch

The Soldiers March

My Nutcracker collection keeps growing and growing .Our library/media room is just about done upstairs so I thought this would be a great place to put them along with a few things I have treasured through the years.

The Woodsy Santas

As part of my Native American bedroom sits the Woodsy Santa's

Christmas Many Years Ago

Sitting back thinking about the first Christmas I can remember.I am sitting on my mothers lap. The date in this photo was 1963.A few months ago I received this from a cousin in the mail and I had never seen this photo before.My mother had sent this out in her Christmas greetings.

Looking at this photo for me seems like an other lifetime ago.During the Christmas Holidays I go through what I call my down time.You see two people in this photo are no longer here my father and brother and I miss them terribly.I look at my own son and see my father so much whom he never knew.My daughter in law can not get over the resemblance.I look at my nephews and see my brother who were just tots and now grown men I am so proud of them and I know my brother is too.

I want to thank God for letting them be a part of my life for as long as he did.

Merry Christmas Dad and Mark

Things I Have Done

I found this at Day To Day Life Of A Southern Mom and thought it would be fun to do.

Bold the things you’ve done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain (actually hiked up a mountain)

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang/played a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Made a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Gotten a speeding ticket

If you decide to do this on your blog, let me know so I can come over and see what you've done.

It's one of those days../Skywatch Friday

It's one of those days where you just had to stop and take some photos.

The bottom photograph with the little gray clouds were so close you could almost touch them.

Smokehouse Cheese Ball

I use this recipe often during the Christmas Holiday's often and it is a BIG hit!!

Smokehouse Cheese Ball

1 8oz. bar Cream Cheese
1/2 packet Ranch Dressing
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
1/2 cup Smokehouse Almonds (not roasted) Chopped real fine

Combine all while cream cheese is still firm and kind of knead it till all blended.I use a piece of Saran Wrap and so it does not get all over your hands and work with it that way.
Form a ball wrap in Saran Wrap and put in a Zip Lock bag.It will keep a week but in my house it only lasts a day.
Serve with crackers.my favorite is Triscuits or Sociables.

*Note: You might want to make 2 It goes QUICK

Cabbage Rose

While in Maggie Valley North Carolina this past spring ,I had to visit my favorite store as I do each trip, "Cabbage Rose".This store is just loaded with so many things I could spend hours in it.It is one of those"OOO and AHHH" stores.If you noticed the pic slideshow on their site .... Cabbage Rose has also taken a photograph of this beautiful angel.

Family Tree

Our Family Christmas Tree

This is my first Christmas Tree. The tree is loaded with a conglomeration of our children's ornaments made in school ,Grandma's knitted ornament's and ornament's that came from my childhood years in the 60's and 70's .

Christmas Spirit

My Cork Tree

Just a little Christmas Spirit with the corks from wine bottles

The Granddaughters Room

The Baby's Room

This is the Granddaughters room and the Native American room is for the Grandsons

Another Tree

The Dining Room Tree

As the Clouds Roll By/ Skywatch Friday

Happy Skywatch Friday

Stubbed my little toe trying to get outside to take this from my front porch.

Click on it ...I think it was worth the pain.