~~Adventure Tour Epress~~

LABOR DAY, 2010
PART I

The adventure started the day before as we began our trek from Indiana to Georgia.   Atlanta has a

lovely skyline.  As it happens Uncle Jimmy had plans for Grandpa, Dad and the four boys.  You see the Dragon Con Parade was on Saturday

And it was a glorious day in Olympic Park.  What a beautiful sky and lovely feathery clouds

There was lots of things of the boys to do while waiting for the parade to begin.  They were able to make stands for their footballs.  All of this sponsored by Home Depot.

What a thrill it was for all the "Boys" to see Bat Man and his Bat Mobile...

And look at all those famous super heroes!

Finally, there was the thrill of having your picture taken with a real race car...Well, maybe not so much these boys, as they live in Charlotte, NC and they get to see these kinds of cars all the time.  But it was fun for Grandpa.

And what were Maddie, Mom, Aunt Kelly, and Mom doing?  We were at the outlet mall just having a wonderful time!!  And as for Maddie...She's a trooper!!!  Yep!  Shopping is in the blood!  And Part II will be shared next week!

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Thanks be to God!!

Now it's your turn. Please join in the fun and post an adventure we can all share and then link it here for all to see.

My Favorite Teacher...

I have struggled with numbers my whole life. In 2nd grade I spent my lunch time catching up on my math. I had trouble adding columns. In third grade it was multiplication times tests and while most of the class was on their 7 tables I was still on the threes...And so it went. My freshman year I had algebra I. I enjoyed it but my test grades were less than stellar. Mr. Downing told my mom that I seemed to comprehend the subject in class, but when I took the test I showed no grasp of the concept.

That brings me to geometry. Mr. Devers taught high school math. He was my geometry teacher that year. He had the patience of Job and a sense of humor as well. I struggled, I mean STRUGGLED in his class. I could not understand or remember axioms. The logic in the whole thing escaped me, for most of the year. But during the last quarter I have to admit I really was not sure I was going to pass. This generous man worked with me all year. After the final exam, a friend and I saw him in the cafeteria. We approached him and I asked how I did on my final. He simply said, "Cathy, I will give you the lowest 'C' I have ever given if you will promise to never take another math class." Yes, he did. He gave me a "C."

I am grateful for his perseverance, understanding and his sense of humor...When numbers get in the way, as they often do, I smile and thank Mr. Devers for being my teacher.

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Thanks be to God!!!

Now if you'll visit Laura at Catholic Teachers Musings, I'm sure your will be entertained and enlightened by others and their tales of their favorite teacher.

Once Upon a Recipe

I can think of no better way to send out the old and bring in the new than with a really scrumptious chocolate cake. Not just any chocolate cake but a BLACK MAGIC CAKE. For a number of years this recipe was on the box of Hershey's Cocoa. One day, I can't tell you why, I decided to write it down for fear the new box would not have the recipe and I would have thrown out the old. Hence, out with the old and in with the new (a very bad analogy!)

This cake has been a staple in our house for nearly 35 years. I started making it when we lived in Oklahoma and so it continues. Please enjoy!

Black Magic Cake

1 3/4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup strong coffee (or 2 teaspoon instant coffee in 1 cup hot water)
1 cup butter or sour milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1t teaspoon vanilla

Combined flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, or sour mild, oil, and vanilla. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into greased 13"x9" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

~sour milk= 1 tablespoon vinegar +milk=1 cup

Cake batter will be watery!!! I have never iced this cake. It is so rich. To decorate, when cool, I dust with powered sugar. It can be served with whipped topping or ice cream.

Enjoy ringing in the New Year. Then start the diet next week. Please as always share one of your favorite stories and the recipe that goes with it. Just attach it to Mr. Linky.

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Thanks be to God!

Once Upon a Recipe

Ever since I had my first bowl of New England clam chowder when we were stationed at Ft. Ord, California in 1971, I have taken great pleasure in making it. It is a tradition in this family to have clam chowder on Christmas Eve. We gather and pray, enjoy the meal and then we share our gifts. Even when we travel to visit the kids on Christmas Eve clam chowder is served. So I offer you the Keller version of...

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

5 medium potatoes
1 medium onion
2 cans of minced clams
2 teaspoons of salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cube margarine
1/2 cup flour
3 cups milk
2 cups whipping/heavy cream

Peel potatoes and dice into small cubes. Finely chop onion. Place in a large pot with clam juice from minced clams. Ad just enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Add minced clams, salt, pepper, mild and cream. Make roux from melted margarine and flour. Blend hot mild from the chowder pot to roux to thin the roux's consistency and then while stirring over medium heat, add roux to chowder. Continue to stir chowder until heated through. DO NOT BRING TO A BOIL. The chowder should thicken.

Serve with salad and warm buttered French or Sour Dough bread. Chowder may be served with grated cheese if desired. Serves 6 (I usually double the recipe and make two large pots when we are all together.)

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I understand how busy we all are and so if you have no time to share a recipe at this time please leave a comment about your favorite Christmas meal. May God Bless you all!!! And the Merriest of Christmases to you all!

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Thanks be to God!!!