Oh, Lord.....

It's hard to find the words to begin with this post....yesterday I thought I knew exactly what to say and was prepared to do so...then we lost internet along with power and it isn't back on  yet....we just happen to have gone out of town today so I'm able to get online...If I had written yesterday, I would've spoken too soon. Little did I know the worst tornado in our lifetime would hit my state....   and then my city....we had already had a tornado hit the fringe of my street and neighborhood at 6:00 am without my knowledge! Seriously....no one believes me that I am practically deaf....my husband was up and checking things out...he never worries about weather!!! We quickly turned on the news to find out that Cahaba Heights was devastated! That's my stomping ground! That's where I go everyday and where my friends are and our first house "was"! ...we were stunned but still didn't get it!!! We had put in a generator about 2 years ago so we were relatively fine! Once the internet went out we really had a hard time keeping up with what was happening! Once I saw the  horror of how many trees and power lines were down on our street and in our neighborhood I really got scared! Miller and Will ( my son and nephew) really had no idea what was really happening....they thought since school was called off they could go out for breakfast...only to find they couldn't get off of our street! They were stuck and I think it was then that the devastation began to hit home. The boys went to my sister's house and picked up my precious neices, Hannah and Kathryn to come over as well and they  entertained themselves upstairs while Jim and I tried to figure out what to do! We tried to make the most of the day and made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and then  homemade pizzas for lunch....and then, after talking with neighbors.... discovered what was headed our way later in the day and I began to make plans.....I've always been scared of weather but in the past few years had gotten complacent! NEVER AGAIN!!!

I can't tell you the things I got accomplished without power and internet...I began thinking this wasn't so bad after all!!!! We heard that school was also cancelled for Thursday and the boys began plotting who's house to go to when they got their cable back! They truly didn't understand and neither did we!!! Until I heard about the possible F5 tornado headed right for Tuscaloosa! Everyone in Birmingham knows that the tornados typically come right into Birmingham from Tuscaloosa! I listened to the radio for a minute and then my heart and my brain met and began to scream up the stairs to Miller and his friend Sam at this point....Will had already gone home to his basement! They didn't take me seriously at first....and I'm not sure Jim did either until I was truly frantic....honking the horn and I remember my brain thinking...but what about the pictures!! you just printed pictures of Layton! It's odd where your brain goes! I always thought I'd be in control if we had a fire...I've got things in certain drawers in chests that we all know to get out! But this time....I left with NOTHING!!!!! I remember shoving my computer under a chair...in case it got wet!!! That's how little I really knew!!!! Later, I thought of all of things I should've done except that you don't have the time!!! I specifically heard the weather man say...."You have about 20-30 minutes if you live in these areas....." and I panicked!!! We raced to our neighbors house that had earlier told us they would be there...and they weren't!!! So I REALLY panicked!!!! WE drove to my sister's house so fast...dodging power lines and downed trees ...I felt like we were on a race track and I didn't care!!!! WE flew into her basement...we all sat around the radio and we all prayed! and the younger children cried! I'm sure the older ones wanted too....I know I did!!!! and I did....and I have....and I was very glad when they said the killer tornado had made a more northern track....I was relieved...we hurried back home to check on the dog! Still not understanding....and truthfully, not able to understand without tv and computers....until today...today I woke up crying! I cried some yesterday but it seems to keep coming today! When I woke up this morning my legs were in horrible cramps..seriously, as if I'd been running miles...and I'm sure I did in my mind! I couldn't make since of it all in my foggy state when I was trying to wake up and then I remembered and I knew....I was running from that storm in my mind.

Today we all are trying to take it all in....I've forgotten that I even have a shop that wasn't touched at all! It's odd how something so close to me cannot be affected at all!!! Jim went last night to use the internet there....I thought I wanted to...but I really didn't. I just went to bed.....
Today we've come to Destin...a trip already planned but hard to do after all of this....and we are just now seeing the footage...the pictures...the reports from the news crews and the people it happened too...and I'm crying again! I cried alot of the way here...especially when I learned of a missing young woman that is the sister in law of a dear, dear friend! She and her husband were in their home when it was demolished by the tornado...he had something lodged in his side and was rushed to UAB for surgery....the wife can't be found....anywhere! they've checked hospitals and morgues alike.....she can't be found....and we are all still praying!!!! They were newlyweds...as someone said to me last night...."Storms are not respecters of people"....very true!

My Easter Ham!

Before

 We had such a wonderful Easter lunch at Tom and MaryAnne's house yesterday...we even branched out this year and Tom grilled a whole beef tenderloin that was divine and of course all of the side didhes we had were so delicious! MaryAnne is such a wonderful cook that I've never had anything over there that I didn't just love!

But....all week my mom has been talking about making the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for a ham!

During

So...after we were extremely full and had taken a quick "nap" we hurried over to the Parkway to enjoy the rest of the day and to walk off a couple of those calories we had just devoured!

After

 It was during that walk that I knew...I had to make that ham that had been haunting me all week!!! Who does that? and after Easter lunch mind you!!! I said that to the checkout girl and she said, "You wouldn't believe how many hams I've sold today!" So...I used Miller's need for lunches this week to make it justifiable!!! Seriously....we dove right into it when it came out of the oven!!! It was divine!!!!

1 fully cooked spiral cut ham ( Or score it yourself )
1 9 oz jar mango chutney
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 C dijon mustard
zest of one orange
1/4 C freshly squeezed orange juice
1 C light brown sugar, packed

place ham in a large, heavy roasting pan. Mix all other ingredients well and pour glaze over the ham. Bake at 350 for an hour, spooning glaze over the ham several times during cooking. Bake until heated through and glaze is browned slightly.

Sometimes when you're Southern...you just have to eat Southern Food!!

My love for all things southern....and my love for southern food....sometimes collide!!!! (case in point...the McCarty vase in the background! )

and that's not always a bad thing!! in fact....I think it makes for a really good meal!!! and alot of fun when you are willing to share that Southern hospitality and have your friends and family over to share it with you!!!

This time...my craving for my mom's homemade relish for black-eyed peas or pink-eye peas got me to thinking about this meal and the fact that I needed to share it! That is the Southern thing to do you know!

This time the meal consisted of White bar-b-que sauce grilled chicken....a staple in our house!!!!

Black-eyed peas with homemade relish

Soul Food squash

Cornbread muffins

      Mom's Relish

                         2-3  chopped tomatoes and 5 green onions, chopped....add together in a bowl and mix together... 1/3 C apple cider vinegar and 1 T sugar....pour over tomatoes and onions....let sit for a few hours before serving with peas!!!! So yummy!!!!!

*the squash was divine as well if you ever want the recipe and alot healthier than the normal squash casserole....the chicken I think I've posted before....the cornbread muffins...when i don't want to make them from scratch...the Krusteaz brand of Honey Cornbread is divine!!! you can do several variations....Hope you enjoy!!

and to God Almighty, the Author of life...who has for now, blessed me with these!

my favorite Karen Kingsbury quote....the way she starts each book...the way we should start each day in my opinion! Grateful for the day...grateful for all that God has given us and entrusted us to....

So....today I finally got to have lunch with two very special friends! We've been trying to do this for awhile as it was Sharon's belated birthday lunch! Last Friday we had to cancel thanks to the terrible storms we had here and the fact that school was even cancelled because of them so Sharon had to pick up her little girl at noon as opposed to 3:00! Oh well...we had a wonderful time today just laughing and talking! I wish that was a regular Monday event! It sure made my heart a little bit lighter to just sit, talk, laugh and eat with two very special people! Thank you Brenda and Sharon for making my monday!
Ok....since then....all of Emily's paintings arrived while I was still at lunch...I didn't tell them that the shop was calling and that I was needed! Why should I? I got there in plenty of time to do all that I needed to do....in the meantime my day was becoming crazier....first of all...I got a text from the school that my precious angel baby ( and I'm so kidding! ) had received a d-hall for having his cell phone taken up! Let me  catch you up a bit...if we had had this Renweb system in place with my oldest son....WOW!!! I would have been on top of everything....or just depressed! But now...you get an email...phone alert...you name it.. when they go to the bathroom practically! So...there I was mad at Miller when another email came just 5 minutes later that basically said..."OOPs....it wasn't Miller's cell phone that was taken up...so please disregard this email"... WHAT????????????????????? Who really thinks I'm going to rest easy for the rest of the day when this happened at 8:55.....then I had to go be nice and fun at lunch...then I had to work....all the while MAKING myself not text Miller to see what was going on and WHO really DID  get the d-hall!!!!! I was afraid if I did.......HE would  get a d-hall!!! For the love, as Holly says!!! You can't win!!!!
So..luckily for me, I'm able to vent about that on here and not make a Total idiot of myself by calling the school to find out how this could happen! Isn't this crazy that something so silly could make you so...well...crazy???

You think that makes me crazy...I'll tell you crazy!!! Crazy is talking to that son later in the day all about taking the ACT again and trying to fit in a class to help with the ACT when he does football, basketball and lacrosse!!! crazy is realizing that this child of mine...this child that we prayed for for so long...is now 6ft. 3" tall and will be a senior in high school next year! Crazy is thinking about him not being in this house anymore when he has been the only child in this house for the past 7 or so years!! It took me forever to get used to him being the only one left at home...something I had dreaded forever only because I felt sorry for him and I knew how much he would miss his brother and sister!! Once we finally got used to it you could tell he really liked it! It's almost like he's an only child and then he's not...he has a wonderful older brother and sister who are both married and all of them are extremely close! I am so thankful for that! But you see...Miller has been through both of his siblings going off to college....watching both of them date and then get engaged and then get married...enjoying all of these wonderful events!!! Even all 4 of them graduating from college!! he's been through ALOT with his brother and sister in law and his sister and brother in law! He has wonderful memories of all of these special times... he was even blessed to become an uncle to the most beautiful little girl in the world!!! I just can't believe it's time for him to start this journey! I found myself weeping tonight...I had to fight it...because I know this is the normal growing up process...but he's the baby! and I don't want to be empty nesters! I'm scared of that next step! I don't know how people transition and yet I remember weeping when my other two went off to college and then sometimes...weeping when they came home!! :)
so....like I said earlier....and to God Almighty, the Author of Life...who for now, has blessed me with these....
We are not promised anything except the love of a God and a Savior that gave His life for us....we are not promised that life will be easy or carefree or fun or any of those things that I in my earthly thoughts think that I want...we are promised so much more!!!!!

So while you and I both think that I'm "going" crazy as Miller enters his last year of high school and I brace myself for yet ANOTHER one of life's transitions.... I am determining myself to focus on God's goodness and ALL that He has provided us through His Son! Especially as Easter is fast approaching! What better time than this to thank God for all of His blessings and for me not to focus on the things that are making me "crazy"! aka....sad!!! He has promised me peace....He has overcome the world...and He has risen.....
John 16:33 " I have told you these things so that in Me you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble, But take heart! I have overcome the world!"
Blessings to you and yours during this Easter week!!!

I'm in way over my head....but I'm loving it!!!!

So....I joined a group off of the Blog Guidebook....this is a wonderful site for anyone that is interested in blogging,..I've learned so much from them already...then they grouped us all together in small groups that wanted to get to know other bloggers and learn from them and have them critique our blogs...etc...

like I said....what have I gotten myself into???? 

These women are incredible and so are their blogs!!!! I am telling myself over and over....don't give up! this will be fun!!! 

just another step into blogging....another step into making new friends and learning from them!!!!

check out their blogs and enjoy!!!!!

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011

My New Blogging Buddies

Sweet darling Lyndsay and Sarah started The Blog Guidebook as a resource to help the blogging community get its groove on.  I recently discovered this awesome resource and wanted to share it with all of you.  Just this month, they launched a new Blog Club and I signed on. A small group of 5-6 bloggers are hooked up to form a group with the idea that fellow club members will consistently read and follow each others blogs.  Honest feedback and idea sharing is encouraged, and no doubt friendships will be born.

Here are the links to the fabulous ladies whom I have been connected with.



At the Bargain Hoot, Rene shares her tips for bargains, DIY decor, recipes, craftings and weddings and events.  The Bargain Hoot has lovely photos, great ideas for simple projects and recipes, and easy money saving tips.

Carolyn is the proprietor of Mulberry Heights Antiques in Alabama.  Her blog, It Doesn't Fall From the Tree, provides inspiration for home decor and antiques.  I love antiques and the stories they tell - can't wait to explore Mulberry Heights.



Nicola is from the UK and has a lovely etsy shop featuring hand-knit creations.  Life on Orchard Road will draw you into her world and every day loves.

Diane at Sweet European Dreams shares vintage and kitchy collectibles from Europe.  You'll be begging your grandmother for her treasures after visiting Sweet European Dreams.

Dawn is a certified health and wellness coach.  At Dawn Dishes It Out you will find healthy recipes and lifestyle tips.  I'm anxious to try out some of her recipes already - who knew you could make chocolate pudding with avocados?!

I'm lovin' The Blog Guidebook's Blog Club and my new blogging buddies!

Welcome Ladies to Footprints From Otter Hill!  Perhaps one day we will all be sitting together enjoying a glass of wine and Puget Sound oysters here on my deck on Marrowstone Island!  Cheers!



Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

 

Southern Born.....and southern bred.....

What a wonderful Saturday we had here today in Birmingham after a night spent worrying about major thunderstorms and tornadoes! There is nothing I dread more than spring time thunder storms and severe weather! It's been a huge fear of mine ever since I was made to hide in a cabinet in our basement in the first home we ever had here! We had just moved from California so I guess my parents were just doing what they knew to do....provide safety! But...from then on...I've hated basements and I've hated hiding under shelter!!! Which is why today....when we woke up and the sun was shining brightly, and the air was crisp and cool....we headed down to the first of many spring and summer markets at Pepper Place! What fun!!! not only did we sample some wonderful fruits and veggies... we ran into Jim's cousin and my dear friend Marcy! What a treat! We had just finished standing in line to buy cookbooks by Sara Foster and have them signed for gifts when Marcy and her two precious boys walked right in front of us!!! What a treat! So glad to see you Marcy!!!
We left with 4 cookbooks and 5 heirloom tomato plants and can't wait to go back next Saturday and the next and so on!!! just one of the things I love about the South and about Birmingham!

 Another thing we've come to love...especially as we are becoming more and more empty nesters is the fact that we can go to dinner at any given moment! Or...we can choose to cook in! This Saturday night however...after working with those tomato plants, etc... I had the urge to go out and I mean GO OUT!! To me, that means going to any one of  4 of Frank Stitt's restaurants here in Birmingham! our little piece of heaven on Southside!!! So...we headed for Bottega...the casual side mind you since we had not called ahead for reservations! I had unfortunately gotten side tracked on the computer...GO FIGURE?!! so we were running a wee bit late and I knew I didn't want to have a wait for a table! Thankfully, we wheeled into the valet and our dear Andy was there! We ran in and got the last ( window) table for 2 ! Upon being seated...we realized we were sitting nearby several close friends and friends that we wished we were closer too! It was alot of fun! When we were almost done, who should walk up but our precious Mitch and Britney! Yes...we had taken them out the night before but it was still fun to see them...I hope they thought it was fun to see their parents sitting in the window of this hip restaurant! No matter...we had fun talking and even got to go sit with them as they waited for their table....as we left we ran into some friends that we've pretty much known for 20 years or so?? I know... i know.. how can that be?? but it is true!! Ken and Lynn Smith had just left the "nice" side of Bottega and had seen my parents in there so they quickly told us that and we ran in to see them just for a second...that led to a half an hour! Oh well....all of it was fun and we got to see friends and family....all right there in our little piece of Southside heaven! Go figure....3 generations all enjoying dinner in their favorite place.... Bottega!!! Thank you, Frank for creating a place that we can all enjoy!

The way we weather a storm....

Ok....today was a typical, spring time day in the state of Alabama...we've had a string of hot days...then a few cooler days...all with bright sunshine, until today! Today we had rain....buckets of rain!! and then we had tornado warnings and endured the weathermen for hours doing their job and trying to inform all of us ignorant Alabamians!

As I watched the shops close down on our street...I couldn't really decide what we should do! Of course...no one was shopping so that made the decision a wee bit easier! We closed! We ran screaming out of there....all for the sake of safety mind  you!!!!

I watched as Pattie drove off to do her grocery shopping before the "storms" hit....and I thought...."what do I do with myself?" You see...Miller was at a friend's house and I had 2 hours to kill before a spa appointment!!! ( but we were closing because of a storm!) then I remembered way back in the recesses of my brain when I used to have free time!!! It was a glorious revelation!!! I used to shop!!!! So I quickly drove myself to the Summit mind you!!! Me...the one who is terrified of bad weather was willing to risk it just to know the freedom of being able to shop again!!! I haven't had free time to shop since the year 2000!!! and I'm NOT exaggerating!!!

It was wonderful! In fact...it was glorious!!! I even ran into Sharon and Ginny who had been there since 11:30! Ginny looked ready to go but Sharon was loving it!!! I had fun....tried to find an Easter dress but ended up with a wonderful pair of shoes and 2 beach coverups!!!! Now THATS the way to weather a storm!!!!

Spring Time Recipes

 Nothing is better than spring to me!! I've always loved it...love the blooming flowers and trees...the gorgeous roses that don't last long enough and I especially love making "spring time" food! Good pasta salads, grilled veggies and kabobs...its' such fun! I love entertaining in the spring because we can sit outside and eat! In Alabama you can't do that very often because it's usually so HOT!!!

Anyway...just thought I'd post a few spring like pictures and some yummy, easy recipes! I didn't serve these two together...just thought you might like them!

My Favorite Pasta Salad

Dressing: 1/2 C sliced green onions

1/3 C red wine vinegar

1/3 C olive oil

1/3 C canola oil

1 t basil

1 t dill weed 

1 clove garlic

1 1/2 t dijon mustard

1 1/2 t oregano

1/2 t sugar 

1 t salt

pepper to taste

mix well in jar and pour over rest of ingredients

small bunch of broccoli, blanced

1 package cheese filled tortellini, cooked according to package directions

feta cheese ( a good amount! )

1/2 C or more parmesan cheese

small can black olives, drained

small can sliced mushrooms, drained

toss all with dressing...best if made a day ahead!

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breast cut in chunks or cubes

2 bell peppers or any veggie you like

1 lb whole mushrooms, stems trimmed 

Marinade:

1/2 C olive oil

1/2 C lemon juice

lots of Cavendars greek seasoning

2-3 T Dales and or worshectershire sauce

2 T sugar

1/2 t ground red pepper

mix well and put all ingredients except mushrooms in large zip lock baggie and marinate overnight or atleast 8 hours: add mushrooms the last hour or so before grilling.

Thread all on skewers and grill, basting often.

When done, baste once with 

Lemon Butter:

1/2-3/4 C melted butter

2 T lemon juice

2 T fresh parsley

1 t salt

pinch ground red pepper

2 T dijon mustard

1/2 t ground thyme

1/4 t garlic powder

pepper to taste

mix well and baste kabobs at end of cooking reserving the rest to spoon over kabobs on top of a good rice pilaf.

(You can also do some corn while grilling the kabobs!)
 5-6 ears corn, husks and silks removed,

place each on a piece of foil that is sprayed with Pam: mix 1/2 C mayo, 1/2-3/4 C parmesan cheese, 1 T chili powder, kosher salt and pepper. mix well and spread completely over corn. wrap tightly and grill for about 20-30 minutes turning often! So yummy!

Let me know how you like this!

Turn your eyes.....

"turn your eyes upon Jesus....look full in His wonderful face....and the things of earth will grow strangely dim...in the light of His glory and grace"
This is what was going through my head as I ran home from Miller's lacrosse game to finish getting ready to have a few friends over for dinner...all the while knowing that our dear friend...since as long as I can remember...was dying...I knew my mom hadn't heard from Susan when she should have and that got me to  begin thinking that it was time....I had this song basically playing over and over in my head...thinking..if he has already gone Home...then his eyes ARE on Jesus!! He is looking into His Wonderful Face!!!! So...Dr. Deason...you are forever in my memories...all of them very good!!! I love you and I will miss you!! I'm so glad that you were in my life!! Friends are so very important...as is family! I'm beginning to realize that the older I get...so does everyone else! and I certainly don't want to take that for granted...I've learned so much from my parents friends as well as from my own friends and I want to always take advantage of that! The Lord puts people in our lives for various reasons...there are those that are extra special.... Like Dr. Bud Deason. Your family means the world to me and I'm so sad that you are gone but my heart is very glad that you aren't suffering anymore and that your eyes are turned and GAZING into Jesus' eyes!!! Oh my....my brain can't even comprehend that Joy!!!

Couscous with roasted vegetables!

You know it is turning into warmer, spring like weather whenever I get in the mood to make this incredibly delicious dish! Couscous with Roasted Vegetables is one of my favorites! However...it's a bit time consuming so I don't make it as often as I crave it! But with Spring arriving it's the perfect time to start chopping up some wonderful veggies, roast them and make them into something extraordinary!!!

Once you've chopped the veggies...thats really the hardest part!

Roasting them to perfection smells divine!!!

And then you just toss it all together and enjoy!!

Recipe

1 small eggplant, peeled and diced

1 each red, yellow and pepper seeded and chopped in small pieces

1 large purple onion peeled and chopped in 1"pieces

2 or 3 small squash chopped in 1" pieces

2 small zucchini chopped in 1" pieces

1 large heaping t minced garlic

1/3 C extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 t kosher salt

1/2-1t fresh pepper

2 boxes couscous with pine nuts

toss all chopped veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper and garlic and place on large, greased baking sheet and roast in oven at 425 for 40 minutes or until done...turning once or twice with spatula. Cook couscous according to package directions. When the vegetables are through roasting add couscous and vegetables together in a large bowl scraping all juices and browned bits into the couscous. Toss all with Dressing:

1/4 C freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/3 C extra virgin olive oil

1 t kosher salt and 1/2 t fresh pepper

let sit and cool to room temperature and then add 3/4-1 C crumbled, good quality feta cheese.

Enjoy!

of course with as with alot of dishes...this just gets better as it sits so you will want to make it a day ahead before serving. I like it at room temp or slightly warmed but it's not meant to be served hot. Goes great with tomato pie or as a side dish with pork tenderloin or grilled chicken. Hope you like it!

Alabama raised and proud!

A friend posted this on her facebook page tonight and it really made me sit back and think...hmmmm...I wasn't born in Alabama...but people think I was....I wasn't raised in Alabama but people always think I was! I'm so very glad they think that!! simply because I'm proud of Alabama!!! I was born in Memphis...and raised in Mississippi!! ( sounds like a Sugarland song! ) Born in Mississippi and Up to no Good! Anyway...that's my life! Born in Memphis...raised in Memphis/Mississippi..you see...we lived on the county line...in fact my grandfather's law office was on State Line Road in Southaven, MS and one set of grandparents lived in Whitehaven, TN and one lived in Southaven, MS....sort of like Hoover/Vestavia if you are familiar with Birmingham. The best part of that was the fact that Elvis' house was right smack dab in the middle!!! and you better believe we are all Elvis fans! So don't go  making fun! I will show you...my mom and I were actually on a cover of a magazine with Elvis when I was four! and my uncle was best friends with Elvis' stepbrother and in his wedding... my mom and her friends used to sneak over the fence at Graceland and watch Elvis and Priscilla by the pool....my dad studied under Elvis' Dr. who later got them front row seats when he saw them in line for a Las Vegas show....which is all true...and then I could go on and on!! But I don't need too! I will put pictures up when I can convescate them from my mother!! Even her ring tone is "Hearbreak Hotel!" It's so embarrassing!!!!

The point of all of this is that the South has risen again!!! There isn't anyplace like it in the USA!! When I was 6 we moved to Denver, CO for my dad's residency training in GI....(gastroenterology...) and then on to California for a two year stint.....which was fabulous in my young mind! Such fun memories...
Why I'm even telling you all of this is beyond me!! I think I'm just waiting up on Miller to get home and when Teresa posted this thing about being raised in Alabama it just got the memories stirring!!!!
When we finally moved back to the south for my dad to open his own GI practice I remember distinctly thinking that I wished I had ALWAYS grown up here just like all of my new best friends had! And that i REALLY wanted it for my children! Thankfully...I married a man that was born and raised here and more than that...loved his family, his heritage and his Lord above all else!!! God was faithful!!! and i'm very blessed to be living in the State of Alabama!!
and really, really, really grateful that we all are Auburn fans in the State of Alabama!!! need I say more??