Sunday, October 10, 2010

Mom's Manhatten Clam Chowder

There has always been a debate over whose was better, Aunt Helene's or Mom's. Both - good, both - different.

I love this recipe. No measurements - who needs them anyhow. Of course this is my kind of cooking - a little of this, a lot of that. It always comes together anyhow.

Clams - chopped.
Onions, carrots, celery and potatoes - diced.
Oregano, paprika - to taste.
Accent, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley.
Little bit of dill.
2 cans tomato soup (diluted with 2 cans of water).

In a medium soup pan, brown onions in one stick of butter. Add remaining ingredients plus water to partially fill and simmer for a half hour.

From recipe card from Mom - 2009.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Progress

We've morphed from Spring, through Summer and now hints of Autumn are in the air. I've not completed everything that was planned for the summer but still have a couple of good months left in which to whittle away at the list.

The colors are starting to show on the trees. The maple by St. Josephs is in full color already which is not a surprise as it is always the first to go in this area. The beauty of nature is awe inspiring.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

10%

I have a goal.... Actually, I have several.

Possibly late for a mid life crisis here as I'm about a decade past mid life.

It's time to do something about that extra bit of me that I've been carrying around for the last 30 years. I'll admit that I've finally come to the point where I've decided that if I don't do it now, it may never get done.

It all started with Lent. I spent 40 days, 40 long days, depriving myself of dessert. Lo and behold I managed to drop a little weight.

Hmmm...

This machine called the human body makes use of only so many calories per day. As my weight was fairly stable I was at an equilibrium where the calories consumed equalled those burned on a day to day basis. By cutting back (by approximately 500 calories a day) the weight started to drop.

Hmmm...

Could it be this easy?

For now, it is.

The first step in this process.

Yes, I know that I'll need to deal with adding some exercise into my routine in the near future (way overdue). Yes, I know that I should most likely modify the overall diet a bit too.

But for now,... I'm happy to see the weight slowly drop away with nothing more than a little will power in avoiding temptation.

10%?

I have several goals in place, but no real end goal in mind. We'll just see where I next reach equilibrium.

The first goal is to drop 10% body weight. The best part is that I am over halfway there. A great feeling.

After that, I have several other milestones in mind. Each a few pounds away from the last. No big leaps here. Just a number of small, hopefully easily reached goals.

We'll see how it goes.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Massena Curling Club,.... Part Two

A couple of years ago a curling program was offered by the Massena Joint Recreation Commitee. I was lucky enough to go to one of their sessions, get on the ice, and see what the game was all about.

Unfortunately, due to a sore back, I was unable to participate.

Fast forward a couple of years and we see that the Rec program was not continued.

I'm thinking that it is time to get curling started again in Massena! I am going to be contacting regional Curling organizations to see what this will take.

In the mean time, anyone who is interested give me a shout. There is power in numbers and the more we can get interested in the sport, the more likely we are to meet with success!

Good Curling!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Desperation and the IRS

Hmmmm....

No taxation without representation....

More and more we read in the news of individuals who are targetted and hounded by the IRS or state taxation agencies. It is not hard to understand why or how Joseph Andrew Stack was driven to such a desperate act.

Especially when you read the note he left behind (link). Oh,.... but interestingly enough, the FBI has already shut the site down. Not that it matters. The note has already been copied to multiple other sites (like here). I wonder how many more WEB site admins will be contacted by Big Brother and requested to remove this little diatribe. Almost a little Stalinist, isn't it?