Christmas Fudge

This is another heirloom recipe.  Something my family has been making for as long as I can remember...meaning more than 50 years.  I remember as a young lass sleeping in an upstairs sparest of bedrooms, just off the dearest of non-scary attics, realizing that my mother stored her beloved fudge in a wonderful gold and white fruitcake tin in said attic.  I don't know how many years I stole and enjoyed this fudge covertly.  Just suffice it to say it happened multiple times.  And my mother was a wonder of housekeeping and bookkeeping.  Which means I was an equal wonder of cover theft (or else my mum just forgave me and moved on, but that's neither here nor there).

Christmas Fudge

In a large pot (or bowl) break up and mix:

12 oz german (sweet) chocolate
12 oz semi sweet chocolate (just use chips)
1 pt. marshmallow fluff
2 cups chopped nut meats

You'll need a strong arm, or a willing fella.  Which makes this a very romantic Christmas recipe.

So while you're strong-arming that in a bowl, the more delicate of the pair shall do the following:

In a heavy saucepan, mix and then boil:

2 Tlb. butter
1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
4 1/2 c. sugar
1 pinch salt

Just stir it up, bring it to a bubble, and stir it for 6 full minutes (at the full bubble).  When it's all done, pour it into the chocolate/marshmallow mixture and strongarm it once again:

So strong arm it all together, and push it into a nice big pan.  This makes a wonderful amount of fudge...more than enough for a family, but never enough to share. We sent all of our first batch with soldier packages.   We've got some post Christmas soldier packages to send out, and even so, there's plenty of good, mellow, creamy sweet fudgy goodness for everyone.

To me, if there is fresh fudge, it MUST be Christmas!

My Heroes - There Are So Many of Them!

My humble work with Soldiers Angels has introduced me to so many heroes...men and women who are giving and sacrificing their all for my freedom to be a brat (like tonight, leftovers for dinner and the Waltons with my feet up).  I may have some struggles, but I am free to struggle, bitch and moan as the situation warrants, seek and receive assistance, you name it.  So I really believe I have nothing to complain about.

I was browsing through past blog posts, and I came upon this one, mostly because so many folks seem to keep coming back to it.  It's as true today as the day I posted, and I believe it speaks for itself.  If you're not a soldiers angel tonight, you need to fix that asap.  Seriously.  Read more here:

Thanksgiving Menu at The Haney Place

This year, we're celebrating on Saturday.  I am so thankful that we will be surrounded by good friends and family.  Big Steve found a 25 (yes, that's 2-5) pound turkey.  So there should be plenty to go around.   Thank you, Lord, for it actually needs its own shelf in the fridge.

I hinted at a Thanksgiving menu a bit back, and I can't tell you how many have asked about that.  Especially those of you who know us best.  Our lives are BUSY, that's for sure.

So here's our menu.  I'll give the secret to how a busy person can produce such a feast in a day or two.  You'll love it, I promise!

• Hot spiced cider
• Triple mushroom soup w/brie
• Perfect Roast Turkey
• Mashed Potatoes/Giblet Gravy
• Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing
• Cornbread Stuffing w/Andouille & Crab
• Sweet Potato & Apple Gratin
• Creamy Butternut Squash
• Cranberry Peach Chutney
• Green Beans w/Carmelized Shallots & Roasted Mushrooms
• Parmesan Crusted Creamed Corn
• Pumpkin Bread Pudding w/Orange Ginger Custard Sauce
• Hot Apple Pie Sundaes

Now, we'll probably also have the usual pumpkin and/or cranberry breads, and assorted pies.  What would Thanksgiving be without pies, I ask you? 

Notice, no appetizers.  We eat early, so we're not big on the appetizers.  The meal itself is so satisfying and there are leftovers galore for snacks later.  And for folks to take  home in containers with foil on top.  Thanksgiving is good!

Happy Holidays, friends!  We'll be busy here from here on in, and we'll keep you posted!!!  Oh, have you signed up at http://soldiersangels.org/ and adopted a soldier yet?  I see that there are almost 1400 soldiers waiting for an angel tonight!  How else can you become an angel tonight, I ask you????

Veteran's Day -- Not a Memory - A Beginning!

We've all been gung-ho today about supporting our military -- those who serve today and those who served before.  And that is exactly as it should be.

But where will we be tomorrow?  I'm challenging you, my friends.  I know we've reached almost 2,000 independent readers of this blog.  Something I never dreamed could happen.   Wow -- are 2,000 folks seriously interested in the goings and comings of ordinary middle-aged, middle-income Americans?  Apparently, they are, and we are humbled at the thought of it.

At any rate -- It's awesome to set aside a day to love and remember our military.  But I'm proposing that we need to remember them EVERY SINGLE DAY.  After all, they are taking care of us, every single day.  Their spouses and children are sacrificing and living without them every single day for our benefit.  And I heard today that a father in China was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for speaking against the tainted milk that caused his daughter to be ill.  Think it can't happen here?  Think again!!! 

http://behindthewall.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/11/10/5442474-im-innocent-roars-chinese-dad-at-sentencing-

All I'm saying is that who here in the USA would even worry about speaking out against something that hurt our child or loved one?  We would be yakking our heads off, and that's for sure.  Taking your freedom of speech for granted????  Stop it!!! Stop and thank a veteran, thank an enlisted person.  Seriously.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  If we don't hold them up, who should?  I ask you????



Now go to soldiers angels (.org) and sign up.  Do something real.  You feel it today, you'll carry it throughout the year.  You'll thank us!!!  And you'll end up thanking the real ones who have made a difference in your lives.

Apples and Soldiers and Mail, Oh My!

I'm not sure how many apples we've processed and dried so far this fall, but we've only just begun.  I heard this years apple crop was a doozie, and I quite agree.  We've been buying the "utilities" -- those that don't "quite" meet the retail standard.  Frankly, they are beautiful and delicious just the same.  I'll keep the dryer running, loaded with apples, as long as I can get my hands on these babies.  We've been getting them from Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie, NY.  These are some of the nicest folks and the loveliest products you will find around here.  So friends, if you are in the area, stop by and say "hi" and have some of their wonderful apples, peaches, pears, pies, cider donuts, etc.  It's a real treat!!  http://goldenharvestfarms.com/

At any rate, we'll dry just as many apples as we can for soldier packages.  We've only just begun!  It's times like these I love my Excalibur dryer and understand why some folks have 2 or 3.  Someday!

Anyway, PLEASE ask me how you can be a blessing to a deployed soldier today.  I don't care how you feel about the war, and it doesn't really matter.  We're not talking about politics here, we're talking about the men and women who have given up their freedom so that you can enjoy all of your freedoms.  Just go here -- http://soldiersangels.org/.

Best...Birthday...EVER!!! Best of all - a (Re-) Proposal!!!

I may have had a nicer birthday in days past, but I'm getting old.  So if I did, and I don't remember, please forgive me for thinking that this birthday trumps them all.  Big Steve (Stiva to me) outdid himself and provided the nicest day ever that I can remember in recent history.  And it didn't involve any work on my part, which is the best part of all!!! A real day off.

I woke up this morning to the fact that it was a day off from work, after a wonderfully cool night (good sleeping weather, friends!).  A gentle stretch from me at some wee small hour, and a dear "happy birthday Mar" from Big Steve.  That set the tone for the entire day.

So I finally wake up and take the dogs out and such, and I'm checking my email and Big Steve says "Don't you even want your presents?"  He may as well have asked me "Does you know who do you know what in the woods".  LOL!

So...crack of dawn, and I am graced with the following:

1. Two (count em) friendly nightgowns.  I can't even describe them to you.  Very sweet, very demure, definitely feminine, and very VERY comfortable.  Does this man know me or WHAT???
2. A Soldier's Angel Recruiter tank top -- OMG it's awesome!!!  Sleeveless, pink, says "Angel Recruiter" on the front and the back, and also on the back, the Soldiers Angel Logo, "Support Our Troops" and "Ask Me About My Hero".  I just wish I could wear it to work!!!!!
3. Now onto a wonderful device -- a Mixmaster to make my life easier when making Soldier Cookies -- or bread (but I'm gluten free) or CHRISTMAS COOKIES (for soldier cookies).  It's a really high energy mixer!  Maybe this is the year that I won't blow out my hand mixer when working on holiday baking!!!

Last but not least -- Stiva took me to Tanglewood to hear the Boston Symphony -- Sibelius, Elgar & Mussorgsky.  It was wonderful.  We sat on the lawn, and baked a bit, but the sun and clouds were about equal, and it turned out to be a perfect afternoon.  We brought a blanket and a picnic lunch.  The music just washed over us.  We smooched a bit.  It was W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. 

At the very end of the day, Big Steve actually got down on his knees, and proposed (in his own way) by asking me if I would continue to be married to him.  OMG -- Can words express how much I love this man?

I don't remember a better birthday ever.  If you think I had a much better birthday in the past, maybe I did, and I truly do apologize for not remembering.  It's just that I'm basking in the wonder of today.  In my eyes, it was perfect!

I'll leave you with this.  I'm not one to idolize performers, but this is enchanting, and worth listening to!

Musings on Independence

If you have known me and Steve for any length of time, you would know that we have a four year plan to retire to a life of farming up on Prince Edward Island (what I consider to be the most beautiful place in the world).  It is a dream!!!  A very good dream, and one we are working hard to see through.  You also know that we LOVE this country, we love our neighbors and our community.  OKOKOK, maybe not the politicians, but the rest of it we truly love.  It is sobering to think of somehow "rethinking" our patriotism.  I don't think I should have to.  No matter where life finds me, I will always love and defend this country.  I have been blessed my entire life thus far, and not many days go by that I don't understand that my blessings flow from the way God has blessed this place.  I have had good health, good teaching, good food...you name it.  You also know how I feel about caring for the precious ones who give their all to maintain, defend and preserve my freedoms.

With this puzzle in my mind, I asked a dear Prince Edward Island sister to give me ONE PARAGRAPH on how she perceives her freedoms.  She is much like me -- not to be constrained by one paragraph.  She has given me great comfort in her response.  I know that we can be happy, useful residents in a land with attitudes like hers (only different from ours by the circumstances):

It occurred to me this morning as I was discussing life, my way, with my Morning Glories, that this is basically the cost of freedom for me. I am free to sit on my verandah and discuss life with Morning Glories.  

There are young men and women who will be arriving home in body bags and even if they arrive home walking or limping, they will not be whole because their spirits and psyches have suffered terrible wounds. An Honour Guard ceremony down the Highway of Heroes should never be the end of our commitment to the men and women who carry our ideals of freedom to other nations.


My personal freedom has come at the cost of families being split apart -- part on this side, part that died in POW camps, part that were divided by the Zonengrasse. Some made it over in the cargo holds of ships.


Some were herded off to Canadian POW camps because they did not speak English and their religious belief was to offer no resistance. These were individuals who had fled religious intolerance to make a new, safe home that allowed freedom of religion and language and culture (including dress that was different).



Some lost their citizenship (my Grandfather) because their passports and immigration papers bore the stamp of the Axis Nations (citizenship being determined by who drew what border the day you were born). Some had their citizenship tied into the existence of the spouse -- my Grandmother. Then WWII came along and sons were fighting against nephews and cousins and brothers.


Then the war ended and pleas were sent for aid and they were ignored because those needing the aid were considered, once again, the enemy -- not just victims. We didn't fully understand the ramifications of surrender and the Soviet threat. Life went on.


We entered an era where military personnel -- like Paul -- fully expected there would be another war and were prepared to provide the ultimate sacrifice. That's his personal history. There have always been military in his family -- even if they had IRA leanings. Then came a generation who joined because the military was the best employer available, peace had been so long, they never expected to go into a war zone and so were shocked at the first hint of war in the Persian Gulf in 1991.


Meanwhile, Canada's military were so disrespected by the Canadian public and politicians alike that it was in a sad state of disrepair.


Now we have a generation (not in my household, guaranteed) who have no real knowledge of the sacrifice that has gone before. And, as Canadians, we still do not provide for or pay respect to those who are members of the First Nations of this country.


Canada came of age as a Nation at Vimy Ridge and, as citizens, we must be ever vigilant about the freedom dearly bought that allows me to argue with Morning Glories while some son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister will not make it home whole. As Sir John McCrae expressed: "To you from failing hands, we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep. Though poppies grow, In Flanders Fields". Probably why I also have poppies in my garden -- bright, red ones.


We must ensure that the freedom that is Canada's birthright is extended to all its citizens -- old and new. We must ensure that the freedom dearly bought not be allowed to be diminished by imported hatreds or imagined hatreds.


We must make sure that politicians are held accountable and when they hedge about having their personal expense claims examined by the Federal/Provincial Auditors General, they be forced into the light of truth.


We must always hold the torch high.


I hope this provides the answers/throughts you were looking for. Every time a death is reported from Afghanistan, my heart breaks.

So...we here at the Haney Place are fully cognizant of the fact that freedom isn't free, and IS NOT A RIGHT.  It is a privilege and a blessing, which we have been blessed to experience our entire lives.  And when men and women stop taking our freedom to heart, it will be all over for us.  Let's savor our freedom, yes, but join in the fight.  Let's take it personally.  Let's support our men and women in uniform.  The bible teaches us this: 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

I REITERATE, AD NAUSEUM AND PLEASE PARDON ME, BUT IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY JOINED THE FIGHT, PLEASE HEAD OVER TO http://soldiersangels.org/ AND BECOME A HOMETOWN SOLDIER. 

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
HAPPY DOMINION DAY

GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR TROOPS!!!

Another Sunny Sunday!!!

I wish I had taken pictures of the bounty of our garden today.  Steve picked, and we processed, a good full quart of peas and at least a gallon of broccoli today.  They're all snug in the freezer for winter already.  This is very early to start to put food by, and a tremendous blessing!!!  It's still work though....but I'm NOT complaining!!!  We also had enough broccoli to make a big fat bowl of broccoli salad.  Yummmmm!!!  Broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, onions... Yeehaw!!
I don't have pictures of that, but I DO have pictures of my son Anthony (ANG) in the Memorial Day events.  God bless him, I am so proud of him!!!

We respect those who have protected us and given the ultimate sacrifice...

And we are sobered by their sacrifice.  We can't ever forget...

And what it all boils down to....the love and freedom of the next generation.  God bless you all if you are in uniform tonight!!!

Derek "Bumpy" Waters - One of My Heroes!!!!!

I present one of my heroes!!!  Derek (Bumpy) Waters!!  He is working so hard for you and for me.  And he's from my home state -- New York!!!  To top that all off, he is from the Bronx -- Don't Mess Wid Me I'm From Da  Bronx!!!  But no, seriously, he is a gentle giant, a true hero, sacrificing his whole self for you and for me, whether we deserve it or not.  He is from the Bronx.  If you're not from NY at all, you might not appreciate that at all.  It's all like "Don't F*** with me, I'm From the BRONX!!!!".  But seriously, Derek is a wonderful human being, a child of God.  He's over there, represting for us!!!  (OK not representing us.  If you're not from NY, you DON'T fully understand that he is REPRESENTING FOR us).  It's a NY thing.  Derek ("Bumpy") we love and appreciate you.  You are our hero here at the Haney Place!!!  We will sleep safely tonight because of you, and we will never forget that.

Sunday, Shelling Peas, Soldier Cookies, & so on....

I have felt a bit disentangled for some time. The loss of our friend Theo at the start of the year threw me, for sure. Further than I ever expected. Then I had some surgery a few weeks ago, which left me unexpectedly helpless and at another loss.

Today I feel back, somewhat. Back to myself, to some degree. Not really back, but coming back.

Today being Sunday, there was a lot going on here, even if it is the Lord's day. For one thing, our first real harvest. Stiva picked a mess of peas!!!

Which I promptly shelled:

And made into a fine salad, which went with red beans and rice, and nice skillet cornbread.  If anyone went away from the table hungry tonight, it was their own darn fault:

 

And oh, did I tell you we had some mighty fine guitar picking today???

Early in the day, I made some "non meltable" soldier cookies for a special someone 'over there' who shall not be named:

 

All in all, I would say it was a very good day!!!

One of my heroes!!!

Here is one of my heroes - SGT Dirk-Georg Oehl

A wonderful young man -- married -- father of two precious little souls.  On his third deployment.  New to this country as a LEGAL immigrant -- practically the only life he has known since coming to the US has been military service.  Lots of folks wouldn't DREAM of inconveniencing themselves for the military, but I digress.  His dream and goal is to be an Army Chaplain.  He knows and loves our Lord Jesus Christ.  I know he will be a blessing to many!!!  In so many ways, he reminds me of my dear father...  I know I will keep this family in my prayers - will you????

On Memorial Day - And Soldiers Angels

I am waiting for a picture of my son Anthony (ANG) marching in today's Memorial Day parade.  I was really sad not to be able to go myself due to my recent surgery.  Well, knowing how "kids" are, especially my kids, I'm not holding my breath for the picture.  Instead, I present Pa, my Pa, Thomas Walker.  At least, his photos in his uniform, and his memorial flag.  Pa served in the US Navy as a machinist during World War II.  He was a wonderful man, and I'm sure he was a wonderful soldier.  He and Anthony make me understand that our men and women in uniform are human beings with lives and loves.  They deserve our honor and respect for going that extra mile, or thousands of miles, by giving of themselves selflessly to ensure our freedoms, yours and mine, whether we deserve them or not.

If you want to know how to support our deployed soldiers, veterans, and their families, please go to http://www.soldiersangels.org/ and sign up.  There are so many teams.  You can write, give, ship, send greeting cards, bake cookies, make quilts for wounded soldiers, lap afghans for veterans, you name it.  If you have a gift, you can use it there for sure.  They even supply hand crafted canes to injured vets!!!

Now, I wasn't sure I was going to mention this, and I'm not judging.  I'm just wondering why our Commander in Chief couldn't tear himself away from his vacation today to attend the services at Arlington National Cemetery.  I realize that other presidents weren't always able to make the services, but not because of vacation.  Maybe our armed forces are doing such a GREAT job maintaining our freedoms that it has become too easy for some to take them for granted.  I'm not sure, I'm just sayin'.

They Helped - And I Needed Them!

Sorry to have been away for so long. I had some really stinky surgery on my left foot last week, and it left me almost completely helpless. Now I am hobbling around on crutches, but I'm still very, very limited in what I am able to do.

For the first few days, Stiva took care of me and the house by himself. This included administering PAIN medications on DEMAND (oh, I never want to go back to that pain again), keeping my foot packed in ice around the clock for 48 hours or so, running the household, taking care of the garden, cooking, cleaning, caring for the animals, and even painting and reorganizing a spare room upstairs. He was exhausted, and I don't blame him.
Then, two angels descended on the Haney Place in the form of Kimberly (my daughter) and Nikki (I want to adopt her for my own). They cooked, they cleaned, they fetched me glasses of water and cups of tea, they did laundry, they took care of the dogs. You name it, and they did it. And during the whole week they were here, they kept the atmosphere in the house upbeat, fun, and most often, downright silly. God love 'em, I appreciate so much what they did!!

They even baked soldier cookies!!!  (And walked the packages to the post office and filled out the customs forms, to boot!)

So they just left, and it's quiet here.  Maybe a little too quiet.  But I'm sure quiet and rest will help me mend more quickly.  But it won't be half as much fun!!!

That Face!!!

As proud as I am of my son, the face I'm referring to is that dear little bundle of joy, Lekya.  Look at that smile!!!  Doesn't it just heal you right to the core of your heart?  And best of all, she calls me Meemaw.....

John & Terri

John K.  Bless him.  He's over there.  He has already been almost taken out by a roadside bomb.  He's away, because it would appear to be the only way to provide for his wife and children.  One wife, three precious little boys.  Little HANDFULs, if you will excuse the expression.

This photo is John re-enlisting.  Awesome, patriotic, wonderful, right?  Let me tell you, this man's family needs him.  So much.  And he IS doing what he needs to do.  They have a secure roof, good benefits, what they need, right?  He's protecting your right to sit in your comfort and read this internet post.  Even if you're being a jerk tonight, Johh is on duty, making sure you are secure.  And Terri is over HERE, making sure John's babies are safe and secure.

Terri is struggling being a single mom with some "creative" kids.  Bless her.  You have no idea.  She's doing a wonderful job, but she needs our prayers and support.

How many families are hanging on by a thread, just like this precious family?  This family needs every bit of our wonder, appreciation, thankfulness, and support.  And how many more are just exactly like them?

Bless them, thank them, find them, help them.  If you don't know how, go to http://soldiersangels.org/.  They will help you figure it out.  You owe them your peaceful night's sleep tonight, or any night.  You owe them the fact that car bombs aren't going off in your neighborhood.  Don't think so?  Stay tuned, friend.  I'm just sayin'

Oh, can I just say THANK YOU JOHN & TERRI!!!!!  I don't go to sleep at night, any night, that I don't thank God for all of you.  You are silent heroes.  You are my heroes.  Those children are my heroes!!!

Menu for the Week Starting 4/11/2010

I've been asked to post a menu for the week, and so I shall!  I did a large, exhausting shopping at Price Rite in Schenectady yesterday, and I'm not exactly recovered yet.  This is a work in progress and probably won't be complete until sometime tomorrow.  If you want a recipe, you MUST comment and ask for it.  Otherwise, I won't post it.  It's a lovely Spring day, a real gift of a day.   I'm trying to get ALL of the week's laundry out on the line, which will keep me away from the computer till tomorrow. 

Sunday -- April 11, 2010

Breakfast
Grits
Sausage Gravy
Orange and/or Vegetable Juice

Dinner
Pulled Shoulder of Pork Sandwiches
Black Eyed Peas

Monday - April 12, 2010--

Breakfast
Babka

Dinner
Chicken Fajitas
Leftover Black Eyed Peas (they were so good!)
Frozen Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie for dessert





Later....After that blessed shoulder of pork comes out of the over...Baking up some scrumptious oatmeal chocolate chip cookes for my soldiers.  If you are deployed and reading this...ask and you shall receive!!!  Love you all!!!

They Don't Send Valentines to Afghanistan

Seriously?  I got an email from the USO recently (an awesome organization, and one I fully support) and realized that many deployed soldiers will not get a valentine this year.  This isn't good -- these dear ones shouldn't feel like Charlie Brown!!!
If you haven't gone to http://www.soldiersangels.org/ yet, I don't know why.  If you have, get on the letter writing team today and send out some Valentines!!!!  If you have already enlisted to adopt a soldier -- you can still join the letter writing team or the cards plus team.

Let's get some loving valentine wishes out there to those kids who are doing so much for us!!!

WORD

Seriously, that word means so much.

In positive terms of having received word (OMG, I have become such a middle-aged something or other) I received FREAKING AWESOME WORD TODAY from my dear buddy Dave ... witness

HEY HI !!!!!!!!!!!

How are you !!! ??? so sorry for the delay, we were without internet for a while and we were on the move again.... had an opportunity to get out of there and went.....
I just got home friday night !!!!!!!!! back in the USA!!!


Thank you for all of your packages!!!!!!!

So anyway, no matter what else today, it is an awesome blessed day!!!  You have no idea.  This man, whilst deployed in the hellholes of whoknowswhere pulled my sorry butt out of the "IWORKWITHA$$HOLES" more times than any friend should have been called upon.  I will  never forget the encouraging words -- "Tell him to go pound sand -- and if he doesn't know where to find some I can send him about a trillion truckloads!!!" -- Words of encouragement!! 
 
But praise God, Dave is home, safe and sound. And TRUST GOD, his life is just beginning.  And the terror and challenges are real here, but I feel that he is able to deal with it.  And if not, HEY, there's always a room here at the Haney Place!!!!

Hey, I'm just enjoying my ecstacy at this very precious human having returned home.  GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!!!

Soldiers Angels

Tonight, 2,059 soldiers without an angel.  I'm just sayin'.  With President Obama's plan to send 30,000+ soldiers in harms way (I'm NOT criticizing!!!) the need will be incredible.

Again, I'm just sayin'.

If you are comfy in your home tonight, and not thinking of/praying for a deployed soldier, ask yourself why.

http://www.soldiersangels.org/

Adopt a soldier today.  It could just be the child of someone you know.