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, Part IV - ELSA

Stiva and I went to visit Elsa yesterday, and she certainly is a shy girl.  Yet, she is a lovely little lady.  I think she is either a "Sweet Pea" or a "Sweet Petunia" or most likely, a combination of both.  She did shoot us a few looks, and as we all know, a picture paints a thousand words.  A few of those words weren't exactly ladylike, but under the circumstances, this was completely understandable.  But she let us both pet her, even big Steve, with all his whiskers and size.  And that was an encouraging sign that Elsa is well on her way to enjoying life to her fullest.

Another potential family is visiting her today.  I'm sure that whomever is selected to adopt this dear one will be the best family for her, in the eyes of Peppertree, and I will be happy no matter the outcome.

WORD - Part III - Elsa

We received word this morning that Elsa's needs as a "super shy" dog are being seen to by being with a succession of foster families so that she can understand that people in general are not a threat to her.  So she's not available to be adopted just yet, but of course, the best things come to those who wait.  I've done a little reading on her situation -- there is a wealth of good information on the web.  I'm sure this approach will be helpful for her, so of course, we'll wait. 

Anyway, I still think it will work out.  She has already tucked herself into my heart. 

So keep your fingers crossed for us all, and keep those prayers coming!

Pulled Pork

Not to let anyone down.  We're here on duty.  Tonight was pulled pork, and it was freaking awesome.

We took a 7 lb-ish shoulder of pork, with the bone, and roast it all day long at about 250.  8 Hours minimum.

Then you cry (becaused you watched Lucy and Ricky) in a previous post, and it's all good.

Then you make this sauce:
The firey sauce known as NC Style

1 teaspoon light brown sugar
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup ketchup
2 cups water
Tabasco sauce

I know it doesn't sound elegant, but hey, neither is a pork shoulder.  So pull that danged blasted pork, and be careful not to let the dog have too many bites, if you're intending to sleep tonight.

Simmer that sauce for a while, then put that shredded pork in.  That's all there is to it.  I'm a gluten free zone, so I had it over rice.  Others at tonight's table put it in rolls. 

Yumm.

WORD, Part II

No word yet on our precious Elsa.  She's all we can think about.  God willing, she will join us very soon.  Isn't she pretty?

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!!!

We're Having A Baby, My Baby & Me

f you are familiar with the Riccardo's (I Love Lucy) you'll understand the lyrics. 

Were having a baby, my baby and me

You'll read it in Winchell's

That we're adding a limb to our family tree

We're pushing our carriage

How proud I will be

There's nothing like marriage

Ask your mother and father and they'll agree

He'll have toys, baby clothes

He'll know he's come to the right house

By and by, when he grows

Maybe he'll live in the White House

Our future gets brighter

But definitely

We're having a baby

We're having a baby

We're having a baby

My baby and me

Her name is Elsa.  If fate is smiling upon us, she will bless our home, and we will be a blessing to her.

Keep posted...

Flatt & Scruggs

It's what we're watching tonight, thanks to Netflix.  Kind of takes the edge off, if you know what I mean.  And we're thinking about some cornbread, friends.....

You have that recipe from me.  If not, just email me....