How the Turkey Survived (Food-Know-It-All)

Ok, I know the title sounds like the beginning of a bad joke but it's the only thing that would come to my mind. So, it stuck. The holidays are coming up and many of us will have turkey as the featured meat during a meal.

Turkey is synonymous with the holidays, Thanksgiving & Christmas. No rule says we must have it. Our history books tell us that was fish, shellfish, venison, & waterfowl along with Turkey on the 1st Thanksgiving. So, why is Turkey the only protein survivor? Who said "Christmas Turkey"? Ok, Let's talk Turkey!

Turkey became the choice because of historical influence & economically pragmatic reasons. By the time Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving in 1863 as a national holiday in the USA, many eminent figures in the country's past gave high praise to the turkey. William Bradford's diary, Of Plymouth Plantation, included turkey in the first Thanksgiving meal.

Before turkey farms, turkeys were caught in the wild. So as Thanksgiving started becoming a celebration, there were more turkeys to catch than the other animals. Turkeys are not serviceable as other animals. They aren't used for a milk or egg source. Turkeys are also uniquely American. It is a native bird to the USA, Canada, & Mexico. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as the country's bird over the bald eagle. So for many years, turkeys were talked about especially. Even Alexander Hamilton is documented saying "No citizen shall refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day". So, the turkey "seed" was planted with the founding of the country. So before the November holiday became major, turkey was already center stage.

Winter holidays have been pricey for generations. Turkey is large enough to feed a table full of hungry guests. The bird is thought to be the most cost-effective protein. They are cheaper per pound than chicken. And it is also cheaper & easier to raise than geese, the former traditional yuletide bird. Turkeys (farm raise & wild) are born in the spring and eat a diet of worms, insects, corn, & nuts to make them grow 10+ pounds in 6-7 months.

Those big birds can feed the multitude. Many food chroniclers feel like the iconic status of the turkey yuletide meal was popularized by Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, published in 1843 (20 years before American Thanksgiving became a national holiday). It is believed that Scrooge's gift of a turkey was to help Mrs. Cratchit with meals to feed the family. Many sneer their noses at leftovers these days but then they were needed. That leftover turkey could make soup for a few days to warm the kids after playing in the cold while on school break. Bob could have a few sandwiches for lunch. And though the Crachits are fictional, that kind of poverty was(is) not. A lot of real people were (are) making those meals for that reason.

So, that is how the turkey survived. Unlike deer and seafood, that big bird is a beloved native that helps lessen a hit or two to our bank accounts.

Ok here's a question, who makes the best turkey, for you? You? Your Grandmother? Your Mother? A Mom & Pop Diner? A Luxury Department Store? In my opinion, my cousin, blog name Cha-Cha makes the Best turkey.  I think my whole family agrees. It is moist, tender, and very flavorful. And with her permission, I am sharing her recipe. It is her take on Ree Drummond's(The Pioneer Woman) recipe. Her recipe takes out the salt, butter, and cooks it in a bag. We are a roasting bag kind of family. We don't stay up to baste anything. LoL

Cha-Cha's Roasted Turkey
Turkey "Brine"
Ingredients

• 3 cups Apple Juice Or Apple Cider
• 2 gallons Cold Water
• 4 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary Leaves
• 2-1/2 cups Garlic Powder
• 2 cups Brown Sugar
• 3 Tblsp Peppercorns
• 5 whole Bay Leaves
• Peel Of Three Large Oranges

 Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Stir until garlic powder and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover. 
2. Allow to cool completely, then pour into a large brining bag or pot. Place uncooked turkey in "brine" solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours. 
3. When ready to roast turkey, remove turkey from brine. Submerge turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside. 
4. Discard brine. Remove turkey from clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.

Roasted Turkey Method
Ingredients

• 1 whole Turkey, Brined 
• 1 cup Olive Oil
• 1 whole Orange
• 2 whole Fresh Rosemary Sprigs, Leaves Stripped And Minced
• 1 teaspoon Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

• Roasting Bag, Turkey Size
• 1 Tbs Flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Remove the turkey from the "brine" Pat the turkey dry and place in a sink. 
3. Using a vegetable peeler, shave off thick slices of orange peel and slice them very thin. Combine with oil, rosemary, garlic, and pepper. Smear the oil mixture all over the skin, in crevices, etc so that it is fully covered. 
4. Shake flour inside the roasting bag and place in a large roasting pan that is at least 2 inches deep.
5. Carefully slide turkey into the oven bag, breast side up. Close oven bag with the included nylon tie and cut six 1/2 inch slits in the top of the bag.
6. Baking time varies depending on the size of your turkey. (Times are at end of recipe)
7. When your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone, remove it from the oven and let stand in the oven bag for another 15 minutes. Cut open the top of the bag and carefully remove turkey from the bag, and place it onto a cutting board
8. Cover loosely with clean aluminum foil until you're ready to carve!

Turkey Cooking Times

• 1.5-2 hours for 8-12 lb turkeys
• 2-2.5 hours for 12-16 lb turkeys
• 2.5-3 hours for 16-20 lb turkeys
• 3-3.5 hours for 20-24 lb turkey

Pair that with the actual food star on our family's table, my mother's green bean casserole, and my plate is complete. LoL I need to do some sit-ups just thinking about it.

No matter what you have on your table remember those who are less fortunate and be grateful for whatever you have. Not to sound cliche, all of it is truly about the reason for the holiday season. It is about the peace, happiness, joy, & love that we are blessed with. If material things are how you define the word Blessed, then your dictionary is wrong. Be Thankful! Be Joyful! Be Blessed!

As Always Talking To You In Adult Terms

I Was__ Years Old When I Stop Believing In Santa

With my siblings, G. & A. and our cousin, D.D.

When I look back over my life, I can't even figure out how I even believed in Santa Claus as long as I did. My mother admits that she had no plans of teaching us about Santa. But since she had active grandparents like ours beating her to the punch on that lesson, she just rolled with it. Even then that should've just explained why A believed in Santa. Yes, she pretty much set some of the precedents on how things went with the kids in my family because my brother, who is older has special needs. But there is a 7 year age distance between my sister and me so, she should've stopped believing in Santa by the time I was old enough to believe in him. But I guess she was taught not to ruin it for me. So, I still believed in Santa Claus.

I guess I just wanted to believe in him. There were so many signs that he didn't exist in my home. Every year my mother would call me in to pick out 5 things out of the JC Penney or Sears Christmas catalogs, so she could call Santa with her order. Common sense said she was calling the store. I also grew up in in a home without a fireplace. So, when I asked how did Santa get in our home, I was told by my mother that he had a special doorbell that only adults could here. The crazy part is that was and still believable. We don't leave our doors unlocked and only acknowledge the doorbell (Knocking is purposely unheard).

Giving you face & shoulder

But leave it to Foundation church to haphazardly disprove my belief in Santa. Yes, I said haphazardly because how it happened was by chance and not on purpose. Oh, and yes, we had Santa Claus appearances at our programs. I think even in a few plays he was the "narrator" of the plays that taught us about the true meaning of Christmas. Our usual Sunday School teacher, my mother's buddy, we will call in this blog post, Aunt Erika was absent that Sunday. Well, Sister Kevin (RIP) (Yes, another blog post name) was our substitute. Sis. Kevin wrote some of the holidays plays for the youth, so I guess the superintendents thought it was ok for her to teach up that Sunday.

I loved that dress

Well, she decided to have question & answer time. Somebody asked was Santa real. And she said Jesus was Santa Claus. He was responsible for giving us gifts, Now, as an adult, I understand what she was trying to say. But I was not an adult. I knew then something was up. I came home and told my mother and she asked who told me that and shook her head. So, I started paying attention and that when I all the signs became clear. There was No Santa. I was eight years old

I kept my mouth closed for a year. But even when I did reveal my disbelief, I had to be a smart mouth. I almost didn't get Christmas gifts. The truth about Santa got "very real" that morning. But after everyone else finish opening gifts, my mother brought out a large gift bag saying Santa said he almost forgot since I didn't believe.

I have a feeling my mother conspired with Pau-Pau Santa & Granny Claus in hiding All my gifts. LoL SMH After that I was called in and asked what did I want out of the catalog so my mother could place the order to the store. Also, she placed the order in front of me.

So, that's how I stopped believing in Santa. But I still believe the true message of a baby that was born to save me from my sins. I don't remember ever not believing in that story. No matter what is not received on Christmas or in life, even, If one has Jesus that will always be enough.

Alrighty!!! You guys have a great holiday. Oh if you want to share your "I Was__ Years Old When I Stop Believing In Santa" stories below in the comments, Merry Christmas!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Party Healthy This Holiday Season (Healthy Holiday Recipes)

The holidays are a time to reconnect with the joy of togetherness. We have family gatherings. We have Holiday potlucks or buffets at work. We get together and have "Secret Santa" or "White Elephant" Christmas parties with our friends. Some of us bring in the New Year on it's eve with parties. Some of  us gather after Watch Night services and have a late night meal. Many of us have a gathering on New Years day and hang out,

No matter how we hang out with one another, we All have to eat. Parties, family gatherings, and feasts make keeping off the pounds a difficult task. I said difficult not impossible. The holidays don't have to mean weight gain. We can't can expect everyone not to cook fattening foods to parties but we can bring our own healthy & tasty treats & share.

The colors in this dish scream Christmas. It is a simple healthy recipe and requires minimal cooking.

Zu-Canoes (Eating Well have a great recipe to make this)
Ingredients
• 2 medium 2-inch-wide zucchini
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Preparation:
1. Trim both ends off zucchini; cut in half lengthwise. Cut a thin slice off the backs so each half sits flat. Scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Finely chop the pulp; set aside.
2. Place the zucchini halves in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover and microwave on High until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. (Alternatively, steam in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water in a large skillet or pot.)
3. Whisk oil, vinegar, shallot and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, cheese, basil and the reserved zucchini pulp; toss to combine. Divide the filling among the zu-canoes.

Nothing says holiday party to me like a wing. They are full of flavor and portable. My only issue is most are fried with butter based sauces. But here is a baked wing to rival any fried wing out there. Oh I have other healthier sauce recipes, you want a different flavor. Email me or leave me comment and I can send you a copy.

Balsamic Soy Glazed Chicken Wings (Inspired by THIS Recipe)
Ingredients
• 4 pounds chicken wingettes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preparation:
1. Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Line 2 large shallow baking pans (17 by 11 inches) with foil. Put pans in oven and preheat oven to 500°F.
2. Pat wings dry, then toss with oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper in a large bowl and divide between preheated pans, spreading wings in 1 layer. Roast, without turning, until golden and tender, about 35 minutes.
3. While wings roast, simmer vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/3 cup, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
4. Remove roasted wings from oven and let stand in pans 1 minute (to make wings easier to remove from foil), then transfer with tongs to a clean large bowl.
5. Pour balsamic mixture over wings and toss to coat well. Let stand 5 minutes, then toss again.

Oh my Jewish readers, I didn't leave you guys out. A Latke is a variation of a Potato Pancake (what I grew up eating) and it is usually fried. The oil for cooking the latkes is symbolic of the oil from the Hanukkah story that kept the Second Temple of ancient Israel lit with a long-lasting flame that is celebrated as a miracle. But us Gentiles are not the only ones watching our figures. Try this baked version of this traditional dish  and take it to this year's Hanukkah.

Baked Latkes (Recipe is found HERE)
Ingredients
• 2 lbs potatoes (shredded or grated)
• 1 onion (shredded or grated)
• 2 eggs
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste
• 1/4 cup matzo meal or 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Nonstick cooking spray

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Drain excess liquid from potatoes. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Spray two baking sheets.
4. Add latke mixture by 1/4 cup; flatten.
5. Bake 15 minutes; turn latkes; and bake 10 minutes longer.
Serve with applesauce or sour cream.

My cousin, Clory made this punch for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. Alcohol has empty calories and we don't need them anyway.

Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Punch (Great recipe HERE)
Ingredients:
• 4 Cups Apple Cider
• 1 Cup White Grape Juice
• 3 Cups Ginger Ale
• 1 Apple, diced

Preparation:
1. Combine apple cider, white grape juice, and ginger ale into a pitcher or punch bowl.
2. Throw in the apples and enjoy!

Now, just because We will bring healthier dishes does not mean we can't eat what other's brings. Here are some tips to enjoy some of our favorite holiday dishes without overindulging.

• Snack Beforehand - Do Not go hungry.

• Be The Last In Line - Once a large amount of people have gone through, the food loses its luster

• If You Must Drink, Drink A Wine Spritzer - Remember, many holiday drinks are loaded with calories that add up quickly!

• Avoid Elastic Waisted Holiday Outfit - Elastic waistbands are cheerleaders to overeating. Fitted waist & belts give your appetite discipline.

• Stand at least 4 Arms' Length Away from the Munchies or Buffet - Causes you not to want to walk back to get seconds.

Well, I won't be back until February 2016, if God says the same, with Healthy Eating Recipes. I promise to come back a little sweeter (Yes, that is a hint). Happy Holidays to all you reading this. Be blessed & ready to for me in 2016.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

My Favorite Christmas Song & Other Beloved HoildayTunes

Well, in my home it is almost time for me to put up the Christmas tree.

I Photobombed them last Christmas

Alura & Monkey Toes reminded me this past weekend. Monkey Toes kept asking me did I need help this year. I told him I will let him know.
A few years ago they had to help me put the tree up. I was battling an arthritic attack & a cold most of that December. So, when my sister needed me to watch them that Saturday,

I put them to work. LoL They had fun.

Christmas is at my Grandmother's home. I stay there also so, pretty much do most of the cleaning & decorating. Christmas is not my favorite holiday. Avid readers of this blog know it is Easter. Christmas is a little tiring.  But I do keep up some of the traditions of my childhood. The tree goes up on the 2nd Sunday of December. It was the only Sunday we didn't have a church program.

That chair my brother is sitting on, We still have it.

When I was a child, I had a crew. My younger cousin D.D., my sister A, and myself with my brother G as our cheerleader and my youngest aunt (D.D.'s mom (Let's call her, Stump on here)) as the supervisor put the tree. We had so much fun. Yes, those are candy canes on the tree. We still put those on the tree, Christmas morning.

I already have this year's dozen. Come to my house and you will see a few 30+, 40+,  & 50+-year-old people tackle the tree after gifts are exchanged to get to the candy canes.

Another tradition is playing Christmas music while putting the tree up and cooking Christmas dishes. G loves Christmas music. One year it was February before we could turn it off. My grandfather would put on records and cassettes all during December. We would just bop around the house to the beats. Now it might be traditional to play music but we rarely heard the standards like "Jingle Bells" or "Frosty the Snowman". We listened to "Christmas Blues" by the Ramsey Lewis Trio & "Merry Christmas, Baby" by BB King. My grandfather & I Only wanted to hear "Santa Baby" sung by Eartha Kitt. We would sneer our noses up at Madonna's version. LoL My mother loved "Silent Night" by The Temptations. My grandmother would tap her toes to the Fairfield Four sing "Last Month of the Year". My grandfather with his deep bass voice would start singing. Stump and A would bring out their records and tapes too. Soon we would be grooving to "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway & "Give Love on Christmas Day" both Jackson 5 & New Edition versions. Yep, Stump thought the Jacksons sang it best & A thought Ralph & them crooned it better. Eventually, rap tunes were introduced, and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC was added to the list. One year in high school, I bought my grandmother, Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. Well, the "Hallelujah Chorus" became a household favorite. And over the years I have added newer tunes to my playlist. When "Joy to the World" by Whitney Houston & the Georgia Mass Choir comes on, I have to stop decorating and direct my imaginary choir. LoL I also added some comedic Christmas songs and other holiday songs commemorating Chanukah & New Year's Eve. Oh and like K-nock of the Quad City DJs, I still want a man with a lot of money like she requested in "What You Want For Christmas".

Now out of all those songs and more that are played during December, my favorite is sung by many but the Reba McEntire version is the one I love. It is "Mary Did You Know". I love this song. It is not Christmas until I hear this song. This song makes you think. I really could ask Mary all of this if I had the chance.

When she looked at little Jesus asleep on the hay did really know she gave birth to Greatness. We all know she knew what manner of man he was once he got older. She herself asked him to fix the wine issue at the wedding. But this song asks Mary about her mindset shortly after she delivered a healthy bundle of joy. Most mothers are full of joy as she probably was. This song just asks Mary had she really realized the depth of her conversation with Gabriel the Angel. 

When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words. She thought about what had been said. The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat.  He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I have never had a man.” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:29-35

This song wonders if while she was counting his ten fingers and toes and enjoying the moment with Joseph did she take into account the things a few but especially Isaiah prophesied about.

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:1-2

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 

It's just an honest song full of questions for Mary but also full of the wondrous acts of Jesus Christ. It tugs at my heart and yeah I really want to know "Mary Did You Know"?

So, on this 2nd Sunday of December, I will put up our family's Christmas tree. Probably start moving furniture Friday night.As long as I have my Christmas mug full of tea or cocoa, my tunes & my memories of yore, I will get it done. Oh if you want to hear some of what is on my playlist go to the LINK and bop along with G & me. Yeah, he's still the cheerleader waiting on the lights to come on. 

What's your favorite Holiday song(s)? Let me know in the comments. 

Happy Holidays to you all!!! 

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

My Favorite Christmas Movie

Told you in the post about my favorite Christmas TV ad to be on the lookout for my favorite Christmas movies & songs. So here is the post on "Scrooged".

I'll say it again I am a fan of a few, very few remakes & reboots. Scrooged, a modernized version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is one of those few. I Love this movie!!! It came out in the late 80s and it gives me warm memories of my childhood with my older sister Aunja, my cousin D.D. and I watching it on cable. Even as a child, I got the jokes.

Basically, Frank Cross, played by Bill Murray controls a US TV station that is preparing a live adaptation of Dickens' Christmas Carol. Frank's childhood wasn't a particularly loving one, and so he doesn't really appreciate the Christmas spirit. With the aid of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, Frank understands he must change. It has a Marly character.
The Bob Cratchit character is played by Alfre Woodard and she has a mute son named Calvin instead of a Tiny Tim on crutches.
Of course, there are the ghosts.

Past

Present

Future

My favorite ghost is Present. The little fairy knocked the crap out of Frank Cross to get his attention. Oh, she pokes him in the eye, punches him in the jaw, and bashes him with a toaster.

If Carol Kane can act in all the movies she wants, she will always be the Ghost of Christmas Present to me. This movie also was packed with the all-stars of the time. Buddy Hackett from Beverly Hillbillies, Olympian Mary Lou Retton, Jazz artist Miles Davis & David Sanborn, and even the Solid Gold Dancers

(I'm telling my age. LoL).

"Scrooged" also dealt with some social issues that are still very relevant today.

Corporate Greed

Unemployment

Homelessness

A Struggling widow trying to make ends meet

Childhood Mutism

How to get antlers to stay on a mouse LoL

The movie may be dated, now but no one can dispute that "Scrooged" has the best endings ever. I mean with the great song "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" by Al Green & Annie Lennox in it (Hear my jam HERE), how can it Not be the best. Spoiler Alert!!! A touching moment with Tim and somebody goes to heaven.

Again I Love this Movie. Yes, I will be watching it this holiday season. I own it!!!

Another Great Christmas movie from my childhood that I love is

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"!!! Cute movie!!! The Herdmans are the worst children in history! They use profanity, they smoke, they torture animals and other people. Oh, and they want to be in the Christmas pageant at church, even though they have never heard the story of Christmas. This movie is the epitome of the true meaning of Christmas. You can find it on YouTube or DVD.

Well, that leaves My Favorite song to post. I'll give you a hint! Reba McEntire sings it. Leave your answers in the comment box. Oh, and What are your favorite holiday movies? 

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

My Favorite Christmas TV Ad!!!

Hey guys!!! How was your Thanksgiving? Mine when well. A very normal day with family and family friends. Oh, and I LOVE normal.

Even got to watch my church service online. Planned the Christmas meal. We will be doing Mexican again like last year. I'll do the rice. Might also try out a small pot of the Ginger Rice that I love a Blue Mesa Grill on the family. Then it was me, "Piece of April" and foot tub with hot water Epsom salt, Isopropyl alcohol, mouthwash & vinegar in it. If you want your feet to fall in love with you put that in your foot bath. Oh, I did feel sad at one point. But I sat with it and made it through.

Prayerfully, I will get through the Bayou Classic (Grambling & Southern) without hard grief. Football Nerd played for Grambling and always reminded me to watch the game. ☺♥☺

Well, I mentioned in the Are We Skipping Thanksgiving post, my favorite Christmas commercial is the Hershey Kisses Handbell Choir. That commercial gives me fond memories of elementary school. Every year in the 5th & 6th grades we got to pick three choices for Fine Art classes. Then we were assigned to a class out of those choices. Every year, I would put down

1. Piano

2. Orchestra

3. General Music

Every year I was placed in General Music, As a preteen, I would feel slighted. Now, as an adult, I feel blessed to have been assigned to that class. In that class, I learned true music appreciation. I learn the history of music. We studied a few operas like Madame Butterfly. I learned to sing many songs. I also know how to read music and play the following instruments

Tambourine

Glockenspiel

Xylophone

Handbells

Recorder

I still have my recorder. It's in my mom's (my former) bottom dresser drawer. Who knows "Twinkle Twinkle"? Let's meet up!!! We can have a jam session. LoL

The Hershey Kisses Christmas commercials also remind me of a time & a place where a heavy, big busted, awkward & clumsy preteen could find a tad bit of refuge. For some odd reason in that class, I was never teased.  Our teacher was the best. She was firm but caring. I sometimes ask one of my cousins who was once a music colleague of hers at their church how is she doing and he fills me in. I just had a great time in a class I didn't realize at the time would help shape me culturally. I remember taking Music Appreciation at UT-Arlington and knowing a lot of what my professor would present. I made an A in that class. I have to say Elementary General Music may have been a part of getting that A.

I love to see handbell choirs. One of the best parts about catching a Christmas Eve service on TV. If the church doesn't have a Christmas handbell choir, why are you on my TV?  The gloves and rhythmic ringing put a childlike grin on my face. If you ever see me when that commercial comes one you would get a kick out of me. I am the silver kiss directing the other bells. I learned that tune as a kid too. Give me some sheet music. I have some gloves.

Yes, be on the lookout for posts about my favorite Christmas Song & Movie. The Song may not shock you but the Movie might stump you. Let's just say it is an 80s reboot. Well off that watch some TV. Maybe the Hershey Kisses Christmas ad might come on and I will get to direct.

☺☺☺

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Are We Skipping Thanksgiving This Year!!!

I know this cold weather has me hibernating at night but I know didn't miss Thanksgiving. Did I miss the memo about skipping Thanksgiving? I hope not because that means I won't get to curl up in bed that night after everyone has left with my mother's green bean casserole (She omits milk & soy sauce & add cheese soup) and watch the best Thanksgiving movie ever, Pieces of April.

I really don't want to miss doing that.

Oh I didn't miss Thanksgiving!!! There was No memo stating to skip Thanksgiving!!!
Then Can We Act Like It???

For the past few years I think the Christmas sights are starting earlier and earlier. We barely get finished passing out Halloween/Harvest?Hallelujah Night candy. I know what it is. We are excited to celebrate the birth of the man sent from God, who came to die for our iniquities, rise in three days with All power in his hands and ascend to Heaven to make preparations so, he can come back for us.

Oh I get it. But can we acknowledge the day we made to set aside to be thankful for not just for Jesus' birth but for Everything, God the Father blesses us with.

I know that is not the initial reason why American Thanksgiving (I'm thankful for that also) was made but we Americans can't even keep our own traditions. We spit on the our own observances to go shopping in the middle of the day to buy more stuff . I wonder how many Christmas gifts are actually bought during these early "Black Friday" sale days. I just heard a consumer advisor say the cheapest an oven will be 3:oo pm Thanksgiving day. Who will be giving a oven this year? I would love to meet the giver because that is a great gift. And who is truly benefiting? Not the worker who can't enjoy the day of gratefulness because they are at work. They have to corral you crazed sale wanting shoppers. Not your pocket books because that's why you want the sales, you afford that stuff at regular prices. Maybe the economy but that is just a short while because when are we buying like this the rest of the year.

Again I said I get it. Oh it is a sale before the hustle and bustle. I've been known to buy something for a Christmas gift for someone in September because it won't be there when I come back. What I don't understand the spirit of ungratefulness the early shopping is done in. Pushing and shoving for a deal, opening stores before 12 am the day after Thanksgiving, advertising Christmas commercials early promotes that spirit. Everyday is a Day of Thanksgiving but when I see Hershey showing my favorite Christmas commercial

(Next month I'll discuss that) before most of us have bought all the Sweet Potato pie ingredients (still need to get potatoes),
it makes you question are we being sheepily lead into believing that Thanksgiving day should be canceled.  I hope not. I would hate to see in the future we become a country that Never sits down as a whole show God all the gratitude he is owed, Consumerism & Commercialism are trying to take advantage by using our excitement to celebrate Jesus' birth. Don't let those greed factions beaugard the Thanksgiving spirit away by pushing up the sights of Christmas up earlier.

Okay I'm jumping off my soap box. What are doing for Thanksgiving? What are you cooking? Anybody celebrating the day with a Friendsgiving? Let me know in the comments.
And if I don't talk to you on that day, Happy Thanksgiving!!! Not an Early Thanksgiving because Everyday is a Day of Thanksgiving. Whoo, I could shout off that fact right there. I know I'm so churchy but you love me because I am.

Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms