Ramblings of Silver Blue

…one silent night.* All is quiet here at the Shenandoah Forester. PR’s taking down the Christmas decorations at the church, preparing it for the arrival of the new Interim Minister (who still, by the way, hasn’t signed the contract). If I have but one wish to make for the church for 2006 (and Religion as [...]

Pork Tenderloin Roasted with Veggies 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 12-ounce pork tenderloin 2 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons pepper seasoning blend mix, divided 8 ounces whole fresh white mushrooms, halved if large (about 3 cups) 8 ounces new potatoes, halved or quartered (about 3 cups) 1 sweet red bell pepper, chunked (about 1 1/2 [...]

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE (from cooks.com) 2 lb. well trimmed corned beef boneless brisket or round 1 sm. onion, cut into fourths 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 sm. head green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges Pour enough cold water on corned beef in 5 quart Dutch oven just to cover. Add onion and garlic. Heat [...]

Washington Apple Shot 1/3 oz Crown Royal® Canadian whisky 1/3 oz DeKuyper® Sour Apple Pucker schnapps 1/3 oz cranberry juice 1 splash 7-Up® soda Pour Crown Royal canadian whisky, DeKuyper sour apple pucker and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a shot glass. Add a splash of 7-Up if desired, and [...]

SPLIT GREEN PEA SOUP 1 pound center slice country ham (leave bone in) 2 packages split peas 12 cups water 1 1/2 cups milk 4 tablespoons butter Place country ham slice(s) in water and bring to a boil. Add split peas and cook on low for 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally. Just before serving, add [...]

Why is it on lazy days that they’re just perfect for napping away?

Susie: My last boyfriend said he fantasized about having two girls at once. Amber: Yeah, most men do. What did you tell him? Susie: I said, “If you can’t satisfy one woman, why would you want to piss off another one?”

…like the plague. This is the second time in the past few months that we’ve gone, waiting for a seat, and received crappy service. Word to the Cracker Barrel at Mercury Plaza in Hampton: One more bad experience and it’s being transferred to the Dining Reviews site I run. January 4, 2006 I will say [...]

I had eighteen bottles of whiskey in the cellar and my wife insisted I empty the contents of each bottle down the sink, or else… After careful consideration, I reluctantly agreed and finally proceeded with the unpleasant task. I withdrew the cork from the first bottle and poured the contents down the sink with the [...]

Had a great time at lots of locations yesterday (sorry for the lack of posts, but hey, it was Christmas!), and finally got around to exchanging gifts here at home about 12:30 this morning. Tink got me exactly what I wanted, The Collectors Edition of “Titanic” (Thanks lady!), while PR got me a Cherished Teddy [...]

courtesy of Moonglow! A retired Captain, USN, observed this morning that his beloved cat has discovered that she likes to sleep snuggled on the fleece sweatpants he wears in colder weather. I told him that she was just expressing Christmas spirit, wishing him a Fleece Navy Dad. ~~ One Christmas, Phil and Will built a [...]

…from me to you on this Christmas Day. Dona Nobis Pacem. Latin for Give Us Peace. Be sure to take a moment and be thankful for all in your life. Even the idiots, as they make you appreciate the kind people more.

The “magical” day has arrived, whether we wanted it to or not. May it bring joy to you and yours.

Which ghosts, you ask? The Ghosts on Christmas Eve. In this room where shadows live; And ghosts that failed learn time forgives… Welcome, friends, please stay awhile our story starts with one small child who spends this night in attics dark where dreams are stored like sleeping hearts; and so it’s here that they must [...]

“And I In My Chair” – as performed by Sam Harris He, calmly staring, aware of me You, hardly caring, how much I see He, lightly joking, a bit risque You, busy smoking, in every way… And I in my chair, sit watching the game and it’s so familiar Yes, I in my my chair [...]

While strolling through the blog one day… I came across this: While I was enjoying an impromptu vacation, a certain mischievous elf tagged me for a meme which requires me to divulge 5 random facts about myself and then tag 5 (not-so-) random bloggers to do the same. This, of course, is like receiving a [...]

by reading liner notes…. I’m MP3ing more of my collection, and picked up the “Fame” soundtrack. Lesley Gore (You Don’t Own Me, Judy’s Turn To Cry, It’s My Party) co-wrote “Out Here On My Own” with her brother, Michael Gore (who also produced the album) But more interesting were the backing vocalists to the “Fame” [...]

“You Really Touched My Heart” – As performed by Amii Stewart I wander down to your place it won’t be the same… Face to face, I looked at you but you turned away Where did we go wrong after love so long where is the love I once knew? Oh, you… you really touched my [...]

You can’t stop time, nor the Christian/Commerical holiday which is upon us (regardless of the fact scholars now think Jesus was born in September (frorm some nonsense article I read somewhere)). Have all your shopping done yet?

Dedicated to an idiot who needs to grow up. Go Away (written and performed by Gloria Estefan) Go away Won’t you just go away Go away Don’t you come back one day Take your stuff Take all of your precious things Leave right now Who knows what tomorrow brings Stay away Won’t you please stay [...]

I found the tape I made for my 28th birthday (hey, it was before I bought a CD recorder). The music was eclectic to say the least. Side A (Hyper Side) When The Night Is Cold – Army of Lovers (1988) Vitality – One More Time (1992) Voice Of America – Nicki French (1995) Physical [...]

the church is actually going Christmas carolling this evening. While I’m not sure if my voice can take it and still be able to sing on Sunday, I’m going ot give it my best. After all, this time of year only comes once.

This recipe came to me fromt he Kitchen of Vivieon Kelley back in the mid-90s when I worked at William and Mary and she went to Law School. I’ve lost touch with her since then, but this cheesecake has continued to brighten holidays and dessert parties. I can’t thank you enough, Vivieon! Overnight Brandy Cheesecake [...]

Creme de Menthe Cake 1 yellow cake mix 1 package instant pistachio pudding mix 4 eggs 1/3 cup oil 1/4 cup green creme de menthe 6 ounces chocolate chips 8 ounces sour cream Mix all ingredients, adding chips last. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes in a bundt or angel food pan. Dust with powered [...]

Never-Fail Fudge 2/3 c. evaporated milk 1/4 c. butter 1 1/2 c. sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate morsels 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional) Combine marshmallows, milk, butter, sugar and salt in saucepan. Cook and stir until mixture comes to full boil. Boil 5 minutes over medium heat, [...]