A Little Bit of Home

Chilly weather, cloudy skies, football weekends...in our great search for a taste of home, we came up empty handed, which at this point is never much of a surprise to us while we are residents of this lovely state. In an effort to scare away another random bout of homesickness for both of us, I pulled out my old tried and true recipes and voila....Chicago Style Italian Beef will be enjoyed as our dinner this evening. I've had many requests for this recipe, so it is listed below for your culinary enjoyment. :)

CHICAGO STYLE ITALIAN BEEF Christine Anderson

4-5 pound Beef roast Bottom round or Eye of round
2-3 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
4-6 green peppers, thinly sliced

In large pan, pour a few tablespoons of olive or canola oil.
Place roast in pan, turn to generously coat meat.
Season with salt, pepper, Italian Seasoning (Oregano, Parsley, Basil).
Sear meat at Medium-High heat on all sides.
Remove from heat. Add 1 cup Beef Broth.

Roast meat at 300 degrees for 30 mins.
Decrease temperature to 275 degrees. Calculate roasting time by multiplying each
pound of meat times 30 minutes. (3 pound roast = 1.5 hours).
Halfway through roasting time, turn meat over.
Continue to roast; Meat should be fork-tender.
Refrigerate overnight in roasting pan, saving juices, for best results.


Remove meat from roasting pan.
Remove fat from top of juices and discard. Add liquid to crockpot.
Thinly slice all meat and place in crockpot.
Add approximately 3 c. beef broth to top of meat.
Most of meat should be in liquid. Add water if necessary. (This will depend on size
of roasts). I usually use one 32 oz. box of salt-free Beef Broth for a 4 pound roast.
Place sliced onions and sliced green peppers on top of meat/broth mixture. Cover.
Cook on Low for at least 6 hours. If possible, stir halfway through cooking time.


Serve with giardinera, jalapenos, banana peppers, etc. Mixture freezes well and can
be reheated on the stove top or crockpot.
Enjoy!

Until again,
~Red

"In Due Time"

Summer and excessive heat have given way to cloudy skies, 70 degree temps and a brisk feeling in the air. If I take a few deep, cleansing breaths and really concentrate, I might talk myself into smelling a bonfire off in the distance and imagine myself in a fleece and mittens. :) The fall weather is making me want to do Spring Cleaning! Texas has proven itself to us the past 14 months to be a place of new beginnings, new friends and jobs, unexpected closeness and solid relationships with family and many surprising twists and turns on this road trip. We know that our future, wherever it may be, will hold our new friends close to our hearts and in our lives in some capacity.


Now that the chaos of the past six months seems to be lifting and dissipating, Scott and I are about to begin yet another new journey together. Some of our "travels" have led us astray from the one commonality that we have shared from the beginning -- our deep love of the city --yet the recent detours have been educational, eye-opening and inspiring. Thankful for one another at the beginning and end of each day and feeling blessed in our lives, we have decided that this journey is about to take a turn on our Life Road. With few regrets about our time in the Land of Cowboy Love, the time has come to ponder what the future has in store.



Will it lead us back to the Windy City? Will this little family unit expand? Will our roots continue to extend into the earth here in Dallas County? Will my book be published? Will Scott go to culinary school? Will I go to dental school? Will a new puppy join us? Perhaps a kitty? An adopted child? All possibilities that could have a happy ending. In the words of my father, "Good things come to those who wait." If waiting is to teach patience, then please know that we breathe and bleed patience and understanding, all in hopes of gaining wisdom and the ability to persevere in any and every situation and circumstance.



We know. We have a plan. In due time, and in both small and grand doses, we will begin to share what is happening.

Stay tuned.

Until again,
~Red

Moving to Texas

My best friend's husband emailed me something very funny today titled, "Moving to Texas". Before opening his email, I briefly pondered what on earth his email could or would be about, as I definitely know that they are not planning on moving here! (Who would....its too damn hot all of the time?????). I don't know where this email originated, but I laughed so hard all the way through to the end and couldn't resist sharing it here. Whoever did write this has brilliantly described how I feel on a daily basis living in this hot, dry, awful state. So, please read on. Enjoy. Laugh and think of me. Sweating. Butt stuck to my leather seats. Scott stealing all of our hand towels to mop himself with while driving to work, sweating in the heat. Living in Texas has many positives, but not during the months of June, July, August or September. Comments?

Until again,

~Red

Dear Diary, Just moved to Texas ! Now this is a state that knows how to live!! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. What a place! It is beautiful. I've finally found my home. I love it here. June 14th: Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live in an air-conditioned home, drive an air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this. I'm turning into a sun worshipper. June 30th: Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing the lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here. July 10th: The temperature hasn't been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least, it's kind of windy though. But getting used to the heat is taking longer than I expected. July 15th: Fell asleep by the community pool. (Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body). Missed 3 days of work. What a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson though. Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this. July 20th: I missed Lomita (my cat) sneaking into the car when I left this morning. By the time I got to the hot car at noon, Lomita had died and swollen up to the size of a shopping bag, then popped like a water balloon. I learned my lesson though. No more pets in this heat. Good ol' Mr. Sun strikes again. July 25th: The wind sucks. It feels like a giant blow dryer!! And it's hot as hell. The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts. July 30th: Been sleeping outside on the patio for 3 nights now, $225,000 house and I can't even go inside. Lomita is the lucky one. Why did I ever come here? Aug. 4th: It's 115 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to 85. I hate this stupid state. Aug. 8th: If another wise ass cracks, 'Hot enough for you today?' I'm going to strangle him. Damn heat. By the time I get to work, the radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like baked cat!! Aug. 9th: Tried to run some errands after work. Wore shorts, and when I sat on the seats in the car, my ass caught fire. My skin melted to the seat. I lost 2 layers of flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs. . . Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried ass, and baked cat. Aug 10th: I’m convinced now that the weather report is a damn recording. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. It's been too hot to do Shit for 2 damn months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Doesn't it ever rain in this damn state? Water rationing will be next, so my $1700 worth of cactus will just dry up and blow over. Even the cactus can't live in this damn heat. Aug. 14th: Welcome to HELL! Temperature got to 115 today. Cactus are dead. Forgot to crack the window and blew the damn windshield out of the car. The installer came to fix it and guess what he asked me??? "Hot enough for you today?" My sister had to spend $1,500 to bail me out of jail. Freaking Texas . What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live here?? Will write later to let you know how the trial goes.

Dreaming in (John Deere) Green

I don't dream in black and white. I dream in Green. Specifically John Deere Green. This could be the richness of a well maintained lawn or a spiffy new John Deere rider with a bright yellow seat, made just for me. Yes, that's my dream ride. :)

It wasn't but about one year ago that I wrote a blog about living in Chicago, on the verge of making a huge decision that would change our paths in life, that I began to think of life outside of the Chicago city limits. I would take Sebastian for long walks around our yuppified neighborhood and come home, full of ideas and rants & raves on the latest happenings of my too-rich-for-their-own-good neighbors. From Land Rovers blocking my parking space to snotty kids cutting in front of me at Sweet Mandy B's, they provided quite a bit of entertainment that went unwritten (but brought me quite a few internal chuckles all the same!). I once blogged about a woman that lived down the street from us that could often be seen cutting her front lawn with scissors. Seriously, like kitchen shears. I thought she was a nut job at the time, but...

A few weeks ago, I walked out my back door in Texas~yes, hot-as-hell-in-what-should be springtime Texas~and was so discouraged as I tossed off my flip flops to put my bare feet in the grass. Anyone that knows me well knows of both my shoe fetish and my dislike of actually wearing shoes. For 34 years, each spring, I wait...no, I dream, about that day in which I can open all of the windows and run outside, daring to peel off my socks and shoes and set foot in the carpet of my lawn. Ha. This year the joke was definitely on me, for many reasons (and I can't even remember the last time a pair of socks graced my feet...). Let's just say that grass in Texas is NOT THE SAME as any grass I have ever encountered. It resembles thick, pointy brownish-green blades of Foot Cutting Death. Seriously. You can't walk barefoot in this stuff. Ever. Not in spring. Not in fall. Give me a bed of sharp nails, they'd probably hurt less than the lawn I am currently tending and tip-toeing around in. Sebastian has to be coaxed off of the patio to walk five feet to lift his leg on a tree...coaxed is a kind phrase...I usually have to chase him off and say every "hot button" word I know to excite him (Papa, bath, bye bye, birdies, bunnies, squirrels, Daddy)to even get the dog to go in the grass and pee. There must be something terribly wrong with my lawn if the dog doesn't even want to use it!

In great disgust and for lack of knowing what to do to make this yard of ours at least pleasing to our eyes if not to our feet, I called upon the Great Grass God for his expertise, advice and well, damn it, I needed his help. My dad, the GGG (Great Grass God), listened and asked a few questions, and carefully reminded me that this grass will never be as I want it to be, it is North Texas after all. I'm stubborn and I don't want to hear that!!!! I NEED to walk across the yard barefoot, to feel the softness between my toes....Dad, Help Me! Okay, Okay, he finally gave in and offered a few pointers (rake, seed, water, patience, fertilize, water, water, water) and I am following them to his exact instruction. I have internally giggled my way across the backyard with my memories of the crazy lady in Lincoln Park that literally would cut her front patch of lawn with kitchen shears...for I, too, have utilized my own kitchen shears in my backyard. I know, chuckle away...I used them for an area that the rake couldn't handle. :)

Currently, I have spotted signs of teeny, tiny blades of green grass pushing through the brown life that surrounds them, reaching for more water and more sunshine. I have carefully planted, fertilized, watered and watched. If I am sitting really still in the evening on my patio, beer and/or wine in hand, I swear I can hear it growing. At least, that's what the GGG (aka, my Dad) says I should be able to hear. Maybe its the wine. Maybe its my genes. I am determined to have a luscious, velvety and green lawn before this summer ends. I am my father's daughter after all.

If it doesn't work, well, then I guess we will have to pack up and leave the land of Cowboy Love in search of greener lawns. :)

Until again,
Red


In reference to above pictures:
Top photo: My dad's blissfully green, velvety soft lawn in Liberty, MO.
Middle photo: My backyard, Coppell, TX (ducks are just visiting)
Lower photo: GGG, aka: My Daddy

Goodbye, My Sweet Friend

For those of you who have held my dear friend, Annette, in prayer and who have lovingly followed along in her journey at my side...Annette passed away this morning and went to be with her Heavenly Father. Her suffering is no more and she is once again whole and healed, and undoubtedly in Heaven dancing at the feet of Jesus.

I ask that you continue to keep her husband, Scott, and their four children and the entire family and community that has spent so much time in caring for this remarkable woman in your prayers during the upcoming days, weeks and months ahead. Her memorial service is not until next Monday and Tuesday, and it will be a few weeks before the realization sets in and they begin their lives without their wife, mother, daughter, cousin and friend.

Thankful are we that her suffering has peacefully ended. Grateful are we for sharing in the love and inspiration of Annette and her sweet spirit. May the Lord bring each person grieving this loss much grace and understanding, for we know that our Annette would have wanted us to rejoice, smile and hug one another in celebration of her life.

Blessings to you.
C

SisterChicks

SisterChicks...

Those of you close to me know that my dear friend, Annette Roix, has been enduring the diagnosis and treatment of Stage 4 Renal Carcinoma for quite some time. She has an established blog that, until recently, was updated mostly by herself and now by her cousin/friend/Pastor, John Nordstrom. (http://updateonnette.blogspot.com) I have been blessed to have known both John and Annette, along with her family for about 4.5 years. A few days ago, John posted an update on Annette's health and status and also a request for comments and stories that will eventually be compiled into a Memory Book for her husband, Scott, and their four children. Below, I have pasted my contribution and also felt the need to share it within this realm as well. Before moving on to my comment, I need to elaborate. Below, before my actual comment for the Memory Book, are my personal thoughts.

As we all know, people do come into and leave an imprint on our lives. Sometimes we are blessed to have them around for many, many years and other times, we feel as if our time together has been short-changed. Annette came into my life so unexpectedly, yet as I reflect upon that particular time period, I see that it really wasn't so unexpected after all. God had His gracious hand upon both of us, and those surrounding us, and led us directly to one another. In the midst of great sadness and confusion, Annette taught me to love and be loved, to stand tall even when I didn't want to at all, and most importantly...she taught me to fully trust in God. She gave me a book entitled, "Grace Walk", and we fervently studied it together. These lessons are those that I carry with me each day as I walk forward as gracefully as possible.

The deck of cards for my life thus far have not always ended up with a Royal Flush; in fact, many times I wanted to flush my dealt hand right down the toilet, because all I had left to say was "I'm folding". During the darkest of dark times, I cried out to God, and on Annette's shoulder, to just find peace. And guess what...God provided peace. Abundant Peace. And, Forgiveness. Through life changing events, my brother's unexpected loss and too many happy & blessed times to list...Annette's teaching ways and generous spirit have always been with me.

During this bleak time of Annette's life, when it doesn't appear that God will grant the miracle we have all been praying for, I have to remember to do as Annette taught me: Give it to God. He's the only one that can take our burdens, fears and disappointments and carry the burden for us. I am heartbroken to be on the verge of losing my dear friend, but am finding much comfort in knowing that this, too, is all part of the Master Plan. God will allow grief, but in the grief we will also find the comfort and peace that only He can bring. In Abundance, with Grace. Just as Annette taught me and predicted it would be.


THIS IS MY COMMENT THAT IS CURRENTLY POSTED ON ANNETTE'S BLOG AND WILL (HOPEFULLY) BE USED AS PART OF A MEMORY BOOK FOR HER HUSBAND AND FOUR CHILDREN....

Tales From a Redhead in the City... said...

I met Annette and her family in early 2004 at a financial seminar that Christ Community Church was hosting. Annette and Scott were seated a few tables away from where I was sitting, and in the midst of learning and listening, Annette's bright eyes made contact with mine. As soon as the seminar ended, she approached me with a warm welcome, a friendly hug and her pretty smile. I knew that she was someone special before we ever exchanged words! What everyone else has been saying...to know Annette is to love and be loved, and that is so very true.

A day or two passed and my phone rang. Annette was at the other end of the line, wondering if I would like to get together. Little did she know at the time, I was experiencing the end of my marriage, the loss of a baby and feeling generally alienated from those that I normally had surrounding me. I was hesitant, but then remembered Annette's gentle hug over her big, pregnant belly and I couldn't say no. She welcomed me into her life and the lives of her family, invited me to church, introduced me to a wonderful group of women who immediately embraced me into their latest book discussion (in which Annette so graciously shared a copy of the book), had me at her dinner table, in her car running errands, visiting her when Zachary was born...the list goes on. In a few short months, Annette, Scott and friends (you know who you are!) gently led me to laughter, friendship, purpose and love. Annette and Scott together...what an inspirational team!

As time passed and I moved away, Annette's friendship never ceased. Encouraging emails and phone calls were there to remind me not only of Annette's unconditional love, but also of God's. During a time of my life where I continuously cried out to the Lord for guidance and answers, he led me to Annette and it was in our friendship that I learned how to strive to be a Godly woman and live a life full of grace and forgiveness.

I regret the amount of time that passed and how busy life sometimes becomes for all of us and we sometimes forget to just pick up the phone and call those that we love. We take for granted that our time here on Earth is limitless and that we will always have time to do all of the things on our lists...if we must endure this marathon that we are all sharing in with Annette and her loving family, then we must also be sure to stop for a quiet moment to pray and give thanks. Perhaps it will be thanks for a miraculous healing, thanks for ultimate understanding, peace and comfort, and thanks for being as blessed as we each have been by our dear, sweet friend. We must remember the Lord's love, patience, endurance and grace that we have witnessed by being a part of Annette's life.

Even though we have not seen one another for a good amount of time, I will never, ever forget the very moment that I was blessed enough to become Annette's friend. We are praying for you and your family constantly and hoping that your miracle will soon arrive. I love you my SisterChick book-loving friend!

Blessings,
Christy (English) Anderson

April 4, 2009 2:38 PM

March Madness

March Madness...

Yes, its that time of year again. March, a time to welcome spring and look for the peeking daffodils, dodge rainstorms and deal with the onset of spring fever...March Madness....also a time for basketball, spring cleaning and more resolutions. Come on sunshine, go away rain. Prepare the way for greener grasses, thriving gardens and bountiful fresh flowers.

March Madness...
When unpacking, I uncovered several journal entries that I meant to post but didn't take the time to do so. Time moves forward with a speed that I sometimes can't keep up with. So, in the renewing energy of spring I vow to my loyal readers that there are some pretty damn funny blogs about to appear for your enjoyment. Texas, Family, Work, Moving...all have provided lots of material (some certainly more than others) and its coming soon. Very soon.

March Madness...
Beautiful Springtime. Overwhelming Clouds. There is most definitely a madness associated with spring. Perhaps basketball. Perhaps the quest to start anew, as a bulb pushes through the newly thawed dirt and reaches for the sunshine. Maybe watching a lightening storm from a darkened room as it electrifies the night sky. Either way, share your March Madness with me, please. :) This year has already proven to be the most interesting....so far....

Until again,
Red