Blog Who_ing, Rememberance, and a Rant to an END

The day has come ----

Anything at Anytime is SOOOOooooo near the 100 followers mark it isn't even funny.

So, I guess this is the day I ask all that follow me to give me a big, Big assist and get you all to see if you can help me do a bit of what we have all come to call "Blog Whoring"......

I have been sitting at the 90s up and down for some time but this is the nearest I have been to breaking the 100 level.

With a bit of your help and suggestions to those that follow you I would ask that you Look in and find one of your Favorites that I have written and posted here on this site and link to it and ask them to look around and follow if they like what they see.

From reading all of you that have gotten there and been near the mark that first 100 is something we Really truly enjoy.  Its like running and completing your first Marathon, or the first time you tied your shoes on your own, or that first kiss that just..... Well, I think you get THAT idea.


Now for something that was missed Yesterday and  a SAD Ending today!

Yesterday was the 42nd Anniversary for Apollo 11 -- Landing on the Moon - the First time MAN set foot on a Planetary object other than Earth!

The courage of those associated with that program and those on the flight brings back thoughts of the mariners that sailed the oceans not knowing what awaited them.

So, a Salute to those that made it happen and gave DREAMS to SO MANY --- THANK YOU ALL!

Buzz Aldrin performing maintenance
and The Eagle

Today STS-135 Landed.  STS-135 is the last Flight of the Space Shuttle(s) - there will be No More!

These are the Lucky Few that got to take that last Flight
and in my opinion
Have a Special Place in History

STS-135 Landing for the Last time

As a Child (relatively Newborn as I was only 7 1/2 months old) I was (as told by my Mother) placed before the TV to see the Moon Landing.

Maybe, just Maybe it was due to that, that I have always found a desire to go up there, be there.

It is a Sad thought that now, we have NO real means READY to take the place of the Shuttle and put us up in the regions we belong.
Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty to do and learn here on Planet Earth.
But.........
Our Future is Space!
Our Future is to Explore our Solar System with more Manned Flights as the Sailors of the past.  Space is our Ocean of Exploration and it Drives Technological advances far beyond normal expectations.

We as a People - Mankind (as a Whole) needs to do this and be there.

25 yrs of Service for the Shuttles -- two major accidents (out of how many Missions) that sadly lives were lost....... Isn't that what Exploration is?  Knowing there could be cost, even catastrophic ones?
But, we still go on to explore and learn from those before us.

Why, WHY have we not worked on a replacement/improvement to the Shuttle Program that could have gone active at the end of the Shuttles' uses?

Now, we are left to rely on either other Countries or Private Companies to come up with the means.  Some of that could lead to Good things because some of the Best improvements have come from the Private Sector, but at what Cost?  I am not talking about Personnel loss/cost but Monetary Cost....

We need to form a Collective - a Collective of Science and Engineering that will work together for the Sole purpose of Space Exploration --- Damn the Nationalities and the Whose Country Governs!
All Scientists and Engineers in the field working together Under No Specific Government.  Yet All Governments responsible for the safety and protection of said Grouping.

We DO NOT Live in a PERFECT WORLD!
However, if we could get the Scientists and Engineers from around the World working together, could that not be a lesson to ALL of us from?

We NEED to be back into Space on a regular basis and not just floating around in our own immediate little corner.  The International Space Station is a start but we need to go further - MUCH Further!

I know this is turning into one of my RANTS but this has also been a DREAM of Mine for YEARS.......

There used to be a show called "1999" or something similar to that - and guess where they had the scientists and engineers gathered for it?  A sizable space station on the MOON --- It is still doable today.  More so than when the creators of the show imagined it.  The means are here for us to do it today.

Why haven't we done it?
Ask our Governments.

A station like that on the moon could mean -- better training for Astronauts/Cosmonauts in actual environments they would be dealing with, a Launch site that could be used to Launch many different types of Manned Missions further out and beyond........
The Things WE could learn just blows the imagination out of this World.

Sorry, but my Rant on what I feel is a Sad day for MANKIND with the Ending of the Space Shuttle Program.
NASA has done a Fantastic job with what they had available...... But, WE can do so much more and this should not have been allowed to end.

Hope You ALL have a Great Day!
Danny

Thanksgiving - More Thanks

Anything at Anytime Thanksgiving Thankfuls started Sunday, continued yesterday and will today and tomorrow.

Yesterday, talking about J's family, I missed one.  One Very important lady. Momma's Sister and J's Aunt Nemi.  Nemi never married but became the Woman in everyones' life.  Not a Mother, not an Aunt, not a friend but something So much More!
A bit of this one, a little of this one and a sprinkle of that all mixed together with a touch of Cinnamon baked over a low heat for a time and what do you have?  Nemi!

Nemi is an older woman now but is a very active lady that does her very best to be there for everyone.  She bakes a homemade birthday cake for Everyone.  Has a Christmas party every year in her little humble abode (On a Good day you can get 5 people in that house comfortably, more and it is crowded).  At Christmas I have No idea what she does, but around 30-40 people and room for more.  Always something for Everyone.

At times I feel she, Nemi (who did you think I was talking about?), has adopted us as her kids.  She falls into the  "You need something, here it is family!"  She needs something done around the house - Any or all of us guys are there to work on it.  Somebody is in the Hospital, Nemi is there to give a shoulder, buy lunch, just keep your mind off of what you don't want to think.

I am Thankful that she has been a part of my life, of course my wife's and the lives of my Children.  Matter of fact as I write this she has one of my daughters over at her house teaching her how to make Homemade Pumpkin Pie that she learned from her mother.


For those of you reading today just imagine I had some unique eloquent dialogue to shift from one thing to the next here.  Just make sure you think it was really Awesome.

My Parents..........
Thankful?!?!  Most definitely.  The hows and whys are a bit tricky but most certainly there.
I am, without a doubt, not the easiest child to deal with.  I am vocal, most of the time; opinionated, always; confrontational, certainly; hard headed, obviously (But, I inherited that from my Dad :) as I took notes!); and those are just a few of my faults as a child.  I am Thankful They put up with it.

There have been times they hurt me and Many More that I have hurt them; and yet, They are still there and Love me.  Now, with the cards I have been dealt in life, More than ever I am Grateful that they are still here for me and my Girls (J, D, and E).

We have undeniably had issues.  They didn't "Shut the Door" as I was their son, and I didn't "Shut the Door" (almost but didn't) because I wanted my Daughters to know their Grandparents and my Parents to know their Grand-daughters.

Thank God They didn't give up on me and miss out on my wife and children!

I am just Thankful that We are all trying and not letting ourselves get in the way.


Here, Now, I get to the TWO of the Really Good parts of what I am Thankful for:

My Daughters

Older picture but One I really like!

What man would not be Grateful to have a Blond on one arm and a Brunette on the other?  :)

There are times as a Dad, that I can not allow them to see everything and exactly how I feel about things they have done.  Then there are the times I can't help myself and This is going to be one of them so Please understand this is from a very, Very Proud Parent.

I am so Thankful to God for Blessing me with Two Beautiful and Intelligent Daughters!

Yes, my Daughters, have their "Moments" as children do, but even then, when they do - They can be Whoppers!
I have always told them:  "If you are going to do it - DO IT!  Just be prepared to suffer the consequences."
Those don't happen that frequently.  Thank God.

I am a smart man, most of the time, and pride myself in knowing many things.  I can see it, saw it when they were younger but Really starting to see it Now, My Daughters are going to make Dad look "Stupid" when they get older and more "Edgeumacated!" and I am Glad.  I am Thankful that I have Daughters that will be smarter than I when they get older.

Another bit to go with that that I am Thankful for is they are Smart without loosing their Common Sense!  It always amazes me about "Smart People" and a major lack of Common Sense.  From the looks of it so far No need to worry.  Thank You.

Doing the Right Thing - No Matter the Consequences to yourself because it is the Right Thing, is something that they both have already started to do.  Those moments where you know something Must be said and knowing that in the saying you are making yourself vulnerable, but doing it anyway....... That, in my opinion; No Matter Your Age, Is GUTS.  A Parent (I) should be (am) Proud!  I am Thankful that they both have shown and done things that fit that bill.

Talent abounds in my Daughters - A Singer, A Writer, An Athlete, An Artist, Musicians Both, and "Lurnin" they is sponges!

One plays a Violin and the other the Clarinet, I didn't need ear plugs to long, they picked 'em up, and No not Naturals, but it didn't take them long.  I am Thankful my Eardrums were spared.  LOL

Both can sing; However, D when she lets her voice go is Good.  I have no doubt in my mind that if she ever finds the Right Song she will make My Heart Weep in Pleasure, as well as yours.  She is just shy to show it or sing for small groups.

E, well she is the Writer and Artist.  The art, as in all Artist, is taking its time but you can see it.
Funny how Writing and Art tend to go hand in hand.
Her writing is something all together different.
Put some years and experience behind the pen and paper and with her imagination she will rival my Favorite Author - Robert Jordan.

Yes, I am a Proud Parent and bragging about our Children is an entitlement that all Parents are allowed.  It is written in the manual section 7 sub section H addendum 37.  :)

I am also Highly Critical, not so much as to take a whip to them and say they can do better so do it, but to have them strive to do their best.  J and I both will ask them something along the line "Is this the best you are capable of?,  Have you done all you can?" etc....  If they answer that "Yes, that is." then we leave it at that.  If not then we tell them "If you are going to do something, you do your Best at all times in everything you do."
So, when I say there is talent, part of it is Pride and the other is that there is actually "Something" there.  Someday (I Hope) you may hear one Sing and read what one Writes.

I could go ON and ON!
I just find it difficult to write this about My Daughters as I don't want it all to seem as pure bragging.


Daddies "Little Girls" ( not so "Little" anymore :( !)  -- Absolutely!
Daddies Pride and Joys - Most Assuredly!!
Apples of my Eye - No ifs ands or buts about it!!!
Stole my Heart - Yes they did!


I am Thankful that they are My Daughters.

I am Thankful that God has Blessed Me, and My Family with Two Beautiful, Intelligent, Caring Girls.

I am just Thankful that they are a Part of My Life.

Thanksgiving - Extended Family and In-Laws

The other day Anything at Anytime posted "A Prelude to Thanksgiving", today I will fill in my list with one of the things that deserves a post of its Own.

A little over 15 years ago I met a Woman that captured my heart in the matter of two blinks of an eye.  I have always been (in my opinion) a "Romantic", but I never believed that someone could find "The One" that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with in such a manner and Know it right then and there.

*Nasty Crooked Curve ball coming!*

This post is not about that Woman.
*See, You all thought I was going to Post about her today.  Not!*

This is about that Woman's Family: Parents, Brother, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and extended Family.

Of course this will be laced heavily towards her Parents and Brother as they are the most influential in my life on a day to day basis.

14 years and 4 months ago I was introduced to her Family - ALL of the FAMILY!  As mentioned above, I got to meet all of the Aunts (had to pass all of the "Is he right for her?" questioning and grilling (they didn't toast me to bad!)).  Next, was all of the Uncles and Cousins - One Uncle (I respect and enjoy his friendship today) went so far as to tell me "I like you so will give you fair warning, You hurt her -I WILL HURT YOU!"
If you Really Love someone, you don't take that as a threat you take that as a message of how much others Love her as well, at least that is how I look at it.

The Entire Family accepted me and just opened the "Door" to me so to speak.  I was folded under the wing of the Family and from that point on have been a Part of that Family.
I Thank God all the time for them and their acceptance!

My In-Laws, well, they are a story all of their own.  I met them a few days after meeting her.  Unbeknownst to me, She had (having the same instant Feeling I did) already informed her Mom that I was "The One".  So from moment one of our meeting I was under the Mother and Father Microscope!
I Thank God my parents brought me up to respect women and respect my elders!  I believe that That is what got me to the "I Like him stage!"

Over the next several days, I spent many hours with her Family (Momma, Frank and Mike).  Most of which was me out on the back porch with Frank and Mike and Beer in hand.  I had No clue that all of the talking between the three of us was to see how I would "Fit" with His Daughter and His Sister.  Looking Back, That is exactly what that was.

We do not fit into the "In-Law" mold that is portrayed most often.
My Mother-in-Law is not my "Mother-in-Law" - She is Momma!  and I am her "Son".
My Father-in-Law is not my "Father-in-Law" - He is Frank, a fellow veteran, and a very Dear Friend!
Mike, My Brother-in-Law, is a Brother in all forms of the word and adores his Sister like No other, and is an Awesome Uncle to my Daughters.
When any of them need help, we are there.  When We need help - They are there!  No questions, No nothing other than "Here, Take this."  No ifs, ands or buts - just There!

I have traveled a great part of this world in my life and never found a place or Family I was so readily accepted and made to feel a part of.  They have been "Happy" with me and "Sad" with me, as I with them.  I was not made to feel as if I had to "Prove" or "Earn" my place in this Family,  I was there immediately.

I am so Thankful that I have been given the Honor to be an accepted, active part of this Family from the first day I became a member of it.


I Wish and Hope that you all have similar acceptance and Love from your extended Families.

A Prelude to Thanksgiving

To Anything at Anytime's regular followers,

I apologize for the last post and Rant on Sports Officiating.  I hope this post will make amends for that.  I have been reading comments all day about the game and I figured I better shift gears quickly and get back to some GOOD writing before I lost myself in the Stupidity of Ineptness or Ineptness of Stupidity (either one actually works).


Thanksgiving is Thursday.

I (with all the things that Have gone South in my life) Have Many, Many things to be Thankful for.

Where does one start with such a list?
A list that Tells everyone what is important in our lives and gives acknowledgement to things that keep us going, day in and day out.
A list that may include things that mean nothing to some and Everything to Others.

Some of the things that belong on the following list I will save for Posts during the week so that I may give them their proper due.

What follows is in no particular order:

I am Thankful for:

- New friends from around the globe - Everyone of them has a different take on things and brings laughter and in some cases sadness to the table for all to share.  What good are friends if you can't share the Good and the Bad?

- Anything at Anytime as it gives me an outlet for random writings and rants.  Hell of a form of Self-Counseling/Therapy (what you all haven't figured out I'm Mental?)

- Coffee -- The true Go-Go juice of Bloggers

- Good Music -- as Good Music gives thought and voice to those things we sometimes have no other means to communicate to others.

- Technology - without it I would not be typing this and you wouldn't be reading it.

- The ability to know that not all things are Perfect and we have to just do our best.

- Pumpkin Pie with Heaps and Heaps of Cool Whip!!!

- My Father-in-Law's Stuffing --  I can make a meal of this three times a day and a fourth on Sundays and not want for anything else.

- Good Reading -- Far to much junk out their claiming to be a book - But when you find a Good Book you really know it and find yourself becoming a part of it.

- Good Shoes -- You know, those shoes that don't make your feet hurt when you are in them all day.  Those shoes that feel like a glove and don't rub anywhere.  Good Shoes

- Oh, Did I mention Pumpkin Pie with Heaps and Heaps of Cool Whip!!!!!!!

Just an Appetizer before Turkey day.
Anything on your list you don't want to forget and throw out here.  Jump on in and make a comment.  What are some of the "other" things you are Thankful for?

Consider this a Warm-up for Thursday and for Christmas, it is just around the corner.

Anything at Anytime's - "Eyessentials"

Anything at Anytime - this actually happened so I hope you get a laugh out of it.


Have you ever found yourself in a chat or a chat room where it seems that a few of the people you meet, in that chat/chat room, and yourself just "Click"?

Yesterday, Anything at Anytime (I) had that happen and Today's Post is dedicated to what transpired.  I am sad to report that I did not copy the conversation.  What follows is the gist of what happened and I think you will all get a kick out of it - I at least I hope you get a smile - I know I was having a Blast when it was going on and still smiling about it now as I am remembering it and preparing to write about it.

This whole post is based on a PUN.

Setting the stage:

I have a Liking to playing Free poker online at Poker stars and yesterday was no different.

When "sat" at a table it depends on the tournament on how many people are "sitting".

In yesterdays case it was a full table with 9 of us "sitting" and preparing to take our opponents money.

From this point on this is not the Exact way things happened but as near as I can recall.

Being sat at the table for the tournament I found a Gentleman to my right that the beginning of his Poker Name was, of all things, "Ace".  Two seats to my left there was another Gentleman whom I will identify as "Mall".

These are the People (which I do not know and did not talk to prior) that I joined in cahoots with in this conversation(s).

Seated across from us all was :  

I, again, Hope you enjoy.

Anything at Anytime

"Eyessentials"

As the first cards are being dealt out:

Mall says something such as:   "I can't help feeling like I am being watched"

Ace -  "We will need to keep an "eye" out"

Myself - "I can't fathom why someone would want to "watch" us?"

(Now there are pauses and dealing and hands all being played while we do this and I will not bother you with all of that.  Just remember that this is all happening with some delays as we are playing our cards as well.  Which gives us the added benefit of coming up with better and wittier comments.)

(I don't recall who did this first but I will lay claim to it and if either of the other two stop in and comment that they started it...... Well, that is fine and I will post it and give them that claim.)

Myself - "Eye just don't see it"

Mall - "Tiny, do you have to keep Looking at me like that?"

Myself - "Don't you think Eye could Leye down for a nap while she is watching things?

Ace - "Tiny, could you keep an eye on my chips while I go the the bathroom?"

Mall - "Eye find this confusing the think with an Eye over my shoulder."

Mall - "Maybe I should keep a Lid on it?"

Myself - "I need a Cornea beer please?"

Ace - "Teyeny, don't let us catch you Blinking."

(This went on and on for the better part of an hour with us coming up with many different Puns based on an Eye or the "I" sound)

Myself - "Teyeny, could you please stop Looking at me?"

Ace - "I think I will take my family to the Transeyeberian Orchestra for the Holiday musical."

Myself - "Teyeny is getting the brunt of everything.  Maybe we should buy her the Eyeful Tower?"

Ace - "Wheye would we do that when we could buy the Eyesores"

Mall - "Eye intend to Eyedentifeye all loosing hands."

Myself - "Now, this would make a Great Post on Meye Blog!

Myself - "Eye think Eye will call tomorrow's post - "Anything at Anytime's Eyessentials"."


Thus you have today's Post.

Eye would Love to See what keyend of Eye/"I" puns you all can come up with?!?!?!

Something from my Past Writings

Anything at Anytime is going to post something from my Past efforts.

Yesterday I was searching the files to find D's Birth Certificate (Because Insurance misspelled her name and now want a new copy of the BC upon renewal for the new year).  Anyway, I came across a few folders that had some of my old writing in it and got to looking at / reading.  Some of it isn't bad at all.

One of them struck me and reminded me of someone that the whole family (me, my parents, brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles) all held dear.

I wrote this upon his Death back in 1998 and my Brother (of which was named after him) was to read it at the services.  I don't know if it was read for certain as I was unable to attend.  I greatly respected this man, he was like another Grandfather to me and my brothers when we were around, his Daughter's like older sisters, his wife - well, she was just a doll, corker, and blast all rolled into one.

Now that I have this blog and I ran across what I wrote, I can immortalize him to the degree that is within my and the Internet's power.

So, I hope you like.

With a wife he joined the service -

When he left - his family had grown by two.

Often at Sea or Duty Station,

Away from home, he raised a family.

When times were tough he would shoulder the load --

From bothers, to cousins & down the line --

He was There!

For a Great Nephew he was a name sake.

For Three -- His was the road --

All to Sea they have gone --

Two in the Navy & One the Coast Guard.

For Us - He was there

& all of you too.

He raised two fine daughters

And saw grand children too.

A family in pain, He was the glue.

Married a woman (who some say chews nails)

Tough, beautiful & brilliant to boot.

She caught him

And shared him with all of us here.

Thank you Aunt Lee --

What a Treasure you shared!

I (we) shall ALWAYS miss him.

Goodbye you 'Ole Salt --

May you find smooth seas

and the breeze to always fill your Ship's Sails.

In memory of Don Landes

Written by: Danny N. Winfield Jr. 

6 February 1998

Hope you all liked it.
He was a Very Special Man.

An OMFG Moment

Anything at Anytime takes a trip on the OMFG side.


As our Anniversary approaches and Halloween as well, I am stepping out on a precipice with what I am about to disclose.

J and I will have been married 14 years on the 14th of Sept. (OH, SHITTTTTTTTT!!! That's Tomorrow)

Happy Anniversary Honey!!!
from the bottom to the top of My Heart.

I was asked awhile back what was one of the weirdest / out there things I have ever done.

Well, it was shortly after J and I were married and I was a (person's worst nightmare) car salesman.  As a newly wed couple we did not have a ton of money and were (still are in some cases) paying bills and trying to sort out living with another person.

We were a month and a half into marriage and Halloween was upon us.  Work was having a Halloween costume contest and I wanted to get into it but we couldn't afford a costume.  Here is the start of the OMFG side.

J was supportive of my wanting to be in the costume contest and so she was trying to figure out what we could do to get me a costume.  The idea she had blew my socks off and then some.  (Sitting here and chuckling about it as I recall it all.)  Her "Idea" was simple, easy (for Her) and wouldn't cost us a single dime.

I will start it off with this......... my first action on the evening of the 30th was to shave closely that night.  Nothing big so I did.  When I got out of the shower I was informed I needed to go back and shave again........ MY LEGS...... That night before bed and as my hair was still wet she set my hair in curlers and I got to experience what some women used (and some still do) to do to "Look Good".  Wear curlers all night.  Damn, it is hard trying to sleep in those things!!!

She woke me at 5 am and started working on my make up and primping my hair and finding the right dress for me to wear that would still be good to work in.  Luckily, she had some low heeled sandles that weren't going to kill my feet.

Not that it is "my cup of tea" but she had me looking GOOD.

I went to work early that morning and 3 of the guys from the sales floor came running until I spoke in my voice which is a bit deep.  Talk about skidding to a halt and double take.  Then when I got in and got to my desk which at the time I shared with one of the women we had working there and she about tripped but said my wife had done a fantastic job.

The day progressed slowly and sales traffic was slow that day but I did get my own and in the strangest way. First client I "caught" out on the lot saw me coming and told me "Not, now Honey.  I am just looking."  (standard blow off speak - LEAVE ME ALONE!)
My response in my regular voice was "No Problem while you looking why don't I show you some of the particulars on the cars you have been looking at."  His jaw dropped.  I told him we were having a Halloween contest later and this was what my wife came up with.  That Halloween ended up being one of my best sales days as I sold three cars that day in the span of 4 hours.  All three to men who mistook me as a woman and were stunned from the get go when they realized it was a man under that dress and makeup.

Needless to say later when we had the competition and everyone voted for the various costumes for those of us that participated - I Won "The most Convincing" and a $25 restaurant certificate for me and J.

It is amazing what we will do when young(er) and in Love and don't have money.

J and I still laugh about that to this day.

A Trip - Carlsbad Caverns

I was looking at some old pictures of ours and came across a few of a trip to Carlsbad Caverns.  Just a few hours down the road from us and has more to explore than one day will allow.  We made the most of our one day and had a blast.

*This Trip was about 6 or 7 years ago and the first pictures my wife and I have put on the Internet of the girls.*

So I get Lucky to add their Pictures on Anything at Anytime.

My Wife, Mother-in-Law, and girls
getting ready for the descent.

As you can see a very long and back and forth zig-zag going down

Now, I am not the best or the worst using a camera.  I have made some fantastic shots and some really "How did you do that shots?".  But down in the caverns themselves for some reason the flash was not working all that great but I will show you a few from inside.

Same Column but of course
a closeup.

                                                

Last of the Sun Light

A little ways in thought the
column on the right was interesting.

  

I Really wish this picture had come out better there were
three or four different colors and was just awesome.

The Girls a few yards ahead of Mom and Dad 

  

The next part is what you get to see if you stick around till later in the day or early evening.  Carlsbad Caverns is full of bats deep into the caverns that people are not allowed to walk.  

Everyone getting in place to see the bats.

Bats coming out in the upper right hand corner.
They do a spiral coming out of the cave and you can actually hear them coming.

If you have ever seen a mass flocking of birds it looks very similar.

The circle on the right was the first wave.
The middle was the second wave.
You can see stragglers  moving in from the left.

Of Course we had to stop by the gift shop afterwards so that the girls could adopt a bat and even to this day when they see a bat flying around in our block they Wonder aloud "Is that our bat come to pay a visit?"

If you ever find yourself traveling far West Texas, the Texas Panhandle or even New Mexico try and figure a day to stop by and see what is in those caverns.  A completely Beautiful and Awesome site.

Please be safe and have a good day.

Dan

THE PERFECT GAME or An Awesome Wrap Up and Addendum to My Father's Day!

Baseball and Biscuits?  

I know, but read on and you will see!

After all I wrote in My Father's Day (FANTASTIC!!) and some WOWs to boot my Daughters put an Ultimate Topping to the day.  (Reading Biscuits-N-Gravy before hand will also give you an insight pertaining to today's post.) 

They, my wife and girls, have all been reading my blog and on a few occasions making comments and letting me and you know what they are thinking about my writing.  Well, one of the post they read was Biscuits-N-Gravy and Love and apparently it stuck in their (my daughters) heads. 

Yesterday, as part of my day, my wife and girls went out for a bit to do some grocery shopping and to give Dad Peace in the house while he was watching his World Cup on the Big TV.  I tend to let them all watch on the Big TV because I know they are all not "into" what Dad is "into".  So I figured this was their way of letting me get a chance to watch "My stuff" on the Big Screen.

Boy, was I WRONG!

Sometimes my wife or myself will throw hints at them about what the other might appreciate.  Not this time, my daughters came up with this idea on their own. 
From time to time as you read what I write you will see Sports Analogies.  So...............
What my daughters did was pitch THE PERFECT GAME!!!!!!!!!

Perfect Game = No hits, No Walks, No Errors

THE PERFECT GAME = 81 pitches -  3 up 3 down 3 pitches ONLY for each batter faced for 9 innings = 81 pitches. Recording 27 strike outs or Ks in the Baseball world.  (If this were Football season I would come up with a Football analogy)

So again, my daughters pitched THE PERFECT GAME ending to a Fantastic Father's Day. 

Now by this time you are probably wondering what or how they could have done that.  Am I right?
Well, if I have done my job writing this, of course you are.


THE PERFECT GAME an Awesome Wrap Up

What Dad did not know was that his girls had talked his wife into going to the store to buy very specific ingredients. 
Because we are not the richest people in the world financially, and they know it, they were wondering what they could get or do for Dad that would be something SPECIAL.  One of them, I don't know which and will never ask, came up with the idea to fix Dad Biscuits-N-Gravy like his Grandma did. 

* Strike outs 1-9 *

They made a minor switch as they fixed this for dinner not breakfast.  Fine by me as Biscuits-N-Gravy are good at anytime of day. 

When it was about dinner time, I (still being clueless as to what was planned) was told I could not go into the kitchen and if I needed something I was to call out for it and someone would get it for me.  So their kitchen adventure began (maybe someday I can get one or both of them to write about that experience for all of us here).  One fixing one part and the other of course fixing the other part with a few comments and muttering about not having enough room to move around in a kitchen (problem with more than one cook in the kitchen).

The fixing, prepping, and cooking all done, I was called into the kitchen to get my Dinner/Father's Day Coup-de-grace. 

I had hints by the smells that were wafting around the house what was coming but sometimes you just can't be sure until you see in order to believe.  As I walked into the kitchen I see a Plate full of Biscuits-N-Gravy being held by two young women (faces beaming) and "Happy Father's Day" written on their faces (and the kitchen, lol).

*Strike outs 10-18*

Eating it was a Dream!  This was the First time they have ever fixed it and it was Perfect!  The flavor was a touch different than Grandma's, but how often can those of us that cook make something taste just like what we tasted even when we use the recipe (it isn't happening, close but not; know what I mean?).  For a Finish to a Great Father's Day,  This was Truly Grade A!

*Strike outs 19-26*    (I know, I left one out!)

The Best part of the whole thing...............  They got just the Perfect touch of the most special Ingredient.......LOVE. 

*Strike out 27*         THE PERFECT GAME!!!!!


Addendum:  A request was made on Biscuits-N-Gravy and in one of the Google forums from a friend Across the Pond for the Recipe.  So, Evertsen, here it is but please don't for get the most important ingredient........ Love when you fix it.

Biscuits-N-Gravy:

 Gravy:



1/2 lb. bulk breakfast pork sausage, crumbled in medium and small sized bits

2 tbsp. chopped onion    *note* *the girls and Grandma didn't use*

3 tbsp. flour

2 c. hot milk

salt and pepper to taste



Preheat oven to 500°F.



Cook sausage and onion in skillet until sausage is done and onion is clear. Remove sausage and onion. Drain

off all grease except for 2 tablespoons (or to personal taste). Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly,

until medium brown in color. Add hot milk, stirring constantly, and cook until thick. Stir in sausage and

onion. Taste gravy and season with salt and pepper (tasting until you get it to your liking).





Biscuits:

*girls used the Bisquick ready mix*
(if you do not have that available in your area follow this recipe)

1 c. plus 2 tbsp. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. Crisco shortening

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. shortening (for skillet)



Mix dry ingredients. Using a fork or pastry blender, blend in 2 tablespoons shortening until mixture is grainy.

Using a fork, stir in buttermilk just until the dough is sticky. 

Do not over mix.

Place dough on a floured board (surface) and knead a few times. Pat or roll out the dough to about

1/2-inch thick. Cut with a floured biscuit cutter or glass dipped in flour.


Using a cast-iron skillet (if you have one), melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet.

Take each piece of biscuit dough and place in skillet and turn over so both sides are

coated with the melted shortening.



Bake in 500°F oven for about 10 minutes (until nicely

browned).

Biscuits-N-Gravy and LOVE

This Post today came about by a discussion in one of the thread chats in a google forum for bloggers to chill and relax and bandy about ideas.  The topic was about the great anti-depressant Chocolate and a Friend of mine, Caffine-A-Holic, made a comment about one of his favorite foods being Biscuits and Gravy. 

My Grandma Wins, God Bless her Soul, had a monstrous brood of 13 grandchildren and was always fixing things for all of us kids.  It didn't matter if it were just a few of us or all of us all together she was fixing everyone their favorite meal of hers every couple of days. 

I was LUCKY, my favorite was a meal I got to have every single morning.

Biscuits and Gravy!        

Now, everyone in my family can tell you I was never the big and brawny type, not small, but always skinny.  Everyone always telling me I needed to put on weight.  My Aunts Mary and Peggy will attest to that and they both still do to this day, tell me I need to put on weight. 

Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy varied from time to time.  Sometimes she would make the Biscuits from scratch and sometimes she would use the cheap ShurFine brand, both were good.  The Gravy was were it just seemed "GOLD".  She would fry up sausage or bacon or both and after all was cooked she used the same pan for the Gravy.  I can not remember everything she put in there but Man oh Man was it some fantastic stuff.  I never could get enough of it!

Sometimes we would all get together and stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house and those were some real stories (for another day); however, it was on one of these get togethers that everyone saw my Love for Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy! 

You have to envision in your mind 10 adults and 13 kids all in a three bedroom house and all trying to get a place at the big table on the first go or wait until a space freed up.  Well, Knowing that the good Gravy normally came towards the end three of us waited until everyone else got their breakfast and then we (Jeff, Brandy, and myself) all sat to the table to get our fill of Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy! 

I don't remember when or how it happened, but it did.  Sometime while the three of us sat at the table it became a competition of who could eat more of Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy!  It started out slow enough and there was quite a bit of Biscuits and a HUGE bowl of Gravy on the table.  We all were well into our third plate of Biscuits and Gravy and Grandma had to start making more because she was not sure when it would end.  Jeff, who was the mid sized guy between my skinny backside and Brandy's health defensive tackle build, bowed out first after 4 plates.  So you know and understand these were not small plates of food, we all HEAPED the stuff on our plates.  So 4 plates was no small task!

Brandy and I continued at it for what seemed forever and everyone wondered where I was putting it all.  There was even a question or two, if I remember correctly, if I was hiding it under the table.  Eventually, we called it a Draw but considering size and desire I think that is the day everyone in the family Knew that Danny was the Biscuits and Gravy Guy.

Grandma knew who was her Biscuits and Gravy guy.  She never failed to have plenty of fixings available to get that "magical meal" to the table.  She Loved cooking and she LOVED cooking for people who LOVED her COOKING. 

Grandma always fixed everyone their special meal when she could or if she, in here Grandma ways, knew you needed it.

Grandma is gone now and has been for awhile but I have no doubt in my mind or heart that all of us remember Grandma and her LOVING cooking just for Us.  Those are the Memories of her I will always hold near and dear because she was in her pride and glory when cooking for her rowdy brood of grand kids.

Was there a secret ingredient in Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy for me?  Probably not.  I DO Know there was a TON of LOVE!

Caff.  Thanks for reminding me of Something Special.

Oh, and if my cousins provide input/reactions, Do Not believe them!  This is my Memory.

Giveaways and Remembrance

The Giveaway side:

I ran across this site by referral from a family member that mentioned another relation had a blog, so of course being a good "2nd" cousin I had to go pay a quick visit and check out this site:  Living with the Lebedas is a good "Mommy" blog (her words not mine).

From what I have seen and read so far Jen has it going and has built up a little following and she has a kicker to boot, Giveaways!  She constantly has some contest going for giveaways.  There are instructions on what to do and how to "gain" additional draws.  The current Giveaway is for a T-shirt, go check it out and see if maybe you might be interested in giving it a shot and see if you might win.  You Never Know!?!?

Now the Remembrance side:

Now when Jen realized I had a blog she came to my blog and posted a comment wanting to know a bit more about me and mine.  Well, we chatted a bit and will continue to do so from time to time about whos, whats, and all of that but I figure that I could post a tad little bit about the whos and whats of our first meeting. 

Her father, my cousin who just so happens to have a few years on me (jab, jab - nudge, nudge), was assigned on board the USS Belknap (at the time the Flagship of the 6th Fleet) Home Ported in Gaeta, Italy. 
I at the time was serving on board the USS Sierra AD-18 (destroyer tender) and we were at the beginning of our Med-Cruise. 

Well, one of the places we were scheduled to port was Gaeta, Italy.  Now, at that time I knew my cousin was in the Navy but last I had heard he was in Washington DC.  He on the other hand had been keeping in touch with family regularly and knew I was on board the Sierra.

The Sierra pulls into port along side the Belknap and we are secured from detail, and within 15 minutes of securing from the detail my Chief is calling me over saying I have a visitor.  At that time I have no clue as to who, what, where, not a thing is coming to my mind as to a "visitor" and to get on board that quickly across the Flagship to boot.

Lo and Behold I report to my Chief and there is my cousin a 2nd class Petty Officer chatting along with my Chief and 1st class Petty Officer Wardean (a royal pain in the you know what).  My cousin informs me he has cleared it with my Chief so that when I get liberty (freedom for a few hours) I am to go spend time with him and his family for dinner. 

One of those moments of pure enjoyment when running into a relative when least expected!

So (yes, I am going to do it Jen), when Jeff (my cousin) gets me to their house to introduce me to his family, up runs this little blond girl who is maybe knee high on a grasshopper (told her that yesterday) to hug her DADDY and ask "Daddy, who is this guy?" 

Needless to say I truly enjoyed my first and following visits to Gaeta, Italy.  If you ever get a chance to go visit,  there is a Fantastic Cafe at the end of the bay that serves some Great Double Capachinos with plenty of cream and has an Awesome view of the entire bay.  I remember many days at that cafe just enjoying the view and watching the simplicity of honest life happening under non-judgemental observation. 

Gaeta, Italy and running into Family so very, very far away from home opened my eyes to viewing things just a little bit differently and with a little more joy.

A Last Grand Adventure of Youth

This is going to be a bit different so I need to set a few things straight before getting into the story.

1.  I Love Dragons - have since my early teens and I have a bunch of them around my part of the house (roughly a 2'X2'X8" shelf/cabinet) (what do you expect the guy always gets the smallest section when in a house full of "Girls"!!!!!)

2.  When I was younger I drank like a fishy sailor (what am I talking about I was a sailor a few months after this happened)

3.  I Love Castles - the old European fortress Kind - of course the ones you always associate with -- you guessed it --- DRAGONS

4.  This all happened 22 years ago come this Sept. so I may not get everything right and all people can have complete denial rights.  There will only be One other name mentioned in here and He will Have complete denial rights with his folks if they read this. 

5.  And if you haven't figured it out yet this little bit is about A Dragon, A Castle and Drinking.

6.  This was inspired by a gentleman in wales that I spoke with yesterday and brought back memories.  Tip a Pint of Welsh Bitters back for me tonight please.




A LAST GRAND ADVENTURE of YOUTH


     It started out in a place called Hessich Olendorf Germany (spelling may be off on the town name) back in 88 (yes for you younger ones that is 1988).  I had just spent the summer with my folks in Germany and was in that no mans land we find ourselves in sometimes in our late teens.  Just Bombed at College and not knowing or having a clue as to what or how I was going to do anything. 

One day out of the blue I got a burr under my saddle and do not remember exactly what triggered it but I went down to the main US base there in Frankfurt and decided to Enlist and of all things in the Navy.  Up to that time in my life I had lived around Army and Air Force and had no clue about the Navy. 

Anyway, when I got back to my folks place up north, I let them know I had enlisted.  Really, still to this day not sure what the reaction was.  Sort of a mix of WTF and Congrats.  During the discussion we had I decided to take the money I had saved and take a vacation (holiday - for my European friends) and visit family friends that are actually family (you know those friends that are not family but once you become true friends they become family). 

Well, I called and set it all up with them, went and got my Euro Pass for the Rails and Commenced my journey. 

Chris Dugdale (who was the oldest in the friend family) met me in London and we had a couple of interesting days in London and I actually stayed in my first Hostel and no it was nothing like those freak movies. 

After a couple of days we boarded the rails and headed for Cricceth in Gwyenned (sp?) Wales.  On the way we stopped at a Family Friend of theirs near Worcester (I think), and had one of the most Fantastic meals, Man this lady could cook and the meat just melted in your mouth.  Then they took us to their local pub so they could "Show off" the American.  No money out of my pocket that night, boy was I toast!!!!

The next day we get on the rails again and go and get several beers, larger, suds whatever you want to call it.  Oh and when I say several I mean Several.  You know those little tables between the seats on trains, can to can to can covering the entire length and width of the table it was nothing but cans.  By the time we got to Cricceth we were goners.

This is where it happens, in Cricceth. 

Cricceth is a quaint little village on the coast of England and has some of the most beautiful scenery around that I can recall.  Not to mention that out on the Point is an OLD CASTLE flying the Welsh flag (white over green with a RED DRAGON overlaying the field).
Ha, you were wondering where the Dragon and Castle were coming in, now how do I work them in? You'll see.

The next day we wander about the village stopping and meeting and being introduced to everyone.  Had a Good day and soon to find out a better and worse night.
Chris and I ran into friends of his and they invited us to join them at one of the local pubs and we had a repeat of the previous night..... again No money out of my Pocket.  While playing billiards (pool for us Americans not educated in the game) and putting down a few pints of bitters, the subject came up that I liked Castles and Dragons.  Well, the discussion got pretty lively about the old tales that the Dragon still lived in that Ole Castle on the point.  An he only came out wot to bugger yanks like me!!!  We all had some good laughs at that and a few more pints and of course a few MORE pints.  By this time I was ready to go show that Ole Dragon what us Yanks was all about.  The bravery of Drink (smirking and remembering). 

Well, it was getting about closing time for the pub and we all went up and bought a couple extras, they all knew him and he was kind to the Yank and let us take them out with us on the honor of not driving.  We did not drive.  But we Ran like hell to the Gates of the Castle!!!!

You can figure where the conversation was with us at the gate of the Castle.  I am pretty sure at that time that we all KNEW there was no DRAGON but then again We were all Certain the Dragon was there. 
We got one guy up and over the fence, and then another and then another until I was the only one left on the other side.  Here was my dilemma, I am an American in England about to "Invade a British Castle" to find a Dragon,  what kind of punishment would I face if caught???????
In my state of Drunken Bravery I said to hell with it the Yanks is a coming and was up on top of that fence before you could blink.  The getting down was the problem...... it was a crazy drunken state of 20ft (in reality all of maybe 8ft) but drunk and up there man it was HIGH.  I jumped and about halfway down I knew I was in trouble....  my balance shifted and I landed funny and to catch myself when my feet hit I pushed and boy did I push.  Like a defensive lineman in American football or those guys in a proper Scrum in rugby I Launched myself........ straight into a ROCK WALL.  The Rock Wall WON hands down.

Talk about sobering up a crowd.  In an instant we all knew the Hunt was over, I had a gash in the top of my head and it was bleeding profusely.  We finally got me over the wall and back to Chris' mom and dad's house.  She was up!  Saw the bleeding and was all over us like you know what.  We had it figured out I jumped out of the way of a car because I forgot that the English drive on the other side of the road and I fell and hit my head on a Rock Wall.  See almost all Truth.  Just fudged where and why about the jump.  She patched me up and to this day I still have that scar. 

And even though I never got to see my Dragon that will always be a fond memory of A Last Grand Adventure of Youth.

Maybe, just maybe someday I will be able to take my wife and daughters to the place I hunted Dragons and had a Blast.