Before You Set Off to Happy CamperLand

So it's that time of year again when we feel the call of the open road. New places to see and exciting adventures just waiting for us! But before you lay in the supplies, wash the dogs and pack up the kids you may want to read this precautionary tale.
The story you're about to read is mostly true, the names have been changed to protect the guilty, er, innocent.


The trailer was all ready to go. Man and Wife set out to visit the Big Sky Country along with LittleBits, their young granddaughter.
Now every trip some things never change! Maybe it's the fact that three people have been confined together in close quarters. Maybe it's just the humor of our Maker showing us He really did make us out of two opposite molds. Try as she may to ignore the little differences between BoyBrain and WomanThink, Wife soon becomes exasperated with Man and things threaten to disturb all in Happy CamperLand! And it all boils down to directions! Or lack thereof -

You see, Man will sit and study maps of tomorrow's territory every evening. He then is SURE all has been stored in the wonderful male memory bank. Heaven forbid he should write down simple instructions (such as I90N to 94E, or any such things) because he KNOWS where we're headed!

Man forgets that the physical anatomy he possesses does not mean he has built-in GPS. Any special powers he may be endowed with does NOT equate to anything resembling MapQuest!

Any gentle suggestions from the Wife are treated with great scorn (remember Man KNOWS where we're going) and he never stops when he's sure he's right!

Another strange characteristic of Man is he plans point A, to point B, to point C, on to point D. If there is a deviation from that, BoyBrain says, "Must backtrack to B, resume on to C so we can get to D."
If Wife suggests that perhaps you could try point B1, to alternative point C (look here on the map sweetie?) and we WILL get to point D - Man scoffs at such foolishness! Of course, that could be a source of malcontent so Wife just smiles brightly and goes for the ride
Another favorite is when approaching a diversion in the road ahead at 70+ miles per hour, Man will shout, "Which way are we supposed to go? Can you find it on the map?"
I don't really know, sweetie, thought you had all that stored in the memory banks...




I must say this system sometimes does have unknown surprises, such as the diversion to Little Bighorn on this trip. We sort of stumbled on it while trying to find our way back to the main highway. You know, the one we missed because Man was SURE we needed to continue west...
Would love to spent lots more time there! So much history you can reach out and touch!

So the three vagabonds spend the morning on this historic land; reading the landmarks, visiting the museum, hearing the docents tales and trying to take in how awful it must have been for all those involved. Truly a thought provoking and awe-inspiring diversion!

Unfortunately, Wife became overheated in the bright sunshine and 98*, so it is important to get back to the camper parked at the Visitor Center and get cooled down. Heat brings on MS symptoms that are not always pleasant.

Wife understood the plan was to have a potty break in camper, then return to the truck and move out of parking space for other visitors. We would then go on down the road to find a nice lunch spot. Oh difference between BoyBrain and WomanThink...trouble is brewing!

______________________________________________________________

While Wife is having MS chesthug symptoms and (really) can't breathe fully, she attempts the camper potty. Not to give TMI, but this is a low stool and one must "lunge" from squatting position, grab side of shower and pull up.

While in this lunge position, Man has returned to the truck and released the clutch! Wife is totally unprepared for such a move and she is thrown headfirst off the stool!

While it can seem funny now, she found NO humor sprawled on the potty floor struggling to breathe, with pants and panties tangled around the ankles... Ok - you're right, TMI!
Can you see that things are getting a bit unhappy in CamperLand?

Wife had noticed that LittleBits had turned rather pouty baby on the field trip. Seems homesickness must have caught up with her. LittleBits says that there were grasshoppers everywhere (gasp!) They scared her so much she wasn't taking anymore pictures and hated this place! Tears and angry words - oh my!

Wife (otherwise also known as Grammy) is NOT in happy mood over all the current happenin's. She and LittleBits had their first and last power struggle of the entire trip! Wife is more than a little grumpy and LittleBits is pretty sure she knows where her own mama gets it...

After it was explained that chesthugs are sorta like when LittleBits has a bad asthma attack, tears and hugs were exchanged and all was calm again.

Things turned out fine! Wife cooled off, LittleBits settled down and a nice lunchspot was found. LittleBits made lunch for all of them as a perfect peace offering.

And Man and Wife had a serious discussion about map skills and directions. The rest of the trip went a lot smoother and things in CamperLand were happy once again!

So does Wife think it will hold for future trips - um, can she get back to you on that?

Anyway, good traveling and great adventures to all ready to hit that road! Have a great time!


(c) CHRobinson May 2010

Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad In It

We are told that each new day is a gift from God, that's why it's called "The Present". But I wonder if we sometimes are expecting such really great things of it that we fail to recognize the true gift we have received...we don't savour its simple sweetness.


I remember a trip we took a few years back with our little 3 year-old nephew.

It was a long-planned vacation to the Biltmore Inn in Ashville, NC. We had traveled most of the day and arrived in the early evening. While we were checking in, one of the clerks asked if it was okay to give Little One a mint. His mama said, "Yes."

Now, I want to tell you that mint looked way better than this one. It was in the most beautiful gold and green foil package and nearly filled Little one's Hand! He was so excited! "Mama, can I eat it now?" You could see in his eyes that this was going to be really good!

"No, sweetie," she replied, "we have dinner plans. Put it in daddy's pocket and we'll have it after we eat." Little One was disappointed, but did as he was told. After the long day of traveling Little One fell asleep as soon as his tummy was full. First missed chance...





The next morning we all met at breakfast. Little One was dancing around and wondered where his special candy was. Daddy assured him it was still in his pocket, but now we had to eat our breakfast. Dang! Another postponement!



We had a full day planned with tours through the mansion, special lectures and such. Little One's occasional pleas for his special treat were all turned down. When, oh when would he be able to tear into what he was sure must be the bestest candy in the whole world?!?
He was finally given permission to have his mint late in the afternoon. Little One's eyes opened wide as daddy removed it from his pocket and placed it in Little One's hands. Oh, this was going to be so-o-o good!

He struggled to open the foil and popped it in his mouth...
and then just as quickly spit it out! The mint was one of those airy, spearmint melt-in-your-mouth balls. NOT what Little One had anticipated!

He was disappointed in the mint because it hadn't met with his expectations. He couldn't enjoy the sweetness of it because it was so much different than he had imagined it was going to be.

We all burst into laughter at his surprise and shock. But it got me to thinking -







Maybe we anticipate what will be the extra, the special; instead of taking time to just enjoy the simple sweets we have been gifted. There are God-moments in each and every day! We just have to relax and let them happen. We have to be open to looking with the heart and eyes of Christ. And then, of course, we have to give Him thanks!

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Psalm 118:24

(c)CHRobinson May 2010

Soaring to a New Life

This morning my friend, Ms Annette talked about watching in awe as a bald eagle rode the thermals over her pasture! What a magnificent gift from our Maker! I was reminded of a time a few years ago when God sent a beautiful message of peace and healing in the form of an eagle.


My younger daughter had returned home at a very difficult time in her life. A relationship that had began in love and trust had ended in pain and shattered dreams. She hadn't shared all the details of the breakup, but I knew that both her heart and her spirit were broken. I thought time away would help, so I invited her on a trip with me to Georgia.


Our first day's plan was a visit to Stone Mountain. We rode the tram to the top, then took a short walk closer to the edge and found a rocky shelf under a tree to sit. There was an awesome view and the wind blew up from the valley below. An eagle flew in and perched on a branch of the tree over our heads. He soared out over the valley, rising and falling with the winds and then returned to a branch of that tree above our heads. Again and again he would fly off surveying the prospects below him. Every time he returned to the tree he would cock his head to the side and stare at us intently. It was like he had a message for us!


In the quiet beauty we started talking. She told me of the hurts and betrayals and bad decisions. She said that things had started spiraling out of control - until the only thing to do was let go and walk away before it all destroyed her! She knew it was the right decision, but felt like returning home was some sort of failure of her part. She had left to make an adult life and it hadn't worked out like she had hoped. My heart ached for her!

The eagle continued to soar out over the valley and return to his branch. What power and majesty! With that intent stare, it occurred to me that he did have a message for us! Flying out on the waves of the wind to see what possibilities lay before him, he still needed to return to the safety of the branch to regain strength and fly again. Just like my courageous daughter! Riding the winds of life up and down, but always having a safe branch to return to - home. That is part of His magnificent plan! Soar out on wings of love and trust and remember there is always safe haven in our family nest. We all need a place to rest and regain our strength before we can fly out again!



As her birthday approaches again this weekend, I am thankful that God made us a family! I'm thankful we are so blessed to be strength, rest and peace for one another. I'm thankful we share His love! And I am so proud of the life she has made and lived in the years since returning to the nest before soaring out on her own again!



Happy Birthday, Cristine! And thank you, Lord, for messages sent on eagle's wings!

"And He will raise you up
On eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath on dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand"

Psalm 91

.
(c) CHRobinson May 2010

Speaking of Cabbages...

Okay, so maybe no one was actually speaking of cabbages!

But this is a special edition dedicated to my VA friends, Mr. James, Ms Page and all the children, and of course, Ms Mabel. The rest of you are welcome to wander through, too - you might learn something interesting!











Cabbages and Roses

I wonder if the cabbage knows

He is less lovely than the Rose;

Or does he squat in smug content,

A source of noble nourishment.

Or if he pities for her sins

The Rose who has no vitamins;

Or if the one thing his green heart knows --

That self-same fire that warms the Rose?
Anonymous



So how about we look at some interesting
Cabbage Facts?

~According to the USDA, U.S. recent cabbage production was 2.4 billion pounds. California growers led with with 466 million pounds, New York was second with 456 million pounds.

~Americans consume about 387 million pounds of sauerkraut annually.



~The Lord's Prayer is 66 words, the Gettysburg Address is 286 words, there are 1,322 words in the Declaration of Independence, but government regulations on the sale of cabbage total 26,911 words.


~The Greek poet, Homer (who lived around 850 BC), mentions Achilles washing cabbages, in his epic poem the 'Iliad.'



~The world record for eating cabbage is held by Charles Hardy. He ate 6 pounds 9 ounces in 9 minutes.



Wow - who knew all that? Who would even need to know, right?



You can find cabbages in your local supermarket (above) organic food stores, or even at farmer's markets. (left)








Cabbage as Food:

Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C. It also contains significant amounts of glutamine, an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Cabbage can also be included in dieting programs as it is an extremely low calorie food.

It is delicious in soups,






cooked as a pot of corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's day,

prepared fresh as a side-dish or added to salads.

For centuries it has been preserved and pickled as Sauerkraut. Have a delicious Reuben sandwich or a dish of sausages and kraut. And what hot dog would be complete without it?


One of the most favorite uses of cabbage is for Cole Slaw salad, fresh or with a creamy mayo dressing. YUM!!!

Fire & Brimstone

Unfortunately cabbage also has the ability to cause - shall we say - gastric emissions of the most unpleasant kind. Jane Grigson in "Vegetable Book" published in 1978 said:

“Cabbage as a food has problems. It is easy to grow, a useful source of greenery for much of the year. Yet as a vegetable it has original sin, and needs improvement. It can smell foul in the pot, linger through the house with pertinacity, and ruin a meal with its wet flab. Cabbage also has a nasty history of being good for you.”


One very important rule to remember - NEVER STEAM IT IN THE MICRO-WAVE OVEN!!!

It can be easily forgotten which causes the cabbage to burn. Odors offend most of those who share the house and could be a possible fire danger!




Places Called Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown, Toronto

This city was formed in the 1840's by poor Irish immigrants who left Ireland during the Great Potato Famine. They planted their front yards with easy-to-grow cabbages as a primary food source. Although at first just a nickname it later became official. Writer Hugh Garner shared his recollection of growing up there during the Great Depression in his book "Cabbagetown Remembered".

Cabbagetown has one of the most oldest and best preserved Victorian housing in North America. Today the area has evolved into a trendy upscale area with profession offices, doctors and lawyers, restaurants and shops serving the elite of the nearby University of Toronto.

Cabbagetown, Georgia

This is actually a section of historic downtown Atlanta. During the Civil War, General Sherman led his Union forces against Atlanta on July 22, 1864. Confederate General Hood suffered heavy losses, losing up to half his forces in death or prisoners. The bloody hard-fought battle went on until Sherman raised his flag in triumph on September 2, 1864.

The area remained in ruins until rebuilding began under the Reconstruction Era. Its recovery came in 1881 as the first cotton mills in the South were formed here; Atlanta Rolling Mill and Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill.

Poor Appalachian immigrants were brought in to work the mills. The owner provided cheap shotgun houses and many of the families planted cabbages which grew quickly in the Southern climate. The distinctive smell of processing the cotton permeated the air around the mills. Prejudice against the poor immigrants caused people to blame the smell on the cabbage grown there. The name "Cabbagetown" was intended as a negative slang. But the area residents took pride in their work and community and officially adopted the name!

Cabbage Roses

There are actually beautiful cultivars of roses known as the cabbage rose. They are a hybrid rose developed by Dutch rose breeders in the period between the 1600s and the 1800s. Individual plants are shrubby in appearance, growing to 1.5-2 m tall, with long drooping canes and grayish green pinnate leaves with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are round and globular, with numerous thin overlapping petals that are highly scented; they are usually pink, less often white to dark red-purple.
Finally - cabbages that actually smell good!!

Cabbage Funnies

"Cabbage: A vegetable about as large and wise as a man's head."Ambrose Bierce, American writer (1842-1914)




Okay, this next one is a bit naughty....

Ever wonder what could be so amusing about a 19th Century Medical book:
This the poor chap was nicknamed the cabbage man. We can only speculate that some mischievous medical students were given the task of setting up the photographs to illustrate a nasty skin condition for this very serious medical tome. Perhaps they were instructed to find a way of preserving the patient’s modesty and unable to find a fig leaf, they improvised. Quite cleaver indeed!



Medicinal Uses of the Cabbage

We probably got Ms Mabel's attention with the last picture, but think she will be most interested in this segment. She likes to find helpful uses for vegetables.

~Cato the Censor (234-149 BC) mentions several medicinal uses for cabbage, including treating infected wounds.

~In European folk medicine, cabbage leaves are used to treat acute inflammation. A paste of raw cabbage may be placed in a cabbage leaf and wrapped around the affected area to reduce discomfort.

~ Fresh cabbage juice has been shown to promote rapid healing of peptic ulcers.

However, large consumption of cabbage can interfere with the body's ability to absorb iodine.


Sears advertisement circa 1930

Cabbage Glass

The term Depression Glass refers to manufactured glassware that was produced from the 1920's, through around the early 1940s, ie. the era of the Great Depression until the end of WW2. What we have come to know as Depression Glass was cheaply mass-produced, mould pressed, colorful and highly patterned glass that was sold at very low prices. These items would also be included in soap or cereal boxes, or might be given away at a local movie theater or gas station to promote sales. In fact, one glass manufacturer, Hazel Atlas, was saved from bankruptcy during the Depression years when it received an order from Quaker Oats for five Railroad Cars of glass.

One of the most popular patterns among collectors of Depression glass for its timeless and classic beauty, the Sharon pattern, also known as Rose of Sharon or Cabbage Rose, was produced by the Federal Glass Company from 1935 until 1939. It was made in pink, green, amber and a few clear pieces.

I personally inherited a piece of the more rare green from my Grandmother Goddard.

The Cabbage Head Song

Now you know I couldn't resist finding a piece of music called "The Cabbage Head Song"!

It seems that it evolved from an old Irish drinking song known as "Seven Drunken Nights". The verses tell of a conversation between an angry wife and her husband regarding his whiskey fueled escapades. Today you can hear many versions by such artists as the Fiddlin'Foresters

or Doc Watson on the album "Folk Masters." Perhaps one of the funniest was recorded by Ruth Brown, a jazz singer, in 1999 at age 70. She changed the roles of husband and wife and hints that perhaps the husband is falsely accusing her of infidelity. She attests that he only saw a cabbage head next to her on the pillow. The husband replies that he has "never seen a cabbage with a mustache" before. Her version can be found on the album "Good Day For the Blues".

This is the End!

There now, wasn't that a fun romp through Little Known and useless Facts? You probably didn't know one person could waste...er.. spend so much time hunting down these interesting tidbits!
Just please remember -

PLEASE, DO NOT MICRO-WAVE CABBAGE!!!

You don't want to known as "Old Stinky"!!!

(c) CHRobinson April 21, 2010

Reflections for an Easter Morning

I would like to share what Fr. Manny told us about the Empty Tomb: an interesting detail I had never heard before. In St. John's account of Easter morning, chapter 20, verses 1 - 10, we are told that Mary Magdala reached the tomb first. Finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, she runs out in fright telling the disciples that someone had
taken the body of Jesus away! In verses 6 - 8, Simon Peter "went right
into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that
had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up
in a place by itself."


In the time of Jesus, banquets could, and often did, go on for days at a time. The master of the house and his guests would dine, drink, dance, rest and then start over again. The servants who attended the guests would be especially vigilant to signals from the master of the house. They would bring fresh wine and replenish platters of food. They would provide pillows for resting and clear spaces for dancing. If the master was finished he would fold his napkin carefully and replace it at his spot at the banquet table. If he was not finished the napkin would be placed off to one side, by itself. This signaled that he intended to return!

Imagine how those linens in the tomb spoke to Simon Peter and the disciples! They reported that the cloth that had been placed over his head (the napkin) was not with the other burial linens but "rolled up in a place by itself"! Jesus was telling them, "I'm not finished. I am coming back!"

Something to reflect on of an Easter morn...Jesus Christ has promised, "I am coming back!" What a precious promise!

Easter Cookies

Just new to this Blog thing so I just realize I should do the Blog first, then post it to my FaceBook profile - So here's the story:

Grammy and Miss Emily Make Easter Cookies

Emily came for an overnight visit and we decided we should make Easter egg cookies. It was lots of fun! We didn't get pictures of actually mixing the dough because those durn beaters kept getting a little out of hand and flinging bits of dough around...

We finally got the dough mixed, then on to important stuff:

LICK THE BEATERS!!! YUM!

Oh yes, we're having fun now!

Mixing in the lemon peel

Get it all on the plastic wrap (Em taking pictures now)

One big blob of dough

Make it into a roll

Twist the ends

Into the fridge for 45 minutes.

We can hardly wait...

Slice, put on the cookie sheets, then into the oven

If you look close you can see Em's reflection as she takes the picture.

Warm cookies! Oh they smell so good!

I'm ready - when can we decorate?

Finally getting the icing on! Decorate away, Miss Em!


Sprinkles are good...

...and more sprinkles are better!

Our finished masterpieces #1

and #2!

...and they were as good as they look! Light, sweet, crispy and lemony! We shared some after dinner, sent home a plate for Aunt Crissy's house and brought the rest home to the Spatz house. What a great time we had!

....oh, and we are supposed to send out samples the Florida, Bedford, VA, and Ms Mary's house.