Canning Season!

July is here, and garden harvesting has commenced! Between now and September, home gardeners and canners will be busy little bees putting up the harvest against the coming cold weather. Oh how wonderful it is, in the cold and gloomy days of winter, to open a little ray of summer sunshine, carefully preserved in a Mason jar!

This is an old recipe, handed down for generations, for Chow Chow. It is a mixed vegetable relish that goes well on hot dogs, with meats, or by itself. I believe that it recently has been published in the Ball Blue Book of Canning, and I know that my grandmother used it, and her mother before her. The recipe makes about 4 pints, but is easily doubled. The ingredient quantities do not have to be exact, just in the general neighborhood.

Chow Chow Relish

1 quart chopped cabbage (about 1 small head)

3 cups chopped cauliflower (about 1 medium head)

2 cups chopped green tomatoes (about 4 medium)

2 cups chopped sweet onions (about 2 medium)

2 cups chopped sweet green peppers (about 4 small)

1 cup chopped sweet red peppers (about 2 small)

3 Tablespoons salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons celery seed

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon mustard seed

1 teaspoon tumeric

1/2 teaspoon ginger

2 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar

Combine vegetables in large bowl, sprinkle with salt. Let stand 4-6 hours. Drain well. Then rinse, and drain again.

Combine sugar, spices, and vinegar in a large kettle. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add vegetables; simmer 10 minutes. Bring to a boil. Pack hot relish into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust two-piece caps.

Process in a boiling water canner 10 minutes.

Yield: about 4 pints.

The Verdict is In

My appointment today with the orthopedic surgeon went swiftly, and the final verdict is in. According to the MRI, I have tears in my medial and lateral meniscii, and a chronic tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in my left knee. Arthroscopic surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, 07-17-08.

In a large way, the news is a huge relief, as the problem is identifiable, addressable, and has a definite recovery time-table; things that I have so very fervently prayed for! In a smaller way, it is hard to take, as I now face another surgery with general anesthesia, which is still a stressful thing to have to endure. All in all, I am relieved and grateful to the Lord for His deliverance in all of this.

I ran around all day after I received the news, getting errands accomplished and making preparations for my coming convalesence. As this is round two, the news was not so nearly as startling or disturbing to my family as it was the first go-round, and everyone has taken it well in stride. We're a tough and hardy bunch, we Thomases!

Now for The Twilight Zone part ...... in April of this year, the MRI of my right knee was done on 04-09-08, the followup visit with the Dr was on 04-11-08, and the surgery was on 04-17-08. Now, in July, the MRI of my left knee was done on 07-09-08, the followup visit with the Dr was on 07-11-08, and the surgery is scheduled for 07-17-08.

Too weird.......

Chinese Fire Drill

Chinese Fire Drill (noun):

1. any state of disorder or confusion.

2. a prank in which the passengers of a motor vehicle that is stopped at a stoplight, get out and run around the vehicle before returning to their seats.

For nearly two weeks, I have anticipated this date, 7-9-08. The scheduled date for the MRI of my left knee, which has me out of work and has been smarting right seriously. When what to my wondering ears should appear, but a late afternoon phone call from the Dr's office, the day before said MRI was scheduled. Not good news, either....the insurance company had disapproved my MRI. They said that I had already had an MRI of my knee last April.

Ya think?

So, the arduous task of explaining the difference between right and left to our erstwhile ignoramouses at the insurance company commenced. Suffice it to say, they are not the sharpest knives in the drawer. At length, we did prevail, however, but not by much.

This morning, the insurance person, refreshed for yet another happy day of cheerful nescience, acknowledged that they now understood and could differentiate between right and left, but sadly, as they had only officially learned this information the afternoon before, they could not give me immediate approval codes for the procedure. It would be 24 to 72 hours before that could possibly happen. With great temerity, I sighed into the phone, "WHY, when you've had the orders for nearly TWO WEEKS?! and the situation being what it is through your own negligence!" Which produced that beloved, much abused reply, (drumroll please....)

"Company policy." End of conversation. SIGH.

So, giving up the battle, I acknowledged defeat against the bludgeoning, overpowering stupidity of the situation, and called the MRI lab less than an hour before my scheduled appointment, and rescheduled for next week. Ditto the followup appointment with the Dr's office. At this point in time, a nice quiet time spent curled up with a good book and a nap looked very soothing and inviting, so off I went to shake it all off.

Snarf, snork....hmm? RIIING! RIIIINNNNG! Phone, ringing, waking me up. Time: thirty minutes after noon. Drowsily, I answered the summons, and found my Dr's office on the other end of the line, informing me that we'd just been granted approval codes from the insurance company for my MRI. Okay, so in addition to a total lack of spatial orientation, they are temporally challenged as well..... but what the heck, this one is working in my favor!

Wow. So, fast as I could, I shifted into high gear, called the MRI lab, and begged, pleaded, groveled, to be fitted in this afternoon. The scheduler sounded doubtful, but she said she would try......

She put me on hold for a while, and just as I was starting to groove to the Muzak a bit, she came back on and asked, "How soon can you get here?" "I'm getting in the car NOW!" I replied. Wahoo!! Stopped to call the Dr's office, cancel the newly rescheduled followup appointment, and try to get my old followup appointment back again (successfully achieved!). That poor scheduler at the Dr's office was so sweet. "This particular insurance company is infamous for this," she said. Oh glory, now I know!

So, off like a rabbit I head for my MRI appointment, which went well. I had a great deal of difficulty with low back pain the last time, but my very helpful and kind tech got the pillows fixed up just right this time and it was a walk in the park. Home I zoomed, MRI films in hand. Good grief, have you ever seen your innards before? Definitely not recommended for the high school yearbook.

And so, it has been quite a day here in my little world. It ended up the way I had hoped and anticipated with the rising of the sun, but what a rollercoaster ride to get here!

We are so grateful to our Lord for His continual direction and guidance, and deliverance, and provision. This afternoon, after such a topsy turvy day, He saw fit to send us a magnificent, gracious downpour of rain, which we have prayed for now for many days. The trees and bushes are all so happy! Lifting up their branches and leaves toward heaven, drinking in the gift of the Lord, and showing forth His glory in creation.

Thank you Lord, for this day.

Give Me Liberty!

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death
Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775.

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

The Fatness of the Earth

The cornfields on Sand Mountain in Alabama are rich and lush this year. A great agricultural loss was seen last year because of the drought, and many mountain people suffered a great deal as a result. It all looks thick and green and beautiful this year, though, and promises a heavy crop of delicious Sand Mountain corn!

One of the most delicious and beloved dishes of the deep South (and one of my favorites!) is creamed corn. At our church in Grundy County, Tennessee, the sisters call it 'skillet corn'. Whatever the regional appellation, this dish is da bombdiggity!

Southern Creamed Corn

often called Skillet Corn in the Cumberland mountains of Tennessee

8-12 ears fresh sweet corn

2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

Salt

black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup cold water

2 tablespoons bacon drippins

1 tablespoon flour

1 tablespoon butter

Lay out some newspaper on a clean tabletop. Husk and de-silk the ears of corn, wash thoroughly and drain. Using a sharp paring knife, or a corn creaming tool designed for this purpose, slice the tips of the corn kernals from the entire cob. On the second pass, cut the kernals. On the third pass, scrape the cob to 'milk' it, removing the liquid. Repeat this process for all the ears of corn.

Add the sugar (optional), salt, pepper, cream, and water to the corn, mixing thoroughly.

Using a fork, combine the butter and flour in a small dish until a smooth mixture is achieved.

Heat bacon grease in a large, heavy skillet (cast iron works beautifully) over medium heat. Pour the corn mixture into the skillet and turn heat down to medium-low. Quickly whisk the butter-flour mixture into the corn until it is completely incorporated. Stir continuously until the corn becomes creamy, about 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Bounty of the Lord

Last Sunday, Mark and I were blessed to be able to travel to Alabama and attend Fifth Sunday meeting with the saints at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church on Sand Mountain. Elder Victor Quick was the invited minister, and he spoke on Job. The singing was blessed, and I had forgotten that they use the Lloyd's hymnal there, along with the Old School hymnal. I was delighted to have the opportunity to sing from this book again. We are so very thankful for the bounty of the Lord provided for us, both spiritually and physically!

The sisters outdid themselves at lunch. Everything was just lovely, and delicious. There is nothing quite like down-home Southern country cooking! One dish especially caught my attention. It is so appropriate to the season, so very simple to prepare, and utterly delicious. It is my pleasure to share the recipe here, for Southern Yellow or Summer Squash Casserole.

Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

2 pounds yellow squash

1 carrot, grated

1 onion, chopped fine

1 stick butter

1 small can water chestnuts, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz sour cream

1 package Pepperidge Farm corn bread stuffing

salt and pepper, garlic pwder to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Wash the squash well, pat dry, and slice into a large kettle. Add the chopped onion, and grated carrot. Add water and cook until the squash is tender; drain well using colander. 'Squeeze' the vegetables a bit to remove additional water. Place the vegetables back into the kettle, add the stick of butter and combine. Toss in the chopped water chestnuts. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired, to taste. (Remember that the soup will add a good bit of salt!)

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and the can of soup. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Combine in the kettle with the vegetables, mixing thoroughly but gently.

Save back 1/2 - 3/4 cup of the dry Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing mix. Combine the remainder with the vegetable mix in the kettle.

Spray a 9x11 baking dish with Pam or other non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the mixture from the kettle to the baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cornbread mix on top of the casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

You want the casserole to be cooked through and not mushy in the center. The edges will "set" and may be lightly browned.