Thanksgiving 2014

What a wonderful time of year it is!  Family over, an incredible meal on its way, the Macy's Parade on TV and later, Detroit vs. Chicago football.  I think it's my favorite holiday of the year. I know, however, to stay out of the kitchen on Thanksgiving.  I love to cook, but in our home the ladies own the kitchen today, and are working harder and faster than a NASCAR pit crew on race day!

Most of all we need to remember, that it's a day for gratitude.  In the United States, no matter what our economic lot, we all have blessings afforded to us by the grace of God and through our Constitution. We can worship God as we please, we can peacefully protest, our children receive a good education. Can we complain that our freedoms aren't "free enough" or how our education system could be better?  Of course.

A few years ago my salary was twice what is now, and I took it for granted.  I felt like I deserved more, yet I had a hard time controlling my spending.  I still feel like I deserve more and still have a hard time controlling my finances.  My situation is not uncommon, as a matter of fact its the norm of America, and some things will never change.  As Americans, individually and as a government, we need to work on that.  But if you're reading this story right now, chances are you are not homeless and went to the public library to read it on their free internet enabled computers.  You're more than likely reading it from your home computer or mobile device.  You are blessed.

I work in a prison, mostly in the hospital hospice unit, and I am inspired every day by inmates that are thankful that things aren't worse for them.  They appreciate the chapel volunteers who come visit them, the coffee cake for breakfast on Tuesday, the annual piece of processed sliced turkey once a year on Thanksgiving, and the warm sunshine on their face out on the recreation yard. Some inmates are mean spirited and bitter of course, but many whom I see and talk to express feelings of gratitude for the simple privileges that they have been granted.  Everyday one particular inmate says hello to me, and when I ask how he is, he cheerfully responds, "I'm blessed by the Best". He's serving a life sentence.  That's when I start counting my blessings.  See my story All Things Good, if you need help in counting your blessings.

Last Sunday we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner after church.  That reminded me to count my blessings of community, good friends who care and the solidarity of fellow Christian believers.

I provided below my Dutch Oven Potatoes recipe at the pot-luck dinner as I promised on Twitter, @guskoerner.

Tools, ingredients and instructions:
1 - 10-12 inch cast iron Dutch Oven or camp stove oven
2 - big spoons, 1 regular, 1 strainer
1 - heat source to 350 degrees F. (range or campfire)
Cooking time 1 hour.
Prep. time 1 hour.
----------
5 pounds of potatoes. Whatever is on sale. Cleaned and chopped into uniform cubes 1/2 to 3/4 inches.
1 pound of bacon
1 large onion, chopped to 1/2 inch pieces, not too fine or course.  Kids hate large onion pieces.
12 fl. oz. of liquid such as 1 can of lemon/lime soda, or beer or water
1 stick of butter (1/4 pound)
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

I prepared my meal indoors using the stove and oven, but could have also used hot coals outside. Here's how to make it...In the dutch oven on the stove, medium heat, cut up and fry all the bacon.  I use scissors to cut up the whole pack at once into 1/2 inch lengths across the grain into the hot pot.

When the bacon is done, strain them off into a bowl and fry the chopped onion until browned and translucent. When the onions are done, spoon the onions and bacon fat out and combine with the fried bacon already set aside.

In the hot dutch oven, use all the liquid to de-glaze the bottom.  Scrape gently with a spoon to get all that yummy bacon and onion unstuck from the bottom, being careful not to nick the seasoned cast iron.

Warning  - a dutch oven full of potatoes can easily weigh over 10 pounds, and combined with the heat and awkwardness of putting it in and out of the oven is a potential burn hazard.  Please use good, oven mitts and be very careful.  You may need assistance.

Preheat your oven now to 350 degrees.  Add 1/2 of the cubed potatoes to the oven, salt and pepper liberally, add 1/2 of the bacon/onion mixture spread across the top.  Add the remaining potatoes, salt and pepper liberally, and the spread out the remaining bacon/onion mixture.  Put on the lid and bake the dutch over for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven, stir the entire pot and add the butter evenly over the top in 1/4 inch slices.  Bake for 30 more minutes.  Remove the dutch oven from the oven/heat, stir the pot well one more time, add the cheese evenly across the top, put the lid back on. It will stay warm, for at least 2 hours.  Let it rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and we miss our dear friends and family.  God bless our troops!

The Winderness Grace, Perfect for PC Gatherings

From about 1967 to about '73 I spent my summers at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM.  I could tell you about the activities, treks and adventures I had, but I'll save that until another time.

One of the things that sticks out most in my mind is that when I was a Cub Scout, and my parents were training, we always ate lunch in the dining hall.  Just before we always said grace, which was printed on the wall.  This was very odd to me at first, because this particular mealtime prayer was something very different to me - not the praying part, but the prayer itself.  To this day, forty-four years later, I still remember it.  It is called the Wilderness or Philmont Grace, and it goes...

For food, for raiment (meaning clothing),
For life, for opportunities
For friends and this fellowship,
We thank Thee, O Lord. Amen

A few months ago I attended a conference of the Extension Professionals Association of Florida.  As the FANREP (FL Assn. of Natural Resource Agents) president I was slated to emcee a luncheon that hosted about 350 guests.  I was told by my colleague who was in a supervisory role, to make everyone feel welcome, but not to say a blessing for the food.  I knew why, because after all, we're a government organization, 'church and state", and that rationale.  I can understand the concept, but at the time I didn't feel right.   Midway through the lunch, I interjected a comment of apology to the audience for not saying grace, because after all we have a lot to be thankful for, and in lean budget and economic times, we need all the divine help we can get.  After the luncheon five or six people told me I handled it well.

Photo Credit: Ministry To The Military Itnl.

Since then I have noticed that my County Commissioners say an invocation before each board meeting, Congress prays at the state and national houses, and we still have "in God we trust" printed on our money.  A million people have argued for and against this practice at public gatherings.  We've all heard them, so I won't go on.  When you consider the Wilderness Grace above, it says all we need to say and should not be particularly offensive to any person or one particular denomination, except for the "Lord word", referring to Jesus Christ.  The word God could be substituted to also include Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah or Higher Power for some.  I challenge my readers to continue this practice of giving thanks to our God, however you picture God to be, and to ask for His blessings to us all.  Heaven knows we need them and have a lot to be thankful for.

Spotlight: Mitch Albom’s Book, Have a Little Faith

Well Christmas is over, and the New Year is approaching. Santa Claus was good to our family, although it was a little leaner under the tree than some years. One of the gifts I received this year was a book from my Sweetie of one of my favorite authors, Mitch Albom. (I need to list Mitch as one of my Favorites in my profile.) Mitch is a columnist for the Detroit Free Press and authors many fine books such as Tuesdays with Morrie, 5 People You Meet in Heaven, and now his latest book, Have a Little Faith.

I’m not a book worm, so in order to read with good comprehension and most importantly captivation; I need a quiet place with good light and a little white noise. Have a Little Faith, kept me wanting more from the very first page to the very end with only a few short breaks in between. The reasons it hooked me are his style and layout mostly. I love a book that has new chapters every two or three pages. Similar to a blogging style, the book left me finishing one thought, then lead me on to the next which was sometimes completely different, making me think – but not too hard.  Beyond this technical aspect is Mitch's humanness that he portrays.  His thoughts and feelings are those like I might have in similar circumstances, and his people are real - ordinary folks with extraordinary stories.  There is greatness in the ordinary - that point comes across crystal clear.

From Mitch’s site… Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy. - Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

So Mr. Gus, you may ask, What does this have to do with the outdoors? Are you rambling? - The answer is no. As I read about the Detroit pastor and his work with the homeless, I reflected upon those who live at the mercy of the outdoor elements by necessity, rather than by choice. The reason for this book review at all is because of the impression it made upon me in this way.

Here is a great follow-up article to the book in USA Today: 'Tuesdays With Morrie' author Mitch Albom keeps the 'Faith', Updated 9/29/2009 10:39 PM.

Please read my upcoming follow up: Outdoor Living, Recreation for Some, Necessity for Others, to post Dec. 30, 2009.

Take Some Time To Reflect

"Take Some Time To Reflect" is becoming my new mantra for the next week or two at least. This past while has been a crazy one. In the last ten days my house was robbed, the car died, I took a weekend trip to Alabama, an 18 hour car ride to pick up our son from the Marines, an archery tournament, a group campfire and only 2 more days left of archery day camp, and my bathroom sink is leaking. Whew. Is it Christmas yet? What month is it?

Perhaps needless to say, it has been challenging for me to get into that good old holiday spirit.  The TV and radio media just make it worse, hearing about last minute Christmas shopping.  On the radio I heard the Carpenter's song, "There's no place like home for the holidays" which started to bring me back on track. Karen Carpenter's voice sooths my soul. Here's a reminder of how it goes...

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you long for the sunshine and a friendly gaze
For the holidays you can't beat home sweet home

In the 4-H program, we teach life skills and this would be a good one to reiterate - Reflection.  Look at the past day, week, month or year and reflect upon goals you set, or those you didn't but should have.  Reflect up on the important things in life, like your most important relationships, the ability to work, have a job or the opportunity to go outdoors and feel the breeze upon your face.  Reflect upon the things you do good, and the things you need to work on.  Whether your financial situation is tight or flush, you are alone or with family, everyone I know can gain from thoughtfully looking back to evaluate their situation.  I think I'll make a campfire over the holidays, enjoy it with my family and do some more of just that - reflect.

Photo Credit: Ginger Roberge.

Save Those Turkey Bones!

Jeff “Jesse” James Owner/Publisher of Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors gives us great "how to" plans on making a wing bone yelper call, and how to use it. You gotta check it out. I've built one from left over turkey-day bones, and it's a fun project that works great! First time I used it for kicks out in the woods, I called some up. If you start now, you'll be done by weekend's end. Thanks Jesse!

Click here... How to Make A Wingbone Call, April 2004

Oops, Sorry About Your Cat

It is Thanksgivng Day. One of the nicest privileges about being a home owner, and a shooting sports enthusiast is being able to shoot in your own back yard - if you can. Today would be a good day to start. I don’t know what it is, but shooting in your very own yard rivals the pleasure of seeing shrubs you just put in, grass freshly cut or barbequing on the grill. It gives the homeowner, especially men I believe, a sense of ownership and master of his domain.

I’m not talking about hunting or shooting high power rifles, for most of us that’s simply unfeasible because of the usual rules of suburbia and the dreaded HOA bylaws some of us agreed to. What I am talking about is the tamer, “gentlemanly” or at least quiet sports of archery, air rifle or even air-soft marksmanship. Keeping a bow or a pellet gun and a target in the spare bedroom or out in the garage handy makes it easier. Set up your situation so that you can step out or even better – grab your child from in front of the video game or your sweetie, and take them outside with you. After your domestic shooting range is set up, you can be outside and shooting within just a few minutes. This will allow you to kill two or more birds with one stone (not literally) – you can practice one of your favorite sports, perfect your skills, and spend some quality time with one of your favorite family members. Why wait until your next trip to the gun range to teach firearms handling to your family? You don’t own a gun or bow suitable for short range, quiet fun? If you call your local gun or archery shop, they can probably get you some backyard-suitable equipment for a c-note or less. You don’t have enough room? All one needs for a backyard range is five to ten yards with a safe area behind and to the sides.

Be sure to follow all safety guidelines, especially the 3 Always of Firearm Safety, the 10 Commandments of Firearm Safety, and local your ordinances. Be courteous of your neighbors, and don’t shoot the little birdies. Remember some of these most important rules of backyard marksmanship are : 1) keep the firearm (gun or bow) pointed in a safe direction, 2) stay unloaded until pointing at the target, and 3) keep your finger(s) off the trigger (or string) until your sights are lined up and you’re ready to shoot, 4) be sure of your target and what is beyond, and last but not least be sure to use all safety equipment, especially eye protection. For more safety information contact a local gun shop, firearms or hunter safety instructor or go to the education sections of the National Rifle Association or the National Shooting Sports Foundation.