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O Say, Can You See ... - The USA thread 2025

ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
edited January 12 in All Saints
For what will surely be a tumultuous year, but living in hope, let's have some coffee (or tea if you like) and chat.
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  • ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
    11:35 AM. Happy new year! Breakfast is a tradition that Cubby and I had done for some years but I haven’t done in a few years – cinnamon rolls while watching the New Year’s Day parade. There will be sugar of course, but I have not done this in years, and I’m glad I’m doing it now.
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    I also had a special breakfast: eggs and one sausage, which was more protein than my usual limit. I will have none for the rest of the day, so I am good. Nice way to start the new year. I remember the last time I went around with the orange man. My personal life was fine, and I had the support of good friends and neighbors. I plan to keep on keeping on.
  • Lamb ChoppedLamb Chopped Shipmate
    We had a complete clusterfudge of a hospital visit this morning! I's daughter gave us the room number, and we went down to discover she wasn't registered under any of the names we know. Then security stopped us, because I'd had LL pack the communion kit, and he's so brand new to this sort of thing that he brought a whole freaking wine bottle--and forgot to unpack the bit of the bag that was the ordinary church communion ware etc. from Sunday, so there were TWO wine bottles, one of which had apparently not been put in the fridge where it belonged. So of course security pulled us aside and told us we couldn't take them in... So we went back to the car and found a much smaller clean container to put the wine in (being terminally embarrassed) and found the room, only to discover the lady was incapable of receiving communion or even speaking, having just had jaw surgery...

    Sigh. I think the Lord keeps us around for the humor sometimes.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    edited January 1
    ChastMastr wrote: »
    11:35 AM. Happy new year! Breakfast is a tradition that Cubby and I had done for some years but I haven’t done in a few years – cinnamon rolls while watching the New Year’s Day parade. There will be sugar of course, but I have not done this in years, and I’m glad I’m doing it now.
    Sounds like a good decision!

    Cornbread is in the oven, and I will soon start on hoppin’ john, which will provide the black-eyed peas necessary for the day, and on the equally necessary collards and ham. (This is the only day in the year I’ll eat any collards.)

    We’ve promised to take some to niece and nephew, who have an almost-three-year-old and a four-day-old, so that they can start the New Year in The Traditional Way.


  • ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
    Nick Tamen wrote: »
    ChastMastr wrote: »
    11:35 AM. Happy new year! Breakfast is a tradition that Cubby and I had done for some years but I haven’t done in a few years – cinnamon rolls while watching the New Year’s Day parade. There will be sugar of course, but I have not done this in years, and I’m glad I’m doing it now.
    Sounds like a good decision!

    Cornbread is in the oven, and I will soon start on hoppin’ john, which will provide the black-eyed peas necessary for the day, and on the equally necessary collards and ham. (This is the only day in the year I’ll eat any collards.)

    We’ve promised to take some to niece and nephew, who have an almost-three-year-old and a four-day-old, so that they can start the New Year in The Traditional Way.


    I have a can of blackeyed peas and a can of collards, plus yellow rice. But I may also eat other stuff like turkey tonight…
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    I can not choke down black-eyed peas, so I am having a leafy green salad with some English peas added. I hope that covers it—apologies to my Southern kin.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    Graven Image wrote: »
    I can not choke down black-eyed peas, so I am having a leafy green salad with some English peas added. I hope that covers it—apologies to my Southern kin.
    No worries. :wink:

    Black-eyed peas are the one vegetable I generally put ketchup on (not treating fries as a vegetable), a habit I learned from my parents. But no ketchup with hoppin’ john.


  • The_RivThe_Riv Shipmate
    The key to preparing appealing black-eyed peas, which enjoy a flavor close to that of cardboard, is to cook them with a variety of herbs, spices and additional ingredients so that they don't taste like black-eyed peas anymore. The same holds true with tuna fish, for those about to ask.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    edited January 2
    The_Riv wrote: »
    The key to preparing appealing black-eyed peas, which enjoy a flavor close to that of cardboard, is to cook them with a variety of herbs, spices and additional ingredients so that they don't taste like black-eyed peas anymore.
    More specifically (per the bolded), the key is pork—a ham hock or the like. Also, I cook them in stock or broth rather than water.


  • jedijudyjedijudy Heaven Host
    Continuing the conversation from the 2024 USA thread:
    Former Shipmate MadGeo and his wife and kitties are safe so far, but ready to bug out as soon as they get notified.

    I imagine it's very hard to sleep when you're anticipating an evacuation order.
  • ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
    edited January 9
    jedijudy wrote: »
    Continuing the conversation from the 2024 USA thread:
    Former Shipmate MadGeo and his wife and kitties are safe so far, but ready to bug out as soon as they get notified.

    I imagine it's very hard to sleep when you're anticipating an evacuation order.

    Praying!!
  • RuthRuth Shipmate
    edited January 10
    We got an evacuation warning alert -- not an order, just a warning to be prepared. And we were like, huh? Here? Gotta be a mistake.

    Turns out the LA County Fire Department meant to send an alert to a community in the very northern part of the county, but sent it out to the entire county. All 10 million of us. Our city sent out a disregard notice a few minutes later, but we already knew it had to be wrong. Thing is, lots of people live in potentially affected areas near existing fires or places where fires could easily start and probably freaked out.
  • jedijudyjedijudy Heaven Host
    edited January 10
    I think I'd prefer a Cat 4 or 5 hurricane to a wildfire especially with those high winds. At least with a hurricane, we normally have some notice...not every time *cough*Charley, Ian, Milton*cough* but fairly often.

    Last I heard from MadGeo was that things had calmed down a lot in their area for right now. Hope it stays calm.

    Hoping, Ruth and Graven Image, that you continue to be safe! And the same for Kelly and all our present and past Californian Shipmates!
  • Gramps49Gramps49 Shipmate
    Was once in the middle of a wildfire helping a friend protect his home. Freaky. We did save his home, though. The friend's house was on forested land, so a prison crew was able to put a barrier around the property. It was interesting how they threw up the line. Our job was to put out the embers that got on the roof of the house.
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    Having been in a relatively large earthquake, dangerous flood, several hurricanes, and a wildfire, there is no comparison to the horror of the fire. The fire with embers falling from the sky and fire wind devils around when you try to escape is the worst. Praying for the safety and peace of mind of all in Southern California. This will stay with them for years.
  • RuthRuth Shipmate
    My partner and I put in an application for the best (and most expensive, naturally) apartment we've looked at so far. Fingers crossed. We were originally going to look longer, till thousands of homes were obliterated from the housing market. Rich people from the Palisades won't be looking to move to Long Beach, but rents throughout the region will go up.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    Good luck!
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Best of luck indeed, @Ruth!
  • HeavenlyannieHeavenlyannie Shipmate
    Good luck, Ruth.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    After some discussion in the Styx, and in the Hosts' lounge, I've changed the thread title; I hope it meets with general approval.

    Thanks,

    Piglet, AS host
  • RuthRuth Shipmate
    Thanks, @Piglet!
  • jedijudyjedijudy Heaven Host
    Good luck, @Ruth!
  • ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
    Piglet wrote: »
    Best of luck indeed, @Ruth!

    Seconded!
  • ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
    Piglet wrote: »
    After some discussion in the Styx, and in the Hosts' lounge, I've changed the thread title; I hope it meets with general approval.

    Thanks,

    Piglet, AS host

    Indeed!
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    @Ruth, May you land it the very best place for you.
  • The_RivThe_Riv Shipmate
    I've been thinking about the Goldilocks Effect recently. In the very recent past we've had, just in this country: polar vortices, uncontainable wildfires, earthquakes, tornado outbreaks, and devastating hurricanes. As incredible as it is that we even have carbon-based, human life on this phenomenal planet, this phenomenal planet will do its worst to extinguish that life at every turn!

    Completely unrelated: Good Luck, @Ruth!
  • RuthRuth Shipmate
    Thanks, everyone!

    The winds are back up today. Ugh.
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    Having escaped from a California wildfire with trees burning beside our car as we drove away, having friends' and neighbors' homes lost ( ours was spared ), And having to evacuate three times over the following years, I am finding the pictures on the news of Southern CA fires are triggering me. I found myself in tears and unable to sleep. I have decided I need to stop watching the news. I have since moved from the rural mountain area. My heart goes out to all those in the fire area, and I have tremendous gratitude for all who are helping. I know how important all who help are in ways both great and small.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Well said, Graven Image - and look after yourself.
  • RuthRuth Shipmate
    @Graven Image -- that sounds awful. I am limiting my own news consumption on the subject of the fires, and I've never experienced anything like what you have. Echoing @Piglet -- take care of yourself.

    We got the call a little while ago -- we sign paperwork and hand over money for our new apartment tomorrow morning! We're going out for lunch and spot of celebratory day drinking. And then we'll make a to-do list. But moving is just tasks, and tasks I can handle.
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    @Ruth , I'm happy to hear you have found your new nest. Enjoy
  • DoublethinkDoublethink Admin, 8th Day Host
    @Ruth congrats !
  • Leorning CnihtLeorning Cniht Shipmate
    Ruth wrote: »
    We got the call a little while ago -- we sign paperwork and hand over money for our new apartment tomorrow morning! We're going out for lunch and spot of celebratory day drinking. And then we'll make a to-do list. But moving is just tasks, and tasks I can handle.

    Woohoo! That's good news, Ruth!
  • SarasaSarasa All Saints Host
    That is good news @Ruth.
  • FirenzeFirenze Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    Many happy and secure years.
  • BroJamesBroJames Purgatory Host
    I’m so pleased for you both @Ruth
  • Lamb ChoppedLamb Chopped Shipmate
    Indeed!
  • jedijudyjedijudy Heaven Host
    That is such wonderful news, @Ruth! Congratulations!
  • Gramps49Gramps49 Shipmate
    Weird day for me today. Had two teeth extracted. They put me completely under. Wife drove me home. Worse trip I ever experienced, not because of her driving. Coming out of anesthesia.
  • NenyaNenya All Saints Host, Ecclesiantics & MW Host
    Delighted to read the news about your new apartment @Ruth !
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    Tonight I'm reading a book by Tomas Halik, The Afternoon of Christianity. This quote got my attention:
    "A person's life speaks more about their faith than what they think or say about God. But when we talk about the way people live, let us be aware of reducing the totality of life to the realm of moralty, virtues, and sins; the way people live, the way people are also includes their emotional richness, their imagination and creativity, their sense of beauty and sense of humor, their capacity for empathy, and a host of other qualities..."
    I love this.
  • Gramps49Gramps49 Shipmate
    Graven Image wrote: »
    Tonight I'm reading a book by Tomas Halik, The Afternoon of Christianity. This quote got my attention:
    "A person's life speaks more about their faith than what they think or say about God. But when we talk about the way people live, let us be aware of reducing the totality of life to the realm of moralty, virtues, and sins; the way people live, the way people are also includes their emotional richness, their imagination and creativity, their sense of beauty and sense of humor, their capacity for empathy, and a host of other qualities..."
    I love this.

    Thinking of Jimmy Carter's life. How it applies to him.
  • quetzalcoatlquetzalcoatl Shipmate
    Graven Image wrote: »
    Tonight I'm reading a book by Tomas Halik, The Afternoon of Christianity. This quote got my attention:
    "A person's life speaks more about their faith than what they think or say about God. But when we talk about the way people live, let us be aware of reducing the totality of life to the realm of moralty, virtues, and sins; the way people live, the way people are also includes their emotional richness, their imagination and creativity, their sense of beauty and sense of humor, their capacity for empathy, and a host of other qualities..."
    I love this.

    It's a nice quote. However, I see problems with it, first, who is to judge these things, and second, what about people who lack them. You could end up with a hierarchy, but then maybe we all have one anyway.
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    We constantly judge each other, even if at the base level of a good or bad person. This tells me that we often overlook the full richness of someone's life and what a beauty it offers to the world. I also see this as someone is more than their greatest sin.
  • quetzalcoatlquetzalcoatl Shipmate
    Graven Image wrote: »
    We constantly judge each other, even if at the base level of a good or bad person. This tells me that we often overlook the full richness of someone's life and what a beauty it offers to the world. I also see this as someone is more than their greatest sin.

    Good stuff, although it's double Dutch to me. I used to understand it, but alas, not now.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Excellent news about your new place, @Ruth - wishing you and your partner health to enjoy it! :)
  • RuthRuth Shipmate
    Thank you, folks!
  • ChastMastrChastMastr Shipmate
    Graven Image wrote: »
    Having escaped from a California wildfire with trees burning beside our car as we drove away, having friends' and neighbors' homes lost ( ours was spared ), And having to evacuate three times over the following years, I am finding the pictures on the news of Southern CA fires are triggering me. I found myself in tears and unable to sleep. I have decided I need to stop watching the news. I have since moved from the rural mountain area. My heart goes out to all those in the fire area, and I have tremendous gratitude for all who are helping. I know how important all who help are in ways both great and small.

    🕯🕯🕯
    Gramps49 wrote: »
    Weird day for me today. Had two teeth extracted. They put me completely under. Wife drove me home. Worse trip I ever experienced, not because of her driving. Coming out of anesthesia.

    Hugs!
    Ruth wrote: »
    @Graven Image -- that sounds awful. I am limiting my own news consumption on the subject of the fires, and I've never experienced anything like what you have. Echoing @Piglet -- take care of yourself.

    We got the call a little while ago -- we sign paperwork and hand over money for our new apartment tomorrow morning! We're going out for lunch and spot of celebratory day drinking. And then we'll make a to-do list. But moving is just tasks, and tasks I can handle.

    Congratulations!! 🎉
  • Graven ImageGraven Image Shipmate
    I ate a piece of cake today by accident. That is my story, and I am sticking to it. I made bean soup, and when I opened the freezer, I noted a rather large piece of cornbread on the door. Mine is always cut in a triangle because I make it in an iron skillet. So I thawed it out and took a bite with my soup. Strangely, this tastes sweet, and I never add sugar to my cornbread. I took another bite, I still, and perhaps I noted a hint of lemon. Oh yes, I was having company last month so I made a single-layer cake with fresh strawberries. Well, it is defrosted now, may as well finish it. I'm not sure I would recommend it with Mexican spicy bean soup.
  • questioningquestioning Shipmate
    Ah, but you could always put it aside and have it for dessert!
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