a day unforgotten

Every once in a while, we experience days we know we'll never forget.  Yesterday was such a day.

Not because anything crazy happened.  There were no catastrophic events.  No earthquake, or terrorist strike on American soil.  I didn't win the lottery.

But. . . . this weekend was the first time Jamie played guitar along with the Vineyard Community Church worship band.  He's played in the [youth] band, but never with the adult team.  He did great.  I'm very proud. 

Another memory bookmark that occurred yesterday was Chip's ordination with Vineyard. 

And in my mind these events bring our family full circle in a couple areas.

A year ago I didn't know if Chip would ever work in the ministry full time again.  There was a chance his calling had changed, that there wasn't a place for him, at least not for a while in our current circumstances.

I also didn't know if Jamie would be able to utilize his musical gifts in a worship setting for quite some time.  He had at our previous ministry location.  But it was small, his dad was the main guy, etc.  

But now the circle is complete.  And things feel right.  I have no doubts we're where we should be.  And for me, a wife and mom, that's a good thing.  Knowing my family is at the right spot on the road.  And knowing we're not alone on that spot.  Because we've traveled alone and that's not where I want to be. 

Horse Mania

Horse Mania is here!
(click for link)

We live in Lexington, Kentucky, the Horse Capital of the World.  Which is why the World Equestrian Games are coming to Lexington this fall.  And despite the fact that it seems every major road in our town is torn up right now in preparation for the games, Allie and I have decided to at least celebrate Horse Mania.

Horse Mania is a public art project, consisting of 82 life-size fiberglass horses.  They've been placed around town, and Allie and I plan to see them all.  We also plan to photograph our adventure.

Allie acquired a copy of today's Lexington Herald Leader, which includes a map of where each horse is.  We start tomorrow with horses 58, 70 and 79, located at the airport.  Join us if you'd like.  It should be fun.

Summertime Music - Life on Lansill

One of my favorite occurrences in Lexington, Kentucky, is the annual patriotic concert held at Gratz Park.  It was held last Friday evening, and our family attended, as usual.  It was a lovely time:  great weather, a nice variety of picnics foods, and fine music by the Lexington Philharmonic.  While I'm not the most patriotic person around, events like these are what America's all about, right?  A free concert, in the beautiful outdoors, with all types of people in attendance.  And don't forget the dogs.  Plus, the available porta potties included outdoor sinks this year.  A definite upgrade.

On Tuesday, we headed to Ecton Park for the weekly jazz concert.  We had a bit of difficulty finding a take out pizza on the way (no, I'm not joking!).  But, we eventually settled in for an evening of music and people watching.  We left at the intermission.

Wednesday was probably one of the top 5 days of summer, as far as son Jamie is concerned.  We visited CD Central http://www.cdcentralmusic.com/ and he purchased The Dead Weather's Sea of Cowards album.  When I say album, I mean album.  He purchased the vinyl record.  Apparently he's been anticipating this for quite some time.  He's converting it to his iPhone (I think that's the correct verbiage) as I type this. 

Today (Thursday), we wandered through the Habitat for Humanity Restore http://www.lexhabitat.com/renovationstation/.  Jamie looked through the records and found - Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues, a Maynard Ferguson, and a Chicago.  For a grand total of $2.29. 

Alas, there's a jazz concert tonight at Central Library, but it's not the greatest timing for us.  Jamie's heading to King's Island tomorrow and Chip is disk golfing this evening.  So, we'll pass this time around.

Earlier this week, Jamie sent me this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw8Ff0FzfYk.   Maybe we'll just listen to them instead.

50% Vegetarian Household

I was at Central Library here in Lexington a few weeks back.  If memory serves correct, it was Thursday, June 26.  The kids were out giving away popsicles in Woodland and Phoenix Parks with the Vineyard youth group.  I was in the library alone, and since I don't usually patronize this branch of the library, I decided to look around.  I came across a book, I can't remember the title, but it was one of those that talks about eating meat, stockyards, etc.  I opened it up, and read just a bit.  I've read this type of book before and I know the gist of it:  the meat industry is bad news.  

My daughter Allie became a vegetarian about 5 months ago.  She's stuck to it.  I'm proud of her convictions.  Since then, I've tried to be careful, tried to eat organic meat from animals that lived a happy life.  But I'm come to realize that's a difficult thing to do.  First of all, it's expensive and I truthfully can't afford to buy all my meat products at Good Foods or the Farmer's Market.  Not without a big financial sacrifice.  Secondly, it's difficult to eat 'carefully' in restaurants.  Most don't use 'organic' meat and my guess is it comes from stockyards and chicken farms and other unfriendly places.   Thirdly, it's just too much to think about:  Where'd the meat in this burger come from?  Is this Kroger chicken REALLY free range?  Should I indulge in a Christmas ham knowing the pig didn't live a quiet life on Old MacDonald's farm?  

So it hit me.  Right there in Central Library.  Give up meat.  Beginning July 1, give it a try.  Commit to 6 months of vegetarianism.  Be an encouragement to Allie.  See what it's like.  I didn't put a lot of thought into it.  I just made the decision, on the spot to do it.  July 1 thru December 31. 

So far, it's going well.  I haven't missed meat.  I know I'll miss the occasional barbecue meal.  I really like pulled pork and brisket with barbecue sauce.  I'll miss shredded beef burritos.  I'll have to learn to modify chicken pot pie this winter.  But, I really think it's for the best that I do this.  Allie is excited to have me on board.  My son Jamie actually said he's considering "meatless Mondays" and possibly giving up meat for Lent next year.  We've checked out lots of vegetarian magazines and cook books from the library.  It's a new adventure for us.

Here's a link to a blog my workplace, Heritage of Kentucky, just started:  http://abstinenceiscool.blogspot.com/ 

I wrote the post, Have your cake, and eat it too.  

Happy 20 years to "us"!

Life on Lansill - Go Bananas!

When life gives you ripe bananas, make banana bread.  Or banana cake.  Or banana muffins.

We quite frequently end up with over ripe bananas, too brown and mushy to just eat.  Here's some of my favorite banana recipes.  Hope you enjoy.

Banana Bread

1 3/4 c all-purpose flour

2/3 c sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 c mashed ripe banana (2-3 medium bananas)

1/3 c margarine or butter

2 Tbs milk

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large mixer bowl combine 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Add mashed banana, margarine or butter, and milk.  Beat with an electric mixer on low speed till blended, then on high spped for 2 minutes.  Add eggs and remaining flour, beat till blended.

Pour into a greased 8x4x2 inch loaf pan.  Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 55-60 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.  Remove from the pan, cool thoroughly on a wire rack.  

Banana Cake

1 c sugar

1/2 c unsalted butter or margarine

2 eggs

4 ripe bananas, mashed

2 c all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat over to 375 degrees F.  Grease and flour one 9 x 13 inch cake pan.  Cream together the butter or margarine and the sugar.  Add eggs, bananas, flour, soda, salt, and vanilla.  Mix thoroughly and pour batter into the prepared pan.  Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes.  Cool and frost cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

1/2 c butter or margarine

1 Tbs milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 c powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese, butter or margarine, milk and vanilla until creamy.  Mix in powdered sugar until smooth.

Banana Cake 2, aka Banana Birthday Cake

1 pkg yellow cake mix

1/2 c brown sugar

2 medium mashed bananas

1 c water

1/2 c vegetable oil

3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour cake or cupcake pan(s).  Mix all ingredients with mixer on low for 1 minute, then on medium for 2 minutes.  Pour batter into pan(s).  Bake at 350 degrees F, using timing instructions on cake mix box for pan(s) you're using.  Frost with Chocolate Frosting.

Chocolate Frosting

3 c powdered sugar

2/3 c cocoa

1/3 c milk

1/2 c margarine

1 tsp vanilla

Mix sugar and cocoa.  Melt margarine, then add margarine, milk and vanilla to sugar/cocoa blend.  Beat for a few minutes.  For thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar.

Banana Oat Muffins

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour

1 c rolled oats

1/2 c white sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

3/4 c milk

1/3 c vegetable oil

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 c mashed banana

1/2 c - 1 c semi sweet mini chocolate chips (optional)

Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt.  In a large bowl, beat the egg lightly.  Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla.  Add the mashed banana, and combine thoroughly.  Stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined.  Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper bake cups, and divide the batter among them.  Bake at 400 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes.

Life on Lansill - Monck Summer Favorites

Please, leave the hookah at home.  Thanks.

One of my absolute favorite things to do in Lexington is attend the summer jazz series on Tuesday nights at Ecton Park.  Our family enjoys packing a picnic dinner, loading up some lawn chairs and a quilt, and relaxing to a couple hours of live music.  

Last night was our first Ecton Park jazz night of the season.  The four of us were quite happy to go.  Besides the music, it's an excellent venue for people watching.  Last night the people watching went up a notch when the odd man with the hookah showed up.   If you're unfamiliar with what a hookah is, please check this sight:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookah.  (You can always count on wikipedia to come through. . . )  

So, besides the dogs on leashes that aren't always keen on other dogs, local celebrities, and senior citizens trying to hide their open containers of wine (which is not allowed in our city parks), we now have Hookah Man to search out again.   I can't wait until next Tuesday.