Holiday Greetings!

Holiday Greetings!
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Happy Christmas from Ohio! Peace hugs, Kate Anne

O Tannenbaum!

O Tannenbaum!
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Huzzah! The tree is decorated. Did someone say cards?

Catnap!

Catnap!
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Wilbur knows what to do when it is snowing.

Snow!

Snow!
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

3 to 5 inches expected. Good to be home and decorating tree.

The GOP's Tax Holiday Hoax

Listen to Pap's rant about the GAO info that many corporations paid no or little taxes and now want to bring these funds held off shore into the US via the Tax Holding Reparations Act. Little publicity has been given these tax evaders but it gives new meaning to the term, "Just say NO." Congress: 202-224-3121.

Episcopal, Authority, Healing, Peace

The American Episcopal Church is going through a transitory period, which results from anger arising from the appointment of an openly gay bishop, this on top of earlier allowing women to become priests. One reason I joined the Anglican community is that it IS open to women and accepting of my gay brother. The world needs to open its heart and heal itself of old wounds. The spiritual world is part of this healing. I trust the Episcopal community will heal. Speaking on Authority this advent season is the Rev. Sharon Gracen, the vicar of Faith Episcopal Church of Liguna Niguel, California. Listen to her words and also follow the healing available through the Interfaith Alliance. Peace hugs one and all!

After Torture - per Michael Ratner

At the recent Harper's-NYU forum on how to deal with Bush-era war crimes (which I missed, sigh), TPMtv spoke with Center for Constitutional Rights president Michael Ratner. Ratner talks about US torturers, including their ability to travel where they might be prosecuted. (This is Part III on Torture, so look for the other parts.)

Harry Chapin - What Made America Famous?

Miss Harry -- and I did miss Harry, though I knew his brother Jim and his wife Diane and have spoken with Tom Chapin a number of times, the last at Jim's memorial service. (Jim was the Chapin who didn't sing but what a mind!!) The Chapins are a gift to America. This video is quite a reflection:

...I went to sleep with the hope that made America famous.
I had the kind of a dream that maybe they're still trying to teach in school.
Of the America that made America famous...and
Of the people who just might understand
That how together yes we can
Create a country better than
The one we have made of this land,
We have a choice to make each man
Who dares to dream, reaching out his hand
A prophet or just a crazy God damn
Dreamer of a fool - yes a crazy fool

There's something burning somewhere.
Does anybody care?
Is anybody there?

Don't Blame Unions For Detroit's Ills

Mike Papantonio does another great Pap Attack, this time explaining who is really behind the failure of the Big 3 (and it isn't the workers!!). Love Pap, Ring of Fire, and Bobby -- catch the full audio on AirAmerica.com but this four minute visual says much.

Apple Raisin Stuffing

Dorothy Morehead asked me to make an apple stuffing and then was too sick to eat it. She's still recovering but this recipe found in an ancient cookbook is worth halving and having without the benefit of a holiday. (This vegetarian ate it sans bird and heated it in my toaster oven but that's another story.) Get well soon, Dorothy!! I will be most thankful when you are well!!

3/4 Cup minced onion

1-1/2 Cups chopped celery (include some leaves)

1 Cup butter

7 Cups soft bread cubes

2 Teaspoons salt

1-1/2 Teasp. crushed sage 

1 Teasp. thyme 

1/2 Teasp. pepper

3 Cups finely chopped apples

3/4 Cup raisins

In a large skillet, stir celery and onions in butter until onions become tender. Add a third of the bread cubes. Dump into large bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix. This could be used in a 12 pound turkey but I say spare the turkey and bake it in your oven perhaps at 325 until hot. Worth the calories but I will likely play with it using less butter.