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Just wanted to say hi to everyone!
As you might guess from my handle, I like Star Wars!
I've had my Wii since their initial release in Japan (2006, IIRC) but I didn't use it that much except for Twilight Princess back in the day and the very occasional game of Wii Fit
I recently soft modded my Wii using these guides in order to play Xenoblade in English (I'm interested in seeing how games get localised sometimes, and the UK version has both Japanese and English):
To my surprise, everything worked like a charm!
Now I just have to figure out how to get my US copy of Sonic Gems to work properly... I've been looking for a definitive way to do so without giving my Wii an express ticket to Bricksville, Arizona There doesn't seem to be much definitive info, unless you're talking about backups, whereas I'm talking originals. I have no *cough-cough* backups, just my original copy.
Well, nice to meet y'all. I'll be poking around the other topics looking for a solution
Last edited by Pob3008; 12-15-2011 at 11:12 PM.
and welcome to
Thank you for becoming a member of the best wii modding site around!
First off you need to read the Site rules and try your best to abide by them.
Now we know the rules its time to find the right guide for modding your wii, I recommend the
The Softmod Any Wii Guide by Mauifrog
This guide works for all wii's
And Bluphant's noobs guide - Basic introduction to wii hacking
There are also other guides which you can find in the Guides and tutorials section
Once you have completed the guide you need to ascertain if your wii is capable of playing backups via the disc drive or whether you need to be usb loading.
Wii's post 2009 generally cannot play backups via the disc drive and have to use usb loading.
I recommend usb loading anyway as you can add an remove your games easily and there is no wear and tear on your disc drive and no messing about with discs etc.
What you will need to know -
What drives are compatible - Usb Compatibility list
How to set your drive up - Loading and Playing Wii Backup Games from USB HDD
Once your HDD is setup and ready to go, you will need a program to manage your games!
Checkout Peire's Wii Game Manager Guide
Now your set up and ready to go, but you run in to a problem with one of your game backups -
Bmarlo's Ultimate List of problematic games and the solutions
Now if you're a modchip user you need to get over to the Modchip Section
Wiihacks also has an IRC chat room so you can get live help and assistance from staff and other
members - IRC welcome and rules
Other useful guides -
Ultimate Wiihacks index
Wiihacks guides - The Authors Index
Multi Mod Manager guide
Check out our resident site artist Peire's GFX Shop
And his Free Signature Give Away!
Finally if Wiihacks have helped you in any way you can help us keep helping by donating to keep us going!


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To maintain durability, shape-retention and a solid platform for long hours of wear for your feet, the dress shoe contains genuine Goodyear welt construction and a storm welt.
The PRO-CELL mid and outsole system is made up of a (removable) PU footbed, which has an excellent compression-set (its ability to return to its original shape after multiple pressure applications). Your feet will remain comfortable while absorbing impact more efficiently, and that is why this is such a great feature.
To provide additional comfort for your feet, which is always a good thing; the insole board has an EVA cushion filler and midsole. The PRO-CELL rubber outsole is made to be both cushioning and oil resistant. These features work together to keep your feet protected and your shoes in tiptop shape.
This shoe is fashioned on a classic; round toe "navy" last. It was named because this look was first adopted by the US Navy for sailors' oxfords that had to fit well and comfortably. They also feature a non-metallic stabilizer for support.
Special discounts may apply for high volume sales.
Contact our Bids & Quotes department for more information.
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Product appears to be very nice.
By John
from Aberdeen, MD
Best Uses
Comments about Rocky Men's Professional High Gloss Dress Leather Oxford:
product seems to be a quality product
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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text:
Myott Old Silver Lustre Art Deco Style Vase
Sold for:
Start Free Trial
or Sign In to see what it's worth.
- Sold Date:
- Source: eBay
Myott Old Silver Lustre Art Deco Style Vase. It says Myott, Son & Company Ltd. Made in England 1505 F, it also has the crown symbol. It is 3 3/4" high and 3 1/2" at widest. Hand painted in what I believe is platinum. It is hard to take a picture to show the top section is painted platinum silver and so are the leaves and stem. No nicks, chips or cracks, t is a little crazing, very little signs of wear.Highest bidder will please pre-pay plus shipping costs, after close of auction. Insurance is optional. If you choose not to insure it will be at your own risk. Payment must be received within 10 days of auction close via PayPal, Money Order or Certified Check. All items guaranteed to be as described and are offered on an "as is" basis with no warranties or refund priviledges implied. If you have any questions, you can contact me via email before bidding. Thank you for your interest in my auction.


text:
Ask about our
Total Quality Water Management Program
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Fresh water RO line pressure units
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text:
At BSA Optics we are finally cleaning our warehouse and preparing for 2014 by selling many products for far less
than we paid for them! You don't want to miss out on this again! All prices are at least 50 percent off, many are
70 percent, and even 80 percent off retail. Act fast! Good strictly while supplies last and when they're gone… they're gone.


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Your donations keep RPGWatch running!
Borderlands 2 - Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt Review @ IGN
by Aries100, 2013-01-17 23:17:41
IGN has reviewed the DLC Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt for Borderlands 2. The score is
6.9 and here's a snip:
How different can it really feel? The answer is "a lot," and in this case different doesn't mean better. Big Game Hunt manages to stay just enjoyable enough to get a pass, but it's still easily the weakest add-on Gearbox has put on the table for Borderlands 2 thus far.
Source: GameBanshee
Newsbit options: Add / View Comments (0) | Forward this newsbit | Link to this Newsbit
Information aboutBorderlands 2
SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Post-Apoc
Genre: Shooter-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released


text:
Stagg UPC-688 Effects Pedal Hard Case
The Stagg UPC-688 is an ABS flight case designed for carrying guitar effects pedals.
Main Features
- Rugged, medium-weight, plastic moulded ABS case
- Strong, extruded aluminium edging
- Chrome hardware
- High density foam padded interior for extra protection
- Rubber feet for vertical positioning
- Moulded handle
- Pedals are attachable to the case's interior via the supplied velcro strip
This useful effects case is made from ABS plastic for road-ready durability. Attach your pedals to the case using the included velcro strips and simply remove the lid, plug in and you're ready to gig.
Internal Dimensions (HxWxD): 688 x 296 x 83 mm / 27 x 11.6 x 3.3 inches
- This product will be ordered in from our suppliers as required. Please contact us for availability.
This item is normally sent to Mainland UK addresses by DPD who generally provide a one-hour window of delivery on the morning of delivery by email or text message. If you need this item faster, please upgrade to a Before 12 service at checkout.
Mainland UK: £3.50 within mainland UK ( Orders over £99 are delivered FREE )
UK Non-Mainland: £ 12
Rep. of Ireland and Mainland Europe: from £ 15 (calculated at checkout).
Order this item before 4pm and receive it on the next working day, mainland UK only*
1 Recommended Accessory
Additional Information
Brand Stagg Condition New


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Crisis came to George Frederick Handel in the summer of 1741. His failing health and flagging career threatened to ruin his prominence as the preeminent opera composer of his day. The German-born composer -- whom the English claim as their own -- was paralyzed by a stroke and beleaguered by rival impresarios who threatened to bankrupt his opera company. In a frenzy of 21 days, he wrote a Bible-based oratorio -- vocal work -- that culminated everything he'd done before. Then he felt the inspiration to write 12 more like it, based on the Old Testament and classical mythology.
And the Messiah was born, with premieres in London and Dublin. This week, the seasonal classic returns to Houston.
Though never as popular then as it is now, Messiah is the timeless story of Christian suffering and redemption dramatically rendered through powerful narrative led by soloists, with a commentary provided by the chorus. The Houston Symphony and guest conductor Harry Bicket of England bring the tale to Jones Hall December 18 through 20. Featured soloists making their Houston Symphony debut are soprano Kendra Colton, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Dudley and bass-baritone Eduardo Chama. Returning is tenor John McVeigh.
Entertainment is their goal, but Handel himself told of striving to morally elevate his listeners through the experience. Harry Bicket, of course, seems perfectly suited to carry this off, coming from the very English tradition that popularized the work so immensely. Bicket is well regarded as an opera conductor, reputedly one of the best choral directors around -- and a popular choice for Messiah.
But if present-day impresarios share Handel's didactic purpose, it seems wrong-headed to hype the show as a star vehicle for conductors and soloists, as we do with every other local symphonic concert. Oratorio developed alongside opera during Handel's day, and it had many of the same elements: a story written to instrumental music for voices, a chorus and a narrative for the stage. The differences? The oratorio's narrative derived from sacred origins. Unlike opera, it tended to feature the chorus.
Dramatic roles of the chorus always seem to be neglected. In Greek tragedy, and even at a church Passion, people take them for granted. That would not be the case, if they had witnessed the recent Houston Symphony Chorus rehearsal of Messiah. Few may realize it's not Christoph Eschenbach or Robert Shaw who spend hours stopping or starting this extremely talented group midway through a measure, halting their lilting strains in midnote to ensure a sixteenth note isn't dragged into an eighth. Charles Hausmann, a music professor and choral director at UH, stands in front of these singers, week after week, year after year. He prepares them for the conductor, who steps in only a couple of times before the show.
Rehearsals may stretch hours with the stops and starts through 15 songs. At this recent practice Hausmann dramatically waved his arms midway in the second sing-through of "And He Shall Purify."
"This is not opera," he warned them. Baroque music -- the timbre, the articulation -- is meant to be subtle, the director explained. They went through the gorgeous devotional "For Unto Us a Child is Born," with Hausmann frequently stopping to coach the altos -- or sopranos -- independently of the others. Occasionally drilling the bass section on maintaining consistent resonance, he lapsed into droll mimicry of their diction that made it hard to keep a straight face.
Moving through the ponderous, almost dissonant, "Behold the Lamb of God," Hausmann continued in the same vein. The more he interrupted, clapping loudly to a beat, as if to increase the energy in the room, the more easily they internalized the baroque pattern of stresses. They obediently repeated the measures, honing clarity, diction and timing.
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To Hausmann, the main challenge for the chorus is staying unified as an ensemble and resisting the easy urge to get carried away by Handel's music. After all, it's Handel they're singing to, one of baroque theater's greatest composers. "If you get too carried away, you get a quasi-operatic spectacle. We're not singing solos on stage. We have to sublimate ourselves to the music and the ensemble," Hausmann says. He says it's also difficult for the chorus to keep the diction precise, because they're so familiar with the songs, after singing them for so many years. "Often, the better you know something, the worse you sing it."
Part of the magic of this weekend's Messiah will be in Hausmann's invisible hand. Known for his ability to mimic the conducting gestures and timing of Eschenbach and Shaw, the choral director has learned to match the performing conductor's style and interpretation. This is for the benefit of the chorus, so they will be more in line when he turns them over for the opening night. (Never having seen Bicket perform, Hausmann traded notes with him over the phone, singing and marking his Messiah book, while Bicket sang back measure for measure.)
Hausmann's behind-the-scenes devotion should be apparent on opening night. As the Houston Symphony Chorus stands behind the orchestra and the glittering soloists during Messiah, they, too, will assume a place of prominence granted to them by the sacred music of Handel.
The Houston Symphony and Chorus will perform Handel's Messiah, December 18 through 20, at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 227-


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Campaign Director, Fisheries — Washington, D.C.
Organization: Oceana
Job Title: Campaign Director, Fisheries
Location: Washington, D.C.
Hours and Compensation: Full Time – Oceana provides a competitive total compensation package, including comprehensive health, dental, vision, and 403(b) plan, and generous leave.
Application Deadline: until filled
Position Dates: Start – Nov. 30, 2012
Posted On: Oct. 10, 2012
Organization Overview
Oceana, an international conservation organization dedicated to protecting the world's oceans.
The Campaign Director will lead a multidisciplinary team to plan, develop, implement and win Oceana's policy campaigns on fisheries issues. Candidates must have experience working on and leading policy campaigns designed to make changes in fisheries policy, or a related field. To be successful, the candidate should be a skilled and experienced manager, a strategic thinker, and have background on fisheries management and wildlife conservation. The campaign director will report to the senior vice president for North America
- · Lead in the development and implementation of campaign programs and projects
- · Lead the development of annual and longer term campaign goals
- · Lead and manage a team consisting of scientist(s), advocates, communications professionals, lawyers and others to achieve campaign goals
- · Develop advocacy, communications, outreach and legal strategies to achieve the goals of the campaign
- · Establish Oceana leadership on campaign issues
- · Develop campaign messages, strategies and materials
- · Serve as spokesperson for the campaign and related issues to the press
- · Lead in the planning and implementation of events
- · Manage outside relationships with partners, vendors, and decision-makers
- · Manage the research and writing of reports, papers, and other materials
- · Maintain a working knowledge of related science and policy practices
- · Develop and manage campaign budget.
- · Assist in fundraising for campaign projects and programs.
- · Other responsibilities as appropriate and necessary to achieve campaign objectives
· Seven (7) years of related professional experience including at least three (3) years managing staff and teams.
- Must have exceptional management skills with proven ability to lead a professional staff and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Experience completing projects under tight deadlines and effectively managing a demanding work load, multi-task and take on projects, and the capability to effectively lead a campaign team.
- Desire and ability to advocate for complex, aggressive conservation positions in both small and large settings; possess strong oral and written communication skills, and a keen analytical ability.
- Strong writing and communications skills
- Some travel is required
- Graduate or law degree and fluency in Spanish a plus
How to Apply
Please go to the Oceana website http:www.oceana.org and click About Us and select Employment Opportunities. Include a cover letter and resume.


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If Mitt Romney had to personally contribute $100 toward paying down our national debt every time he lied, then America would be out of the red by November. The Obama campaign – and the Washington Post – has hammered Romney in recent weeks over his ties to Bain Capital and the laying off or outsourcing of thousands of American jobs. But Romney says he's not responsible since all of these layoffs occurred after he left Bain Capital in 1999.
But a new report by the Boston Globe reveals that Romney is lying. As financial documents filed in 2003 – and obtained by the Boston Globe – show – Romney still owned 100% of Bain Capital as recently as 2002 – and even earned at least $100,000 as an executive at Bain in 2002 – three years after Romney claims he had left the business. So now we can add lying about his record at Bain to the long list of other Romney lies, just as voters are demanding to know the truth about Romney's several offshore bank accounts and whether they're being used to avoid paying taxes.
It's crystal clear – the only way Mitt Romney can win the White House this year is by lying, which presents a great opportunity for Congress to pay down our debt by simply passing into law the "Romney Lying Jar" – and forcing Mitt to throw in a crisp $100 bill practically every time he opens his mouth.


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Tusculum College has named Michael Jones as its new men's basketball coach announced Tusculum College Director of Athletics Frankie DeBusk. Coach Jones will be introduced to the College and Greeneville communities at a press conference Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Niswonger Student Commons on the Tusculum campus.
Jones comes to Tusculum after serving the last 12 years as head coach at South Atlantic Conference (SAC) member Brevard College. Jones replaces former Tusculum coach Jim Boone, who resigned last week after six seasons on the Tusculum sidelines to accept a similar position at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Jones led Brevard to a historic campaign in 2009-2010, as the Tornados finished the season 21-10, while capturing the Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tournament title and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Jones was named the SAC Coach of the Year as the team set or tied 27 individual and team records.
The Maysville, Ky. native has amassed 214 victories in his 14 years as a collegiate head coach, including 175 in his 12 seasons at Brevard. Jones has led his programs to three national tournaments, including two with the Tornados. Jones has also seen five of his players offered professional basketball contracts, including two in the NBDL.
"I am very excited to welcome Michael Jones to Tusculum College," said DeBusk. "I am absolutely confident that he will lead our program to success, both on and off the basketball court, while positively representing our College, the South Atlantic Conference and NCAA Division II. Michael is a well-respected member of the coaching community, an accomplished recruiter and in a short time, has made a positive impact within our conference. There are exciting years ahead for Tusculum basketball."
While at Brevard, Jones' teams have accounted for 20 wins or more on four occasions. In 2001-02, his squad was ranked as high as No. 12 nationally (NAIA), while posting an impressive 22-11 worksheet. The Tornados captured both the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles that season, led by All-American and AAC Player of the Year David Evans.
But most impressive with his programs is the 98 percent graduation rate during Jones' tenure.
He has mentored 10 All-Conference performers at Brevard, including this past season with Josh Roper, the 2011 SAC scoring champion. Roper, a 2011 First Team All-SAC selection and 2011 Daktronics All-South Atlantic Region Second Team selection, finished up his senior season at Brevard leading the league with 21.2 points per game and 2.56 steals per contest.
Also among the list of outstanding BC players coached by Jones is the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder in All-American Jonathan Whitson (2006-2010). Whitson is Brevard's career leader in points (2,028), rebounds (942) and blocked shots (122).
"I am so happy and honored to work at such a great institution as Tusculum College and to have this opportunity," Jones said. "Tusculum has a great academic and athletic history and I would like to thank (President) Dr. Nancy Moody and Coach DeBusk for affording me the opportunity to lead the Pioneers. I am excited about the support for our program and the resources we have to achieve our goals at the highest levels."
Coach Jones came to Brevard from Jackson, Ky. where he was the head coach at Hazard Community College from 1997-1999. There he led the Division III junior college to a 21-9 record in his first year as head coach, while facing a Division I-laden schedule. In the 1998-99 season at Hazard, the team began with a preseason No. 8 national ranking.
Before his three-year stint at Hazard, Jones was on the coaching staff at his alma mater at Eastern Kentucky University, where was on the Colonels' sidelines from 1994-1996. Jones earned his Bachelor's degree in business administration in 1994 from Eastern Kentucky and followed that with his Master's degree in physical education & sports administration in 1996 from EKU.
Coach Jones is married to the former Lori Mason and has a 10-year-old daughter, Rheanna and twin girls Lilly and Caris.


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Drywall Recycling Market:
Scrap drywall can be recycled back into the manufacture of new drywall; this is currently practiced by many wallboard manufacturers with their own post manufacturer scrap. While a small amount of paper is tolerable acceptable, the majority must be removed. Typical recycled amounts range 10 % to 20%. Recycling of post-consumer gypsum wallboard into new drywall is currently being practiced in several areas of North America.
In some areas, new drywall is manufactured with synthetic gypsum, a waste product of air pollution control technology at coal-fired power plants, or a byproduct of other manufacturing processes. This, along with the recycling of post-manufacturer scrap, could limit the ability (or desire) of some plants to recycle post-consumer scrap drywall.
Processing scrap drywall at a


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Trivium's Matt Heafy Discusses 'Vengeance Falls,' Working With David Draiman + More
Trivium's Matt Heafy was the guest on Full Metal Jackie's radio show this weekend. The frontman spoke with Jackie about the 'Vengeance Falls' album, working with producer David Draiman and he also shared a bit about his favorite eating places and workout routine. Check out Full Metal Jackie's chat with Trivium's Matt Heafy below.
It's Full Metal Jackie. On the show with us this evening, Matt Heafy from Trivium. How's it going, Matt?
Very good.
2014 has been a busy year on the road. You guys have toured with Volbeat, played Seether's Rise Above fest, and of course you've got Mayhem Festival this summer. Matt, does it ever feel surreal? Like, wow, we're so fortunate to live this life.
It's pretty insane. Someone was asking me the other day, we had to fill out a form for visas for going to Russia. One of the last three jobs I had before I was in Trivium, I've never done anything else besides this. I joined this band when I was 12. It was my first band and my first job. It took me 15 years but things are going really well now.
Your latest LP, 'Vengeance Falls' was produced by David Draiman from Disturbed. Matt, how did your relationship change from you being a fan once he became your working partner?
It was amazing. David took such good care of us. He became a mentor, a friend and a producer, a vocal coach, so much. When we weren't being incredibly diligent and working regimented schedules in the studio, we were all just hanging out and doing the same thing. We all share the same love for food and hanging out, friends and family. It was a really great time. We all share the same humor, which was amazing. All five of us were always joking about the same stupid stuff. It's great to have him as someone I was such a fan of as a kid, and still am, but someone that's a friend now.
Now that fans have had a chance to really get familiar with 'Vengeance Falls,' what's been the best compliment you've heard so far?
Whenever we play 'Strife' for example, the entire crowd sings the intro guitar part, Iron Maiden style. That's one of the biggest compliments that could ever be given. A non-spoken compliment, just the fact that people are singing along like that. Every time I've ever seen Maiden and they go into 'Fear of the Dark,' or any of their songs where people sing the guitar parts which is pretty much all of them, I've always wanted that as a kid and to now have that on so many of our songs, especially our new songs, it's amazing.
Matt, you were barely a teenager when Trivium started. You've grown up onstage over the course of the last 14 years or so. Personally and musically, what would surprise the 14-year-old you about Matt Heafy as an adult?
At 14, I was probably at my most extreme metal phase. I didn't like anything with singing. I didn't like any mainstream bands. I was only into black metal and thrash and anything that was popular, I wasn't into it. Fourteen-year-old me, he probably wouldn't get what's going on now. He probably wouldn't be as much of a fan of the melodies as I'm into now. It's sort of what I grew into, being into things with melodicism. My favorite metal bands, I'll always quote Iron Maiden and those bands have melody, things you can sing. Whether it's guitar parts, drum parts of vocal parts. When I was at my most extreme back then, I wasn't into that. I didn't get that.
Now? I'm able to incorporate all of it. There are a lot of other peer bands of ours now a days that are kind of doing the same thing. Bands that came from an extreme background that are writing more anthemic songs that people across all musical spectrums can get. But, with us we still do inject our extreme metal backgrounds — death metal, black metal and melodic death metal — that's a big part of our sound. I guess maybe it's not seen as much when there's singing on top of it, but it's very much so there. The 14-year-old wouldn't get where I'm at now.
Matt, your love for different and exotic food is pretty well known. What latest food discovery is now your favorite dish?
Let me look at my phone, there's a place in Missoula, Montana, across the bridge from the Wilma Theater called The Hob Knob. It's like a breakfast cafe, that place is awesome. We went there years ago, when we co-headlined here with All That Remains. I forgot what the name was, I just remember it was one of the best places I've been for breakfast. Me and Paolo [Gregoletto] were finally able to go there again today. They have these amazing huge hunks of corned beef hash with eggs and potatoes.
Yesterday in Seattle, after the show I got to meet with two of my really good friends and go to this place called Skillet Diner. It's one of my favorites. If I ever opened a restaurant or had the money to do it, it would be that. It's a cool diner. A modern looking diner. After the show I had poutine, macaroni and cheese with bacon jam, melted with chicken and waffles. So it's not real healthy, obviously.
You're making me hungry! You do yoga, always doing healthy stuff. You can probably eat whatever you want and don't gain a pound.
I do [gain weight] if I'm not really regimented. I try to exercise at least six days a week, if not seven days. My new love in life is Brazilian jiu-jitsu. When I'm home it's six days a week, 90 minutes a day. The seventh day will be either yoga or running. Any day I can't do jiu-jitsu on tour it's either Yoga or weight lifting, or running. It's six days a week to keep up with my eating habits.
See Trivium all summer long on the Mayhem Festival that kicks off July 5 out in San Bernardino, Calif. Matt, really appreciate you being on the show and I'll definitely see you real soon.
Thank you.
Our thanks to Trivium's Matt Heafy for the interview. You can pick up the band's 'Vengeance Falls' album on Amazon and iTunes. And you can look for them on the Mayhem Festival at these locations. Full Metal Jackie can be heard on radio stations around the country — for a full list of stations, go to fullmetaljackieradio.com.


text: I am very lucky to drive an Audi and i dare say i show it off occasionally but while watching a the new renault twingo advert i said to myself as if me and a few of my friends are about to go out "we can take my twingo or we can take my car" But with my audi i do all the time refer to it as "my audi" and not "my car" but if i were to have a small cheap car like a twingo i don't think i would say my twingo or even my renault. not something important but just noticed it. There's actually only afew cars which i would refer to by name if they were mine is this snobish? lex


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Saturday, December 31, 2016
This is not how I envisioned our New Year's Eve.
We don't know where they came from, but they have changed our entire New Year's Eve experience.
Instead of Zack going to Leila's to watch LOTR and the rest of us going to Gramma and Papa's house to watch tv, play on computers, and generally relax, we are all staying home, stripping beds, doing a ton of laundry, and using way too many towels.
Instead of me picking Zack up and returning to Gramma and Papa's house for dinner, games, and counting down the new year via cable, we are picking through children's hair with a nit comb and vacuuming furniture before dinner, games, and counting down the new year via the internet.
We don't know where these invaders came from, but they are definitely messing up our plans.
However, we will make the most of it. Our house will end up much cleaner at the start of the new year than it would have been had things gone according to plan. I'll be able to perhaps keep myself from getting even more sick (I'm having an allergy attack on top of having a cold) without all the driving and running around I would have been doing.
I am so thankful for my husband, who is doing the majority of the work today, as whenever I move, I either have a coughing fit or sneezing fit. I am grateful that, all things considered, this is far from the worst that could happen today. I feel blessed to be able to spend this New Year's Eve, whatever form it takes, with my husband and five children, despite the mess that has become of this day.
What a fitting last day of a challenging year. We'll keep on doing what we strive to do every day - make the most of whatever the day throws at us and enjoy this blessed mess!
Friday, December 30, 2016
15340 and a Half
The Sixth Day of Christmas also happens to be my 15341st-ish day on this earth (including leap years).
On this day, I will spend quality time with a young man who I try to talk to multiple times a day, and who doesn't respond ... because he's at work. Or sometimes because he is playing on the computer and has his headphones on. But mostly I do this on the three days a week he's at work. I miss him. So he said he'd take his mother out for her birthday.
Our tattoo plans fell through (oh, darn, we'll just have to spend another day together sometime), but we will be going out for amazing Asian food and to see a movie. In recliners. With popcorn. I really want to bring a blanket and pillow, but I might get too comfortable and do what I do at home and fall asleep during the movie!
As a family, we will also be packing for New Year's Eve at Gramma and Papa's house. They're on a cruise, so they won't mind. Food, computers, DSs, Kindles, clothing, pillows, blankets, and our memory jar. We may as well be moving in!
For now, I'm going to curl up in my bed and contemplate the fact that I should be doing something useful.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
The Fourth, the Fifth
...days of Christmas, that is.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I had a horrendous migraine.
Before the migraine got too bad, I had the opportunity to deliver some useful things to the apartment the New Start Ministry is setting up for our refugee family...and to help out a bit there as well. It will be a cozy home for the three of them, close to a wonderful and helpful family who were refugees just a few years ago. What a wonderful way to start my day!
Then I went to the restaurant where Zack lost his wallet to retrieve it - they had found it while cleaning the night before. I treated myself to avocado maki and then headed home. By the time I arrived home, my migraine had amped itself up to unbearable levels, so I put myself to bed with ice packs encircling my head, where I spent a good portion of the rest of the day.
Today is the Fifth Day of Christmas.
The migraine is still here. However, so far I've communicated via text and email with a dozen people to coordinate New Start appointments and donations, for church stuff, to sort out homeschool co-op info, and other things. I've made up schedules and payment information for all the homeschool co-op students, and emailed them. I've done dishes, made lunch, and made dinner.
What I haven't done is change out of my pajamas.
So now I'm going to take a shower, try to eat some food, take some medication, and pray for sleep... and for my migraine to be gone by tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Third Day of Christmas
On the third day of Christmas
I did much driving...
One teen to lunch with his girlfriend.
(I also had lunch with my friend.)
Two children to Target.
Then back to the restaurant...
(To look for a lost wallet.)
A quick trip to Kohl's
(To use a $10 coupon.)
One child from her friend's house.
One trip to the grocery store.
And back home again!
My children love the week after Christmas. Their friends who go to school are off for the week, so they can get together for a playdate or a lunch date. The added bonus is that I usually get to chat with a friend or two as well.
Today didn't exactly go as planned ... and no, we didn't find the wallet ... but that's life sometimes. Zachary learned how to report a bank card as lost...and to be more careful with his wallet. I got two new pairs of wool socks for $1.12 and had a wonderful conversation with a friend. The two Target shoppers waited patiently in the van while I looked for the wallet, ran into two stores, and picked Alia up from her friend's house, instead of being dropped off at home after our shopping trip. Having their DSs with them and brand new games to play on them helped a lot.
The rest of this month promises to be just as unpredictable as today. We shall see what the fourth day of Christmas brings...
Monday, December 26, 2016
On the Second Day of Christmas
For those of you who love Christmas as much as I do - don't worry! It's not over yet! The Christmas season lasts until Epiphany - January 6th. Today is only the second day of the twelve days of Christmas!
On the second day of Christmas...
I am thankful my migraine is at a dull roar today. It was so bad at one point yesterday (Christmas Day) that I didn't notice I'd received the same gift from two people. Easily remedied, it's not a big deal, but that it didn't register in my brain at the time I find a mixture of amusing and concerning. When the festivities were over, I retreated home and passed out for a couple hours, my head encased in ice packs. I'm feeling much better today.
I am thankful for the time we got to spend with family, for good food, and good conversation. And for Christmas worship, filled with joyful Christmas hymns, friendly people, and hugs.
I am also thankful for the wonderful gifts my family received - and gave each other - this Christmas. When I ask my children what their favorite gifts were, Christmas Angel gifts top the charts. This year...
On the second day of Christmas...
I am thankful my migraine is at a dull roar today. It was so bad at one point yesterday (Christmas Day) that I didn't notice I'd received the same gift from two people. Easily remedied, it's not a big deal, but that it didn't register in my brain at the time I find a mixture of amusing and concerning. When the festivities were over, I retreated home and passed out for a couple hours, my head encased in ice packs. I'm feeling much better today.
I am thankful for the time we got to spend with family, for good food, and good conversation. And for Christmas worship, filled with joyful Christmas hymns, friendly people, and hugs.
I am also thankful for the wonderful gifts my family received - and gave each other - this Christmas. When I ask my children what their favorite gifts were, Christmas Angel gifts top the charts. This year...
Alex gave Alia a pink chihuahua.
(Standing in for Alex is his puppet, as Alex does not like having his picture taken.)
Alia gave Zachary Santa footie pajamas.
Zachary gave Daddy Magic the Gathering cards
Daddy gave Mama a tandem nursing mama carving (didn't get a good photo, sorry!).
Mama surprised Coren with a 2DS (thanks to Grandpa!!!), a case, and screen protectors.
Coren gave Haley an owl in a Santa hat.
Haley gave Alex a Five Nights at Freddies Fazbear
These Christmas Angel gifts, made or purchased for $5 or less, are gifts from the heart.
My favorite gift of the year was made by my husband...
During these twelve days of Christmas, so many things are happening in our little world. In twelve short days, we will help set up household for and welcome our New Start refugee family and begin to get them settled into life in the United States.We will celebrate my birthday, usher in the new year, and celebrate Jim's birthday as well. And we will begin our Winter Session of Epoch Arts Homeschool Co-op.
Posted by Amanda Steyer at 1:04 PM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: birthday, birthdays, Christmas, christmas angel, christmas angel gifts, gifts, gratitude, new start ministry, rannygahoots, second day of christmas, thankful
Saturday, December 24, 2016
After a horrible night's sleep, I dragged myself from the warmth and comfort of my bed and made pancakes for my children. My husband made bacon, the result of which was our most difficult to tear from his bed teen bounding out of bed at record speed. Upon finishing cooking breakfast, I immediately retreated to my bed, my body in near agony from the effects of rainy Christmas Eve weather combined with doing too much yesterday on my arthritis-damaged body.
I sit here on Christmas Eve morning, feeling blessed.
Even though Coren can't find the pantookas (apparently Dr. Seuss expects us to hang these from our ceiling). Even though I've managed to burn both hands over the past two days. Even though I'm still suffering the effects of a major allergy attack yesterday. Even though vicodin will barely take the edge off the pain I'm experiencing.
I am blessed.
I am blessed because I have five wonderful children who have wonderful senses of humor and of play. And who don't think it's odd at all when we ask them if they've found the pantookas yet. Because I have a loving husband who understands my need to retreat to bed after being up for less than two hours. God has blessed me with another day of life. The much needed rain is nourishing the earth. Bacon. Warm bed. Christmas music. Love come down. So many blessings.
Hang pantookas on the ceilings . Pile panpoonas on the floor. Trim every blessed needle on the blessed Christmas tree. Christmas comes tomorrow! Trim you, trim me!
Posted by Amanda Steyer at 10:18 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: arthritis, blessed, blessings, christmas eve, chronic illness, chronic pain, family, pain, pantookas, psoriatic arthritis, rannygahoots, spondylitis, thankful
Friday, December 23, 2016
Gifts are wrapped, bourbon balls made (and taunting me from the refrigerator), Christmas lights hung, Christmas cards sent, holiday movies watched.
Our Advent calendar is dwindling, acts of kindness it contained carried out over the past twenty-something days.
Christmas Angel shopping has been done and there's a giant stocking full of Christmas Angel gifts awaiting Christmas Eve...and even a couple gifts that didn't fit hiding in teens' bedrooms.
Today we make sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and go on a super secret birthday mission while Daddy and the teen boys are at the movies to celebrate Alex's eighteenth birthday. We brave the grocery store for last minute baking items. We watch more holiday movies.
We listen to Christmas music - not holiday music - today. We start and end our day with the Word. We continue centering our days in the sacred stories that remind us what this season is all about. We prepare to celebrate the greatest Gift.
God be with us as we give, as we receive, as we worship, as we sing, and as we celebrate. Fill our souls with your love that we may pour it generously out to others. Give us patience as we await those special days and the holy moments they contain. Thank you for your abundant love, and for sending Love down to live among us and die for us.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Eighteen years ago it snowed. Not too much to be concerning or impede driving, but enough to cover the ground and provide a wonderful view from my hospital room window.
Eighteen years ago I thought he might die.
Eighteen years ago I spent that first night in the hospital, nurses not believing me for hours and hours that I was truly in labor. He emerged from my body gray and lifeless. My heart nearly stopped, waiting to know if he would be ok. Lifesaving suction and resuscitation yielded heart-melting cries. Allowed only a quick kiss before he was whisked to Special Care, my heart left the room with him.
He is now, technically, and adult. I have to admit this freaks me out a bit. Sometime soon, he could decide to move out on his own. He'll definitely take a piece of my heart with him when that happens.
But I don't have to worry about that too soon. He says he's never leaving. That's OK with me at the moment. I need someone around to reach the too high things.
I feel so blessed to be Alexander's mother. He has been one of my greatest teachers in life, and one of my biggest blessings.
Alex has matured incredibly over the past year. He has graduated from homeschool student to teacher at our homeschool co-op, teaching Creative Writing this Winter Session. This is amazing to me, considering less than six years ago, he did not write. Dysgraphia still challenges him today, but he doesn't let it hinder him. Inspired by a Fan Fiction class that I may or may not have pushed him into taking when he was 12 years old, he began to write His amazing creativity splashed little by little onto page after page. This child who would read at fifth grade level at age five, but struggled to write a single sentence at twelve began producing much labored over paragraphs full of plot twists, humor, and drama. And now he'll be the teacher.
How have the eighteen years gone so fast? People warned me it would happen. Eighteen years ago it was difficult to believe. Now, not so much.
Alex,As you enter adulthood, I hope you remember these eighteen things:1. Be patient.2. Be kind.3. Hug your mother.4. You can do anything you set your mind to if you work hard. 5. Hard work is a good thing.6. Whenever you're bored, get to work on accomplishing a dream or creating something amazing.7. Talk to your parents, grandparents, friends, etc. about what you hope to accomplish, take in their words of wisdom, and move forward with what works for you.8. Set goals and make a plan to reach it.9. Be flexible ... don't let a bump in the road end forward momentum.10. Don't forget to have fun.11. Learn to cook things you like to eat (and remind your mother to buy the ingredients!).12. Get a job. Really. It will be good for you. 13. Work towards getting a job that you love - one that is more calling then work. 14. Learn to manage your money well. 15. Give what you can, when you can, of your money, time, and talents. 16. Volunteer somewhere that feeds your soul. Work of the heart is as important as work for pay.17. Watch more Christmas movies with your mother. It's good for you. I promise.18. Always remember ... I love you!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Wrapped Up
While wrapping Christmas gifts, I pray.
I pray for those wrapped up in family issues, more concerned about relationships than celebrations.
I pray for those wrapped up in financial difficulties, more concerned about their next meal than a Christmas feast.
I pray for those wrapped up in abusive relationships - those who want out but can't see their way out, and those who choose to stay.
I pray for those wrapped up in surviving war, their only wish peace.
I pray for those who spread love and joy this holiday season through caroling, random acts of kindness, visiting, and sharing their time and talents with others.
I pray for those wrapped up in mental health issues, who struggle all the more at this time of year.
I pray for those wrapped up in physical health issues, especially those unable to spend the holidays at home.
I pray for those wrapped up in caregiving, often forgetting to take care of themselves in the process.
I pray for those wrapped up in all that goes into resettling a refugee family who will soon arrive, combining holiday preparations with the work of setting up all that is needed for a new start in life.
I pray for those wrapped up in gathering things for others and in expectations of what they will receive this holiday season, that they may look past the wrappings and into the hearts of those around them.
I pray for those wrapped up in welcoming a new life into the world, adding celebration to celebration.
I pray for those wrapped up in blessing the dying with their love, their care, and their prayers.
I pray for those wrapped up in seeking shelter and food, while many of us don't give a second thought to the bounty of our holiday feasts and the warmth and safety of our homes.
I pray for those who have nothing to wrap, and nothing to open, and find Joy in the moments, the connections, the love, the laughter, and the light.
While wrapping gifts, I realize just how blessed I truly am.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
"This is your family."
These words brought tears to my eyes. After months of waiting and a lot of hard work, we finally had, in our hands, information on "our family." The New Start Ministry had been aflutter with activity since receiving the news - securing housing, translators, seeking employment opportunities, finding English as a second language opportunities - but this was a bit different. We were all gathered in one room to talk specifics about our family and what will happen after their arrival. We were talking about them by name, not just as a future someone.
One question posed echoed through my mind. "Do they have any family here in the U.S?" Family. Our family has lost their family in some way, shape, or form. They will arrive, the three of them, without their parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces or nephews. We don't know if they had to leave their family behind, if some of their family went before them, or if they are all that is left of their families.
These refugees are leaving all they have known behind. embarking on a new life journey that is nothing like anything they've ever experienced. They are counting on us, their New Start family, to help them acclimate to this new existence.
Thank you, God, for the amazing group of individuals who are using their gifts to give our family the best chance possible here in Connecticut. Please be with us and guide us as we strive to accomplish all that needs to be done in these two weeks before their arrival. Please be with our family and give them peace as they await the day they begin this new life. Be with all refugees through their struggles and help them to see your light in the darkness of their lives.
Posted by Amanda Steyer at 10:24 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Advent, advent prayer, connecticut, family, new start ministry, rannygahoots, refugee resettlement, refugee resettlement connecticut, refugees, this is your family
Monday, December 19, 2016
Our one and only rehearsal was snowed out.
We met a little over and hour before worship began, picked out costumes, got our scripts, and ran through the pageant once. Once.
Luckily the Interpretive Movement Ministry, which was part of the performance, had rehearsed in weeks prior and knew what they were doing. We call our Interpretive Movement Ministry a ten minute ministry because we have all of ten minutes between Tuesday Night Sunday School and Choir rehearsal to learn and practice.
We reserved our seats, went over our lines, and had a really difficult time not laughing hysterically whenever the shepherds had their part. Then we waited for the rest of the cast to arrive.
Seats filled up as people arrived for worship. They soon discovered that they, too, would be a part of the Pageant - the entire congregation was the cast!
Soon it was time for us to begin - the readings had been read, the gospel proclaimed, the choir transitioned from worship to pageant with "Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came". Then this happened...
Laughter and joy abounded as we experienced together the story of Jesus' birth in a unique way.
Following the Pageant, the Interpretive Movement Ministry touched hearts with their performance of When Love Was Born (Mark Schultz).
God, thank your for youths and adults who put their hearts and their time into praising you through Pageant, movement, and song. Thank you for our Angel Gabriel and his custom-made wings and for Barbara, who took video of the Pageant so that we may share it with others. Help us all to hold the meaning of your birth in our hearts and minds throughout Advent, the Christmas season, and always. Help us to be as excited about and as willing to tell others about the wonders of your birth as the shepherds were and to accept your will in our lives as willingly as Mary.
Posted by Amanda Steyer at 9:50 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Advent, advent prayer, Christmas, Christmas pageant, dowel ministry, interpretive movement, oslc, oslc thomaston, pageant, rannygahoots, TNSS, Tuesday Night Sunday School, when love was born
Saturday, December 17, 2016
I want less.
I want to spend less. To own less. To expect less. To have less. To need less. To want less.
My life would be so much better with less.
Less clutter in my house. Less time spent on cleaning. Less money spent replacing things that I probably don't really need anyway.
In this time of giving and getting, all I want is less.
But I also want more.
I want more time with my family. I want greater ability to be of help to others. I want more of what helps my health, feeds my soul, and lifts my mood. I want to do more with my time.
And so today we clean, we get rid of things that no longer serve us, and we make room for things that make our lives better. That means freeing up space for a gaming computer and virtual reality system purchased by our sixteen year old ... and freeing up space in order to have space - room to breathe. Today we hang Christmas lights inside our house, hang Christmas stockings, and fill the house with Christmas music. We box up donations for various people and places. We make room.
God, be with those whose lives are cluttered with the unnecessary - with things that bog them down and hold them back. Help them to let go of these things in order to lead more fulfilling lives. Help us all give of our abundance to those with not enough. Thank you for the time, the energy, and the inspiration to make room for more of Your goodness in our lives, as we use our excess to bless others.
Friday, December 16, 2016
On the nights my body has allowed sleep lately, I have had some wonderful, and some crazy, dreams.
My favorite dreams are those in which I'm confidently hiking or running or doing something physical without worry or experience of exhaustion or pain. I'd forgotten what it felt like, and I wonder if it will ever again become a reality for me.
My least favorite dreams are those in which I'm driving and my brakes don't work. I'm propelled forward into dangerous situations, occasionally dragging my family along with me. These dreams have haunted my nights lately, coming in all shapes and forms. Perhaps this signals how full-steam-ahead my life has become, and how I seem pushed through days without enough opportunity for meditation, contemplation,prayer, nor time to process all that I'm going through. And more than likely my fears about my family suffering due to my illnesses.
If there's one thing both types of dreams are telling me, it's that it is time to slow down; to breathe; to pray; to prepare; to dream. It's time to concentrate on my health, my family, my marriage, and my spiritual life.
As Christmas approaches, different dreams surface during my waking hours...dreams of family time; laughter; love; peace; and the changes I need to make in my life to make these things happen. And so I clean, reorganize, and whittle down possessions to make room ... in our home, in our lives, in our hearts for what is to come. I free up space and time to concentrate on what's really important - family, friends, fun, and faith; room to center our lives in reflecting the light of a baby born to a young mother so long ago.
Thank you, God, for dreams that inform and those that propel us to make positive changes in our lives. Be with those who struggle with sleep, with nightmares, with waking lives that are more nightmare than sweet dream.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
I breathe in life, love, nourishment for mind, body, and soul.
I breathe out gratitude; hope; prayers for others, of thanks, for the world.
Every breath an affirmation of life. Every breath a prayer.
I am thankful for every breath, every step, every waking and sleeping moment.
I am grateful for sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell; for voice, for limbs, for movement; for hot and for cold.
Even when I'm having a bad day. Especially when I'm in pain. This is what keeps me going.
Thank you, God, for everything...for life, love, for every life-sustaining breath; for pain, exhaustion, for every arduous breath; for lessons learned through joy and those learned through hardship; for words of encouragement that nurture and support me; for words of disdain that help me stand more firmly in my ways and beliefs or propel me toward positive change. Please help those who are struggling to see the beauty in the world and in themselves and those who suffer without hope. Help us all wake up and become keenly aware of the countless blessings around us and within us...to make every breath an affirmation of life; every breath a prayer.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Seven youth, ages 8-16, created a cast of puppet characters and put together a Christ-centered Christmas puppet performance, as well as an interpretive movement piece, in just a few months.
It amazes me that in that short amount of time, the children learned how to properly operate puppets (it's not as easy as it sounds), practiced lines, learned songs, and - most amazing of all made it appear that there were twice as many puppeteers during one of the pieces. And they had fun in the process.
We're not your ordinary puppet ministry. We do theater games. We do out-of-the-box sorts of performances. These extraordinary children go along with my hair-brained ideas, showing no outward sign that they think I've completely lost my mind. Their imaginations are inspiring.
After their awesome Christmas performance during Tuesday Night Sunday School, they earned a few weeks off. Little do they know that I'll be using these few weeks to plan some more out of the ordinary things for them to do for Easter. After all, we'll only have around nine rehearsals before our next performance.
Thank you, God, for these youth, for the time they (and their parents) took to come to rehearsals and for the energy they put into the performance. Please bless this ministry and help it grow. Be with all who attended the performance, may they carry the message of what Christmas is really about with them through Advent and the Christmas season.
Bethlehemian Rhapsody:
When Love Was Born (Mark Schultz):
Ask the Animals:
Christmas with a Capital C (Go Fish):
It amazes me that in that short amount of time, the children learned how to properly operate puppets (it's not as easy as it sounds), practiced lines, learned songs, and - most amazing of all made it appear that there were twice as many puppeteers during one of the pieces. And they had fun in the process.
We're not your ordinary puppet ministry. We do theater games. We do out-of-the-box sorts of performances. These extraordinary children go along with my hair-brained ideas, showing no outward sign that they think I've completely lost my mind. Their imaginations are inspiring.
After their awesome Christmas performance during Tuesday Night Sunday School, they earned a few weeks off. Little do they know that I'll be using these few weeks to plan some more out of the ordinary things for them to do for Easter. After all, we'll only have around nine rehearsals before our next performance.
Thank you, God, for these youth, for the time they (and their parents) took to come to rehearsals and for the energy they put into the performance. Please bless this ministry and help it grow. Be with all who attended the performance, may they carry the message of what Christmas is really about with them through Advent and the Christmas season.
Bethlehemian Rhapsody:
When Love Was Born (Mark Schultz):
Christmas with a Capital C (Go Fish):
Posted by Amanda Steyer at 3:31 PM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: dowel ministry, dowels, interpretive movement, ministry, oslc, oslc thomaston, puppet ministry, puppets, rannygahoots, sppa, st paul puppet academy, st paul terryville, TNSS, Tuesday Night Sunday School
Monday, December 12, 2016
I couldn't help but look into their faces and smile as we sang. It was such a great feeling, connecting with others through song as we caroled our way through visits to a nursing home and a few church folk who can't always make it to worship.
Nine of us, including eight year old Alia, got a tad bit overheated in the nursing home, and more than a tad bit chilly caroling outside people's homes, but it was heartwarming all the same. What could be better than sharing a gift that you have - one that costs no money and comes from the heart - with someone else to brighten their day?
At our last stop, Alia noticed that next to her tabletop Christmas tree, Betty had a betta fish. When we were done singing, Alia struck up a conversation with Betty, complimenting her on her beautiful betta and letting her know that she, too, has a betta. Betty, never having seen a white betta like Alia's, was very interested in learning more...but it was time for us to go. It was getting dark and dinner time was quickly approaching.
Being the thoughtful person that Alia is, she formed a plan: we would print out a picture of Angel, Alia's betta, and mail it to Betty. Better yet, we'd include it in a Christmas card. And maybe we could go back and visit Betty again sometime so they could swap betta stories.
It is those connections in life that are so important. I love that Alia doesn't care about age or color or gender or economic status when connecting with people - she cares only about the person and the connection. If only we could all, without thought or hesitation, make those connections daily ... what a wonderful place the world would be!
God, please help us to be better connected with the people around us. Help us see You in all we encounter and serve others as we would serve you. Thank you for the connections we have in our lives and the opportunities you provide us to make those connections.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
After the scholars were gone, God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, "Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him."Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight. Matthew 2:13-14
Two young parents were forced to flee with their young child. Leaving their home - a place that was no longer safe for them - they went on a long journey in order to seek refuge. It was not an easy journey, to be sure.
I could easily be referring to the passage from Matthew about Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt in order to keep Jesus safe, but I'm not. I'm speaking of a nineteen year old mother, twenty-three year old father, and almost-two-year-old child who have left their war-torn home to seek safety in the United States. The New Start ministry will be working hard over the next twenty-six (and counting) days to prepare and provide housing, household items, clothing, food, and other necessities to the family. What a wonderful thing to be doing during this Advent and Christmas seasons!
God, as the New Start family prepares to journey to us, please help us to prepare the way for their transition to life in the United States. Please touch their hearts with peace and anticipation of good things to come and our hearts with generosity and joy in giving and doing. Thank you for the opportunity to use our time and talents for this good work.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
The Truth
Why do we struggle so much with the truth, our truth, and letting others in on it. Why do we try to cover up every blemish, every fault, every not-quite-perfect thing about ourselves?
The truth is, everyone has imperfections. Everyone makes mistakes. We are all human. Embracing our own human-ness could make the world a better place.
The truth is I'm fat. I'm sick. I'm tired. I have scars. I don't fit culture's definition of beautiful. I have tattoos. I'm in constant pain. I sometimes yell at my kids. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have depression and anxiety disorders. I'm a Christian. I'm kind. I believe in love and forgiveness and acceptance and sharing joy. I'm incredibly "crunchy" when it comes to things like birth, breastfeeding, parenting, and what I feed my family - most of the time - but there are days when I allow way too much screen time just so I can lay in bed and not have to deal with anything for a while.
I love my children and my husband fiercely. I am blessed with wonderful, generous, loving parents and in-laws. I struggle with feeling like I'm not enough and don't contribute enough. I struggle with feeling like I do too much and use all my energy being everything to everyone. I am thankful for amazing friends, for opportunities to give, and for the enormous amount of love in my life. I feel best when I'm able to do something positive for someone else...and when I'm curled up with my family watching a good movie or playing a game.
There are days I feel lost and despair. There are days I feel lost and rejoice. I value solitude as well as connection.
I spent half of my live striving to be normal. I will spend the rest of my life striving to be me.
What would happen if we all told our truth - just put it all out there for the world to see? If we were all our true selves, not fearing judgement, not feeling shame?
I've been told that my blog is intensely personal, and I agree. But life is intensely personal. There are many people who have the same struggles as I have or had, and knowing we are not alone in our pain or sadness or frustration is comforting. Sharing with others the message that you are not alone, you are valued, you are loved, is essential for all of us to do in one way or another. And so I put my truth out there, in all its raw ugliness, raw beauty, in hopes that someone feels less alone, less shame, and can feel the self-worth that carries us all through the most difficult times.
God, thank you for the opportunity to share my truth. Please help me and others to live and speak our truths and help others living similar truths to not feel alone. Help us to receive others' truths without judgement, with love. Be with those who are persecuted for living their truths.
I love my children and my husband fiercely. I am blessed with wonderful, generous, loving parents and in-laws. I struggle with feeling like I'm not enough and don't contribute enough. I struggle with feeling like I do too much and use all my energy being everything to everyone. I am thankful for amazing friends, for opportunities to give, and for the enormous amount of love in my life. I feel best when I'm able to do something positive for someone else...and when I'm curled up with my family watching a good movie or playing a game.
There are days I feel lost and despair. There are days I feel lost and rejoice. I value solitude as well as connection.
I spent half of my live striving to be normal. I will spend the rest of my life striving to be me.
What would happen if we all told our truth - just put it all out there for the world to see? If we were all our true selves, not fearing judgement, not feeling shame?
I've been told that my blog is intensely personal, and I agree. But life is intensely personal. There are many people who have the same struggles as I have or had, and knowing we are not alone in our pain or sadness or frustration is comforting. Sharing with others the message that you are not alone, you are valued, you are loved, is essential for all of us to do in one way or another. And so I put my truth out there, in all its raw ugliness, raw beauty, in hopes that someone feels less alone, less shame, and can feel the self-worth that carries us all through the most difficult times.
God, thank you for the opportunity to share my truth. Please help me and others to live and speak our truths and help others living similar truths to not feel alone. Help us to receive others' truths without judgement, with love. Be with those who are persecuted for living their truths.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
I should be cleaning my house.
I should be responding to emails and working on homeschool co-op stuff and planning classes.
I should be grocery shopping.
I should be showered and dressed by now, as it's early afternoon and I'm still in my pajamas.
But I'm not.
Instead, I'm relaxing a bit on this St. Nicholas Day.
Instead, I sent a little money to someone gathering funds to make an amazing someone's Christmas a little brighter.
I'm helping to address a child's letter to a friend and finding a stamp so it can be mailed post haste.
Instead, I'm painting banners for the Interpretive Movement Ministry, watching a Christmas movie, and dreaming up gift options for my Christmas Angel.
Some days, there are more important things than cleaning and checking things off a to-do list. There are books to read and art to create. There are children who need attention and Christmas dreams to be dreamed.
And today there was a giant St. Nicholas Day stocking awaiting us when we woke, its contents promising another day of Instead - a day of movie watching and special treats instead of housework and too much to do.
God, thank you for Instead days. Thank you for St. Nicholas, who was a shining example of what it is to give and to serve others. Thank you for people who think to organize something to help meet a family's needs and give them something a bit extra this Christmas ... and to all who donate to such causes. Please help us to be more giving and more forgiving, to put aside agendas and take time to enjoy life, each other, and all you have given us.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Everyone is talking about what they want for Christmas, listing this electronic device, that gadget, or this awesome something-or-other. When I think about Christmas and what I want, the things seem to fall into four categories: Too Expensive Things, Helping Others, Helpful Things, and the Intangibles.
Too Expensive Things:
- Hot Tub / Spa: This would be wonderful for my Psoriatic Arthritis, but totally not in anyone's budget.
- Mini Vacations to Places of Awesomeness: Camp Calumet (of course!), Cape Cod, PA to visit my in-laws (once a year isn't enough!), MD to visit my grand-in-laws, Disney World would be nice
Helping Others:
- Water Buffalo: I'd love to get a cow or goat or or llama or water buffalo (definitely a water buffalo!) or in some other way help people through Lutheran World Relief of Heifer International.
- Camp: I'd love to get supplies for our Favorite Place in the World - Camp Calumet Lutheran. Their Alternative Christmas Gifts are awesome - you can give the gift of food, fun, music and more!
- The Arts: I'd love to help Epoch Arts with building repairs and updates so they can have more space in which to carry out the WONDERFUL things they do for the community.
Helpful Things:
- Arthritis gloves, a wedge pillow, soft spica thumb spints, and wool socks for comfort.
- Gift cards for food, gas, and thrift stores ... and the many supplements I need to take daily.
- Peace: World peace would be nice, but personal peace, family peace, any kind of peace is wonderful!
- Community: As many people living with chronic illness have experienced, it can be isolating. Somehow the ability to be "connected" via the internet is even more isolating, as in-person interactions seem to be less and less. I love the doses of community I get at Tuesday Night Sunday School and Epoch Arts Homeschool Co-op or theater programs, but would love to be involved more deeply in community in some way, shape, or form.
- Compassion: It is my wish that those I love and care about know that I love them and value them, even if I'm often forgetful and bad at communicating at times.
And then I think of all the blessings I have and realize that, all in all, I just want the world to be a kinder, better place for all.
Thank you God, for the myriad blessings in my life. Please help me and others to focus on what we can do to make our homes, communities, and world a better place this Christmas and throughout the next year. Help our wants to be focused on the greater good, rather than selfishness.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
There are certain people who, when I see them, my heart leaps because I know what's coming ... a nice, warm, loving hug. Within this hug is not only love, but celebration of friendship and joy in seeing and being with that person.
Perhaps one of the best huggers I know is Bailey. He is an awesome, amazing, thoughtful, loving teen who makes my day every time I see him because he's just as excited to hug me as I am to hug him. Despite facing more challenges than an average teen, Bailey seems to always take time out to find out how others are doing...and to offer a hug.
Some of my favorite hugs are those that come after not seeing someone for a long time - the spontaneous I-can't-contain-my-love-for-you type of hugs, like when Alia (photo above) reunited with her friend Sammy at Camp Calumet a few years ago. The sheer joy on his face, and the fierce determination to not let him go on hers was priceless to witness.
I love it that most of my children still hug me, and have come to the realization that we need to hug more. One of my children in particular isn't a huge fan of hugs, or of being touched for that matter, but he did give me one of the most precious gifts I've ever received for Christmas one year - a hug ticket.
Hug people today. People you love, people who do nice things for you, people with whom you're having a disagreement, your children, your mom, your dad ... not just when someone deserves a hug, but especially when they might not deserve one. That may be exactly when they need one.
God, thank you for hugs - for the way they communicate love and comfort to others while making us feel that love and comfort in return. Please help us to be kinder and gentler today - to offer hugs and love even when it difficult. Inspire people to hug others today -especially those who haven't received a hug in far too long.
Friday, December 2, 2016
If there's anything I try to teach my kids it's this: We are here to help each other.
Perhaps with money, often with time, and always with love, we need to be there to help and support each other.
Giving money can be helpful, but usually only solves part of the problem.
Giving our time to others can be incredibly helpful. Lending a helping hand to a friend or a stranger makes everyone feel better.
Giving our love to others is priceless. Showing someone that you truly care about them is helpful in any situation.
It is my experience that some people who prefer to give only money and not time and talents as well generally tend to see value more in things than in actions, more in vacations than volunteerism, more in passtimes than in people. They give money, and leave it at that. Don't get me wrong, the money is greatly needed, but they could give so much more - and get so much more in the process. They miss out on so much!
There is a disconnect when you donate money without any physical involvement in the charity or organization. You don't meet the people receiving the help, and you're not one of the people helping someone's day be a little brighter. Seeing the impact of your donation of money, time, or effort is valuable beyond measure.
And so my family arrives early to help set up. We stay after to help clean up. We find ways to put our time and talent to good use for the benefit of others. We invite others to experience the same joy we do when we're giving. We help. We pray. We hug. We smile.
And we get so much more than we give!
God, please be with the givers. Help them to give from the heart, with their time, their talents, as well as their money. Please help us to help those in need ... and help those in need to receive joyfully, without guilt, knowing they are giving others the opportunity to give, and that they someday can pay it forward. Thank you for talents and spiritual gifts that help us to be of service to others. And thank you for the givers in our lives who have helped us more than they can imagine over the past year ... and for those who set the example of what true giving is all about so that we may follow in their footsteps.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Driving through downpours over the past two days, I not only gripped the steering wheel and prayed for our safety, but I also gave thanks for the earth-nourishing rain ... simultaneously cursing and blessing the rain.
Sitting in a theater watching one of my favorite scenes being rehearsed, I witnessed Hate trying its best to turn a young woman from her beliefs, toward violence. As she, weakly at first, spoke out against Hate, raindrops began to softly tap on the flat theater roof. As she grew stronger and stood her ground, proclaiming her beliefs and speaking against Hate, the rain grew increasingly louder. The deluge seemingly washing her wounds clean - a baptism of sorts, as she renewed her faith.
God, thank you for the rain that nourishes the earth, as well as our souls. Please help us to see rain as a blessing instead of a hindrance or bother. Be with the persecuted, the abused, the hurting, and the broken. Give them strength to stand against hate and violence and embrace love and peace. Please also be with the oppressors and abusers - touch their hearts and minds and help them see love and all its possibilities for their lives.
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text: after Sadie had her puppies Madison got jealous then she got depressed. before we knew Sadie was pregnant we took Madison to a breeder and she didn't get pregnant. first she was happy for Sadie but after Sadie had her puppies she got really jealous and for the last couple of days she's been depressed. is this normal? & what can i do about it?


text:
can anyone please explain me the use of abstract class with an example..i tried a couple of tutorials but not getting the idea of it..why would we use abstract class in php..
thanks in advance
can anyone please explain me the use of abstract class with an example..i tried a couple of tutorials but not getting the idea of it..why would we use abstract class in php..
thanks in advance
do you know interfaces and what they're for? An interface is a "contract". It only specifies which methods a class should have without actually implementing them.
An abstract class is something between an interface and a regular class: It implements some methods, but other methods are left abstract and must be implemented by the subclasses.
As an example: Let's say you wanna access different resources (files, severs, whatever) in an object-oriented way. A resource has different actions like "read_all", "read_bytes", "write", maybe "delete" etc. However, you cannot implement all methods in the generic Resource class, because how exactly something is read or written depends on the concrete resource. On the other hand, you can implement some of the higher-level methods like "read_all", because those are only combinations of the other methods.
The solution to this is to use an abstract class, which allows you to implement some methods while leaving the others abstract.
PHP Code:
abstract class Resource {
// the subclasses should implement those:
abstract function read_bytes($num_bytes);
abstract function reached_end();
// this is what we can already implement:
public function read_all() {
$content = '';
while (!$this->reached_end())
$content .= $this->read_bytes(32);
return $content;
class File extends Resource {
private $source;
public function __construct($path) {
$this->source = fopen($path, 'r+');
public function __destruct() {
// now we have to implement the abstract methods; the concrete methods from Resource are simply inherited
public function read_bytes($num_bytes) {
return fread($this->source, $num_bytes);
public function reached_end() {
return feof($this->source);
// use the File class
$file = new File('path/to/some/file');
echo $file->read_all();


text:
If you come across a great sale on Watermelon, much like what we have this week (and next by the looks of it), you can pick up a few without being worried about them not going to use.
Watermelons can be picked up as low as $.97 this week – you can see the deal in the Weekly Price List. Easy, inexpensive and healthy way to feed your kids – my kids could eat a ton of watermelon if I had it in the fridge.
My kids love Watermelon Drink too …… and it's really easy to make. You can use one mini Watermelon or, 1/2 of a larger Watermelon.
- Watermelon (1 Mini or 1/2 Whole)
- Water
- Ice
- Any type of Garnish (Mint, etc)
- Cut up the Watermelon and add to your blender.
- Fill the blender 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with Watermelon.
- Add Water to the blender, covering the Watermelon.
- Blend on high until well blended.
- Add to your Beverage Jug (Glass or Plastic)
- Add ice as necessary before serving.
- No sugar is needed.


text:
The CELLO Project
Public final report can be downloaded
CELLO finished on December 31st of 2012.
Website will remain active until December 31st of 2015.
The search for low cost lighting solutions.
The European Union has recently set the ambitious target of reducing energy consumption by 20% by the date of 2020. This goal will demand a tremendous change in how we generate and consume energy and urgently calls for an aggressive policy on energy efficiency. Since 19% of the European electrical energy is used for lighting, considerable savings can be achieved with the development of novel and more efficient lighting systems.
The European Project "Cost-Efficient lighting devices based on liquid processes and ionic organometallic complexes " (CELLO) has led to a strong improvement of the understanding, performance and market potential of light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs).


text:
Trek Kids' mountain bikes are the real deal, with light frames, knobby tires, quality parts, durable construction, and Dialed adjustable components that can grow with young riders. Adventurous kids deserve a true, trail-ready bike that will take them down the road or off the road with confidence… [more]
Kids' Superfly is a race-ready mountain bike inspired by Trek's super-fast adult Superfly. Quality trail components mean business, while the light, nimble frame keeps things fun. Superfly is THE bike for adventure-loving kids who are ready to meet challenging trails head on. Just don't be surprised… [more]
Trek bikes fit kids great, right from the start. And because Trek's Dialed components adjust along with growth spurts, you can dial in the perfect fit for years to come. Trek wants your kids to love riding just as much as they do. That's why their Kids' bikes ride better, last longer, and carry… [more]
Super, fat Farley changes the game for fat bikes. With lightweight carbon or alloy frame options and the ability to accommodate 5" tires and a variety of wheel sizes, Farley is the quickest and most versatile fat bike ever. Fat bikes give you more places, more seasons to ride. From dunes to drifts,… [more]


text:
Thanksgiving parade helps cheer Sandy victims
Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:09:19 GMT —
Victims of Superstorm Sandy in New York and elsewhere in the Northeast have been drawing comfort today from kinder weather, free holiday meals and - for some - front row seats to the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
One woman from a hard-hit neighborhood in Queens says the special viewing section for those displaced by the storm meant a lot. Karen Panetta says she and her family were thankful to be there together and "to feel like life's a little normal today."
More than 3 million people attended the popular Macy's parade, while an estimated 50 million watched on TV. Highlights included giant balloons in the likeness of Papa Smurf, Buzz Lightyear, Elf on a Shelf and Charlie Brown. Real-life stars included singer Carly Rae Jepsen.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised police, firefighters, armed services personnel, sanitation workers and volunteers involved in the storm response. His office was coordinating the distribution of more than 26,000 meals at 30 sites in neighborhoods affected by Sandy.


text:
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thalashery Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani is very important for festive occasions in Kerala. Different styles like Kozhikodan Biryani, Malabar Biryani, Thalashery style, Kayees Biryani famous in Central Kerala especially Cochin....the list goes on and on..... This recipe I had noted in my recipe book some time back from a TV show. Talasherry Biryani ingredients are not much different from the usual Kerala styles,but the preparation and taste is definitely unique. In the ingredients you will find a total absence of curd and chilly powder. The rice I has used is long grain basmathi rice, as I did not have the smaller variety which is actually used in this biryani. Give this recipe a try..you will surely feel the difference.
For the Rice
Basmathi Rice- 3 cups
Salt to taste
Cloves- 5
Cinnamon 1 inch tick
Cardamon- 3
Ghee- 1 tsp
Rose water- 2 tsp
Water- 6 cups
For the masala
Chicken- 2 lb
Onions thinly sliced- 6-7 medium
Tomatoes- 4 medium
Ginger - 2 inch thick peice
Garlic- 15 pods
Green chilly- 15
Lemon juice- 1 lemon
Mint chopped- hand full
Coriander leaves- one hand full
Biryani Masala
Cinnamon stick- 1 inch stick
Whole pepper- 1tsp
Cardamon- 3
Fennel seed- 1tsp
Cumin- a pinch
Javentri- 2
Nutmeg- small peice
Star Aniseed- 2
Coriander leaves
Cashew nuts- 20
Raisins- 15
food color- few drops
Roast the ingredients under the masala, make a fine powder and set aside.
Bring four cups of water to boil and add in salt, whole cinnamon, cardamon and cloves and one tsp of ghee and cook rice covered until 3/4 done. When almost dry add in rose water and switch off the flame. Do not strain out the rice.
Chop onions into thin slices and fry them in ghee/oil till brown and crispy. ( I used oil and two tsp of ghee) . Drain out from the oil and set aside.
In the same oil saute crushed ginger, garlic and green chilly till a nice aroma comes. Add tomatoes and salt and fry till tomatoes are soft.Add in chicken and mint stir fry few a few seconds and pour in warm water and close the lid and cook in medium flame till almost half done. Now add the garam masala powder and 3/4 of the fried onions. Do not mix in, just layer on top and close lid for two minutes( reserve the rest for garnish) Finally mix in and cook the chicken till it is almost done. Do not allow the gravy to dry up.
Take a heavy bottom pan and transfer the chicken with gravy into in . Garnish with coriander leaves and place one layer of rice. Again spread coriander leaves and fried onions and lemon juice add one layer of rice on top. Garnish with coriander leaves, fried onion, cashews and raisins and drops of yellow food color. Close the lid tightly. Use the dum method and also place a little weight on top. Put it in high flame for a minute and then bring to low flame for about 5-8 minutes. Serve warm with pickles, papad , salad and raita
This is going to Umm Mymoonah's wonderful event
Try this ...
Hope you will all enjoy.
57 comments:
Delicious chicken biriyani.. luks colorful and very tempting click... simply superbReplyDelete
Can I just say " Wowww..that looks awesome and I'm sure tastes the same " !!ReplyDelete
Thank you for following and visiting I am following too so I can see your postsReplyDelete
this looks delicious I make it similar
check out the cold dessert event
Looks so delicious and different, beautiful click too...ReplyDelete
wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...... the pic says it all!!! very delicious and actually the pic is calling me to eat..he he heReplyDelete
eswara..vayil kappalodan thodaghi...briyaniokke kanichinghane kothipikka allee..delicious dear..:)ReplyDelete
Wow!!! very tempting briyani,mouth watering here...luks fantastic.ReplyDelete
Daivame..thalassery biriyani pothuve ellarudeyum weakness anu, ethokke kanichingae kothipikano chechi...Adipoli adipoli biriyaniReplyDelete
biriyani assal aayittunde... delicious..ReplyDelete
I have heard this name Thalaserry very often in my place back home. Your briyani looks so yummy, very colourful. Thank you so much for sending this delicious entry to my event.ReplyDelete
Hey am drooling here .........ReplyDelete
Cheers n Happy Cooking,
Adipoli biriyani.Normally avide use cheyyunnathu kaima rice anu.athu vechittulla ghee rice oke kazhikanm.super anu.athu vere evideyum kittillalo:) Pic kandittu sherikum kothiyayi:)ReplyDelete
Mouthwatering Chicken Biriyani Dear. Loved the colour of the rice as well.ReplyDelete
Hamaree Rasoi
chicken biriyani is my fav, looks yummyReplyDelete
Looks delicious suja, lovely click..ReplyDelete
Spicy biriyani and looks very colorful and tempting !ReplyDelete
Wow... briyani looks superb.... want to taste it now itself....ReplyDelete
really delicious one..njanum bookmarked the same.. i like any biriyani my favoriteeeeeeeeee dish.. super one dearReplyDelete
Looks amazing dear. Perfect and yumm :)ReplyDelete
Biryani looks so rich and delicious...ReplyDelete
superb..kandal thanne ariyam taste adipolinnu.....urappayum try cheyyameReplyDelete
Looks very tempting. I love chicken biryani!ReplyDelete
hwy suja ,biriyani looks mind blowing,tempting click ...btw dear i am ur 100th follower :)ReplyDelete
happy weekend
THis is my lunch time now..and I am dyingly craving the biriyani at my lunch..looks too scrummy...ReplyDelete
Very nice blog I'm following your blog now.Please check out mine atReplyDelete
Please follow if you like it
Pls accept this award
nice presentation.Looks so tempting!ReplyDelete
Thanks all for stopping by and the encouraging comments.ReplyDelete
Akheela..thanks dear for sharing this lovely award with me :)
Yummmyyy!!! Just what I want to eat now!ReplyDelete
Super-tempting biriyani, really loved the recipe..Will surely try it sometime..ReplyDelete
Biriyani is very tempting, looks bit like Hyderabadi style. Nice presentation.ReplyDelete
Looks mouth watering Suja. I had to take off a couple weeks from blogging but good to be back to see your wonderful recipes.ReplyDelete
havent heard of these many varieties of biryani..ReplyDelete
My sis had told me about this recipe and tol dit was real good....yet to try...but it is diffrent from theusual thalassery biriyani...loved ur pic.ReplyDelete
Thanks all for stopping by and the encouraging comments:)ReplyDelete
the masala receipe is wrong. u didnt add onion to it.ReplyDelete
Thanks for stopping by Akbar..I did add onions as you can see in the recipe.ReplyDelete
I am not sure about the authentic recipe..But the one I learned asked to first fry the onions and add in when the chicken is half done..
Absolutely delicious !ReplyDelete
my husband says he wants this biriyani haha. sshhh suja, now i can't make my quick biriyani and fool him...ReplyDelete
Thanks Archana and kitchenmorphReplyDelete
you will surely love this, it is mild and delicious biryani.
don you soak the basmati before cooking or directly cook? dum method means closing the lid tightly and cooking right?ReplyDelete
my basmati is not the best quality. do you think i should reduce the water?
Dum method means you need to close the lid tightly and do not allow steam to escape. The best way is to make a dough with maida shape of a long rope and stick to the edge of the cooking vessel and press down the lid and place a gentle weight on top and cook in low flame..when this dough becomes dry,your biryani is done.ReplyDelete
As to the rice I usually do not soak the rice,I just wash it and drain out the water and keep dry. So if you are adding two cups of rice add four cups of water...You will get 80% cooked rice
If you are soaking the rice before cooking I think you have to reduce water..
If you are not confident with rice the cook and drain method will really help as we can keep an eye on the cooking..
Hope this will be of help for you..happy cooking and happy blogging:)
could you asap tell me if you remember how much biriyani masala you put...how many tsps? coz i've the exact mix ground and kept.ReplyDelete
I don't remember exactly..seems around 3 1/2 tsp..I just grounded the masala noted above..are you using store brought biryani masala?ReplyDelete
thanks. oh no no.i don use store bought masalas generally except chicken masala. i've freshly ground and kept it some days back. it happens to have all tht you mentioned too. so today is biriyani day!!ReplyDelete
i made it the same day, friday. and it got over sat. EXCELLENT is the word. my hunt for a good dum biryani ends here. was not happy with some previous dum recipes. thomas said it's like kayikka biriyani!!!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
but i have some rice cooking queries on this recipe? can you pass your email; would like to shift my queries there
Adipoli aayittundallo Suja. Thalassery kkari aayittu I should definitely try this. Thanks for sharing this dear..ReplyDelete
I tried this and it was indeed a family hit.. My daughter loves biriyani and cudnt resist the temptation since i started making the masala.. thanks for sharingReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks Bindu for the feedback,it is really encouraging..happy to know that your family enjoyed.Delete
Please visit again :)
Happy to be the 50th one here.ReplyDelete
Yummy! Treats of Kerala' delicious ones.
Had/tried Hyderabad Biriyaani now it the
time for the Thalashery one!! LOL
Will try this shortly.
Thanks for sharing
Best Regards
Keep inform
Hi Ariel,thanks for stopping by,glad you liked this recipe,do try it,it has a unique taste and is different from Hyderbadi. Thanks for being the 50th :)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 10, 2012 at 8:05 AM
hi mamReplyDelete
i'm a huge fan of your blog ! But now i've opened up a site that serves dishes ! i welcome you to write and share your dishes with your own credits! if interested please mail us to firstname.lastname@example.com
Thank you, so happy that you like this space.Delete
Congrats on your new site,thanks for inviting,will surely contribute recipes,wish you all success!
Beautifully done briyani , i have bookmarked itReplyDelete
It is very interesting to find out how fine Asian cuisineReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks, so happy you like it..you have a wonderful space too,very useful..thanks for inviting.Delete
This one is looking absolutely heavenly. I could just loose myself into this biriyani.ReplyDelete


text:
I have been doing some just learned meandering on a quilt. I love doing it. Problem my wrist is so sore. I had to stop for a while. I am write handed and it is my right wrist. I have a Q foot on my machine. What do you all do for this problem?
Thanks Shirlx


text:
Saharsa : Instead of the conventional method of treatment by plastering bones in case of fracture, the interlocking of bones technology heals faster and is cost-effective, noted Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr R N Singh informed.
Addressing the 16th state-level seminar of orthopaedic surgeons, Dr Singh stressed the need for adopting new technologies in treatment of bone diseases, especially fracture.
He said in case of fracture in the limb bones, the doctors should adopt interlocking system for treatment of the patient as it is more effective than the conventional system of plastering.
He said through interlocking system the patient recovers within a week whereas in case of plastering the recovery time is nearly three months and sometimes even more.
Dr Singh said apart from being expensive the plasters exert extra pressure on the bones making them fragile and weak.
He also stressed the need to enhance intake of calcium and nutritional diet by the old and elderly persons, women and children as they suffer most from calcium deficiency following which their bones become weak.
Nearly 300 Orthopaedic surgeons of the country attended the seminar which was inaugurated by District Magistrate R Lakshmanan.