Mexican Meatball Soup

Albondigas

This is how I make Albondigas, as taught to me by a young Italian, Mexican, southern belle:

1 -1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1Tbsp mexican oregano
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1/2 cup of uncooked rice

Mix all of the above in a bowl (with your hands). Form into little meat balls. set aside.

1 onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery
2-3 medium size potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1-2 Tbls Olive Oil

Saute all above ingredients in a dutch oven, or large soup pot. when you onions are soft and you can smell the flavors then add:

2 cans beef broth
hot water
1 Tbls mexican Oregano
fresh green beans, cut up, about 2 handfuls
Now add the meat balls!

Bring to a boil. Then simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Add:
1 Can El Pato (mexican tomatoe sauce, yellow label) This is very important!
2 medium zuccini, cut up
2 medium yellow squash, cut up

When squash is tender serve in bowls with at least two wedges of lime, squeeze juice into bowl, and chopped fresh cilantro in each serving. ENJOY! This probably will serve 6-8 leftovers are real good!

Gratitude

Gratitude to the Most High Sovereign over all the earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 states: "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" -New Living Translation

With that scripture in mind I would like to share with you the words from one of our song books. Song 212 entitled:

"We Thank You, Jehovah"

We thank you, Jehovah, each day and each night,
That you shed upon us your precious light.
We thank you that we have the priv'lege of pray'r,
That we can approach you with ev'ry care.

We thank you, Jehovah, for your faithful Son,
Who o'er death and Hades the vict'ry won.
We thank you for guidance in doing your will,
For thus you do help us our vows fulfill.

We thank you, Jehovah, for our brotherhood,
Where we find companions both true and good.
We thank you for giving us your active force,
Your spirit, which helps us to hold our course.

We thank you, our God, for the honor to preach
About your great name and the truth to teach.
We thank you that soon all earth's woes will be past,
While your Kingdom blessings forever last.

Tagged- by Gramps

8 Favorite Things:

TV SHOWS:
1 CASH CAB
2 Iron Chef -both American and Japanese
3 Seinfeld
4 The Closer
5 Jepardy
6 Jon Steward
7 David Letterman
8 Worst week -new, makes me laugh

Books I Recommend:
1 Holy Bible
2 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3 Bambi, A Life In the Woods by Felix Salten (not the Disney version)
4 The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart
5 The Twelve Dancing Princesses by The Brothers Grimm
6 Runaway Jury by John Grisham
7 Last of the Mochicans by James Ferimore Cooper
8 Thy Kingdom Come published by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society
9 Any Book with Hobbits in them! by J.R.R. Tolkien

Favorite Resturants:
1 The Beach House -In Cardiff right on the beach -Seafood of course
2 Roadhouse -steakhouse
3 Johnny Carino's -Italian
4 Olive Garden -Italian (love the atmosphere)
5 Rubio's -Fish Tacos
6 Point Loma Seafood Market- Seafood cheap and fresh
7 Joe's Crab Shack
8 Crivello Fine Italian- for a good time!
9 Bruno's -Italian

Things I love about Fall:
1 Unpacking my winter wardrobe.
2 Soups! All kinds!
3 Apples! Apples! Apples!
4 Pumpkin Pie
5 Fall Leaves- red, Yellow and orange
6 Mountain Air blowing down
7 Soups!
8 Did I mention Soups? And planning a Tamale Day.

Things to Look Forward to:
1 Going to the Zoo with Dallas and Zane
2 Talking to Family members about what they are interested in.
3 Paradise restored on earth
4 Making glass beads with Dion
5 Walk along the beach with Dale and Sheena
6 Working in the Ministry with Daniel and Pam
7 Living near Dalton and Kyria
8 Making a homemade meal with Dillion, Trisha, Desmen and Dakota
9 Laughing with Lily and Koen

Things on My Wish List:
1 Beach Vacation with my sisters and their families, Mom and Dad and any cousins who come!
2 A month long trip to Navajo Land
3 An underground home with windows along front and sky lights in back
(Think, Montezuma's castle meets the Shire)
4 A large healthy Vegetable and Herb Garden
5 No BAD bugs in my Vegetable garden
6 Time to enjoy and learn about all of God's Creation
7 Torch set up for making glass beads in my garage
8 Thicker Hair

Things that happened Yesterday:
1 I woke UP!!!!
2 Checked the Blogs while drinking my morning coffee
3 Went to Barnes and Nobles with Dennis
4 Went to Lowe's with Dennis
5 Went grocery shopping with Dennis
6 Made dinner with Dion (pre marinated chicken and pork, with steamed cabbage, carrots , potatoes and onions. and a scoop of pinto beans)
7 Watched a Football Game with Dennis while napping
8 Watched the movie "Failure to Launch"

WIND

Air in Motion. Produced by the uneven heating of the earth's surface by the sun. Two factors necessary to specify wind: Speed and direction.

You cannot see wind, but you can see the results. Here in southern California, wind in the fall is not fun if there is no rain with it. We have warm dry winds that suck all the moisture out of every thing. A real fire danger if a spark occurs.

But harnessing the wind? That is something that could be investigated more! What do you think?




This is a "wind dam". Architect project by "Chetwood Associates" has been applied for in Russia. This "wind dam" would be located over gorge at Lake Lagoda in north-west Russia. It is a cup shaped spinnaker sail, believed to be the first of it's kind, which will generate renewable energy by funneling the wind through and attached turbine.

Project architect, Laurie Chetwood, said the shape of the sail was influenced by functionality and a desire to produce something "scuptural".

It is highly effective at capturing the wind because it replicates the work of a dam and doesn't lit the wind escape in the way it does using traditional propellers. Cost? 2.5 million pounds.





Hey, Look at this little car! Solar and Wind powered! This self-powered car is a Venturi Eclectic. Powered by a 22hp electric motor charged by solar cells mounted on it's roof. Where is the wind power? There is a force wheel that rotates by sheer wind power. It looks like your average wind turbine and it also charges the battery. A full day of wind power can power this car for about 15km. No sun? No Wind? No problem, just plug in into a mains unit at home. A completely charged battery provides a rang of about 50km and allows the car to reach speeds of 50km/h.

Uncle Bruce

O how, I will miss his quick wit! Always making us laugh at his funny, yes, hilarious stories!

He loved his children and grandchildren, poetry and Life!

Also, he cared about us. We felt that special care.

It didn't need to be said, It was clearly understood!

Uncle Bruce and Aunt Joan, stopped and saw us when Dennis had his accident.

I will be forever grateful for that visit.

Many, other things too numerous to mention.

May our family find comfort in the company of one another this Friday while remembering our Uncle Bruce.

I wish you all comfort as you together shed tears of sorrow,

but laugh at the many fond memories of life.

A comforting passage from the Bible book of John brings me much comfort:

When Lazarus died, Jesus reaction to Lazarus' family and all the people weeping was very intense: "Jesus, therefore, when he saw her (Mary) weeping and the Jews that came with her were weeping, groaned in spirit and became troubled; and he said: 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him: 'Lord, come and see.' Jesus gave way to tears. Therefore the Jews began to say: 'See, what affection he used to have for him!' " -John 11:32-36

By the three expressions: 'groaned', 'Became toubled," and "gave way to tears." we can see the depth of Jesus heartfelt compassion.

Jesus had such deep emotion , that an involuntary 'groan' was wrung from His heart. He was 'troubled' yes, he was affected with great pain or sorrow.' Jesus gave way to tears, weeping silently.

Jesus fully intended to raise Lazarus from the dead, giving him back to his family alive and well. Yet, He was not with out emotion. His restoring humans to life is not a mere procedure for Jesus. He has an intense desire to undo the ravages of death!

May, this insight into Jesus depth of feeling bring you hope and love.

Concept Bike - Nulla

This is a concept bike design called Nulla which means: "Nothing" in Italian.

What do you think Sheila?

Can you see yourself riding this in a few years? Designer: Bradford Waugh

Life as a Fugitive -David part 5

(Click on picture to make map bigger)

David has escaped death from King Saul, with the help of his young Wife, Michal. He has to leave everything behind, but he is alive! David first takes refuge with the prophet Samuel in Ramah.(1 Sam. 19:18) When this place is no longer safe he goes on the run, until he again meets up with his good friend Jonathan. David asks his friend, "What have I done? What is my error, and what sin have I committed before your father, for he is seeking for my soul?" But Jonathan still cannot believe the man who raised him, who taught him to love his God and to be a good person would really want to kill David. Jonathan answers David with these words, "It is unthinkable! You will not die. Look! My father will not do a big thing or a little thing and not disclose it to my ear; and for what reason should my father conceal this matter from me? This does not happen." But David reasons with Jonathan, "Your father must surely know that I have found favor in your eyes, and so would say, 'Do not let Jonathan know this for fear he may feel hurt.' But, in fact, as Jehovah is living, there is just about a step between me and death!"(1 Sam 20:1-3)

Jonathan still wants David to return to the King's household, but considers David's feelings saying, " Jehovah the God of Israel be a witness that I shall sound out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, and if he is well-disposed toward David, shall I not then send to you and certainly disclose it to your ear? Jonathan then in evidence of his loyalty to David, makes a covenant with David. (1Sam 20:12-17)

Jonathan again tries to be peacemaker between David and Saul. However, Saul, out of his mind with anger says to Jonathan, "For all the days that the son of Jesse is alive on the ground, you and your kingship will not be firmly established. So now send and fetch him to me, for he is destined for death." When Jonathan asks his father why? Saul actually throws a spear at his own son! "...and Jonathan came to know that it had been determined upon by his father to put David to death."(1 Sam 20:24-34) Jonathan remains faithful to Jehovah's kingdom arrangement and loyal to David, willingly submitting to Jehovah's choice of king.

According to arrangement, Jonathan and David meet in a field where the kings' son had gone to practice archery. The two friends renewed their bond of affection and weeping for one another they sadly went their own way. (1 Sam 20:35-42)

David on his way to the border of Israel, stops in Nob, where Jehovah's tabernacle, the center of pure worship, is situated. David sought food and water for himself and the young men that were following him. The high priest gave them food and also the sword that David had taken from the dead Goliath. (1Sam 21:1-9)

From Nob David fled 25 miles into Philistine territory into the city of Gath. (Goliath's hometown) David may have reasoned this was the last place Saul would look for him. Soon though the Philistines recognized him and brought him to Achish the king of Gath. Afraid, David sought refuge in prayer to God, as is evident in Psalms 56:8 (notice the superscription). David thought out a strategy, acting as if he were insane. King Achish, rebuked his servants for bringing this "crazy" man into his house. Jehovah, clearly blessed David's strategy and David was driven away from the city. (1Sam 21: 10-15)

When reunited with his men, he shared with them how Jehovah again delivered him. David and his men found safety in the cave of Adullam in a mountainous region of Israel, about ten miles east of Gath, his family also joins him there. But sadly, Michal is not among them, during David's absence, her father Saul has given her to another man. At this time David composed the Psalm 34 where he praises God for delivering him and invites his supporters to join him in exulting Jehovah as the Great Rescuer of His people. (1 Sam 22:1,2)




Psalm 57 or 142, perhaps both may commemorate his stay in this cave. David continues on the move-- from there to Mizpeh in Moab and then back to the forest of Hereth in Judah (1 Sam 22:3-23) All this time David continually prays to Jehovah for guidance in the decisions he makes never leaning on his own understanding of his situation, but looking for God's viewpoint on matters. As you read, 1 Sam 23: 1-6, you will see that David never acts presumptously, but always leans on Jehovah. When David learns that Saul is planning an attack, he and his men, depart for the wilderness of Ziph. Saul is right behind him determined to do away with David.

While David is in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh, Jonathan is able to visit him and strengthen David with encouraging words, "Do not be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you yourself will be king over Israel, and I myself shall become second to you; and Saul my father also has knowledge to that effect. " How do you feel about Jonathan in this situation? He knows that David has been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel and yet he has not an ounce of jealously in him, in accord with Jehovah's will Jonathan is content to be second to David, his younger friend. They renewed their covenant before Jehovah and parted. This was the last time David was to see his friend. (1Sam 23:16-18)

When Saul was just about to seize David, word came of a Philistine raid, so for a period of time Saul abandoned the chase. This allowed David to escape to En-gedi. (1Sam 23:19-29) Due to this experience and others like it, Beautiful Psalms composed by David praised Jehovah for providing miraculous deliverance. (Psalm chapters 18, 59, 63, 70)

Castles -The Finale!

Montezuma's Castle

My favorite because it blends in with it's surroundings.
The engineering behind the building of it.
The unity of purpose the builders must have had.
The coolness of the rock walls and floors in the hot desert sun.
The warmth of the fires in the winter.
The security and vision.

This one I could live in.
(When I was younger that is)

Castles Close to Home

Rock Castle

This one is made from the stones between Riverside and Temecula. It is in Perris, California

Sheila may recognize this castle. It is near Salt Lake. The Layton Castle.

Castle near Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. Made from the red rocks in the area.
Cophenhaver Castle

Tovrea Castle
This one may be a familiar sight with it's cactus gardens right in Phoenix.

Castles From Around the World

Windsor Castle- England

Longniddray Castle - Scotland

Killkenny Castle -Ireland

Hohenschwangau Castle -Germany

Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle) -Japan

Castles were originally built for protection from enemies, later they became residences of royalty and noblemen. I find their architecture interesting. But to live in a castle? Not for me. Too big, too much time involved in running the everyday affairs. To visit? Yes! However, many castles have a very sad history which can take away from the physical beauty of them.

My next post I will be discovering "castles close to home".