He's Alive!

My best friend's husband is a well-known radio personality in the Washington, DC area. This is always the last song, of the last set he plays before Easter Sunday. I know, it's not Easter, but it will make you feel good on a Monday morning. Do listen to through to the end - there's a little surprise in this arrangement for those who love a good choir. (It really isn't "country.")

Dolly Parton...He's Alive!

Prayer requests are never OT

It is officially Sunday here in Virginia, somehow the Lord's day has begun even though my mind is still in Saturday mode. So often we are posting "O.T. - prayers requested," but nothing is really off topic here. Particularly prayer.

So, right now, right here...prayer requests are on topic.

A little amusement, courtesy of Fred

Some of you think that Fred Schwartz is a German shepherd from the DioSJ (yes, the real one). Well, either Fred or his dog sent me this little note and link to youTube:

"...was this some form of premonition for the upcoming council? Is it possible that Warren [Zevon]is from TEC, and he saw this in a dream?"

For the full effect, play the tune as you read the lyrics.


Werewolves of London
Warren Zevon

I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
Walking through the streets of Soho in the rain
He was looking for a place called Lee Ho Fook's
Going to get himself a big dish of beef chow mein
Werewolves of London

If you hear him howling around your kitchen door
Better not let him in
Little old lady got mutilated late last night
Werewolves of London again
Werewolves of London

He's the hairy-handed gent who ran amuck in Kent
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair
Better stay away from him
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim
I'd like to meet his tailor
Werewolves of London

Well, I saw Lon Chaney walking with the Queen
Doing the
I saw Lon Chaney, Jr. walking with the Queen
Doing the
I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's
His hair was perfect
Werewolves of London
Draw blood

Sal-sa!

Start your morning with a smile. A little food, a little music, and a little heat.

Start the music...



...and check out this interesting recipe from the good folks at America's Test Kitchen (nope, haven't tried it).

Pineapple and Cucumber Salsa with Mint

1/2 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 2 cups)
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 medium Serrano chile, seeds and ribs removed, then minced (about 2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
Table salt
Sugar

In medium bowl, toss together pineapple, cucumber, shallot, chile, mint, ginger, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; let stand at room temperature to blend flavors, 15 to 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional lime juice and salt, and add sugar as needed if pineapple is tart; serve. Makes about 3 cups salsa. Reportedly good with grilled fish, chicken and lamb.
Friendly reminder: wear disposable gloves when you work with that Serrano chile, toss those gloves and wash your hands well before you touch anything (face, clothing, utensils, people, pets, Focas...)
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It certainly looks more interesting than cucumber tea sandwiches. The recipe, not the video. Okay, the video as well.

Archbishop Fred Hiltz on the GAFCON Statement

I always like to read what Fred Hiltz has to say about any big issue in the Anglican Communion. Somehow Canadians can tell it like it is without starting a war, a rather useful talent. Many of us have been a little distracted about the closing of a certain blog, and I know I missed this the other day. Do read the full statement here, but here's a teaser:

"The Gospel of God in Christ is faithfully proclaimed by Canadian Anglicans today just as it has been by generations who have gone before us. I believe it is important to state this truth in response to the recent statement from the GAFCON gathering in Jerusalem, which suggests otherwise.

The GAFCON statement is based on a premise that there is 'acceptance and promotion within the provinces of the Anglican Communion of a different gospel which is contrary to the apostolic gospel.' The statement specifically accuses Anglican churches in the Canada and the United States of proclaiming this 'false gospel that has paralysed the Communion.' I challenge and repudiate this charge."

Sorry, no pithy commentary - but go ahead and have a good chat about it if this interests you.

Independence Day 2008

I woke up today thinking how blessed we are here in the U.S. to have separation of church and state. As I read about how our brothers and sisters in the Church of England are reacting to the FOCA declarations and fall-out, I appreciate how complicated it must be to have an official state religion when big changes are brewing and threatening. If I get my act together, I'll post up some links that I have found interesting. Or maybe I'll just post a couple of recipes that are suitable for a pot-luck offering at a picnic; some of you must be procrastinators, or have just been invited to an impromptu gathering of friends and neighbors.

Sure, this is a bit lame, but but I'm not a real blogger and need a little prep time to keep everyone amused and thinking. Or at least a little more coffee.

But it doesn't take much to get any of us into conversation, so I'm counting on all of you for the morning. Feel free to just say hello, post a story about a memorable July 4th, or thank any veterans or active duty folks for all they have done to allow us to be cranky Episcopalians. If you aren't in the U.S. or the U.K., feel free to go off topic. Hint, hint - we like recipes...

Welcome!

I'm setting this up on the fly - with no knowledge of blogger and not a great deal on my mind. Post an opinion, a prayer request, a (clean) joke, a recipe, or even a shameless pitch for a great topic on your own blog. For the first few days I will probably delete any post that seems to denigrate anyone I care about, so just be forewarned; don't pout or yell "unfair!" Friends may disagree with each other but do try to keep it civil. "You're stupid" is not a a convincing argument if you disagree with

I'm looking for good contributions on all things liberal and Anglican, and perhaps an extra moderator or two. I don't pretend to know all the friends of my friends who have been out the blog-land for much longer. I'm not feeling much of a need to use this as my personal sounding board, but you'll see my opinionated nature shine through now and again.

Let's just let this become what it will, for as long or short a time as needed.