Christmas 2018

It's hard to believe but this is our second Christmas in our new home here in Covington, Louisiana.

And this year it really looks like Christmas.  Judy did a great job decorating the tree and yard.  I helped a little by getting the boxes out of the attic.  There were lots of boxes.  The elevator performed perfectly.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  We're joining up with Sister and Brother-in-law, Joyce and Allen, to ride with them over to New Orleans to celebrate with Nephew # 1, David and his wife, Michelle.

It will be a double celebration because David just landed an Assistant Manager job at Rouse's, everybody's favorite chain of food markets in South Louisiana.

We will be home by dark unless traffic is heavy.

Then I will put a 4 pound rump roast in my Sous Vide immersion cooker.  It will cook in a bag, under water, @ 137° until Christmas morning when I will remove it from the bag and put it on the Big Green Egg to smoke for a neighbor.  She brought it over today so I could do some trimming and prep work.

It is sealed in the bag, and all the air has been removed.  The seasoning is inside the bag with the roast and will eventually be distributed throughout the meat.  It will be cooked through and through, all at the same temperature of 137°.  When it is ready, I will remove it from the bag, dry it off, and place it on the Big Green Egg to smoke until just before Noon, about four hours.  I'll take it off, wrap it in foil, and deliver it to the neighbor to serve a hungry crowd.  It should not only be very flavorful from the seasonings, but also from some Hickory smoke she asked me to use.

Soon after I take it off the Big Green Egg, we will be cooking some nice prime steaks for Joyce and Allen, and Judy and myself.  That's pretty much enough to make me want to take a nap.

It all sounds like fun.

Merry Christmas

Terra Mariae Christmas Quarterly Luncheon

It has been a great year for Terra Mariae residents who enjoy the Quarterly Luncheons. 

The last one of the year was held on December 7th at Keith Young's Steakhouse in Madisonville.  They are well known for their steaks, but their other dishes are equally outstanding.  And their service is fantastic.

Everyone brought a gift to be distributed to someone else.  Pretty cool... No one went home without a gift.

But Judy and I wanted to do more.  After all, these are now our friends and neighbors.  Plus, we wanted to show our appreciation for the work done by the luncheon organizer, and for the leadership provided by our Homeowners Association President.

So we made Christmas Birdhouses for them. 

One was to serve as our gift to be distributed to whomever.  The second birdhouse was to be a 'door prize' to whomever had the winning ticket.  The third birdhouse was to go to the event organizer for her efforts, and the fourth birdhouse was to thank the HOA President for her leadership efforts in keeping Terra Mariae the wonderful place it is.

I took photos and have combined them into a YouTube video which I shared on Facebook and by email to all residents who have access to computers.

This was a great way to end a great year.

Here's the video:  Terra Mariae Christmas Luncheon

Forty-Fifth Anniversary

Over the years I must have told a million people that I won my Sweetie in a poker game in New Orleans back in 1973.  I think half those people believe me and the other half hasn't fully decided if the story is true or not.  Most don't doubt it could have happened considering my past life.  I was a rascal, for sure. 

No matter, because we celebrate the day, December 1st, 1973, as the official day we were legally married, in both the Eyes of God and The State of Louisiana.

I have to say, it was a good move as evidenced by 45 years of absolute love and devotion to each other.  We wouldn't change a thing, even if some of it could have been made easier if we planned our life together better.  But instead of being wealthy in money we are wealthy in memories and friends.

It could not have worked out any better.  She is the main player on this team. 

We both wish for 45 more years, but knowing that it may not happen, we are thankful for every moment we have shared together all these years, and for any and all of the years to come.

Thanks also to all who have grown with us and wish us more of the same.  We can handle 45 more years with easy grace but forty-five years from now we may not know who the people are helping us celebrate it.

Leroy   AKA Mr. Judy.