Music, THE Great World Communicator!!!

I recommend everyone view this or something like it everyday. Lifts the spirits!!

Ode to a Hobbit

Our first child, Joey was born, April 13, 1976.  We knew he would be an extraordinary young man because he was an extraordinary child.  Inquisitive, creative, humorous, intelligent and friendly.  He has built on those early childhood traits through these 33 years.  He is our walking encyclopedia.  If I want to know about something that is difficult to understand, I call Joe.  If I have read something with wit and wisdom, I share it with Joe.  One of the things, I, as his mother love about him is that he finds the lessons in EVERYTHING.  He loves and respects BOTH Homer's because he finds wisdom in the ancients as well as the pop culture he studies and enjoys.  Tolkien and Lewis never had a more avid student than C. Joe Andersen.  He has a love of the Lord and His scriptures and adores the family that he has been blessed with.   And we love him for making the world a better place and showing us how beautiful it can be through his eyes.  I also love that he goes out of his way to see BOTH sides of an issue or point of view.    And though he has won numerous awards for his creativity and intellect I think he'd rather live in in a hole in the ground.  "Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole...but a hobbit-hole and that means comfort."  Because, Joe, that is what we feel from you, comfort.  Happy Birthday, Joey!  We love you!  Love, Mom and Dad. 

Tasting the Past

When family is in town it is time to party.  I remember this meal from my childhood when we used to visit our friends, the Robinson's.   Ivan & Anita lived in California with their kids LaRee, Sharon and Glenn.   I remember Anita's vivacious beauty, she was like a flash of light.  And Ivan was a gentle man that was comfortable to be around.  The kids were a blast and I recall lots of laughter with them.  We loved visiting them and I remember the BBQ'd meals we would have.  I think Anita made London Broil or it might have been brisket.  Then she would make these potatoes with onions and TONS of butter.  Oh, YUM!  The aroma was incredible as we turned onto their street and drove up the hill.  I have tried to recreate the meal the best I could and it is pretty darn good.  But I don't think one can really return to the past with the pallet.  But I can sure try.