The magnitude of the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami this past Sunday are almost impossible to comprehend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
Monthly Archive for December, 2004
“And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid… And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
“And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” and suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.”
“That’s what christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Chestnuts were roasting last night…not over an open fire, but in the oven.
I first had roasted chestnuts during my many business trips to Austria a few years ago, and I fell in love with them. I ate them every chance I got. I had been chestnut-free for awhile though until I found a street vendor selling some near St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City after Thanksgiving last year.
So I figured why not try to roast some myself? I stopped by the grocery store last night and picked some up. Googling for a recipe, I found an easy one where all you had to do was cut an X on the flat side of the chestnut (making sure to cut through the skin), and let them sit in a 425 degree oven for twenty minutes while stirring occasionally.
And what do you know, it worked. They were delicious. It’s not quite the same as having a bag full of hot, roasted chestnuts while walking around the wintery streets of New York City (or Vienna, Austria), but it certainly comes close.
Perhaps I’ll attempt to actually roast them over an open fire on Christmas Day like the song says.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those soldiers murdered by a cowardly suicide bomber. Keep fighting the good fight over there, guys.
I finally got my train up and running, after years of sitting in a broken-down box, season after season tucked away in an attic. I tried to get it working a couple of weeks ago. There engine would run, but the gears wouldn’t turn, so I dropped it off at a local train store to have it fixed.
Two weeks later, I’ve got a working model locomotive. The train itself is over thirty years old having initially belonged to my uncle, and I can remember putting it together with my dad twenty five years ago, so it has some sentimental value.
I like just sitting here and watching it go round and round. I’m not sure why, but trains are just cool.
This past Saturday, we took a day trip up to our old stomping grounds, Washington DC. We have gone down to see the National Christmas Tree for the last seven years, and we didn’t want to break that streak.
While we were up there, we also checked out our favorite museum at the Smithsonian, the National Museum of American History, as well as the newest memorial, the World War II Memorial. We also got to see a bit of memorabilia from one of our favorite shows of all time. It was a truly memorable day.
Check out the photos.
A happy birthday shoutout goes out to my Mom who turns fifty-eight years young today.
Thanks for all you’ve done for me, and all you’re going to do for me, Mom. You’re the bestest Mom ever, and I love you very much. 
I’ve been to Pearl Harbor twice, and I’d recommend going at least once if you get the chance. It’s definitely a haunting, but memorable experience.
The original day to never forget.
That’s right, baby! Virginia Tech is the Champion of the ACC (thanks to a defensive thrashing of Miami)!
And in our first season no doubt. Here’s a collective “Up Yours” to all those current ACC schools who blocked our entry in the ACC for so long, and who didn’t want to invite us last year. Now we understand why you didn’t want us.
You were scared.
We’re on to the Sugar Bowl now to play an undefeated Auburn, a team some people thought should be playing for the national championship. Tune in January 3rd to see the Hokies prove them wrong.
Woohoo!!! :rockon:
