Lemon Chicken Soup

I have been trying to replicate one of my favorite soups (Taziki's). Here is my version. This is a great recipe for a cold day or when someone you love has a cold:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup white rice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 shake of red pepper flakes
1 Tb dried parsley

Boil 4 chicken breasts in 8 cups of water until cooked through. Remove the chicken breasts and chop; filter the remaining broth into a large bowl (you want to remove the stringy things that remain when boiling the chicken). Return the broth to the pot and add 2 cups of store-bought chicken broth. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper and rice and cook about 8 minutes over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, parsley and red pepper flakes and cook for 3-5 minutes (go easy on the flakes--they can really spice it up).

Miami and Key West

Meghan planned a memorial service for Bob in February 2007. We arrived in Miami on a Thursday afternoon, and stayed with Meghan's friend Art (a former Miami Vice cop). Art took some of our group to the Annual Miami Boat Show where we got to ride on a multi-million dollar fast boat. It was amazing to see the city at night--the Miami skyline was beautiful!

We woke up Friday morning to the news that Britney Spears had shaved her head the night before! We drove to Key West, and because of a wreck, the trip that would normally take 3 hours took about 7. Key West is a beautiful place, and there is so much to do! Meghan planned a scavenger hunt called "Best of the Bars." It was a great opportunity to learn the layout of the city, and we learned some interesting history as well.

The following day, we had brunch at Alice's. It was rainy, but the weather quickly cleared up. We toured Hemingway's home and an art exhibit at the Key West Museum.

Taken from Hemingway's wrap-around second story porch

The art exhibit featured replicas of famous paintings. See below for a picture of Meghan in "Van Gogh's Bedroom."

That evening, Meghan planned a sunset cruise, and everyone shared memories of Bob. There were probably about 25 family members and friends that traveled to Key West for the memorial. We look forward to going back someday!

The group that traveled to Key West

Sunset Picture - Taken while we were "at sea" the evening of the Memorial for Bob

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We hope you get everything you are hoping for this Christmas and so much more!

Love,

Sherry, Welles and Missy Lou

The Missing Piece

On Sunday, Welles and I went to "Worship in the Chapel" at Dawson. Tim Simpson was standing in for Todd Harrington, and really preached an excellent sermon that I think we all can relate to this time of year. He started the sermon by handing out puzzle pieces to each person in the congregation. He talked about how the most exciting part of finishing a large puzzle is getting to the last few pieces, and inevitably, one piece is missing when it comes to the very end of the puzzle. However, in relation to our Christian walk, we need to recognize that Jesus offers the Peace that we may be missing in our lives. The sermon revolved around the following verses:

• Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
  
• Philippians 4:6-7 reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
  
• Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tim talked about how hard it can be to accept the Peace of God and to give thanks in times of trouble--when everything seems to be crumbling around you. He shared that there was a fire in his family home when he was a sophomore in high school, and even as his house burned to the ground, he was able to give thanks (that he and his family got out safely, that he was awakened as the fire started and able to wake his parents and sister, that the fire was not at his elderly neighbor's home as she would not have been able to get out easily, etc.) He talked about how in that time of trouble, he felt the Peace of God. God's peace is available to all of us, and he wants us to seek Him.

We did not send out Christmas Cards this year, but we would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! May you experience God's Peace as you celebrate the birth of His Son.

Wayside Cross at Camp Winnataska

Missy Lou le Poo

I have been getting requests for Missy posts, so here we go! Missy has to be the friendliest dog I have ever known. It's a little annoying when she jumps up and barks at visitors (and we have tried every trick in the book to get her not to jump--any advice would be much appreciated). Still she is a loving, loyal, and happy dog.

Missy knows a lot of words. Several specific words get her fired up to go outside: "squirrel," "kitty-cat," "birdie," and "Who is it? Go Get 'em!" If we want her to come inside, we use one word, "CHEESE." We are assuming that nosey neighbors think we are crazy and wonder why we open our kitchen window, and yell out, "CHEESE!!!!!" However, it works everytime! She also loves to hear "Aunt Mary Anne and Uncle Russell." Aunt Mary Anne was my Grandmother's sister, and she and her husband live .6 miles from our door. They come to visit Missy every Tuesday to let her outside briefly, give her treats, and sing to her on the couch. More Missy stories and pictures/videos to come!

What a Difference a Door Makes!

1958

Old Door

2008

New Door

I love pulling up to our house with the new door! It makes such a big difference! WOW!

In Memory of a Friend - Bob Bisher

Welles and I met Bob through Meghan. Meghan met Bob at the airport--which isn't so strange when you realize that they were both pilots. I think that Meghan knew almost at once that Bob was going to be a very special part of her life, but may not have realized how he would touch the lives of others.

We first met Bob when Meghan brought him to a Christmas party--a "Re-gift Dirty Santa" party. It is amazing how quickly we all got along! Meghan and Bob were married in May of 2003, and had weekend of parties in Memphis over Labor Day weekend that same year. It was a fun time filled with parties--including a great reception with an Elvis Impersonator!

In January 2005, Bob was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disease called Paroxsymal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). It seemed like there were so many highs and lows as Meghan and Bob faced the reality of life. I have never seen such a loving, supportive wife, and I can only hope that I would be as strong as Meghan was during that time. Bob seemed to have a sense of humor regarding his disease, and always, always looked at the bright side of things--no matter the prognosis.

Sadly, Bob passed away after complications from his Bone Marrow Transplant in July 2006.

The love that Meghan and Bob had for each other was so amazing, and to this day, I am saddened at the loss of such an amazing person. Bob was kind, funny, supportive, and truly loved life. He could cheer you up with a phone call or a smile. Please see the following link to a powerpoint that I put together after his passing in July 2006. It includes pictures and quotes from friends who posted on his caring bridge website.

In Memory of our Friend Bob

Thank you Bob for your friendship, laughter, memories, and your love for Meghan! We miss you, Buddy!

Thanksgiving Recipes

The following are recipes that we cooked Thanksgiving day that were a big hit!

Turkey Roulade with Apple Cider Gravy

We were watching The Food Network one morning and got this turkey recipe-it was very good! I used sour dough bread and didn't use pecans. For some reason, this was un-intimidating and less stressful to me than cooking turkey the old fashioned way! It was delcious.

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (1-pound) loaf cinnamon-swirl bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Cooking spray
2/3 cup fat-free caramel sundae syrup

Sauce:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup light-colored corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup bourbon

Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add bread, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Divide bread mixture evenly among 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
To prepare sauce, combine 1/2 cup sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup bourbon. Serve each bread pudding piece warm with about 1 tablespoon sauce.

Christmas comes early!

Over the weekend, Welles and I decided to shop for Christmas presents early. It hit me on Thanksgiving Day as I was cleaning the grungy old storm door that I NEEDED a new front door and storm door. I mentioned this to Welles, and he said, "I thought we NEEDED a new front door years ago!" OK! So we are on the same page!

Friday evening, we went to our favorite store--Lowe's--and picked out a new door and storm door. Goodbye 1958!

Later Friday, I surprised Welles by saying that I thought it was finally time to look at LCD HDTV's. After researching for several hours, trips to Best Buy, hhgregg, Sam's, Wal-Mart, and Circuit City, a Samsung was purchased. Although we got 4 channels in HDTV (CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS), we didn't have access to all. After my own experiences with Charter and remembering a blog entry from a good friend, I couldn't bear the thought of dealing with them. SO--I told Welles that it was his responsibility to take care of the additional hassle with our cable company.

For all of you who hate your cable company, make your husband or father call them! He called me yesterday in the best mood because not only did he talk to the nicest customer service rep, we are now receiving several channels we didn't before at no extra charge. In fact, our cable bill will be $25 less! You have got to be kidding me??? Maybe Welles had better luck because he actually made a point to go to the service center in person. I am proud that he thanked the guy for having a great attitude, and that he appreciated his kindness. Charter--if you are listening, you need to hire more employees like the one Welles talked to.

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Silly Video

The following video cracks me up! It's been out a while, so I am sure many of you have seen it. Enjoy...

Charlie Bit my Finger - Again