Hi All. I was just reading about all of the problems caused by the snow and wind storm in the north east(of the USA), 2010. Jake and I have it good compared to those problems. My age is really showing by my attitude for travel. So, that may exagerate my comments on this subject. I'm not used to life in a big city. You must be able to use the public transit(so far subway and busses). It's not really that difficult, but it was for me. Jake thought it was kinda fun. Thank God I had him for a son. He's been planning our routes. When the subway(the Tube over her) was shut down, we switched to busses. Everyone else did too. Do you like jammed busses or trains? Then this is for you.
When travelling the luggage may get lost. Slight inconvenience? Well, don't let it ruin your vacation.
Be a good sport. You may not be able to use your credit card as you have planned. Minor.
Many things went right!
Jake had only one pair of underwear and socks. Christmas morning, we opened gifts my wife had sent. One pair boxer shorts(marvelous) two t-shirts(wonderful) two pair socks(perfect). My, how one appreciates the little things when in need.
The apartment(flat here) had no coffe maker that we had noticed. Emma sent along a gift of coffee.
Jake found a french press. Yeah, we now have coffee.
I saw some genuine London Fog tonight. We ate dinner with Ricky and Rowan, old camp friends of Jakes. No problems tonight.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Last Chance
So many hypnotists have made the point that many of their clients have come to them only after trying everything else. Nothing else worked, so they desperately tried hypnosis. I've been told that great success is achieved when the person is sick and tired of their problem. Desperation is their motivation. I find myself heading for this situation.
I want to achieve certain goals but my motivation isn't quite there yet.
I've had two open heart surgeries this year to replace a valve. I may have used this as an excuse to let other areas of my life stagnate. We will be happier if we are looking forward to a better future. Some things we can change and some we can't.
Many years ago I was struggling with weight control. I saw an ad in a magazine for a hypnotic weight loss cassette. I ordered it and listened to it quite a few times. It was quite well done. One side was progressive relaxation, which is okay but old fashioned, and then the deepening and finally the suggestions. I didn't agree with all the suggestions.
I know now that with suggestions, your mind will reject the ones it doesn't like, and accept the ones it does like. You don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. I was thinking maybe it ruined the whole thing if it wasn't all tailored to me. The other side of the tape was supposedly music with the suggestions recorded in a subaudible range that your subconscious would pick up and be changed by. Why? Good question. Well this is the area of subliminal advertising and the like. At the time I just thought it was interesting and kind of cool. I don't think it is necessary or really works. Buy Coke!
Where does this leave us? Well, for one thing, don't doubt your minds abilities. You can learn, remember and change. One of the rules of the mind is that every thought causes a physical change in the body. You may disagree with this, of course but consider it.
Also, don't be afraid to learn about hypnosis. It's just a method to communicate with your subconscious mind without the interference of your conscious mind. And please remember as a parent, what you say to your children can bypass their conscious mind easily. So, if you say,"You're a bad boy." That goes straight in to their subconscious belief about themselves. Their Mother or Father said it, so it must be true. They may have to come to a hypnotist to get straightened out at some point.
That's it for now, Ken.
I want to achieve certain goals but my motivation isn't quite there yet.
I've had two open heart surgeries this year to replace a valve. I may have used this as an excuse to let other areas of my life stagnate. We will be happier if we are looking forward to a better future. Some things we can change and some we can't.
Many years ago I was struggling with weight control. I saw an ad in a magazine for a hypnotic weight loss cassette. I ordered it and listened to it quite a few times. It was quite well done. One side was progressive relaxation, which is okay but old fashioned, and then the deepening and finally the suggestions. I didn't agree with all the suggestions.
I know now that with suggestions, your mind will reject the ones it doesn't like, and accept the ones it does like. You don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. I was thinking maybe it ruined the whole thing if it wasn't all tailored to me. The other side of the tape was supposedly music with the suggestions recorded in a subaudible range that your subconscious would pick up and be changed by. Why? Good question. Well this is the area of subliminal advertising and the like. At the time I just thought it was interesting and kind of cool. I don't think it is necessary or really works. Buy Coke!
Where does this leave us? Well, for one thing, don't doubt your minds abilities. You can learn, remember and change. One of the rules of the mind is that every thought causes a physical change in the body. You may disagree with this, of course but consider it.
Also, don't be afraid to learn about hypnosis. It's just a method to communicate with your subconscious mind without the interference of your conscious mind. And please remember as a parent, what you say to your children can bypass their conscious mind easily. So, if you say,"You're a bad boy." That goes straight in to their subconscious belief about themselves. Their Mother or Father said it, so it must be true. They may have to come to a hypnotist to get straightened out at some point.
That's it for now, Ken.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Learning Guitar...continued
I love guitar music. Classic Rock and Blues and Classical even some other categories. I have taken guitar lessons twice in the past. Neither time took. My second instructor told me,"At this rate you'll be pretty good when you're 106." Why is this such a chore for me? It reminds me of having to sit down to do my homework. I could find many things to do other than homework. I decided to try guitar lessons again though. It really doesn't matter if I fail and I'm not going to an instructor. I bought a guitar course that has DVD's and a lesson book. It looks to be very thorough and has many good comments on the internet. One negative comment was that you have to learn to read music. Many guitar players don't read music. There are other musical notations for the guitar. I'm okay with learning music. I played trombone as a young boy, so I have some experience with reading music. Anyway, I should be practicing right now, but I need to finish this blog. Also, my guitar isn't set up very well, so maybe I will wait until I get it set up, then I'll start practicing so I can be successful as a guitarist. I'm 66 right now, so I want to be pretty good by the time I'm 70 or so.
I went in to help a friend with a ceiling problem yesterday. We made progress on the project. I just like to get away from the house and it's fun to have something to do rather than just visit. I found out though that my car's heater isn't working. I'm waiting to hear from the garage right now to see if it will be ready today or tomorrow.
How's the shopping going? I don't know why, but since we put up some Christmas decorations about a week ago, I'm feeling more positive.
I went in to help a friend with a ceiling problem yesterday. We made progress on the project. I just like to get away from the house and it's fun to have something to do rather than just visit. I found out though that my car's heater isn't working. I'm waiting to hear from the garage right now to see if it will be ready today or tomorrow.
How's the shopping going? I don't know why, but since we put up some Christmas decorations about a week ago, I'm feeling more positive.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Hi, How are you?
Hope I haven't used that title before. I was going to use Who are you, but that was a blog I didn't write.
I've been wondering lately about all of the unhappiness I've seen in the lives of people near me. Even in myself. Where do we learn happiness? How do we achieve it and is it something we should expect to have all the time or some percentage of the time? One of my fondest memories of childhood was learning that our nation was founded on the principal that some of man's inalienable rights were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I wish you happiness whatever that might be for you.
There was a sign in front of a local restaurant at Thanksgiving saying,"Be thankful ." I know it is meant well, but I thought that just shows what's wrong with our thinking. Tell others how to be; what to do; what to think. The sign would be better with a message like,"Thanks to all our customers."
There was a TV program on Public TV last night during a pledge drive. It was about the human mind and recent discoveries in how the mind can heal itself. One of the examples was a man who suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk. His son worked with him and over time he redeveloped in a stepwise fashion, his lost abilities. He started by learning to crawl. It was explained that the damaged area of his brain was not healed, other paths were used. I had recently received information on a hypnosis seminar for learning techniques for helping stroke victims through hypnosis. It would be great if hypnosis could speed up this healing process. At any rate, it's good to know there are wonderful possibilities out there for learning and healing the mind.
If you've read to this point, I thank you.
I say we are better off to boldly go forth in the area of learning and improving ourselves. Trust in your minds ability. The expectation that you will succeed is half the battle. I will continue to practice the guitar.
I've been wondering lately about all of the unhappiness I've seen in the lives of people near me. Even in myself. Where do we learn happiness? How do we achieve it and is it something we should expect to have all the time or some percentage of the time? One of my fondest memories of childhood was learning that our nation was founded on the principal that some of man's inalienable rights were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I wish you happiness whatever that might be for you.
There was a sign in front of a local restaurant at Thanksgiving saying,"Be thankful ." I know it is meant well, but I thought that just shows what's wrong with our thinking. Tell others how to be; what to do; what to think. The sign would be better with a message like,"Thanks to all our customers."
There was a TV program on Public TV last night during a pledge drive. It was about the human mind and recent discoveries in how the mind can heal itself. One of the examples was a man who suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk. His son worked with him and over time he redeveloped in a stepwise fashion, his lost abilities. He started by learning to crawl. It was explained that the damaged area of his brain was not healed, other paths were used. I had recently received information on a hypnosis seminar for learning techniques for helping stroke victims through hypnosis. It would be great if hypnosis could speed up this healing process. At any rate, it's good to know there are wonderful possibilities out there for learning and healing the mind.
If you've read to this point, I thank you.
I say we are better off to boldly go forth in the area of learning and improving ourselves. Trust in your minds ability. The expectation that you will succeed is half the battle. I will continue to practice the guitar.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving Pasties
Pasties
From the accumulated recipes and experience at his Mother's elbow, of Ken Lamson.
General Strategy: Prepare pastry, divide into balls (1per pasty), wrap in waxed paper and store in refrigerator until ready for assembly. When you are ready to make pasties, prepare the meat and vegetables.
Prepare a place on your counter to roll out a dough ball using flour to keep it from sticking to your rolling pin and the counter. Assemble the ingredients on half of the dough circle. Moisten the edge of the dough so when you fold it in half, over the ingredients, the two sides will stick together. Make a nice twisted pattern along this seam(called “crimping”). Place the pasty on a baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking, and poke a few steam vent holes in the pasty. When you have a full baking sheet, bake in a preheated oven about 375 F for 45 to 60 minutes. Done when golden brown.
Pastry: For 8 pasties.
3 Cups flour
¾ Tbs salt
¾ Cup Shortening...Crisco or liquid canola
1 well beaten egg
¾ Cup cold water with 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar mixed in.
Mix the flour and salt together in a med/large bowl. Cut in the Crisco or pour in the oil. Stir or mix to a consistency of crumbs*.
Add the egg, then the cold water (a little at a time)...until the pastry forms a ball and feels moist and pliable**.
*I use a Kitchenaid mixer so I don't cut in...My Mother did this all by hand and would pinch the ingredients to get the above mentioned consistency.
** You will have to develop a feel for this. If too dry it's not usable as far as rolling it out. When you roll it out it has to form a thin layer. It needs to be tougher than pie crust because the pasty is eaten by hand. When you roll out the pastry, it should draw back (shrink a little) as you lift off the rolling pin. When it does, you'll know it's right.
Now you divide this into the balls, 8 for eight pasties. I wrap in waxed paper. If you will be storing over night use Saran wrap or something to prevent drying.
Filling Ingredients:
5 medium potatoes (Yukon golds are good) / peeled and cut into thin pieces (you should be able to see knife thru slice)
1 diced onion (I use spanish)
1 medium rutabeggar / peeled and cut similar to potatoes.
1 pound steak cut into cubes thinner in one dimension. (ground beef is okay)...I use ground but I miss my Mother's Pasties that had little pieces of beef and pork that would stick to the inside of the crust. Really tasty.
Salt and pepper optional.
Assembling the pasties:
In addition to what I put in General Strategy (above). You have rolled out a pastry ball to a circle of a diameter of 8-10 inches. Put your rolling pin under the half nearest you. Put the ingredients on the other half in this order; potatoes, rutabeggar, onion then meat. You may salt and pepper the top. I use salt only.
These are the original Pasties as handed down from my Cornwall,England born Mother.
Most eat with ketchup or gravy.
My wish is that you try this as written. Then go nuts with different ingredients. These can also be made into pies as opposed to individual pasties. Yum.
Here is the recipe I promised. Pasties, as you may know, were carried by miners to eat as a meal. They would stay warm for a long time wrapped in newspapers. (another use for newspapers). So, you may not want to serve them for Thanksgiving. I would take a pasty in place of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, plus dessert. Let me know if there is a problem printing this. I can print out a copy if you'd like one. Ken
From the accumulated recipes and experience at his Mother's elbow, of Ken Lamson.
General Strategy: Prepare pastry, divide into balls (1per pasty), wrap in waxed paper and store in refrigerator until ready for assembly. When you are ready to make pasties, prepare the meat and vegetables.
Prepare a place on your counter to roll out a dough ball using flour to keep it from sticking to your rolling pin and the counter. Assemble the ingredients on half of the dough circle. Moisten the edge of the dough so when you fold it in half, over the ingredients, the two sides will stick together. Make a nice twisted pattern along this seam(called “crimping”). Place the pasty on a baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking, and poke a few steam vent holes in the pasty. When you have a full baking sheet, bake in a preheated oven about 375 F for 45 to 60 minutes. Done when golden brown.
Pastry: For 8 pasties.
3 Cups flour
¾ Tbs salt
¾ Cup Shortening...Crisco or liquid canola
1 well beaten egg
¾ Cup cold water with 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar mixed in.
Mix the flour and salt together in a med/large bowl. Cut in the Crisco or pour in the oil. Stir or mix to a consistency of crumbs*.
Add the egg, then the cold water (a little at a time)...until the pastry forms a ball and feels moist and pliable**.
*I use a Kitchenaid mixer so I don't cut in...My Mother did this all by hand and would pinch the ingredients to get the above mentioned consistency.
** You will have to develop a feel for this. If too dry it's not usable as far as rolling it out. When you roll it out it has to form a thin layer. It needs to be tougher than pie crust because the pasty is eaten by hand. When you roll out the pastry, it should draw back (shrink a little) as you lift off the rolling pin. When it does, you'll know it's right.
Now you divide this into the balls, 8 for eight pasties. I wrap in waxed paper. If you will be storing over night use Saran wrap or something to prevent drying.
Filling Ingredients:
5 medium potatoes (Yukon golds are good) / peeled and cut into thin pieces (you should be able to see knife thru slice)
1 diced onion (I use spanish)
1 medium rutabeggar / peeled and cut similar to potatoes.
1 pound steak cut into cubes thinner in one dimension. (ground beef is okay)...I use ground but I miss my Mother's Pasties that had little pieces of beef and pork that would stick to the inside of the crust. Really tasty.
Salt and pepper optional.
Assembling the pasties:
In addition to what I put in General Strategy (above). You have rolled out a pastry ball to a circle of a diameter of 8-10 inches. Put your rolling pin under the half nearest you. Put the ingredients on the other half in this order; potatoes, rutabeggar, onion then meat. You may salt and pepper the top. I use salt only.
These are the original Pasties as handed down from my Cornwall,England born Mother.
Most eat with ketchup or gravy.
My wish is that you try this as written. Then go nuts with different ingredients. These can also be made into pies as opposed to individual pasties. Yum.
Here is the recipe I promised. Pasties, as you may know, were carried by miners to eat as a meal. They would stay warm for a long time wrapped in newspapers. (another use for newspapers). So, you may not want to serve them for Thanksgiving. I would take a pasty in place of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, plus dessert. Let me know if there is a problem printing this. I can print out a copy if you'd like one. Ken
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Grinch
I was starting to get into the holiday spirit a few days back. For me it's just that things are a bit fuzzier and warmer, and there are people out there that care about you and vice-verse. I was watching something on TV and saw ad after ad regarding Christmas. It was like someone throwing cold water on my nice warm snuggie. I think I'd be better off not watching TV, avoid radio, don't read signs, including bumper stickers. Make a list of what you want to do for the holidays and who you would like to spend time with. Come bye the house for a cup of cheer and some cookies. I'll be in jolly old England for Christmas and New Years with Jman.
My author buddy, Crawford, called this morning with a computer problem. It was good to talk to him as we hadn't talked in about two weeks and I was wondering if things were okay. Indeed they are. He and his co-author of a Civil War non-fiction book are doing appearances signing and discussing their book. It was published by MSU and is getting some good reviews. Next year is the 150th anniversary of the beginning of The Civil War, so the interest should swell then. Congratulations Kim.
I made a batch of Pasties last Friday night. I would say a batch is from 6-16, although if I had made 16 I would probably have called it a large batch...no matter. I am going to collect all the recipes I have for pasties and come up with one good solid recipe, just in case people would like to try making them. I may make a DVD in Zee Cooking School format for distribution amongst family members. Gabe might like to have it one day. Of course it will have to be put on a newer format. There is a good pasty recipe on allrecipes.com . Everyone seems to have their own little tip or added ingredient though; In my recipe I will stick to the basics and you can embellish in your own way.
Thanks for reading...I hope I made you feel better about the holiday season...try to stay away from all forms of media or advertising for a day or two. Just as an experiment...I bet you'll feel happier.
Yours Truly, Dr. Feelgood....now where did Nurse Shagwell go?
My author buddy, Crawford, called this morning with a computer problem. It was good to talk to him as we hadn't talked in about two weeks and I was wondering if things were okay. Indeed they are. He and his co-author of a Civil War non-fiction book are doing appearances signing and discussing their book. It was published by MSU and is getting some good reviews. Next year is the 150th anniversary of the beginning of The Civil War, so the interest should swell then. Congratulations Kim.
I made a batch of Pasties last Friday night. I would say a batch is from 6-16, although if I had made 16 I would probably have called it a large batch...no matter. I am going to collect all the recipes I have for pasties and come up with one good solid recipe, just in case people would like to try making them. I may make a DVD in Zee Cooking School format for distribution amongst family members. Gabe might like to have it one day. Of course it will have to be put on a newer format. There is a good pasty recipe on allrecipes.com . Everyone seems to have their own little tip or added ingredient though; In my recipe I will stick to the basics and you can embellish in your own way.
Thanks for reading...I hope I made you feel better about the holiday season...try to stay away from all forms of media or advertising for a day or two. Just as an experiment...I bet you'll feel happier.
Yours Truly, Dr. Feelgood....now where did Nurse Shagwell go?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Michigan wins defensive struggle
My wolverines, who had won five in a row, then lost three in a row, were playing Illinois this week end. Illinois was reputed to have an excellent defense, and Michigan had been described as having a sieve for a defense. This hurts the pride of us old wolverine fans. Michigan has been known for great defenses. Usually the defense won the games with turn overs, big plays and goal line stands. The new team relies more on offense.
Yesterday the score was tied at 31 at half time. Both teams were scoring almost at will. As long as Michigan isn't two scores behind, I don't feel too bad. At the end of regulation, Michigan had tied it up at 45 all. The defense had actually stopped Illinois a couple of times. Bo might have been looking down from Valhalla. In overtime each team scored touch downs on their first three possessions. In the third overtime the rules dictate that if you score a touchdown, you must go for two extra points. Michigan was successful with a pass from Forcier to Junior Hemmingway. By the way, I noticed on the replay of his catch, he takes his eye off the ball a fraction of a second before it is in his hands. Hope the coaching staff reads this. Anyway, I was wondering how Illinois would try to score their two points. Bo must have yelled down just at that moment,"Get your asses in there and stop that play or you'll never play another down for Michigan!" Suddenly two Michigan players, who had been blocked, got back to their feet and sacked the Illinois quarterback. Just like old times!
I hope the defense remembers that feeling. It electrifies millions of alumni.
Yesterday the score was tied at 31 at half time. Both teams were scoring almost at will. As long as Michigan isn't two scores behind, I don't feel too bad. At the end of regulation, Michigan had tied it up at 45 all. The defense had actually stopped Illinois a couple of times. Bo might have been looking down from Valhalla. In overtime each team scored touch downs on their first three possessions. In the third overtime the rules dictate that if you score a touchdown, you must go for two extra points. Michigan was successful with a pass from Forcier to Junior Hemmingway. By the way, I noticed on the replay of his catch, he takes his eye off the ball a fraction of a second before it is in his hands. Hope the coaching staff reads this. Anyway, I was wondering how Illinois would try to score their two points. Bo must have yelled down just at that moment,"Get your asses in there and stop that play or you'll never play another down for Michigan!" Suddenly two Michigan players, who had been blocked, got back to their feet and sacked the Illinois quarterback. Just like old times!
I hope the defense remembers that feeling. It electrifies millions of alumni.
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