Jerash & Ajloun

The family went up north today to the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash and Ajloun Castle.  The weather has been perfect with clear skies and cool breezes.  Dad's been keeping pace with the rest of the group... the only ill-effects anyone's had is too much sun!  There's lots of lovin' going on for Cooper who must think he's gone to hug heaven... he's always in someone's arms!

Arrival

All the family arrived... minus a bag, but all's well!  There's been plenty of Cooper Time for all.
We're already up waay too late and it's only day 1.
Fun times to come!

Jordan or Bust!

Well, it's official. Mama and Daddy made it to the airport with Uncle Mark, Aunt Margie and Mikelle. I got the call a bit ago that they had made it through security. All bags were within their proper weight restrictions and held nothing prohibited. Of course, it was the traditional mad dash out the door that anyone who knows us well would expect. Daddy was running wayyyy to many errands that anyone with half a brain could have done for him. And Mama stayed up til nearly dawn racing about the house. But it's all finished. Every dish is washed. Every shirt is ironed. The church book work is complete and they are out the door nearly late and exhausted! Mama,"Well, can't I just sleep on the plane over there?"  So keep checking the blog. They've promised to keep us all updated on the adventures! I can't believe Johnathan, Heidi and I are at home right now and not on that plane!

On a sad note, we are mourning the end of an era in our family. Our dear Uncle Carrell Die went to meet Jesus about 7 a.m. this morning. He was the last of Grammie's seven brothers and sisters.....a gang of larger-than-life Texans who could put on a show with a pair spoons, a fiddle and a carving knife. They were tall and told tall tales. They were loud and laughed long. They were lovers and livers of life. We miss each of them. We'll especially miss Uncle Carrell's famous BBQ. No one could do it like The Middle Buster. We'll miss his flirtatious wink and smile. We'll miss his stories (and Aunt Ted's corrections). Most of all we'll miss the feeling of being apart of family with a long, proud, rich history. They could capture it like no other. Our challenge is to pass just a little of that "Die magic" on to our children.

He left a hole the size of Texas in our hearts.
Jaime

A Lodge Recipe Crosses the Pond

So... a few months ago, I posted a recipe of Dad's Mexican Cornbread recipe (or at least his version of someone's original).  I think Jaime's made Chicken Fried Steak (another Lodge staple menu item) so it was up to me to create the Cornbread.

First, finding cornbread mix was a happy fluke.  Safeway has a diligent crew of stockers that move soon-to-expire goods onto a shelf unit near the Bakery.  I can't go in there without a gander at what's cheap.  Some stuff, like Starbuck's Fraps-in-a-bottle can run 4JD... or you can wait til they start to expire and grab 'em for 1.5JD.  Thus, I found the elusive cornbread mix in a recent foraging activity.  Some chilis and creamed corn and I was ready to recreate Lodge heaven.

Once home I realized the main ingredient to this recipe is Grammie's massive cast iron skillet.  I called around, but couldn't find one quickly.  There was some arms-crossed pondering as I skulked about in the kitchen for a bit and finally decided to put all my chips on a thin crockery dish well lathered with olive oil (instead of the requisite bacon drippings; also elusive, but for cultural reasons requiring another post).

I preheated the dish, I mixed and I layered.  I waited the 45 minutes.  I held my breath (not really, but I needed the literary pause here for suspense) as I pulled out the most perfect looking Mexican Cornbread I could imagine.

Happiness ensued with a side of black-eyed peas.

THE COUNTDOWN!

Today I received my final go ahead from my surgeon to go to Jordan and am I ever excited! He said I should not have a problem. Go and enjoy your grandson. The latest pictures of Cooper only raise the level of expectancy. That smile is a real winner. 
 
I feel really good except the usual digestive problems from the missing colon. My endurance is back to about 75%. I eat whatever I want in small quantities and it seems to agree with me. My weight is up to a steady 165. I am back to almost the same crazy schedule as always. 
 
Can you believe it? Glynnda has her suitcases packed already. That's a record breaker! The small one is Cooper's (Sasha and Maya, there was plenty of room for all your love gifts!). My suitcase is out and we are gathering up some things to stuff in it. Of course, there is the carry-on bag to pack with the goodies for the flight. Trust me, we will make this flight, Lord willing, and I sure hope He is.
 
The only down side to this trip is leaving Princess Heidi at home, but we know her Momma Decker will thoroughly enjoy her granddaughter.
 
Thanks for your prayers for all of us.
 
 

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Random Cooper Picture

There are more great pictures of Cooper on our site!

Happy Mother's Day!