Somewhat surprised to see this has never been posted here! I've been eating this at Robert's parents' house for more than 25 years. It was originally in the Sunset Barbeque Cookbook, the ORIGINAL one from the 1960s. I know that, because my parents had the same cookbook. When I make this recipe, I have to track it down in an old homemade cookbook that I created around the time Trevor was born, working part time, often with nothing better to do. So the recipe is moving here for posterity's sake, which makes me happy. I'm writing the recipe here as we make it, with comments re the original recipe following.
MCGOWAN'S FAVORITE BAKED BEANS
2 - 16 oz. cans pork and beans in tomato sauce
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. ketchup
1 t. dry mustard
Mix all well. Bake uncovered at 325 for 2-1/2 hours. Serves 6-8.
The original Sunset recipe calls for 3/4 c. brown sugar and 6 slices of bacon, chopped. No need to say why we've tweaked it!
Monday, September 04, 2017
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
I read a book!
I don't know if this is the most pathetic post, because I haven't read a book in about three years, or if this is a great post because I finally read something again.
American Sniper by Chris Kyle
Amercan hero U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle is credited with more lethal enemy kills than any soldier in U.S. history, with that number ranging from 160 to 225. Kyle's autobiography recounts his sniper training days, his romance with his wife, his love for God, country, and family (in that order), and his incredible details of fighting four tours in Iraq.
Following his Navy retirement, Kyle was active on the behalf of troubled veterans. In 2012, he was shot and killed by one suffering from PTSD on a shooting range.
If I'm going to read one book in three years, I'm glad this was it.
American Sniper by Chris Kyle
Amercan hero U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle is credited with more lethal enemy kills than any soldier in U.S. history, with that number ranging from 160 to 225. Kyle's autobiography recounts his sniper training days, his romance with his wife, his love for God, country, and family (in that order), and his incredible details of fighting four tours in Iraq.
Following his Navy retirement, Kyle was active on the behalf of troubled veterans. In 2012, he was shot and killed by one suffering from PTSD on a shooting range.
If I'm going to read one book in three years, I'm glad this was it.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Day in DC
Holly was invited back to a second interview. As Robert took her up for the first one on Tuesday, I took her Friday.
Gorgeous day to be out in DC. We parked at Vienna and took the Metro to Farrugut Square. I sat in the park while she did her thing.
It was wonderful with her knowing this route. I didn't have to do any thinking at all, just followed her in and around the train stations.
And in a silly, kind of "us" move, we brought salami sandwiches at the last minute, kind of a perfect car comfort food, stopping only for McDonald's coffee the whole time we were out.
We'll see what the trip brings. But it was fun to be making that drive after not doing it for 3-1/2 months!
Gorgeous day to be out in DC. We parked at Vienna and took the Metro to Farrugut Square. I sat in the park while she did her thing.
It was wonderful with her knowing this route. I didn't have to do any thinking at all, just followed her in and around the train stations.
And in a silly, kind of "us" move, we brought salami sandwiches at the last minute, kind of a perfect car comfort food, stopping only for McDonald's coffee the whole time we were out.
We'll see what the trip brings. But it was fun to be making that drive after not doing it for 3-1/2 months!
Monday, August 21, 2017
Solar eclipse!
Bought our solar glasses online several weeks ago from a NASA-approved vendor. I planned to take the afternoon off of work.
It was also Trevor's first day back at Virginia Western. He invited Jason over over at the last minute, as we had an extra pair of glasses.
Planned ahead with banana bread pina coladas (sans alcohol!).
We were not disappointed!
It was also Trevor's first day back at Virginia Western. He invited Jason over over at the last minute, as we had an extra pair of glasses.
Planned ahead with banana bread pina coladas (sans alcohol!).
We were not disappointed!
As the sun began to move behind the moon
Complete with flamingo straws that Mollie gave me for my birthday!
The eclipse is eclipsed!
Whew! Just in time!
Star gazer
Photo cred to Trevor!
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Tubing on the James River
The James River. I love the idea that we live so close to it. After 10 years, it still gives me a thrill when I drive up I-81 and cross it. I think of the history, of Jamestown, of John Smith, and all of that. It's thrilling to be so close to that history ("so close" being relative, as we're at the other end of the state, but still!).
Last summer, Holly, Trevor, and I went tubing here, and we've been looking forward to doing it again this year.
Gorgeous day
Outside temp at 91, water temp in the mid 80s
Last time, Trevor happily floated ahead of us. He had planned to do the same this time and then abruptly changed his mind.
So the three of us tethered together, and when we did a second run, we stayed together again. It was SO wonderful to just float down the river, no outside distractions, just happily chatting about stuff.
After watching Holly and I flail the first time at getting on our tubes, Trevor took charge on the second run. He held our stuff while we boarded, and when we were ready, he pushed us off. Took us about ten minutes less, haha.
The river seemed a bit slower this year than last--not a complaint at all, just an observation. Gosh, it was a great time. When we were done, we walked a block away to the swinging bridge, apparently a big attraction in Buchanan*. It holds a max of three people at a time, and we walked across. Nothing spectacular, but a nice way to see the James from a different perspective.
*Buchanan. One of those Virginia oddities, with the unexpected pronunciation of "Buh-cannon." No, it's not a southern drawl, that's just how it's said, and you can Google it. Haha.
Last summer, Holly, Trevor, and I went tubing here, and we've been looking forward to doing it again this year.
*Buchanan. One of those Virginia oddities, with the unexpected pronunciation of "Buh-cannon." No, it's not a southern drawl, that's just how it's said, and you can Google it. Haha.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Wednesday, May 03, 2017
So this is pretty much it
Holly graduates in two weeks. All through school, it's been my privilege to proofread her academic
papers, mostly reading for clarity and pointing out the errant comma.
She never needed me to, but it was her way of sharing her work with me
and letting me know what she was working on.
Tonight she wrote her last paper for school. Tonight I proofread that last paper.
Like I told her, no one ever says, "Wow, this is the first paper I'll write for college!" But that final one--oh, that's a biggie. And I'm a little teary over it tonight.
I'm so excited for her and for her graduation.
Tonight she wrote her last paper for school. Tonight I proofread that last paper.
Like I told her, no one ever says, "Wow, this is the first paper I'll write for college!" But that final one--oh, that's a biggie. And I'm a little teary over it tonight.
I'm so excited for her and for her graduation.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Monday, December 26, 2016
Christmas 2016
Holly and Trevor slept in, which meant we slept in, and I had plenty of time to do a lot of things before they woke up.
Trevor and I enjoyed lox and bagels for breakfast, a throw back to Christmas mornings with my mom and Mike.
We celebrated with mimosas while opening presents. This may need to be a continuing tradition!
I cooked up a storm and mostly enjoyed it. I've not been cooking much since working full time, and I miss it. I've been cooking a lot over the past few days! Tonight's dinner was roasted duck (first time, and it turned out pretty good, although I'm not sure everyone is eager to have it again); stuffing (which was liked the first time I made it, not so much these last two times); twice baked potatoes (always a hit!), our holiday special, Spinach Madeline, and Mandarin Salad made an appearance after disappearing from the meu for several years. I also made Chocolate Mousse for dessert, with Holly making the homemade whipped cream for topping.
After it was all said and done, most of us had a blast playing Trevor's new Mario Cart game--always a hit for any occasion!
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Christmas Eve
Robert and I ran to Panera early in the morning, buying the last remaining plain and sesame seed bagels, all that was left of their "neutral" flavored bagels.
He had bought, organized, and wrapped almost all of the gifts this year, leaving me with almost nothing to do except wrap stocking gifts (an easy task!).
We went to Hotel Roanoke's Festival of Trees again this year.
Pokemon may be a new tree--we didn't remember it from our earlier visits.
The colors on some are spectacular!
Down one of the hallways, such a beautiful hotel.
I got Holly to get a picture with me!
Pretty view of my building just over the tracks from the hotel.
The City Market Building from the bridge.
From there, we drove up Mill Mountain to see the view at night.
Gorgeous out, low 50s.
I was able to sneak this one in, everyone looking at their phones to see pictures they'd just taken, or taking a picture!
Back at home, we had a late dinner.
Pumpkin played Goldilocks. This basket was toooooo small!
Merry Christmas!!
He had bought, organized, and wrapped almost all of the gifts this year, leaving me with almost nothing to do except wrap stocking gifts (an easy task!).
We went to Hotel Roanoke's Festival of Trees again this year.
Pokemon may be a new tree--we didn't remember it from our earlier visits.
The colors on some are spectacular!
Down one of the hallways, such a beautiful hotel.
I got Holly to get a picture with me!
Pretty view of my building just over the tracks from the hotel.
The City Market Building from the bridge.
From there, we drove up Mill Mountain to see the view at night.
Gorgeous out, low 50s.
I was able to sneak this one in, everyone looking at their phones to see pictures they'd just taken, or taking a picture!
Back at home, we had a late dinner.
Pumpkin played Goldilocks. This basket was toooooo small!
Merry Christmas!!
Friday, December 16, 2016
Some of December
Gorgeous mornings.
Fogged in at home--
Breaking on the way to work--
View from the office.
Fall sunsets.
And a sunrise.
A picture of me that I like!
Robert, Trevor, and I volunteered at Santa at the Station, a program that brings families from the Rescue Mission to the Transportation Museum for an evening with Santa. Pizza was served, kids got tattoos and face paintings, carolers sang, and they could shop for gifts in a special room. I was at the crafts station, where we had several tables set up for making ornaments, coloring, and more. Robert and Trev helped out with Santa. Fun night, and the kids were pretty adorable!
Our office Christmas luncheon at the Hotel Roanoke, complete with our own banquet room and Office Jeopardy!
Lunch. It was delicious.
As was dessert.
Decorating at home. Tried something different with the tree this year. I mostly like it and will look at doing something similar with ribbon again next year.
Fogged in at home--
Breaking on the way to work--
View from the office.
That big brown and white hotel on the right is the Hotel Roanoke.
Fall sunsets.
And a sunrise.
A picture of me that I like!
Robert, Trevor, and I volunteered at Santa at the Station, a program that brings families from the Rescue Mission to the Transportation Museum for an evening with Santa. Pizza was served, kids got tattoos and face paintings, carolers sang, and they could shop for gifts in a special room. I was at the crafts station, where we had several tables set up for making ornaments, coloring, and more. Robert and Trev helped out with Santa. Fun night, and the kids were pretty adorable!
Our office Christmas luncheon at the Hotel Roanoke, complete with our own banquet room and Office Jeopardy!
Lunch. It was delicious.
As was dessert.
Decorating at home. Tried something different with the tree this year. I mostly like it and will look at doing something similar with ribbon again next year.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Drumstick Dash
Super fun morning with Holly and Kota!
I'd asked the kids a few weeks ago if either would be interested in Roanoke's annual 5K walk (and run) through downtown and was thrilled when Holly said yes! Dogs are welcomed, so we registered our little dog too.
We didn't know what to expect, dressed warmly, parked in my building's garage and joined the more than 12,000 people gathered at the various start lines (runners, walkers, and walkers with dogs). We people--and dog--watched for almost an hour before starting off, particularly admiring the small kids and dogs dressed in a variety of costumes!
Once the people began moving, everyone spread out a bit. It was pretty neat to catch glimpses of the masses snaking their way around as they wove in and through downtown.
Loved seeing this guy there and chatted with him for a few minutes.
I was not sure what to expect from Kota. She gets pretty excited to see other dogs. Sometimes, anyway. But she was perfect today, couldn't have asked for her to be any better, she really surpassed all of my expectations!
Fun opportunity to walk around downtown, admiring different buildings, recognizing places we've been and seeing new things.
When it was all done, we took a quick trip up to my office floor so Holly could admire the view from 18 floors up.
This dog is going to need some serious R&R for the next day or two!
We were home by 11:30 a.m. Hoping we can do this again, a fun start to Thanksgiving!
I'd asked the kids a few weeks ago if either would be interested in Roanoke's annual 5K walk (and run) through downtown and was thrilled when Holly said yes! Dogs are welcomed, so we registered our little dog too.
We didn't know what to expect, dressed warmly, parked in my building's garage and joined the more than 12,000 people gathered at the various start lines (runners, walkers, and walkers with dogs). We people--and dog--watched for almost an hour before starting off, particularly admiring the small kids and dogs dressed in a variety of costumes!
Once the people began moving, everyone spread out a bit. It was pretty neat to catch glimpses of the masses snaking their way around as they wove in and through downtown.
Loved seeing this guy there and chatted with him for a few minutes.
#noDAPL
I was not sure what to expect from Kota. She gets pretty excited to see other dogs. Sometimes, anyway. But she was perfect today, couldn't have asked for her to be any better, she really surpassed all of my expectations!
Fun opportunity to walk around downtown, admiring different buildings, recognizing places we've been and seeing new things.
When it was all done, we took a quick trip up to my office floor so Holly could admire the view from 18 floors up.
This dog is going to need some serious R&R for the next day or two!
We were home by 11:30 a.m. Hoping we can do this again, a fun start to Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Election Day
I picked Trevor up from school today and took him to lunch. He then hung out downtown until I was done with work for the day. We went and voted. There were no lines, but the booth were full, and he was at an "overflow" table. It looked like about 1300 people had been there before us, which I think is a great turnout for our little rural district.
It was his first election, and I'm thrilled that he was excited about it!
Holly texted that she had printed out a U.S. map and was going to be coloring in states as the results came in. This was a fun thing they've done for each presidential election when they were younger, and it was sweet to see her making a fun evening out of it!
For the first time, Robert and I avoided watching election news coverage.
Trevor paid attention though, occasionally coming out of his room to update us.
And wow, what a crazy night. Sometime around 11, I began checking my phone for updates. I ended up staying up until there was no doubt that Trump won.
Robert slept through it all.
Crazy night. Craziest of elections. Oddest choice of candidates. Maybe.
Sobering results, and I've been nauseous and unsettled about it all week. Oh, I voted for Trump, but I it was also a vote against the most corrupt candidate ever AND the GOP. So we've given Trump and Pence the reins, and I'm praying for wisdom and humility for them and unity, finally, for us as a nation.
It was his first election, and I'm thrilled that he was excited about it!
Holly texted that she had printed out a U.S. map and was going to be coloring in states as the results came in. This was a fun thing they've done for each presidential election when they were younger, and it was sweet to see her making a fun evening out of it!
For the first time, Robert and I avoided watching election news coverage.
Trevor paid attention though, occasionally coming out of his room to update us.
And wow, what a crazy night. Sometime around 11, I began checking my phone for updates. I ended up staying up until there was no doubt that Trump won.
Robert slept through it all.
Crazy night. Craziest of elections. Oddest choice of candidates. Maybe.
Sobering results, and I've been nauseous and unsettled about it all week. Oh, I voted for Trump, but I it was also a vote against the most corrupt candidate ever AND the GOP. So we've given Trump and Pence the reins, and I'm praying for wisdom and humility for them and unity, finally, for us as a nation.
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
Erin
Holly met Erin through TeenPact. Erin's mom was Holly's cabin leader during Holly's first NC; Trish was always a familiar and friendly face who volunteered at many TP events. Holly and Erin looked forward to reconnecting at each state class and subsequent NCs.
Erin was a senior this year at Seattle Pacific University. One of her passions has been supporting Standing Rock Indian Reservation in the #noDAPL movement, and she'd spent two different weeks at the site, doing what she could.
Returning home with friends from her second trip early Sunday morning, November 6, she was killed in a car accident.
We are heartbroken for her family and friends.
Weepy about it Monday morning, driving to work. Hearing my two favorite Christian songs on the radio. I pulled into a parking space and my eyes lit on this.
Rejoice. Lots to rejoice over, even in such sadness. Erin lived her life for Jesus. She left this earth doing what she loved. Her family KNOWS where she is and is finding comfort in that, and in knowing that they will see her again in eternity. We have a God who is bigger than all of this, whose promises are true, and we have that Hope in Jesus.
I left the office that day for lunch, deciding to drive to my little Viet Sub place. Weepy again in my car, praying for those things that are good, rejoicing over the life that Erin had here, the lives she touched, the faith held by her and her family, thankful for the Word of God that never changes.
Walking into this little hole in the wall restaurant, who do I see?
Judy and Charlie. This is only her second time there, and she decided to stop in with Charlie. I fell in to her, sobbing, but also immediately comforted, knowing AGAIN that God showed His face to me, this time through Judy, when I needed it most.
Oh God, this has hit me so hard. But REJOICE.
Erin:
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8
May 2013
Erin was a senior this year at Seattle Pacific University. One of her passions has been supporting Standing Rock Indian Reservation in the #noDAPL movement, and she'd spent two different weeks at the site, doing what she could.
Returning home with friends from her second trip early Sunday morning, November 6, she was killed in a car accident.
We are heartbroken for her family and friends.
Weepy about it Monday morning, driving to work. Hearing my two favorite Christian songs on the radio. I pulled into a parking space and my eyes lit on this.
Rejoice. Lots to rejoice over, even in such sadness. Erin lived her life for Jesus. She left this earth doing what she loved. Her family KNOWS where she is and is finding comfort in that, and in knowing that they will see her again in eternity. We have a God who is bigger than all of this, whose promises are true, and we have that Hope in Jesus.
I left the office that day for lunch, deciding to drive to my little Viet Sub place. Weepy again in my car, praying for those things that are good, rejoicing over the life that Erin had here, the lives she touched, the faith held by her and her family, thankful for the Word of God that never changes.
Walking into this little hole in the wall restaurant, who do I see?
Judy and Charlie. This is only her second time there, and she decided to stop in with Charlie. I fell in to her, sobbing, but also immediately comforted, knowing AGAIN that God showed His face to me, this time through Judy, when I needed it most.
Oh God, this has hit me so hard. But REJOICE.
Erin:
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8
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