Everyone began school this week, except Big Daddy, who is pursuing scholarship information and hopes to begin some classes himself soon. In the meantime, he is embracing his role as full-time pastoral minister and stay-at-home-Dad with good results. I am getting used to my class of seven four year old kiddos. I think we are having a little honeymoon, as this was a good first week. Adam began his Junior year of HS. Flora began 5th grade with tears and fears, which miraculously subsided when she saw her good friend was in her class. Calvin went to Kindergarten with gusto. When I told him I missed him during the day, and he said, "I didn't even think about you today, Mommy!" Hahaha, he was having so much fun in his new learning environment, he didn't give me a second thought I know, and it makes me happy for him! It's so much harder on your heart when your child is clingy and fearful of school (or whatever). I tend to worry about them on and off all day long, when in all probability, they are like the little ones at our pre-school: they get over their crying or shyness within five minutes and are playing happily.



I have nothing more to say, for now. Or rather not enough time to sit down and get some thoughts together and make a real post. Until I can, I will leave you ponder this photo I came across over at the "What Not To Crochet" blog.

Summer playlist

Well, August is nearly over and once Labor Day comes summer will officially be over. This has just been something I have been working on for fun. If you have any other suggestions post them!

More Lobster

Photo & recipes courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services


Apparently Florida lobster prices are dipping low. That's bad news for fisherman, but good news for consumers. Help the fishermen! Try some! I am ready for some more of this delicious treat soon (I hope!). Big Daddy grilled our lobsters plain. We just dipped them in a little melted butter while we ate them. It was so good, even served plain like that. The following recipies a few more basic flavors I think will make it even better.

Steamed:
Ingredients
2 1-pound whole uncooked Florida lobsters, fresh or frozen
3 tablespoons salt
clarified butter

Preparation

Thaw lobsters if frozen. In a 6-quart saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water and salt to a boil. Place lobsters in boiling water; cover and return to boiling point. Reduce heat; simmer 12-15 minutes. Larger lobsters will take a little more cooking time. Drain; rinse with cold water for 1-2 minutes. Split and clean lobsters. Serve with clarified butter.

Yield
2 servings

Nutritional Value Per Serving
Calories 210, Calories From Fat 30, Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 285mg, Total Carbohydrate 2g, Protein 43g

Grilled:
Ingredients
Amount Ingredient
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large Florida shallots, peeled and quartered
4 large Florida garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt
black pepper, freshly ground
4 whole Florida spiny lobster, split in half lengthwise

Preparation
Combine first 6 ingredients in processor and blend until almost smooth. Spread 1 heaping teaspoon seasoned butter over each lobster tail. In a small saucepan melt remaining seasoned butter; keep warm. Grill lobster tails, shell side down, 6 minutes. Turn over and grill until meat is just opaque in center, about 2 minutes. Serve with melted butter.

Yield
4 servings

Nutritional Value Per Serving
Calories 210, Calories From Fat 30, Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fatty Acid 0, Cholesterol 285mg, Total Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 43g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.45g

Vid Links I Like

I know that I have posted about liking the Neil Young song "Harvest Moon" before. Sometimes when I hear that song it just takes me to a place where I ache with love for my dear husband, and think about all the love we have built, shared and grown over these years. I was hankering for that song tonight, and came across this version by Jazz artist Cassandra Wilson. I hope you enjoy:




While I was thinking about these kind of sweet and tender feelings between lovers, I thought about the Lord. What if I longed for the Lord like I longed for my husband? What if I couldn't wait for that special time alone with Him? I know I should. And in fact, I do often crave and look forward to that time alone with the Lord. There are days when I can't wait to pray and to meditate and reflect quietly on His Word. But I believe through this little instance in my life, He was calling me gently and reminding me to do so even more. I know the Bible describes the Lord as the lover of our soul (Is. 38:17). The entire Book of Song of Songs/Solomon is devoted to the aspect of God's character and revelation of Him, yet there are times when I forget. I forget that He is the Groom and all believers are his "Bride." That boggles my mind sometimes. I needed to be reminded that God thinks of me (and all believers) that way!


The following clip is about 15 minutes long, and when you, dear reader, have the time, watch it an tell me what you think. It blessed me down to my Birks!

Lobster Mini Season Notes

I recently had fresh lobster for dinner for the first time ever. It was pretty good. I enjoyed it all the more because it was caught by my oldest son. We have something down here called Lobster Mini Season which is a short 2-day season to whet your appetite for the regular season, which begins soon. I am not overly fond of lobster, but I did enjoy our fresh meal. I really like it when we can eat food that we have caught or grown ourselves.

Same oldest son also got his learner's driving permit, and a raise at his summer job. I am proud of him, and he certainly is flexing his independence muscles. I was concerned about him going diving during the lobster season, it's crazy with boaters, many of them not very cautious, but he was with capable Conch friends.