Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Bison gives a licking...

This plucky little bird was given a good licking when it dared to venture near a massive bison. The brown-headed cowbird was feeding on insects when the towering beast gently touched it with her tongue…

Photographer Tin Man Lee captured the moment at Yellowstone National Park.


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Anila

Anila F Whitney

949-439-1058

A Cab Ride...

Hands

~♥~ The Cab Ride ~♥~

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked...Just a minute, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car? ' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. It's nothing', I told her...I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated. '

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown? 'It's not the shortest way, 'I answered quickly...'Oh, I don't mind, she said. I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left', she continued in a soft voice...The doctor says I don't have very long. ....... I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

What route would you like me to take I asked? For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, I'm tired. Let's go now.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. How much do I owe you she asked, reaching into her purse? Nothing, I said. You have to make a living, she answered. There are other passengers, I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. You gave an old woman a little moment of joy, she said, thank you. I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life...I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

RICHMOND GOLF CLUB

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It seems almost too carefree to respond this way, but sometimes nonchalance can be its own form of heroism. In fact, the Richmond Golf Club’s reaction to the German attacks was brave and rebellious enough that Hitler’s propagandists felt that it needed to be mocked in a radio report…

By means of these ridiculous reforms the English snobs try to impress the people with a kind of pretended heroism. They can do so without danger, because, as everyone knows, the German Air Force devotes itself only to the destruction of military targets and objectives of importance to the war effort.

This was nonsense, of course, unless, as club historian Tom Brennand observes, “the Club’s laundry outbuilding was a military target.”

3-Day Retreat in Joshua Tree, CA

Living From the Heart with Joshua & Lemia
3-Day Retreat in Joshua Tree, CA -
Teaching Naam Yoga & 
Divine Spiritual Wisdom

 

   Joshua Tree has always been a magical place for quiet, inner reflection and healing.  Join Joshua and Lemia at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center for a heart-centered healing weekend of yoga, mystical teachings, and solitude.  As a couple or an individual looking for a break from daily life, step out of your comfort zone and join us for a relaxing trip in the high desert.  

 

When:  Friday, February 17th - Sunday, February 19th

 

Friday Evening Free Naam Yoga Class 6:30pm-8:00pm
 
Saturday Naam Yoga & Divine Spiritual Wisdom 11:00am-3:00pm
 
Sunday Naam Yoga & Divine Spiritual Wisdom 10:00am - 2:00pm

 

 

Where: Joshua Tree Retreat Center 
           59700 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
           PH.(760) 365-8371
 
What:  Friday Free Naam Yoga: Join us in opening the channels of the body to receive Light.  We will be offering a free Naam Yoga class on Friday evening from 6:30pm-8:00pm.  

 

           Saturday Naam Yoga & Divine Spiritual Wisdom:  Join us for a healing Naam Yoga class followed by a Universal Kabbalah class.  We will be exploring the foundations of the Universal Kabbalah: where these teachings come from, basic knowledge of the planetary bodies and cycles that govern our lives, and how to utilize this wisdom in your daily life for healing and transformation.

 

           Sunday Naam Yoga & Divine Spiritual Wisdom:  Join us for a transformational Naam Yoga class followed by a Universal Kabbalah Class.  This class will be focused on relationships and love.  Whether you have been or are currently married or dating, or if you are single, this class will help you understand the dynamics of personal relationships and why you have different vibrations with different people.  This class is for everyone as we are all interacting with one another on a daily basis.  It is with wisdom that we gain compassion and understanding for each other and ourselves.  

 

 

Cost: For Saturday OR Sunday (1 Day Pass) = $21 pre-registered
                                                                      $25 day of
 
        For both Saturday & Sunday (2 Day Pass) = $30 pre-registered
                                                                          $34 day of
 
Lodging: Stay at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center
 
         Camping for 1 night: $25
         Ridge Cottage (2 people) 1 night: $55
         Apartment (2-6 people) 1 night: $65-$75
 
   You always have the option to camp in the National Park.  There are a few local hotels nearby as well. 

 

   To PRE-REGISTER for the 3-Day Retreat:  Please respond to this 
 email, or call Joshua & Lemia at (949) 370-9904

We look forward to this magical experience!
WAHE GURU!

Chianti Pot Roast with Glazed Parsnips and Carrots

Chianti_potroast

Chianti Pot Roast with Glazed Parsnips and Carrots


Last weekend I made pot roast braised in Chianti and served it with glazed parsnips and carrots as well as some mashed potatoes. I’m sure I’ve had parsnips before, but I couldn’t recall the experience. I loved the texture, the flavor, pretty much the whole package. I actually ended up making parsnip soup a few days later as well. Recipe to follow soon!

The pot roast was perfect for a cold fall/winter day. I braised the meat for three hours and it was perfectly fork-tender and super flavorful. I found the recipe in Molly Stevens book “All About Braising: The Art of Uncomplicated Cooking“. This is the 2nd or 3rd recipe I have cooked out of this book and I’ve liked them all.

Chianti Pot Roast with Glazed Parsnips and Carrots - serves 6 to 8

  • 3 1/2 lb boneless beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
  • 1 cup Chianti or other dry red wine
  • 1 cup beef or chicken stock
  • 3 large 3-4″ sprigs fresh sage
  • 2 to 3 sprigs fresh Italian parsley
  • 8-10 black peppercorns
  • Parchment Paper

Glazed Parsnips and Carrots – serves 6 to 8

  • 1½ pounds small to medium carrots, peeled, or ¾ pound each carrots or parsnips, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup braising liquid from braised beef
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy 5-quart pot over medium heat. Add beef and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, about 18 minutes. Remove beef and set aside on a large plate to catch juices. Remove charred bits with a damp paper towel.

Return pot to medium-high heat and add onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until just starting to brown, about five minutes. Pour in wine and scrape bottom with a wooden spoon to release caramelized juices. Boil to reduce by about a third, about six minutes. Add broth, return to boil and cook until reduced by about a third, another five minutes. Return meat to pot and add sage, parsley and peppercorns. Cover with a piece of parchment paper, pressing down so it nearly touches the meat and the edges of the paper overhang the pot by about an inch. Set lid in place.

Transfer pot to rack set in lower third of oven and braise at a gentle simmer. After 15 minutes check that the liquid isn’t simmering too vigorously. Lower heat by 10 to 15 degrees if it is. Turn roast once halfway through braising, total time of about 3 hours or until fork tender. (Be careful when opening lid to turn meat — the steam is very hot.)

While the beef is cooking, cut carrots and parsnips into sticks by first cutting crosswise in half. Cut thicker tops lengthwise into quarters and thinner tips in half, then cut into sticks about three inches by ½ inch. Set aside.

Remove pot from oven. Lift beef out with tongs, set on a carving surface and cover loosely with foil. Strain cooking liquid into a saucepan, pressing down on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Let braising liquid settle for a few minutes, then spoon off fat with a large spoon. Reserve ½ cup braising liquid for vegetables.

Heat oil and butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add vegetables and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly glazed and browned in spots. Add reserved ½ cup braising liquid. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered six to eight minutes or until tender but not mushy. Uncover and bring back to a boil. Add vinegar, sugar, sage and parsley. Cook about one minute or until liquid is reduced to a glaze.

Heat remaining reserved cooking liquid over medium-high heat and boil for a couple of minutes to concentrate their flavor. (The juices will not be thick.) Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Cut strings from roast and cut meat across the grain into thick slices. Serve with vegetables and juices on the side.


JuryA defendant was on trial for murder.  There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse.  In the defence’s closing statement, the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick.
 
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,” the lawyer said as he looked at his watch.
“Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom.” He looked toward the courtroom door.  The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly.
 
A minute passed.  Nothing happened.
 
Finally the lawyer said, “Actually, I made up the previous statement.  But you all looked on with anticipation.  I, therefore, put it to you that you have a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed, and I insist that you return a verdict of not guilty.”

The jury retired to deliberate.
 
A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty.
 
“But how?” inquired the lawyer.  “You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door.”
 
The jury foreman replied:”Yes, we did look, but your client didn’t.”