Eric McGowan

Merry Christmas to all first and foremost.

2008 has been a trying year for our country. May God bless us and guide us into the New Year.

My 2008 Christmas Wish

I have several actually, snow would be great.

However, as one knows in Alabama snow is a rarity. Only with unknown exceptions does it make an appearance.

My first wish is for unconditional joy, harmony, and peace of mind for everyone today. We have so much to be thankful for. Reach out and say "I need help" if you need it. While sharing with friends and family please embrace today as it will not be back tomorrow.

Joy--a state of happiness or felicity

My second wish if for sustenance. I wish for all of our basic needs to be met. This means now, and throughout 2009. I pray that food is on our tables, our bills are paid, and we are able to sleep at night.

My puppy, Ginger, has been under the weather a bit the last few days. I have had to keep an eye on her and watch more closely what she eats as she gets into everything. Luckily, she felt better this morning and I think she knew it was Christmas too. She rested with her belly out and chin towards me in my lap for about thirty minutes. She wanted attention today and gave me some too. Of course, it helped that she got a new bacon flavored dog bone and goodies to go with it.

Image above complements of www.flickr.com

Definitions complements of www.dictionary.com

News Flash...Looks like it is going to be a bumpier ride complicating home values even more.

If you believe all that we are hearing--Be ready to "Get out your cans."

Are you ready to hold out your tin can?

Reading articles one can hardly wonder what 2009 will be like, let alone the years to come. Due to the state of the economy now conforming mortgages are also becoming delinquent. It is now reported that these loans have become a new player in the mortgage mess. (cnnmoney.com)

The number of prime loans past due also increased to 4.34%, up 1.22% from a year ago.

With this in mind, our leaders have only just announced that we are in a recession. It took too long to recognize the troubles we are facing. Jay Brinkman, MBA' chief economist made the following statement:

"It's clear the mortgage market is being driven by fundamental issues with jobs and the economy."

Without steady infrastructure we have nothing.

Automakers are failing.

Banks are failing.

Jobs are being lost.

We need help but are we going to have to hold out tin cans to do it?

Keep this in mind as Mr. Brinkman gives his point about previous recessions.

"We have not gone into past recessions with the housing market as weak as it is now, so it is likely that a much higher percentage of delinquencies caused by job losses will go to foreclosure than we have seen in the past."(Jay Brinkman, MBA's chief economist).

For all of us I hope that the economy starts to turn. We are losing value in many areas as we speak. Even skilled workers cannot find work.

*See the full article that I have referenced at http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/05/news/economy/mortgage_delinquencies/index.htm?postversion=2008120515

*image complements of www.flickr.com

This is yet another quick recipe to use this holiday season.

My mother picked this up working for a neighbor many years ago.

1 loaf french bread

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream (can be light)

1 small onion chopped or either 1/2 bottle of chopped dried onion

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp parsley

1 large can of meat of your choice (ham, chicken, or turkey). I prefer ham or chicken.

1 pack of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Black olives (optional)

Butter or vegetable spread

Mix mayo, onion, sour cream, and other dried ingredients, and meat in large mixing bowl. Split the french bread lengthwise into halves. Spread butter over each bread half. Pour mixture evenly over each half. Sprinkle cheese over top and olives if desired. Place on cookie or baking sheet. Place in oven and let "toast" but not burn. Take out of oven and split into strips.

• Mixture works best to mix and then seal and refrigerate overnight to "season".
• Small strips of baked ham or either grilled/baked chicken work well too (depends on your preferences)

A couple of days ago I got tagged to do this but I have been under the weather a bit and not up to blogging nor anything for that matter.

So here you go Danny Thornton.

1) I hate to stay up late. When I was younger I could go with very little sleep and for years would get by on about 5 hours of sleep. Now though, if it is 10 o'clock I am likely to be in the bed and asleep already.

2) I hate small spaces. Yes, I am a bit claustrophobic.

3) I love home improvement projects. I like to see what I can do and save myself money without paying someone else to do it. I have done tile work, put up crown molding, leveled floors, venetian plaster, and the list continues.

4) I cannot stand beer nor most alcohol for that matter. I will drink occasionally but it is very rare that I do and only a very few products.

5) Seafood and Turkey are no no's for me. I am allergic to both and cannot even stand the smell at times.

6) I was quite shy in school. Nowadays, especially once I get accustomed to someone I cannot shut up. A bit of a social animal in smaller to medium circles though. I guess this explains why I love working with people.

I ate this crow and let's hope no one else has too. Have a great evening.

An odd combination but well worth the wait. Green Beans rolled up in seared bacon-yum.

This has been a hit and can be quite versatile during the holidays or company gatherings.

GREEN BEAN ROLL-UPS

1 Can Green Beans

1 16 oz package bacon

1 small bottle french dressing

Open green beans and drain. Next open bacon package and split strips down the center. Take a half strip of bacon and roll up 3-5 green beans into that strip. Then take a toothpick and slide it through. Place each roll-up into a casserole dish. Bake at 350 to 375 degrees (depends on the oven) until the bacon starts to sear on the edges. Remove and drizzle french dressing over the top. Place back into the oven and let this candy a spell. Keep an eye to avoid burning.

These make great finger food.