Turko de Mayo XII

It's getting close that favorite holiday of mine, Turko de Mayo.  It's observed in May and it's been on my mind.  Because of that, I realized I hadn't posted anything about a few earlier versions.  So, to rectify that error, here is Turko de Mayo XII, which I celebrated on May 25th, 2021.  Here is what the turkey looked like that year:

I live alone, so I usually only cook a smaller turkey; it's more than enough for me.  Once everything was prepared and ready to eat, I positioned everything around my dining room table for the proverbial "money shot."  Here are all the items I had:  Turkey, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, green beans with smoked sausage, stuffing, cranberry sauce and homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls.  Plus fresh pumpkin pie for dessert.  Doesn't it all look yummy?

Of course, a plate will only hold so much, so here is what I chose for my first serving.  A little of this and a little of that:

I think that I may have mentioned before that this combination of foods is my favorite meal of all.  That's why I fix it twice a year; for Turko de Mayo and Thanksgiving - which is what it actually is.

Nineteenth Annual Ten Commandments Post

For this year's Ten Commandments post, I thought I would highlight a certain scene from the movie that has a significance for people even to this day.  The night before the Israelites were to leave Egypt, they were instructed to paint lamb's blood around their door.  In this way, God would "pass over" their house and not inflict the final plague decreed by the Pharaoh; that each firstborn should die.  And on that night, they had one last meal before they left.  This has become known as Passover.  Here is the scene from the movie where they were celebrating this Passover meal:

 

The Passover meal is celebrated to this day.  My church, even though we're Southern Baptists, celebrate it at our church as well.  Here are some pictures that show what it is like.  These pictures were taken in 2022 when we still had our pastor as pictured below.  He led the ceremony.  In this first picture, he is talking about the unleavened bread, which had to be prepared without yeast because of the haste needed:

Here is what we used for the unleavened bread, it was like an unsalted cracker:

 

At this point, a drop of wine, or in our case, grape juice, is used to represent the ten plagues:

We dip the end of our finger in the wine and put a drop on a napkin to signify each plague:

Some of the foods the Israelites must have eaten will have included some of these items.  Dates, prunes, olives, grapes, eggs, lamb meat and possibly two different soups:  Matzah Ball soup and Lentil soup:

 

A closeup of the Matzah Ball soup.  The Matzah balls are made of matzah meal, eggs and fat and served in a flavored chicken broth:

 

               

 

So, that is the typical Passover meal.  I celebrated it at my church this past Wednesday evening.  Of course, during my annual viewing of The Ten Commandments movie this Sunday night, my personal tradition for Easter has been a meal of ham and Baby Swiss cheese on rye bread, mashed potatoes and stuffing or a vegetable of some kind.  Something like this:

 

Enjoy the dinner and the movie!

Turko de Mayo XI

The titles of these Turko de Mayo celebrations are starting to feel like a Superbowl or the name of a Chicago album!  Anyhow,  This year's meal took place on May 31st, 2020 and I invited a friend over to enjoy the food with me.  As you can see from the image below, the same foods were represented and a good time was had by both of us, plus we got to reminisce with the past.  If you haven't cooked a turkey in May, I'm telling you - you don't know what you're missing!

Here's my table topped with the variety of goodies I cooked.  Taken with my second Minolta X-370 35mm camera.

Turko de Mayo X

As promised, here is a picture of the meal I fixed for Turko de Mayo X, held on May 28th, 2019.  It was the tenth anniversary of the first Turko de Mayo.  I hope it doesn't make you too hungry to look at it:

Turko de Mayo - 10th Anniversary

Back in 2010, I came up with an idea where you could have the foods that are traditionally served at Thanksgiving more than once a year.  Being as Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite meal, this was important to me.  So I came up with a brainstorm to have this meal in May, that way, it would be six months in between Thanksgiving, which is celebrated in November, and in that way it would always be only half a year until the next turkey dinner.  I dubbed this holiday "Turko de Mayo."  The beauty of this holiday is that you can observe it any day in May that fits your schedule!  Here are some pictures from various Turko de Mayos I have celebrated.  If these images don't make your mouth water for turkey, I don't know what will!

The first Turko de Mayo, May 7th, 2010:

The second edition of Turko de Mayo, held on May 31st, 2011:

I couldn't find pictures of the third one, but here's the bird of Turko de Mayo IV, from May 29th, 2013:

All the fixin's from Turko de Mayo V, May 30th, 2014:

A closeup of that succulent bird, from May 29th, 2015:

 

And that same turkey taken on black and white film:

Everything I served for Turko de Mayo VII, held on May 30th, 2016:

A nice, big plump turkey from May 31st, 2017:

Last year's edition of Turko de Mayo, number IX, held on May 29th, 2018:

When Turko de Mayo X is over, I'll be sure to post some images from it.

Turko de Mayo V

Once again, I will be celebrating Turko de Mayo, which turned out to be on May 30th, 2014.  Last night, I got my turkey out to start thawing:

What is "Turko de Mayo," you ask?  Well, it's a relatively new holiday that dates back to 5 or 6 years ago when I first celebrated it.  In fact, I created the holiday myself!  A little back story on how it began:  Each year, my favorite meal is Thanksgiving dinner.  The combination of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce and all the usual things that go with a traditional Thanksgiving meal just seem to work really well together.  The only problem is - most people only cook a meal like that once a year.  If it's your favorite, you only get to eat it once a year, in late November.  I liked it so much, I created Turko de Mayo so that I could have that same meal twice a year.  Now, each May, I whip out a meal just like on Thanksgiving and enjoy it with whomever I happen to invite over.  All the leftovers never go to waste, either, because I'll make turkey soup out of what's left and it will all get eaten.  And the beauty of Turko de Mayo is that you can celebrate it on any day in May you want to - whatever suits your schedule the best!

So, Happy Turko de Mayo day!

Here's what I served with that succulent turkey:

I Got Energetic Today

I wanted to use some of the blackberries out of my freezer so I'd have room to put in more later on in the year when they're ready again.  Therefore, I decided to make a blackberry cobbler this morning.  I tried a different recipe than the regular one I use because I was in the mood for something a little different.  Fortunately, I bought some vanilla ice cream yesterday and that always tops off fresh, hot cobbler just out of the oven.  And yes, it turned out good - it was delicious.

Farmer In The Dell Follow-Up

Although my tomatoes or peppers aren't ready yet, they are starting to produce nicely!  But, my apples have reached the harvesting point and from some of them, I made some homemade apple cider last week.  It was very tasty, too.

The Farmer In The Dell

Since my Father has passed away, this has been the first year that the family garden was my lone responsibility.  I'd always helped with the garden, mostly in the planting or harvesting, but never really paid attention to the basic principles behind growing things.  This year, I started small, with just a few different types of plants.  Along with the strawberry beds and the blackberry bushes that my Father and I had put in a couple years back, and the apple trees that were here when they purchased the property, I started simple by only trying to grow some tomatoes and peppers.  I've tried to keep my eye on everything and by doing so, at least nothing died because of slip-ups from me.

So, here are some of the things that have been growing in my backyard garden that have been tended with my untrained hand.  Maybe with time, I'll learn what I'm doing!

 This was only the second year after my Father and I put in the strawberry beds, but they produced about a couple gallons worth of berries.  Here's one of the first ones in it's early stages.

 Here is the first batch I picked once they had ripened.  I had plans for these babies!

 And here's what I made with those berries - a Strawberry Pound Cake.

 This was also the second year for the blackberry plants that my Father and I planted.  They produced a few last year, but this year, I got about 2 or 3 gallons.

 Here's one of the gallon-sized freezer bags I put up to save for later.

 When there was enough berries that had ripened to make something with, I made a couple Blackberry Tarts.

And what fresh pastry right out of the oven doesn't taste even better with a dollop of ice cream melted on top?

This year, I sprayed oil on the apples so that they would be free from insect bits.  I really wanted to maximize the usable amount they produced because after all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and I love fresh apples.  They're getting close to being ready to pick.  A small one had fallen off the tree within the last day or two, so I brought it in this morning, washed it and tasted it.  It had just that right amount of sweetness indicating it was ready.

I planted two kinds of peppers, Bell Peppers and Jalapeno Peppers and this is one of the young Jalapenos still growing.  It's been hot this summer, but these hot peppers seem to like the heat and they're doing real well.

And, lastly, I planted two different kinds of Tomatoes and here are some that are really putting on the blooms.  I can't wait for the fresh tomatoes to start appearing so I can have some for sandwiches and salads.

Steakhouse

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit Logan's Roadhouse once again. The main reason I like to go back is that their steaks are always tender; they can almost be cut with a fork! When you walk in the place to get seated, the first thing you notice is all the peanut shells all over the floor. They provide each table with a mini-bucket full of peanuts and it's customary to crack them open and throw the empty shells on the floor. Most people love the chance to be messy out in public, hence the fact that every time a server comes near your table, you hear the floor start to crunch as they walk past. Sort of like a radar signal alerting you to their approach. I'll admit that I don't follow the tradition. I feel that I don't throw trash on my floor at home and I'm certainly not going to do it somebody else's place. It doesn't seem sanitary. The young couple across the aisle from me had two kids and they were all eating the peanuts and tossing the shells. I noticed the young mother doing it and every time the waiter came crunching by, gave her a stern look. I think she got my meaning after awhile. I hated to be that way, but it was quite annoying to hear and hard to enjoy my meal with all the noise.

After you've made your order, but before it's served, they bring out their famous sweet rolls for you to munch on. I'll spread mine with a generous dollop of butter and it's hard to stop eating them. But, knowing that my main order is coming soon, I pull myself away.

This time, I tried their house steak, "The Logan." On the menu, they tout it as being their best steak, and I'll have to admit, it was very good.

Cooked to perfection, medium-rare as I requested, it was placed in front of me with the macaroni and cheese still sizzling in it's dish. It's hard to know just where to start when a sight like this greets you, but I grabbed a knife and fork and cut my steak up for a quick mouthful. I had waited quite long enough already for the taste of sirloin. I consider myself a carnivore and love meat and potatoes over desserts. Before long, my meal was finished and it was time to go. I'll have to get back there soon.

If you're ever driving down the road around lunchtime and come upon a restaurant that looks like this, stop in. I don't think you'll be disappointed with whatever you order. I'd suggest a steak, though, over the other items they feature on their menu. Bon appetit!

You Heard It Here First!

In my June 1st, 2010 post located here, I wrote about Direct Deposit and how someday it might become the only method the government uses to pay it's citizens. How prophetic was that? Tomorrow, June 14th, 2010, the Obama administration will announce that all payments from the government will now be made to consumers electronically, i.e. "Direct Deposit." I knew it would be here eventually, but never suspected that it would come this soon. But, then, Barack Obama is on an agenda which seems to be time-sensitive, so everything is happening fast these days.

American citizens receiving payments for Social Security, unemployment insurance, veteran's benefits, IRS tax refunds, railroad retirement and government benefits will now find the money automatically deposited into their personal bank accounts. It's just like I predicted - call me clairvoyant!

Why the shift to direct deposits? According to ABC News sources, for two reasons. One, it will be easier and faster for consumers to get paid and, two, it will save taxpayers money – an estimated $303 million over the first five years and about $120 million each year after that. Do you think your taxes are likely to go down because of this maneuver? Me neither.

The article from ABC went on to say: For instance, despite repeated attempts to get recipients to convert to electronic payments, the Treasury Department still mails out more than 136 million benefit checks each year. I suppose that many checks per year means that a lot of people didn't want Direct Deposit; count me among those people. But, after all, it is America - where we have the freedom to choose which method we want. Right....? Freedom? Guess again.

Now, as part of President Obama's effort to eliminate waste and modernize government for taxpayers, that will change with Monday's announcement of a complete shift to direct deposits. Obama is changing a lot of things; and he's doing it quicker than anybody before him ever did. Oh, sure - the "Obama administration" will make it sound like they're only doing it for good reasons to help the American people, but don't let it fool you. It's his ulterior motives that have brought about the announcement and change.

"[The] announcement is a win-win for the American public because it makes government more convenient and cost-effective while generating significant savings for the country," said Office of Management and Budget director Peter Orszag. "This is precisely the type of smart, streamlined improvement that this administration is committed to making across government to boost efficiency and modernize how we do business."

That's a bunch of hogwash. What he plans on doing is eliminating the Post Office. Think about it for just a moment. If your telephone doesn't work and the internet goes down, (guess who controls the internet - the government.), just how will you communicate with loved ones or convey information from one part of the country to the other if you can't mail a letter? The ability to mail letters is one of our basic freedoms, don't let them legislate it away as simple "economizing measures."

Wake up, America! Before it's too late. If the "Obama administration" succeeds with their plans, (and who is really doing anything to stop them?), there won't be an election this November. This country, as you and I know it, will not be functioning in the way it used to. It simply won't be the United States of America any longer. Maybe in name only.

Do you want your family and loved ones to survive the coming "fundamental transformation?" You'd better start stocking up on foods that won't need refrigeration. Don't be caught without a way to feed your starving family - you owe them that much.

First Time At Mimmo's Pizza

Mimmo's Pizza is located in my hometown of Norris City, Illinois, right on Division Street. They've been open for about a year now, but I hadn't heard about them until recently. And, loving pizza like I do, it was naturally only a matter of time until I paid them a visit.

It was just before the evening dinner rush as we made our way into the cozy little restaurant. I was treating my dad out that night, so we got their early to get a good seat and enjoy the air conditioning. I'd seen their front window before, but had never been inside. And yes, I do have their delivery number memorized!

Once we were seated inside, I began to look around at the place. They had a small salad bar that I'm sure would be well-stocked during lunchtime.

The decor was nice and what you'd usually expect to find in an Italian restaurant here in the midwest of the United States. Nice, solid chairs and tables, (although our table wobbled just a little bit), and prints emblazoned with scenes of Italy, clowns and pizza chefs.

Of course the only fixture in the place I was really interested in, was the pizza oven; which I could see through the window behind the front counter. The guy rolling the dough and making the pizzas was smooth in his work and knew exactly what he was doing. I've made lots of pizzas in my days and even worked at a couple pizza parlors, so I can recognize experience when I see it.

Soon the waitress brought our orders. My father had ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, but I wanted pizza. (What else!?) So, she placed the hot pan on the table first and then brought out his spaghetti. I noticed it had some large meatballs and looked very tasty. I ordered a thin crust sausage and mushroom pizza, so I only had eyes for the pie.

Here are a couple of luscious-looking slices on my plate. They're not the first slices I took, I forgot to get a picture of those, but these are some right after I'd had a few pieces and burned the roof of my mouth. That always happens because I can't wait for it to cool properly. When the waitress had first taken our order I found out that Mimmo's only served Pepsi products. What's up with that? It seems like every pizza parlor always has Pepsi instead of Coca Cola, which is my favorite cola. It must be a conspiracy. I don't know, maybe I'll have to contact the F.B.I. to look into it. I'm certain they'll get right on it.
Now, I don't go out to eat that often, (you'd hardly know that if you're a regular reader of Photo Journey and have seen all the other restaurant critiques I've posted), so I had the brilliant idea to order a bigger pizza so that there would be some left to take home and snack on later or tomorrow. The large pizza was $10 something, but they had three larger sizes as well. The largest one, a 20" pie was only $3 more, so I figured it was a good deal. 20" was written in the same font as all the other sizes, so it didn't mean that much to me. All I was thinking was that I was about to have pizza.
Well, when the waitress laid it down on our table, I looked at it and it was huge! It took up nearly half of the tabletop! I don't think I've seen a pizza this big in 30 years:

I started eating and it was aromatic and very tasty. I can highly recommend Mimmo's if you're in the mood for pizza, pasta or subs. They offer all three. But, you know what I'll be having next time. Count on it. We finished eating about the time the place started filling up with the evening dinner crowd. We saw several people we knew, so it must be quite the popular place already. I hope everybody keeps going there and that they do a lot of local business. That will insure that Mimmo's will stay open for a long time to come. Seeing as how I live only four blocks from them, I'm sure I'll be calling their delivery service soon. We boxed up our leftovers and walked outside. Of course, I had to take one last look before saying goodbye. Be sure to look for this sign if you're ever through these parts:

One great thing about going out for pizza is that there is usually some left to box up and take home for later. Seeing as how I had ordered Pizza-zilla, there was plenty left. So, I'll be eating on this baby for awhile. One of the greatest sights mankind can ever know: