Monday morning ramblings
japra | Nov 17, 2008 | Comments 12
We spent Saturday evening at Roxi’s school enjoying the IB Drama presentation of “Lend Me a Tenor,” a hilarious play by Ken Ludwig. The IB kids were great–very mature. Some of the cast had to sing operatically, some had to put on Italian accents (hilariously well, I might add), and some had to act years older, if you catch my drift, nudge-nudge, wink-wink. If you’ve never seen “Lend Me a Tenor” and it is showing in your area, be sure to catch it!
I didn’t cook very much this weekend because I’m busy with a couple of projects, but I did make a Cowboy Christmas Breakfast. I was lazy and just mixed up all the wet ingredients (only used 10 eggs), crumbled up the bread into it, and mixed in the sausage, a sauteed onion, a grilled yellow pepper… well I guess I changed the recipe quite a bit! I should also say that I think a tin of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) and/or a bit of spinach (sauteed and squeezed) would be a very nice addition.
Speaking of food, I’ve been thinking about our Thanksgiving meal as well, and I’m getting closer to finalizing our menu. Sadly, neither Roxi nor Mr. DJ gets the day off. Still, I think it’s important to celebrate this American holiday.
Another thing we’ll be doing Thanksgiving weekend is putting up our Christmas tree. Even though we’ll be spending most of the Christmas break “back home” in Texas, Mr. DJ and I thought it important that we have our own family tree trimming. Last year, we were in the midst of packing up our house in the Shire and getting ready to move to this house closer to school. Our former leasing company was trying to show the house to prospective tenants, so things were just too crazy to even think of doing a proper Christmas. However, this year, we are definitely more settled–so, a tree it is! But now the question is: what did I do with our very few decorations and Christmas stockings? I haven’t seen them in more than a year…
Thursday is the school’s band concert. I am eager to hear Roxi’s 8th grade Jazz band. She says they are pretty good–that’s something coming from her. And oh! We finally got the first quarter grade report–straight A’s! Well, one A- in Advanced French, but that’s still an A to me. Don’t know how the girl does it. She’s taking 10th grade math (math brain from her father) and can juggle daily extra curricular activities (okay, she gets that from me). She really is blooming here in England. For those of you pondering an overseas assignment, please know that many kids do have it in them to succeed at an international school. Though to be completely honest, I do know a very, very small handful who would rather be back in the States. Most of the kids at Roxi’s school love it and are very sorry to leave when the time comes.
Weather today: temps hovering around high 40s-low 50s, but it’s damp so it feels colder to me. Sunrise at 7:22 AM, sunset at 4:10 PM. Boo!
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
My American daughter always celebrates Thanksgiving in London – with a turkey from Borough market and as many of the trimmings as she can get hold of.
You sound to be keeping pretty busy in cold England.
I’m glad you will have Christmas with family.
Busy, busy, busy!!!!
Oh! I thought Roxi was at an American school but she’s at an International school? Pity they don’t get Thanksgiving off…
Scrumptious! That breakfast calls to me.
Have a lovely thanksgiving and a great Texan Christmas.
Schools here are rather like eggs, sometimes they are not what they are cracked up to be and others will sustain you for life. [not a great analogy but couldn't come up with a better one]
Elizabeth–I like the idea of others celebrating Thanksgiving in England. It makes it seem more homey.
Laurie–It’s best!
Emm–No, you are right. Roxi goes to an American school, but lots of other nationalities there too. It is a pity they don’t get next Thursday off, though. You know, keeping in the spirit of things.
Moanie–I had a bit of the cowboy casserole for lunch today and it was very good still. I am thinking of popping the rest in the freezer for future solo meals. Thank you for your well wishes :-)
So glad you’ll be putting a Christmas tree this year. This season just isn’t the same without one.
Sad about no one getting off Thanksgiving. The older I get, the more I love that holiday. Not because of the food either, but because of what the holiday stands for. How wonderful to have a day to just express thanks for your blessings.
Roxi sounds like such an awesome girl! You guys must be such great parents to have her be so amazing.
looks like Roxi got the best of both parents. Maybe Mr DJ can extend his contract!
I am having a Thanksgiving crisis because I can’t find canned pumpkin anywhere!! I’ve tried four grocery stores so far. I will be interested to hear your final menu, as I am already fretting about our pre-Christmas feast with Sigmund’s family.
What did you think about the Cowboy Casserole? It sounds like a good make-ahead dish for weekend guest.
Well-done, Roxi! She’s such a great girl.
Alyson–I just found out that Thanksgiving is my husband’s favourite holiday. After all these years, I can still learn something new about that man. So yeah, it’s sad that he and Roxi don’t get the day off. But they do get a three day weekend (well, he’s taking a day off), so we’ll have that at least.
Christine–I know Roxi would love that!
Bee–Oh no! Do you want me to mail you one of my tins of pumpkin? Seriously, if you need one, it’s yours! As for the casserole, it was very good. I like how it was more quiche like with the bread crumbles. Also, I am not sure what the thing looks like with two dozen (!) eggs. I used 10 and it poofed up rather large. I would make it again, especially if I had a big group to feed.
Miss Roxi IS an awesome girl, and she DOES have fabulous parents. Hurray for Thanksgiving feasts (and God’s blessings) and for Christmas in December (and our hearts all year). Perhaps Bee could try steaming some acorn squash if she cannot get the pumpkin puree. xoxMimsy
Mimsy–XOX :-) BTW, I was thinking about using fresh pumpkin for my soup this year, if I can find it. Do you prefer steaming to roasting?
To me, roasting in the oven is similar to steaming for a squash, unless you let it get a bit charred or caramelized effect. Flesh up will get toasty; skin up will be steamed. Of course, it could be steamed in a pot with a little water. (I use some chicken stock or bouillon with my sweet potatoes.) If she is using it for a soup or an entree, then roasting seems better. If she is going to use it in a pie, then steaming makes more sense to me. Mimsy