#SoulFood Morning

 Soul Food. Yes, it truly is good for the soul. Comfort. Family.

I've been on a Southern Dish kick lately and my poor family is enjoying the new recipes they are tasting. Today was a simple but hearty breakfast Grandma would have been proud of.

Grits slow cooked on the stove. I added half & half for a creamy texture then tossed in a bit of shredded cheddar. (Here's a simple grits recipe.)

While the grits simmered, I used up some leftover roasted veggies to make an omelet. Gram's logic of bacon fat makes everything better, I placed a dollop of bacon fat in small cast iron pan before adding the veggies & eggs. The fat browned nicely, adding a smoky flavor.

For serving, I scooped some of the cheesy grits into a bowl. Chopped up the omelet and placed it on top of the grits. 

Oh, yeah!

I left for work with a happy feeling deep in my soul. Thanks, Gram!

Memorial Day 2020 - Heartbreak or Love?

I know many people are planting gardens or enjoying small gatherings, but there really isn't anything romantic about this holiday. It's more about heartbreak...or maybe not.

 Memorial Day is a day to remember those who served this country and died while serving. My family is lucky in the fact that since the Revolutionary War, my ancestors came back from every war they fought in. (Otherwise, I wouldn't be here. Right?)

However, there have been some great uncles and friends of the family who didn't come back from war. Men and women who were loved by others and then gone in an instant.

It's important to teach the younger generations about the price of war.

The heartbreak and the love.

State and Local Communities have war memorials, 

check with your Chamber of Commerce to find out what is closest to you.

Whenever, my family travels to Washington DC, 

we make a point of showing respect and visiting the war memorials.  

These men are still loved by those who they served with.
Photo credit: M. Quast 8/2016

I would like to take a pause and say a prayer of thanks to all who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

A red carnation represents Pure Love.
Photo credit: M. Quast 8/2016

I know 2020 is probably going to go down as one of the worst years ever... but at least we have it. 

They don't.

My youngest son, Nathan, reading names on the wall.
Photo credit: M. Quast 8/2016

Think of the kind of love one would have to sacrifice his/her life for the ideals of our country.

It's love, people...true patriotism is based on LOVE.

The Trinity of a Soldier - God, Family, Country

Stay safe my fellow Americans.