Murraytalk

I don't have a lot of great childhood memories, but food is one memory that has stuck with me. My father loved to cook and share his food. I now know that food was his love language - it's a love language that speaks to all five senses. I think I inherited a little of it because I am a food pusher. Alright, I'll be honest - food is my love language. I love to cook it, share it, and eat it - I love food! Anyway, he use to make this dish that he called Geechi Pie that was to die for. I've been craving it for approximately 30 years, and have asked every black woman that I meet that is over the age of 70 how to make it. Thus far I haven't found the right woman with the recipe that I'm seeking. So yesterday I decided to try and recreate it simply from memory of taste and looks. What it is basically is a beef pie with Mexican spices. I remember the broth being natural juices, but I decided to flour and sear my meat before I threw it in the crock ( he didn...

My friend Mary Lou posted this video on Facebook. It reminded me of how I feel right now longing for solid food. It was too cute not to share...Enjoy! Thanks MaryLou! Happy Sunday...Peace, love & hugs!

I've been a liquid diet for approximately two weeks now due to some dental work. Naturally since I can't eat certain foods I want them. But I know that I need to be obedient or I might do some damage which could prolong the treatment. It made me think of our obedience with God. We know the things that aren't pleasing to Him, yet at times we don't see the big deal in swaying just a bit. There will always be temptation in our life. If I saw a taco right now I would probably be tempted to mash it up so I could have a taste, but that's just my temptation being tested. I've always been a what's the worst case scenario person, so I know I wouldn't eat the taco, but let's be real - it's hard to resist temptation at times. We need to learn to listen to our heart and do what we know is right during these times. We're always going to be tested - typically with temptation we think it's going to make us happier, but once we acquire it , that...

Chipped nails, sore thumbs, and a mess is what I've accomplished so far today. I stayed up late last night trying to get my house back in order after painting on Sunday - woke up early to finish and I still have a mess, I use to love decorating but after the past two days I can officially say I hate it! Nothing is flowing from room to room like it should - hating the pink couch and pretty much everything else I own. But I did find a picture last night with my wall color that has yellow, pink, and purple accents, so there is hope for me and the pink furniture - I'm just tired of messing with it. I think this is the time when I offer my decorator friends wine and food so they can help me put my house back together. Back to work! Love your Tuesday!

We took Brad and Allie to Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale for dinner. It opened its doors in 1958 and is decorated with one of my favorite colors, PINK! Allie and I decided we want a pink room filled with pink decor - with my pink couch and chair I'm on my way. The menu is mainly ice cream...shakes, floats and sundaes with  sandwiches such as BLT, burgers, turkey and tuna. They also have a light menu section with fruit and jello plates. What restaurant serves jello - love it! You will also find through out the restaurant Family Circus by Bill Keane of Paradise Valley, AZ on their menu and in frames hung on the walls and placed on shelves. We all had a good time - the ambiance was family fun. After eating too much food we headed over to Scottsdale Lanes to bowl - which we decided none of us should try to be on a bowling league, but we had a blast! Two hours later - I had a swollen thumb from it being jammed giving a high 5, the kids cell ...

I was in Tucson Friday and Saturday for my father in laws service. It was a weekend of reuniting with family and friends as we shared stories and said our goodbyes to Thomas D. Murray. We all gathered at the house on Friday after the Rosary and had his famous vodka and sprite with a twist of lime. My niece made him a glass and set it by his urn which we placed by the desserts. It was an evening of food and laughter  - I believe that was just what he wanted.  Later in the evening the guys pulled out his set of poker chips and cards and played poker while others looked through his scrapbook and reflected on his life. Some gathered down stairs and shot pool - the kids played outside with his paddle ball invention that he made years ago. In fact, he even made the paddle. It amazing how creative he was. Teri (my sister in law) shared with me that he made the swim blocks when they were young and on the swim team - he also made his own ab roller out of a lawn mower whe...

We had a morning at the water park yesterday. I'm extremely happy that someone figured out that kids want to play at the park regardless if it's 115 degrees - adding water to play in makes it bearable. My friend Arlene met me at the park with her grandson. The park has done an excellent job of placing tables in front of the play area with nice shade trees surrounding. We were able to sit and talk and have a close eye on the kids as they ran from the water area to the slide on the playground. It was a nice little break for us...the ups and downs of my father in law tend to rest heavy on my heart - it's nice to switch my thoughts for a little while. Update: Yesterday he was non - responsive most of the day so the care facility decided it wasn't a good idea to bring him home because he now requires 24 hour care. He was agitated most of the day when he was checked in the facility so they gave him a sedative. After that he became non - responsive, ended up going...

I hope you all had a safe and happy 4th! We had all the kids and grandkids over and I made the turkey burgers that I posted - I liked them, but two of my kids said they tasted like meatloaf, and my grandson( the food critic/ blogger) said he doesn't like turkey burgers - I'd make them again! I also made a sugar cookie that I frosted with a cream cheese/powder sugar mixture and garnished with fresh fruit.... the kids had seconds and thirds so it was definitely a hit. It was a day of playing in the pool, eating, and catching up... good times! Sugar Cookie Frosting... Don't turn to talk with the mixer on The Cookie! Fun in the pool

                     Yesterday was a day of food, kids, and yes, The Almighty Water Slide!  It was a birthday party for my niece and I think everyone had a good time. The kids all played together well, the food was good, the adults were able to catch up and no injuries. Okay, on to my next subject. Joan Rivers says you should have 4 topics to be able to discuss at a dinner party. Well, it wasn't a dinner party but six of us were sitting around talking last night when Gloria Vanderbilt's name came up. I was thinking, now this is a subject I know... my daughter says, "Who is she?" Perfect I'm thinking, so I say, "She's a socialite and fashion designer known for her designer jeans, and the mother of Anderson Cooper." "What? I didn't know that, really Anderson Cooper?" is the chatter around the room. You know what happens next... everyone grabs their phones to google. I hear someone say, " Did you know Ander...