Forty in the House

It was a rainy Saturday in Dallas, and we had forty family members gathered under our roof for a family Christmas celebration.  Our garage (with freshly painted blue floors) and our covered back porch were extensions of our house- we used all the space.  Since the kitchen is the smallest room in our house we had the food catered, which also gave us a tremendous amount of freedom to spend time with our family members.

The ages ranged from 10 months to 70+ years, and everyone seemed to enjoy the hours together.  The good news is that Trigger did not eat any children, and he found another friend in our cousin's youngest son.  It was a success.

Duck It

I had a crazy week at work, I had a bit of an illness, I was without an internet connection at home for a few days, and I we just had a busy weekend...but you don't want to read my excuses.  I have neglected this part of my life, but that all changes with this post!

Did you all read/watch about the Duck Dynasty drama last week?

In an interview in the January issue of GQ, Phil Robertson says homosexuality is a sin and puts it in the same category as bestiality and promiscuity.

"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical," he's quoted as saying.

Asked what, in his mind, is sinful, Robertson replied: "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."

He also made comments regarding race and growing up in Louisiana before the civil rights era.

"I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I'm with the blacks, because we're white trash. We're going across the field. ... They're singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, 'I tell you what: These doggone white people' -- not a word!

"Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues," GQ quotes Robertson as saying.

Duck Dynasty is on my DVR.  I'm a fan of the show.  And I was disappointed to learn about Phil's comments on homos, but I've been a homo my whole life and I'm used to people saying crazy things about guys like me.  I don't agree with him.  I don't hold it against him- a man is free to speak his thoughts.  I'm a little less excited to watch his show now.  Perhaps, me and a few homosexuals need to spend a week with Phil and the rest of the Duck stars?  It would show the world that while Phil and I will not share religious beliefs- we could at least share a meal and gain a better understanding of each other?

It would be impossible for Phil to convince me to literally interpret a book that was written (by men) thousands of years ago.  Just as it would be impossible for me to convince Phil that a literal interpretation of the Bible removes the focus of the most important parts.   After all, men do not have to agree on religion in order to be friends.  Focus on what's important.

QOTD

Homosexuality is Criminal Again as India’s Top Court Reinstates Ban

In a huge blow to gay rights in the world’s largest democracy, India’s top court on Tuesday reinstated an archaic law that makes gay sex a criminal offense on grounds that it can only be dismissed by lawmakers in government.

Read more: India's Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Homosexuality | TIME.com

Open Letter

Dear Husband,

Can we live in this house?  Isn't that a picture perfect house?

Sincerely,

Me

(I usually don't find much that inspires me from the pages of Architectural Digest, it's usually too high toned, but I love the outside of this house.)

Ice Storm 2013: The End

Nothing lasts.  Dallas is still frigid, but it's not frozen.  The ice is moving again, and I must travel through the slush and return to the office.  Although, I will miss seeing my beasts trying to find the warmest spot in the house...

Ice Storm 2013: Getting FAT

When it's cold outside my kitchen heats up.  For suppers I made my mother's cheesy potato soup and Paula Deen's Chicken Pot Pie with Cheese Straw Crust.  Plus, my husband had already roasted pineapple chicken and we had my mashed potatoes on deck.  And while I was sorting through our freezer we discovered a container of my mother's homemade Grape Nut ice cream from this summer; it was like we discovered a lake in the middle of the desert.  We were so happy.  We licked our bowls for every bit of the rediscovered ice cream.  (When I eat that ice cream I'm taken back to the summers of my youth.)

The takeaway: this ice storm is making me fat.  I hope I'll be able to fit through the door.

Ice Storm 2013: Gay Party

This weekend when Dallas was under layer of ice, we were the brave duo that scurried across Dallas.  Why would we live so dangerously?  One reason. We were headed to a gay party!  Yes, it's okay to risk your life on a patch of ice ("Jesus Take The Wheel") if you're headed to a gay party!  There were more straight people than gay people in attendance, but the party was gay because our (gay) friends Steve and Jeff hosted the event.  

Or I might have called it a gay party because a cheese ball in the shape of a Christmas tree, complete with a star and tree trunk made of pecans, was on the buffet line.  Or I might have called it a gay party because in one corner there were a trio of Westies pulling a pair of Westies in a sleigh.  Or I might have called it a gay party because they have a Richard MacDonald sculpture. Or I might have called it a gay party because they have a house with three fireplaces. These things don't appear at straight parties.  

It was a lovely night.  We ate wonderful food. Everyone (excluding me) sang Christmas songs around the piano.  We had great conversation with our friends and friends of our friends.  Plus, I really enjoyed being in their lovely home; it was a warm and cheery place to be on the coldest of Dallas nights.