Category: My Family

Without a family, one seldom thinks long term

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Family Mysteries… unfolding

Victor and Johanna
I remember being in Austria and a local family related their history in a rather matter of fact manner… that in the 12th century their family moved through the pass to settle where they now reside.

Americans have never been made that way, change is in our blood… which is why our family histories include so much that every once in a while opens our eyes… in astonishment.

There is a side of my family I never knew … but I am learning. My father’s grand parents were named Leonardt Oscar & Johanna. Apparently, she was called ‘Hanna’ which is inscribed in his wedding ring above.

Thanks to a 2nd cousin, I now have names and a picture to go with the ‘mystery’ ring.

Roger Freberg

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Do you KNOW a Soldier?

our military family members

A lot has happened since World War II, most Americans do not know a soldier. I guess this is part of the fall out from the ‘volunteer’ army. I would suspect that soldiers are coming primarily from what we call ‘military families’ and certain geographical areas of our country.

I wouldn’t be so bold as to say we are a military family, but we have had a fair few. I have pictured two above…  my daughter Kristin (Iraq)  and her Uncle Jim (Afghanistan). We are proud of them.

The world is becoming an increasingly challenging place to live… and survive. Take the time to know who is on OUR side.

Roger Freberg

For me this election represents a watershed of sorts… whether we continue to look honestly at the world and protect those and what we love… or not. I am watching to see who Jimmy Carter endorses… then voting the opposite.

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The Wonder inside an Autistic Mind

Karla the family historian

Our daughter Karla is ‘autistic’… but brilliant. It never ceases to amaze me as to how the autistic mind works… especially when it displays remarkable insight, remarkable brilliance and remarkable compassion. These are traits that I admire greatly.

Karla is not only an accomplished video game master, but our family historian capturing various large and small events on film…. often with amusement. However one personal insight I found in a family email that… touched me and needs no explanation:

“Poor Mom the Bird. According to your talks, some of her old family members are not feeling too well. Her brother is diagnosed with cancer, and now that grandma is feeling sick as well. Now, if she loses them or one of them, and if you hear Mom crying and shedding in tears, please tell me to give Mom the Bird a HUG and make sure that she FEELS COMFORTABLE..I know crud like this is very hard on her, and we do the best we can to keep her happy and comfy.

Sorry for this note. But I am giving you some thoughts and good advice, just in case. I know you need help from me whenever you need help. And I do my best to make you happy.”

Roger Freberg

PS. Laura has a recent Blog on Autism

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Perfecting the Chocolate Eclair!

perfecting the Chocolate Eclair
My eldest daughter Kristin wanted to perfect the Chocolate Eclair… and I have to admit, although  I love the recipe from “the Epicurean”,  I wanted an Eclair larger than the size of two Lady fingers.

My ‘larger’ Eclairs — although delicious — became a bit unwieldy, so it made sense to find ‘molds for them! I found some  great ones on Amazon.Com.

So… now you know what we do when we are not on Jenny Craig!

Roger Freberg

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Seafood Lasagna

the further cooking adventures of Capt Kristin
The further cooking adventures of Capt’n Kristin include a wonderful Seafood Lasagna!

This is a wonderful fusion dish, something Italian, something French and All American! Although you won’t find any tomato is this, there is a Mirepoix with a definite PLUS ( call it garlic, bell peppers and more!).

The lasagna is assembled in four layers: noodles, sauce, meat and cheese! The Cheese layer is indeed special with 6 eggs, 2 pounds of Ricotta, Parmesan and Romano! Oh yes, we cook with white wine and Armagnac!
And did we say “seafood?” From the clams in the white sauce to the shrimp, crab and scallops added into the layers… it is destined to satisfy!

Here’s the recipe!

I love when my daughters come home… we cook!

Roger Freberg