Category: My Family

Without a family, one seldom thinks long term

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University of Southern California & Trojans

Trojan sports just like the University is first class!
The other night we traveled three hours one way to watch the Southern California Trojans ‘school’ the puppies from San Luis Obispo. To be honest, Cal Poly did put up a valiant fight for as long as it lasted… but the end was never in doubt.

Some small schools like to crow about how they really are as good as the major universities (believe me I have listened to folks from Cal Poly for years), but there are too many systemic differences to make any serious comparisons. Many who traveled down from San Luis Obispo for the game left wide eyed and bewildered.

First, I am not here to talk badly about Cal Poly… my Laura teaches there now and I did for a time as well. However, I really believe that accurate comparisons start with accurate perceptions and I think the Cal Poly Basketball team learned part of that hard lesson the other night.

The truth is that every university has a few academic and athletic ‘gems’ that they are justifiably proud … in my less than humble opinion, Cal Poly’s Professor Laura is certainly one of them… unfortunately, there just aren’t very many like her. By contrast, the academic community of Southern Cal vibrates with talent.

So, you can’t compare schools that have doctoral programs and well respected masters and professional degrees and real athletic programs with schools that have… well… much less.

Fight on!

Roger Freberg

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Delmonico’s Chocolate Eclairs!

what momma never told you!!!!
Bring on the eggs… lets say 16! Bring on the egg yolks… let’s say 10!

I am enjoying the ‘Epicurean’, the only cookbook you’ll ever need! I have loved the recipes from it… now we have a book! Karla found the perfect present for both Karen and Kristin!!!
Yes, there is some translation that needs to occur… you need to know what a ‘gil’ is ( 1/2 cup liquid) and what an ounce of corn starch is… but after you do the math… it is elegantly simple!

Here is the recipe! 

Now, in the beginning, ‘Eclairs’ were small (lady finger size), made with loads of eggs and totally fab ( as my girl’s would say)!

Check it out!

Roger Freberg

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Secret of Life: Butter & Eggs!

the secret of life is butter and eggs
One of the wonderful things about living a while is realizing how much we are told really doesn’t stand up to the test of time. We’ve been fed a lot of bad stuff.

What has been said about good nutrition simply doesn’t sit well with the facts. Vegetarians — for example — certainly are not healthier; it is more religious fever with them than based on any scientific evidence. Now, we are learning the value of animal fats play a vital role in our well being… who knew?

There’s an interesting book entitled “Nourishing Traditions” that challenges all of the rules we have been taught about what is and isn’t good for you. Without stealing any of their thunder… here’s what is being said:

“A full-spectrum nutritional cookbook with a startling message–animal fats and cholesterol are vital factors in the human diet, necessary for reproduction and normal growth, proper function of the brain and nervous system, protection from disease and optimum energy levels.”

Here’s where you can buy it.

Frankly, this doesn’t really surprise me… and this is why I have so enjoyed the refreshing turn-of-the-century pure fat saturated goodness of ‘the Epicurean.’

Yes, Virginia, you are what you eat… and if it be the 16 egg recipe for Eclairs in the Epicurean… so be it! My total cholesterol is down to 152 total… what’s yours?

Roger Freberg

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The Best Christmas Presents are the ones you remember

I think there are very few children that don’t love the Christmas as it approaches… especially the gifts and the exquisite food prepared once a year!

Certainly, I am one of the biggest kids around. I have never really been much for receiving presents… although that is always appreciated… I have enjoyed giving them and watching the smiles erupt from little happy faces!

When our children were young, I would ask them to make a list and then rank them in order as to which one they wanted most. Interestingly enough, more often than not the top presents were not the most expensive. I would start buying at the top and then stop when the ‘budget’ ran out…. they understood that ‘Santa’s” purse wasn’t limitless and it gave them a chance to make choices.

The biggest present that I enjoy the most… a phone call.

Roger Freberg

PS. My happiest memory… when they still thought I WAS Santa.