A Day in the Life of President Bush (photos) 12-22-06

White House; yahoo ^ | 12-22-06 | onyx

[onyx]

Today, President Bush and First Lady Laura went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. to visit with volunteers and our brave troops. He awarded sixteen Purple Hearts. Here he is seen helping volunteer children wrap Christmas presents for children of families whose parent have been wounded in service to our country.

Quote of the Day

In leiu of a quote of the day, I offer you the complete text of his remarks:

THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I are honored to be here to thank the folks working here at this service project. What you're seeing is some young kids wrapping gifts for children whose families are here in Washington, D.C. as a result of an injury that they've received -- that the parent received in combat.

We've also just come from Walter Reed. I got to tell you, it's a remarkable experience to go through the hospital. It's remarkable because of the unbelievable compassion and care of the people who work at Walter Reed. And it's also remarkable to me, these men and women who have volunteered to serve our country, who've received terrible wounds, but whose spirits are strong, their resolve is strong, and their dedication to our country remains strong.

I want all our fellow citizens to understand that we're lucky to have men and women who have volunteered to serve our country like those who wear our uniform. We're lucky to have their families support them so strongly. We owe them all we can give them -- not only for when they're in harm's way, but when they come home to help them adjust if they have wounds, or help them adjust after their time in service. We owe a huge debt of gratitude for incredible men and women. And I -- every time I come to Walter Reed, I am moved by the courage and bravery of the people I meet.

And so on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank our military families, thank the folks here who are wrapping gifts for the military families, and ask for God's blessings on our citizens. Thank you.""

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Photo of the Day:

In this Photograph provided by the White House, President Bush, left, shakes the hand of Staff Sgt. Marcus Wilson, Dermott, Ark., after awarding him two Purple Hearts at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, as first lady.Laura Bush, second from left, and members of the Marine's family look on. Wilson is recovering from wounds suffered in Iraq.

Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island.....

[Pylon]

Thanks for the ping!

[Jewels1091]

only because Christmas Eve falls on Sunday do I get it off, our mall is closed on Christmas Day, therefore I get the first 2 days in a row off in 3 1/2 months!!! Which of course will be no days off, with all the kids coming home, etc. But it will a whole lot more fun than work!

[GretchenM]

Absolutely, snugs. It's not just food that such folks need, they also very much need to feel cared about and truly loved.

[kitkat]

Yup, you did the link the right way, in a paragraph all by itself. Magic, isn't it?

And that was really nice of you to give me the link. Thank you.

[GretchenM]

Yes, re the Christmas menu -- just finalized it last night. I concocted the fruit salad by combining some recipes and adding my own touches. We're eating a free turkey that a friend got from work. The menu has striking similarities to Thanksgiving's, due mainly to the free turkey. The pies are from the store.

APPETIZERS
Deviled Ham Dip (recipe listed below)
Crackers
Deviled Eggs (back by popular demand)
Veggie Tray and Dip
Black and Green Olives and Pickle Tray

ENTRÉE
Sparkling Apple Cider
Wine
Turkey
Stuffing
Gravy
Fruit Salad in Whipped Cream
Sautéed Asparagus Tips in Garlic-Butter Sauce
Potato Rolls
Smashed Sour Cream Potatoes (boiled, smashed but not creamy-whipped potatoes)

DESSERTS
British Christmas Cake
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Marionberry Pie
Ice Cream and Whipped Cream


DEVILED HAM DIP
Yields 3-4 servings

1/4 pound deli ham, chopped
1/4 small white onion, cut in large pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus additional if desired
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 4-ounce package cream cheese at room temperature
(I'm omitting this because too much cheese = migraine for me) 1/2 cup extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 T flat-leaf parsley

The Finish:
1/8 cup small pimento olives, sliced into thin rounds
1/2 box Ritz crackers or any other kind you like

In a food processor, combine all the ingredients except the olives and crackers, and pulse until it forms a paste-like dip.

Remove to a serving dish and top with olives. Serve crackers around for dipping.

FRUIT SALAD
Serves 4 – 6

1 C diced tart apples
3/4 C peeled, diced orange
1/2 C seedless grapes, sliced in half
1 – 2 bananas
1 or 2 kiwi, or small package fresh strawberries, sliced; reserve half
3 T lemon juice
1 T sugar
3/4 C whipped cream

1. Wash and cut fruit, coating apples and bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning
2. Fold all ingredients together except one-half of kiwi or strawberry slices
3. Arrange kiwi or strawberry slices on top of salad
4. Chill and serve

[goodnesswins]

Thanks, onyx.....blurry screen tonight......

[snugs]

Wow that sounds wonderful

[GretchenM]

I'm especially eager to see how the deviled ham dip turns out and to taste that Christmas cake. I couldn't believe my friend insisting on three pies -- this means my son will have a lot of food to take home with him, for sure.

[snugs]

I rarely do a starter for Christmas meal as we have so many sweets and snacks plus cheese and crackers available to eat all the time that if we had a starter I fear the main meal would not be eaten.

I am going up to ASDA on Sunday about 2.00pm when they normally reduce bits and pieces prior to closing at about 4.00pm so I may pick a small starter up there like salmon mouse. I did buy some prawns (shrimps) today so I might do a small prawn cocktail.

The main course will be a roast not decided yet whether it will be the turkey or not, with it roast potatoes and roast parsnips, steamed Brussels and Yorkshire pudding and gravy made with the meat juices.

For dessert it will be Christmas Pudding with fresh cream or brandy/rum sauce.

The Christmas cake will either be cut later that day for supper or saved for Boxing Day or 12th night.

[altura]

I saw that. So sad. Kayak got a connection and a laptop and posted herself a little further on in the thread.

I can't believe how upbeat and good she sounded.

[onyx]

We'll make it 12 days --- in honor of the Twelve Days of Christmas!

[altura]

Not very neat???

I resent that. My wrapping looks just like that.

(I used a lot of gift bags this year)

[Jewels1091]

sounds alittle like my fruit salad...except that I put in mandarin oranges and marchino (sp) cherries and some chopped walnuts, then I put a T spoon or so of mayo folded into the whipped cream. It doesn't last long!

[onyx]

I read Kay's post too. She is optimistic and looking forward to going home for Christmas. I feel so badly for her and sad too. I know you feel the same way.

[onyx]

LOL--- I'll bet you're an expert wrapper --- I do ribbons best, thanks to a 99 cent gadget, but gift bags are my favorite. :)

[onyx]

You're welcome (((goodnesswins))) --- and me too regarding the blurry screen.

[snugs]

[altura]

You've got to be kidding?!

[onyx]

If only we lived closer, we could forget cooking on Christmas Day and go to GEM's.

[snugs]

I can never work those things. I use a lot of gift bags and bottle bags myself.