Category Archives: Tony’s Posts

German Potato Salad

This is yummy and different than the traditional “southern” potato salad that you find at pot lucks and covered dish suppers. This is a take on my wife’s family recipe.

Laura B's avatarThe Soup Diva

My aunt Madge used to make this unique dish for family reunions. This version takes her classic recipe and updates it slightly with the addition of mustard and dill.
  • 3 lb Yukon Gold or red potatoes (20-24 depending on size)
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 sweet onion
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp brown mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried or fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Cut potatoes into bite-sized chunks (do not peel). Place in pot and cover with water, adding a liberal amount of salt. Boil until soft, 15-20 minutes. Drain well and dry inside of pot. Dice bacon and fry in same pot until done but not crisp; scoop with slotted spoon onto paper towel-lined plate, retaining grease in pot. Dice onion and celery and saute in bacon grease until soft, 7-8 minutes; scoop with slotted spoon…

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The Bourne Identity, Matt Damon’s Action Series

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Matt Damon is one of the great actors of his time. He does action and adventure incredibly well. Jason Bourne could be America’s answer to James Bond in a round about way. We are checking out this trilogy to see what everyone has been talking about.

A Ramble on Unity, Or Lack Thereof

The notion of Unity is a noble one. Bringing people together for a common cause is great but in reality it’s like herding cats. I live in the United States and really its just 50 states who choose to be together under one flag. The same can be said for the United Kingdom. But when you look closer there are differences in culture and customs that make them very different.

Of course politically there is the whole liberal vs. conservative vs. other to deal with and there is little unity to be had there. Even in factions you have sub factions and other smaller groups that fight for their own agenda. In marriage its a union of two people who love each other and it’s probably as close to a good union as you will find. Yet there are couples who go through trauma and setbacks that find strength in turmoil. However they can be easily torn apart.

A united front happens when there are situations that bring people together like what happened on 9/11/2001 for a little while. WW I and II brought my country together in so many ways. People were self-sacrificing, involved and called upon to fill in the gaps while men and women were overseas fighting to win.

At this moment I don’t think my country is united, its way to divided. Too many issues have polarized us, made us suspicious, made us become very tribal and sometimes primal. Our politics has torn friendships and families apart, like during our civil war days. I am finding that some folks want separation, segregation and isolation while others want to be in community and to be challenged.

One day there will be unity and maybe a little utopia too. It will be a day that will hopefully be a time of peace, tranquility and free of conflict. My faith is that day will come sooner rather than later. I am hoping it might happen by our own choice than at the hands of someone or something out of our control.

Something Smells

77859731-565x304_1When things in your world smell funny or bad it takes you off your game. It’s amazing how the sense of smell can impact your life. The guessing game of where the smell is coming from can drive you crazy. Smell is one of those things that can inform you about how to approach things and keep you safe. Sometimes smell is a call to action to clean something up or clear it away.

I love the smell of something baking in the oven, pipe tobacco, flowers, and other things of comfort. Smell is a powerful sales tool too. I’m not a fan of the aroma of fresh cut grass or things you find in a garbage or bananas (except in banana bread). Smell can definitely change your mood and how you feel.

Here is to smelling something good today, like coffee, cinnamon rolls or perfume/cologne or perhaps clear air.