Happy 4 Year Ampuversary

Happy 4 Year Ampuversary

The 18th of this month was our 4 year Ampuversary. The decision to do this was tough, but from this picture here and beyond we have experienced the relief and peace of knowing that our personal sacrifice was the best decision because it has freed up Robert, and thus us, to live a life free of the surgeries and threats of life his injured foot was imposing on us. To be rid of his damaged foot was our "Isaac Moment" as a couple (see Genesis 22). It was tempting to cling to it, but we both knew in our gut that we had to trust God and release the old for the new. In doing so, we have been blessed beyond measure. Who would have thought something so terrifying and cruel-like could turn into something that has brought new life into our family? God knew.

Today he is entirely back to the grind of life in repairing a broken water line.

With the help of our son, it's a family ordeal, and one for which we are grateful. First, many don't even have clean water today; second, some don't have family that support them; third, Robert has a rocking awesome prosthetic limb that helps this to be possible.

This past year has been filled with more than muddy puddles though. We have much to celebrate. From the recent joy of watching our grandson, Grant, turn 2 to the many warm family and church gatherings this past year - we are very blessed and living life fully. We may not go on fancy vacations and we may not own a whole lot, but what we do have is peace-filled and simple and worth more than anything. We have love. That is something that has only grown stronger since the accident and our "new normal," as they call it. We'll keep it this way, thank you. Happy Ampuversary, indeed.

Free Meat

BEFORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFTER

Robert's Killer Wild Hog Chops

Slice the backstrap 1" thick and pound it to about 1/4" thick

Salt and pepper the meat - let sit overnight

Place meat in bowl of milk

Dredge wet chops through flour seasoned with Tony Chachere's seasoning 

Heat peanut oil in a skillet

Fry chops about 3 minutes per side until brown

Current estimated feral hog population in Texas = 1.5 million too many.
Today = Minus 1. 

It's what's for dinner here at the Star Ranch.

Are they good to eat? Yes. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department the meat is leaner. Robert made some mean backstrap pork chops off of this sow that were better than cuts we've bought from the store. You're in for a treat because he's agreed for me to share his recipe and it was TASTY! Free, too, except for the ammo.

Excerpt below from link above:

"Is the meat good to eat?

Yes, meat from feral hogs is extremely tasty and much leaner than penraised pork. The meat from older boars may be tougher and rank tasting if not prepared adequately. As with all pork, care should be taken and the meat well cooked. Otherwise, it should be prepared just like market hogs. The slower the meat is cooked, the more tender and tasty it becomes."