THAT BLASTED BLIZZARD (AND BUZZARD!)

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 105

Well, they made it. The Miami Redhawks men’s basketball team has officially squeaked into the field of 68. They've got a date with the SMU Mustangs on Wednesday to see if they can officially claim that #64 seed. It’s the play-in game, but hey, we’re dancing! I had to finish watching the selection show on CBS before I could finally sit down to bang out today’s blog. As I type, the oven has less than ten minutes to go before I have to pause and pivot to gravy duty. In the oven right now is one of our absolute favorites: Blasted Chicken.

If you haven’t tried this, you really should. It’s the perfect recipe for a day when a blizzard (like today’s) keeps you housebound. Here’s the play-by-play: Take one whole chicken, clean it up, pat it dry, and rub it down with your healthy oil of choice. (We’re an Avocado oil household). Season it heartily with salt and pepper, and then "blast" it in the oven at 450°F for exactly 12.85 minutes per pound.  Once that buzzard is in, leave it be. Don't fuss with it. Just let it broil, then take it out to rest for 15-20 minutes. You’ll end up with crispy skin and meat that is succulently juicy. You can thank me later. We’re pairing ours with rice, gravy, and maybe a vegetable if I can find one in the pantry. Blasted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for when you’re trapped indoors by a literal barricade of snow against the doors. While the flakes have stopped falling, the wind is still bombastically blowing. Unfortunately, the combination of snow, ice, and wind kept us out of church today—but that’s just life when you live in southern suburbs of the Arctic Circle. I did what I could to make the best of it. I recorded my sermon and posted it to the church’s social pages. I think a few people managed to tune in, which is certainly better than nothing! I’m truly thankful for today’s technology; it’s a blessing to be able to share the message even when we can't gather in person. (Though I could swear I wrote this exact same sentiment at the start of winter. At 57, my memory seems to have a one-week expiration date.)

My wife is currently calling for me from the top of the stairs, so I have to hit the pause button. Time to make the gravy and enjoy some chicken on this "blasted" blizzard of a day.

--- PAUSE ---

It’s been about an hour since I set the laptop aside. My goodness, that was a good meal. The rice and gravy hit the spot, too. I’d have invited you over for supper, but unless you have an Arctic Cat, you weren’t making it up the driveway. Sorry!

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for a tasty meal and the simple comfort of a toasty-warm house.

As I sit here and reflect, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a snow like this. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining; I actually love the snow. It just makes me miss the mountains and those weekly skiing trips we used to take in Idaho. Still, blustery days like today are good for the soul—at least until you have to shovel your way out. We’re lucky, though; we have two gents from the church who handle that for us with their trucks and toys. That’s a huge reason to give thanks.

Today, on this blasted blizzard of a day, I have so much to be grateful for: a little extra rest, a wonderful meal, a cozy home, and the faithful friends who I know will be here by morning to dig us out.

Heavenly Father, bless all those who are out there keeping us safe, clearing the roads, and working hard behind the scenes. Keep us all safe tonight, and help us rest so we can tackle tomorrow in Your will.