Monday, December 30, 2024

An Oldie but a Goodie

A blast from the past: This year the family was able to gather together for the holidays. But, I am too sated to write about it.  So, I am rerunning this post from a year we could not.

Tamales


Tamales de Bruce: photo by Cliff Hutson
Tamales de Bruce: photo by Cliff Hutson

The word “tamale”, or tamal in Spanish, derives from the Aztec word of the Nahuatl language, tamalli, meaning “wrapped food.”  In most versions, tamales are made from a mixture of corn dough (masa) and filling, then wrapped in a corn husk (or perhaps a banana leaf), and then steamed. The tamal is unwrapped before being eaten.

While store-bought tamales, or those from vendors (tamaleros), are available year round, Homemade ones, as they are very labor intensive, are usually reserved for big occasions like Dia de los Muretos, Christmas,  New Year's Day, or other special celebrations. Indeed, many of us think of tamal season as starting in November and running to January.

In The Time Before, many us would gather at my son's home for a tamale making party, a tamalada, or he would bring them to some other family gathering. Sadly, that was not in the cards this year, of course. But, I am fortunate enough that he was willing to make a one hundred mile round trip just to drop off some off on my porch. So, while this dinner was with just me and my cat, I was still with family in a way and the tradition continued. 



Monday, December 23, 2024

Fútbol

El fútbol es vida 




"Fútbol is life" is a famous catchphrase from the character Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ series "Ted Lasso," which emphasizes the joy and passion associated with soccer. 


Seemly, it is also a fashion choice:























All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.







Monday, December 16, 2024

Yesterday

 Cat Herders Day



Cats on a Pendleton Throw: photo by Cliff Hutson
Cats on a Pendleton Throw: photo by Cliff Hutson


Yesterday was Cat Herders Day; but what the dedication represents may not be what you think. So, if you missed it, click here.

Yesterday is also a song.









Monday, December 9, 2024

My Year on Flickr

"MyFlickrYear24 Photo"



White Rose: photo by Cliff Hutson
White Rose: photo by Cliff Hutson


The good folks at Flickr seem to have decided that 2024 is already over. Thusly, they have provided me with a recap of the activity for my presence on the site. My most favored photo was the of the white rose shown above. All the highlights can be seen here, which will also link to all my photos, should you care to take a look.