RealTown's RealTalk

-

>>>> http://ChristmasInMilton.com - I'm looking for christmas stories,
recipes,etc. to post on the site. I'd like someone to give me the whole
thing aroundbrine and turkey, if ya don't mind - don't remember who it was
that startedthat whole thing here.Thanks Newell

Here ya go Newell, a recipe AND a great story which follows, which everyone
should read as it will give you pause for thought.

First, the recipe: I grill my Turkey (YUMMY!)

Beaners Secret Grilled Turkey recipe (if this is shared with anyone outside
of RT or e-PRO, copyright fringes may apply):

A charcoal grill works best, especially the domed kind, like a Webber. Put
one of those throw away foil containers in the bottom of the grill, fill
with a little water and some wood chips (mesquite, hickory, etc). Place
charcoal around the outer edges of the foil pan, stand back and ignite.
Let the charcoal come to a medium heat (no longer glowing really red,
medium
red with a little gray ash on them).

Get an injection system, fill with a mixture of 1/2 melted butter, 1/2
olive oil, and garlic. Inject into the breast portion of the bird, then
drizzle the rest on top. Tuck wings under and put foil over top of each
wing and drumstick. Place bird on the grill and shut the lid. Grill for
10-15 minutes per pound. About halfway thru cooking period, check the
status of your coals as you may need to add a few extra (especially if it
is
a large bird and you have to cook for long time). Remove the foil from
wings
and legs and baste turkey one more time. Don't be alarmed if it looks
like
the bird is over-cooked as slow method grilling makes the skin much darker,
but it is not burning.

This stays so moist on the inside juices just pour from it when you cut it,
you don't need gravy and skin gets crispy like it was rotisseried - yummy!
My second favorite method is to deep fry it, but that's not as healthy for
you and more work. Grilling you just set it and forget it so you can spend
more time with family and fixing other yummy dishes.

Now for the Christmas story. Because we all work so hard, and spend a lot
of
time away from our families, I thought this may be a good one, lightly
based
on the Classics - a hodgepodge of sorts, but I hope, thought provoking. Not
meant to depict Newells real life, but I think we'll all see a little bit
of
ourselves in the following:

'Twas the night before Christmas when on Newell's site
Not one lead came in, not even a byte!
Clients were spending time with their own families
And Newell's wife and kids celebrated with Glee!

Their faces were glowing, their smiles were so cheery
Dad usually missed these events, which made it so dreary.
He worked way too much, He missed out on their lives
So tonight was real special, he was home, by their side!

When out in his office there arose such a clatter,
They left their iPods and Plasmas to see what was the matter!
The cell phone was ringing, an odd sort of tune,
Merry Christmas Newell!! We want to buy something, REAL SOON!

Can you meet with us now, or perhaps early tomorrow?
We are paying all cash, no need to borrow!
Not much time they said, as we are here on Holiday
But a quick look at 10 or so houses and we'll be on our way!

OH NO!! Said his wife while the kids shed big tears...
Another Christmas without Dad- just like other years.
You work too much, they all said, you're NEVER home,
Even when you ARE here, you're on the pc or the phone!

Get a REAL job they all chorused in unison
We want our Dad home at Christmas, or it won't be as fun.
You've missed birthdays, weddings, and holidays too,
Ball games, concerts, and when I lost my first tooth.
You didn't see my first step, you were selling a house
You forgot my recital, and your anniversary - you louse!

Time passes so quickly, in the blink of an eye
Spend time with your family before it passes you by.
One day you'll look 'round, and the kids will be grown,
Now all with lives and families of their own.

You'll have plenty of time then, to sit and reflect
You'll ask where we are, what we're doing, I'll bet.
"Why don't you come see me?" and you'll get the reply,
Oh Dad we're too busy with work, kids and lives.

Today is Johnny's ballgame, tomorrow is the Zoo,
We would have invited you to come, but we know you're busy too.
Mom says your selling houses, as always - working hard,
Sorry gotta go right now, the game's about to start!
You will know at that time, that you 'get what you give'
but by then It's too late to start over again.

A look of sheer panic spread over Newells face
He trembled at the thought of this dismal fate.
Nobody to spend time with, no grandkids, no wife?
How depressing, he thought, why that isn't a life!

Not to worry said Chris as he threw down his remote
I'm NOT going to do it, I won't, I just WON'T!
Off PC! Off Cell phone! Off PDA!
No email, no showings - I'm here to stay!
You're all right, I've worked hard, missed vacations and such,
It's time to STOP, STOP right now, it has become WAY too MUCH!

What good is the money, the glory - big fees?
If I can't share it with my dear friends and family?

Record a new message, YES, that's what I'll do!
Tell them I'm spending this Holiday with YOU.
He recorded his message and as he turned out the light,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night"
I'm spending Christmas at home with my family, that's right
Please leave a message, or check my web site.

~ Paula Bean
Christmas, 2006