In the kitchen w/ Ry.

    I'm so glad you are learning your way around the kitchen!  Mom can cook 1000 times better than I can. Probably the best teacher you can have in the kitchen.   It's neat that she's teaching you how to cook. All by hand without mixes and boxed stuff.  I was way way impressed with your deep dish pizza. you made everything by scratch; crust, sauce and real sausage and cheese. Ry- It was delicious...... Even your Aunt Lina loved it and shes fairly picky on what she eats!  

  I started to cook when I was in 8th grade.  Really it was frying a thin steak and warming a tortilla.  I kinda flew by the seat of my pants....No teachers all experiments. Making a deep dish is much more complicated.  Keep learning and trying new things. That way you'll be independent in the kitchen and it's a great way to make friends too.   I love to cook for you and your brother in the mornings and on Sundays (when Mom lets me).  I really enjoy when I'm able to cook for mom.  It's special for me because she does not give me the chance to do it. 

  When your ready to make a full meal for mom I'll be glad to be your assistant chef.

Fwd: Spooky Halloween 2012

Another year of costumes , cool weather and candy.   The last few years I've been sad.... Last year was the first time not going out with you two.   Your growing up - fast.  I remember holding your hands in the cold and rain. Waiting for you both at the ends of driveways while you went to the doors.....   Remember when you have kids of your own - Keep the magic alive. Dress in costume , be in character, hold their bags and if necessary carry them home on your shoulders.-- I always had fun doing this with you two.  
   I worry about the both of you when your out of my sight, but thats what growing ups is....... to trust that I have done all that I can so you can do things with out me..... Your doing a great job!  -

 

As always this is written with love...

Dad.

 

 

Game Night

It's the season for some football and what goes hand and hand with football?  Chili !!!   Personally I have to say I love mine with beans, to have it with out is just not right.   I do not prefer a loose chili sauce like a coney dog. Its got to be some what thick.   I do not like Cincinnati Greek style - it has cinnamon and is not for me. Texas style seems to be a waste of good meat in a heave tomato-y sauce.  Chicken and turkey and some kine of hippy abomination.  Five , six and ten alarm chili and just penis waving on who can eat the hottest thing that has no taste.... If I'm having chili I'm planning on having a meal, not bragging not look at me etc, I'm having a meal.  I like mac as a side along with sharp cheddar and a touch of sour cream. Onions are optional.

     Years and years ago there was a place in Forest park that served a very good chili- Bishops. Their philosophy was great. Have a bowl and get out.  They served chili one way. Every thing else was extra - beans, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, macaroni all extra. But it was there for years - 30+ before it moved.  From what I have heard it is still there but at a new location.

   Ok folks this is my take on chili.  I'm ok with using Mcormack packages as a base if you do not have the individual spices laying around.  I have also used Penskeys Spice Chili 9000 as a base.  This one is going with out packaged spices. Remember its all to taste and to your liking. 

My football chili....

 

• 2-3 pounds ground beef 80% lean is fine do not go lean with this
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 8 in piece Mexician Chorizo
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves -peeled and chopped fine
• 1 dark beer - I like Negro Modelo , but any dark one will do fine
• 1 TBS of Cocca powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 TBP Cyanne chilli powder
• 1 TBP of salt
• 2 cans of crushed tomatos - do not drain!!
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili ancho powder
• 2 cans beans - I like pinto , but kidney or white beans will do too.

Place the ground beef and pork in to a decent sized pot. Start to brown the meat. Break up any large chunks .  When its done drain off the fat. Do not over cook the meat it still have some cooking to do. 

  In a seperate fry pan start to cook the corizo. After some of teh fat is rendered put the onions and garlic. Fry at low heat until onions are clear.   When its done pour off some of the chorizo grease, but not all it still has tons of flavor. 

Mix the chorizo and onion garlic mix back in to the meat.  Add to this the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, the beer. Simmer it for at least a half hour to hour before adding the drained beans.  The that simmer for another half hour.  Taste and adjust.  You may need to add more beer or water if you prefer. 

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If you use the Mcormacks spices - add coccoa power , ancho,  and Cyanne .... Same if you use the Chili 9000.

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Personally I like sharp Cheddar and Mexican sour cream.  Mexican sour cream is a full fat cream and does not separate from the whey.  Any pasta will do for the mac portion. Enjoy it and enjoy the game.

My kids and their friends liked this kind of chili.  

 

As always

I love you.

Dad.

 

 

A broken Summer 2012

   Well this year was not the greatest of Summers, but it still was a good Summer. You broke your finger jumping off the bunk beds.  Your pinky smacked off of the dresser and well it fractured.   There is not much you can do to fix that type of break except for splint it and wait 6 weeks.   I know it kinda sucked not being able to go skating or riding your bike.  The only upside was it was soooo hot this year that you had spent most time inside watching tons of SCI-FI and Dr who on netflix.   

     As a kid and in high school I had broken my nose no less than three times.  I know I fractured my heel when I had my motorcycle accident.  I jammed and probably fractured a finger or two as a kid as well..... Guess what they all healed. So did you.  It took time .  Most things take time to heal... bones , cuts and hearts.  
   God willing this will be your only broken bone.   If it's not those will heal as well. Just remember.... take thinks slow and let them heal.   This Summer could have been worse. A friend of mine named Jeff broke his arm at the beginning of Summer one year and had to have a full cast for the entire time.....   

 

Take care

Love Dad.

5k Cancer walk 2010

Its always good to stand up for what you believe in.... This time we walked for what thought was right..... Thank you boys.

to the sky

I bought a new telescope the other week.  Its a Celestron firstscope - a 3" reflector and it was quite cheep ,but not cheaply made. I had always wanted a reflector. Your mom bought me a refractor . while its a nice scope unto its self its cumbersome to use. The ease and portability keeps me using this one.

   I was happy to but it.  I wanted to show you two the skies. My uncle was happy to show me what he know about the sky and of the wonderful satellites we launched to other worlds.  Its neet having to learn something just so I can show you both.  The other night I showed you two and mom the Moon for the first time.  It was wonderful to show you the night for the first time. We also saw the red world of Mars and Saturn as a planet instead of just a spot on the sky.   We saw its rings!!!!  Slowly I am buying an eyepiece here and there. Ones that are better that the ones the firstscope came with. Next year I'll buy a bigger scope thats also easy to bring with..    I thought that Ryan would be all over the scope but its Matthew that likes to watch the night sky. 

    Little by little we'll both  learn more together.  I'm loving it.  I'll keep showing you as much as I know if you keep making me learn more about the world. I love seeing it through your eyes.

 

As always

With Love,

Dad

Tacos

Ground Beef Tacos
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup tomato sauce (4 oz)

1 teaspoon cumin

2 potatoes chopped small

1- teaspoon chili powder

salt pepper to taste

on a lark sometimes I add corn in to this. The kids liked it. 

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In a skillet add oil and fry the chopped

potatoes.  When the potatoes are almost done remove and 

put aside. Add the ground beef and

onion and garlic.  While browning add spices

and tomato sauce. Let cook. Drain off excess

grease from the cooked meat. Add potatoes and

return to low simmer.  In about another 15 minutes

you should be done.

Warm corn tortillas on a hot comal and stack them in

a clean dish towel.

On the side have fresh sour cream, cut limes,

hot sauce, chopped cheese, lettuce and tomatos.... cilantro and

onions round this out.

Finish with a few beers and ice cold cokes.  I know you boys love to eat this style of taco meat. Ry I watched you put down 5 tacos in one sitting , sooo I really know this works! I hope you learn your own style and really make it your own .....  Once you can master one dish the rest fall in to place.

My camera stinks so this is not my photo...

As always - With love, Dad.

Fwd: Pops....

This is a small letter from my friend and Matthews Godfather - Uncle Hector. Its a short stort about your grandpa..... The year would be about 1984 .....

I hope you enjoy it- your grandpa was a pretty funny and good guy once you got to know him.

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Seriously, thanks for thinking of my dad.  Every now and then you are a good friend.  

You thinking of my dad makes me think of your dad.  I had just gotten my first real job pumping gas at Lee's shell.  It's my first day and your dad pulls in.  I walk up to him in my new uniform and I say something like, "Fill it up Mr Garza?"

Your dad looks past me to Lee the station owner and says. "You hired him?"

Lee says, "The government pays me to give retards jobs."

Your dad says, "Does he even know what hole it goes in?"

Lee says, "Probably not.  There's no hair around it."

Then everyone on the lot explodes laughing.  Except me cuz I'm a young kid so I just stand there with the pump in my hand.  (Not the first or last time.)  

Your dad tipped me $5 bucks.

Pretty funny stuff.

H

just because you can....

There are certain things that boys will do just because we are wired different than girls.  When I was a kid .. may be sixth or seventh grade I picked up a big lump of worms that I saw after a big rain.  No rhyme or reason - only because I saw them there. Yesterday Matthew and I went fishing. We caught a baby bass and some blue gills but Matt caught a frog.  I knew we could not keep him but he was determined to catch him.  It was a small bull frog.  Mom asked why bother... I responded that boys will be boys. In many cases this is the truth. Men/boys can be impulsive. To do somthing for  no other reason but to do it.  Now do not get me wrong -- please think about somthing before you do it first - that alone can save your life..... , but sometimes what you do because you can do it can be great. Take a chance and say hello to that girl.  Learn to ride a motorcycle.  Learn how to play an instrument.  Hold a door open for some one. Give time to a charity.  Go see a movie alone. Be in a play. - Do somthing just because.  Sit in the shade and watch cars go by.   Go catch frogs.......

Playin Hooky

In life things can get complicated quickly. You have to plan for every thing. Plan your vacations, plan your visits and plan where you need to dos.  Some days its ok to play hooky and be spontaneous.  In the past 3 weeks I have had a chance to go to the water parks of Wisconsin and to teh Museum of Science and Industry with you. Both have been semi unplanned. Mom made a suggestion and it sounded good for you kids.  The trip to Wisconsin Dells is a better example.... I really had no idea that I wanted to go until the drive. What I mean by that is you get stuck in such a routine of work and school , school and work.  Linda (your mom) taught me that's it ok to take a day off for your self..... Take a day off for your family and take a day off for you kids.... It keeps that family healthy.  

   You two boys had no clue that you were going at all.  In fact we told you that we were taking you down town to pull weeds at your grand parents for the week end.... Surprise!!!! Mom made all the arrangements. Even thou I did not get in to the water rides as much as you did I had a fun time being away from the rest of the world.  You boys had such a fun time in the parks - the wave pool the hurricane and other slides. We ate pizzan and junk food and passed out after a day in the water..... Remember to take days off for you and your family... It does every one some good!!!!

Bills ballz...

Well I have always tried to cook for you two when I can. I will fully admit that mom cook 100 times better than I do. But there are always a few things that I am proud of... Arrachera, Flautas and meatballs. My friend Bill at work taught me how to make better meat balls in a pepperoni sauce. I know you like them, you guys kill the pot of them when I do make them..... Here you go... There almost better second day for sandwiches!!

    Make the effort and learn at least 5 good recipies by heart. They will help you when you are living alone or when plan cooking for some one else.... as always.

 

With love

Dad.

***************************************

I used about 1.5 pounds of ground beef for the recipe... adjust accordingly...  This served me and my 2 sons w/ some leftovers.... I'd double up if adults are around
 
2 tsp Italian seasoning
or
combo of oregano sage and thyme etc.
 
1 egg
about 1/3 cup bread crumbs
1- 1.5 tsp Worcester or A1 - either works well
 
salt to taste

pepper to taste

 

1/8 cup grated Parmesan
 
1 tsp onion flakes
 
Everything in bowl with ethe meat
hand mix until it looks somthing similar to meatloaf ---
Dont over work the meat !!!!!
--------------------------------
Bill bakes his I pan fry mine I fry them in cast iron until they form a crust. Turn them once or twice.
Finish to about half way done then put in sauce to finish
 
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Cook at the same time
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--------------------------------
Pepperoni  sauce
 
1 jar sauce Cheep sauce because you will doctor it up
 
1/2 onion diced
1 garlic clove diced fine (I like 2 but mom does not)
1 or 2 Tsp of olive oil *dont add too much oil there is in the pepperoni !!!!
~1 tsp redpepper flakes *to taste
~4oz red wine (about half  a wine glass full)
handfull  cup of * grated parmesan to taste and or romano
 
About 1inch to inch and a half of pepperoni stick - Chopped med fine
 
Chop onion and garlic and start frying in olive oil add pepperoni. Stir so it does not burn
When onions are semi clear add jar of sauce and wine, Add the flakes and simmer.
 
low simmer for about half hour when hot add meat balls in batches so the pot does not cool down fast
cook for another half hour or so

***** STIR lightly so it does not scorch bottom . If you stir ti hard you will break up the meat balls.
 
This should make about 32 balls the size of about a superball...... Perfect size for a sandiwch later!!!

50 Hard boiled eggs

Today my son Matthew was suspended for a day for bringing a spent rifle shell to school. Linda had called me and I spoke to the principal about it. I was proud that he brought it  in to school. He got it at the 4th of July when the VFW did a rifle salute to the flag. He held his hand over his heart and said the pledge of allegiance - proudly as if it were the lords prayer.  I was fuming. I told Linda to pull him from school and take him to Mc Donalds.  The school has a zero tolerance policy. I understand knives and guns. Real guns and knives. As a kid I was given my scout knife at the school..... My father asked me what if it was a real unshot round/bullet. I told him the the school should see that there is no bullet , powder or any thing the any one could be hurt with. Outside of him whipping at them.  It was an empty brass tube.

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This was the original letter I sent to my friends about Matthews 2nd grade suspension. You brought in a spent shell from a blank from the 4th of July Celebration at Cerny Park. Your family, my friends and every one at my work agree it was a bullshit call and you did nothing wrong. I'm going to post some of the other comments my friends put on this to show you how much we love you and how you did nothing wrong.
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You're lucky they didn't go all Clock Work Orange on him.  I think they would have  been more lenient with him if he wasn't one of the notorious Garza Boyz. 

Did you explain that he's the God Son of noted Naperville Industrialist Hector Villarreal?  That would have gotten him expelled for sure.

Good for you telling Linda to take him to Mickey D's.  Just cuz the school system is stupid doesn't mean he did anything wrong. 

H

----------------------------------------------------

A full day in the box?  Mathew can do that standing on his head after eating 50 hard boiled eggs.  It's still bullshit but  the kid can handle it cuz he knows you and Linda have his back.  That's the most any parent can do for their kid.

 

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Yeah- and I have to deal with the jackass kids that you have to tell to stand up for the pledge some days, and most don't even say the pledge or do the hand over their heart for it. We can't make them, but it annoys the crap out of me. We did have a kid (most other students say he was one of the top students at the school) get expelled from school for making a statement along the lines of "I could come in and shoot everyone" one day. Now it's the kids who actually might do it that are sneaky enough not to say it out loud that we should worry about.

And while I understand the idea of the rule at Matt's school, you have to allow common sense to be applied in situations like this. That should be the point of having a principal there to make these decisions otherwise you could just have a machine repeating "Suspension. Suspension. Suspension..."

-Geo

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I cannot believe they suspended him-but of course our school wouldve done the same-is he upset?

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He was upset because he didnt understand what he did wrong.  I came home and sat in a chair and told him over and over that I was not mad at him at all and it a mistake.... Thats what upset me...

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I understand the principle of zero tollerence. Guns , knives , actual loaded bullets.... but this was just bullshit.

I love you boys and I always will....

Dad