The Little Black Dress and the Sons of Thunder: Recipes On Life and Food

By John Winters

Welcome to our world, one that includes the Little Black Dress, the three Sons of Thunder, a dog who thinks it can fly, a couple of cats and yours truly. The Dress, or LBD for short, is my wife and mother of the Sons. And the Sons are, well, the Sons. Within this book you'll learn some sage advice from talking animals. And speaking of animals, you will discover, as if you didn't know already, that squirrels are evil. I am, by training and profession, a journalist. Over the years, as The Dress and I faced the world and the Sons joined us, I chronicled our adventures. While almost everyone has a spouse and children, few have such a combination as the LBD and the Sons under one roof. Thus, our story. We have faced death, near death and attended funerals we did not want to. But we've also dug to China, campaigned in the Great Water War, survived a sinking catamaran and pretty much blew up a waverunner. Life is hard, but it can also be fun. And if you have your own LBD and Sons (or Daughters), you realize you never know what will happen next. How you handle what gets thrown at you is the key. So there will be a little advice, a few tears, lots of laughs and some points to ponder. We've learned what we are good at, and also what we fear. We learned that our faith is our core foundation. We've also learned we are better together, and while we don't understand everything or the "whys," we know God is still in control. Welcome to our world
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Total Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781937829094

Book preview

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

AND

THE SONS OF THUNDER

~ RECIPES ON LIFE AND FOOD ~

John A. Winters

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www.TotalPublishingAndMedia.com

© Copyright 2011, John A. Winters

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

ISBN: 978-1-93782-909-4

DEDICATION

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One would think the title of this book alone would suffice as a dedication. One would be wrong if they had their own Little Black Dress.

And so, to my Little Black Dress and our Sons of Thunder, thanks for all the times past and the times to come.

FROM FAITHFUL READERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

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Ilive in Juneau, Alaska and started following John Winters’ weekly columns after he left Alaska and headed to Nebraska. I missed the weekly column when he moved on but found him again when he started a blog, Just Flip the Dog. I love how he looks at life and his family. I will be reading his blog and am laughing so hard my husband wonders what I found so funny. Then he too is laughing on John’s take of life as well. He has also written blogs about those sad times his family experiences and I have found them very touching. The columns dealing with the loss of his mother-in-law and father-in-law are wonderful. But when John’s middle son was gravely ill last year and he wrote a series of blogs called Fighting the Bug it was there and then that I knew my advice to write a book was well suited. I have let him know for some time he has a book he needs to write. And now here it is.

Patsy Dewitt

Alaska, California, Washington, D.C.

With wit and wisdom, John Winters entertains the reader by making ordinary life experiences extraordinary. He is a gifted writer who can make you smile, laugh, or even shed a tear as you relate his vivid descriptions of his life to your own.

Betsy Perry

Alabama, Georgia

We always look forward to John Winters’ stories, because we can always relate and are always guaranteed a great laugh!

Jed and Sara Kathryn Wible

Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina

I’m glad that John Winters left his newspaper career of over 24 years so that he can concentrate on writing books for our enjoyment. As you read this book you will become aware of the author’s sense of humor, faith and love for his family (and oh yes, some great recipes too).

Carol Sanders

Oklahoma

John Winters has a rare and unique gift of transcending your mind to the event or moment he describes. Whether it is camping, cooking or dancing with the LBD, you are there with them in the moment. And it is indeed an unforgettable moment.

Woody and Beth Tripp

Georgia, Virginia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Part One

Sage Advice From Talking Animals

Watch Where You Fly

Obligatory Day

Basil Bread D.C.

So You Want To Fight …

So Many Toys, So Little Time

The Best Among Man’s Best Friends

Billy And The Dress Share A Dish

A Man And His Truck

Dressing Up A Thunder Son

Road Warrior

Blackening Mix

Define A Perfect Lawn

Revenge Of The Squirrels

Turning Strangers Into Friends

Brenda’s Why Is This Always So Hot Shrimp/Crawfish Etouffee

A Green Thumb … That Would Be A No

Don’t Worry, Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Because They Said So

That Potty Training Victory? Down The Drain

Calorie Nightmare Shrimp Fettuccini

How You Cook Says … Something

I Do Not Like To Rake Leaves

Golf, Like Life, Has Its Ups And Downs

Chicken Marsala Winters’ Style

It Is Seriously Quiet In Here

Golf With The Eldest Son Of Thunder

The Rules: Hanging Christmas Lights

Cobb Salad Ala Potomac

A Birthday Letter

Batteries Not Included

Turning 40

Dunnavan’s Beef

It’s Freezing, Let’s Go Play Golf

Our First – The Teacher Conference

The Difference Between Men And Women – Shopping

Eastern Market Blackened Tuna

Questions With No Answers

Time For An Infomercial

Pillows Having Babies, Making A Nuisance

Eby’s Finally Something I Love Seafood Stew

Welcome to The Zoo

The Sons Of Thunder Write To The Little Black Dress

It’s The Little Things In Life That Count

Eddi’s Steampot

A Father’s Advice

Part Two

Finally, Perfect Popcorn

It’s Called Permanent For A Reason

A Rather Painful Subject

The Little Black Dress, The Little Blackberry

Fried Rice With The Sons Of Thunder

The Camping Trip, Part 1

The Camping Trip, Part 2

With This Thumb

I’ll Show You - Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Lord Of The Flies - Lite

Listen … And You Will Learn

Pearls (Of Wisdom) For The Sons Of Thunder

Just A Little Different Kind Of Salad

Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?

The Sons Of Thunder Face Death

The Balloons Fly

Milt’s Chili

I Am Losing This Battle

Listing With A List

You Never Forget Your First Joint

Mozzarella Chicken From The Dress

The Sons Of Thunder Take A Shot

The Little Black Dress Takes The Test

The Difference Between Men And Boys Is …

Morris Place Angel Hair Medley

The Minimalist And The Clutteralist

How To Get Your House Cleaned Spotless – For Free

Praise Him – Holy … Holy … Mackerel?

Not Just Another Orange Roughie

Presto Pesto

There Are Spiritual Gifts, And Then There Are Spiritual Gifts

The Secret Ingredient

That Sound Of Silence? Doesn’t Exist

Put Hair On Your Chest Stuffing

Bonfires And Letting Go

Putting Up The Christmas Tree And That Family Time

Well, It Was Supposed To Be A Game

Simple, Simple, Spicy Cheese Dip

But I Said It Was An Accident…

Another Rite Of Passage Is, Well, Passed

Knowing Your Fears

Tomato And I’m Tired Of Lettuce Feta Cheese Salad

Dig To China? Why Not?

How To Ensure Your Kid Gets Beaten Up At School

And Manna Falls

The Completely Real, Totally Fake Lobster/Crab Bisque

Define Take Care Of My Sons

Where Angels Fear To Tread

Life May Be Hard, But Board Games?

The LBD’s Salsa

The Little Black Dress Can’t Smell

Those Special Days Can Sure Get Special

What Shall We Fear?

The Warrens’ Okay, This Is Better Than Ethiopian Food Rosemary And Crab Chicken

Everything Is A Choice

For Once, The Dress Didn’t Stand A Chance

The Purpose Of A Chair

Varnadow’s Chicken And Artichoke Hearts

You Are Dead To Me

Blue Balls

And He Shall Be Called … Sam

You Call That Chicken Salad? This Is Chicken Salad

Sometimes A Little Romance Breaks Things

So We Built Sam A New Room

When The Retail Shop Says No

We’re Just Playing Around Dijon Chicken

Manual Rocks And Techology Fails

If You Ever Go To Boy Scout Camp …

Just Read The Sign

Wings For Willis

When You Do Something Really, Really Dumb

Don’t Tell Me, Don’t, Don’t … Ugh

When Illegal Immigration Hits The Church

Winning The Heart Of Your Own Little Black Dress (Grilled Rack Of Lamb)

Testing A Long-Time Friendship … Quickly

To The Youngest Son Of Thunder On His Day

The Dog Who Could Fly

You Call That A Collection? I’ll Show You A Collection

Call It A Wrap

About The Author

FOREWORD

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When John Winters told me he was getting ready to release his latest book, The Little Black Dress and the Sons of Thunder, I was thrilled to say the least. A lot of people have waited for this particular book, including me.

In our conversation, he also said he was not planning on having anyone write a foreword. But I couldn’t help but reiterate the purpose of the foreword is to help the reader better understand the author and his book, as well as sell you on it. It also is written by a high profile person in the author’s target market and in my opinion, was much needed.

I emphatically assured him that a foreword was quite necessary and frankly, the more I thought about it, it only seemed appropriate I should write it. So I told him so. He again said that he didn’t see the need for a high profile person because the book was written for everyday-type people.

Once again, I told him that made me the perfect choice; I am not a high-profile person, but an average Joe … that’s me.

Looking back I am not sure John Winters ever officially asked me to write the foreword or not. But then again, maybe he did? Well, what really matters is that you are reading this, so I must have made the cut.

I wanted to be the one to tell you how outstanding this author is because I have known John Winters for more than 30 years and I really like the guy. I know his wife, the Little Black Dress, very well. His three Sons of Thunder are very dear to me. I haven’t always been around him during those 30 years, but I know him as well as anyone.

I know his passions and his pains, his successes and his great disappointments. I’ve known about his dreams, the ones already fulfilled and the ones yet to come – a sailboat, an old pickup, and a beautiful king salmon on a fly rod once again.

Winters spent 24 years in the newspaper business. It was in his blood as they say. It was what he loved. He started writing a weekly column more than 10 years ago. Friends, acquaintances and even strangers would say John Winters should write a book. I agreed and encouraged others to tell him that. The Dress’s parents were among his biggest fans and were always encouraging him to write that first book. We all saw his talent and wanted him to share it with a bigger audience. So almost every time I saw him, I too encouraged him to write.

It seemed like forever, but in 2010, Winters finally wrote his first book, Everyone Needs A Sam. It’s a powerful piece of work that focuses on mentors … why we need them, and the biblical command to seek guidance and wisdom from others. I encourage you to add it to your reading list. I know you will be blessed by it.

This book you hold in your hands is his latest endeavor, and it takes a completely different angle. As you read The Little Black Dress and the Sons of Thunder, it is as though you are looking through a window into Winters’ life for a short moment in time. It is a life that looks much like yours and mine.

Faith, family, friends, trials and triumphs are the muses of his writings. What was ordinary becomes extraordinary and alive in 3D – you just don’t need the glasses. Winters engages the reader to want more and think about life in new ways. The journey is universal and the stories and recipes for life apply to all of us.

One of the things I know The Dress loves most of all is the sound of Winters typing away, because that means he is pursuing his passion and is in his element. Winters makes words come to life in his books and blogs, which allow us to step back from our busy life and enjoy being transcended, even if it is just for a brief moment, to a place of laughter and contemplation. Words seem to flow off the page for Winters and I assure you he has many more books in him just waiting for pen to hit paper.

It’s always a treat to read the latest account of some (extra)ordinary day in the life of this man, the LBD and the Sons. And you will certainly enjoy those wise words that always seem to unexpectedly pop up.

I am confident you will see and experience things you didn’t think about before, or at least in a different way. Winters has a way of taking the mundane things of life and making them unforgettable. He makes us laugh, reflect and relate to the world around us in a unique way. He reminds us that it is about the journey, not the destination.

His dry wit has found a place to shine in the stories of squirrels, multiplying pillows, old trucks, talking animals, growing up, growing old and yes, even dying. I promise you will be inspired and moved. He’s lucky he has the Little Black Dress and the Sons of Thunder to provide countless ideas and story lines. Frankly, from my perspective, they are blessed to have each other.

There is no doubt that Winters and The Dress believe the kitchen is a central part of every home. The recipes you will find in this book are from their hearts and their home. They believe that cooking together is a way to love and serve one another. But best of all, it is a perfect way to spend quality time together while creating unforgettable meals and memories. Oh, and of course to create future master chefs as well. You will find that great stories tag along with each recipe, each a celebration of food, family and friends.

As the story goes, they put together their first cookbook back in 1994 as a Christmas gift for friends. Winters cooks his creations with the LBD and their Sons, sharing all his tricks of the trade with them. He learned his chef-like skills working in a French-Creole restaurant in Georgia back in the 80s to supplement his salary as a cub reporter. The Dress, on the other hand, is self-taught and inspired by healthy living, beautiful cookbooks and married life. And yes, some great genes passed down from her mother. The Little Black Dress focuses more on hospitality, tablescapes and creating ambiance. However, we won’t go into that because this is Winters’ book and not the LBD’s.

It has been a long time and a long journey since so many people first starting telling Winters to WRITE. Write a book, write the blog, write on a napkin, write in your journal, write anything, but just WRITE! Sometimes it just takes time to find the road, find the path, find the faith, and find the time to pursue the dream. Sometimes we see our way clear, sometimes we don’t. That is why we have each other.

I have great respect for this man and I am honored to be a part of his journey and his story. As I said, I really like this guy, but truth be told, I also love him very much.

I have followed this man across the country, even to Alaska. I birthed his three Sons of Thunder. I’ve watched his dreams vanish right before our very eyes, yet have also seen others created out of dust. We have stood by hospital beds of the Sons and by the grave sites of my parents. We have stood together through the test of time. And yes, after seventeen years of marriage, I know him well. I hope you now have a deeper appreciation for this author, his motivations and his writings. And I am honored that he calls me the Little Black Dress.

A friend once asked me if I liked Winters’ books just because he was my husband. I quickly replied I liked them because they are great pieces of work and if anything, I am his toughest critic. Winters is a writer with a timely message. Just ask anyone who knows his work.

So enjoy the fruits of his labor because I assure you The Little Black Dress and the Sons of Thunder is a great piece of work – even if I wasn’t mentioned in the title.

Be blessed and encouraged abundantly today

Corby Carlin Winters, M.A.

The Little Black Dress, The Dress, the LBD

ABOUT THE BOOK

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The best toys often aren’t the toys, but the box they come in. Throw out the batteries, which you never have enough of anyway, toss in a child’s imagination, and there are no limits.

If all else fails, try the blue ball.

Welcome to our world, one that includes the Little Black Dress, the three Sons of Thunder, a dog who thinks it can fl y, a couple of cats and yours truly. The Dress, or LBD for short, is my wife and mother of the Sons. And the Sons are, well, the Sons.

Within this book you’ll learn some sage advice from talking animals. And speaking of animals, you will discover, as if you didn’t know already, that squirrels are evil. And pray you never hear a raven call your name.

I am, by training and profession, a journalist. Over the years, as The Dress and I faced the world and the Sons joined us, I chronicled our adventures. While almost everyone has a spouse and children, few have such a combination as the LBD and the Sons under one roof. Thus, our story.

We have faced death, near death and attended funerals we did not want to. They were too early, we needed more time.

But we’ve also dug to China, campaigned in the Great Water War, survived a sinking catamaran and pretty much blew up a waverunner.

Life is hard, but it can also be fun. And if you have your own LBD and Sons (or Daughters), you realize you never know what will happen next. How you handle what gets thrown at you is the key. So there will be a little advice, a few tears, lots of laughs and some points to ponder.

We’ve learned what we are good at, and also what we fear. We learned that our faith is our core foundation. We’ve also learned we are better together, and while we don’t understand everything or the whys, we know God is still in control.

And through countless bonfi res we have recounted the tales.

Welcome to our world.

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THE DRESS, THE SONS, THE LIFE AND THE RECIPES,

ALL IN UNDER 500 WORDS

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The best toys often aren’t the toys, but the box they come in. Throw out the batteries, which you never have enough of anyway, toss in a child’s imagination, and there are no limits.

If all else fails, try the blue ball.

Welcome to our world, one that includes the Little Black Dress, the three Sons of Thunder, a dog who thinks it can fly, a couple of cats and yours truly. The Dress, or LBD for short, is my wife and mother of the Sons. And the Sons are, well, the Sons.

Within this book you’ll learn some sage advice from talking animals. And speaking of animals, you will discover, as if you didn’t know already, that squirrels are evil. And pray you never hear a raven call your name.

I am, by training and profession, a journalist. Over the years, as The Dress and I faced the world and the Sons joined us, I chronicled our adventures. While almost everyone has a spouse and children, few have such a combination as the LBD and the Sons under one roof. Thus, our story.

We have faced death, near death and attended funerals we did not want to. They were too early, we needed more time.

But we’ve also dug to China, campaigned in the Great Water War, survived a sinking catamaran and pretty much blew up a waverunner.

Life is hard, but it can also be fun. And if you have your own LBD and Sons (or Daughters), you realize you never know what will happen next. How you handle what gets thrown at you is the key. So there will be a little advice, a few tears, lots of laughs and some points to ponder.

We’ve learned what we are good at, and also what we fear. We learned that our faith is our core foundation. We’ve also learned we are better together, and while we don’t understand everything or the whys, we know God is still in control.

And through countless bonfires we have recounted the tales.

While the book is somewhat chronological, each chapter stands on its own. Feel free to jump around and find that one column, or recipe, that interests you.

Welcome to our world.

ABOUT THOSE RECIPES

OR

HANGING IN THE KITCHEN WITH THE DRESS

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Scattered throughout this book you will find a few recipes, enjoyable morsels of the food variety when words won’t suffice.

When I started out as a cub reporter, I barely made enough to pay the rent. Food was a luxury. And so I worked on the weekends at an incredible restaurant specializing in French and Creole cooking.

The Dress says I don’t cook, I create. Recipes are made to be broken.

I think I did pretty well. Some of these won the heart of the Little Black Dress, so I’ve got that going for me. After we were married, we started writing down a few and then put together a small cookbook for friends.

The Dress and I make a good team, probably because we are polar opposites in the kitchen. I clean as I go, the LBD believes in using every pot, pan and dish available, and worry about cleanup later.

I look at a recipe as a guide. I’m not into 1/4 and 1/8 measurements of some seasoning I’ve never heard of. I usually pour seasonings into the cup of my hand and throw it in. I’m into dashes, shakes, squirts, the term a lot or a bunch and every now and then a pinch. However, for the sake of getting you started, I’ve added some rough measurements.

The Dress loves recipes - like a new pair of shoes. And she is constantly asking me how many pints to a quart, teaspoons to tablespoons and so on and so forth. I finally just wrote up a measurement chart for her. We’ve taken that old chart from Washington, D.C. to Alaska to Georgia.

But we have fun. And that’s what it’s all about.

Many of the recipes you’ll find here are named after friends of ours - those who, willingly or unwillingly, served as guinea pigs. The least we can do is offer them tribute.

As I said, recipes are made to be broken. Please break ours. If