Just a little review of the year for our family. I need to do a better job keeping track of the highs (and lows) over the course of the year.
January:
Plagued by a lingering bout of bronchitis that started in mid-December.
Oldest daughter made us Hungry Girl Fast Food Spicy Chicken Sandwiches for the first time. (She got to make them over and over and over the rest of the year!)
Youngest daughter had her First Reconciliation
February:
Still plagued by bronchitis.
And apparently, it was rather quiet other than that.
March:
Still plagued by bronchitis. . .and then discovered that it's asthma! A whole new world of fun!
Decided I wanted a reading nook in the basement and storage shelves. (I don't have either of them.)
Took a trip to the lake for Spring Break.
April:
Bronchitis/asthma finally cleared up!
Youngest daughter gave us a scare. . .kept crashing with a low-grade fever and lethargy, like clockwork every four weeks. All testing came back normal.
We built our kitchen table!
Cried when I learned that my school was adopting a "uniform" policy; I sooo hoped my kids would be able to wear regular clothes instead of uniforms for high school.
Choked back tears when I fell and skinned my knees.
May:
Learned that my 11 year old still had trouble remembering how to spell her middle name. Oops.
Youngest child made her First Communion. Awwwww.
I learned how to spell my father in law's first name. (Hubby and I have been together 19 years.)
Cracked up when my youngest said "Are deer allowed to go anywhere? Except where there are signs that say 'do not enter?'"
Oldest got her first cell phone; we told her we were going to the
tractor store for yard equipment and she fell for it until we pulled
into the cell phone store.
Oldest graduated from Eighth Grade
Loved it when the youngest talked her middle sister into folding laundry with her. . .rare thing in this house.
Was totally in awe of my kids doing the food prep for a big family cookout; HUGE help for me!
June:
Skinned my knee again :-(
Took another trip to the lake--bliss.
Attended a day lily convention and got a bunch of plants for the property--sooo excited because I love love love day lilies and we had a lot of gorgeous day lilies at our old house. Thrilled to have some at this house!
Middle child went away for camp. I was a nervous wreck the entire time and thrilled to get her back under my roof!
July:
Took the girls to their first professional baseball game, a doubleheader at night. . .temp was 95 when we got home at 11 pm.
We cleaned out dressers and closets. Located 68 pairs of shoes in the kids' closets! How does that happen?
We went swimming as much as possible. . .in 100+ heat.
Septic system broke again. And got fixed again.
August:
We took another impromptu trip to the lake before school started.
Oldest daughter started high school!!
Middle child is now the oldest child from our family at her school
Attended a mandatory meeting at middle child's school while she was off at soccer practice with her dad. Sadly a storm blew up while I was gone--major blinding lightening and winds. Oldest and youngest were home alone for this :-(
Oldest attended an audition for voice lessons and was accepted by a fabulous vocal teacher!
Someone smacked my mailbox hard enough to separate the mailbox from the post. . .he/she also lost the sideview mirror for the car. And he/she just kept on going. Special thanks go out to the idiot grinned at me as he veered off the road and nearly hit me when I was trying to take care of the torn up mailbox
September:
Discovered that Jack Reacher doesn't know much about how women in their forties drink their coffee. Sad to see this because I thought Jack Reacher was a really smart dude.
Oldest daughter attended her first high school dance. With her mother as a chaperone. We successfully avoided each other.
Middle daughter stayed busy with soccer practice and games during August, September and even October
October:
Had a killer trip at Kohl's--picked up 3 pair of jeans for the youngest daughter for under $10 total!
Middle daughter participated in her first speech meet and got 4th place--way to go!
Missed my 25th class reunion to do a school event. :-(
Because of a lack of communication between schools and buses, thought we lost the youngest child after school one day. Luckily she was located just 20 minutes after she didn't show up when expected. Extra hugs for all the kids after school that day!
Asthma spiraling out of control again :-(
November:
Chaperoned a trip to a convention with a group of 20 girls; got very little sleep that weekend!
Asthma still ugly
Busy month with basketball practice and games for the youngest child
Had a very lovely Thanksgiving with my family. . .probably the least stressful holiday I have known since childhood.
Last day of the month was very stressful--oldest lost her purse, I misplaced keys and alterations on her dress for the winter formal were twice what I was expecting them to be. Ouch!
December:
Winter Formal dance was gorgeous. Oldest daughter survived yet another dance with her Mama hanging out all evening on the other side of the hall.
Monday morning after the dance we got to school and found that someone had brought her purse into school. Apparently she dropped it when she got up from a bench and didn't realize it and someone who had been at the school working our blood drive found it and took it home for safekeeping over the weekend. Good people do exist in our world!
Youngest child had a successful Christmas program! I was asked to help with makeup. It was my pleasure to do so!
A friend at work lost her home in a fire :-(
Middle child got sick and had to miss the last 3 days of school before Christmas Break. This is the second year in a row she missed the Christmas party at school :-(
Got everyone well in time for Christmas--very pleasant holiday! Kids were so excited they got the very things they had asked for from Santa.
Day after Christmas a blizzard hit! We got between 8 and 11 inches of snow across our property. Gorgeous!
Second day after Christmas the middle daughter got sick again. Seems her strep either didn't go away OR she got hit with it again. Poor babe. What a miserable end to the year for her.
More snow hit on the 29th. Kids got to enjoy sledding with Daddy and even with Paw-Paw!
As we head into the last day of the year, more snow is in the forecast
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
If It Wasn't For You!
It's a great little song. Thanks to Zales for getting it stuck in my head as part of their Christmas advertising campaign.
No really. I love the song and if it wasn't for Zales. . . .
So it's not a song from my past.. . .I'm using it as my Saturday song anyway.
And thank you all for reading a long this year. I don't have any kind of tracking to see who you are or where you are checking in from. So I don't know how often you check in. But it is fun seeing how many people stop in each day to see what's on my mind. Thanks!
No really. I love the song and if it wasn't for Zales. . . .
So it's not a song from my past.. . .I'm using it as my Saturday song anyway.
And thank you all for reading a long this year. I don't have any kind of tracking to see who you are or where you are checking in from. So I don't know how often you check in. But it is fun seeing how many people stop in each day to see what's on my mind. Thanks!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Breakfast Brownie Bars
These came from the Fat Witch Cookbook and they are absolutely to die for. I like to think that since they have oatmeal on the top they aren't really bad for me. Surely you agree with me on that one. . . .
Breakfast Brownie Bars
Brownie Base
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 c bittersweet chocolate chips
¾ c granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 c unbleached flour
Pinch of salt
Oatmeal Top
2 teaspoons instant coffee
2 teaspoons boiling water
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 c packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1¾ c unbleached flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2½ c quick cooking oats
1/3 c walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional--mine prefer without walnuts)
Grease a 9 by 9 pan with butter. Dust with flour and tap out the excess. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
To make the brownie base, melt the butter and chocolate together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool.
Beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and continue mixing until well blended.
Measure the flour and salt and sift together directly into the batter. Mix gently until well combined and no trace of the dry ingredients remains. Spread the brownie base evenly in the prepared baking pan and place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
While the brownie base chills, make the oatmeal top. Mix the instant coffee with the boiling water in a small bowl or cup to make a paste and set aside. Cream the butter and brown sugar together in a medium bowl until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Add the vanilla and coffee paste and mix until well combined.
Measure the flour, baking powder, and salt and then sift together directly into the batter. Mix until well combined and no trace of the dry ingredients remains.
Stir in the oats and the walnuts by hand. The batter will be thick and a little hard to mix, but keep at it until thoroughly combined.
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the oatmeal top evenly over the chilled brownie bottom layer. It's OK if the chocolate batter gets mixed in with the oatmeal layer.
Bake for 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only crumbs, not batter, on it.
Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 1 hour. Cut just before serving.
Makes 12-16 bars.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Side note, I used a rectangular pan, I think it is 8 by 13ish inches. We had 18 generous brownies. . .still plenty thick too. I think I could cut back the sugar and they would still be amazing.
Brownie Base
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 c bittersweet chocolate chips
¾ c granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 c unbleached flour
Pinch of salt
Oatmeal Top
2 teaspoons instant coffee
2 teaspoons boiling water
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 c packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1¾ c unbleached flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2½ c quick cooking oats
1/3 c walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional--mine prefer without walnuts)
Grease a 9 by 9 pan with butter. Dust with flour and tap out the excess. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
To make the brownie base, melt the butter and chocolate together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool.
Beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and continue mixing until well blended.
Measure the flour and salt and sift together directly into the batter. Mix gently until well combined and no trace of the dry ingredients remains. Spread the brownie base evenly in the prepared baking pan and place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
While the brownie base chills, make the oatmeal top. Mix the instant coffee with the boiling water in a small bowl or cup to make a paste and set aside. Cream the butter and brown sugar together in a medium bowl until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Add the vanilla and coffee paste and mix until well combined.
Measure the flour, baking powder, and salt and then sift together directly into the batter. Mix until well combined and no trace of the dry ingredients remains.
Stir in the oats and the walnuts by hand. The batter will be thick and a little hard to mix, but keep at it until thoroughly combined.
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the oatmeal top evenly over the chilled brownie bottom layer. It's OK if the chocolate batter gets mixed in with the oatmeal layer.
Bake for 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only crumbs, not batter, on it.
Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 1 hour. Cut just before serving.
Makes 12-16 bars.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Side note, I used a rectangular pan, I think it is 8 by 13ish inches. We had 18 generous brownies. . .still plenty thick too. I think I could cut back the sugar and they would still be amazing.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
The Funny Papers, Strawberries and Canasta
Twenty one years have passed since my Papa died. Twenty one years.
And still I get all choked up over him.
My Papa was born in 1909. He grew up on a farm out in the country. He and his brothers used to tell people their family had eight brothers and each of them had a sister. He wasn't able to attend school beyond the sixth grade. That amazed me.
When I was really young--maybe 5 yrs old--he retired from his main job. He had worked for this company since the 1920s and even after he was involved in a debilitating accident at work, he continued to work for them. Many thought that the company guaranteed him a job because he was handicapped and couldn't do the kinds of work he had done before; however, his only guarantee for keeping his job was to keep showing up and working hard. He lost the use of his right arm and all of his teeth were either destroyed or had to be removed. He was a young man--strong and determined. He continued to work to take care of his family.
So when he retired, he was able to relax and enjoy his grandchild and luckily, I was one of the younger ones so I got a lot of quality time with him. I remember sitting in the La-Z-Boy chair reading the funny papers out loud to him. He always said he enjoyed listening to me read them. Only once did he read to me and that was the time my sister and I spent the night with our grandparents. They gave us their bedroom. Before we went to sleep he read And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. He read it to us by the light of a (tacky) aqua colored (plastic) lamp. The next day he took us for a drive down Mulberry Street and retold the story. We were delighted!
Shortly after that my grandparents moved back out to the country. There my Papa put in a strawberry patch. Oh my the time and energy he put into his strawberries. And they were oh so very delicious!! There is nothing quite like strawberries still warm from the sun. I don't know that I have ever had strawberries that were quite as sweet, juicy and delectable as the ones he grew.
As I got older, we began to play cards. Often it was just the two of us so clabber was not a good choice. So we played Canasta for hours on end.
The day he died my mother got a call that she needed to get there in a hurry. I had to get to work myself so I got my keys and headed out the door. I remember the moment when I just had a dull empty feeling. I just knew he was gone. I was driving down the road and suddenly everything was just different. And empty. It was probably an hour later that my mother called and told me that he had died. I told her I already knew.
He was a hard-working man who loved to be outside in the sunshine. He wasn't afraid of anything. And to me it seemed he could do pretty much anything.
Oh Papa, you would have taken great delight in playing with my children. You would have loved watching our house be built. . .and no doubt you would have had some very common sense ideas for us during the
process. You would have loved sitting on my front porch watching the world go by, or maybe sitting on the back deck or even the downstairs patio watching the wildlife in the woods.
Miss you Papa.
And still I get all choked up over him.
My Papa was born in 1909. He grew up on a farm out in the country. He and his brothers used to tell people their family had eight brothers and each of them had a sister. He wasn't able to attend school beyond the sixth grade. That amazed me.
When I was really young--maybe 5 yrs old--he retired from his main job. He had worked for this company since the 1920s and even after he was involved in a debilitating accident at work, he continued to work for them. Many thought that the company guaranteed him a job because he was handicapped and couldn't do the kinds of work he had done before; however, his only guarantee for keeping his job was to keep showing up and working hard. He lost the use of his right arm and all of his teeth were either destroyed or had to be removed. He was a young man--strong and determined. He continued to work to take care of his family.
So when he retired, he was able to relax and enjoy his grandchild and luckily, I was one of the younger ones so I got a lot of quality time with him. I remember sitting in the La-Z-Boy chair reading the funny papers out loud to him. He always said he enjoyed listening to me read them. Only once did he read to me and that was the time my sister and I spent the night with our grandparents. They gave us their bedroom. Before we went to sleep he read And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. He read it to us by the light of a (tacky) aqua colored (plastic) lamp. The next day he took us for a drive down Mulberry Street and retold the story. We were delighted!
Shortly after that my grandparents moved back out to the country. There my Papa put in a strawberry patch. Oh my the time and energy he put into his strawberries. And they were oh so very delicious!! There is nothing quite like strawberries still warm from the sun. I don't know that I have ever had strawberries that were quite as sweet, juicy and delectable as the ones he grew.
As I got older, we began to play cards. Often it was just the two of us so clabber was not a good choice. So we played Canasta for hours on end.
The day he died my mother got a call that she needed to get there in a hurry. I had to get to work myself so I got my keys and headed out the door. I remember the moment when I just had a dull empty feeling. I just knew he was gone. I was driving down the road and suddenly everything was just different. And empty. It was probably an hour later that my mother called and told me that he had died. I told her I already knew.
He was a hard-working man who loved to be outside in the sunshine. He wasn't afraid of anything. And to me it seemed he could do pretty much anything.
Oh Papa, you would have taken great delight in playing with my children. You would have loved watching our house be built. . .and no doubt you would have had some very common sense ideas for us during the
process. You would have loved sitting on my front porch watching the world go by, or maybe sitting on the back deck or even the downstairs patio watching the wildlife in the woods.
Miss you Papa.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Post Christmas thoughts
We're getting a blizzard today...or so they say. We'll see what things look like in a few more hours.
(Update at the end of this post--the snow made it!)
But even an impending blizzard is good reason to stop and take a look back, rather than go running out to some after-Christmas sales (as though we don't have enough stuff now, right?)
Christmas is a tough holiday. It's supposed to be a magical season where kids are wide-eyed and amazed by the lights, the decorations, the cookies and the generosity of people. Of course for the adults, it means much stress and pressure to be sure that everyone is happy. Funny how that season of magic often means a very grumpy mama. I'm sure other parents know just what I mean.
And yet when I look back, it was worth it. All of it.
Midnight Mass was every bit as beautiful as it always is. I cried just like I always do. By the end my little girl, the only one who got to sit with me in the pew for Mass (others were serving and reading), knew just when to reach into my pocket and find me a tissue.
After Mass the girls went up and went straight to bed, knowing Santa would soon be here.
They awoke plenty early but politely waited for me to get up. They were patient and grateful as they opened their presents.
We had a really lovely day in our home with grandparents. Once we got up on Christmas day there was no pressure, no stress, just a good relaxing day together.
As it should be. And with the prediction of snow for the day after Christmas, all the better to just have a good visit with family from outside the house before being snowed in with our own family!
Good stuff.
(Update at the end of this post--the snow made it!)
But even an impending blizzard is good reason to stop and take a look back, rather than go running out to some after-Christmas sales (as though we don't have enough stuff now, right?)
Christmas is a tough holiday. It's supposed to be a magical season where kids are wide-eyed and amazed by the lights, the decorations, the cookies and the generosity of people. Of course for the adults, it means much stress and pressure to be sure that everyone is happy. Funny how that season of magic often means a very grumpy mama. I'm sure other parents know just what I mean.
And yet when I look back, it was worth it. All of it.
Midnight Mass was every bit as beautiful as it always is. I cried just like I always do. By the end my little girl, the only one who got to sit with me in the pew for Mass (others were serving and reading), knew just when to reach into my pocket and find me a tissue.
After Mass the girls went up and went straight to bed, knowing Santa would soon be here.
They awoke plenty early but politely waited for me to get up. They were patient and grateful as they opened their presents.
We had a really lovely day in our home with grandparents. Once we got up on Christmas day there was no pressure, no stress, just a good relaxing day together.
As it should be. And with the prediction of snow for the day after Christmas, all the better to just have a good visit with family from outside the house before being snowed in with our own family!
Good stuff.
It did snow! At 1:30 am this morning it was raining. By 4 am it was definitely snow. By 8 am it was a gorgeous blanket of snow! Our driveway has upwards of 8" of snow, probably more like 10" While it's hard on the kids being stuck at home, it's been OK. They have plenty of things to keep them busy in between trips out to play. They've been out twice and plan to head out again in a bit.
Pics from around the property:
Looking back into the woods
Over at the greenhouse
Grog mug and Dad's chocolate chip cookies
Other side of my mug :-)
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Twas the Birthday of a King!
I do believe this one is my absolute favorite of all Christmas songs. Every year the choir at my church finishes Midnight Mass with this one. And I stand there listening to them, unable to sing along because I cry every single year. (Oh yes, my poor kids are used to looking at me during Mass and discovering me in tears. . .what can I say?)
I am quite partial to my choir's version of this piece but I cannot find fault with Judy Garland for the recording she did.
Merry Christmas. . .may you, your family and your friends have a beautiful and safe holiday.
I am quite partial to my choir's version of this piece but I cannot find fault with Judy Garland for the recording she did.
Merry Christmas. . .may you, your family and your friends have a beautiful and safe holiday.
Monday, December 24, 2012
The Magic of Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve has always been the most magical holiday. For some kids
it's Christmas morning but for us it was always Christmas Eve.
We would always get the "early" visit from Santa. He has so many houses to get to on Christmas Eve and our house was one of his first stops. By 7:00 in the evening we would meet in the living room to see what Santa had brought us. After our celebration we were supposed to take a teeny little nap so that we could make it through Midnight Mass.
Oh Midnight Mass. Probably my favorite Mass of the entire year.
It's magic. You go into church late at night. Everyone is dressed up. They smell good (lots of new perfumes that night). The music is gorgeous. The church is decorated with trees and lights and a huge nativity scene.
Truth be told, I cry every year. . .and I have for years. Something about the whole experience.
But it isn't just the Mass experience. The magic continues even after Mass. The most magical is when it starts to snow while you are in Mass. There is nothing quite like coming out to a light layer of snow. The world is so still and quiet--that intensely powerful and quiet moment where you feel that you are surely the only creature witnessing the soft quiet snowfall. And for that moment, there is peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Magic.
We would always get the "early" visit from Santa. He has so many houses to get to on Christmas Eve and our house was one of his first stops. By 7:00 in the evening we would meet in the living room to see what Santa had brought us. After our celebration we were supposed to take a teeny little nap so that we could make it through Midnight Mass.
Oh Midnight Mass. Probably my favorite Mass of the entire year.
It's magic. You go into church late at night. Everyone is dressed up. They smell good (lots of new perfumes that night). The music is gorgeous. The church is decorated with trees and lights and a huge nativity scene.
Truth be told, I cry every year. . .and I have for years. Something about the whole experience.
But it isn't just the Mass experience. The magic continues even after Mass. The most magical is when it starts to snow while you are in Mass. There is nothing quite like coming out to a light layer of snow. The world is so still and quiet--that intensely powerful and quiet moment where you feel that you are surely the only creature witnessing the soft quiet snowfall. And for that moment, there is peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Magic.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
All I Want for Christmas is You!
I have a great love of the classic Christmas songs. But I absolutely LOVE this one from Mariah Carey. She has an amazing voice--vocal range of something like five octaves and she sounds good in all of them. This song is just delightfully peppy. I can't help but sing along with her (truly funny if you could hear my voice these days)
Friday, December 21, 2012
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall? The most famous reindeer of all. . .
Of course we do! Who didn't love Rudolph?
A definite Christmas classic!
Personal little side note there: I cannot wait to get some time with my girlies over the holidays! After a busy busy semester we need the downtime to hangout. Love you girls!
But do you recall? The most famous reindeer of all. . .
Of course we do! Who didn't love Rudolph?
Personal little side note there: I cannot wait to get some time with my girlies over the holidays! After a busy busy semester we need the downtime to hangout. Love you girls!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
White Christmas!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Unicorn Song
December is always hard for me. So many ups and downs in this month
Today I am taking a step back from the Christmas music. Don't worry, I'll be back in the Christmas spirit tomorrow.
This one takes me back to college days. . .good friends and late nights studying. But most of all, this song reminds me of my sister, born forty-five years ago today.
Today I am taking a step back from the Christmas music. Don't worry, I'll be back in the Christmas spirit tomorrow.
This one takes me back to college days. . .good friends and late nights studying. But most of all, this song reminds me of my sister, born forty-five years ago today.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sleigh Ride!
The weather around here has been anything but sleigh worthy, but this certainly is a song we need to pull out to help us feel more Chritmas-y! When I was searching for it to include in this post I learned that it was first recorded in the 1940s. ..and that the Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops version that I grew listening to was one of the first recordings of the song.
I hope you enjoy it!
I hope you enjoy it!
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Best of Christmas Music
So Saturday's Song was Christmas Dream. That got me thinking about what songs I would win top marks for Christmas music for me.
It's a tough one.
Not sure I can find a way to narrow the list down too much so I'm just going to highlight some of my absolute favorites.
Today's song is The Little Drummer Boy. Many versions are out there but this is the one I remember listening to as a little girl which of course makes it the best version out there, right?
It's a tough one.
Not sure I can find a way to narrow the list down too much so I'm just going to highlight some of my absolute favorites.
Today's song is The Little Drummer Boy. Many versions are out there but this is the one I remember listening to as a little girl which of course makes it the best version out there, right?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Christmas Dream
With Christmas closing in on us it's fitting to choose Perry Como's Christmas Dream as today's Saturday Song
For years this was my mom's favorite Christmas song--the one we listened to over and over and over and over while baking cookies. (And this was back in the day of having to run back to the stereo and move the needle on the record back so we could hear the song again!)
Enjoy it. It's a good one for sure.
For years this was my mom's favorite Christmas song--the one we listened to over and over and over and over while baking cookies. (And this was back in the day of having to run back to the stereo and move the needle on the record back so we could hear the song again!)
Enjoy it. It's a good one for sure.
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Eddy Duchin Story
Oh how my mom used to love this movie. I bet she hasn't seen it in ages now. It's another one of my youtube surprises.
Eddy Duchin was a famous pianist and band leader from the 1930s and 1940s. . .right up my mom's alley. Tyrone Power played Eddy Duchin in this one. Oh how Mom loved Tyrone Power. Classic leading man good looks. Delightful!
Enjoy!
Eddy Duchin was a famous pianist and band leader from the 1930s and 1940s. . .right up my mom's alley. Tyrone Power played Eddy Duchin in this one. Oh how Mom loved Tyrone Power. Classic leading man good looks. Delightful!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Savory Breakfast Muffins???
I came across this recipe while searching for another favorite breakfast muffin recipe. I can't help but think that it looks intriguing. . .something I might like but I can't imagine all my kids loving. But then again, I guess you never quite know until you try it, right?
I'd love to hear from you on this one. Do they sound good or is this one a pass?
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup thinly sliced scallions (about 1 bunch)
3/4 cup diced Canadian bacon (3 ounces)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 c finely diced red pepper
Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
These can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, remove plastic, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds.
Original recipe here
I'd love to hear from you on this one. Do they sound good or is this one a pass?
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup thinly sliced scallions (about 1 bunch)
3/4 cup diced Canadian bacon (3 ounces)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 c finely diced red pepper
Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
Combine
whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pepper and
salt in a large bowl.
Whisk
eggs, buttermilk, oil and butter in a medium bowl. Fold in scallions, bacon,
cheese and bell pepper. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add
the wet ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until just moistened. Scoop
the batter into the prepared pan (the cups will be very full).
Bake
the muffins until the tops are golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the
pan for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges and turn the muffins out onto a wire rack
to cool slightly before serving.
These can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, remove plastic, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds.
Original recipe here
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Extra thankful for the beautiful people in the world
And by beautiful people, I mean the ones who know the importance of taking care of each other.
Yesterday I stopped by to see my friend who is picking up the pieces after a fire at her house. My first visit to the house it was really too dark to see much.
But for my visit yesterday it was still bright enough to see.
Stunning. In the darkness there was an eerie quality to the house. But in the daylight it was just sad. Every surface is covered in soot. It is likely they will gut the house and start over.
Absolutely shocking. One of my little ones stepped just inside the house but it was too much. The smell was overwhelming to her and the burned out kitchen was frightening.
Yet through it all, the overall good of people shines through. Another friend put together a little bag of essentials so that our friend won't have to rely on hotel supplied toiletries. People sent boxes for her to pull out the things she can save from her home. She has been given jackets and coats, scarves, hats and gloves..
Even though she has lost so much she is well aware of just how beautifully blessed she is.
Amazing.
Yesterday I stopped by to see my friend who is picking up the pieces after a fire at her house. My first visit to the house it was really too dark to see much.
But for my visit yesterday it was still bright enough to see.
Stunning. In the darkness there was an eerie quality to the house. But in the daylight it was just sad. Every surface is covered in soot. It is likely they will gut the house and start over.
Absolutely shocking. One of my little ones stepped just inside the house but it was too much. The smell was overwhelming to her and the burned out kitchen was frightening.
Yet through it all, the overall good of people shines through. Another friend put together a little bag of essentials so that our friend won't have to rely on hotel supplied toiletries. People sent boxes for her to pull out the things she can save from her home. She has been given jackets and coats, scarves, hats and gloves..
Even though she has lost so much she is well aware of just how beautifully blessed she is.
Amazing.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thankful. . .
Yesterday morning when I got to work I saw a co-worker leaving. That's never a good sign. Always means that something is wrong.
A bit later I learned why she was heading home. Her house had caught on fire over the weekend and she needed to take care of things there.
After work I made the drive across town to check on her. She wasn't there when I first drove past her house but on the second pass we saw her. A company was there to do some work to winterize the home (draining the hot water heater and all the pipes so she wouldn't have to worry about them freezing and bursting). So we stopped to talk for a while. She asked me if I wanted to see the house. It was nearly dark but I went in.
Absolutely amazing how fire works. The home is structurally sound to walk around it. Maybe it was the shadows that made it look so bad? Or maybe in daylight it looks even worse. The fire started in the kitchen. Her cabinets had fallen and the ceiling had come down. And yet the antique table in the kitchen--not more than 4 feet from where the fire started--was just fine.
She's spent a few nights in the hotel and is in need of everything. And yet she seems in good spirits and is so thankful for all the help that people have given to her already.
I hate that she has to go through such a headache as this.
But I am thankful she is safe and warm and has the support of so many people.
A bit later I learned why she was heading home. Her house had caught on fire over the weekend and she needed to take care of things there.
After work I made the drive across town to check on her. She wasn't there when I first drove past her house but on the second pass we saw her. A company was there to do some work to winterize the home (draining the hot water heater and all the pipes so she wouldn't have to worry about them freezing and bursting). So we stopped to talk for a while. She asked me if I wanted to see the house. It was nearly dark but I went in.
Absolutely amazing how fire works. The home is structurally sound to walk around it. Maybe it was the shadows that made it look so bad? Or maybe in daylight it looks even worse. The fire started in the kitchen. Her cabinets had fallen and the ceiling had come down. And yet the antique table in the kitchen--not more than 4 feet from where the fire started--was just fine.
She's spent a few nights in the hotel and is in need of everything. And yet she seems in good spirits and is so thankful for all the help that people have given to her already.
I hate that she has to go through such a headache as this.
But I am thankful she is safe and warm and has the support of so many people.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Oh look, it's another recipe! Tuscan Lemon Muffins
These babies are amazing.
And I'm not just saying that to get you to try them.
They really are!
They are delicious and healthier than you might expect. They have a decent amount of protein in them so they are a nice little muffin to have on hand for a quick breakfast.
7.9 ounces all-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
Preheat oven to 375°.
Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients (through salt); make a well in center. Combine ricotta and next 5 ingredients (through egg). Add ricotta mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Place 12 muffin-cup liners in muffin cups; coat with cooking spray. Divide batter among muffin cups. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over batter. Bake at 375° for 16 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack.
Original recipe here with nutrition information
And I'm not just saying that to get you to try them.
They really are!
They are delicious and healthier than you might expect. They have a decent amount of protein in them so they are a nice little muffin to have on hand for a quick breakfast.
7.9 ounces all-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
Preheat oven to 375°.
Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients (through salt); make a well in center. Combine ricotta and next 5 ingredients (through egg). Add ricotta mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Place 12 muffin-cup liners in muffin cups; coat with cooking spray. Divide batter among muffin cups. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over batter. Bake at 375° for 16 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack.
Original recipe here with nutrition information
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Beep Beep!
This one comes from the 1950s. My dad used to sing this one just for fun as we drove down the road. You can't help smiling as you listen to the story unfold. Absolutely love this song.
Friday, December 7, 2012
More chocolately yumminess!
When I was younger, I worked at the mall. Yes. "The Mall," because while my town has 2 malls, only one is really recognized as "the place to shop" anymore.
I used to treat myself to some really amazing cheesecake brownies once in a while. They were made at a shop just outside the store I worked in so I couldn't resist the temptation.
Sadly, my husband doesn't share my fondness for these cheesecake brownies. Or maybe that's a good thing. Maybe I need to make more--like these! After all, this is another "healthified" recipe :-)
Cream Cheese Brownies
1/3 cup sugar
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup canola oil or unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Step 1:
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in remaining filling ingredients until well blended.
Step 2:
In large bowl, stir brownie mix, oil, water, 4 egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla with spoon until well blended. Spread in pan.
Step 3:
Spoon filling mixture over brownie batter in pan. Cut through filling mixture and batter with knife several times for marbled design. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Step 4:
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in brownie 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For 24 brownies, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator. (Ha! As if storage instructions are needed!)
Cream cheese brownies
I used to treat myself to some really amazing cheesecake brownies once in a while. They were made at a shop just outside the store I worked in so I couldn't resist the temptation.
Sadly, my husband doesn't share my fondness for these cheesecake brownies. Or maybe that's a good thing. Maybe I need to make more--like these! After all, this is another "healthified" recipe :-)
Cream Cheese Brownies
Filling
1 package (8 oz) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened 1/3 cup sugar
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
Brownies
1 box (1 lb 2.3 oz) Betty Crocker® fudge brownie mix 1/4 cup canola oil or unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Step 1:
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in remaining filling ingredients until well blended.
Step 2:
In large bowl, stir brownie mix, oil, water, 4 egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla with spoon until well blended. Spread in pan.
Step 3:
Spoon filling mixture over brownie batter in pan. Cut through filling mixture and batter with knife several times for marbled design. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Step 4:
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in brownie 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For 24 brownies, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator. (Ha! As if storage instructions are needed!)
Cream cheese brownies
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Enough with the music! Let's talk chocolate!
After all, today is St. Nick's day and in my world, that's a reason to celebrate with chocolate!
I waswasting time researching a project one day and came across this recipe for truffles. I think it looks fabulous and cannot wait to try it myself. I see this becoming teacher gifts this year. . .and since I teach, what better way to gift myself, right?
Recipe below and link to the original recipe is included at the bottom of this post:
4 oz bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped
4 oz semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup half and half
2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur
1/2 cup crushed Chocolate Cheerios cereal, finely chopped toasted pecans or flaked coconut
Step 1:
In 1 quart heavy saucepan, heat both chocolates over low heat, stirring constantly, until mentled and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in half and half and liqueur. Refrigerate about 2 hours, stirring once, until thick enough to hold a shape.
Step 2:
Place cereal on sheet of waxed paper. Drop chocolate mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cereal; roll lightly to coat (truffles do not need to be perfectly round). Serve immediately or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
Dark chocolate truffles
They sound divine don't they? And so easy to make! I can't help but giggle over "serve immediately." As if I will have a choice. Once my family sees these, they will be in the kitchen asking over and over "Are they ready yet? What about now--are they ready now?"
I do hope you have a lovely St. Nick's day filled with special treats!
I was
Recipe below and link to the original recipe is included at the bottom of this post:
4 oz bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped
4 oz semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup half and half
2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur
1/2 cup crushed Chocolate Cheerios cereal, finely chopped toasted pecans or flaked coconut
Step 1:
In 1 quart heavy saucepan, heat both chocolates over low heat, stirring constantly, until mentled and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in half and half and liqueur. Refrigerate about 2 hours, stirring once, until thick enough to hold a shape.
Step 2:
Place cereal on sheet of waxed paper. Drop chocolate mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cereal; roll lightly to coat (truffles do not need to be perfectly round). Serve immediately or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
Dark chocolate truffles
They sound divine don't they? And so easy to make! I can't help but giggle over "serve immediately." As if I will have a choice. Once my family sees these, they will be in the kitchen asking over and over "Are they ready yet? What about now--are they ready now?"
I do hope you have a lovely St. Nick's day filled with special treats!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Enchanted!
I am not a giant Taylor Swift fan. But I do see that she does a fine job of putting into words and music what every young girl feels. A few years ago I heard this song on my way to a winter formal dance. It was so fitting for the night--Christmas lights, crisp but not too cold weather. Just a beautiful night and a beautiful song.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Seven years went under the bridge Like time was standing still
Today is a day of remembrance. Apologies for being a bit self-centered today. But it has been seven years. And in some ways it is like time was standing still. And yet it marches on. So much has changed in seven years. Kids have grown. Celebrations have been had. Without a key player in the family--my first friend and best friend. So many songs remind me of her. I can be in the grocery store and be reduced to tears. One of the girls will ask me what's wrong and another will realize, it's the song.
This is one of the songs that always makes me think of her.
This is one of the songs that always makes me think of her.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Johnny and June
Powerful song. Johnny Cash and June Carter met on the road while married to other people. Some would say it was inevitable. . .they were meant to be together. Eventually they became the king and queen of country music. Inseparable. And people came to accept them even during a time when divorce and remarriage was not accepted. Even though Johnny had been quite a troublemaker and a drug addict. Some could argue that June Carter had too many husbands. But obviously, the life they built together was one that people could see was a life built on love and respect for each other.
Love this song.
Love this song.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Home of the Blues
Love me some Johnny Cash. I couldn't have imagined anyone else could do such a great job with this one but Norah Jones did a lovely tribute to Johnny Cash a few years ago. It's good enough to drag back out and share now
Friday, November 30, 2012
The Carol Burnett Show!
Saturday nights used to be one of my favorite nights for a little TV. The Carol Burnett show was genuis. It was filmed in front of a live audience. Carol Burnett would often start off the show taking questions and requests then they'd move on to comedy sketches along with some song and dance. Sometimes they mocked commercials or famous movies and tv shows.
Today I share with you an episode from 1975 which featured Rock Hudson (hilarious to see him in another light!) and Nancy Walker. Regulars on the show included Tim Conway, Harvey Korman and Vicki Lawrence. They were incredible together! Truly some good stuff here!
Today I share with you an episode from 1975 which featured Rock Hudson (hilarious to see him in another light!) and Nancy Walker. Regulars on the show included Tim Conway, Harvey Korman and Vicki Lawrence. They were incredible together! Truly some good stuff here!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Click click. . . . . .click click
Recently my family had to take a little drive out of town. We were on 4-lane highway for most of the drive. At one point though, I found myself blinded by the bright lights of an oncoming car. Even though the car was on the other side of a divided highway and he was a good deal down the road, the "brights" were distracting to say the least.
As only I can do, that moment flashed me back to being a kid and riding with my parents at night. Back in those days we often traveled on roads that weren't so busy at night. My grandparents lived out in the country as did a good number of my aunts and uncles. Traveling at night meant that in my dozy hazy sleep I would hear "click click" followed by a good long pause and then "click click."
Readers of a certain age surely know where this is going. But for my younger readers, I'll connect the dots.
While the controls now for "brights" versus regular headlights are usually on a "stick" on the steering wheel now, when I was a little girl the control was a button on the floor. You stepped on in (click) and released it (click) to turn brights on; then when you came upon another car you would step on it again (click) and release it (click) so that the brights would shut off and you would have your regular headlights only.
OK, for my non-drivers, when you turn on the headlights, 2 would light up. They are bright enough as general driving lights but if you are the only car on an unfamiliar road, brights are nice to give you a better view. On the older cars hitting the clicker for brights meant a second set of headlights would come on as well. The problem with brights though is that the way they are positioned to hit the road, they also hit the passenger compartment of oncoming cars and you just might blind a driver coming toward you. Obviously a bad thing.
Thus, a familiar sound along the drive home was "click click. . . . . . . . . . . .click click."
As only I can do, that moment flashed me back to being a kid and riding with my parents at night. Back in those days we often traveled on roads that weren't so busy at night. My grandparents lived out in the country as did a good number of my aunts and uncles. Traveling at night meant that in my dozy hazy sleep I would hear "click click" followed by a good long pause and then "click click."
Readers of a certain age surely know where this is going. But for my younger readers, I'll connect the dots.
While the controls now for "brights" versus regular headlights are usually on a "stick" on the steering wheel now, when I was a little girl the control was a button on the floor. You stepped on in (click) and released it (click) to turn brights on; then when you came upon another car you would step on it again (click) and release it (click) so that the brights would shut off and you would have your regular headlights only.
OK, for my non-drivers, when you turn on the headlights, 2 would light up. They are bright enough as general driving lights but if you are the only car on an unfamiliar road, brights are nice to give you a better view. On the older cars hitting the clicker for brights meant a second set of headlights would come on as well. The problem with brights though is that the way they are positioned to hit the road, they also hit the passenger compartment of oncoming cars and you just might blind a driver coming toward you. Obviously a bad thing.
Thus, a familiar sound along the drive home was "click click. . . . . . . . . . . .click click."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Manicotti
So I have a bit of a dilemma this week. I spent so much at the grocery store leading up to Thanksgiving I am stubbornly resisting a trip to the grocery this week. This means being extra creative with the dinner menu each night. But this meal makes it easy. I have ricotta and I have a family that loves manicotti!
1 box of large pasta shells (easier to stuff than manicotti)
1 lb of ricotta
1 egg
1/2 tsp basil
1/4-1/2 tsp crushed garlic
2 tbsp chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1 large jar or can of your favorite pasta sauce
up to 2 cups of shredded cheese--mozzarella or a mix like colby jack
Cook pasta according to directions
Mix the ricotta, egg and spices together.
Stuff cooked pasta shells. I prefer pasta shells only because they are easier for me to stuff than are manicotti.
Pour about 1/4 of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Places stuffed shells in the baking dish. Cover with the rest of the pasta sauce and a light layer of shredded cheese.
Bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes.
1 box of large pasta shells (easier to stuff than manicotti)
1 lb of ricotta
1 egg
1/2 tsp basil
1/4-1/2 tsp crushed garlic
2 tbsp chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1 large jar or can of your favorite pasta sauce
up to 2 cups of shredded cheese--mozzarella or a mix like colby jack
Cook pasta according to directions
Mix the ricotta, egg and spices together.
Stuff cooked pasta shells. I prefer pasta shells only because they are easier for me to stuff than are manicotti.
Pour about 1/4 of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Places stuffed shells in the baking dish. Cover with the rest of the pasta sauce and a light layer of shredded cheese.
Bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
That olive green corduroy coat with the fuzzy collar
It wasn't much to look at. I suppose when it was new it was a decent looking coat.
But it was olive green.
And oh so worn.
When I saw it on a stranger, my heart stopped.
My heart stopped because once upon a time my dad had a coat just like it And it was my security blanket. How many times did he carry me in his arms, with my little face burrowed into the olive green faux fur collar. It was soft and warm and snuggly. It smelled just right--like security should smell, as if it has a smell we could all identify. Chances are we would all have our own definition of that one.
But for me, on all those nights when I got the chance to burrow into that coat, I knew I was safe, secure and loved.
PS--I searched high and low to find a picture of this coat. This outward symbol of safety and security from my childhood. But no, while the internet is a great world and offers so many pictures of things long forgotten, I was unable to find a picture of my coat. Crazy isn't it? That the old green coat that meant so much to me, that even as an adult made me stop in my tracks and try not to stare at a strange gentlemen, and that picture doesn't seen to exist.
But it was olive green.
And oh so worn.
When I saw it on a stranger, my heart stopped.
My heart stopped because once upon a time my dad had a coat just like it And it was my security blanket. How many times did he carry me in his arms, with my little face burrowed into the olive green faux fur collar. It was soft and warm and snuggly. It smelled just right--like security should smell, as if it has a smell we could all identify. Chances are we would all have our own definition of that one.
But for me, on all those nights when I got the chance to burrow into that coat, I knew I was safe, secure and loved.
PS--I searched high and low to find a picture of this coat. This outward symbol of safety and security from my childhood. But no, while the internet is a great world and offers so many pictures of things long forgotten, I was unable to find a picture of my coat. Crazy isn't it? That the old green coat that meant so much to me, that even as an adult made me stop in my tracks and try not to stare at a strange gentlemen, and that picture doesn't seen to exist.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Name that voice!
Today is Rich Little's birthday. When I was kid I loved watching this guy perform. He could do impressions of so many people. While there are clips from more recent performances, I feel that the classic clips are the best. Enjoy this one from "back in the day." Good stuff.
From the same era. . .roasting Johnny Carson:
Happy birthday Mr. Little!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Saturday Morning Music Fun!
Lipstick on your collar told a tale on you!
Sweet Connie Francis. Short little song but so much fun. This one wasn't on the records I listened to as a kid but I remember it well from my childhood so it must have been on the radio or something.
Enjoy it!
Sweet Connie Francis. Short little song but so much fun. This one wasn't on the records I listened to as a kid but I remember it well from my childhood so it must have been on the radio or something.
Enjoy it!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Rock Hudson. . .Send Me No Flowers
I always adored Rock Hudson. He and Cary Grant were my 2 favorite actors, even when I was a young girl. Tall, dark hair, and amazing voice (I recently learned he had surgery to deepen his voice--the internet is full of all kinds of incredible bits of information.)
Rock starred in several movies with Doris Day. One of my favorites with the two of them is Send Me No Flowers, the story of a hypochondriac who overhears a conversation and believes that he is dying. So he sets out on a mission to get all his "affairs in order" including locating the next husband for his wife.
It's a hoot. Doris Day is her usual bubbly self while Rock plays the part of a sad hypochondriac to perfection. And this one is available on youtube as a whole movie too. So bookmark this entry if you can't stop to watch the whole show now!
Rock starred in several movies with Doris Day. One of my favorites with the two of them is Send Me No Flowers, the story of a hypochondriac who overhears a conversation and believes that he is dying. So he sets out on a mission to get all his "affairs in order" including locating the next husband for his wife.
It's a hoot. Doris Day is her usual bubbly self while Rock plays the part of a sad hypochondriac to perfection. And this one is available on youtube as a whole movie too. So bookmark this entry if you can't stop to watch the whole show now!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
She said "love you" and headed out the door.
Most of the time that probably wouldn't hardly register. After all, we are a family that says it frequently. Some might even say that we use those words too much.
But the other day my teenage daughter stopped by my classroom during a passing period to check the lunch options in my "pantry." She didn't find anything enticing so she told me that she'd just get something in the cafeteria. Then she casually said "Bye. Have a good one. Love you."
And then she headed out the door. I was dumbstruck. I figured it was patently uncool to tell your mama "love you" in front of other students.
Yet she did. Possibly even cooler was the fact that no one in the room commented about it.
So I guess it's cool after all.
Two of my babes are pretty open about saying "I love you" and giving hugs. My third tends to be more reserved about it. But they feel it and have their own way of letting me know.
For that, I am grateful.
But the other day my teenage daughter stopped by my classroom during a passing period to check the lunch options in my "pantry." She didn't find anything enticing so she told me that she'd just get something in the cafeteria. Then she casually said "Bye. Have a good one. Love you."
And then she headed out the door. I was dumbstruck. I figured it was patently uncool to tell your mama "love you" in front of other students.
Yet she did. Possibly even cooler was the fact that no one in the room commented about it.
So I guess it's cool after all.
Two of my babes are pretty open about saying "I love you" and giving hugs. My third tends to be more reserved about it. But they feel it and have their own way of letting me know.
For that, I am grateful.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Lighting our way today. ..
The Lumineers with Ho Hey!
I sooooo love this song! It's a good mood song for sure. Perfect for one of those days where I have to work and the little people in my house get a day off. I sure need something to keep me going on those kinds of days!
I sooooo love this song! It's a good mood song for sure. Perfect for one of those days where I have to work and the little people in my house get a day off. I sure need something to keep me going on those kinds of days!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Crock post French toast
I love French toast. But I rarely take time to make breakfast during the week.
Enter a crock pot breakfast I am told is worth making.
Depending on the size of your crock pot, you might want to cut this one in half. But if you have a big crock pot and a lot of hungry people, do the full recipe!
1 loaf of bread, cut slices in half.
12 eggs
4 c milk
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Layer the bread in the crock pot.
Beat the eggs then mix in milk, cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla.
Pour over the bread in the crock pot. If you are concerned about fully covering the bread with the egg mixture, put half the bread in and pour half the mixture over it then layer the rest of the bread and mixture over that.
Set on low and cook overnight. Just be sure you plug in your crock pot. I'm not sure there is a sadder thing in the world than waking up to cold french toast in a crock pot that didn't get plugged in.
Enjoy!
Enter a crock pot breakfast I am told is worth making.
Depending on the size of your crock pot, you might want to cut this one in half. But if you have a big crock pot and a lot of hungry people, do the full recipe!
1 loaf of bread, cut slices in half.
12 eggs
4 c milk
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Layer the bread in the crock pot.
Beat the eggs then mix in milk, cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla.
Pour over the bread in the crock pot. If you are concerned about fully covering the bread with the egg mixture, put half the bread in and pour half the mixture over it then layer the rest of the bread and mixture over that.
Set on low and cook overnight. Just be sure you plug in your crock pot. I'm not sure there is a sadder thing in the world than waking up to cold french toast in a crock pot that didn't get plugged in.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Four score and seven years ago. . .
On this date, November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln spoke at Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg. He was the second speaker on the program. His speech was as follows:
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Interesting that Mr Lincoln did not believe that the world would remember what he said. . .as an eighth grader, this was one of the speeches that we studied, learned and memorized for an English class. And that was in the early 1980s, more than 100 years after he delivered his speech.
Even now the words resonate. "We can not dedicate--we can no consecrate--we can not hallow--this ground." Powerful words.
http://myloc.gov/exhibitions/gettysburgaddress/pages/default.aspx
Abraham Lincoln was the second speaker on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Lincoln was preceded on the podium by the famed orator Edward Everett, who spoke to the crowd for two hours. Lincoln followed with his now immortal Gettysburg Address.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Interesting that Mr Lincoln did not believe that the world would remember what he said. . .as an eighth grader, this was one of the speeches that we studied, learned and memorized for an English class. And that was in the early 1980s, more than 100 years after he delivered his speech.
Even now the words resonate. "We can not dedicate--we can no consecrate--we can not hallow--this ground." Powerful words.
http://myloc.gov/exhibitions/gettysburgaddress/pages/default.aspx
Abraham Lincoln was the second speaker on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Lincoln was preceded on the podium by the famed orator Edward Everett, who spoke to the crowd for two hours. Lincoln followed with his now immortal Gettysburg Address.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Dominique, nique, nique!
Since I mentioned the song earlier this week it's only fair that I get you to all sing along with it. This is another of my favorite songs from my parents' 1960s albums. Definitely another "windows open on a cool fall morning" kind of morning.
And catchy to boot. Even if you can't remember more than the first line you'll be guaranteed to keep singing it all day. As a child i wondered why I had so much trouble understanding the words and singing a long. I didn't know French!
It's a fun little song. Watch it here:
You can find a ton more information about the song at this fabulous site
Go ahead, click the link.
And catchy to boot. Even if you can't remember more than the first line you'll be guaranteed to keep singing it all day. As a child i wondered why I had so much trouble understanding the words and singing a long. I didn't know French!
It's a fun little song. Watch it here:
You can find a ton more information about the song at this fabulous site
Go ahead, click the link.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Recipe for a Fantastic Friday!
I love Fridays during the school year.
I love that I get paychecks on Fridays
I love that I don't usually have to get up early on Saturday (hey, anything past 6:30 is "sleeping in" to me)
But what I really love about Fridays is the fact that my family manages to get together and hang out in the living room for much of the evening.
We often get Subway for supper but once in a while it's cool to surprise the kids and do something different.
Like make fudge and popcorn and watch a movie.
So that's our plan for tonight. I'm pulling for an old classic movie, like this one, Operation Petticoat with Cary Grant and Tony Curtis:
(Disclaimer again--I found the link but haven't properly previewed every minute of the video. . .so if someone sees a problem, please let me know as soon as possible!)
I love that I get paychecks on Fridays
I love that I don't usually have to get up early on Saturday (hey, anything past 6:30 is "sleeping in" to me)
But what I really love about Fridays is the fact that my family manages to get together and hang out in the living room for much of the evening.
We often get Subway for supper but once in a while it's cool to surprise the kids and do something different.
Like make fudge and popcorn and watch a movie.
So that's our plan for tonight. I'm pulling for an old classic movie, like this one, Operation Petticoat with Cary Grant and Tony Curtis:
(Disclaimer again--I found the link but haven't properly previewed every minute of the video. . .so if someone sees a problem, please let me know as soon as possible!)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
You're on my hand girl!
Oh how I love mis-heard lyrics.
I know I have my share of songs that I have misunderstood the lyrics and then sang those lyrics loud and proud, only to be told by someone "um, ya got that wrong."
My youngest and I were in the car. She heard "Sugar Sugar" start up on the radio and she called out "Turn it up Mom! I love this song!"
So I did. And I sang along.
All at once she said to me "What did you say?"
So I repeated my last line. "You are my candy girl."
She giggled and said "I thought he was saying "You're on my hand girl!"
Oh too funny.
Love little kids!
I know I have my share of songs that I have misunderstood the lyrics and then sang those lyrics loud and proud, only to be told by someone "um, ya got that wrong."
My youngest and I were in the car. She heard "Sugar Sugar" start up on the radio and she called out "Turn it up Mom! I love this song!"
So I did. And I sang along.
All at once she said to me "What did you say?"
So I repeated my last line. "You are my candy girl."
She giggled and said "I thought he was saying "You're on my hand girl!"
Oh too funny.
Love little kids!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
One of these days these boots. . .
It's catchy. You can't help but sing along. And what girl hasn't sung this song in her head when she put on her favorite black boots? What--you don't have a pair of black boots? Oh please go out and get some!
Dancing along to this one is optional. . .I mean, you are in your own home right? Who's going to see you?
Favorite lines:
You keep lyin' when you oughta be truthin'
You keep losing when you oughta not bet
You keep samin' when you oughta be a'changin'
And of course:
Are you ready, boots?
Start walkin'
Favorite lines:
You keep lyin' when you oughta be truthin'
You keep losing when you oughta not bet
You keep samin' when you oughta be a'changin'
And of course:
Are you ready, boots?
Start walkin'
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
"New" Author!!!
I owe a great debt to the friend who recommeded PJ Tracy's book Monkeewrench.
You might have noticed that I haven't written about any good books in a while. I had fallen into a bit of a book slump. I'd find something that was supposed to be good and I'd try to read it. Only to give up and take it back to the library.
Well. . . . Dominique (stop making fun of her name--no pretending you are the Singing Nun here!) pointed me toward Monkeewrench. And when I didn't respond in a timely manner with "I love that book!" she reminded me again.
So I got it. I was prepared to love it so I planned a starting time for reading it so I'd have a chance to just sit and read.
Wowsers.
The story takes place in two states where law enforcement are investigating murders. One state has a series of murders that match up to the crime scenes in a game created by Monkeewrench Software. The other state is working to solve the apparently random murder of an old couple in church.
Monkeewrench Software is made up of of a group of five people who have been friends since college. But they have some shared mysterious background.
You'll have to read it for yourself. It's definitely a book worth your time.
You might have noticed that I haven't written about any good books in a while. I had fallen into a bit of a book slump. I'd find something that was supposed to be good and I'd try to read it. Only to give up and take it back to the library.
Well. . . . Dominique (stop making fun of her name--no pretending you are the Singing Nun here!) pointed me toward Monkeewrench. And when I didn't respond in a timely manner with "I love that book!" she reminded me again.
So I got it. I was prepared to love it so I planned a starting time for reading it so I'd have a chance to just sit and read.
Wowsers.
The story takes place in two states where law enforcement are investigating murders. One state has a series of murders that match up to the crime scenes in a game created by Monkeewrench Software. The other state is working to solve the apparently random murder of an old couple in church.
Monkeewrench Software is made up of of a group of five people who have been friends since college. But they have some shared mysterious background.
You'll have to read it for yourself. It's definitely a book worth your time.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Veterans Day. . .observed.
So yesterday was Veterans Day. Today is "Veterans Day observed" meaning that it's the paid holiday since Sunday was already a day off for many of us.
Maybe it's a good thing when it falls like this. . .actually gives two days to thank Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made.
Our family was in Mass at 11:00 on November 11. Somehow that just seemed particularly fitting--to be in church remembering those who have served.
In my family we have had many to serve. My dad, two of his brothers, several cousins on that side of the family (don't give me a hard time here--my dad was one of six kids and I have a total of 32 first cousins!) On my mom's side of the family all three of my uncles served and one of my first cousins served. I believe that two of my first cousins have children currently serving overseas.
So today we will take an extra moment to remember again, those who have served their countries, around the world.
Thank you.
Maybe it's a good thing when it falls like this. . .actually gives two days to thank Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made.
Our family was in Mass at 11:00 on November 11. Somehow that just seemed particularly fitting--to be in church remembering those who have served.
In my family we have had many to serve. My dad, two of his brothers, several cousins on that side of the family (don't give me a hard time here--my dad was one of six kids and I have a total of 32 first cousins!) On my mom's side of the family all three of my uncles served and one of my first cousins served. I believe that two of my first cousins have children currently serving overseas.
So today we will take an extra moment to remember again, those who have served their countries, around the world.
Thank you.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Could I Have This Dance
For the rest of my life. . . .
Oh the memories that song bring back for me. It was the wedding song back when I was younger. I guess at least three of my cousins used it at the dance at their wedding receptions.
Definitely a good song. One that takes me right back to, you guessed it, the eighties again.
Oh the memories that song bring back for me. It was the wedding song back when I was younger. I guess at least three of my cousins used it at the dance at their wedding receptions.
Definitely a good song. One that takes me right back to, you guessed it, the eighties again.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Harry Frigg!!!
Now this one is a tough to locate but worth the fight for it movie.
Many years ago I watched this movie and it became one of my absolute favorites. I haven't seen it in years and have forgotten so many humorous lines/scenes. But it became the movie that my family teased me about because I couldn't shut up about it
Paul Newman (ooooh, dreamy! Love his eyes!) is Private Harry Frigg who has the incredible talent for escaping from guard houses, is temporarily promoted to Major General. You see, 5 Allied Generals have been captured and since they are all 1-star generals and they refuse to take orders from each other. So they need someone else to come in and plan their escape.
This one is a good one. Make the effort to find it and enjoy it. Try as I might, no youtube links for this one. But I can show you Paul Newman as Harry Frigg.
Many years ago I watched this movie and it became one of my absolute favorites. I haven't seen it in years and have forgotten so many humorous lines/scenes. But it became the movie that my family teased me about because I couldn't shut up about it
Paul Newman (ooooh, dreamy! Love his eyes!) is Private Harry Frigg who has the incredible talent for escaping from guard houses, is temporarily promoted to Major General. You see, 5 Allied Generals have been captured and since they are all 1-star generals and they refuse to take orders from each other. So they need someone else to come in and plan their escape.
This one is a good one. Make the effort to find it and enjoy it. Try as I might, no youtube links for this one. But I can show you Paul Newman as Harry Frigg.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Oh the best observations and the utmost in honesty come from the little members of the family.
The youngest member of our family burst into my room one morning when I was gathering my purse to leave for work and proudly exclaimed "Mommy! You are the Congress!"
I was baffled. The Congress?
So I asked her to repeat what she had said.
"You are the Congress Mommy! How does that feel?"
Ummm, I don't know. Why do you say I'm the Congress?
"Because I asked Daddy what the President does and he said that the President is in charge of the country but really he just sees what needs to be done and then directs Congress who really does the work."
Ohhhhhh. I see.
"So Mommy, Daddy might see that the living room is a mess but you are the one that makes sure it gets cleaned up. That makes Daddy the President and you the Congress!"
Love it. She's a smart girl, that littlest one of mine.
The youngest member of our family burst into my room one morning when I was gathering my purse to leave for work and proudly exclaimed "Mommy! You are the Congress!"
I was baffled. The Congress?
So I asked her to repeat what she had said.
"You are the Congress Mommy! How does that feel?"
Ummm, I don't know. Why do you say I'm the Congress?
"Because I asked Daddy what the President does and he said that the President is in charge of the country but really he just sees what needs to be done and then directs Congress who really does the work."
Ohhhhhh. I see.
"So Mommy, Daddy might see that the living room is a mess but you are the one that makes sure it gets cleaned up. That makes Daddy the President and you the Congress!"
Love it. She's a smart girl, that littlest one of mine.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Eddie Peabody
I'm just betting most of you have never heard of him. But he was another one of my mom's favorite musicians. My mom grew up amongst a very talented family and at that time it was the norm to have a Saturday night jamfest at someone's house. One of my mom's uncles played the banjo "just like Eddie Peabody." I got to hear him play just once but he was older and wouldn't let us watch because he was embarrassed he couldn't play as well as he used to play. I still thought he was pretty impressive and back in the day he just might have given Eddie a run for his money!
I can't get this one to link properly but click here to go over to youtube for another video. The man was a genius!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day!
Interesting times. . .I felt it necessary to use today for all things Election Day. This nation has seen some tough times. Elections are an important piece of being an American citizen. It is the duty and right of all citizens to get out on election day and vote for the candidates they feel will accomplish what this nation needs. What direction will we go next?
So with that in mind, a little music from the 80s and a recipe for your day.
Back in the day, it wasn't as easy to vote as it is today. We have early voting and absentee voting and polling places all over the city and county. But in the early days of our nation it was necessary for people to travel to vote. And in a quick online search for election day recipes I came across a post from the Washington Post from 2004 about an election day cake. This is one I am going to serve my family today and I thought it was worth sharing with the rest of you.
Election Day Cake
12 to 14 servings
This recipe makes a tall, sturdy cake when baked in a 10-inch tube pan. The cake is not very sweet, and not as dense or as moist as a fruitcake. Adapted from Fleischmann's "New Treasury of Yeast Baking" booklet (1968):
For the cake:
4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
2 packages active dry yeast (not rapid-rise yeast)
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus additional for the pan
1 1/2 cups very hot water
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups seedless raisins
3/4 cup (about 3 ounces) chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel or a mixture of chopped dried fruit such as apples and apricots
For the glaze:
1 cup confectioner's sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, the sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace and undissolved yeast. Add butter and mix until combined.
Gradually add the hot water and mix on the lowest speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, until combined. Add the eggs and an additional 3/4 cup of flour. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the raisins, pecans, candied peel or dried fruit and 1 1/2 cups of flour, reduce the speed to low or switch to a wooden spoon, and mix until combined. The batter should be stiff; if it is not, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
Butter a 10-inch tube pan (may substitute a Bundt pan). Turn the batter into the pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, until a cake tester comes out dry and lightly browned on top. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, remove the pan and set aside to cool completely.
For the glaze: In a bowl, stir together the sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle; if necessary, add additional milk, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
When the cake is completely cool, drizzle the top of the cake with the glaze.
Per serving (based on 14): 430 calories, 7 gm protein, 68 gm carbohydrates, 16 gm fat, 59 mg cholesterol, 7 gm saturated fat, 181 mg sodium, 3 gm dietary fiber
Original article here
So with that in mind, a little music from the 80s and a recipe for your day.
Back in the day, it wasn't as easy to vote as it is today. We have early voting and absentee voting and polling places all over the city and county. But in the early days of our nation it was necessary for people to travel to vote. And in a quick online search for election day recipes I came across a post from the Washington Post from 2004 about an election day cake. This is one I am going to serve my family today and I thought it was worth sharing with the rest of you.
Election Day Cake
For the cake:
1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel or a mixture of chopped dried fruit such as apples and apricots
For the glaze:
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, the sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace and undissolved yeast. Add butter and mix until combined.
Gradually add the hot water and mix on the lowest speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, until combined. Add the eggs and an additional 3/4 cup of flour. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the raisins, pecans, candied peel or dried fruit and 1 1/2 cups of flour, reduce the speed to low or switch to a wooden spoon, and mix until combined. The batter should be stiff; if it is not, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
Butter a 10-inch tube pan (may substitute a Bundt pan). Turn the batter into the pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, until a cake tester comes out dry and lightly browned on top. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, remove the pan and set aside to cool completely.
For the glaze: In a bowl, stir together the sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle; if necessary, add additional milk, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
When the cake is completely cool, drizzle the top of the cake with the glaze.
Per serving (based on 14): 430 calories, 7 gm protein, 68 gm carbohydrates, 16 gm fat, 59 mg cholesterol, 7 gm saturated fat, 181 mg sodium, 3 gm dietary fiber
Original article here
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Raisin
My daughter and I were heading home from piano lessons the other day. She had some Milk Duds and I begged her to share. She did because she is a good kid like that. As soon as I saw the package though I was disappointed because somehow I thought "Whoppers" when she said "Milk Duds." But hey, it's all good when you are hungry/thirsty so I took two and said thanks.
And then as the chocolate melted away and I was left with a hunk of caramel (delicious, don't get me wrong) I remembered, again, why I prefer Whoppers over Milk Duds.
Whoppers can just melt away in your mouth.
Milk Duds leave you with hunks of caramel that just don't melt away in your mouth.
So I go about my business kind of chewing them and all at once my daughter is laughing. . .she has a hunk of caramel stuck to her front tooth.
It was funny. And funnier if you were there. But the funniest is if you were me looking at her and remembering the time that my dad got up from the dinner table and went into another room to stick a raisin over his front teeth so he could come back to the table and pretend he was missing teeth.
Not funny to you? What if your dad did that when the priest from your church was one of the people sitting at the dinner table?
Yup, that's my dad. Always one for doing what is proper. No really, he is. But for some reason he felt so inclined that night to stick a raisin on his front teeth and act like he was missing his front teeth. For the priest.
Maybe this explains my random acts of insanity? I got it all honestly from my dad.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
And then as the chocolate melted away and I was left with a hunk of caramel (delicious, don't get me wrong) I remembered, again, why I prefer Whoppers over Milk Duds.
Whoppers can just melt away in your mouth.
Milk Duds leave you with hunks of caramel that just don't melt away in your mouth.
So I go about my business kind of chewing them and all at once my daughter is laughing. . .she has a hunk of caramel stuck to her front tooth.
It was funny. And funnier if you were there. But the funniest is if you were me looking at her and remembering the time that my dad got up from the dinner table and went into another room to stick a raisin over his front teeth so he could come back to the table and pretend he was missing teeth.
Not funny to you? What if your dad did that when the priest from your church was one of the people sitting at the dinner table?
Yup, that's my dad. Always one for doing what is proper. No really, he is. But for some reason he felt so inclined that night to stick a raisin on his front teeth and act like he was missing his front teeth. For the priest.
Maybe this explains my random acts of insanity? I got it all honestly from my dad.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Saturday Morning: The Sting
This entire album made up the sountrack of many a Saturday morning at my house when I was growing up. Funny, I thought everyone listened to this kind of music. But no. Just my family. It's still among my preferred "clean house, get the weekend going" kind of music. Listen to a few selections below:
And it wasn't just Scot Joplin (although his music was magnificent). It was the whole album including this one:
Side note--missing my girls today. Off on a trip with the oldest one for school but desperately miss my younger girls and quite sad I have to miss my youngest child's 1st and 2nd basketball games. See you soon girls!
And it wasn't just Scot Joplin (although his music was magnificent). It was the whole album including this one:
Side note--missing my girls today. Off on a trip with the oldest one for school but desperately miss my younger girls and quite sad I have to miss my youngest child's 1st and 2nd basketball games. See you soon girls!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Pillow Talk!
Oh how I love Doris Day and Rock Hudson! They did three movies together. . .and they were such fun innocent little movies.
Check out the intro to this one:
Check out the intro to this one:
Pillow Talk is a 1959 movie about people sharing a party line. For my younger readers, ask the old people in your lives for their experiences with a party line. Several houses shared a telephone line and the ring was slightly different depending on who the call was intended for (which I don't quite understand since by the time I came along, party lines were a thing of the past in this area). Anyway, this movie was about people sharing a party line and they did not like each other. . .or did they? You'd have to watch to see.
Doris Day was born in 1924 and is still active; advocacy for animals is a huge part of her life. She often played the role of the smart beautiful woman but she was was enough like the rest of us that she could be the girl next door. . .just all glammed up. And what a beautiful voice.
Ooooo--it appears you can watch the movie at this link! What a find!!! (Please note I have not taken the time to inspect this link so if it is not actually the whole movie, I thoroughly apologize and would appreciate it if you would message me or comment below so I can remove it! This blog is meant for readers of all ages.)
Enjoy! (I just gave you your Friday night movie. . .I hope!)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
What I have not been reading. . . .
I love to read by lately I cannot find anything that holds my attention long enough to actually finish it.
I picked up the book No Easy Day, about Seal Team Six, the one that served the mission that killed Obama Bin Laden (please note I never celebrate the death of an individual. . .if this is the "solution" to our problems, what a sad world we are in). I thought I would read the book to see what all the fuss was about whether or not this individual told information that should have remained classified.
I never got past the first 30 pages. So I took it back to the library.
I also picked up Zoo, which I understand is supposed to be one of James Patterson's best books ever. I didn't make it past the first 50 pages of that one either. so back to the library with it.
Part of the problem was the need to watch baseball (all that time in front of the TV, and still my team did not pull off a win in the World Series) and I suppose a general lack of good things to read.
I refuse to read that one series that has been at the top of the NYTimes bestseller list for months--the trilogy of trash.
But I do have a very good friend who recommended some books to me and I am going to start on her series this weekend. I'm starting at the beginning of the series and working forward. I'll let you know how that one goes.
I picked up the book No Easy Day, about Seal Team Six, the one that served the mission that killed Obama Bin Laden (please note I never celebrate the death of an individual. . .if this is the "solution" to our problems, what a sad world we are in). I thought I would read the book to see what all the fuss was about whether or not this individual told information that should have remained classified.
I never got past the first 30 pages. So I took it back to the library.
I also picked up Zoo, which I understand is supposed to be one of James Patterson's best books ever. I didn't make it past the first 50 pages of that one either. so back to the library with it.
Part of the problem was the need to watch baseball (all that time in front of the TV, and still my team did not pull off a win in the World Series) and I suppose a general lack of good things to read.
I refuse to read that one series that has been at the top of the NYTimes bestseller list for months--the trilogy of trash.
But I do have a very good friend who recommended some books to me and I am going to start on her series this weekend. I'm starting at the beginning of the series and working forward. I'll let you know how that one goes.
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