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!
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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