A young man came to my house to pick me up for Midnight Mass. It was cold that night. They were predicting a white Christmas for our area with snow hitting some time over night.
We went to Mass at my church. Back in those days if you didn't get there early, you didn't get a seat. So we go to church before 10:45 and I got to listen to our choir sing the usual pre-Mass program of Christmas carols.
Church was decorated the same as it had been for the previous 10 or so years that I had gone there. I was split between two churches growing up; in the end, my parents returned to the church we had left and I stayed at the new one. It just felt like home to me.
It was a beautiful Mass. I cried just like I do every year. When they sing Silent Night to start Mass I cry. They sing at Communion, I cry. (They sing "Oh Come Little Children" in German; years ago my dad helped them with the proper pronunciations in that one. So there is reason to cry. . .solid memories there)
After Communion they sing "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Funny. Just typing the title makes me cry. Goodness gracious.
But the absolute tearfest is at the end of Mass when the choir sings the recessional. . ."Twas the Birthday of a King." I have searched high and low to find a version of it on youtube that comes anywhere near to my church's choir. We don't have a big choir. Just a church with incredible acoustics. And when they sing it, it really rings out. And I cry.
When we left Mass that night, all aglow in the peace and quiet that comes with being out in the middle of the night, we looked up and saw snow. There probably wasn't a half inch of slushy snow on the ground yet when he took me home. But watching it fall from the sky, in that cold dark and intensely quiet night, it was magical. A perfectly magical first Christmas with the young man I would later marry.
A magical Christmas, just as it should be every year.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Found a Peanut!
As we left from the final performance of the play we "found a peanut" on the floor of the landing in one stairwell. I couldn't help myself. . .I started singing and made my dad join in with me. Just one of those crazy moments that had to happen. My dad taught us that song years ago so getting to break into song on a random night when we literally "found a peanut" was just priceless.
Now for those of you who don't know the song. . .go right here. But I warn you, it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day!
Now for those of you who don't know the song. . .go right here. But I warn you, it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Go get'em girl!
Today is a completely self indulgent post for my girl. She has a big day today and I just want to wish her all the best of luck!
Go speechify and bring home a ribbon!
And because this was one of Daddy's songs of encouragement years ago. . .
You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet
Go speechify and bring home a ribbon!
And because this was one of Daddy's songs of encouragement years ago. . .
You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet
Monday, November 18, 2013
Sometimes a song just makes your heart stop
At least it does for me. As soon as I hear the first note of some songs it's like my heart stops and I am paralyzed, in a completely good way, waiting for the song to take off.
Christina Perri's song A Thousand Years is one of those songs. From the very first note I am transfixed. I know I cannot turn the song down or off until it is over. The words are powerful but it's more than that. It is the overall emotion of the song. Even when I just hum the song I feel the emotion.
Listen to it for yourself. . .see if you you feel the depth of emotion. I am drawn to it because of the piano. But I wonder, does this one make you stop and listen?
A Thousand Years
Christina Perri's song A Thousand Years is one of those songs. From the very first note I am transfixed. I know I cannot turn the song down or off until it is over. The words are powerful but it's more than that. It is the overall emotion of the song. Even when I just hum the song I feel the emotion.
Listen to it for yourself. . .see if you you feel the depth of emotion. I am drawn to it because of the piano. But I wonder, does this one make you stop and listen?
A Thousand Years
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Getting to know you!
Ahhhh, play week! It's wonderful and awful all at the same time! It's the end of long nights of rehearsal. But it's also sad because it's over.
But today we just celebrate the fun of the weekend with one of my favorites from the musical. :-)
Getting to know you!
But today we just celebrate the fun of the weekend with one of my favorites from the musical. :-)
Getting to know you!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
I Love How You Love Me. . .
I've always heard this one as a slow love song. But last night while I was working I came across this version in a playlist of songs from the 1960s. . .and true to my natural form, I listened to it over and over and over.
Thus, it must be worth sharing. It's a bit raucous at times. It deviates from the lyrics I find online for the song. And yet it's just such a happy upbeat song I just can't get enough of it!
I Love How You Love Me
Thus, it must be worth sharing. It's a bit raucous at times. It deviates from the lyrics I find online for the song. And yet it's just such a happy upbeat song I just can't get enough of it!
I Love How You Love Me
Monday, November 11, 2013
The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. . .We Pause
Every year my school holds a Veterans Day Assembly. We invite veterans from our community--from our faculty and our school family--to join us for a reception and assembly in their honor.
Our choir sings. Our band plays. We have a speaker who comments on what it means to serve and why does he/she serve. We do a slide show to recognize those who have served in the armed forces. We have one trumpeter out in a hallway perform taps.
It is beautiful. It is moving. It is a chance to stop and think about what others have done and continue to do in the name of peace and safety for not just our nation, but for the world overall.
I leave you with the Battle Hymn of the Republic, one of the pieces our choir always performs. This year their performance was spectacular--our guest speaker, a Major General, jumped to stand and applaud them for their performance. I wish I had a video of it but I haven't seen one yet. Instead, I offer the performance of the US Army chorus
The Battle Hm of the Republic
Our choir sings. Our band plays. We have a speaker who comments on what it means to serve and why does he/she serve. We do a slide show to recognize those who have served in the armed forces. We have one trumpeter out in a hallway perform taps.
It is beautiful. It is moving. It is a chance to stop and think about what others have done and continue to do in the name of peace and safety for not just our nation, but for the world overall.
I leave you with the Battle Hymn of the Republic, one of the pieces our choir always performs. This year their performance was spectacular--our guest speaker, a Major General, jumped to stand and applaud them for their performance. I wish I had a video of it but I haven't seen one yet. Instead, I offer the performance of the US Army chorus
The Battle Hm of the Republic
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Spice cake and music
On this day eleven years ago, my Nana died. She was something else.
She was a cleaning freak. A child of the Depression, she was frugal like you have never seen--washed and reused aluminum foil, ziploc bags and even bread bags.
She was an excellent cook--could turn simple ground beef into an absolute comfort food meal with gravy and mashed potatoes. But what I remember the most is the spice cake she made one night when we stayed over. The aroma of that cake throughout the house. . .just not something I could easily forget. It was delightful.
She was also a fantastic musician. She began playing string bass as a small child in their family band. There she was, a small lil girl carrying a big string bass from their house over to her uncle's house. Hilarious. As she got older she learned to play piano and then organ. I was always fascinated by her organ. Most people just don't have an organ in the house, do they?
Nana played a lot of great songs. One that stands out is "Hold That Tiger." Nana didn't have a band to play back up for her but this reminds me of the fun she had playing it.
Tiger Rag aka Hold That Tiger
She was a cleaning freak. A child of the Depression, she was frugal like you have never seen--washed and reused aluminum foil, ziploc bags and even bread bags.
She was an excellent cook--could turn simple ground beef into an absolute comfort food meal with gravy and mashed potatoes. But what I remember the most is the spice cake she made one night when we stayed over. The aroma of that cake throughout the house. . .just not something I could easily forget. It was delightful.
She was also a fantastic musician. She began playing string bass as a small child in their family band. There she was, a small lil girl carrying a big string bass from their house over to her uncle's house. Hilarious. As she got older she learned to play piano and then organ. I was always fascinated by her organ. Most people just don't have an organ in the house, do they?
Nana played a lot of great songs. One that stands out is "Hold That Tiger." Nana didn't have a band to play back up for her but this reminds me of the fun she had playing it.
Tiger Rag aka Hold That Tiger
Friday, November 8, 2013
How High the Moon
Oh heck I love this song to pieces. Crazy love it. Reminds me of music we used to listen to stuff like this at my grandparents house when I was a very little girl.
Les Paul & Mary Ford "How High the Moon"
Les Paul & Mary Ford "How High the Moon"
Thursday, November 7, 2013
When You're Smiling
My theme for today. . .because when you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you.
Eddie Peabody When You're Smiling
Eddie Peabody When You're Smiling
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
More ramblings. . .food and music
Well they are two of my favorite things so food and music fit as perfect ramblings here.
I didn't feel too fabulous over the weekend. Usually Sunday is my big day to prep for the week. But I wasn't able to do it.
So when I got home from work yesterday and had the whole house to myself I got busy.
Because we've had some upset tummies I made another round of chicken noodle soup and chicken salad.
Then I put some meat on for strombolis.
And then because I clearly am not right I made fresh bread for the strombolis.
But that wasn't enough. I also made a meatloaf.
All in the space of about 90 minutes.
How crazy is that? But we're eatin' quite good through Thursday (pizza night!) at our house.
While I worked I listened to Pandora. I have a lot of stations on Pandora--so many in fact I should probably settle in to delete some.
Last night's station of choice was Billy Currington. Some really good stuff there. So for fun, here are two of my many favorites from Billy.
People Are Crazy
And then quite possibly one of the happiest sounding break up songs ever. . . .Love Done Gone
Have a great Tuesday! I sure hope to get back on track soon. I really appreciate you all still stopping by to check in on things here!
I didn't feel too fabulous over the weekend. Usually Sunday is my big day to prep for the week. But I wasn't able to do it.
So when I got home from work yesterday and had the whole house to myself I got busy.
Because we've had some upset tummies I made another round of chicken noodle soup and chicken salad.
Then I put some meat on for strombolis.
And then because I clearly am not right I made fresh bread for the strombolis.
But that wasn't enough. I also made a meatloaf.
All in the space of about 90 minutes.
How crazy is that? But we're eatin' quite good through Thursday (pizza night!) at our house.
While I worked I listened to Pandora. I have a lot of stations on Pandora--so many in fact I should probably settle in to delete some.
Last night's station of choice was Billy Currington. Some really good stuff there. So for fun, here are two of my many favorites from Billy.
And then quite possibly one of the happiest sounding break up songs ever. . . .Love Done Gone
Have a great Tuesday! I sure hope to get back on track soon. I really appreciate you all still stopping by to check in on things here!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Ramblings. . .
The big weekend trip was excellent. We had a great group of students who knew to follow the rules and watch out for each other.
About the only thing I would have changed was to find a way to get more sleep.
That lack of sleep has lingered throughout this week, hence my lack of blog posts.
But things to share from this past week. . . .
My kids are amazing. One got to go along for the school trip and we had a very nice time. The other two stayed with my parents and they had a great time. I couldn't wait to see them when I got home (and my bed. . .man I was tired)
Even after more than 25 years, Journey rocks. Still totally in love with their music. I am pretty sure Faithfully is my favorite song ever from them.
Halloween was almost nothing this year. We were supposed to have storms so my county postponed trick or treating to Friday night. In addition, only one little girl in my household planned to dress up for Halloween anyway. I guess we are ending an era. Surprisingly sad about that one. But they are growing up.
Matt Kearney is one of those artists who I think is under appreciated, although I realize his music is unique. I had reason to listen to some of his music this week too. I have a hard time picking a favorite from him. I'm going to go with Renaissance since it's the first one that really hit me hard.
Oh wait. . .this one is good too:
Big weekend. . .after school we have play practice, basketball practice, basketball scrimmage and Mass. Tomorrow we clean house--sooooooo desperately needs a thorough cleaning. And then Sunday we have family stopping in for a visit.
Good times.
Good stuff.
About the only thing I would have changed was to find a way to get more sleep.
That lack of sleep has lingered throughout this week, hence my lack of blog posts.
But things to share from this past week. . . .
My kids are amazing. One got to go along for the school trip and we had a very nice time. The other two stayed with my parents and they had a great time. I couldn't wait to see them when I got home (and my bed. . .man I was tired)
Even after more than 25 years, Journey rocks. Still totally in love with their music. I am pretty sure Faithfully is my favorite song ever from them.
Halloween was almost nothing this year. We were supposed to have storms so my county postponed trick or treating to Friday night. In addition, only one little girl in my household planned to dress up for Halloween anyway. I guess we are ending an era. Surprisingly sad about that one. But they are growing up.
Matt Kearney is one of those artists who I think is under appreciated, although I realize his music is unique. I had reason to listen to some of his music this week too. I have a hard time picking a favorite from him. I'm going to go with Renaissance since it's the first one that really hit me hard.
Oh wait. . .this one is good too:
Big weekend. . .after school we have play practice, basketball practice, basketball scrimmage and Mass. Tomorrow we clean house--sooooooo desperately needs a thorough cleaning. And then Sunday we have family stopping in for a visit.
Good times.
Good stuff.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
I've been swamped this week. Getting ready to take a group of kids to a convention. . .and just trying to take care of my brood of kids at home.
While working last night this one came on. . .I always liked the song just fine. But I remember this song as an ice skating song. I have searched high and low for a video of it but since I can't remember who performed to it, well, it's pretty hard to find. My sister really liked this routine though. . . .probably a reason I wanted to find it so badly. I suppose the song would make most people think of spring but since it was a winter olympics skating routine, it fits with the current cold temps around here.
Have a great Friday!
Enjoy, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
While working last night this one came on. . .I always liked the song just fine. But I remember this song as an ice skating song. I have searched high and low for a video of it but since I can't remember who performed to it, well, it's pretty hard to find. My sister really liked this routine though. . . .probably a reason I wanted to find it so badly. I suppose the song would make most people think of spring but since it was a winter olympics skating routine, it fits with the current cold temps around here.
Have a great Friday!
Enjoy, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
Monday, October 21, 2013
Hockey. Meh.
So we went to a hockey game. It was my first ever hockey game.
Great seats. . .nice and high. If it had been a football game we would have said we were at the 50 yard line. No idea what you'd call that at a hockey game though. . .Heck, when the kids asked me how many periods do they play in a hockey game I couldn't tell them. I had no idea.
I have friends and family who love hockey. However, I don't think it's my cup of tea.
It could be that I was distracted because my Tigers were playing the Red Sox. And as much as I appreciated being able to be at the hockey game (my daughter's choir sang the national anthem before the game) I had a hard time focusing.
Our seats were directly across from the skybox seats. . .where I could see tvs were on. So naturally I found the ones that were watching my game. When I saw something that looked interesting I'd text for a score update.
That's how I spent my time. Watching a tv screen across the arena and texting for a score.
I'm not one of the classiest people you might meet in your life but I found the whole hockey scene a little too crude for my liking.
Saddest part of the night was getting home in time to see my Tigers lose the American League Championship game.
But on the upside, my daughter was on the giant screen at the game while she sang the national anthem!
Great seats. . .nice and high. If it had been a football game we would have said we were at the 50 yard line. No idea what you'd call that at a hockey game though. . .Heck, when the kids asked me how many periods do they play in a hockey game I couldn't tell them. I had no idea.
I have friends and family who love hockey. However, I don't think it's my cup of tea.
It could be that I was distracted because my Tigers were playing the Red Sox. And as much as I appreciated being able to be at the hockey game (my daughter's choir sang the national anthem before the game) I had a hard time focusing.
Our seats were directly across from the skybox seats. . .where I could see tvs were on. So naturally I found the ones that were watching my game. When I saw something that looked interesting I'd text for a score update.
That's how I spent my time. Watching a tv screen across the arena and texting for a score.
I'm not one of the classiest people you might meet in your life but I found the whole hockey scene a little too crude for my liking.
Saddest part of the night was getting home in time to see my Tigers lose the American League Championship game.
But on the upside, my daughter was on the giant screen at the game while she sang the national anthem!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
The Trolley Song
Oh how I loved this movie and this song when I was a little girl. The guy that teaches next door to me played a brass arrangement of this song the other day after school. It's been stuck in my head, in the most delightful way since then.
I doubt many people my age are familiar with this song. . .but for me, the words just flowed right along with the song the day he played it.
Love me some Judy Garland!
The Trolley Song
I doubt many people my age are familiar with this song. . .but for me, the words just flowed right along with the song the day he played it.
Love me some Judy Garland!
The Trolley Song
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday Fun!
This is seriously laugh out loud humor. . .and safe.
My youngest was giggling away over this one night to the point that my husband came in and asked what on earth was so funny.
Just the good old Carol Burnett show. From back when they made good TV.
We found a whole playlist of skits. You should take some time to watch them. Be prepared to laugh, a lot!
Carol Burnett Show skits
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My youngest was giggling away over this one night to the point that my husband came in and asked what on earth was so funny.
Just the good old Carol Burnett show. From back when they made good TV.
We found a whole playlist of skits. You should take some time to watch them. Be prepared to laugh, a lot!
Carol Burnett Show skits
\
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Greatest. . . .
My boys need a little extra push tonight so I'm making up for lost time and posting now. . .
I love this one from Kenny Rogers about a little boy practicing baseball in his backyard :-)
The Greatest
I love this one from Kenny Rogers about a little boy practicing baseball in his backyard :-)
The Greatest
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Yeah, this. . .Centerfield
Funny. How could I forget how much I love pretty much everything about baseball?
But I got so busy doing everything else I just drifted away.
I love playoff time because my family allows me to indulge in my long ago favorite pastime. They laugh when I talk back to the radio. They cheer when I do. They smirk when I act like a disgruntled fan.
So today we're pulling out another baseball song, just because I feel like it.
John Fogerty--Centerfield
But I got so busy doing everything else I just drifted away.
I love playoff time because my family allows me to indulge in my long ago favorite pastime. They laugh when I talk back to the radio. They cheer when I do. They smirk when I act like a disgruntled fan.
So today we're pulling out another baseball song, just because I feel like it.
John Fogerty--Centerfield
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Oh Yeah, Life Goes On. . . .
Things have been crazy busy lately. It's been hard to keep up with everything. It's been nearly impossible to stay positive. Turns out that the early years of sleep deprivation are nothing compared to when the kids get older and have activities everywhere all evening long.
A friend and I were talking about how life changes as families grow up. Things just keep getting "different" whether we like it or not.
And my friend reminded me that John Mellencamp (who I grew up knowing as John Cougar) had a great line. . .
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after this period, of livin' is gone
Excellent perspective when I really needed a reminder. We keep going. . .life goes on.
Jack and Diane
A friend and I were talking about how life changes as families grow up. Things just keep getting "different" whether we like it or not.
And my friend reminded me that John Mellencamp (who I grew up knowing as John Cougar) had a great line. . .
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after this period, of livin' is gone
Excellent perspective when I really needed a reminder. We keep going. . .life goes on.
Jack and Diane
Monday, October 14, 2013
We're talking baseball. . .
It's that time of the year again--playoffs and since my Tigers are still playing, it's my topic. At lunch today people who have never heard me talk sports had to listen to my rant about my beloved Tigers' loss to Boston (shudder!) last night.
It's like an alternate reality. I just don't talk sports. And it's funny because since people aren't used to it, they look at me like I'm some kind of foreigner. At the same time, it's funny to me because in some ways, it's like I am speaking a foreign language, one that has been long forgotten but I can still speak it.
So with that in mind. . . .
Willie, Mickey and the Duke (Talkin' Baseball)
It's like an alternate reality. I just don't talk sports. And it's funny because since people aren't used to it, they look at me like I'm some kind of foreigner. At the same time, it's funny to me because in some ways, it's like I am speaking a foreign language, one that has been long forgotten but I can still speak it.
So with that in mind. . . .
Willie, Mickey and the Duke (Talkin' Baseball)
Saturday, October 12, 2013
When Will I See You Again
So it's late on Saturday. I have missed several mornings of postings. One of my young readers asked "why aren't you posting anything?"
Life. No better answer than that.
But it left me thinking of this song. . .one of my "Kmart" songs because I remember hearing it when we would go to Kmart when I was a little girl.
I think I hated it then. But I like it now because it reminds me of those trips to Kmart with blue light specials and hours spent picking out patterns, material and Sayelle yarn with my mom.
So I leave you today with The Three Degrees singing When Will I See You Again.
Life. No better answer than that.
But it left me thinking of this song. . .one of my "Kmart" songs because I remember hearing it when we would go to Kmart when I was a little girl.
I think I hated it then. But I like it now because it reminds me of those trips to Kmart with blue light specials and hours spent picking out patterns, material and Sayelle yarn with my mom.
So I leave you today with The Three Degrees singing When Will I See You Again.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Love me some good trumpet!
This one came across my Pandora the other night while working. . .good stuff. Louis Armstrong was amazing. I love trumpet anyway. I tried playing it for a while when I was 16 but had a metal allergy issue so I decided to just let it go.
There's something about the way Louis Armstrong sings the songs he performs. Just beautiful.
Enjoy
.La Vie En Rose
There's something about the way Louis Armstrong sings the songs he performs. Just beautiful.
Enjoy
.La Vie En Rose
Monday, October 7, 2013
Blessings of a concussion. . . .
We are ten days past the concussion incident. She is not back to normal yet. We have been told it could take three to six weeks to get our girl back on track.
The negatives are obvious. She is frustrated and irritable (sorry babe, but it is the truth and I know you are reading and I know you know I am telling the truth!) Working on homework makes her sick to her stomach.
So in the meantime, I am working to find the positives from this experience. There are some positives. My little one who doesn't like to snuggle can't get enough of that now. She just wants to be close to me. She shows gratitude. She says "I love you." She wants to be with us. All the time. This is a nice change of pace from our extremely independent girl. We like having her around.
The negatives are obvious. She is frustrated and irritable (sorry babe, but it is the truth and I know you are reading and I know you know I am telling the truth!) Working on homework makes her sick to her stomach.
So in the meantime, I am working to find the positives from this experience. There are some positives. My little one who doesn't like to snuggle can't get enough of that now. She just wants to be close to me. She shows gratitude. She says "I love you." She wants to be with us. All the time. This is a nice change of pace from our extremely independent girl. We like having her around.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
The lights are much brighter there. . .
Petula Clark.
This one was one of my parents' songs. I guess they heard it when they were dating.
Somehow it always reminded me of the Mary Tyler Moore show which doesn't add up because they were different decades.
Anyway, it's a great song worth sharing with you for this Saturday!
Petula Clark singing Downtown
This one was one of my parents' songs. I guess they heard it when they were dating.
Somehow it always reminded me of the Mary Tyler Moore show which doesn't add up because they were different decades.
Anyway, it's a great song worth sharing with you for this Saturday!
Petula Clark singing Downtown
Friday, October 4, 2013
Thank you Pandora
It has been a tough week. Anyone in my house can tell you I haven't been quite the same since my little one bumped her noggin. Worry took over. Even though I know it shouldn't. It's just so hard to watch a kiddo with so much energy be sidelined in such a way that frightens her so much.
Concussions are scary business. More than once I had to contact a friend to talk me back from the ledge--to let me know that her symptoms were completely normal. After all, this concussion thing is new for all of us. And eventually a friend's older brother who is a doctor just called me to weigh in on what was going on. . .what a huge relief because I didn't really want to bother him. But I value his thoughts and the time he took to talk with me.
Wen I sat down to work this week I had an extra tough time focusing on my work. Not enough sleep last week and worry this week just made it rough.
One night I just had to call it quits and go to bed. But the next night I had to burn the midnight oil for a while. And Pandora.com was my best friend. When I was younger, Bert Kaempfert, Floyd Cramer and Ray Conniff were staples of music in our house. So now they are the ones I turn to when I need to zero in on work. Thanks to Pandora I got to listen to many of my old favorite arrangements by these guys. . .and get some work done.
Totally excellent. (Too bad I can't listen to Pandora at work. . .imagine how productive I could be with my friendly musicians along!)
Concussions are scary business. More than once I had to contact a friend to talk me back from the ledge--to let me know that her symptoms were completely normal. After all, this concussion thing is new for all of us. And eventually a friend's older brother who is a doctor just called me to weigh in on what was going on. . .what a huge relief because I didn't really want to bother him. But I value his thoughts and the time he took to talk with me.
Wen I sat down to work this week I had an extra tough time focusing on my work. Not enough sleep last week and worry this week just made it rough.
One night I just had to call it quits and go to bed. But the next night I had to burn the midnight oil for a while. And Pandora.com was my best friend. When I was younger, Bert Kaempfert, Floyd Cramer and Ray Conniff were staples of music in our house. So now they are the ones I turn to when I need to zero in on work. Thanks to Pandora I got to listen to many of my old favorite arrangements by these guys. . .and get some work done.
Totally excellent. (Too bad I can't listen to Pandora at work. . .imagine how productive I could be with my friendly musicians along!)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
A favorite thing. . .
Sometimes it really is the small stuff that makes a big difference.
This past weekend (after the bump on the noggin but before the concussion symptoms appeared) I did some shopping. I found something that just made my day--navy blue eyeliner! For a few years now I have made my own eyeliner out of powdered navy blue eyeshadow and an applicator dipped in water.
But Saturday I found an actual navy blue pencil the same shade that I had been using with that powdered eyeshadow!
Heaven. So much easier to work with.
So cool. Deep brown eyes and navy blue eyeliner. Love it!
This past weekend (after the bump on the noggin but before the concussion symptoms appeared) I did some shopping. I found something that just made my day--navy blue eyeliner! For a few years now I have made my own eyeliner out of powdered navy blue eyeshadow and an applicator dipped in water.
But Saturday I found an actual navy blue pencil the same shade that I had been using with that powdered eyeshadow!
Heaven. So much easier to work with.
So cool. Deep brown eyes and navy blue eyeliner. Love it!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Sounds of Silence. . . .
Apologies for going so quiet all at once. Our schedule got thrown out the window after a bump on the noggin. Yup, did the first trip to the emergency room with a kiddo. It is rather impressive actually that we made it so long without a trip to the ER.
She did a little damage and needs a lot of rest. But for now, the world is a confusing place for her. She is worried about getting behind in school. And she has so much trouble focusing. Breaks my heart.
Everyone tells me she'll be fine. . .give it a week or so.
But in the meantime, she has to try to rest (never easy) and not fall too far behind in school. Plus she has to miss her tournament this weekend. That one hurts.
Poor babe.
She did a little damage and needs a lot of rest. But for now, the world is a confusing place for her. She is worried about getting behind in school. And she has so much trouble focusing. Breaks my heart.
Everyone tells me she'll be fine. . .give it a week or so.
But in the meantime, she has to try to rest (never easy) and not fall too far behind in school. Plus she has to miss her tournament this weekend. That one hurts.
Poor babe.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Some Guys Have All the Luck
Oh how I loved this song back in the day. The girls and I had some fun listening to it the other day. . . .reminds me of my sister and baseball games and a good life as a kid.
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Inspector General
This one is a fantastic little movie from back in 1949. I remember watching this one late one night with my sister. One of those that we didn't now what to expect but we really enjoyed it. I hope you do too. Danny Kaye was always a joy to watch. In this one, he is dealing with a little case of mistaken identity. :-)
The Inspector General
The Inspector General
Thursday, September 26, 2013
So last night I was listening to Ryan Shupe
I do so love Ryan Shupe. Competely, thoroughly love watching someone have so much fun with music. If you have never heard of Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, do yourself a favor and click right here, right now. When you get to his band's site, click on Jukebox and work your way through their music. Eclectic fun stuff there.
One of my favorites is his band's version of Orange Blossom Special. You've just got to listen to it. He has fun in the middle of that song like nobody's business.
He's great with sound effects. Take a listen to a little tutorial on sound effects here:
Fiddler Sound Effects Courtesy of Ryan Shupe
One of my favorites is his band's version of Orange Blossom Special. You've just got to listen to it. He has fun in the middle of that song like nobody's business.
He's great with sound effects. Take a listen to a little tutorial on sound effects here:
Fiddler Sound Effects Courtesy of Ryan Shupe
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
You know what today is?
Ha! It's Wednesday.
And when we got to school today the best song came on, just as I was shutting off the car. Naturally we listened for a while. Because we needed something fun to start off another busy day.
You might as well crank it up and listen too--Blue Swede singing Hooked on a Feeling
Enjoy your Wednesday. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have more time to tell a story or something :-)
And when we got to school today the best song came on, just as I was shutting off the car. Naturally we listened for a while. Because we needed something fun to start off another busy day.
You might as well crank it up and listen too--Blue Swede singing Hooked on a Feeling
Enjoy your Wednesday. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have more time to tell a story or something :-)
Back to being me. . .sort of. I think.
Oh holy cow. The weeks are so busy anymore. It's really a struggle to keep things going.
Too many activities and not enough time. NOT that anyone needs to give up an activity. Do not get me wrong. But I do need for someone to coordinate some schedules a little better for me. That's a legit request right?
For example, today I am supposed to have 1 child at an appointment at 3:20. Another child has a commitment at 3:45 (same side of town but not possible to make it to both). And we have still another commitment for another child at 4 on the opposite side of town.
There will be some wizardry involved but we will make it work.
The highlight of my ultra busy day yesterday was getting the time to sit in the chair with my stylist and get my hair back on track. It was delightful. I had at least an hour of peace and quiet while confined to a chair with foils with stinky stuff in them plastered to my head.
And yet in that hour of peace and quiet I had a chance to get back to being me in a way. Time to just sit and not think about what I was going to have to do next or worry about who needed what kind of homework help or how will I get the laundry done or any of that. Just time to sit.
And all evening long I had an old George Strait song running through my head. . .might as well share so it can be in your head for the day, right? George Strait singing Back to Being Me
.
Too many activities and not enough time. NOT that anyone needs to give up an activity. Do not get me wrong. But I do need for someone to coordinate some schedules a little better for me. That's a legit request right?
For example, today I am supposed to have 1 child at an appointment at 3:20. Another child has a commitment at 3:45 (same side of town but not possible to make it to both). And we have still another commitment for another child at 4 on the opposite side of town.
There will be some wizardry involved but we will make it work.
The highlight of my ultra busy day yesterday was getting the time to sit in the chair with my stylist and get my hair back on track. It was delightful. I had at least an hour of peace and quiet while confined to a chair with foils with stinky stuff in them plastered to my head.
And yet in that hour of peace and quiet I had a chance to get back to being me in a way. Time to just sit and not think about what I was going to have to do next or worry about who needed what kind of homework help or how will I get the laundry done or any of that. Just time to sit.
And all evening long I had an old George Strait song running through my head. . .might as well share so it can be in your head for the day, right? George Strait singing Back to Being Me
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Understand Your Man. . . .
Ahhhh, Johnny Cash. One of those scoundrels turned good guy.
Had this song stuck in my head one morning and then pulled out an old CD from my dad--unlabelled so I didn't remember what all was on it and there it was "Understand Your Man"
I think my favorite line is where he says:
"I ain't gonna repeat what I said anymore
While I'm breathin' air that ain't been breathed before"
Oh Johnny. . .how did you know (before I was even born) how much I hate breathin' air that HAS been breathed before?
Enjoy your Saturday!
Understand Your Man--Johnny Cash
Had this song stuck in my head one morning and then pulled out an old CD from my dad--unlabelled so I didn't remember what all was on it and there it was "Understand Your Man"
I think my favorite line is where he says:
"I ain't gonna repeat what I said anymore
While I'm breathin' air that ain't been breathed before"
Oh Johnny. . .how did you know (before I was even born) how much I hate breathin' air that HAS been breathed before?
Enjoy your Saturday!
Understand Your Man--Johnny Cash
Friday, September 20, 2013
Houseboat!!
I chose Houseboat as our movie for today partly because the theme fits. . .I know some people heading to the lake for a little rest and relaxation. Really wish I could be with them but since I can't, I'll just spend my time watching Cary Grant in Houseboat. It's almost as good as a trip to the lake.
Good Stuff.
Houseboat
Good Stuff.
Houseboat
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Bohemian Gravity. Pure Genius
First of all, I am rather embarrassed. I know several of you stopped in and saw nothing new. I hope you'll stick with me even though it seems I am a bit of a slacker these days. It's not so much that I'm slacking but that I am swamped, pretty much all the time
So today I offer you a little video that I saw while wasting time on Facebook last night. I just happen to think it's pretty cool stuff. The kind of thing that should be shared.
Nerdiness at it's absolute best.
Bohemian Gravity. Do enjoy!
So today I offer you a little video that I saw while wasting time on Facebook last night. I just happen to think it's pretty cool stuff. The kind of thing that should be shared.
Nerdiness at it's absolute best.
Bohemian Gravity. Do enjoy!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Never Go Back
Oopsie. I got a little too engrossed in my book and didn't get my writing done on time.
Do forgive me.
I picked up Lee Child's latest Jack Reacher book this weekend--Never Go Back.
I might have mentioned how much I love Reacher. I love how his mind works. I love how he stands up for what is right. A hero.
So when I saw the book on the shelf I just had to make it part of my weekend.
I would have finished it already except I forced myself to complete actual work tasks before I started reading.
And now I am deep enough into the book that I have to force myself again to put it down and get the work done so I can read without feeling guilty.
Hopefully you'll see me in the morning, less than 12 hours from now.
If not, you'll know I spent too much time with Reacher. I just can't help myself. . .he's back at the headquarters of his old unit, the 110th MP. He is expecting to meet the woman who holds the job he formerly held. But of course, things have spiraled well out of control really fast and Reacher is in trouble. I have to know how he figures things out this time to get himself, and others, out of hot water this time.
See you soon. . . .
Do forgive me.
I picked up Lee Child's latest Jack Reacher book this weekend--Never Go Back.
I might have mentioned how much I love Reacher. I love how his mind works. I love how he stands up for what is right. A hero.
So when I saw the book on the shelf I just had to make it part of my weekend.
I would have finished it already except I forced myself to complete actual work tasks before I started reading.
And now I am deep enough into the book that I have to force myself again to put it down and get the work done so I can read without feeling guilty.
Hopefully you'll see me in the morning, less than 12 hours from now.
If not, you'll know I spent too much time with Reacher. I just can't help myself. . .he's back at the headquarters of his old unit, the 110th MP. He is expecting to meet the woman who holds the job he formerly held. But of course, things have spiraled well out of control really fast and Reacher is in trouble. I have to know how he figures things out this time to get himself, and others, out of hot water this time.
See you soon. . . .
Saturday, September 14, 2013
The Lonely Bull
This one reminds me of the best things in childhood . . .my parents' living room, the front porch and visits to my Uncle Leo's farm. Their family had some of the same records we had. We didn't spend much time in their living room but I remember the record that this song was on sitting in their living room.
Add to that my love for trumpet (the other instrument I desperately wanted to play when I was in high school. . .but alas, metal allergy made me re-think that one)
Love Herb Alpert. And definitely love "The Lonely Bull"
Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass
Add to that my love for trumpet (the other instrument I desperately wanted to play when I was in high school. . .but alas, metal allergy made me re-think that one)
Love Herb Alpert. And definitely love "The Lonely Bull"
Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Mrs. HaWiggins. . . . .
Oh my goodness this one popped up as a suggested video for me and it's so worth a few minutes to get your day off to a good start (or maybe it's your evening. . .)
Carol Burnett was a staple of Saturday nights in our house.
Sadly, DVDs of complete seasons aren't available. So we just celebrate what we can find here and there.
This one is a great one. . .Mr. Tudball and his secretary Mrs. Wiggins. However, when Mr Tudball says her name, it sounds more like Mrs. HaWiggins.
Enjoy the next 12 minutes of good old comedy.
Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins
Carol Burnett was a staple of Saturday nights in our house.
Sadly, DVDs of complete seasons aren't available. So we just celebrate what we can find here and there.
This one is a great one. . .Mr. Tudball and his secretary Mrs. Wiggins. However, when Mr Tudball says her name, it sounds more like Mrs. HaWiggins.
Enjoy the next 12 minutes of good old comedy.
Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Twelve years have passed and still, sadness
I plainly remember the man next door calling me to the hallway and telling me to turn on the news. . .that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center Towers. I was teaching a group of really fantastic seniors.
I did as I was told and then watched in absolute horror. My students were stunned. There were no answers for what we were seeing.
After we learned of the crashes outside of New York City, one of the boys grabbed a globe and predicted which city would be hit next.
The bell rang for them to move to their next class. My next group of kids was mostly senior guys. We all gasped as we watched the towers come down.
Stunning.
Now, even after all the years I find it difficult to watch the stories from that day. The emotions are still too raw. My oldest has very vague memories of that entire week--she called them the grey days because that's all we saw on TV for 5 days straight. . .the grey remnants of an entire way of life lost on that day.
We haven't forgotten. Life has gone on but nothing like it was before that terrible morning.
We remember. We cry. We pray.
I did as I was told and then watched in absolute horror. My students were stunned. There were no answers for what we were seeing.
After we learned of the crashes outside of New York City, one of the boys grabbed a globe and predicted which city would be hit next.
The bell rang for them to move to their next class. My next group of kids was mostly senior guys. We all gasped as we watched the towers come down.
Stunning.
Now, even after all the years I find it difficult to watch the stories from that day. The emotions are still too raw. My oldest has very vague memories of that entire week--she called them the grey days because that's all we saw on TV for 5 days straight. . .the grey remnants of an entire way of life lost on that day.
We haven't forgotten. Life has gone on but nothing like it was before that terrible morning.
We remember. We cry. We pray.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Dentists and Novacaine. . . .Ugh
Lots of people hate going to the dentist. I didn't used to. I had some dental "issues" as a kid and saw a great pediatric dentist who felt that kids should never feel pain.
So for me, the dentist for many years was a decent experience with plenty of "moon air" and novacaine. My conditioned response was to walk into the dentist's office and feel relaxed, practically tingly like I had already had some of that moon air.
Well, I can't say I feel the same way now. Just a few too many less than stellar experiences. Yesterday my dentist did the swab thing to start the numbing. . .and then asked me questions as though I really wanted to discuss the economy with him while my mouth went numb. And honestly, when he went to do the numbing shot, it was like something out of a comedy sketch. Just unreal.
But for humor's sake, I did have to think of a great sketch from Bill Cosby because it was totally how I felt.
You should get to enjoy the dentist sketch too.
Bill Cosby--The Dentist
So for me, the dentist for many years was a decent experience with plenty of "moon air" and novacaine. My conditioned response was to walk into the dentist's office and feel relaxed, practically tingly like I had already had some of that moon air.
Well, I can't say I feel the same way now. Just a few too many less than stellar experiences. Yesterday my dentist did the swab thing to start the numbing. . .and then asked me questions as though I really wanted to discuss the economy with him while my mouth went numb. And honestly, when he went to do the numbing shot, it was like something out of a comedy sketch. Just unreal.
But for humor's sake, I did have to think of a great sketch from Bill Cosby because it was totally how I felt.
You should get to enjoy the dentist sketch too.
Bill Cosby--The Dentist
Monday, September 9, 2013
Bread and Gravy
Now those are a couple of my favorite things. As I kid I preferred that store bought stuff they called bread. I prefer more grown up breads now.
And gravy? Surefire way to make nearly any meal 1000 times better.
When I was a little girl my grandparents often joined us for Sunday dinner. Nana played organ for a church downtown so we'd drive down and leave a note on their car inviting them to dinner. We didn't always get a chance to talk to them. We just left a note and waited dinner until they could get there.
My papa loved bread and gravy as much as I did. My mom made some amazing tomato soup gravy. sounds icky but it wasn't. Whatever meat she was cooking (usually a swiss steak) would go in the pressure cooker with a can of Campbell's tomato soup and a can of water. When the meat was done, she used that tomato soup/water/juice from the meat as the base for the gravy--just add the four/water mixture and whip into gravy.
My paper would start the meal with meat, potatoes, vegetables and gravy. Toward the end of the meal he'd look up and say, "Looks like I have a problem. Can I get some bread to sop up the gravy?" And from there the (potentially endless) cycle began. He needed bread for the gravy but then dry bread wasn't as good as bread with gravy so pour a little more gravy in the plate and then oops, not enough bread so repeat cycle.
Those were the days.
For those of you more interested in the gravy recipe, it went roughly like this:
1 can tomato soup
1 can of water
cook with meat (pressure cooker, crock pot or dutch oven)
Remove the meat to a platter. Keep the soup/water/juice in the pan over low heat.
In a measuring cup mix 1-2 Tablespoons of flour and 1/2-3/4 cup of water. Mix thoroughly so you do not have lumps. Add this mixture to the soup/water/meat juice, stirring constantly so lumps do not form. Stirring with a wire whisk helps keep the gravy smooth. It will take a few minutes for the gravy to thicken.
And gravy? Surefire way to make nearly any meal 1000 times better.
When I was a little girl my grandparents often joined us for Sunday dinner. Nana played organ for a church downtown so we'd drive down and leave a note on their car inviting them to dinner. We didn't always get a chance to talk to them. We just left a note and waited dinner until they could get there.
My papa loved bread and gravy as much as I did. My mom made some amazing tomato soup gravy. sounds icky but it wasn't. Whatever meat she was cooking (usually a swiss steak) would go in the pressure cooker with a can of Campbell's tomato soup and a can of water. When the meat was done, she used that tomato soup/water/juice from the meat as the base for the gravy--just add the four/water mixture and whip into gravy.
My paper would start the meal with meat, potatoes, vegetables and gravy. Toward the end of the meal he'd look up and say, "Looks like I have a problem. Can I get some bread to sop up the gravy?" And from there the (potentially endless) cycle began. He needed bread for the gravy but then dry bread wasn't as good as bread with gravy so pour a little more gravy in the plate and then oops, not enough bread so repeat cycle.
Those were the days.
For those of you more interested in the gravy recipe, it went roughly like this:
1 can tomato soup
1 can of water
cook with meat (pressure cooker, crock pot or dutch oven)
Remove the meat to a platter. Keep the soup/water/juice in the pan over low heat.
In a measuring cup mix 1-2 Tablespoons of flour and 1/2-3/4 cup of water. Mix thoroughly so you do not have lumps. Add this mixture to the soup/water/meat juice, stirring constantly so lumps do not form. Stirring with a wire whisk helps keep the gravy smooth. It will take a few minutes for the gravy to thicken.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
September Saturday. . .
I might have mentioned a time or two that I love "Sweet Caroline". When I was a kid in orchestra we played it a lot--a whole lot. You might think that playing a song repeatedly would make you tired of it. . .kind of like how the guy who bakes the donuts hates donuts. Not so with Sweet Caroline. I love it to pieces.
Worth listening to over and over.
Ray Conniff--Sweet Caroline
Worth listening to over and over.
Ray Conniff--Sweet Caroline
Friday, September 6, 2013
Blast from the past! Mississippi Mud Cake!
The recipe below is the one my mom made when we were kids. I scoured the internet looking for it but none of them seemed quite right so finally I just called my mama up and asked for it.
One of my girlfriends asked me what was in it (poor deprived girl has never had this dessert!) I laughed and told her it had sugar, a little more sugar, cocoa, still more sugar and marshmallow topping.
Cake Ingredients:
2 c sugar
4 eggs
2 sticks margarine
1 1/2 c flour
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c cocoa
1 c nuts
Cream the sugar, eggs, and margarine then add flour, coconut, vanilla, cocoa and nuts. Spread into a lightly greased rectangular glass baking dish.
Bake at 350 until done.
Topping Ingredients:
2 1/4 c sugar
1/2 c evaporated milk
1/3 c cocoa
1 stick margarine
10 oz jar marshmallow creme topping
Let cake cook for 30 minutes or so then spread 10 oz of marshmallow creme on top of the cake
Bring milk, cocoa and margarine to a boil. Pour it over the 2 1/4 c sugar and stir until smooth. Top the cake with this mixture.
Don't even bother to see how many calories are in this baby. Just know that a small piece, say 2 inches square will be plenty. For real. Any cake that calls for 1 lb of sugar in the topping, well, it has to be good.
Moderation is the key.
One of my girlfriends asked me what was in it (poor deprived girl has never had this dessert!) I laughed and told her it had sugar, a little more sugar, cocoa, still more sugar and marshmallow topping.
Cake Ingredients:
2 c sugar
4 eggs
2 sticks margarine
1 1/2 c flour
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c cocoa
1 c nuts
Cream the sugar, eggs, and margarine then add flour, coconut, vanilla, cocoa and nuts. Spread into a lightly greased rectangular glass baking dish.
Bake at 350 until done.
Topping Ingredients:
2 1/4 c sugar
1/2 c evaporated milk
1/3 c cocoa
1 stick margarine
10 oz jar marshmallow creme topping
Let cake cook for 30 minutes or so then spread 10 oz of marshmallow creme on top of the cake
Bring milk, cocoa and margarine to a boil. Pour it over the 2 1/4 c sugar and stir until smooth. Top the cake with this mixture.
Don't even bother to see how many calories are in this baby. Just know that a small piece, say 2 inches square will be plenty. For real. Any cake that calls for 1 lb of sugar in the topping, well, it has to be good.
Moderation is the key.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Tweezers anyone? Can I get a little more light too?
Oy.
I volunteered to help out our orchestra. I figured I'd put my rusty skills to work and have some fun.
It is fun. Our director is a young kid (yep, he's almost young enough to be my own child. Oy.) Our string specialist is the daughter of my violin instructor from years ago.
Just being back in the atmosphere and watching the two of them interact with the kids is an absolute joy.
Today I was asked to do something I hadn't done in a while. Will asked me to change out the entire set of strings on a few violins.
First set went just fine. Took me longer than it probably would have taken him or the specialist. But I got it done.
Then I went out to find another violin. . .settled on one and when I was on the second string, bam, trouble. I couldn't see. The little hole to thread the string through the peg was hidden in a shadow and dagnabbit (I lost my rabbit. . .he took my money and ran away. . .oh wait, you have no idea what that was do you?) the hole was shrinking too! Felt something like Alice in Wonderland!
I struggled away, determined to get it. Will came over and asked if i needed anything. . .maybe a screwdriver (he had no idea how funny that was. . .joke from long ago). I told him I needed tweezers. He didn't have any. So he tried to get that blasted A string threaded through the peg. No luck. He asked me if I had tweezers. Right-y-oh!
I had to take off on a trip around the building looking for tweezers. Finally I found some at the media center--because Bob rocks and has much more than just books and magazines!
I returned, victorious to finish re-stringing the violin. Success!
And I even got a promise from Bob to pick up some medical grade tweezers the next time he sees them at a flea market. Extra victorious!
I volunteered to help out our orchestra. I figured I'd put my rusty skills to work and have some fun.
It is fun. Our director is a young kid (yep, he's almost young enough to be my own child. Oy.) Our string specialist is the daughter of my violin instructor from years ago.
Just being back in the atmosphere and watching the two of them interact with the kids is an absolute joy.
Today I was asked to do something I hadn't done in a while. Will asked me to change out the entire set of strings on a few violins.
First set went just fine. Took me longer than it probably would have taken him or the specialist. But I got it done.
Then I went out to find another violin. . .settled on one and when I was on the second string, bam, trouble. I couldn't see. The little hole to thread the string through the peg was hidden in a shadow and dagnabbit (I lost my rabbit. . .he took my money and ran away. . .oh wait, you have no idea what that was do you?) the hole was shrinking too! Felt something like Alice in Wonderland!
I struggled away, determined to get it. Will came over and asked if i needed anything. . .maybe a screwdriver (he had no idea how funny that was. . .joke from long ago). I told him I needed tweezers. He didn't have any. So he tried to get that blasted A string threaded through the peg. No luck. He asked me if I had tweezers. Right-y-oh!
I had to take off on a trip around the building looking for tweezers. Finally I found some at the media center--because Bob rocks and has much more than just books and magazines!
I returned, victorious to finish re-stringing the violin. Success!
And I even got a promise from Bob to pick up some medical grade tweezers the next time he sees them at a flea market. Extra victorious!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Favorite Thing. . .mini food chopper
I do not get paid for endorsing any product.
I simply have a few things in my kitchen that I couldn't live without.
And this is one of them:
Proctor Silex 2 cup chopper
I was lucky enough to pick mine up from a clearance bin for just $10.
This weekend I spent a little extra on groceries so I could pick up ham. A couple of my kids love ham and feel that we should eat it more often. (Good suggestion kids!)
The ham is just five pounds but that's enough for multiple meals. We sliced it for lunch on Sunday and then on Monday night I made quick ham salad. . .such a breeze with the little chopper.
When I was a kid my mom would drag out the big meat grinder and attach it to the counter so she could turn the leftover ham into ham salad.
This is much easier. Just cut up chunks of ham small enough to fit in the food processor, turn it on and bam--chopped ham. Just add some Miracle Whip, salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar and dinner is ready.
Good stuff indeed.
I simply have a few things in my kitchen that I couldn't live without.
And this is one of them:
Proctor Silex 2 cup chopper
I was lucky enough to pick mine up from a clearance bin for just $10.
This weekend I spent a little extra on groceries so I could pick up ham. A couple of my kids love ham and feel that we should eat it more often. (Good suggestion kids!)
The ham is just five pounds but that's enough for multiple meals. We sliced it for lunch on Sunday and then on Monday night I made quick ham salad. . .such a breeze with the little chopper.
When I was a kid my mom would drag out the big meat grinder and attach it to the counter so she could turn the leftover ham into ham salad.
This is much easier. Just cut up chunks of ham small enough to fit in the food processor, turn it on and bam--chopped ham. Just add some Miracle Whip, salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar and dinner is ready.
Good stuff indeed.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
The Bird of Paradise. . .
This song just makes me smile. It's the perfect song for when a day isn't quiet going your way and you just want to stomp and scream. It's the perfect insult to sing when someone cuts you off in traffic.
It's a classic from Jimmy Dickens. You'll be toe-tapping right along with it. And I bet the next time someone pulls a dumb move you'll catch yourself thinking of this song.
Happy Saturday!
May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
It's a classic from Jimmy Dickens. You'll be toe-tapping right along with it. And I bet the next time someone pulls a dumb move you'll catch yourself thinking of this song.
Happy Saturday!
May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Friday, August 30, 2013
That Darn Cat!
I am not a cat fan. My sister was terribly allergic when we were kids and now that I am older, it seems I don't tolerate cat fur very well.
But I can enjoy a cat movie--especially a Disney movie from back in the day with Hayley Mills and Dean Jones.
It's the story of DC, a cat that is carrying a message. . .on a wristwatch (see how dated it is? Who wears a watch anymore?) And DC just might have the clues to solve a series of ban robberies.
Enjoy the ride!
That Darn Cat!
But I can enjoy a cat movie--especially a Disney movie from back in the day with Hayley Mills and Dean Jones.
It's the story of DC, a cat that is carrying a message. . .on a wristwatch (see how dated it is? Who wears a watch anymore?) And DC just might have the clues to solve a series of ban robberies.
Enjoy the ride!
That Darn Cat!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Good morning! Today we have a very special guest!
Eleanor. Eleanor actually arrived on Tuesday (which means that just like the Mickey Mouse Club used to have special guest starts on Tuesday, well, I got my Eleanor on a Tuesday. . .come to think of it, my sister and I were both born on Tuesdays. As well as two of my children, except they don't really count since I ended up having a great deal of say so about when they arrived.)
I digress.
Welcome dear Eleanor. It's been a bit of a wait but I have to say, I do believe it was worth it!
Eleanor is my new computer. She arrived just in time for me to write my 501st blog post. She's so special.
Pure excitement!
I haven't had a new computer in 9.5 years. Yes, that's how long it has been since I had a computer of "my own" arrive. My desktop is doing fine by the way but with so many people needing access to a computer these days, it was time for a new member of the family.
Enter Eleanor. (And give props to my parents for recognizing the need and helping bring Eleanor home.)
To some, Eleanor isn't super fancy. But she is going to be able to do what I need and she is mine so that's pretty special.
Why Eleanor? Well, it is a good name. . .solid, strong and elegant. Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong woman--champion of others and outspoken when she needed to be.
So Eleanor will help me speak. And she is beautiful.
Good stuff.
I digress.
Welcome dear Eleanor. It's been a bit of a wait but I have to say, I do believe it was worth it!
Eleanor is my new computer. She arrived just in time for me to write my 501st blog post. She's so special.
Pure excitement!
I haven't had a new computer in 9.5 years. Yes, that's how long it has been since I had a computer of "my own" arrive. My desktop is doing fine by the way but with so many people needing access to a computer these days, it was time for a new member of the family.
Enter Eleanor. (And give props to my parents for recognizing the need and helping bring Eleanor home.)
To some, Eleanor isn't super fancy. But she is going to be able to do what I need and she is mine so that's pretty special.
Why Eleanor? Well, it is a good name. . .solid, strong and elegant. Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong woman--champion of others and outspoken when she needed to be.
So Eleanor will help me speak. And she is beautiful.
Good stuff.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Just like a baby
Apologies. It seems that I am just like a baby right now. . .my days and nights are somewhat confused. I can't seem to get my posting on time anymore. I will work on that. I promise.
Funny how when my kids were babies, I just thought that when they got older--could talk, move on their own, feed themselves, etc--life would be easier.
For all you young people out there~~it doesn't get easier! Nooo, quite the contrary. They get older and the problems get bigger. The scheduling becomes more difficult. It's entirely normal to have at least 3 different required events after school (2 of them will always happen at the same time but in different locations) with the third event happening just after the other two conclude.
This means your days become busy in an entirely different way.
Do not get me wrong. I don't want to give up what I have now. The kids are great and I love that they each have their own thing.
I just need to do a better job of figuring out how to get us all where we need to be (on time) while I manage to keep serving healthy family style meals and keep us in clean clothes in a relatively happy and clean(ish) home and all the while plan my new class and make the necessary changes to my previous courses.
Oh, and I need to learn to utilize/implement new technology too.
And figure out a sleep pattern that fits the work schedule.
Hmmm. Never a dull moment.
Thankfully, there are plenty of fun times mixed in with stories from the kids about their days as well as big hugs and giggles. Because without those, I don't know how I'd get up ever morning. . .since I'd rather sleep all day anyway.
Funny how when my kids were babies, I just thought that when they got older--could talk, move on their own, feed themselves, etc--life would be easier.
For all you young people out there~~it doesn't get easier! Nooo, quite the contrary. They get older and the problems get bigger. The scheduling becomes more difficult. It's entirely normal to have at least 3 different required events after school (2 of them will always happen at the same time but in different locations) with the third event happening just after the other two conclude.
This means your days become busy in an entirely different way.
Do not get me wrong. I don't want to give up what I have now. The kids are great and I love that they each have their own thing.
I just need to do a better job of figuring out how to get us all where we need to be (on time) while I manage to keep serving healthy family style meals and keep us in clean clothes in a relatively happy and clean(ish) home and all the while plan my new class and make the necessary changes to my previous courses.
Oh, and I need to learn to utilize/implement new technology too.
And figure out a sleep pattern that fits the work schedule.
Hmmm. Never a dull moment.
Thankfully, there are plenty of fun times mixed in with stories from the kids about their days as well as big hugs and giggles. Because without those, I don't know how I'd get up ever morning. . .since I'd rather sleep all day anyway.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Crabby earrings
I was out shopping the other day because I felt like my closet wasn't jammed packed with things already and maybe I should fill the void.
OK, not really. There isn't a void. I just like getting deals on my clothes. I lost enough weight for my dr to congratulate me and use me as an example of "well done" to others. So now it's fun to go shopping for clothes.
We were dangerously close to spending enough money at Kohl's to get some extra Kohl's cash so we hit the clearance accessories.
And there they were.
Silver Crab Earrings
Go ahead. Look at them.
Don't they make you smile?
They made me smile.
Thusly, they came home with us. And I told my oldest daughter that they will be our "warning sign."
Yup, on a crabby kind of day, you wear the crabby earrings.
Because what could be better?
I think I'm going to need a giant chocolate chip cookie to go with my crabby earrings tomorrow. It was just that kind of day today.
OK, not really. There isn't a void. I just like getting deals on my clothes. I lost enough weight for my dr to congratulate me and use me as an example of "well done" to others. So now it's fun to go shopping for clothes.
We were dangerously close to spending enough money at Kohl's to get some extra Kohl's cash so we hit the clearance accessories.
And there they were.
Silver Crab Earrings
Go ahead. Look at them.
Don't they make you smile?
They made me smile.
Thusly, they came home with us. And I told my oldest daughter that they will be our "warning sign."
Yup, on a crabby kind of day, you wear the crabby earrings.
Because what could be better?
I think I'm going to need a giant chocolate chip cookie to go with my crabby earrings tomorrow. It was just that kind of day today.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Kodachrome!!!!
Oh how I loved this song. Several years ago my sister spent a summer away for school/work and when she came home she had all kinds of new music, much of which wasn't really new except now we had copies of it.
This one was one of my favorites from her collection of "new to us" songs.
When I hear it I'm just a teenager again. Makes me happy.
This of course makes it a perfect Saturday song :-)
Concert in the Park "Kodachrome/Maybelline"
This one was one of my favorites from her collection of "new to us" songs.
When I hear it I'm just a teenager again. Makes me happy.
This of course makes it a perfect Saturday song :-)
Concert in the Park "Kodachrome/Maybelline"
Friday, August 23, 2013
The Miracle Woman
The title itself just jumped out at me since I feel like it's a miracle I make it through each day anymore. We're so busy. They tell me it gets easier as the kids get older. I don't agree. New ages, new worries.
Anyway, today's film is from Frank Capra, 1931 . . . and you can't go wrong when you watch a Frank Capra film.
Barbara Stanwyk. (My mom always loved a good Barbara Stanwyk movie!) Just watch
The Miracle Woman
Anyway, today's film is from Frank Capra, 1931 . . . and you can't go wrong when you watch a Frank Capra film.
Barbara Stanwyk. (My mom always loved a good Barbara Stanwyk movie!) Just watch
The Miracle Woman
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
I survived!
Oh my goodness I was a tad nervous. Had some trouble getting my violin tuned (my strings didn't like being out in hot humid weather between the house/car/school).
I sat waaaaay back in the orchestra, and yet, there I was, right in front of the director.
But no one laughed at me. So that's good.
So my song for the day turned out to be a little Gloria Gaynor song. You might know it. If not, here you go:
I Will Survive
I sat waaaaay back in the orchestra, and yet, there I was, right in front of the director.
But no one laughed at me. So that's good.
So my song for the day turned out to be a little Gloria Gaynor song. You might know it. If not, here you go:
I Will Survive
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Nervous!
I thought I knew what I was doing but now I'm really not sure.
I volunteered to help out with orchestra. I thought I'd be taking a few violinists at a time and working on some skills and technique.
And when I made my offer, I didn't know that my former teacher's daughter would also be helping. . .every day.
Once upon a time I was pretty good. (Not to brag. . .just stating a fact.) I mean, last night I pulled out music that I played as my solo in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Oh my heavens. So many black notes on those pages!
So yeah, I guess I was pretty stinkin' good even though I always claim that I was OK.
And now, some twenty-five years later I am going to head back into an orchestra with 2 violin geniuses present and offer my services.
Clearly I am OK with embarrassing myself.
I practiced for something like an hour last night. My fingers are sore. My neck is sore--in two places.
I also need to trim my nails.
But that one will wait. I don't want to trim them until I absolutely have to . . .so I'll risk long nails messing me up.
Think of me. My pride is at stake here.
I volunteered to help out with orchestra. I thought I'd be taking a few violinists at a time and working on some skills and technique.
And when I made my offer, I didn't know that my former teacher's daughter would also be helping. . .every day.
Once upon a time I was pretty good. (Not to brag. . .just stating a fact.) I mean, last night I pulled out music that I played as my solo in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Oh my heavens. So many black notes on those pages!
So yeah, I guess I was pretty stinkin' good even though I always claim that I was OK.
And now, some twenty-five years later I am going to head back into an orchestra with 2 violin geniuses present and offer my services.
Clearly I am OK with embarrassing myself.
I practiced for something like an hour last night. My fingers are sore. My neck is sore--in two places.
I also need to trim my nails.
But that one will wait. I don't want to trim them until I absolutely have to . . .so I'll risk long nails messing me up.
Think of me. My pride is at stake here.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Just keep swimming. . . .
Oh my goodness.
What happened?
I blinked and my weekend disappeared.
And I have been a bad blogger.
I just can't keep up.
Please keep stopping by to see if I am back to normal yet (hahaha--what is normal??)
It's going to be crazy for a while as we re-acclimate to all the activities and get through all the open houses, etc.
Until then I am going to take Dory's advice and just keep swimming!
What happened?
I blinked and my weekend disappeared.
And I have been a bad blogger.
I just can't keep up.
Please keep stopping by to see if I am back to normal yet (hahaha--what is normal??)
It's going to be crazy for a while as we re-acclimate to all the activities and get through all the open houses, etc.
Until then I am going to take Dory's advice and just keep swimming!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Folsom Prison
I may have mentioned a time or two that I went through a Johnny Cash phase. I pulled out all the old Johnny Cash I could find and listened to it all like it was something new again.
I have a lot of "favorites."
But I always go back to Folsom Prison Blues as my favorite. Something about how he starts off with "ello, I'm Johnny Cash"
So here you go. . .The entire album At Folsom Prison
I have a lot of "favorites."
But I always go back to Folsom Prison Blues as my favorite. Something about how he starts off with "ello, I'm Johnny Cash"
So here you go. . .The entire album At Folsom Prison
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
One more "first day of school"
Today the oldest has her first day of classes. We wouldn't want her to feel left out since the other two had their theme songs featured.
There is no rhyme or reason to her theme song except she is a Disney kid and she loved The Little Mermaid.
So here we go!
Kiss the Girl
These "theme" songs were the last song we listened to each day on the way to kindergarten (or longer). We chose a song they liked or one that had some meaning and set the tone for heading off to school. It became a sweet little idea for each of the kids to have their own song.
Off to the chaos of the first day!
There is no rhyme or reason to her theme song except she is a Disney kid and she loved The Little Mermaid.
So here we go!
Kiss the Girl
These "theme" songs were the last song we listened to each day on the way to kindergarten (or longer). We chose a song they liked or one that had some meaning and set the tone for heading off to school. It became a sweet little idea for each of the kids to have their own song.
Off to the chaos of the first day!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
This Little Piggy. . .
How about all the little piggies? They are so not happy.
They loved the freedom of summertime.
And now, they must be confined again. In shoes. All day.
First day means sandals are OK. Second day I can even get away with nice flip flops.
But by Wednesday, I have to be super-duper professional.
It is going to be rough
Piggies just want freedom. Poor piggies.
They loved the freedom of summertime.
And now, they must be confined again. In shoes. All day.
First day means sandals are OK. Second day I can even get away with nice flip flops.
But by Wednesday, I have to be super-duper professional.
It is going to be rough
Piggies just want freedom. Poor piggies.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Two Songs for Today!
Well, back to the grind. For the oldest members of our household it feels a bit like this:
Sam Cooke--Chain Gang
But for the youngest members of our household it's all about this:
Phil Collins--On My Way
*theme song for #2 when she started kindergarten
And this:
Jack Johnson--We're Going to Be Friends
*theme song for #3 when she started kindergarten
Wish us luck as a new school year starts!
Sam Cooke--Chain Gang
But for the youngest members of our household it's all about this:
Phil Collins--On My Way
*theme song for #2 when she started kindergarten
And this:
Jack Johnson--We're Going to Be Friends
*theme song for #3 when she started kindergarten
Wish us luck as a new school year starts!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Beat This Summer
As summer winds down, I think this song ranks as my summertime song. I don't have grammar issues with it and it's safe for the kids too.
Hate to see the end of my lazy days at home. But it has to happen.
Brad Paisely--Beat This Summer
Hate to see the end of my lazy days at home. But it has to happen.
Brad Paisely--Beat This Summer
Friday, August 9, 2013
Last Dance
Last Friday anyway. Sadness.
It's the end of sleeping late on a weekday. . .and waiting until 9 or 10 to even contemplate what all we'll do for the day.
It's the end of staying up late watching Kim Possible or playing Canasta.
It's been a good summer.
We made it to the beach. We got the storage shelves built. The oldest one got her learner's permit. My car got a lot of new parts (Woo hoo! Totally digging those new tires along with that purdy water pump)
I made it through a lot of books. Twenty-three completed as of last night. Not bad for ten weeks.
Come Monday we'll be back to the grind of life.
But for today--it's a party. We're swimming (I sure hope the weather cooperates with me on this one!) and enjoying our crazy manicures/pedicures. We are living it up as the last Friday of vacation.
Just in case today is "just another Friday" for you, I am including a movie to get you through your day (and if it rains, this is what we're watching too!)
Enjoy Support Your Local Sheriff starring James Garner. This is one of those old movies we watch with my parents and kids. It's a good one.
It's the end of sleeping late on a weekday. . .and waiting until 9 or 10 to even contemplate what all we'll do for the day.
It's the end of staying up late watching Kim Possible or playing Canasta.
It's been a good summer.
We made it to the beach. We got the storage shelves built. The oldest one got her learner's permit. My car got a lot of new parts (Woo hoo! Totally digging those new tires along with that purdy water pump)
I made it through a lot of books. Twenty-three completed as of last night. Not bad for ten weeks.
Come Monday we'll be back to the grind of life.
But for today--it's a party. We're swimming (I sure hope the weather cooperates with me on this one!) and enjoying our crazy manicures/pedicures. We are living it up as the last Friday of vacation.
Just in case today is "just another Friday" for you, I am including a movie to get you through your day (and if it rains, this is what we're watching too!)
Enjoy Support Your Local Sheriff starring James Garner. This is one of those old movies we watch with my parents and kids. It's a good one.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
How do I react to bad news?
Well, I scrub bathtubs.
I scrub my oven clean.
I do laundry.
I take air registers out of the floor and vacuum them.
I bake bread--lots of it.
I guess I do what most people do--seek to gain control of those things I can control in a world that otherwise seems to just spin away and out of my control.
Yesterday my family gained seven loaves of bread from the set of bad news that I shared with you. Yes, seven. I made my mom's bread (recipe here) along with a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread in the bread machine and then my youngest mixed up what we call "monk bread" (recipe here) with me. In all, seven satisfying loaves of bread.
Not sure what you do the day after that kind of baking frenzy. . .maybe go swimming.
PS, "monk bread" is the recipe that two of my girls made with a monk a few weekends ago when we visited the school that my dad went to for high school, college and start of seminary. The monk that made bread with them was an awesome individual who worked in front of a group of kids, parents and grandparents to teach us how to make the no-knead bread he makes for the monks in their community. All credit for that recipe goes to Jim Lahey.
I scrub my oven clean.
I do laundry.
I take air registers out of the floor and vacuum them.
I bake bread--lots of it.
I guess I do what most people do--seek to gain control of those things I can control in a world that otherwise seems to just spin away and out of my control.
Yesterday my family gained seven loaves of bread from the set of bad news that I shared with you. Yes, seven. I made my mom's bread (recipe here) along with a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread in the bread machine and then my youngest mixed up what we call "monk bread" (recipe here) with me. In all, seven satisfying loaves of bread.
Not sure what you do the day after that kind of baking frenzy. . .maybe go swimming.
PS, "monk bread" is the recipe that two of my girls made with a monk a few weekends ago when we visited the school that my dad went to for high school, college and start of seminary. The monk that made bread with them was an awesome individual who worked in front of a group of kids, parents and grandparents to teach us how to make the no-knead bread he makes for the monks in their community. All credit for that recipe goes to Jim Lahey.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tears. . . .
Today I have a request.
And it may be the sort of thing that hits some of you wrong and you decide to never ever stop by my little corner of the world again.
And I guess that's OK if that's how it is.
But I got some sad news and I'm just really driven to tears with this one.
A friend of mine has a sister-in-law who is fighting cancer. Nancy had a tumor removed from her spine around a year ago. At that time they thought it was a slow-growing tumor that might have some impact on her life 10 years or so down the road.
But a few months ago she noticed some changes and they went back in for testing. Suddenly that "10 years or so down the road" became a much more immediate issue. More tests were ordered. Results indicate that the changes she is seeing is tumor spread heading to her brain.
Her youngest child turned four yesterday. Four.
Please, pray for Nancy and her family as she goes into treatment that will bring many side effects. Those kids need their mama. Pray for her husband, a doctor, as his wife goes through such difficult treatment. If you have children, ask them to remember Nancy in their prayers too. Children are so close to God.
And it may be the sort of thing that hits some of you wrong and you decide to never ever stop by my little corner of the world again.
And I guess that's OK if that's how it is.
But I got some sad news and I'm just really driven to tears with this one.
A friend of mine has a sister-in-law who is fighting cancer. Nancy had a tumor removed from her spine around a year ago. At that time they thought it was a slow-growing tumor that might have some impact on her life 10 years or so down the road.
But a few months ago she noticed some changes and they went back in for testing. Suddenly that "10 years or so down the road" became a much more immediate issue. More tests were ordered. Results indicate that the changes she is seeing is tumor spread heading to her brain.
Her youngest child turned four yesterday. Four.
Please, pray for Nancy and her family as she goes into treatment that will bring many side effects. Those kids need their mama. Pray for her husband, a doctor, as his wife goes through such difficult treatment. If you have children, ask them to remember Nancy in their prayers too. Children are so close to God.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Time to Change
Like it or not, things change. When I head back to work next week, there are going to be several people missing from my little work world.
Since change is inevitable, it's best to just acknowledge it and look for positives. No reason to get all down in the dumps about things we can't control.
I have a fragment of a song running through my head but it's not enough to google it and come up with the right song. I tried that. But along the way I ran across an old one that was on The Brady Bunch and it's good enough to share too.
Time to Change
"When it's time to change, then its time to change
Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride, don't you see
When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange"
Since change is inevitable, it's best to just acknowledge it and look for positives. No reason to get all down in the dumps about things we can't control.
I have a fragment of a song running through my head but it's not enough to google it and come up with the right song. I tried that. But along the way I ran across an old one that was on The Brady Bunch and it's good enough to share too.
Time to Change
"When it's time to change, then its time to change
Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride, don't you see
When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange"
Monday, August 5, 2013
On vacation
This week I do everything I can to relish the last lazy moments of summer.
Last week I had my nails done in a "suitable for work" kind of polish. This week I am on vacation so my nails, hair and makeup shall reflect it.
I have one little work meeting for lunch but otherwise, it's vacation baby.
We're going to the library. We're going to the pool. We're doing a little shopping (lots of freebies to be picked up). We're reading. We're playing cards and Clue and Yahtzee.
All too soon our schedule will change and we'll be back to the grind.
But this week we have this theme song!
The Sound of Sunshine (Michael Franti and Spearhead)
Last week I had my nails done in a "suitable for work" kind of polish. This week I am on vacation so my nails, hair and makeup shall reflect it.
I have one little work meeting for lunch but otherwise, it's vacation baby.
We're going to the library. We're going to the pool. We're doing a little shopping (lots of freebies to be picked up). We're reading. We're playing cards and Clue and Yahtzee.
All too soon our schedule will change and we'll be back to the grind.
But this week we have this theme song!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Shop Around
Oh my this was the theme for Saturday. Three girls and their parents at the mall getting ready for school. . .along with pretty much everyone else. We had some great success and I declare the clothes shopping complete. We still get to go complete the lists from the teachers (groan). But at least we have clothing done done done!
Since we did plenty of shopping around today I think this song is appropriate as my late on Saturday music post!
The Miracles~~Shop Around
Since we did plenty of shopping around today I think this song is appropriate as my late on Saturday music post!
The Miracles~~Shop Around
Friday, August 2, 2013
My Favorite Brunette
Today's movie is My Favorite Brunette! Enjoy this classic from 1947 starring Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.
My Favorite Brunette
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Snickers
I have decided that I need to have a stash of Snickers candy bars on hand. . .in the fridge, in the freezer, and in the filing cabinet.
No, I am not getting paid to say it.
But it seems that just this week I have turned into that Snickers commercial. You know the one. . .where someone is acting irrational and grouchy so they hand him/her a Snickers and life goes back to normal?
Yes, that is definitely what I need.
I can't even seem to blog at the right times this week. Ugh.
Hand me a Snickers right quick will you?
nom nom nom nom nom
Ahhh, much better.
No, I am not getting paid to say it.
But it seems that just this week I have turned into that Snickers commercial. You know the one. . .where someone is acting irrational and grouchy so they hand him/her a Snickers and life goes back to normal?
Yes, that is definitely what I need.
I can't even seem to blog at the right times this week. Ugh.
Hand me a Snickers right quick will you?
nom nom nom nom nom
Ahhh, much better.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
July 31, always a tough day
This is the day that I have to really face the fact that soon we will be back in school and freedom will be nothing more than a memory.
Summers go so fast!
On to something more productive though. . .today I have a little cookie recipe for you because, well, cookies are good. Who needs another reason?
Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
1 2/3 cups (10 oz pkg) HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips
3/4 cup raisins
Heat oven to 350. Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in bowl until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour and baking soda; add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in oats, cinnamon chips and raisins (batter will be stiff). Drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen.
Summers go so fast!
On to something more productive though. . .today I have a little cookie recipe for you because, well, cookies are good. Who needs another reason?
Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
1 2/3 cups (10 oz pkg) HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips
3/4 cup raisins
Heat oven to 350. Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in bowl until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour and baking soda; add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in oats, cinnamon chips and raisins (batter will be stiff). Drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Lullabies and Country Songs
There are plenty of great songs that could be soothing lullabies. I used to fall asleep to Travis Tritt's Drift off to Dream
But for one of my little girls, it was the Oak Ridge Boys who provided the best soothing music. Her absolute go-to calm her down song was this one:
My mother hates country music. For a while she was our main babysitter for this little girl and, well, my daughter always has known just what she wants and could be inconsolable when she didn't get it, especially as an infant. I told my mom it's an easy fix. Just turn on this song. She couldn't believe it. My best friend and I even did an experiment in the car once when my little baby girl was crying. We plopped the CD in and immediately the crying stopped. Popped the CD out and the crying started. CD in--no crying. CD out--crying (screaming). So we decided it was better to just leave the CD in. . .on repeat, just to be safe.
But for one of my little girls, it was the Oak Ridge Boys who provided the best soothing music. Her absolute go-to calm her down song was this one:
My mother hates country music. For a while she was our main babysitter for this little girl and, well, my daughter always has known just what she wants and could be inconsolable when she didn't get it, especially as an infant. I told my mom it's an easy fix. Just turn on this song. She couldn't believe it. My best friend and I even did an experiment in the car once when my little baby girl was crying. We plopped the CD in and immediately the crying stopped. Popped the CD out and the crying started. CD in--no crying. CD out--crying (screaming). So we decided it was better to just leave the CD in. . .on repeat, just to be safe.
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