Favorite line of the week:Motobo: "Are you an FBI agent?"
Chloe: "No. I'm just a stay-at-home mom."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
24: The Chloe Watch
Favorite line of the week:Motobo: "Are you an FBI agent?"
Chloe: "No. I'm just a stay-at-home mom."
Monday, January 26, 2009
Dear St. Joe: Make This House GO!
"You realize I'll have to blog about this," I told my friend Nannette.
"Yes. Yes I do," she said. "In fact, we'll have to take photos when we bury him and have a glass of wine in his honor."
And so our plans for the burying of St. Joseph in Nannette's back yard. It may be next Sunday afternoon.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR SELLING A HOUSE
O, Saint Joseph,
you who taught our Lord
the carpenter's trade,
and saw to it
that he was always properly housed,
hear my earnest plea.
I want you to help me now
as you helped your foster-child Jesus,
and as you have helped many others
in the matter of housing.
I wish to sell this [house/property]
quickly, easily, and profitably
and I implore you to grant my wish
by bringing me a good buyer,
one who is
eager, compliant, and honest,
and by letting nothing impede the
rapid conclusion of the sale.
Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.
Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.
Then, Saint Joseph, i swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that i will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honour in my home.
you who taught our Lord
the carpenter's trade,
and saw to it
that he was always properly housed,
hear my earnest plea.
I want you to help me now
as you helped your foster-child Jesus,
and as you have helped many others
in the matter of housing.
I wish to sell this [house/property]
quickly, easily, and profitably
and I implore you to grant my wish
by bringing me a good buyer,
one who is
eager, compliant, and honest,
and by letting nothing impede the
rapid conclusion of the sale.
Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.
Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.
Then, Saint Joseph, i swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that i will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honour in my home.
Amen.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
My Favorite Things: Artisan Bread
I heard about this book on "Splendid Table" (another of my favorite things) and had to get this book. I made the bread for a couple of weeks from the recipe on the radio show website, but when I needed to buy a book for buddy Cassie's birthday, I found myself clicking the button for this one too. (One-click shopping on Amazon is DANGEROUS!)
It is absolutely true that the longer the bread lives in the bowl in the fridge the better it gets. It's great right away, but after about a week or 10 days, it takes on a mild sourdough quality that just can't be beat. I made these two bagettes last night for supper and we had hot meatball sandwiches with them. Another thing I've done is tear off three small lumps and made hamburger buns out of them. Any way you do it, you really need to be careful not to make a lot of bread. Because you will not stop eating it until it is done. So it's best to just make a batch small enough for that meal.
There are other favorites in this photo as well. The wooden cutting board is on the counter at all times and I use it for every bread and veggie and cheese...anything that's not meat. But the greatest thing is the french bread pan. One of us kids gave it to Dad one year for his birthday or Father's Day or something and after he had it for a while he realized he wasn't using it so offered it to me. Every once in a while he tries to ask for it back!
It is absolutely true that the longer the bread lives in the bowl in the fridge the better it gets. It's great right away, but after about a week or 10 days, it takes on a mild sourdough quality that just can't be beat. I made these two bagettes last night for supper and we had hot meatball sandwiches with them. Another thing I've done is tear off three small lumps and made hamburger buns out of them. Any way you do it, you really need to be careful not to make a lot of bread. Because you will not stop eating it until it is done. So it's best to just make a batch small enough for that meal.
There are other favorites in this photo as well. The wooden cutting board is on the counter at all times and I use it for every bread and veggie and cheese...anything that's not meat. But the greatest thing is the french bread pan. One of us kids gave it to Dad one year for his birthday or Father's Day or something and after he had it for a while he realized he wasn't using it so offered it to me. Every once in a while he tries to ask for it back!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I forget...
What's that white, wet stuff again? Someone told me it's been 2 years since we had snow here. I know we had a few delay days last year...they must have been from ice, maybe. I don't remember.
Anyway, I'm glad for the snow day. I have plenty to do here today. I brought work home when I found out about the forecast. We have a memorial service at the church at 3 and I did not get my casserole prepared last night. Also, I would have missed the inauguration so now I can have that on.
But what I really need to do is get out there in a few minutes and take some photos. Snow is a big event here. I'm kind of surprised my editor hasn't called already.
So. This will actually be my "weekend," I think. I strained my back on Saturday morning and it went into spasm after that. So I pretty much lost Saturday and Sunday. Did a lot of standing and laying around. After a massage yesterday, it has finally started to loosen up a bit. But I'll be out of Jazzercise for at least several more days.
I'll post more later. With pics, I hope
Anyway, I'm glad for the snow day. I have plenty to do here today. I brought work home when I found out about the forecast. We have a memorial service at the church at 3 and I did not get my casserole prepared last night. Also, I would have missed the inauguration so now I can have that on.
But what I really need to do is get out there in a few minutes and take some photos. Snow is a big event here. I'm kind of surprised my editor hasn't called already.
So. This will actually be my "weekend," I think. I strained my back on Saturday morning and it went into spasm after that. So I pretty much lost Saturday and Sunday. Did a lot of standing and laying around. After a massage yesterday, it has finally started to loosen up a bit. But I'll be out of Jazzercise for at least several more days.
I'll post more later. With pics, I hope
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
IL Library Ribbon Cutting1.09.09
So this library. We cut the ribbon on Sunday afternoon.
I generally dread big events. I don't like parties, I don't like crowds, I don't like rubbing elbows with strangers...in general I'm not good with with any number of strangers.
But this was really fun! I knew probably 1/3 of the people there. I think we had about 250 or so. We ran 200 programs and those were gone before everyone got one.
The kids. I have no idea who they were. I just had this random thought that they should help cut the ribbon. Otherwise it was just going to be a bunch of grownups. And these little guys were paying such close attention to the whole thing...listening and watching as we all spoke. They were happy to get the chance and we gave them all pieces of the ribbon to keep. And their photo will be in the paper tomorrow.
BB&T provide refreshments. I didn't get in there to get any, but it seemed like I saw someone eating an entire sandwich! So they must have had quite a spread. Their branch just opened in IL and they will be having an open house soon.
So it was a good day. And now I don't have to help raise money anymore. But I am kind of thinking I will have to start up the Friends group. Hopefully I can just set a meeting or two and then get them elect officers and be their own people.
I generally dread big events. I don't like parties, I don't like crowds, I don't like rubbing elbows with strangers...in general I'm not good with with any number of strangers.
But this was really fun! I knew probably 1/3 of the people there. I think we had about 250 or so. We ran 200 programs and those were gone before everyone got one.
The kids. I have no idea who they were. I just had this random thought that they should help cut the ribbon. Otherwise it was just going to be a bunch of grownups. And these little guys were paying such close attention to the whole thing...listening and watching as we all spoke. They were happy to get the chance and we gave them all pieces of the ribbon to keep. And their photo will be in the paper tomorrow.
BB&T provide refreshments. I didn't get in there to get any, but it seemed like I saw someone eating an entire sandwich! So they must have had quite a spread. Their branch just opened in IL and they will be having an open house soon.
So it was a good day. And now I don't have to help raise money anymore. But I am kind of thinking I will have to start up the Friends group. Hopefully I can just set a meeting or two and then get them elect officers and be their own people.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Posse at the New Library
Yesterday we cut the ribbon at the new Indian Land Library and most of the posse came. All I can say is, don't ask Rena if you can borrow scissors!
It was a great day and I'll post more photos of the happenings later. Right now I have about 30 minutes to catch a shower and get my supper squared away before the next 2-hour marathon of 24.
And can I just say? Janeane Garafalo? You ain't no match for Chloe. I mean...I like ye and all that? But Chloe was my favorite character on that show. So you've got some mighty big shoes to fill.
It was a great day and I'll post more photos of the happenings later. Right now I have about 30 minutes to catch a shower and get my supper squared away before the next 2-hour marathon of 24.
And can I just say? Janeane Garafalo? You ain't no match for Chloe. I mean...I like ye and all that? But Chloe was my favorite character on that show. So you've got some mighty big shoes to fill.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
My Favorite Things: Under Armour
I've messed around with product reviews before and I guess I could probably put this under that. But really I thought I'd just periodically take photos of things that I really enjoy.
This idea came about while I was jazzercising this morning. I was noticing how MUCH I LOVE this Under Armour sportshirt I bought. I picked it up at Marshall's the other day for $10 and I wish I'd bought more. It's light, breathes well, and looks good.
The UA shoes I've had for a couple of months now. Jazz instructor Kelly had them first and I tried hers on. She bought sports insoles for hers and says it's the combination of insoles and shoes that makes them so enjoyable. I have to agree with her. I tried the shoes for a few classes without the insoles and found they really did not provide enough cushioning for the pounding they get in Jazz. It was tough for me to give up my beloved Rykas. I've worn them for years and years (many pair...not the same ones), but it was time for a change. Now I'm anxious to start thinking about my "summer pair" of UA shoes...a lighter color, of course...to go with the crop pants.
The third item in the photo is my beloved right-hand weight. I'm not using 6 pounders right now, preferring my 7s and really needing 8s, but I always have these old 6s riding around in the car for emergencies...in case of muscle strain I can just bump down a pound or two. Or clop a hijacker upside the head, I guess. Anyway, the protective cover started coming off this weight and not the other, so I always think of it has my right-hand one. I can't even use it on my left, much as I've tried. You can see it in this photo, but there are couple of spots in the center bar where the cover has come off right in the shape of my middle finger and thumb. Those two sweaty fingers rest right on the cold iron there. I've got a hairband wrapped around my right-hand 7. Yes, even in Jazzercise we all have our little idiosyncrasies. Well, maybe not all of us. But then, not all of us have the nickname CJL...Certified Jazzercise Lunatic.
Do you have a favorite sportswear item or piece of equipment?
This idea came about while I was jazzercising this morning. I was noticing how MUCH I LOVE this Under Armour sportshirt I bought. I picked it up at Marshall's the other day for $10 and I wish I'd bought more. It's light, breathes well, and looks good.
The UA shoes I've had for a couple of months now. Jazz instructor Kelly had them first and I tried hers on. She bought sports insoles for hers and says it's the combination of insoles and shoes that makes them so enjoyable. I have to agree with her. I tried the shoes for a few classes without the insoles and found they really did not provide enough cushioning for the pounding they get in Jazz. It was tough for me to give up my beloved Rykas. I've worn them for years and years (many pair...not the same ones), but it was time for a change. Now I'm anxious to start thinking about my "summer pair" of UA shoes...a lighter color, of course...to go with the crop pants.
The third item in the photo is my beloved right-hand weight. I'm not using 6 pounders right now, preferring my 7s and really needing 8s, but I always have these old 6s riding around in the car for emergencies...in case of muscle strain I can just bump down a pound or two. Or clop a hijacker upside the head, I guess. Anyway, the protective cover started coming off this weight and not the other, so I always think of it has my right-hand one. I can't even use it on my left, much as I've tried. You can see it in this photo, but there are couple of spots in the center bar where the cover has come off right in the shape of my middle finger and thumb. Those two sweaty fingers rest right on the cold iron there. I've got a hairband wrapped around my right-hand 7. Yes, even in Jazzercise we all have our little idiosyncrasies. Well, maybe not all of us. But then, not all of us have the nickname CJL...Certified Jazzercise Lunatic.
Do you have a favorite sportswear item or piece of equipment?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Wii and Me
So. I told you I got a Wii Fit for Christmas. Didn't I? (too lazy to look back) Anyway, it's my friend Cassie's. She and her husband got tired of it telling them they were obese. Cassie does a great imitation of the Wii voices. She has us all in stitches every time.
The first day I used it was Christmas Day. I was brave. I set it up in the cabin we were staying in and did it in front of the family. I weighed in, got my BMI, and the first balance test.
Which? In my defense? I didn't quite understand how to play.
It said my Wii Fit Age was 63.
hmmmmmm.....
Mensa Boy, in true MB form, tried to reassure me. "Don't worry. You're in great shape! You just didn't know what you were doing!" Uh huh. Thanks.
So I went on to the balance game. "You are unbalanced," it pronounced. Yuh. Tell me something I DON'T know! After being hit by several pair of cleats in the soccer heading game (Why do we actually say "OW!" when we can't feel it?), I gave up and collected my little footprint stamp.
Nate tried it and his Wii age was 18. That's also his real age, of course. {{Suck up...}}
Taylor came in at 24. 10 years over his regular age. MB didn't do the game and neither did Nate's gf Erin.
So we get home and the next day I try it in my bedroom. It weighs me 8.8 lbs less than the day before. It pronounces that, while it is pleased with my success, it's concerned that I may be losing too much weight too quickly. I do a couple more balance games, earning somewhat permanent dents on my foreheads from the cleats but discovering that I'm a darned good tightrope walker, and earn "Yoga Master" status in 2 of the 5 yoga poses I do. I'm feeling pretty good.
Then? Things start to fall apart.
If you don't do the Wii Fit, you can go on there and log your activity that you have done elsewhere. I knew this, but did not know that you could not backdate. You have to log on EACH DAY and tell it what you are doing. So Saturday, when I nearly killed myself doing a Jazzercise class and then went straight to the wall-climbing place with MB? NO CREDIT! Sunday, before I learned about this horrible deficiency with backdating, my shoulders and arms hurt too much from belaying to even lift the remote for the Wii, I did nothing.
Monday? Jazzercise. I came home from class and decided to log on and tell it all my achievements. While I was still sweaty from the 5:45 a.m. class, the Wii chided me for taking time off. Something about Mom being too busy to work out lately. SHEESH!
Also by this time MB had figured out that we needed to put these auxiliary feet on the bottom of the board to make it weigh right. Yippee. Now I weighed back what I was on the first day. The Wii Fit said it was concerned about my quick weight gain. It listed something like a dozen reasons why I might have gained this weight...too many snacks, not enough exercise, poor diet...none of them were "because I put the right frikkin' feet on the bottom of this frikkin' board!"
I clicked "I don't know."
Now it wanted to TALK about what the possible causes might be. Yikes.
But all in all the Wii Fit is kind of fun. Now I just make sure I go up there and log on once each day ("Hey! MB! Don't go to bed yet! I haven't logged onto the Wii") and I'm sure I'll get into some sort of routine. Today I did 5 yoga poses and 2 balance games. My Wii Fit age is 47 now, which is a year younger than I am, so that's good.
The first day I used it was Christmas Day. I was brave. I set it up in the cabin we were staying in and did it in front of the family. I weighed in, got my BMI, and the first balance test.
Which? In my defense? I didn't quite understand how to play.
It said my Wii Fit Age was 63.
hmmmmmm.....
Mensa Boy, in true MB form, tried to reassure me. "Don't worry. You're in great shape! You just didn't know what you were doing!" Uh huh. Thanks.
So I went on to the balance game. "You are unbalanced," it pronounced. Yuh. Tell me something I DON'T know! After being hit by several pair of cleats in the soccer heading game (Why do we actually say "OW!" when we can't feel it?), I gave up and collected my little footprint stamp.
Nate tried it and his Wii age was 18. That's also his real age, of course. {{Suck up...}}
Taylor came in at 24. 10 years over his regular age. MB didn't do the game and neither did Nate's gf Erin.
So we get home and the next day I try it in my bedroom. It weighs me 8.8 lbs less than the day before. It pronounces that, while it is pleased with my success, it's concerned that I may be losing too much weight too quickly. I do a couple more balance games, earning somewhat permanent dents on my foreheads from the cleats but discovering that I'm a darned good tightrope walker, and earn "Yoga Master" status in 2 of the 5 yoga poses I do. I'm feeling pretty good.
Then? Things start to fall apart.
If you don't do the Wii Fit, you can go on there and log your activity that you have done elsewhere. I knew this, but did not know that you could not backdate. You have to log on EACH DAY and tell it what you are doing. So Saturday, when I nearly killed myself doing a Jazzercise class and then went straight to the wall-climbing place with MB? NO CREDIT! Sunday, before I learned about this horrible deficiency with backdating, my shoulders and arms hurt too much from belaying to even lift the remote for the Wii, I did nothing.
Monday? Jazzercise. I came home from class and decided to log on and tell it all my achievements. While I was still sweaty from the 5:45 a.m. class, the Wii chided me for taking time off. Something about Mom being too busy to work out lately. SHEESH!
Also by this time MB had figured out that we needed to put these auxiliary feet on the bottom of the board to make it weigh right. Yippee. Now I weighed back what I was on the first day. The Wii Fit said it was concerned about my quick weight gain. It listed something like a dozen reasons why I might have gained this weight...too many snacks, not enough exercise, poor diet...none of them were "because I put the right frikkin' feet on the bottom of this frikkin' board!"
I clicked "I don't know."
Now it wanted to TALK about what the possible causes might be. Yikes.
But all in all the Wii Fit is kind of fun. Now I just make sure I go up there and log on once each day ("Hey! MB! Don't go to bed yet! I haven't logged onto the Wii") and I'm sure I'll get into some sort of routine. Today I did 5 yoga poses and 2 balance games. My Wii Fit age is 47 now, which is a year younger than I am, so that's good.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
It's Over....
Winter Break. Officially over when I hit the hay in just a few minutes. Nate left for Erskine a little bit ago. He has J term, which is just one, intense class for the month of January. I hope he does better. He did not do well at all first semester.
Even Taylor is a bit owl-y today.
I had a restful and fun but not real exciting break. It was good to be around home and I did do some closet organizing and fridge cleaning. The bills still have to be done and I haven't tidied last year's financial records yet. I guess I'll have to do that next weekend.
I'm completely tied up in a book now, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It's amazing that I've never read any of his stuff. It's riveting. I did stop long enough to watch the movie "American Gangster" with Denzel Washington. Very creepy seeing Denzel play a bad guy. Very creepy.
Even Taylor is a bit owl-y today.
I had a restful and fun but not real exciting break. It was good to be around home and I did do some closet organizing and fridge cleaning. The bills still have to be done and I haven't tidied last year's financial records yet. I guess I'll have to do that next weekend.
I'm completely tied up in a book now, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It's amazing that I've never read any of his stuff. It's riveting. I did stop long enough to watch the movie "American Gangster" with Denzel Washington. Very creepy seeing Denzel play a bad guy. Very creepy.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
For Your New Year's Eve-rtainment
Top 10 words that sound funny with a Minnesota accent
Yes, my blog-darlings. I'm spending New Year's Eve doing what I do pretty much every days' Eve...surfing the 'net, watching mindless TV, reading a book and whatever else for the moment.
Mensa Boy is deadlining tonight. He said he was going to go to bed early tonight...10 o'clock...because he needs to go in tomorrow. But it's 8:40 already and he isn't even home yet, so I have no idea if he's going to make the 10 p.m. bedtime or not.
I'm actually quite good with this. We aren't into parties anyway.
Today I found out the results of my 2008 NY resolution. I resolved a year ago to not salt my food until I'd eaten half of it. If it still "needed" salt, I'd do it then. Unless it was something like fries. Fries have to be salted upfront. At the time I decided that, my blood pressure was 120/70. Good. Always had been. I just decided to go salt-less because my friend Sarah pretty much never salts her food and I wanted to be just like her! Actually, no. But it seemed like a good idea. So every time I went to the doctor, which is about 3 or 4 times each year, my bp got a little lower and a little lower. Today it was a whopping 96/68! HOLY BUCKETS! Oh. And I don't miss the salt at all, either.
For this next year I plan to stop chewing those hardened little edges of skin next to my fingernails. I don't do it a lot...I mean people don't have to worry about shaking my hand or anything...but I still do it and I have raggedy cuticles as a result. So I've decided, when I notice myself wanting to chew on those? I'm going to put cuticle cream on them. I've put little pots and tubes of cream around and we'll see how it goes. I'll probably develop this fetish for that stuff then! I'll be excusing myself from conversations to go hide in a corner somewhere so I can dip into the cuticle cream tin. I'll get all nervous when the cream starts to run low...wondering if I can make it til the next paycheck when I can afford to go buy more...maybe I should re-think this.
Mensa Boy is deadlining tonight. He said he was going to go to bed early tonight...10 o'clock...because he needs to go in tomorrow. But it's 8:40 already and he isn't even home yet, so I have no idea if he's going to make the 10 p.m. bedtime or not.
I'm actually quite good with this. We aren't into parties anyway.
Today I found out the results of my 2008 NY resolution. I resolved a year ago to not salt my food until I'd eaten half of it. If it still "needed" salt, I'd do it then. Unless it was something like fries. Fries have to be salted upfront. At the time I decided that, my blood pressure was 120/70. Good. Always had been. I just decided to go salt-less because my friend Sarah pretty much never salts her food and I wanted to be just like her! Actually, no. But it seemed like a good idea. So every time I went to the doctor, which is about 3 or 4 times each year, my bp got a little lower and a little lower. Today it was a whopping 96/68! HOLY BUCKETS! Oh. And I don't miss the salt at all, either.
For this next year I plan to stop chewing those hardened little edges of skin next to my fingernails. I don't do it a lot...I mean people don't have to worry about shaking my hand or anything...but I still do it and I have raggedy cuticles as a result. So I've decided, when I notice myself wanting to chew on those? I'm going to put cuticle cream on them. I've put little pots and tubes of cream around and we'll see how it goes. I'll probably develop this fetish for that stuff then! I'll be excusing myself from conversations to go hide in a corner somewhere so I can dip into the cuticle cream tin. I'll get all nervous when the cream starts to run low...wondering if I can make it til the next paycheck when I can afford to go buy more...maybe I should re-think this.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Pink Bush Rose
I took this with my faithful D40 on September 30 in my neighbor Mary's back yard. It was a horribly dark photo...severely underexposed and grainy (noisy) looking.
For the past few days my photographic mentor, Greg Schneider, has been helping me with some Photoshop techniques for another project I've been working on. The main thing he's taught me is how to select an area in a photo and highlight just that. Basically, draw a circle around that part and bring the lights up a bit. The hardest part has been learning how to use the selection tool to make the selection. After that? Piece of cake.
I don't know if this brings this photo into any sort of higher-quality range or not, but I like it, and I guess that's what really matters, isn't it? (Ah...just got an email back. He likes the photo but thinks the background is still too dark for his taste. I can tell he's going to do something else. And that's why he's the MENTOR and I'm the MENTEE!)
Today I went to the 5:45 a.m. Jazzercise class. It was odd getting out of class and having it still be dark out, but it was a great way to start the day. After that I ran home for a shower and some more desk work, and then up to have a massage and do some errands. A nap in the afternoon and starting in a new book followed that. So it's been a great day. But I'm a little tired. And the stiffness is starting to kick in. Time for a nice hot soak in Epsom Salts.
For the past few days my photographic mentor, Greg Schneider, has been helping me with some Photoshop techniques for another project I've been working on. The main thing he's taught me is how to select an area in a photo and highlight just that. Basically, draw a circle around that part and bring the lights up a bit. The hardest part has been learning how to use the selection tool to make the selection. After that? Piece of cake.
I don't know if this brings this photo into any sort of higher-quality range or not, but I like it, and I guess that's what really matters, isn't it? (Ah...just got an email back. He likes the photo but thinks the background is still too dark for his taste. I can tell he's going to do something else. And that's why he's the MENTOR and I'm the MENTEE!)
Today I went to the 5:45 a.m. Jazzercise class. It was odd getting out of class and having it still be dark out, but it was a great way to start the day. After that I ran home for a shower and some more desk work, and then up to have a massage and do some errands. A nap in the afternoon and starting in a new book followed that. So it's been a great day. But I'm a little tired. And the stiffness is starting to kick in. Time for a nice hot soak in Epsom Salts.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Two Tone Spritz
For all my whining about these stupid cookies, I did have this little accident with them that turned out somewhat pleasant. I had gotten through the green dough, which I used for the Christmas trees, and there is always some in the press that just doesn't come out. I colored the next batch red to do these whatever-they-are (poinsettias maybe?) when I got down to the last dozen or so of those, I got this result.
For the last few, I pulled the dough out of the press, made snakes and then shaped them into initials for Mensa Boy, Nate, Taylor and Erin.
So the annual Spritz ordeal is over. And the cookies taste okay, despite the fact that I had to flavor them with almond extract when I ran out of vanilla.
For the last few, I pulled the dough out of the press, made snakes and then shaped them into initials for Mensa Boy, Nate, Taylor and Erin.
So the annual Spritz ordeal is over. And the cookies taste okay, despite the fact that I had to flavor them with almond extract when I ran out of vanilla.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Instrument of Torture
I don't know why I do this every year. Actually, I do. My husband loves Spritz cookies. I call them "the damn spritz." I always remember that they are his favorite cookies. Then after I make them, swearing (internally) like a sailor, I find out his favorite cookie is Melting Moments. You'd think after 26 years...sheesh!
The Melting Moments are much easier to make, too.
The Melting Moments are much easier to make, too.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mystery Hill
My guys can never resist places like this. They are absolutely terrible about tourist traps. When they saw this place outside Boone, it immediately took them back to The Cosmos in the Black Hills. They just HAD to see it. I thought I had an "out."
"I'll just stay in the car with the dog," I volunteered.
A few minutes later they trooped out to announce that the dog was welcome too. Sheesh!
We did this on the 23rd and it was the only time my camera left its' bag the entire time. Nate's girlfriend Erin shot this for us.
This morning I got up bright and early and hit the 8:15 Jazzercise class in Fort Mill. It's wonderful to go there. The floor is so good on my knees and feet. After class we went to breakfast and then I stopped at another friend's house to chat for a few minutes. The rest of the day was spent hanging around and teaching Bear a new trick. I will not tell you about it until I have accomplished everything I want to do with it. So if it all doesn't work out, you may never know!
We had our Christmas dinner tonight. Roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and corn. Buddy Sarah kept talking about chicken tetrazzini while she was teaching this morning, so I think I'll make the turkey version on Sunday.
"I'll just stay in the car with the dog," I volunteered.
A few minutes later they trooped out to announce that the dog was welcome too. Sheesh!
We did this on the 23rd and it was the only time my camera left its' bag the entire time. Nate's girlfriend Erin shot this for us.
This morning I got up bright and early and hit the 8:15 Jazzercise class in Fort Mill. It's wonderful to go there. The floor is so good on my knees and feet. After class we went to breakfast and then I stopped at another friend's house to chat for a few minutes. The rest of the day was spent hanging around and teaching Bear a new trick. I will not tell you about it until I have accomplished everything I want to do with it. So if it all doesn't work out, you may never know!
We had our Christmas dinner tonight. Roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and corn. Buddy Sarah kept talking about chicken tetrazzini while she was teaching this morning, so I think I'll make the turkey version on Sunday.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Recap
Merry Christmas to everyone!
We got back about an hour ago from Boone, NC, where we stayed in this fantastic cabin on the outskirts of town.
The cabin was well-appointed, complete with washer and dryer, dishwasher, gas fireplace and Christmas tree. Our little live pine that we bought to take with us was still pressed into service. We put it up on a table and strung it with little tiny lights and a put a few shiny bulbs on it.
Yes, there was a hot tub, but not on the porch. It was about 500 yards from our door in a gazebo. No, we did not use it. The weather was fairly atrocious most of the time we were there. Windy, rainy, very cold at night, very warm during the day. Today probably would have been the best day. The sun was out, it was dry and the temps were in the 40s and got up to the high 60s before we left. It's 70 here now.
We planned to do some hiking but the weather was not really in our favor. By the time we decided on a place to go on Tuesday, we were pretty much tired and cold. Yesterday it was just plain rainy and, while we had warm weather gear, we did not have wet gear. So we went to Mast General Store and then bummed around Boone and ate a Japanese Steak house for lunch.
We spent a lot of time at the cabin just chilling and watching movies. I worked a jigsaw puzzle, took naps and read my book. Yesterday we opened gifts. My biggest surprise was the Wii Fit, which I had asked for. But all the time I had it on my list I was concerned about the expense. Mensa Boy and bff Cassie solved that. She sold hers to him. So I got a nice Wii Fit without having to lay out the expense of a new one. And the surprise factor was that they'd even done that transaction. She'd told me she had sold it to a guy at work! (Her ability to lie right to my face is downright spooky.)
Everyone seems happy with their gifts. Taylor got an airsoft gun from us, which we didn't want to buy. But my principal friend told me to do it. "Just get over your anti-gun thing," she advised. And so as he runs around outside with Freddy shooting, Mensa Boy just keeps shaking his head and saying, "Our kid is playing outside. With guns." My don't we change through the years?
So that's my brief recap. I'll try to be more diligent about writing now that the holiday prep is over. I have until the 5th before I go back to school.
We got back about an hour ago from Boone, NC, where we stayed in this fantastic cabin on the outskirts of town.
The cabin was well-appointed, complete with washer and dryer, dishwasher, gas fireplace and Christmas tree. Our little live pine that we bought to take with us was still pressed into service. We put it up on a table and strung it with little tiny lights and a put a few shiny bulbs on it.
Yes, there was a hot tub, but not on the porch. It was about 500 yards from our door in a gazebo. No, we did not use it. The weather was fairly atrocious most of the time we were there. Windy, rainy, very cold at night, very warm during the day. Today probably would have been the best day. The sun was out, it was dry and the temps were in the 40s and got up to the high 60s before we left. It's 70 here now.
We planned to do some hiking but the weather was not really in our favor. By the time we decided on a place to go on Tuesday, we were pretty much tired and cold. Yesterday it was just plain rainy and, while we had warm weather gear, we did not have wet gear. So we went to Mast General Store and then bummed around Boone and ate a Japanese Steak house for lunch.
We spent a lot of time at the cabin just chilling and watching movies. I worked a jigsaw puzzle, took naps and read my book. Yesterday we opened gifts. My biggest surprise was the Wii Fit, which I had asked for. But all the time I had it on my list I was concerned about the expense. Mensa Boy and bff Cassie solved that. She sold hers to him. So I got a nice Wii Fit without having to lay out the expense of a new one. And the surprise factor was that they'd even done that transaction. She'd told me she had sold it to a guy at work! (Her ability to lie right to my face is downright spooky.)
Everyone seems happy with their gifts. Taylor got an airsoft gun from us, which we didn't want to buy. But my principal friend told me to do it. "Just get over your anti-gun thing," she advised. And so as he runs around outside with Freddy shooting, Mensa Boy just keeps shaking his head and saying, "Our kid is playing outside. With guns." My don't we change through the years?
So that's my brief recap. I'll try to be more diligent about writing now that the holiday prep is over. I have until the 5th before I go back to school.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I'm loving it
This new camera is turning me into a hero. (ok. In my mind)
This was my first shoot-out with it in a school gym. I love my D40? But this new camera is all over the low-light situations.
These are two students from Mensa Boy's youth group. Haley is in the foreground, David in the background.
It's been a busy week and now tomorrow I'm taking the day off. I'm going to do some baking in the morning and shopping in the afternoon. I hope I don't lose my will to shop. It's raining like mad now and cats & dogs are going to start overnight. The Columbia paper said, "just don't make any plans until Friday." hmmm...
And it's a HOT rain! It was in the 60s today. When the weather is like that you just feel like you're in a swamp.
This was my first shoot-out with it in a school gym. I love my D40? But this new camera is all over the low-light situations.
These are two students from Mensa Boy's youth group. Haley is in the foreground, David in the background.
It's been a busy week and now tomorrow I'm taking the day off. I'm going to do some baking in the morning and shopping in the afternoon. I hope I don't lose my will to shop. It's raining like mad now and cats & dogs are going to start overnight. The Columbia paper said, "just don't make any plans until Friday." hmmm...
And it's a HOT rain! It was in the 60s today. When the weather is like that you just feel like you're in a swamp.
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