Back in the late-1980's and early-1990's I spent a lot of the late summer and early fall teaching my friends how to can their own fruits and vegetables. See, when we were kids our mothers never canned. Don't ask me why? For my mother it had something to do with being afraid of the pressure cooker.
I had to learn from my mother-in-law who was in her late 70's in the mid-80's when she was teaching me. She'd sit at the kitchen table, cup of tea and a few cookies (she was very tiny by then and I was always feeding her sweets to fatten her up) in front of her giving me gentle instructions about everything from the easiest way to peel tomatoes to packing the jars just right.
I have some pretty fond memories of that time. I always found canning sort of a relaxing event. When I was done canning for the day, I'd sit at that same kitchen table, where I learned to can in the first place, blurry eyed, feet aching, shoulders drooping with my cup of tea (I'd skip the cookies I didn't need to be fattened up), and I'd feel a great deal of satisfaction. All those jars lined up on the counter. What a site! If you have never canned before you really should try it. Small starts have the same big satisfaction feel. Oh, and later when you open that can of pickles in February you get another little rush of pleasure.
So for those of you brave enough to pull out the pressure cooker or water-bath canner here are 2 relish recipes. Relishes are a great way to start canning. They are almost foolproof.
Pauline's Relish (I have no idea who Pauline was)
20 tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
2 onions chopped
3 green peppers chopped
2 cups vinegar
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 package pickling spices
Simmer til of the right consistency.
That is all this recipe says. Now, I would have to add: Place in sterile jars, seal and process.
Corn Relish (from the Joy of Cooking Cookbook)
Cut the kernels from:
18 ears of corn
or, if you should want to make this is winter, use canned or frozen kernel corn.
Put through a food grinder: (food processor)
1 head green cabbage
8 white onions
6 green peppers, seeds and membranes removed
6 small hot red peppers
Combined these ingredients with the corn and:
2 teaspoons celery seed
2 teaspoons mustard seed
2 quarts vinegar
1/4 cup salt
2 cups sugar
(1/3 cup minced pimiento)
Bring just to the boiling point and simmer the relish for 35 minutes. Place in sterile jars, seal, and process for 15 minutes in boiling water bath.
Now I do have to put a disclaimer here. Check with your local county extension office for the latest in canning safety. What I feel comfortable with may not be what you would.
Love,
M
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
CookBooks: under the Library of Congress Subject Heading "Cookery"
I have a ton of cookbooks. Poor JR.
Every time I go to the used-bookstore I pickup one or two more. Then we move. It might just be across town or across country. We de-clutter, toss out, and generally pare back to the basics. I have tried to convince him that this is a good thing. That we don't need all that stuff. That massive amounts of material goods are not good for our souls. That materialism is evil. He buys that for about 10 minutes or until he gets to the 10+ boxes of cookbooks. Then he tries to tell me that I can't possibly need this many, I can't possibly use this many, and that keeping all these bookcooks is not good for my soul and is evil materialism. I'm not buying any of that!
The poor misguide man! He just doesn't understand that I really do use all of them in one way or another. I may not use the recipes out all of them. They may just be sentimental. A couple of examples of ones that fit into the sentimental category are my Joy of Cooking and my The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer.
The Joy of Cooking was given to me by my mother-in-law (MIL for short) in 1992. She was given this same book by her mother (I don't know when). This book is inscribe with the following.
My MIL wrote to her mother; "To the best cook I know - the one who gets the most joy out of it! Love, M.C."
My MIL wrote this to me: "Mother left the book to me so now I can pass it along to my daughter-in-law. Michele is a great cook!! +++"
Now, I ask you! Could I get rid of this? I don't think so!
Plus, I use this cookbook. It has the best tasting, most kicked up, the most the most fall down after drinking 2 glasses Wassail recipe to be had. When the Wassail has been drunk and if you are still upright then eating the fruit is pure joy.
The other one that you will never see me part with is the Boston Cooking School cookbook. It has no copyright date in it but I think that it dates to about the 1910's. It is well used and falling apart. There are notes, recipes, and poems in at least 3 different hand writings scrawled in every available space. Two, I recognize as my MIL and her mother, the 3rd I have no idea. There are recipes cut from newspapers and magazines tucked between the pages and paper clipped to the pages (horror! For a librarian. I'll have to remedy that soon).
I especially like the advertisements in the back. I've dated this book by the stove in this advertisement. The stove is circa 1910.If I ever need to be able to tell the different between a cold, warm or hot oven this is the book to come to. If I ever need to know how to field dress any animal from a squirrel to a deer this is the book to use as a reference. If I ever need to know how to cook possum, raccoon or wild turkey I'm reaching for this ratty little gem.
The last one that falls under the heading of sentimental is, "100 Meat-saving Recipes" by Ann Roe Robbins, 1943. It has the falling apart notes in the margins thing going for it also but what I really like about it is the Preface. The author talks about rationed and non-rationed foods; about how the American Housewife should be grateful to have 2 1/2 pounds of meat a week because in England and France it is unheard of and how the canny cook will be creative in the use of scarce items. I haven't tried many of the recipes in this book but I have several marked so I must plan to. My MIL must have used it often. She was a fairly new bride in 1943 so this would have come in handy. As a piece of WWII social history is it unique. It doesn't deal with how patriotic the housewife should be but how ingenious she can be.
So, if I can't get rid of these I surely can't get rid of the 500 others I have. JR will just have to understand that someday, maybe, it's not out of the realm of possibility that all or maybe one or two will be sentimental to his daughters-in-law or granddaughters. Since, we don't know which ones that will be we just have to keep all of them. I believe that don't you?
Love,
M
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Let's get frugal
Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's a woman by the name of Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced decision) came out with a newsletter that, in her words, "promoted thrift as a viable alternative lifestyle." As a stay-at-home home with 2 small boys I grasped at every opportunity to save money. So I signed up for her newsletter and got on the frugal bandwagon. The newsletter was $12 a year but since I was saving a ton more than that from it I considered it an investment. Now, you can't pickup the newsletters anymore (and those of us that still have them won't give them up. We horde them actually. Mine are 3 hole punched and bound together. Someday they'll be a collectors item.) you can pick up the book she wrote that has all of them combined. I wouldn't spend full price for them (negates the whole frugal principal) get them at the used bookstore or used on Amazon.
Some of the things that she was espousing back then are now longer relative to today but all-in-all they still work. With the rising cost of fuel, food, clothing, and just about everything else these days I'm drawn back to how we survived on $20,000 a year and still saved 30% of our income.
Here are her "10 Painless Ways to Save $100 This Year" (I've made some changes to reflect technology changes).
1. Purchase 10 articles of clothing at thrift shops and yerd sales this year instead of paying department store prices. (If you are a supershopper like I am you haven't paid full price department store prices for years. AT JC Penney's 2 weeks ago I paid $3.31 each for 10 items that I can wear to work. I got a whole new wardrobe including shoes for about $60.)
2. Hang four loads of laundry per week instead of using your dryer. (We hang all our laundry for even bigger savings. And use white vinegar for fabric softener instead of store bought so the towels won't get stiff). Don't have a clothes line? Shower rods work really well. We bought a $30 popup clothesline, $10 large plastic pot & $5 worth of patio sand to put up our clothes line. We have saved way more than the $45 we spent 2 years ago. Plus, it's good for the environment. Green and cheap! We are so trendy!
3. Once a month make a pizza from scratch instead of having one delivered. (I rarely buy pizza. I've blogged 2 recipes, pizza dough and zucchini crusted pizza that are quick and cheap).
4. Write a good letter instead of making a monthly long-distance phone call. (with email and cheap cell phone service this one is the easiest to achieve.)
5. Reduce your soda consumption by four cans per week. (I've given it up completely but JR hasn't. He has cut back to one per day in his lunch. Saves us a bundle.)
6. Bake one batch of bread (2 loaves) per week. (OK, so I don't do this at all. I do shop the day-old bread cart at my local grocery store. It is half price there. Then I freeze it).
7. Save $50 each on two children's birthday parties by making homemade decorations, cake, wrapping paper, and one present. (Photoshop up cute cards, posters and all the other stuff.)
8. Reduce your smoking by three cigarettes per day (or give up smoking altogether and save even more) (Neither JR or I smoke. Made this one even easier).
9. Reduce your whole milk consumption by 2 gallons per week, substituting dry milk in cooking, homemade cocoa mix, and in half and half for drinking. (I couldn't get my family to drink powdered milk so I went to using it to bake. I need to get back into the habit. Note to self!)
10. Pack four inexpensive school lunches per week. (JR, the homeboy and I pack all our lunches from the leftovers from the night before. )
I'm going to add few more to this list.
11. Eat less meat. Try eating a meatless meal once a week. At $2 a pound or more for boneless, skinless chicken breasts this will really add up. (I cut JR and the homeboys meat portions in half before it gets to the table and I gave it up entirely. This has worked like a charm. Also in their casseroles I cut the meat down by half and they didn't even know it. I'm so sneaky!)
12. Combined your car trips. With the price of gas these days it just makes sense. (I have a route that I take when I go grocery shopping. It's a loop by all the stores that I shop at. I stop at each of the stores that have something on sale on my list, get the stuff and get out.)
13. Cook with what you have on hand. (This is a trick I learned from depression-era my mother-in-law. Makes you much more creative in the kitchen, thus in life. Or that's what I like to think).
Well, that's enough of that for today. If you have any money saving ideas leave a comment.
Love,
M
Some of the things that she was espousing back then are now longer relative to today but all-in-all they still work. With the rising cost of fuel, food, clothing, and just about everything else these days I'm drawn back to how we survived on $20,000 a year and still saved 30% of our income.
Here are her "10 Painless Ways to Save $100 This Year" (I've made some changes to reflect technology changes).
1. Purchase 10 articles of clothing at thrift shops and yerd sales this year instead of paying department store prices. (If you are a supershopper like I am you haven't paid full price department store prices for years. AT JC Penney's 2 weeks ago I paid $3.31 each for 10 items that I can wear to work. I got a whole new wardrobe including shoes for about $60.)
2. Hang four loads of laundry per week instead of using your dryer. (We hang all our laundry for even bigger savings. And use white vinegar for fabric softener instead of store bought so the towels won't get stiff). Don't have a clothes line? Shower rods work really well. We bought a $30 popup clothesline, $10 large plastic pot & $5 worth of patio sand to put up our clothes line. We have saved way more than the $45 we spent 2 years ago. Plus, it's good for the environment. Green and cheap! We are so trendy!
3. Once a month make a pizza from scratch instead of having one delivered. (I rarely buy pizza. I've blogged 2 recipes, pizza dough and zucchini crusted pizza that are quick and cheap).
4. Write a good letter instead of making a monthly long-distance phone call. (with email and cheap cell phone service this one is the easiest to achieve.)
5. Reduce your soda consumption by four cans per week. (I've given it up completely but JR hasn't. He has cut back to one per day in his lunch. Saves us a bundle.)
6. Bake one batch of bread (2 loaves) per week. (OK, so I don't do this at all. I do shop the day-old bread cart at my local grocery store. It is half price there. Then I freeze it).
7. Save $50 each on two children's birthday parties by making homemade decorations, cake, wrapping paper, and one present. (Photoshop up cute cards, posters and all the other stuff.)
8. Reduce your smoking by three cigarettes per day (or give up smoking altogether and save even more) (Neither JR or I smoke. Made this one even easier).
9. Reduce your whole milk consumption by 2 gallons per week, substituting dry milk in cooking, homemade cocoa mix, and in half and half for drinking. (I couldn't get my family to drink powdered milk so I went to using it to bake. I need to get back into the habit. Note to self!)
10. Pack four inexpensive school lunches per week. (JR, the homeboy and I pack all our lunches from the leftovers from the night before. )
I'm going to add few more to this list.
11. Eat less meat. Try eating a meatless meal once a week. At $2 a pound or more for boneless, skinless chicken breasts this will really add up. (I cut JR and the homeboys meat portions in half before it gets to the table and I gave it up entirely. This has worked like a charm. Also in their casseroles I cut the meat down by half and they didn't even know it. I'm so sneaky!)
12. Combined your car trips. With the price of gas these days it just makes sense. (I have a route that I take when I go grocery shopping. It's a loop by all the stores that I shop at. I stop at each of the stores that have something on sale on my list, get the stuff and get out.)
13. Cook with what you have on hand. (This is a trick I learned from depression-era my mother-in-law. Makes you much more creative in the kitchen, thus in life. Or that's what I like to think).
Well, that's enough of that for today. If you have any money saving ideas leave a comment.
Love,
M
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
S'more Cookie Bars
Kath, this one is for you. I think Hubs will like it and I know that the kids will. Hubs has been out of town so long I thought I'd give you something special for when he gets home. When I came across this recipe I knew it would do the trick. Eventually the mystical zucchini crusted pizza is going to wear off and we don't want that.
Trust me on this JR and the Homeboy have been sucking these little morsals down like water. They hurry home to have them. Me, I like to think that they come home to me but I won't kid myself. Shoot! JR and I have been married 25 years. I lost over my cooking years ago! Bless his heart, he still thinks I'm the best thing that ever happened to him. Hopefully, he'll never wake up to his plight!
S'more Cookie Bars
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 super-sized (5 oz.) dark chocolate bars**
1 1/2 cup marshmallow creme/fluff
Preheat oven to 350 degree oven. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.**
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined. Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. Two 5 oz. chocolate bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick. Spread marshmallow fluff evenly over the chocolate layer.
Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff. This is most easily done by putting the second half of the dough between 2 pieces of wax paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it out. Peel off the top layer of the wax paper and then put the whole thing dough side down on the other three layers. Peel the wax paper back and even up the the edges.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Makes 16 cookie bars.
***Now for the changes that I made:
1. Instead of chocolate bars I used dark chocolate chips but any old chocolate chips will do. About 3/4 of a bag. Though I've got to tell you that I used a bit more than this. I kinda did a bit of calculating. 5ounces times 2 equals 10 ounces. I tried to use 10 ounces of a 12 ounce bag. Then I through out all the calculations and tossed the whole bag on the bottom dough. I'm a librarian. We don't do math!
2. The biggest pain is getting the marshmallow cream spread out. I decided to just glob it on in a systematic fashion. Just like above I believe that more is better. So I'm not sure how many cups there are in a jar of marshmallow cream but the whole thing will go on over the chips nice an pretty.
3. I doubled the recipe and used a bigger pan. Then I made a second batch. Thank heavens I did otherwise we wouldn't have any to take on our trip. Of course, I don't have any sugar or flour left but it was worth every grain.
This is a terrific recipe. The boys are eating them down so fast that I'm glad that I froze a batch.
I plan to take this frozen batch with us on our camping trip. I'm thinkin' that if I wrap them in some tin foil and put them in the fire to warm them up. Think of soft gooey chocolate and marshmallow, crispy graham cracker crusts. Wow! I've just ate one of these cold but I might need another one. I can't think why you wouldn't want one of these. Oh sure, they're full of butter and sugar and fat and calories but don't let that stop you from having a couple of these yummies!
Enjoy,
Love,
M
Trust me on this JR and the Homeboy have been sucking these little morsals down like water. They hurry home to have them. Me, I like to think that they come home to me but I won't kid myself. Shoot! JR and I have been married 25 years. I lost over my cooking years ago! Bless his heart, he still thinks I'm the best thing that ever happened to him. Hopefully, he'll never wake up to his plight!
S'more Cookie Bars
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 super-sized (5 oz.) dark chocolate bars**
1 1/2 cup marshmallow creme/fluff
Preheat oven to 350 degree oven. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.**
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined. Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. Two 5 oz. chocolate bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick. Spread marshmallow fluff evenly over the chocolate layer.
Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff. This is most easily done by putting the second half of the dough between 2 pieces of wax paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it out. Peel off the top layer of the wax paper and then put the whole thing dough side down on the other three layers. Peel the wax paper back and even up the the edges.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Makes 16 cookie bars.
***Now for the changes that I made:
1. Instead of chocolate bars I used dark chocolate chips but any old chocolate chips will do. About 3/4 of a bag. Though I've got to tell you that I used a bit more than this. I kinda did a bit of calculating. 5ounces times 2 equals 10 ounces. I tried to use 10 ounces of a 12 ounce bag. Then I through out all the calculations and tossed the whole bag on the bottom dough. I'm a librarian. We don't do math!
2. The biggest pain is getting the marshmallow cream spread out. I decided to just glob it on in a systematic fashion. Just like above I believe that more is better. So I'm not sure how many cups there are in a jar of marshmallow cream but the whole thing will go on over the chips nice an pretty.
3. I doubled the recipe and used a bigger pan. Then I made a second batch. Thank heavens I did otherwise we wouldn't have any to take on our trip. Of course, I don't have any sugar or flour left but it was worth every grain.
This is a terrific recipe. The boys are eating them down so fast that I'm glad that I froze a batch.
I plan to take this frozen batch with us on our camping trip. I'm thinkin' that if I wrap them in some tin foil and put them in the fire to warm them up. Think of soft gooey chocolate and marshmallow, crispy graham cracker crusts. Wow! I've just ate one of these cold but I might need another one. I can't think why you wouldn't want one of these. Oh sure, they're full of butter and sugar and fat and calories but don't let that stop you from having a couple of these yummies!
Enjoy,
Love,
M
Just looking out for You
If any of you are like me, and I have to assume you are (your reading this aren't you?), you spend a lot of time online. Granted, most of my time online is not the most productive but hey it's research. There are some really bad people out there (not any of you). I could go on and on about this but I'll spare you. You've heard it all before anyway.
To make your web surfing safer (hence your computer, your life, your sanity) I want to offer up a couple of free software downloads that will help.
One, and this is an absolute must have, is CCleaner. The "C" in the name means "crap" and this is what this program does. It cleans out the crap in your computer. All those websites you visit leave little droppings that you don't want. Trust me you really don't want them. Set this up to do a regular maintenance each week and you'll be set to surf.
The second one is the Defrag on your computer. If you run a windows PC or laptop you can find this in the All Program - Accessories. Run this often. It will speed up your computer a whole bunch which will make for happy surfing.
Now a quick blog plug. If you haven't already come across it yet you'll want to check out LifeHacker. I find something interesting to read on it just about everyday (but of course I've been known to read encyclopedias).
Time to head to work. Ya'll have a great day.
Love M
To make your web surfing safer (hence your computer, your life, your sanity) I want to offer up a couple of free software downloads that will help.
One, and this is an absolute must have, is CCleaner. The "C" in the name means "crap" and this is what this program does. It cleans out the crap in your computer. All those websites you visit leave little droppings that you don't want. Trust me you really don't want them. Set this up to do a regular maintenance each week and you'll be set to surf.The second one is the Defrag on your computer. If you run a windows PC or laptop you can find this in the All Program - Accessories. Run this often. It will speed up your computer a whole bunch which will make for happy surfing.
Now a quick blog plug. If you haven't already come across it yet you'll want to check out LifeHacker. I find something interesting to read on it just about everyday (but of course I've been known to read encyclopedias).
Time to head to work. Ya'll have a great day.
Love M
Saturday, August 23, 2008
1st Tent Camping Trip in 20 years
JR and I are going camping a week from today. All by ourselves! Amazing huh? No kids! No dogs! No cell phones! No laptops! OK, I lied, I'm taking my cell phone and laptop. The laptop is only to process photos that I will take and maybe post to this blog, and maybe check my email. But, not too much. This is supposed to be a relaxing time of renewal for JR and I.
We haven't tent camped in almost 20 years and I'm feeling a little bit of trepidation about the whole thing. We use to own a travel trailer or a 5th wheel trailer but no one can really call that camping. We called it RVing. Anytime you can fill it with fresh food & clothes, hitch-up, and be on the road in 30 minutes is not camping. We didn't worry about where we would shower or whether our air mattress would deflate or whether we would get rained on. We had a microwave for goodness sake. A bed with real sheets. And a bathroom.
Now we've scaled down. We are now the proud owners of a 3 person tent, air mattress, a couple of ice chests, and a 2 burner campstove. This should be interesting.
"Grab up the sun shower Pa we're hittin the road!"
We do have a big 3/4 ton truck instead of the stationwagon and 2 less little ones to drag along like we had 20 years ago but that doesn't make me any less crazed. Since this is the 1st trip like this in forever I've done what any good librarian would do. I've researched the best campstoves, sleeping bags, and tents for the money. I've started a collection of all the stuff I'll need to take in the spare bedroom. I've made copious lists and even started to buy the food. Yes, I know it is a week away but I can't seem to help myself. I want to be prepared. No surprises for me. No siree!
Since, I won't have a microwave or an oven I've searched the blogs for skillet recipes. I came up with a criteria for all the recipes. "One skillet", "ease of prep", "few ingredients", and "taste". Oh, I've thrown in "possible uses for breakfast or lunch" as a non-qualifier but handy to know. Geez! What geek I am!
I've decided to make each recipe before the trip. This way I will know if they will work and whether they pass the litmus test I've devised (it's the geek again, sorry).
The 1st offering was a cornbread Tex-Mex thing. I can't really give you the exact name because I tweaked the original recipe enough that it doesn't really work anymore. The original title was a Taco Cornbread Pizza. So, I fiddled with it so it fit the above listed criteria. Turned out really well and has the added benefit of become breakfast. Kind of a Hauvos Ranchos thing.
I've decided to make a S'more bar cookie today and one of the other skillet recipes tonight. I know the bar cookies don't fit the criteria but I will just take them along. As a vegetarian I really don't feel comfortable making regular S'mores (it's just not camping without s'mores), because of the gelatin that they use to make the marshmallows. (Gelatin is nasty stuff. Do you know what they make that stuff out of? YUK!). So I'm opting for the cookie bars. It uses marshmallow cream/fluff which doesn't have gelatin.
I'll post any truly outstanding recipes and if any of you have any please send them along.
BTW, this is where we are going...
here http://www.nps.gov/arch/
and here http://www.nps.gov/glca/
and here http://www.nps.gov/hove/
and here http://www.nps.gov/meve/
That ought to exhaust us old people.
Love,
M
P.S. God bless Photoshop and the National Park Service website for the wonderful photos.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sara's Birthday
It's Sara's birthday today. Now I'd love to post a cute photo-shopped picture of her like I did for Julie's birthday. Unfortunately, I'm bowing to Sara's wishes. She didn't want me to do anything such thing to her. It is almost more than I can bear. I'm finding out that restraint is not my thing. Yes, Yes, I know that I'm almost 50 years old and I should have learned some restraint by now. What fun would that be? Restraint is over rated I'm sure!
Let me tell you about Sara. Sara is probably the smartest person I know. I'm in total awe of her. I don't mind admitting that I would like to be half as smart as she is.
She is also beautiful. I also want her hair. She has perfect hair. I really want her hair. It is dead on straight. It doesn't frizz. How cruel is that for those of us that have hair that a 1% humidity change makes a difference? Granted Arizona isn't known for humidity but this time of year we actually have some. My hair goes crazy. It takes on a life of it's own. Sara's not so much as a single strand is out of place. It is just not fair!
Sara is kind, thoughtful and loves her dog. I'm sorry if I'm making her sound like man's best friend but she's terrific.
So Sara if you read this.
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!
Love,
M
Earrings
I love a lot of things, sunflowers, books, my new laptop, my set of pastels and the list goes on. You noticed that I didn't include people or pets. They are not things. And I'm sticking with a theme here. One of the things that I really like is earrings. Yes, that's right, earrings. I have a ton of them and am always on the hunt for more.
See what I mean. This is only a small portion of my collection.
I like to pick up doilies from seconghand shops to hand them from. Great visual for those of us who need that sort of thing. I like to call it mixed media art for my bathroom.
I like to pick up doilies from seconghand shops to hand them from. Great visual for those of us who need that sort of thing. I like to call it mixed media art for my bathroom.
I'm not into fancy expensive earrings (but I could be if someone would pay me enough to buy fancy expensive ones). Cheap works for me. I mostly like ones that dangle. I have always said (or at least since about the age of 35) that I needed earrings that resented what was happening with the rest of my body. Since gravity was pulling down significant chunks of my body my earrings should follow suit. That way they would all match.
I pick up earrings on almost every trip that I go on. See the red arrow (I got red arrow happy this morning)? I got these in Eureka Springs, Arkansas about 15 years ago. I still have them and believe it or not still wear them. Lovely place Eureka Springs. JR and I went there without the kids. I have very fond memories of that trip. It was the first time that JR had ever been to the South. Big eye opener for him. He learned a valuable lesson about the South. Things just move a little slower down there.
These are the whale tail earrings that my sister gave me for Christmas one year. Very Pacific Northwest of her.
I have earrings for most occasions. I know it is August but these make me laugh and at 5:30 a.m. when I'm getting ready for work I need the laugh.
These copper hoops are the newest of the travel earrings. I picked them up while I was in Montana. I like them a lot. I wear them with...
these.
I have two holes in my right ear and one in my left. So frequently I wear a matching pair in each lob and an unexpected one in the extra hole in my right ear. Sometimes I like to shake things up by wearing 3 different ones. Very bohemian of me.
The story behind the 3 holes compared to 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 goes something like this. I got my first holes pierced when I was 16. My mother made me wait until then. Of course, my 14 year old sister got them the same day. Do I sound bitter? Sorry, flashback. Anyway, When I was 21 (8 hundred years ago) I took a friend of mine to get her ears pierced. She was really afraid that it would hurt. To prove to her that it didn't I volunteered to get another set done. At that time it cost $8 to get your ears pierced. I only had $4. So, long story short I got one side done. And even though it hurt like the dickens I didn't show it. Last time I looked my friend had 6 holes in her ears. I like 3 better. What can I say, it's the rebel in me.
I pick up earrings on almost every trip that I go on. See the red arrow (I got red arrow happy this morning)? I got these in Eureka Springs, Arkansas about 15 years ago. I still have them and believe it or not still wear them. Lovely place Eureka Springs. JR and I went there without the kids. I have very fond memories of that trip. It was the first time that JR had ever been to the South. Big eye opener for him. He learned a valuable lesson about the South. Things just move a little slower down there.
These are the whale tail earrings that my sister gave me for Christmas one year. Very Pacific Northwest of her.
I have earrings for most occasions. I know it is August but these make me laugh and at 5:30 a.m. when I'm getting ready for work I need the laugh.
These copper hoops are the newest of the travel earrings. I picked them up while I was in Montana. I like them a lot. I wear them with...
these.I have two holes in my right ear and one in my left. So frequently I wear a matching pair in each lob and an unexpected one in the extra hole in my right ear. Sometimes I like to shake things up by wearing 3 different ones. Very bohemian of me.
The story behind the 3 holes compared to 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 goes something like this. I got my first holes pierced when I was 16. My mother made me wait until then. Of course, my 14 year old sister got them the same day. Do I sound bitter? Sorry, flashback. Anyway, When I was 21 (8 hundred years ago) I took a friend of mine to get her ears pierced. She was really afraid that it would hurt. To prove to her that it didn't I volunteered to get another set done. At that time it cost $8 to get your ears pierced. I only had $4. So, long story short I got one side done. And even though it hurt like the dickens I didn't show it. Last time I looked my friend had 6 holes in her ears. I like 3 better. What can I say, it's the rebel in me.
Love,
M
M
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunflowers
I love sunflowers. Any kind of sunflower.
Any kind of sunflower or Black-eyed Susan type flower as long as it is yellow & black.
My personal favorite are the ones that grow wild along the side of the road. There is just something about them growing up out of the rocks, blown by the passing cars and trucks that just grabs my heart.
They are just so valiant.
Any kind of sunflower or Black-eyed Susan type flower as long as it is yellow & black.
My personal favorite are the ones that grow wild along the side of the road. There is just something about them growing up out of the rocks, blown by the passing cars and trucks that just grabs my heart.
They are just so valiant.
So I was pleasantly surprised by the sunflower that sprung up in my flower pot. I didn't plant it but I think I know who did.
The flower pot sits near the bird feeder. I bet you can do this math.
Bird drops seed, seed germinates and I get a summer of love.
Sunflower love.
Brings back old times.
This valiant sunflower is completing me.
I faithfully water it.
I spend every morning admiring it and every afternoon it lifts my spirits while I make dinner.
The flower pot sits near the bird feeder. I bet you can do this math.
Bird drops seed, seed germinates and I get a summer of love.
Sunflower love.
Brings back old times.
This valiant sunflower is completing me.
I faithfully water it.
I spend every morning admiring it and every afternoon it lifts my spirits while I make dinner.
And what's really great is that the wonderful sunflower took up residence with my volunteer petunia.
The two of these together are just wonderful.
And best of all I really didn't have to do anything to make this happen.
Once again, the whole lazy principal works for me.
(I should really start saying that I'm not lazy. I'm zen! That's right zen. Let's all say it together, Michele is not lazy. Michele is Zen. Are you convinced yet? I am).
And best of all I really didn't have to do anything to make this happen.
Once again, the whole lazy principal works for me.
(I should really start saying that I'm not lazy. I'm zen! That's right zen. Let's all say it together, Michele is not lazy. Michele is Zen. Are you convinced yet? I am).
Love,
M
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Scrambled Eggs Florentine
So I haven't been cooking too many exciting things lately. I'm not sure why. It seems I go in fits and starts. Anyway, last weekend I made a big breakfast like I always do. Since I'm way too lazy to get up and feed JR a big, hearty, gut-busting meal every morning I save up my energy for Saturday. I'm not really lazy I just have better things to do; like paint, draw, take the dogs for a run, workout, shave my legs, or blog. JR's breakfast choices really get in the way. He seems perfectly happy with a hard boiled egg and an english muffin. He's a simple kind of guy.
On Saturday mornings I pull out all the stops. I do eggs, hashbrowns, toast, fruit the works. JR has gotten real used to this so every once in a while I throw him a curve ball. Last weekend I made what I like to call scrambled eggs florentine. It was one of those things that I made up as I went. Sometimes I flop but last Saturday I was on my game. JR's tummy and taste buds were singing (if they could that is).
This is a really basic recipe:
2 eggs (we are not big eaters)
1/4 to 1/2 cup spinach (I used frozen)
2 tablespoons heavy cream (I keep this on hand for the gallons of ice cream I make)
Scant 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (it's pretty strong so go easy on this stuff)
1/4 cup cheddar cheese (I used 2 slices but if you wanted to grate it great)
1 teaspoon butter
Grab up a big handful or two of frozen spinach. I love this stuff! Place in a microwave safe bowl and nuke until thawed. If you only have fresh on hand go ahead an use that. I won't feel bad! It's just a little more work. You know; toss huge handfuls into the pan to saute down until the water is all gone, that sort of thing. I do this every once in a while myself. But it does defy the whole lazy principal again.
Melt butter in a small fry pan that you have a lid for. Squeeze the water out of the spinach and saute in the butter. If you feel inclined add a very little onion and garlic. Just don't be too heavy handed. One of my big failings is the judicious use of garlic. I can't seem to help myself.
Beat together the eggs, mustard, and cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into fry pan with the spinach. Scramble as usual.
When eggs are just about done top with cheese. Put a lid on it. I don't mean that you need to shut up. Put the lid that fits the pan on. This is an important step. It sort of steams the eggs and makes them nice and puffy.
Serve with hashbrowns of your choice and all the other fixens. I like lots of peppers and onions in my hashbrowns (this is where the 3 peppers and onion blend from the freezer section of the grocery store comes in. Another must keep on hand item). I console myself with the fact that since I'm getting all these vegetables this is a breakfast that is really good for JR and me. Cop out! You betcha!
Give it a try sometime. JR raved about it. Wants me to make this more often. I'd hate to spoil him though. Not that he doesn't deserve it. He puts up with me doesn't he!
Love,
M
On Saturday mornings I pull out all the stops. I do eggs, hashbrowns, toast, fruit the works. JR has gotten real used to this so every once in a while I throw him a curve ball. Last weekend I made what I like to call scrambled eggs florentine. It was one of those things that I made up as I went. Sometimes I flop but last Saturday I was on my game. JR's tummy and taste buds were singing (if they could that is).
This is a really basic recipe:
2 eggs (we are not big eaters)
1/4 to 1/2 cup spinach (I used frozen)
2 tablespoons heavy cream (I keep this on hand for the gallons of ice cream I make)
Scant 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (it's pretty strong so go easy on this stuff)
1/4 cup cheddar cheese (I used 2 slices but if you wanted to grate it great)
1 teaspoon butter
Grab up a big handful or two of frozen spinach. I love this stuff! Place in a microwave safe bowl and nuke until thawed. If you only have fresh on hand go ahead an use that. I won't feel bad! It's just a little more work. You know; toss huge handfuls into the pan to saute down until the water is all gone, that sort of thing. I do this every once in a while myself. But it does defy the whole lazy principal again.
Melt butter in a small fry pan that you have a lid for. Squeeze the water out of the spinach and saute in the butter. If you feel inclined add a very little onion and garlic. Just don't be too heavy handed. One of my big failings is the judicious use of garlic. I can't seem to help myself.
Beat together the eggs, mustard, and cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into fry pan with the spinach. Scramble as usual.
When eggs are just about done top with cheese. Put a lid on it. I don't mean that you need to shut up. Put the lid that fits the pan on. This is an important step. It sort of steams the eggs and makes them nice and puffy.
Serve with hashbrowns of your choice and all the other fixens. I like lots of peppers and onions in my hashbrowns (this is where the 3 peppers and onion blend from the freezer section of the grocery store comes in. Another must keep on hand item). I console myself with the fact that since I'm getting all these vegetables this is a breakfast that is really good for JR and me. Cop out! You betcha!
Give it a try sometime. JR raved about it. Wants me to make this more often. I'd hate to spoil him though. Not that he doesn't deserve it. He puts up with me doesn't he!
Love,
M
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My Aunt Ruth
I share with you lots of stuff from JR's family (mostly because I have a lot of stuff from his family. Stuff is a technical term librarians use. Bet, you didn't know that.) Today I'm going to share pictures about one of my favorite people. Oh sure, I shouldn't pick favorites but I just can't help myself. She is just so darn funny, sweet, and all around wonderful. She lets me tag along after her even though I'm supposed to be a grown up.
I give you my Aunt Ruth.
Along with my mother, Aunt Ruth's friend Betty and her family Aunt Ruth has traveled around the world. At least once.
One of the greatest stories is the time that she and my mom went tramping in New Zealand. These two old ladies (my mom was 60 and Aunt Ruth was 70) put 20 pound packs on their backs and then hiked for 30 miles. 10 miles a day for 3 days. At one point some nice Brittish men (my mom called them boys so they must have been about 30) offered to take their backpacks up to the next campsite for them. How sweet! Mom and Aunt Ruth, the intripid women that they are said, "Oh thank you but we're OK." The nice Brit promised them tea when they got up to the campsite. Several, and I mean really truly several hours later mom and Aunt Ruth made it to the campsite. Low and behold the nice Brits had tea all ready for them.
When mom told me they were going tramping I told her the I always knew she was a tramp.
Aunt Ruth is always up for a lark. One year her and I took a dozen college students (my homeboys and their wild and wicked friends) to some of the Washington State Wineries. I've got to tell you she hung in there with those kids. And she doesn't look too drunk in this picture. I'd hate for you to think that I am a bad influence on her. I am but she doesn't know it. It's the sweetest thing about her.
Turning 80 a couple of years ago hasn't stopped her. She and Betty are still traveling around the world. Last I heard they had gone to Holland to ride some boats down the river. I'm sure she had a great time and I bet Betty got sick. She gets terrible seasickness though it doesn't stop her from going on boat trips.
Here are all the sisters. The bottom picture is of my mother. The top picture is of my Aunt Ruth (on the right) and my Aunt Vivian. My mom is the only blond in the bunch.
I've got to run. It's that whole work thing. Someday I'll fulfill my one career goal; to get paid to breath until then off I go but not before I say; I love my Aunt Ruth!
Love,
M
I give you my Aunt Ruth.
Along with my mother, Aunt Ruth's friend Betty and her family Aunt Ruth has traveled around the world. At least once.One of the greatest stories is the time that she and my mom went tramping in New Zealand. These two old ladies (my mom was 60 and Aunt Ruth was 70) put 20 pound packs on their backs and then hiked for 30 miles. 10 miles a day for 3 days. At one point some nice Brittish men (my mom called them boys so they must have been about 30) offered to take their backpacks up to the next campsite for them. How sweet! Mom and Aunt Ruth, the intripid women that they are said, "Oh thank you but we're OK." The nice Brit promised them tea when they got up to the campsite. Several, and I mean really truly several hours later mom and Aunt Ruth made it to the campsite. Low and behold the nice Brits had tea all ready for them.
When mom told me they were going tramping I told her the I always knew she was a tramp.
Aunt Ruth is always up for a lark. One year her and I took a dozen college students (my homeboys and their wild and wicked friends) to some of the Washington State Wineries. I've got to tell you she hung in there with those kids. And she doesn't look too drunk in this picture. I'd hate for you to think that I am a bad influence on her. I am but she doesn't know it. It's the sweetest thing about her.
Turning 80 a couple of years ago hasn't stopped her. She and Betty are still traveling around the world. Last I heard they had gone to Holland to ride some boats down the river. I'm sure she had a great time and I bet Betty got sick. She gets terrible seasickness though it doesn't stop her from going on boat trips.
Here are all the sisters. The bottom picture is of my mother. The top picture is of my Aunt Ruth (on the right) and my Aunt Vivian. My mom is the only blond in the bunch.
I've got to run. It's that whole work thing. Someday I'll fulfill my one career goal; to get paid to breath until then off I go but not before I say; I love my Aunt Ruth!
Love,
M
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Chair Pads
A few months ago I posted about Nessa's habit of attacking my dining room chair pads. No chair pad was safe. Innocent chair pads that happen to fall off the chair were eaten. Chair pads that sat contently on the chairs were unmercifully chewed on. She would nibble on them even while we sat on them.
No chair pad was safe I tell you!
At one point I debated the merits of buying new ones right then or waiting until Nessa found them to be not such a delicacy. There were pros and cons to both scenarios.
A couple of the pros to buying new ones immediately were; a cushy place for our tushes, and our dining room wouldn't look quite so ratty. What was left of the old ones looked really unattractive. The big cons in this scenario were forking out the $15 to $30 dollars a piece (way too much money to toss away on something that Nessa might chew up) and it would demand that I make some sort of design decision. This is actually the worse con for me.
I tend to be very eclectic, some would call mismatched. I like to call it "shabby chic in theory". With all this decision making to do I opted to do nothing. Very passive aggressive of me!
For months now our poor little fannies were sitting on hard chairs with half eaten chair pads. Then I was out shopping at JC Penney's today.
I found chair pads!
The original price for the new chair pads was $30. they were marked down to $8.99 plus another 50% off. Each one came out to be $4.31 each. They also matched the other stuff in my house. How cool was that?
I quickly snapped up the only 6 they had. Not only cheap but the right number also. It must have been fate!
I couldn't be happier!
My tush couldn't be happier!
My non-existent decorating sense couldn't be happier!
I came home triumphant! It was very primal of me to show off my spoils to the homeboys. I felt like JR's cat when he brings in his latest kill (not that he does this very often). I'm not sure why I was expecting atta girls but I was. What did I get?
The homeboy said, "they look delicious!"
JR said, "Have they been Nessa tasted and approved?"
Very funny men live at my house. I'm just not sure for how much longer!
Love,
M
No chair pad was safe I tell you!
At one point I debated the merits of buying new ones right then or waiting until Nessa found them to be not such a delicacy. There were pros and cons to both scenarios.
A couple of the pros to buying new ones immediately were; a cushy place for our tushes, and our dining room wouldn't look quite so ratty. What was left of the old ones looked really unattractive. The big cons in this scenario were forking out the $15 to $30 dollars a piece (way too much money to toss away on something that Nessa might chew up) and it would demand that I make some sort of design decision. This is actually the worse con for me.
I tend to be very eclectic, some would call mismatched. I like to call it "shabby chic in theory". With all this decision making to do I opted to do nothing. Very passive aggressive of me!
For months now our poor little fannies were sitting on hard chairs with half eaten chair pads. Then I was out shopping at JC Penney's today.
I found chair pads!
The original price for the new chair pads was $30. they were marked down to $8.99 plus another 50% off. Each one came out to be $4.31 each. They also matched the other stuff in my house. How cool was that?
I quickly snapped up the only 6 they had. Not only cheap but the right number also. It must have been fate!
I couldn't be happier!
My tush couldn't be happier!
My non-existent decorating sense couldn't be happier!
I came home triumphant! It was very primal of me to show off my spoils to the homeboys. I felt like JR's cat when he brings in his latest kill (not that he does this very often). I'm not sure why I was expecting atta girls but I was. What did I get?
The homeboy said, "they look delicious!"
JR said, "Have they been Nessa tasted and approved?"
Very funny men live at my house. I'm just not sure for how much longer!
Love,
M
Friday, August 8, 2008
Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition 1909 Postcards
These are postcards that JR's ancestors collected. I've featured other postcards from them in earlier posts.
See:
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/06/victorian-humor.html
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/06/old-postcards-of-st-joe-river-in-idaho.html
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/05/happy-mothers-day.html
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/05/old-irish-postcards.html
There are probably more but I do need to get ready for work. (For some reason they expect to see my bright and smiling face 5 five days a week. Personally I think that they should be happy that I'll be there in theory and spirit if not in fact).
We must have 20 of these things.
JR, the homeboys, the homegirl-in-law, and I are all from the Seattle area originally. So these images are very interesting for us. I hope you find them interesting also.
It seems that back in the summer of 1907 the Big Wigs in Seattle wanted to get on the exposition bandwagon. They came up with the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.
The buildings for this event were built on the University of Washington campus. I suspect, though I don't know for a fact, that some of them may still be there.
Sorry these are cockeyed. I didn't realize they were tilted until I uploaded them.
These are some images that were taken at night. Cool huh?
See:
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/06/victorian-humor.html
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/06/old-postcards-of-st-joe-river-in-idaho.html
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/05/happy-mothers-day.html
http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2008/05/old-irish-postcards.html
There are probably more but I do need to get ready for work. (For some reason they expect to see my bright and smiling face 5 five days a week. Personally I think that they should be happy that I'll be there in theory and spirit if not in fact).
We must have 20 of these things.
JR, the homeboys, the homegirl-in-law, and I are all from the Seattle area originally. So these images are very interesting for us. I hope you find them interesting also.
It seems that back in the summer of 1907 the Big Wigs in Seattle wanted to get on the exposition bandwagon. They came up with the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.
The buildings for this event were built on the University of Washington campus. I suspect, though I don't know for a fact, that some of them may still be there.
Sorry these are cockeyed. I didn't realize they were tilted until I uploaded them.
These are some images that were taken at night. Cool huh?
It was Seattle's first World's Fair. In the first day of the A-Y-P, for short, over 79,000 visitors
Most everything I know about the A-Y-P came from this website;
Most everything I know about the A-Y-P came from this website;
http://historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=7082
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, 1909 -- A Slide Show of
You really should check it out.
Love,
M
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
First Date
I usually include a picture of whatever I'm going to talk about. Today I'm don't really have one because I thought I'd tell a little story of JR and my first date. I don't have a picture of our first date. Just the sweet memory.
JR & I met at work. From what I've heard (or I might be making this up because I have no real proof but it sounds good) most couples meet at work. This may not be true anymore. Couple are now meeting online. Much more techy that way. 25 years ago we met at work, sometimes at church, through friends and at bars. It was still fairly safe to meet at bars, upscale of course! The other kind of bars have sticky floors. Yech!
Well, JR and I met at work. I was in the accounting department and he was in the warehouse. I paid him. No wonder he wanted to meet me. I had probably messed up his check!
We went to a movie. I can't remember which one now. It must not have been very memorable (most likely a classic by now). After the movie JR took me to a local pizza place. As we were sitting at the booth waiting for our 1/2 veggie 1/2 all meat pizza, (long before I had an issue with my veggies touching his meat. But that's a problem that for another time) our drinks arrived. This place was not what anyone would call upscale. The drinks came in paper cups with straws.
It was a sweet moment for us. There we were sitting across from each other. Gazing into each others eyes. Softly discussing the movie. When the drinks arrived. Remember when the straws came with paper wrappers? Remember when you could ripe off just a bit on the end then blow into the straw? Thus shooting the paper. Causing all sorts of laughter and mayhem.
So imagine if you will. Vaguely romantic first date. I pick up my straw, tear off a little bit from the end, then promptly blow it into JR's face. Said straw paper hits him right in the eye. Making him blink wildly.
I'll never forget the look on his face. I figured that my chances for another date had just gone down the drain. Then I do what any 20-something would do. I laugh. Not a polite chuckle or a cute giggle but an all out, belly busting laugh. He was not laughing. He was still looking stunned. My chances for a second date were looking worse and worse.
I really liked him. We had friends in common. He was fun to be with. We had the same goals for our futures. We had all the things that would make a great relationship. I had just blown (pun intended) all that out of the water.
Next thing I know he's blowing his straw paper at me. And laughing. I was redeemed!
Since that time JR and I blow our straw papers at each other. It's just our thing.
Lately, the last several years anyway, the papers don't just hold up. I don't think that this is an issue for most people but for us it is. So if any of you know of a straw making company that makes straws with paper that holds up to blowing (does that sound bad?) please let me know. I'll buy a case. That should last through the next 25 years.
Love,
M
JR & I met at work. From what I've heard (or I might be making this up because I have no real proof but it sounds good) most couples meet at work. This may not be true anymore. Couple are now meeting online. Much more techy that way. 25 years ago we met at work, sometimes at church, through friends and at bars. It was still fairly safe to meet at bars, upscale of course! The other kind of bars have sticky floors. Yech!
Well, JR and I met at work. I was in the accounting department and he was in the warehouse. I paid him. No wonder he wanted to meet me. I had probably messed up his check!
We went to a movie. I can't remember which one now. It must not have been very memorable (most likely a classic by now). After the movie JR took me to a local pizza place. As we were sitting at the booth waiting for our 1/2 veggie 1/2 all meat pizza, (long before I had an issue with my veggies touching his meat. But that's a problem that for another time) our drinks arrived. This place was not what anyone would call upscale. The drinks came in paper cups with straws.
It was a sweet moment for us. There we were sitting across from each other. Gazing into each others eyes. Softly discussing the movie. When the drinks arrived. Remember when the straws came with paper wrappers? Remember when you could ripe off just a bit on the end then blow into the straw? Thus shooting the paper. Causing all sorts of laughter and mayhem.
So imagine if you will. Vaguely romantic first date. I pick up my straw, tear off a little bit from the end, then promptly blow it into JR's face. Said straw paper hits him right in the eye. Making him blink wildly.
I'll never forget the look on his face. I figured that my chances for another date had just gone down the drain. Then I do what any 20-something would do. I laugh. Not a polite chuckle or a cute giggle but an all out, belly busting laugh. He was not laughing. He was still looking stunned. My chances for a second date were looking worse and worse.
I really liked him. We had friends in common. He was fun to be with. We had the same goals for our futures. We had all the things that would make a great relationship. I had just blown (pun intended) all that out of the water.
Next thing I know he's blowing his straw paper at me. And laughing. I was redeemed!
Since that time JR and I blow our straw papers at each other. It's just our thing.
Lately, the last several years anyway, the papers don't just hold up. I don't think that this is an issue for most people but for us it is. So if any of you know of a straw making company that makes straws with paper that holds up to blowing (does that sound bad?) please let me know. I'll buy a case. That should last through the next 25 years.
Love,
M
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Weekend drawing
I spent most of last weekend drawing. I can't even begin to tell you how good that felt. It has been so long since I've had the time to set pastel to paper. I thought I'd share what I got done. Please be advised that none of them scanned really well. That's my way of saying, they look better in real life.
So this was the first one. It's sorta uninspiring. As a get back on the saddle type drawing it's not so bad. I think I got better or at least more comfortable as the weekend wore on.
This one came next. JR & the homeboys think that these moose look like donkeys. I like the trees. Trust me this one looks a whole lot better than this scan.
This is the favorite. There is no question that this is a bison. Not one homeboy made fun of my bison. Of course, bison are big blobs so I really couldn't mess this up. OK, I could have but lucky for me I didn't. Check out the happy little trees!
I like trees.
Trees are easy.
Trees are happy.
Trees are green (something rare in Phoenix).
Well, thanks for letting me share. I hope it wasn't too painful for you. I promise to post something more interesting tomorrow.
I like trees.
Trees are easy.
Trees are happy.
Trees are green (something rare in Phoenix).
Well, thanks for letting me share. I hope it wasn't too painful for you. I promise to post something more interesting tomorrow.
Love,
M
M
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Bookmarks
I am a big fan of quirky and unusual stuff. Most of my friends know this. Truly! It's no secret. So when a friend of mine brought me these bookmarks I was thrilled.
I like to consider this one a public service.
I have said for the last couple of years that I need some goons to help me out. To see my vision, hope, and dream in print is a wonderful and exciting thing.
Librarians as femme fatales is such a joy. No more eye glasses hair bun sensible shoe wearing stereotype for us! We are sexy, mysterious, and fatal. How cool is that??
Beware the Book Mutants.
I doubt seriously if you'll find any on this planet but one never knows. Also, I think they would stand out in a crowd. Easily avoided that way.
Here is my all time favorite bookmark. Mostly, because it features zombies.
I like zombies. And Librarian Zombies can't be beat. As the bookmark says; "They are smarter! They are stronger! They are Hungry!"It just says it all.
If you need more information about zombies check out this Commoncraft video.
These will go in a place of prominence in my office.
Love,
M
Friday, August 1, 2008
Creamy-Dijon Steak Strips
I’ve started working out 4 mornings a week for the last 8 weeks. This schedule has made my already frantic schedule even worse. I keep telling myself I’m healthier for it but I’m not sure that is true. I haven’t drawn or painted much, (this is a real problem for me), blogged or cruised the net for recipes. Is a swimsuit body at the age of 48 worth giving up all this? I’m not sure.
Anyway I’ve assembled some of my favorite recipes sites, not all just some. I’ve also added a recipe at the end that I just tried. Yummy!!! Even the homeboys came back for seconds.
My all time favorite:
You have got to try their teriyaki sauce recipe. OMG! Words escape me! If this stuff was any better it would be illegal. Someone give me a straw. Quick!
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1667,135188-250195,00.html
It seems like all the major food manufactures have a recipe site. I use these to get ideas. Since I don’t use many, make that almost no prepackaged foods I do some substituting with recipes from these sites. Isn’t substituting a creative endeavor? You would think that this would satisfy my creative streak. Alas, it has not.
We can’t forget blogs. I love blogs. Can you tell?
Cooking blogs
http://www.101cookbooks.com/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/
Here is the most recent addition to the ole recipe binder.
http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/recipes.aspx
Creamy-Dijon Steak Strips
Ingredients:
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, mined
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
1 ¼ cups fat-free half and half
¾ cup vegetable broth or reduced-sodium beef broth
¼ cup
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 package (8oz) Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Veggie Steak Strips
2 cups hot cooked spinach fettuccine
Directions:
In large nonstick frypan cook mushrooms, onion and garlic in margarine or butter until tender. In small bowl whisk together half-and-half, broth, mustard and flour. Stir into onion mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling.
Stir in Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Veggie Steak Strips. Cook and stir until heated through. Serve over fettuccine. Sprinkle with parsley.
Now for the substitutions, remember cooking is a creative outlet for me. And, of course, I can never leave well enough alone.
- Mushrooms: I didn’t have mushrooms in the house. Sad isn’t it. So I used zucchini.
- Onions: I had three pepper & onion blend. This is in the frozen food section of the grocery store. If you don’t keep this in your freezer then stop everything and go get some. It is a life saver.
- Half & half: Didn’t have any of this either. What I did have was heavy cream and non-fat milk. Mixed that up instead.
- Beef broth: Never use the stuff. It’s the whole vegetarian thing but I won’t feel bad if you do. I won’t even lecture.
- Veggie Steak Strips: JR & the homeboy won’t touch the stuff. I spooned out some of the sauce for myself then tossed in some of those baby shrimp.
- Spinach fettuccine: Didn’t have any of this either. What I did have is some already made up Orzo pasta from the dinner the night before. Clever huh! Worked out great.
Love,
M
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