Masterpiece Theater's new season is underway. Really, there are some great flicks on. Give the reality bits a break and culturize yo'self, honey chile...
Emma
January 24 & February 7
Northanger Abbey
February 14
Persuasion
February 21
39 Steps
February 28
Sharpe's Challenge
March 28
Sharpe's Peril
April 4
The Diary of Anne Frank
April 11
Small Island
April 18 & April 25
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Yes, You Can
I am so darn happy -- I now have TWO official followers of the blog. For a long time, only one was brave enough to sign on and fearlessly exclaim that what I had to say interested her. Now, there are two. And because of their bravery, I am sending a treat their way. Watch your mail ladies!
If you have to ask yourself if you are one of the two, then no, you're not. It took effort and you'd remember.
* I know there are more of you reading. I can feel it in my bones. Plus, I get chastised for not updating this thing more often and I have added many of you to the automatic email list so you get updates when I post. Be brave, my freinds. Be the little engine that could. Follow me. I need you.
If you have to ask yourself if you are one of the two, then no, you're not. It took effort and you'd remember.
* I know there are more of you reading. I can feel it in my bones. Plus, I get chastised for not updating this thing more often and I have added many of you to the automatic email list so you get updates when I post. Be brave, my freinds. Be the little engine that could. Follow me. I need you.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
To the Hoop
Basketball is not my favorite thing. But parenting is, so I do some things that sometimes I'd rather not. Like go to basketball games when the gym is packed to way past capacity I'm sure, and sit through two games because you have to get there eeeaaaarrrlllyyy to get a seat against the wall (sucks to get old, huh?) for the boys game.
I don't understand why you can't touch the ball with both hands and what the three second rule is. Or why sometimes the guy gets to shoot from the free throw line with no one else lined up around him. But it was the last game of the season, and we were playing our crosstown rivals (with the parents who don't show up to anything until happy hour is over) and it was Coming Home (where the boys are the ones who get the crown...hmmmm). I sucked it up and went. I figured at least the pep band plays really good tunes even if it means kids with painted upper bodies and no shirts dance around in tribal fashion.
Tonight is was so packed and so hot that I had trouble concentrating on the game. I was easily distracted.
I determined that I'm just not that into men who wear button downs and suit coats every day.
I concluded that kids with money just ooze something that the rest of us do not. I don't know what it's called, but they just ooze it, even if they are sweaty and running up and down the court.
I figured out that I really liked the industrial look of the lights in the gym. I asked the husband if we could find them locally. He looked at me like I had two heads and said, "Where would you put something that big?" I just shrugged.
I remembered why I am glad I make my kids say excuse me when they are trying to make their way through a crowded gym. Not beep, beep. I swear, some little runts actually said that to me tonight as they went to and fro too many times. I almost said beep, beep back to 'em, as in:
"Hey, you, if you don't sit the beep down, I'm gonna smack your beep."
Just when I thought I couldn't stand one more whistle blow by the overzealous ref, my son went missing and I was brought back from the OCD world of counting the number of bulbs on the scoreboard. He wasn't onstage and the band was playing. He wasn't walking toward me. He wasn't walking toward any of the exits. It was like a game of Where's Waldo?
The halftime buzzer buzzed (what else would it do?) and the husband says, "Look at those boys in Burger King hats."
And I'm like, "I can't, I'm scanning for Cody."
And he goes, "Cody is one of those boys wearing Burger King hats." And I realize they are going onto the court. What on earth is about to happen?
And all of the sudden it clicks! I am going to get to see his dancing debut. And because I had my iFlip with me, so are you. Yay you! Look closely...when I zoom in, he's in the back. Enjoy his fifteen seconds of choreographed fame. (There's no real good place to stop the video, so you'll just have to watch the flag girls finish the routine. At least you didn't have to sit through the whole game.)
I don't understand why you can't touch the ball with both hands and what the three second rule is. Or why sometimes the guy gets to shoot from the free throw line with no one else lined up around him. But it was the last game of the season, and we were playing our crosstown rivals (with the parents who don't show up to anything until happy hour is over) and it was Coming Home (where the boys are the ones who get the crown...hmmmm). I sucked it up and went. I figured at least the pep band plays really good tunes even if it means kids with painted upper bodies and no shirts dance around in tribal fashion.
Tonight is was so packed and so hot that I had trouble concentrating on the game. I was easily distracted.
I determined that I'm just not that into men who wear button downs and suit coats every day.
I concluded that kids with money just ooze something that the rest of us do not. I don't know what it's called, but they just ooze it, even if they are sweaty and running up and down the court.
I figured out that I really liked the industrial look of the lights in the gym. I asked the husband if we could find them locally. He looked at me like I had two heads and said, "Where would you put something that big?" I just shrugged.
I remembered why I am glad I make my kids say excuse me when they are trying to make their way through a crowded gym. Not beep, beep. I swear, some little runts actually said that to me tonight as they went to and fro too many times. I almost said beep, beep back to 'em, as in:
"Hey, you, if you don't sit the beep down, I'm gonna smack your beep."
Just when I thought I couldn't stand one more whistle blow by the overzealous ref, my son went missing and I was brought back from the OCD world of counting the number of bulbs on the scoreboard. He wasn't onstage and the band was playing. He wasn't walking toward me. He wasn't walking toward any of the exits. It was like a game of Where's Waldo?
The halftime buzzer buzzed (what else would it do?) and the husband says, "Look at those boys in Burger King hats."
And I'm like, "I can't, I'm scanning for Cody."
And he goes, "Cody is one of those boys wearing Burger King hats." And I realize they are going onto the court. What on earth is about to happen?
And all of the sudden it clicks! I am going to get to see his dancing debut. And because I had my iFlip with me, so are you. Yay you! Look closely...when I zoom in, he's in the back. Enjoy his fifteen seconds of choreographed fame. (There's no real good place to stop the video, so you'll just have to watch the flag girls finish the routine. At least you didn't have to sit through the whole game.)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Much Ado About Nothing
I am afraid I am becoming lazy. My favorite afternoon activity is watching Fox News while working on those darn Christmas stockings and sitting on the sofa. Oh, that sofa...it needs to be replaced badly -- as in you almost need a crane to hoist yourself off of it. Never mind...I'm straying again.
But today I am allowing myself to just sit on the sofa guilt free because yesterday was a doozie. While trying to make sense my planner (which I could not operate without) and the week's activities listed for all four of us, and realizing that I would see my son only about 10 waking hours between now and the end of the week, it dawned on me that I had no idea where I'd put our Auburn basketball tickets for the weekend. They were free, and they included hot dogs at the game, so there was no way I was going to lose them without a fight. I turned the house upside down. And while looking for the tickets, I realized I didn't know where my birthday card was -- and it still had money in it. For the record, there is no reason that I can see to have an immaculate house. Mine is far from immaculate, but it was just clean enough that I had no idea where the things were that I would have been able to immediately find had the domicile been in disarray.
Short version of the chaos: I found the birthday card and discovered the whereabouts of the tickets. All was well. But only after I'd obsessed a little too much over those free hot dogs that might go to waste.
Please don't call and make me get up off the sofa. Please.
But today I am allowing myself to just sit on the sofa guilt free because yesterday was a doozie. While trying to make sense my planner (which I could not operate without) and the week's activities listed for all four of us, and realizing that I would see my son only about 10 waking hours between now and the end of the week, it dawned on me that I had no idea where I'd put our Auburn basketball tickets for the weekend. They were free, and they included hot dogs at the game, so there was no way I was going to lose them without a fight. I turned the house upside down. And while looking for the tickets, I realized I didn't know where my birthday card was -- and it still had money in it. For the record, there is no reason that I can see to have an immaculate house. Mine is far from immaculate, but it was just clean enough that I had no idea where the things were that I would have been able to immediately find had the domicile been in disarray.
Short version of the chaos: I found the birthday card and discovered the whereabouts of the tickets. All was well. But only after I'd obsessed a little too much over those free hot dogs that might go to waste.
Please don't call and make me get up off the sofa. Please.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, SAM
I've often wondered why you never ended up with Sam as a nickname. It seemed so obvious to me, but hey, what do I know, right? And it would be so easy to yell from the bleachers when you're up to bat.
"Come on, Sam, knock it out of the park!"
See what I mean? Hear how that just rolls off the tongue?
Anyway, Sarah Anne, happiest of birthdays to you!
"Come on, Sam, knock it out of the park!"
See what I mean? Hear how that just rolls off the tongue?
Anyway, Sarah Anne, happiest of birthdays to you!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brrrrzard
For as long as I can remember, we've been making a knock off of Dairy Queen's Blizzard. Mostly its been an Oreo Blizzard, but my obsession with the edible cookie dough recipe inspired me to give it a whirl. So, here's the recipe in case you get a hankering for something cool and creamy. Yep, I know it's the middle of winter, but go ahead...live a little. Wrap a scarf around your neck or something to knock the chill off.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brrrrzard ( I made up my own name since I can't use DQ's)
1 half gallon container of vanilla ice cream
1 8 ounce Cool Whip
1 recipe of edible chocolate chip cookie dough
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brrrrzard ( I made up my own name since I can't use DQ's)
1 half gallon container of vanilla ice cream
1 8 ounce Cool Whip
1 recipe of edible chocolate chip cookie dough
Allow ice cream and cool whip to soften, until they are in a stirable, combinable state. While you are waiting on this to happen, make the cookie dough. Roll it into small, bite size balls. Put the balls in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer until balls are frozen (makes 'em easier to mix). When the ice cream and cool whip are soft, and the dough is hard, put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine well. Put back into the ice cream and/or cool whip containers and put in freezer to harden back up.
To serve, allow to soften slightly at room temp. Mmmmmm!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Happy Birthday, Madalyn
Dear sweet child of mine,
Today we celebrate you and the joy you bring to our family. Always mindful that each of us is unique for a purpose, we thank God that you are who you are and that we get to enjoy life with you.
Happiest of birthdays to you -- enjoy your special day, darling!
Monday, January 11, 2010
I Love You, I Love You Not, I Can't Wait to Love You
Right now, and in the recent weeks, I've been lovin' many things:
Two new bottles of perfume (Ed Hardy and Sugar Lemon by Fresh) -- I walk around sniffing myself all day. Strangers look at me funny sometimes.
Home fragrances (Fresh Balsam and Frosted Cranberry candles and plug-ins available at Bath & Body Works during the holidays) -- the whole house smelled like Christmas trees and cranberries - obviously.
Cooking with the kids -- we make PW's meatballs and twice baked potatoes, stuffed jalapenos, rosemary rolls, and Marlboro Man's second favorite sandwich. I wonder if she ever makes any of my dishes for her family?
My new headlamp -- I needed some directional light to help see better at night (that happens when you get old, eh?) so I could work on those darned Christmas stockings I'm supposed to finish this year. I seriously recommend this to anyone who does any sewing, stitching or knitting, etc., with their hands -- you might look like a fly but who cares. Just don't look up at anyone when they call your name -- you'll blind them.
Edible cookie dough -- I think I'll make some more today...the bowl I made yesterday is gone. I'm supposing I can substitute this stuff for the crushed Oreos in a homemade Blizzard recipe we've used for years.
My newest cookbook -- Perfect Recipes for Having People Over by Pam Anderson. I won it. It is as pleasurable to read as it is to cook from. I guess all I need now is to have people over.
All that's well and good and all, but one thing I haven't been lovin' too much is that vegetable stock I made. Ugh! Not so tasty. I'll keep looking.
I guess I'll be okay though, because I am waitin' to love a great deal I found for myself over the holidays. I love magazines. Amazon had this really good deal (like $5 for an entire year's subscription) on some I would like to read regularly, but not for the full rate. So, in a few weeks, my subscriptions to Real Simple, Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure should start hitting the mailbox.
Ain't love grand?
Two new bottles of perfume (Ed Hardy and Sugar Lemon by Fresh) -- I walk around sniffing myself all day. Strangers look at me funny sometimes.
Home fragrances (Fresh Balsam and Frosted Cranberry candles and plug-ins available at Bath & Body Works during the holidays) -- the whole house smelled like Christmas trees and cranberries - obviously.
Cooking with the kids -- we make PW's meatballs and twice baked potatoes, stuffed jalapenos, rosemary rolls, and Marlboro Man's second favorite sandwich. I wonder if she ever makes any of my dishes for her family?
My new headlamp -- I needed some directional light to help see better at night (that happens when you get old, eh?) so I could work on those darned Christmas stockings I'm supposed to finish this year. I seriously recommend this to anyone who does any sewing, stitching or knitting, etc., with their hands -- you might look like a fly but who cares. Just don't look up at anyone when they call your name -- you'll blind them.
Edible cookie dough -- I think I'll make some more today...the bowl I made yesterday is gone. I'm supposing I can substitute this stuff for the crushed Oreos in a homemade Blizzard recipe we've used for years.
My newest cookbook -- Perfect Recipes for Having People Over by Pam Anderson. I won it. It is as pleasurable to read as it is to cook from. I guess all I need now is to have people over.
All that's well and good and all, but one thing I haven't been lovin' too much is that vegetable stock I made. Ugh! Not so tasty. I'll keep looking.
I guess I'll be okay though, because I am waitin' to love a great deal I found for myself over the holidays. I love magazines. Amazon had this really good deal (like $5 for an entire year's subscription) on some I would like to read regularly, but not for the full rate. So, in a few weeks, my subscriptions to Real Simple, Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure should start hitting the mailbox.
Ain't love grand?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Stock It to Me
This ain't becoming no stinkin' food blog, but I must share another trend in my kitchen.
I am trying to recreate the flavorful broth that is the base for the (free bowl of) soup most Thai restaurants serve -- you know, the clear stuff with hunks of chicken and a few small pieces of carrot and green onions. However, I cannot determine the base.
So, when I ran across a photograph on another blog of a bowl of vegetable stock I thought I'd hit pay dirt. I haven't tried it yet, but I will very soon. Like maybe tonight because thinking about it is making me hungry...
I researched recipes for stock -- beef, chicken, fish, vegetable -- and found out that those meat stocks can take up to six hours on the stovetop to come together. Who has six hours to tend some simmering liquid??
I certainly hope the vegetable stock is the right one 'cause it's only supposed to take roughly an hour...keep your fingers crossed. Or, if you know the secret to Thai soup already, pleeeaaase share it!
I am trying to recreate the flavorful broth that is the base for the (free bowl of) soup most Thai restaurants serve -- you know, the clear stuff with hunks of chicken and a few small pieces of carrot and green onions. However, I cannot determine the base.
So, when I ran across a photograph on another blog of a bowl of vegetable stock I thought I'd hit pay dirt. I haven't tried it yet, but I will very soon. Like maybe tonight because thinking about it is making me hungry...
I researched recipes for stock -- beef, chicken, fish, vegetable -- and found out that those meat stocks can take up to six hours on the stovetop to come together. Who has six hours to tend some simmering liquid??
I certainly hope the vegetable stock is the right one 'cause it's only supposed to take roughly an hour...keep your fingers crossed. Or, if you know the secret to Thai soup already, pleeeaaase share it!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Birmingham vs. Montgomery
I was asked a question the other night that I could not answer. Imagine that. Rare, huh? So I decided to practice what I preach and investigate why Montgomery is the capital of the state and not Birmingham. Here is what I could discern from all my research, in case you were wondering:
Montgomery was incorporated in 1816. Prior to that time, both banks of the river were inhabited by different Indian tribes. The river's presence allowed Montgomery to be a successful cotton trading town. The state capital was moved to Montgomery in 1846 from Tuscaloosa, a site chosen by the Legislature from several competing river towns. With the installation of the country's first electric rail system, Montgomery experienced a decline in residences in the downtown area, but maintained its presence as capitol of the state.
Birmingham, on the other hand, was not founded until 1871 at the intersection of two rail lines, almost 60 years after Montgomery. An abundant supply of coal, iron ore and limestone allowed the city to become a great industrial center in the South. With industrial growth came the need to sustain workers and their families and so the area grew and thrived. Although it was greatly affected by the Great Depression and almost completely wiped out, today Birmingham is sustained by the medical community associated with UAB and a strong business community.
My feeble attempt at an answer the other night when I was asked the question was on point...you have to look at both cities in a historical context and not what the cities are like today to get an accurate picture of why things are as they are. I wish I could say I really remembered all this from 4th grade Alabama History (Mrs. Hunneyman would be so proud if that were the case), but I cannot. I had to consult the Alabama Department of Archives & History.
Montgomery was incorporated in 1816. Prior to that time, both banks of the river were inhabited by different Indian tribes. The river's presence allowed Montgomery to be a successful cotton trading town. The state capital was moved to Montgomery in 1846 from Tuscaloosa, a site chosen by the Legislature from several competing river towns. With the installation of the country's first electric rail system, Montgomery experienced a decline in residences in the downtown area, but maintained its presence as capitol of the state.
Birmingham, on the other hand, was not founded until 1871 at the intersection of two rail lines, almost 60 years after Montgomery. An abundant supply of coal, iron ore and limestone allowed the city to become a great industrial center in the South. With industrial growth came the need to sustain workers and their families and so the area grew and thrived. Although it was greatly affected by the Great Depression and almost completely wiped out, today Birmingham is sustained by the medical community associated with UAB and a strong business community.
My feeble attempt at an answer the other night when I was asked the question was on point...you have to look at both cities in a historical context and not what the cities are like today to get an accurate picture of why things are as they are. I wish I could say I really remembered all this from 4th grade Alabama History (Mrs. Hunneyman would be so proud if that were the case), but I cannot. I had to consult the Alabama Department of Archives & History.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Thank You CVS and My PA Friends
It's a good mail day when you're sitting on the sofa watching Food Network and the FedEx man brings a package from CVS with a make-up bag full of products -- shampoo and conditioner, lotion, Biore stuff, makeup brushes and a manicure kit. Sweeeet!
And when I thought it was already the best day ever, the postman brings a package from your friends in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Yes, there were kisses inside. But not just any kisses -- candy cane flavored kisses. They have some varieties up there that we can't find around here.
I just don't deserve it! Really, I wasn't that good last year.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Lights & Fire & Violins, Oh My!
Never really understood what a rock opera was until today. Still not sure I completely understand the whole concept, but Trans-Siberian Orchestra put on one heck of a show this afternoon.They had lots of lights and lifts on stage...
Lasers...
Ladies in short skirts singing...
Fire...
An awesome female violinist on a floating stage...
A bunch of braniacs running the show from their computers...
And some goobers in the audience...
Rock on!
Tebow Cam
In case you missed it, for the Sugar Bowl coverage, some genius had the bright idea to institute a Tebow Cam. I thought we were going to get to watch the game from a helmet mounted camera worn by Tim Tebow (some of you are wondering who he is and I am wondering where you have been for the last four years...but just for you, through yesterday he was quarterback at Florida). But instead, the Tebow Cam was a camera devoted to following every step Tebow made. Every move, every throw, every high five or chest bump, even every step he took when a commercial was on television. Genius I say!
But a clear indication of the market that was targeted was the commercial you had to watch to see the Tebow Cam in action. It was an advertisement for Olay Ribbons Body Wash. I guess they figured anyone who was actually watching the game for the game itself was watching it on television. I'm gonna have a hard time believing they were hoping to sell super moisturizing body wash to diehard male Gator fans.
And for the record, someone needs to tell Riley Cooper (Tebow's good buddy and roommate and teammate) to get a haircut. He looks like he is stuck in the 80s with that parted down the middle, feathered back do. Please, Tebow, walk away from Riley. Too much (hair)do for the Tebow Cam.
But a clear indication of the market that was targeted was the commercial you had to watch to see the Tebow Cam in action. It was an advertisement for Olay Ribbons Body Wash. I guess they figured anyone who was actually watching the game for the game itself was watching it on television. I'm gonna have a hard time believing they were hoping to sell super moisturizing body wash to diehard male Gator fans.
And for the record, someone needs to tell Riley Cooper (Tebow's good buddy and roommate and teammate) to get a haircut. He looks like he is stuck in the 80s with that parted down the middle, feathered back do. Please, Tebow, walk away from Riley. Too much (hair)do for the Tebow Cam.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year's Goals
I have decided not to make a new year's resolution for 2010. Why? Or, who really cares, right? Here's why: a resolution is a firm determination to do something. There is no definite action required to make such a resolution. Just do it. Or not. And the not is usually more likely to be the case. Oh, we all start off well enough. But by the time spring rolls around, we've long been off whatever wagon we climbed onto at the new year's beginning.
Let's set goals instead. I mean, a goal is the end toward which effort is directed. So why not set a goal and actually work toward it? 'Cause by choosing a goal, you know there has to be a concerted effort on your part to actually accomplish something.
I'm going to set the example and you jump onboard anytime you like. Just don't rock my boat and get me off track, 'kay? Here are my goals for 2010:
1) Finish Christmas stockings for Kevin and Madalyn. This is a big deal at our house, and I have put off finishing both for ten years...can you believe it? This will be the year. Those of you who like to give me heck about it, you just wait and see.
2) Learn to make Tyler Florence's Chicken Paillard. Who doesn't need a good paillard in their arsenal??
3) Go sky diving or Rocky Mountain climbing or bull riding on Fu Manchu. And sell you a sweet parcel of land on the Gulf Coast that is guaranteed to be hurricane proof. Come on, can't I stop at two goals? You can't imagine how hard I am going to have to work at those two.
Anyway, best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!
Let's set goals instead. I mean, a goal is the end toward which effort is directed. So why not set a goal and actually work toward it? 'Cause by choosing a goal, you know there has to be a concerted effort on your part to actually accomplish something.
I'm going to set the example and you jump onboard anytime you like. Just don't rock my boat and get me off track, 'kay? Here are my goals for 2010:
1) Finish Christmas stockings for Kevin and Madalyn. This is a big deal at our house, and I have put off finishing both for ten years...can you believe it? This will be the year. Those of you who like to give me heck about it, you just wait and see.
2) Learn to make Tyler Florence's Chicken Paillard. Who doesn't need a good paillard in their arsenal??
3) Go sky diving or Rocky Mountain climbing or bull riding on Fu Manchu. And sell you a sweet parcel of land on the Gulf Coast that is guaranteed to be hurricane proof. Come on, can't I stop at two goals? You can't imagine how hard I am going to have to work at those two.
Anyway, best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!
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