Little Known Secrets

Did You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a mas sage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never been advertised for this use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)

Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the j ob done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises.. Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour.. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily fo r 3 days The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief...It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain

Sunday Update

It is a cold weekend. I guess it could be worse, we could have been hit by the big storm. Check out the picture on Doug's blog. Not much going on this weekend. Ashley had to work both Saturday and Sunday, so she has been here for a little bit. Chloe is working as well. Chloe went to see Happy Feet last night, I wonder what she thought of it. Friday night Doug and I watched Little Miss Sunshine. I don't recommend it, unless you like depressing movies. Doug only liked the woman who played Miss California and she only had about a two minute part in the movie.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 2

Almond Shortbreads
From Food Network Kitchens

1/2 cup raw almonds with skins, plus about 18 whole almonds for decorating
2/3 cup sugar, plus more for top
14 tablespoons unsalted butter (7 ounces, 1 3/4 sticks), softened, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg white, beaten

Special equipment: 9-inch tart fluted pan with a removable bottom

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Blend and pulse the 1/2 cup nuts in a food processor with the sugar until mixture resembles coarse sand. (If there are a couple small chunks of nuts that is fine.) Add the butter, vanilla and almond extracts, and the salt, and pulse until creamy. Add the flour and continue to pulse to make a soft dough.

Turn the dough out into a 9-inch tart pan and spread it out evenly with an off-set spatula. Dip the spatula in a little warm water to help smooth and even the surface of the shortbread. Cover and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.

Put the tart pan on a baking sheet and dock (prick) the dough all over with a fork. Generously sprinkle the top of the shortbread with sugar. Toss the remaining whole almonds in the egg white; evenly arrange and press the nuts into the dough around the edge of the pan. Bake until golden brown and set, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Cool the short bread in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the tart ring and cut the shortbread with a sharp knife into wedges, each with a nut. Cool shortbreads on a rack completely. (Alternatively present the shortbread as 1 large cookie. Cool the shortbread in the pan completely and remove the tart ring. Cut the shortbread into wedges as desired.)

Serve. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 1

Black and White Tie
From Food Network Kitchens

Oil, for brushing
3 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, 8 ounces), softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs
3 large egg yolks

Chocolate Icing:
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

White Icing:
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons warm water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush 2 baking sheets very lightly with oil.

Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl.
Whisk the buttermilk and vanilla together in a liquid measuring cup. Set aside.

Beat the butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat at high speed, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs and yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. At low speed, add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the wet in 2 parts, beginning and ending with the dry to make a smooth batter.

Evenly mound 2 tablespoons batter per cookie onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. (A small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop is ideal for this.) Bake until the cookies are golden brown around the edges, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack and cool completely.

For the chocolate icing: Put the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over the chocolate. Shake the bowl gently so cream settles around the chocolate; set aside until the chocolate melts, about 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth, taking care not to incorporate too many air bubbles. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small tip with about half of the chocolate icing.

For the white icing: Whisk the confectioners' sugar, corn syrup, lemon juice and warm water together to make a smooth icing. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small tip with about a quarter of the icing.

To Decorate:
For tuxedo cookies: Set the cookies on a rack over a rimmed cookie sheet. Pour the white glaze over the whole cookie to cover; set aside to dry. Pipe a bowtie and tuxedo lapel with the chocolate icing.

For a little black dress and pearls: Pipe an outline of a woman's dress with the dark chocolate and fill in with more icing. Pipe white icing pearls around the top of the cookie. Add silver dragees or candy pearls to dress up if desired.

Let cookies dry completely, about 20 minutes. Serve.

Store cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 days.

Friday Update

It is December 1st. That means Christmas will be here in 24 more days. Ack, I am not ready! I don't even know what to get everyone even if I was ready. I am glad this is Friday, I really need a weekend. Next week I only work Monday-Wednesday. The rest of the week I have vacation. Last night there were 4 good shows all on the same channel. First there was My Name Is Earl, followed by The Office, followed by Scrubs, followed by 30 Rock. Mao's favorite spot is under the Christmas tree. He has been there ever since I woke up and he hasn't even gotten up to eat. Very strange....

Thursday Update

Yesterday at work we were finally told the the company has purchased Houghton Mifflin. We will be known as Houghton Mifflin Rivergroup PLC. We had a benefits meeting at lunch with pizza from Paul Revere's. That has to be the worst pizza ever. It is kind of depressing to have it dark outside when you get off work at 4:30, but that is the way it has been lately. I'm sure it is just the extra cloud cover. I could use some sunshine though.

Recipe of the Day

SPICED CROCK ROAST: 

1 (2 1/2 lb) boneless chuck roast
1 small chopped onion
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 minced garlic cloves
3 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf

Place roast in the slow cooker.
In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over the roast.
Cover and cook on low til meat is tender. Discard bay leaf. Thicken cooking
juices if desired. Serve over noodles. 

Wednesday Update

I don't have much to blog about today. I tried looking at everyone else's blogs, but no one is updating thier blog these days. I made the worst turkey hot dish ever last night. I forgot that I always put tater tots on top and it was basically just turkey with vegetables and cheese. I am totally lossing my mind if I can't remember something this simple. Just today and tomorrow and then it is December. Christmas is going to be here way too soon for me. But I'm sure it won't be soon enough for some people. Namely, those people who get a break during Christmas.

Tuesday Update

The kids are all back at school and settling into thier routines. Ashley had to work yesterday and needed to come in early to get art supplies. Doug brought her downtown to the Art Celler which is in the same building that I work in. If they would have been there a half hour earlier, I could have taken my break with them. Ashley worked from 5-9 and while Doug was driving her back to Cornell he noticed Gordon was over heating. He made it to Mt Vernon, but he needed a tow back to Marion. I think that if you had a little money to invest in a business, towing would be the way to go. They charge ridiculous rates. At least we found someone who was fairly reasonable to tow Gordon back to town. I am not sure what is wrong with Gordon. The last time I talked to Doug last night, he mentioned it might be the water pump.

Sunday Update

It is the last day of the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Thomas is already gone and Ashley will be leaving a little later today. Mao is a little depressed, I think he knows Thomas went back to school. At least we will be having one of my favorite soups today, Cream of the Holidays. I don't look forward to going back to work. At least it will be busy the first few days getting the work caught up.

Recipe of the Day

Watergate Salad
(preparation time: 10 minutes, cook time: 0 minutes)

Ingredients

1, 8-ounce Cool Whip® 4-serving size instant pistachio pudding 20 ounces crushed or chunk pineapple, drained 2 or more cups miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup or more chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients, mix well. Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Black Friday Update

Well we did it. I went early morning shopping with Diedre. We went to Kohl's first. We drove by Best Buy on the way there. The line pretty much circled the entire parking lot. We found out later that they were only letting 25 people at a time into the store.

At Kohl's there was a rather large crowd and lines to both doors. We waited in the car until the crowd cleared a bit. At first they only unlock one door, but opened the second door soon after. After working our way through the store, there was a big stack of what Deidre's Grandma had sent her for, so all was well. We only stood in the checkout line for a few minutes. The only panick we saw was a woman looking for her cart that someone took. She had been stupid enough to leave her purse in it.

When we left Kohl's it was only a little after 5 and Target didn't open until 6 so we went over to the Marion Walmart to see what action was happening there. What a disappointment. The parking lot wasn't even half full and the aisles were quite easy to get through. No excitement here.

After looking around at Walmart for awhile we went to Target. We decided people who drive ridiculously oversized trucks who can't park them without taking up three parking spaces, should not be driving them. It was kind of congested in the electronics and toy areas, but still not bad. The food area was pretty deserted. I picked up my free loaf of Archer Farms bread that I had gotten a coupon for and we were done. We only had to stand in line for a few minutes. Next we went to Old Navy. They did not open until 7, so we waited in the car. They did not have a crowd, it was more like a small mob. Again, no long lines. By this time Diedre was finished with her shopping and her stomach was growling. We got Chloe a cup of french vanilla coffee at Handi-Mart and went to the mall to deliver it. HT wasn't opened yet, but we got her attention. She was very grateful for the coffee.

Diedre took me home and was planning to shower and go to Gander Mountain for coffee and doughnuts.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wednesday Update

I can't wait for work to get over today and it hasn't even started. When I get home tonight, everyone will officially be home. I made peanut butter cookies to take for our food day at work. Don't worry, I'm leaving the best ones at home. On a sad note, Doug is having problems with his Ipod Suffle not working. I hope he gets it figured out. He loves that thing. Thomas came home last night. I don't remember him trying to wake me, so I guess I will have to wake him this morning before I go to work. I can tell he is here because there are things from Ikea in the living room. I have to go now and get ready for this work day.

Tuesday Update

On Wednesday they are having a food day at work. I don't care for food days anyway and especially the day before Thanksgiving. They say it is in honor of Bev's last day. Bev is a lady that has worked there for about 10 years and is finally tired of playing the whole game and wants out. She has no job lined up and is a bit scared of what she has gotten herself into. I on the other hand like the challenge of the game and like to see how long I can last. That is the reason why I like playing Kumika in Mahjongg.

Recipe of the Day



Ambrosia

3 (15-ounce) cans chunky fruit cocktail, drained
1 (11-ounce) can Mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup miniature marshmallows
2 bananas, thinly sliced
2/3 cup NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

1. COMBINE fruit cocktail, oranges, marshmallows, bananas and evaporated milk in large bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Stir in strawberries before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe of the Day

Cranberry Sweet Potato Bake

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 cups granola cereal

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, cover sweet potatoes with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Peel potatoes; cut into 1-in. pieces. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice and salt; place half in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with half of the sweet potatoes. Repeat layers. Dot with butter. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until cranberries are tender. Uncover and sprinkle with granola; return to the oven for 10 minutes.

Monday Update

Boo it's Monday already. Yeah, I only have to work three days this week. We are still short one person so we will be very busy these next three days. I like being busy at work, the time goes by much faster. I am so looking forward to having everyone together in the house for a few days.

Last night Wanda and Amber came over to watch two episodes of Dexter with us. I think Amber liked it, but she was also a little disturbed that we enjoyed watching a show about a serial killer. Maybe we shouldn't be so happy when Dexter kills a deserving person.

Sunday Update

Just a few days before we will have all of the kids here celebrating Thanksgiving. I am anxious to try Diedre's Corn and Noodle Casserole, it sounds yummy. Last night after a supper of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn, we watched Cars again. I think I must have fallen asleep in the middle because there is a good chunk of the movie I don't remember seeing. The sun is shining today and that makes me happy. I don't have much else to say. I do look forward to Wednesday and the long weekend.

Recipe of the Day Pumpkin Bread (preparation time: 20 minutes, cook time: 1 hour)

Ingredients

3-1/3 cups flour 2 tablespoons soda 1-1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 3 cups sugar 1 cup oil 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 1 large can pumpkin

Instructions

Stir dry ingredients. Make a well in the middle of dry ingredients. Mix other ingredients. Pour in other ingredients and mix well together. Pour evenly into 3 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Friday Update

I don't have much to say this morning. My arm is still sore from the flu shot I got yesterday. I am glad today is Friday. It has been a very busy week at work with one person out on vacation. Next week will be the same, as my supervisor will be gone all week. At least it will only be a 3 day week. It will be nice to have all 3 kids here next week and I learned that Thomas will be here an extra day. He doesn't have to leave until early Sunday.

Thursday Update

Today we get our flu shot at work. They gave use a release form that we have to sign that asks questions about our health. At the bottom of the release paper it says something about not holding Hy Vee and it employees responsible for any reaction we might have to the shot ( I don't remember the exact words). It must be the same form they use at the Hy Vee stores when they give flu shots there. I think I still might blame Ashley if I get sick from it.

I was happy when Doug picked me up from work last night, he seemed to be feeling a little better. He even fixed supper last night. We had Mrs. Smith's fish sticks and french fries. It was actually very good. For the money Mrs. Smith's fish sticks are the best because they are made from whole fish fillets and not from minced fish.

Tuesday Update

Good morning or afternoon, depending on when you are reading this. I don't have much to say today. Work should go by quick this week, as we are down to two people, one is on vacation. Heroes is a very good show,except they should move some parts a little quicker. If you get a chance listen to That One Girl's radio show tonight on KRNL.

This is a picture of my Dad when he was a little boy.

If you haven't seen the movie Cars yet, you really should. The graphics are great and it has a fun little story.




Cars Trivia:
Pixar films are famous for their inside jokes, and there are plenty in 'Cars.' Fillmore's license plate, for example, is George Carlin's birthday (May 12, 1937), and the license plate for Ferrari fan Luigi is the latitude and longitude of Ferrari's headquarters in Italy. Mater's license plate, A113, is a classroom number at CalArts, the alma mater of many Pixar employees; Lightning McQueen uses Lightyear tires, in honor of Buzz in 'Toy Story.' The "95" on Lightning's doors represents the year 'Toy Story' was released.

My brother is a clown!

Diedre Tietz is 1 of a kind. Although HowManyOfMe.com says there are 0 people in the U.S. named Diedre Tietz. If you look up my maiden name Kathleen Husmann, I am also 1 of a kind. It says there is 1 person in the U.S. named Kathleen Husmann.

Saturday Update

Yesterday was pretty uneventful. Doug gave me a ride to work and he picked me up after work. When I got home from work Thomas called and said Diedre was going to make a stew and where might he find Kitchen Bouquet in the grocery store. I hope the stew turned out very tasty, I'm sure it did. Ashley called at about the same time as Doug and Chloe had decide to look for things about dead babies on You Tube. They found dead baby jokes. Chloe made peanut butter cookies with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on top and took some to her co-workers at HT.I have nothing planned for this weekend. I suppose I should make an attempt at cleaning the shower stall, yuck. I hope the weather will be good enough to allow Doug to look at the van and hopefully he can figure out what it needs. I think this is enough rambling little bits from my oh so exciting life. That is all....

Recipe of the Day

CREAM OF REUBEN SOUP: (pg. 1 of Soups/Stews forum)

3 tablespoons butter 
1 onion, finely chopped 
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste) 
1/2-1 teaspoon dried thyme 
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon 
1 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes (optional or to taste) 
6 cups chicken broth 
1/2-3/4 lb corned beef, chopped 
1 (10 ounce) can chopped sauerkraut, drained 
2 medium carrots, peeled and grated 
1 bay leaf 
3 tablespoons cornstarch 
1/3 cup water 
2 1/2 cups grated swiss cheese 
1 cup whipping cream 
salt and pepper 
croutons (to garnish, or use toasted pumpernickel or rye bread cubes) 

In a large Dutch oven melt butter over medium heat; add in the onion, garlic,
thyme, tarragon and dried chili flakes (if using) saute for about 3-4 minutes.
Add in the broth, corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded carrots and bay leaf; bring
to a boil and simmer for about 40-45 minutes.
In a bowl combine the cornstarch with water until smooth; stir into the
simmering soup, boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
Remove bay leaf, then add in the shredded cheese and whipping cream; stir until
the cheese melts.
Ladle in bowls and top with croutons or toasted bread cubes. 

Friday Update

I am glad that it is Friday. The van is having temperature issues and I have to hitch rides to work. Yesterday Bobo gave me a ride to work. Today I'm not sure, I think poor sick Doug is going to drag himself out of bed to take me. It makes me feel bad. Last night I was very tired, I barely stayed awake until 8. I ended up falling asleep on the couch for awhile. Well this is exciting. I guess I don't have much to write about so I will just stop here.

This is a bridge that Ashley will definately never want to walk on.

Wednesday Update

I don't have much to write about. Doug is not feeling well and I hope he gets better soon. Last night we watched a show on VH1 about Nirvana. It was very good. I don't feel much like getting ready for work this morning, but I guess I have to.

Van that wont start + Monday = A very nice Monday off from work

Monday Update

I felt tired and lazy all weekend. I had a good time at Cornell with Ashley on Saturday. Even though the service at the Pizza Palace was very slow. It didn't matter because it gave us some time to talk. The Silver Spider is a crazy little shop in downtown Mt Vernon, they sell lots of silly little novelty items. It was fun to look around. When we were leaving the dorm, I bumped into my old co-worker Cyd Hart. Her son is a junior at Cornell. Yesterday the Italian Wedding Soup was delicious. As was all of the rest of the food. Dexter was intense last night. I thought the kid was going to give his secret away. But, if they find out he is a serial killer the show will have to end. It is too good to end.

Hey Ya - Peanuts

This is for you Basher.

Friday Update

Yeah, I don't work today!!! I stayed up late to watch Clerks II last night, it was very funny. What's with the donkey scene? Elias Grover was my favorite character in the movie.

Mao thought I was late for work this morning or maybe he was just hungry. He woke me up at 6:20. I guess I got to sleep in a little. But since I went to bed later, I really didn't get any extra sleep. I am not sure what I will be doing today. I might read, I really need to finish the book I started quite a while ago. I will also probably do some cleaning around the house, since I will be visiting Cornell on Saturday.

Thursday Update

This week is going by pretty quickly. Although when I am at work it doesn't always seem that way. Tomorrow I have a vacation day from work, that will be nice. On Saturday I plan to go to Cornell for some Family weekend activities and to visit downtown Mt Vernon with Ashley. Maybe we will visit some antique shops. Thomas and Diedre are going to Minnesota this weekend with friends. I hope they have a fun and safe trip.

Happy Halloween.........

Recipe of the Day

Cheese Pumpkins

8	tablespoons smoked Cheddar cold pack cheese food (from 8-oz container), well chilled
2	teaspoons finely chopped peanuts
4	butter-flavored pretzel spindles or sticks, broken in half
16	tiny pieces fresh parsley leaves

1.	Line small serving plate with waxed paper. Roll each level tablespoon cold pack cheese food into a ball; place on waxed paper-lined serving plate. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes for easier handling.
2.	With end of toothpick, draw ridges around balls to resemble pumpkins. Dip bottoms of cheese balls in chopped peanuts.
3.	Just before serving, insert pretzel halves into cheese balls for pumpkin stems. Decorate with parsley for leaves. Store in refrigerator.

‘First in Nation’ project announced

This is the delicious cake that Chloe baked for class. It was too beautiful for those people. I wanted it all for myself!!!

Ana's Halloween Party

Sorry Doug, I know this picture of you is not from the party. But I love this picture. You look like you are a mad scientist.

Thursday Update

AAAHHHHH!!!!! Doug had to update Mozilla and we lost our favorites on the computer. I loved my favorites.

Last night as I was driving home from work I called home and Doug said "I have a surprise for you." Then he asked if I was exhausted. I said "Oh no, what is it?" He said Ana was at our house and we were taking her to her Halloween party at school. It was fun and we were mistaken for her grandparents at first. It brought back memories because it was at the same school where Thomas spent his second year of preschool back all those years ago. I was going to add pictures, but the blogger says not data when it try to upload the pictures I selected. I will try again tomorrow.

Thomas is home for his Fall break and I wish I didn't have to work because I won't see him much the next two days. Hopefully I can spend more time with him on Saturday or Sunday. Chloe worked on her big baking project for school last night. I have not seen the finish product yet. I'm sure I will get to see it this morning before she leaves for class.

Wednesday Update

Last night we listened to Ashley's radio show. Unfortunately we kept losing the connection on the computer and missed some of it. She is a little green, but I think she will come along. Poor Bobo had a bad day with her car. It wouldn't start after classes and she had to buy a new battery and it still wouldn't start. After some new fuses it seemed to be working again. Unfortunately she had to call Doug after work last night because it wouldn't start again.Poor Bobo, I hope it's nothing too serious with the car.

Skidboot the Amazing Dog

THESE ARE ACTUAL NEWSPAPER ADS

* Free Yorkshire Terrier: 8 years old. Hateful little dog.
Bites.
* Free Puppies: half Cocker Spaniel, half sneaky neighbors
dog.
* Free Puppies: Part German Shepherd, part stupid dog.
* Free German Shepherd: 85 lbs. Neutered, Speaks German.
* Found Dirty White Dog: Looks like a rat....been out a
while....better be a reward.
* Cows, Calves: Never Bred..Also 1 gay bull for sale.
* Nordic Track: $300 Hardly used..call Chubby.
* Georgia Peaches: California grown â 89 cents lb.
* Joining Nudist Colony! Must sell washer and dryer $300.
* Wedding Dress For Sale: Worn once by mistake.
Call Stephanie.

AND THE BEST ONE:

For Sale By Owner: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica.
45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000 or best Offer.
No longer needed, got married last month. Wife knows
everything.

Monday Update

Yesterday was a good day. The whole family was here together all at the same time. We didn't know Ashley was going to be here until around 3:30. Doug and Thomas want to Mt Vernon to pick up her and four of her friends. I hope they enjoyed the home cooked food. The French Onion Soup that Diedre requested went very well. In fact after I gave her some to take home, it was all gone. It was also a very nice surprise to see Mary, it had been awhile since she had been here. I think a good time was had by all. Although Doug was not feeling well yesterday. He started with a headache and by the time he went to bed he had cold sweats and is still having them this morning. I hope it is nothing serious.

Recipe of the Day

Kitty Litter Cake!

CAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 box spice or German chocolate cake mix
1 box of white cake mix
1 package white sandwich cookies
1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix
A few drops green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Rolls or equivalent

SERVING "DISHES AND UTENSILS"
1 NEW cat-litter box
1 NEW cat-litter box liner
1 NEW pooper scooper

1) Prepare and bake cake mixes, according to directions, in any size pan. Prepare pudding and chill. Crumble cookies in small batches in blender or food processor. Add a few drops of green food coloring to 1 cup of cookie crumbs. Mix with a fork or shake in a jar. Set aside.

2) When cakes are at room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with half of the remaining cookie crumbs and enough pudding to make the mixture moist but not soggy. Place liner in litter box and pour in mixture.

3) Unwrap 3 Tootsie Rolls and heat in a microwave until soft and pliable. Shapethe blunt ends into slightly curved points. Repeat with three more rolls. Bury the rolls decoratively in the cake mixture. Sprinkle remaining white cookie crumbs over the mixture, then scatter green crumbs lightly over top.

4) Heat 5 more Tootsie Rolls until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with crumbs from the litter box. Heat the remaining Tootsie Roll until pliable and hang it over the edge of the box. Place box on a sheet of newspaper and serve with scooper. Enjoy!

Sunday Update

It was a rare weekend. I got to see both Thomas and Ashley. Unfortunately, I did not get to see them both at the same time. I long for the Soup Sunday when everyone is together, even if just for a few minutes. Thomas and Diedre will both be here for Soup Sunday tonight. Chloe went to Dubuque to visit Katie at Loras and will return this afternoon. I am glad the sun is shining, that means she will have good driving weather. Thomas will go back to school tonight, but he will return later in the week for his Fall break. Yeah!!!

If building yourself up is tearing others down, then its time to rethink your priorities...

-Unknown

Friday Update

I am bummed that we were not able to go see David Sedaris at the Paramount last night. That would have been a very good show. Oh well, Doug made some very good bread and and cinnamon raisin rolls for me to take to food day at work. I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday.

*** I Do Dog Tricks ***

Sit, paw, beg, down, jump, roll over,
play dead and speak.

Recipe of the Day

PUMPKIN COFFEE CAKE:

1/2 cup butter
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Topping:
1/3 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup pecans (or walnuts)

Grease or spray the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
Mix together first 8 ingredients.
Pour 1/2 of the mixture in the 9x13 pan.
Prepare the pumpkin exactly like the pumpkin pie recipe on the can of pumpkin
except you only use 1/2 cup of evaporated milk Or just mix together the next 8
ingredients.
Pour all of the pumpkin mixture over the batter in the 9x13 pan.
Pour the remaining half of batter over the pumpkin (this step is a little
difficult-it's ok that the pumpkin mixes in a little with the batter) Make the
topping, put over batter.
Bake in a 325 degree over for 50-60 minutes.
Let cool completely. 

Thursday Update

There is supposed to be sunshine today. I really could use some. Everyone at work wants a nap at around 1 becuase it has been so gloomy outside. Tomorrow we have a food day at work because it is blood drive day. I have asked Doug to make some homemade bread for me to take. It will be the best thing there.

Thomas got to Omaha alright last night. They did have a little problem getting back into their school van after stopping to eat. The school had given them the key to start the van, but no key to unlock the van. They had to get a locksmith to open the van for them. I hope this is the only problem they have.

Ashley had training for the Cornell radio station last night. She will have her own one hour radio show on Tuesday nights from 6-7, 89.7 KRNL.

How to tell where they're from by how
they drive

* One hand on wheel, one hand on horn:
 Chicago
* One hand on wheel, one finger out window:
 New York
* One hand on wheel, one hand on newspaper,
 foot solidly on accelerator: Boston
* One hand on wheel, cradling cell phone,
 brick on accelerator: California.
* One hand on wheel, cradling cell phone,
 brick on accelerator, gun in lap: Los Angeles
* Both hands on wheel, eyes shut, both feet
 on brake, quivering in terror: Ohio, but
 driving in California.
* Both hands in air, gesturing, both feet on
 accelerator, head turned to talk to someone
 in back seat: Italy
* One hand on latte, one knee on wheel,
 cradling cell phone, foot on brake,
 mind on game: Seattle
* One hand on wheel, one hand on hunting rifle,
 alternating between both feet being on the
 accelerator and both on the brake, throwing a
 McDonalds bag out the window: Texas city male
* One hand on wheel, one hand hanging out the
 window, keeping speed steadily at 70mph, driving
 down the center of the road unless coming around
 a blind curve, in which case they are on the left
 side of the road: Texas country male
* One hand constantly refocusing the rear-view
 mirror to show different angles of the BIG hair,
 one hand going between mousse, brush, and rat-tail
 to keep the helmet hair going, both feet on the
 accelerator, poodle steering the car, chrome .38
 revolver with mother of pearl inlaid handle in the
 glove compartment: Texas female
* Four wheel drive pickup truck, shotgun mounted in
 rear window, beer cans on floor, squirrel tails
 attached to antenna: West Virginia
* Two hands gripping wheel, blue hair barely visible
 above window level, driving 35 on the interstate in
 the left lane with the left blinker on: Florida

Tuesday Update

Yesterday was very busy at work. I guess that is a good thing. Especially since there were 15 sales people laid off last week and 2 managers resigned.

Last night we had one of my favorite comfort meals, grilled cheese & ham sandwiches with tomato soup. We watched Heros, it is good but it moves very slow. The same way that lost moved slow in its first two seasons. Thomas will be leaving for Omaha on Wednesday. I hope he has a safe trip and I hope he finds time to have some fun as well. Mao used to think that 9:00 was bedtime, now he is pushing for bedtime at 7:30. The silly cat really misses playing the string game with Thomas. He yowled at me to play with him last night and I don't think I play it as well as Thomas.

I want the gloom to go away. Where is the sun?

Monday Update

This will be my 1,760th post. I don't know why I thought I needed to tell everyone that bit of info.

It is already Monday, the weekend went too fast and I really didn't do anything. We watched a silly Johnny Depp movie called Crybaby. The ugliest woman in the world was in it. We also watched the 3rd episode of Dexter last night. It was excellent once again. If you ever get a chance to watch that show you really should.

Sunday Update

Today is Maos 11th Birthday. That makes him 77 in cat years. He is now older than my Dad.

Yesterday I went outside to put some of the leaves from my leaf pile into trash cans. A creepy guy was smoking a cigarette and hanging out by our evergreen on the corner. Luckily Doug noticed him from inside and came out to the yard. Once the creepy guy saw Doug he took off up the sidewalk toward 1st Ave. I'm glad I have Doug to protect me from creepy guys.

It is a sad time, we are officially trying to sell GG. Someone contacted us about taking a look at her, they were supposed to come by on Saturday. Only they never showed up or called. I'm glad they didn't, I don't want that type of person owning her. She deserves some respect.

Thomas has informed me that he and Diedre will be coming for supper next Sunday. I am so glad, it seems like forever since I have seen him. We will be having pasole and french onion soup (Diedre's request).

I am getting very upset with Mediacom this weekend. Just because the wind is blowing we keep losing our connection. Hey didn't they have a commercial on TV that said this doesn't happen if you have Mediacom. Get your *#@~ together Mediacom.

Happy Birthday Mao!
It's your Birthday..It's your Birthday!

Recipe of the Day

Mouseburger Bites

For those days when you just wanna sit around with your cat. (Doesn't contain mouse.)

	3 oz	Sausage or finely ground beef
	2 T	Oatmeal
	1	Egg
		Catnip finely chopped

Knead the ingreadients together very thoroughly and form into a flat oval. Broil under a medium heat for 5-7 minutes,turning frequently until the outside is crisp. Wait until cool,then slice into bite sized chunks and feed to your cat.

Friday the 13th Facts


According to Smithsonian Magazine "fear of the #13 costs American a billion dollars per year in absenteeism, train and plane cancellations, and reduced commerce on the 13th of the month."

Fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Nordic Mythology. Many of their thirteenth Gods met with violent deaths, such as Loki, the trickster.

Ancient Romans regarded the number 13 as a symbol of death, destruction and misfortune.

Lizzy Borden uttered a total of 13 words at her trial.

There were 13 original colonies.

A witches coven consists of 13 members.

Tarot Card number 13 is the Death Card, depicting the Grim Reaper (although it is read as transition or change and not literal death).

Hotels rarely have a room number 13. Usually it is called 12a or 14. Same with floors of buildings and the elevators without a #13 button. Highways sometimes will skip exit 13 altogether also.

There are 13 steps leading to the gallows.

13 knots in a hangman's noose.

13 feet which the guillotine blade falls.

The driver of Princess Diana hit pillar #13 at Place de l'Alma when she was killed in Paris, France.

13 people, Christ and his 12 disciples, were in attendance at the last supper. This is where the Christian belief ties in, making Friday a believed unlucky day, as the crucifixtion occurred on a Friday.

Certain ocean liners will be held in dock until after midnight to appease passenger's fears on Friday the 13th.

British study concluded that even though there were less cars on the road on Friday the 13th (as compared with other Fridays) more accidents were reported.

Trisadekaphobia is the technical name for fear of Friday the 13th.

Apollo 13, 1970, the 13th mission launched from pad #39 (13 x 3), mission was aborted, after an explosion occurred in the fuel cell of their service module. The rocket had left launcing pad at 13:13 CST and the date was April 13th.

Epluribus Unum has 13 letters.

The US Seal has 13 stars, bars, feathers in the eagle's tail, 13 bars in one claw, 13 olive branches in the other.

A "quatrorzieme" is a professional 14th guest hired by the French who had only 13 guests in attendance for dinner, who felt that was unlucky.

A baker's dozen consists of 13 for a reason! So the story goes a witch near Albany, NY demanded 13 items every time she came in to a particular bakery, and one day the old baker could not afford her extra biscuit. She sneered some strange words at the man, and he suffered terrible luck from then on, until he brought her another 13 rolls. After that life was once again easy for the baker and word spread around town. The custom is still sometimes practiced today.

Thursday Update

It snowed last night!!!!! I'm not ready for this Winter thing yet. At leat it only stuck to the ground and car windshields. It isn't on the street. It has been a relatively quiet week. Last night we watched Lost and tried to watch The Nine. This was the second episode and we just weren't feeling it. Tonight will be another new episode of My Name is Earl. I do love that show.

Stupid and Special Signs

The leaves have been falling. As you can see, we have a very large pile of leaves in our yard. It is a very good jumping pile. Now I just need some kids that are willing to jump.

Fall is in the air, leaves are falling and Doug is baking. It doesn't get any better than that. Doug baked some beautiful loaves of bread and kolaches.

Friday Update

I signed up to log in to my blog using my gmail account. It publishes your post almost instantaneously. I'm glad it is Friday, I will get to see Ashley this evening. My Name is Earl was good last night. He went to say he was sorry to a girl he made fun of in school. She had a mustache in Middle School. When he went to her house and she opened the door and she had a full beard and mustache. She worked in a carnival side show and lived in a town with all carnival freaks. It was very funny. This is all so random, I guess I really don't have that much to write about. Later....

Win a free Fender Highway One Prototype Guitar

Free Hugs - I like it!

A very nice video from YouTube.

Recipe of the Day

Baked Rigaboney

Serves 8 to 10

3 tablespoons olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 large small onion, finely chopped One (6-ounce) can tomato paste Two (28-ounce) cans unpeeled crushed tomatoes in purée 1 teaspoon sugar Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 1 pound rigatoni 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage, casings removed 1 1/2 pounds whole-milk ricotta cheese 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded 1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste, and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and sugar. Season with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni, and cook, stirring occasionally, 9 minutes. Drain in a colander, and rinse under cool water until cool. Set aside. 3. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat remaining tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up any large pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain, and set aside. 4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta with half of the mozzarella. Stir to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper. 5. To assemble; Spread 1 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add half of the rigatoni in an even layer. Spread with 1/2 cup sauce, ricotta mixture, sausage, and 1 cup more sauce. Top with remaining rigatoni, and 1 1/2 cups sauce. Any remaining sauce may be reheated and served on the side or reserved for another use. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top to cover. Place baking dish on a baking sheet and transfer to oven. Bake until bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.

http://www.marthastewart.com

Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

DR. PHIL:
The problem we have here is that this chicken won't
realize that he must first deal with the problem on
"THIS" side of the road before it goes after the
problem on the "OTHER SIDE" of the road. What we need
to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by
not taking on his "CURRENT" problems before adding
"NEW" problems.

OPRAH:
Well I understand that the chicken is having problems,
which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So
instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes
and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to
give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across
the road and not live his life like the rest of the
chickens.

GEORGE W BUSH:
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road.
We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of
the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or
for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the
satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN :
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we
have not yet been allowed to have access to the other
side of the road.

JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am
now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was
misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now,
and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can
see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN:
To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART:
No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going.
I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs
when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave
me any insider information.

DR SEUSS:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad?
Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not
been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
To die in the rain.  Alone.

JERRY FALWELL:
Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain
truth in front of your face? The chicken was going to the
"other side." That's why they call it the "other side." Yes,
my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken,
you will become gay too. I say we boycott all chickens until
we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes
with seemingly harmless phrases like "the other side." That
chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and
simple as that!

GRANDPA:
In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road.
Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was
good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS:
Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening
to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story
of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to
accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.

JOHN LENNON:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

ARISTOTLE:
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

BILL GATES:
I have just released eChicken2006, which will not only cross roads, but
will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book.

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath
the chicken?

BILL CLINTON:
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition
of chicken?

AL GORE:
I invented the chicken!

COLONEL SANDERS:
Did I miss one?

Wednesday Update

This week is going by pretty quickly for me. Three more days and I have a three day weekend. I get off for the Columbus Day holiday next Monday. Yeah me!!!

Recipe of the Day

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Cookies
Estimated Times:
Preparation - 15 min | Cooking - 11 min | Cooling Time - 15 min cooling | Yields - 48 cookies (4 dozen)

You will be dreaming of these peanutty cookies in your sleep!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® SWIRLED™ Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Morsels, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in 1 cup morsels and peanuts. Drop by well-rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Press down slightly. Top with remaining morsels.

BAKE for 11 to 13 minutes or until cookies are puffed and centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

http://www.verybestbaking.com

Tuesday Update

Not much happening around here. No OT at work yesterday, I was relieved. We had leftover pizza for supper last night. I think my favorite of all the pizzas was the dessert pizza Doug made. I am glad the warm weather is back for awhile. I alway hate to see Summer go. I guess Fall is nice too. I just don't care much for Winter. The new Lost season starts tomorrow. I hope something good happens.

Recipe of the Day

SHEPHERDS PIE (POOR MANS PIE)

1 lb. ground beef 1 can peas 1 can sweet corn 1 medium onion, diced 1/3 c. sugar 8 medium potatoes 2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese Boil potatoes, mash and season to taste with milk and butter. Brown ground beef and onion with salt and pepper. When cooked, add peas, corn, sugar. Let simmer until heated through. In 13x9 pan place meat and vegetable mixture in bottom of pan. Cover with mashed potatoes and sprinkle cheese on top. Place in oven on BROIL until cheese is bubbly or light brown.

http://www.cooks.com

Sunday Update

This weekend I am trying to recover from all of the overtime I worked last week. Monday 2 hours, Tuesday 2 hours, Wednesday 2 1/2 hours, Thursday 3 1/2 hours and Friday 5 3/4 hours. That is almost a 56 hour week. Yeah, I'm tired. Chloe has been staying with us for the last two weeks. It is very nice, I get to see her even though I have been working the extra hours. She also works a lot of hours, besides going to school. Today is the last day of Ashley's block break, so we are having a pizza pile up. There will be a variety of pizzas, pop, lemon cake and a few jabbery college kids. It should be lots of fun. Last night after supper Doug started a fire in the pit and we sat outside until about 11. It was a very nice and warm fire. It is so peacfeful just watching a fire.

Recipe of the Day

TAMALE PIE

1 box cornbread stuffing mix 1 lb. ground beef Taco seasoning mix 1 10 oz can corn 1 14 oz can chili ready tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped green pepper 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar/Colby cheese 1/2 large jar of picante sauce sour cream for garnish In a small bowl, prepare Cornbread Stuffing Mix and set aside. Brown ground beef with onion and green pepper and add Taco seasoning mix as per directions on pouch. Mix corn, tomatoes, cheese and picante sauce with ground beef mixture in casserole dish. Top with cornbread stuffing mix and bake at 400°F for 45 minutes. Garnish with Sour Cream. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,178,130181-248199,00.html