Go ahead...ask Santa to do anything.
http://www.simonsezsanta.com/

Wednesday Update

Yeah, the week is almost half over. Tomorrow Thomas and Chloe will start thier winter break. Ashley has to wait until next week. Christmas is less than two weeks away, I guess I should start my Christmas shopping. Ahhh!!! Last night we got Gordon back. Doug said Gordon runs as good as when he first got it. Yeah, Air Gordon is back in business. Yesterday Chloe watched all of the Dexter episodes that she had missed. She ended up watching the last episode like I did, with her hands on her face and saying "Oh no."

12 Days of Cookies - Day 12

Double Delicious Cookie Bars
From Eagle Brand and Comstock/Wilderness

Ingredients
	1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
	1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
	1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
	1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
	1 cup (6 ounces) peanut butter-flavored chips

Instructions
	Preheat oven to 350ºF (325ºF for glass dish). In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 13X9-inch baking pan.
	Pour EAGLE BRAND® evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly with fork.
	Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars. Store leftovers covered at room temperature.
	For perfectly cut bars: Line entire pan with a sheet of aluminum foil first. When bars are cool, lift up edges of foil to remove from pan. Cut into individual squares. Lift off foil. Notes: You may substitute butterscotch flavored chips or white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips and/or peanut butter chips.

Tuesday Update

I don't have much to say today. Yesterday was a slow Monday at work, I thought the work day would never end. At home we had leftovers from Sunday. All I accomplished last night was washing dishes. I didn't watch any TV last night.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 11

Ginger Pecan Oatmeal Crisps
From Food Network Kitchens

1 cup quick cooking oatmeal 3/4 cup pecan halves 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks, 6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large eggGrind the oatmeal and pecan pieces in a food processor until they resemble cornmeal--reasonably fine but with some texture. Whisk the whole wheat flour, cornstarch, ginger, salt and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Whisk in the oat/nut mixture. In another medium bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until smooth and light, about 1 minute. Gradually add the granulated and light brown sugar; continue beating until evenly combined, about 3 minutes more. Add the vanilla and the egg. Mix in the dry ingredients to make a textured dough. Line a 1 1/2-quart loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans with plastic wrap and pack dough into the bottom half of the pan. Press to level off the dough. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on top and refrigerate until completely firm, about 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Remove dough from the pan and unwrap. Slice dough in half lengthwise if using a large pan. Slice each log crosswise into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place the cookies about a 1-inch apart on the prepared pans. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool and crisp. Serve.

http://www.dontshootyoureyeout.com/

Monday Update

The appetizers were a success! We had way more food than we could eat. Besides Deb, Wanda and Mark, we had a few other people that we were not expecting to show up. Lauren, Jamie and Justin showed up with lots of goodies. Then Johnny came over. Matt showed up when Wanda called to tell him Doug had made meatballs. I'm pretty sure that tonight will be a leftover night for supper. Dexter is getting so good!!! All the kids need to get caught up on the episodes. Each one gets better and better. I am sad that next week will be the final episode for this season.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 10

Super Gooey Chocolate Drops
From Food Network Kitchens


1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup natural cocoa powder, such as Hershey's or Scharffen Berger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 ounces (1 bag) semisweet chocolate chunks
1 cup dried cherries. optionalPosition racks in the lower and upper third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. (If you don't have 3 pans, simply cool the pan between batches.)

Put the butter and the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 75 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir and heat again until melted, up to 2 minutes more. (Alternatively, put the chocolates and butter in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching the water, and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.)

Stir the light brown and granulated sugars and vanilla into the chocolate mixture with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs and buttermilk and beat vigorously until thick and glossy.

In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, cinnamon and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just mixed. Stir in chocolate chunks and dried cherries, if using.

Drop the batter in heaping tablespoons onto baking sheets--a small ice cream scoop is ideal for this. Space the cookies about 2-inches apart. Bake until the cookies set but are soft and fudgy on the inside, 12 to 15 minutes.

Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Sunday Update

Christmas Eve is only 2 weeks away. Wow, this year has gone by so quickly. Unfortunately Thomas has to work all of that weekend before Christmas. I guess he is going to just try at stay in Cedar Falls instead of driving back and forth. Thomas starts his winter break this Thursday, Ashley's starts next Wednesday and I'm not sure yet when Chloe's starts. Doug says that if the weather is nice he will have a fire in the pit Christmas Eve or Christmas. Heck, maybe both days. We watched a great Rush concert on VH1 the other night. Such good music. It takes me back to when I was young. Although some of the times I was listening to thier music were not always some of the happier times of my life. On a happier note, I put flashing Christmas lights in the entry way yesterday. It now looks like we could have a disco dance party out there at night. Today is finger food day, I wish everyone could be here for it. But, it looks like we will only have Chloe and the usual suspects; Deb, Wanda and Mark. Only 2 episodes of Dexter left this season. It will be very hard waiting until next year for more. Who would have figured, a show about a serial killer is one of my favorites?

12 Days of Cookies - Day 9

Whoopee Pie
From Food Network Kitchens


2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup natural cocoa powder, such as Hershey's or Scharffen Berger
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons fine salt
18 large marshmallows, (not minis)Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking sheet.

Put the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl; heat at 75 percent power until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir, and continue to microwave until completely melted, about 2 minutes more. (Alternatively, put the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching the water, and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.)

Whisk the sugar, eggs and vanilla into the chocolate mixture until smooth.

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt into another bowl. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until moistened. Switch to a rubber spatula and finish folding the batter together; take care not to over-mix.

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop a heaping tablespoon of batter onto the prepared pan. Repeat to make 36 cookies, spacing them about 1-inch apart. Bake until the cookies spring back when lightly touched, about 6 minutes.

Cool the cookies slightly. Transfer half of the cookies to a rack. Turn the remaining cookies on the pan over, so they lay flat side up. Place a marshmallow on top of each flipped cookie and return pan to the oven. Cook just until the marshmallow begins to soften and puff, about 3 minutes. Cool marshmallow topped cookies slightly, about 2 minutes. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing lightly to make sandwiches. Cool whoopee pies completely on wire racks. Serve.

Saturday Update

As usual my vacation time is passing very quickly. Yesterday Chloe made some Butter Recipe Chocolate Cupcakes. Yummy....... I did a little reading yesterday and a made a few phone calls that I had to get out of the way, insurance company and such. We took Gordon over to the repair shop. It looks like it needs a new water pump and the housing was cracked. Poor Gordon! Puck was driving a little better yesterday, but we don't want to drive it much until we have a chance to have it looked at as well. Chloe had to work most of the evening and we had home-made pizza waiting for her when she got home. She said thinking about the pizza was what got her through the night. Thomas and Diedre came to Cedar Rapids to watch a Kennedy Basketball game. It sounds like Kennedy ruled over the Cedar Falls teams. Today I will do my usual Saturday stuff: laundry, dishes, groceries and maybe a little cleaning. If it is as nice as they say it is supposed to be,I will try to get out and put some lights up in the front entry way. Thats all I have for now.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 8

Iced Citrus Crackle Cookie
From Food Network Kitchens

Dough:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated citrus zest (Meyer or regular lemon, tangerine or lime)
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
3/4 teaspoon lemon extract (or use all orange extract for tangerine cookies)
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Icing:
1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons colored sanding sugar (yellow, orange or green, depending on the flavor of the cookie)
1 tablespoon finely grated citrus zest (the same flavor of the cookie)
2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed citrus juice (the same flavor of the cookie)

Evenly space the oven racks in the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. on the convection setting, if available. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Beat the butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high heat until smooth. Add the sugar and citrus zest and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. (The creaming is important to get a great texture so don't skimp here.) Add the yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the extracts.

Whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing at low speed to make a soft dough.

Scoop the dough into rounded heaping tablespoons with a cookie scoop or measuring spoon. Space the cookies about 2-inches apart on the prepared pans. Freeze for at least 30 minutes. (The cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month.)

Bake the cookies, straight from the freezer, until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

For icing: Mix the confectioners' sugar, colored sugar and appropriate flavored zest in a medium bowl. Add the citrus juice and mix with an electric mixer to make a firm but pourable icing. (If needed, add up to 1 teaspoon more juice, but keep in mind that if the icing is too loose it won't set.) Dip the rounded side of the cooled cookies into the icing; then let the excess icing fall back into the bowl. Dry cookies icing side up on a rack. Serve.

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Friday Update

December is turning into a bad month for our cars. Gordon is having overheating problems and now Puck has decided to run terribly. Not sure what is going on with either. We hope to be able to take at least one car into the shop today. Yesterday I made a chocolate pound cake, it was okay. But it was not anything like the soft, moist, melt in your mouth wonderful Devils Food cupcakes Chloe made a few days ago. Can't wait for her to make them again! Yesterday I also set up our small Christmas tree in the dining room. It alway makes that room so festive. I love it.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 7

Mexican Wedding Cookies
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for coating baked cookies
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting hands
1 cup pecans, chopped into very small piecesPreheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line cookies sheets with parchment paper.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at low speed until it is smooth. Beat in the vanilla. At low speed gradually add the flour. Mix in the pecans with a spatula. With floured hands, take out about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a crescent. Continue to dust hands with flour as you make more cookies. Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 40 minutes. When cool enough to handle but still warm, roll in additional confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.

The first snowfall makes me think of the holidays. I can't wait for the kids to all be here for Christmas break.

Thursday Update

Yeah!! No work today or tomorrow. It is about 6 degrees outside and they say if feels like -10. Brrrr....Cold. I think I will bring our little Christmas tree in from the garage today and set it up in the dining room. If I feel like getting a little cold, I might put a string of lights out in our front entry way. Baking also sounds like a good idea. I like time off from work. I wish I could have taken some time off closer to Christmas when the kids will be home. Oh well, at least I know I will have Christmas day off.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 6

Iced Lemon Cookies
Courtesy Nantucket Cookie Company

4 cups sugar
1/2 cup lemon zest, about 6 to 8 lemons
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes, chilled
5 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup lemon juice
Lemon Icing, recipe followsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a food processor work bowl, add sugar and lemon zest. Process until sugar and zest are well mixed, about 20 seconds. Scrape into a large mixing bowl. Reserve about 1/2 cup of lemon sugar in a separate bowl for later use.

Add flour, baking powder and salt into food processor and pulse briefly to mix. Add cold butter into food processor with flour mixture and process with short pulses until mixture resembles cornmeal and no large lumps of butter remain, about 10 pulses. Pour this mixture into the sugar and lemon mixture in the large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix egg yolks, vanilla extract and lemon juice together.

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, pour in the lemon/sugar and flour/butter mixture and stir until combined, about 15 seconds. Then, while the mixer is still running, slowly add egg/lemon juice mixture and mix until well combined and dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 15 to 30 seconds.

Scrape the dough into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, but not solid, about 30 minutes. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop the dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Take the dough balls and roll the tops into the reserved lemon sugar. Use the bottom of a water glass to press the cookies flat, about 1/4-inch thick. Bake the cookies until slightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper with the cookies from the tray to a cooling rack and cool completely, about 1 hour. Once the cookies have completely cooled, ice with Lemon Icing.

Lemon Icing:
1 pound (2 cups) confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons lemon juice

In a medium bowl, whisk sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Spoon onto cooled cookies, and spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Let stand on a cooling rack until the glaze is set, about 1 hour.

Yield: enough for 3 dozen cookies4 cups sugar
1/2 cup lemon zest, about 6 to 8 lemons
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes, chilled
5 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup lemon juice
Lemon Icing, recipe follows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a food processor work bowl, add sugar and lemon zest. Process until sugar and zest are well mixed, about 20 seconds. Scrape into a large mixing bowl. Reserve about 1/2 cup of lemon sugar in a separate bowl for later use.

Add flour, baking powder and salt into food processor and pulse briefly to mix. Add cold butter into food processor with flour mixture and process with short pulses until mixture resembles cornmeal and no large lumps of butter remain, about 10 pulses. Pour this mixture into the sugar and lemon mixture in the large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix egg yolks, vanilla extract and lemon juice together.

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, pour in the lemon/sugar and flour/butter mixture and stir until combined, about 15 seconds. Then, while the mixer is still running, slowly add egg/lemon juice mixture and mix until well combined and dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 15 to 30 seconds.

Scrape the dough into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, but not solid, about 30 minutes. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop the dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Take the dough balls and roll the tops into the reserved lemon sugar. Use the bottom of a water glass to press the cookies flat, about 1/4-inch thick. Bake the cookies until slightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper with the cookies from the tray to a cooling rack and cool completely, about 1 hour. Once the cookies have completely cooled, ice with Lemon Icing.

Lemon Icing:
1 pound (2 cups) confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons lemon juice

In a medium bowl, whisk sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Spoon onto cooled cookies, and spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Let stand on a cooling rack until the glaze is set, about 1 hour.

Yield: enough for 3 dozen cookies

Wednesday Update

I thought Wednesday would never get here. This is my last day of work this week. Ya gotta love vacation time, especially during a slow period at work. I'm not sure what I will do on my days off. I will probably try to do some reading and watch a movie or two with Doug and or Chloe. Last night Chloe went to a show in Iowa City at the old Gabe's. I went to bed before she got back. I hope she enjoyed it.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 5

Candy Cane Cookies
From Food Network Kitchens

1 box sugar cookie mix
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 egg
1/3 cup softened cream cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional for surface
Red food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extractPreheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a bowl, combine sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, cream cheese, and flour; mix together to form dough. Separate dough into 2 equal portions and place in 2 different bowls. Add red food coloring gradually to 1 bowl of dough, kneading together until desired shade of red is created. To second bowl of uncolored dough, add peppermint extract and knead together. On a floured work surface, shape each dough into balls and then roll each ball into 1/4-inch-wide ropes, each about 6 inches long. For each cookie, carefully twist some of the red and white ropes of dough together and shape into a candy cane. Spread candy canes out on cookie sheets and bake on the top shelf of the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool before serving.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 4 (I missed a day yesterday)

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Biscotti
From Food Network Kitchens

Ingredients
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 1/4 cups chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks (about 6 ounces)

Instructions
Position racks evenly in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Melt the butter over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally. Continue to cook until the butter browns and gets a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl.

Beat the eggs in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until light and pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sugar while beating. Then slowly add the butter and vanilla until evenly mixed, about 30 seconds more. Add the peanut butter and mix until combined.

While mixing slowly, add the dry ingredients to the wet, in 2 additions, mixing just until absorbed. Fold in the peanuts and chocolate pieces.

Divide the dough evenly into thirds and put each portion in the center of a baking sheet. Shape the dough with slightly wet hands into logs about 2-inches wide and 15 inches long. Bake until set and brown around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. (For even baking take care to rotate the pans--top to bottom and front to back--about half way though.) Cool logs on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes.

Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Carefully transfer the logs to a cutting board. Cut logs crosswise, with a long serrated knife at about a 45 degree angle, into 1/2-inch thick cookies. Place cookies cut side down on the baking sheets. Bake until crisp, about 8 minutes. Flip the cookies over and bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes more. Cool biscotti on the baking sheets. Serve.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 3

Vanilla Thins
From Food Network Kitchens

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flourPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat butter, sugar, and salt with an electric mixer at moderately high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and mix at low speed until just combined. Add flour and mix until just combined.

Drop level teaspoons of batter about 3 inches apart on buttered baking sheets. Bake cookies in batches in middle of oven until just golden around edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool on baking sheet on a rack 1 minute then transfer with a metal spatula to rack to cool completely.

Note: Cookies can be made 3 days ahead and kept, layered between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container, at room temperature.

Monday Update

I have to do a quick post because our internet keeps going off and on. I don't care much for Mondays. I guess it is appropriate that Monday is also trash day in our nieghborhood. Yesterday we had chili for supper. It was very good. Wanda brought her layered Mexican dip, Deb brought a pudding dessert and Laureen brought ice cream pie, apricot appetizers and a cheese plate. It was a very good meal. I wish everyone could have been here. Now I have to wait and hope we come back online so I can post this.

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.