Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Wednesday Update

Yeah!! The computer doesn't hate me anymore. Yesterday morning I wasn't able to connect to the internet. And I am terrible at fixing it. Anyhoo, I'm just glad that I can do my regular routine this morning. That is, check all of the blogs, update my blog, check my email, sign up for freebies and play Mahjongg if there is time.

Thomas will be returning home from Cedar Falls sometime today. Mao and I are happy that he will be back for a few more days. Last night, after Chloe came home from class, she shut off the front light and Mao looked very sad. He knows that means no one else will be coming in the door. Doug and Chloe both have a sore throat, I hope I don't get one too. I already have kind of a sinus thing. Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Monday, March 05, 2007

Monday Update

It's Monday again already! We had a very good Soup Sunday yesterday. Both soups were delicious! Jamie and Lauren brought Guitar Hero and it was fun to watch the kids "rock out". Chloe made it back from Chicago. She had a really good time, even though Zach had bombed out on her plans. Today Thomas is driving up to Cedar Falls to spend the night. He has to work on Tuesday until 10PM, so he will be staying until Wednesday morning. Not much happening weather wise today. That's good. Have a wonderful day everyone.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Sunday Update

Yesterday was a wonderful day. We went to Ting's Red Lantern for Ashley's birthday lunch. It was yummy and I have some leftovers for lunch today. After lunch, Thomas took Ashley to Target and bought her gift. She got a nice jacket and the funny thing is it had pumice stones in the pocket. I think it is a message from the sweat shop in Indonesia where it was made. After they got back home we had Ashley's birthday Grasshopper Pie. It was delicious. Chloe left for Chicago around 12:30 yesterday, so unfortunately she did not go to lunch with us. It sounds like she go lost on the way to the show and was a little late for it. She said she had fun though. I hope she has a safe trip back home today.

Today we are celebrating three birthdays. Ashley (3rd), Wanda (5th) and Johnny (7th). Doug is making Fish Chower and Lauren is making Full On Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Thomas is here on break, Ashley work until 4 and hopefully Chloe will be back from Chicago. It should be a really fun time. Jamie and Lauren are bringing Guitar Hero I & II.
This is my favorite Post Secret postcard ever!

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Friday, March 02, 2007

Friday Update

We got some snow overnight and the wind is blowing pretty strong. I didn't bake anything yesterday, But Ashley did. She made a Baked Apple Pie Bread mix that we had in cupboard. I will definately make something today. Yesterday Chloe was gone most of the day. First to class and then to work. Ashley drove in at around 1:30 and we went grocery shopping. Then we went to Target to get her a birthday gift. She wasn't having much luck finding anything. She decided on a nice green polo shirt, undies and a red paper lantern. I hope the road conditions get better this afternoon, Thomas is supposed to drive home. Drive carefully....

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Thursday Update

I have today and tomorrow off from work, yeah!!!! I will probably bake something today. I hope most of the nasty weather passes by us. I am sick of Winter and very ready for Spring. The wind was very strong when I woke up about an hour ago. But, now it looks like it has died down a bit. I don't have much to write about today. Oh, we did have some very yummy chicken chow mein and egg foo yung last night.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Wednesday Update

Today is my last day of working this week. I have Thursday and Friday off. I'm not sure what I will do with my days off. Probably read and I plan to take Ashley birthday shopping. Thomas is coming home on Friday for a little break from school. I hope we don't get as bad a storm as the last one so that everyone has safe travel conditions and there are no power outages. That's all I have for today. Have a great day everyone.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Tuesday Update

I have writers block. Hmmm...It must have something to do with my staying up until 10:30 last night. I'm a bit groggy this morning.

Ice Storm 2007



Photo taken 2/24/07 in Riverside, Iowa

2/24/07 Ice Storm

2/24/07 Ice Storm

2/24/07 Ice Storm

2/24/07 Ice Storm

Monday, February 26, 2007

Monday Update

What a weekend. The bad weather started on Friday evening. The rain started to freeze on our front window Saturday morning. This upset Mao because it made it hard to look outside. Then the ice made branches fall from the trees and this upset him and Doug. The branches continued to fall all Saturday and into the night. The branchs were pretty good sized until they hit the ground, then they just shattered like glass. Diedre lost power for a little while on Saturday, but her power came back before evening. At 5:53 PM Saturday we lost power and it stayed off until around noon on Sunday. It never got lower than around 52 degrees in the house and the refrigerators and freezers stayed cold, so we did not lose any food. Mark and Wanda got power back around 11 Saturday night. Johnny got power around 12 AM Sunday. Jacob and Sara got power around 2 AM Sunday. Cornell got power back around 6:30 Sunday evening. As far as I know, Jamie and Lauren still do not have power. Chloe thought it was fun for a while, until she had to go to work on Sunday. She had to rough it because she could not straighten her bang. Oh the horror!

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Saturday Update

Packing files at work kicked my arse yesterday. I got off work at around 3 and came home. I laid down around 5 for a nap and woke up around 6:30. We ate supper and watched a documentary about They Might Be Giants and then I fell asleep on the couch until Doug woke me up to say he was going to bed. I think that was between 12 & 12:30.

One of my favorite things they talked about on the documentary was the dial a song. They recorded songs on an answering machine and then posted an add with the band name and a telephone number. You dailed the number and heard a song. Doug said he actually called the number.

The image “http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00006IZOC.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Friday Update

I have to go into work early this morning, 6 AM. Our ordering system will be down because they are moving the server location today and over the weekend. We are going to be busy packing up financial records that have to be shipped to our San Francisco office. We decided to come in early and get out early to hopefully beat this winter storm. Have a good day everyone.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thursday Update

I love it when it is still Winter and the weather turns warm. The snow is almost all melted and it will look all dirty for a while. But just wait, the Spring rains will be here before we know it to wash it all away. Wow I sound pretty corny this morning. I guess I really don't have anything to say.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Wednesday Update

I'm back. Yesterday morning I wasn't able to get an online connection. Doug has told me several times which thingy to unplug and then plug back in. But, I always forget whenever I actually need to do it. Today I get to have lunch at the Blue Strawberry. Yeah for free hour long lunches! Last night the men sang on American Idol, tonight will be the women. Most of the men did not sing as well as they did in the auditions. I can't think of anything else to write. Have a good day everyone.

Wednesday Update

I'm back. Yesterday morning I wasn't able to get an online connection. Doug has told me several times which thingy to unplug and then plug back in. But, I always forget whenever I actually need to do it. Today I get to have lunch at the Blue Strawberry. Yeah for free hour long lunches! Last night the men sang on American Idol, tonight will be the women. Most of the men did not sing as well as they did in the auditions. I can't think of anything else to write. Have a good day everyone.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Sunday Update

I was tired, I slept in untl 7:20. I don't have much to write about today. Yesterday I went grocery shopping. When I got home Thomas was here and he helped me carry in the groceries. Then we went to Jiffy Lube to get his oil changed. Next we stopped at the car wash in Marion and got his car washed. The car wash was very excited about his credit being approved, it was also very nervous that we would not wait, as the car wash was in use. We had a good giggle over this. Then we went to get Diedre a birthday gift. Walmart didn't have what I had wanted to get her, so I had to settle for something else. I think she still liked her gift. Shortly after we got home Diedre came over to go to Vino's with Thomas. Doug and I had Rissotto for supper. It was very good. The rest of the night I spend washing dishes and folding laundry. I read a little of Aragon before going to bed. I have about 100 pages left to read. I think I am going to read Darkly Dreaming Dexter next.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

You have to watch this video. It is titled Stupidest Woman Ever.

Saturday Update

I'm not sure what all I will be doing today. Probably work on menus and a grocery list. And then go shopping. Before all of that, I am sure I will go out and shovel snow. We got a good coating overnight. Thomas and Diedre are coming into town this afternoon. When Thomas gets here, I want him to go birthday shopping for Diedre with me. After that we will make supper and watch TV.
Pictures of a frozen Tidal Wave.








Friday, February 16, 2007

Friday Update

Friday at last!! It is -9 and feels like -23. Brrrrrr!!!!!! It is supposed to gradually warm up next week. I hope so, because Dad and Ilse will finally be on thier way soon. We are supposed to get the keys for thier house from the realtor on the 26th.

Yesterday was Diedre's 22nd birthday. Thomas and Diedre are driving down on Saturday to go out to eat at Vino's. Next week I am invited to have a 1 hour lunch with my old superviser, soon to be my new supervisor, at the Blue Strawberry. She has invited all of the employees that she had asked to stay on with the company for lunch. Of course, only the people who said they would stay on are going out to lunch.

I am also happy that this is Friday because I get to have a 3 day weekend. Monday is Presidents day and a paid holiday for me. Have a good weekend everyone.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Tuesday Update

It snowed last night. I am very concerned for Chloe. She went to a concert in Des Moines last night and stayed in Des Moines. She has a class at noon today. As of 4:50 this morning Interstate 80 is completely snow covered. Please be safe Bobo! Ashley was let out of work early last night and she made it back to Cornell safely before the snow started to fall. Thomas is supposed to teach today, I am not sure what highway he has to travel on. It looks like the roads near Waverly are mostly snow covered. I hope he stays safe as well. So far Cedar Rapids has a snow emergency and a two hour school delay. Linn-Mar has a two hour school delay. Mt Vernon also has a snow emergency and two hour school delay. Marion has just announce a two hour school delay as well.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Monday Update

The weekend always goes way too fast. It snowed last night, I guess I will need to do a little shoveling before I take out the trash this morning. I really can't think of anything to post about right now. Sorry.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Sunday Update

It is actually 17 above zero this morning! Love that above zero weather.

Yesterday I went grocery shopping by myself. While I was at Hy Vee a got a phone call from Ashley, she was on break and wanted me to join her at the restuarant area. She was eating a blood orange and drinking cappacino. When I got home Doug told me that Chloe had been home for lunch and she had bought me another present. He had me close my eyes and open my hand. The gift was a key chain with 2 gnomes and a penguin. It says "Chillin with the Gnomies". Oh that Chloe!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Saturday Update

Happy Saturday everyone. Yesterday I signed the paper that says I will be staying on with the company. The paper that I signed said "We have determined that your position is necessary to the Company's operations and we would like you to continue employement with the Company after the facility closure. If you continue employment, you will work at a location to be determined."

Last night Chloe came home and immediately said "I've got a present for you, close your eyes!" She gave me a tee shirt that has a gnome on it, with two mushrooms and two hearts. It says "Friends Gnome Matter What." I love it.


Does anyone remember the Disney movie The Gnome-Mobile?

The image “http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/78/69/36/23/0078693623365_215X215.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

There is also the movie A Gnome Named Gnorm.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Thursday Update

It is currently -6, the ice age has not left Iowa. Last night my Dad called and said everything is going pretty well. He said they got an extension on the house here and they should know if the people buying his house are approved for thier loan by a week from Friday. He said that if all goes well, they will be leaving for Iowa around Feb. 23rd. I am hoping the weather warms up a little by then.

Last night we watched a show about cars of the future, then we watch American Idol and then the first new episode of Lost. It was a good episode, but I really don't like the character 'Ben'. Ashley spent the night here after work. I think it is so much better than driving back to school at night in the cold weather. We don't have to worry about something happening to her or Scout this way.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The image “http://www.alaskanalpineclub.org/Images/Other%20Ice%20Towers/IowaSilo.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Apparently this ice silo is outside of Cedar Falls and people who like to be cold and crazy in the winter are climbing it. This was the idea of Don Briggs, a physical education instructor at the University of Northern Iowa. He hoses down the silos on a friends farm at night and the cold weather does the rest.
The image “http://www.feedthehabit.com/pics/misc/ken_ebay/Silo_Summit.JPG” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Monday Update

It is like the Arctic outside and don't want to go out. Oh well, guess I have to. I'm glad that I have a new battery and a new thermostat in the van.

The Colts kicked the Bears in the pouring rain yesterday. I hardly watched any of the game. I find football very boring. I did like watching Prince. He was amazing even though it was raining.

Here is what they are saying at PrinceFams.com.

Prince wowed the audience and the television viewers with a 12 minute long display of genius!
Showing off his guitar playing skills, he played an interesting set where he included a few short tributes to other artists, as well as his own material.
The press had reacted very positively, with some commentators calling it the Best halftime show EVER!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Sunday Update

It is -7 and feels like -21. Very cold!!! But we don't care, Super Bowl XLI party here, tonight!

Yesterday was very busy and very productive for Doug and I. We started shopping around 10:45 AM and got home around 1:30 PM. We went to the Post Office, the bank, Aldi's, Hy-Vee, Fareway and Sam's. Food samples were abundant at Hy-Vee and Sam's, Fareway even had a couple. When we got home we did our usual scanning for ACNielson-Homescan. Then we cleaned out our spice cupboards and the refrigerator in the main kitchen. The refrigerator had more than one science experiment living in it. After supper Doug made Chex Mix and I made blue Jello jigglers in the shape of footballs and helmets. Today will be a very busy day as well.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Saturday update

Right now it is -4 and feels like -11. It will be a rather chilly shopping day. But, the Super Bowl party must go on. Last night Doug made lemon pepper fish. It was very yummy served over mashed potatoes. Ashley and a group of her college friends stopped in last night. They were having a piercing party for Mary's birthday. Mary and Leather got an eyebrow piercing. Grace got her belly button pierced and Ashley got the upper part of her left ear pierced. I can't remember if there were any other piercings. Not much else happened last night. Television was bad and I was cold and tired, so I went to bed at my usual time.
Punxsutawney Phil - Watch Phil's prognostication (this link will open in a new browser window)

EARLY SPRING!
The Prognosticator of Prognosticators has spoken! Phil says we'll have an early spring.

Watch the video.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Friday Update

I did not update my blog yesterday because blogger was having issues in the morning. It is friggin cold out right now. It is -1 below and feels like -24 below. I am not looking forward to going out into the Arctic! I am so glad that my Dad's move has been delayed. This would not have been a good time to be moving.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Groundhog DaySix more weeks of winter?

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Wednesday Update

I got nothing. It's cold!!! 3 below!!!!

They messed up all the paychecks at work. This check was supposed to have Holiday pay for Christmas and New Years. It was missing both. Now they are cutting a new check for the two days for everyone.

I still got nothing! Have a good day everyone.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Tuesday Update

Dang it's cold!!! 3 degrees and it feels like -17. It snowed a little bit yesterday and might flurry a little today. Winter in Iowa, you just can't get away from it. A least it waited awhile this year before it got really cold. After all, it could have been doing this in November or December.

Yesterday was a pretty boring day. I went to work, it was busy so the day went relatively fast. I came home and washed yesterdays dishes. Probably in record time, thanks to Doug. We ate leftovers for supper while watching Antiques Roadshow. Next we watched Heros. It wasn't as good an episode as last week, but it was good. And then I went to bed. Boring.........

Monday, January 29, 2007

Monday Update

Yesterday we had a very good Soup Sunday. Doug made potato soup and creole summer squash over rice. Deb brought bacon wrapped chestnuts and a very nice white wine. Jacob & Sara brought rolls with honey butter. Wanda brought apple pie and white wine. Lauren & Jamie brought cookies, chips and Kahula flavored chocolates. After eating we played Apples to Apples. It was a very fun game and lots of laughs were had by all. Chloe got home from work towards the end of the game and joined in. It is so funny the hear people defend thier card and think they have the winner. Sometimes you have to do a card dump and get suprised by winning with the dumped card. This happened to me last night. It all depends on the judge in the end.

In the middle of the night I felt Mao bouncing all over the bed. He had his new mouse baby on the bed and he was flipping it around. Doug said that when he came into bed, Mao was sleeping up near my waist level and he stayed on the bed even after Doug got in. He doesn't usually do that.

This morning I went to the front part of the house and could tell something was not right. It was quite cold (57 degrees). I felt the heat register and cold air was blasting out. I had to wake Doug because for the second time this week, the pilot light went out on the furnace. We are not sure what is causing this to happen. Thankfully he got it lit and it is now getting warmer in here.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Saturday Update

I don't have much to write about today. We got very busy at work yesterday. We were busy enough for overtime, if only they were allowing overtime. I got home from work and found that Lauren had brought us supper. It was tuna spaghetti, French bread, salad with vinegrete dressing, Provolone cheese with a dip (I can't remember what it was called), strawberries mixed with cucumbers and for dessert an oatmeal sandwich with marshmallow fluff in the middle. I was too full for my dessert, but Doug said it was very good. Doug went to Johnnies yesterday and he brought back some cheesecake. Those of you who aren't here are really missing out. Sorry kids.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Friday Update

It is finally Friday. This seemed like a very long week. I guess it was because of all the time I had off the two previous weeks. Yesterday at work was kind of strange. Everyone was very quiet and about 90% were dressed in black. My supervisor said it looked like we were all going to a funeral. I only saw our visitors for a few minutes. The rest of the day they were in meetings with our supervisors and managers.

Last night we had chicken tortilla soup. Chloe says it is the best soup she has ever had in her life. She has made it a law that we have it at least once a month from now on. I'm all for it.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Thursday Update

Yeah, the van is fixed with new sparkplug wires. Today and Friday at work we have visitors from San Francisco. Some of the visitors will be job shadowing. I hope no one has to sit and watch me work. I dislike it intensely when a company makes you train the people who are taking over your job. The only time I think it is okay is when you have choosen to leave the company.

My Dad called last night with better news. It looks like the financial situation has changed for the better. Nothing is final yet. I wish them luck.

Last night we watched American Idol. I know, I said I wouldn't watch another year, but it is fun to watch the auditions. Last night they were in New York and all of the crazies were out. They just refused to take no for an answer and insisted on begging for a chance even though they basically sucked.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Wednesday Update

It was nice seeing Thomas for a little while last night. He stayed for supper which was very good. We had Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. Thomas is glad to be connected again with his new phone. This morning we are going to drop off the van to have it looked at. I really hope they get it working correctly this time. It looks like my Dad is going to be delayed in moving here. There is a problem with financing. I hope it all goes well, it sounds like Ilse was really looking forward to moving here and meeting everyone.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Tuesday Update

I don't have much today. Yesterday for supper we ate leftover soup. The corn chowder is superb and the chicken tortilla is the best. Two very easy soups that are sure to satisfy anyone. Thomas is suppose to be getting his new phone today, so we should be seeing him for a little bit tonight. Last night was the new season of Heros. I thought it was a pretty good episode. My Dad and Ilse will be heading for Iowa a week from Wednesday. I hope they have a safe trip. They should arrive right around Ilse's birthday which I think is on the 5th or 6th.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Monday Update

Losts of snow shoveling = sore, tight muscles in the back. We got our first big snow storm of this winter yesterday. I love the look of all the pretty snow. I don't even mind shoveling. I just don't like the way my back feels the next day. If it snowed all of the time I would start to have really good upper body strength.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Sunday Update

Yesterday was a good day. I went grocery shopping and then Chloe and I went to Target. Chloe bought me a nice blouse and a black cardigan for my birthday. We also saw Wanda and Matt while we were at Target. The funny this is, earlier in the day Doug had talked to Wanda, she had told him she needed to go shopping and he said, "Kathy and Chloe are going shopping too and they might bump into you."

It is snowing quite heavily right now. When I woke up this morning Doug was just coming back into bed. He told me that he had looked out the back door window and it looked like there were ghost kitty tracks in the snow. The tracks came up to the door and just stopped. There were no turn around tracks leading away from the door. There were also no tracks to either side indicating that the cat had jumped away. Very strange.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Saturday Update

It was fun going out for lunch yesterday. The Mediterranean pita sandwich that I had was very good. It was very big for $3.95. I also had Baklava which was a very big piece for only $1.00. Thomas stopped in for a couple of hours last night, Mao was a bit upset when he left. Today I am going to call my Dad to get an update on how things are going for him. I hope he is over his bronchitis. I can't think of much else to write about, maybe more later.

Oh yeah, it is now officially 2 years, 17 hours and 36 minutes before Bush is out of office.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Friday Update

Friday already. It is nice having a two day work week. Today a group of my co-workers and I are going to a place called Falafel for lunch. It is a get together for those whose last day is Jan. 31. I am going to have "The Mediterranean" a Falafel sandwich with Babaganouch and my choice of sauce on a pita.

In case you have not seen the local news lately, police believe a Marion man strangled his mother and then hid her body in the trunk of her own car for three months. Her car was found in a garage at Quinn's Storage. Quinn's Storage is not far from us on 5th Ave. Creepy!!!!

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Thursday Update

Back to work today after 8 days off. I am not looking forward to going out in the cold to start the van. It will be kind of nice to get back into an actual routine again. Yesterday I really didn't do much of anything. We did watch American Idol, they showed the usual losers who thought they had the best voice ever. All we could do was scream at the TV saying "Please make them stop!"

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Wednesday Update

Not much happening today. Chloe is at school, Mao is sleeping and Doug is trying to sleep. Doug has a problem with his back. I tried to help him by stepping on it and rubbing it, but it is still very sore. We have a bed that just isn't comfortable for him. I hope it gets better soon. Thomas and Diedre are going to come into town on Friday for a little bit. I hope he will be here long enough for me to see him. Thomas reminded me today that my Dad will be here in less than one month. Wow, that is going to be so different and probably very challenging.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Memorial To My Grandmother

Ardith . Gray
September 07, 1912 to January 12, 2007

Surviving are 5 children, 18 Grandchildren, 36 Great-Grandchildren, 15 Great-Great-Grandchildren; 1 sister, Roberta Sievers, Anamosa; and 1 brother, Mitchell (Lois) Winchip, Monticello; a sister-in-law, Alice Winchip, Anamosa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don, 2 brothers, Virgil and Arthur, and 2 Grandchildren.

Marietta Ardith Gray was born September 6, 1912 at Olin, Iowa. She was the daughter of Alvin and Belle Mitchell, Winchip. Ardith graduated from the Olin Highs School in 1930. She married Max Burns December 26, 1934 at Olin, Iowa. They farmed in the Olin, Clarence and Stanwood area before moving to the Scotch Grove area. In 1955 they moved to Monticello. The couple divorced in 1958. Don L. Gray and Ardith Winchip Burns were married at the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello on August 18, 1963. The couple farmed near Scotch Grove until 1990 when they moved to Monticello. Don would drive Ardith to area care centers and senior meal sites to play the piano and entertain. She was the Jones County Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1988. Ardith was also a published poet and a correspondent for the Monticello Express. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Rebecca Circle, the Royal Neighbors and the Scotch Grove Oak Drive Club.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Monday Update

It snowed last night, that means I need to go out and clear off the van. It looks as though I will have an extended vacation. My Grandmother passed away on Friday, she was 94. My place of work gives three days paid for bereavement. Grandma's funeral is tomorrow morning in Monticello.

We found Mao's new baby that had been lost for about a week. He is throwing it around and making snorting noises into it right now. Now he found his old baby and brought it to the living room. I rubbed some catnip on it and he is rolling around on the old baby and making the snorting noises. I think Mao is getting stoned.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Saturday Update

I still don't see all that snow everyone is talking about. I think is is just going to go around us like the last time. Yesterday we stopped at the Shortstop for a Big Slam and the clerk said "Did you hear? It's going to snow 6-8 inches. It's going to go into the Arctic freeze!" Last night Jacob stopped in to drop off the lasagna for Sunday. One pan is catered from Olive Garden and the other pan his mother-in-law made. We did our grocery shopping yesterday, so today I should be able to get some of the cleaning done and relax a bit more tomorrow. I have finished reading my book Me Talk Pretty One Day. It is very funny. Next I will read Eragon.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Friday Update

It is already Friday. It seems like time just flies when you are not working and it just stands still when you are working. We did not get the van taken in yesterday, I really hope we do it today. After we did the house inspection yesterday, I called my Dad and Ilsa to let them know more about the colors on the walls in the house. They were very happy with what I had to tell them. Unfortunately, Dad has bronchitis and his doctor says it could turn to pneumonia and put him in the hospital. I hope he listens to the doctor and stays in bed to rest. The weather is turning colder and we are supposed to be getting freezing rain and possibly snow. I want the warm weather back.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Thursday Update

I am now officially 49 years old. Next year I will be king of the hill. Last night Doug and Mary went to the Paramount Theatre to see a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. Today will be a busy day. We are taking the van back to the repair shop to see if they can get it to run smoother. Then at noon we have to go to the house my Dad is buying to do the inspection. I am having writers block right now and cannot think of anything else to write about.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007


It's my birthday and I don't have to work the rest of the week.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Tuesday Update

Today is my last day of work this week. I like taking a few days off around my birthday. This may be the last time for a few years that I will actually be able to do that. I will have to start all over building up vacation time wherever I end up working next.

I am afraid that my Dad is going to drive Doug crazy before this whole moving thing is over. Doug has to go over to the house with a realtor to do an inspection. My Dad was right in choosing Doug though, he is all prepared with check lists on what to look for. The realtor won't know what hit them. I talked to my Dad last night and unfortunately he is fighting off a virus that Ilsa had and has given to him. I hope he gets better before the actual move. That is a long drive for anyone and not a good idea for someone who is old and sick.

The kids all started thier new classes yesterday. I heard mixed reactions from them. Thomas seems to think some of his classes will be tough. He thinks he is really going to like his Iowa history class and gym will be okay. Even the tough classes can't be as bad as his chemistry class last term. Ashley thinks she will like her class. Chloe is not too excited about having two classes that will involve a lot of writing.

I am not sure what I am going to do on my little vacation this week. Maybe just chill and turn another year older.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Monday Update

I am tired this morning and I can't think of anything to write about.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Sunday Update

Thomas left for work about an hour ago. He has to work five hours and then he will head back to school. Doug and Ashley will be picking up one of Ashley's friends at the airport this afternoon and then Ashley will be heading back to school. I am glad that we at least have Chloe here. Today will be my birthday Soup Sunday. My soups are all about the bean. Mark and Mary will be coming over today, it has been quite a while since we have seen them. It should be a fun evening.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Saturday Update



Go figure, I guess I don't know my Dad very well anymore. He and Ilse bought the house on Soutter Ave Ct. It is the one with the hot tub on the deck. They are very excited and have to be out of thier house in Mareno Valley by Feb. 3rd. I hope they have help with packing. My sister's husband Dave will be flying out to help drive one of the cars and handle the dogs. It will be nice to have my Dad around again and the kids are looking forward to having Grandparents near by.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Friday Update

Happy birthday to my Dad, I think he is 74 today. We went house searching again last night and found a couple of possibilities. I really liked the house on Spencer, but it is really far out on the NW side of CR. With gas prices that would not be ideal. The last one we looked at off of Mt Vernon Rd has possiblities, not to mention a hot tub. I just don't see my Dad and Ilsa going for a house with a hot tub. I am leaning more towards the house on Country Club or the one near Noelridge. The only thing with the one by Noelridge is it will need some work and the basement isn't finished like my Dad had wanted.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Wednesday Update

I have a feeling that today is going to be another very long day at work. Yesterday I received some news that I am not able to write about yet. After work Doug, Ashley, my brother Dan and I went to look at houses for my Dad with Ken Nye. As realtors go he doesn't seem too bad. He does have the big stupid vehicle that realtors tend to drive. We looked at 4 houses, I think only 2 were worth considering. My favorite was the one near Noeridge park. Although the one in Marion was nicer inside. We got home around 8 and Doug made us all a nice supper of egg, ham & chesse sandwiches with hash browns. I always love breakfast for supper.

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Sunday Update




It is the last day of 2006. I did not want the year to go by so quickly. But, in a way I am also glad that it is over. With 2006 over, it means that Bush will only be in office a little over two more years. As my counter shows, it is 750 days. I hope everyone has fun in thier own way tonight celebrating in the New Year. In 10 days I will be another year older. Look out, every year makes me just a bit crazier. I'm only kidding (I hope).

Friday, December 29, 2006

Friday Update

It is Friday and I won't have to work for three days. Yeah!! Last night my Dad called and said someone has offered to buy his house, it is going into escrow. He is excited and scared at the same time. He can't wait to get back here, but he is worried he won't find a house in time here. He is mainly worried about what do do with his dogs if he doesn't find a house in time. I'm sure it will all work out for him. The kids only have a little over a week of Winter break left. I wish I would get to see them more when they are at home. But I have to work, they have to work and they prefer to be with friends. Can't say that I blame them. I am pretty boring.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Thursday Update

I can't believe that 2006 is already almost over. The only good thing about the year going by so quickly is that Bush will be out of office that much quicker. I hope the kids are enjoying thier Winter break. I enjoy having them here and wish I could be at home and see them more. I had fun playing Monopoly with Thomas the other night. I hope I get a chance to sit down and play a game or watch a movie with Ashley while she is home. Bobo has gone to have Christmas with her Mom for a few days, I miss her already. I will stop rambling on now. I hope everyone has a fun day.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Wednesday Update

I can't think of much to say today. Yesterday went fairly quickly at work. I hope it does the same today. We are back to a full staff at work, so some of the pressure is off. But it is still month/year/quarter end. We have most of the huge orders entered. The orders that aren't yet entered have issues. It is alway a fun time taking care of the issues, especially when the schools are closed and there is no one to contact. Last night Ashley and I went to Target. She bought some jeans and a few other things. I looked at the Christmas clearance stuff. It was already pretty well picked over. Well this is getting way boring, so that is all for today.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Tuesday Update

Wow, I have been too busy the last two days to even sit down at the computer. We all had a very wonderful Christmas. Except, all Doug asked for was one thing and he didn't get it. I won't be surprised if all Mao does today is sleep. Every time I turned around yesterday, he was playing with his new catnip mouse that Santa brought him. I got a lot of wonderful gifts; clothes, candle holder, big & small crock pots, slippers, a book, sheets for our bed, a bed in a bag, candles and more that I can't remember at 5:30 in the morning. We also had one of the best turkey and ham meals that we have had for Christmas. Oh, I almost forgot, we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Chicken Chow Mein and Egg Fo Yong on the eve of the 24th. It was also fantastic!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Saturday Update

They decided not to shut down early at work yesterday. That was a let down, but it didn't stop me from doing some Christmas shopping. After I got home from work, I grabbed a quick bite to eat . Then Ashley and I went shopping. Ashley drove Scout and other than parking, she is a pretty good driver. We went to quite a few stores which I will not name, as I don't want to give away where I bought all of the gifts. On Thursday we received two packages in the mail. We received homemade cookies in one and a Figis gift box in the other. I feel bad for Thomas, he has to work at the Depot until Sunday evening. He will be staying in Cedar Falls all alone. I hope the time goes by quickly for him, but not for me. I have shopping to finish and gift wrapping to do. Not to mention cleaning, laundry and dishes.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Thursday Update

Well, it is just 3 days,18 hours, and 45 minutes until Christmas and I have so much to do! There isn't anyone in this house that I don't have to shop for. I'm still not even sure what to get everyone. Last night was very fun. Thomas and I went to the basketball game in Cedar Falls at the new McLeod Center. UNI won the game, the score was 83-61. The ride there and back would have been better if it hadn't been raining, at least it wasn't cold enough to get slippery. We got back home at about 10, but I didn't get into bed until 10:45. Needless to say I am a bit tired, but I feel ready for the day. Today should go by pretty quickly, time always flies when we are busy at work. Tomorrow we are shutting down at 1, so that will be a quick day as well. Maybe I can do some Christmas shopping Friday afternoon.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Wednesday Update

Today should pass by very quickly at work. We are super busy with month/year end stuff and one person is out the rest of the week. That leaves two people to do all the work. Today after work I am going to Cedar Falls with Thomas to watch a basketball game, UNI vs Wartburg. It should be lots of fun. I have never watched a college basketball game in person. Ashley will return home today to start her winter break. Doug has made himself available to give rides to anyone who needs transportation to the airport from Cornell. Yesterday I received a Christmas gift from my supervisor at work. She gave me a candle that smells like red hots, a tin of assorted Ghirardelli chocolates and a small stuffed snowman decoration.
Click on Santa, then on each deer.

http://joecarr.ca/xmas/graphics/icqxmas.swf

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Tuesday Update

Today I will bring my Christmas gifts to work because my supervisor is off work after today and she will be gone until next Tuesday. She said she is bringing in home-made fruitcake today. She doesn't like it, but the rest of her family does. If it looks good I will try it. Yesterday Chloe made cupcakes. I think they should appreciate it a little more when she takes them in to work. But no, they have to complain about how they liked the other kind better and how they really need something to drink with them. I made peanut butter blossom cookies last night. Yummy!! I hope work goes by as fast today as it did yesterday. I am looking forward to this weekend and probably another few days of endless shopping and gift wrapping. It will be so much fun. Have a good day every one and I love you all!!!!!
Recipe of the Day

CROCKPOT PUMPKIN PIE PUDDING:

1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Bisquick
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons butter or margarine (melted)
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons vanilla
whipped topping (optional)

In a large bowl mix together the first eight ingredients.
Transfer to crockpot coated with pam.
Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours.
Serve in bowls with whip cream, if desired.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Sunday Update

It's Sunday already. Yesterday I spent most of the day shopping. Did a little Christmas shopping and some grocery shopping. We went to the mall, Sam's Club, Target, 1/2 Price Books and Pier 1. We went home to drop things off and then I went to Menards, Dollar General and Hy Vee. I was very exhausted last night. The worst thing was I still stayed up until 11 writing Christmas cards and then I couldn't sleep past 5:30 this morning. Well it's only one week until Christmas Eve. We will be having the usual Chicken Chow Mein nad Egg Foo Yong. It's too bad the kids all have to work on Christmas Eve day. I guess that will give me time to do any last minute shopping or gift wrapping that I will most certainly have. This coming Wednesday I will be going to a basketball game in Cedar Falls with Thomas. It should be lots of fun.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Saturday Update

I am glad it is the weekend. I was very tired last night and didn't do much other than dishes and I watched 1 vs 100. Today should be busy with grocery shopping, errands and laundry. With any luck maybe I will be able to do some Christmas shopping. Ashley and friends had a little trouble with a flat tire last night. Doug and Chloe came to the rescue. It seems that Chloe and Ellen did most of the work. I am hoping that Ashley finds time to join her family this Sunday. We don't get too many Sunday gatherings with the entire family here any more.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Friday Update

Yeah, it's Friday and Ol' Tony is back for a brief visit. Thomas and Chloe are finished with thier finals and are hoping for the best on thier grades. Mao is happy to have Thomas back in the house. Although you wouldn't know it because he is still a butt head. I can't think of much else to say becuase it is early and I am tired. One last thing, I do wish everyone else would update thier blogs.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Thursday Update

Today Thomas and Chloe finish thier finals. Mao can't wait to see Thomas tonight. We certainly aren't having Winter weather. It is currently 43 degrees. Tonight is our good night for TV; Earl, The Office, Scrubs and 30 Rock. I think The Office is having a 1 hour Christmas show, so Earl might not be on this week. I gues I don't have any other random thoughts at the moment, so that is all.
Go ahead...ask Santa to do anything.
http://www.simonsezsanta.com/

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

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, December 12, 2006

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 egg
Grind 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.

Monday, December 11, 2006

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. optional
Position 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, December 10, 2006

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, December 09, 2006

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, December 08, 2006

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 pieces
Preheat 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.

Thursday, December 07, 2006


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 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 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, December 06, 2006

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 extract
Preheat 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.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

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 flour
Preheat 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, December 04, 2006

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.