Ho ho ho.

If you had told me when I was younger that there would be a point in my life when I wouldn't get any Christmas presents and even more amazing, that I wouldn't even mind, I don't think I would have believed you.

My husband and I didn't exchange gifts this year and yet, this was probably one of the best Christmas' ever! Santa only brought 4 gifts for the chitlins this year; one big one and then 3 little ones. There was no tears, no yelling, no "I didn't get enough for Christmas - so and so got...". Everyone was happy and so very excited that we got extra long hugs this morning.

I wish everyday could be this calming. Oh, did I mention that they slept in until 7:40? It was a Christmas miracle. Absolutely the most wonderful time of the year.

Only 3 more sleeps to go...

... and I'm pretty sure I'll be visiting the emergency room soon before Christmas day.

My neighbours 2 doors over have a great old, metal slide from a playground make-over. It's wonderful. Nice and tall and gives you just enough power to fly off the end. In the summer and the temperatures are in the 80's the kids tend to stay away from it - those metal slides get pretty darn hot!

It's more like 30 out today and there's a slight sprinkling of snow - enough so that the boys have turned the slide into "Le Tour de Death"! They stand at the bottom of the slide pretending it's some guy and throw snowballs at it. Then, 'cause that just wouldn't be enough, they climb to the top of the ladder and slide down head first. Zzzzoooommmm! All the way to the bottom where they fall off and start giggling like crazy people. They turn over and make a snow angel and then, they do it all over again.

There's something just not right about young boys. I shudder to think of all the trouble they get into when I'm NOT watching....

Update: See? I wasn't watching! They just carried the snowman they made this weekend up to the top of the slide and let him go down. My eyes are closed and I'm shaking my head....

Only so many more days to go.

Try as I might it's almost impossible to stay in a Grinchy mood in my house. My little boys just won't let me! They talk about Christmas constantly and although it's more about what Santa's bringing them and less about giving, it's still pretty nice to see them so darn excited! E. I believe is even starting to learn to count backward because of Christmas (yes, I know he probably knew how to do it earlier but let a woman have her Christmas wishes will you?).

We're all prepared - except the cookies, and the mailing of packages, and the last minute gifts that I'll have to run to the Drug Store for.... no big deal. I'll inevitably be shopping next week but hopefully just for groceries and not for presents. It made it easier this year that we're not buying for adults. I know as adults we still like Christmas and we still enjoy getting presents but I have to say nothing is better than watching E. open presents. You give the kid a package of underwear and socks and he does a little happy dance! No joke. But I've given presents to one too many adults that just want to return it and "get what they want", or they want gift cards. Where's the fun in that?

And this year I thought about buying cookies instead of making them 'cause I'm feeling a bit lazy like that. I just don't think I can do it. I can't buy the cookies. I think it might be against the Christmas laws or something. I think I'm going to have to break out the sprinkles and the butter - oh, you heard me, butter! And since S. is staying home this morning (he's got a doctors appointment later) perhaps this is the perfect time to do it?! Nothing says fa la la la la better than kids and flour. Yep, I'm ready for Christmas...ish....sort of... ack... the kids are going to have to work harder at being excited.

Yahoo!

I found it! The cure to getting out of the Christmas slumps - just take 20 7&8 year olds, 5 bottles of glue, some pine cones and a Christmas wreath and "VOILA!" instant Christmas!!!

Thank you little ones. I really needed that.

Yikes!

It's been too long. I'm afraid it might be a little longer. I've run into a slump; perhaps this will get me out.

I'm having a might bit of a problem getting motivated and I'm not sure why. It could be the dark and dreary clouds. It could be the traveling we've been doing lately (Florida & NY). It could be that I'm having issues getting in the Christmas spirit! Why is that? I've already received an AMAZING gift from my friend Robin (Thank you again) and I love to see everyone else's lights up but I just can't get past that first step and put up my own.

This is not like me. I LOVE Christmas (and halloween, and easter and pretty much any holiday that allows me to place tacky ornaments around my home). I LOVE Santa. I LOVE the idea of Christmas and it's been a pretty good year for that around here. But I just can't get there.

Darn slumps.

3 more? I think not.

I don't know if I should prelude this story by saying that I don't think I'm fat and that I exercise fairly diligently at least 3 times a week but I'm going to... Yep, I have to say that you wouldn't walk down the street and think, "Man, that lady is a cow, a whale, a ship passing in the night". No, really, I don't think you would...

So, this is how the story goes: My family, all four of us, were sitting around in the living room today just watching Survivorman (a whole other story here about how you shouldn't let your 7 year old watch Survivorman...), just enjoying the time, when a commercial comes on about helping in Ethiopia or something like that and I said we should really do that because the kids are older now and what a great experience for them to know about other cultures (yah, a trip to France would be better but I was momentarily insane). Well, my youngest, the 4 year old pipes up and says that we need more boys in our family before we think about doing anything - thanks to Ser I think, who is currently carrying another little boy in her belly. E. thinks we need 3 more boys and then we'll be done with our family. Then, he lifts up my shirt to reveal my stomach and says, "See, you're belly's already big. You've got them in there now." S. burst into laughter! Tears were rolling down his face and I just sat there contemplating whether I should tell Mr. E. he could go jump in the lake (or other things...) or if I should just laugh and kiss his sweet, innocent head. I chose the latter. I wanted to do the former. Good parenting eh?

I am NOT - let me rephrase that - NOT with child. And quite frankly, I've been doing sit ups. Now, I'm going to stop doing those sit ups and go eat some chocolate. Darn kids.

Whatcha been doin'?

We've been raking leaves (a LOT of leaves),
Building lego ships,

Baking Bundts,

Feeling the fall breeze blowing in our faces,

And just snuggling on the couch. Wathcha been doin'?

Simply Saturday.

On such a dark and dreary and cold day such as this what a great day to have homemade pizza. I've lost my yummy pizza dough recipe - misplaced... lost... it's all the same when you're frantically looking through the cupboards. I had a craving or I really would have given up looking for the recipe after 5 minutes. Darn cravings. Anyway, it turns out that as long as the dough is homemade we're all happy. Yes, we could have ordered out but nobody in our house really likes the store bought pizzas - oh, we'll eat them we just aren't enjoying them as much (or so my family tells me...).

I thought I might experiment today, I had some mashed potatoes to use up and you betcha I put them on the pizza! If you throw on some crumbled bacon and some mozzarella it tastes just like - wait for it.... - Pierogy Pizza! It was awesome! I think I might try to use sour cream as the base next time or cottage cheese or something along those lines but the olive oil I used this time worked just fine. Yes, we Canadians can pretty much put cheese and bacon on anything and we'll eat it with relish. It's a sad fact but a true one and weirdly enough, it's one I'm immensely proud of. I should have posted a picture of the pizza too but it vanished quite quickly...

Side Note:

I should let you know that I only put 3 pieces of bacon on the pizza (when crumbled it goes far) and that the 2nd pizza I made was vegetarian - peppers, onion, tomatoes and cheese. I am trying to cut down the amount of meat we eat but for us omnivores it's not always easy - and frankly, my husband is more of a carnivore than an omnivore.

Put down that Patty!

Or, what to do with the 10 pounds of turkey leftover from Thanksgiving! Does anyone else have this conundrum? I mean really, how is that you buy an 14 pound turkey, feed 7 adults and 4 kids and still have more than half the meat left over? And what do you do with it then? We all enjoy a turkey sandwich (and if you don't you're either vegetarian or insane -that's the only categories I have for you...) but you can only eat so much warmed up turkey.

In our house we enjoy leftovers - again, to a point - but more often than not the leftovers take a different form than what they started out as. For instance, meat loaf magically transforms into tacos, meatballs or a delicious BBQ sandwich (if all else fails, go for the sandwich). In the case of the mountains of turkey hanging out in my fridge, leftovers has become turkey noodle soup (oh, yes, soup another standby), Hot turkey sandwiches (a piece of bread with turkey on top smothered in gravy - we Canadians love our gravy), and a new addition, Turkey Patties. I'm sure this recipe exists out there somewhere but I didn't look for one, I just threw what I had into a bowl and "VOILA" instant success. I love when that happens. S. wasn't exactly thrilled with them but he's only young so it could have been an uncooperative moment as well, you just never can tell...

In case you'd like to enjoy one of these Patties, here's the recipe:

Throw into a bowl,

3 cups leftover turkey chopped up and shredded - don't get all exact and fretful over whether you have the exact amounts cause I really never do...

2 eggs

1 cup of leftover mashed potatoes

3/4 cup leftover sweet potatoes

1/2 cup of bread crumbs (or the bottom crumbs of all your cracker bags - yes, this is what I used)

1/4 chopped up cheese - I used cheddar cause that's what I had

1/4 cup of chopped up stuffing or carrots or green beans or whatever else you happen to have

Then, mix, mix, mix until it's sticky enough to form a patty. When they're all shaped dip them in bread crumbs and place on a baking sheet. Bake 350F for about 20 minutes or until cooked through (the cheese will start melting). You just want to make sure the egg gets cooked and the outside is a little brown. You could also flip the patties over halfway through baking time to 'crunch' up the little thing but I'm awful lazy and didn't do that.

You could eat these on their own, as appetizers, with a salad or in a bun with lettuce, mayo, beets, coleslaw or anything yummy like that. Enjoy!

Monday October 12th...

Happy Thanksgiving to all those Canadians out there!

What we're having...

...for dinner/snack! Yummy. The pretzels that I talked about this week - I've got a craving darn it - and along side that a delicious pepper mustard/relish that a friend gave me today. Thank you! To top it all off I bought a new wine today; a Viognier by Cline. It's supposed to pair exceptionally well with a richly prepared seafood but I think the pretzels will just have to do. The wine guys at Cline Cellars in Sonoma are cringing and they don't know why! Hee hee....

P.S. Did I mention how peeved I am that Gourmet is folding? Grrr..

*Sigh*

E. Bean (4 years), "Mooommmmm, I'm hungry".
Mom (never mind my age), "Here's some yogurt with cereal - enjoy".
E. Bean, "THANKS MOM! This is sooo good! You're the bestest cook ever!!!".

Now, if only the rest of life was that easy and with that good of results. I'm not asking for much am I?

I'm sure my husband will be singing a different song when he's eating his bean salad for lunch tomorrow (and no, I wasn't thinking of the "bean song"). Maybe he'll enjoy the sweet potato and apple bundt cake I'm planning on making (no recipe yet...) for his 'snack'. Sadly, I'm one of those wives that makes my husbands lunch for him - yes, I'm sure he could fend on his own but unless I want one of those $8.00 bricks of cheese and a box of crackers disappearing from my kitchen I'd just as soon make the lunch. Lesser of the two evils? Perhaps. However, this morning I didn't have anything for him to take (usually it's leftovers but seeing as we had Kraft mac&cheese and hot dogs for dinner last night there wasn't any - yes, even I made KD).

*sigh*

One more.

Just wanted to show you how happy my coffee looks on my new desk. I think it likes it there...

Hankie Curtains and a Painted Desk.

The "before" picture of the window treatment - eww, it's okay, you can say it. I didn't pick it. It came with the house.

The desk "before" picture. It had good bones; good structure but the 1940 laminate just had to go. I'm sure in someones house it would have been just fine but in what I envision my house to one day look like, this wouldn't fit.

The NEW curtains! Thank you to MK for the idea. She did this treatment in her daughters room and happened to tell me about it. I found the hankies at a local second hand shop and after bleaching them (eww to old hankies) and finding a plain black rod at Target (I LOVE Target), I couldn't be happier (happy from a window treatment? nut.).

The new look! The chair isn't staying nor the wallpaper. I'm thinking white walls and a FERM living tree on the left side of the desk and perhaps a white or black ladder back chair. What do you think?

Did you notice the drawer pulls? I couldn't decide and I'M CHEAP! After all, I found the desk on the side of the road... I had thought about making picture frame knobs (please don't steal my idea) but the only ones I could find on the net were these ones - ewww... And since I don't currently have time to make my own (perhaps one day?) I decided to use some old ribbons instead. I tied a knot, slipped it through the hole, and then used an old pin (in this case a 1980's sunglass pin) to secure it in place. It does the job and I think makes the desk a little kitchy.

So, it's done. The drawers work great and it's the perfect height for my computer. I can blog till I can't blog no more! Aren't you excited???

Next up - finishing the dresser! I've already got the drawers primed and ready for a paint colour. This is the hard part! I can't decide what colour to paint them - white? green? brown? more black? No. Not black.

Oh, and honestly, the pictures don't do it justice. I think this is the best reno job I've ever done - that's not saying much I suppose...

ACK!

Gourmet magazine is folding! Did you know this? I'm a subscriber and have been for the last year (I wanted to wait to until I could read it in my own home before I subscribed, that'll teach me) - before that I checked the magazine out from the library and read through the pages just to find the "right" recipe to inspire me. This weekend it was the oven baked pretzel nuggets from the October issue (DELICIOUS). I've travelled all over the world with the writers of Gourmet. I thought it would be fun to actually go on a holiday and try to stop at all the little dives they go to. *sigh* Alas, they are no more and now I'm going to have to find a new magazine. Are the days of paper magazines gone? I REALLY dislike reading a magazine online. It just doesn't have the same appeal.

In the same regard, I have a fear that books in general are going to go as well. I cringe every time I see the commercial advertising the Kindle. Double ACK! How can you curl up in a cozy chair and fall into the pages of a Kindle? Yah, I know, they said the same thing about shopping on the World Wide Web. Although I love sending my thoughts out there for my friends to read I'm still not cyber suave. Heck, I'm still trying to get a hold on how to work my microwave and don't get me started on cable...

I'm not ready for the future. I'm not ready to let go of my travel companions at Gourmet. Sadly, it doesn't matter. It's all moving ahead anyway isn't it?

A New Blog to ponder...

...While I finish up my desk - and no, I really didn't procrastinate yesterday and I have the black fingers to prove it!

I'm using spray paint to paint the desk (don't gasp or shake your head at me). I thought it would be easier. I thought it would cover those hard to reach areas easier. I though the whole process would go, well, easier. It's not. My right arm barely works - I think I'm slowly pulling a ligament and now my last 3 digits barely respond to my brain. It's like this one time I tried to water ski and couldn't use both my arms from the elbows down... whole other story and not one I'm proud of.

Anyway, I went out and bought 2 more cans of paint and I'm putting them on right now. Really, I am and while I do that you should read Julie at Towards Sustainability. I think she's a smart lady and she's got a great recipe for crackers! I made them and I have to say they're lovely! I added 1/4 Cup Rye flour and 2 Tbsp of flax seeds. YUMMERS! So, sit back, stop folding the laundry for just a minute and browse her site!

Working.

Okay, I know it's been awhile but that's because I'm working on my desk and the dresser. Both are primed. Well, okay, the primers still wet but the last coat is on. I've finished the drawers for the desk and might I add - they look awesome! Really, I'm not just tooting my own horn....

I'm hoping to get the paint on the desk (at least one coat) this evening. I'm hoping that by tomorrow it'll be ready to bring inside... Don't hold me to that 'cause we all know how I like to procrastinate. I need hardware for the drawers too. This isn't as easy as it sounds.

I've decided to paint the drawers a glossy black and the rest of the dresser a flat black. So, should I keep the pulls black too or should I go with a metal or white or what??? They could also be ducks but really, no one wants to see that... what do you think?

It's Thursday... in case you didn't know...

and the weather has finally started to co-operate - alright, except for the chill in the air but it's fall and at least it's not snow!

I've started to work on the desk. I have to admit I'm not giving it my all. It's probably going to be 'rough' looking and look more like I refinished it versus a professional. I'm feeling pretty lazy about it now. I just want to get it inside the house so I have somewhere to put my computer and all my crud. I'm sick of sitting at the kitchen table. It's annoying.

And what I did today....

Zucchini Bread... I put crushed sugared almonds on top...mmm.....(the zucchini bread came from the zucchini fairy - or as we like to call her, Stacy)
Apple Crumble. I had some apples that were just a little too soft for the boys.

And a white cake mix I added concord grape juice (I got the grapes at the market last week and was too lazy to make jelly).

... so far! I'm feeling energized I guess. That happens to me in the fall. This is my season. Tomorrow is a Chicken Chili day! I browned the chicken in the oven this afternoon so that I'm all ready for the morning.

I know what I did yesterday!

A "before" shot. This was a picture I took when we were looking to buy the house. The wallpaper should have been a deterrent. All-in-all it's a nice kitchen but those cabinets hanging over the counter had to go. I've banged my head on it one too many times! I also thought that it would create a more uniform space; I'm no interior decorator and I was a little scared to see if I was about to make a HUGE mistake...
A "during" picture! We took off the back of the cupboards and this is what was there -pieces missing and everything! I think A. had a great time ripping it all apart but he won't admit it!

Another "during" picture. They're down and we're feeling pretty good about what we found. Phew, it could have been so much worse. But what exactly is going on with that side of the cupboard??? Yah, we still don't know.

The finished product. It opened up the space and made the fireplace room and the kitchen feel like all one unit. We added corkboards and a keyring holder to cover up the big mess that was there. A big improvement and a lot better than spending 10 grand on new cupboards, I think... Next up, removing that wallpaper and painting!!! Oh so fun.

The New Six Pack.

Went to Trader Joe's this week... and look what I found! A magical bag to hold your wine. Six bottles nestled in gorgeous maroon fabric - *sigh*. Being green was never closer to my heart than it is right now. Thank you to the smart people at Trader Joe's. And the truly fabulous part about this bag/container/magic contraption, it's only 99 cents. Go figure. They're practically giving them away. Wouldn't they make great Christmas presents, Hostess gifts, "I love you 'cause you smiled at me" gifts? Oh, the possibilities are endless.

If you haven't purchased yours yet, what are you waiting for? Someone else is going to snap them up (Me?) and there won't be anymore OR some non-wine drinker is going to buy them and use them to put water or juice in or some other type of bottle OR Trader Joe's is going to figure out they've made a grave mistake and priced them too low and before you know it they'll be $2.99. Could happen - of course, Trader Joe's isn't Wal-mart so maybe not (oh, little jab).

I'm hoping that once again I've been living under a rock (we've already established that this has happened to me on more than one occasion) and that great stores across North America are carrying these bags (I'm thinking Sunflower Market in Colorado has to have something like this). Getting my wine put in 11 different paper bags or a brown cardboard box just irks me - oh, but wait, that's not going to happen anymore because I've got this handy dandy little bag. Unfortunately, I only got one for myself (I did get one for some of my friends as well). I plan on getting a second - after all, you get that 10% discount when you buy a case! Mmmm... a thrifty wine drinker - we're a rare breed!

Oh, did you happen to notice that when I bought the bag I had to fill it? I'm missing a bottle in the picture but trust me the bag was full... I'll let you know how the wine drinking goes - we tried the Purple Moon Merlot already and I quite liked it. It's great with stews and soups but not so great with plain chicken. Ick. Oh, and the Torres was good too - also good with soups and tomato based dishes. A. wasn't overly fond of it but he drank it anyway (he's picky like that). Be forewarned, It's got a little plastic bull on the top so be sure to buy as many as you have kids (they fight over the bull - darn kids). It's a tough life being a parent but someone has to do it. Enjoy your wine drinking folks and please, be responsible, do it environmentally!

Dinner.

Looks like quite a production doesn't it? It's just a bit of prep work - quite easy, don't be scared!

Oh, so pretty! Eggplant, bits of cheese, and yummy tomato sauce. It's Fall in a slow cooker. *sigh*

Last night I made Eggplant Parmesan for my family. They all ate it - all of them! This rarely happens in my house - unless it's cheese and crackers and a cut up apple. But to have them all eat a vegetable smothered in more vegetables is just a miracle. Wait, I should admit to you that my children do eat veggies on a regular basis. It's not unheard of; however, Eggplant is a whole different matter. I don't get it - it's actually pretty when you see it growing in a garden!

Just in case you'd like to make this for your family, you can find the basic recipe in the Miserly Mom book. I made my own sauce (for which I have no recipe - I throw stuff in a blender, simmer it on the stove and voila, sauce) and I didn't egg the eggplant (oh, so many things to say here...). I browned the eggplant slices in a skillet on the oven - no oil - and then placed them in the slow cooker. I did sprinkle them with bread crumbs but about 1/4 cup per layer. Oh, and I didn't have mozzerella cheese so I just use the bits in my fridge (everything from goats cheese to Kraft cheese cubes). It's all a little vague - sorry about that. Anyway, it's friday and I think you have to excuse me my craziness on friday, it's a rule somewhere...

A special thank you to my neighbours for all the tomatoes and the eggplant!

Blech.

No, the cupboard isn't removed yet. No, the dresser isn't done yet. No, the chair is not done; nor is the desk. Did I tell you our neighbour gave us a piano? It needs to be oiled and tuned and well, put together. Not done. The hole in the ceiling where the plumber 'fixed' our shower? Not sealed yet.

So what have I been doing? I scrubbed the toilets today. I scraped miles of dried soap off the 3 bathroom sinks. I did the dishes - lots and lots of dishes - and now you can't tell because we ate one meal and the sink is full! I worked in the garden. I played hockey. I went and bought cleaning supplies and new sheets from Target.

A whole day has passed - a whole week has passed - a whole summer has passed - and not one of the things on my list is done. I'm irritated. Can you tell????

What do you do when everyone else is asleep?

This picture was taken somewhere near Fargo, North Dakota. I'd be more specific but if you ever take the road from Fargo to Winnipeg, Manitoba you'd understand how I just can't be.

It is 2:33am. For some reason I can't sleep. I woke up quite unexpectedly. No noises woke me. No alarm was set only to go off when it shouldn't have. No child wandered out of bed and stood staring at me in the dark. The dog didn't even start itching yet. And yet, I'm awake when I should be sleeping.

This is a constant battle with me. It never used to be. I used to be one of those people that could sleep for 12 hours straight and not even have to get up at some point to go pee (yes, I know 12 hours to a twenty-something isn't a long period of time but trust me it was long for me - I maybe a little hyper - go figure). Now, I'm lucky if I can get 4 or 5 hours straight without waking up for 2-3 hours in between. Sometimes when I wake up it's because I get all 'crazy' about something - finances, the house, whether or not I made the phone call I was supposed to make or remembering there's a load of laundry in the washer that needs to be put in the drier NOW. Tonight wasn't like that. I was sleeping quite heavily. I went to bed at 9:30. I was exhausted - I'm still exhausted. Tonight I just woke up. I have no reason. Nothing pressing on my mind. How I wish I had something pressing on my mind that I could do and just get back to sleep.

Now that I'm up I'd like to have ice cream and watch a bad movie (I'm sure that's all that's on TV at this time anyway). Unfortunately I have no ice cream and I'm pretty sure Graeters and Dairy Queen are closed and I'm sooo not going through McDonald's (are they even open) at this hour. I've read everyones' blogs (so nice to be able to catch up). You should all update them so I have something to read at 2 o'clock in the morning! Just saying. I'll probably have to have a nap tomorrow. Then the viscous cycle will continue. Ah, Darn it.

Movies Anyone?

I was wondering around on the internet (oh, surprise) and happened upon the Apple site. Well, doncha know they have a listings of movies that are out in September, October and November. Some of them I haven't even heard of (oh, bigger surprise). I made a list, 'cause I'm good like that. I love lists - this too you might know - and I've got them for everything (this is a whole other blog). I digress....

Here's what I came up with. Keep in mind I really like funny movies. I really dislike scary/thriller movies - I find life already too scary (have you picked up a newspaper lately??). Also, there are some big name movies out there that might be worth checking out (like Fame) and I haven't listed those since you've probably been bombarded with them already. You'll notice a few on mine (The Invention of Lying) but honestly, I only listed them because I hadn't yet heard of them. I might live under a rock.

1. No Impact Man - there's a blog too. It's a little heavy. It's hard being green!

2. All about Steve

3. Paris

4. Coco before Chanel

5. Bright Star

6. The Damned United

7. Couples Retreat

8. An Education

9. The Invention of Lying

10. Youth in Revolt

11. The Men Who Stare at Goats

'Cause you asked.

Grammar isn't my thing can you tell?

Anyway, yesterday I made some "Tracy Knock-off" pretzels - knock offs because I just can't ever seem to follow a recipe (control issues?) and I don't measure anything exactly (again, control issues?) and sometimes I see a recipe for something while I'm making something else and then they just sort of meld together (easily distracted - A.D.D.?). This recipe is a mix of the pretzel recipe off the Pillsbury Unbleached All Purpose Flour bag and a recipe for Herb Focaccia from the GE Breadmaker guide. I don't use the breadmaker anymore (now that I've got the handy dandy Kitchen Aid mixer) but I can never get rid of that guide - they have the best pizza dough recipe in there!

Here's the Recipe for my pretzels. Change it if you will - I won't be offended but I think I should put a clause in here that if you make them then you have to share them. Not with me necessarily (though that would be appreciated) but with a neighbour or a friend. Enjoy and Happy Baking!

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups water (warm)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 1/3 cups of flour
2-3 teaspoons of dried rosemary (or any good herb - I try to cover my bases here and use an all purpose Italian herb mix)
2 1/4 teaspoon yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cups of water
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon melted butter and some sea salt for later

Combine water, sugar and yeast - let sit until your yeast starts to work. In a different bowl, combine flour, salt, and herbs. Add your yeast concoction and olive oil to your dry ingredients and mix until combined - kneed when you get to the end until dough is smooth and elastic.

Cover and allow dough to rise in a warm place until double in size (about an hour). Spray 2 cookie sheets with non-stick spray. Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces for large pretzels or 24 pieces for smaller pretzels. Roll into ropes and shape into pretzels. Place on racks, cover and allow to rise again for another 20 minutes.

Place oven rack at top position and heat to 400F. Combine 6 cups of water and baking soda in a shallow saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and slowly place pretzels into the water (one at a time for large ones or 3 at a time for smaller but be sure to keep the gentle boil - adding too many too fast will cause the temperature of the water to decrease and your dough to get all icky). Cook for 15-20 seconds per side. Remove with slotted spoon and return to cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven. Brush lightly with butter and return to oven for an additional 3 minutes or until lightly browned.

When they come out you can brush them with butter again but you really don't have to (I didn't and they still tasted pretty good). Serve these warm for the best effects and of course, with mustard!

A little so long.

Is there any woman over 30 that didn't want to be Baby? If you say "No" you're lying. The way that man moved his hips was enough to make anyone go weak in the knees. And what about throwing some clay? Yah, you know you wanted to do that too. I thought we were supposed to be afraid of Ghosts. *sigh*

Good-bye Mr. Swayze. Save a dance for me.

Somethings you might like:

Others you might not. Check out some of the other blogs/sites I've found on the Internet. It's just a wealth of knowledge! So exciting. So fun.

A Contest? Why, sure! It's in Oregon - I know someone out there will love this. You have to make your own video however... *sigh* that sounds like work...

101 Cookbooks. It's got healthy stuff so this is really more of a blog about nutritional crap. The recipes look good just the same but I'm sure there's nothing fake in them. Darn, I so like fake stuff. The marathon cookies look good...

A blog on Canadian Baking! Oh, say it isn't so - but yet, it is! Hurray. Not too much in there that seems Canadian however, just the baker. There is a recipe called Pink Sin that sounds divine. Mmm, pink sin. "Ferb, I know what we're doing today!"

How about a recipe for Oreo Cookie Cheesecake with whole Oreos for a crust? Oh, yes, that does sound divine doesn't it? Then you need to check out Bake or Break - more my style. I think she's a little behind - something about a job taking up her time. What's that all about and really, why would you do that to yourself?

And Nigella Lawson. She's lovely, a seemingly great cook and seductive all in one swoop. It's just amazing. She's British so watch out she does use "fat" ingredients and butter but sometimes you just can't do without.

Possibly the best Peanut Sauce EVER! So yummy - probably even better if Amy cooked it for me and did my dishes, wiped the counters, fed the dog, put the kids to bed... I suppose that's asking a little too much from a blogger I've never even met (maybe borders on a little stalkerish).

I may have mentioned this site before: http://www.miserlymoms.com/index.html - not only good for recipes of varying degrees but also great for the budget conscious! You'll find great tips for being frugal on other things besides just food (that's only half the battle isn't it)?


I hope you enjoy. I know, I know, I know - I spend way too much time on the Internet and not enough time cleaning my house, cooking, doing laundry and all of the other stuff I'm supposed to be doing but I don't mind so neither should you! Life's too short to do chores everyday.

Want one?

Putty and his new family (photo copied from Columbus Cocker Rescue site)

Did I say how much I love having Putty with us? He's just a doll. He listens. He's housebroken and he sleeps in his little bed without any problems at all. He loves all of us - well, he's warming to the kids - they're loud, I get his apprehension. It's also nice to have something to snuggle with that doesn't wiggle about. I forgot how much I liked having a pet around. And so I feel that all of you deserve a pet of some sort of your very own. I'm pushy.

Just please, don't go to a pet store (unless they have pets from the shelter - ie. PetSmart) and DO NOT go to a puppy mill (please, oh please don't do that). I understand the draw of a puppy - they're cute. Keep in mind they will grow up and they won't stay a puppy forever! And in case you choose to go the puppy route, remember that the chewing, peeing in your house, and whining will eventually (hopefully) stop. Be patient. However, if you're going to get a puppy look online at a shelter or a rescue group in your area or even a reputable breeder. It's amazing how many little creatures out there don't have homes. And don't limit yourself to a dog (though I'm obviously biased). Check out the lizards, bunnies, rodents and other such animals available! Yep, the sky's the limit!

I am the Queen.

Exhibit A.

Exhibit B.

I believe I've used this title before. I think it was for something different. This time I'm calling myself 'The Queen of Unfinished Projects'. It's true. I'm not ashamed - remember the desk? Not done. The dresser? Not done. The chair? The other chair? Yah, you don't know about the chairs because I haven't mentioned them. The newest project is the cupboards above my counter. I hate them. Let me rephrase that, I HATE THEM! I know, Hate is such a strong word but really, they're just awful. I hit my darn head on them at least once a day. Just irks that crap out of me - and I usually swear. Not that I'm a good swearer but I could be if I really tried.

Anyhoo. I think I can do it. It's not going to be pretty but it needs to happen. It needs to happen soon. If my whole kitchen falls apart when I take them down I'll let you know. Oh, I hope that doesn't happen. That would be bad. A little funny maybe...

*Giggle, Snort, Giggle*

(photo courtesy of some place on the Internet where you can buy posters)

It could have been the cold/allergies. It could have been the Hot Toddy (mmmm...). It could have been that Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott are just freaking funny! A. and I watched "Role Models" last night - be aware that this is NOT intended for children. I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in ages! I was literally doubled over in laughter. And I think it was for no other reason than the movie had great comedic actors; even the children make you laugh, which is saying something 'cause I'm not always a big fan of child actors (that's a whole other topic). It doesn't have a huge plot - it's not cinematic genius but if you're just looking for something to watch on a Saturday night then this is a sure hit. I was delightfully surprised.

A few places I'd like to escape to.

I'm dreaming again. Must be the time of year?! Nothing like back-to-school and leaves falling from the trees to snap you into reality and out of summer bliss. So I started googling places I'd like to stay if I was going to escape (I do this often - this is not my first post on this). Here's a few of those listings. Let me know if you go (and take me with you)!

http://www.onelifeescapes.co.uk/index.php - because a seaside escape in England would be bliss.

http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/ - riding a horse through a forgein country - did you see '10'? Bo Derek had a great time in that movie...

http://www.golfaroundscotland.com/ - what better to do in Scotland than golf? Oh, and drink Scotch - http://www.iknow-scotland.co.uk/tourist_information/all_scotland/all_scotland/scotland_whisky_tours.htm

And if we're being honest with ourselves (which we're not) a vacation dream wouldn't be a vacation dream without Rio - http://www.responsibletravel.com/trip/Trip900926.htm

So where ever you are today (in your head or in reality) hope you're having fun! It's Friday. Phew, made it to another one. That's a relief in itself.

Introducing:

Putty. Silly Putty. Putt-Putt. Sir Putnam. Or just plain, "puppy". The newest addition to our family.

We met across a very crowded parking lot and fell in love after the dog we really wanted was already spoken for. That's pretty much how everything in our life happens and most times the second choice works out much better than the first one would have anyway. The 1st dog was a puppy, not house broken and a little crazy. Phew, looking back I'm soooo glad we didn't get the puppy! Putty is 3, house broken and very, very lazy. He's practically perfect for our family.

We've only had him since yesterday so he's not completely used to us yet and perhaps once he is life will change dramatically. Hopefully not 'cause we really like him just the way he is.

For the Love of Friday!

It's here. It actually has meaning again. It's FRIDAY! Have a good one.

Grade 2 or Second Grade - it really all depends....

Today was the first day of Grade 2 and S handled it well. Not only did he have a smile on his face in the morning (see pic.) but he had one when he walked out of school too. Can't beat that. As an aside, can you see the shoes the boys got on? Yah, those are his 2 year old crocs. We didn't notice he hadn't put on his new shoes until half way to school and by then there was no turning back. We are oh so classy.

Volunteers and Happy Additions.

Nice mug eh? Even better are the Black-Eyed Susans that finally took in the front yard! Hurray for positive thinking (and water and sunshine and all that good stuff...).
Hot peppers anyone? They are HOT and a little more than I can handle. I've got lots!
Gotta love birdseed and well, birds! I didn't plant the sunflowers in my yard - not a one - but I've got plenty and they make me quite happy. Everyone should plant at least one in their garden - yes, yes, it's soooo very basic but it's gorgeous for the same reason! Oh, and do you see the umbrella in the back? It also makes me happy!

Name that plant!

Plant Number One: The seed pods (?) start out green and then turn black. There are little yellow flowers though I've never seen them open. And yes, that's a piece of bamboo I used to hold it up. I think it can stand by itself but it started leaning and I wanted to be sure it stayed upright or else the kids would have trampled it by now.
A close up of No.1's seed pods - interesting no???
Plant Number Two: It might also be a grass. I think it might have been in with the bird seed I bought and just came to be. Funny thing is I saved this and pulled a bunch of stuff I shouldn't have... Darn it.
Here's a close-up of No. 2. Nothing miraculous really. I think I like the height of the plant and the branches. It takes up an awful lot of space in my herb garden.

That certain somewhere.

I'd like to think that we all have a place where we feel safe and relaxed. It could be your home, your car, your parents house or even an underground tunnel of some sort (in which case you really should talk to someone 'cause I don't think that's normal...). For me, that place is Camp. It's not my camp - it's my husbands or rather, his families. They've always had one but alas, I have not. It's not until I married Mr. A that I really started going up there and I have to say it seems like I always have.

Let me explain what Camp is. It's not your typical tent, lean-to or cottage. It's more like one of the cottages that your grandparents had. It's made out of logs. It has a wood stove and before the recently added 'New Camp' it was pretty darn rustic (no, thankfully you didn't have to pee outside - phew, I really dislike that and probably wouldn't go). Now, the 'New Camp' is a little less rustic but it still has the wood stove and it's still made of logs but it's updated with actual furniture and an Ecotoilet. It has a sauna and carpeting. It's practically a penthouse in Manhattan.... okay, not really...

Camp is a place where you wear plaid, flannel jackets when it gets cold (like in August). You have to cut wood and carry your garbage to the boat to take across and hopefully one of your friends has room in their town collection for it, if not you have to go stealth and put it into a city garbage can. Camp is a place where you eat bacon dipped in flour and drink the best ever camp coffee. Camp is a place where you go to bed smelling like sweat, bug spray and sunscreen. Camp is a place where you loose your highlights and your hair looks greasy all the time - because it is - so you have to just throw a hat on! Camp is a place where your kids don't run around like little crazy people because they're too busy going on adventures to see what they can see - and you don't have to go because it's camp and there's no one else around for miles!

You get dirty and you smell and you don't care. You sleep like you've never slept before and you have the best time just being. Lucky for me I had a few days at camp this summer. We've decided that next summer we're going for a couple of weeks. We physically work harder there than we do at home but we stress less and enjoy life more. I know summer here is almost over and I'm okay with that; I'll be anxiously awaiting next summer and a trip to the lake.

Love at any age.

Two weeks ago my father-in-law, G, remarried. He's a wonderful, caring, outgoing man. Unfortunately, he's been a widower for twelve long years. And then, as fate would have it, S came into his life. I don't know her that well, but at first glance I'd have to say she's also a lovely person. He's happier than I've seen him in a long time - and as far as I can tell, so is she. How lovely to find someone you love twice in one lifetime.