Living Happily Ever After...one year at a time

Fun Times in St. Louis

2012-02-01T05:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I had lunch with Aunt Marie at "Babbo's"---a really good Italian restaurant. I can never get enough Italian food in St. Louis. I can be happy with just the salads alone. Every Italian restaurant puts "stuff" in their salads---unlike Nashville---where you get lettuce, a tomato slice and a few croutons. I've been complaining about that for years. Here, every place has a bit of a different take on a salad. They include, artichokes, pimentos, black olives, pepperoccinnis, red onions and tons---I mean tons of cheese.
Give me a salad and a slice of Italian bread and I'm good to go.

Later, I met Chris for a movie. We opted for popcorn rather than dinner. We saw "The Artist" and enjoyed it thoroughly. This is the silent film. The silence didn't bother me at all. But I have to admit, there were so many times I wished I could see things in color. I love the 1920's and 1930's style of decorating and dress. I would have been nice to be able to see the color palettes. Anyway, it was really good.

After the movie, I went to Michaels. I haven't been there is quite awhile. Seems they have changed ALL of their dollar bins to $1.50 bins. Bummer.

Here are a few pictures from the shower on Saturday.

Here's the happy mom-to-be. She's a cute little pregnant girl! This baby afghan was made by my mom for her brother, Johnny. Jeanne (her mom) gave it to her with the understanding that if Johnny has a boy, she'll give it back. Angie is going to have a little boy.

All of a sudden, we have become the "old" aunts. How did that happen? All of the original "old" aunts are long gone now. Joyce is the only one missing.

Sharon made the centerpiece for the shower---the diaper cake on the right. One of Angie's friends made the diaper cake on the left. She made an airplane out of diapers. Since Angie's husband, Brian is a pilot, that was the perfect thing.

The fun is continuing. My friends, Pam, Nancy and Karolyn are arriving today. We're going antiquing today and tomorrow and then on to the scrapbook retreat on Thursday. I can't wait to scrapbook---it's been too long. It calms me---and I need that for balance in my life.

Later...

Winter Formal Dinner/This is How We Do It!

2012-01-30T22:53:00.003-06:00

Let me start by saying that Jeanne has this cool "gizmo" that is a USB with a memory card slot built in. I need to get one. As a result, I was able to download photos.

A few weeks ago, Morgan asked if we would host her Winter Formal Dinner. Even though I knew I was going to be out-of-town, I agreed. I had everything ready for Butch, Steph, Nicky and Mindy to pull it off without me.

Morgan requested place cards. I added the fancy napkin folds. Stephanie had Russell Stovers chocolates for table favors. We Eads' know how to throw a party.

I swear by a timeline and it worked for them.

Mindy said they got a good laugh out of this. She said that surely one out of the four of them would know to take the saran wrap off before baking. I said I was leaving nothing to chance!

Butch said the kids had a good time. The parents came to take pictures and thanked him for doing the dinner. He said the kids stayed past 8 p.m. We thought they'd be ready to leave by 7:30.

Morgan and Carson. What a cute couple! Morgan has some killer shoes to go with her dress. The skinny belt is a leopard print.

Apparently, they are not all that comfortable. My girls learn at a young age that sometimes you have to sacrifice comfort for beauty!

Their whole gang!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Whatever keeps the grandkids around---I'm all for!

I loved my grandparents, but they weren't exactly the type that we wanted to hang around as teenagers.

Things I Forgot and Another Recipe

2012-01-30T08:58:00.000-06:00

I'm in St. Louis. On the trip, I always think about everything I brought to see if I forgot anything. I usually do---even with all of my lists---there's something I forget to put on the list. As I went over everything, I was congratulating myself on not forgetting anything this trip. When I'm going to be gone for 10 days, I have a lot of extra stuff to bring.

Turns out I did forget a few things. This time, it was my camera cord. I had it laying on my desk, so I'm not sure how I could forget it. Plus, I don't think I did. I just might not remember where I put it. But it's not with my other cords, so I must have forgotten it. Not a huge deal except I can't post any pictures here.

On Friday night, as I was making the grape salad (recipe below), I was going over everything in my mind that I needed to bring to Jennifer's for the shower. It hit me! Oh My Gosh!!! I forgot the petit fours!! They were so cute---with blue baby booties---still sitting in my freezer at home. I couldn't believe it. I called Jennifer right away---it was already 8:30. She and Janice were heading to Sam's, so they picked up a pre-made decorated cake. It was ugly, but better than nothing---I guess. To make matters worse, Janet and Janice "tacked" it up further with some crappy plastic baby decorations---rattles, booties, baby bottles. All I could do was make an announcement at the shower about how I was responsible for the lousy cake.

After, Jeanne had a good suggestion. I called Pam and am having her bring the petit fours to the scrapbook retreat we're going on this weekend. At least Jeanne and Janet will get a chance to see how cute they are and especially how delicious too.

The rest of the shower was nice and the food was good. I introduced all of the family and other St. Louis people to grape salad. They loved it.

Grape Salad
2 lbs. red grapes
2 lbs. green grapes
Wash grapes and remove from stems.

1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together until smooth. Mix with grapes. Put in serving bowl. Top with:

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans

Delish!

Then, Saturday night I realized I forgot my poker money. Dang, I lost 2 bucks. I'm been on a losing streak ever since "cashing in" my winnings and buying that Brahmin bag in New York. Jeanne says it's not that. She says I'm losing because I bragged too much. Maybe that's it!

One thing that was NOT forgotten was my birthday! My sisters (and that includes my sisters-in-law---they are sisters) had a surprise 60th birthday party for me. I was totally surprised and didn't even "get it" for quite awhile. My cousin, Judy came in and said she stopped by because she knew I was here. That didn't surprise me because her daughter lives nearby. Then she said she was going to another party at Chrissy's. She was giving her husband a 70th party. I told Judy that I would come and crash it. That's when my sisters said, "oh, you're going to leave your own party to go to another?" I looked all puzzled and said, "what?" About that time, Jeanne pulls out a cake and I finally start to realize what's happening. I'm so blind, I didn't even notice the counter FULL of presents. I do like presents. Darn, if I only had my camera cord. Anyway, sisters are the BEST! I love them.

Cool!

2012-01-27T21:24:00.004-06:00

This is pretty neat and has a really cool message at the end.

The Stethoscope

A Layout and Recipe Share

2012-01-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

Hey All,
Here's my layout for The Scrap Room Challenge Club. I assigned the topic and color combination this month. To see what everyone else did, just click on the link to the AYM Blog on the right.

When I decided that I was going to have everyone scrapbook about their car, I had no idea what I was going to do. Then I decided to tell the story of how disappointed I am in my new car. One thing led to another and I realized I had these old pictures of family gatherings in the country. Turns out to be a perfect way to use those pictures and cross my journaling to include that time period.

Here's the journaling on the left side:

Okay, I’lladmit it---I made a mistake. I hate my new car. I was blinded by all the “addedfeatures.” I should have known better.

I LOVED myJeeps---had 3 of those and loved every one. But this time---I thought I wasready for something else. Plus, I thought it was a good idea to support mybrother, Matt, who works for General Motors. Add to that, the really gooddiscount he gets us for buying GM products. I got a “top-of-the-line, fullyloaded” 2011 Buick Enclave. Sure, I love the features that swayed me---auto carstart, hands-free phone, 2 extra seats, and the auto liftgate (one thing Ihated about the Jeep was that the hatch would fall down on your head---ouch!).But, when the “honeymoon” was over, I was left with a car I don’t love. It wasall superficial. And, idiot that I am, I got the exact same color as Butch’scar. I swear, it looked different on the lot. When I asked him why he didn’tsay anything, he answered, “I didn’t want to sway you in any way. I thought youjust liked my color.” Sheesh!

The bottomline is this car is just too big. I can’t see to back-up. I thought I wouldlove that back up camera, but I don’t. You can’t really tell from that, howmuch room you have. There’s a blind spot on the right that is impossible to seearound. And then, there’s the parking. Oh my gosh---it’s really hard to park.It’s just plain too big. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten blocked inbecause someone else parked too close. I just hate it. At least I only have 4more years to go. We replace our cars every 5 years. I just feel like I’m anaccident waiting to happen. As fleeting as time is, 4 years will fly by. Iwon’t make the same mistake twice!

Here's the journaling on the right side of the page:

Isound like a spoiled brat---complaining about my fancy, schmancy car.

Lookingback at the automobiles of my long deceased family members, I should begrateful for the luxuries I take for granted. When I listed the features I was“blinded” by, I completely overlooked, automatic transmission, power steering,power brakes, power windows, auto locks and most of all, AIR CONDITIONING!Besides the fact---that those old cars sort of smelled with their cardboardfloor boards. I’m sure those relatives could never have imagined what autoswould be like in 2011. And even if they did, they’d probably trade me in aheartbeat.

Now for the recipe share. Last night, I made pasta with my homemade pesto sauce. I wanted some sort of bread to go with it. I had some crescent rolls, so decided to be creative with them. You can't go wrong with crescent tolls. All I did, was sprinkle them generously with parmesan cheese, roll them up, top with more parmesan and bake according to the directions. They were delish!! Try them!

Parmesan Roll-Ups

1 pkg. cresecent rolls

parmesan cheese

Sprinkle crescent rolls generously with parmesan cheese. Roll up and top with more cheese. Bake according to package directions.

And now for your enjoyment. What could be better? My favorite Broadway star, Idina Menzel.
Don't Cry for Me Argentina!

I'm Really Losing It...

2012-01-25T04:30:00.000-06:00

Last week we had our AYM meeting. Karolyn couldn't make it. She had Bruce drop off her layout. Sometime during the week, I noticed that Karolyn's kit was missing. I sent an email to Pam and Susan to see if they had picked it up for her since they live in the same neighborhood. Pam responded that she didn't have it. I never heard from Susan, so I assumed she had it.

Today, Pam tells me that Susan told her she didn't have it. Now I'm actually a little irritated because I'm really short of time this week and wished she had let me know sooner. I told Pam and Nancy that I now remember that I took her kit and put it in my stitching basket when I passed out the other kits. My stitching basket has a few ziplock bags with projects in them. At least now I was certain where the kit was.

I got home and went straight to the basket, only to find that it wasn't there. Then I started looking everywhere it could possibly be---mud room where I put stuff that I have to give to other people, the kits going to St. Louis, the dining room table with more stuff for St. Louis, the hall closet and then my scrapbook room. I could not find it anywhere. That reminded me that the average person spends 10 minutes a day looking for stuff. I used to use these statistics in my organization lectures years ago. 10 minutes a day averages to 61 hours a year---a whole lot of wasted time! I spent more than 10 minutes today.

Later today at stitching, I had to tell Karolyn that I couldn't find her kit. I told her not to worry that since I am doing 2 books for myself, I would just divide my kit in half and bring it to her at the scrapbook retreat that we're going to next week.

When I got home this evening, I said to Butch---not really expecting him to know anything---"You didn't by any chance see Karolyn's AYM kit laying around did you?"

He replied, "You mean the kit you told me to give to Bruce a week and a half ago?"

OMGosh! I didn't even remember that. What I thought I remembered was that I was going to tell Butch to give it to Bruce, but never got around to it.

Mystery solved. I called Karolyn. She said that Bruce must have put it in her scrapbook room, but she hadn't been up there to notice. She apologized to me!!! As if it was her fault. I'm the one losing it!

There are so many things "wrong" about this picture. Not only did I "forget" having told Butch to give the kit to Bruce but I wasted time "hunting" for it. Worst of all, I actually convinced myself that I had put the kit in my stitching basket. I actually saw myself doing it in my mind's eye. Now that's scary. What other things have I convinced myself of? Makes me wonder....am I really losing it?

Words With Friends

2012-01-24T06:14:00.000-06:00

About a week and a half ago, I started playing Words With Friends via my computer. I'd heard about the word game for quite awhile, but just thought it was for people to play on their phones. Even hearing about it, I wasn't sure that I would like the game. It's a word game similar to Scrabble----but waaaayyyy different. Apparently, in Words With Friends, you are allowed to use the dictionary or computer to figure our your best play. Being a Scrabble "purist", I couldn't imagine a game where people (in my opinion) "cheated". What is the fun in beating someone when you used the computer? I want to play head to head with someone (or maybe I should say "brain to brain").

Anyway, I started playing with a few family members and friends. My nephew beat me badly in my first game. Now, I do not consider myself a sore loser, but Scrabble is one game I know and am good at. I have to admit, with each play my nephew made, I got madder and madder. With his very first word, I thought, "hmmm I've never seen or heard of that word before. But, okay, he got it." From there, it went down hill. It was word after word of crazy stuff that would never fly in Scrabble. Apparently you can also use proper names. Anyway, I eventually "resigned" the game with him. I was a sore loser, no doubt. I wanted to say to him----"I wanted to play with YOU, not the computer!" Move over Jeanne, turns out you are not the only sore loser in the family after all!!!

After that first game, I started playing with friends. A few of them used the computer too. That's when I decided that I needed to change my attitude about Words With Friends and just accept the fact that it isn't really Scrabble anyway. It's just a game. Once I did that, I was able to just relax and enjoy the game for what it is. I've beaten a lot of people, but suddenly it's not about winning, but just hooking up with family and friends for those few minutes. It's especially fun when we're both on at the same time. It's like a real game then---back and forth right away.

And, one other thing. You know how on Facebook, you aren't really friends with the 3,285 people you are supposed to be "friends" with (in my case, I'm only friends with 183 people---because a lot of my friends are "old" and don't do Facebook)? Well, when it came to inviting someone to play Words With Friends, I accidentally "clicked" on someone I barely know. I've been playing with her for a week now. She must be wondering why in the world I picked her. I didn't really, just an unfortunate click. Still, I"m having fun with it. I have about 10 games going.

Just what I needed, another internet related thing to become addicted to. Between email, Facebook, Words With Friends, PInterest, keeping up with over 200 blogs, and my own blogs, I have no spare time. The thing that seems to be taking a backseat is my stitching.

I think I need to get up an hour earlier.

Just About Finished

2012-01-22T06:36:00.000-06:00

Right off the bat, I can't get these pictures to line up the way I want, so I'll have to start here. Here is the view from Mindy's new condo. This one is from the right side of her living room. She has a corner unit on the 10th floor, so has windows on two walls. That made it a little difficult for furniture placement.

This is the same view. She overlooks a place called the "Tin Roof" which is a bar/music venue. In the summer, they have concerts on the roof which she'll be able to enjoy from the comfort of her own balcony. This road is the entrance to Music Row and is a "hoppin' " place. The buildings you see are shops, bars and food places. Convenient for Mindy. Her place is in a perfect location for all the "night life" stuff that she and her friends do.

This view is from the other side. Downtown is to the left (out of view).

Here's the nude sculpture of flying people at the entrance to Music Row. You can barely tell that they are adorned with red Solo cups in honor of the current Toby Keith song. I took some better pictures of it that I'll post later.

The view from Mindy's balcony.

This is another "hoppin' " place called "The Gulch" and is just across the highway. This view is from her balcony too.

More views from the 10th floor.

This view is looking straight down at the pool. I think it's on the 6th floor. This picture doesn't do it justice. There's a whole cabana, lounge, barbecue area for entertaining. What's nice about this is that Mindy can see if any "hot"guys are at the pool and then dash down there.

Now here's the beginning of the post:

As with any move, there are snafus---late deliveries, no deliveries, pick-ups, appointments, missing items, damaged items---to name a few. Mindy's move was no different. Butch and I manned it all with our busy schedules and somehow made it all work for the past two weeks. If he wasn't retired, I don't know what we would have done. Most days we had the timing down to the minute with very little wiggle room.

Friday was the "big" day. The movers met me at Stephanie's to pick up the chair/lounger. They were late which threw my schedule off. I was to be at the condo by 9 to receive the delivery of mom's room divider that I had painted black. I took off while the movers met up with Butch at the apartment.

I also needed to go to Target, but planned to do that after the furniture delivery and between the time the movers arrived. The furniture delivery did not come when it was supposed to. Finally, I got a call from Christy (my friend and old nail girl turned decorator) who had arranged for the painting---that there was a problem. The "guy" had no one to help him move the room divider. By this time, the movers were just about finished. I told Christy to send him right away and I could get our movers to do it. Her "guy" arrived just in time---the movers were literally writing out the bill. I never did make it to Target.

Christy arrived---she was doing the window treatments---another story, but let's just say that even though I started that process the first of December, they are still not done. Christy was to put the new hardware on the room divider, but the screws were too short, so that couldn't get done. And she forgot the little plastic things that hold the one adjustable shelf up. Not the end of the world, but frustrating for someone like me who is such an organized planner and wanted everything done by move in time.

I wanted everything finished by the time Mindy came home from work. We had already planned to have "happy hour" at her place. I had brought everything for that.

Anyway, Butch and I started in on the unpacking. Mindy has so many clothes, that I really expected to spend just about the whole day in her bedroom. Luckily, the new "closet" was installed the day before---sort of like California closets. I did spend a good deal of time in there.

About 2:30, I was starving so Butch went out for food. That was our one and only break. Carson dropped Morgan off after school. She is a hard worker and helped me finish the clothes. Butch hung everything on the walls and was just finishing up with the piece over the bed when Mindy called that she needed for someone to let her in. What??? She got off early and didn't call. I wasn't ready for her. My favorite thing when I help anybody move/decorate is letting them have the "wow" factor. Now she was early and we still had boxes everywhere, the bed wasn't made up (I did have the sheets washed and ready) and the empty boxes hadn't been hauled away yet. We weren't expecting her, Steph and Nicky until 5:30---it was only 4. We let her in and put her to work---which with Mindy is like no work.

At 5, it was time to "wrap it up" so Steph, Nicky and Merrill (who was picking Morgan up for babysitting) could have the "wow" factor. They did. And here it is (I forgot to take "before" pictures---I always do):

The living room: grey concrete floors, 10ft. ceilings, windows on both sides, rug, cubes and pillows saved from my recent redecorating. The only thing "new" is the tv stand.

Here's the chair/lounger. It's really too big for the room, but Mindy is going to live with it for awhile and decide whether she would rather have a chair. Of course, we've already donated her living room chairs (our old ones). Luckily, the chair/lounger is growing on us.

Here's the room divider---painted black. It turned out awesome. You have to imagine the chrome handles on the doors. Mindy loves it too. I'm so glad that she has something of her grandmothers. She also has her everyday silverware. She bought the standing clock at the flea market. We found the big "m" there too which we also painted black. The rug came from our family room.

Mindy's favorite color is red. I saved everything from our bedroom and bath. This rug came from our bath room and it has flee de lis. She has a lot of New Orleans style decor. Her bathroom is really big. Steph had a fit when she thought I had gotten Mindy personalized towels already. But really, I just gave her a couple of ours---after all it is the same name!

She has tons of cabinet space, but only 4 little drawers---8"---not even big enough to hold the smallest utensil divider. All of her appliances are new. She couldn't use her washer and dryer as the condo complex requires a particular model. I should have taken a close-up photo of the concrete floors. Just imagine a basement floor with a shiny, clear sealer put on top.

Mindy had one wall painted red. The only thing new is the tone on tone black rug. Her nightstand is a jewelry armoir that we found at Target when she moved in to her new apartment.

On the left of the dresser is the door to her balcony. On the wall here is an old, chipped up frame that I hung her needlework in. She has a couple other little things that will go in it too, but I hadn't come across them yet. There are still 2 laundry baskets full of little stuff and a tub of bathroom stuff that needs unpacking.

The closet. The space with the hangers is for skirts---I need to get some skirt hangers. I've organized everything by color---like my own closet. She says she's going to keep it this way. We'll see---doubtful.
.
The closet looks at least 4 times bigger now---and looks pretty big in these pictures, but it's not that big.

When we got home Friday night---7:30---I told Butch that my legs and feet were absolutely throbbing. His back was hurting from hauling stuff from Mindy's third floor apartment with no elevator---long outside steps. That's what happens when you stand on concrete all day long with only a 15 minute lunch break. I'm a work-a-holic for sure. I do work hard and fast. Even Butch couldn't believe we got it ALL done in one day!

As for unpacking and organizing, everything is done with the exception of those two baskets and tub in the bathroom. I had told Mindy that after Friday I couldn't do anything else. I have too much going on this week---something every day and just about every evening---classes, AYM, shopping and cooking for Morgan's Winter Formal dinner and getting ready for St. Louis.

As it turns out, I have to squeeze in the cable guy on Monday from 2-5. He came on Saturday while Mindy was there, but needed to get in a room that the building manager was a real jerk about and refused to open. Told Mindy he needed to come M-F, so here we are---squeezing something else in to the schedule. I don't know how all you working people did it. Luckily, Butch had me to handle everything on the home front.

Anyway, I can't say, I'm unhappy about this turn of events. This will give me the opportunity to finish up those last baskets. I'll be happy to head to St. Louis for a much needed vacation! I plan to kick back and just have fun---and maybe win a little money from the fam!!!

Later...

Another Busy Week

2012-01-19T06:02:00.001-06:00

The movers come tomorrow to move Mindy. There's been something happening just about every day this week. Her new closet is being "installed" today. The closet is not very big, so I got my plantation shutter/closet guy out there to take a look. He came up with some good ideas to make the best use of her limited space. It's on our dime as Mindy's extra money is already gone. It doesn't take long---it all adds up! I'll be taking pictures when everything is done. She bought a condo on the 10th floor of The Rhythm, overlooking the "flying" nude statue on Music Row. Currently, the statue is adorned with "red solo cups." That's Toby Keith's latest hit. I just love him! You can check out the song here:

Toby Keith/Red Solo Cup

Mindy's place definitely has awesome views. We plan to have our weekly "happy hour" there tomorrow night, so we'll spend the day getting everything in order. This suits me just fine. I get to work---unhindered without distractions. Whenever I help someone move/decorate/hang stuff on the walls---I like to be by myself. The only other option is if they let me be the boss and tell them what to do. I always have a clear vision in my head as to how everything should be laid out and organized. That's what I'm good at. Butch will be there since he's going to be the "ladder" guy.

My biggest challenge with Mindy's place is working in all of her favorite things. She wants to keep everything which makes it hard. With 2 walls in her living room being windows, one being the kitchen counter, it makes it pretty hard for furniture placement. She wants this lounge/chair from Stephanie. It's pretty big, but she won't be discouraged. I've got an idea of how to make it work, but won't really know until we get it there.

Disregard all the crap on top of the lounge/chair. It's in Stephanie's garage where it's become a storage lounge/chair. That's what happens to anything you keep in the garage---it just becomes storage. I used to say that about Butch's boat when he kept it in the garage. Stuff just gets piled on top. Anyway, back to this lounge/chair. At least the colors will work. Mindy is inheriting our gold/red stuff from my recent redecorating. Red is her favorite color.

Mindy has a "thing" about plastic cups. She has about 3219 of them. I made her get rid of a bunch. After all, she's an adult now---27---although she doesn't like to think of herself that way. She says things like, "mom, you would be so proud of me---I paid my insurance bill." Or, mom, "aren't you so proud of me? I earned 2 $50.00 gift cards from my bank for maintaining a thousand dollar balance." I take this to mean she's proud of herself for acting like an adult. I guess I "get it." It's hard for me to think of myself as a "senior" with just turning---I can't even type the number. It still startles me. Plus, it kills me to have to check that "final" age box on just about any form. I was in the 40-59 bracket for so long---that was comfortable. Nothing comes after this last box. Sort of like "it's all over."

Anyway, the plastic cups---they are stacked about 4-6---all reflecting some bar from her party days---and her current party days. She doesn't have a full set of anything. This kind of thing drives me nuts---the jumbled disorder of it. This is about as neat as it will ever look, but, hey, it's her place---as Butch keeps reminding me. It's easy for me to get rid of other people's stuff! If you need help with that, you know how to get a hold of me!

Enough about Mindy and her move. I got a call last Friday morning from one of those---I don't even know what company. It's a recorded voice saying, "Hello. This is "card services" calling about your credit card. Don't worry, there isn't anything wrong...." or something to that affect. Usually at this point, I just hang up. I always wonder how effective those recorded calls can be. Whenever I hear any recording, I hang up. Anyway, each time we get this call, the recording says that it's the last time they are going to give us the opportunity to lower our rate. Still, another call comes in. It's gotten pretty bad---probably 5 or 6 calls a week---even though I'm on that "no call" list. Karolyn said that she wondered if there might be a way to "opt out" of the calls if you listened to the recording to the very end. Sooooo, with that in mind, I listened all the way through the call. At the end, all it said was, "if you would like to hear more about this special offer, press "1." Which I did so that I could actually talk to someone. When the lady came on the line, I told her how I was annoyed by the calls and wanted to have my name removed from that list. She just laughed---that's right---guffawed in to the phone and HUNG UP!!! OMGosh! What is up with that? She HUNG UP on ME!!! I did the only thing I could think of to do---being in the house alone---I screamed at the top of my lungs---f*** y** you b****! It didn't solve one darn thing. I'm so tired of solicitors. I even got one call on Christmas night which was a Sunday this year. Who does that? I think it was "Peggy," so I guess he wouldn't know it was a Sunday or a holiday---for that matter.

That just about brings you up-to-date with me. Nothing much of note going on around here lately. I'm sure I'll have more to report after the big move! Until then....

PS Glee was really good this week. The Bachelor was good too---who doesn't love trashy drama?

I Love Random Stuff!

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-06:00

It's been such a busy time right now with the holidays, Mindy's move, getting ready for AYM, Angie's shower and planning for a scrapbook retreat. Mindy's move is on Friday and there's some delivery just about every day this week leading up to it. Next week, I'll need to focus on a couple of classes, my trip to St. Louis and getting ready for Morgan's Winter Formal dinner here.

In the meantime, here are a few things that have been going on around here:

I went to JoAnn's to purchase some card stock for my AYM groups. I couldn't believe that the sales clerk had to ring up each piece separately. Do you know how long that took? That's ridiculous. Maybe the girl just didn't know how to do a whole batch at one time.

I took this cute picture of Mindy and Lauren when we went to the theater to see A Christmas Story. That's one of my favorites and I look forward to it every year. It was the girls first time. They loved it too.

One day this week, I went to Kroger's at 7 a.m. after Curves to pick up a few things. It drives me absolutely crazy that all of the aisles are blocked by boxes and pallets of food everywhere. I always thought that the stock boys were supposed to do that at night.

I'm sure I've already mentioned about the woman that bags groceries who has to be 85 years old. It's so sad---she is really humped over from osteoporosis. I asked her how she was doing. She replied, "it was really hard coming to work today after being off yesterday." I had always held out hope that she worked because she "wanted" to, but now it looks like she "has" to. That makes me really sad for her. To be that old and not be able to just kick back and enjoy your "later" years. I never have her take my groceries to the car. I hope no one else does either.

Speaking of old---most everyone knows that I play duplicate bridge every Thursday with a bunch of really old, old ladies. I can say that because none of them are computer savvy enough to ever read my blog. Anyway, this lady, Ruth, is 94 years old. She still drives and is very sharp at the bridge table. I asked her if I could take her picture---I was so impressed---I had no idea she was 94. We were talking about birthdays. She told me that she went SKY DIVING with her great-grandchildren (who are in their 30's) when she turned 90! That is amazing to me. I want to do it too! And here, I thought I was really something just suggesting that I "might" get a tattoo at 60---still think I might, but I've been too busy to work it in to the schedule---plus I don't really know where to go---I don't hang out in the sleazy part of town. I want my grandkids to think I'm cool too. So far, they do, as we have the same taste in music.

Calling all siblings---do you remember these dishes? I picked up this saucer at an antique shop. I could swear we had these dishes growing up. I believe they came out of the laundry detergent box. If we didn't' have them, someone we knew did. I clearly remember them. I wouldn't mind having a whole set now. They would go perfectly in my green and blue kitchen.

This isn't a very good picture, but it will have to do for now. Connie gave me this milk glass pitcher and matching glasses. It's very heavy. I couldn't believe she gave it to me---and that neither of her girls wanted it. The set belonged to her mother, so it's really old. This is not where it's going to stay, I just put it here because I didn't have anything else on the table right now. It's going to stay in the sunroom, but will be moved to the antique, round wicker table, once I have fresh flowers on this one. Or maybe I'll put the flowers in the pitcher and leave it right where it is. We'll see. Anyway, I just love it!

Last week, after stitching, Connie and Karolyn were extolling the merits of "homegrown" honey from middle TN. Karolyn thinks it could be the answer to my hive problems. Although my hives are NOT allergy related, I'm willing to try anything. I agreed to get some. I had no idea how many different types of honey there are. I settled on this one because it was "unfiltered." You could see all kinds of "crud" floating around. I figured that must be the really good stuff. Connie's friend who is a bee keeper and really believes in the value of a teaspoon of honey every day said that basically, filtered and unfiltered is just like pulp or no pulp---both have the same benefits. It's just a personal preference.

When I "took" my first teaspoon full, I about gagged. I don't really like honey unless it's on a biscuit. I can't have biscuits every day---simply can't afford that indulgence. So I figured out a better way to take it. I sort of swallow it in one big "hunk." It still tastes awful, but it goes down fast and I have my breakfast right after.

I'm told it could take up to 3 months to see if it makes any kind of difference. I figure this jar will last that long. I'm going to do it---I'll try anything---it can't hurt.

I bought my first pair of UGGS up in Kalamazoo when we were visiting Sandy in November. I knew that I would never pay that kind of money for something so ugly---hence the name UGGS! These were less than half price. That makes a lot of sense to me because the weather in Michingan is so bad---snowy, slushy and rainy during the time you would wear UGGS, that these---sweater type---would be ruined in no time flat. On the other hand, here in TN, our weather is pretty mild. I wore them for the first time this week and am totally in love! They are so comfortable and warm. I've always said that my feet freeze in September and don't thaw until May. Not with these. My toes stay all toasty. Morgan complimented me on wearing them "properly" by tucking my pants inside of them. Huh? I'm not blind---I see how people wear them. At first, I didn't think I would like going "sock less" in them. I don't like the feeling of wearing shoes without socks, but these feel more like slippers. Very comfortable. I can see I'll be wearing them all winter. I'll be taking them on our ski trip in a couple of weeks too.

Speaking of trips, we're going to the Holy Land in March. My friend, Madelyn asked me if I was going to the Vanderbilt Travel Clinic to find out what immunizations I need to go to that part of the world. First of all, I didn't even know there was such a thing. Instead, I looked them up on the internet and filled out a little questionnaire. They responded by saying that I needed the following immunizations:
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella booster, and a tetanus shot. I called my doctor, because I didn't know whether I've had any of these recently. The nurse called me back later and said that, yes, I needed ALL of these, plus a polio booster. She said they don't stock them, so I should just go to a CVS Pharmacy's Minute Clinic. I went today.

Here they are---5 shots---3 in the left arm and 2 in the right. I can't wait to tell Morgan. Even at 15, she freaks out about shots. Any time she has to go to the doctor, she asks everyone if they think she'll have to get a shot.

When it comes to health, I do whatever is recommended. This is definitely one area that "I don't care how much it costs." ($400 to be exact.) I'll be "paying" for it tomorrow when the soreness sets in. I even thought having them all at once might set off my hives, but they didn't. That's a good sign as I plan to try another "step down" with my prednisone on Monday. I can't do it if I'm still breaking out.

Okay, I guess that just about brings you up-to-date.

What a Great Birthday Week!

2012-01-14T19:43:00.002-06:00

I've had the best birthday week. All the parities and attention really eased the "pain" of 60! It doesn't really bother me, but if it gets me parties and gifts, I'm all for it!

On Wednesday, I had planned to work all morning on AYM (A Year of Memories) classes and kits. But my book is soooo good---I'm on the second book of The Hunger Games trilogy---fabulous---I just can't put it down. I said to myself, "what the heck, Barb, it's your birthday, take the day off." So I did. I parked myself on the couch in the living room in front of the fireplace with a pot of tea and read for 3 hours. Well, not exactly a solid 3 hours---I had many phone interruptions from birthday well wishers.

At 12:30, I met some of my friends at 6th and Pine (Nordstrom's awesome restaurant) for lunch. I always get the Crab Louie salad. They all gave me great gifts, treated me to lunch and let me pick the dessert. I wish I had taken some pictures of all of us, but I didn't' think about it at the time. Afterwards, we went to the movies and saw Young Adults. Don't waste your time. I love Charleze Theron, but it was not very good.

Straight from the movie, I picked Mindy up from work. We met Butch at The Bonefish Grill---another one of my favorite places. They have the best sangria, grilled fish tacos and key lime pie.

My next birthday party came on Friday with my "posse" from Overbrook/St. Cecilia. Our children grew up together and we worked on every possible project at school. I was the "leader" and they were all my committee chairs. We worked so well together.

They took me to The Palm for lunch. I did take pictures there. Susan made the floral centerpiece and with Mary Jo's help, the table favors. With this creative bunch, I should have expected it.

You can barely see Suzanne behind the centerpiece.

Madelyn, Kim and Kitty.

Susan, Mary Jo and Sally.

We shared the complimentary birthday cake.

Here's the whole group. It pains me to say it, but I'm the oldest of the bunch! A few are not too far behind.

I got so many great gifts---Vera Bradley plates, napkins, coasters and place cards, Amazon gift card, Yankee candles, Vera Bradley flip flops with matching beach towel, antique spice tins, baby powder tin and box of hair pins, 12" paper holder, cake mix cook book, vintage calendar page: January 11, 1952 (currently at the framers), pedicure, bottle of wine, long necklace, the book The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt and a handmade Christmas ornament. A pretty nice haul. I love presents---who doesn't?

I also got an Archiver's gift card that came in this miniature gift bag. Adorable!

Thank you to all of my friends, I love you and am truly blessed to have all of you in my life---not to mention my adoring family who loves me too!!! I can't live without any of you!

And now for your entertainment:
Tim TeBowie

Morgan's Plans

2012-01-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

Seems like Morgan always has a plan/request for her grandparents. She texted us last Friday that she wanted to come over to "talk" to us. Well, she was just here last Monday for dinner with her friend. The "talk"could only mean one thing: she wants a loan for a car. The girl has been saving like crazy. She turns 16 in May and Stephanie has told her that she would match whatever she saved. Since her only means of income is babysitting, it isn't adding up to much. Steph is going to match her, but says she doesn't have more than $500. $1000 won't buy much of a car. I'm leaving this up to Butch to decided. We'll see.

Who can a resist this little cutie?

Last year's Winter Formal at St. Cecilia Academy.

Oh, and when she and her friend were here last Monday, did I mention that she asked if we would host a dinner before their Winter Formal? I asked the date---January 28. I told her that I couldn't since I'd be in St. Louis helping to host a baby shower for my niece, Angie. Steph piped up and said, "I can cook." Morgan and I looked at each other and barely contained our laughter---Steph is NO cook (which she freely admits). I then said I'd prepare the entire meal ahead of time. All Steph and Butch would have to do would be to make the mashed potatoes and cook everything else that just needs to go in the oven. Mindy and Nicky plan to help. After all, Mindy owes us. We hosted her Winter Formal for 30 kids about 10 years ago. For Morgan, it's all set---10 teens in formal wear for dinner. A piece of cake. I'll provide them with a foolproof menu and a timeline. Butch, Steph, Nicky and Mindy should be fine. Plus, I can always orchestrate by phone from afar.

Whatever keeps her coming over.

Things I'm Not Happy About Right Now

2012-01-11T04:05:00.000-06:00

1. Turns out the smoke alarm is "hardwired" and needs a service call. It started "chirping" in the middle of Sunday night again. (Update here---turns out it wasn't even the smoke alarm but our carbon monoxide alarm that does take batteries. The security system guy replaced them for us. Of course, we had to pay a service call because it really wasn't their problem. 95 bucks to change 3 batteries---sheeesh).

2. The new aquarium is too ~~damn~~ darn loud. Really, it's driving me nuts---wakes me up at night. I have to remember to close our bedroom door. Maybe that will help. No more sleeping on the couch.

3. The florescent light in the pantry is screwed up again. It won't turn on. Mr. Thrifty says we need to leave it on ALL the time. What??? This is the same guy that doesn't like to use the garage door opener because it wastes too much electricity. Plus, I'm a habitual light turner outer.

4. Taylor Swift won the role of Eponine in the screen version of Les Miserables (my ALL TIME favorite Broadway show). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE, love, love our hometown girl---just not in my favorite play. I wanted Lea Michelle. I get that they want to try to get Taylor's fans in the seats. I guess it really is all about the money.

5. Mindy just scared me to death! It's 4:30 a.m. and someone just drove around our driveway. And it wasn't even Mindy. Hhhmmm, I wonder, why did I jump to that conclusion?

6. When it comes to products, why don't companies test them with the people that will be using them? Several cases in point:
A. I've been complaining about paper trimmers for a long time and have ~~purchased~~ wasted money on every one. I would love to be the person that tell them: "the blade flies out when you lift the cutting bar" or "it simply does not cut straight." I have always relied on Fiskars to have the best scissors/cutting systems on the market. Not so with paper trimmers. A scrapbooker should have tested all trimmers.
B. There are several serious blind spots on my car. And I can't see to back up---I know, I have a back up camera, but it's not "true to life" so it's hard to get used to. Maybe I'm just too short for it. A short driver should have tested the car.
C. Mindy's cabinets in her new condo are configured "wrong." For one thing, she has 4 tiny drawers---none big enough for her cutlery holder. I'll have to see if they make a 10" one. And they put 3 shelves in each cabinet (making 4 if you count the bottom). As a result, you can't put a box of cereal or bottle of oil or anything taller than 8"---and she has no pantry, so the cabinets have to be used for food. In order to remove a shelf, or even adjust them, you have to take the cabinet doors off. What idiot designed that? Butch figured out a way to do it, but, let's just say it was NOT how it was supposed to be done (don't want Mindy to freak, here). A cook should have tested this kitchen.

7. I turn 60 today. I've never been bothered by birthdays and actually look on each one as a milestone. I haven't been all that bothered by this one either---until I saw the number in "print." Man, 60 seems old. When I sort of complained about it, one of my friends emailed me with this: "Barb, you have the energy of 3---20 year olds." That made me feel better. Then Connie said, "I'd say 4---15 year olds." One thing is for sure, I have more upper body strength than my girls. (Heading towards 70---now that seems really old).

8. I have a slight headache---and it's my birthday! I shouldn't complain, I rarely get headaches anymore.

I was hoping to come up with 10 things, but can't. So I guess that's a good thing---I'm pretty darn lucky and happy in my life that I don't have much to complain about. Just give me a few more days....

Things I've Learned in 2011

2012-01-08T21:26:00.000-06:00

1. Having half/walls in your bathroom is not a good idea. They become clothes racks. I'm guilty too.

2. Apparently, the chair is another clothes rack---and the floor too---on Butch's side.

3. No matter how many needlework supplies you have, when you start a new project, you NEVER have what you need. This may look like a mess, but it is really all neatly organized.

I have all of my fibers organized on project rings by type.

There are over 100 on this one ring.

4. PetSmart allows dogs in the store! And they give them doggie biscuit treats when they leave. But nothing for us human's that are actually paying the bill! A piece of chocolate would be nice. I found this out when I was hunting for an aquarium for Butch for Christmas. It was an unpleasant experience. As soon as you walk in the store, it really smells. I couldn't stand it. And I had to go to 2 other pet stores before I decided that I couldn't pick it out for him---there are too many choices. All I wanted to have a say in was the stand anyway.

5. Dr. Oz was validated about 2% milk being the best for you. Fat free milk has more sugar which converts to fat anyway. I was so happy to go back to 2% milk. I'm really loving milk again---2% just has more flavor and tastes richer.

6. When the battery dies on your smoke alarm, it will ALWAYS be in the middle of the night. Frighteningly annoying!

7. Cameron on Modern Family is NOT gay. If someone had said that one of the two guys was NOT gay, I'd have picked the other guy, Mitchell (who actually is in real life). Cameron just nails it!

8. Apparently, I don't like ANY wildlife. Remember this post? I rest my case.

http://www.barbaraeads.blogspot.com/2011/05/you-cant-make-this-stuff-up.html

9. I seem to have some control over Connie when it comes to our needlework. I have been able to convince her to "throttle back" a few times this year. After all, as soon as we commit to something, the needlework store will have something better. However, she did cause me to "cave" when sight, unseen, I agreed to order a button pillow canvas. I was in London when she emailed me about it. I told her to go ahead and sign me up. That's how I discovered, yet again, that I don't have any of the fibers needed to complete it!

10. Yankee candles from Target do not smell as good as the ones from the Yankee Candle store. Seriously, they are about half the price. Either they are seconds, last year's candles, or they make something completely different for Target and leave out some of the scent. I won't be buying them again. Plus, when you give someone a Yankee Candle for a gift, you would like for them to know you bought it at the store and not the cheap ones from Target. Maybe that's why they don't smell as good. When you receive one, you can tell whether your friend "cheaped out" on you or not.

I'm sure I learned a whole lot more in 2011, but these are just the ones that came to mind. What did you learn last year?

MIA

2012-01-06T05:43:00.003-06:00

I know it seems like I've been missing in action this past week, but I've been crazy, busy. Plus, since I'm sleeping better, I have fewer hours in my day. I do miss that. It's much easier to stay on top of things with a few extra hours a day. But, actually, it's a good thing I'm sleeping more. I need it. It's not good for the body to get only 3-4 hours a night. Add to that the proven fact that people that get less than 7 hours a night gain weight---well, we all know I don't need that. Just because I'm sleeping better doesn't mean I'm off the prednisone, just a slightly lower dose---which is a very good thing. However, I haven't been able to taper down since the "heat seat" incident a couple weeks ago. The things that set off my hives this week are: sleeping with my hand clenched (caused a huge hive in the palm of my hand---this one really drove me crazy), wearing a ring I "found" in my jewelry box and then, just last night, plucking my chin hairs (paying for that today). The good news is that I've been able to "tough" it out and get by without increasing my prednisone. It just means I can't taper down another level for awhile.

We went to St. Louis after Christmas last week. We had a great time as always and managed to see everyone we wanted to. Sometimes that's hard to do. Luckily, we stayed with Aunt Marie and Uncle Tony or we really wouldn't have seen them much. We took them to dinner on the "hill" to Aunt Marie's favorite place, "Lorenzo's." Every place on the "hill" is good---there are so many.

I quit relying on Butch to bring a blow dryer when we travel because this is what he thinks qualifies. It is so tiny and the air that comes out is more like a soft "blow"---kind of like a whistle without the sound. My hairbrush is normal sized, so you can see how little the blow dryer is. I guess it fits nicely in his "ditty bag."

Angie and Brian got married the first part of October. He's been around for awhile, but it was nice to officially welcome him in to the family.

Comparing "baby bumps." I think Angie will pass him up before long.

This picture doesn't really do Angie's wedding ring justice. It's really pretty. Besides the big diamond in the middle, there are two pretty big diamonds on each side. Girls now-a-days really get nice rings. I didn't get my first diamond until we'd been married 10 years. And now, since our insurance company has cancelled us since I've lost 3 things in 9 years, I'm about ready to give it all away. No sense in having it if I have to be afraid to wear it. I'm not careless either---well maybe that drunken time in New Orleans---still, the bracelet shouldn't have fallen off.

My sister, Joyce and her darling girls, Devon (sitting) and Madison.

We brought Morgan with us so she could hang out with her cousins. They don't get to see each other often enough. In fact, the main reason I made the trip to St. Louis was to see Joyce. They live in South Bend, IN. I told her that whenever she was going to St. Louis, if at all possible, I'd come in too. Same goes for my sister, Janice who lives in Texas. I'll be seeing her at the end of January.

Butch and Morgan---I have lots of cute pictures of the two of them. He's a grandpa that can't resist his grandkids (or daughters for that matter)---anything they want. On the drive "in", we actually stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel and ate inside. A far cry from the usual---"quick drive through, run in the bathroom, and I'll pick you up on the other side, order off the dollar menu and we'll eat on the road" that I usually get. God forbid if I order the butterfingers shake...I'm just sayin'.

The only sister missing was Janice. Our sister-in-laws, Janet and Sharon weren't there yet when I got this picture. I wish I would have thought of it when they arrived. After all these years, they are definitely sisters too. In fact, years ago, we said that if anything ever happened between them and our brothers, we'd keep them and let the brothers go! Only kidding, we love our "boys" too.

I had to have an updated photo of Johnny and me. I'm his godmother and the last one was on his First Communion. That was some years ago---I guess darn near 20---18 or 19 to be exact.

The amount of food this family consumes always amazes me. When we started the evening with this spread, I thought, "oh, my, gosh, this is way too much food. By midnight, it was nearly gone. We take several food breaks during our poker game to refresh drinks and graze. Works for us.We had honey-baked ham and turkey, assorted cheeses, crab rangoons, cheese spreads, relish tray, Italian olives, assorted dips, salami and more cheese, veggies and dip, meatballs, terrible guacamole (it was store bought), tons of chips, cookies, candy, brownies, and gooey butter cake and I'm still probably leaving out some stuff.

Getting a Kindle for Christmas was a really great surprise. I put it next to my datebook so you could see how small it is---fits nicely in my purse. It's really fun to get something you don't expect. I spent quite a bit of time downloading 60 free books. The obsessive part of me had to check out every one of the top 100 free books available. It just takes about 3 seconds to download them, but then I have to organize them into categories. I added a few free games too. I bought a trilogy which is for my book club. I am reading the first one now---The Hunger Games. Very good---I really don't want to put it down. The only thing that I don't like about the Kindle so far is that you never know what page you are on. It has a little meter at the bottom that tells you how much percentage you've read. It's another thing I am obsessing about---each time I "turn the page", I have to look at the bottom to see if the percentage has changed. Plus, when I'm down to the wire before book club, I like to know how many pages per day I need to read to finish the book. We'll see how that goes. I don't really know how everything works. I've lost my place twice and had to start from the beginning of the book and figure it out. I need some private lessons because I'm afraid if I go back to the tutorial, I'll lose my place again.

My cousin, Judy---who apparently was worried about me because I hadn't posted lately---gave me this book for my upcoming 60th (ouch, it hurts to even type that number) birthday. I have never heard of it.

I haven't had a chance to start reading it, but I can see that it is right up my alley. It is written in scrapbook form. As soon as I finish my book for book club, it's next on my list. Judy has read it and says it's really good. The only thing---I forgot to have her inscribe it. When people give me books, I like to have them do that. It's really kind of self-serving because they usually say something nice about me. I'm not above getting a "forced" compliment!

Last year, Connie, Nancy, Katie and I needlepointed the Christmas tree pillow above.This year, Connie and I did the companion piece---row of presents. I'm having the original one re-done to match the new one. I wasn't happy with how it was finished anyway. I think they took an extraordinary piece of needlework and made it in to an ordinary pillow. I bought a blue, tartan plaid fabric to use. The only thing about our fancy, stitched needlepoint pillows is that no one can sit on them. They better not dare! Although, sometime over Christmas, one of my darling grandchildren did---as the pillow was a bit smashed, but it fluffed back out okay.

And just when you think you have put all the Christmas decorations away, you discover this---darling "sugar cookie magnets" on the refrigerator. It's been a week and a half since I got all the Christmas stuff put away and I just now noticed them. I'm not known to be particularly observant.

And finally:
Here is my favorite song from 2011. In fact, I'm going to use the title in my ABC album.
The original by Adele:
Someone Like You
This is a couple singing Adele's song for a contest hosted by Perez Hilton. They are pretty amazing.
Someone Like You
And if you haven't had enough of this song, here's the video of Adele around London:
Someone Like You

Stay tuned for my next post: "Lessons Learned in 2011." Until then, stay warm...

Christmas Re-cap and Damage Report

2011-12-27T05:14:00.000-06:00

Our regular Christmas was interrupted this year due to Jordan's work schedule. We had to be flexible with the timing of everything. Christmas Eve started off with our "big" breakfast in the dining room---that's the only room that can hold all of us anyway. Jordan had to miss all of our regular daytime activities---breakfast, "santa of the sleigh", manis and pedis, food prep and games. Greg and Mitchell went to the Titan's game. When they got home, the family went down to see Mindy's new condo. I stayed behind to do a few things and slip in a little nap.

When the family got home, we started getting the room ready---we move all of the furniture against the wall so we have the room wide open. We "held" Christmas Eve until Jordan got here---7 p.m.---we usually start around 5 p.m.---we did go ahead and start eating at 6:30 because everyone was starving. I make the some things every year with a few new things: beef tenderloin on Sister Shubert rolls with home-made horseradish cream, boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce, spinach balls, crab spread, chicken almond cheese ball, beef/cream cheese roll-ups, clam dip, party mix, Christmas cookies and petit fours. We like doing pick up foods so we can graze all night while opening gifts---we do them one-by-one, so it takes awhile.

Elizabeth checks out the presents. It wouldn't be Christmas if the kids didn't rattle and shake a few things.

Waiting to begin...from left---Nicky, Stephanie, Butch, Mindy, Elizabeth---everyone complains that the house is freezing, hence the blankets. But it seems to me, if you are wearing leggin's, no shoes or socks and short sleeved t-shirts in the middle of winter, you deserve to be cold! We didn't light a fire, because then it gets too hot. You can't please everybody---especially 12 people.

Mindy, Elizabeth, Sandy, Greg, Mitchell and Victoria---flannel p.j.'s are the best bet.

Morgan sat next to me---I should have had someone take my picture.

Butch is all ready with the trash bag. He takes all the wrappings and checks to make sure nothing important is thrown away---directions, gift cards, etc. He's fanatical about this. I requested a trash bag on our side of the room and right away, he told me I was "doing it wrong." I was just cramming the wrappings in the bag without twisting it into the tiniest of wads---to conserve space---plus, I wasn't checking it properly. We went back to throwing it across the room to him. He was happier that way.

Everyone had a few surprises and thought this was the best Christmas ever---of course, we say that every year. I got a really good surprise---a Kindle. I didn't ask for it, but Butch knew I'd been "on the fence" about it for over a year now. Everyone I know that has one just loves it. I didn't know if I'd like it as I love books and the tactile experience of books. I'm excited to try it out and have already downloaded 2 free books and 5---99 cent ones. I'm thinking it could save me money in the long run as I would only purchase the "real" books that I want for my collection. This Kindle holds 1400 books and is so cute. On the other hand, it could be just one more thing I obsess about---purchasing more books than I could ever read.

I think we finished unwrapping gifts about 10 p.m. and put the room back together. Then the poker games began. We move back in to the dining room for that.

Mindy gave Mitchell this "game" called Reaction. It's a real shocker! Literally, 4 people take a handle. The object is to hit your button when the light flashes. The last person to "buzz" in gets shocked. I imagine this game was invented by a bunch of drunk, college, frat boys as a drinking game.

I lost the first 3 games in a row. There are different levels of "shock" you can do. We had it on the lowest setting. It felt like that shock you get when touching something electrical while barefooted on a concrete floor. Elizabeth was the only smart one and never tried it! Mindy thought Mitchell and his friends would get a kick out of it. I'm sure they will as these are the same boys who play "sting pong." If you lose at ping pong, you have to take off your shirt and let the other boys "zap" you with the ping pong balls---it hurts and leaves welts---something boys would think of.

This is where you will find me early in the morning, or just when I want a break from the craziness and noise---in front of the fireplace in the living room with a book or my computer.

This is what a "sexy" man looks like. Butch is always helpful around the house, but he really "kicks it up" a notch when the whole family is here. There is a constant mess, but everyone helps, so it's not so bad. There is just a lot to do with 12 people around.

And now for the damage report:
spills in the family room---too many to count---caused me to institute a new rule---no drinks unless you keep it in your hand at all times.

spills in the rec room---I have no idea as I didn't even go up there and the kids would not be mentioning that.

broken dishes---3---I dropped 2 of them filled with party mix---they shattered like a windshield and shot all over the kitchen---that brought the games to a halt while we got out the vacuum. The usual yelling ensued---"don't come in here, you're barefooted." "Stop, you have socks on." etc.

BIGGEST DISASTER OF ALL:
It all started innocently enough. We were watching a Muppet's Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve afternoon as the Lapps family had never seen it. Elizabeth was sitting in the recliner with Morgan when they suddenly jumped up and said that Jeannette had "gotten away." Jeannette is Victoria's hamster that they have to travel with. We didn't even realize that Elizabeth had gotten her out. We knew Jeannette had to be in the chair, so we carefully started to hunt and feel for her. Having no success, Sandy and I raised the chair to see if she would "shake" out. That's when we discovered that Jeannette didn't make it. Apparently, when Morgan and Elizabeth got out of the chair, Jeannette somehow got underneath it and didn't survive the chair "rebound." Butch came to the rescue while Elizabeth kept saying, "Victoria is going to kill me, Victoria is going to kill me." Victoria was napping. When she woke up, she was pretty upset. I guess it was good that it was Christmas Eve since there's nothing like a bunch of presents to distract you.

Yesterday, Greg took the girls to PetSmart. Butch totally "called it." He said they would come home with TWO new hamsters and they did. It was pretty close as the girls were now "vie-ing" for a dog. We just hope these two little hamsters are as gentle as Jeannette was. They held Jeannette's funeral later in the day.

Other than that, it was another great Christmas. The Lapps family leaves today and the "take-down" begins. Morgan is going to help me. I dread it.

A Minor Setback and the Craziness Begins!

2011-12-24T06:50:00.001-06:00

I had a minor setback with my hives---and you won't believe what caused it. I've been on the prednisone for 12 years, December 1st. I was finally back down to 20MG but had to go back up to 30MG because of the heat seats in my car. My whole back was one massive hive. I also had a huge one on my stomach from my new jeans that are actually too big in the waist---just that little bit of rubbing set me off. Luckily, by now, I know my body and how it reacts, so I was able to "ward them off" and not descend to the flu-like, fever-running state that puts me to bed. Still, I keep hope that this will be over soon.

On to more fun stuff. Last night we had our annual trivia party. Butch and I started it 7 years ago. We invite all of our friends, their children and now the grandchildren. Each family brings an appetizer, a list of 10 questions and puts in $10. We all compete as families. The losing family has to host the next year. This year, we had 48 people. Each family gets a room in the house to discuss and answer their questions. We have the largest team with 12. Our grandkids say it's their favorite thing we do every year. We usually try to do something all alike to intimidate the rest of the teams. Last year we all had on red sweaters. This year it was the santa hats.

I had this idea on one of my Pinterest boards. I was happy with how it turned out. I also brought a huge pan of toasted ravioli, and a platter of crab roll-ups---an old recipe from Janet---one can of crab meat (drained), mixed with 8-oz. cream cheese and a small can of green chills. Spread on flour tortillas, roll-up, chill an slice. Easy and delish.

Mitchell, Victoria and Morgan ready to answer questions. What is Ken's (of Ken and Barbie) last name? Morgan said she and her friends were just discussing it last week in art class, but she couldn't remember it. We got it wrong. The answer is "Carson." We all gave Morgan a hard time because her boyfriend is named Carson! How could she have forgotten that??!!

Jordan, Butch and Elizabeth---who said it was the most boring party she's been to. This year, I had a set of questions just for the kids with a prize. She would probably have felt differently if she'd won. She wanted that box of chocolate covered cherries. Did you know they only put 10 in the box now? Can you spell "rip-off?"

Sandy was our official team captain. Mindy, Nicky, Steph and Greg in the background. Getting everyone to be quiet to answer the question is the hardest part. All of our friends think we have the advantage since our team is so big. But really, it's a hindrance because everyone is a "know-it-all." This year the arguing was kept at a minimum---I think because everyone was all "fought out" just coming up with our questions.

The Sperrazza's hosted this year. Dennis has the house all decked out.

The best part of the night---Team Eads WON!!! I have to admit, type "A" personalities aside, we have some pretty smart cookies on our team! Everyone brings something to the table.

When we got home---around 10 p.m.---we decided to open a few family gifts. Sandy, Steph and Mindy handed out their gifts to everyone. We have to do things a little differently this year due to Jordan's work schedule. It's really messing things up. She works for a vet and has to work every day. To make matters worse, she works a split shift---7-1 and then back from 3-6:30 on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We're trying to be flexible, but it's hard to cram all of our family activities in to such a tight schedule.

We kick off Christmas Eve with a big breakfast. We do what I call "santa of the sleigh." I started that about 10 years ago. I put all the little (in size) gifts in a sleigh in the entry. Then, after breakfast, whichever kid has been appointed the "santa of the sleigh" dons a santa hat and hands them out. Afterwards, it's clean-up time. We started a new tradition last year---remember, in this family, if you do something one time, it becomes a tradition---all the girls go for manicures. After that, it's food prep time, nap and a Christmas movie. And did I mention the games? Constantly. Like I said, since we don't' get to be together that much, it's intense when we are.

Let the fun begin---or, I should say, continue...

I've Always Loved Donnie Osmond

2011-12-24T05:00:00.001-06:00

I wish I could have seen him on Broadway in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. That would have been something. Instead, enjoy this beautiful holiday song.
Mary Did You Know

And it just wouldn't be Christmas without this:
White Christmas

Here's hoping that you all have the BEST Christmas, from our house to yours! I love you guys!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T05:34:00.000-06:00

The Lapps' family arrives today for the holidays. We're all pretty excited. Stephanie, Mindy and the girls will "move in" for the duration. It's wild and crazy---but tons of fun---around here. This might be my last post for a few days or even a week. We'll see. I might be able to slip something in during the "wee"hours.

I'm down to 20MG of prednisone which I'm really happy about. That's still a far from my maintenance level of 5MG, but a far cry from the more dangerous level of 80MG I've been on all fall. I'm feeling a lot better too. I'm sleeping normally again---5-6 hours---normal for me. I feel well rested. I'm still all bloated and don't know how long my face is going to feel so tight. I don't like that---it's bothersome and weird feeling. Hopefully that will go down a little soon.

Enough about me---oh wait, this whole blog is mostly about me! Really, though, I have some Christmas photos I want to share.

My day group met at Nancy's last week for our annual Christmas party. This is her "live" tree. I just love seeing everyone's trees and decorations during the holidays. I don't get to see too many as most people don't do things anymore. I can't really recall the last time we were invited to a Christmas party.

I thought this was the coolest idea---just heap a bunch of stuff on a red tray---all glittery and sparkly.

Nancy even put a feather tree up in her scrapbook room. It is the cutest thing. I told her I'd leave it up all year round. I was so in love with this that I found a pink one on Ebay. Now, I have to figure out where I'm going to put it. I'll have to get rid of something---my scrapbook room is completely full. Believe me, I'll make room for it. I just think it's the cutest thing.

My friend, Sally invited me over for a glass of wine and to view her magnificent tree. Actually, I invited myself. We used to get together weekly. We went through the Master Gardener program together and spent a lot of time in each other's gardens. When the girls were little, we bored them with many a conversation using the latin names for all of our plants. They still joke about that.

Since I've known Sally, she's always had these 12 foot trees. About 3 years ago, she finally went to artificial due to the cost. It truly is the most incredible tree---her ornaments are really cool too---lots of handmade, designed by her. In their old house, the tree fell one year. That only had to happen once---she tied it to the ceiling after that.

This is Kim enjoying a laid back moment. It was the first time these girls got to experience Sally's tree. I sort of invited them.

Mary Jo, Susan and Sally on the far right. Sally and I have been friends for over 20 years. We started out in St. Matthew's Women's Club together. We worked on many fashion shows and other projects together. Actually, I've been friends with all of these girls for over 20 years. I was always the chair person of everything and they were my "committee chairs." They are quite a talented bunch. We worked well together and had a ball doing it all. If it weren't for A Year of Memories, I'd only see them a couple times a year for lunch. At least this way, I still see them every month. Mary Jo is in my book club and we meet for lunch now and then, so I see her a little more. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of Madelyn---she arrived a little late and I forgot. Her daughter, Alyson (Al) and Mindy are best friends. I see her regularly too.

This is probably the most unusual Christmas present I've ever received. Nancy gave me this old vegetable drawer. I love it! My cookbooks kept falling over, so I used this old potato masher as a book end. Worked perfect.

Here you can see the edge of the drawer that says "vegetables." I just put it up. I don't know if Butch has noticed, but if I call his attention to it, I'm sure he will think it's stupid---as he thinks about most of my junk. I just say back to him---"well, Mr. "let's recycle everything"---this is the ultimate in recycling---
re-purposting other people's junk."

Some of the cookies we made last Saturday on "family baking day." I haven't let anybody eat any of them, until yesterday when Mindy begged for 2 to put in her lunch and Steph's. I caved.

We're all set with a variety of coffees, teas and hot chocolate for the Kuerig machine.

"The Girl"must have needed a roll. But then she forgot to take it. No telling what she used instead.

And now I leave you with a blast from the past.

Mindy's two weeks old here. Reminds me of Randy from "A Christmas Story." When he had his snowsuit on, he couldn't put his arms down. Then when he fell, he couldn't get up.

I surprised the girls by having Santa stop by. Mindy wasn't too happy. I think this was 1986.

This time, they were really surprised. Sandy and Stephanie would rather forget this picture. They were dancing or something when Santa arrived. After all, it was the 80's when leg warmers were all the rage! This was 1987---Sandy was a sophomore at St. Cecilia Academy.

I hope everyone has the BEST holiday and that you get everything on your list!

I'm Lazy and I'm Admitting It!

2011-12-21T04:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I had a few friends over to stitch, watch a movie ("A Muppet's Christmas Carol"---none of them had seen it) and have lunch. I made roast beef sandwiches that Sandy made for us while visiting in November. They are so good and so easy. The recipe will follow.

Anyway, while having lunch, we were talking---it was Connie, Nancy and Karolyn. Karolyn was telling us about Bruce being so organized that it sometimes drives her nuts. I said that I can relate to Bruce because my mind thinks that way too. He and I used to cross paths in the grocery store at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings back in the day.

I've had all of my holiday food planned for parties, including the grocery list for each thing since the car ride back from Sandy's in November. That makes it really easy each week to just pull out my lists. As I've said before, I live on a timeline with my spiral bound notebook. Is there any other way?

Then, Connie made the statement that she thought she was lazy. Nancy and Karolyn agreed that they might be lazy too. I said that I thought I was lazy too---to which a couple disagreed and asked me when/how I was lazy. I gave the example that sometimes (probably once a week), I don't make my bed. OMG! Talk about making me feel bad. All 3 of them JUMPED on that---"oh no, I couldn't function if my bed wasn't made." "Making my bed is the first thing I do." "There's no way I could get back in the bed if it wasn't made." Weeeellllll, exxxcuuuussseeee ME! I was just giving an example of how sometimes I can be lazy! I'm human! I realized after the fact, that none of them gave an example of how they are lazy. It's not like I said I didn't feed the baby or something. It's the bed, for crying out loud. Add to that, Butch is still IN it when I get up. Sometimes I don't even go back in to the bedroom until late in the day.

I guess that leads to another thing I'm lazy about---I don't always shower right away after working out. If I don't have to go anywhere for the day, it might be late afternoon before I take a shower. If it's early evening, I'll change straight in to my jammies. So SUE me!

Another thing---Connie doesn't even make her bed---Jack does (including putting on the decorative pillows)! So there!

Next time we're together, I'm going to find out how they are lazy and then "lord" it over them!
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, here's the recipe:

Roast Beef Sandwiches
1 lb. roast beef (deli or packaged)
provolone cheese
1 can Campbells' French onion soup
1 T. worcestershire sauce
rolls or buns (Sandy used Sister Shubert and so did I)

Heat undiluted soup with worcestershire sauce. Add meat to heat through. Pile meat on rolls and top with cheese. Bake at 400 until cheese melts. Top with additional sauce.

I didn't do this, but thought it would be really good with horseradish sauce too.

I'll leave you with this cutie from Starbucks:
Let's be Merry!

The Bachelor

2011-12-19T04:45:00.011-06:00

I know it's a trashy show. Even the promos have been ridiculous---just girls crying---no dialog---just the sobbing. I guess it's all about the drama. Still, I'll be watching it. Anyone want to join my "pool?" $5.00 gets you "in."

Moving on. Family baking day was a success---a mess, but a success. We have plenty of cookies and a quadruple batch of party mix. We're definitely set for food for the holidays---probably way too much.

I'm having a tea today---actually, it's my AYM/2012 kick-off. I'll be using my teas from England. I'm also going to serve tea punch---that traditional Southern favorite. I'm really excited about it. I'll post some pictures on the AYM blog afterwards.

All the gifts are wrapped and under the trees. The hostess gifts are ready too. But there's one thing---gift related---that I haven't mentioned. We all got quite a chuckle out of Mitchell's and Victoria's Christmas lists. Victoria put ginger ale on her list. Mitchell put protein bars and shakes on his. I don't think anyone has put food on their list before. I guess their mom doesn't buy that stuff for them. That's a good enough reason to put it on your Christmas list---to ask for things you don't ordinarily get.

Did you hear that they are making a movie out of my all time favorite play? Les Miserables is being cast and will start production in March. Already, they have Russell Crow (Javert), Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Hugh Jackman (Valjean), and Geoffrey Rush (not sure of his part). They are still casting for Eponine. Lea Michelle has auditioned for the part. She made her Broadway debut at age 8 playing the young Cosette. Also auditioning for the part is Scarlett Johanssen, Rachel Wood and Taylor Swift. Really? I want Lea Michelle to get the part. She has such a strong voice and is perfect for the part. The movie is supposed to be out by next Christmas. I can't wait. I always wondered why they didn't make a movie out of it.

I'm looking forward to the week. Just one fun thing after another. I hope you have fun stuff to do too!
Later...

Storytelling Sunday---Cradle Catholic and Midnight Mass

2011-12-18T04:19:00.002-06:00

I wish I could get a "do over." I was born and raised Catholic, but I wish I could do the "learning" part over. There is so much I've forgotten---and maybe never really learned well to begin with. We just memorized everything and lived it. At Mass today, I was thinking about that. When I was little, everything was in Latin. Vatican II changed all that---for the better. Now we've had some more changes that don't really make sense to me. Some of the prayers and responses have changed. I don't understand why---what's changed is so insignificant---the meaning is the same, just minor word changes. I guess it's to make you pay closer attention in church. I don't want to.

While reading the bulletin, I discovered that there isn't going to be an 8:30 a.m. Mass on Christmas---the one we planned to go to. That means Midnight Mass is the only one that could possibly work. That got me thinking about Midnight Masses we went to when we were kids. We lived close to church, so mom and dad let us go---by ourselves. Kind of unbelievable in this day and age. I'd say I was about 10, Ronnie 9, and the twins were 8 when we first started. Midnight Mass---there are a couple that stand out in my mind. First off, it was always bitter cold. One time, on our way home, a drunk driver ran us off the road. We all had to jump in the ditch which was filled with icy, slushy, freezing cold water. We were all crying by the time we got home---more afraid that we'd be in trouble for getting all wet.

We're a little bit younger in this picture. I think I'm about 8 here---not yet going to Midnight Mass by ourselves.

On another occasion, a guy stood too close to the votive candles---we think he was a little drunk. His coat caught on fire. It wasn't funny, but we kids thought it was. Some people started beating on him to put out his coat.

I loved the candles, smell, decorations and especially the music. "Oh Holy Night" was my favorite. But, the best part of Midnight Mass was being able to open our presents when we got home. That's how mom and dad got to sleep in a little bit in the morning.

Tonight, after Mass, I suggested to Butch that we look at Christmas lights. We did that from the time we were first married until the girls were grown. We haven't gone in years. I don't think he wanted to do it, but he humored me. That's why I didn't say anything as we sped through the neighborhoods. There were a couple of times I felt like I got whiplash. People aren't doing the lights like they used to. Still, it was fun.

Now I need to check the Mass schedule at a couple of other churches for Christmas. I don't really think we could do Midnight Mass anymore.

Saturday Showtunes---"O Holy Night"

2011-12-17T03:36:00.000-06:00

Not exactly a showtune, but during this holiday season, I decided that I wanted to post my all time favorite Christmas song. And who could do it better than:

Josh Groban

Family baking day today. I'm sure there will be a story to tell...

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2011-12-16T05:05:00.000-06:00

I just love this time of year. It's the only time I can really get away with being totally obnoxious! My friends love to hate me. I'm on top of it, have everything DONE---house decorated, all gifts, bought, wrapped and neatly stacked under the tree, all parties are planned, food in the freezer (double batch of spinach balls, 2 cheese balls, vegetable soup and enough stew for 4), holiday menus planned and all non-perishables in the pantry. I'm on top of it. I have nothing left to do but look forward to the fun. And that goes like this:

Today, meet with Christy to discuss window treatments for Mindy's condo, lunch at The Palm with my friends, do a little prep work for family baking day, then relax in front of the tv for the evening. I might even do a little needlepoint---haven't touched that since before Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow, family baking day starting at 8 a.m. and usually ending by noon. We'll make 4 or 5 varieties of cookies and a triple batch of Chex party mix. Butch oversees the decorating of the sugar cookies. I do the cookie dough mixing and cleaning up as we go along. Luckily, I have double ovens. Sometimes the timing of everything gets a little tricky. It's a lot of "pots" to watch.

After family baking, Mindy and I are going to look at tile for her backsplash.

If I get my way---which means, if Butch doesn't play golf in the p.m.---we'll go to 4:30 Mass. That's my favorite. That way, Sunday is a completely "free" day.

No evening plans. I'm thinking I might watch a Christmas movie or two. Haven't done that yet.

Sunday, aforementioned free day. Actually it won't be that free. I have some cooking to do for my tea on Monday. And I really need to get working on 6 layouts for all of my different clubs coming up in January. Plus I need to get kits and handouts written for AYM on January 4th. Still, all of that's fun---it's just working all of it in.

Monday, AYM/1 kickoff tea. I'm really looking forward to "unveiling" my plan for 2012. Exciting stuff! Plus, I'm sharing my teas from England. I'm a little disappointed that Mindy has to be out-of-town. She's been "in" most of the fall---and now right before Christmas her boss sends her out---go figure. She's excited because now she'll gain "platinum" status for the Hilton Honors Club.

At 5 p.m. I'm going to my friend, Sally's for wine and the viewing of her most magnificent tree. I'll definitely be taking pictures and posting them for you to see. She has a 16 ft. tree every year. It is so incredible. I just love to see everyone's house at Christmas and especially hers. This tree is just unbelievable. About 2 years ago, she went from "real" to artificial as the "real" ones were costing over $1000. The only "catch" is that now she has to rely on her hubby to get the tree out and up---and we know how that can go!

Tuesday, I'm having Connie, Nancy, Pam and Karolyn over to stitch and watch "A Muppet's Christmas Carol." They've not seen it. It will be a little crowded, but we'll "make do." I'm making Sandy's roast beef sandwiches for lunch---easy and really good.

Wednesday, the Dominican sisters come to visit. We have our annual ornament exchange that evening. I started it about 16 years ago and did it for 5 or 6 years. Then Connie hosted it for 7 or 8 years. Pam's doing it now for her 2nd year. Besides all of us, it includes our daughters and granddaughters. I do love it when traditions carry on generation after generation.

Thursday, the Lapps family arrives in the evening and the FUN really begins! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. How can it NOT be? Family and friends---nothing better!

I hope everyone can "kick back" and just enjoy the season! All it takes is a little pre-planning. How do you spell "obnoxious?"

More Random Things

2011-12-15T04:06:00.001-06:00

1. This is what the girl does---drops by after work for 10 minutes---makes a half package of dip---eats a little---then goes home. What's up with that? She must have had a thought on the way home---"hmmm, I'm in the mood for dip. I think I'll stop by mom and dad's, make some and have it as an appetizer before going home to dinner. Yeah, that sounds like a plan!" I wasn't there at the time. If I had been, I would have stopped her. This dip is like "gold." And she didn't even make the best use of it---I use it for Fiesta Rotel Dip. We cannot get this in Nashville. I have family members in St. Louis pick it up for us. In exchange, I get them the good, green onion dip from Kroger's that they can't get there.

2. Kroger has beef tenderloin on sale this week. We have it on Christmas Eve with fresh horseradish cream on Sister Shubert yeast rolls. Yum! We "do" pick up foods and eat all night long while opening gifts. The reason I'm even showing the meat is because I discovered Kroger's best kept secret about 10 years ago. People think that when you get the whole tenderloin at the sale price, you have to trim it out and cut it yourself. Not so. Just pick out what you want and give it to the butcher. Ask him to trim it out for you. But here's the key---request that the trimmings be ground in to ground meat. Otherwise, you just get the trimmed out piece---while still paying for the trimmings. You could also have it cut into steaks. Anyway, by having them trim it out, you get everything at the good price. I'm thinking I should get another one for steaks.

3. Happiness is a pot of stew simmering on the stove. This is mom's recipe---really good. There's a secret ingredient that doesn't go with stew at all---that would be allspice---just a hint, but you can tell it's there. I made a pot of vegetable soup on Sunday, so we have both in the refrigerator. Same meat, two dishes. That is the extent of my cooking this week. I may even have to put some in the freezer as I'll be out every day for lunch and dinner for the rest of this week.

4. Oh, My, Gosh! Are these the cutest things? I got home on Monday to a big box. My sister-in-law, Chris, sent these to me. Nary a one was broken! She's been making them for at least 20 years. She also makes the most gorgeous gingerbread houses. Truly, I'm not exaggerating---they are the BEST I've ever seen. She made one for me years ago that I managed to keep for about 3 years until it deteriorated too badly. Anyway, she makes these little "guys" with her grandkids every year now. I was thrilled to get them. I'm trying to keep them until the Lapps family gets here on the 23rd so they can see them too. But as you can see, they are trying to escape.

5. Mindy and Stephanie had a "little" cookie exchange at work. Mindy dropped hers off here. Is this supposed to make up for the dip?

6. Nothing like comfort food for dinner. But what I love most is the 2% milk. I haven't had it in probably 15 or 20 years when we "bought in" to the idea that skim is the way to go. Thank you Dr. Oz, for confirming the study that 2% is all around the best choice. Seems the skim milk has more sugar, that, in the long run, costs you more in terms of carbohydrates that converts to fat in the body. The extra fat in the 2% helps to fill you up better. I'm lovin' it!

7. Morgan and Carson came over after school today and hung out for awhile. They helped to consume some of the cookies. I only let them have one of the little gingerbread boys!

8. I was watching a Biography that I had taped on Kate Middleton. I am and have always been, obsessed with The Royal Family. Actually, I'm obsessed with everything British. I should have been born there. From a young girl, I've loved English literature. In fact, my favorite book of all time is Wuthering Heights.

Anyway, while in England this fall, one of our drivers told us that a favorite after school snack is baked beans over toast. That seemed really weird to us. Well, while watching the biography of Kate, they said that baked beans over toast is Prince William's favorite snack. I couldn't believe it. That just doesn't sound good at all. I guess for the Brits, it's like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches here. For us, baked beans go with barbecue---and stand alone---no toast needed. I'll stick with PB&J for my snack.

9. Anybody watch the new Fear Factor? It's still pretty gross---I could never eat disgusting stuff. This week it was scorpions. But for some reason, I like seeing other people eat it. There was a mother/son team that was really "affectionate" with each other. The rest of the teams thought it was too "over the top" too. They were just too "huggy and kissy" for a mother and son. Very peculiar. The show was just so, so. I have another one taped, so I'll give it another try.

10. Kind of weird, but entertaining:
Gotye---very interesting!

All for now....

A Few More Things, continued...

2011-12-14T04:23:00.002-06:00

The tree with presents under it.

I even used coordinating paper that would look good under the tree. The only problem is that by the time I actually get the gifts wrapped, it's just about the time I have to give them. These presents were only under there for a day. Now it's bare again.

While at Loews on Saturday, we came very close to having a major argument over this light. It's an outside light, but I want to put it in Mindy's living room. She's all excited about it. The catch is that it needs to be bolted to the floor. Butch said, "no way." I say, "for crying out loud, it's a concrete floor. What's the big deal?" He was getting worked up. I then asked about just mounting the lamp to a square plate to provide the stability it needs. He calmed down and said that might work. He's going to check with the guy that is doing all the work at Mindy's place. I've come up with a few other questions myself, so it might not work. Plus, there could be some sort of codes issue with putting an outside light inside. We'll see. We just love the "New Orleans" look of it. Plus, how unique to have this type of lamp post in your living room---a good conversation piece. I hope it works out.

He's doing it again. Using the kitchen chairs as a coat rack. On the weekend, there will be a coat on each chair. I'll take a picture the next time to prove it.

Our most recent purchase. These coffee makers are all the rage now. I'm sort of surprised that "mr thrifty" would go for it. This one came from Target. It was on sale for $99. plus you got a $20. Target gift card---bringing the cost down to $79.00. A really good price.

It's the little coffees that cost so much. Butch has checked online, joined a club, gotten some for half price. He's even made a spreadsheet so he can rate each flavor and variety to decide which ones he likes. Anyway, I think the cost is about 57 cents each. His point is that he only drinks one cup of coffee a day, so it's worth it. But the problem is that he's been drinking 2 cups a day. Kind of extravagant if you ask me. Oh well, it makes him happy and keeps him busy. Okay by me.

I'll leave you with a couple of lines from "Married With Children." Mindy was about 10 when she and I loved that show. It was totally inappropriate for her, so we "gave it up" for Lent one year and never watched it again. I bought the whole series a few months ago and have been enjoying it in my scrapbook room. Today, I laughed so hard, Butch must have thought I was crazy.

Peg as they were coming up from the basement: "Oh Al, take me again!"
Al: "I didn't know I was taking you then. I tripped over a box and thought the furnace fell on me."

A Few More Things...

2011-12-13T04:14:00.000-06:00

What's wrong with this picture?

Maybe this will help. There's actually 2 things wrong here. First of all that orange bucket doesn't belong there. I don't understand why I'm the only one that notices---and that it bothers. I just want things to look nice. Instead, there's too much that looks "hoosier"---and I'm not referring to a person from Indiana---but a St. Louis term for white trash. Same goes for that crappy basket ball goal. I don't think anyone has ever played basketball here. The question? How do you get rid of something like this? I want it gone.

Excellent book and a very fast read. I think you can read it in 3 hours start to finish. It's about a little boy that goes to Heaven while undergoing surgery for his burst appendix when he was just 3 years old. A reaffirming book for anyone that believes in Heaven. One of my friends doesn't quite believe it. I do---every bit. I just think it's exactly how a 3 year old would relate the incident---and so much he couldn't possible know.

I guess I'm on a rant about things that annoy me. This is another. I seem to be the only one who closes doors around here. The pantry door is always hanging open. Drives me nuts.

This has been an ongoing argument between Butch and I. He insists that he takes out the recycle stuff every day. He doesn't. But he'll argue to the "death" that he does. I decided to take pictures each day to prove my point. Then it hit me. Yes, he actually does take out the recycle stuff every day---just not ALL of it. He leaves something behind every day. Drives me totally nuts.

There's so much here that you might wonder what he actually took out. He took out the cans and bottles from the counter. Now you might ask why I don't just take it out myself. Seriously? Surely you know the answer to that. If you do it just one time---it becomes your job. Believe me, it's happened too many times. I hate looking at this all day.

Found these cool things for my flocked tree at Cracker Barrel---40% off.

More things to come...

A Few Things...

2011-12-12T04:43:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, I updated my Facebook status as "going appliance shopping with Mindy. What's the point?"

In case you need an explanation, what I meant was, she doesn't cook or grocery shop and barely does laundry. I guess she does need a place to store the food she doesn't cook---or at least---to keep the food she takes home from here.

It ended up being a waste of time. We went to Loews and Home Depot. We didn't really accomplish anything---except that Butch decided we're better off ordering the appliances online. He's handling it which is okay by me. Coordinating the delivery is going to be a challenge.

To prove my point about her cooking, the picture below is of two cakes she made for Stephanie's surprise party a few weeks ago. Yes, they are cakes. But they look surprisingly similar to the next photo. She was insulted because I kept explaining what she needed to do---she was at our house because she doesn't have cake pans or bowls. I was on my way home from Sandy's. I was trying to guide her through it. She said she had made a cake before. Must have been when she was 10 as these cakes look like they were made by a 10 year old---unnatural color frosting, lots of sprinkles and pink frosting writing. I heard they tasted good.

Those cakes look very much like the meatloafs I made for Mindy's birthday dinner. I make really good meatloaf. I just happened to notice the similarity in the two pictures.

I've been taking a lot of grief from the family about this candle. Mindy and Stephanie want to know who even knows the smell of warm woolen mittens---it sounds like it wouldn't be good anyway---more like wet wool. In my defense, Yankee Candle has done a whole line this holiday season based on "My Favorite Things." I'm sure the "whiskers on kittens" would be worse. I can't tell you what the candle smells like, but it's good---just not exactly recognizable. Which goes back to: no one knows what warm woolen mittens smell like.

Isn't this tea beautiful? It's by Harney & Sons and is "Rose Scented Tea"---it smells so good. You can definitely taste the rose flavor. I love it.

Just a few of my favorites. I make a different pot each morning. Love my loose teas.

The only bags in the bunch---the English Breakfast tea that Jeanne gave me. Butch uses it for iced tea sometimes---he doesn't know how to use my loose teas.

Recently---about a year ago---I learned this trick from a MAN! As I pulled the roll out of the box, yet, one more time, Bruce showed me those little press in tabs on all the wrap boxes. I never knew about them Quite nifty little things.

Has anybody else noticed that Glee has been really good for the past three weeks? It hasn't even been controversial. I'm not sure what they are going to do since most of the characters are graduating. We'll see.

A few more things coming tomorrow.

Storytelling Sunday---25th Anniversary

2011-12-11T04:42:00.000-06:00

We went to The Palm for dinner on Friday night with our Poker Group. We always pick out a really nice restaurant in December and go out together---after meeting for cocktails and to exchange gifts. This year, we "pre-gamed" it (as the younger---Mindy's set says) at Jack and Connie's.

This year, we're celebrating 25 years together. It all began in 1987. Butch and I had started a poker group when we lived in Kansas City. Once a month, the guys play poker and the girls go to dinner. It was a lot of fun, so it was only natural that we'd get a group going in Nashville.

When we moved in to the brand new neighborhood (Devon Park) in 1985, we were homeowners #5. It wasn't until 1987 that we started the group. Actually, Butch and I (and almost Hugh and Pam) are the only remaining original members. We had only played one time before inviting Hugh and Pam to join the group.

Over the years, we raised our families together, have taken many trips, had many parties---all of which still continue today. We still travel a lot together, but without the kids. The photos above are from our Alaskan cruise this summer. The Potters, Broussards, Bohans and us went. The Blacks, Dawkins and Sperrazzas couldn't make it this time.

We started a new tradition about 6 years ago. We have a family trivia night on the 23rd of December that now includes our grown children and grandchildren. Each family brings 10 questions, an appetizer, and $5.00 for the prize money. The losing team has to host the next year. My grandkids say it is one of their most favorite things we do at Christmas. We always try to be obnoxious in some way. Last year, "Team Eads" all showed up in red sweaters. Everyone thinks that we have the advantage since our team has 12 people on it. It's actually a hindrance because just about every one of us are "know it alls"---which leads to much arguing!

Friends for 25 years. That's really something. Of course, when I proposed a "toast" at dinner, there had to be a "Debbie Downer." That would be Connie who piped up, "Isn't' it sad to think that we don't have another 25 years in us?" I think everyone shot daggers at her!

It was a fabulous evening, great food with the BEST of friends. I have faith that we can do 25 more!

Saturday Showtunes---A Christmas Carol

2011-12-10T03:59:00.001-06:00

I've seen "A Christmas Carol" on stage many times. In fact, about 14 years ago, Butch surprised me with a trip to New York during December. He planned the entire trip. One of my favorite things we did was see Roger Daltry from The Who perform as Ebenezer Scrooge at Madison Square Gardens. As you entered the theater, it looked like an old English street with lampposts, flower and vegetable carts lining the cobblestones with people dressed in period costumes. It was a very special trip to me.

I couldn't find a clip on "you tube" of that show, but decided instead to present you with a clip of my favorite version of:
A Muppet's Christmas Carol:

I'd been talking about this version so much, that I've invited a few friends over to watch it with me while we stitch on the 20th.

What's your favorite version of "A Christmas Carol?" If you say "Mr. Magoo" you'll definitely be giving your age away!

Confession is Good for the Soul!

2011-12-08T05:23:00.000-06:00

Last night, we celebrated Mindy's birthday. She had already requested her birthday dinner two weeks ago. So imagine my surprise yesterday morning at Curves when she said, "mom, tell me what we're having for dinner." Right off it reminded me of when she was little. When tucking her in bed at night AND waking her up in the morning, she wanted to know about her meals for the day---each one---breakfast, lunch and dinner. The girl has always been about FOOD!

Anyway, when she asked what was for her birthday dinner, I said, "Mindy, what do you mean what's for dinner? You told me what you wanted two weeks ago." To which she said, "I know, I just want to hear you tell me so I can look forward to it all day." Soooo, I told her---meatloaf, twice baked potatoes, peas, corn, crescent rolls and homemade fruit salad instead of a cake. That stared her day with a smile.

We planned to eat early---5:30---so that those of us that wanted to, could go to the Penance Service at Church. Turns out Stephanie and I were the only ones that "wanted" to go. We had to wait quite a while as at first there was only one priest. When it was my turn, I went in the confessional, knelt down (ouch, hard kneeler and a lot of weight on these knees. I wasn't sure I could stand it, but decided to "offer it up"---what the nuns used to say whenever you were faced with adversity). When it was my turn and the priest slid open the little window, I started right off, "Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been 5 or 7 years since my last confession." From there, I launched in to my sins. Lastly I said, "I've missed Mass due to laziness." The priest said, "not boredom?" To which I said, "no, laziness." He said again, "not boredom?" Again I said, "no, not boredom, laziness." I thought that was pretty interesting. I got to thinking---maybe if you miss Mass due to boredom, it's not really a sin. I might try that the next time.

After a brief discussion about my prayer life, I asked him to "bless" my new Rosary, he gave me my penance. Now it was time to say the "Act of Contrition." I recited the entire thing---exactly correct. Afterwards, he said, "hmm and you say it's been 7 years?" I guess I impressed him. I said, "Growing up Catholic and Baltimore Catechism." He chuckled and released me. What I should have said was, I say the Act of Confession every night before bed. You're supposed to do that so if you die during your sleep you'll go straight to Heaven. I figure, I'm not taking any chances.

Afterwards, on the drive home, Steph said that "confession" was her favorite part of being Catholic. She said that when she was in high school, she went every week. Her friends always teased her. She said that she couldn't understand why they wouldn't take advantage of the best benefit of Caholicism. Most people hate that part of our faith. I never really thought about it---it's just something you're supposed to do---at least annually. But Steph has a point. You really feel good after. And you feel like you are definitely "saved" for another day. Confession truly is good for the soul. Or at least until you have to pull out the "FTS" for some major aggravation!

Renovations Finally Finished

2011-12-06T22:34:00.000-06:00

This past Friday marked the last day of work on our front renovation. We had the entire front of the house re-done---upper porch, porch floor, rails, columns, doors, thresholds, lights and hardware. It's been a long time---since June. We had a break in September and part of October as our contractor had to deal with some family medical issues. I'm glad to have it finished. I hate having so many workers around all the time. It's like a revolving door around here---never quiet or relaxing. But it's finally finished. We love how it all turned out. But, now I realize I didn't take a picture of the new columns or a full view of the front of the house. I'll get it and post it later.

The photos below are all out of order.

Constructions materials "lived" on the driveway for weeks. There's no reference for how long these things are---like 20 ft.

The crepe myrtles sure look pretty.

These are the inside "old" doorknobs.

These are the outside door handles. Plus you can sort of see how bad the doors are---all cracked from the sun. I'll admit, the hardware did not need replacing---it's Baldwin Brass and won't tarnish, but my feeling is if you're going to so much trouble and expense to "fix" things, it might as well look like you did something. So all the "old" had to go.

It's ironic, considering Butch's position in the parking business that we had a virtual parking lot out front most of the summer. I can't tell you how many times we were blocked or had to park on the street. Can you spell "a n n o y i n g?"

Here's the new hardware. I've always wanted glass knobs. And I love the new doors and finish.

I never realized how long it would take to replace all of the thresholds. A special company had to do them. The old ones were all tarnished---of course, I wanted all shiny and new. All of the thresholds on the French doors across the front of the house have been replaced. The "kicker"---they have to be polished at least once a month to keep them nice. If I can remember, that will be a job for Margarita.

The new doors are cherry. I had little windows put at the top so they would look a lot different from the old. The finish is really pretty and shiny too. The guy that did them is going to do the annual sealing so that they stay this way.

The hardware on the French doors is the same on the inside and out. These photos are of the outside.

The new coach lights. I picked these because I thought the little "windows" seemed to mimic the windows on the French doors.

Decorated.

The upper porch floor had to be torn out to make way for the new one. Everything we did is now permanent and maintenance free (except for the front door and the thresholds). No painting required.

It takes a lot to make a house look like new. When we did the inside of the house, I replaced all of the door hinges and window latches. They all get dull and tarnished over the years. I like them shiny and new. Probably the most "over-the-top" thing I've done was have ALL of the electrical outlets replaced (the inside works) replaced from the "builder's beige" to white. I know that the guys that work for me think I'm nuts. I can't help it.

I'm glad it's done. I figure in 10 years when the hinges and latches need to be replaced again, I might not care anymore. After all, I'll be---I can't even type it---it's too big of a number---but it begins with---"7"---OMG---a mere 10 years away. How in the world is that possible? Where has the time gone....downright scary!

One Crazy Busy Weekend!

2011-12-04T20:56:00.001-06:00

Wow, what a whirlwind weekend. Since I was having two parties on Saturday, I started the cooking on Friday morning. I made spaghetti sauce and meatballs at 6 a.m. Butch and I had some business to take care at 9 a.m. and then I went as moral support for Mindy's closing at 11 a.m.---she is officially a condo owner in a high-rise (she's on the 10th floor) downtown. Butch wanted to get her moved by the first of the year, but after much ~~arguing~~ discussion, he agreed that it would be too stressful to try to do that during the holidays. She's having some work done---ceiling put in (drywall to go over the exposed concrete), a tile backsplash in her kitchen and some painting, so we're not even going to start the moving part until January. I'm happy to take it slow, be organized about it and do it right. It will be fun that way. I'm very excited to have another decorating project. We went to the flea market last weekend and picked up a few things.

Anyway, back to this weekend.

Friday night was AYM at the Dawkins. Their house was so beautiful. There's just something about the holidays---all the decorations, candles, smells---just everything makes any gathering so special. Normally, we go out to dinner, but Susan decided that she wanted to cook. We had a lovely dinner in her dining room. She made a vegetable lasagna that was really good. I'll be posting the layouts on the AYM blog:
A Year of Memories

Saturday, I was up early getting ready for Mindy's birthday party. Butch grilled the sazitsa early since he was going to be gone most of the day. Mindy was planning on 10 friends. Turns out 2 didn't bother to show up after rsvp'ing "yes." So rude. The girls all seemed to have a good time and even got to witness a HUGE raccoon saunter across the patio and stop at the pond. I told you it's like Snow White's meadow around here. It looked like this guy was ready for hibernation---I'd never seen one so big. The girls went outside to see him as he walked off. He just looked at them and was not in any hurry. I wish I'd gotten a picture.

I made "Grandps's Soup" for lunch with garlic cheese bread and a Texas Sheet Cake for dessert.

Grandpa's Soup is basically a minestrone soup---always a hit. Plus, I was serving that at dinner too, so I made a double batch.

Here are the girls with their 3 projects---glittered stars in a wooden spool, tart tin ornaments with vintage earring and crystal dangles and bobby pins with vintage buttons.

This is Mindy's best friend, Rachel from New Orleans. She and another friend of theirs, Drew came in for a long weekend. While the party was going on, Mindy got her dad to go down to the arena and stand in line for Predators tickets. On the day of any home game, they sell 100 tickets at 10 o'clock for $10.00. There's always a huge line, but Butch got there early and waited. He said he was about 30 people back, so I don't know how he managed to get the tickets, but he did. I love that he did that for her---anything for his girls. I love that too. Anyway, Mindy was thrilled. The cheapest seats in the nosebleed section are $35.00.

The party was over by 12:45---I had planned 1:00, so was ahead of the game. By 2 p.m. I had the kitchen cleaned up, dining room cleaned up, the toasted ravioli fried and the table set for dinner. I couldn't wait to set the table---that's my favorite thing to do.

Remember the milk bottles I bought in Steeleville, MO this summer? This is what I had planned for them when I got them---not just for Christmas, but the writing on the bottles is red and green, so why not? And the tablecloth---found that at the antique mall in St. Charles. At the time, I thought it was really cool, but had already changed my sunroom colors from red and green to blue and green. Then it hit me---I'd turn it in to a Christmas "thing." I angled it on top of a green tablecloth.

You can see it a little better from this angle. I just love this old stuff. I'd also love to know some of the stories behind them.

Back to the day.

I took a nap from 2-3, made the salad, hauled the craft supplies upstairs and got ready for 4:30 Mass. Butch played golf with his friends, but got home in time for a shower. We met Stephanie and Nicky at church, got home at 5:45, friends arrived at 6:15. BTW (by the way) it takes an hour for a huge pot of water to boil for 2 pounds of pasta. I invited 3 couples for dinner and poker. It was a fun night, but I think spending all of my poker money has jinxed me. I lost $8.00. That's pretty unusual for me. I guess I'll be due for a BIG win with my family after Christmas! Watch out you guys!

I had a 7 a.m. hair appointment this morning---that's what I love about my friend, Joanie, she takes me early on weekends. She's been known to accommodate me as early as 6:30! Love her.

The rest of the day was spent getting ready for my first AYM/2012 "kick-off" tomorrow with one of my groups. It takes me several hours to write the handouts and put kits together.

Butch and Stephanie went out for Christmas trees. They go to the same place every year and Butch "makes the deal" with the same guy. He likes the bargaining. We just finished decorating it. Margarita comes tomorrow. I'll be happy to have the house clean and everything finally done for the holidays. It's just fun stuff from here on out.

I hope you all have your decorating done so you can enjoy the rest of the season!

Other odds and ends coming!

Storytelling Sunday---Mindy's Story

2011-12-04T04:09:00.003-06:00

Since Mindy's birthday is Wednesday, December 7th, it's only fitting (and since I told the story of Stepahanie's birth) that I tell her story.

It all began on January 1st, 1984. I remember sitting in Church thinking that I'd really like to have another baby. But, Sandy was 11 and Steph was 7 at the time and our family was complete. Still, I actually prayed, "God, I'd love to have another baby." I never really gave it another thought---it was just a little statement made that one time---not like I was praying for a baby every day or anything. Besides, I was wrapped up with all my volunteering at St. Therese School, the girls and their activities. Butch was traveling for business quite a lot too. Truly, I never gave it another thought.

In the spring, we met Walter, Chris and family at our lake house in the Ozarks for Easter. I was sick most of the time and had the worse migraine I'd ever had. I spent most of the time in bed. I thought I had the flu. It wasn't until we got home that I had this feeling, "hmmm, could I be...maybe I'm..." So I took an at home test and there it was! Truly, I couldn't believe it! I was so excited.

It was during that same week that we found out Butch was being promoted to Senior Vice-President of Central Parking System and we would be relocating from Kansas City, MO to Nashville, TN. I remember thinking that this was the perfect time. My life was so full and active---which would come to a halt with the birth of a new baby---it would be a good time to move, have no friends or a life---so-to-speak! I could focus on the baby and really enjoy her.

As the time drew near, we got the unexpected, sad news that Butch's mother had passed away suddenly. This was about 3 weeks before Mindy's birth. We went to St. Louis for the funeral. When we got home, I told Butch, "this baby is going to be here in a couple of weeks. We need to discuss the name."

We had a family meeting. Since we had the "S" thing going (not really intentional), I suggested Suzanne or Susannah. Butch wanted Stacy. I can't remember Sandy and Stephanie's "picks," but nothing seemed quite right. Then Butch threw out "Mindy." Although he denies it, I said it was because he had a crush on Pam Dawber from the tv show, Mork and Mindy. We all liked that name and decided to go ahead with Melinda with the intention of the nickname Mindy. That was it, done. Mindy she was. Cute name for a cute girl.

In one year---1984---we had 3 of the top 10 "life stressers" at one time---death of parent, birth of child and relocation to new city. Somehow it all worked out. We've been here for 27 years now.

Little did we know what a blessing Mindy would be to us---and still is. I can't imagine life without her. Thank you, God for answering a fleeting, random prayer.

After the Royal Wedding last spring, fascinators are all the rage. We made this one for the Steeplechase races---the social event of the year.

She's a Tulane grad, new condo owner, AND a notary!

For more stories, check out this site:

HIgh in the Sky

Saturday Showtunes---Cats!

2011-12-03T05:39:00.003-06:00

Today, probably about the time you are reading this, I'll be waist deep in glitter along with 10 of Mindy's little friends. Oh wait, those friends aren't so little after all. She's 27 and having that birthday party she "conned me in to"--- complete with crafts and food. I'll make it fun for them.

In the meantime, Since Cats is Mindy's favorite musical, I'm giving you her favorite number:
"Magical Mr. Mistoffeles"

What would I do without "you tube?"

Party report later.

Problem Fixed!

2011-12-02T03:04:00.000-06:00

I spent 5 hours taking apart the new tree on Monday and re-decorating which includes 3 hours spent at Target buying "new" stuff. Red, that's the ticket. I knew that would show up and it does. Aside from the fact that I've packed away almost all of my "cool" ornaments and marked the boxes---"Living Room Ornaments---Do Not Use"---I'm pleased with the results. In 15 years, when I replace this tree, my ornaments will be all new to me again. In the meantime, I'll be on the lookout for unusual red ornaments. There is some lime green ornaments on the tree which look good too, but it's the red that really shows. Believe it or not, there are over 250 ornaments on the tree. None of our tree toppers will work, so I bought a new red star, that wouldn't work either.

I procrastinated with the decorating this year. I wanted it all done on Friday, but I just hate every minute of it and didn't finish until Sunday (well Monday, with the re-decorating of the tree). That's thrown me off schedule with the wrapping.

I saw this idea in a magazine. It looks okay, better in the magazine. I'm thinking of adding it to my dining room table decorations, but can't do that until after Mindy's birthday party on Saturday. I'll take a picture when I get that done. I have a really neat idea that I can't wait to do. We'll see how it turns out.

The thing with the tassel is actually a pillow sham that I found on clearance a couple of years ago. Originally, it was intended for the guest room. I never used it there and had it in the "get rid of" pile. I thought of it when I needed something for the entry table. Fabric always softens "tablescapes."

At first, I couldn't find my needlepoint pillows. Turns out they were in the Christmas closet in a shopping bag all covered with tissue that looked like a bag of "wrap stuff." My memory---or lack there of---scares me. I searched everywhere for these pillows and finally decided they had to be in the Christmas closet.

This year I decided to just leave my mantle alone. Rather than moving everything and putting up the traditional Christmas stuff, I just added magnolia leaves (which I always do anyway), holly branches and cedar trimmings. Much easier and it still looks festive and Christmasy.

I bought this handsome fellow in a Christmas shoppe in Bath, England. His hand-painted face reminded me of the other elves I have. His face and hands must be plastic because Butch already knocked him down and he didn't break.

I love leaving my old jars out and just adding ornaments to turn them in to Christmas decorations.

Connie gave me this Scrooge teapot many years ago. It's still one of my most favorite things. The Christmas platter is in front of a "photo tray" that Sandy made me for Christmas a few years ago. It stays up year round---I need to remember to take a picture of that.

Stephanie made this tree for me a few years ago. This is the perfect location for it.

Again, I took the lazy way out this year---just incorporating the Christmas stuff with my regular decorations. Does it look too much like a store? Want to buy something?

My friend, Linda, started this collection for me years ago.

Another old jar filled with ornaments, more Fitz and Floyd and my ceramic Christmas trees I've had for 25 years. I think it all looks good on Grandma Zimmermann's old tablecloth.

I'm determined this year to be able to use the bar during the holidays. Usually it is blocked by our live tree. We're going to block the French doors with the tree this year. We'll see how it works out.

Nothing new here---I do this the same every year. Except, there's usually a clock dangling from my big elf. It got broken last year. When you walk in the front door, you are supposed to pick up on the idea that it's "time" for Christmas.

This little tree has all hand-made (by me) ornaments on it. I'm going to let all of my holiday guests take one home. There are glittered snowflakes with Christmas yoyo's from an old quilt that I found at an antique shop that I took apart. I added a vintage button to the center. Some have a vintage button on top of old milk caps. I made those last year.This year I did the tart tins with the vintage jewelry in the middle with crystals dangling. They're all pretty cute if I do say so myself.

I love my collection of Murano glass trees. I had planned to add to it when we visited Venice, Italy. I never saw a single one. Pretty disappointing. Our private guide at one of the Murano glass factories didn't know what I was talking about and even hinted that I might not have bought authentic Murano and may have gotten ripped off. Believe me, they are authentic---probably just made for Americans.

Well, I guess that's it for this year---until I get my dining room table decorated. I'm really excited about that.

I'd sure love to see everyone else's decorations. The bad part about living away is I don't get to see family decorations! Even here in town, I get to see just a couple of friends decorations---and they are few. Not very many people have things during the holidays. It's my favorite time to entertain. Heck, might as well, while the house looks different!

Speaking of which---the new lights go on the outside on Friday and the renovation work will finally be complete. I'll be posting some "befores" and "afters"next week.

December 1st---Time to Kick off the Holiday Season!

2011-12-01T04:58:00.002-06:00

To get you in the mood:

12 Days of Christmas

I'm in the mood. The house looks like Christmas now. I've taken the pictures and written the post---it publishes tomorrow.

It's been a crazy, busy week. Mindy closes on her new condo tomorrow (we were able to bump it up 2 weeks) and now Butch wants to get her moved in before Christmas which is stressing everyone out. We are all so busy during the holidays. I sat down with Butch yesterday to figure out what he has in mind. I had already sort of fought with him about it on Tuesday. I decided that I needed to figure out what he envisioned before telling him it was impossible. Plus, I'm always up for a challenge. And I'm not afraid of hard work. If he wants to do it, we can, but I needed for him to know exactly what that would entail.

There is so much that has to happen before Mindy can move. She is having ceilings put in---the place is a high-rise downtown---all "urban, modern" with concrete floors and ceilings. The floors will just be sealed with a clear sealer, so it will still look like a concrete floor. She's also having a tile backsplash put in which has to be shopped for along with a refrigerator and smaller washer/dryer. She has a washer/dryer, table/chairs and 2 living room chairs that need to be sold and/or moved somewhere, a huge lounge chair picked up from Steph's, all her stuff here moved (a lot of my leftovers I've saved) plus packing and moving her apartment. She's hiring movers this time since she currently lives on the 3rd floor with only steps and moving to the 10th floor with a small elevator. No way am I hauling!

Anyway, I told Butch that if he really wants to get her moved before Christmas which really means before the 22nd since that's when the Lapps family arrives, then I'd be "on board" with it as long as he realized it would be mostly he and I doing all the work. I then showed him my December calendar that has exactly 3 open days---I have something every day---and now I only have 2 days as another friend "booked" me on one of the 3 I had left. I told him that we could cancel "family baking day" on the 17th and spend that weekend devoted to everything move related. That's the only weekend for Mindy too. She has two friends coming from New Orleans this weekend until Tuesday, so she can't do anything. Next weekend is "out" for everyone. And she might even be traveling for work later in the month.

I think Butch has given up on the idea as the apartment had to be notified yesterday if she was planning to move by the 1st. At least now we can get her moved in a much more organized way. We can get all the work done before Christmas, have the drapes from her apartment moved, my "old" bedroom drapes re-made for her living room, mom's room divider painted (wait until you see what I have in mind for that), appliances delivered, all the stuff she can't move figured out, and then do the actual moving in January. That way, I can go with my original plan too---un-decorate here on the 27th before leaving for St. Louis on the 28th. If I couldn't do that, it would ruin my trip having that awful job hanging over my head. I don't really like the decorating anymore. Even as I'm putting the stuff up, I'm dreading the "take down." At least Butch didn't suggest canceling our St. Louis trip. If he had, here's what would have happened: I would have left him behind to "deal" with it all while I was living it up in St. Louis! I haven't been "home" since August and am looking forward to seeing the fam.

I'm feeling much more relaxed about the whole thing. You know I have a vision of how things will go. Mostly it never turns out that way, but I can still dream. In my mind, I see having the movers come and me having everything unpacked, put in place and decorated by the time Mindy gets off work. If you recall, when she moved back to Nashville last fall, I was in the midst of everything in St. Louis after mom died. I got home on Sunday and was sick in bed the next 4 days. I saw Mindy's apartment for the first time on Friday. It only took me about 6 hours to get her unpacked and decorated. Yeah, that's how I want it to go. I have lots of "cheap" ideas that I can't wait to do. Stay tuned...

After 40 Years, We're on the Same Page

2011-11-29T08:07:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it amazes me how we can be so different and yet think so alike---about some things. Take this for example:

I've had this dish drainer for at least 15 years. I was just thinking that I really needed to get a new one. Of course, I didn't write it down, so didn't remember it when I was at Target. Then, the very day after I thought I needed to get a new one, Butch came home with this:

Honestly, we never even discussed it. I was so happy, such a little thing, but still, it made me happy that he noticed. I try hard to keep everything looking new around here and it takes a lot of work. I'm glad that he's on the same page.

Well, except---I'm never going to feel like I HAVE to order off the "dollar menu" at McDonald's, Taco Bell or wherever....

White Bean Chili

2011-11-28T04:52:00.000-06:00

Janet gave me this recipe years ago. Mindy asked me to make it for her and her work friends, Jennifer and Ricky. I'm sharing the recipe for them and anyone else that might not have it. It's been known by several names: Chicken Chili, White Chili, or how it was given to me:

White Bean Chili
In a large crock pot:
6-8 cans white beans (I use great northern)
1 onion, chopped
minced garlic
1 can chopped green chills
4-6 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
2 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
4-8 squirts of tobacco
salt to taste

Cook on low 6-8 hours. Serve with sour cream and cheddar.
You can cook this on top of the stove instead of the crock pot as it is already cooked. Just be sure to cook it slowly for at least an hour to let the flavors blend. I also crunch tortilla chips or fritoes on top.

The Christmas decorating is finished. Pictures to come.

Storytelling Sunday---Thanksgivings Past

2011-11-27T04:18:00.002-06:00

We were living in Charleston, WV on Thanksgiving, 1977---our first one away from home and without extended family. Sandy was 5 and Stephanie was a year old. I made a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. We got "dressed up" for dinner and 20 minutes later it was all over but the mess. I then called home to St. Louis and realized all the fun the family was having without us. That was it. We never had another Thanksgiving alone.

Thus started the Eads' family tradition. Walter, Chris and girls came every year---wherever we lived---to celebrate with us. Chris made the dressing and Butch made the pies for several years. Often times, Walter and Butch did the clean-up after dinner before watching their football games.

We always enjoyed our time together with the girls---many games, great food and fun shopping. Chris and I would go when the stores opened, but that would be 7 a.m. I doubt we would have done midnight or 3 a.m. like they do now-a-days.
Thanksgiving was really warm again this year, reminding me of all the years that the Eads' came wearing their new fall sweaters only to sweat "bullets" down here in the south. Each year Chris would say, we need to remember that it's still hot in Nashville in November.

There is one Thanksgiving that really stands out in my memory. It's the one where I almost committed child abuse. If I was ever going to do it, it would have been in 1979.

I had just finished with all the house cleaning and Thanksgiving prep---working all day to make everything perfect. It was about 10 p.m. on Wednesday and the Eads' #1 family was due to arrive about 11 p.m. I was completely exhausted, but just sitting at the kitchen table going over my list for the next day. About that time, Sandy (who was 7 at the time) went in to the refrigerator for milk. She was behind me when she dropped the entire gallon. Not only did I feel that cold rush of milk up my legs and back, it "splatted" straight up and out---EVERYWHERE---dripping down the wallpaper, all over the counter, chandelier, stove---just everywhere. I started yelling---"you better run---I'm going to beat you!" Being no dummy, she took off as I continued to rant and rave. You also need to know that this was back in the days where you had to wax your floors on your hands and knees---which I'd done earlier in the day. OMG! I completely lost it. Butch came running in to see what had happened. He figured it out pretty quick. Later, I felt bad for Sandy---she was such a good kid and it was an accident, but I was just so tired.

I brought it up to Sandy while visiting last week and luckily, she doesn't even remember it. I guess the time I nearly committed child abuse didn't leave any permanent scars.

Family, time together, good food and fun---that's what Thanksgiving is all about. I'm glad that's what my gang remembers.

Saturday Showtunes---Anything Goes

2011-11-26T04:46:00.001-06:00

Did you watch the Macy's Day Parade? Anything Goes won the 2011 Tony for the best revival. During the parade, they performed this song---another of my favorites. It doesn't get better than Cole Porter!

You're the Tops

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T06:51:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday, Steph and Mindy informed us that Thanksgiving would be starting on Wednesday this year. They were planning on coming for dinner, watch a movie, stitch and spend the night so they'd be here bright and early for the parades---as if they live far away or something---15 minutes tops. Okay, we're game---pretty much whatever the girls want---we're pushovers and love that they want to be around so much. I made a "big" dinner---pork tenderloins, mashed white and sweet potatoes (together) and broccoli casserole. Nicky, Morgan and Carson were here too. Jordan was out with friends.

After kitchen clean-up, we were going to watch "Survivor" and then the movie. Turns out that watching something with the whole family requires a lot of pausing and re-winding. Everyone talks too much. Add to that the "mom, I've messed up my knitting, can you fix it?" (Mindy) and "mom, can you teach me this stitch?" (Steph)---it's less than the relaxing evenings that Butch and I have come to enjoy. Why aren't they here at 5 a.m. when I'm fresh and ready to tackle any problem? I'm tired at night and just want to "chill out." Then out comes the nail polish...

When we realized that "Survivor" wasn't even a new show---just a season "highlights" show, we turned it off. Mindy had brought her favorite Christmas movie---Love Actually---which isn't a Christmas movie at all---it just takes place during the holiday season. Butch was having none of that, so he went upstairs to watch football. The girls went to bed after the movie. I looked around at the mess and decided to just tackle it in the morning---when I'm fresh. As usual, I was the last to bed and the first one up.

I had decided that I wanted to get my new Christmas tree decorated before Friday. I don't just have a "to do" list---I put it all in a timeline and I live by it. I plan out everything and schedule it all. That's how I get everything done and stay on task. If I'm ahead for the day, I'll pull something off of the list for the next day and get that done too. Works for me.

I bought the tree half price last year after Christmas---it was still expensive. Right away, Butch wasn't happy that I'd settled on a flocked tree---but then, he didn't want to go with me to pick it out either, so "oh well, tough luck." We never had a flocked tree before. But my philosophy is---if you're spending that much, you want it to look different. Of course, they were all beautiful at the store, so it was hard to choose. All I can say is it's BIG and it's WHITE!!

I spent about an hour on Tuesday removing ALL of these tags. OMG, I thought I would go crazy. It's a pre-lit tree with about a 100 strands of lights---must be only 25 lights per strand. Ridiculous! Here's the proof: many of the tags were really tiny---but then my OCD kicks in and I have to get every single one of them. My arms got so tired trying to get the scissors inside the tree, hold the tags, snip them and then try to grab the tiniest pieces with my non-existent fingernails.

And now I have to admit---I MADE A MISTAKE! The tree is so WHITE that my ornaments don't even show up! I love my tree to be chock full of ornaments and it is---you just can't see them!!

Basically, all the ornaments did was tone down the white a little bit.

Even up close you can barely see the ornaments. Not to worry, I have a plan.We'll see how it looks when I'm done---just what I need---more work.

Plus, I never counted on the mess of fake snow dropping all over the place and clinging to my clothes which then allowed me to "snow" all over the house. Did I mention that I made a mistake? But this is a mistake that I have to learn to live with. I'll do it.

By 7 a.m., I had finished decorating the tree. I did a couple of other decorating related things then Butch and I started watching the "pre-parade"coverage. The girls came down around 8:30 or so. Mindy was in time to see Adam Pascal perform one of the songs from Memphis, but Steph missed it. Seeing Times Square and all the excitement made me wish I was back there. I just love New York.

On the commercials, I suggested that everyone "pitch in" and get the house in order---overnight bags everywhere, purses, shoes, sweaters, jackets and fleeces draped everywhere, dishwasher to unload and a huge pile of recycle stuff to be dealt with. Nicky was coming at 9 a.m. to make the bloody mary's. He makes good ones and has become our official family BM maker (okay, you know what I mean).

In our family, we assign the easiest jobs to the youngest---things they can do and not mess up. With that in mind, I said to Mindy, "So, Elizabeth, what can I give you to do? How about straightening the kitchen chairs and getting out the bloody mary glasses?"

This is what she did---when they should be squared up like below. Does that make me the one with the problem? I guess so. Either which way, she did this one little thing and "forgot" about the glasses and had to be reminded. Truly, we don't know where she came from.

We had a relaxing morning watching the parade, everyone got ready---we've been going to the club for dinner for the past couple years. The food is so good, so easy and no work. I do make a turkey breast so we can have sandwiches later. I make the "whole nine yards" at Christmas. This way we all get to enjoy a laid back Thanksgiving.

Jordan was complaining that the sun was too bright. She is pretty much always uncooperative about my need for photos. I take them anyway---she'll be sorry one day!

Stephanie and Nicky.

My face is so swollen and tight, it feels like it's going to "pop." I am tapering off the pred, so once that's done, the swelling will recede some. That's just how it is, but I still hate it.

Carson and Morgan. She had on these cute textured hose with seams---that she had going up the inside of her legs. I told her that the seams were supposed to go up the back. Kids today don't know that.

Standing next to Mindy always makes me feel shorter and fatter.

After lunch we came back here for football and naps. Stephanie, Mindy and I pulled out the "holy grail" (mom's Scrabble game) and played. Mindy was the big winner this time. The girls left about 5 or 6. I did a couple of things off of my list for today, got my jammies on and settled in for the evening. A perfect day---until---I notice this crazy, bright, alien-type glow coming from the entry. I figured I'd forgotten to turn off the lights. But instead, I discover this:

OMG! This tree is from outer space---it's so bright and white---nothing subtle about it.

Can you see a single ornament? I'm admitting it again. I made a mistake. It sure didn't look this bright in the store. I should have at least gotten the colored lights---then there would have been some color. When I figure out how to "fix it"---and I have a few ideas---I'll post an update.

A Year of Memories and The Scrap Room Challenge Club

2011-11-24T19:15:00.000-06:00

Hey All,
Just wanted to let you know that I've started a new blog for A Year of Memories and The Scrap Room Challenge Club. With over 50 people in all of these clubs, I figured it would be easier for those that are only interested in scrapbook related topics to go there. I will still be posting my own layouts here as well as there.

There is a clickable link on the right under "blogs"---A Year of Memories.

See you there too!

Visiting the Lapps Famlly

2011-11-21T05:12:00.001-06:00

We have been going to the Lapps family's house the week before Thanksgiving for many years now. It's always a fun trip. Sandy's house is beautiful and welcoming. This is what greeted us---really feels like Thanksgiving---since I didn't even get my fall stuff out this year. I knew I'd be facing Christmas as soon as we got home, so didn't even have the energy to think about fall---plus we've been traveling so much, we weren't really home to enjoy it.

It was nice to experience a little of the season here. Add to that, the COLD weather (although one morning, Mindy sent me a picture of her temperature gauge in her car---23 in Nashville---the difference is Nashville got up to the 60's---Kalamazoo doesn't get past 40's) and of course, I wasn't prepared. I only brought a denim jacket. I borrowed one of Sandy's pashminas and was good to go.

This just cracked me up. Elizabeth still has trouble pronouncing her "R's." But this is proof that she doesn't even hear the "R's"---she says and hears "yiez" instead of "years." That last word is stage.

Our little "daisy scout" made our dessert---apple crisp---from their apple picking outing. It was very good---hot with vanilla ice cream.

Showing off the "goods."

Sandy and I spent two days shopping. I got just about all of my Christmas shopping done. We kidnapped the girls and took them to Taco Bell where we met Butch and Greg for lunch. That might not have been such a good thing after all as they begged to "skip" school for the afternoon. We didn't let them, so Elizabeth wasn't happy about that.

Sandy is a great cook (and Greg too). They made a couple new recipes that were really good. I plan to make them in the next couple weeks. One recipe was for a roast beef and provolone sandwich that was pretty easy but sooo good. The other was a shrimp and pasta dish. Both were delish.

Friday night we went to Red Lobster---always good. While we were eating, Mitchell called to say that his plans for the evening were all "screwed up." He was supposed to be going to a party with friends. It was all arranged with the other mother who was to take them---the party was 45 minutes away. Add to that, the boys basketball practice and getting ready time---there wasn't going to be much time at the party. Somehow, he got left behind after practice by his friends. Not surprising---we all know how teenagers can be so flakey. Anyway, Sandy and I took Mitchell to the party. By the time we got out there, there was only about an hour to kill before it would be time to pick him up. Instead of coming back home, we went to Walmart. He got 2 hours at the party and had a good time, so it was worth it. By the time his friends got there, they only had 45 minutes at the party. Turns out Mitchell got the better end of that deal.

I managed to squeeze in a few games with the girls too. Before we left on Saturday, Elizabeth taught me a new one---"Stare"---that was fun. You get a minute to look at a card and try to memorize everything on it. Then you are asked a few questions about it. If you get the answers right, you get to move around the board. We do take advantage of every moment.

I can't believe I didn't snap some shots of the other kids. I guess when I had my camera out, they weren't around.

They'll be here for Christmas which is just around the corner. I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week. This fall has just flown by. Where is the time going... pretty scary, really!

Storytelling Sunday---Stephanie's Arrival

2011-11-20T04:12:00.000-06:00

It was the fall of 1976 and so much was happening all at the same time. Butch was working for Central Parking System and going to Washington University trying to complete his education. We tried to buy our first home, but the deal fell through at the last minute because the house needed a new roof. The seller wouldn't pay for it and we didn't have any extra money. We were pretty upset, but then found out 2 days later that Butch was being promoted and we were moving to Charleston, WV on January first. This all happened at the end of October.

On November 18, Butch was in Charleston finding a place for us to live. Sandy and I had gone to my mom's house for dinner. Afterwards, I started playing poker with Matt and some of his friends. It was about 10:30 when we finished. Sandy was asleep, so mom suggested that I just spend the night. I had not spent the night one time since marrying in 1971. This night I did.

Somewhere in the middle of the night, my water broke. I was scheduled to have a "C" section on Monday---this was early Friday morning the 19th. Mom took me to the hospital while Sandy slept unawares---thank goodness I was there.

I was not at all happy to have gone in to labor as that was the only advantage of having a "C" section--- avoiding the "before" pain in exchange for the "after." She was born at 5:18 a.m.

I've always believed that things happen for a reason and as they should. Whatever made me spend the night? Someone GREATER than us has always looked out for us.

We made our move, Butch continued with school and rose through the ranks of Central Parking and the rest is history. And Steph, she's 35 this weekend. We loved her from the start.

Showtunes Saturday---"Think of Me"

2011-11-19T04:28:00.000-06:00

Today is Stephanie's 35th birthday, so I decided to devote this Saturday Showtunes to her. She love Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat---both are tied for #1 in her book, so here's a selection from each!

"Think of Me"

"Any Dream Will Do"

Halleluiah!!!

2011-11-15T04:00:00.001-06:00

I got 6 hours of sleep last night!! All in a row!! Well, really 5 hours and 45 minutes---but I'll take it! I feel well rested and raring to go! In New York, I "holed up" in the bath tub 2 nights, but the girls said it didn't bother them. I'm happy to be getting back to normal---at least for me. Down to 20 MG of prednisone---still more than I'd like, but at least I'm still able to taper down. That's a good thing. This time, this is IT---I just KNOW it!!!

Here's hoping that the next time you see me, you will see less of me!!

I'll always hold out hope!!

New York New York

2011-11-14T04:33:00.001-06:00

Our trip got off to a bit of a rocky start. Getting up at 3:30 a.m. is not the girls favorite thing to do, but we had a 6 a.m. flight. Why not get there early and have the whole day---to which they basically agree. Our flight was delayed about a half hour getting out of Nashville. When we arrived at LaGuardia, we had to circle for another hour until they diverted us to JFK---due to fog---but not a bit at JFK. Of course that completely screws up all the plans---meeting up with Sandy and then meeting our car and driver.

Once we landed, we called Sandy to find that she was sitting on the runway in Chicago. Turns out she sat there for 3 hours. I called the Exeucar company and got them to pick us up at JFK. It took us another hour to get in to the city. By now its noon. We checked in and headed out for lunch. While we were there, Sandy called that she had arrived. I told her to get a cab to the hotel. All was not lost. It was about 1:30 when she got there, so we had the rest of the afternoon to walk around and shop. It was cold---low 40's---and windy.

Now our trip in a "nutshell":

The big surprise for the girls was a trip to my favorite diamond dealer for their Christmas present. They each got to pick out a little something. Christmas---done!

Next stop Macy's---we spent several hours and got lots of Christmas shopping done.

I picked up a few baubles in the garment district for "A Year of Memory" kits.

You can't go to New York without picking up a few more pashmina's from the street vendors. We all love them---the perfect thing to throw in your purse to take the chill off. And you can't beat the price---buy 4 @ $5.00 each and get the 5th free.

Souvenir ornaments of our trip.

Here was my "big" splurge (except for replacing my diamond necklace that I lost a couple of weeks ago). Remember I said I was going to use my poker winnings to really buy something? Well, when I added it all up, I had $192.50 to spend---that was just the bills and quarters---so my poker money isn't completely gone---I have enough for my next "stake." I got myself another travel purse. I love carrying something smaller and more compact that can go over my whole body for handsfree convenience. Thanks to all the Zimmermann's, friends and grandkids that contributed to make this splurge possible!

The price was just right there! I just need to win a few bucks to cover the tax.

We couldn't resist the Macy's shopping bags. Each one was cuter than the next. We each got one. Mine is the black and white striped. One mistake---my handles aren't long enough to put on your shoulder.

The girls loved Avenue Q---I knew they would. It's just a fun show.

The reason we went to NewYork in the first place.

This was the most fabulous Italian place. It will be on my list of places we HAVE to go to from now on. Steph had been here a few years ago with friends. We had to wait for about 45 minutes at 5:15 p.m. It was totally worth it.

The only problem is that all the food is served family style---humongous portions. This is the tiramasu AFTER we finished. It easily could have served 10 people. This is Steph's favorite dessert anywhere, but according to her, it's the best here. I don't like coffee, so have never liked tiramasu. I tried it here and have to admit, it was really good---didn't really taste like coffee.

Okay, so the Garrett's popcorn is a Chicago tradition. We always stand in the block long popcorn line when there. But when Sandy saw a Garrett's in New York they had to stop. There wasn't a line, but when she asked for the Chicago mix, the people there asked her how she knew to order that.

The Chicago mix is a combination of the cheese and caramel mixed together---you have that sweet and salty thing going on. It is so completely unhealthy, but soooo delish.

We had a great time, great food and lots of laughs. Mindy was even a good sport about the "Dead Sea Scrolls" exhibit that we went to. Aside from the slow start, everything was great---except, why is it---there are 13,237 cabs in NYC and when we needed one, we couldn't find one? From now on, I told the girls that they needed to sacrifice "cute" for comfort when it comes to shoes. We ended up walking 10 short blocks and 2.5 long blocks to dinner---which "did in" a few feet (not mine---I learned that lesson in London).

Now it's off to Kalamazoo this week for Butch and I. But before I go, it's going to start looking a lot like Christmas around here!

Storytelling Sunday---What Kind of Fool Am I?

2011-11-13T05:04:00.000-06:00

It started with this "boy." Jim Stegge was one of Ronnie's friends---although that made him my friend too---as we all ran in the same crowd. Anyway, Jim was a good dancer. He and I spent a lot of time coming up with dance routines to "perform" at "teen town." Yeah, we were one of those couples people circled around to watch. He could do the splits and other nifty moves---but he did split a few pairs of pants.

During the summer between 9th and 10th grade, Ronnie and Jim took me to a party to meet the boy below---Les Horstkoetter. When we got there, most of the "boys" including Les were late due to their ball game. By the time they went home, showered and arrived at the party, it was completely dark. It was a basement party with no lights. I met Les, but never actually laid eyes on him. Turns out it was a "necking" party. I can remember pursing my lips tightly together and praying that the night would be over. I was pretty inexperienced in the "boy" department. I "went with" Roger Schultz my freshman year, and even though we grew up together, we had never kissed. We only had just started holding hands about a week before the "big break-up."

Anyway, when Ronnie and I got home, I started to cry to mom about what had happened. She started hitting Ronnie and yelling at him about taking his sister to a party like that. Looking back, it was pretty funny because he was my "younger" brother! Big lady killer that he was...

I didn't hit it off with Les then---met one of the other guys---ironically named Bob Anderson. Another guy of the same name would be a good friend 20 years down the road. I "went with" Bob for about 6 months before I started dating Les. I honed my kissing skills then.

Now here's the thing. Jim told me that Les, was part of the band "Every Mother's Son" who was a "one hit wonder" in the 60's. They had just one song---"Come on Down to My Boat Baby." Jim told me to never mention the band because his mom made him quit and he was really upset about it. So, I never mentioned it. I dated him about 6 months too. That was about my limit---new guy every 6 months or so.

He took me to his junior prom---my first. Back then, you got one dress and wore it to every prom you went to. I went to three. You can't see the butterflies in my hair, but I thought I was somethin'!

I never did ask Les, if he was in that band. I'm pretty sure I was played for a fool on that one. He did have a guitar and drums, maybe, just maybe....

Showtunes Saturday---Memphis

2011-11-12T02:20:00.001-06:00

And this is why we came to New York:

Adam Pascal in Memphis

and this with Bon Jovi member/creator of Memphis David Bryan
Adam Pascal in Memphis

I have been lucky enough to see Adam Pascal on stage three times now. The first time, Mindy and I didn't even know who he was. We saw him in Aida---somewhere around 1999. When Rent the movie---starring the original cast---came out, we recognized his voice. Adam originated (and had his Broadway debut) in the role of Roger in Rent. Then about two years ago, I saw him perform his role in Rent along with Anthony Rapp at the Fox in St. Louis. That was a special treat for me. I took Ranya, Janet and Jeanne with me.

I "snagged" my first autograph last night and am thrilled to add this to my "junk!" Notice the date too.

The irony of this is that I'm supposed to see Memphis in Nashville on Wednesday night. We'll be at Sandy's by then, so it's a good thing I came to New York to see it!!

I Can Totally Relate...

2011-11-09T21:47:00.002-06:00

After my post "It was ALWAYS about the Candy" I can't think of anything worse!
(sorry, you have to watch a 13 second commercial first).

We ate all your candy!

Disappionted---

2011-11-09T03:47:00.000-06:00

in Glee. Haven't liked a single show this season---or most of the performances for that matter. What the heck are they doing with the show. And last night---puulleassseee---another---"let's do it"---show. They did it last year, but apparently didn't really "do it." Did they "do it" last night, or do we have another one of these coming next year too? I'm getting pretty fed up with it. The show doesn't seem to have any direction. Who knows where it's going. Looks like the "beast" is going to have a boyfriend. Who the heck cares? This show is supposed to be about the teens and the performances. Let's get back to that.

I'm holding out hope for next week's show---my idol---Idina Menzel will be back. I hope she performs something good.

Oh well, at least the girls and I head to NewYork tomorrow. I'm looking forward to my real Broadway "fix."

Will report form there.

Tea Party, AYM and a Recipe Share

2011-11-08T03:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, it was one of my "A Year of Memories" group meetings, here. I decided to "set" high tea for us. After all, I'm only too happy to show off all the teas I bought in England. I know most people don't really "get" it, but there's just something about tea that makes me happy. It seems so refined---just relaxing over a "cuppa" with good friends, catching up on the latest news. I've had tea with my friends regularly over the years---and it's always been a ritual. In KY I had a friend that we'd get together every afternoon for tea. Here, it was every Tuesday morning with some and every Friday mornings with others, I miss that---haven't really done it regularly with my friends for years.

Of course I start every day with a pot. Even that is exciting. "Which one shall I have today?" How about Twinnings Earl Grey, Lady Grey, or William and Catherine's blend? Or Prince Charles "High Grove" afternoon blend. I have quite a stash of Harrods, so that's always a good choice. Maybe I'll go with American made Harney and Sons "Sally's Surprise" full of pink rosebuds."

I should have been English---or more to the point---maybe I just want to be "royal."

I set it up in the sunroom. When you are in here, you sort of feel like you are sitting outside. It was a gorgeous day in Nashville.

You can't have a tea table without flowers. Luckily, the roses still look grand in the garden and inside too.

I love that I was able to use my vintage linens.

I even made "homemade" Clotted Cream. When we were in England, Butch asked me exactly what "clotted cream" was. It's pretty simple---heavy cream, a bit of sour cream and a little powdered sugar. Divine. Mindy wouldn't touch it with a 10 ft. pole. She says anything with "clotted" in the name sounds disgusting. This from the girl that loves sushi---go figure. Anyway, I made a batch and now have some in the fridge for the next week or so.

Unfortunately, this sort of ruined the effect. I made 2 pots of tea, but I only have one regular tea cozy. I had to pull out the Christmas one. I can't believe I was all over England and never even thought about buying another tea cozy. Darn!

On to the layouts. The topic this month was to scrapbook your hobbies or collections. Suzanne focused on her scrapbooking by taking close-ups of her scrapbook room. She has a great space that's well-organized.

Sally is one of the most creative people I know. She's a true artist and her house is adorned with her paintings. This is her first year to "dabble" with scrapbooking. Her title says it all.

Kim couldn't make it this month, but Mary Jo came. She's joining us next year. It's going to be a good year. As I wind up this year, I've asked them to think about which topic was their favorite. I have another group starting up at the scrapbook store---15 are signed up. Between all 4 groups, I now have 41 people participating. Who knew this would grow so "big." And all from my "Making the Most of My Memories" Workshop. I'll be offering that again after the first of the year---after my regular organization classes. I still teach that in KY every year. Here, due to space limitations, I had to offer it 3 times as only 10 can fit in the store's scrap area. I still really enjoy sharing my organizational tips.

Now on to the recipe. I made some Chicken Noodle Soup that was delish. And it was so easy. You know I'm all about quick and easy. Could be a good tailgate recipe for a cold game. I should have taken a picture---it was pretty too!

Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
32 oz. chicken stock (I use Swanson 99% fat free)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (I used the low fat for this too)
Whisk together in crockpot.

4 boneless chicken breasts
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 ribs of celery, sliced
salt and pepper
1 1/2 T. onion flakes
1 T. parsley
Add to pot.

Cook on low about 6 hours. You can't overcook it. Pull out the chicken and shred. Return to crockpot.

8 oz. extra wide egg noodles, cooked
Add to chicken mixture.

I made a pan of cornbread to go with it. Actually, I made beans and dumplings over the weekend and needed more cornbread for those leftovers, so decided to serve it with the noodle soup first.
Bon Appetit!
Later....

AYM---Guys

2011-11-07T05:52:00.000-06:00

This was Pete's page from last month about "My Meaningful Stuff."

This months topic was Halloween or something that scared you are, or afraid of. This is Bruce's page, titled, "Halloween---not so scary...Reptiles---very scary." It's well known that Bruce is deathly afraid of snakes, lizards and frogs. It's pretty ironic that their house seems to have been built over a snake pit. Through the years, not only have they seen dozens of snakes in their yard, but when digging to plant bushes or flowers, they literally dug into holes full of snake eggs. I'd have to move! At their farm, they see lots of snakes too. But the worse has to be startling a snake that was sunning on the porch. I quickly crawled up inside the house. I'd have to move!

Susan has lots of pictures of Halloween parties through the years. There are some pretty funny photos here---starting with Pete as a child with a fake mustache and a gigantic liquor bottle.

This is Butch's "My Stuff" layout from last month. He does not want to do the Halloween layout. He only has one picture from Halloween and says he doesn't even remember one thing about it. That's okay, he'll just be one page short in his album. He's the first to refuse to do a layout. Sort of wrecks my record.

"Dressed for Success"is Hugh's title. It's about Halloween and also some company functions that required costumes.

Jack had several stories about when he was "Un-Nerved" over the years: heart attacks, near-auto accidents, "war-time" when he was in the military and the time he was a little boy and got stuck in a hole "face-down." You can see the dangling legs in the photo. That picture is actually upside-down. I already fixed it, but forgot to take a new picture of the layout.

Storytelling Sunday---She Had a Swagger!

2011-11-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

I decided to devote this post to my grandma Zimmermann. She was quite the character. I like to think I take after her. After all, I have these glasses and some fake buck teeth to boot.

In this particular picture, grandma was visiting after the birth of either Matt or Joyce. We didn't know she was coming, so she greeted us at the door after school looking like this---cheesy wig and nose glasses. She was always fun. When we went to visit her in the country (Barnhart, Missouri), she'd greet us at the door the same way. She grab hold of you---hard---and start punching your arm, or hook your neck in the crook of her arm and give you a "Dutch rub" (she would take her knuckles and rub them back and forth across the top of your skull).

She always had some planned activity for us. Usually she'd hide her clothespins all around the yard and we'd have to find them. Hey, wait a minute, now I realize that was a ploy to get rid of us for awhile---quite awhile---as she needed to have every last one of them back!

There was so much to love about the country---surrounded by woods to explore, bottle cap games, that country store beverage cooler full of slushy ice and soda. It was so much fun to reach in and see what you would pull out. I can still remember the smell of the basement/rathskeller with it's "dirt" rooms that stored home canning and vegetables.

Then there was the "reading room" upstairs. She had all of the trashy tabloids---National Enquirer, True Confessions, True Romance, etc. We became reading fools there.

We played many games on this front porch---Scrabble, Blitz, and dozens of other card games. She was a "rough and tumble" type of a gal. You can tell she has a swagger just by looking at this picture. Not really a "lady-like" type of gal. But then, there in lies the paradox. She LOVED her costume jewelry. What I wouldn't give to have a piece today.

And cook---oh, my gosh, she was the best! She loved to bake and entertain. Christmas Eve's were legendary! At least 50 varieties of cookies---that dining room table was overflowing. I'm fortunate to have many recipes from her---written in her beautiful script. I think I inherited my love of entertaining from her too.

I just loved this place. I got to spend a little extra time with her a couple of summers. She taught me about gardening---I credit her with my love for that. She was very religious---we said the Angelus at noon and the Rosary at 3 p.m. between her "stories" (soap operas).

There probably isn't a time that I "pull" some gag on my own grandkids that I don't think about her. After all, it's all about the memories---and you know I'm all over that!! I want my grandkids to think of me and tell stories of all the crazy things I did too. And that's exactly how I'll be leaving a little bit of me behind!

To check out some other great stories, please hop on over to my friend, Sian's who started this all:
Storytelling Sunday

Showtunes Saturday---Bonus and an Apology!

2011-11-05T05:30:00.000-05:00

In my post about the TPAC Gala last weekend, I only included one photo---"my bad" (I hate that term, but anyway). To add insult to injury, the person I left out was actually behind the camera. This is Jennifer, one of Steph's closest friends. She is so cute----and "P-O-P-U-L-A-R!!!" She knows everyone in town! Truly! Since that is the song that Kristen Chenowith sang at the Gala (from "Wicked"), I'm offering it here on Jennifer's behalf!! Jennifer, here's to you!

POPULAR

Showtune Saturday---Anything Goes

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

I love Cole Porter music. I've seen this on stage a couple of times. The story is "campy" but I don't care. I always enjoy the music, costumes, set and choreography. If the story is good, it's just an added bonus. But that's not usually the case with the "old" stuff.

Anything Goes

Nashville Hits the "Big" Time...

2011-11-04T03:08:00.002-05:00

We've finally gotten our first Nordstrom's. I remember 25 years ago when the Bellvue Mall opened. Pam and I were so excited---we heard that they were having a "soft" opening a few days prior to the grand opening. We went, it became our "go to" mall and now 25 years later, it's gone. That mall was a "regular" mall with all of your typical "teen" stores. One of Sandy's jobs was at The Limited. Now it's just a big empty dinosaur. It was supposed to turn in to a library. That didn't happen. Then it was going to be one of those outside, open air malls that are so popular now. That didn't happen either. But in the meantime, The Green Hills Mall is still our upscale mall. They have continually remodeled over the years and added more and more stores. It's a beautiful place. I don't shop much if I can avoid it, but it's definitely my "go to" mall.

Sixth & Pine is the restaurant located inside Nordstrom's. I've been twice---delicious food---well, I've had the same thing twice---the Crab Louie salad---lots of shrimp and crab, avocado, just yummy. They also have comfort foods too. Connie had the meatloaf and said it was really good. She had planned to take half home but ended up eating it all. We had dinner there last night before our "by private invitation only" grand opening of The Container Store.

In the morning, when Butch asked what I had going on, I told him about it. He said, "don't go buying any containers---we don't need any and you have a container problem." To which I responded, "don't tell me I can't buy containers." I know this could be really bad for me.

As I was leaving, I told him I'd probably be home around 9-ish. He said he would probably be in bed by then. I said, "good, that way I can smuggle my containers in!"

As it turns out, this was just a preview night---you couldn't buy anything. Actually I probably wouldn't have anyway. It was very crowded and I'm not the type to stand in long lines. But I'll definitely be back. I also see lots of great Christmas ideas. They had all kinds of food and champagne, wine, etc. We could have definitely made a meal of it. I tried a few things and it wa all good. I'm sure there was mention of food in the invitation and I just missed it. Anyway, it was fun.

They have over 80 different hanger styles

over 700 office supplies

over 120 food storage containers

over 170 bows and ribbon

over 540 products to organize the kitchen

Yeah, this could be deadly for me. I'm just sayin'

This is just like the BEST week. Today, my friends are picking me up at 8:30 for the grand opening of our very first Archiver's! I'm really excited. I've printed out my coupons and extras for my friends.

Yes, indeedy, Nashville has hit the "big time" and I'm lovin' it....

Not Much to Report, but a Little...

2011-11-03T05:16:00.001-05:00

Can't argue with that!

Hate it when this happens!

When I used to be cute.

When I thought I was "fat!"

When I really was cute! I thought I was somethin'---rockin' that halter top. I could never quite pull that off---at any age. If you look closely, you can see that I am "exposed" on the right! That's my cousin, David, on the right at my grandma Zimmermann's in the country.

Mindy, her friend, Schuyler and Stephanie at the TPAC gala last weekend. I made Mindy's fascinator---it's a black/purple spider web with a big spider in the middle. Butch is on the board of our performing arts center. Since we were out-of-town, we gave the girls our tickets. The entertainment this year was Kristen Chenowith. Tim McGraw received an award, but didn't perform. They always have some "high"profile entertainment---not like a concert or anything, but about a half hour performance.

And, lastly----Mindy is a new HOMEOWNER!!! She got the word yesterday that they accepted her offer. She loves the urban lifestyle. She'll be in a high-rise condo development downtown. Not exactly my taste---exposed concrete floors and ceiling---but I'll make it cute. She closes December 15th, so we get to add moving to the chaos of the holidays. She's hiring someone to do it this time. We're done with moves!

I'm excited for the next couple of days. The Container Store opens this weekend. I got a private invitation for tonight. I can't wait! I have a bad feeling about that place. I think it's going to be deadly for me.

Then, tomorrow, ARCHIVER's opens in Nashville! Yaaaayyyyy! My friends and I are going to be there when the doors open.

I guess that's all I know....

Catching Up...

2011-11-01T04:31:00.001-05:00

I need to go all the way back to last week. Pam, Nancy and I went to a new antique place in Bellvue. It was really nice---a little pricey---but set up so cute. And when it comes down to it, if you love it, you'll pay for it.

They had the cutest tags on all of their stuff. The tags were punched with a scallop punch and attached with ribbons and pins. Makes me think these gals are scrapbookers. I didn't think to ask. Anyway, the tags were a little added bonus---I've added them to my stash.

Here's my haul---old casseroles---probably not microwave safe, blue linens, a vintage corner shelf that I plan to put in the sunroom.

I had to have the pink tin and dresser scarf. The blue bowl is cool, not sure what I'm doing with that yet. And then that blue tablecloth embroidered in black---destined for my office. You'll see that later.

On to Washington.
When we arrived at the Mayflower Hotel (which is probably one of the nicest hotels I've ever been in---huge room), I immediately figured out where I would be setting up my "home-away-from-home" office. Knowing that I'd be up half the night, I needed a place to go.

That place is always the bathroom. We don't usually have suites or anything. I put the coffee/tea set-up in there. I was so happy that they had Twinings Tea---still riding high from that stop in London. Beverages, check.

I took the extra blanket, the decorative pillows from my bed and made a cozy little "nest" in the tub.

I didn't have much in the way of food---a Butterfinger snack size and 2---actually, disgusting mints. But when you get up at "o-dark thirty" you do get hungry. By 7 a.m. it's really lunchtime for me these days. Better than nothing. I snagged a cookie one day and enjoyed that with my tea one night. I had everything I needed, tea, snack, computer, headphones to listen to Pandora, reading material and plenty of work that I wanted to do. Heaven! I can get along anywhere. I just can't be idle.

Always travel with a pashmina or scarf! This is why. Thank goodness, I took the scarf off before eating. I dribbled 1000 island dressing from my ruben sandwich. There was no time to change. Luckily, I covered it up with my scarf. Still, I tried to wash it out at the hotel---it didn't. I may have ruined one of my PINK tops---not like I don't have dozens more.

That reminds me---I alluded to another "health" related issue yesterday. Well, let's just suffice it to say that I experienced a problem that I do not ordinarily have. Putting it politely, I had to "bury" a Prep "H" wipe. I spent about $90.00 arming myself with every possible thing available. Ultimately, the situation got so bad I had to call my doctor, find a pharmacy and get a prescription in D.C. I know, TMI! It was not good. I may have been a little overzealous on those squat/thrust machines at Curves---but who knew I had "this" problem. Lesson learned---go a little easier.

One other thing I have to mention. I had the best time watching the Cards win the World Series. Those were the best games I've ever seen in baseball. I don't follow baseball unless the Cardinals make the Series. Janice and I had a bet going---I told her I'd only bet if I could have the Cards. She "hedged" her bet with others and actually had 3 bets going---2 for the Cards and the one with me. We had so much fun texting back and forth during the game. What an exciting game. She said it made her miss her "ball" days.

Arriving home Sunday, we went straight to the Titan's game. I've joked with my friends, that I've figured out a way to NOT have to go to the games. We tailgate, one of the girls uses my ticket, I leave and Butch "hitches" a ride home. The perfect plan. I just can't sit still for 4 hours and do nothing. What a waste of time. At least at home, I can watch the game, enjoy the commentary and STITCH at the same time. I actually can say I enjoy the game that way. The only thing I like about being at the stadium is tailgating with our friends. Otherwise, it's just long, boring, too hot (usually), or cold (sometimes). We have really good seats, but everyone stands just about the whole time. And then when you finally get to sit down, you have to get up about 50 times because people are going in and out. Just not fun. Anyway, my perfect plan is "flawed." It puts Butch in the position of being a "moocher" about the ride home. I get that. It's okay. I'm just glad that I have the girls to use my ticket. I always said that I only did the Titan's games for "love." Now I can still "love" the game from home.

After the game I went up to my office and decided to clean out my closet. I uncovered a few problems---or I should say, my "multiples" problem is clearly visible. Notebooks---I have a few. But how could I EVER resist those pink ones---you don't see pink binders all the time.

Now having this many envelopes is actually funny. I have every size possible. But I never seem to have what I need. Case in point, I needed a regular legal size envelope---nada, not a one---nor or there any regular envelopes---I have boxes from old stationary, invitations, and several boxes of card size from my card making days, etc. Can't seem to throw them out.

Notebooks---lots of them. I can't live without spiral bound notebooks. When mom died last year, I asked Jeanne for one so that I could start handling everything. I couldn't believe it when she said she didn't have any! Most of these aren't even new. I've always kept the girls notebooks at the end of the school year, tore out their stuff and kept them. I shouldn't have to buy another one for the rest of my life---unless it's pink.

Binder clips---a nice big box. I use them in place of "chip" clips too. They come in handy for just about anything. I have a few floating in my car and beside my chair in the family room. I want everything I need at my fingertips.

The pens. I'm particular about the feel of a pen in my hand. I write a LOT! I like how the ink glides across my spiral bound notebooks. This is my favorite type. They are hard to find. When I do, I buy at least 3 boxes. They used to come in blue, but I haven't seen them in years and am sad that I don't have any left. I don't use red much, but had to have box of them. I might have enough for the rest of my life.

Bubble wrap---I think I've identified another problem. I decided to keep only what would fit on the lower shelf. I have grand plans to sell stuff on Ebay, but never quite get around to it. When I do, I'll have the packing materials.

Here's the whole thing cleaned out. It took me about 3 hours. I got rid of tons of stuff. Well, not really, Butch saw what I was getting rid of and moved a lot of it down to his office. Sort of defeats the purpose of purging if you just move it to another part of the house.

Now, finally, the view of my newly re-painted office. It used to be "hot" pink. I wanted to go with something completely different---more calming. I went with the same blue paint color I used on the ceiling in the kitchen and sunroom. I love white woodwork. It really sets off any color.

Here's that blue tablecloth. Perfect in my blue and black office. The lamp in the rear is one of a pair that I got from my "adopted" grandma in the early 1990's.

This view is from my desk. Those bunnies sitting in the chair on the left I plan to put on Ebay---sometime. The paintings we bought on a cruise with our friends about 15 years ago.

Aside from the new plantation shutters, I didn't want to spend a lot of money in this room. These are about the cheapest window treatments you can do. They match what I have in "mindy's" room except her room is pink. I wanted a uniform look from the outside. There is a transom window under them.

But what you need to know is that they are totally fake. This is NOT fabric rolled up. The fabric is just wound around a cardboard tube. If I knew how to sew, I'd use a swimming noodle---that way you could have it as fat as you want. Then, it's just a scrap of fabric about an inch or two wide, rolled up and pinned in place on the end---giving the illusion that it's all fabric. Really cheap---well, except for the labor---they always get you there!

This is my most favorite piece of needlework I've ever done. It's called "kaleidescope." It was really hard---especially on that black. I thought I would lose my mind. It was so hard to see---especially since my robes are black---it was very hard to see a contrast to stitch. I need to have that tired, worn mat replaced. I'll put that on the list.

And there you are---all up-to-date. We only had 2 trick-or-treaters last night. I actually had almost all of the Halloween stuff put away last week. A month is enough for me. I did it before we went to England which was about September 10. Butch said, "you're taking it all down before Halloween?" I was "over it."

Hive update: not good. I have not been able to taper down yet. Trying today, say a prayer. My doctor called yesterday and is concerned about the level of Prednisone I'm on for so long this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. When the doctor worries, I worry. I don't know what bad stuff it's doing to me, but I don't need anything else---with the "roids" and all.....

"I Believe in Miracles"

2011-10-31T02:29:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, Butch and I were in Washington, D.C. for a Catholic "thing." This is what I shared with my girls. In "hindsight" it's kind of funny!

Hey Girls,
I wanted to share my experience with you. I've already typed this up to use as hidden journaling somewhere in one of my scrapbooks with a little more of my private thoughts. When I told your dad about it, he said he had these same feelings of "unworthiness." We are not the type that has spent a lot of time talking about our faith, but it's important to both of us just the same. Don't worry, we're not going all "holy roller" on you. But this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I love you girls.
Mom

My Story:
October 27, 2011 we were in Washington, D.C. for the investiture in to a little known Catholic organization dedicated to promoting Catholic education in The Holy Land (side note: only 2% of the population in The Holy Land is Christian) to which you have to be nominated by your Bishop and ultimately approved by the Pope. People are "called" to this group due to their dedication to Catholic education here. It's not about "money." Kind of hard to explain.

The day of our practice, one of the ladies in charge said to us: “you are about to become “ladies" of the Papal Court---a very big “deal.” I immediately started to cry. Another “lady” in charge asked me if I was okay. I told her that I felt so unworthy and humbled---I didn't say "phony"---but that was at the heart of it. She said that I would not have been nominated or “called” if I was not worthy. I still felt kind of like a phony---I’m not the greatest Catholic in the world---irreverent, even--- but have certainly spent most of my life working and raising money for Catholic education. I have a deep seated faith in Catholic education.

Then the day of the investiture---I have some health issues going on--even beyond my hives, my clothes aren’t quite right, the shoes hurt and then the pantyhose start to roll down. In all fairness, I haven’t had pantyhose on in years.

I’m a nervous wreck. I’m such a “faller.” I was so afraid that I’d trip walking up the steps to the altar, or worse yet, those hose would roll all the way to the floor. I stood in the formation line literally shaking with fear. Then I said to myself, “okay, Lord, I can’t handle this. You brought me here, you are going to have to take care of me.” Then it hit me. I’d been praying since about the first of the year---2011---feeling that my spirituality was lacking and that I needed to do something---at that time, I prayed, “okay Lord, if you want me to do something, put it before me.” I was praying about this long before we were notified that we'd been nominated for this special honor.

Suddenly, standing in the back of that most beautiful St. Matthew’s Cathedral, it hit me like a ton of bricks. THIS was it. He brought me to this. I suddenly was able to relax a little, trying to having faith that it would all turn out okay.

As my pantyhose kept inching down, I had visions of them rolling all the way to the floor when I knelt to greet the Cardinal. They were right about my knees by now and seemed to stay put. Each time we had to kneel or stand, they creeped slightly lower. I kept saying, “please Lord, I can’t handle this. You need to do it.” I’m nervous about the steps up to the altar---seeing those hose in my mind take a final “roll” in front of the entire Church.

I was the first of the “ladies” to go up---deja vu of my First Holy Communion. Right before my name was called, a knight stepped over and said, “let me help you.” I looked at him a little puzzled, but stepped out. All he did was take my elbow so I could make the first step. I was able to completely relax, make the rest of the steps, the hose “held” and I didn’t have any problems kneeling on the prieux dieux like I had during the rehearsal.

Once I returned to my seat, I knew I had witnessed a miracle. Jesus had sent me that angel. The enormity of it was so strong. I was EXACTLY where HE wanted me to be. Now, I can’t let HIM down! I don't mean to sound so melodramatic, but it was the most incredible moment---I'm still crying.

Faith is a powerful thing! And even though we're all "flawed" it's okay. Basically, if I was putting a label on myself, I'd say I was a "lazy" Catholic which has nothing to do with what I actually believe.

If you remember what it was like growing up Catholic---coming home from a retreat when you were in school---feeling all renewed and spiritual---that's exactly how this felt---except 10 times more. Little miracles happen every day and I intend to recognize them in my life.

There, I'm done.

Storytelling Sunday---"It was ALWAYS about the Candy!"

2011-10-30T05:37:00.000-05:00

Yep, we were on a mission. Back in the 1950's and 1960's, we spent ALL of our allowance on candy. We'd get the allowance---10 cents per grade---and hustle up to the little store. We'd get a huge bag of penny candy---because back then, some of the penny candy was actually 2 for a penny. And if Ronnie Miller (our backyard neighbor) was working, she'd throw in a few extras. We'd all have a heaping bag. We usually ate every bit of it that day and then have to endure a whole candy-less week.

Halloween was like the BEST holiday for us. Sure we got lots of candy on the other holidays---those lifesaver books and candy canes at Christmas and great candy-filled Easter baskets---but Halloween was OURS! We had control over where we went and for how long.

First came planning the costumes which were always just junk from around the house. I donned Ronnie's baseball uniform more than once. When we got a little older, we mostly were bums. It was easy and gave us the perfect "act." Back then, kids were actually expected to "do" something for the candy. We sang the song that matches "We 3 Kings." Sing along....

"We 3 bums from the Orient are,
smoking on a rubber cigar.
It was loaded,
we exploooodddeeedd,
now we're the bums from Mars."

The nuns actually laughed a little. Halloween was probably the only time we weren't afraid of them. We went to the convent for our first stop. They made popcorn balls that went really fast.

Back up. Our "group" consisted of Ronnie, Roger, Danny, Reenie and me. We carefully laid out our route. We didn't really have a time we had to be home, so we walked ALL over. After the popcorn balls, we high-tailed it to the lady that made the candy apples and Ronnie Miller's for our "big" score. After that, we relaxed a little and headed to the "subdivision." It's funny that we sort of looked down on the subdivision as not a really cool place to live. But for Halloween, you could hit a dozen houses in the time it took to go to 3 in our neighborhood where the houses were more spread out. We spent all night roaming around collecting candy in our "hobo pillowcases." The biggest problem with Halloween was that it was usually very cold and/or rainy. That didn't deter us. We stayed out until 9:30 or 10. We were off school the next day because of All Saints Day, so it was all around a good time.

When we got home, we'd dump all of our candy on the floor and start the sorting. We'd have piles for suckers, candy bars, penny candy, those orange and black peanut butter things and a separate pile for our dislikes/trades. Then the trading began---"I'll give you 5 Mary Janes for a Butterfinger." And then of course, the fighting---"no, that's not fair", "hey, that's my pile", etc.

How long did that much candy last? About a week.

Those were some very good times, yes indeedy.

I'm 12 here and Ronnie is 11. Me, rockin' that dickey under my mohair sweater---love the outline. Ronnie wearing peg-legged pants before they were actually "in." That boy knew how to dress! His waist is smaller than mine---still is!

The twins did their own thing on Halloween---but not at this age. I just didn't have a picture of them a little older. As for the rest of the kids, they were way too little to go by themselves. I have no idea what they did. As I said, "it was all about the candy." Nothing else mattered.

Showtune Saturday---Jekyll & Hyde

2011-10-29T03:11:00.000-05:00

Since it's Halloween weekend, I had to pick something a little creepier. I've only seen Jekyll & Hyde onstage once, but thoroughly enjoyed it. I just love musicals---don't you? Just saw Wicked for the third time this week! I almost picked something from that, but I think I'll wait until Easter for that one!

Enjoy!
Confrontation!

TSRCC

2011-10-27T04:49:00.000-05:00

We met on Tuesday for our monthly meeting. This was actually the first one I've been to in 3 months. I really hate to miss, but I was out-of-town. Now I'm back in the groove and have re-vamped the club a bit. More on that later.

I've included some of the layouts that Pam and I did from the past couple of months. Remember, all you have to do is click on them to see them bigger.

One of the challenges was to make a layout with a game theme. Pam documented our poker group that Butch and I started 25 years ago that is still going strong. She mentioned the fact that Butch and Hugh are the only remaining original members. That took me back to think about those that have come and gone. Lots of great times. She went on to document a game of Scrabble we had at the beach while there for Malinda's wedding. We all just love games.

This was the layout Pam did for the "metal" challenge. We love our scrapbook retreats at the Broussard's farm and go at least 2 or 3 times a year. We didn't make it this fall. but we always go the week before Easter and then in July. The journaling block in the lower left corner is a sheet of metal. How did she get the journaling on there--you ask? She printed it on a transparency!

Here's my "metal" page. The title is "mothers & daughters." I had some of those really old metallic letters from the 1950's that I used for the title. I used my labelmaker (every scrapbooker needs one---great Christmas gift idea) to repeat the title and mount under the metal label holders on the left. The metallic "label" on the upper left is some cosmetic label I found at an antique shop or flea market. This is going into my heritage album.

The challenge for this layout was to incorporate flowers on to the page. I used some large chipboard flowers, painted them, masked them and then highlighted them with glitter glue. In the lower right corner is an old merchandize sizing tag that I put a rub-on "Z" as an embellishment.

This is my game layout. I used some old bingo cards as photo mats. The story is about all the games we play on vacation---including the teens playing Scrabble. That still makes me happy. I'm just sorry that I didn't take any pictures of them playing with "the hold grail"---mom's original Scrabble game.

Kathy took this class from me years ago. She finally got pictures on it and used it as her "metal" layout. It has fish hooks and charms on it. I think Jeanne just put this kit together recently too.

This is Barbara's metal layout. I asked the girls to bring them back so that I could see them in person. It doesn't matter if you do a one-page layout or two. I really like how she tore the pattern paper. I don't do that often enough.

This month's challenge was to use traditional Halloween colors on the page---yellow, purple and orange. That's never too hard for Sandy---being a UT fan, she uses a LOT of orange! On this layout, she punched/embossed leaves to document a fall trip for her grandkids to the UT campus and football game. She inked the leaves to make the embossing show up a bit more. Very nice.

Kathy documented her visit to a pumpkin farm. She used the Creative Memories oval cutting system to make the paper-pieced pumpkin in the lower left corner---adding some sticker pumpkins to create a vignette.

Linda did this "extra" (I encourage the girls to show off anything else they've done in the month) page about her 5 yr. old granddaughter, Maddie. I love how she incorporated the pink, size 5 1/2 shoe tag! Using vintage things on a page can sometimes be hard---but this was absolutely the perfect thing!

Linda was the one that picked the purple, orange, yellow challenge for the month. She also documented a trip to the pumpkin farm.

Here's Barbara's page also based on the fall. I thought surely most of the girls would do some sort of Halloween layout---but nary a single one.

Pam's layout was focused on a shower that she and Anna hosted for a "bride-to-be" whose favorite color is purple. They used purple as the color theme for the shower, so it worked perfectly for the challenge. The last "e" in Michelle just disappeared. Of course, I used that opportunity to "rag on" how you shouldn't use "repositional" adhesive in your Little X---only permanent. I rest my case!

Jan is the card maker in our group---and boy, does she make some gorgeous cards. She pays attention to every little detail. She also brought her first scrapbook---an 8x8 that was absolutely beautiful. You would never know that it was her first. But after being in this group for over a year now, she was ready to take the plunge. Why not? We all have enough "stuff." I'm looking forward to having her in my "A Year of Memories" workshop this year. She's ready.

I'm the only one that used a Halloween theme---but with a twist. The title for my page is: "The amount of stuff needed for an Eads' girls scrapbook weekend is downright SCARY." Again, I couldn't do without my labelmaker---the electronic one this time. Actually, I think I borrowed it from either Jeanne or Janet on our Cousin's Crop at which no cousins were there. A definite, must have for me. I ran that old piece of torn notebook paper through the printer, jammed up the printer a few times, but finally got it.

I brought this page to show some of the girls how to make a pocket page for memorabilia. This layout is about our "growing up" house on Larimore Rd. I told a little story about moving in. I was 4, Ronnie was 3 and the twins were 2. Dad lined up up on the front step and told us not to move. When he said something like that, you knew you better not move! One of the twins peed. It rolled downhill. We tried to scoot away, but we still all got wet---but we didn't move! I didn't have any photos of that particular time, but just used some other old family photos from around that time.

And finally, the new challenge. I've added something new from now on. Besides picking the challenge, each person gets to pick a color scheme. It's Pam's turn this month. She saw this Kleenex box and loved the color combination: charcoal grey, cream, light turquoise with a hint of lime. Her challenge is to use a banner on the page. Banners are all the rage. It will be fun to see what everyone comes up with.

Until next month....

Voila'!

2011-10-26T04:45:00.000-05:00

Here it is---in all its glory! My new, clean, re-organized scrapbook room. You might think it's overwhelming, but there is something meaningful and inspiring to see everywhere you look. If you check out a magazine called "Where Women Create" you will see that this is the "norm." Anyway, here are the pictures.

The view from the door as you enter the room. It was (as Butch likes to say) "o'dark thirty" when I took these pictures. I took more during the day a little further down.

This view is from my work table. I know, I've got a lot of stuff---and I know where it all is. There was one thing I couldn't find awhile back---Glimmer Mist---but I found where I put that. There's only one thing missing that I've looked for twice. I have this pencil box container full of acrylic stamps that I keep in my rolling tote for crops. It isn't there. I thought maybe I put it somewhere in my room, but I never found it. I'm thinking that I left it at some retreat somewhere. Darn.

Part of my vintage clock collection. I love my old pink typewriter---and I use it too! The old pink phone actually works---if I'd plug it in to my phone jack. I like it right where it is.

I got my hot pink mannequin at Pottery Barn a few years ago. I've festooned her with a crown I got for being the "queen of the crop" a few years back. I've pinned vintage broaches, dangling chandelier crystals on the top and pinned on old hankies for the skirt---only pink and white---is there any other color?

I made this banner at Creative Escape in Arizona a few years ago. I love it because when I go in this room that's what I do. There's just something so calming about being in this creative space. It's a luxury to me to have this place. Although, it will never be painted again. And I feel sorry for whoever has to clean it out after me. This room keeps me from the thought of moving.

A little close-up of my baubles in an old muffin tin. I like anything shiny and bright.

Pink gumballs in a canister. I gave Steph some for her "pink" martini party. She made a bubblegum martini for which these were the perfect touch.

I should have taken a close-up of my print box. I love it. Why? It's all about ME! That's what this room is all about---things I love, things that have meaning for me, a place to display all of my childhood "junk." I just wish I'd kept more things. The dresses are Mindy's baby dresses. I'll give them back to her if/when she has a baby and incorporate them into her decor.

Those pink Christmas trees are a permanent part of my room---ornaments and all.

My adopted relatives.

My adopted town.

My work table has never been this clear. When I work, I end up with about 12" of space with crap closing in on me all around. I don't know how that happens. I have a pink, enamel, baby bath on the floor to the right of my chair that I drop things in to when I'm finished. That helps to give me more space.

Some of my favorites---My Camp Fire Girl vest, neckerchief, beanie, Horizon Club gown and then the BEST---my mother's wedding dress. You can't see it, but I've cut the lace on the back and incorporated it in to each grandchild's wedding scrapbook or wedding decorations.We have a lot of girls. I hate to think about using the front. But I think it's so special that all of the girls would have a bit of it.

A few of my works in progress.

I can't wait for Elizabeth to see it now. A couple years ago when she was about four, she said to me, "Grammy, did you BUY all this stuff?" That made me snort!

That's it for now.

Next up---layouts from The Scrap Room Challenge Club.

What I've Been Up To...

2011-10-25T03:49:00.000-05:00

OMG! Did anyone catch Harry Connick, Jr. with his daugther on Ellen today? The daughter sang while he played---she was AWFUL!!! How embarrassing. Enough said.

Anyway, on to the good stuff. I got my "too good to be true---supposedly---revised cable bill. It was the EXACT SAME F*****N" BILL! I am about ready to ~~slit my wrists, kill someone,~~ tear my hair out---which, of course, when you have crappy hair, you cannot afford to do!! Truly, I thought I was going to stroke out. So I did the only logical thing. I PAID it! Yes, Scarlet, I'm going to worry about that tomorrow! We're heading out-of-town this weekend to Washington, D.C. and "frankly, my dear, I do give a damn," but just not now. Here's my latest Comcast cable plan: I'm waiting for the next bill---praying that it will somehow be correct---you know me and my optimistic personality---knowing that it won't. I'm going to take that f'n' thing to some office somewhere and demand a "real" person deal with me---no more "Peggys" for me. After that, then I'm sure my problems with the actual service will begin!! OMG! How can one company be so inept? Butch told me that if you "tweet" about it, someone will call you within a half hour because they have "people" monitoring "tweets." What the? I don't know how to "tweet", don't want to learn, don't care what you're doing, don't care what I'm doing, but mainly, don't need another obsession. Why don't they just put their efforts into actually "helping" the people that are calling in? FTS!!!!! (deserves LOTS of exclamation points)! Okay, I'm taking a deep breath now.

I made a new discovery about myself. I don't know why I didn't notice it before, all the signs are staring me right in the face. I have a napkin problem. I decided to put a few of the Halloween things away since no one will be here for the rest of the week. OMG! I don't know how it happened, they were cute, I bought them, used very few, went to put them in the chest of drawers in the family room that holds all of my seasonal napkins (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Titan's, Halloween and Thanksgiving, not to mention the garden, floral, tea, Mary Englebreit, and scads of Caspari). Not only was the chest full, there was no room for the "incoming." Then it hit me---who in the heck has an entire chest of drawers full of napkins??!!! That would be the same person that has an entire double-wide cabinet full of candles!! Yet, I never seen to have the right color or correct number. I don't know what is the matter with me. I think I'm nearing the stage I might need to seek help. It's not like you can live on candles or napkins---like they were rationed through the war and I'm fearful of running out or something. I don't know, I don't get it. I'm just wired in some funky way.

Now here's some better stuff:

I'm always the "comer upper" with projects for my day group. I wanted to "cute up" this library tray to hold photos I plan to scrapbook. I'm making it a "round robin" type of thing. We'll each design two of the divider cards. I always go first. Then, just for fun, I added some antique blocks for feet. Turned out cute.

The front blocks have a "B" and and "E." I don't remember the back ones---doesn't matter---you don't really see them.

You can barely tell, but this wooden antique spindle is pink. Karolyn found it in an antique shop in Asheville, North Carolina last weekend on her sister's weekend. Which reminds me. Anyone want to go to the Biltmore over the Christmas holidays? I've been wanting to get there for years. I can swing it during that time of year, but most of my friends are reaching the frantic stage. I think I'll see what Butch's schedule is like. We can go during the week for a couple of days. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I'll have to look in to it.

And finally---Mindy's birthday party projects. Here are the old wooden spools of thread that I found a few weeks ago---put to use. I bought the chipboard stars at Michaels, "painted" them with Tacky glue, dipped them in cheap, chunky glitter (although the ultra-fine, expensive would probably be prettier), and let them dry overnight. I've had the vintage light reflectors for awhile and have used them in my scrapbooks. I also made the Christmas "yo-yo's" a couple of years ago. All I did now was sew the buttons on. I used the hot glue gun to attach everything. I glued the stars to some wooden BBQ skewers and glued them into the spool. I tied the vintage seam binding on last. Quick, easy and fun. I love them! For Mindy's friends, I'm going to see if I can find a smaller star so they can each do two---otherwise, it will be just one big one. When working with non-crafters, I have to make sure the project is easy enough to complete in a reasonable amount of time.

And now, here are those little tart tins that I have a kazillion of. I've glued in old earrings, pins, buttons, attached a crystal drop a ribbon and a hanger---couldn't be easier. I think they are pretty darn cute. Mindy's friends will make one of these too.

A little surprise---ALL of you---my family and friends that read my blog will be getting one! What if you're not one of my close family members or friends? Well, I say, become a "follower" (by clicking on "join this site" in the right sidebar under "followers" and leave me a comment below and I'll pick one lucky winner! Go for it! I haven't done a "give-a-way" in a while.

Oh, and that little tree on the upper left? That was another idea, but would be way too time consuming for a bunch of non-crafters.

Enough for now. Next up, my newly cleaned and re-organized scrapbook room.

A Bad Recipe and a Couple of Good Ones

2011-10-24T04:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a Titan's game. After several years of doing the tailgating, we've arrived at what works best for our group. We each take a whole day to do the tailgating. That way, you do it once or twice for the season and that's it. We each do our own drinks. Perfect.

It was our turn to do the food. Mindy wanted to go to the game to be with her friend, Lauren---her folks, Hugh and Pam have tickets with us too.

I've always said that I only do football for "love." I really, really, really, do not like sitting in the stadium for 4 hours without being able to multi-task. I just get so completely bored. It's just not my "thing." I never liked football games in high school either. The rest of our gang loves it, so it really is just me.

I remember back to our very first game. After tailgating, it was time to go in to the stadium. I grabbed up a stack of catalogs to take with me. Butch said, "Barb, you can't take those---they have security!" I'm like, "What? They think I might beat someone with my catalogs?" I might not be the sharpest crayon in the box, but I realized he didn't want me to take them in. I didn't and thus began my boredom of the game. For several years, I was pretty clueless. I couldn't tell what was going on, where the ball was---just a general lack of knowledge of football in general without any type of eagerness to learn. The games were just something to endure---and almost wishing they would lose badly so we could leave early. That certainly didn't feel quite right to me either.

After a few years, I've adjusted to the weather. In Nashville it goes one of two ways---you sweat bullets in 100 degrees or freeze at 35 with windy conditions (remember my "snuggie" story?)---we have a few in-between that are perfect---not many---but a few. I also realized that I liked watching the game at home---and actually looked forward to it---because I could stitch and hear the commentary. Plus, those yellow lines (which I looked for at the games---they aren't there) really help me to visualize what's going on. So, Butch set me up with a headset at the games. Having the commentary really helped. Plus, it put me "in the know" when no one else knew what was going on. You know I like that---being able to act like an authority on something I know nothing about!

This year, I've missed every game so far---we've been out-of-town---which really "bummed" Butch out. Those tickets ain't cheap. Anyway, that takes us to yesterday. We worked it out that Stephanie, Nicky, Butch, me and Mindy went to the game. At game time, we packed up, Steph, Nicky and I left.

When I got home, I cleaned up all the tailgate stuff, and settled in to watch the game. I didn't watch the whole thing, but I have to say I do actually enjoy it at home. I only had about an hour before Butch and Mindy got home. Turns out, they were losing so badly, that they left early anyway. Darn, that would have been a good one for me to go to.

I just may have figured out a way to never have to actually go to another game again. This may just be the perfect solution for me. I get to party, then leave. If only....

Anyway, here are the new recipes that I made for the day. This dip is fabulous and so simple! I didn't serve it in the bread bowl, just with Wheat Thins and tortilla scoops.

Mississippi Sin

16oz sour cream
8oz cream cheese, softened
2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 green onion, chopped (I used about a Tbsp. of regular, chopped onion)
1/4 tsp hot sauce (you could add more---it wasn't hot at all)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
salt
pepper
French bread loaf

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except French bread; stirring until well blended.

Cut a thin slice from top of bread loaf; set slice aside. Using a gentle sawing motion, cut vertically

to, but not through, bottom of the loaf, 1/2 inch from the edge, to cut out center of bread. Lift out

center of loaf. Fill hollowed bread loaf with the dip. Wrap loaf with foil.

Bake dip at 350° degrees for 1 hour. Serve with reserved bread cubes, crackers, or potato chips.

I'm also thinking you could microwave it as it was easy to micro the leftovers.

Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole:

1 2 lb. pkg. frozen Hash Browns
8 oz. Sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick butter
1/2 C. Chopped onion
2 C. grated Cheddar Cheese

Place potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Season with salt and pepper. Melt butter in the microwave. In a bowl add minced onions, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, and melted butter. Mix these items together.

Pour soup mixture over potatoes; sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until all is completely warm, and the cheese begins to melt.

The hash brown casserole was a big hit---only one serving left of a 9x13 casserole. I don't think it was exactly like Cracker Barrel's, but it was still good.

And now for the bad recipe. These brownies. Yeah, they look good and sound good. I seriously, came within an inch of throwing the whole thing out. I did everything right, sprayed the mini muffin tins, cooled them completely and they STUCK like concrete to the pan. I tried getting them out with a plastic knife since the pans were my good, expensive Pampered Chef ones. What a mess. I've torn up the pans with a regular knife. Nothing else would budge them. I didn't taste them, just pried them out and slapped them in a pan. Everyone liked them. I think they are just okay. But since everyone requested the recipe, I've included it here. Maybe if you DON'T cool them completely, you could get them out easier. I won't be making them again, so I don't care.

Here's the mess:

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Recipe adapted from Nestle’s Very Best Baking

Makes 40 brownies as adapted

1 box of your favorite brownie mix (I used Betty Crocker original)
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 40 mini-muffin cups---my pans make 48.

Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups (about 1 heaping teaspoon). Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still warm spoon about half a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.

Storytelling Sunday--Poker Playing Kids

2011-10-23T04:30:00.000-05:00

On Friday night, Connie invited us along with Hugh and Pam over for poker. Connie and Pam are new to poker and we've only played a couple of times, so each time is a re-learning for them. I've been playing since we were kids. Either I'm pretty good, or pretty lucky. I nearly always win. Last night, I won $13.20. Of course, Butch lost---again. He says I usually win what he loses. But it's MY poker money and I keep my own separate. That's the first thing I told Connie and Pam---they need to have their own poker tin or container. Connie does, Pam still "mooches" off of Hugh. That's not fun. You want to know what you start with so you know whether you win or lose and how much. Otherwise, why bother?

When mom died, I took her poker purse to add that money to the estate. Mom really had her money compartmentalized. She had her coupon money, gambling money, bingo money---she kept it all separate and used her winnings for special things.

I ended up keeping her red poker purse. I figured it might bring me luck. That makes two poker containers for me now. After last night's win, both containers are bulging. I decided that I want to take the money (leaving the small change to replenish my "stash"), get bills and buy myself something in NewYork. Butch is going to take it to Coinstar for me. I have $36. already in bills alone. I believe the $20.00 bill came from Ronnie at our last family poker game in August. I won really big then.

The story that I've decided to share today is about how I started playing poker. It really began when I was about 5, with a card game called "Fan Tan." I still love the game---pretty easy to learn and great for kids. You just need to know your numbers. Pretty basic.

Grandpa and Grandma Preli came over almost every Sunday afternoon. Grandma usually had a hat on. You could count on grandpa to be smoking one of his "old stogey's." Grandpa gave each of us a roll of peppermint Life Savers---I still remember that blue paper. He must have bought them by the box, because they were the only ones he ever had. Not my favorite, but heck, it was candy. I was very happy to relieve him of more than a few rolls.

They would give each of us kids 25 pennies to play "Fan Tan." We loved it. Of course, the "sore losers" of the family showed themselves early on. Jeanne was the worst!

It started with "fan tan" and progressed to"blitz" with grandma Zimmermann. We've always been a gambling family---I guess that plays to our competitive nature. By the time we got to high school, we were playing the "big" games---"in-between," "indian," and "2 card guts." I don't think mom was really stupid enough to believe that we were really playing with matchsticks for fun. Each one of those sticks represented 5 cents. We weren't even playing penny poker anymore. We loved it and had tons of fun. I don't recall anyone really losing to much.

When Butch and I started dating, it wasn't unusual for us to play poker with my brother, Ronnie and our neighborhood friends. But now, for me, we added the drinking factor. I've never been a good "drinker," I get sick pretty early on, pass out and then miss all the fun. They called me "2-beer Barb." That's all it took for me to become senseless and play badly. One night, I had I.O.U.'s all over the table before I passed out. Once that happened, Butch and Ronnie spent the rest of the night trying to "win back" my I.O.U.'s. They did it too---all except for ONE. Danny Schultz had my final I.O.U. for $12.00. He carried it around for years and presented it to me one day. I told him, "forget it, I was drunk, I'm not paying." For all I know, he still might be carrying that around.

Here are a few old photos reflecting that time when we first learned to gamble.

If the weather was nice, you would find us outside playing croquet. We loved that game too. We pretty much loved all games and played constantly. In the background, you can see the only dog I ever loved---"Shadow" our boxer. I had no idea that I had this picture. It's the only picture I have with her in it.

Grandma Preli took this shot. She was legendary for cutting someone out of the picture. Guess who that is barely visible on the left? That would be mom. How in the world do you cut out a whole person? Grandpa always seemed old to me. He looks pretty old in this picture.

I couldn't resist sharing this picture. First off, you can see mom's organized way of telling the twins shoes apart. Janice got the tape. In the background, you can see me holding my "Barbie" wallet. If you didn't know that this was around Christmas time, you could easily figure it out by my chapped lips. I can still remember how they hurt. I couldn't stop licking them. I had chapped lips all winter long. Sometimes the chapped reached to my nose. My lips hurt---really, really bad.

I'm glad I have his photo of Ronnie. This would be the ONLY time he might have been in charge for a half second. He must have felt pretty darn "big" pinning on that sherriff's badge. Everyone knew I was the BOSS! You can bet on that!

Showtune Saturday---Meet Me in St. Louis

2011-10-22T04:30:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Cardinals in the World Series, I decided to go with a popular little "ditty" by Judy Garland. Go Cards---Janice and I have a bet going! Don't you red birds let me down!

Meet me in St. Louis

Still on Speed Dial

2011-10-20T21:30:00.002-05:00

All I've got to say is I love "riding this train." When you run on 3 hours of sleep a night, you get an extra 4 hours a day or in my case, 3 hours a day. I am accomplishing soooo much. I've just about re-organized my whole scrapbook room and cleaned it pretty good---considering all the ~~crap~~ cool stuff I have in there. Everywhere you look there is something inspiring to see. I'll post some pictures soon.

In the meantime, last Saturday, I did a Halloween project for Steph and her friends. These girls are new to crafts, so I provided ALL the materials. Everything went really well, except for the adhesive. I brought 4 of the Creative Memories tape runners that the girls were going to share. Luckily for me, I threw a different type of adhesive in the box. The tape runners started screwing up immediately. I'd been having some problems with them lately. As it turned out, all 8 had to share the one adhesive I had. It made the project last twice as long. Still everyone really enjoyed themselves. Mindy posted her project on Facebook and got a lot of comments from her friends.

On Monday, when I met the girls at Curves (6 a.m. everyday), Mindy told me that her friends wanted to do something. She picked Saturday, December 3rd. I told her that really didn't work for me because I'm having a dinner party that night. She said it was the only day she could do it. I relented. "Fine, I'll just plan ahead and pull it all off." She then asked me if I would make it part of her birthday present and pay for everything. We'll be doing it here because Mindy's apartment is too small. Plus she wants lunch. Before I even made it around the circuit at Curves, it dawned on me---she had "conned" me into giving her a birthday party! 27 and I'm giving her a birthday party.

And I really don't like doing crafts. I just can't turn any of the girls down when it comes to spending time with them. Mindy, unlike Steph, doesn't want to "trust me" to come up with something good. She wants me to make several things so she can pick something. Of course, why would it be otherwise? Mindy doesn't like to "float." She always wants to know exactly what is going to happen. I've already come up with several ideas. I have two of them done and the third almost finished. I do love incorporating vintage things and turning them into something else. Remember all those tart tins I just bought because I forgot that I already bought a set in St. Louis? Wait until you see---they are daaaaahhhhhlllliiiinnnnggggg!

Pictures to come. Like I said, still running on "speed dial." Just one more week before I hit the wall.
Later...