I've been whining that lament since my girls were little. But it really is true. I just got home yesterday after being in St. Louis last week. I was excited to see my newly finished kitchen. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with my window treatments---a bit too much green---the style is awesome. I've already figured out how I want them fixed, so that's okay. Everything else, custom-made rug, chair pads and other accessories were great. Today, I had a repairman here working on my French doors in the kitchen. I didn't realize he would be going in and out and traipsing through the house. We had rain this morning, so the patio was wet. I usually make myself scarce when work is being done, so didn't realize that he was totally messing up my BRAND NEW rug that I've only had for ONE day!!! After he left, I was just sick. Now the side by the door is dingy. I'm hoping that when it dries out, it will be okay. Just my luck.
Oh, and I'VE made a decision (notice the "me" in that statement). We are definitely going to move---I've had it. We got home yesterday to discover another pool leak. My pool man tells me that these problems are just the nature of a 25 year old pool. It's driving me nuts. I just want everything to be fixed and working properly all at the same time for a little while. It's always something!
P. S. Who's the wiseguy that had the dog gifts catalog sent to me?
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
My "Work" at Stephanie's
Stephanie asked me if I would organize and set up her scrapbook room for her birthday. I totally love doing that sort of thing---surprising since I was such a slob growing up. I think that I got the "genes" from my mom, but the practical experience came from my cousin, Chris. I never actually saw my mom organize anything---it just always WAS---down to color coded hand-made hangers (I was yellow) to the embroidered colored "x's" in our clothes (I was red---now I'm wondering why I didn't have the same color as the hangers---hmmm). But it was my cousin, Chrissy who came over nearly every weekend and sorted through the crap in my room and cleaned out my closet (while I layed on the bed and watched). I guess I learned something because there is nothing more fun to me than making order out of chaos! Little did I know that when I invited Chrissy over (and thought, "yeah, she'll do my work"---kind of my personal "bitch" in a way) that she was really teaching me. Funny how that worked out. Anyway, I owe her---for that and so much more! Thanks, cuz.
Now on to Steph's room. By the time we got to Steph's house on Monday night, it was pretty late. It took awhile to show me around as there was so much to see. Everywhere you move, they do things differently. She has these rounded corners on all her walls---looks really cool. Anywhere that should be a right angle is rounded. The walls also has a really neat texture to them---not that pokey stuff or stucco---sort of flat, but textured---if that makes sense. I should have tried to take a close-up picture. Steph??
Last, they took me to Steph's room. The room was a little smaller than I expected (really could only be used as a nursery---about 8x12 or so) and filled to the brim with boxes that overflowed and lined the hallway. In my mind, I'm thinking "no way will all this stuff fit". And, since the closet she had to store her scrapbook supplies in was so small in the other house, I couldn't imagine where she had all this. Right off, I had to have Bryan and her help me get some of the boxes out so that I could even begin to work. I was completely overwhelmed and doubting I could get it done. Of course, it was night-time and I always feel that way at night. In the morning, I can tackle the world.
Tuesday a.m.---no clock in the guest room, but I thought I heard a shower. I figured it must be around 5 or so and time to get started. When I got upstairs, I discovered it was 3:30 a.m. The perfect time to begin! Here's a shot a little way into the "before":
Here's one of the hallway, but by the time I took this one, I had already cleared out a bunch of boxes:
I made a few things for her room. I got this idea from the Pottery Barn catalog. Mine are smaller---I used 12x12 patterned paper attached to 12 inch cork squares. She can use them as a bulletin board (or not) and change out the paper as necessary.
I also had her give me her baby box so that I could incorporate some of her childhood momentos into her room. This is her Strawberry Shortcake doll collection. If you look at the pictures above, you can see a pair of New Kids on the Block boxer shorts hanging from the light. On the shelf over her desk are all kinds of dolls, books, toys and even her baby spoon.
Stepanie totally loved it---did I mention that I didn't let her see it until I was completely finished? Morgan helped me with a few things---especially dressing the dolls. Jordan and Morgan helped me in the dentist's office assemble some Quickutz dies. I just hope Steph will keep up with it and put things away when she's done with each project. There were a couple of minor things I didn't finish, so I left her with a homework list. Such a great room! It was a pleasure. Happy Birthday, Steph!
All totaled, I logged 20 1/2 hours in two days to get the room done. That counts an hour in the dentist's office too---had to use every available moment. I have to say, I'm pretty tired of hauling boxes down! Really makes me NOT want to move. Golly, we're back to ME again! And I realize I say "golly" a lot! Later....
PS I couldn't get the final picture of the room from the doorway to load. I'll have to try again later.
Now on to Steph's room. By the time we got to Steph's house on Monday night, it was pretty late. It took awhile to show me around as there was so much to see. Everywhere you move, they do things differently. She has these rounded corners on all her walls---looks really cool. Anywhere that should be a right angle is rounded. The walls also has a really neat texture to them---not that pokey stuff or stucco---sort of flat, but textured---if that makes sense. I should have tried to take a close-up picture. Steph??
Last, they took me to Steph's room. The room was a little smaller than I expected (really could only be used as a nursery---about 8x12 or so) and filled to the brim with boxes that overflowed and lined the hallway. In my mind, I'm thinking "no way will all this stuff fit". And, since the closet she had to store her scrapbook supplies in was so small in the other house, I couldn't imagine where she had all this. Right off, I had to have Bryan and her help me get some of the boxes out so that I could even begin to work. I was completely overwhelmed and doubting I could get it done. Of course, it was night-time and I always feel that way at night. In the morning, I can tackle the world.
Tuesday a.m.---no clock in the guest room, but I thought I heard a shower. I figured it must be around 5 or so and time to get started. When I got upstairs, I discovered it was 3:30 a.m. The perfect time to begin! Here's a shot a little way into the "before":
Here's one of the hallway, but by the time I took this one, I had already cleared out a bunch of boxes:
I made a few things for her room. I got this idea from the Pottery Barn catalog. Mine are smaller---I used 12x12 patterned paper attached to 12 inch cork squares. She can use them as a bulletin board (or not) and change out the paper as necessary.
I also had her give me her baby box so that I could incorporate some of her childhood momentos into her room. This is her Strawberry Shortcake doll collection. If you look at the pictures above, you can see a pair of New Kids on the Block boxer shorts hanging from the light. On the shelf over her desk are all kinds of dolls, books, toys and even her baby spoon.
Stepanie totally loved it---did I mention that I didn't let her see it until I was completely finished? Morgan helped me with a few things---especially dressing the dolls. Jordan and Morgan helped me in the dentist's office assemble some Quickutz dies. I just hope Steph will keep up with it and put things away when she's done with each project. There were a couple of minor things I didn't finish, so I left her with a homework list. Such a great room! It was a pleasure. Happy Birthday, Steph!
All totaled, I logged 20 1/2 hours in two days to get the room done. That counts an hour in the dentist's office too---had to use every available moment. I have to say, I'm pretty tired of hauling boxes down! Really makes me NOT want to move. Golly, we're back to ME again! And I realize I say "golly" a lot! Later....
PS I couldn't get the final picture of the room from the doorway to load. I'll have to try again later.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
We are a family of color!
No, I'm not trying to be politically correct. We really are a family of color. It hit me as I was visiting Stephanie in her new home this week. When you walk through her front door, the first thing you see is a red wall in her family room that spans the entire 2 floors of her home. The girls rooms are colorful and so is Steph's and Bryan's room. My house is colorful, Sandy's house is colorful. Mindy's apartment isn't---but she doesn't really have a choice. She always chose bright colors for her room at home. Like I said, we're a family of color. More details about Steph's new house and my "work" there later.
Oh and MIdwest Airlines isn't half bad. They serve hot chocolate chip cookies that were "to-die-for". I guess it is an asset to be "pudgy" as they offered me a second one!!
Oh and MIdwest Airlines isn't half bad. They serve hot chocolate chip cookies that were "to-die-for". I guess it is an asset to be "pudgy" as they offered me a second one!!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Watching and Wrapping
I'm watching the Titan's game and ---yep---wrapping Christmas presents. I love to be that person my friends love to hate at this time of year. But, I think my friend, Connie has stolen that spot from me this year. She started LAST week!! Go, Connie! I'll be back on top of my game next year!
On another note, Mindy was home for the weekend. I'm always so sad to see her leave. You know, sort of like that depressed feeling you get on that first day after vacation. Oh wait, when Mindy's home, it is like being on vacation! Or at least we spend as much money as on vacation!
On another note, Mindy was home for the weekend. I'm always so sad to see her leave. You know, sort of like that depressed feeling you get on that first day after vacation. Oh wait, when Mindy's home, it is like being on vacation! Or at least we spend as much money as on vacation!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Finally Finished!
Well almost. Just waiting on a few pillows. I've also included a close-up of the floral arrangement I made and of the window treatment so you can see those buttons! They have a little more blue than you can really see.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
The Recipe
This was my first attempt at making gumbo. Having Cajun friends provides us with pleny of opportunities to have "authentic" gumbo. But, I came across this recipe and decided to give it a go. I didn't have the required cast iron skillet, but it worked anyway. Patience isn't really my virtue but is required while making the "roux". Also, notice that there isn't a single spice or salt and pepper added. The flavor comes from the onion, celery and sausage.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
1 (4 1/2 lb.) chicken (I used 6 boneless chicken breasts).
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, quartered
3 bay leaves
In large dutch oven place all ingredients and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken from broth. Let cool. Chop chicken, set aside. Strain broth, discarding solids; reserve 12 cups broth.
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
In a cast iron skillet, combine oil and flour; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until roux is the color of dark caramel---about 20 minutes.
4 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
Stir in chopped onion and celery into the roux; Cook 10 minutes. Transfer to dutch oven with 12 cups broth. Add:
chicken
2 pounds frozen, sliced okra
1 pound Cajun smoked sausage cut into 1/4 slices (I used Johnsonville New Orleans Style smoked sausage---the whole pack).
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Serve over hot cooked rice.
10-12 servings.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
1 (4 1/2 lb.) chicken (I used 6 boneless chicken breasts).
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, quartered
3 bay leaves
In large dutch oven place all ingredients and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken from broth. Let cool. Chop chicken, set aside. Strain broth, discarding solids; reserve 12 cups broth.
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
In a cast iron skillet, combine oil and flour; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until roux is the color of dark caramel---about 20 minutes.
4 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
Stir in chopped onion and celery into the roux; Cook 10 minutes. Transfer to dutch oven with 12 cups broth. Add:
chicken
2 pounds frozen, sliced okra
1 pound Cajun smoked sausage cut into 1/4 slices (I used Johnsonville New Orleans Style smoked sausage---the whole pack).
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Serve over hot cooked rice.
10-12 servings.
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