Blu's Boring Blog

Enough!!!

2011-11-03T12:46:00.006-05:00

At the age of almost 62, I have finally had enough.

I feel confident that if my friends were to read this post, they'd recognize themselves at once. However, nobody reads this blog at all, so it seems the fitting place to vent and rant.

I love my friends dearly; however, after years of their crossing the line, I have decided to release those toxic friendships that cause more grief than good.

It is no secret that I smoke and am overweight. I’ve smoked for many years, and have been overweight basically since 2^nd grade. These truths do not come as a shock to me!

It is unclear where my “friends” get the right to constantly criticize me. One decided that I wasn’t answering the phone on purpose (even when she called during my dad’s funeral service) and then said, “hope you have a good life,” and proceeded to continue to call. She had trouble understanding why her calls were no longer answered or returned. One toxic relationship down.

Another constantly has problems with my smoking. They called while I was on the computer playing a mindless game – then chastised me for continuing to play while talking. I am NOT a 12 year-old kid who needs their behavior corrected. THIS is who I am, and if you don’t like it, fine. Don’t. Many other people don’t have a problem with it.

Another constantly has problems with my weight. They decided that I need to go on a diet and then informed me that they “expect to see me lose 10 pounds a month!” Again – not your business. Nor is the volume on my TV, my hearing, how I choose to spend or not spend my money, the amount of time I spend on the computer per day, whether or not I wear make up, my sleeping habits, the length, color, and cut of my hair and so on.

For years - most of my life, in fact - I have smiled, taken the criticism, seemly laughed it off over and over again for countless times. But in all honesty, your words hurt me deeply. I have very strong emotions, and deep feelings. I often think after the fact, "oh, I should have said . . .," but never do - why can't people just celebrate the person I am instead of trying to constantly fix me? So, from now on, unless you’re willing to move in, keep me occupied and entertained, buy food and cook for me, etcetera, leave my habits alone!!

My ex-husband spent 12 years attacking any self-esteem I had. All my life people have chipped away at that little self-esteem to the point that I now am weighted down with self-loathing and depression. That is no way to live.

I am a good, caring, kind, creative, wonderful person who is precisely who she is meant to be. I am fine just as is. If there is something I choose to change, I will. Otherwise, you can get used to me as I am, or leave me alone to make new, more accepting friends.

Macomber Ad-A-Harness Loom, Type B-Folding

2010-07-20T01:26:00.004-05:00

Our family is currently trying to find a loving new home for my mother's prized possession. It is this 8-harness folding loom manufactured by Macomber of York, ME. It includes the loom itself, a hand-crafted bench with a storage compartment, and extras including 4 40" ad-a-harness units, 1,200 12" flat heddles, 18 repair heddles, several assorted shuttles, winding racks, a heavy-duty ball winder, and many cones of various colors and textures of yarn.

This loom is located in north St. Louis County, Missouri. If you're interested or know someone who is, or for further information, please send me an email or leave a comment!

The New Patio - Day 1

2010-06-28T21:19:00.006-05:00

They say that time exists so that everything doesn't happen all at once. Uh-huh.

Last Wednesday, I got new covered gutters and discovered that my sweet little Saturn was in terminal condition. So, Friday I bought a new car (there'll be another post for that little gem of info). Now that it's Monday, there should have been time to shop for some accessories and so forth. When I got home, I discoverd I was WRONG!!

The "patio destructors" were waiting for me when I arrived home and proceeded to do this for the next hour and a half!

Yeasted Carrot Cake Bread

2010-06-11T22:39:00.002-05:00

I know - it's been months since I last posted. Suffice it to say "I've been busy" and leave it at that.

Found this recipe on Foodgawker.com and had to try it. I did manage to make it with "regular" ingredients, omitted the flax seeds, substituted craisins for the raisins, and added about three tablespoons of sour cream to the cheese to make it a bit more spreadable. But, this is absolutely yummy!

Wa-Hoo!!

2009-11-22T18:25:00.002-06:00

About a week and a half ago, my son took me fishing and swore that they loved wax worms. The fish couldn't bit on wax worms fast enough. They loved the silly stuff. Uh-huh. I caught about 12 baby bluegill that were no bigger than half the size of my hand. Cute little buggers, but not trout!! He, on the other hand, managed to catch 5 keeper trout. Hardly seemed fair!

Today my son came and dragged me, kicking and screaming, up to the lake in the chilly wind to fish. So glad he did!! Here is a picture of my first rainbow trout. It was about 18" long and 2.5 pounds!!!! The second one was an itty bitty guy who got tossed back in. Unlike last time, this was the ONLY fish we caught today. So, this is the catch of the day! Definitely more fun to catch than clean, however! (Can you believe he made me clean my own fish???)

Yummy Chocolate!

2009-11-15T20:41:00.003-06:00

You know you want some! This should probably be illegal in about 37 states! Yummy Chocolate Pecan Upside Down cake with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Granted, it isn't on a par with the stuff on Foodgawker. It doesn't contain various colors and flavors of sea salt or bacon or tofu or bean curd. Just yummy chocolate, nuts, more chocolate, store-bought ice cream, and good old Hershey's chocolate syrup. Bet nobody could tell the difference!

Busy Weekend!

2009-11-09T15:06:00.008-06:00

Finally, with the cooling temperatures and nice breezes, some life is returning after the lazy summer! This Saturday I got the energy to put decorative concrete edging bricks along the side of the garage to make the garden there a bit nicer. Note on the bottom right the huge rocks I had to dig up to install the silly thing! Hopefully, my neighbor will enjoy the view out her bedroom window a bit more now! Especially, once I get more iris planed along here, should be stunning in the spring!

I also spent time on Sunday with my sis-in-law, Grace, downstairs in the glass studio. I've been putzing along with an entire desk set for what seems like forever! I had the thing almost completely cut out (after changing leaf colors several times), and realized there wasn't enough of the background color to complete the whole set. Grace and I went back to the glass store and, since they had no more, bought a close runner-up color. Never satisfied with it, I headed to the glass store in downtown St. Louis and, as remarkable as it seems, found more of the background color!! So, was able to get the whole thing cut out, This is the completed set! There's a business cardholder, desk organizer with a space for Post It notes, and a pencil holder. I even managed to take a couple "artsy" pictures of it outside, even though the sun didn't cooperate!

Fall in St. Louis

2009-11-06T22:36:00.004-06:00

Fall?? Fall, you say? Maybe you could trip and fall over leaves like this!!!

I found this in the driveway when I came home this evening! Amazing! I've seen some big leaves out there this year, but this one tops them all!!! Am just thankful they're not ALL this big!

Boring Blog's Anniversary

2009-08-10T01:07:00.003-05:00

Seems this is the 5th anniversary of this blog. It hasn't been getting too much attention lately - I've been kinda busy. It's been a crazy summer in St. Louis - July was the coldest on record, and since August it's been exceedingly HOT. Ugh! I may never be able to get outside and work in the yard.

My nephew and his wife and two sons came through on their way to live a few years in Tokyo. Right after they left, my niece came for a week-long visit from Washington, D.C.

As usual, I'm still hunting for a full-time job but get the feeling nobody wants to hire someone who's almost 60. Sigh. Not even an interview in months. They say seniors are going to have to work until they're older - I'm just wondering where they'll find jobs . . .

Anyway, it's been a busy summer with family and friends here. But not much else happening. I've opened a shop on Etsy.com (just search for Blu486). Sold a lovely orange and cream (creamcycle) stained glass birdhouse so far, and loved knowing somebody other than friends and family enjoy my work.

So that's it in a nutshell. Will try to be a better blogger!

Happy Anniversary, Boring Blog!

Spring Strawberries

2009-06-10T20:44:00.004-05:00

I got some totally unbelievable strawberries
at Costco on Monday. These things are the size of golf balls! It's hard to believe, but they actually taste good, too!!

So, tonight, I made the first of the season's strawberry shortcake - just like mom's. A lightly sweetened biscuit cake, warm from the oven, split and spread with real butter, topped with the sweetened berries, and topped with shipped cream. Not the dessert for diabetics, but every now and then it is nice to feel normal. And this was one of those times!

Funny Doctors

2009-05-16T22:18:00.002-05:00

Ok - so last LABOR DAY I fell and landed on my left knee. Instead of just crushing the kneecap like a normal person, I broke a major blood vessel in my leg. The leg swelled up and blood drained clear down to my foot, and the whole thing looked positively awful.

Now, eight months later, I have a horrible sinus infection that causes me (finally in desperation) to the doctor's office. Mind you, I was SUPPOSED to make an appointment in December, but didn't. Heck - I felt fine, no insurance, simple decision.

Anyway, while there I showed him the huge spot on the back of my left calf, down the front of the shin, and just to the left of my knee. I asked him how much longer he thought it would take to disappear. This is what he said:

"When the blood drained into your leg, the iron in your blood bonded with skin cells sort of like a tatoo. Basically, you're rusting!"

Swell - a bruise that won't ever go away, and a funny doctor.

Tulip Trees

2009-05-12T23:19:00.003-05:00

The tulip trees in my yard are blooming again! Even though there are quite a few of these around St. Louis, not sure lots of people in other areas have seen these pretty little flowers. I used to have three of these until the biggest was hit by lightening a couple years ago. Now there are two . . . . so here's a picture of the flowers!

Spring Has Sprung!

2009-05-02T21:49:00.014-05:00

Ok - so my last post was March 14th - and the place was blanketed in snow . . . .

Today, there's quite a change!

Now looking out the front door, there's this lovely, vivid pink azalea - the biggest one in the neighborhood! Thought you'd enjoy a close-up . . .

Doubt you could get one more flower on there!! Seems the entire bush is weighed down in all its springtime glory! Now if the guy would just cut my lawn . . .

The back yard azaleas look pretty nice, too.

These are by the patio, and below are by the far side fence.

The clematis came back strong this year (for a change) and looks amazing with huge purple flowers.

And I also wanted to include a picture of this year's batch of Batik iris for Julie, who loves iris.

Oh - and in between taking pictures, I made English Muffin Bread!

St. Louis Snow

2009-01-28T12:43:00.005-06:00

Ok - so I left the outside Christmas decorations up until last week in the vain effort to take a beautiful Christmas shot of the house for next year's Christmas Card. Of course, it never snowed, and my neighbors' snickers and guffaws were almost audible. So, I trudged outside on a balmy 45 degree day, took it all down and hauled it to storage in the basement.

Barely a week later, THIS happens!

This is the view directly out my front door . . . .

and a view down the street to the right . . . .

The backyard's not much better. I believe St. Louis officially got just under 6" of the beautiful, twinkley kind of snow that is so darned beautiful.

And, since I'm allergic to the cold, harsh temperatures (no, really! physically allergic, as in break out in hives!), I stayed inside (except to drag the trash can to the snow bank by the road) and baked these!

Happy Thanksgiving, 2008!

2008-11-23T19:19:00.004-06:00

Yes, it HAS been forever since my last blog. Had a gi-normous case of the blog blahs!!

On Labor Day, I fell at my dad's and landed on my left knee. Managed to not injure the knee too badly, but broke a major blood vessel in my leg, resulting in terrible bruising (which still remains), and swelling (which is about done, I think).

But now it's almost Thanksgiving! Dad and I usually spend the holidays at my brother and sister-in-law's house, so I normally don't get to cook much for the holiday except for Christmas Tree Coffee Cake for Christmas morning, and an occasion batch of toffee. For those of you wanting toffee, presently bribes work well, since my Fall position at Express Scripts is done for this year.

So, this year, I had a yen for pumpkin pie. I know - it is something I shouldn't be eating, but when you can't seem to forget about it for a week or two, is time to do something about it! So, today, I made a pumpkin pie for myself . . . and whoever else shows up here and wants some! hehe

I wish you all the best stuff Thanksgiving has to offer! Good food, great families and friends! And lots of pumpkin pie!!

Just Wondering

2008-10-23T11:14:00.010-05:00

Kinda hate to say this - but even the mainstream media hasn't seemed to point this out as yet.

Is it just me, or do other people hear the quiet, slightly echo-ing giggle coming out of a disgusting, dirty cave in Afghanistan or Pakistan someplace - of Osama bin Laden laughing? Seems the American financial system is playing out his happiest thoughts - those he sought to promote on September 11, 2001. Back then, the government was all about "we're not going to let this happen! We are a strong nation - stronger than this. Our economy is strong, and nothing even close to bin Laden's aspirations could possibly happen here!!!"

There it is again - that happy little chuckle. And it seems Americans are playing right into his hands - selling off stocks, letting the market and financial institutions here tank one after the other.

This crisis is of our own making. Greed on the part of Wall Street and corporate boardrooms across the nation have helped. Merrily sending jobs oversees. My heart doesn't break when I read about those poor billionaires and corporate CEOs having to sell off their stocks because they borrowed money to buy them and are now required to pay the loans off. Awwww - poor billionaires!!

I've been out of work just a week short of 5 years. I worked for Wyeth in those days - and they pulled up stakes and left St. Louis. About that same time, our fearless Washington leader(s) decided to change how unemployment numbers were reported. They'd include jobs that were never part of the equation before - fast food workers, etc. That way, the numbers didn't look so bad, and we were all soothed into thinking all was well. (This, by the way, was big news at the time; however, seems most people have forgotten it).

Since then, for me it has been an endless round of temp and contract jobs and long bouts of unemployment. Employers who don't want to employ - don't want the burden of commitment to employees, of paying benefits, of being responsible business owners - a "love 'em and leave 'em" attitude. Off-shore workers are easier - no responsibilities, cheaper labor, and wonderful tax cuts besides. Our fearless leaders' house of cards has fallen in, and still nobody's paying attention!

There's that chuckle again!!

My full retirement age is 66 - still eight years away. If employers won't hire people who are 58, what does the government suggest we do until age 66? All of us Baby Boomers can't be greeters at Wal-Mart - there aren't that many Wal-Marts!! Besides, most of us can't live on low wages anymore. We need real jobs!! What will entice employers to hire older workers at wages that reflect their skills, experience, loyalty, and great work ethics?

This MUST stop!!! People without jobs can't pay for houses, cars, appliances, gasoline, groceries, clothing, electronics - everything the government would love for us to buy. Unemployment's great, but considering what I (and many, many others) have been going through, doesn't last nearly long enough or stretch far enough. $1,000 per month (in Missouri) is barely enough to cover some bills, let alone rent or mortgage payments.

Employers - hire people! Give us back our self-respect! Give us back benefits like health insurance!! I have tons of experience and great skills. Anybody care? Not for the last 5 years. And now that so many others are finding themselves out of work, there are even fewer job postings.

Until this situation changes, more people will be drawing on unemployment, food stamps, welfare, and other public funding until either there's nothing left in the pot, or the government becomes a socialist type where they're paying everybody's expenses, maybe. I don't know . . . I've been out here in the dark quite a while, trying my best to find a permanent job with only contract work available. And those contracts only work one way - to the employer's benefit. They may want me to make a one-year or five-year commitment to their job, but if they let me go prior to then for reasons over which I have no control, too bad. I get nothing but another trip to unemployment. Where's the fairness in that??

Not sure what the answer is - and not going to try and tell anybody to vote one way or the other. Just saying that unless something changes - and FAST - things will continue to get much worse.

There it is again - you hear it? That faint little chuckle coming from the east . . . . .

I feel better now - felt something had to be said.

Better Late Than Never

2008-07-18T02:00:00.003-05:00

Yes, the Stargazer and Asiatic Lilies have finally blossomed in all their glory!! They are about two weeks later than usual, probably due to our colder than usual spring. Normally, these are just beginning on the 4th of July. The mainly pink ones are the Asiatic, and the pink and white ones are the Stargazers.

Enjoy!

Last of the Iris

2008-06-11T00:24:00.002-05:00

They may be the last of the iris, but they
were worth waiting for!!

The peach one is "Beverly Sills." Not sure of the name of the black, but it is just as black as it can be! Both are stunning!

The Results Are In!

2008-05-21T16:15:00.002-05:00

I'd say - the Vienna Egg Braid looks even
better on my diningroom table than it looks in the recipe book! Yippee! Just the way I remembered it!

Cookbook Oddesy

2008-05-13T23:51:00.005-05:00

I know it’s silly, but back in 1971, as a newly wed, new mother, and brand new military wife, I moved back in with my folks while my (now ex) hubby was in Basic Training and AIT. While there, my parents took off for a two-week vacation, and myself and a girlfriend – also a new mom whose hubby was on tour in Vietnam – decided to raise a bit of “walking around money.”

We started baking homemade bread – white, whole wheat, raisin, and a wonderful, chewy, sesame-seeded Vienna Egg Bread. She’d come by my house every morning and we’d bake all day. We put a make-shift sign out by my driveway on a busy street proclaiming “Homemade Bread,” and the magic began. People came, saw our stuff, and bought it – just like that. It was wonderful! After repaying ourselves for the ingredients, we even made a profit to divide! It was a miracle. Didn’t amount to all that much, but to us it was a huge satisfaction, not to mention the house smelled devine!

Then, my parents came home, and our “bakery” was closed forever.

I haven’t thought about those two weeks in years and years. But, when I first remembered it about a month ago, a desire to taste the Vienna Egg Braid again was overwhelming. Just couldn’t remember where the darned recipe was!

You have to realize that I probably have about 400 (literally) cookbooks. Even stumbled across the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Pillsbury Bakeoff booklet! Thank goodness not many of those 400 go back as far as 1971, though! Today, I sat on the floor in front of the cookbook stash and started hunting. Big, hardbound books first. Nowhere could it be found! Then I started thumbing through all my Pillsbury Bakeoff and other pamphlets.

Found the recipe book that goes with my Waring Blender that broke about 1985 when my son tried to make fresh bread crumbs by stuffing the bread down with his fingers (yeah – very yucky injury and ruined the blender). Found the recipe booklet that goes with my waffle maker – that developed a short about 1980 and instead of making waffles, it bakes them then rips them apart while keeping both sides firmly attached to the griddle. Found the recipe booklet that went with my original ice cream machine – that was purchased in the mid-1970s. Found the cookie recipes for the Mirro Cooky-Pastry Press. And the recipe for the Norwegian Krumkake Iron I got as a newlywed.

Then – finally found Pillsbury’s Time Saver Cookbook, originally published in 1967, and mine is the second edition. That’s where the recipe was! I am overjoyed! Seems silly that something so small can bring so much pleasure!

Spring in St. Louis

2008-05-04T16:52:00.007-05:00

The tree peony began blooming yesterday - just all of a sudden! These blooms are easily 7" across!

Here's the entire bush in bloom:

And just to whet your appetite, a few backyard azaleas in bloom. Tomorrow, I'll take a picture or two of the pink one in front - it's grown quite a lot since the last pictures!

This Is Not A Tree

2008-03-28T16:30:00.003-05:00

Ok - So I've been a bad blogger. Nobody seemed to notice, anyway. I'm still unemployed, still depressed about that, had a difficult winter with 70s one day, 12" of snow the next. Flooding in St. Louis this spring . . . it just gets better and better.

But - a very interesting thing happened last nite while I was goofing off at my computer around 2 a.m. Thought I heard a knock on the front door. Got up, looked, nobody there. But this is what greeted me this morning in the backyard:

No - not the big thing in the back that is OBVIOUSLY a TREE. This is what happens when a huge branch falls from about 80 feet high and lands in about 12" worth of very rain-softened ground. Apparently, the noise I heard was a secondary branch broken off this one (you can see it there in the lower left corner), and it bounced off a fire pit which knocked the lid off that and onto the patio. I even gave the branch a nudge to see how solid it is in the ground - pretty darned solid! Just amazing!

It's Beginning to Look . . .

2007-12-05T22:10:00.000-06:00

A TINY bit like Christmas. Isn't this guy cute?? He's really a wind sock I found at the Wild Bird store and he's hanging from my fireplace mantle. Too cute to stick outside.

With my dad back in the hospital, this may be the only decoration that gets set up at my place this year . . .

2007 Christmas Wish List

2007-11-19T16:03:00.000-06:00

For those of you looking for what to get the gal who has . . . . a bunch already . . . please visit my brand new 2007 Christmas Wish List blog.

Is it a compendium of stuff to get your creative gifting juices flowing . . . . .

Hope it helps ;)

Busy Summer!

2007-09-11T21:18:00.000-05:00

OK - along with the tree, I spent about 10 weeks fighting bronchitis - and won, thank goodness!

Also, kept my grand-dog (no longer much of a puppy!) while my son and his wife took a couple vacations. He likes visiting "grandma" - over here, he gets ice cubes in his water bowl, fresh water with every trip WE take outside - he refuses to go out alone, and 10 p.m. is MILKBONE time. Although he's HUGE, he prefers the little ones. And my son says I spoil him !!! HA

This is a dog who can carry three sticks in his mouth at once AND keep them away from grandma!

I did manage to do a little work this summer - as a temp. One of these days, the perfect full time job may come along - or I'll retire while waiting for it! Right now, I'm back working on websites for the next three months at the place I've been the last couple years. Love it there, and just waiting for the perfect spot. Not only is it a great place to work, it's 3 miles from home!

My dad's doing much better and back on his own again. Think he really enjoys his independence.

Ok - that's it for the quick update! Check out my knitting and stained glass blogs for more summer "doings!"

The End of an Era

2007-09-02T12:56:00.000-05:00

After Friday's tree cutting, this was all that was left. The stump measured roughly 38 inches in diameter:

Then Saturday afternoon, the grinder came and spent about a half hour grinding,

And we were left with an enormous pile of "mulch:"

Once they were done hauling off the pile and smoothing things over, we are now left with this:

I will miss this old tulip tree - it was a beauty, especially in full bloom. But life goes on, even though the neighborhood won't seem quite the same. Am leaning towards planting some crimson birch or white and pink dogwoods in kind of a "grove" there this fall. And, of course, hoping the ivy wasn't too devestated by all the activity of tree laying on it, trucks driving on it, people walking in it . . . and it will bounce back.

Tree Removal, Stage 1

2007-08-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

Snap, Crackle, POP!!!

2007-08-29T17:48:00.000-05:00

Think the title about says it all. The City of Ferguson got a little bit of wind prior to a rain storm this afternoon, and the tree came tumbling down!

Nothing but Doom and Gloom!

2007-08-24T23:22:00.000-05:00

Today a monster storm rolled through North St. Louis . . . and right through my yard! I thought last year's storm in August was bad, or perhaps the ice storm of last January that did all sorts of damage by knocking out my power for days on end. Today's only knocked out my power for a couple hours . . . long enough for me to do dishes, peel and slice 11 peaches, and nearly get blown out of my skin!!!

The following are pictures of what greeted me outside my front door after the biggest boom I've heard since the 50's that actually shook the house and scared me witless!

This is (was?) a tulip tree about 80 feet or more tall and at least 60 years old that lived just outside my front walk. Now I only hope that it doesn't die completely . . .

For happier news, please click the link at left for my stained glass blog - new picture!!

My Nephew's and His Wife's Blog

2007-07-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

After a couple years (if you don't believe me, check the post dates!) they FINALLY updated their blog - and ALL it took was . . . . The Birth of Their First Child! LUCAS!

Yes, I am once again a Great Aunt (but I always knew I was a "great" Aunt!). This is a pic of my new grand nephew . . . .

You gotta admit - that's CUTE!

Fourth of July in St. Louis

2007-07-04T20:10:00.001-05:00

I know you've all heard - "Oh, hot and muggy!" "Really oppressive humidity!" - and didn't believe . . .

This is what happens when you take a camera that's been inside with air conditioning outside to take a photo of a beautiful flower . . . in that kinda heat and humidity!

Still thought it was a super-cool effect! Yes - the Stargazers are blooming again - just like my own fireworks display!! Couldn't resist sharing these with you, tho!

Surreal!

Ferguson Farmers' Market Pie Contest

2007-06-30T08:35:00.000-05:00

What fun! For the first time, I entered a pie contest! I've always enjoyed making pies and consider my crust somewhat wonderful, and today we are putting it to the test! The Ferguson, MO Farmers' Market is sponsoring this pie extravaganza today. So, last nite there was some very serious pie making going on at my house!

My two entries were a Dried Cherry Apple Struessel and a Buttermilk Cherry. Of course, you can't just make one . . . the family had to be able to sample! At the time, I didn't realize that you could enter more than one pie, so my dad and my son, Michael, and his wife, Angela, came by last night to pick a "winner" to submit this morning. Hands-down, the Dried Cherry Apple Struessel won.

As you can see, I had a mix of apples and took a quick pic before hitting the oven.

And here are the completed beauties!

So this morning, bright and early (VERY early for getting up on a Saturday) I loaded both pies in the car and delivered them to the Market. Mine were the very first there, and we had to wait until after 11 for the announcement. so I saw quite a bit of the Market.

This is a shot of the typical booths at the Market - and all kinds of people enjoying themselves:

And here's the table of pies! There were 24 entries, total - I didn't envy the judges!

And speaking of judges, here they are - including the Mayor of Ferguson. While judging, we all got our hopes up when one judge was overheard to say my Dried Cherry Apple was "almost perfect."

It was a shame, but the Buttermilk Cherry's crust soaked up some of the liquid from the filling and lost its crispy-ness overnight.

Pictures of the pie slices are the "sample pies" and are not as thick with filling as the real deals are . . . Unfortunately, when all was said and done, neither one of my pies won a prize. The cheering section - Michael, Angela, and my high school friend, Mike, felt "robbed" and it is probably attributable only the the overwhelming number of pie samples and the fact that mine were sampled very early in the process. Needless to say, it broke my heart, but we will try again.

As Angela pointed out - I have an entire year to "practice" and they will be happy to come and help judge the effort! hehehehe

For Dad

2007-06-07T22:22:00.000-05:00

Bluejay parent on the fence and baby in the flower pot. There's a bunch of these at my house, but none at my dad's - only 3 miles away. Go figure!

Glass Blower's Spring Show

2007-05-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Yes - time for another trip to the glass blower's workshop in Augusta, MO. Here are a few pics:

I was bad - bought the beautiful silver and blue bowl and the little glass covered with Valentine hearts.

The Extraction

2007-05-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

I can finally write about it without cringing . . . I had to have a tooth pulled. This isn't the first one. That was done in Texas about 13 years ago. Then, the dentist gave me what he said was an amnesia drug - that I wouldn't remember the extration at all. Well, I vividly remember the extration (and it wasn't pretty), but don't remember the trip home.

The second time involed a couple molars and three wisdom teeth, so I was knocked out. What a wonderful way to go!!! All I remember is "you'll feel a little prick . . . . . ok, wake up - we're done!" Ah!! That was great. Took a bit of time to recuperate, but the tramatic details weren't there at all.

Last Friday, I finally had to admit defeat and have a tooth yanked that had broken about four years ago. It was in "crumble" mode, and has had me terrified to go to the dentist for so long, I was afraid of what they'd find. Since I'm cheap, and it's only one tooth, I figured a local would do. Almost changed my mind and opt for a general, but figured it would be worthwhile to soldier on through the local.

I went to a surgeon pretty close to where I live, recommended by my dad, my son, and a good friend, not to mention the dentist I saw a few weeks ago. My son tagged along to block the exits, in case I freaked. Before they even gave me the local anesthetics my blood pressure was up over 212/97. Not real good. After the shots, it was down to 183, and once they were finished was back about 143. I must admit, I was terrified - even told them so. The blood pressure seemed to confirm that terror.

But I am very proud of myself. I put on my "big girl panties" and lived through the ordeal. Now that it's done, am happy it's over. The surgeon was wonderful - patted my hand and said we'd be ok. During the extraction, he walked me through everything I'd hear and feel. He even called me the following day to check on my progress. I have to admit, I haven't even had to so much as take one over the counter pain reliever. There's been no pain since the anesthetic wore off late Friday, other than from the injections.

So, it looks like my mouth is on it's way to health again, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Mystery Bird

2007-05-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

I think this might be an Indigo Bunting . . .

He was on my feeder today and I got several shots before he flew away - almost all blue, except for the bit of black/grey on his wings. I have never seen anything like this on my feeders before!

Earlier this week, I identified a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak on my other feeder, but he flew before I could get the camera. Been waiting for him to return!

Also, the hummingbirds have come back to the feeder - it only took them a day to discover it this year. All-in-all, not a bad day in the back yard!

Spring Brings New Hope

2007-04-29T17:19:00.000-05:00

After his latest visit to the hospital, my dad is back in rehab and seems to be doing very well. I've had my hands full threatening all kinds of people. Since his fall in late February, we've walked out of the emergency room (after a two-hour wait with nobody even checking on us), almost walked out of a doctor's office (after being stuck in an exam room for an hour and being ignored), and have left one nursing home in disgust for another. Unbelievable the amount of misinformation and stupid people you find in the health industry! So, I've been waging war on the powers that be to get Grandpa decent treatment that actually helps him instead of causing him to take two or three GIANT steps backwards.

But - there is other stuff being done around my own house! Yes - I hope what I accomplished this afternoon will survive!!!

I planted three hostas, a bunch of Cosmos, Batchelor Buttons, Black-eyed Susans, Poppies, Sweet William, some Pinks, Blue Salvia, Forget-Me-Nots, Sparklers, etc. - all from seeds except the pinks and hostas. I planted in pots, half wine barrels, a cement planter, and the ground . . .

In past years, once the little plants dare poke their first baby leaves out of the ground, the backyard bunnies devour the tender shoots. Makes me want to do some shooting of my own!! At least when I planted the tulip bulbs in December, they were quickly buried under a pile of ice and snow. Typically, the squirrels find those, dig them up and eat them like candy. Between them and the bunnies, I think they've dubbed this yard "Blu's Buffet." But not THIS YEAR!! I had about 100 bulbs I'd gotten from in front of my office building last spring and planted those and they bloomed beautifully! Now if I can be only so lucky with the seeds!

I did manage to get one beautiful hanging pot full of New Zealand Impatiens - kind of pink and white stripes - that I put in the big pot on my front porch. They always seem to do so well there, why mess with perfection?

And, to cap off a glorious afternoon in the yard, I barbequed cubed pork cutlets, fixed some pasta al fredo, some corn, and had a wonderful piece of bread pudding from a well-known place here - Annie Gunn's. Bought it Friday at lunch, brought it home, stuck it in a pan, poured the rum sauce over it, and baked it for 20 minutes - absolutely devine!!

So, with the good thoughts of whoever still reads my blog . . . keep your fingers crossed . . . and I will be able to post pictures of lovely flowers this summer - instead of ugly, brown patches of dirt!

End of the Squirrels

2007-04-21T16:07:00.001-05:00

New Bird Feeders:	$55.00
New Double Shepherd's Crook:	$25.00
Bird Feed:	$31.00
Hummingbird Feeder:	$20.00
Two Squirrel Baffles:	$40.00
Actually Feeding Bird Seed to the Birds:	Priceless

Backyard Additions

2007-04-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

My dad had a relapse and is back in the hospital - but doing pretty good now. So, while he's been laid up, I've been doing some things in the backyard. Finally gave in and got a squirrel baffle that seems to work really well at keeping "Stinky" off the feeders, so got a new shepherd's crook and two new nice feeders.

And, the result of all this? Is is worth it?

I think so. This is a goldfinch sitting and eating thistle (Nyger) seeds. I'm thrilled. The feeders have only been back up a day or so, and already I've seen these, little red house finchs, cardinals, blackbirds, bluejays, sparrows and chickadees, and a wren. The bluejay was the biggest surprise. They used to be everywhere but lately have suffered some sort of setback.

I'll be putting the hummingbird feeders back up in the next few days, and hope to have those little friends back soon, as well!

Happy to Report

2007-04-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

Dad is making wonderful progress. After his fall, he was home only three days before the problems started. He developed pneumonia and was in the hospital for two weeks. After that, he went to a rehab facility (lots closer to home!) for 12 days, and then came home. I've been staying at my dad's for two weeks now, and am absolutely amazed at his progress. He's been using a walker all this time, and at first he was a bit wobbly. Lately his balance is improving a lot and he stands up without hanging on to things quite a bit. Seems a bit scary at times, but I'm getting used to it. He's extremely independent.

The rehab center sent out their squad of helpers - a nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and an aide who helps with his showers several times a week. It seems if we are not going to all the various doctors, we have the "visitors" here taking all our time. We did manage to get out yesterday, however, get his income taxes mailed, hair cut, bird food replenished, hearing aids fixed, and a quick stop at the pharmacy. Today, we had the visitors, and a couple contractors who installed new handrails on the basement stairs, a new ceiling fan, and grab bars in the shower. So, as you can imagine, our days are filled with lots of things that need doing.

Hopefully, he will be off the walker in a few more days and I will begin staying home nights!

What's Happening?

2007-04-01T19:51:00.000-05:00

Lots of excitement been going on here.

My dad, who turns 89 the beginning of June, took a tumble down the basement stairs the end of February. Since I live only about 3 miles from his house, I've been very involved in helping get things done. We are all so thankful that his injuries have not been horrible. He broke his left shoulder blade and has a compression fracture of his L1 vertebrae. After he fell, the hospital sent him home. Unfortunately after only 2.5 days home, he kind of sat on the end of his bed, laid back, and then couldn't move. Paramedics came, took him to the hospital, where he stayed for the next two weeks with pneumonia and a bacterial infection. Then he went to rehab where he kind of looked out of place. But he got lots of physical therapy and did absolutely great. In only 12 days, he came home and I've been staying with him helping out while he regains his strength and mobility. Except for swelling in his feet and ankles, he seems to be doing great. Is getting around with a walker and I'm keeping a close eye on his comings and goings.

So, please excuse me for not blogging more often, but for the moment I'm very busy and not knitting much at all.

Let Them Eat Bread!!

2007-02-13T16:41:00.000-06:00

Ok - here it is!! My brand new birthday bread machine! I have wanted one of these (lusted after one) for quite a while and my brother and sister-in-law gave me this for my birthday! I'm thrilled to say the least.

I bought several varieties of bread, then had a drawer full of it when I got the machine, so had to finally give in and make French toast for beakfast as an excuse to use the machine! It is wonderful.

I just put the stuff in, and in 3 hours, out came this lovely loaf of potato bread. It smelled wonderful while it rose and baked, filling the house with terriffic aromas - just what we need on a cold winter's day!

I will definitely be making more soon!

Test of My Cooking Skills

2007-02-10T16:27:00.000-06:00

This is one beautiful cake! The recipe sounded so good! So, I figured, why not give it a try? Have wanted to try a chiffon cake for years. They were all the "rage" in the 40's and 50's, but seems there's never been a mix for them. So, after hemming and hawing for a few days, finally bit the bullet this morning and got to work.

Had to zest there oranges (honeybell tangelos), then juice them (neat trick if the only piece of cooking equipment you don't own is a juicer). Then, separate six eggs - wait, make that seven, and throw away a yolk. After that, while they were getting to room temperature, had to dig to the far back corner of the pantry and find the box of cake flour that's been there since I moved in five years ago. Pray the weevils haven't discovered it. Thank your lucky stars and yourself for remembering to have it sealed in a plastic bag. Sift the darned stuff with the antique flour sifter from my aunt. Ever heard of castor sugar? I have, but never had any, so made my own, which required digging out the food processor and grinding regular sugar for about a minute.

Whew!

Then, drag out the hand mixer, beat the dry ingredients, add the wet and mix till smooth. Ok. Then haul out the Kitchenaid stand mixer and beat the egg whites. Fold whites into batter. Well - get yourself a REALLY big bowl first! At this point, every mixing bowl, measuring cup, mixer (stand and hand), several little bowls, a plate, and measuring spoons are dirty. Basically everything in the kitchen.

But, I managed to fold it together, put it in the pan and bake it until it was absolutely beautifully done and smelled heavenly. Ok - invert the pan on a bottle. Wait - thought it'd fit on a booze bottle, but that was too big. Ran to the fridge and grabbed a small necked wine bottle. Phone rings - don't even bother trying to answer!! Have to invert the cake or it might fall!!! Panic set in, but managed to invert it on the wine bottle (memo to self - buy some old-fashioned bottles of soda). As you can see - somehow even managed to get it out of the pan in one whole piece!

Looked naked somehow, so whipped up some powdered sugar icing and put some orange extract in it. So now, comes the test . . . the tasting. Anybody interested???

Hope it was worth it!

Next - the new bread machine!!!

The Impending Storm

2007-01-13T01:09:00.001-06:00

St. Louis is once again in the throes of a major winter storm - an ICE storm!

You have to remember, I was without power for five (5) days last August when it was in the high 90s and over 100 degrees. Lost hundreds of dollars worth of food in both of my freezers. But I was working and able to enjoy the air conditioning at work and charge my cell phone, so it was alright. It made a mess in the freezers, and required lots of stinky cleaning.

Then, there was the ice storm the beginning of December - right - just six (6) weeks ago. Lost another freezer full of food, had the old phone line, cable and electric wires ripped from my house. Spent about four (4) days staying at my dad's house because I couldn't get mine warm enough. Had to pay a licensed electrician a bunch to hook the electric back. Just got the darned phone company to remove the wire (have VoIP), and finally feel like I'm somewhat back to normal . . . . and now this!

So - I have replaced all the batteries in my flashlights, washed and dried my hair, the dishes are done, my pantry's stocked, and everything's ready.

What do you want to bet that this time, the electric stays on???

We'll see! This storm is scheduled to last through at least Monday, maybe into Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for us poor folks in the Midwest!

What To Do with a Yard Full of Storm Damaged Trees

2006-12-28T00:59:00.000-06:00

First buy an expensive chain saw. Chop into small-ish pieces. Leave strewn all over yard. Borrow a few plastic trash cans. Fill with debris. Scrape off several knuckles and gouge out large chunks of your hands. Cuss. Scratch everywhere between your fingertips and shoulders with branches. Cuss a lot. Spent two days doing this . . . cussing all the while. Take a look at the yard. Realize you are not making even a tiny dent in the debris. Cuss a whole bunch.

Have a son who comes up work a workable solution. Go to several stores and try to buy a firepit (a summer goodie) on the 27th of December. Succeed in finding ones for nearly $200. Cuss some more. Admit defeat, then try one more store - what the heck, it's already getting dark. Find a cheap firepit, in a new box, at a very reasonable price. Take home, smiling all the way. Let son assemble while you prepare dinner. Invite a friendly firebug friend to join you (knowing you are both firebugs, too). Have dinner, and spend six hours burning storm debris, toasting marshmallows, and making s'mores!

Pictures . . . .

We did have a bit of trouble lighting the thing - but about a quart of lamp oil seemed to do the trick when dry leaves were at a premium . . . we had a nice little blaze and managed to go through quite a bit of the pieces of wood!

UPDATE: Today the yard man came and started raking up leaves and carting off branches - otherwise known as "firepit fuel." There are HUGE piles all over the back yard, the gutters were cleaned for the first time in three years, and by tomorrow evening, everything will be carted away! Hurray! But the most amazing thing was that - even after over 14 hours - the firepit still had a big pile of burning embers!!!

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-24T09:44:00.000-06:00

I just LOVE this snow globe. Don't remember who sent it to me originally, but every year it still brings a smile! Click here!

Have a Merry Christmas! Enjoy time with your family, be grateful for life, drink hot cocoa in front of the fire to the lights of the Christmas tree, and take time to remember that life isn't about all the activities, work, schedules, money, or gifts. It is about loving your family and friends, spending time together, celebrating the life all around you.

May you and yours find peace and contentment for Christmas!

The Return

2006-12-15T22:14:00.000-06:00

It is the return of the Mystery tree of 2004. This is the tree that mysteriously appeared in my driveway on the day my great niece was born. I arrived home from the hospital and a celebratory dinner with the family, and found it in my driveway. To this day, nobody will admit to being the one who delivered this tree. But I love it. Was pushed into bringing it up and decorating by a number of people. Most noteworthy would be my niece (not the mom one, but the other one) and my high school friend, Mike. He even helped bring it and boxes of ornaments up from the basement, helped set it up, and tried like crazy to get the star to stay vertical.

You will also note that for a household of one, there are a bunch of presents under the tree . . . and I had an absolute blast picking them out, waiting for delivery and wrapping. Am almost finished with that, and now must start making toffee and baking cookies.

Isn't this the cutest ornament you ever saw? Was another gift from 2004 when I was a project coordinator and managed the front desk. We had lots of vendors, and one of them gave me this beautiful little guy from the Irish Crystal Shoppe here in town.

We also made a trip to the glassblower last weekend, and I now have about 8 of the handblown ornaments. They even got hung on the tree this year! Oh, wonder of wonders! It is indeed a magical Christmas!

What a Mess!!!

2006-12-08T23:21:00.000-06:00

What a mess is right!

About 10:45 p.m. Thursday night, 30 Nov, I was sitting at my computer IM-ing with my niece and sis-in-law, when there was a horrible banging and I thought a plane had flown into my house. Power was still on, but by the time I got to the kitchen, there was a lovely blue glow outside, then total darkness. When I got up in the morning, I saw the power lines from the meter on my house had been ripped away, and the phone and cable lines had also been ripped. A tree in my neighbor's yard dropped probably about eight limbs, all of which were lying on the wires from both houses.

Managed to make it through two nights and a day here, running my gas fireplace (which puts out precious little heat) and the burners on my gas stove. But when the temp got down to below 55 inside, I decided it was time to head out. Stayed with my dad from Saturday through Thursday. Power was restored late afternoon on Wednesday, but by then the indoor temp was 45 and outside was in the single digits. UGH!

If it weren't for the suffering and inconvenience, it would have been beautiful. Everything looked like a diamond-encrusted fairyland outside. When the sunlight would hit these trees covered in ice, they just sparkled.

As you can see from one of the pictures, the poor birds at my dad's were starving! This cardinal loves to hang out at the feeder. Whenever any other birds would come along, he'd kind of take a step in their direction and they'd scatter! Was almost like the school bully watching him. But the real bully was the hawk. Almost daily he'd come swooping around the corner of the house and try to pick the birds off the ground under the feeders. Thankfully, I never witnessed a kill!

Am just so happy to be back home again. There are several weird things - like the condensation that collected here in my little home office - and dripped down the walls. Not sure how much food I lost from the freezers - probably some. Not like this summer when the temps were over 100 - this time we were able to put stuff in my garage then in my son's freezer. Hopefully most of it is salvageable.

Hope everybody else is managing to stay warm - or at least has a wonderful dad they can impose on!

Fall's a Time for . . . . Pumpkin Cupcakes!

2006-10-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

There's a nip in the air, leaves are covering the ground, the clocks have just been set back an hour, and kids are excited about Halloween.

Years ago, my mom concocted the recipe for these wonderfully moist pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Granted, in our family, things like cookies, cakes, and cupcakes are merely vehicles for cream cheese icing . . . . but these are superb. (In the same vein, many vegetables are simply vehicles for cheese sauce.) You notice the traditional blob of orange icing in the middle? Mom made too much frosting and in an attempt to finish it off, added the little dollop on top. Now they don't taste right without that!

And how do I know it's the correct time? It has to be . . . . I made this batch last nite, my niece made a batch yesterday, and my sister-in-law (bless her heart) is making THREE batches tonite . . . one for the family's Halloween chili dinner, and two for my brother to take to the office. And, if my guess is right, my other niece has made some recently, too. You'd think the world would be awash in all these pumpkin cupcakes, but believe me, they seem small and don't really go all that far. But there are a few, lucky people outside the family who actually get to have some!

GO CARDINALS!!!

2006-10-21T08:59:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the
2006 World Champions -
the St. Louis Cardinals!!!

Can't begin to tell you how thrilled the St. Louis fans are. This was an awesome year for all of us!

Garage Sale of the Century!

2006-10-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

Another absolutely gorgeous weekend in St. Louis, but instead of wine country, this weekend was devoted to the garage sale of the last my aunt's things that the family doesn't have room for. We also tossed in a few of own things and managed to sell LOTS!

As you can see from the pictures, we had lots of paintings and art supplies, afgahns, storage stuff, furniture, bicycles, books, jewelry, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, dishes, pots and pans, and hundreds upon hundreds of tiny little things. We sold most of it for next to nothing . . . and donated quite a few boxes (yes, boxes) of oil canvasses. Still have quite a bit left, with no plans to hold it again. Sigh. Just glad this is FINALLY done!

Now we just need a buyer for the leftovers . . . .

Beautiful October 1st!

2006-10-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

It turned out to be an absolutely BEAUTIFUL Sunday for the annual Turkey and Ham dinner at Immaculate Conception Church in Augusta, Missouri. My dad, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and a co-worker and his wife and 3 year-old son all went.

At noon, there was already a huge crowd waiting for dinner and we were in the 600 series of numbers to eat. Can't imagine how many folks they feed! They cook the turkeys at home and the men take the meat off the bones, there's sliced ham, too, dressing with raisins, mashed potatoes, gravey, beans, corn, and all kinds of pie for dessert. On the table is bakery bread, homemade apple butter and apple sauce, and tea and coffee to drink. Quite a spread!

Then they have games for kids, bingo, musicial entertainers, games of chance, crafters, and quilts, as you can see. Really a nice day, and a lovely trip - about 40 minutes from home.

Afterwards, my dad and I headed to Centennial Farms in Augusta to visit their pumpkin displays. The entire cast of the Wizard of Oz and a couple on a wagon were there.

They also had some nice gourds, apples, sweet potatoes, honey, and the bee hive that you can see into and watch the bees. Great fun!

Physics 101

2006-09-09T23:22:00.000-05:00

Time for another blond moment. Tonite I barbecued pork cutlets. I had two bottles of barbecue sauce in the fridge so dumped one into the other. Of course, lots still clung to the inside of the emptied bottle, so, being the good "waste not, want not" kinda person I am, I put the lid on and up-ended the bottle on the counter to drain it all into the neck so I could then get the rest out and put it in the first bottle. So the bottle sat there while I cooked outside, and when I came in, the sauce was in the neck. Lucky me!

When I went to take off the lid and drain it into the other bottle, the air inside the drained bottle had warmed and expanded. This created a backlash of air that popped out when I lifted the lid . . . . causing the contents to explode all over me! I had red sauce in my hair, all down the front of my shirt - it was disgusting.

If I'd been thinking, though, I would have staggered out the front door and collapsed on the front lawn. With that much red sauce on me, I would have looked like a murder victim!

At least it didn't end up on the ceiling, walls and doors like the salsa did a year or so ago . . . just all over me!

Another Hummer

2006-09-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist trying to catch a picture of a hummingbird in flight. Must stay I'm thrilled. Either he was posing, or his little wings came out not as a blur, but perfect little wings. Isn't that amazing?

Note to self: They REALLY hate the flash!

I've Been Busy!

2006-09-05T16:58:00.000-05:00

I've been doing something I typically shun - shopping! There are about nine new outfits in my closet for my return to work (yes! More on that later . . .), a new mattress and box spring to be delivered soon, and no less than four pairs of shoes (from the woman who truly HATES, hates, hates to shoe shop)! Actually, it started out as three pairs of shoes, but on the way to the register I spied these lovely silver tennies. I did the usual poo-poo of those and moved on.

Then the tennies started their voodoo - I dreamed about them, thought about them, mentioned them to others as outrageous. And after ONLY three days of trying to remove them from my brain with everything but a butter knife, I succumbed to the temptation of the tennies. Yes, they are mine now. And I was mistaken. They are not silver, but "pewter." Not sure how that makes a huge difference, but I find them "tastefully tacky."

Not sure if they are proper "work" attire - I'm thinking NOT.

As promised - the MORE regarding going back to work. Yes, after five weeks and two days of blissful "semi-retirement" I am returning to work at the same place I've been since last October. Granted, I will still be a temp, but I love the place, the people, and the job so it's not a stretch for me to go back. This is a three-month assignment, which will take me through about Thanksgiving, give me time off for the holidays, and perhaps something will come along by the first of the year that will be more permanent. I can't tell you how thrilled I am!! I baked them cookies for my first day back! hehehehehe

Another Test!

2006-08-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

You Passed 8th Grade Geography

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Geography?

Lazlo Update

2006-08-28T13:05:00.000-05:00

Conversation with a happy dog . . .

"Yes!!! You moved!! I am so HAPPY TO SEE YOU!!! YOU'RE ALIVE!! Lemme lick your face! Your hand! Are you AWAKE YET??? Wanna play????? I slept all night, and I'm Hap-Hap-HAPPY!!! See me wiggle? I'm knocking everything off your nightstand! HAHAHAHAHAHA Why aren't you playing with me? I'm HERE! You act asleep. WAKE UP!! TIME TO PLAY! YAHOO!! WHOOPEE!!"

You'll notice - I don't get a word in edgewise!

Yes, this is the face I've been waking up to in the morning - regardless of whether it's 1:03 a.m., 2:48 a.m., 5:54 a.m., 8:18 a.m. or whatever. Everytime I roll over, or move, or maybe snore, Lazlo's on FULL ALERT - greeting me, happy I'm alive, and ready for anything.

I've discovered that he doesn't just chase rabbits in his sleep like most of the other dogs I've known in my life. He EATS in his sleep - knashing his teeth and making a horrible noise.

Sad, but his "parents" are on their way home today from Mississippi, and he will be thrilled to see them. He takes my mind off my own troubles and forces me to play with him and spoil him rotten. Sigh. He'll be missed.

A Hairy Visitor

2006-08-25T23:55:00.000-05:00

My "Grand-puppy," Lazlo, is visiting with me this weekend. Mind you, it's a small house! And he's a small horse! This cuddly guy weighs about 120 pounds and loves to visit here, apparently. He hasn't said any different, so I'm going with that.

First thing he does in the yard is find the biggest stick he can. Remember last week, when I was raking back there? Somehow missed a 7-foot branch which he found immediately. After playing with it about 10 minutes, it was a more manageable 2-foot stick. So, he's claimed that as his own, and regardless of where he leaves it, he goes right to it every time he's out there.

Oh - and this dog will NOT go outside alone! No - I have to go along and remain outside while he does whatever dogs like to do - squirrel patrol (he's REALLY good at scaring them away for quite a while!), perimeter patrol, bird feeder check, and a great deal of ground sniffing.

One thing I discovered (at about 2:35 a.m.) is that he doesn't like things making noise in the night - like ice makers. It must have dropped a tray of ice about then, he he woke up and barked a few times. He's probably 5 years old or so, and before last night I've heard him "woof" quietly a couple times only. He managed to wake me up last nite, and today didn't like somebody walking along the street in front of the house. All these new things!

Anyway, he makes the days more interesting, not to mention the nights!

Hummers!

2006-08-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

The little guys are back! Yippee!! Saw one male hummingbird last week sitting on my phone wire, and he seemed to be wondering where the feeder was. So I filled it and hung it back up. And, as promised, they descended!

Yeah - Right!

2006-08-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

Imagine my dismay when I scanned the odd news of the day, and discovered St. Louis featured prominently!! The headline reads: "Exhibit Eyes Record for Display of 2-Headed Animals." (View the article on this page.) Now, I've know for a long time about the 2-headed albino rat snake "We." The World Aquarium at the City Museum here in St. Louis tried to sell it earlier this year, so pictures have appeared locally and been on the news, etc.

Well this, now, is bazaar! I suppose all the displayed animals would be live, and quite a collection. So far, there are 10 animals being displayed, and they're hoping to have a "head count" (ugh!) of 22 total if the local owner of another snake joins.

But, since I have been born, raised, and currently live here, is this what I want to have people think of when they think "St. Louis?" Not really.

Ouch!!!

2006-08-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

After my last pathetic post, decided today was a day for change - for getting something done - making some kind of progress! Things I thought about doing included knitting (so, ok, I did some of that), baking a pie (nope - not gonna happen today), making cookies (also not happening today). I felt in the mood to kill something and vent frustration. Even though the thermometer read 90 degrees, figured it is supposed to rain today, how bad can it be? (Pretty darned bad!)

I slipped on my rubber sandals and headed for the garage. Have meant to pull weeds forever, and decided today was it. (Nope - today WASN'T it!) Got to the yard and immediately started hacking down trash trees along the fence, behind the lilac bushes, the lillies, and all the good stuff that's out there dying because I refuse to pay so much for water. Pulled down mulberry trees and honeysuckle and some kind of vine with thousands - no, billions - of tiny little thorns! Once I had established a nice pile of this utter chaos, went about hacking it up with my clippers - mainly because I'm exceedingly cheap and the refuse bags they force me to use cost 50 cents apiece.

With only one "break" and, so far, only one blister, the fence is much cleaner and you can actually tell which plants are supposed to be there. Next - I will paint them with Roundup and hopefully kill the freaking pests!

Boring Unemployment

2006-08-07T12:34:00.000-05:00

With tons of time on my hands, what's a girl to do???

My pirate name is:

Mad Bess Kidd

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

I Need a Job!!

2006-08-03T16:55:00.000-05:00

Ok - today's Day 4 of official unemployment, unofficial "vacation."

I've managed to make some "important" calls, had a friend actually drop by - then force me into the front yard to pick up downed branches and limbs from the storm! Yesterday it finally cooled off a bit, so it was designated "errand day." Started out visiting the local yarn shop to buy 5" No. 2 needles - and they didn't have any for the second time . . . had everything else, but not these. Arrgh! (Came home and ordered them from an internet source.) Then dropped off some printouts about Denis Leary for my hairdresser who seems to have developed a "thing" for him and his firefighter causes. On to the hardware store to buy piano wire so I can finally block the Pacific Northwest shawl I finished March 8th. Then hit the grocery store.

Now, I've been working the last 9.5 months and have forgotten the laws of weekday daytime shopping. NEVER GO TO THE GROCERY STORE DURING A 15 HOUR SALE. Every grandpa, grandma, nursing home resident, and mother with 12 children under the age of 5 is there, stocking up. After the storm, I was terrified of buying much in case they decided to turn off the electricity again. Just enough for a few days. Which means - I ended up trying to shop IN THE MORNING AT THE 15 HOUR SALE. Omigod! How awful is that???

So, today, I had to go through some more of my aunt's stuff - travel books, brochures, postcards, and pictures. Some of our trip in 1969, some of another trip she made in 1983. And ran across this picture . . . .

(Sorry about the glare off the original snapshot, but couldn't resist!) Can you believe this? I not only remember this place in France, but remember USING IT, and then regaling my friends and family with stores about it! You put your feet on the sides (where indicated), do your business and FLUSH THE FLOOR! See??? It actually exists!

So all the quilt tops, travel books, and old knitting projects have been sent to the basement (where they will be rediscovered upon my death). I still have to hang a few pictures and take the rest down for storage, but . . . .

I NEED TO GO BACK TO WORK! I NEED A REST!

Made it Through Day One

2006-07-31T21:48:00.000-05:00

So, Sunday evening was nice. Not that "oh, I have to get ready for the work week again" thing. This morning I slept till 8:30, had a leisurely breakfast, did dishes, watched TV and knitted all day.

No revelations, no burst of creative energy, no 180 degree change of direction to a new career in writing or catering or cookie baking. So far, since I left the job on Friday, have cleaned, done laundry, cleaned, done dishes, cleaned, knitted, signed up for unemployment, cooked, and cleaned. My car hasn't left the garage, nor have I worn shoes, since Friday. I haven't even poked my nose outside, since it's been over 100 degrees out there since Friday . . . . Just too hot!

I did, however, make a discovery. If you have VoIP, set to simultaneously ring your home and cell phone, and your cell phone battery goes completely dead . . . . . so does your home phone. Sort of sympathy ring, I think. The whole mess just dumps directly into voice mail on, of all places, the cell phone. Make some sense, I suppose, if you look at it in a warped and mysterious way . . .

Anyway, on to Day Two. Sure hope this doesn't last a long time! I have learned valuable lessons, however . . . Don't begin your job hunt by calling every temp firm in the region. This leads to temp jobs, not permanent ones with benefits. Do keep detailed records of all your job applications - unemployment wants to know you're looking. Never, ever, under any circumstances, answer the phone in the morning if you are not entirely awake! Let it roll to voice mail and claim unavailability. Let all your friends and family know you're looking - you never know who they know. Guess that's a good start.

Anybody in St. Louis need a devoted, honest, hard working, intelligent Business Analyst with Access whiz? Am also MOS certified, A+ and Network+ certified, and a darned nice person. Just leave a comment - I promise, I'll contact you!

I DID IT!!!

2006-07-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

I enjoy Gamesville. I enjoy lots of their free game stuff like Three-Eyed Bingo, Frantic Fish, Zuma, of course, Pit Stop Slots, Bubble Popper, Miami Dice, and my favorite game: Bottle Rocket.

For those of you who have never visited Gamesville, I was drawn there because most of this stuff is free. AND, best of all, you win GV Rewards Points which can be entered into drawings to win real money. I've done this only a couple times and never won, as usual. As you earn points by playing games, the icon next to your handle changes so everybody knows whether you're a veteran or novice. I've been there for a long, long time, but never made any real attempt to gain points to change icons. But that all changed. Anyway, for the last few months, I've been aiming very high . . . and finally managed to get to the next level of icon for 1,500,000 points. I've finally quit being a baseball and have moved on to being a martini glass! See?

The End of Another . . . . Job . . . .

2006-07-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

After being laid off from my job at Wyeth in November of 2003, I've had about six temp/contract positions doing differing things at various places. And by far and away, leaving the job I've worked at for the last nine and a half months today has been the most difficult. Unfortunately, the budget wouldn't support me any longer.

I started last October updating customer websites, and once that kind of petered out in mid-November, I was picked up by another manager working on a very specific database project. Apparently, that went so well that my duties grew to where I was still doing a task for the first manager, another updating specific websites for someone else, and a boatload of high-profile databases for the new manager.

Now, you must understand - these managers are a hoot! They are very bright, knowledgeable men, and both are adept at changing from detail freaks to happy, joking co-workers in the blink of an eye. Other people were helpful getting my rusty Access skills back up to semi-expert level, and still others gently pointed me in the right directions as I hunted for data, people's desks, and so forth. We all teased each other mercilessly, and that basically made work beyond enjoyable.

Personally, I feel that all these folks are very good friends now. It seems nobody really wanted me to leave - especially my boss - and everyone hopes I will be back very soon. There is a possibility of a position to which I've applied in the same department. After the cookies this morning and the "farewell ice cream party" they had for me this afternoon, it's doubtful anybody would want to be in her place. It's like everybody who knows me and what I can do will be bugging her to bring me back. Right now, it is my only hope, but I will keep looking there and hoping to return.

I am purposefully not naming the company - they have been wonderful to me and I will cherish the time spent working there.

My 5-Day St. Louis Power Outage

2006-07-25T22:58:00.000-05:00

After getting power back last night sometime, tonite was spent cleaning out the freezers. While doing that, thought of writing this song (You know the tune, join on in!):

Disposing the freezer contents, thanks to AmerenUE, I tossed:
12 frozen croisants,
11 chicken legs,
10 2" boneless porkchops,
9 boxes of cornmeal mix,
8 pork cutlettes,
7 assorted leftovers,
6 pounds of butter,
5 pounds of bacon!
4 entire chickens,
3 bags of venison,
2 bags of veggies,
and a bag of flour with an Arabic label! OR:
and an whole frozen Thanksgiving turkey!

Needed to share that with somebody, so it ends up on my blog.

Imagine carting all that in one giant trash bin to the curb. I truly feel a bit old and creaky tonite!

My Aunt Was a Painter

2006-06-19T22:10:00.000-05:00

Below are just a few of my aunt's paintings. She took great joy in her landscapes and "fantasy flowers," not to mention her true love of the Great Lakes and their beaches and sunsets.

Maybe it's time to let other people enjoy some of what she took such great pleasure in creating.

A Difficult "Blessing" to Bear

2006-06-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

My aunt died last Friday, June 9th, at about 3:40 a.m. She was precisely 3 months short of her 90th birthday and had been suffering from a variety of physical problems the last 3 or 4 years. This was a woman who played tennis until the doctor made her quit at age 75 - and she'd been beating people half her age! She painted, crocheted, knitted, sewed, quilted, enjoyed walking, swimming, tennis, and ice skating - and playing tennis on ice skates! In her youth, she did acrobatic dance and we have pictures of her doing splits and pulling her back leg to touch her head. Amazing.

When my brother and I were young, she spent seven years or so living with us after her husband, Carl, died after only 4 years of marriage. She then bought her own house a few miles away and brought my grandmother here to live for another three years. While here, she was the advertising director of a major department store, a major discount chain when those were brand new ideas, and a music company. She was involved in the St. Louis Women's Advertising Club and participated in the annual Gridiron shows in the 1950s and 1960s. We always got to go to rehearsals and the dress rehearsal dinner. What a hoot! We met Arvilla - who had been an Olympic fencer, and ended up taking fencing lessons from her. My brother even got some saber lessons. Not many of my friends were doing that!

When she lived with us and my parents had parties, she'd take us to dinner at Howard Johnson's and feed us all the stuff we weren't allowed to have - cheeseburgers, onion rings, milk shakes and soda. Once we got back home, we had to quietly go to our rooms (seen and not heard was big in those days!), but she'd always manage to sneak us some of the goodies mom had made for the party . . . and a bowl of ice cream before bed. Thanksgiving and Christmas - she's snatch a chunk of turkey for each of us while it sat and "rested." I remember her doing my hair and telling me when she pulled it that you "have to suffer to be beautiful." Right. She painted finger and toenails, paid me to paste ads for her, pull weeds, and polish her countless shoes. I was forced to take tap and ballet lessons until I couldn't stand them any longer.

Eventually, Grammie got homesick so she sold her house and took Grammie home to Michigan to our family home and took up teaching - 3rd grade, of all things. Mainly gifted, but sometimes difficult, students. And she loved it - thrived on it. She's the only person I've ever known who had 12 years of college credits and countless degrees. She took up oil painting again, and began quilting with Franciscan nuns and helping raise money sending out mailings. She tried watercolors and painting on the back of glass. She never remarried, although I know she had offers. She never got over her love of her husband and was faithful to that marriage for her remaining 52 years.

Within the next few weeks, my brother and I will transport her remains to Burlington, Iowa, where she'll finally be reunited with her beloved Carl. I can only hope and pray that her suffering and pain are over. Even though we had our differences, and believe me they were many and lasted for long years, she will be missed. I have decided to remember the good stuff about her - and finally let go of the other.

I pray she'll finally know peace.

Another Lost Day . . .

2006-05-13T15:37:00.000-05:00

Anybody besides me have this problem? Weekday wake-up time is 6:15 a.m. and for some reason, all during the week, bedtime goes from 11 p.m. to as late as 12:30 a.m. I drag all day long, then magically wake up WIDE AWAKE the moment my feet hit the pavement in the garage! It's like I'm on super-caffine all evening. The whole week is spent looking forward to the weekend - getting errands done, enjoying my free time.

Then on Saturday, you wake up at 7:30 a.m. Ok, this is great. Lots of stuff will FINALLY get done! Like grocery shopping, vacuuming, yard work, and recreational shoe and clothing shopping. But around 10:30 a.m. you're still on the couch, not even dressed and the exhaustion overcomes you. Since you're still in jammies, going back to bed seems like a great idea. 11 a.m. finds you back asleep where you don't wake up until around 3 p.m. UGH!

And so, like every other Saturday, I will VOW next week will be different!

What a Difference a New Camera Makes!

2006-05-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

Oh! What a difference a new camera makes! My son and his wife gave me a very nice camera for Mother's Day - a bit early! And so I was testing it outside today. Below are pictures of my clematis, pinks, After Dark Iris, daiseys, rhododendron, peony, and Batik Iris. You have to admit, these pictures are a vast improvement!

Amazing Iris

2006-04-22T19:31:00.000-05:00

This is a taste of what this iris bed looks like when it is in its full glory!

So Much More, So SOON!

2006-04-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

Wow! I came home to some beautiful new stuff! Was amazed after the weekend that so much more is in bloom so soon . . .

For example, the iris . . . .

The red and purple azaleas . . .

The wonderfully fragrant French lilac . . .

The double lavender azalea. (Note the white and purple ones in the background) . . .

This totally GIANT peony - think it is at least 6" across!! and there are more just like it on the same plant!

And the biggest surprise, a whole bunch of pinks. Last year I bought 6 little plants, thought they were about dead, but they came back triple what they were last year . . . stunning!

I Adore SPRING!

2006-04-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

I have been told this is the "Pride of the Neighborhood." I can certainly see why. I love azaleas anyway, and would have planted little baby ones when I bought this house, but to "inherit" this magnificant specimen is beyond belief! Every spring, it amazes me at how absolutely beautiful it really is.

Here's a closeup of how delicate and beautiful each individual flower is:

And there are others - in the back yard. Almost as glorious! The white and the red (lavender and purple are still on the way):

Not to mention - the lilac that is wafting it's heavenly scent through the neighborhood!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

2006-04-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

It was a busy, busy day in the back yard! Took my little camera out to see what was "up," so to speak.

Found the following: Narcissis; wild violets that grow in the yard and are purple, white, and everything in between; some orange/yellow tulips; a red tulip; perriwinkle; pink tulips; bleeding heart (which I adore!); and a bush full of flowering quince! Not bad for one day, plus a few daffodils that are still hanging on. I was so thrilled, I planted some new Oriental lilies. Can't wait for the blooms (hope the darned squirrels don't devour those!).

And speaking of squirrels, has anybody else bought one of those extravagent "squirrel proof" bird feeders? I got one a couple weeks ago. It took the squirrels a couple days to find it, and one to dismantle it. Somehow, they slip the spring that blocks the food from them. Of course, once they do that, the birds can't eat it either. I figured out how to re-hook the spring, and have done it as a daily ritual ever since. I may have to resort to something lethal . . . even tho it is not like me at all. Sigh.

Some Thrilling Announcements!

2006-04-10T22:22:00.000-05:00

I am positively thrilled to announce that my Mandevilla vine survived the long winter months of absolute neglect in my home office and is back outside in the sunshine. The entire stem from last year died, but it sent up 4 new shoots that are green and growing. Pictures will follow IF we get some blooms this year. Actually, I'm hoping for more than last year, since the main stem is a year older.

Also, my Montmorency cherry tree - a Mother's Day gift that was installed last spring - survived the winter, is starting to put out some lovely bright green leaves, and is positively LOADED with flower buds!! I will put up pictures of that once they are out. I can hardly wait. Last year, when it came here, there were already 3 little green cherries. Of course, they ripened, and were devoured by either the squirrels or birds. All I know is one day they were there, the next day they were gone!

Also will soon be planting some new oriental lilies to go with the Stargazers. My tulips are doing great, and the peonies are showing signs of buds already. Soon the azaleas will be blooming which, of course, means prettier pictures for my blog!

Happy spring!

My (Fake) Gambling Addiction

2006-03-21T17:57:00.000-06:00

I have come to the realization that I am in over my head. For several years, in the privacy of my own home, an insidious addiction has woven itself into my secret personality. Yes, like millions of other internet junkies, sites like "Gamesville" and "Bingos.net" have worked their way into my life. Every night, about 10 p.m., I head for my home office and plant myself for an hour or so of just vegging out. At Gamesville, points and icons are the rewards. I now have over 1.1 million points, and my icon is a baseball. Next up - after just another 300,000 points will be something new that will designate to everybody there that I have surpassed people with stars, clovers, teddy bears, hearts, pieces of pizza, and a burning yellow flame. Ah - that is a goal worth striving for! But, only weekends and nights at home . . . .

The other one - the most intriguing one of all - is Bingos.net. The actually hand over $10,000 when you sign up! Imagine that! $10,000 FAKE dollars to gamble away at the bingo hall, slots, poker and keno games! In the privacy of your own home!! Does life get any better??? All alone one night, playing "Trolling for Treasure" I hit the second largest jackpot! 7500 coins - or 7500 times the 25 cents I played. $1,875 MORE FAKE MONEY! It was 11:45 by this time - alarm goes off at 6:15 a.m., and I could have cared less! I did a little office chair dance, threw my arms in the air and yelled "yippee!!!"

It only took me a couple evenings of bingo and more Trolling to lose that. Kept telling myself, it's only fake so splurge! Soon, I was betting $22.50 for each turn of the wheels . . . waiting for the boats . . . or the special side game where you get to open a treasure chest. With that much riding on it, I'd surely make a fortune!

Now I'm down to only $8,000 or so and wondering about the glory days of just last week when I had $10,600+ in there. Sigh. Will I ever get back to that grand day of only last Wednesday????

So, where does someone call to announce to the powers that be that you are addicted to losing fake money on fake, but lifelike, games? Is there no number for Fake Gambler's Annonomous? I'm sure I probably need help of some sort, but until that happens, it sure is fun!

When Bad Things Happen to Nice Flowers

2006-03-21T17:04:00.000-06:00

As a kind of follow up to my post last week, thought I'd share with you the first full day of spring in St. Louis : Below are a few pictures I took in the backyard this evening, when the sun actually took a quick peek out from behind some clouds. My forsythia, as you can see, was well on its way to being quite beautiful . . . as were the daffodils.

For some strange reason, I find these things still quite beautiful - the way the snow is balanced on the branches, the sun glinting off the frozen flowers. Just call me crazy . . .

Daffodils - and SNOW!

2006-03-20T22:16:00.000-06:00

Isn't this about the cutest thing you ever saw???

Yes, that's a quarter laying next to it. Tiny, tiny! Too tiny to leave outside tonight in St. Louis. For those of you who never venture away from the computer screen to view the larger, TV, screen, the Midwest is being pounded by our first snow of the winter - I mean, spring. UGH! All those nice, early forsythia and daffodils I took pictures of on the 11th of March will soon be shriveled globs of yellow crud. Too sad.

So, tonight, after a wonderful, belated corned beef and cabbage dinner at my dad's (he does a great job of that!), I rescued my five precious miniature daffodils. They're too little to fend for themselves in this. So far, in the last four hours and 19 minutes, we've had rain, sleet, ice pellets, and now snow. From what they're saying, we could get "thunder snow" tonight. Won't that be fun??? Anyway, here's a picture of all five of the little beauties in their very own medicine bottle. Believe it or not, I dug that up when I was turning over the garden a couple years ago. Knew it'd be good for something! Hope the rest of the bulbs survive!

First Signs of Spring

2006-03-11T18:11:00.000-06:00

While opening windows to let in the beautiful 70 degree temperatures and breezes we had here today, I noticed a ball of yellow. On investigation, I discovered:

The first spring flowers are popping out all over the back yard. There were a couple crocus earlier, but nothing like finding a whole pile of daffodils to make you feel like cleaning the house - NOT. But anyway, just had to share the joy of the new life settling in on St. Louis!

February 2006

2006-02-28T22:49:00.000-06:00

Geesh - almost an entire month has flown by with barely a peep out of me here! Bad blogger!

Everything has been a whirlwind for me this month. My birthday, still working and still loving it, busy with a broken computer (hard drive crash), trying to keep up with my son and his constant back-and-forths to work in Kansas City, spring's here - no it isn't - yes it is - no it isn't. If you've visited my knitting and needlework blog, you'll see I've been busy there knitting a shawl and making curtains for my office/guest room. Have also been getting things situated to begin a huge stained glass project - a fireplace screen that will be covered with irises. Beautiful. So, it's not like I've been sitting on my thumbs all month . . . .

Oh - and my niece is leaving St. Louis and moving to Kansas City (actually, Overland Park, KS) for a new job with her old firm. A nice promotion, but an upheaval here at home. I'm sure she will flourish there just as she always has, but it will be difficult for those of us staying here.

Anyway, hopefully, spring really will be here soon. My bulbs and azaleas think it's time and the robins are back. With the weather going from 70s one day to about 25 a couple days later with snow, I wouldn't be surprised to find frozen robins stuck to tree limbs one day! Would love to remove my fake squirrel's hat sometime soon. Perhaps he will get that new muffler next year.

It's about time to get back out in the yard and see if I can find plants other than hostas that thrive with no sun. Am also eagerly anticipating the blooming of the cherry tree I planted last spring, and seeing if I actually get some cherries this year (will have to beat the birds and squirrels to them!)

I really will try and be a better blogger.

Another Birthday??? So soon???

2006-02-05T23:07:00.000-06:00

Yes, another come and gone . . .

But it was a wonderful day! We went to dinner - my brother, his wife, my niece, my son, and daughter-in-law - to the Hacienda. In my book, this place is just about as good as some in Houston, where I spent about six months pigging out on Tex-Mex and getting somewhat picky about what really good Mexican food is supposed to be like. Anyway, we had a wonderful time - they drank Margueritas, and *I* had a Pina Colada. I must be the only person in America who can't stand Margueritas. Anyway - I got some great cards, full of my family's finest sappy sentiments (actually hilarious cards), and checks to cover most of the glass purchases for my stained glass fireplace screen - see the blog link to the left. I also got a lovely hammer drill from my son (and his wife who kept shaking her head for some reason). That is so I can hang things on my concrete basement walls. It was a wonderful evening and I had a great time. Thrilled is putting it mildly! AND I got a complementary fried ice cream (with a candle) for dessert!

I figure, even though I feel as old as dirt at this point, at least I'm still on the right side of the grass!

Right! THIS is why I don't have a boyfriend!

2006-01-31T22:38:00.000-06:00

You Don't Have a Boyfriend Because You are Too Shy

When a guy gets to know you, he finds a great catch. Problem is... you're too shy for most guys to get to know. From meeting someone to dating, you usually have your guard up. And while you're just holding back, it makes you seem like you've got something to hide.

Why Don't You Have a Boyfriend?

Singing That Ole "I'm Still a Stupid New Homeowner" Blues

2006-01-31T22:02:00.000-06:00

Ok - I admit it - I like to take baths. Long, hot, steamy baths that make my fingers all pruney. When I moved in three and a half years ago, I realized there was a problem with the tub stopper-upper. It leaked. "Smart new homeowner" that I was, I took off the little strainer frackus and bought a plug. Works great!

However . . . the other night I had quite a scare. I admit, I have long hair, and I try very hard to keep the hair debris from going down the tub drain. So, imagine how shocked I was about 45 minutes after my tub plug was pulled to still find about two inches of water left, slowly trickling out the drain!! "Smart new homeowner" to the rescue - I got a crochet hook and dug for hair in the drain and . . . . nothing! Figured it was finally going to require a call to the plumber, when I noticed that the little built-in tub plug was in the "up" position, supposedly holding in the water!!! Once I flipped that, the darned thing drained great!

Another lesson learned!

Coffee Cake Success!!

2005-12-30T16:34:00.000-06:00

The Christmas Tree Coffee Cake came out absolutely beautiful this year! Every year my mother made this when we were growing up - from a recipe probably going back to my great grandmother. It hasn't changed too much since then, either! Anyway, it is a sweet egg dough made like cinnamon rolls, but shaped like a Christmas tree. This year, it raised like mad, turned a beautiful golden brown, and tasted wonderful! Can you believe 6 people ate pretty much the entire thing?? My son came by in the afternoon and took away the remaining 3 or 4 small pieces.

Even tho we were short a few bodies this year, it was a nice Christmas. The presents still seemed to fill up the living room, but for a change everybody got to sit on a seat instead of some on the floor. I even managed a nap for about 45 minutes, which meant I missed most of a good movie! Still, it was wonderful to spend time with my family and enjoy the day.

I hope everyone's Christmas was peaceful, happy, healthy, and just as wonderful as it could be. Also, have a wonderful 2006! Happy New Year!

Visions of Sugarplums . . .

2005-12-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

I've been busy the last few days making goodies with absolutely NO idea what to do with them. So, tonite, I selected a few to take into the office tomorrow! There are spritz cookies in red (looks orange in the pictures?) and green, cornmeal wreaths with corn flakes on top, my traditional Greek kourabiethes, pecan tartlets, and a new entry, Oreo Balls, plus our family's very own traditional English toffee.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, gets what they want - and that soon we all will know what "Peace on Earth" really means!

"God bless us, every one!" ~ Charles Dickens

Just in Time for the Holidays . . .

2005-12-18T10:47:00.000-06:00

Yes, the yard man came by yesterday and worked on my leaf problem. The front is gorgeous, and the back is mid-rake, as you can see from these pictures of the back yard.

THIS is what happens when you have a couple trees over 80 feet tall that have large-size leaves . . . what a mess! But I know next year it will be beautiful out there.

Visit to the Glassblower!

2005-12-11T16:55:00.000-06:00

Today I went to Augusta, MO - heart of the Missouri Wine Country - and visited the shop of a true artist - Sam Stang. You can visit his website via the link I've included. Each year just before Christmas he opens his studio and gives glass blowing demonstrations. We watched him make a beautiful, huge plate, as you can see by the pictures I've included.

It is fascinating to watch and you begin to realize the time and effort that goes into each piece.

Below is a picture of my "treasures" from our trip - a beautiful red ornament and a pink swirled one, a dusty pink tiny pitcher (I plan to use it with maple syrup!), two glass candy canes, and a swizzle stick for niece Wendy.

Christmas Tree Anniversary

2005-12-06T22:40:00.000-06:00

I believe Wednesday, Dec. 7th (I remember, because my Great Niece was born that day) marks the first anniversary of the mysterious appearance of the Christmas tree in my driveway . . . still no word on my mysterious benefactor, but thinking of it's arrival still has the ability to move me to tears. Niece Wendy and I will be re-installing it in a place of honor again on Friday, complete with a brand new star for the top! Can hardly wait!

Pictures to follow . . . . . . . . .

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T10:23:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's that time again, folks! Can't
wait to see the whole family and all the goodies they've been cooking up!

All of my brother's kids will be here, along with the baby, Lindsay, for her first Thanksgiving. Should be interesting to see if they'll let me slip her a crumb of turkey while Grandpa's doing his carving!

I hope everybody has a bountiful Thanksgiving full of friends, family, and love!

Very Interesting . . . .

2005-11-24T10:16:00.000-06:00

Is it just me, or does it seem President Bush is happiest when the population is scared of something? First terrorists, then Iraq, now bird flu . . . when will we be safe again? Probably in late January, 2009. I have visions that the next thing will be "The sky is falling!"

Fantastic Fried Fritter Fisaco!!!

2005-11-17T17:43:00.000-06:00

The truth can now be told . . . due to a mistake (a typo, perhaps?) I messed up a batch of corn fritters. The first time I tried to turn one it exloded, sending an arc of hot oil into my face! "Thank goodness I was wearing my glasses," is all I have to say. That's what happens when you get all nostalgic about mom's home cooking and things you haven't had in years. Even the stuff you turned your nose up at as a child sounds good. Sigh.

My son came to my rescue with a can of Solarcaine Aloe spray, and I sat with ice on it for what seemed like hours. After a painful night, and a VERY embarrassing day at the new office, things are improving - somewhat. Now I'm just covered with spots that look pretty awful. Everybody at the new office was very nice - and nobody would even ask what had happened. I even had my response at the ready - "bar fight!" And I never even got to use it!

The Family Recipes

2005-11-06T16:55:00.000-06:00

I've spent the last few weeks gathering, typing and assembling some of the recipes we grew up with in our family. Traditional stuff like the Christmas Tree coffee cake and decorated Valentine cookies my mom made every year, and the cookies and goodies my grandmother made. Mom also carried over some of the main dishes of her family, added some from my dad's family, and added in a few she discovered along the way.

My best friend, Julie, called Friday night, and we got talking about those recipes. I mentioned one for a cherry dumpling, which is a slightly sweet fluffy dumpling cooked in slightly thickened cherries with juice, served hot. Mainly I mentioned it because I ran across one for a caramel dumpling made much the same way, but cooked in bubbling homemade caramel sauce. Something made her pause - she sort of remembered something like that from when she was little living in Iowa. She then mentioned her grandmother making a bread with All Bran cereal, just kind of shaking the stuff in until it looked and felt right - and the fact that somehow they were alone in the house one day when her grandma made a loaf. They promptly sat down and ate the entire thing!

These recipes have turned up in books of poetry, scrawled on tiny slips of often written in faded pencil. They can be as obtuse as just a list of ingredients, or have notes like "add enough flour to make a roll type dough." Many appear to be variations on one particular recipe, and that one may actually be from as far back as one of my great grandmothers. They cooked on woodburning stoves - I even remember the one in my grandmother's Michigan kitchen! She'd have the thing going in the mornings to warm up the house and it was always a welcome treat first thing in the morning.

"Aunt Elsie" - absolutely no relation, but never called anything else - lived across the street and cooked on a wood stove even into the early 1960s. I imagine she didn't even have recipes - just threw in what she knew was right. And her sugar cookies and molasses cookies were the absolute best. Recently, on a visit with her daughter, I was gifted with a wonderful inheritance - Aunt Elsie's cookie cutters.

All of this has made me wonder . . . where are the true cooks of today? Somebody who takes the time to make brownies from scratch because they simply taste better (and different from everybody else's that seem to come from box mixes). It seems that cooking was something they just naturally did - and they always made time to do it right. Some of the old fantastic concoctions these women made!

It galvanized me into action today! I had to have some of the true, old fashioned sugar cookies. So I made a recipe that seems to come from way back - perhaps a friend of my grandmother's who passed it on to my mom, who then passed it to me. I've since passed it along to my son and my brother's kids. Basically it is a wonderful recipe we use for the Valentine cookies, but I omitted the fancy icing.

There's just something about the comfort foods we had as kids - it brings us all together somehow. Oh, how I wish some of the people from my youth were still around cooking those wonderful things again!

Summer 2005's Last Hurrah

2005-10-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Yes - the Mandevilla Vine is putting on one last show!

Not Much Blogging - So Much News

2005-10-15T15:49:00.000-05:00

Ok - I know I can't have it both ways!! Been busy here. Started a new temp job and am really enjoying it! Should go to sometime around the end of the year. Am hoping it might continue, but that remains to be seen. Everybody keep their fingers crossed!

My refrigerator picked Friday the 13th (that came on Thursday this month)as a good day to die. Since I'm blond, it took me until Friday to notice (or admit?) the iced tea was quite so icy. Didn't know what was going to happen, since I'm kind of between "paychecks" right now, so my dad helped me out - A LOT! We went and got a new fridge that will be delivered on Monday - and he will be here for the delivery while I'm at work (double yippee!). At this point in my life, not sure what I'd do without him!

Have spent quite a bit of time killing dust mites the last few days. Have had hives for a couple of weeks and so it is the seasonal heavy-duty cleaning of the bed linens, blankets, bedspread (see my knitting blog for pictures of the 35-pound bedspread), and so forth. Without a working dryer, am very pleased the weather's cooperating and it's nice outside. So, my patio's covered with laundry gently waving in the breeze. Smells nice out there, too!

Anyway, will try and blog more often. Been a busy time, as you can tell.

Not Much Blogging - Not Much News

2005-10-03T00:20:00.000-05:00

Not too much going on in my little world. I am once again gainfully employed, but once again as a "temp." Wonder if I will ever have a real job I can call my own for the "duration" again. Has been a couple years now. Perhaps I should try my best, and actually consider myself "semi-retired." At least this particular one is with a good company and will allow me to meet my financial obligations for a change instead of just scraping by. That's something to be thankful for!

Otherwise, if you've visited my knitting blog, you will notice that everywhere in my life is my "waiting room" and much of my time waiting for the phone to ring has been filled with knitting. Gotten lots of little stuff done.

With the Great Drought of 2005 officially over, the devestation in my yard and garden is almost complete. I have one surviving tomato plant which is currently graced with 3 tiny green tomatoes - the first of my season. Surely the fall leaves can't be too far behind. Figures! The begonias in front have managed to hang on and are only a couple months stunted. When they are finally killed off by the frost, they should look pretty good! And the Montmorency cherry tree survived! Now if it can make it through the winter, perhaps we will see more than one cherry next year. I can hardly wait! Although I have decided to give up the official vegetable garden and will pursue this in pots on the patio next year in hopes of a better harvest - or just a harvest of something!

At least during this little break I have kept busy and completed quite a few of the things I can do that were listed on my Monster Chore list. Thank goodness! Several of the remaining things require either a man or enough money or both . . . so they will wait a bit longer, as right now neither of those are on my horizons. One day, I vow, the car will be able park in the garage again!! Garbage will get ground up in my disposal again!! And laundry will spend an hour in a magical box and come out fluffy and dry instead of hanging in the basement on a clothesline for a couple days and ending up like boards. You heard it here first!

So, tomorrow I take the required drug test for the job, and hopefully will start within a week or so. Yippee! Keep your fingers crossed!

Ouch!

2005-09-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

Every muscle hurts! Ferguson experienced a really strong thunderstorm Monday night that took out my power for 33 hours . . . so what do you do with all that time with no electricity?

If you have a yard like mine, you're out cleaning up the destruction - limbs, twigs, and sticks!! I filled 5 of those 30-gallon paper sacks with that kind of stuff, still have one limb I need to use the saw on, and today's trash day. Well - the back yard had 3 bags full, plus the regular trash can in the garage. Today's trash day and with no electricity, I couldn't get the bags out of the electric garage door. Now, with power finally restored, I need to drag this stuff out, and am still in my pj's! Any doubts that I'm blond?

Ancient Mystery Solved!

2005-09-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

I present for your information and entertainment a photo of my front door and accompanying light switch as seen from the inside. Make special note of the light switch. I have . . . . many times.

On closer inspection, we can clearly see two switches to the left - top is for the front porch and bottom is for the entryway lights. And on the very right is the dimmer switch - for the track lighting over the far end of the livingroom.

I moved into this house in August of 2002 - just over three years ago. In all that time, I have been baffled about that center switch. At Christmas - ALL THREE YEARS - I tried to make it work the outside receptacle so that I could control the Christmas lights with a quick flip of the switch. But NOOOOOOOO! That never worked! I gave up finally and decided it just wasn't connected to anything and went about living my little hum-drum life.

Well, not anymore! In all those years, that "lovely" plant has been sitting in that spot - HIDING AN ELECTRIC RECEPTACLE! Yes, that center switch controls that receptacle!! Now - you have to understand that I moved a very heavy recliner sofa all alone to hook an extension cord into a receptacle behind it so I could vacuum - for THREE YEARS. I finally discovered this little oddity when I cleaned the livingroom and dining room carpet last week. Whew!

Can anybody say "blond idiot?"

Monster Update #3 and Katrina

2005-09-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Bet you thought I'd forgotten about my monster chore list. Now that we've been able to "stand down" from the full "Julie Alert" and are back with a green light and also since I'm not working, it has been reborn. So, this week, the carpet got cleaned. Yippee! Another major chore completed, at least for a while. It's funny - the carpet went from the nice, light tan to an elephant grey!! It is beautiful! Next - washing woodwork and curtains. Ugh! Once these are done, it will be cooler and time to spend some time outside weeding and trimming.

Also, dug up my tub of potato plants last weekend. It is hard to believe, but all that was in there was DIRT! Not even a nub the size of a pea! That's it - I may be done gardening! Just not enough sun in my yard. This year, combined with the drought, I got absolutely nothing. Sigh. All that hard work!

Also - please keep thinking good thoughts for Hurricane Katrina victims. My friends Julie, Bill, his son, and their friends, Julie's co-workers at PWC, and everybody else affected - the damage is unbelievable, now made more difficult by the actions of some of the victims. I am just pleased that the people I know who live there or have property are safe and dry in other areas - but I know that it will be a long way to normal from here. New Orleans is a great town full of history and fun, and we can only hope that its best aspects are salvageable. I know it is constantly in my thoughts as I watch the news.

Sad Day on the Patio . . .

2005-08-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today was eviction day . . . I finally evicted the wren's nest from my barbeque pit! They must have been toting twigs, grass, moss and junk forever! The thing was woven from the top half-grill all the way to the bottom of the grill. Seems like it was everywhere!! But when you opened up the top, there was this wonderous thing with a tiny little hole for her to stick her head out while the eggs incubated! And . . . she had a nice batch of fresh air from the back vent and a roof to keep everything nice and dry. It was wonderful fun to watch this summer! Hopefully, by next year I'll have a birdhouse and she can build there instead of the grill!