I read this quote from Doris Roberts this morning and had to share.
On praise for strong women
"What's the alternative? Being a weak women? What do you get from that? Nothing. I'm strong because I beleive in what I do. When I put my head on the pillow at night, I know I have not hurt anybody. That's my message to people: Don't hurt anybody. Know what you're about. Keep learning. Don't shut down. Don't give in. Don't give up. Don't settle. Find what you like to do and do it."
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving
It was the best Thanksgiving I've had in a few years. I don't know how the rest of my household feels but....
Hubby was working (midnight shift) so he slept all day and I planned dinner for 5 PM. My brother dealt with the change in time (it has been 1 PM since the dawn of time) .
Hubby's family couldn't make it. I didn't really invite them (after last years fiasco). MIL assumed that we would come to her while hubby slept. I said I'd like to have dinner with my hubby when he woke up. OK, maybe we (MIL & FIL) will come for dessert. Sounds good. She called this past week end to say that dessert was out because her guests would probably stay late and that SIL was coming to her house when she was done with her in-laws. I wish I could say I was disappointed.
With fewer people (only 13) I had less prep work to do. And with dinner later in the day it was a breeze. I went to bed early Wednesday night (OK, so it was my normal early time) and woke up early Thursday. By the time the kids came down stairs I had three pies baked and the dressing prepped. All the prep work was done by 10 and I relaxed with the girls.
When asked a few weeks ago what foods the kids would like for Thanksgiving the answers were:
Oldest - butternut squash
Son - pickled garlic
Youngest - pumpkin pie
So all of that was on the menu along with turkey, sausage dressing, cornbread and wild mushroom dressing, mashed potatoes, creamed onions (not boiled - yuk), brussels sprouts, cranberry horseradish sauce, pecan pie and apple pie. My mom brought wine and turnip (I refuse to make it even though people like it) , My SIL brought sweet potatoes and green bean casserole (my brother's must have) and my Aunt brought a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
The pickled garlic is served on the tray with the green and black olives. It has become a family tradition. When I was a kid my mom made pickled green beans. They always had a clove or two of garlic on the bottom of the jar. I would always dig for the garlic. One year my mom made me a few jars of pickled garlic. Yeah!!! I used the last of my jars last year. So, I tried my hand at pickling it myself. Really, pretty easy, Son was thrilled and so was my brother. The recipe made 5 pint jars so I sent brother home with one. People think I'm strange when I mention it but, I've since learned that pickled garlic is common in Greece and other countries.
And in spite of the stress going on lately - the drama that is too painful or annoying to even blog about yet - I am very thankful.
I have an amazing husband. My kids are all healthy. Work is good. My friends are the best. I have a comfortable home and food on the table. My family though a little crazy (like I'm not - LOL) is very supportive. And my in-laws although they drive me crazy sometimes are really good people. And I got hugs and kisses from the two cutest kids who call me Auntie Kim.
Hubby was working (midnight shift) so he slept all day and I planned dinner for 5 PM. My brother dealt with the change in time (it has been 1 PM since the dawn of time) .
Hubby's family couldn't make it. I didn't really invite them (after last years fiasco). MIL assumed that we would come to her while hubby slept. I said I'd like to have dinner with my hubby when he woke up. OK, maybe we (MIL & FIL) will come for dessert. Sounds good. She called this past week end to say that dessert was out because her guests would probably stay late and that SIL was coming to her house when she was done with her in-laws. I wish I could say I was disappointed.
With fewer people (only 13) I had less prep work to do. And with dinner later in the day it was a breeze. I went to bed early Wednesday night (OK, so it was my normal early time) and woke up early Thursday. By the time the kids came down stairs I had three pies baked and the dressing prepped. All the prep work was done by 10 and I relaxed with the girls.
When asked a few weeks ago what foods the kids would like for Thanksgiving the answers were:
Oldest - butternut squash
Son - pickled garlic
Youngest - pumpkin pie
So all of that was on the menu along with turkey, sausage dressing, cornbread and wild mushroom dressing, mashed potatoes, creamed onions (not boiled - yuk), brussels sprouts, cranberry horseradish sauce, pecan pie and apple pie. My mom brought wine and turnip (I refuse to make it even though people like it) , My SIL brought sweet potatoes and green bean casserole (my brother's must have) and my Aunt brought a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
The pickled garlic is served on the tray with the green and black olives. It has become a family tradition. When I was a kid my mom made pickled green beans. They always had a clove or two of garlic on the bottom of the jar. I would always dig for the garlic. One year my mom made me a few jars of pickled garlic. Yeah!!! I used the last of my jars last year. So, I tried my hand at pickling it myself. Really, pretty easy, Son was thrilled and so was my brother. The recipe made 5 pint jars so I sent brother home with one. People think I'm strange when I mention it but, I've since learned that pickled garlic is common in Greece and other countries.
And in spite of the stress going on lately - the drama that is too painful or annoying to even blog about yet - I am very thankful.
I have an amazing husband. My kids are all healthy. Work is good. My friends are the best. I have a comfortable home and food on the table. My family though a little crazy (like I'm not - LOL) is very supportive. And my in-laws although they drive me crazy sometimes are really good people. And I got hugs and kisses from the two cutest kids who call me Auntie Kim.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Rats
One of the girl's at work told another that she can't say she doesn't give a rats ass if she doesn't own a rat. I said I didn't give a fiddler's fart but I didn't have a fiddler. This was my source of amusement for the day.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Yeah for Friends (and Mom)
I got my oil changed yesterday morning. While sitting reading (Tolstoy for those wondering) waiting for George to finish up and guess who walks in..... T. We were best friends in high school, dated on and off through our mid 20's and we last saw each other for lunch before we each got married - the first time - some 15 years ago. We keep in touch via e-mail, facebook and holiday cards. What a breath of fresh air.
Then I was off to visit a girlfriend. She's in nursing school and I haven't seen her since the semester began kicking her arse. After catching up we headed to the ice skating rink where she teaches. I haven't skated in a decade but was excited to go. I loved to ice skate growing up. I didn't fall and by the end I had my skate legs back on. I don't do anything fancy and certainly no jumps but, forwards, backwards and stuff. Another breath.
Mom came for dinner at night. Dad's away at the races and she's living it up. I made salmon for us and steak for the rest of the family. Dad won't let her cook salmon at home. He says it smells. And I must say it came out really freakin' good. I grilled it with a little salt and pepper and topped it with a mustard dill sauce that I winged.
Then I was off to visit a girlfriend. She's in nursing school and I haven't seen her since the semester began kicking her arse. After catching up we headed to the ice skating rink where she teaches. I haven't skated in a decade but was excited to go. I loved to ice skate growing up. I didn't fall and by the end I had my skate legs back on. I don't do anything fancy and certainly no jumps but, forwards, backwards and stuff. Another breath.
Mom came for dinner at night. Dad's away at the races and she's living it up. I made salmon for us and steak for the rest of the family. Dad won't let her cook salmon at home. He says it smells. And I must say it came out really freakin' good. I grilled it with a little salt and pepper and topped it with a mustard dill sauce that I winged.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A day off
Thursday oldest headed out with boyfriend to hang out. I don't think they really do much. Son went hiking with girlfriend. So, I took youngest out. No sense sitting home and to heck with cleaning. The black fur tumbleweeds will be there (and larger) when I return.
We had gone to a large mall to walk around a few months back. Youngest asked to go back and look in the t-shirt shops. The kind of shops that play music really, really loud and with rather bad language. So, I suggested we try a different mall. We entered through the book store so we could end our adventure there.
She wandered in and out of shops - looking at t-shirts, video games and comic books. We ate lunch in the food court. She had her grande nachos. And they had a huge carousel (my favorite ride). It not only had horses of various sizes but lions, tigers, lions and bears (oh my). She wanted to ride a tiger. So, off we went. The attendant was on break so the line was rather long when we got on. Youngest didn't get a tiger and picked the lion. It didn't go up and down. She was rather disappointed. I offered to get her another token to ride the tiger. She was thrilled. She even got the white tiger that she wanted. I love that she is still young enough to be thrilled by the carousel and I got to go too. That was a real moment of connection. Note to self - need to have more child like fun in my life.
So, we ended at the book store. The first book she picked out was $45.00. A complete illustration of the looney tunes. Great book but not today. So, we both wandered and read and looked. I found a new book (go figure) and a couple for son for Christmas - one about a marine and one about the zombie war. Youngest settled on a Japanese style comic book. She devoured it and made a point the next day to get up early and ask if I could go back and buy the second one in the series. Uh, no. First, I'm working and second, you can put it on your wish list.
Then headed home for dinner. I made some big juicy burgers and youngest picked broccoli as a side.
What a great day.
We had gone to a large mall to walk around a few months back. Youngest asked to go back and look in the t-shirt shops. The kind of shops that play music really, really loud and with rather bad language. So, I suggested we try a different mall. We entered through the book store so we could end our adventure there.
She wandered in and out of shops - looking at t-shirts, video games and comic books. We ate lunch in the food court. She had her grande nachos. And they had a huge carousel (my favorite ride). It not only had horses of various sizes but lions, tigers, lions and bears (oh my). She wanted to ride a tiger. So, off we went. The attendant was on break so the line was rather long when we got on. Youngest didn't get a tiger and picked the lion. It didn't go up and down. She was rather disappointed. I offered to get her another token to ride the tiger. She was thrilled. She even got the white tiger that she wanted. I love that she is still young enough to be thrilled by the carousel and I got to go too. That was a real moment of connection. Note to self - need to have more child like fun in my life.
So, we ended at the book store. The first book she picked out was $45.00. A complete illustration of the looney tunes. Great book but not today. So, we both wandered and read and looked. I found a new book (go figure) and a couple for son for Christmas - one about a marine and one about the zombie war. Youngest settled on a Japanese style comic book. She devoured it and made a point the next day to get up early and ask if I could go back and buy the second one in the series. Uh, no. First, I'm working and second, you can put it on your wish list.
Then headed home for dinner. I made some big juicy burgers and youngest picked broccoli as a side.
What a great day.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Buffalo Chicken Wontons
These were a huge hit last night. They're easy to make - just take a little time. I took the recipe I found and changed it up a little to make it easier.
1 12oz. can chicken
2 cloves garlic chopped
1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot)
handful of shredded cheddar
two handfuls shredded mozzarella
salt & pepper
60 wonton wrappers
Oil for frying
Flake chicken with a fork. Add garlic, hot sauce, cheese, salt and pepper. Mix well. Put a teaspoon of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper. Dip your finger in water and wet the four borders of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over to make a triangle shape. Squeeze out the air as you press the edges together. Heat oil in a large dutch oven to 365 degrees. Slip wontons in a few at a time. Do not crowd the pan. As soon as they turn brown flip them over and brown the other side. It takes about a minute on each side. I served this with ranch dressing (for hubby) and homemade blue cheese dipping sauce.
Hubby liked them and he's not a fan of buffalo wings. Because you can't put too much filling in or they will burst they just had a hint of heat. I'd probably add more hot sauce to mine next time.
According to the recipe once they are cooked you can freeze them and reheat on cookie sheets in the oven at 350 degrees until they are heated through and crisp. I made my earlier in the day and reheated them in the oven and it worked out great.
1 12oz. can chicken
2 cloves garlic chopped
1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot)
handful of shredded cheddar
two handfuls shredded mozzarella
salt & pepper
60 wonton wrappers
Oil for frying
Flake chicken with a fork. Add garlic, hot sauce, cheese, salt and pepper. Mix well. Put a teaspoon of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper. Dip your finger in water and wet the four borders of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over to make a triangle shape. Squeeze out the air as you press the edges together. Heat oil in a large dutch oven to 365 degrees. Slip wontons in a few at a time. Do not crowd the pan. As soon as they turn brown flip them over and brown the other side. It takes about a minute on each side. I served this with ranch dressing (for hubby) and homemade blue cheese dipping sauce.
Hubby liked them and he's not a fan of buffalo wings. Because you can't put too much filling in or they will burst they just had a hint of heat. I'd probably add more hot sauce to mine next time.
According to the recipe once they are cooked you can freeze them and reheat on cookie sheets in the oven at 350 degrees until they are heated through and crisp. I made my earlier in the day and reheated them in the oven and it worked out great.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Disconnected
I gathered with friends last night. It was good. Really good, fantastic actually. The laughter that bubbles up from this group is good for the soul. We also share our sorrows and encourage one another. Someone mentioned that they needed to remember how to have fun. That is something I can relate to.
I get so caught up in the day to day, the schedules, the housework (hubby does way more than his fair share thank all that is holy), the kids and dinner and...... I'm in my head way too much. I get that from my Daddy. When it comes to letting go and being in the moment I often feel disconnected. To busy holding back the tears.
Last week we went hiking. Hiking is good. I've missed that. And hubby seems to have caught the bug. If weather permits we will be hiking again tomorrow. Yeah! It's hard to feel disconnected in the midst of mother nature's embrace.
This afternoon I will be in my zone cooking for guests. So, a morning at the spa, an afternoon of cooking, an evening with friends and hiking with my honey tomorrow. Just what the doctor ordered.
I get so caught up in the day to day, the schedules, the housework (hubby does way more than his fair share thank all that is holy), the kids and dinner and...... I'm in my head way too much. I get that from my Daddy. When it comes to letting go and being in the moment I often feel disconnected. To busy holding back the tears.
Last week we went hiking. Hiking is good. I've missed that. And hubby seems to have caught the bug. If weather permits we will be hiking again tomorrow. Yeah! It's hard to feel disconnected in the midst of mother nature's embrace.
This afternoon I will be in my zone cooking for guests. So, a morning at the spa, an afternoon of cooking, an evening with friends and hiking with my honey tomorrow. Just what the doctor ordered.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Dona nobis pacem
Peace to you!
Last year I took part in my first blogblast for peace. This year I continue to blog for peace. I try though I am not always successful to provide a peaceful environment for friends, family, pets and nature. I strive for peace within myself so that I may spread the seeds of peace around me.
Last year I took part in my first blogblast for peace. This year I continue to blog for peace. I try though I am not always successful to provide a peaceful environment for friends, family, pets and nature. I strive for peace within myself so that I may spread the seeds of peace around me.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The TV is Off
The kids had no school yesterday and are off again today for teacher in-service. I came home from work yesterday and youngest was plunked in front of the box of mind numbing crap or MNC as I commonly refer to the TV. She's not even watching anything in particular as the remote gets a workout in her hands. She looked like a blob - eyes droopy and all. After supper I sent her to work out with hubby and she spent some time on the treadmill.
Today I'm home and she is NOT spending 8 hours watching MNC. The other kids seem to be able to occupy themselves. Youngest and I spent over an hour playing on the wii. I suck at skateboarding and juggling in case you were wondering.
Tonight we get to sell Girl Scout cookies. Other than cookie order time which starts in January Girl Scouts can sell cookies on election day. Their rules are rather bizarre (they even limit the dollar amount of donations a troop can receive). I'll vote at the same time - no sense making two trips.
Friday night EC is coming for dinner with his girlfriend. I've been trying to decide what to make. I think I've settled on baked shrimp scampi, twice baked potatoes and a pumpkin cheesecake. EC's bringing a salad. And as an appetizer I think I'm trying a new recipe - buffalo chicken won tons. I'll let you know how they turn out. Tonight son is making dinner - a free form pork pie.
Today I'm home and she is NOT spending 8 hours watching MNC. The other kids seem to be able to occupy themselves. Youngest and I spent over an hour playing on the wii. I suck at skateboarding and juggling in case you were wondering.
Tonight we get to sell Girl Scout cookies. Other than cookie order time which starts in January Girl Scouts can sell cookies on election day. Their rules are rather bizarre (they even limit the dollar amount of donations a troop can receive). I'll vote at the same time - no sense making two trips.
Friday night EC is coming for dinner with his girlfriend. I've been trying to decide what to make. I think I've settled on baked shrimp scampi, twice baked potatoes and a pumpkin cheesecake. EC's bringing a salad. And as an appetizer I think I'm trying a new recipe - buffalo chicken won tons. I'll let you know how they turn out. Tonight son is making dinner - a free form pork pie.
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