New Year's Eve

The last day of 2007-hard to believe. What a year this has been! I've made it through the probationary period of my promotion at work, I've owned a horse for a year and we started jumping again, my eldest dog died, I added 2 elderly rats to the family, my dad had a stroke (but is home and recovering well), I continue with my many crafting hobbies, and I started this blog.

Here's to celebrating the end of 2007-we made it through another year!

Energy

Energy-wish I had it. I have so many plans and ideas and not much energy to get anything done. I think this is what they first meant by having an "energy crisis."

Christmas With The Folks

Today I celebrated Christmas with my parents. We had a nice time with LOTS of great food and a mountain of presents. We watched 2 Jack Benny Christmas specials and one of the best Christmas movies of all time-A Christmas Story. "You'll shoot your eye out kid!" Now I'm back home, relaxing with the kids before I start putting all of my new goodies away! A great way to spend the day!

Risk It?

I did my first foray to the stores after Christmas today...and got quite a few bargains. At the Hallmark shop, the ornaments are now 50% off. There were a few I saw before Christmas and liked, but wanted to wait and see if I could snag them for less-which I did. However, I also saw several that I bought BEFORE Christmas-which, if I'd had waited, I would have had them for half off. But I didn't. Hallmark had a new set-Kringlewood Farms. I bought all of them at regular price (well, kind of, I got the cottage at less than half price when I bought 2 other pieces)-and saw most of them for half off now. The thing is-you never know if the ones you really want will be there after Christmas. And I don't go out hunting the day after either. So...do you risk it? I didn't. Will I next year? We'll see.

Reminds Me of My Bandit

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Boxing Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and was able to give and receive lots of goodies. I got lots of goodies-thanks so much to everyone. Remember, however, Christmas Day may be over, but Christmas is really just beginning. The 12 days of Christmas has begun...not ended. I know I'm still expecting lots of Christmas goodies. And I still have to make my vanilla bourbon loaves! The big celebration for me will be Saturday when I celebrate with my folks. So if you haven't given, or received, all your gifts yet. Never fear-you have until Epiphany. At least you do in my book!

I Hear Santa!

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Strategic Cleaning

Christmas Eve is here, and with it the realization that I won't get everything done. No one will be over to see the house, but I will be taking photographs so...strategic cleaning. Move all the mess out of the way, a few feet at least, in order to get a clean shot!

Christmas Eve

I couldn't wait until Epiphany to share this photo. Happy Christmas Eve!


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Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I just can't believe it. I'm going to have to settle for being as ready as I am right now. Still haven't made my Vanilla Bourban loaves, or got my oil changed, or really cleaned. Oh well. It's back to work, and I'll be working all through Christmas. Let's just hope I don't get mandated.

Joyous Yule!

May you have a blessed and joyous Winter Solstice!

I neglected to pick up a bottle of champagne during my errands yesterday, so I'm going to do that and return home to gear up for Christmas. I intend to do my holiday baking (at least some), finish gift wrapping (almost done), do some general tidying and returning boxes to the attic, and try to relax and enjoy this day. Merry Yule!

Picture with Santa

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Callie & the Christmas Tree

Calumet LOVES the Christmas tree. She's 2 and a half years old, so this will be her third Christmas and she has always been captivated by the Christmas tree. She sits underneath it-whether it's lit or not. She'll sniff at the branches and sometimes an ornament, but that's it. She doesn't climb it, (Thank Heavens!) she just truly enjoys it.

Less Than a Week!

It's less than a week until Christmas and I'm still not ready for the big day. I'll be working the holiday and may even get mandated. The big celebration for me will be the Saturday after Christmas. My dad should be home from the hospital and I'll go to my folks house for the day. In the meantime, I still have tons to do-so I'm going to stop writing and start doing some of them!

Secret Santa

Well, I got home safely early yesterday morning. The roads weren't too bad, I wasn't even using my 4 wheel drive-until I turned onto my street and began the turn into my driveway. The snowplows had left a huge mountain at the foot of it, there was a huge drift in the middle (as usual-thanks Wind) and just a ton of snow. We didn't get the blizzard they were predicting-but there was over a foot of snow. "I don't have time for this!" I said to myself, knowing I had few precious hours before I had to leave for work again. So I put it in 4 wheel and gunned it. Thank goodness for 4 wheel drive-got in the garage without issue. So I got about 4 hours of sleep (me, who usually makes it a point to get at least 8!) deciding I wasn't going to lose sleep time to shoveling. So I only shoveled for 15 minutes before I had to leave for work. I didn't make much of a dent.

I was able to leave work on time and the roads were just fine coming home Monday night. I was, however, dreading getting into my driveway. I also was dreading getting up early to shovel a lot before work again. With the possibility of trucks delivering Christmas presents, I have to make an effort to allow them into my driveway. As it was the mailman just left a note in my mailbox across the street! So I started to make the turn, ready to put it into 4 wheel, when my jaw dropped. My driveway was clear! Someone had plowed my driveway. No note. Just proof of the holiday spirit. I have no idea who did it. Someone who passed by while I was shoveling... someone who just saw my driveway (and all the clear ones of my neighbors) and took pity on me, someone who knows me-or a total stranger. I don't know. But whoever performed this kind act, Thank You! I was feeling pretty Grinchy, and you've made me feel a bit better about the quality of humanity.

So to my plowing Secret Santa, thank you and Merry Christmas!

Mandation

I'm even more behind now. And I had to cancel my lesson today. I go to work Sunday and discover that instead of leaving at 11:30PM, there's not enough staff for night shift. Five of us (5!!!) from evenings are mandated and are forced to work an additional shift. Three got people to come in early for them. But 2 of us are stuck here all night long-til after 7AM. Then I'll have to deal with lousy traffic on wintery roads. Hopefully, I'll get home safely, then take a quick shower and sleep before coming back to work less than 8 hours later. Mandation sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow!

The snow started about 8PM Saturday and it's been coming down steadily since. They've made all kinds of predictions with 6-22 inches of snow, plus sleet and rain too! We'll see what we get. I wish I didn't have to go into work. It's a good day to stay home and work on Christmas!

Great Job, Wegman's

I have to hand it to Wegman's. This grocery store is the best. I went this afternoon expecting a crowd-Saturday afternoon, 10 days to Christmas, blizzard expected tonight. Sure enough, the place was jam packed. People were in every aisle, stocking up on everything. I've never seen it so crowded-you constantly were saying, and hearing, "Excuse me" as people were trying to get the things they needed, or to just get by. I got my stuff and was at the far end of the store-so I got into a far checkout lane...and didn't have to wait. I was still unloading my cart as the checker started to welcome me and check me out. I finished and walked by every register-all of which were open-all 25 of them. The place was busy, jam packed with people, yet I was out of there in no time. Great job, Wegman's!

Christmas Cookies

Yummm. I just received my friend, Kim's, package with Christmas cookies. She is a great Christmas cookie baker. I wish I could force myself to make the time, but I'm still hoping to do my baking. In the meantime, I'll enjoy my cookies with a Pepsi as I prepare for my day!

Speaking of Pepsi...I really miss the Pepsi with Lime. God, I loved that. I know-they have it in diet-but I can't do diet pop. Yuck. I know I need diet pop, but no can do! I also really enjoyed the limited run of Pepsi with Cranberry around the holidays 2 years ago. That never came back. Hmmm. I guess I should write to Pepsi!

Fast!

I've been pretty much done with my Christmas shopping for ages-but I still needed something more for my dad. Mom recommended a DVD he wanted. I found that-and a few other things at Overstock.com. I placed my order Monday afternoon and...it arrived today! Going Media Mail. I'm quite pleased.

It looks like the winter storm has arrived here. I just want to get to work safely, stay safe at work, and get home safely. Then I'm off for 2 days of "Let's get ready for Christmas!"

Writer's Block

I've been challenged by a friend to write a blog with certain requirements. I won't get into details yet-I'll reveal them when I reveal my blog. But, boy, it's hard. I don't know if I'm having difficulty as I've had a long rough day, er, evening, at work or what...but I can't complete the challenge now. I'll mull it over and perhaps come up with it later today. But, thank you, Vinnie, for considering me one of your favorite bloggers!

White Christmas?

I was pretty confident we'd be having a white Christmas this year...but now I'm not so sure. It's in the mid 30's today and the snow has slowly been melting away. The forecast calls for freezing rain today-then I hear we're supposed to get near 40. I'm still hoping for a white Christmas-but with clear roads!

Jingles

I love Christmas cookies. I collect Christmas cookie recipes from the newspaper and from an e-mail...not that I've ever made any of them, but I like reading the recipes and thinking about it. My friend, Kim, from Ohio, sends me wonderful homemade Christmas cookies and my mom makes the wonderful Christmas Cut Outs, but for me the real sign of Christmas is Keebler Jingles. Now that's a Christmas cookie for me!

Progress

The Christmas cards are done...except for one that needs the final letter. The tree is lit...still needs the ornaments. Most presents are wrapped...still need to be boxed, addressed, and posted. One batch of fudge is made...still want to make my vanilla bourbon loaves and try a new brittle recipe. The stockings are hung and I have my Christmas card holder up and 2 new figurines out...still need to decorate...and do the dishes...and clear the tables...and the floor...and...Aughhhhhhhhhh still tons to do and I'm back to work today!

A Visit With Santa

I took Barrett for his annual picture with Santa, the first without Brioche. I was going to take Calumet too, but I couldn't find her Christmas collar, then I couldn't find her. I think she was hiding under the tub with Aleister. At any rate, it was a good thing she didn't go. The great PetSmart closed so I had to go to a smaller, much more trafficy one. There were lots of people with lots of dogs. Fortunately, Barrett knew Santa was watching and was very good-even when a young Asta type dog jumped on him wanting to play. He let some young Shiba Inus sniff him as well as some other dogs-but then he saw Lily, a graceful, young Golden. The growling, barking, and lunging began every time he saw her. The people running it weren't that great either. You waited..then they gave you the paperwork to pay, then you had to go to the front of the store, pay, come back, wait some more, get your picture taken, then wait for the picture. They did digital this year (instead of Polaroid) and the people were having camera issues. Santa wasn't too friendly grabbing all dogs, big or small, and sitting them on his lap. You only got one picture (you used to get 2)-and the color was quite funky. I'm debating whether to take Callie by herself next week. I have her first 2 Christmases-it would be neat to have one every year of her life. We'll see.

Oh! Christmas Tree!

I got my Christmas tree today. It's a Frasier Fir...a fat Frasier Fir. Fortunately, I was able to get it in the stand without too much difficulty-although holding a tree with one hand while turning the screws with the other is by no means easy. I'm waiting for the branches to fall, then I'll put the lights and ornaments. Calumet is quite interested in the tree, the others...not so much. Let's hope she doesn't get too interested.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Today is St. Nicholas Day. When I was in High School my mom had St. Nicholas Day parties. It was a little get together with friends and relatives and little gifts were shared. It was a nice tradition. Today I'm going to get the house ready for Christmas. Try anyway. The minimum happening is that I'm moving furniture to make space for the Christmas tree, which I'll get tomorrow, hopefully. I also need to wrap some presents and hopefully make a batch of fudge. If you're reading this Trish, tell Andrew he should get some of my fudge for Christmas and not have to wait for St. Patrick's day! I'd better get busy. Lunch while watching I Love Lucy, then furniture moving!

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah-no matter which way you spell it!



Care2 Hanukkah E-Cards!

Winter Driving

It's that time of year again. Winter Driving. The main thing I didn't miss while living in Texas. My 20-25 minute drive to work became a 40 minute drive home. My question is-what the heck were all those people doing out on the road? Come on, around midnight Monday night/Tuesday morning with winter storm warnings all afternoon-why do you need to be out driving?!? The roads actually weren't too bad, visibility wasn't the greatest though. My windshield wipers didn't help much-I need to get winter blades on. Oh well, hopefully tomorrow will have better driving conditions.

Pet Safety Pack

Thanks to an offer on Care2, I have just signed up for a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA! Help keep your pets safe with a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA>>In the event of an emergency, this pet rescue window decal alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. The safety pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC's toll-free emergency number and website address handy in case your pets get into something they shouldn't! Order Your Free Pet Safety Pack Now!http://go.care2.com/petpack
Thank you for keeping your pets safe!

Winter Weather

In the middle of the night I was woken by a strange scraping sound. It took me a minute, then I got it-snow plow. Yes, the winter weather has arrived. Yesterday's cold warmed up a bit to give us a few inches of snow. The roads look good, hopefully they'll stay that way until I get to work and are fine again for the return trip. There's supposed to be freezing rain and sleet coming. The winter driving season has truly begun!

Resolution!

It may only be December 1st, but I'm making a New Year's Resolution-to be more organized! I wasted sooooo much time yesterday looking for 2 things. I found the Christmas present I was looking for right before I went to bed...OK actually I had gone to bed, turned out the lights, realized that I couldn't find 2 of the other stamps I bought at the same time as the missing one either-although I did see the clear stamps and brads I got at the same time. That got me to thinking...I bought other things at the same time with the missing present and they were in a bag... BINGO! I turned on the light, went to the attic and the Christmas room-found the bag with the present. Yea. But no luck on the stamp. But, I found the stamp this morning-in the craft room-just in about the one storage box I didn't look in. So here's to December and getting organized!

Not THAT Bad

Well, work wasn't THAT bad. The new admission was pretty good, even though she was convinced another staff member was going to come to her during the night, stick a needle in her neck, and kill her. I know she'll act up in time, but this evening was OK. I'm glad I have today and tomorrow off though!

Don't Wanna!

I so do not want to go to work today. It's going to be a rough night with a lot of regular staff off and a new female admission. I hate females! I have so much to do around the house-the regular stuff, plus Christmas preparations. The weather outside is looking frightful. Boy I wish I could just stay home!

Christmas Time

As they sing on Charlie Brown, "Christmas Time is here". I love this time of year. Even with all the awfulness going on in the world and the stress of my own life, I was able to relax on my drive home from work, listening to Christmas music and seeing more Christmas lights illuminated each night. May you enjoy the peace, wonder, and nostalgia of this time of year and try not to get too harried, out of patience and annoyed.

Back to Work

I'm back at work and it's tough. How can I accomplish everything else that needs to be done? I had a great riding lesson yesterday, but that coupled with trying to get things done on the computer (spending time working on Neopets Game Master Challenge), and going to work...I need time to play with the animals and I should be cleaning and decorating the house for the holidays! I need more time!

Why Men Don't Write Advice Columns...

Why men don't write advice columns...

Dear Chuck:I hope you can help me here. The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't gone more than a mile down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt.I walked back home to get my husband's help. When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in the bedroom with a neighbor lady making mad passionate love to her. I am 60, my husband is 62 and we have been married forever.When I confronted him, he tried to make out that he went into the back yard and heard a lady scream, had come to her rescue but found her unconscious. He'd carried the woman back to our house, laid her in bed, and began CPR. When she awoke she immediately began thanking him and kissing him and he was attempting to break free when I came back. But when I asked him why neither of them had any clothes on, he broke down and admitted that he'd been having an affair for the past six months.I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don't feel I can get through to him anymore.Can you please help?Sincerely,Mrs. Jane

Dear Jane:A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber.I hope this helps.Chuck

Recipe Idea

I had a thought, but I'm not sure it will work. I have some ground turkey and won ton wrappers. I was wondering what I could put with the turkey-then I thought-stuffing. But the stuffing will be already cooked and I wouldn't precook the turkey. Could I mix precooked stuffing with raw ground turkey, stuff it in a won ton wrapper and bake? Hmmm.

Not Quite a Celebration

Today I'm going to my folks' house to celebrate Thanksgiving. It'll be the oddest dinner for our family yet-my dad's in the hospital so it'll just be me and Mom. Obviously, we'll visit Dad. But he won't be home to carve the turkey or figure out what to watch on TV. I don't like the fact that parents get seriously ill.

Black Friday

Why do they call the day after Thanksgiving Black Friday? Is it because lots of people go shopping, so stores profits are in the black? Hmmm. Inquiring minds want to know, but are too lazy to look it up! In any case today is also White Friday. Yes, there was snow for Turkey Day and it's still sticking around. It's not on the roads, and it's just a dusting, so it looks quite pretty. Now that Thanksgiving has passed it's time to get ready for Christmas! My outside lights are up, so I just need to get the outside decorations up and turn the timers on. Now I turn the car radio to the all Christmas song station and get in the spirit. Let's get decorating!

I'm Thankful

I have so many things to be thankful for, I can't even begin to list them. Special thanks do go out to my immediate family: thanks Mom & Dad, Barrett, Aleister, Seneca, Calumet, Flurry, Slipper, Palin, Gilliam, Gus, Leon, & Harley. I'm grateful to have wonderful friends and family, a nice house, and the ability to enjoy my life and many hobbies. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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One Day to Thanksgiving!

Blind Turkey Farmer

Neopets Frustration

While playing a game Turquzure, my eldest neopet, got a disease. The cure, however, is rare-I can't get it at the pharmacy and the only people that have it are charging over 100,000 neopoints for it. If anyone who plays knows where I can get some Cactopus Cream, please let me know ASAP. Turqu is getting sicker and I haven't been able to get a random heal for her. Aughhhhhhh. I may have to seriously deplete my bank account. Stupid Qasalan Expel!

Cookie Recipes

A friend of mine sent me this info. Cool, huh?

Just click on the name of the cookie and bam the recipe is there. Good to keep handy.
1-2-3 Cookies 7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Bronwnies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls Butterballs Butterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel Bars Chocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice Cookies Christmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Cowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling Crème De Menthe Chocolate Squares Crème Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho Bars Holiday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon Bars Lemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar Cookies Nut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice Cookies Parking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut butter fingers Peanut Butter Reindeer Peanut Butter Surprises Peanut Marshmallow Cookies Pecan Puff Cookies Peppermint Snowballs Peppernuts Persimmon Cookies Persimmon Cookies Petey's Yummy Spicy Almond Thins Pfeffernuesse Pffefferneuse Cookies Pineapple Filled Cookies Pizzelles Potato Chip Cookies Potato Flake Cookies Praline Cookies Praline Strips Pterodactyl Nests Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Chip Cookies Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin Cookies Queen Biscuits Quick Cookies Raised Sugar Cookies Raisin Filled Oatmeal Bars Raspberry Meringue Bars Really Peanutty Butter Cookies Reese`s Brownies Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Rich Flavor Christmas Cookies Rich Lemon Bars Ricotta Cheese Cookies Royal Almond Christmas Bars Rudolph Cinnamon Cookies Russian Tea Cookies Russian Teacakes Samantha & Kelsey's Chocolate Chip Cookies Sand Art Brownies Santa Claus Cookie Pops Santa Claus Cookies Santa's Butterscotch Melts Santa's Shorts Santa's Special Squares Scotch Cakes Scotch Shortbread Scotcharoos Scotcheroos Seven Layer Cookies Short Bread Cookies Shortbread Skor Squares Snicker Doodle Cookies Snickerdoodles Snickerdoodles Snow Balls Sour Cream Apple Squares Sour Cream Christmas Cookies Special K Cookies Spice Cookies Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Spritz Cookies Stained Glass Window Cookies Stir & Drop Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Swedish Pepparkakor (Pepper Cake) Cookies Swedish Sugar Cookies Sweet Marie's Swiss Treats Taralle (Italian Cookies) Tea Time Tassies Texas Brownies The Best Shortbread in The World Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies Toffee Squares Traditional Christmas Sugar Cookies Traditional Gingerbread Men Cookies Triple-Chocolate Chip Cookies Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Vanilla Waffer Balls Walnut Butter Cookies Walnut Crumb Bars White Chip Chocolate Cookies Wild Oatmeal Cookies Will's Famous Apple Jack Cookies Yummy Yummy Peanut Butter Blossoms

Getting Behind

I've been complaining that everyone's rushing Christmas and forgetting Thanksgiving. Well, it's 4 days to Thanksgiving...and I'm behind in my Christmas preparations! I finally finished and mailed all my Thanksgiving cards-now I've got to get working on the Christmas cards. I don't make those by hand though, just too many, but I do decorate the envelopes. I really need to get the outside Christmas lights up-as I want to light them Friday night. I'd better at least check the lights I have to see if they still work, before I head out to work.

Dean Griff

Today I met Charming Tails creator Dean Griff. As a member of The Leaf and Acorn Club, I'm informed of many events-but today was the first time there was actually an event near me! So I finally got to meet Dean Griff. What a nice man! I knew he had to be-how could he create those adorable critters and not be nice. He autographed several pieces for me and I also got my picture with him. It was a wonderful experience-of course now I want even more Charming Tails pieces!

Medicine

I feel as if I'm running a hospital here, giving meds and scrubbing things clean. The rats have rat lice-other species can't catch it-Thank God! So I've just spent over 2 hours scrubbing and disinfecting cages. Then the Ohio Brothers each got treated with Frontline. My eyes are still all squinty from trying to find .13 on the syringe! Flurry was quite helpful. While I was opening up the syringe-he picked up the vial of medicine and tried to open it for me. Fortunately, he wasn't successful! Later this evening Slipper will need his second daily dose of Baytril. I was out of blueberry syrup (my usual mixer) so he was treated to my special Wild Currant Raspberry Fruit Syrup from The Sugar Shack with his baytril. He wasn't impressed. I also still need to put ear drops in Aleister's ear and drops in mine as well! (I have a wax build up that's driving me crazy, but the doc couldn't flush it today as I was seeing him for something else so insurance wouldn't cover it.) Now I'm cooking dinner-it's almost time for my shows. Thank Goodness, I need a break!

Dentist

This morning's visit to the dentist went well, even if I never actually saw a dentist. Why is that? These days you go "to the dentist" to get your teeth cleaned, but the dentist doesn't clean your teeth-the dental hygienist does. She (or he-although I've yet to meet a male dental hygienist, I'm sure they're out there) also takes your x-rays. In fact, if all goes smoothly, you never even catch a glimpse of the dentist. The dentist doesn't even pop in for a look (although the hygienist did show my x-rays to a dentist-he never saw me or my actual teeth). Fortunately, all went well today. I have a new hygienist, my old one left. I really liked my old one. Mind you, she wasn't old, she was my age, NOT old, so I guess I should say my former hygienist. The new one's OK. She seems very young and kind of new. She took a long time scraping my teeth, whereas Tara was fast and thorough. Still she seems nice-she once had pet guinea pigs and didn't make a face when I said I had pet rats, although she did seem a bit surprised. At any rate, my teeth are clean and I have no cavities! Next visit to the dentist-May 2008! Or should I say next visit to the dental hygienist...which should really be the title to this blog-the dental hygienist.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I just have to go to work this evening, then I'm off for three days. Yippie! Unfortunately, I'm booked solid. I don't even have a day to sleep in with no alarm clock. Thursday I have to go to the dentist then the Ohio Brothers have to go to the vet. Friday I go to the doctor and Saturday is a demo day I want to attend. That's just the appointments. Then there's all the errands and other stuff that needs to be done. Busy, busy, busy.

More Fray-Check

I bought another bottle of Fray-Check. Of course, this ensures that I'll find at least one, if not both, of the bottles I already have! Must find a better place to store them...a good place, not a hidden safe place! I want to work on my Thanksgiving cards tonight and a special pre-Christmas wax card for my folks. I'm off work this evening-but I had to go to CPR class this morning. I just woke up from a long nap...but I'm still tired. I've been debating on getting dressed and going out to pick up something from the little grocery store around the corner for dinner and lunch tomorrow-or just scrounging for something here. Decisions, decisions. I should go out-but I'm comfy and, although only 5:30PM, it's full dark. We'll see. I'd better get some things accomplinshed tonight though!

Alcohol

Well, I'm back to drinking alcohol. I had my blood work done Friday and drank Friday evening. Please note, I did not drink as soon as I got home, but SEVERAL hours later, while watching my programs on TV. (See, not an alcoholic.) I had the blood work done Friday as I was going to an event Saturday where there was wine and beer. Turned out I didn't have anything there. Oh well. But I only had 1 glass of wine Saturday and a glass of Southern Comfort Sunday after work. I'm sure glad I can indulge again. Hopefully my blood and liver turn out fine. I see the doc on Friday. Here's hoping...and drinking! Cheers!

Waste

What a waste of time. Unfortunately, it happens too often with me. I spend so much time looking for something and can't find it. I've been looking for this fray stuff for a few days now-and still can't find it. I need it to do my Thanksgiving cards too. The thing is, I know I have 2 bottles of the stuff because I couldn't find it once before and got a new bottle, then, of course, I found the original. At least it's not expensive, but still...If I don't find it by Tuesday I'll be buying yet another bottle. It just irks me the time I waste. I wish I had the time and energy and space to take each room of this house and totally empty it and then properly organize everything! Or, at least do it to the craft room.

November or December?

OK, is this November or December? I was watching my TV programs Friday night and almost every other commercial was for Christmas. Each commercial break had at least one. It's just the second week of November. I expect to see a few now and then-but each break? I've taken down all of the Halloween, decided to skip the Thanksgiving decorations (but leave the fall wreaths), but I haven't started the Christmas decorating yet. November 10 and I'm already feeling behind.

Sweeney Todd

I was watching TV the other day and saw a preview for an upcoming movie: Sweeney Todd. Wow, I though, a film version of Sweeney, cool. Ooh-Tim Burton's directing-that's fitting. It should be good and dark. Ooh-Johnny Depp as Sweeney-that'll be good. They must be making it as a non musical. Imagine my surprise to discover that, no-it's the musical all right. But can Johnny Depp sing? I mean this piece is not easy. Maybe he'll fake sing, like so many movie musicals. (Which really pisses me off as there are so many singers that can act and they just hire a big name who can't sing and have them lip sync to the real talent, grrrrrrrr.) But I hear he's really singing. It should be interesting. Sweeney Todd may just be my favorite musical of all time. It was also probably my favorite musical performance experience as well. Even though I was just in the chorus, I think it beat out some of my leading roles for fun! Of course, now I have Sweeney music running through my head at odd moments. "Swing your razor high, Sweeney." It could be worse.

Drunken Mice

This video just goes to show that a little alcohol helps everyone get along!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivkYXBFXDTs
Thanks Sonja for sharing this video on my rat list.

Snow!

Just so you know-it was snowing today. Nothing sticking, but I saw flakes!

Give me Alcohol

I'm not an alcoholic. Truly, I'm not. But I've been without alcohol since Halloween for an upcoming blood test and I'm starting to get a little annoyed. I'm sorry, after an annoying evening at work I'd like a glass or two of wine. Or a beer. Or a nice glass of Southern Comfort to warm me up in this 30 degree weather. Something. Let me qualify-something with alcohol. I may have to agree with my dad on this one-if I was told to give up alcohol forever I might say-"Just kill me now!" Hopefully, it'll never come to that!

Update on Gus

Well, we went to the vet this morning. Not good news. Gus has 2 tumors (not cysts), spinal degeneration, and lice. Due to his age and several other considerations we've decided to only treat the lice...for now anyway. I don't have time before I go to work, but I'll have to scrub down the cage, replace stuff, and then treat Gus & Leon. The other boys will visit the vet next week.

Gus

Please send good thoughts and prayers for Gus. I found a lump on him the other day. I think it's a cyst and not a tumor-at least I hope so. Gus is over 2 and his hind legs don't work that well, although he gets around fine. We're seeing the vet this morning.

I give up

I've been complaining that everyone seems to be bypassing Halloween and Thanksgiving and starting in on Christmas earlier and earlier. The minute Halloween passed, things really sped up. Everyday I've seen a Christmas commercial on TV. The stores are all decked out. What really got me was on Friday. The library. The decorations weren't up yet...but along with a few Halloween books on display-the prominent theme was Christmas. Not Thanksgiving. Christmas. So I give up. I'm bypassing Thanksgiving decorations and I'll be starting Christmas. Oh I'll keep my fall wreaths up til Thanksgiving-but the figurines will stay in their boxes this year. I usually wait until the day after Thanksgiving to begin decorating (aside from the outside lights-that's fair game whenever the weather's still decent although I won't illuminate them til the day after Thanksgiving) but I've been so rushed and I'm not getting everything out. So. I'm sorry Turkey Day, I'll be thankful, but I'm going to try to get a jump start and get prepared for Christmas this year!

Nice Weekend

I had a nice weekend. Friday didn't start off all that great. I had to get up early and take poor Aleister to the vet. We have to keep using the ear drops, which I had stopped, I guess prematurely. After playing briefly on the computer I went to a new Target and got tons of great deals. I followed that up with a bad for me lunch at Taco Bell (gotta love that caramel apple empanada and those potato things though), then on to the library, also across town, that has the fantastic mystery section. After that the Polish store for some kabenosy (I know that's not spelled right-it's a sausage stick you eat cold.) Then back across town with stops at AC Moore (craft store), JoAnn Fabrics and PetSmart before a visit with Harley. We actually had a great ride with Candy and her owner. I also saw those too cute kittens. OMG! They were actually holding on to each other. Aughh. I wish I could take both...but I can't...really, I can't. Then it was back home and time for all my good programs (Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight, Men in Trees, & Blood Ties). Then bath and bed.

Saturday I also got up relatively early (for me anyway) and went back across town to the Hallmark Ornament Opening. I got lots of great deals and free stuff-I got a VIP gift bag. Cool! I stopped for a very bad for me lunch at Wendy's. I just had to try it-The Baconator. It was FANTASTIC-although it probably took a year off my life. But so juicy, cheesy, bacony, mmmmmmmmmmmm. Instead of doing more running around, I came home. I did a little work outside then came in. I started working on Thanksgiving cards-but haven't figured out exactly how I want to do it. Better figure it out soon though. Then I caught up on some TV shows. After that I cleaned the rat cages. The boys had fun I think roaming around and playing with me. Then time for Rosemary & Thyme, Keeping Up Appearances, & As Time Goes By. Now more computer time before bath and bed.

I think the best part of both days was playing with all my kids. If only I had time, room, and money for 2 more. Sigh.

Too Funny

I had wanted to sleep in this morning, but, as usual, had too much to do, so I set my alarm. Not too early, mind you, but still it was set. When the alarm went off this morning I opened my eyes to find Calumet, on the pillow next to me, raising her head and opening her eyes to give me a look of, "You've got to be kidding me." I pressed the snooze button and we both shut our eyes again!

All Souls Day

Today is All Souls Day, a day to honor those who have left us.
The following is copied from www.catholicgreeting.org:

The Church has encouraged prayer for the dead from the earliest times as an act of Christian charity. "If we had no care for the dead," Augustine noted, "we would not be in the habit of praying for them." Yet pre-Christian rites for the deceased kept such a strong hold on the superstitious imagination that a liturgical commemoration was not observed until the early Middle Ages, when monastic communities began to mark an annual day of prayer for the departed members.
In the middle of the 11th century, St. Odilo, abbot of Cluny (France), decreed that all Cluniac monasteries offer special prayers and sing the Office for the Dead on November 2, the day after the feast of All Saints. The custom spread from Cluny and was finally adopted throughout the Roman Church.
The theological underpinning of the feast is the acknowledgment of human frailty. Since few people achieve perfection in this life but, rather, go to the grave still scarred with traces of sinfulness, some period of purification seems necessary before a soul comes face-to-face with God. The Council of Trent affirmed this purgatory state and insisted that the prayers of the living can speed the process of purification.
Superstition still clung to the observance. Medieval popular belief held that the souls in purgatory could appear on this day in the form of witches, toads or will-o’-the-wisps. Graveside food offerings supposedly eased the rest of the dead.
Observances of a more religious nature have survived. These include public processions or private visits to cemeteries and decorating graves with flowers and lights. This feast is observed with great fervor in Mexico.

Comment:
Whether or not one should pray for the dead is one of the great arguments which divide Christians. Appalled by the abuse of indulgences in the Church of his day, Martin Luther rejected the concept of purgatory. Yet prayer for a loved one is, for the believer, a way of erasing any distance, even death. In prayer we stand in God's presence in the company of someone we love, even if that person has gone before us into death.

I'll be remembering many old friends and some family. In memory of: Brioche, Bandit, Kokishin, Tarquin, Nicholas, Daisy, Rose, Violet, Hyacinth, Tybalt, Bartholomew, Basil, Pepper, Nimh, Lily, Ivy, Opal, Galena, Abbott, Costello, Aunt Bert, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Aunt Sid, Nana, James Michael, and others who have touched my life; I wish you all peace.

All Saints Day

Today is All Saints Day. The following is copied from www.catholicgreetings.com:

The earliest certain observance of a feast in honor of all the saints is an early fourth-century commemoration of "all the martyrs." In the early seventh century, after successive waves of invaders plundered the catacombs, Pope Boniface IV gathered up some 28 wagonloads of bones and reinterred them beneath the Pantheon, a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods. The pope rededicated the shrine as a Christian church. According to Venerable Bede, the pope intended "that the memory of all the saints might in the future be honored in the place which had formerly been dedicated to the worship not of gods but of demons" (On the Calculation of Time).
But the rededication of the Pantheon, like the earlier commemoration of all the martyrs, occurred in May. Many Eastern Churches still honor all the saints in the spring, either during the Easter season or immediately after Pentecost.

How the Western Church came to celebrate this feast in November is a puzzle to historians. The Anglo-Saxon theologian Alcuin observed the feast on November 1 in 800, as did his friend Arno, Bishop of Salzburg. Rome finally adopted that date in the ninth century.

Comment:

This feast first honored martyrs. Later, when Christians were free to worship according to their conscience, the Church acknowledged other paths to sanctity. In the early centuries the only criterion was popular acclaim, even when the bishop's approval became the final step in placing a commemoration on the calendar. The first papal canonization occurred in 993; the lengthy process now required to prove extraordinary sanctity took form in the last 500 years. Today's feast honors the obscure as well as the famous—the saints each of us have known.

Quote:
“After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.... [One of the elders] said to me, ‘These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’” (Revelation 7:9,14).

Happy Halloween!

May you have many treats and no tricks this Halloween!




Care2 Halloween E-Cards!

Just Say No

There are 2 kittens left at the barn who still need homes. They are the sweetest little girls-both calicos, but a soft grey and orange. People there are urging me to take one-they always are whenever there are kittens, which, unfortunately, is often. I've been strong so far. Harley's other owner succumbed-although she was looking for another home for her. Today was the worst-being told they were shivering from the cold. "Can't you just take her until we can find another home. " Yea, right, like I'd ever be able to let her go once she came here. My mom would have a fit if I brought home another cat...even though I own my own home and am well above the age necessary to consent to who joins my family...it makes it tougher. I've even mentioned giving her another grandkid. She wasn't amused. Both my parents couldn't believe when I brought Calumet home. A part of me knows I shouldn't get another animal (rats somewhat excluded) and heaven knows the 11 animals I already have cost me enough, but I feel bad...and kittens are so cute.... Just say no! Even though the high Thursday will only be in the 40s...Must be strong...just say no...Auughhhh!

Autumn is Here

I think autumn is finally here. It's chilly......frost is coming tonight. It was 32 degrees on my way home. Plants are inside tonight. Actually, it was cool all day Sunday. In fact, when I let Barrett back in the house after a bathroom break-he had white flakes on him. I don't want to use the "s" word already. It may have been hail-but it was white. Yup, autumn is here.

Fun Time

I had a fun time at the Halloween party, although it's not really "my scene". It was fantastic checking out the other costumes. There were lots of pirates, several police and a good assortment of devils. Some people really went all out. This one guy had an amazing KISS outfit-huge platform boots, makeup and all. I don't like to dance, so I was pretty much hold the drink, purse, and cutlass girl. (My friend was a pirate.) Still, it was fun. I got home at a decent hour too. So I'm going to watch the Ugly Betty I missed before I hit the sack.

Woodland Nymph

Ta da!

Done!

I finished my Halloween costume and it looks pretty darn good if you ask me! I still have to find some shoes and I may make a matching bracelet and/or necklace-but no big deal if I don't! I had a bit of a trial with the fabric glue last night-stupid opening-so I wasted a lot and made a bit of a mess-but it all worked out.

It appears blogger is having uploading problems again. I'll add a picture when it'll let me!

Costume Update

I got some neat fabric at JoAnn's along with some more leaves and garlands. I tried to come up with a woodland crown-you should have seen me putting wreaths on my head-they didn't work, but I got a garland that might. So, I'll be creating tonight. Wish me luck!

Of Rats and Men

Of Rat and Men. This photo came from the Orange County Register in Southern California this morning. This is one rat who will be safe, he got to go with his owner to a shelter for refuge from the fires. What a precious Berk!!! I love So Cal they are sensitive to their animals as well as humans. Lets keep everyone and critter in our thoughts and prayers for this to pass quickly.

The above is copied from someone on my rat list. Thanks Sheri. And thanks to that shelter for allowing family members that aren't human!

Pissed off!

I was behind schedule, but I had it all planned out. I'd come home from work, finish the letters for the rest of the Halloween cards and decorate the cards for my Goddaughter and her sisters. Then I'd get up early, post all of that, then go to the fabric store and get the stuff for my costume before going back to work. BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I have to get mandated at work. And the way I was mandated... people really piss me off. So I get stuck at work until 4AM-better than 7:20AM, but still. So I get home around 4:30, write this, then it's shower and bed and sleep until it's time to go to work. A whole day of preparations lost. Well, the best laid plans of mice and men...

Got it...sort of

I got my Halloween costume...kind of...sort of...in a way. I'm going to be a woodland nymph. I went to Goodwill and found a base-a brown long dress with an empire waist. Tomorrow I'm going to get up early and go to the fabric store and try to find some panels to overlay and other embellishments. I've already got some leaves I'll glue, or otherwise affix to said dress. I also want to make a headpiece. I don't have much time-so here's hoping. I only wish I could really sew.

Still no costume

I still don't know what I'm going to be for this Halloween party. I could not get out of bed yesterday morning so I absolutely must today. (I just got home from work and haven't been to bed yet-so although it's Wednesday-it's kind of still Tuesday night for me!) I'm going to try my luck at Goodwill and hope I get inspired. I hate leaving things until the last minute, but lately that's all I've been doing. OK. Must stop goofing off on the computer and get to bed so I can get up early and go shopping before work. Wish me luck!

Josef

Well, try as I might I'm unable to attach a video from Moonlight. Thanks for the help though, Bun Girl. I haven't given up yet, but for now here's a picture of the charmingly ruthless Josef.

Costume?!?

I generally don't go out. Call me boring, call me a homebody, I rarely go out at night...let alone with friends...to bars. Well, I got talked into going to a Halloween party at some bar with a bunch of co-workers this coming Saturday night. Now I have to figure out a costume! Nothing I really have at home fits. I thought I had a rat face, but I can't find it. I'm kind of thinking Wood Nymph, or female Bacchus, or, oh I don't know. And I need to find something quick-I can't leave it til I'm off work either, since that's Friday and this thing is Saturday. Yikes. I may have to go to Goodwill. Hopefully, something will pop out at me.

Almost Halloween

Halloween is almost here. I started putting up a few decorations. I'd better get with it, or it'll be time to take them down before I even get them up! With the idea of getting into the holiday spirit-here's a game someone from my rat list posted. Halloween Hangman: http://www.dedge.com/flash/hangman/hangman.swf

Bad Horse Mom

I'm a bad horse mom. I haven't been riding, or even out to see Harley since my lesson on Monday. I was going to go yesterday or today, but yesterday I got so busy, I ran out of time. I didn't worry, as I figured I'd just go this evening. I certainly got up early enough today. I went to the farmer's market, went to a paper store's garage sale (what bargains I got!!!!), then came home. It was rainy and cool so I just got in comfy clothes and goofed around the house. Caught up on some TV shows I taped during the week and worked on my Halloween cards. (I'm waiting for parts to dry now.) At any rate, even though it got nicer out-I haven't left the house. I haven't made the new recipe I wanted to try, I haven't finished putting up the Halloween decorations, nor have I done the dishes. And it's getting late. Sigh. Time's going warp speed again!

Moonlight

OK I enjoyed tonight's (well, technically last night's) episode of Moonlight. But no Josef. A whole episode without the slightly sarcastic, charming man of my dream. How dare they! It's funny, I can't think of many adjectives to describe Josef. Could be the bottle of champagne I drank while watching my shows, along with all the munchies. Hmmm. I will admit a funny thing though. I was googling him the other day. They showed his birth date-I nearly choked on my fun sized snickers! But, it's the character I'm dreaming about, not the actor, and the character's over 400. So, no, I'm not robbing the cradle, thank you! This may just be my last post written after a bottle of champagne. At any rate, writers of Moonlight, more of Mick's best friend please!

Laundry

I hate housekeeping. I really do. My poor mom bemoans this fact and wonders what she's done wrong. Sorry, I just don't like to clean and I can find so many other things I'd rather do with my time. There is one chore, however, that I do like. Laundry. I enjoy doing laundry. Now, I don't iron, so get that thought right out of there. And I'm not that great at putting it all away-but, the actual gathering, sorting and washing, I like. I especially like when I can hang my washed items on the line outside to dry. A friend of my folks even gave me a 1940's laundry pole to raise my line higher. Right now I have a load of permanent press going-sheets and shirts. Today I also need to do rat bedding and I'll probably do some reds. No line drying today though. It's unseasonable warm-but rainy. Why laundry? Maybe I like doing laundry as I just put it in the machine, add my detergent and do something I enjoy while I wait for the machine to do all the work. Then I either put it all in the dryer or hang it outside and let either that machine or nature do its thing. Perhaps it's the lazy man's chore. Still, I like it. The basement sounds quiet-so I think it's time to put my load in the dryer. If only I had a dishwasher...I have to do dishes today-I don't like doing dishes. I try to remember Thich Nhat Hahn and mindfulness and doing the dishes to do the dishes, but, I just don't like it. If only all my chores were laundry!

Fall TV

The fall TV season appears to be up and running and there are several shows I follow; too many, really. Working evening shift makes it difficult-I've got the VCR taping almost every night. Unfortunately, since I only have 1 TV and 1 VCR, I'm forced to pick between shows. So, what do I watch? We start with Tuesday night when I tape Bones and House. I also like the new show Reaper-but pick the other 2 to tape. Although thanks to baseball preempting I got to watch Reaper this past week. Wednesday night I have America's Next Top Model (I know...but I'm hooked.) and Private Practice. I'm not that thrilled with Private Practice, but I tape anyway. Thursday is Ugly Betty-the best show on-and Grey's Anatomy. Friday, I'm actually off work and it's a good thing as that's my big TV night. We start with Ghost Whisperer, then Moonlight, Men in Trees, and Blood Ties! What a night! Saturday has the BBC mystery Rosemary and Thyme followed by some BBC comedies. That's a lot of TV!!! I'll probably pick up Project Runway when that starts up too. And some shows I follow are on break now-Top Chef, Monk, and Psych. I used to love Desperate Housewives-but didn't follow season 3-so now I've just given up on it. I'd like to watch Dancing with the Stars, in fact I have some of this season taped, but I still haven't watched any of it. It's just too much to catch up on. I still haven't caught up on last week's shows. Oh I taped the first episode of Pushing Daisy's-but haven't seen it yet and don't tape it as something else I tape is on at that time.

So what are my favorite shows on now? Ugly Betty, first choice, no question. At first I wasn't that impressed with Moonlight, but after the dream I had with Josef, I'm addicted. Of course all the others (except for Private Practice and ANTM) have things that make me want to keep watching too. But, I'll save those thoughts for another blog!

Poor Furby

I read an online article showcasing the ugliest products in tech history. Poor Furby made the list along with ugly phones and computers and what not. Furby's not ugly! Here's what they said:

The Ugliest Products in Tech History
All of this gear may have worked just fine, but it sure looked bad doing it. Here are 10 examples of the worst product designs in the tech industry's storied past.
The Ugliest Products in Tech HistoryFurby (© CNET)
Tiger Electronics FurbyIt sounds like the ultimate geek fantasy: Give your child an intelligent robot for Christmas--even if it does look like a cross between Gizmo from the Gremlins movie, a Muppet, and a Warner Brothers cartoon character. Thanks to its CPU, sensors, and moving parts, the original Furby could react to light, sound and touch: waking up in the morning, responding to words and sounds, and responding to having its fur stroked. Out of the box, Furbys spoke "Furbish," but could be taught to repeat certain English words if they were given positive reinforcement at the same time. In 1998 they caused enough of a sensation that the $35 toys quickly sold out in toy stores, driving prices up into the hundreds and riling up parents who clearly hadn't learned from the Tickle Me Elmo fad two years earlier.

At any rate-I think there are MUCH uglier things than Furby. I'm going to have to find mine and give him a hug!

Recipe Exchange Update

I received my first recipe from the recipe exchange I sent out a few days ago. Yippie! At least one friend and their friend participated. Thanks. The recipe is for a Watermelon Feta Salad. I like both watermelon and feta, but wouldn't have thought to put them together. Should be interesting. So for those of you who haven't sent your recipes-go ahead. It's painless, fun, and interesting! Get sharing!

Stop Horse Slaughter!

What follows is copied from the Humane Society:

October 16: Make the Call to Save Horses!
The doors on the last remaining U.S.-based horse slaughter plants have been shuttered. Now, Congress must act to end the transport to slaughter of American horses to Mexico and Canada. These brutally long trips over the border end in a grisly form of slaughter—the need for federal legislation has never been more urgent than it is today.
TAKE ACTIONCheck to see if your U.S. Representative is already a co-sponsor of H.R. 503 and if your two U.S. Senators are co-sponsors of S. 311.
If they are, please call and thank them for supporting H.R. 503/S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, and urge them to do all that they can to pass this important legislation.
If they are not, please call and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 503/S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and prohibit their export for slaughter in other countries.
You can reach your members of Congress by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or click here to look up your federal legislators and their Capitol office phone numbers.
The doors on the last remaining U.S.-based horse slaughter plants have been shuttered. Now, Congress must act to end the transport to slaughter of American horses to Mexico and Canada. These brutally long trips over the border end in a grisly form of slaughter—the need for federal legislation has never been more urgent than it is today.
TAKE ACTION: Check to see if your U.S. Representative is already a co-sponsor of H.R. 503 and if your two U.S. Senators are co-sponsors of S. 311.
If they are, please call and thank them for supporting H.R. 503/S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, and urge them to do all that they can to pass this important legislation.
If they are not, please call and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 503/S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and prohibit their export for slaughter in other countries.
You can reach your members of Congress by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or click here to look up your federal legislators and their Capitol office phone numbers.

The Environment

Today I pledged that I would write about the environment. Blogs of all sorts are joining together today to try and raise consciousness. Our poor planet is in pitiful shape. We're causing irrepairable damage, polluting, destroying, we've even managed to create global warming. I think it's a shame we're causing the destruction of a planet that other creatures call home. They wouldn't be in so much trouble, they might not be going extinct, if we weren't here and causing so many problems. So, what can we do? What can I do? What do I do? Well, I click the buttons on the Care2 site to try to protect animals and the environment. I sign petitions and write my congress people. I pass these messages on to friends and family. I recycle. I try to combine my driving trips and don't drive when not necessary. I donate to animal and environmental causes. I try not to be wasteful. I don't do enough. I'll try to do better. Will you try too?

Recipe Exchange

A friend sent me an e-mail recipe exchange-you get 2 names, e-mail the first name a recipe then forward the e-mail putting the second name first and your name second. Last year at Christmas time I received 3 such e-mails. I actually did get some recipes. I'm hoping for more this go around-so if you got the e-mail from me-please respond. It doesn't cost anything, but a little time. What follows is the recipe I sent. I saw it on TV and tried it. It was excellent! The difference is the order of the breading. I had to cook for more than 6 minutes a side-next time I'll pound down the meat a bit. Still, it turned out really well. Give it a try!

Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Recipe Summary: Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Yield: 4 servings

2 large eggs
1 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs
3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan
4 (1/2 to 3/4-inch thick) center-cut pork loin chops (each about 10 to 12 ounces)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

Whisk the eggs in a pie plate to blend. Place the bread crumbs in another pie plate. Place the cheese in a third pie plate. Sprinkle the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Coat the chops completely with the cheese, patting to adhere. Dip the chops into the eggs, then coat completely with the bread crumbs, patting to adhere.

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops, in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and the center reaches 150 degrees, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to plates and serve with lemon wedges.