HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloween.  We are preparing for the onslaught of hundreds of ghosts and goblins tonight..............NOT.  We haven't had any Trick or Treaters for years and years.  It seems all the little goblins around our neighborhood have grown up and moved away to have little goblins of their own. 

Just a few miles away my favorite little goblins are in school, but I bet they are watching the clock.  My six-year old is about as excited as he can be; can't wait to be a Ninja.  His older brother, however, is a little more laid back this year opting for a Lionel Mezzi costume.  Saturday morning the boys were here spending the night.  L. asked me how many days it was before Halloween.  "Five", I replied.  B says, "There are 365 days left before the next time it is five days before Halloween."  L hesitates and then asks, "Are you just guessing or do you really know that?"  I can see the younger one beginning to question his brother's wisdom.

I hope you get to see your grandkids today.  If so, listen to their conversations.  They're hilarious.  I wish I had paid more attention to my own children's years ago.  There is no telling what the day will bring for us, but more assuredly it will not be Trick or Treaters.  Enjoy your day, Trick or Treaters or not.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN - Think I'll have a Snicker's bar that we got for our pretend Trick or Treaters.

I LOVE YOU!

..............It's the Home Place

We went for a little walk this morning in the park............oh wait,............its the home place.  No, we do not have the beautiful colorful trees they have in the New England states, nor do we have the beautiful yellow Aspens found in Colorado or my favorite place, Red River.  What we do have are the trees and bushes in the pictures below, our trees...........on the home place.

Now I don't claim to be a photographer, but here are a few pictures I took this morning

............on the home place. 

I hope you enjoy them and have a sense of what I see this week, fall 2013

............on the home place. 

 

................It's the home place.

 

 

 

Yep..............that's the home place.

 

I love you.

Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

Good morning everybody.  How's life treating you?  Mine has been pretty good, but extremely hectic lately.  Tonight my boys are coming to spend the night so Nana will be preparing plenty of activities and crafts to keep them busy on this cold, almost wintry day.  Burr--as Mrs. Tucker would always say......the other Mrs. Tucker. 

Last week I made something out of this world delicious.  I just love caramel as you probably guessed by all the post about my caramel this or that coffee.  Clarification:  these coffees are just ground coffee with a flavoring of caramel..........no sugar..........no fat.  In fact, no coffee should ever have cream or sugar.........my opinion only!

Anyway, I digress........back to caramel.  There is a recipe in September 2013 Southern Living, page 98, which will rock your world, the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce recipe.  I didn't have any apple cider like the recipe uses, but I had apple juice.  I don't know how much more delicious this could have been using cider, but my version was delicious.

Here's my own Apple Caramel Sauce recipe.  Try it before Halloween and you will be making it again for Thanksgiving.

Reduce one cup of apple juice to just less than 1/4 cup by boiling, stirring occasionally.  Add 1 cup golden brown sugar, packed, and 1/2 cup butter.  Bring to a boil and boil constantly for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream.  Let cool and serve over just about anything your imagination can come up with.  Ended a sentence with a proposition...don't tell Mrs. Sutterfield.  I am going to try this as a change to my tried and true Caramel Popcorn recipe.  We shall see how it turns out.  I can also see this over any quick bread, muffins, or apple pies.  Delicious over ice cream as long as it is not overcooked to the point of setting up like glue......that might pull your teeth out.

Well that's about it this morning.  Boys will be here soon.  They get to choose the restaurant tonight so you may see us at Long John Silvers, Mazzio's, McDonald's, or even Sam's Club......fine dining at its finest.  Or maybe  they will want to have a weenie roast in the fireplace (fingers crossed).

I love you.
 

Do I See a Trip to New England in my Future

The leaves are beginning to turn in my yard, but nothing like the leaves in the yard of one of my favorite blogs.  If you get a chance, go to www.fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com and take a look at her photos.  This is the yard of my dreams.....the home of my dreams actually.  Take a look at the post dated October 22 and you will see what I mean.   

I can imagine the owners, morning coffee in hand, standing on one of their beautiful porches, taking in this beautiful scenery, asking themselves if life can get any better.  If I lived here I would have to pinch myself to make sure it is all real for the beauty is almost surreal.  Very humbling. 

I was in a 'Norman Rockwell state of mind' this morning imaging what living in New England must be like in the fall.  Beauty all around.  Hills and dales, rivers and streams, and let's not forget those beautiful white churches that seem to glow against the greens, oranges, rusts, and red colors of the maples.  Every turn of the road frames another sight more beautiful than the last. 

Here's wishing you a wonderful fall.  Do I see a trip to New England in my future????

I love you.    




   

Pizza on a Log

Sometimes all it takes is pizza on a log to make a boy's day special.  Aren't they adorable, my little grandsons????  And grandpa gave them a rose for their table, what could be nicer?

 

B - Age 9

 

L - Age 6

Pizza in their private park.

Back in September we cut down a couple of trees.  Later in the week, the boys came and unbeknownst to us, they had rearranged the pile of logs.  They begged us NOT to move those logs.  So we haven't.  They have more fun playing with those logs than most anything we have ever bought them.  So the logs shall stay, at least through the fall or until they get tired of them.  In fact, we have discussed having them help us move them to a more permanent location.....maybe to their hideout.  Oh we are so blessed to be able to share our little acreage with our grandchildren. 

 

  I hope you are having a great day.

 

Sometimes it is more fun to play with the box than the toy.

Pizza on a log.....what could be more fun?

 

I love you.

 

 

I am Still That Little Girl

When you reach a certain age, nobody questions when you start to tearing up - like when I look at Christmas cards.  Long time ago I used to tear up during "Father Knows Best", now it is more likely the Folgers, Kraft, and the Hallmark card commercials.  How can you not cry when you see a young soldier coming home for the holidays being greeted by his little sister?  Hubby just looks over and shakes his head a tiny bit; he's gotten used to it over the years.  I guess I have always had my emotions right up front where the water works could flow at a moments notice--crying for the silly things.

Now I see how quickly the years are flying and certain stages of my life are behind me which makes me want to search for those sweet memories more and more.  Looking back brings a certain amount of calmness to my often times chaotic world and it sends me back to a time when I wasn't the oldest female in the family.  You see, some time along the last um-teen years I became the go-to person in my family.  I could no longer rely on mom's wisdom.  I don't have any answers to any of the questions.  I am the mom, but in reality I am still that little girl who is crying over "Father Knows Best".

B, you come by it naturally.  You are very much like me and my Grandpa Thompson.

I love you.

All is Right With the World

Last evening long about 6:00, I went outside to let my family know that dinner was on.  The sun would be setting soon; long shadows, a cool breeze, such a pleasant evening and a perfect time of day.  I was headed back to the house when the smell of my dinner hit me.  Oh my, it smelled so good.  Isn't it amazing how odors/smells can be such a strong catalyst to our memories?

My mind was filled with a lot of memories last night in that little two minute walk to call dinner.  I remember taking a walk in Red River just before dusk and smelling someone's dinner cooking.  Nothing quite like a brisk walk in the cool (okay, it was cold) mountain air and smelling dinner cooking.  The air was crisp and clean with just a hint of charcoal and onions.  Perfect!

Way back in the day, we kids would be playing outside when the smell of supper cooking would come wafting out.  Soon time to eat supper.  Soon Daddy would be home. Soon mom would untie her apron. Soon we'd all be called in to wash our hands.  Soon we would gather around the table.  Soon all would be right with the world.

Just in case you wondered, I fixed salmon patties and potatoes with green peas and a simple white sauce.  And I lest I forget, sautéed onions. 

All is right with the world..............for at least 30 minutes.   

I love you.

Ater All, It's Only Money

There was a story on the news this morning about a woman in Woodward who makes art projects from old antlers.  They were quite intriguing and intricate; chandeliers, table legs, lamps, etc.  While we wouldn't want them in our own house, the hubby and I discussed how, in the right setting, they would look great.  In a log cabin in the mountains with lots of tall ceilings, cedar paneling, and large open-view windows, they would look stunning.

Then the hubby said, "When we win the lottery, we are going to buy a cabin in Red River 'just for you'.  We might have to get someone to helicopter us in so that we don't have to drive."  I told him I wouldn't mind driving that long 10 hour drive if I could stay there at least 6 months out of the year.  So, it is agreed that we are going to buy a cabin in Red River and stay 6 months there, 6 months in our new home in Oklahoma.  We will be celebrating Christmas in Oklahoma so head to Oklahoma at Christmas time and I will put you up in our new home/compound.  By the way, this is not the same compound that I wrote about in an earlier post.  We will most definitely, have two compounds. 

That little fantasy didn't last long, but long enough for us to have a laugh and agree that having money, while not the answer to all problems, sure makes life more fun.

That's it from the easy chair.  Since we will be in Red River for 6 months at a time, let's head on down to Santa Fe for lunch.  After all, it's only money.

I love you.

It's a Beautiful Day

Good Morning.  I am having my Caramel Apple coffee, eating my Sam's Club Godshall's turkey bacon, and trying to down my instant peach oatmeal.  Just can't get that last bite down and if you've ever had lukewarm oatmeal you know what I mean.

Yesterday, I got an interesting phone call from my uncle, my dad's brother.  He called to ask how to print off my blog post and to complement me on my writing.  I was completely surprised, even shocked, that he and my aunt 1) knew about my blog, 2) that they read it, 3) they enjoy it, and 4) would like to have a printed copy of some of the posts.  That really inspired me so when I got home from the mall (yes, Uncle, I was at the mall which is where I was the last time you called me) I tried to come up with something to write about.  I started writing, but after the long first paragraph, I deleted it.  There was just no inspiration for me so I put it away until this morning.  I don't know about you, but I am always in a better mood in the morning...I guess you might say I am a morning person...........after 8:00 a.m., that is.

So here I set in the comfy chairs near the front windows, a little gloomy, with nothing to write about.  Then it hits me.  It is a beautiful day.  Right now, it is very cloudy, even rainy looking, but the air is still, the tulip poplar leaves in my yard are beginning to turn yellow, the squirrels are chasing one another.........just a beautiful day in the neighborhood as Mister Rodgers would say.  Time for me to get up and turn this gloomy feeling around and make the day wonderful.  So I am going to jump up, turn the lamps on low, light a good smelling candle, and put a smile on my face...........make a memory for myself.  Maybe I will make an apple pie..........maybe I will even take it to someone to make their day a little brighter.  Goodness knows, we could use a little more brightness around here.

That's all I have for today, maybe tomorrow I will have a sweet memory or two to share, something that will make you smile.  Thanks Uncle for making my day yesterday.  Thanks for the sweet call.  Thanks for reminding me of daddy. 

It's a beautiful day. 

I love you.

I reread some of my old posts last night wondering which of these my aunt and uncle were reading and which of them they wanted to print.  What I noticed was how many errors I had made, both grammatically and spelling.  They are both former teachers so I am sure those mistakes were glaring to them as they were me.  Have you noticed how much more relaxed grammar has become in our society in general?  If people can't even dress up for a wedding or a funeral, then surely we can't expect them to use proper English and punctuate properly, she says as she blogs using dot, dot, dot........................  Keep smiling.  

 

Grandpa's College Days

Good morning all.  Now I have known my husband for over 42 years, but on our trip last week he told me some of his college days' stories that I either had never heard or had forgotten.  I might have forgotten.  My grandsons probably don't think of us as anything other than being grandparents, but one of these days they will probably see this blog so this is a little bit of fun for them to learn about their grandpa.........something beyond the fact that he is the smartest person in the world and knows everything (actually heard them say that a couple of weeks ago).  

Boys, I want to tell you a little about life at the University of Arkansas as your grandpa experienced it, but I need to start a little earlier at the age of 14 so you will understand a little more about why Grandpa is the way he is.  Grandpa's father died when he was 14 so life changed dramatically for him at an earlier age.  I wouldn't say he had to become the man of the house, but he certainly had to assume responsibilities early in life.  Even with or perhaps because of those responsibilities, he knew he would need college to take him to a place in life that would make his mother proud, but more importantly provide for the needs of a future family.

The first two years he stayed home right there in Conway to attend the then Arkansas Teachers College (now known as University of Central Arkansas).  During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he joined the reserves and his unit was called to active duty for a couple of years.  By the end of his active duty, you can see that he was getting older.....older than other first year students at the University of Arkansas.  That didn't deter him living in the dorm in Fayetteville to finish his college education to become a mechanical engineer. 

Grandpa worked every way he could to get through college, working as a mechanic (working on cars goes a way back, huh), working at the university, borrowing from the bank, etc.  By his senior year, the GI bill finally kicked in for him which helped, but certainly didn't give him a free ride.  Back then he drove an old '49 Chevrolet which was often on its last legs.  He tells the story of using a piece of foil to keep his car running (you'd have to ask him the particulars) so off he headed back to Conway with that piece of foil and 15 cents in his pocket (2 hour drive or more).  By the time he got to Russellville, he decided to could make it on in to Conway so he stopped for a coke and used that last the 15 cents.  (Boys, do NOT start anywhere with only 15 cents in your pocket.)  Three months before he graduated, he went to the bank to borrow $250 to fix the old car, but the bank said no.  He could; however, go to the car dealership and get financing for a year old '66 Chevelle SS 396 with no payment due until he was three months out of school.  That is what he did.....the best thing he could do since he had to have a car.  Sometimes things just don't make sense.........borrowing $250 or getting a newer car...........

Sweet story:  Grandpa told me that he would walk around the Fayetteville town square and walk by the men's store, looking in the window.............."one of these days I will be able to afford clothes from here".  Well, boys, I am here to tell you that he can now afford clothes from there. 

That's just a few of the stories grandpa has to tell about his college days.  Ask him, he'll tell you more.  By the way, Grandpa doesn't know I am writing this and if he reads it, I am sure he'd be telling me that isn't the way it was, but this is the way I interpret it. 

I love you.  

Cabinet Cleaning

Hello everybody.  Welcome to this rainy Monday morning.  I know most of my federal government employee friends are sleeping in this morning 'cause it is Columbus Day and cause it is raining.  Yea!!  By the way, does anybody really know when Columbus Day is anymore?  Does anybody know why we celebrate it?  Oh, gee, I sure hope so! 

It's my day..............the day I clean my kitchen cabinets..............one of my favorite cleaning projects especially if it is raining.  It is the time of the year I clean out my cabinets, sort through my spices, canned goods, etc., to see what is needed for the upcoming holidays.  I love that.  I like to see how I stand on pumpkin pie spice, cloves, cinnamon, chili powder, onion salt, cumin.............do I see chili in my future?

Last week we drove over to the Fayetteville/Eureka Springs area, stopping to have lunch at War Eagle Mill.  I couldn't resist plain ole brown beans..........the meal of my penniless days, my go to Thursday night before pay day meals.  You'd be surprised what meals you come up with when you have two kids to feed and you are waiting for that next check before heading to the grocery store.  Sausage gravy, anyone?????

The leaves haven't turned in Arkansas yet, but should be ready in early November when we plan to take another trip that way.  Still, the trip invigorated me.  Everybody knows this time of the year is my favorite time and now I am ready...........or getting ready...............just as soon as I get those cabinets cleaned.

Off to clean some cabinets.  Anybody want to come help?  I can provide you with potato soup for lunch and lots of old spices...............  I know you want to............  I'll even open up the sunroom doors so you can hear the pitter-pat of the gentle rain.  What can be more enticing?

I love you.

I'm so Hungry I Could Eat my Lipstick

I think I might be starving to death.  All I can think about is food...........good food.  I need me some

Spinach artichoke dip - just let me have a spoon and I will eat it straight from the bowl.
Toni's cucumber sandwiches - Toni, did I tell you how Steve and I pigged out on those sandwiches one day?  Gluttonous.
Caramel apples - add toffee and chocolate bits..........oh my!
Crab with melted butter - All I can eat!
Bologna sandwich with tomatoes and mayonnaise - summer time treat.
Lay's potato chips with creamy French onion dip - to go with the bologna sandwich.
Ranch salad dressing on Anything
Loaded baked potato
Fried chicken with my gravy
Theater popcorn with lots of butter 
Cheese enchiladas
Shrimp Limón pasta
French bread with butter that squishes out when you bite it
Guacamole
Cinnamon toast
French fries
CHEEZ-ITS

These are but a few of the things I am craving right this very minute--something cheesy, something buttery, something greasy.  Also, this is a list of things I normally deny myself.  I haven't made fried chicken in so long I doubt I would know how, but I remember how good my gravy was.  Steven and Johnny would pig out.  Nachos - we used to have nachos as a treat at least once a week in front of the TV......after the chicken.   

I am so tired of obsessing over food...either I am craving a food........or am worried about how what I eat affects my weight.  I guess that is what keeps me on track.  Right now I would love to have a buffet of all these foods and be able to allow myself to go for all of them without one thought of how much fat each has.  I would settle for a box of Cheez-its....my all time favorite snack.

I'm so hungry I could eat my lipstick.  Hand me my purse!     

I love you.