All my Christmas shopping and wrapping are done, but I kind of wish I was out shopping today. I think more than shopping, I would like to turn back time and experience the 'young parent syndrome' again; the excitement of playing Santa.
Back in the late 1970s, I would have never classed ourselves as poor, but as a stay-at-home mom, we sort of lived from paycheck to paycheck. The kids were little and didn't really have particular toys on their list so that made shopping for them much easier. We could wait until the last minute to shop and usually did because inevitably payday fell just a few days before Christmas, or in some instances, on Christmas Eve itself. We never panicked for there was always toys, toys galore.
You'd be surprised how much toys are discounted on Christmas Eve if you know where to look. That place would be all the stores that don't normally carry toys; OTASCO, for example. Remember OTASCO? Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company. OTASCO to the rescue. Steven was just at the age where he could maneuver a little motorized vehicle and we found one that OTASCO was practically giving away on Christmas Eve. That made Santa very happy.
Enjoy the season, young parents! This season of life passes ever so quickly.
I love you.
And no, we didn't have a babysitter. We'd all look at the toys, Santa would nod, and one of us would take the kids either to the car or across the store while Santa did his magic! It all worked out perfectly just as was intended.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
A Perfect Day
Have you ever had one of those days where you have everything planned right down to the tiniest detail and you get derailed right at the get-go? That's exactly what happened today. And I had to cope............
During the night last night, I planned our whole day; a perfect pre-Christmas Day stressless day. A day of fun as a reward for getting all the shopping and wrapping done. I was going to: 1) Get my hair colored at 9:30. 2) Pick up hubby. 3) Be at Ingrid's Kitchen for Lobster Bisque at 11:15. 4) Be at Steinmart at 12:00 for a little shopping and looking for myself. 5) Be at Whole Foods by 12:45. 6. Movie around 2:00. 7) Be at Sam's Club by 4:45. 8) Home by 6:00. A treat day. A perfect day!
BUT, I got to my salon at 9:25 and the girl that was to fix my hair wasn't there yet. No biggie, but by 9:50 I was grinding my teeth and I was getting quite tense. It wasn't like my stylist to be late. Getting more and more tense, I finally asked a girl if she'd heard from her; she hadn't. Finally, another stylist came in the door and explained to me that my stylist was in the ER with her daughter, but that she do put color on my hair after she did the same for her own patron. It was awfully sweet of her to take me and I am extremely appreciative, but that put me off my schedule by two hours.
After being at the salon for 45 minutes and still not in the chair, I started to de-stress. I began to unwind. I unclenched my jaws. I just let it all go. All the plans for the day, all the appointments, and even Ingrid's Lobster Bisque. (You have to taste it to believe it.) You see, I could either stress myself all out or just go with the flow, which truth be told, was the only thing I could do. Short of leaving with my roots showing (and we know that wasn't going to happen), I really had no choice but to set there so I might as well let it go.
By this simple decision to not let myself get all uptight, the day still turned out perfect; just the way it was always meant to be. We had lunch at home. We skipped Steinmart all together, but we made it to Whole Foods. They didn't have their Stolen this year, probably a good thing because I would have been tempted. We made a quick trip to Sprouts for produce. We didn't take in a movie, but we made it to Sam's. Home by 4:45. A perfect day!
I hope your day was perfect. I hope that you are having a chance to reflect the true meaning of Christmas and can let all the stress and strife all go.
Not the day I had planned, but a PERFECT DAY!
I love you.
Now I just need to de-stress about my laptop. I'm using the hubbies, but after Christmas...........
During the night last night, I planned our whole day; a perfect pre-Christmas Day stressless day. A day of fun as a reward for getting all the shopping and wrapping done. I was going to: 1) Get my hair colored at 9:30. 2) Pick up hubby. 3) Be at Ingrid's Kitchen for Lobster Bisque at 11:15. 4) Be at Steinmart at 12:00 for a little shopping and looking for myself. 5) Be at Whole Foods by 12:45. 6. Movie around 2:00. 7) Be at Sam's Club by 4:45. 8) Home by 6:00. A treat day. A perfect day!
BUT, I got to my salon at 9:25 and the girl that was to fix my hair wasn't there yet. No biggie, but by 9:50 I was grinding my teeth and I was getting quite tense. It wasn't like my stylist to be late. Getting more and more tense, I finally asked a girl if she'd heard from her; she hadn't. Finally, another stylist came in the door and explained to me that my stylist was in the ER with her daughter, but that she do put color on my hair after she did the same for her own patron. It was awfully sweet of her to take me and I am extremely appreciative, but that put me off my schedule by two hours.
After being at the salon for 45 minutes and still not in the chair, I started to de-stress. I began to unwind. I unclenched my jaws. I just let it all go. All the plans for the day, all the appointments, and even Ingrid's Lobster Bisque. (You have to taste it to believe it.) You see, I could either stress myself all out or just go with the flow, which truth be told, was the only thing I could do. Short of leaving with my roots showing (and we know that wasn't going to happen), I really had no choice but to set there so I might as well let it go.
By this simple decision to not let myself get all uptight, the day still turned out perfect; just the way it was always meant to be. We had lunch at home. We skipped Steinmart all together, but we made it to Whole Foods. They didn't have their Stolen this year, probably a good thing because I would have been tempted. We made a quick trip to Sprouts for produce. We didn't take in a movie, but we made it to Sam's. Home by 4:45. A perfect day!
I hope your day was perfect. I hope that you are having a chance to reflect the true meaning of Christmas and can let all the stress and strife all go.
Not the day I had planned, but a PERFECT DAY!
I love you.
Now I just need to de-stress about my laptop. I'm using the hubbies, but after Christmas...........
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Rambling Christmas Thoughts
I haven't written in ages due to a faulty laptop which now seems to be working; like magic. Now don't tell anyone this, but I think the security people messed it up deliberately. I say that in jest, but it all started when I failed to renew my security protection and suddenly has fixed itself after I renewed. Could it be??????? Hubby told me to be careful because I was sounding cynical. I learned it from the master.
So since it is working and since I really don't have my thoughts in order enough to actually post anything of sentimental value, I thought I just start listing my rambling thoughts that have been running through my mind lately.
1. Why did they take the hopped up on caffeine Target lady off their commercials? I know people just like her and they definitely get in their zone when Target is their destination. Mindy, I'm talking about you!!
2. Why is it raining when I have the time and desire to make divinity? If I have to explain that to you, then you don't make candy.
3. Yesterday, on the way to the car, I saw a woman who was wearing the cutest top; a 4 inch trim of sequins around the bottom and the 3/4 sleeves. Anyway, I told her it was pretty. She never said a word, but her husband who was a few steps behind, rather loudly told me thank you. She definitely heard me, but I wonder why she didn't acknowledge a compliment. She must have been in a hurry, but I could tell the husband thought she was being rude.
4. I don't like music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Just don't.
5. I have all my Christmas shopping done except two gifts which are simple ones.
6. I have made a double batch of Fantasy Fudge with pecans. I weighed the candy--6 pounds 13 ounces. It is in the refrigerator. Hopefully!
.
7. I love colored lights on my tree. Oh the solid colors are very beautiful and glamorous, but I like all different colors. The hubby and I are in agreement and we have decided that is because we have such fond memories of our childhood Christmases. We both had colored lights on our trees--precious memories.
8. I start listening to Christmas music the week before Thanksgiving. Love it! Nowadays it is so much easier to find the old standards; satellite radio, Pandora, etc. There is one CD I really want and hope to get this week--Seth MacFarlane's Holiday for Swing. Who knew Seth could sing?
9. I am not going to make Aunt Betty's (my actual Aunt Betty--a real Aunt Betty) Peanut Brittle. First time in 42 years............hmmmm.............maybe I ought to make it after all.
10. I can't wait till Tara and Rhonda get here. I get all giddy thinking of all the Mexican restaurants to try.......a few new ones, maybe.
11. and lights...........always a "look at lights" night for us Tuckers. Nichols Hills and Chesapeake, here we come! Which reminds me of the time when I was a teenager when two car loads of us Dawkins' were out looking at lights in the big city. We either made a wrong turn or someone deliberately decided we needed to check out the Oklahoma City Country Club. Oh yes we did, two car loads of us drove right up to the front door; valets ready to open our doors and park our cars. Don't look at them and keep on driving like we know what we are doing. That same night there was someone who was driving on the wrong side of I44, coming right towards us. I was in the first car and I remember looking back to make sure our family members in the second car avoided that car. It was scary, but God was watching over us all.
12. I just love the Salvation Army bell ringers. Again, it must be a childhood memory thing because it warms my heart to know there are folks that take time to volunteer. It saddens me, though, to know of people who are suffering.
13. We bought 4 Christmas movies to replace those that have been ravaged by time and abuse. We have an entire month's worth of movies that we view each year, saving our favorites for the week before Christmas. There are several old black and white movies with a Christmas theme that we have discovered in the last 5 years. Yes, they are cheesy, but they are cute and you see all the period clothing and décor. I love that!
14. I don't like to wrap presents, but, guess what. I have all mine wrapped and all that Rhonda has sent so far.
15. Hot chocolate!! Tara has been texting me for more than a month that we are going to McDonald's to get hot chocolate when she comes. Did I already say I cannot wait till she gets here? By the way, McDonald's does have the best hot chocolate.
This is getting long........and I have so much more to say. Oh well, more next time boys and girls. I think I will blog something tomorrow that you will find nostalgic. Stay tuned.
I love you.
So since it is working and since I really don't have my thoughts in order enough to actually post anything of sentimental value, I thought I just start listing my rambling thoughts that have been running through my mind lately.
1. Why did they take the hopped up on caffeine Target lady off their commercials? I know people just like her and they definitely get in their zone when Target is their destination. Mindy, I'm talking about you!!
2. Why is it raining when I have the time and desire to make divinity? If I have to explain that to you, then you don't make candy.
3. Yesterday, on the way to the car, I saw a woman who was wearing the cutest top; a 4 inch trim of sequins around the bottom and the 3/4 sleeves. Anyway, I told her it was pretty. She never said a word, but her husband who was a few steps behind, rather loudly told me thank you. She definitely heard me, but I wonder why she didn't acknowledge a compliment. She must have been in a hurry, but I could tell the husband thought she was being rude.
4. I don't like music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Just don't.
5. I have all my Christmas shopping done except two gifts which are simple ones.
6. I have made a double batch of Fantasy Fudge with pecans. I weighed the candy--6 pounds 13 ounces. It is in the refrigerator. Hopefully!
.
7. I love colored lights on my tree. Oh the solid colors are very beautiful and glamorous, but I like all different colors. The hubby and I are in agreement and we have decided that is because we have such fond memories of our childhood Christmases. We both had colored lights on our trees--precious memories.
8. I start listening to Christmas music the week before Thanksgiving. Love it! Nowadays it is so much easier to find the old standards; satellite radio, Pandora, etc. There is one CD I really want and hope to get this week--Seth MacFarlane's Holiday for Swing. Who knew Seth could sing?
9. I am not going to make Aunt Betty's (my actual Aunt Betty--a real Aunt Betty) Peanut Brittle. First time in 42 years............hmmmm.............maybe I ought to make it after all.
10. I can't wait till Tara and Rhonda get here. I get all giddy thinking of all the Mexican restaurants to try.......a few new ones, maybe.
11. and lights...........always a "look at lights" night for us Tuckers. Nichols Hills and Chesapeake, here we come! Which reminds me of the time when I was a teenager when two car loads of us Dawkins' were out looking at lights in the big city. We either made a wrong turn or someone deliberately decided we needed to check out the Oklahoma City Country Club. Oh yes we did, two car loads of us drove right up to the front door; valets ready to open our doors and park our cars. Don't look at them and keep on driving like we know what we are doing. That same night there was someone who was driving on the wrong side of I44, coming right towards us. I was in the first car and I remember looking back to make sure our family members in the second car avoided that car. It was scary, but God was watching over us all.
12. I just love the Salvation Army bell ringers. Again, it must be a childhood memory thing because it warms my heart to know there are folks that take time to volunteer. It saddens me, though, to know of people who are suffering.
13. We bought 4 Christmas movies to replace those that have been ravaged by time and abuse. We have an entire month's worth of movies that we view each year, saving our favorites for the week before Christmas. There are several old black and white movies with a Christmas theme that we have discovered in the last 5 years. Yes, they are cheesy, but they are cute and you see all the period clothing and décor. I love that!
14. I don't like to wrap presents, but, guess what. I have all mine wrapped and all that Rhonda has sent so far.
15. Hot chocolate!! Tara has been texting me for more than a month that we are going to McDonald's to get hot chocolate when she comes. Did I already say I cannot wait till she gets here? By the way, McDonald's does have the best hot chocolate.
This is getting long........and I have so much more to say. Oh well, more next time boys and girls. I think I will blog something tomorrow that you will find nostalgic. Stay tuned.
I love you.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
New Dishwasher
Well it is gone. After 27 years and 11 months, it is gone. They took it off this morning and I sighed just a little. And this is the part you are NOT going to believe. The thing was still working. You know how the Tucker's make things last and last. If it works, why get something new. I am just a little bit surprised that we gave up the old rotary dial phone. After nearly 28 years, I finally have a new dishwasher. It has been a good one--that old dishwasher of mine. Only the $99 pump was replaced. (I have receipts of all my appliances and repairs. I am married to an engineer. Who knows when this information might be used as a blog post?) I have written about this old machine a few times when the hubby was able to work his magic and keep that old thing running for a few more years much to my chagrin.
It's gone now! I would like to tell you that I almost miss the old thing, but not really. Yes, it was working and I used it yesterday, but it wasn't getting the dishes as clean as I thought it should...........and I really wanted to have something that didn't sound like a freight train coming through the kitchen. Well, I sure can't hear the new one, but, then again, my family quotes a line in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to me often. "You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a dynamite factory."
That's about all that's happening here at the homestead. Do you think the new machine will last 28 years?
I love you.
It's gone now! I would like to tell you that I almost miss the old thing, but not really. Yes, it was working and I used it yesterday, but it wasn't getting the dishes as clean as I thought it should...........and I really wanted to have something that didn't sound like a freight train coming through the kitchen. Well, I sure can't hear the new one, but, then again, my family quotes a line in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to me often. "You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a dynamite factory."
That's about all that's happening here at the homestead. Do you think the new machine will last 28 years?
I love you.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Fathom Draft
I feel a fathom draft.
I get up every morning and put on my makeup. I look good.........well, as good as I can under the circumstances. I try to look pretty good because, now, my job is being retired. A pretty good job I must say. During the night I decided that today I would clean my kitchen sink with bleach. You don't ever want to wear good clothes when you work with bleach..............so I grabbed my old favorite, paint splattered, bleach stained, ripped jeans (but the cool, sexy kind of rips---yeah, right!! A 60-something year old woman is not a good model for sexy ripped jeans!! NOPE.) Nonetheless, my old faded 505 Levi's are indeed ripped--didn't buy them that way. But hey, they are 12 years old and entitled to a rip or two. One rip was one just below the back pocket.....one of those rips where the horizontal threads were the only thing holding it together. Not a biggie at that point. It would be covered with my longer t-shirt.
I continued my cleaning chores, cleaning the sink, mopping, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. At every bending motion I felt them ripping just a tad more. I felt cool air....by George, these jeans are going to hold together till I finish cleaning. I don't want to stop and change clothes. I continue on. Rip.......... rip.......... rip.
Then the hubby's friend calls to tell us he is coming over. I ask the hubby if he thinks Marvin wold be able to see this, pointing to the rip on my booty. "Uh, yeah. It wasn't that big this morning. The rip I mean. Your butt was." Oh no, he didn't just say that! Then we laughed..........a little uncomfortably on his part. I told him I would just keep my shirt pulled down and it would be fine. Besides they would be outside so chance of anyone seeing my sexy back side. I continued cleaning, ripping a little more with each bend until my jeans were getting more and more comfortable and a little more drafty. A lot drafty! I felt back there. Wow, that rip is from seam to seam.
Shoot. Now I have to take off and I will never get back on the cleaning track. Oh well. That's okay because I wanted to rest anyway. But now, even in my clean non-ripped jeans, I feel this fathom draft. I still feel the cool air.
Fathom draft.........that's what it is. But nobody saw my booty today!
I love you.
I get up every morning and put on my makeup. I look good.........well, as good as I can under the circumstances. I try to look pretty good because, now, my job is being retired. A pretty good job I must say. During the night I decided that today I would clean my kitchen sink with bleach. You don't ever want to wear good clothes when you work with bleach..............so I grabbed my old favorite, paint splattered, bleach stained, ripped jeans (but the cool, sexy kind of rips---yeah, right!! A 60-something year old woman is not a good model for sexy ripped jeans!! NOPE.) Nonetheless, my old faded 505 Levi's are indeed ripped--didn't buy them that way. But hey, they are 12 years old and entitled to a rip or two. One rip was one just below the back pocket.....one of those rips where the horizontal threads were the only thing holding it together. Not a biggie at that point. It would be covered with my longer t-shirt.
I continued my cleaning chores, cleaning the sink, mopping, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. At every bending motion I felt them ripping just a tad more. I felt cool air....by George, these jeans are going to hold together till I finish cleaning. I don't want to stop and change clothes. I continue on. Rip.......... rip.......... rip.
Then the hubby's friend calls to tell us he is coming over. I ask the hubby if he thinks Marvin wold be able to see this, pointing to the rip on my booty. "Uh, yeah. It wasn't that big this morning. The rip I mean. Your butt was." Oh no, he didn't just say that! Then we laughed..........a little uncomfortably on his part. I told him I would just keep my shirt pulled down and it would be fine. Besides they would be outside so chance of anyone seeing my sexy back side. I continued cleaning, ripping a little more with each bend until my jeans were getting more and more comfortable and a little more drafty. A lot drafty! I felt back there. Wow, that rip is from seam to seam.
Shoot. Now I have to take off and I will never get back on the cleaning track. Oh well. That's okay because I wanted to rest anyway. But now, even in my clean non-ripped jeans, I feel this fathom draft. I still feel the cool air.
Fathom draft.........that's what it is. But nobody saw my booty today!
I love you.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
No Comments?
Good morning everyone. As much as I talk about the evils of the Internet, there are certain Internet rituals I have to do every morning. Here they are and in no particular order.
1. I open my email (only to discover all 26 emails are from people trying to sell me something) Where did all my friends go..........the ones that used to email? I say in jest, but I miss all those long emails my family used to send. Now it is a quick one-liner.
2. I check out Facebook. (I am trying to give that a miss. It is too taxing on my emotional state {put a smiley face here}. It is an addiction and hard to kick the habit of looking. I feel like a peeping Tom looking through some people's windows.)
3. I check out the www.redriver.org webcam to see what has changed overnight there.
4. I must check out Pinterest to see if anyone I know has pinned something interesting that I need to pin.
5. I check out www.agirlgonegourmet.blogspot.com to see if my little girl has posted anything.
6. I have to check out my blog to see how many grammatical errors I have made on the last post (and to see if anybody commented -- side note -- nobody ever does....which brings me to number 7.
7. Checking out www.thepioneerwoman.com . Naturally she is a favorite of mine, but evidently she is a favorite amongst all the other woman in the USA and other countries........the woman has her own TV show for Pete's sake. Today, however, I was beginning to feel sorry for her. You see, I clicked on her website to read a post and there were ZERO comments. I must have clicked on it as soon as she hit PUBLISH. So....... after I read it, I refreshed my screen and there was ONE comment. How can that be???? Then about 5 minutes later I refreshed and there were TEN comments. Should I start feeling sorry for her? After all, this is a woman who can write "Hi" and 80,000 people say hi back. But ten comments in five minutes! Is she beginning to feel rejected, a has been???? Does she feel like nobody loves her? Is she going to have to go eat worms? Nah..........I think not. She's pretty much got it all.
Not feeling rejected. No, I'm not feeling rejected. Not at all, for I, too, have it all. Now I am going back over the PW to see how many comments she has.
I love you.
1. I open my email (only to discover all 26 emails are from people trying to sell me something) Where did all my friends go..........the ones that used to email? I say in jest, but I miss all those long emails my family used to send. Now it is a quick one-liner.
2. I check out Facebook. (I am trying to give that a miss. It is too taxing on my emotional state {put a smiley face here}. It is an addiction and hard to kick the habit of looking. I feel like a peeping Tom looking through some people's windows.)
3. I check out the www.redriver.org webcam to see what has changed overnight there.
4. I must check out Pinterest to see if anyone I know has pinned something interesting that I need to pin.
5. I check out www.agirlgonegourmet.blogspot.com to see if my little girl has posted anything.
6. I have to check out my blog to see how many grammatical errors I have made on the last post (and to see if anybody commented -- side note -- nobody ever does....which brings me to number 7.
7. Checking out www.thepioneerwoman.com . Naturally she is a favorite of mine, but evidently she is a favorite amongst all the other woman in the USA and other countries........the woman has her own TV show for Pete's sake. Today, however, I was beginning to feel sorry for her. You see, I clicked on her website to read a post and there were ZERO comments. I must have clicked on it as soon as she hit PUBLISH. So....... after I read it, I refreshed my screen and there was ONE comment. How can that be???? Then about 5 minutes later I refreshed and there were TEN comments. Should I start feeling sorry for her? After all, this is a woman who can write "Hi" and 80,000 people say hi back. But ten comments in five minutes! Is she beginning to feel rejected, a has been???? Does she feel like nobody loves her? Is she going to have to go eat worms? Nah..........I think not. She's pretty much got it all.
Not feeling rejected. No, I'm not feeling rejected. Not at all, for I, too, have it all. Now I am going back over the PW to see how many comments she has.
I love you.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Canned Whole Tomatoes
Sometimes I wonder if in the next few generations certain items will disappear off the grocery shelves. Have you noticed we already have cooked cubed potatoes in the produce aisle? Who would ever guess that? We have instant potatoes. We have frozen hash browns. Will fresh potatoes disappear one of these days.
All this brings me to Canned Whole Tomatoes. I was making stew yesterday and right at the end of the process I put in a can of whole tomatoes. Oh how my mom loved canned whole tomatoes. I remember her opening a can in the middle of winter and pouring them in a bowl and serving them with the night's meal. Sometimes they were just an opened tin can from the cupboard, but often they were from the cellar.....those she herself had canned that summer. They were so good. So cold. A delicious treat. I used to serve this once in a while to my own family............then I stopped and I don't know why. So yesterday, I treated myself to one of those red, juicy globes. It was still just as good as I remember.
Do you think canned tomatoes will be around in a few generations? Will there be a need for canned tomatoes or will they be buying stew by the quarts at the store? OH, WAIT THEY ALREADY DO!
I love you. Open me a can of tomatoes.
All this brings me to Canned Whole Tomatoes. I was making stew yesterday and right at the end of the process I put in a can of whole tomatoes. Oh how my mom loved canned whole tomatoes. I remember her opening a can in the middle of winter and pouring them in a bowl and serving them with the night's meal. Sometimes they were just an opened tin can from the cupboard, but often they were from the cellar.....those she herself had canned that summer. They were so good. So cold. A delicious treat. I used to serve this once in a while to my own family............then I stopped and I don't know why. So yesterday, I treated myself to one of those red, juicy globes. It was still just as good as I remember.
Do you think canned tomatoes will be around in a few generations? Will there be a need for canned tomatoes or will they be buying stew by the quarts at the store? OH, WAIT THEY ALREADY DO!
I love you. Open me a can of tomatoes.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Just Throw It Out
Just throw it out.
That is exactly what he did this afternoon. Just threw it out. What need do we have of old 3 inch, or was it 4, discs? For some reason we had a ton of them. Not only did he throw them out, he also threw away the cute little file boxes that were specifically designed for them. AND he threw away the DVD and CD plastic cases.............AND the transparency film (heaven only knows why we even had that...........probably a work related project). And he found a ream of 8 X 14 inch paper.........why do we need to save that? It will make great paper for the boys' drawings. Yes, we will pass that right on off to their mom for safe keeping out of my house!
Just going through the "computer room" just brought to mind how much technology has evolved since 1998 when we started accumulating such items. Even CDs and DVDs are fast becoming obsolete despite me still hanging on to my old 8-track player. Not going to ever come back. Nope, not going to come back.
BUT will all 1200 vinyl albums come back..............in the house I mean? Right now they have been moved to the building until after the carpet installation. Yes, I suspect they will. {sigh}
It's good to get new carpet. Just throw it out.
I love you.
That is exactly what he did this afternoon. Just threw it out. What need do we have of old 3 inch, or was it 4, discs? For some reason we had a ton of them. Not only did he throw them out, he also threw away the cute little file boxes that were specifically designed for them. AND he threw away the DVD and CD plastic cases.............AND the transparency film (heaven only knows why we even had that...........probably a work related project). And he found a ream of 8 X 14 inch paper.........why do we need to save that? It will make great paper for the boys' drawings. Yes, we will pass that right on off to their mom for safe keeping out of my house!
Just going through the "computer room" just brought to mind how much technology has evolved since 1998 when we started accumulating such items. Even CDs and DVDs are fast becoming obsolete despite me still hanging on to my old 8-track player. Not going to ever come back. Nope, not going to come back.
BUT will all 1200 vinyl albums come back..............in the house I mean? Right now they have been moved to the building until after the carpet installation. Yes, I suspect they will. {sigh}
It's good to get new carpet. Just throw it out.
I love you.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Happy Halloween 2014
OUR LITTLE TRICK OR TREATERS AND THEIR COUSINS
Good morning. Happy Halloween.
I am having a hot cup of coffee this morning and watching the leaves fall on this rather dreary looking, although not rainy, day. It is a totally beautiful day. I like these cloudy days. It makes me think of all things that I loved most about my childhood and my children's childhood.
Of course one of my children’s favorite holidays was Halloween. Think CANDY. I never had a lot of candy around the house back then. One thing I didn’t think having candy at hand was all that good for them……and our candy fund was almost always broke. Let me explain…………..we lived from payday to payday. So when Halloween rolled around each year, off they went to glean as much candy as their little plastic pumpkins would hold…………..or at least get it half way full. We didn’t take them outside out little neighborhood, but most of our neighbors were prepared to pass out handfuls of GOOD candy to each child. When only ten children haunt one’s neighborhood, you can afford to pass out the good kind. Back then we could also trust all our neighbors so when someone gave popcorn balls or cookies, we never gave it a thought to checking them.
Here’s to another great Halloween. Hope yours is safe and full of fun and CANDY.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
We Will Persevere
Wow, is it only Tuesday? This has been a month long week already and it is only Tuesday. I checked the calendar.
Since Monday, there have been five major developments in my life, all on the negative side. Oh, things will work out, one way or another, but for now, for people I hold dear to me, they seem insurmountable, or at least costly.
What will tomorrow bring? Who knows, but a breath of fresh air for regrouping would be nice. I thought bad news came in threes, not fives.
I write in jest, but some days just aren't all that funny. Have you ever been bombed with bad things?
I love you and we will persevere. Here's to the weekend! Let's get past this.
Since Monday, there have been five major developments in my life, all on the negative side. Oh, things will work out, one way or another, but for now, for people I hold dear to me, they seem insurmountable, or at least costly.
What will tomorrow bring? Who knows, but a breath of fresh air for regrouping would be nice. I thought bad news came in threes, not fives.
I write in jest, but some days just aren't all that funny. Have you ever been bombed with bad things?
I love you and we will persevere. Here's to the weekend! Let's get past this.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
I Need to Get More Sugar
It's Sunday night and the weekend is coming to a close. Kids will go back to school tomorrow, and many will head back to work..............but I won't! Sometimes I get all giggly on Sunday nights. I don't have to work tomorrow. I don't even know what I will do, but I suspect I will do something with apples.
I bought all these apples last week and my daughter and I made 1) My mom's fresh apple cake; 2) 2 loaves of apple bread with caramel glaze; 3) a loaf of Apple Fritter Bread; 4) a delicious apple pie; 5) Apple crunch bars; and 6) a pan of apple cream cheese bars.
We peeled and peeled apples. Luckily I have a peeler from Pampered Chef and well worth its price. It makes the most beautiful apple peeling strips. What to do with them.........all these peels. I found a recipe to make syrup using just water and peels and cores. All you do is cook the peelings and cores until they are softened and the cores mushy. Strain the juice; discard the peelings. Heat the juice with sugar. 10 cups of juice will need about 3 or 4 cups of sugar. Heat until temperature reaches 218 degrees. Continue cooking until syrupy.
Sounds easy peasy, huh? Au contraire mon ami! Au contraire! Nothing is ever that simple for me. I simmered and simmered and simmered and it just would not get syrupy. Finally I turned off the range, let the pan cool and refrigerated it. The taste was wonderful, a very light apple jelly taste. I kept thinking about it during the night and I just could bear to throw it out. What have I got to lose? So the next day I boiled it again. It was coming together nicely now. I took a little out to test the consistency. Not quite there. Boiled it a little longer, testing, boiling, testing, boiling and all of a sudden, it was ready. It was thickening so quickly that I removed it from the heat. I grabbed my jars and starting pouring this pink wonderful liquid, molten lava actually, into them.............both of them..............two one cup jars. All that liquid had boiled down to two small jars.
I couldn't wait to taste this glorious syrup so as soon as the lid popped (sealed), I opened it right back up. I grabbed a spoon to have a taste of my syrup. I put it in the jar and it would NOT sink into the liquid. So I began to force it. Finally I got about half the spoon bowl in and forced up the now caramel. You see, I boiled that liquid all the way through the syrup stage, all the way through the jelly stage, all the way through the gummy candy stage, all the way to the caramel stage and not far from the brittle stage.
I consider myself a great cook, but there are times when even the best cooks have disasters. But you know what, I am going to try this again this week with the rest of the apple peels. First I need to get more sugar.
I love you.
I bought all these apples last week and my daughter and I made 1) My mom's fresh apple cake; 2) 2 loaves of apple bread with caramel glaze; 3) a loaf of Apple Fritter Bread; 4) a delicious apple pie; 5) Apple crunch bars; and 6) a pan of apple cream cheese bars.
We peeled and peeled apples. Luckily I have a peeler from Pampered Chef and well worth its price. It makes the most beautiful apple peeling strips. What to do with them.........all these peels. I found a recipe to make syrup using just water and peels and cores. All you do is cook the peelings and cores until they are softened and the cores mushy. Strain the juice; discard the peelings. Heat the juice with sugar. 10 cups of juice will need about 3 or 4 cups of sugar. Heat until temperature reaches 218 degrees. Continue cooking until syrupy.
Sounds easy peasy, huh? Au contraire mon ami! Au contraire! Nothing is ever that simple for me. I simmered and simmered and simmered and it just would not get syrupy. Finally I turned off the range, let the pan cool and refrigerated it. The taste was wonderful, a very light apple jelly taste. I kept thinking about it during the night and I just could bear to throw it out. What have I got to lose? So the next day I boiled it again. It was coming together nicely now. I took a little out to test the consistency. Not quite there. Boiled it a little longer, testing, boiling, testing, boiling and all of a sudden, it was ready. It was thickening so quickly that I removed it from the heat. I grabbed my jars and starting pouring this pink wonderful liquid, molten lava actually, into them.............both of them..............two one cup jars. All that liquid had boiled down to two small jars.
I couldn't wait to taste this glorious syrup so as soon as the lid popped (sealed), I opened it right back up. I grabbed a spoon to have a taste of my syrup. I put it in the jar and it would NOT sink into the liquid. So I began to force it. Finally I got about half the spoon bowl in and forced up the now caramel. You see, I boiled that liquid all the way through the syrup stage, all the way through the jelly stage, all the way through the gummy candy stage, all the way to the caramel stage and not far from the brittle stage.
I consider myself a great cook, but there are times when even the best cooks have disasters. But you know what, I am going to try this again this week with the rest of the apple peels. First I need to get more sugar.
I love you.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Your Smile is Your Logo
Your smile is your logo,
your personality is your business card,
how you leave people feeling after
having an experience with you
becomes your trademark.
(Author Unknown)
This was a Facebook shared post by my niece today. I wanted to share it with you. This is so true!
Retirement brings about a certain "I've done it. I've paid my dues so get out of my way. You owe me!" attitude. I see it all the time. I do my shopping during the week and see lots of people my age or older out running errands. Some of these people are so rude I am embarrassed for them. Don't they realize that how they leave people feeling after having an experience with them just became their trademark? I know when they leave I am glad I am not married to that person or I am glad they aren't my neighbor or I am glad they aren't my mother.
Now I am not going to tell you that I am all smiles and giggles when I am out, but I have learned that being a little nicer sure has helped me acquire what I need from a sales person. If you can put a little smile on someone's face, it might be the only smile they get that day. How many smiles does it take to erase that unpleasant experience they had earlier......the one where the guy was screaming because he didn't understand what was needed to get his car tag.
Smiling doesn't take much effort. I have heard that it takes more muscles to make a frown than it does to smile. I don't want to be the crabby old woman that lives in the third house on the left. I don't want the sales person to roll her eyes to her coworker after I leave. Just smile!
Your smile is your logo.
I love you.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
It's the Coffee Talking
I have just had my two cups of coffee and, yes I am drinking the stuff again, and I am chomping at the bit (bet you haven't heard that phrase in years or perhaps you haven't heard it at all) to do some crafting, cooking, traveling, shopping, and cleaning--maybe a closet or two. I can't even believe I said the "clean" word since it is not a favorite pastime, but I might even break out the old dust rag.
There is something in that coffee I tell you. Something that makes my fingers just fly over the keys of this computer. You can't believe how fast I am typing this morning. Not going to say this is a grammatically correct post or that I used the correct punctuation though. Speaking of fingers flying over the keyboard--I am eternally grateful that my dad drove me crazy every Sunday night about me taking typing. Oh yes, he pushed me. He knew I didn't want to go to college so he was prepping me for some skills to have for the work place. So here I am many years later, after a career of doing a lot of typing, with my fingers positioned on the keyboard exactly as Mrs. Kelton taught me.
Well, that brings me back to today. Just what will I do today? Still have most of it ahead of me. I cannot convince my daughter that she needs to join me in my coffee zeal so I guess I need to get up and..........let's see.............hmmm...........maybe clean the pantry, yes that is what I will do. Or maybe I will dust..............I need to dust. I hate dusting!!! Or maybe I will cook up a bunch of freezer meals. I have plenty of near out of date pantry items. Or maybe I will make a wreath. I saw some Bittersweet on the back of the property. Or maybe I will shop. I need carpet so maybe I should shop for some. Or maybe I will travel. Okay, I could travel to the carpet store. Whew! I am tired just thinking of all the possibilities for today. Whew! I need another cup of coffee!!!!
It's the coffee talking.
I love you.
There is something in that coffee I tell you. Something that makes my fingers just fly over the keys of this computer. You can't believe how fast I am typing this morning. Not going to say this is a grammatically correct post or that I used the correct punctuation though. Speaking of fingers flying over the keyboard--I am eternally grateful that my dad drove me crazy every Sunday night about me taking typing. Oh yes, he pushed me. He knew I didn't want to go to college so he was prepping me for some skills to have for the work place. So here I am many years later, after a career of doing a lot of typing, with my fingers positioned on the keyboard exactly as Mrs. Kelton taught me.
Well, that brings me back to today. Just what will I do today? Still have most of it ahead of me. I cannot convince my daughter that she needs to join me in my coffee zeal so I guess I need to get up and..........let's see.............hmmm...........maybe clean the pantry, yes that is what I will do. Or maybe I will dust..............I need to dust. I hate dusting!!! Or maybe I will cook up a bunch of freezer meals. I have plenty of near out of date pantry items. Or maybe I will make a wreath. I saw some Bittersweet on the back of the property. Or maybe I will shop. I need carpet so maybe I should shop for some. Or maybe I will travel. Okay, I could travel to the carpet store. Whew! I am tired just thinking of all the possibilities for today. Whew! I need another cup of coffee!!!!
It's the coffee talking.
I love you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
They Don't Charge Old People, You Know
"They don't charge old people, you know." Yes, that is what the hubby said and I turned and glared at him.
To be truthful I knew that my license was free because I had hit that magic age, but I forgot about it. So I bounced my way right on in to get my new drivers license. After filling out some paperwork about voter registration (who knew they do that), the clerk walked off and I was completely immersed in looking at myself in the mirror at the end of the aisle. Pretty vain, huh, but I was all caught up admiring myself and thinking "dang, you look pretty good for an old woman of a certain age". All of sudden the clerk reappears and tells me to follow her down to the camera. Beginning to think I was loosing my memory, my short term--3 minute memory, I blurted out, "Did I pay?" She smiled her sweet smile and told me it was free. Free..........ah...........free!
I was still bouncing when I returned home, showing off my new license to my hubby; and by the way it is the best picture I have taken in years. He was impressed that I remembered to get a new one since that isn't the reason I went out this afternoon. I told him that it didn't cost me a thing, and he said, "They don't charge old people, you know." I glared!!!!
But here's how I really feel about it. I can either embrace getting older or I can deny it. Either way, there isn't a person out there that is going to believe I am younger than the age on my drivers license. I might as well embrace it; so embracing it, I am. So here is to a good day - a free license. Not everything is negative about aging.
They don't charge old people, you know.
I love you.
To be truthful I knew that my license was free because I had hit that magic age, but I forgot about it. So I bounced my way right on in to get my new drivers license. After filling out some paperwork about voter registration (who knew they do that), the clerk walked off and I was completely immersed in looking at myself in the mirror at the end of the aisle. Pretty vain, huh, but I was all caught up admiring myself and thinking "dang, you look pretty good for an old woman of a certain age". All of sudden the clerk reappears and tells me to follow her down to the camera. Beginning to think I was loosing my memory, my short term--3 minute memory, I blurted out, "Did I pay?" She smiled her sweet smile and told me it was free. Free..........ah...........free!
I was still bouncing when I returned home, showing off my new license to my hubby; and by the way it is the best picture I have taken in years. He was impressed that I remembered to get a new one since that isn't the reason I went out this afternoon. I told him that it didn't cost me a thing, and he said, "They don't charge old people, you know." I glared!!!!
But here's how I really feel about it. I can either embrace getting older or I can deny it. Either way, there isn't a person out there that is going to believe I am younger than the age on my drivers license. I might as well embrace it; so embracing it, I am. So here is to a good day - a free license. Not everything is negative about aging.
They don't charge old people, you know.
I love you.
Monday, October 13, 2014
And It Was Good
I fixed a wonderful meal tonight; a meal of old like Mom used to make. Cube steak, mashed potatoes, gravy and frozen corn that I had cut off the cob this summer. It was great! Hubby was delighted. We don't eat like that much anymore.
But...........oh................we used to. We used to eat like this everyday. When I was a girl, we raised our own beef and there was always meat in the freezer........lots of beef. Too much beef, they tell us today. Mom didn't care much for steak--grilled steak or charcoal steak, that is. But she was all about frying every cut including the T-bones and ribeyes. Yes, that was how she cooked it.......almost every meal was fried steak. Salt and peppered, floured and fried in shortening. Every time. And you know what, it was good.
And then I raised my own family, and I, too, had lots of beef in the freezer, thanks to my parents. I fixed lots of steaks, too, and I am my mother's daughter so I cooked them as I was taught. As the years went by, I learned that red meat isn't the most healthy thing to eat so we have gradually lessened it in our diets. Every once in a while though, I have to go back to the old ways and fix some cubed steak with gravy and tonight it was exceptional.
Doesn't it just amaze you how our diets have changed in the last 50 years or so. We lived out in the country and cows were a major part of our life. We didn't have pizza delivery. We didn't have a Dairy Queen on the next mile. We didn't even have a restaurant 10 miles away.........so we had a freezer.............so we had beef..............so we had fried steak every meal. It fed 5 kids. And it was good.
I love you.
But...........oh................we used to. We used to eat like this everyday. When I was a girl, we raised our own beef and there was always meat in the freezer........lots of beef. Too much beef, they tell us today. Mom didn't care much for steak--grilled steak or charcoal steak, that is. But she was all about frying every cut including the T-bones and ribeyes. Yes, that was how she cooked it.......almost every meal was fried steak. Salt and peppered, floured and fried in shortening. Every time. And you know what, it was good.
And then I raised my own family, and I, too, had lots of beef in the freezer, thanks to my parents. I fixed lots of steaks, too, and I am my mother's daughter so I cooked them as I was taught. As the years went by, I learned that red meat isn't the most healthy thing to eat so we have gradually lessened it in our diets. Every once in a while though, I have to go back to the old ways and fix some cubed steak with gravy and tonight it was exceptional.
Doesn't it just amaze you how our diets have changed in the last 50 years or so. We lived out in the country and cows were a major part of our life. We didn't have pizza delivery. We didn't have a Dairy Queen on the next mile. We didn't even have a restaurant 10 miles away.........so we had a freezer.............so we had beef..............so we had fried steak every meal. It fed 5 kids. And it was good.
I love you.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Football - Just Let It Go
Televised football games - particularly those involving The University of Oklahoma, are not relaxing for me. In fact they are more stressful than fun for me to watch. But if I am at home I am watching, sure that I will have a stroke with each missed touchdown. I am not a good sport. I am involved in the game almost as much as the coach.
Today was no different. The 4th quarter of the OU/Texas game began with surety that the game would go OUs way with little difficulty. But that last minute left me drained. A wider spread would have been nice, boys. We won!
All this anxiety reminds me of my dad. He used to get so involved in the game that finally he'd have to go outside to cool down. One day, he let it all go................ He just let it go. He watched many games after that, but he just let it go. I let it go a few years back............the day I went outside after a particularly bad, loosing play, and hit the chimes to the top of the roof. It let it go. But today I tried to grab it back and it was not pretty. I cried just a little after the win. What would I have done had they lost? I just need to let it go.
So I am going to just let it go.
I hope you are having a great day. It is a cool, cloudy day, 59 degrees in Oklahoma..........a perfect fall day for watching OU football. Wish daddy was here to "just let it go" with me. Did I tell you that daddy had an incomplete in his senior year just to go back to play football at Prague. It's true, I tell you. B and L, you'd better not do that.
I love you.
Today was no different. The 4th quarter of the OU/Texas game began with surety that the game would go OUs way with little difficulty. But that last minute left me drained. A wider spread would have been nice, boys. We won!
All this anxiety reminds me of my dad. He used to get so involved in the game that finally he'd have to go outside to cool down. One day, he let it all go................ He just let it go. He watched many games after that, but he just let it go. I let it go a few years back............the day I went outside after a particularly bad, loosing play, and hit the chimes to the top of the roof. It let it go. But today I tried to grab it back and it was not pretty. I cried just a little after the win. What would I have done had they lost? I just need to let it go.
So I am going to just let it go.
I hope you are having a great day. It is a cool, cloudy day, 59 degrees in Oklahoma..........a perfect fall day for watching OU football. Wish daddy was here to "just let it go" with me. Did I tell you that daddy had an incomplete in his senior year just to go back to play football at Prague. It's true, I tell you. B and L, you'd better not do that.
I love you.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Here's to Falling Acorns
Good evening everybody. Lots going on here the past few weeks. Sorry for not posting, but frankly, I have had so many distractions that posting took a back seat and that is a good thing. For a change, most of them were great distractions. Believe it or not, there's a whole world out there.
To bring you, or perhaps myself, up to speed, I am back walking. At least I walked tonight. Does that actually mean I am back to walking? Maybe I should take a wait and see on that one.
But for tonight...........we walked. I know I have told you about our little 5 acres in our little area of the good old USA, but every time I am outside I am reminded how blessed I am. I can walk right down the center of the road, and rarely do I see a car. If I do, more than likely it is a neighbor and the window rolls down for a bit of conversation. Can't beat that. We do have good neighbors.
A wonderful place.............this place of ours................with only the sharp tin snap of a bat hitting a ball in the far distance to disturb the peace and quiet.................or an acorn falling..................or a dried leaf drifting through the trees...............this place of ours is....................HOME!
Here's to falling acorns.
I love you.
To bring you, or perhaps myself, up to speed, I am back walking. At least I walked tonight. Does that actually mean I am back to walking? Maybe I should take a wait and see on that one.
But for tonight...........we walked. I know I have told you about our little 5 acres in our little area of the good old USA, but every time I am outside I am reminded how blessed I am. I can walk right down the center of the road, and rarely do I see a car. If I do, more than likely it is a neighbor and the window rolls down for a bit of conversation. Can't beat that. We do have good neighbors.
A wonderful place.............this place of ours................with only the sharp tin snap of a bat hitting a ball in the far distance to disturb the peace and quiet.................or an acorn falling..................or a dried leaf drifting through the trees...............this place of ours is....................HOME!
Here's to falling acorns.
I love you.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Just a Little Beat
Remember, kids, when daddy would hear a good song and he'd raise his index finger as if directing the music. It wasn't long before he would raise his hand just a bit and you knew he was totally immersed in the beat.
Well, last night the gentleman setting beside me at the Tommy Emmanuel concert did exactly the same thing, just like daddy did. You could tell he was thoroughly enjoying the concert, but at the same time, with just a lifted finger and now and again his hand, you knew he was slightly embarrassed to be demonstrating his love of the music.
I don't know where all my family (not me, of course) gets their musical talent, but I suspect it was Grandpa Dawkins for he played the mandolin. One thing I remember about Grandma was her love of music, too. She told me she could tell if someone was enjoying the music because they would tap their feet to the beat, and if not their feet, their hands were moving.
So last night we were all enjoying the music. Feet were tapping, fingers were moving, hands were clapping..............all to the beat. And with Tommy singing "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" and the man moving his finger and then his hand.....................well it brought back lots of memories............of daddy. Just a little beat...............
Here is a rendition of the song by Chet Atkins. You might shed a tear.
https://www.google.com/#q=chet+atkins+i+still+can't+say+goodbye
I love you.
I wrote a blog post similar to this several years ago. I hope you can access this.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4357230006685238784#editor/target=post;postID=1738699947036538280;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=400;src=postname
Well, last night the gentleman setting beside me at the Tommy Emmanuel concert did exactly the same thing, just like daddy did. You could tell he was thoroughly enjoying the concert, but at the same time, with just a lifted finger and now and again his hand, you knew he was slightly embarrassed to be demonstrating his love of the music.
I don't know where all my family (not me, of course) gets their musical talent, but I suspect it was Grandpa Dawkins for he played the mandolin. One thing I remember about Grandma was her love of music, too. She told me she could tell if someone was enjoying the music because they would tap their feet to the beat, and if not their feet, their hands were moving.
So last night we were all enjoying the music. Feet were tapping, fingers were moving, hands were clapping..............all to the beat. And with Tommy singing "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" and the man moving his finger and then his hand.....................well it brought back lots of memories............of daddy. Just a little beat...............
Here is a rendition of the song by Chet Atkins. You might shed a tear.
https://www.google.com/#q=chet+atkins+i+still+can't+say+goodbye
I love you.
I wrote a blog post similar to this several years ago. I hope you can access this.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4357230006685238784#editor/target=post;postID=1738699947036538280;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=400;src=postname
Monday, September 15, 2014
My Little Barbed Wire Memory
Tonight are watching a documentary about Route 66 through the eyes of Billy Connolly. Such a very interesting perspective of the old Route 66. There are so many people around the world who would like nothing more than travel our USA Route 66.
Anyway, tonight Billy Connolly stopped in McClain, TX, to visit the Devil's Rope Museum. Devil's Rope as in barbed wire. You can click on here just in case you are in McClain, TX, as we will be very, very soon on our trip out west. Who knows we might just stop in.
Of course, you know I have a barbed wire memory, don't you? The year was 1966, the month was May and I was just about ready to graduate. I had on a blue and white gingham dress that my mother had made for me. It was Senior Night and I was really excited because my parents said I could take the car to Shawnee after it was over. So I jump out of the car and ran to the house to change my clothes before taking off. I was to meet my cousin in just a little bit.
And here's where it all goes wrong. I forgot that dad had put up a barbed wire fence, an electric barbed wire, one strand of wire, around the house to keep the cows from getting in the yard. So here I go, running as fast as I can. Got to change clothes and get back on the road. I forgot about the wire until the very last minute, but before running into it head-long, I ducked down. I ducked down just in time................almost. I ducked under the wire, but barely and that barb ripped the skin on my back every 1/2 inch for 6 inches. Not only my skin was ripped, but my brand new dress, the dress mom made for me just for Senior Night was in shreds. By the time I got my dress off, blood was oozing from every nick. I was in pain. You'd think that would keep me home. You'd be wrong. I just cleaned myself up, added bandages and off to Sonic I went.
What a great fun memory. I still have the tiny scars to prove this story. And bless Mom's heart, she was able to mend that dress by cutting a piece of the fabric on the bias to cover the holes. I remember the exuberance I felt that night. Excited that I was going to Shawnee, excited that I was graduating, excited for all the unknown years ahead of me.
That's it. My Little Barbed Wire Memory
I love you.
Oh yes, I have another one involving the new car that I wrote about that somewhere in this blog.
Anyway, tonight Billy Connolly stopped in McClain, TX, to visit the Devil's Rope Museum. Devil's Rope as in barbed wire. You can click on here just in case you are in McClain, TX, as we will be very, very soon on our trip out west. Who knows we might just stop in.
Of course, you know I have a barbed wire memory, don't you? The year was 1966, the month was May and I was just about ready to graduate. I had on a blue and white gingham dress that my mother had made for me. It was Senior Night and I was really excited because my parents said I could take the car to Shawnee after it was over. So I jump out of the car and ran to the house to change my clothes before taking off. I was to meet my cousin in just a little bit.
And here's where it all goes wrong. I forgot that dad had put up a barbed wire fence, an electric barbed wire, one strand of wire, around the house to keep the cows from getting in the yard. So here I go, running as fast as I can. Got to change clothes and get back on the road. I forgot about the wire until the very last minute, but before running into it head-long, I ducked down. I ducked down just in time................almost. I ducked under the wire, but barely and that barb ripped the skin on my back every 1/2 inch for 6 inches. Not only my skin was ripped, but my brand new dress, the dress mom made for me just for Senior Night was in shreds. By the time I got my dress off, blood was oozing from every nick. I was in pain. You'd think that would keep me home. You'd be wrong. I just cleaned myself up, added bandages and off to Sonic I went.
What a great fun memory. I still have the tiny scars to prove this story. And bless Mom's heart, she was able to mend that dress by cutting a piece of the fabric on the bias to cover the holes. I remember the exuberance I felt that night. Excited that I was going to Shawnee, excited that I was graduating, excited for all the unknown years ahead of me.
That's it. My Little Barbed Wire Memory
I love you.
Oh yes, I have another one involving the new car that I wrote about that somewhere in this blog.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
I Miss Kay–I Miss Momma
A couple of days ago, my niece posted on Facebook that she missed her mom. Now her mom is alive and well and is right across town unless she is on a business trip, but she still missed her. I miss her mom, too. She lives right across town from me, too, but we never see each other. Oh maybe we see each other a couple times a year if one of us makes an effort, but not like we did when mom and dad were alive. New Years, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day, Memorial Day---these were all days where all the kids and most of the grandkids would probably be together because our common bond was momma and daddy. Our common bond is gone. Now, we each celebrate those holidays with our own individual families--never our paths to cross on most of those holidays.
To all my extended family, I love you for posting Facebook pictures of all the good times you are still having with your parents, but I am just a tad jealous. Cherish those times and let your siblings know how much they mean to you. Time goes so quickly and then that sibling bond, while not broken, is certainly stretched.
Yes, I miss Kay. I miss Momma. I miss them all. First row: Rhonda is OU shirt, Mom, Kay. Second row: Regina, Robert. Top row: Brenda – taken Christmas 2003. That is my family!!!!! My adored family.
I love you.
Friday, September 5, 2014
All This Makes for a Great Life
Last evening, we went back to the Boulevard Cafeteria. I have written about this cafeteria before, but last night was so entertaining I wanted to share it again. Every Thursday night an old guy plays the keyboard--not going to say he is the greatest pianist, but he sure knows a lot of tunes. And he takes requests. Anything from The Beatles to Bach and a lot of old show tunes and he is especially good with swing music. And anyway, there is just something about live music.....
Every time we have gone, there has been a group of older seniors (Older than us, can you believe it?) and last night they were in rare form. One gentleman was celebrating his 89th birthday, and we, of course, sang along when twenty or more of his friends sang Happy Birthday to him. I just marvel at these older folks and despite their ails and pains, they show up happy to be there enjoying one another, hugging and kissing as they come and go throughout the evening.
As we were enjoying watching these folks dance, recall songs, and try to remember who was in that movie with Deborah Kerr, in came a little tiny woman, all alone. The keyboardist reached out to her holding both her hands. It was obvious he knew her as he guided her to the others. I leaned to the hubby and said, "I think she drove herself." He replied, "You think so? Nah." "She came in alone. Do you see anyone with her?" Later, he said, "Look, she's holding her keys so I guess she did drive. Hmm" It was only a few songs later when we looked up and there she was dancing with another woman a few years younger than her. Yes, they were dancing a polka. Oh my, it was the most entertaining thing of the evening. The old woman was kicking up her legs almost waist high (I kid you not--at least 10 times), then she'd wiggle down and come back up without much struggle. All eyes were on her, getting applause in the middle of the dance for her moves. She was loudly applauded and well deserved.
I actually had tears in my eyes as I watched the old woman dance. We found out she was 94 years old, but I knew she was only 20 in her mind. She still thought of herself as the girl she had once been. In that moment, in front of all those folks, friends--strangers, she was 20. She still had it!
Oh, I hope I am like these older folks when I get their age. I would like nothing more than join a group of friends for some mediocre cafeteria food, some mediocre music, some mediocre dancing, but great time being with friends.........All this makes for a great evening........All this makes for a great life!
I love you!!!
Regarding the scarf post, I went to Versona yesterday and I actually bought a scarf. Let me clarify that statement. I did go to Versona and I did buy a scarf, but only so Audrey could play with it. There are so many pretty gewgaws (my mother-in-law used that word to describe anything bright and shiny), and my Audrey was grabbing at anything within or just beyond her reach. Hey, it was only $3.00 so why not?!? That kept her entertained the whole time we were in the store. So Audrey's mom gets the scarf.....she looks great in them.
Every time we have gone, there has been a group of older seniors (Older than us, can you believe it?) and last night they were in rare form. One gentleman was celebrating his 89th birthday, and we, of course, sang along when twenty or more of his friends sang Happy Birthday to him. I just marvel at these older folks and despite their ails and pains, they show up happy to be there enjoying one another, hugging and kissing as they come and go throughout the evening.
As we were enjoying watching these folks dance, recall songs, and try to remember who was in that movie with Deborah Kerr, in came a little tiny woman, all alone. The keyboardist reached out to her holding both her hands. It was obvious he knew her as he guided her to the others. I leaned to the hubby and said, "I think she drove herself." He replied, "You think so? Nah." "She came in alone. Do you see anyone with her?" Later, he said, "Look, she's holding her keys so I guess she did drive. Hmm" It was only a few songs later when we looked up and there she was dancing with another woman a few years younger than her. Yes, they were dancing a polka. Oh my, it was the most entertaining thing of the evening. The old woman was kicking up her legs almost waist high (I kid you not--at least 10 times), then she'd wiggle down and come back up without much struggle. All eyes were on her, getting applause in the middle of the dance for her moves. She was loudly applauded and well deserved.
I actually had tears in my eyes as I watched the old woman dance. We found out she was 94 years old, but I knew she was only 20 in her mind. She still thought of herself as the girl she had once been. In that moment, in front of all those folks, friends--strangers, she was 20. She still had it!
Oh, I hope I am like these older folks when I get their age. I would like nothing more than join a group of friends for some mediocre cafeteria food, some mediocre music, some mediocre dancing, but great time being with friends.........All this makes for a great evening........All this makes for a great life!
I love you!!!
Regarding the scarf post, I went to Versona yesterday and I actually bought a scarf. Let me clarify that statement. I did go to Versona and I did buy a scarf, but only so Audrey could play with it. There are so many pretty gewgaws (my mother-in-law used that word to describe anything bright and shiny), and my Audrey was grabbing at anything within or just beyond her reach. Hey, it was only $3.00 so why not?!? That kept her entertained the whole time we were in the store. So Audrey's mom gets the scarf.....she looks great in them.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
I want a New Scarf
I want a new scarf.............despite.................
Have you ever met women who always look just like they stepped out of the band box (now that is an old saying, isn't it)? There are several girls in my life who always looked perfect. Perfect makeup, perfect clothes, perfect accessories, perfect I tell you!
Accessories--a scarf is all the rage nowadays. One Tinker friend wears them a lot and they always look perfect on her. I have seen her wearing a scarf tied expertly so with one end over one shoulder and the other end over the other and that scarf never moved, never moved I tell you! Even huge scarves draped over one shoulder wouldn't budge a bit on her. She is ever so stylish and had the best accessories. Oh, but not me!
So, today when I got an email today from Versona bragging about their new fall scarf collection, I thought why not a new scarf. I don't wear them often because I cannot keep my hands off them....always adjusting, moving, twisting, restyling, and retying them. There is nothing cool or stylish when a woman can't keep her hands off her scarf. And did I mention that they look like I have a bed sheet wrapped around my neck? I blame that look on my top-heavy-ness. I can't quite pull off a scarf (but maybe that is ALL I can do with it).
Even after all the justification of why NOT to buy a scarf, I will try one more. Surely, this time, it will look great on me over my white cotton shirt and blue jeans. Nothing prettier than a white shirt, a blue scarf, and jeans. Just lovely for fall. Maybe this time, it will stay where I put it. Maybe this time I won't look like I have a sheet around my neck. I want a new scarf.
I love you for putting up with my silly little blog.
I love you.
Have you ever met women who always look just like they stepped out of the band box (now that is an old saying, isn't it)? There are several girls in my life who always looked perfect. Perfect makeup, perfect clothes, perfect accessories, perfect I tell you!
Accessories--a scarf is all the rage nowadays. One Tinker friend wears them a lot and they always look perfect on her. I have seen her wearing a scarf tied expertly so with one end over one shoulder and the other end over the other and that scarf never moved, never moved I tell you! Even huge scarves draped over one shoulder wouldn't budge a bit on her. She is ever so stylish and had the best accessories. Oh, but not me!
So, today when I got an email today from Versona bragging about their new fall scarf collection, I thought why not a new scarf. I don't wear them often because I cannot keep my hands off them....always adjusting, moving, twisting, restyling, and retying them. There is nothing cool or stylish when a woman can't keep her hands off her scarf. And did I mention that they look like I have a bed sheet wrapped around my neck? I blame that look on my top-heavy-ness. I can't quite pull off a scarf (but maybe that is ALL I can do with it).
Even after all the justification of why NOT to buy a scarf, I will try one more. Surely, this time, it will look great on me over my white cotton shirt and blue jeans. Nothing prettier than a white shirt, a blue scarf, and jeans. Just lovely for fall. Maybe this time, it will stay where I put it. Maybe this time I won't look like I have a sheet around my neck. I want a new scarf.
I love you for putting up with my silly little blog.
I love you.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Grandma Dawkins' Porch Swing
Tonight I got to keep the baby, but she was unhappy until I took her out to the porch swing. She immediately calmed down. Back.....creak.....forth.....creak.....back.....creak.....forth......creak. The pattern was mesmerizing to her and to me. The old swing was lolling that baby into a slumber that nothing other than her mother could provide.
I remember Grandma Dawkins' old swing, just to the right of the front door. One, or was it two, of the slats were broken on one end so the lucky kids would crowd up next to Grandma to swing (the safer side), but that always left somebody having to set on the broken part. Grandma was a nature lover so many discussions were held on that porch swing. We would swing for hours watching the birds bring bits of straw, string, or anything that could possibly make for a good nest at the top of the corner pillars. We'd wait for---ev---er to hear the little birds chirping when the momma bird would bring food to drop in their little mouths. Oh, the good times, the memories...............memories of a great childhood.
As I swung tonight, I recalled my older two grandchildren swinging just like our new little baby. Each infant had their time cuddling with Nana on that swing. As the boys got older they'd beg me to go higher and faster until old Nana was almost seasick. They loved it if the swing could hit the back wall. No doubt the baby will soon want to go faster and faster. Yes, the old swing is a keeper. Some day the kids might want to bring their babies to swing on Nana's swing.
There's no doubt that Grandma would use that swing every day even if we were not there. Air conditioning was unheard of so an afternoon on the swing created a pleasant breeze. I sure wish I had her old swing, but no doubt even if I had gotten it way back when, it would have rotted away by now. I'd love to swing another afternoon on her old swing, but only with her.
I love you.
I remember Grandma Dawkins' old swing, just to the right of the front door. One, or was it two, of the slats were broken on one end so the lucky kids would crowd up next to Grandma to swing (the safer side), but that always left somebody having to set on the broken part. Grandma was a nature lover so many discussions were held on that porch swing. We would swing for hours watching the birds bring bits of straw, string, or anything that could possibly make for a good nest at the top of the corner pillars. We'd wait for---ev---er to hear the little birds chirping when the momma bird would bring food to drop in their little mouths. Oh, the good times, the memories...............memories of a great childhood.
As I swung tonight, I recalled my older two grandchildren swinging just like our new little baby. Each infant had their time cuddling with Nana on that swing. As the boys got older they'd beg me to go higher and faster until old Nana was almost seasick. They loved it if the swing could hit the back wall. No doubt the baby will soon want to go faster and faster. Yes, the old swing is a keeper. Some day the kids might want to bring their babies to swing on Nana's swing.
There's no doubt that Grandma would use that swing every day even if we were not there. Air conditioning was unheard of so an afternoon on the swing created a pleasant breeze. I sure wish I had her old swing, but no doubt even if I had gotten it way back when, it would have rotted away by now. I'd love to swing another afternoon on her old swing, but only with her.
I love you.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Summer 2014 is Almost Over
I guess it is because I am getting older and I realize how quickly the days fly by, but it seems summer only gets started before it ends. Here it is the end of August, Labor Day is less than a week away. School has been in session over a week. The days are getting shorter and soon the leaves will be falling. And I scream, "I'm not ready to give you up, summer!! I still want to go to the zoo. I want to swim one last time--after all--I bought two swim suits this year. I haven't bought the boys a snow cone yet."
Although I only blog for my family, there are lots of days when I just can't write because this or that happened. I see bloggers writing day after day after day. I wonder, do they have any personal tragedies? How do they remain upbeat?
This summer was filled with personal sadness as were the previous three summers..............many days where I had no desire to get on the computer. Nothing seemed to be important. So.........even though I don't want the summer of 2014 to end, I will look forward to autumn. I am going to embrace autumn and all her colors with all my heart. I am looking for renewal and a hope for a brighter future. I am going to smile with a heart of thanksgiving. Who knows, maybe I will write a few more posts.........writing is really fun for me.
Summer 2014 is almost over.
I love you.
Although I only blog for my family, there are lots of days when I just can't write because this or that happened. I see bloggers writing day after day after day. I wonder, do they have any personal tragedies? How do they remain upbeat?
This summer was filled with personal sadness as were the previous three summers..............many days where I had no desire to get on the computer. Nothing seemed to be important. So.........even though I don't want the summer of 2014 to end, I will look forward to autumn. I am going to embrace autumn and all her colors with all my heart. I am looking for renewal and a hope for a brighter future. I am going to smile with a heart of thanksgiving. Who knows, maybe I will write a few more posts.........writing is really fun for me.
Summer 2014 is almost over.
I love you.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Just a Little Nibble
Just a little nibble.........
I am craving chocolate and not chocolate chips as the hubby tried to pawn off to me just now, but real chocolate candy. I am not a crazy chocolate lover, but every once in a while nothing will do but a bite of chocolate. Tonight's the time........just a little nibble of Mrs. See's chocolates. I want a whole box of Mrs. See's chocolates..............a whole box of assorted candies with nuts, preferably, to pick and choose the perfect flavor.
Full disclosure: I have been known to discretely sample my chocolates for just a little nibble and then put them back in the box to share with the hubby......if I don't like them, that is! Hubby is not real crazy of me sharing my chocolates once they have been nibbled on. So.........one Christmas, Pam B. gave me the neatest gift.............a chocolate sampler device, kind of like a tiny spoon/fork/knife combined. Now I can sample my chocolates without even touching them and even more discrete than ever before.
My daughter often tells the story of when my mom was in the hospital and I came in her room eating a cookie. Mom had been forbidden from eating anything that morning and there I was eating a cookie right in front of her. Mom said in her tiny voice, "Just a little nibble?" Tonight, Mom, I just want just a little nibble -- of chocolate. ............and Mom, I am sorry for eating that cookie in front of you.
I love you!!
I did not get my chocolate tonight and that's ok, but my icy Coke Zero is good, but doesn't taste one bit like chocolate.
I am craving chocolate and not chocolate chips as the hubby tried to pawn off to me just now, but real chocolate candy. I am not a crazy chocolate lover, but every once in a while nothing will do but a bite of chocolate. Tonight's the time........just a little nibble of Mrs. See's chocolates. I want a whole box of Mrs. See's chocolates..............a whole box of assorted candies with nuts, preferably, to pick and choose the perfect flavor.
Full disclosure: I have been known to discretely sample my chocolates for just a little nibble and then put them back in the box to share with the hubby......if I don't like them, that is! Hubby is not real crazy of me sharing my chocolates once they have been nibbled on. So.........one Christmas, Pam B. gave me the neatest gift.............a chocolate sampler device, kind of like a tiny spoon/fork/knife combined. Now I can sample my chocolates without even touching them and even more discrete than ever before.
My daughter often tells the story of when my mom was in the hospital and I came in her room eating a cookie. Mom had been forbidden from eating anything that morning and there I was eating a cookie right in front of her. Mom said in her tiny voice, "Just a little nibble?" Tonight, Mom, I just want just a little nibble -- of chocolate. ............and Mom, I am sorry for eating that cookie in front of you.
I love you!!
I did not get my chocolate tonight and that's ok, but my icy Coke Zero is good, but doesn't taste one bit like chocolate.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Audrey's Prayer
When I blog, I usually wait till the end of the post to decide what the subject will be. Today, however, I knew what the subject would be even before I opened the computer.
Today I held my little sleeping beauty during her two hour nap observing her every detail. I could not get enough of her sweetness. How tiny her hands still are even though she is now 5 months old; soft pale skin. Those beautiful little dimples on the back of her hands. How long her eyelashes are. How her mouth forms a perfect little O while she sleeps and how her mouth purses when I bend to kiss those sweet little baby lips. The smell of her baby breath escaping from that tiny mouth. The curls of her dark brown hair as she perspires against my arm. The flutter of her eyes as she fights to wake but just can't give up the comfort of her Nana’s bosom just a few more minutes of dreamless sleep.
As I held her and observed her, I began to think about her life and what she was about to begin. There is so much hope I have for her. One of these days, I hope she reads this...........when she is old enough to comprehend.
Audrey's Prayer
Father, I pray for my little Audrey, so precious in our sight, but,
more importantly, so precious in Your Sight. I pray that she will be a
Godly woman, a kind and compassionate woman.
I pray that she leads a life full of grace, and that she have
a naturally sweet spirit.
I pray that she will be strong, not to boast, and proud, but with humility.
Father, protect her, keep her safe.
Amen
I love you!!!
The next post I will have Nana’s advice for Miss Audrey, some might even be a bit silly.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Another School Year
Well, it started. Another school year - 2014-2015. That alone boggles my mind. How in the world did it get to 2014? Gosh, I remember thinking about the 2000s and not really comprehending the idea of another century. But that was in the 1960s and one day I closed my eyes, the next day I woke up and it was December 31, 1999 and we were staying up to see the year 2000.
But I digress. School has started and my two grandsons have started in new school due to changing school boundaries. I cannot tell you how proud of them I am. All my worries for the last 3 months were unfounded. Up until last week, their mom had planned on getting transfer letters for them to remain at the old school. After getting the letters, mom took them on a tour of the school just in case their transfer request was rejected. It didn't take them but a few moments to both decide the "new" school might be fun. So.............back they went to take back the transfer letters and at that moment I knew my boys were going to be ok. It was their decision and I believe it will be the right one for them.
Blaine loves his new school and his new teacher. His homeroom teacher and his wife were missionaries in Africa at one point so I know the stories this man will tell will be right down Blaine's alley. Logan..........well we will wait and see, but he did tell his mom that his teacher might be nice because she told all the other kids that they needed to look at Logan and do what he was doing. He is always quite proud when someone brags on him.
So………onward and upward to a good school year. I love you boys. You are still the age you were in this picture to me, not 10 and not 7. Very, very proud of you. Your nana wasn’t as brave as you.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Let’s Have a Salsa Party
It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring! What a wonderful summer shower we are experiencing. I walked outside just now and that wonderful earthy smell brings back all sorts of ‘way back when’ memories. But I’ve talked so much about memories so tonight I am going to show you something I canned this summer.
Ta-Da
Jars of salsa ready for the winter; however, we may have already opened a jar.
This is a recipe that has been known as Brenda’s salsa by the hubby, but we have
found out that it is actually Teresa’s recipe. I got the recipe from Shawna so
you can see, the recipe is a family favorite. I am not sure how the original
recipe reads, but here is a 4th generation of the original recipe. It turned out pretty good no matter
how far off from the original recipe.
Teresa/Brenda/Shawna/Regina Salsa
4 quarts fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 large onions, chopped
1 cup jalapenos, chopped (seeds and membranes removed according to desired heat)
1/2 cup vinegar
1/8 cup sugar – I didn’t use that much
2 1/2 Tablespoon salt
1/4 cup finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with a little water to make a paste
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons Mexican ground oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Combine vegetables and spices in a large pot. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for 45 minutes.
Ladle hot salsa into hot sterilized jars. Screw on new lids and turn upside down to seal.
Hey, anybody remember The Gossip Game? You would set in a circle and someone would start by whispering something in
the next person’s ear. That person would repeat what was whispered to him in the next person’s ear, and so on. You could not
ask the person to repeat what he whispered to you. It was always funny for the last person to say what was whispered to
him. It never, ever was the same as the original whisper. It was a good game to teach children how repeating something
can get misconstrued along the way…………so watch what you say!
I love you all.
Let’s have a salsa party.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Get Up and Deal With It
There is something compelling me to write tonight and I don't know why or what I will write about. I haven't written regularly in months, so I will begin and don't know where I will end...........hold on.............
Today has been one of those ordinary days, but there was nothing ordinary about it. I attended my very best couple friend's funeral. It was hard to say goodbye for so many reasons. How can I say goodbye to 40 years friendship? While we were different as night and day, I will miss that soft voice, that lovely smile.........and believe me, she had the best smile. I will miss her gentle spirit.
So today I said goodbye to her, I am not going to dwell on her death, but her courage in her darkest, sickest hours and look even further back to remember those Corvette trips, outings, vacations, dinners in each others' homes, eating out........... Fun times with a sweet girl.
As I was walking tonight, thinking of her, alone, I was sad and almost wanted to give up writing, give up Facebook, give up on emailing, give up on a lot of things. I wonder if anybody besides me ever has those moments when so much seems like such a huge effort. Jealousy reared its ugly head.......why can't I have a life like that, why can't I have that beautiful home, why can't I be so popular, why can't I have a boat and a new car at the same time, why can't I.............such ugly words..........why can't I. Oh I was having my pity party tonight.
When I got back to the house, cooled down a bit, and started to play a game of solitaire on the internet it hit me..............do I want to spend my hours playing solitaire or do I want to get into the game again? Do I want to stagnate or do I want to live life? I chose life and I chose it be happy. I chose the words "I have. I have. I have. I have so many, many blessings."
So here I am writing a silly blog...........nobody reads it except for a couple.............but therapy for me..........words to help clear my mind. I am pulling my big girl panties up and dealing with it. I have so many, many blessings.
I love you.
Today has been one of those ordinary days, but there was nothing ordinary about it. I attended my very best couple friend's funeral. It was hard to say goodbye for so many reasons. How can I say goodbye to 40 years friendship? While we were different as night and day, I will miss that soft voice, that lovely smile.........and believe me, she had the best smile. I will miss her gentle spirit.
So today I said goodbye to her, I am not going to dwell on her death, but her courage in her darkest, sickest hours and look even further back to remember those Corvette trips, outings, vacations, dinners in each others' homes, eating out........... Fun times with a sweet girl.
As I was walking tonight, thinking of her, alone, I was sad and almost wanted to give up writing, give up Facebook, give up on emailing, give up on a lot of things. I wonder if anybody besides me ever has those moments when so much seems like such a huge effort. Jealousy reared its ugly head.......why can't I have a life like that, why can't I have that beautiful home, why can't I be so popular, why can't I have a boat and a new car at the same time, why can't I.............such ugly words..........why can't I. Oh I was having my pity party tonight.
When I got back to the house, cooled down a bit, and started to play a game of solitaire on the internet it hit me..............do I want to spend my hours playing solitaire or do I want to get into the game again? Do I want to stagnate or do I want to live life? I chose life and I chose it be happy. I chose the words "I have. I have. I have. I have so many, many blessings."
So here I am writing a silly blog...........nobody reads it except for a couple.............but therapy for me..........words to help clear my mind. I am pulling my big girl panties up and dealing with it. I have so many, many blessings.
I love you.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce with Green Chilies
Good evening. I bet you never thought I was going to write again, but here I am.
The other day I made some delicious Chicken Enchiladas with sour cream sauce. I am posting this for a certain someone. You know how I love to use up every little bit of a rotisserie chicken so here's just another version, but it was better than all the others I have made.
The other day I made some delicious Chicken Enchiladas with sour cream sauce. I am posting this for a certain someone. You know how I love to use up every little bit of a rotisserie chicken so here's just another version, but it was better than all the others I have made.
Sour Cream Sauce with Green Chilies: I melted about 2 T. butter in a skillet and added probably 3 T. flour. Stir and cook until it is slightly golden--a simple roux. I added a tiny bit of garlic paste, probably 1/2 t. but that is subjective to your liking. I stirred in probably 1/3 to 1/2 cup chicken broth. At this point I added sour cream, a little over 1/2 cup. I kept tasting until I got the right taste of sour cream that I wanted. If it is too think, you might want to add more chicken broth. While it was heating, I added a couple tablespoons of canned green chilies. This sauce was so good, but as you can see, everything was added to "taste". *See below
Enchiladas: Shred a cup or more of rotisserie chicken. Sprinkle a little cumin over chicken and I added a couple T. of the green chilies and a 1/2 jar of Trader Joe's Green Enchilada Sauce. You don't want it soupy so be careful on the sauce. Chopped onions would have been great in this, but I didn't think of it. Add a layer of the chicken in a line across the center of a corn tortilla and roll up. (I heated the tortillas in a moist paper towel in the microwave to make them pliable.) Place in a casserole dish. This recipe made 6 enchiladas. I poured the rest of the Trader Joe's Green Chili Sauce and the rest of the can of green chilies over the tortillas. Put it in the oven and bake till heated through. About 10 minutes before it is done, pour the Sour Cream Sauce over the tortillas. *Here's where it gets a little interesting. Just before I poured the sauce over the tortillas, I realized I have a couple tablespoons of heavy cream in the frig that needed to be used so I added it to the sauce. It really added a richness which I loved.......even just using a little. So I poured it over the tortillas. And then I saw a couple of softened butter and thought..........hmmm...........a little butter never hurt anyone. So added pats of butter over the sauce and put the pan back into the oven. Over all that, I added a couple torn white cheddar slices. I was too lazy to shred. After 10 minutes it was bubbly and hot and delicious. The best sauce I have ever made.
I am sorry for not being more precise, but I taste as I go and if I need salt, I add salt. And I did add salt and pepper along the way. If the sauce was too thick, I just thinned it with either more sour cream, more chicken broth, or more chilies.
Hope you can use this sauce recipe someday. A lot of sauces seem start with a simple roux and you go from there adding ingredients for the flavors you want.
I love you.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Engineers
Do you read the Sunday Oklahoman? If you do, last Sunday you might have read Malcolm Berko's column in the Business section. It is titled "Is it the right time to put money in REITs?" A couple asked Mr. Berko a question about his take on an investment that their engineer friend had suggested. Mr. Berko answers, in part, as follows:
"I have a long-time friend who is an engineer and also a non-pareil stock picker. I've watched this guy pick stocks for 38 years -- and watched him buy stocks that looked like garbage but turned into gold. I came to the conclusion 205 years ago that engineers rather than politicians and lawyers should rule the world. Imagine for a moment that the president, the Cabinet and all the White House staff were engineers instead of lawyers.
Then imagine that members of Congress (47 percent are lawyers) were engineers. Without question, our tax code would be fair; the budget would be balanced; our public schools would be exceptional; poverty would be eliminated; welfare plummet; the trains would run on time; and there would be peace in the valley. Lawyers are America's terrorists but without guns or suicide vests."
Mr. Berko goes on to answer the couple's question regarding an investment of REITs, but it is take on engineers that causes me to laugh. If you have ever met or known an engineer, you might tend to agree with him.
I married one of these engineers and here's a little tongue in cheek of what I have learned from a union of 42 years.
If you want to do anything, and I repeat, anything on the spur of the moment - do NOT marry an engineer. Things have to be thought through thoroughly and there might be drawings involved.
If you want your engineer to handcraft an item, expect this project to take weeks and weeks, with drawing after drawing. Expect to see a list of parts needed with associated costs. Then expect to see a list of like items selling in the stores and a price comparison and the feasibility and practicality of the hand crafted item versus one from a store. By the way, an engineer's time is almost never accounted for in a price comparison. They work for free. If your engineer should finally decide that the project is worthwhile, there will be a build sheet, cost listed for all individual parts, and now in the digital age, pictures.
If you want a brand new car - do NOT ever marry an engineer -- do you know how much a car's value drops just driving it off the lot? Nope, not gonna happen in the Tucker house.
If you expect to have a new appliance now and again - do NOT marry an engineer. That engineer you married takes great delight in seeing just how long they can make an appliance last. Case in point, my dishwasher was bought in 1987 (I kid you not!) has been fixed probably 5 times.............the sucker just won't break to the point of not being fixable by my engineer hubby. On the positive side, an engineer can save you tons of money.
If you want to win at any trivia game - marry an engineer. They are the smartest people I have ever met with few exceptions who, come to think of it, are just non-degreed engineers themselves.
Engineers are NOT snappy dressers. Clothes are definitely not a first priority for most engineers. In fact, their clothes might be a little thread-bare. If they are still working, it wouldn't be that unusual to see them with a pocket protector. And you can depend on them to have an ink pen within their reach. Trivia: They work crossword puzzles in ink.
I wrote all this as humor, but there is a lot of truth in it as well. The engineer I married can fix almost anything. This has been proven on many occasions by many people. If you can't figure it out, call Johnny. First, he is probably going to ask you if it is plugged in, if you checked to see if you need gas, if you checked the circuit breaker, and what you were doing at the time of breakage. Then even if you verified all these things to him, when he comes to your rescue he will check them out himself. Engineers leave little to chance so don't be offended if he checks everything twice. They are also by nature very pessimistic. They tend not to believe a word of anything until they have researched and tested it themselves.
Yep, an engineer is good to have around and very handy.
I love you!
"I have a long-time friend who is an engineer and also a non-pareil stock picker. I've watched this guy pick stocks for 38 years -- and watched him buy stocks that looked like garbage but turned into gold. I came to the conclusion 205 years ago that engineers rather than politicians and lawyers should rule the world. Imagine for a moment that the president, the Cabinet and all the White House staff were engineers instead of lawyers.
Then imagine that members of Congress (47 percent are lawyers) were engineers. Without question, our tax code would be fair; the budget would be balanced; our public schools would be exceptional; poverty would be eliminated; welfare plummet; the trains would run on time; and there would be peace in the valley. Lawyers are America's terrorists but without guns or suicide vests."
Mr. Berko goes on to answer the couple's question regarding an investment of REITs, but it is take on engineers that causes me to laugh. If you have ever met or known an engineer, you might tend to agree with him.
I married one of these engineers and here's a little tongue in cheek of what I have learned from a union of 42 years.
If you want to do anything, and I repeat, anything on the spur of the moment - do NOT marry an engineer. Things have to be thought through thoroughly and there might be drawings involved.
If you want your engineer to handcraft an item, expect this project to take weeks and weeks, with drawing after drawing. Expect to see a list of parts needed with associated costs. Then expect to see a list of like items selling in the stores and a price comparison and the feasibility and practicality of the hand crafted item versus one from a store. By the way, an engineer's time is almost never accounted for in a price comparison. They work for free. If your engineer should finally decide that the project is worthwhile, there will be a build sheet, cost listed for all individual parts, and now in the digital age, pictures.
If you want a brand new car - do NOT ever marry an engineer -- do you know how much a car's value drops just driving it off the lot? Nope, not gonna happen in the Tucker house.
If you expect to have a new appliance now and again - do NOT marry an engineer. That engineer you married takes great delight in seeing just how long they can make an appliance last. Case in point, my dishwasher was bought in 1987 (I kid you not!) has been fixed probably 5 times.............the sucker just won't break to the point of not being fixable by my engineer hubby. On the positive side, an engineer can save you tons of money.
If you want to win at any trivia game - marry an engineer. They are the smartest people I have ever met with few exceptions who, come to think of it, are just non-degreed engineers themselves.
Engineers are NOT snappy dressers. Clothes are definitely not a first priority for most engineers. In fact, their clothes might be a little thread-bare. If they are still working, it wouldn't be that unusual to see them with a pocket protector. And you can depend on them to have an ink pen within their reach. Trivia: They work crossword puzzles in ink.
I wrote all this as humor, but there is a lot of truth in it as well. The engineer I married can fix almost anything. This has been proven on many occasions by many people. If you can't figure it out, call Johnny. First, he is probably going to ask you if it is plugged in, if you checked to see if you need gas, if you checked the circuit breaker, and what you were doing at the time of breakage. Then even if you verified all these things to him, when he comes to your rescue he will check them out himself. Engineers leave little to chance so don't be offended if he checks everything twice. They are also by nature very pessimistic. They tend not to believe a word of anything until they have researched and tested it themselves.
Yep, an engineer is good to have around and very handy.
I love you!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Concert in the Park
Tonight we did something we rarely do anymore. We went to a concert in the park; not just any concert.........a big band concert. While the music was just ok, the moment was nice. The 80 degree temperatures with a slight breeze made for a delightful time. What made it more delightful was just knowing that park was still being used. Kids on scooters, young adults biking, football practice, picnics, dogs being walked, snow cones, walkers, runners...........and all sorts of other venues.
We used to go to outdoor concerts every week; our little kids in tow. We'd spread our blankets out and break out the picnic baskets and treats and wait for the music to begin. I have a fond memory of the man over under that tree at Mount Saint Mary's dancing alone; his left arm up around his imaginary lady's shoulders and his right around her waist. I would love to have known his story for he reminded me of my own father. Was he a World War II vet? Was he a widower? Was he dreaming of the imaginary lady? Or was he just enjoying the music? He didn't even know anybody was watching.........but I was. It was a beautiful poignant sight and filled me with a lump in my throat.............watching him and his imaginary lady..............and that lump is in my throat just recalling him again.
Another memory for me was dancing with my youngest nephew back in the early 80s. We were at a Prairie Home Companion show that was being broadcast from an Edmond park. My nephew was just a little baby and the music was lively so I couldn't help myself. I remember the spontaneity of jumping up and grabbing that sweet baby and bouncing him around a bit. I dare not use the word dance. I think we all use a baby now and again just to do something that we'd otherwise not do.
I don't recall all the individual concert venues, but the memories of snapping open the blanket, the picnics, the sodas, the treats for the children, the laughter, the dancing of toddlers around our blanket, the sleepy kids staring at the evening stars...............those have jelled into the most beautiful concert of all.
I hope my children remember those good times for I sure do. I hope they have fond memories of their childhood. I hope their memories are as good as the ones I recall..............even if we never got them a McDonald's Happy Meal.
I love you.
We used to go to outdoor concerts every week; our little kids in tow. We'd spread our blankets out and break out the picnic baskets and treats and wait for the music to begin. I have a fond memory of the man over under that tree at Mount Saint Mary's dancing alone; his left arm up around his imaginary lady's shoulders and his right around her waist. I would love to have known his story for he reminded me of my own father. Was he a World War II vet? Was he a widower? Was he dreaming of the imaginary lady? Or was he just enjoying the music? He didn't even know anybody was watching.........but I was. It was a beautiful poignant sight and filled me with a lump in my throat.............watching him and his imaginary lady..............and that lump is in my throat just recalling him again.
Another memory for me was dancing with my youngest nephew back in the early 80s. We were at a Prairie Home Companion show that was being broadcast from an Edmond park. My nephew was just a little baby and the music was lively so I couldn't help myself. I remember the spontaneity of jumping up and grabbing that sweet baby and bouncing him around a bit. I dare not use the word dance. I think we all use a baby now and again just to do something that we'd otherwise not do.
I don't recall all the individual concert venues, but the memories of snapping open the blanket, the picnics, the sodas, the treats for the children, the laughter, the dancing of toddlers around our blanket, the sleepy kids staring at the evening stars...............those have jelled into the most beautiful concert of all.
I hope my children remember those good times for I sure do. I hope they have fond memories of their childhood. I hope their memories are as good as the ones I recall..............even if we never got them a McDonald's Happy Meal.
I love you.
Friday, July 4, 2014
With Stars On
We have just a little less than two hours left for this July 4th, 2014, and fireworks are still booming all around us. And I love it. I love everything about the 4th even though we don't do much. Flag was flying in all its glory!
For many years we have had such drought conditions that people just wouldn't dare shoot a fire cracker for fear of burning down their house. Lots of rain has made this year different. I have never seen such personal displays...........EVER!!!!!!!!!!! They are huge............as big as those provided by the local parks and towns but provided by our neighbors. Tonight we didn't even leave our neighborhood. The Midwest City fireworks are just ramping up, 8 miles away, just as our neighborhood displays are dying down. And just think, California is just beginning their fireworks. Don't you just love America?
To me, the 4th represents everything good about America. Stars, Hot dogs, fire crackers, hamburgers, barbequed ribs, star-shaped sunglasses, homemade ice cream, picnics, fishing, boating, red-white-blue, corn on the cob, sparklers, potato salad, flags, and over-the-top firework displays. Maybe you had at least one of those today.
Happy 4th of July America. We'll see you next year..........with stars on!
I love you.....AMERICA, AMERICA.
For many years we have had such drought conditions that people just wouldn't dare shoot a fire cracker for fear of burning down their house. Lots of rain has made this year different. I have never seen such personal displays...........EVER!!!!!!!!!!! They are huge............as big as those provided by the local parks and towns but provided by our neighbors. Tonight we didn't even leave our neighborhood. The Midwest City fireworks are just ramping up, 8 miles away, just as our neighborhood displays are dying down. And just think, California is just beginning their fireworks. Don't you just love America?
To me, the 4th represents everything good about America. Stars, Hot dogs, fire crackers, hamburgers, barbequed ribs, star-shaped sunglasses, homemade ice cream, picnics, fishing, boating, red-white-blue, corn on the cob, sparklers, potato salad, flags, and over-the-top firework displays. Maybe you had at least one of those today.
Happy 4th of July America. We'll see you next year..........with stars on!
I love you.....AMERICA, AMERICA.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Girly Girls
Good evening everybody.
Remember these, girls? This is an Avon lipstick sample and what every little girl loved back in the 60s. Back in those days, the Avon lady actually came to our house with all her samples. That bag she carried had all sorts of potions, but what we wanted was that little lipstick.
The Avon lady always had a handful of these little beauties and I couldn't wait to pick a color. One I particularly remember, and what I wore in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade was the color Mauve. Just plain old Mauve, not Enchanting Mauve, not Magnificent Mauve, just plain old Mauve.
Today on our way to Ulta to browse the makeup aisles, my daughter told me she was out of her favorite Tarte lipstick. She showed it to me and indeed, it was flat. I told her there was lipstick left in the tube. Not believing me, I told her how I always got the last little drop of lipstick out of those tiny Avon samples. She said, "Oh, I remember those little samples. Grandma always had some." I told her to put her lipstick to her lips and form her lips around it. Then I explained that she needed to suck on the lipstick until it pulled out a bit. She was shocked at how much lipstick was remaining in the tube. "Well, Mom, look at you!" and then she laughed. We both laughed at how clever I was all those years ago.
Back in those days we literally used things up.......at least I did. A new tube of lipstick was rare. There wasn't a lot of money for lipstick, and I could make that little tiny tube of lipstick last another week or more...........or until the Avon lady came back again.
What fun we had just being girly girls today.
I love you.
Ella Lowe was our Avon lady. Yes, she was also the cook at our little rural school. I loved when she'd come down our driveway, and secretly, I think Mom did, too; our little time to be girly girls. I thought of that when my daughter and I were checking out all the makeup.......just girly girls.
And if you are wondering, that is one of mom's samples from years ago. When we cleared her bedroom, I found that little lipstick and just couldn't throw it away.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Blaine’s 10th Birthday
Ten short years ago this little boy made his way into our lives and hearts. Such a precious baby is not a 10 year old just on the cusp of being a teenager. How can that be? Time seems to be marching on. The days may go slow, but the years disappear in a flash.
This is the first year he has not wanted a birthday party with friends. He wanted to have salmon patties at my house and play volleyball with his family. That is exactly what he got. I have to ask you, though, when is the last time any of you had your child or grandchild ask for salmon patties for dinner, let alone a birthday dinner?
Blaine bragged and bragged on my salmon patties, thanking me over and over. It was my pleasure of course. I hope he comes back for his 21st and asks me to make him salmon patties again.
So in honor of Blaine's birthday and just in case Blaine wants to make them, here is the recipe. Blaine, I quadrupled the recipe for your birthday and had plenty left over for you to take home.
Grandma's Salmon Patties
Canned Salmon, 1 14 oz can
1 Egg
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Any other seasoning you'd like to use. I used Greek Seasoning last night
Plenty of finely crushed saltines
Drain the salmon, but reserve the liquid.
Mash and mash and mash the salmon to completely pulverize all bones.
This will take time, but important for the texture.
Add an egg and mix very well.
If the mixture seems a little dry, you can add a bit of the reserved liquid.
Form your patties and roll into the saltine crumbs.
Cover the bottom of your skillet with oil. I use olive oil.
Once the skillet is hot, drop your patties into the pan, turning when deeply golden brown.
Last night I used my cast iron skillet and cooked on the grill burner outside.
Blaine if you make these, call me. I will be there. Oh, by the way, I think they are
even better as cold leftovers.
I love you.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Regina’s Mexican Flavor Salad
I have really been craving salads lately; particularly chopped salad.
Last week I made this one with ingredients I had on hand.
It was so good, that I made it again later in the week…well sort of….
Regina’s Mexican Flavor Salad
Chopped Iceberg Lettuce
Avocado, chopped
Tomatoes, chopped
Corn on the Cob, grilled and cooled
Black Beans, rinsed and drained
Green Onions, chopped
Cilantro, chopped, and this ingredient is essential for the flavor
Since this salad is made to taste, you can add as much of the ingredients as you want.
I chopped about 1/3 head of a large head of lettuce for one serving – ME!
Grill the corn so that you have some blackened bits on the corn and cool. Slice the corn off the cob and add to the salad.
Mix in the rest of the ingredients, leaving the avocado till last so that you don’t mush so much.
Dressing
1/2 cup Ranch Dressing (I made my own from a Hidden Valley Ranch packet)
Jalapeno Pepper (seeded, membrane removed, and diced finely)
Ground Red Pepper
Add the jalapeno to the Ranch Dressing and a little ground red pepper or any other seasoning you might have on hand.
I used some red pepper spice mix I had on hand. By the way, with seeds and membrane removed, the jalapeno is not hot.
Pour dressing over salad to your taste. Toss, toss, toss. You won’t need as much as you might think because the
avocado will act as a dressing, too.
I had a lot of dressing left over so I made another salad later in the week.
I didn’t have avocado and I used garbanzo beans instead of black beans.
I used white peg corn straight out of the can instead of corn on the cob.
I used diced yellow onion instead of green onions.
So you could basically say I had a whole new recipe.
Nonetheless, it was delicious, too.
Experimental Recipe – a Winner.
I love you.
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