It's been a long time comin'
I’ve not mentioned this before, but I have a grape vine that grows on the fence in my backyard. Recently, my dad decided that we would take over the nurturing of the vine and make it our project. So, if anyone has any advise on grape vines, please send it my way. I have asked my neighbor, green thumb Jeff about it and he has provided some insight and I think we are going to cut the vine back this fall and see if it can get a fresh start.
The summer has been pleasant so far here in Alabama. Not too terribly hot and I have been ever so grateful for the lovely weather we have had. I certainly hate those hot humid dog days of summer, and I’m sure they are just around the corner.I’m planning a garage sale for the latter part of July or middle of August. I’m guessing it will end up taking place in the middle of August because I still have a lot of closets and what not to go through at my parents’ house. For those of you that live around here, feel free to put your unwanted treasures in the sale. I’m mostly dreading pricing everything, and of course, my guest bedroom looks like a war zone because it is serving as the storage facility for all things garage sale.
Well, I guess that’s it for now. Like I said – boring. However, love may be in the air, and if it blossoms, well, I’m sure I’ll have a lot to write about because Lord knows its been a long time since I’ve had me some love!Until next time…
The Appeal
Has anyone read the latest John Grisham novel, “The Appeal”? And, if so, can you please tell me what happens at the end? I’m here to tell you this is one off the most boring books I have read in a long time, except for “Thirteen Moons,” which I never finished and to this day don’t know what happened in the end.
If you have read “The Appeal,” then I beg you to tell me what happens at the end. I am a person who can typically read through a book in two or three days, but I have been plugging through this one for about two months and it is MISERABLE! I was discussing this book with the nurse at my chiropractor’s office yesterday and even she said she couldn’t get through the first few chapters because she was bored.
If none of you have read it, then I’ll ask my dad about the ending, provided he can remember it. I really hate to quit on a book, but this one is so excruciating, I think I’m going to have to stop and start reading something more enjoyable. Maybe our library has it on CD and I can listen to it. I think I’ll stop by this week and see.
Allergies Suck!
Where I live in Alabama is called the Tennessee Valley. It’s a valley because it is surrounded my mesas, which people here call mountains. If you have allergies like I do, don’t move here – EVER! I love this area of the world. It’s where I grew up and after stints in New York and North Carolina, it’s where I decided to settle – I’m a sucker for family and friends. Living in this valley, surrounded by mesas means that every type of pollen and ragweed and mold and every other crazy thing gets dumped in the valley – usually on my car. And when you live in the middle of a bunch of polled and ragweed and mold, it means your sinuses are going to be out of control every spring and sometimes summer, fall and winter too! But mainly in the spring. I bet I have blown my nose 112 times today. Not only that, but every morning when I wake up, my eyes are bloodshot and it looks like I’ve smoked dope all night long. I can assure you that is not the case. The rain has been few and far between the past year and when it does come, it does little to suppress the pollen ragweed and mold in the area. In fact, it just causes the stuff to form yellow puddles of muck. It’s annoying, but what are you gonna do? May your day be allergy free!
I'm Old!
My second dilemma is that my life is so boring that I really don’t have much to write about. With the exception of all the drama that my brother brings to the family, there’s not much else going on. I could tell you about the craziness at my parents’ house. While in the process of having the tile in their kitchen replaced, black mold was discovered. Now, the kitchen has been quarantined and they are staying at a hotel. But, as for me, there’s not much going on, except that I’m getting old.
Do you remember the first time you looked in the mirror and really noticed that you had aged? I don’t remember the exact moment, but over the last year or so, I can really tell that I’m not the hot young thing I used to be, which is unfortunate considering most men like hot young things and I’m still searching for a husband! I really notice it in my face because I have a few “crow’s feet” around my eyes and my complexion isn’t as milky and fabulous as it was 10 years ago. I can also really tell a difference in my hands. They are drier than they used to be and have a lot more scars than they once did.
But, you know what the great thing about getting older is? Wisdom. Isn’t it great that we can (if we choose) learn from the mistakes we have made in our past and grow from them? I have messed up a lot in my past and am thankful those days are behind me. It’s nice to have a stable job and a house and all the other things that come with getting older. I really appreciate all the things I have now more than I ever had. A lot of people say they wish they could do it all over again, but let me tell you, I do not! I had some really great times and I wouldn’t trade them in for anything, but I also wouldn’t want to start all over.
When you are a teenager, you are still under the roof of your parents and there’s not really much you can screw up. The 20s are a time for learning about yourself and making as many mistakes as possible, but still land on your feet. I’m 31 now and so far, the 30s are treating me pretty well. I think the rest of the 30s are going to be pretty darn great.
A Movie Review, Cinco de Mayo, Casey's Birthday, and the Cemetery Stroll
Well, if you didn’t see “Made of Honor” at the movie theater this past weekend, I would recommend you wait until it comes out on DVD. It just didn’t do it for me. I am a big fan of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Made of Honor,” was a not as funny knock-off. I don’t know about the other ladies out there, but I have really been disappointed with this past year’s selection of chick flicks. Maybe the next one will be better. I’m thinking about catching a double feature this weekend of “Speed Racer” and “Iron Man.” A friend of mine at work saw “Iron Man” this past weekend and said it was slow in parts. If you checked it out, let me know your opinion.
Today is Cinco de Mayo, one of my least favorite “holidays.” I won’t go into the detail here; but, if you decided to commemorate the initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, then by all means, have fun and be careful! In other 5th of May news, today is the birthday of my once dear friend and sidekick, Casey. I actually haven’t talked to Casey since his birthday last year because he is self absorbed and likes to wallow in self-pity and depression and won’t EVER answer his stupid phone. So, Casey, if you got my text this morning, I mean it, I hope you have a happy birthday. And, if you’re reading this blog, which I highly doubt, give me a call sometime. You still owe me a gift for my housewarming which took place over two years ago!
In other news, my dad and I went to the Cemetery Stroll at Maple Hill on Sunday. If you live in Huntsville and have never been to this event, let me tell you, it is AWESOME! There were three different bands playing music from the 1800s and this event really provides you a great opportunity to learn about the settlers and “famous” Huntsvillians. It is literally a history comes to life event. There were 73 “spirit voices” or people playing the roles of the dead. It was so interesting to learn how these people died and what they did while they were living in Huntsville, and how they came to be buried in Maple Hill. We only were able to see 21 of the “spirit voices,” but I hope that we will have the opportunity to go back next year and see more. It is really a great event and I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Huntsville’s past.
Recipe of the Week
It’s Friday (Hallelujah!) and time for the recipe of the week. I realize that this is not the fanciest of recipes, but I didn’t bring in a recipe to post today and I just made a batch last night. Sausage balls are super easy to make and always a crowd pleaser! This particular recipe was passed on to me from my mom who got it from Teresa Tucker. Teresa was a bridesmaid in my mom and dad’s wedding and she is also referred to as Mother Teresa because my friend Ben and I grew up with her son, Anthony. Teresa also made me my first baby blanket. So, every time I make this recipe, I think of her and the influence she has had on my life. I hope your family will enjoy these delectable treats as much as mine does. Have a nice weekend!
Sausage Balls
½ pound sausage
1 ½ cup Bisquick
1 ½ cup Grated Cheese Mix together and roll into small balls.
Bake at 425 degrees or until golden brown.
An Ode to Diet Coke
I love Diet Coke! When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher, Miss Foutch (now Mrs. Davis) drank three or four, heck, maybe even five Diet Cokes a day and I never understood why. I would always ask her, “Miss Foutch, why do you drink so many diet cokes?” You see, I thought Diet Coke was gross, I much preferred the sugary Coca-Cola Classic. As I got older, a junior in college at the University of Alabama to be exact, I discovered the joy a Diet Coke can bring a girl. When the can is really cold and that dark delicious cola pours down your throat, it is simply satisfying and delicious! There was a time when I became like Miss Foutch and drank four or five Diet Cokes in a day. But, I’m much more sensible now and typically only have one a day. Occasionally I will have two, well, maybe even three on a really crazy day. And so, I have written an Ode to Diet Coke.
When my stomach’s achy and I feel like I might croak, all I need to pick me up, is a little Diet Coke.When I’m feeling poor and I tell folks that I’m broke I surely hope that I can afford a Diet Coke.
When my dog is laying beside me and I give her a little poke, wouldn’t it be cool, if she could fetch me a Diet Coke?
When my day is crazy and I’m really tired of folks, all I need to calm me is a little Diet Coke.
An Update from the Weekend
First of all, the Red Sox were swept by Tampa Bay this weekend, which was a bummer. Hopefully this is not an indication of how the rest of the season is going to go. This past Friday night I went to see Les Miserables at one of the local high schools. I didn’t know what to expect since it was a high school production. Les Mis is my absolute favorite! I had seen it six times previously and know every word by heart. It’s all I can do to keep from singing along when I see a production. But, let me tell you, these kids did an amazing job! It was really phenomenal. In fact, I would venture to day that the Valjean in the production was one of the best I have ever heard!
Saturday was an adventurous day for me. I locked myself out of my house on Saturday morning as I was leaving to go to the gym. So, I used my neighbor’s phone to call someone to let me in, and in the meantime, walked to the gym to get in my workout. Later in the day, I started to make the cake recipe that I posted on Friday, only to realize I had left off how much sugar to put in the cake! My friend Erika found a similar recipe and I went with that measurement and the cake turned out yummy! Thanks for coming to the rescue, Erika. Saturday night, Erika, my dad and I headed out to Panoply Arts Festival and watched the Fiddlers competition. It was a really nice evening and the weather was perfect – a little chilly even, which I love!
So, now you are updated on the weekend activities. Can you believe that May will be here on Thursday? My, how time flies when you get older! One more note to make mention of. My best friend, Jackie ran a half-marathon in Nashville this past weekend and I am really proud of her. She set a goal and accomplished it, which is more than a lot of people do these days. So, congrats, Jackie!
P.S. Don’t forget American Idol is tonight!
OOPS!
Recipe of The Week
This recipe is yummy! Try it when you're really wanting some chocolatey goodness!
Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake Cake:1 cup Coca-Cola
½ Cup Oil1 Stick Margarine
1 ¾ Cup Sugar3 Tablespoons Cocoa
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour½ teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs½ Cup Buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon vanilla
In a saucepan, bring Coca-Cola, oil, margarine, and cocoa to a boil; mix the sugar, flour, and salt. Pour into the boiling liquid and beat well. Add the eggs, buttermilk, soda and vanilla and beat well. Pour into a greased and floured sheet cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.Frosting:
1 Stick Margarine3 Tablespoons Cocoa
6 Tablespoons Cream or Milk1 teaspoon Vanilla
½ to 1 Cup pecans chopped
1 Pound Confectioner’s SugarIn a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa and milk and heat until butter melts. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread on the hot cake. Cool and cut.
Idol, Discovery and Overcoming Fears
Holy guacamole! Can you believe last night’s American Idol results? I never would have picked Syesha and Carly as the bottom two, much less Carly being the one out the door! I was absolutely stunned. I thought this week was one of Syesha’s best performances, and Carly’s wasn’t bad. It was certainly far better than Brooke’s and Jason’s. Obviously, this show is getting to be more and more of a popularity contest than an actual singing competition.
Has anyone seen the new Discovery Channel commercial? It’s fantastic! In case you haven’t figured out by now, I am addicted to the Discovery Channel. History comes in a close second. This new commercial has a catchy tune and I have been singing it all week. It’s brilliant!
Yesterday I really made a big step – I visited an old folk’s home. Well, it’s not really an old folk’s home. It’s actually a rehabilitation center where older folks go after they break a leg or a hip or something of the sort. They have physical therapy and their meals are prepared for them, you get the point. This particular place is also an assisted living facility and is also a gated retirement community. It’s one of the nicer places I’ve seen of this sort. The point of this never ending description is that I’m not really good at visiting old folks homes or hospitals or retirement villages or assisted living homes, again you get the point. These types of places give me the creeps and I typically become faint in hospitals. Obviously I did not go into the medical profession. So, yesterday, I actually visited a lady I know who recently broke her leg. She wasn’t in her room when I first arrived and I had to wait around for about 15 minutes. Finally, I found her and I visited with her for about an hour. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but to me, the person that freaks out at the thought of an old folks home, well, this was a huge development in overcoming my “fear.”
Happy Hump Day!
It’s Wednesday, or hump day as it is commonly known to many. I like Wednesdays because, well, it means you are at the mid-point of the work week and you can start looking forward to the weekend. After all, everybody’s working for the weekend. This particular Wednesday is administrative professional’s day, also known as secretary’s day. I would have known this if I didn’t keep the large desk sized calendar on my desk covered up with paperwork. So, to my secretary, Sherry, who I’m sure won’t read this, thanks for all you do. I’m particularly grateful for all the documents you scan for me and convert to PDF. You rock, Sherry! So, for all you secretaries out there that didn’t get a gift, be sure and nonchalantly drop the hint that you deserve a lunch out on the boss.
It was once again an interesting evening on American Idol last night. Can you say good-bye to Brooke White? Well, I can, and I think she’s the gal that’s hitting the road this week. However, I’m not a betting woman; so, I will be placing no money on that. After all, I was in total shock just two weeks ago when the hot Australian, Michael Johns got the boot. I think that Brooke gave (by far) the worst performance of the week. I was really impressed with Syesha. I think Broadway might just be her cup of tea.
I’m taking my Dyson in for repair today. I kept leaving the house without remembering to take it with me. It’s rather unnatural to leave your house in the morning carrying the vacuum cleaner. But, I finally remembered this morning and plan to take it in this afternoon. I hope they get it repaired quickly and permanently this time.
Did anyone catch "Dirty Jobs" this week? Let me tell you, it was indeed dirty. Mike Rowe has done some dirty things, but that fishing vessel was by far the nastiest I can remember seeing. I’m glad I don’t have the job of hosting “Dirty Jobs!”
Until next time…
Not Much Happening
Happy Monday, everyone! I have had a really busy day at work today and haven’t had time to write a new post. Besides that, there’s really not much to report. I spent the weekend working around the house, primarily outside in the yard. I actually thought of some really great things to write about over the weekend and, of course, since I didn’t write them down, they left my mind and now I don’t have the slightest clue as to what it was I wanted to tell the world.
I did not catch a movie this weekend. I heard that “88 Minutes” wasn’t good and decided to skip it. However, I know of some people that went to see “Expelled” the new Ben Stein movie and said it was hilarious. So, maybe I’ll check it out in the coming week.This coming Friday night, I’m going to check out “Les Mis,” the school edition at one of the local high schools. I’m really anxious to see how the production goes. “Les Mis,” is by far my favorite musical and I’m really looking forward to the production.
So, my Dyson vacuum cleaner is broken again for the second time in as many months. It’s really frustrating. Thank goodness for five-year warranties, huh? Overall, I love the vacuum, but the not working part is really getting to me!I wish this post were more interesting for you readers; but, alas, there’s just not much to write about today. Until tomorrow…
Recipe of the Week
Chicken Spaghetti
1 - 16 oz. Thin Spaghetti 2 - Cans Rotel Tomatoes1 - Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 - Small Onions Chopped2 - Green Peppers Chopped
1 - Stick Margarine1 lb. - Velveeta Cheese
1 - tsp. SaltPepper to Taste
Cook chicken and take off bone. Cook the spaghetti in the chicken broth. Brown bell peppers and onions in the stick of margarine. Mix together chicken, peppers, onions, cheese (cut up in small pieces), and 2 cans of tomatoes. Add spaghetti, salt and pepper. Mix well. Pour into 2 baking dishes. Bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours.
It's Friday!
Ozzy got the boot from Survivor last night. It was definitely a smart move on the part of the other survivors. Ozzy is the strongest competitor in the game. I know one of the mantras of the game is “outwit,” but for once, I would like to see the best physical competitor win. It seems like the “wittiest” person is always the winner. My guess is Cerie will outwit them all and walk away with the $1 million.
Yesterday afternoon, I walked to Star Market to pick up some French bread. This may not seem like a big deal to most people, but where I live, walking to the grocery store is a rarity. But, I only live 1.03 miles from Star Market and it was a nice afternoon. So, instead of going to the gym, I walked to the grocery store. I wanted to take my dog with me, she needs some exercise too; but, they don’t have a pitchin’ post at the market for dogs, and I don’t think I could pull off using her as a see and eye dog. Of course, when I got there, I saw someone I knew and theoretically that person could have watched my dog while I went inside to purchase the bread, but knowing my luck, if I had taken my dog there, I wouldn’t have seen anyone I knew.Congratulations to Andrew and Candy on the birth of their baby boy yesterday! They named him Silas Andrew. I’ve decided we should all call him Sal since their last name starts with an L.
I’m getting another grilling lesson this weekend. My dad is grilling burgers on Saturday and hopefully we’ll have a more in-depth study. When discussing how the burgers didn’t turn out so great on Tuesday, he told me I should have left the vent open on the grill. I told him we didn’t cover that in our lesson. So, maybe the next grilling session will be better than the one this week.I finally had an opportunity to watch the new episodes of Deadliest Catch! They were awesome! Just as I suspected they would be. Beginning Sunday night on the Discovery Channel, it’s Alaska Week. I’m looking forward to watching some of the shows. It should be quite interesting.
I think I may check out the movie “88 Minutes” this weekend. If I do, I’ll let you know how it is on Monday. I’ve been looking for a review on it, but haven’t found one yet. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen a movie, which is unusual for me, and I’m craving the movie theater popcorn! Have a great Friday!