My Musings...

Tidy

2012-01-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

We cleaned out the koi pond (aka the ridiculously shallow bath tub that is only fit for koi). Oh what a feeling! I use the koi pond as a temporary storage space for items to be donated. It was getting quite full and unsightly. We finally took a car trunk full of the items to Good Will. Later the hubby and I cleaned the bathroom... it's so lovely now! A clean, serene space worthy of koi.

I cannot live without my Kindle

2011-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Since getting my Kindle I've not been to a library in a long time. The Kindle makes it so easy to obtain books, read them, and as an added bonus I never have to worry about returning them. However, I find I still miss the library, yet I don't make time to go.

Growing up our local library was a huge part of my family's life. We'd all walk to the library regularly. And during summer break mom would take us every few days. She had a big canvas bag and whatever she could comfortably carry in it is what we got to check out and enjoy. Both my parents read to my brother and I often. Reading is something that I still take great pleasure in today, as well as my brother and parents.

Just as Thomas Jefferson couldn't live without books, I cannot live without my Kindle.

The cat is crazy

2011-10-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

Jordan just flew by. I only saw a flash of black and white as she jetted over a basket, behind the couch, then she sprang up onto the couch and shot down the hall. A moment later she returned to bang the cupboard doors. She's feeling pretty frisky. I've no idea why. I thought she slept all day while I'm working, but I think perhaps she's into drugs. Her eyes seem dilated. She can't sit still. Maybe she's possessed? Oh wait, she's just a cat. An annoying, loud, obnoxious cat. I realize in the photo below she appears to be normal, but she's not. This picture lies.

Sentimental Second Thoughts

2011-10-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not a very sentimental person. This was something I decided decades ago. As a child I worried that if I really cared about something (a toy, an award, etc.) then what would I do if it were taken away or lost? I figured if I didn't care about anything, then I couldn't get hurt. For the most part this served me well. However, I'm finding that when I look back on experiences, memories, photos... well, something seems to be missing. Not sure what, but something. Perhaps this is some crazy holiday induced worry, "I've not a tradition or keepsake in sight?!" Maybe this thinking is something that comes with getting older. Or maybe it's a side-effect of living in a consumerism society littered with Hallmark holidays. Whatever it is, I've no idea what to do about it, if anything.

Hey, that leaf has legs?!

2011-10-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

I found this little fella hanging out on my gate.

I think he's smiling.

Or perhaps he's just happy to see me taking his picture and not squishin' him as I wont to do with most bugs.

Do you like cheese?

2011-10-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I went all out cheesy with a song for my honey. It went something like this:

I like cheese, oh yes I do, Especially when it's bleu
It's so darn yummy when it's in my tummy
Do you like cheese too?

Oooooh Roquefort
Roquefort has such a silly name, but I like it all the same
It's do darn yummy when it's in my tummy
Oh Roquerfort is insane!

Oooooh Brick
Brick cheese is all the rage, it tastes better than sage
It's do darn yummy when it's in my tummy
Oh Brick cheese is what I crave!!!

We were both laughing so hard I was crying. Good thing I've switched to waterproof mascara or I'd have been late to work!

Last night I asked the hubby, "do you have a favorite song of all them I've ever sung?"

"Yes, the bunny song."

"Really? The 'quick like a bunny, hop, hop, hop' is your favorite? Huh. Ok."

I don't remember all of the little ditties I've created over the years so I'm going to do my best to post them here. It's fun to look back to see what made us laugh so hard.

A more recent song I do recall, happened when we were packing for our road trip to Lake Tahoe. We purchased from The Teaching Company / The Great Courses a CD set on the "Age of Henry VIII". This resulted in the following song, which isn't very long:

Henry the 8th
Henry the 8th
Henry the 8th
He's now dead

I've not come up with any songs for today - yet. I'm not sure if I'll give myself a break on the weekends and just put my amazing, mad, music skillz to the test on work days or if I'll attempt to do this daily. We'll see.

Hey you, yea you!

2011-10-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

This morning's song for my sweet hubby was short and simple:

Hey you, yea you!
I think you're great
We should go on a date
It'll be first rate
Don't be late
Oh yeah!

And there were awful dance moves (dare I even label it as such) to accompany this. Like pointing at him for the "yea you!" part and a big ol' number one finger pointing up for "first rate" and of course the index finger wagging for "don't be late". Good thing the hubby is easily amused early in the morning.

I wonder what I'll come up with for tomorrow. Now that I've done this two days in a row I feel compelled to continue. Fortunately I've set the standard very, very low. This ensures I won't need to create any musical masterpieces, which is good considering I'm so musically challenged I can barely play the radio.

Happier at work and even happier at home

2011-10-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

Turns out a small attitude adjustment was not only in order, but possible. I didn't like who I was at work. I was grumpy, complained about things I had no control over, and not very friendly or helpful to my co-workers.

A friend shared with me how much she enjoyed The Happiness Project so I figured I'd give it a shot. It was just the thing to get me out of my funk.

I'm enjoying the book and all the wonderful stories and examples. I'm applying many of the suggestions with great success. I'm even singing to the hubby in the morning. He claims to like my silly, made-up on the spot songs, which is good, because the songs are really bad. Case in point, this is what he got this morning:

I love you, I love you

You're ok

I love you, I love you

Don't eat hay

I love you, I love you

That's your health tip of the daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

I love you!

I have no idea what I'll sing him tomorrow, but rest assured, it'll be cheesy. At least this morning he smiled and laughed, and really, isn't that the way every morning should start?

The work day went really well and I a lot of extra energy upon returning to my wonderful home. I cleaned part of the garage, vacuumed the house, and made ten cards for Boss's Day. Usually by the time I drag my butt through the door I don't have the energy to do much more than goof off on the internet. And, as if all that weren't enough, the hubby mopped the kitchen floor! Life is good.

For today, and today only....

2011-10-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've realized that my home life is wonderful and for that I'm happy and grateful. However, my work life is in need of an overhaul. I created lots of bad habits - which were VERY easy to create. I also kept blaming everyone else for my work unhappiness. When I finally took a step back I realized, "dang it, I AM the reason I'm unhappy." So, armed with good friends, "The Happiness Project" book, and an attitude of "I can be just as happy at work as I am at home" I'm now in the process of fulfilling this.

My new mantra is "for today and today only". I figure if today, and today only, I smile more, complain less, then I just might make it happen. If today, and today only, I do this instead of that... etc. I'll likely be more successful at accomplishing my goals.

I put this into action a couple days ago at work. For that day, and that day only, I attempted to be helpful to everyone who approached my desk. For the most part it worked. I think there were a few times I wasn't as helpful as I could have been, but recognizing that and being mindful of it helped keep in check. By the end of the day I felt much better than I typically do come clock-out time (of course it was Friday, and looking forward to the weekend was probably a factor as well). Anyway, Saturday went well and Sunday is off to great start too.

The true test will be tomorrow, MONDAY. But for today, and today only, I'm focusing on Sunday. I'll worry about Monday tomorrow.

Today I'm enjoying a cat snuggled up in my lap. A happy husband in the kitchen chopping, slicing, and dicing fruit and food to enjoy later. Two sleepy dogs napping on the couch. Soon I'll be enjoying Game Day at a friend's house, watching football, laughing and joking, and of course drinking beer! What a way to enjoy today, and today only.

This is the life

2011-07-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

We're enjoying perfect weather. It's in the 80s with a slight breeze and full sunshine making everything bright and cheery. The dogs are panting at our feet as we kick back on the patio drinking white wine, eating watermelon, and just thankful it's only Saturday so we can repeat this again tomorrow. We did manage to do a few chores around the place, so we can enjoy a guilt-free afternoon of doing nothing while Pandora plays some fun tunes. I'm so content it seems almost criminal.

Conversation with a Spider (ok, it's really a monologue)

2011-06-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

I dislike spiders. They freak me out, they're creepy and covered in eyes and legs. However, spiders eat other bugs and for that reason, I tolerate them - just not in my home. The other night the hubby was out and I was left alone to deal with an intruder.

I had been outdoors enjoying a beautiful summer evening. Upon returning indoors a many legged hitchhiker nabbed a free ride on my glass of water. I didn't realize this until I set the glass down so I could close the door. When I went to retrieve my glass there was Slash (name of the many legged intruder). It was a dark gray/black colored spider with a whitish colored lightening bolt looking mark upon its back, hence the name Slash.

Me: "Uh, hey Slash, you're not welcome inside my home. You're free to roam about in the great outdoors and eat every fly you catch, but my kitchen, or any room for that matter, is off limits".

Slash:

Me: "Ok, you're a creature of few words. Fine, I'll do all the talking, you just listen closely. I know you got lots o' eyes, how about ears? You getting all of this? You paying close attention because I'm not going to debate with you all night. Ok?"

Slash hops about from the counter to the glass and wanders around the water glass.

Me: "Ok, you done jumping around? It's making me really uneasy. Why don't you just head to the inside of that glass, I'll cover it, and then return you to the patio. Good deal, right? You get to live. I get to have you not be inside my home. Whadda ya say?"

Slash:

Me: "If you don't cooperate I'll have to... um, well something bad. Something I'm sure you wouldn't like, so play nice, hop into the glass and everyone wins."

Slash:

Me: "Really, this is how you want this to go down? Dude, help me help you."

Slash just crawls around a bit, getting close to the edge of the top of the glass.

Me: "Ok, you're almost there, this can work, really. I'll treat you with the utmost respect, but you gotta get inside the glass."

Slash continues to maneuver around the edge of the drinking glass.

Me: "Come on, please, don't make me beg, that's not cool. Just get your fuzzy little..."

Slash makes his bold move to the inside.

Me: "Thank you! Was that so hard?!"

I grab a nearby recipe, cover the glass, hold the glass out as far from me as possible and place the glass on the table outside.

Me: "Ok, whew." Taking deep breaths. "Ok, see, you're still alive. I'm still alive, this just might work out."

I remove the recipe from the glass and step back.

Me: "Alright Slash, now just hop on out of the glass. You're free. Go nab some nasty flies or something."

Slash:

Me: "You're welcome, you were thanking me right? Anyway, just move along now. Nothing to see here. Go home to your spider spouse and tell her how nice I was to not smash you. Ok, go on, you can do it."

Slash:

Me: "No need to stare at me, just get out of the glass. Ok, tell you what, you've got ten minutes to get your legs moving outta there. I'm going inside and in ten minutes I'll return and you'd better be gone. Ok?"

Ten minutes later I return to an empty glass. Yeah! Victory is mine!

Next morning I'm in the kitchen about to make some coffee.

Me: "What the hell?! Slash, what are you doing in my sink? Dude, not cool. Not cool at all."

I ignore Slash most the morning as he explores the kitchen sink. Finally the hubby wakes up.

Me: "Darling, I need a HUGE favor. Could you please relocate Slash to the great outdoors?"

Hubby, still groggy since he's only been awake about thirty seconds, "What? Slash... relocate? Oh, a spider. Where is it?"

Me: "In the sink."

Hubby: "Ok, why don't you go in the other room and I'll take care of it."

Me: "No, you can't wash Slash down the drain, you need to relocate him outside so he can eat flies."

Hubby grumbles indistinctly. "Whatever."

Eventually the Hubby uses a paper towel to transport Slash from the sink to the backyard.

Slash had better not make another house call. I might have to institute the three strikes rule if he does. I don't think Mrs. Slash would like that.

Back to Reality

2011-06-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

What two weeks in Italy has taught me (in no particular order):

American coffee is awful
American plumbing is awesome
Two-hour Italian lunches, with wine, should be the norm
Crowds suck
Italy is full of history, beautiful buildings, and crazy, fast drivers
Dinner with family is really nice, even if I have no idea what the heck is being said
"Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" in Italian isn't fun to watch - must learn Italian!
Our Italian family is extremely generous, loving, and truly fun to be with
Fresh, in-season foods taste amazing
The Italians seem to live a more relaxed, easy-going life than Americans
The Autostrada is fantastic, the Superstrada not so much

Arrrrr, there be pirates!

2011-02-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ventura Harbor, CA.

Blind Wine Tasting

2011-02-05T23:13:00.000-08:00

Recently we had a blind wine tasting. 6 bottles of wine, 4 people, lots of fun!

The object was to guess where each wine was from, the selection:

My handsome hubby with the numbered carafes.

The favorite was # 5.

The wines:

Argentina ~ Malbec, El Portillo ~ 6

United States ~ Tempranillo, Arthur Earl ~ 3

Italy ~ Barbera d'Asti, Michele Chiarco ~ 2

France ~ Bordeaux, Haut Blagnac ~ 1

Australia ~ Shiraz, Razor's Edge ~ 5

South Africa ~ Shiraz, Fairview ~ 4

All wines were from 2006.

Ojai with the Girls!

2010-12-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

Left to right: Tawna, Val, Michele, me.

Beautiful shop.

A day of wine tasting and shopping, a fun day indeed!

A beautiful fall day

2010-12-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Morning.

Little later in the day.

Afternoon.

I'm not raking!

Too much!

2010-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just too much. Too much food, too much wine, too much sitting around. Normally I'm able to assert self-control regarding portion sizes, but this year I'm going to blame the wine. I drank a bit more than usual and felt so full, and the main courses hadn't even been served yet?! Then, I took just a little of everything: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, a homemade dinner roll. But this was too much, I couldn't even finish ham and dinner roll?! (The next day I devoured said ham and roll, they were just yummy!). With Christmas quickly approaching I fear more of too much coming my way. I'm going to ask Santa for willpower. Hopefully he has too much of it and I'll not bloat up like a Thanksgiving Day parade balloon. Now where's the wine so I can toast to too much willpower?

Such Lovely Weather

2010-09-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

The last few days we've had such lovely weather it has been wonderful to be outside. We had friends over for dinner last night and ate al fresco. This morning I'm typing outside, sipping my coffee, listening to the birds, keeping the dogs company, and loving every moment of it. Weather like this makes so happy. It's cool, but not cold, no humidity, no wind, it's just perfect.

Having a covered outdoor patio has provided us with additional living space and it's nice to be able to utilize it. When we purchased the house we loved the patio but only enjoyed a small portion of it. Now, with a small investment in some outdoor furniture, plants, canvas cloths, and a few accessories it's become one of my favorite places to spend time. We have big plans to improve the patio even more, but that'll have to wait until we have more moola.

Birds

2010-07-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

My latest obsession is birds. Just regular, common backyard birds. We have three bird feeders and now our yard is overwhelmed with birds. It's wonderful! My weekend mornings, when the heat isn't too oppressive, are spent on the patio enjoying the birds flitting about, singing, and sparing with one another for the best position at the feeders.

Originally the feeders were very close to the patio. This unfortunate placement was not well thought out and resulted in the patio, table, chairs, and my wellbeing to be ensconced in bird excrement. The feeders were relocated to the outer reaches of the yard, and the patio is no longer a bird bathroom, which makes me very, very happy.

The dogs, having discovered free food falling from the heavens, now fill up on bird seed. So much so, that the other day Sassy didn't even sniff at her dinner. She usually gets so excited about eating the same kibble that's placed before EVERY morning and EVERY night, that when she didn't even go near the bowl I was quite concerned. Her bowels made awful noises. She looked uncomfortable, but alas, she has no idea of cause and effect. Anyway, a couple hours later she ate her rightful food and then dined on seed as dessert. There's no winning with this beast.

Sassy also really enjoys chasing the birds away each time she is let outside. All the birds swoosh up and away, only to return within a few moments. By then Sassy has completely lost interest in them. Karma is indifferent, but like her big sister, really enjoys the free seed befallen at her paws.

Bird and beast happily co-exist in the backyard and it makes time spent outdoors very satisfying.

Try it!

2010-05-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Life got you down? Feeling a little hum drum? Need to shake things up a bit? Let the Mixilator rock your world. Of course, the drinks it found for me I'd never heard of, guess I have a lot of taste testing in my future! Time for a party.

Yum

2010-03-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago for a friend's 50th birthday I asked said friend's husband, what flavors does the b-day girl like?

Him: "Um... lemon?"
Me: "Oh, ok. Anything else?"
Him: "Strawberry...?"
Me: "Mmm hmm, lemon and strawberry. Ok, sounds good. Anything other flavors come to mind?"
Him: "Um..."
Me: "Never mind, I have some ideas."

I wanted to cover most of the bases so I made:

Bourbon bread pudding cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting (which I'd made once before and the b-day girl really liked them)
Lemon cupcakes with chopped fresh strawberries hidden beneath a light, vanilla butter cream frosting
Banana nut cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting
Coffee chocolate chip cupcakes with a cocoa butter cream frosting
A rich, somewhat dense cheese cake flavored cake, with fresh strawberries atop it, and then the entire cake covered with a delicate ginger lime whipped cream frosting that was divine

The ginger lime whipped cream frosting was a huge hit. I can't wait to make more! A pregnant friend at the party, who is having a baby shower soon, asked me to make her a cake for the occasion.

Me: "Of course! I'd be happy to. What kind of cake would you like?"

Her: "That!" - pointing to the cake.

Me: "You got it!"

I can't wait to make it again, however, since most of what I made that day was created on the spot without any recipes I just hope what I bake in a couple weeks turns out!

Foolishly I didn't take any photos... but hopefully I can find some from the party to post.

Me Want Food NOW!

2010-03-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when we:

1. buy a new brand of dog food

2. leave dogs unattended with new brand of dog food

I'm sure both girls were involved in this attack, but since Karma could hardly contain herself in our presence, I believe she's the culprit that got things going. Ah, you think she's all innocent in the below photo, but don't let that fool you!

Fur, fur, and more fur!

2010-02-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

I brushed Sassy and Karma tonight. It looks like a dog exploded in my backyard. I don't know how's it even possible for two dogs to generate that much fur?! But, I'd rather my backyard was blanketed and not my floors!

Lazy Critters

2010-01-30T11:41:00.000-08:00

Book Club... in the works

2010-01-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

A friend and I both throughly enjoy reading so we're starting a book club. Our meetings will hopefully occur on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, with the first being in February. The selected book is "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jaime Ford. It's not something I'd probably have ever picked up, which I suppose is the point of a book club. I'm a third of the way into it and finding that I really like it. When I read the editorial review I wasn't much interested. Glad I didn't pass it over.

I'm 36 years old and so World War II was just something we glossed over in History class. I know my texts covered it, but it was mainly stuff like, "on this date this happened, x-number of people were killed, blah blah blah." I always hated History because it was about memorizing a bunch of stuff, reciting it back and if I did well I'd get an A. Boring and what a disservice to those who fought, lost their lives, and to the survivors who live on. To take actual events and reduce them just death tolls and numbers on a calendar shouldn't be allowed. Anyway... I digress, probably due to a mediocre education.

The characters in the book are fictional but the events are not and that's what I find compelling. The author glides between 1986 and 1942 in a manner that is very easy to follow and keeps it interesting. Thus far the story is unfolding in a predictable manner, but I'm enjoying it and wanting to know what happens next. Can't wait to finish it and discuss it with my friend and anyone else who joins us.

Don't let her sleep!

2010-01-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago Jordan the cat was extremely obnoxious, more than usual. Ginger's usually only annoying in the morning when she wants her daily Cat-Sip fix (crack-cocaine for cats), whereas Jordan basically is bothersome pretty much all of the time, except when she sleeps. And, unfortunately Jordan perfers sleeping during the day.

Each night we feed the cats, Jordan in her kennel with her own private litter box, and Ginger in the same room as Jordan but with full privileges of said room. Since Jordan's nocturnal she bellows loudly for long periods of time, and rattles her cage. If she had opposable thumbs I'm certain she'd drag a metal cup along her cell bars.

Since her behavior on that particular night was particularly perturbing we decided we wouldn't let her sleep that day so that hopefully that night she'd behave herself. The day was filled with, "Hey, Jordan, where are you? Whatcha doing?" "Oh no you don't, you can sleep all night..." and other such remarks. I held her in my lap most of the day and would continually wake her up if she seemed to be nodding off. It was a long day for all of us, but our diligence paid off! Jordan the Annoying was quite all night long.

Down and out dishwasher

2009-12-29T19:45:00.000-08:00

The dishwasher isn't working... again. Hubby called Bosch and they said they'd cover parts and labor to repair it, but it has to be their repair person who does the work. This is the same dude who "thought" it was the drain pump. I have little faith in him, but it's on Bosch's dime. All I know at this point in time is that I won't be buying anything by Bosch in the foreseeable future.

Melted Snowman Cookies

2009-12-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

Frosty's Bachelor Party in Florida!

I made about 33 of these little fellas for a "Goodie Exchange" at work tomorrow. The base is a sugar cookie, the middle marshmallow, pretzel arms, then it's all covered in white chocolate. Mini chocolate chip eyes, mini M&M's for buttons, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup for a hat, and a nose made of orange frosting.

Keeping the Kidney

2009-12-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

Toughest decision I've ever made. For over a month I've grappled with the idea of donating a kidney. Researched what I could on living donors and didn't like what I learned.

The stress from the constant thinking, worrying, and wondering about if I would, what would happen if I did, how this would shape my future in terms of not just financial security, but my health... it was acute. Early in this process my days were consumed with thinking about my friend, his situation, his family, my family, my health, the medical procedures involved, the recovery, how I'd feel after, what if it wasn't successful, what if I developed high blood pressure, or kidney problems of my own...? It was an endless parade of happy thoughts (friend's healthy would hopefully be greatly improved), terrifying thoughts (my health possibly greatly diminished), and everything in between. I lost sleep over this. I had headaches, many, many headaches (which I don't typically have). My stomach was upset. I felt very tired, more than usual. It was just a very unusual sensation, being more aware of my body, and the way it's affected by thoughts - good and bad.

I'm grateful for this experience. It's been one hell of a journey, but one I wouldn't trade for anything.

Walking

2009-12-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

The hubby and I have taken to the streets. We walk about three to five times a week, sometimes we even take the dogs. It's been wonderful as it's not too cold yet. And, with the dishwasher still not working, it's great to have a few eateries within walking distance. Though, I fear the food available pretty much cancels out any benefit the walking would have otherwise provided. Oh well, at least it gives my dish pan hands a break!

Thankful it's over

2009-11-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

One thing I find really odd about Thanksgiving and the upcoming shopping scam of buying a bunch of useless crap for all the people you've ever come into contact with in the last seven months, is dishes. Yes, yes, I'm back to that. If you've read the previous post you know I hate washing dishes by hand more than my dogs hate being bathed. Which is to say I have a very high tolerance for dirty dogs, but yet, not dirty dishes. Anyway, as usual, I digress. My point, dishes. Perhaps you have everyday dishes, fine china passed down for generations or a lovely wedding gift from some distant relative who's name you can never remember, and maybe even "Holiday Dishes". It's the last bit I'm referring to. I can understand having everyday plateware that can withstand the abuse of a clumsy husband and/or children. But "Holiday Dishes"? Really? A set of fancy plates, bowls, etc. that are only eaten off of once, twice, or maybe as much as three times in a single year?! And since these dishes are so special it's terrifying to put food on them, much less take a fork and knife to the delicate surface for fear of scratching, chipping, or marring it in any way. I'm pretty sure if such an object is damaged in any way it's grounds for divorce, abandonment, or capital punishment, whichever penalty is most horrific.

I find the concept of "Holiday dishes" ridiculous. Storing a set of such special eating ware that's only worthy of the most special of occasions is just plain silly. Clearly I don't own any such thing, nor do I care to. What's the point? Tradition? Don't even get me started on that. Anyway, cupboard and storage space in my home is so scarce the mere of idea of stashing away anything to be used on the rarest of events makes me want to bathe my dogs, which is as likely as me teaching my dogs (or myself for that matter) calculus. It's not going to happen. The cups, bowls, plates, silverware, stemware, decanter, etc. that I use everyday are good enough for all the foolish Holidays Hallmark has ever made a card for. I find every meal, whether it's a dead bird brined to perfection or a hot dog on a stick, to be special. Food is fabulous and regardless of what it's served on, it's to nourish the body, not induce fear of bodily harm for ruining what it's eaten off. Besides, these emblematic eating receptacles usually need to be washed by hand, and typically shouldn't even go in the microwave. How special can it be if the microwave turns it into a Fourth of July spectacle? And, if I can't place in the dishwasher alongside its lowly cousin, the commonest of eating ware, it's just not worth having. Make life simple people, get rid of all that extra junk you don't need and find yourself thankful. Thankful for more room, thankful for less fire hazards cluttering up your life, thankful for what remains. Less is more and the less you have to wash by hand, the better!

Dish pan hands

2009-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

The dishwasher still isn't working. The hubby called the repair place yesterday and was told the part should be in tomorrow or Monday... let's hope that's the case. I've had it with doing dishes by hand. The hubby tries to help out and do dishes but I'm anal and very particular about how dishes should be washed - scalding hot water, lots of soap, clean/new sponge. I hate sponges, but since the husband is obsessed with them I relent, and we use sponges. I buy them in bulk so that we're both, more or less, happy. I'm also very particular about drying dishes and putting them away, but don't worry, I won't bore you with the banal details of my neurosis.

Anyway, my dishwasher woes have led to Thanksgiving day woes. We were going to host it, then I asked my friends if we could have it at their house instead because the number of dirty dishes that would be generated in the making and eating of Thanksgiving dinner was making me break out in hives (well, almost). Friends said, "sure, ok." Then, the night before they call to say, "NO! We're really, really, really looking forward to having Thanksgiving at YOUR house." My reply, "fine, but we're eating off of plastic plates, drinking out of plastic cups, and using plastic forks, knives, and spoons." GASP, a loud sigh, and other such noises emanated from my friend. She was NOT pleased with this response and offered to do some of the dishes. No dice, I'm way, way to abject to even consider such a thing. The food will taste the same whether we eat it off fine china (which we don't own), everyday dishware (which we own two non-matching sets of) or lick it off the floor (though admittedly not nearly as comfortable as eating at the table). If she wants to bring her own dishes she may, I'll even admire them kindly as I make a big show of eating off the plastic plates we purchased last night.

Anyway, I at least have an amazing pumpkin pie I can devour to help console me. Did I mention that the pie has a whole of of whiskey in it? Oh, well, it does. Almost enough to help me forget about that damn piece of useless equipment next to the sink.

Donating an organ is not like fixing an appliance

2009-11-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago the washing machine died. A repairman looked at it and noted that he could fix it, however, it would cost as much as replacing the machine with a lesser model. We chose a new machine with a warranty. The new washer was installed on a Sunday afternoon. The next morning, the dishwasher wasn't working properly, nor was it draining. That appliance, fortunately, is still under warranty (for about a month!). Another repairman came to the house, looked at it, made a mess of my kitchen, and has ordered a part, a drain pump. Hopefully within a week or two that machine will be operational again.

Meanwhile, I can't help but think that my kidney is not an appliance. It doesn't have a warranty. I can't just go to Sears and pick out a new model and schedule a delivery time. If I donate my kidney, that's it, that's goodbye forever. If the recipient doesn't take to it, he's back to where he is now and I'm out a kidney. I realize his body will reject it and he'll need to take drugs for the rest of life to fight his body fighting the new organ. It's amazing this is even possible, however, I'm not sure I'm amazed enough myself to fork over my kidney. I want to help my friend, but all the stats and data I've read is just a huge jumbled mess.

For living donors "...some studies have shown a slightly higher risk of high blood pressure and proteinuria. These risks can be monitored through regular physical exams, blood tests, and urine tests. Interestingly, Switzerland established a living donor registry in 1993 to track living donors and to ensure they are regularly examined by their personal physician for blood pressure and renal functions. No such registry or post-operative protocols exist in the U.S. or other countries. Some transplant centers will follow up with you after a couple of months, but such follow up is not mandatory and the results are not used in constructive ways (e.g., research). The UNOS Living Donor Committee has proposed a standard medical and psychosocial follow-up protocol, but UNOS has yet to adopt the suggestions."

A slightly higher risk of high blood pressure and proteinuria? How much is "slightly"? 2%, 7%, 45%? Switzerland is tracking blood pressure and renal functions... anything else? What about donors who experience depression, PSTD, and a host of other issues after donating? And the US, what are we tracking? Oh right, the recipients. I'm all for tracking the recipients, but what about the living donors? Donors aren't appliances where you takes the parts from one to fix up another. Even if Switzerland has an adequate track record of its living donors and their health, how does that translate to American donors? Would an American donor receive comparable care and as often?

Studies have shown that up to 40% of living donors do not have health insurance. Consequently, they skip out on follow-up care, and will not see a physician when they experience a complication or problem due to the transplant.

But wait, there's more! If I donate an organ it's then considered a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies do not like pre-existing conditions. Amazing how when I'd need insurance the most (after donating an organ) that's when insurance companies want to turn me away, I'm too much of a risk for them. Insurance companies are in business to make money. Pre-existing conditions, care, treatment, follow-up, etc. is expensive. Do the math. I currently have health and insurance and as long as I'm employed in my current job I'll maintain that insurance... but if I get laid off or fired, ugh, I don't even want to think about it.

Well, it's time to take the car in for a check-up. It's been leaking... something. I'm not a mechanic so I don't know what exactly is wrong, but it's likely it can be fixed. If that's not a viable option, the car is replaceable. People, not so much.

Interesting how if an appliance or vehicle isn't working properly I'll do something about it. However, when it comes to my body I tend to neglect it, I figure it sucks getting older. Oh those headaches? Stress. Not sleeping, it's due to stress. My period being five days late, stress again. Wait a minute... if I'm experiencing all of these fabulous side-effects thanks to the stress of considering donating a kidney, what the hell will my body do if I get testing and go through with the donation (assuming I'm a match)? I can't even begin to imagine.

Should I Stay or Sould I Go?

2009-11-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

That's what my kidney wants to know. I thought I was kickin' the little bugger out, but now I'm not so sure. Turns out that little fella does a whole lot for me and hasn't once complained, about anything, ever.

This is a huge commitment and one I'm having trouble making. I want to help a friend, but I don't want to risk my health or go broke trying to get a CA kidney to a TN friend. The more research I do, the more it freaks me out. I've never had surgery (ok, except when they yanked out my wisdom teeth, but I got to keep my clothes and shoes on, so that doesn't count). Being naked on a cold steel table gives me the heebie-jeebies. The fact that there is very little data kept on living donors isn't comforting. I don't know how much data and information I need to make an "informed" decision and if there ever could really be enough info, but what is available seems grossly inadequate.

Seemed so easy when I first encountered this. Friend needs kidney. I have a kidney. If only life was that simple.

Bourbon Blondies

2009-11-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Made some Bourbon Blondies for a party. Typical blondie recipe but instead of a teaspoon of vanilla I added three shots of Bourbon. Of course, if one does that you have to increase the amount of flour to offset the added liquid and that's a dicey proposition... too much flour and it'll taste like cake, not enough and it'll never bake. They turned out and were quite good, but I think next time I'll add more flour. A fun treat for when you want some different. This is the recipe I found and then modified. Enjoy!

Living Kidney Donation

2009-11-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of finding out it I'm a candidate to be a living kidney donor. It's a very exciting and scary opportunity. Those little fist-sized organs are amazing. The more I learn about them, the more I'm horrified to realize how little I know about my own body?!

How did this even come to be? I have a friend who lives in TN. I live in CA. So, for anyone considering doing the same, finding someone who is geographically desirable will make this process a lot easier! But, if that's not an option, please don't let it discourage you. It's still an amazing journey regardless of geography.

Anyway, this friend's wife wanted to donate her kidney to him, but during the final stages of testing discovered she couldn't. I could tell she was devastated. I know I would be if it were in that situation. If my husband needed a kidney and I couldn't donate to him I'd want somebody to come forward. I wondered if I was a potential match, so I e-mailed my friends explaining I wanted to help, was there anything I could do, and that my blood type is O+. Realize, at this point I know next to nothing about any of this! Turns out blood type is extremely important, which I figured it would be, but blood is an interesting thing. Remember high school human biology? Anyway, being O+ is helpful, makes me a universal donor to all other blood types. My friend is also O+. This is a good thing since O's can give to anyone, but they can only receive from other O's. Ok, lecture over, you can do more research here if you're really interested.

I decided on my own that this was something I wanted to do. I discussed it with my husband. He freaked out, which is to be expected. This is quite the bomb to drop on someone! Of course, it's not usually a topic of discussion, so how to bring it up in the first place is probably going to be awkward enough. But, it did come up and we've been talking and sharing out fears and concerns about this ever since.

I've shard with friends and co-workers my desire to donate a kidney and everyone has been extremely supportive! I'm very lucky to have such fabulous people in my life. As I said, this is exciting and scary, so having the support of friends and family is vital.

Some of things I've learned are, I'm just like a lot of people, all of the following stats apply to me:

Most kidney donors (45%) were between the ages of 35 and 49. I'm 36.
71% were white, 13% black, 12% Hispanic, and 2% Asian. I'm white.
The majority (58%) of donors were female. I'm a female.
45% had type O blood, 38% type A, 13% type B, and 4% type AB. I have type O blood.

Source: OPTN Data as of February 28, 2008

I find this to be very encouraging. Live kidney transplants have been happening since 1954, longer than I've been on the planet!

This is just the beginning for me. As I learn more I'll share it here (I have a lot of data and information I'm still processing that I'll post later). If you have any questions please e-mail me or comment here. If you know anyone is has been through this or is considering it, please let me know. There are thousands of people who donate live kidneys each year, yet to the best of my knowledge, I haven't met any of them, but I'd like to.

Resources: all information was retrieved from the http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/kidney/kidney.htm site. This site is also very good site: http://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingDonors/index.cfm

I'm sure as I do more research I'll find more sites. If you know of any that I should check out please let me know. Thanks!

Violette Lemon Baby Bundt Cakes

2009-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

The hubby makes a fabulous Aviation Martini (check out link above if you're so inclined to try this, I highly recommend it!). In honor of my baby's mad-drink-making skillz I created a dessert to go with it. The Violette Lemon Baby Bundt Cake:

This is a standard lemon cake mix, but instead of adding water I used Buddha's Hand Vodka, Limencello, and a bit of lemon juice for added flavor. The frosting is Creme de Violette, butter, cream cheese, and powder sugar. A little food coloring was added to give it the beautiful lavender color. The lemon drop candy and lime "leaves" were added for decoration. Very tasty. We had two dinner parties over the weekend and I made this for both occasions - it was a hit!

Active

2009-10-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

This morning we walked the dogs to the groomers then had brunch at a local eatery, Scrambles. We followed that up with a little shopping at Casa Bella. Purchased a few Holiday items for Grandma, and Mom G., as well as a couple of birthday gifts for various friends. We had a nice walk home sans doggies. Vacuumed then mopped the floors. Next we shopped for groceries. Had a late lunch/early dinner of bagels and lox with a side sliced cucumbers. The groomers called to say the girls were ready to be picked up. Drove to get the prettified critters and came home. The dogs are beautiful and Karma's white again! They even smell nice, much to their chagrin. Did a little yard work, weeded, raked, mowed, trimmed... just glad it's done. Now we're relaxing and enjoying Aviation martinis. A nice way to end an active day.

Access, 2007, the Final Frontier... well, not really

2009-09-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

I'm taking an Access 2007 course at the local community college. I'm rather impressed with the book, though I did NOT pay the $150 new book price. I purchased an electronic copy for only $53 smack-a-roos. The book is well written: clear, easy to follow, great examples, and lots of pictures of "how to...", who knew Microsoft had it in em? The same appears to be true of the Excel 2007 book (which I also purchased an e-copy of).

Both Access and Excel have new features that the previous models do not. Great features that I really like and are easy to use. Of course, my employer still has 2003 for all Microsoft programs so these fabulous things I'm learning won't be of much use to me at work... yet. I'm ever hopeful they'll upgrade. If not, hopefully potential future employers have the newer programs.

My Saturday mornings are now all about homework. And, I'm enjoying it?! I guess that's a good thin. I'm hoping by the end of the semester to know enough to create a Fantasy Football thingy for the hubby. He's really into that stuff, and I figure, "hey, why not let Access do all the heavy lifting? Import some data, run a few queries, and presto: it'll spit out the names of who should be played that weekend." And next year, hopefully this little database will assist him in drafting his team. I don't pretend to understand all the ins and outs of this Fantasy Football stuff, but luckily I don't have to, that's they hubby's passion, I just want to put my schooling to ~~good~~ use.

Baking... just not posting

2009-09-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have made a few items over the last few weeks, mainly banana nut bread and brownies. I did manage to remember to take a few photos, but haven't loaded them yet.

Then, horrors of all horrors, I ran out of baking soda?! I don't know what's happening to me, last time I ran out of Bourbon. At least with Bourbon I can easily swap Brandy or Rum or whatever... but baking soda, nope, no sub for that. The banana bread was very pale and somewhat dense, but fortunately it tastes fine.

The previous batch of brownies were coffee toffee, but heck if I could taste either of those flavors. I need to kick that up several notches.

The most recent batch: peanut butter brownies. Mmmm, the peanut butter taste is present and good.

However, the hubby's and Kelly's favorite are still the orange brownies. I have nothing against orange, but I'd rather not have that mixed in with my brownies, hence the attempts with other flavors. Next I want to try something with marshmallow and/or caramel. Wish me luck, seems I need it these days.

Homework

2009-09-05T07:52:00.001-07:00

Homework is consuming more of my time than I imagined. Fortunately, so far, I'm enjoying the course work, but the idea that it's cutting into my baking time is a bit saddening. I'm taking Access 2007 and Excel 2007 courses at the local community college. These classes will be good for work, but mainly I'm doing it for me. I've always liked Excel and once I started dabbling in Access I just knew I had to learn it in more depth. Up until now I've been self-taught in both these areas, but realized that the programs have so much more to offer and I goofing off on my own wasn't the answer if I really wanted to have a full understanding of what each program truly has to offer. So, until the classes end, in December?!, I'll probably not be baking as much. On the one hand that's probably good for my waistline, however, sitting in front of a computer for hours and hours on end isn't.

Orange Brownies

2009-08-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

The hubby made me fresh squeezed OJ for breakfast, along with French Toast and sausage. It was wonderful. He also zested the oranges, so I used that zest in brownies along with Grand Marnier. The brownies are soooooooooooo good, the hubby LOVED them (said they were the best brownies he has ever had), as did our friends. I love this particular brownie recipe, so far every variation of it has turned out great. Of course, most recipes that call for 1 cup of butter, 2 1/4 cups of sugar and 4 eggs, 1 cup of cocoa, etc. etc. tends to be pretty darn good! I'm looking forward to trying marshmallows, caramel, peanut butter, or mint next time, not sure which one, but eventually I'll each of those flavors.

Out of Bourbon?!

2009-08-09T12:01:00.001-07:00

Somehow I ran out of Bourbon?! Not sure how such a thing could happen, but no worries, I used Brandy instead. Note to self, buy more Bourbon. Anyway, we had some bread that was past its prime, the solution - bread pudding cupcakes! Brandy, bread, and white chocolate chips came together to create a rich, moist, and slightly crunchy topped cupcake - doesn't even need frosting.

I also made two loaves of zucchini bread... sans booze, but I'm sure it'll still taste good. These I made for a friend of ours who loves zucchini bread.

Out with the old

2009-07-24T14:16:00.001-07:00

Eww! What's that ugly range doing in my kitchen?

It must go, it must!

Ahhhh, much better. I like, I love, I'm oh so happy!

Pretty, but wait, there's more! It works and I can actually see through the window. Life is grand.

Eventually we'll replace that HUGE eyesore of a white microwave. I can hardly wait.

Yummy Summer Dinner

2009-07-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

Spinach salad with fresh black berries, strawberries, pear, and pistachios. The hubby made a wonderful dressing for it.

Cold cucumber and avocado soup. Fabulous on a hot summer night. Very refreshing.

The hubby's awesome quiche, so good!

Muffin Medley & Cherry Overload

2009-07-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

I was hungry for something small and sweet for breakfast and couldn't decide which type of muffin to make, so I made three, from left to right: apricot white chocolate, blueberry almond, and banana walnut. I like all three and it's just as easy to make 72 muffins as it is 24, so why not? Of course, after that I realized I had a ton of fresh cherries I needed to use before they went bad, so I pitted them (staining my hands a bloody red, looked like I had just committed murder!) and cut them into little pieces. These I added to corn muffins:

and the rest of the cherries I added to devil's food cake cupcakes:

The frosting is a chocolate cream cheese, sour cream. Very rich and creamy, quite delicious.

Bourbon White Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding Cupcakes

2009-07-04T12:01:00.001-07:00

I made Martha Stewart's 7-minute frosting for these cupcakes. WOW! It's good stuff, tastes like marshmallow. It's kinda a high-maintenance frosting as it requires boiling sugar, water, and light corn syrup to 230 degrees and whipping 6 egg whites into a frenzy, then adding the boiling mixture without scaling yourself, and finally whipping all that for about 7 minutes... but it's so worth it. Melts in the mouth. Mmm mmm YUM!

The hubby likes bread pudding, me, not so much. But, hey, it's the 4th of July so why not give it a shot. I figure with enough booze even bread pudding can be good - right? I found your typical bread pudding recipe online, however, I greatly modified it to make them into cupcakes. I didn't use any milk, just a cup of Bourbon! Anyway, I added the white chocolate chips simply because I had them. For the bread we had two loaves of sandwich bread: French and Sourdough. I used about equal amounts of both torn into little pieces and mixed thoroughly into the wet batter. I wasn't really sure if these would turn out or not, but they did. Yeah! I doubled lined the paper cups to be on the safe side and that worked nicely. The flavor of these bad boys is wonderful.... the bourbon is present, but not overwhelming. The white chocolate chips impart a nice sweetness, and the over consistency is fabulous: not dry, not mushy, but just right. A success if I do say so myself! Can't wait to hear what our friends think about them. I'll be bringing these to the 4th of July cookout, along with the Raspberry/blueberry corn muffins.

Raspberry & Blueberry Corn Muffins

2009-07-04T11:58:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July! For the cook out we'll be attending later I made raspberry/blueberry corn muffins. Very simple recipe the hubby found online. And, quite tasty! Hope our friends like them.

Cheese cake and cupcakes

2009-06-20T15:16:00.001-07:00

This is a cheese cake with a sour cream mixture on top... I can't wait to try this. I made this from Kelly's dad's mother's recipe. I hope I did it justice.

The cupcakes are white cake, from scratch, and the frosting is a butter cream with Kahlua, dark chocolate and coffee. These are a few of Kelly's dad's favorite flavors, hope he likes them. Probably the best thing about the cake is that it only makes a dozen cupcakes instead of the usual two dozen, so I'll probably be adapting this recipe a lot.

The dough for the focaccia is still resting. I'll knead it one last time and prep for baking about 45 minutes before Kelly, Steve, and Kelly's dad are due to arrive. The hubby's making pasta and sauce from scratch for the evening meal. Should be good. I think we have enough veggies on hand to make a simple salad to round out the dinner.

The bar is built... mostly

2009-06-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

This was what we started off with. It worked, but we knew we could do better.

We purchased stock cabinets, upper cabinets since the depth of the area wasn't deep enough to accommodate a standard cabinet, and here's Jordan the cat inspecting our progress:

We managed to get it level, but heck it we'll ever get it squared with walls that aren't plumb! As long as the booze stays on the shelf I'm happy.

The booze in need of a proper home.

Ta-da! A more or less proper home. Someday, money permitting, we want to clad the top in copper! But for now, it does the trick.

We've finally done it, built a place to house all our booze. Woo hoo, let's have a party.

Bourbon Brownies & Strawberry Cupakes with Tequila Frosting

2009-06-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made Bourbon brownies and strawberry cupcakes with Tequila frosting. The brownines were wonderful, I can't wait to make more. The strawberry cupcakes were good, but I was bummed that the 7-minute frosting I made didn't turn out quite as intended. It tasted just fine, but didn't set up properly. No worries, I topped of the cupcakes with some lemon cookies and a Lemon Drop and everything was fine, see:

No TV - Day 18

2009-06-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

Things are going well. Now I don't even miss TV or even think about it. I thought I'd do a lot more baking, but have been busy with other endeavors. I've been reading more, spending time with friends, and making cards. Tonight Kelly and I plan to make lemon cupcakes. I'll post pictures later.

Bitburger Beer Cupcakes

2009-06-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

These wonderful cupcakes were indeed made with Bitburger Beer. The frosting was butter cream with malt. They weren't sweet nor bitter, but just right. And they were a huge hit at the Post Office.

Too Tired

2009-06-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

I'm too tired to bake cupcakes?! I find this very distressing, but it's probably a good thing as I'd just eat them - which is the last thing I need right now. Rest would probably do me some good. Of course now that I've challenged myself to NO TV, all I want to do is veg out and watch TV, but I'm going to grab the Kindle and read instead.

No TV Challenge

2009-05-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

We don't have a television in the house, but my handy-dandy laptop enables me to watch TV. There are several programs I enjoy, but once I sit my butt down and get comfy I'll not move for hours! Thus the "No TV Challenge!" I started when we returned from visiting the in-laws in Houston. I haven't watched any TV in 4 days. So far so good. I've not really even been tempted to watch anything. When I think, "hmm, maybe I'll catch the latest episode of Bones" I instead grab my super fabulous Kindle and read. When I finish a book, I just download another. I've been reading a lot more and that's great, it's a better use of my time.

Also, there's always the kitchen calling me, "Come bake! Make something tasty!" So many more wonderful options than watching TV. Hopefully I can break my last "No TV Challenge" of 3 months. That was when I was single in St. Louis and boy did I ever bake. I made banana nut bread, cheesecake, cookies, brownies, and turnovers all from scratch and boy did my neighbors love me!

The hubby's been great about getting to work earlier and coming home at a reasonable hour which allows us to walk the dogs. Exercise that we ALL need! The dogs sure enjoy the walks and it's great to catch up with my sweetie about his day and what's happening in his life, how his book is coming along, etc. And, right now the evenings are spectacular! Nothing better than being outside in this wonderful weather.

Oh and there's card making and scrapbooking too! After our trip to Houston I want to capture all the fun in a little scrapbook. And with Father's Day, co-workers' birthdays, etc. coming up soon there are plenty of cards to be created. What fun!

Plenty to do, don't know why I'd ever watch TV again... well, at least not for more than 3 months as I want to break my previous record.

Darn Diet

2009-05-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make more cupcakes... but now that hubby's on a diet it's just cruel to tempt him. Oh yeah, and I need to shed a few pounds too! Cutting down four trash containers worth of tree branches has helped, but I gotta keep up the exercise if I'm ever going to get rid of that last ten pounds.

I think I'll expand my baking horizon and try to make French bread or some other semi-healthy items to devour. The hubby asked me to make croissants, sure they're French, but I have no idea how that would be helpful to his diet goals as croissants require a ton of butter?! I LOVE croissants but as I understand it, they're a lot of work. Maybe I'll attempt this when I can actually move without moaning. Right now my my arms, legs, and back are sore, so I think I'll take it easy.

200 and counting

2009-05-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

I was baking and baking and baking and loving every moment of it! For a friend's 40th Birthday Bash I made over 200 cupcakes (48 regular size, the rest the little minis).

The regular size (and kid friendly cupcakes) were chocolate with coco malt butter cream frosting, as well as vanilla with vanilla frosting, see:

The more adult cupcakes were the minis and these came in three varieties:

Vanilla cupcake with rum and macadamia nuts with a toasted coconut vanilla butter cream frosting. These were interesting as the rum is very light and created very puffy cupcakes that were much lighter in texture than the others.

Kahlua chocolate cupcake with a coco malt butter cream frosting. Rich, moist, and quite tasty.

Mai Tai (surprisingly enough no booze in these?! I was going to add rum to the frosting, but ran out) - strawberry, pineapple and coconut cupcake with a vanilla butter cream frosting. These were soooooooooooooooooo moist due to the pineapple/pineapple juice. I'm not a huge pineapple or coconut fan, but these were fantastic! Plus the pretty pink color is always fun.

What I discovered during this baking extravaganza is: I need a bigger kitchen, more cooling racks, and more cupcake carriers.

Chocolate Caramel Orange Cream

2009-05-10T19:34:00.001-07:00

One rich bad@$$ cupcake! This fella is filled with a creamy caramel cocoa. It's a basic yellow cake mix with a hint of orange. The frosting is an airy butter cream with cocoa and malt. This light (in texture, sure as heck NOT lite in calories!) sinful treat literally melts in the mouth. Oh yeah!

Strawberry Maragrita

2009-05-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

What this cupcake lacks in looks it more than makes up for in its taste. It's your basic lemon cake mix, but for the liquid I added a strawberry puree and Tequila! The frosting is a cream cheese with lemon curd and more strawberry puree. According to the hubby it tastes just like a Strawberry Margarita. Mmmm, wanna get drunk off cupcakes? Andale, andale!

Orange Almond Cupcakes and Bon Bons

2009-05-07T20:18:00.001-07:00

Tonight's delight is yellow cake with a touch of orange topped with a butter cream frosting consisting of Grand Mariner and crushed almonds. I also made cake bon bons, which is cake, frosting, and caramel mixed together and rolled in a crushed almond and powder sugar mixture - very rich, but quite tasty!

Chocolate rum malted milk ball cupcakes

2009-05-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

These are chocolate rum malted milk ball cupcakes with 3 milk balls baked within each cupcake. The frosting is a wonderfully light and airy coco malt butter cream. Sweet, but not cloyingly so. The hubby LOVED them. The rum taste is very present, but I don't think it's overwhelming, since the malt flavor really helps temper it. I think these will be a hit at the hubby's presentation today. He's giving a speech on the topic of "Separation of Church and State." Here's a cupcake with a chocolate covered graham crackers to help emphasis the point of hubby's presentation.

My new favorite website

2009-05-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

While looking for malted milk powder to make a rich, yet not too sweet frosting, I chanced upon this site: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/

I'm sure there are thousands of wonderful sites but this one caught my eye. Some of the recipes look amazing and I can't wait to try them - as cupcake toppers! Like this one for instance (click here for the recipe):

I feel like Homer Simpson, drooling all over myself at the mere idea of these bad boys. Just imagine a bit of this atop a cupcake?!

Orange Chocolate Almond Cupcakes

2009-04-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight Kelly and I made Orange Chocolate Almond Cupcakes. We made 2 dozen regular sized cupcakes and just under 2 dozen minis. They're quite interesting. Chocolate cake with an orange and almond butter cream frosting. The reason for the almond in the frosting was to cut down on the sugar, and it worked. Plus, it also gave the frosting a lovely speckled look. The almonds were basically a powder, so I used a lot of that to off set the powder sugar. The frosting was very rich and just a little sweet. I didn't have any oranges so I zested grapefruit to add a little kick to the frosting. The cupcakes have a chocolate covered orange candy piece inside (from Trader Joe's of course!).

Toffee crunch, malted milk ball, and marshmallow cupcakes, oh my!

2009-04-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

This is Kelly! She's fun, as if you couldn't tell from the photo?! Anyway, NO that's NOT her glass of wine in the picture, it's her hubby's. She doesn't drink. Guess that means more booze for the rest of us.

Anyway, last week Kelly and I made three different types of cupcakes: toffee, malted milk ball, and marshmallow. I forgot to take pictures, so no photos of these bad boys, I apologize. They were quite good though.

The toffee cupcakes were minis, and the toffee and chocolate chips were mixed into the batter. It of course all sunk to the bottom of the cupcake, but that's ok, they were good, good, good! The frosting was a rich butter cream with almond flavoring. These were a hit.

The malted milk ball cupcakes were the regular size. After filling the liners with batter I plunked a malted milk ball into each cupcake. Frosted these fellas with the same almond butter cream frosting and topped with a malted milk ball. Quite yummy. The "baked" malted milk ball tasted great.

The marshmallow cupcakes were, um, interesting. Just like above, placed batter in liners, plopped in marshmallow and baked away. The marshmallow basically blew up in the oven, but fortunately didn't make a mess. When removed, the marshmallows deflated and cooled to become a little crispy on top - in a most wonderful way! But these guys were so sticky I put them into little glass containers then frosted them. They were beautiful and the sweet crunchy flavor imparted by the baked marshmallow was fabulous. I want to try this again, and tweak it a bit. Not sure how to avoid the stickiness of it, perhaps coat the cupcake in coconut? I don't know, I"ll figure something out.

Next time I'll try to remember to photograph them.

I had some left over toffee batter so I made this itty-bitty cake. Technically not a cupcake, but at least you have an idea of what the toffee cupcakes looked like.

Spicy Little Devils

2009-04-12T09:40:00.001-07:00

I'm not one for spicy, usually, but these are really, really good. I made them for the hubby since he likes things hot! These are the mini-cupcakes.

Box of devil's food cake mix, follow the directions listed
Container of Trader Joe's "Dark Chocolate Chipotle Hazelnuts"
24 ounces Cream cheese (3 packages)
Powdered Sugar (2 pounds)
Almond or hazelnut extract, liqueur, creamer - whatever liquid you have that's a nutty flavor - 1 to 2 ounces total
Chipotle spice - ground
Cinnamon
Cocoa

Once you're little devils are in their backing cups drop in a TJ's Dark Chocolate Chipotle Hazelnut (or two or three - depending on the size of your cupcakes). Bake according to the cake mix directions. While those bad boys heat things up in your oven, get your frosting groove on!

Cream cheese (room temp, or nuke it a touch if it's chilly-willy) and mix on low in a KitchenAid stand mixer. Once it's very creamy add in some powdered sugar, slowly and completely incorporate before adding more. Add to taste, if you like it sweet like I do, go crazy and put in two pounds worth or so. Once it starts getting a little stiff add some of your liquid (almond or hazelnut extract, liqueur, creamer whatever you have that's flavored, have fun with it, this is not an exact science! But do be careful, a little liquid goes a long way! Add only about 1-2 ounces). Once the frosting is rich and creamy add the cocoa, chipotle, and cinnamon to taste. I added a lot because the cream cheese really balances it out and I wanted to have this frosting smack me upside the head - just a little, I didn't want to be knocked unconscious, but a bit of kick is good.

Now the fun part! Once your devil cakes have cooled off, cover the bottom of a container with frosting, plop in the cupcake and add more frosting to cover. Drop a few Dark Chocolate Chipotle Hazelnuts for garnish and viola! Something spicy to heat up your night!

Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes

2009-04-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

These were good, but I still need to figure out how to make them better. Standard box of chocolate cake mix, then before baking I snuggled a chocolate covered caramel in the the batter within the cupcake. The frosting is a coco-cream cheese. Very rich, and very sticky! Due to the cream cheese frosting I stored these in the fridge. I think at room temp they'd be easier to eat. The chocolate/caramel melted and settled on the bottom of the cupcake and was very chewy. Aside from that, they're great! I'm not sure how to keep the chocolate covered caramel in the middle of the cupcake... everything always sinks to the bottom. Oh well, still darn tasty.

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

2009-04-12T07:49:00.001-07:00

These were my favorite that Kelly and I baked. Again, just a standard box of chocolate cake mix. Then once the batter was in the mini cupcakes we plopped a peanut butter cup into it. After they cooled we frosted them with a peanut butter cream cheese frosting - sounds a little odd, but really works! Good stuff. The hubby complained that these cupcakes were "too rich." Bah, as if that's possible?! I thought they were damn good.

Cherry chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes

2009-04-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Kelly and I made these cherry chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes. It was a "Thanks!" for watching our knuckleheads while we were out of town for a wedding.

Just a basic box of chocolate cake mix then we added the chocolate chips and cherries to the batter before baking. The frosting is cherry cream cheese. I used some of the syrup for flavoring and color, the rest is just cream cheese and powdered sugar. They were quite good.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

2009-04-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've been a baking fool as of late. I made orange creamsicle cupcakes, that even I liked. Usually I just enjoy making and decorating the cupcakes, I leave the eating of them to others. This time however I ate my fair share! They're very simple to make, especially if you cheat like I did.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

1 box of yellow cake mix
zest from 2 large oranges
juice from the 2 large oranges you just zested the life out of
orange soda combined with the juice of the oranges until you have 1 and 1/2 cups of total liquid (I didn't have orange soda so I used Tangerine Lime from Trader Joe's - good stuff)
2 egg whites
Mix the above bad boys together until smooth
pour into a muffin tin and bake at 350 for about 18-20 minutes

While these fellas are baking make some frosting!

1 pound of warm butter (room temp is best, but hey, go ahead an nuke in the micro if you haven't planned ahead)
2 pounds of powdered sugar
zest of one orange (not from above, you'll want a whole another orange)
2 ounces of Grand Marinier

Hope you have a KitchenAid stand mixer, as it makes this next part really easy. Mix butter on low and slowly add some of the sugar, once that's incorporated, add a little more sugar, keep on incorporating until it starts getting stiff. You can add the orange zest at any time, just keep the mixer on low. When the frosting starts getting stiff slowly add the Grand Mariner and keep mixing until it's very creamy. If you go crazy and add more liquid than you intended, just add more powdered sugar until it's all better.

Before frosting the cupcakes I injected them with vanilla pudding (I used instant pudding and just followed the directions on the box). The pudding's your secret weapon to really making these cupcakes outta this world. I have a Bismark tip that I use to fill the cupcakes with. The disposable clear piping bags work great for this, but if you run out of them like I did, you can resort to a large zip lock bag. It's a bit difficult to work with and I had to use tape to keep the tip firmly in place, but it did get the job done. Once you've filled the cupcakes frost and enjoy!

Dog piss be gone!

2009-03-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Ha! I fixed 'em. I ripped out the carpeting and padding. Take that critters. Now of course the house is a mess... but at least it doesn't smell like piss. Damn dogs. Love them, but not their bad behavior.

I told the hubby this morning, "this weekend we have to rip out the carpeting, there's at least one dog piss puddle, maybe two, and I'm done trying to keep it clean." I could tell he wasn't thrilled with the idea of spending the weekend tearing the office room apart, removing the carpeting, padding, and strip tack, so I surprised him by getting most of that done before he returned from work tonight. I wasn't able to move to love seat sleeper/sofa or the desk, so he helped with that and now he's sanding the concert floor to remove the mastic, what a guy! And, now it's more or less done (for the time being) so we'll have the weekend to play.

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

2009-03-20T06:46:00.001-07:00

I made chocolate cupcakes and about half were filled with a raspberry filling. The other half I didn't fill. All were topped with a rich butter cream frosting that was spiked with two shots of Chambord. The raspberry liqueur was very subtle, but still yummy.

Next time I want to try Orange Creamsicle cupcakes. I'll just need to pick up some oranges as I want to add some zest to the batter to really give it a kick. The frosting will be butter cream but with more vanilla than I normally use, perhaps I'll douse it with some Grand Marnier too, for good measure. Maybe I'll make that Monday night if we get home early enough from our wine tasting adventure.

My sweet little angels

2009-03-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

I love when Jordan's napping it, it's about the time she's truly behaving herself.

Sassy being calm, a rarity in this house. Needed proof that she does sometimes settle down enough to be as sweet as her name.

Ah my little sweet pea, my baby Karma. She's no longer a puppy, but she sure does snuggle and likes to think of herself as one.

My Pumpkin, my princess, my Ginger! I'm going to miss these knuckle heads while we're wine tasting in Paso Robles... but a few days without being completely covered in critter fur will be nice.

New Obession

2009-02-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

Everyday I faithfully check out Cake Wrecks and now I've added Cupcakes Take The Cake to my Internet cruising routine. It's a wonder I manage to get showered and dressed in the morning! And, if as if the Cupcakes Take The Cake wasn't enough, I also check out the links on that site, like Cupc ake Swirl, and A C up Cakery. I need to win the lotto, there are so many amazing little accessories for cupcakes that I must have! I have yet to figure out how I made it this far in life without these adorable cupcake liners.
These are simple, which is what I like, but there are some that are very intricate and laser cut. The liners/wrappers are wrapped around the decorated cupcake to give it a finished look. Too cute! I'd only use these for very special occasions, as they're not practical for everyday use, but what a fabulous idea. And, the site that sells these is called "Cupcake Wrapture" - gotta love that name.

And to think that I'm late to the cupcake party?! This cupcake craze apparently is all the rage in New York City, Los Angles, and other metropolitan areas. Guess I need to get out more.

Crazy About Cupcakes

2009-02-18T05:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I visited the library and checked out a few books. Gotta have something to read at night before bed or I go crazy. Then, for fun, I checked out "Crazy About Cupcakes". A whole book dedicated to cupcakes, wow, what fun! The author, Krystina Castella, has tiered cupcakes. Dang, why didn't I think of that? Take a cupcake, and then put another cupcake on top of it, the fabulousness of this is just too much for my little brain to comprehend. Can't wait to try it out.

I'm sure if my hubby knew that taking a single cake decorating class would turn into an obsession he'd never have suggested it. Oh well, at least he gets to partake of the finished products - and the works in progress. Though, he usually will pass up the opportunity to lick the spoon of batter and wait for the actual item to be baked. I figure more for me! That's the second best part of baking - the batter!

I made these guys last night for fun. They're marbled cupcakes. What a pain in the @$$ these fellas are. Marbling within the cupcake liner isn't very easy. I think this works great for cakes, but for the little dudes, I'll just stick to a single batter type. There's one cupcake in the mix that is only yellow cake and just a dab of frosting because my one friend doesn't like chocolate?! I don't understand how that's possible, but hey, more chocolate for the rest of us. Some cupcakes have little bird nests with a single egg, and a few cupcakes just got an egg, while some are plain. Trying to please the masses.

Of course, I made these before I looked over the "Crazy About Cupcakes" book, because if I had, these little cakes would be tiered! Now I know for next time. Yeah, something new to try.

One tough cookie!

2009-02-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

While shopping at Lowes for trim for the guest room , I spied this:

Awww yeah! You know you want one too. It has 16 ball-bearing drawers, it's stainless steel, has a stereo system, and an itty-bitty fridge. Oh, and LED lights too. 4,000 pound capacity caster wheels, power strip with 4 outlets, and it's sexy! What's not to love... oh, the price tag. This bad boy will set you back about $2000 calms. But, aside from that, it's one helluva of baking center. Can't you just see every draw filled with cookie cutters, cake decorating tips, muffin and pie tins... oh I get all teary eyed just thinking about it. The open top shelf could be the cooling area as well as for displaying my baking creations, which is safe from dogs and cats alike. Wow, my little heart is all a pitter-patter over this hunk of metal. Oh well, it won't fit in the kitchen and my baking via grill top wasn't so successful, so I guess I'll just stick to my current set up. But, if I ever win the lotto...

Happy 200th B-day Darwin

2009-02-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

In honor of Darwin's b-day I made a cake. We're going to a birthday bash later to celebrate Darwin, so it's only appropriate that I should bake a cake. What's a party without cake - no damn fun, that's what! So, here it is:

Oh, you want a close up of the nest, ok:

This nest is made of cake, coco frosting, and coconut. If you like Mounds or Almond Joy you'd love this nest. I cheated on the eggs, those are my favorite Easter eggs, the Cadbury mini eggs. So dang good. Mmmmm, is it time to cut the cake yet?

Frobidden Love

2009-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Look into my eyes... hey, over here, my eyes are over here. Well, anyway, see that, it's passion for YOU, my love...

Let us cuddle...

You're my one, my only...

Snow! Ugh... I hate this stuff!

2009-02-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

Yucko!

Ahh, that's better:

Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara in January

2009-02-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago we hooked up with some friends to taste vino in beautiful Santa Barbara. It was fabulous to just get away for a couple days and catch up with our buds. Oh, and drinking wine is always a good time!

This winery, Racncho Sisquoc, has a cat named Jezebel, see, what a cutie:

They even had cows, moo:

Cupcakes!

2009-02-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

I made these cupcakes just because I could. Actually, I just like decorating them, and they tasted great too! I took these to work to share, I sure as heck don't need to eat 24 cupcakes. These were filled with vanilla pudding. Mmmm, makes me want to make more!

Popovers

2009-02-14T07:56:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, just for fun, I made some popovers. They're so simple to make, and taste quite good considering all they consist of is flour, eggs, milk and only two table spoons of butter, and a dash of salt. Yum! Of course, these are best if eaten warm, right out of the oven.

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-01-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

This is my first ever fondant rose, calla lilly, and leaves. Needs a bit of work, but not too bad for a first timer.

This is the first cake I ever decorated. That's a butter cream frosting that I made to look like fondant. The hearts are little funky (clearly I need more practice), but hey, it tasted just fine.

Happy Chinese New Year! This is my Chinese inspired "Cherry Blossom" cake for a Chinese pot luck we attended. The cake was a typical yellow cake with ginger added to the batter, and a plum filling. The sides of the cake had the "Ox" symbol drawn on them (2009, year of the ox), which I didn't really capture well in this photo.

This I call my "Get Crazy With the Cheeze Whiz" Cake (or in this case frosting!). This is my most recent cake. I got a little out of control with the piping bag, but it was fun to make.

This completes my first Wilton Cake Decorating Course. I can't wait to take more classes!

Wine tasting

2009-01-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

We're in Lompoc enjoying the company of our friends and getting ready to go taste some wine! Last night, while dining at a local family owned Italian restaurant, we sampled an Addamo Dolcetto that was wonderful. I've requested that we visit the Addamo winery today so we can purchase a some of this fabulous vino. From there it doesn't much matter to me what we do. I'm "One Drink Becky" for a reason, so after that first tasting I'm pretty much done. But, since the hubby enjoys wine I want to indulge him. He deserves it, he works hard. So we're off to have a superb time in the gorgeous weather of Santa Barbara County.

Low Fat Frosting

2009-01-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I would have slapped someone upside the head for suggesting such a thing. "Low fat frosting?! NEVER!" However, I'm no longer in my twenties enjoying a fabulous metabolism that just doesn't quit. Now, with a metabolism that seems to have flatlined, I'm thinking, "Hey, low fat frosting, sure, I'll try that. How bad can it be, it has cream cheese in it!" I'm planning on testing this out Monday night. If it's awful... well, um, that'll be the end of that. If it's good, woo hooo, more cake to bake!

My first cake turned out beautiful. I smoothed out the butter cream frosting until it was as smooth as fondant. In fact most people who know what that is, thought that is was fondant. Unfortunately, fondant typically tastes awful and I was told that for weddings and such when it's time to serve the cake the kitchen folks take the cake away, peel off the fondant and then just serve up the cake. What a waste! The frosting is my favorite part of the cake. Thus, the need for a frosting that won't add inches to my waistline.

Baking Fool

2009-01-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend I made from scratch a white cake with butter cream frosting, lemon blueberry almond nut cupcakes frosted with more of the butter cream frosting, and a banana nut, orange cranberry cake with a cream cheese frosting. As far as I know everything turned out great. Haven't tried the white cake yet as I'm saving that for Tuesday's cake decorating class.

I purchased a cake saver (huge plastic lidded dome thingy used to transport a cake). When I transferred the white caked from the cake decorating stand to the cake saver I fudged a few spots along the base of the cake. Not a big deal as I can fix it with frosting. However, I'm going to have to figure out a better way for future cakes. I should have used a cake plate/base thingy - I'm sure there's a technical name for it... but hey, I'm new to this stuff and have to figure it out as I go.

I'm just very pleased that thus far things are turning out great. It's a lot of fun baking and decorating. I just love that I get to create yummy things and then eat and/or share it with others. The best part is that it's all temporary. If I find I don't care for a particular flavor I'll make something different next time. The only lasting evidence of any of this are the tools of the trade and pictures (if I remember to take them!). Of course, the dinning room table is a disaster right now... gotta find a home for all my new toys. Can't stand it taking over the space.

This baking stuff is fun, fun, fun. I guess I'm fulfilling grandpa's destiny. Apparently he always wanted to decorate cakes, not sure why he never did, but I'll give it a shot in his honor. The only problem is what to do with all the baked goods? Can't possibly eat it all, nor do I want to. Hopefully the folks at work will enjoy it.

Coffee Cake & Carpeting

2009-01-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

This morning I was motivated; within an hour of waking I cleaned all three litter boxes, did a load of laundry, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher, made coffee and a coffee cake. I was very pleased with how the coffee cake turned out, having never made it before.

I was always fascinated by coffee cake as a child. I wasn't allowed coffee and cake was usually reserved for birthdays or other special occasions. However, coffee cake was something my paternal grandma always seemed to have on hand AND we were allowed to eat it! With "cake" in the name I just knew it had to be good and it was. I wondered if it had coffee in it and why did we only get to eat it at grandma's? Finally I reached adulthood and coffee is an option as is cake. Life is good and this morning's coffee cake just proved it.

Unfortunately the afternoon wasn't quite as good. The hubby and I tore out the carpeting, padding, and tack strip in the guest room. It only took several hours and was easier than I thought it would be. I had feared the worst, that the padding would be super-glued to the cement and impossible to remove, luckily that wasn't the case.

The cement floor is pretty ugly, but at least it doesn't have any cat piss or dog barf stains. Eventually we'll recover it with something more pleasing to the eye, probably a hardwood floor. I'd love cork, but since we don't use the guest all that much I'd rather put cork in the office/craft room where we could truly appreciate it. I like the look of bamboo and so does the hubby, so we'll probably go with that. If only flooring cost as much as coffee.

So little and yet sooooooooooooo loud!

2009-01-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

How do they do it?

We're pet sitting for a friend. She has two itty-bitty daschunds, Pete (10 months) and Duke (3 years old). They're as cute as can be... but boy are they loud! They bark, they whine, they cry, they whine, they bark. I'm not used to all the barking, as our dogs rarely do that.

Pete really, really, really likes to play. However, no one is able to keep up with him! Not Duke, not Karma, not Sassy, not the hubby, not me... and definitely not the cats. Ginger's been hiding ever since the little buggers got here and Jordan made an effort to say "howdy" but was greeted with hearty barks and then a chase. Haven't seen much of her as she's been hanging out IN the box spring mattress. We've shut the cats in the guest room to keep them away from the little dudes.

Pete's a holly terror, he's been humping Karma as if it's his life's work. Karma just gives a low growl and has a look on face as if so say, "If there weren't people around I'd knock you into next week bub!" Sassy, being HUGE compared to the wiener dogs, just ignores them and goes about her business. Sometimes she'll chase the little fellers.

Pete is now attacking my slipper, as if my foot were inhabited by a badger. He's wrested my slipper off at least once and keeps going at it. It's kind of funny and it's the only thing keeping him quiet so the hubby can sleep. Little Duke is curled up next to me on the love seat and covered with a blanket. He gets cold very easily.

I enjoy the little guys, but I'm not sure I'm cut out to handle them full-time. They're just so full of energy. Our girls are pretty lazy, which works out great cause we're really lazy!

This has been a great opportunity and a lot of fun, but I'm actually looking forward to the boys return home. I'm pretty sure the cats are looking forward to it even more than me!

Accountawhat?

2008-12-31T05:27:00.000-08:00

Accountability... why bother? A bail out is easier - all you need is an open hand and a private jet, or if your private jet attracts too much attention, drive a hybrid. Come on, gas is cheap. Not only can you afford to request a bail out, you'd be stupid not too!

Hey, Uncle Sam, when will you "Just Say No?"

Cake Decorating!

2008-12-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

The hubby inquired as to if I'd enjoy cake decorating classes. I said, "You betcha! Sounds like fun!" But, it gets better. I mentioned this to a friend while we were shopping and asked if this was something she would be interested in. "Oh yeah, that would be great!" So, in two short weeks we'll be learning the ins and outs of frosting at our local JoAnn's. The classes are Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Gives us plenty of time to hook up for dinner before class.

I have a co-worker who loves pink cake/cupcakes, so I'm really looking forward to creating something really special for her. She and I both enjoy the blog CakeWrecks, which was the hubby's inspiration for the class as a gift to meeeeeeeee for the holidays. I laugh my little head off when I read that blog... good times. Hopefully I never see something I create on CakeWrecks, unless it's for the Sunday Sweets, whereby she posts pictures of amazing cakes that are NOT wrecks! Ha ha, as if. So I dream in sugar, let me enjoy this little fantasy as it's completely endorsed by the American Dental Association.

It's Melting!

2008-12-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

The worst snow in over 20 years shut the city down on Wednesday. By the next day, most of it had melted - at least in my neighborhood. We ventured out last night, and just several miles away the snow seemed there to stay. Glad I don't live in the slightly higher elevation.

I'm done with snow. Sure it's pretty, but it's even prettier when it's on a postcard depicting some place I am not!

The branches in the backyard were touching the ground they were so heavy. The long willow branches were still a bright green, swaying in the breeze amid the white backdrop. I'll admit, that did look spectacular - but all the same, I'm glad most of it has melted. Of course now there is a little lake where our backyard used to be.

While the yard was blanketed with snow and branches bowing to the ground, lots of cool little alcoves were created that our doggies liked playing in and around. They HATE rain, but snow? Sure, snow's O.K. They willingly would go out into the white stuff, but not out into the rain?! Go figure.

I'm just glad it's melting. And, if I never see snow again that would make for a very Merry Christmas!

That's Art?

2008-12-16T04:55:00.000-08:00

I grew up in a small Midwestern town, population at the time 2,939. Football was king and art was just something everyone had to take for one quarter a school year. I loved art, maybe because I was good at it - or at least my teacher thought so - maybe because it's such a personal and expressive experience. It seems anything can be art; basketballs floating in water, a dead bird attached to a painting, a canvas painted green, just solid green. With that said, art is apparently something you can't screw up. How fantastic! Of course, getting people to take your art seriously and to pay millions for it? That's a secret for just a select few to know and the rest of us to scratch our heads about.

While walking through the various exhibits at LAMCA I saw some pieces that resembled some of my earlier attempts to paint, my very unsuccessful, early attempts. It amazed me to see a painting, of what to me appeared to be a couple of ladies enjoying afternoon tea outdoors. The setting was lovely and it included a dog, what more could I ask for? The dog of course seems to be an extortionist. He was scratching his ear with a back leg in a manner I've never seen before. I have dogs, I've watched them so some pretty unusual and some very nasty things, but never witnessed anything like in the painting (and would prefer not do, as I'm sure if my dog could do that, she would need medical attention). Oh, and, one of the women at the tea party looked as if someone had just dragged her out a river, dried her off, and plopped her on a chair. Her body was facing the tea companion across the table, but her face was squared off toward the viewer of the piece. This made the face seem distorted and bloated in a bizarre and unpleasing way.

I recall painting in high school and sometimes my work had that unfortunate look about it and I tossed it out, frustrated that I couldn't paint. And, now, 15-20 years later something similar is hanging on a museum wall?! Crazy, not my idea of art, but then again, it doesn't have to be. That's the beauty of art, it lies within each of us to determine what is or is not art. No right, no wrong, just different interpretations and levels of appreciation. I look at that distorted painting of the ladies and the dog and think, "Abomination!" while someone else may exclaim, "Brilliant!"

There were some pieces that I truly enjoyed. It was wonderful to walk about and take note of different styles and find some that resonated with me, pieces I'd actually want on my wall (if I could afford them!). I'm so grateful to have had this experience. I usually sprint through museums while my hubby could spend what seems like hours studying a single item. Thus, we don't often go to museums together. My attention span is very short, his is not. However, part of what made this trip so magical was having a third party, an informed and trained, third party to guide us. She really made this so special. Her insight, knowledge of the pieces, the artists, the installations... wow! I actually want to go back and check it out again, see other exhibits we didn't make it to.

I remember that evening feeling so alive. Like I was part of some special club because I had experienced art, had glimpsed into another world, had new viewpoints to ponder.

Headless Bird Wonder

2008-12-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

The other morning I let the dogs out, just as I always do, but this time they weren't at the door scratching to get back in. This worried me. The dogs rarely want to be outside for more than a few minutes.. I feared the worst, that they ran away. Sassy came a runnin' as soon as I turned the door knob, Karma however, was very busy. I went to see what she was up to. I didn't like what I discovered. Karma was munching on a headless bird that was also missing a wing. It was completely disgusting and not how I like to start my mornings. Ugh. But Karma was the happiest I've ever seen her. She did NOT want to give up her prize. She clamped down on that poor creature intending to never let go. Eventually she did of course, unwillingly. For the rest of the morning both dogs stared out the door, whimpering and whining. I refused them, mean mommy that I am. Luckily for me the dogs have a memory like an Etch A Sketch. If only I could erase from memory the sight of Karma chomping on that poor bird.

Thinking of you, wish you were here

2008-12-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

I was contemplating if I should send our next door neighbors a postcard saying, "Thinking of you, wish you were here!" But, we finally got to chat a bit with them yesterday afternoon (after the tree hugging escapade). Haven't seen them in a while. They have three daughters in school with lots and lots of extracurricular activities, so getting together can sometimes be difficult. It seems they don't have anything planned for the 19th or 20th so hopefully we can get together then.

Saturday Night

2008-12-08T05:12:00.000-08:00

Dinner with our friends was fabulous! My goodness, it was like going to Grandmas, the food just kept coming. Dish after dish was placed on the table. I was amazed at the variety offered as well as how wonderful each dish was. They're vegetarians so I figured, "oh pasta, I like pasta." Well, yes, there was pasta but also a berry appetizer, a couple different salads, a pizza type dish, out of this world potatoes, bread... there was so much I can't even remember it all. But wait, there's more! We took a little break to play a board game and then had dessert. And it happened again! Their gigantic dinning room table was covered with a bevy of spectacular desserts: lemon chiffon, apple pie, raspberry tarts, candy cane cookies, and probably some other options too, but even I, Ms.-I-love-dessert-more-than-life-itself, couldn't indulge in it all. I was defeated. It was a good defeat, one I'll cherish forever. It was a such an enjoyable evening I can't wait to do it again. The hubby and I were trying to figure out the proper waiting time before inviting them over again. We entertained them the week before, they invited us over this past weekend... next weekend would probably be too soon. And, now the holidays are quickly approaching. I fear we'll not get together until after the new year. Oh well, it'll be something worth looking forward to!

Tree Hugging

2008-12-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the hell we were thinking. I climbed to a crook in the willow tree and pulled off some small dead branches. The hubby fetched a hand saw and I cut through a large branch, diameter about 10" inches or more. While hugging the tree I sawed away. Didn't take as long as I would have thought, but long enough. I'll be feeling that tomorrow! What possessed me into thinking, "yeah, I have what it takes to trim a willow tree! Let me at it!" Oh right, I looked out the window and saw the hubby with a ladder. "Hmm, no good can come from this. What is he doing?" I investigated and discovered that he was going to trim the tree with a borrowed tool from neighbor Dan. Why Dan ever thought we could be trusted with such a thing is beyond me. Not wanting the husband to hurt himself I said I'd *help*.

"Shall I dash inside, grab the cell phone and call 9-1-1 now or wait until you're injured?" I asked. "Gee, thanks for your vote of confidence." Hey, what can I say, I'm an optimist. Now it's true, my hubby is very gifted and talented, intelligent, witty, a wonderful provider, a great husband and my best friend - but a tree trimmer he is not. Nor am I. Fortunately our little foray into the unknown was without injury and we both escaped unharmed.

Hopefully the next time we get a bright idea to do something so stupid we'll think better of it and instead call a professional.

There are others?

2008-12-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we invited a couple over to enjoy a home cooked meal. (The hubby's home cooked meal.) Conversation was lively and fun, the food great, and it was a thoroughly wonderful evening. They've invited us into their home this coming Saturday and I'm very excited! It's great to know we're not the only ones our age that don't have children by choice. It's very hard to meet other couples without children. All of our friends have kids of varying ages and trying to have a conversation when kids are around is like trying to bake a 20 lb turkey in an Easy Bake Oven.

Baking

2008-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

My maternal grandfather was a baker. I never saw him as that, he was always just this old guy, with thick glasses watching baseball games on the TV and cheating at over-sized crossword puzzles. My mom would tell me of times, when she was about my age, how she'd go to the bakery with her dad and he'd show her how to make rolls. She needed both of her hands to create one roll and it often was a big blob, whereas her dad would roll dough in each hand and turn out two perfect rolls in seconds. My mom would get so upset, not understanding how his were perfect and her roll was not. He explained that he spent everyday making these, that over time and with lots of practice she too could to the same. Thing was, to the best of my knowledge, she had no interest in that and so never pursued it.

My mother hates cooking, at least that's the impression I've always had. When Christmas time grew near and it was time to bake cookies and decorate the tree my dad would take my brother and me to a museum or other such place for the day so mom could have the house to herself. I never learned to cook or bake from my parents. It was something I discovered on my own.

My first attempt in the kitchen was Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. This was a complete failure. I added the cheese powder to the water when I first started boiling it, then the noodles. I noted it was time to drain the water, and there went all my "cheese sauce" down the drain. The noodles were naked and pathetic. I was undaunted by this and grabbed a bunch of Kraft cheese slices and unwrapped them from their clear little envelopes. They didn't melt as I had hoped so I had a rather globby mess of noodle goo. My brother Zak, about 9 or 10 at the time, was astute enough to point out, "That's not how mom does it."

My second attempt at "cooking" was when I was about 13. I tried making chocolate chip cookies. Mom was NOT home that Saturday, I don't recall where she was, just that I had to finish my chocolate chip cookie experiment before she returned. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and began my first baking endeavor. I unwrapped the butter stick and melted it in the microwave, then I added the eggs. They stared frying in the butter. I thought, "oh boy, this isn't good." Somehow I knew that wasn't quite right. I tried removing the fried egg from the melted butter, but it was useless. I think I just continued on as if nothing had ever happened. Needless to say the cookies didn't turn out. If my mom ever wondered what happened to the butter or eggs she never said anything to me. Either I covered my tracks well enough or she took pity on me.

My mom, who hates to cook, can make Macaroni and Cheese and cookies, but me, a twelve year old kid, couldn't even manage that. I learned that you have to read the directions all the way to the end. There aren't any shortcuts when learning to cook or bake.

I left the kitchen wizardry to my mom for the next eight to ten or so years. It wasn't until I was living on my own that I attempted to cook or bake. Single, living alone in a $350/month rent studio apartment, where I was completely responsible for the groceries, I once again gave cooking a chance. Recalling my two previous kitchen experiences I decided baking just wasn't in the cards for me. I tried my hand at pasta. I figured enough time had passed that now I should be able to boil water, cook some noodles, and enjoy them without having to toss it in the trash. Fortunately it worked out. I discovered that pasta is very forgiving. You can test it along the way. Try a piece as it's tumbling about in the roiling water. Crunchy? Let it boil some more and try another piece in a minute. Not crunchy? Great! Soggy, uh oh! But, with time and experience, like grandpa said, you will get better. He was right, I did.

However, it was several more years before I attempted baking. Still single I figured baking would be a cheap source of entrainment. Basic staples like butter, milk, eggs, flour, sugar, and vanilla aren't too expensive to experiment with. I had an old cook book with a banana nut bread recipe. Not sure what inspired me to try it, but I did and was successful. Again, reading the directions all the way to the end is key. I baked banana nut bread so regularly, out of habit more than anything, that I developed a great intuition for how the batter should be. I began trying different things and found that as long as the batter has the consistency of being just a bit sticky, not runny, not stiff, somewhere in the middle, it will almost always turn out - assuming the oven temperature is even and accurate.

Now, over twenty years after my first disastrous chocolate chip cookie experiment I still enjoy baking. My chocolate chip cookies and various breads usually turn out perfectly. I like to think I inherited something from my now deceased grandfather. I only wish I had this interest in baking while he was still alive. I'd love to ask him about his baking experiences, what kinds of mishaps he had in the kitchen, what his favorite item to bake was. For me, it's a variety of different mini-muffins. It used to be banana nut bread, but then I tried an apricot, white chocolate chip, macadamia nut muffin that's really fantastic. Then, I made some lemon blueberry muffins and I think, "No, these are my favorite!" But, it doesn't really matter what I bake, it's actually the process and the smell from the oven that I enjoy, and of course sharing baked goods with friends and family.

Rain

2008-11-26T05:21:00.000-08:00

It rarely rains here, so when the weather folks report a 30% chance of rain I ignore it. 30% are you kidding me? Why bother reporting such a thing? However, this time they got it right, it's actually raining. Not a MO, TN, or WI rain which I'm used to, no this is a soft, light rain that seems to linger. A pretty rain. A rain I enjoy, but one which terrifies the dogs! Oh how they wanted to go outside this morning, only to realize to their horror that the ground was wet?! They slinked around as close to the house as they could, attempting to stay dry. Finally they gave in to their bladders demand to be relieved and mustered up the courage to set a few paws on the slick grass. I'm amazed they survived it. Now Sassy's cuddled up next to me on the love seat and Karma's sprawled out at my feet, while Jordan attempts to lay on me, which makes typing difficult. Ginger's watching all of this with complete indifference. Oh to be one of my pets! If only for a day. Rain or not, I think it would be just splendid to experience a day in the life of one of my goofy dogs or cats.

Museum of Tolerance

2008-11-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to the Museum of Tolerance as part of the Diversity Committee at work. I'm still struggling to find words to express what I experienced. The hands-on exhibits were great at getting one involved with the issues we're facing today and from our collective past: child slavery, the history of the world good, bad, and indifferent, and the Holocaust, among many other exhibits.

We only had time to really explore the Holocaust exhibit so that lingers more freshly in mind. I thought I knew about the Holocaust, I read about it in text books... but to experience it through the eyes and words of the survivors, to see actual displays of items that belonged to survivors, this truly brings it to life. At one point each of us was handed a small plastic card with a child's face and name on it. This card worked similar to an ATM card, when slid into the computer it brought up more detailed facts about the person. At the end of the tour I slid my card into a different computer and this time I received a print out of the personal information on the child. I asked the tour guide how they came to know this information about the little boy who's card I had. He was murdered with millions of others, how could they know anything about him? The guide explained that surviving family members in the states had provided the photo and other records.
It is sickening to think that this adorable seven year old, Bronislaw Honig, was murdered simply because he was Jewish. It's something I'll never be able to comprehend. 3,000,000 Polish Jews were murdered. 1,100,000 Russian Jews. I don't recall the exact numbers of the other groups that were exterminated, but the rough total is 6,000,000. SIX MILLION people murdered.

During one of the exhibits a screen played various images while a woman described what she witnessed. She was visiting a relative who had just given birth to a baby girl. Then many trucks arrived. Men from the trucks evacuated the patients from the hospital and drove them away. Visitors were turned out onto the street. A final truck remained with an open bed. A window from above was opened and a small object was tossed into the truck bed. This woman and others on the street weren't quite sure what they were watching until another, then another and another baby were tossed from the window. The people on the street, upon this realization began to scream and cry. They were completely helpless and unable to do anything but breakdown.

How any human being could treat another in this manner, toss it out like trash, is abominable. And yet such atrocities are happening today. Countries trying to do an ethnic cleanse, cocoa farmers enslaving children, terrorist attacks, the trafficking of people... the list of atrocities seems endless. I don't know what the answers are. I don't know how to stop it. I'm still in a state of disbelief, shock.

Trader Joe's to the rescue!

2008-11-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

We had plans to go to LACMA (Los Angles County Museum of Art) with a friend who is an Assistant Curator there, but the fires made passage unreasonable. We weren't willing to take the detour routes, we'll go another time. Instead we invited our friend (the curator - she was already in the area) over for dinner. This of course meant we had to figure out what to make on short notice as we originally planned on dining in LA.

Trader Joe's to the rescue. We went there for inspiration and left with a meal waiting to happen. The hubby made gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, arugula salad, and butternut squash apple soup. It was all divine. For dessert we wanted to do chocolate fondue with TJ's marshmallows, biscotti, and apple wedges for dipping. However, we ended up with a chocolate fondon't. It just didn't turn out right, but that's ok because we had the foresight to also purchase TJ's Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels which are amazing! We ended up having a fantastic dinner and leftovers for lunch today. Yum. Thanks TJ's!