Whatcha Doin???

This is Boomer sitting looking at every move I make!!! He has cabin fever---hates to go out in the cold, wet weather, so he doesn't--he stalks me!!! And, he's started the hair pulling thing again---this baby has issues!!! But then, why wouldn't MY cat?????

I really don't have anything to say that is earthshattering and exciting!! But I didn't want anyone to think I had fallen off the chair and hit my head and been comatose for too long!!! It's just the mundane life of a busy working mom!!!

I do have an extra busy week this week---hubby keeps saying "I told you it was too much" and I keep saying "Hey I can handle this". Then he reminds me how "pleasant" I am when I am super busy, and I keep reminding him how this extra work pays for our Colorado vacations, the extras I NEED in my life, etc, etc, and he says "Well if you feel that way. . . . " Anyhoo--I have a reception at a local bank Thursday afternoon, a cake to deliver for a Scout troop Friday night, and a wedding cake to have ready by noon Saturday. Along with dinner Wednesday night to cook at church. And a get together for Saturday evening which I am to take chips & dip to. Ok, a busy week this week, but I DID stay in jammies last Saturday. This must be that "price you pay" thing.

Speaking of hubbys---remember I mentioned him in the above paragraph---any of you share the snore????? Today a coworker & I were cracking up at our snoring slumberers---these guys can snore the paint off the walls. And doesn't matter if they are on their backs, stomachs, sides, heads, they are MAJOR snore guys! And, lo and behold, both of them, when nudged, jump and say "Hey I wasn't even asleep!" Guess that was a practice run bucko!! So, coworker tells me about this product that is like a magnet placed inside the nose on the separating cartilage---and then has a plastic "rope" that runs from one side to the other. She said when her hubby wore it he didn't snore one time. I told my hubby and of course get "I'm not sticking a magnet up my nose"--I explained further and got "I'm not sticking a magnet up my nose". So, I guess we'll just continue in the elbow stab and the not sleeping fiasco!!! It's making separate rooms more attractive all the time. He even ran the cat out of the room the other night!!! He says as soon as he looses 30 lbs he'll not snore as much. Yeah, that's working for us!!!

Well, the oven timer is buzzing, and I'm getting sleepy, verrrry sleepy. So, I'll close for now, and later, when I have even less excitement in my life, I'll check back in!!!

Sweet dreams!

New Look !!!!!

How cute am i????? Don't you just love my new look???? Many, many thanks to shabbeechick for her design talents. I have a link at the end of the right column if you want to spiffy up your page. She's quick, she's full of ideas, hey, she's cute too!!! (not that I've seen her, but just from her posts & her willingness to please she is cute!!!!) And, I'd bet 1000000 to 1 that's she's a cutie patootie!!!

THANKS SHABBEECHICK!!!!!!!

Last night we went with both sets of parents & my brother & sister-in-law to Jarrett Farms. They are closing as of March 2---unless you are in the market to purchase the bed & breakfast for 2 mil!!! Anyhoo, we decided that it would be a great way to spend dinner---and WERE WE RIGHT!!!! I just have to give you the menu: Appetizer: Bruschetta w/artichoke
Soup: Cream of Asparagus
Salad: Greens w/pear slice, almonds & balsalmic vinigerette
Main Course: combo plate for me (oink oink)
pecan crusted chicken, 6 oz filet over wild rice
w/steamed veggies
Dessert: Strawberries Romanoff
Can you say "FATTIE MATTIE"????? I ate the whole freakin thing--didn't leave a thing for the doggie bag---not one morsel. I woofed it down--my mother in law even commented that she had NEVER seen me clean up like that!!! It was divine, delicious, delightful!!! And the service---well, I felt quite "queenly". We overlooked the pool and surrounding landscape. We even saw a herd of deer on the drive up the road to the inn. Oh my goodness gracious. It was one of the most wonderful meals I have ever eaten. The steak beat Flemings hands down!


Here comes the cold again. And rain--predictions of torrential rain!!! So, got all my groceries tonight, and tomorrow I'm wearin pj's alllll day!!! I'm not gonna get off the sofa except to make potato soup. I'm declaring it a "day of mental & physical rest". Hubby is off work tomorrow and he voted for the same. We're gonna be big 'ol couch potatoes!!! I am looking sooooo forward to this!!! Too many weekends that I've had to be somewhere, cook something, or something else that took my time, and by golly, I deserve this rest! Oh heck, deserve it or not, it's coming!!


Saw an older movie today that I had not seen before. Drowning Mona with Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Jamie Lee Curtis, and other familiar faces. It was quirky cute. I came in at the mid way point, so I've got to rent it and see it again.


Bought a new book to read. Amy Grant's new one. I flipped through it at Barnes & Noble and didn't really intend to purchase it, but it touched my heart, and it came home with me. I'm looking forward to perusing it soon. And a couple of Somerset magazines I picked up. One on "Memories" and one on "Weddings". I swear, someday I am gonna be a wedding planner! Anyway, Somerset has the neatest things to look at---seen them? They are a bit pricey, but since I don't dispose of them---well, you can see the argument I had with myself that won me over to buying them!!!! So, I think I'll go do that now.


Stay warm friends!!! And have a restful night.

Bugs!!!

Bugs are everywhere!!!! I have heard of more people being sick in the past week than I have in a LONG time!! Penny the Queen is in her jammies--and not feeling well at all!! I still have Hank cause daughter dearest is still ill. Last night at church dinner, attendance was down cause so many are ill!!! We gotta get some "bug spray"!! Even hubby spent last week ill. Course, everytime he has a weekend off, he seems to get SOMETHING!!! I think he's allergic to being at home!

I am sooooo excited! The Shabbee Chic is designing a new blog heading & background for me. She sent me a preview last night and girlies, I'm telling you, it is C U T E with a capital C U T E!!!!! I can hardly wait til she gets it all done. You are gonna be impressed! You are gonna be jealous. You are gonna be green with envy!!! She's so creative, check out her blogsite & look at some of the things she's done for her kids!! And for others.

It's supposed to get colder tonight & tomorrow. We keep complaining about it, but, HEY---IT'S FEBRUARY!!!!! I think the "great northern ice storm" pretty much did us in on accepting the weather, but we still have more! It's destiny!!! I kind of like cold weather--cause the clothing covers more!! ha ha ha

I know I haven't written much lately, but I have Hank and am suffering interruptions!!! I'll try to get back later, but it may be tomorrow! And tell you all about my exciting life---????

So, in the meantime, have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! We have dinner reservations at a neat special place--but this is it's last dinner as it's closing. So, I'll let you know all about it!!

Later

John Deere Green

Have you heard that song? I'm not sure who sings it,
"John Deere Green, On a warm summer's night, Billy Bob loves Lorene" and so on. It's stuck in my head!!!!!

I'm making a John Deere tractor cake for my niece's boyfriend's birthday tonight, and I can''t get that song out of my head---- yyyiiiikkkkkeeeesssss!

Had to make a flying trip to pick up Hank tonight! Poor little girl of mine has the FLU, and so I offered to take him for a couple of days!!! Yipee!!! So, went & got him, told the boss I needed a couple of sick days, so it's "play with Hank" for the rest of the week!!! Now, I don't want dear daughter to be ill, but she just WON"T let me have him for any length of time otherwise. Hope she's all good as new real soon!!! But I intend to enjoy Hank for the time being!!!!

Had a luncheon to cater today. And, I fixed the most unusual (well, I thought so!) casserole----Pineapple Casserole. Ever heard of it??? I hadn't until in Dec when one of my customers requested it, so after searching high and low, found what I thought they wanted. It's been a hit ever since. Want the recipe? Here goes: (serves 10)

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained

2 (20 oz)cans pineapple chunks, drained

Mix these together in casserole dish.

Mix together 1 2/3 cups sugar & 4 TBS flour

Sprinkle over pineapple. Top with 2 cups shredded cheddar

Top with 2 cups crushed saltine crackers

Melt 1 stick butter and pour over crackers

Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.

Well, that's it--the most requested dish this month.

Hope all of you have a happy Valentine's Day--I'll be playing with Hank.

Hugs & Hearts!

It's A Hot Mama Monday!!

Ok, maybe that should be "a hot Monday, mama"!!! It was 82 today!!! Last Thursday we had snow. See??? This snowfamily lived down the block from me. They are now just figments of my imagination---EXCEPT I have a picture of them!!

Anyway, it's Monday--so far it seems from Friday. Why is it always hard to get up on Monday mornings??? I'm nearly late every Monday, and then get there on time the rest of the week. Guess I just fight that need to join the race to the timeclock!!!

I've had the "I want to change lives" blues today. I keep thinking I need a different job. This one is great, but I'm needing a change---I'm wanting a change---I want to be a soap opera actress; maybe an interior designer; a hairdresser---anything, just DIFFERENT!!! I've sat in that office so long now that it feels like a part of me----Calgon take me away!!! Before this job, the longest I ever stayed at one was 4 years. I just have that need to do my own thing. Blaa blaa blaa------

Went with my daughter to get things for Hank's 2nd birthday!!! And the winner is:::::Thomas the Tank Engine!!!!! We looked at several themes, had chosen "Bob the Builder" and then stumbled onto the Thomas display. Sooo cute!! And, they had a little conductor hat!!! Guess who's going to wear one!!!??? We got the invitations, plates, napkins, tablecloth, centerpieces, goodie bags---I was feeling pretty materialistic when I noticed the gal checking out in front of me was buying for her daughter's 1st birthday and her total was (drumroll. . . ) $165.00!!!!! FOR THE DECOR!!!! I feel so much less crazy!!! Mine wasn't NEAR that!!! I mean, is she going to remember that?????? NO, and neither will Hank. We've been sucked into the "have to have" mindset. Remember when going to McDonald's was the most outrageous thing one could do? I just don't remember themes. It amazes me how much some people spend on these parties! One family that buys cakes from me each year, rents a community room, makes wooden cutouts, wallhangings, dresses in theme costume----and the kid just this year turned 5!!!!!! Probably could save for college classes or something! Oh silly me!!! Why would one want to do that!!!!

Ok, soap box back in the closet. We did have the best time. My son even met us for lunch. So there we are--one happy family. Until we disagree on politics. Which I stay completely away from! Even if it's just thoughts. My kids have strong opinions (where in the heck do they get that???) and I just don't have the energy to debate any more. I really don't think one candidate or the other is going to make THAT much of a difference. Heard the words Senate & House???? Ok, forgive me for my lackidasial attitude, but it just sucks the life out of me to sit and listen to campaign jibber jabber. And with Super Tuesday looming I'm even more tired. Hey, I got calls from a former governor, a candidate's wife---I didn't even know they knew me!!!! Funny thing is, I can't talk back to them. They just ramble through their recorded speech---I feel so important!!!

Tonight I'm off to a ladies club meeting. With Queen Penny. It really was a fun organization when I first joined, but of late it's gotten so, well, bah humbug!!!The "elders" either get confused in the meeting, quit coming due to bad health or sit and give advice about how much work we younger ones should be willing to do. And I can't really see how this is benefiting me. Wait--I did make five really, REALLY good friends--my ya yas, in this chapter, but we're all so tired---two are back in school, two have grandchildren, one has small children hyperinvolved in sports, and then there are me & Queen Penny (are you counting 6???? One is my sister, who I didn't count as making friends with). Penny & I are just TIRED---working our butts off during the day & then trying to make a name for ourselves in the catering/wedding business nights & weekends. Blaaa Blaaa Blaaa

Ok dear bloggy friends, I'm off to brighter horizons (oh wait---the sun is setting!!) I did begin some craft projects---hope they are finished before this time next year!! ha ha ha

It's been good babbling. Have a safe night.

Hump Day!

Had a fabo meal here last night! See, I can look really, REALLY tired when hubby comes home, and he just sweeps me away from evening duties!! He's a doll & we had a great dinner.

Now, it's morning and I have to get in the shower; I really want to go back to bed and catch a few more zzz's but duty calls. I was just wondering---if you are the nurse who switched me at birth, and you are reading this, now's the time to come forward. See, I'm on to you--I believe I was born independently wealthy, but some brainless wonder put me back in the wrong crib in the hospital nursery!!! I ended up in middle class America, when in my heart & soul I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I should not have to work, clean my own home, wear Wal Mart clothes, count my pennies, and save long and hard for vacations!!!! I know differently because deep down I yearn for those luxuries that I was robbed of! And, now at this stage of life, I'm tired of the rat race---so come on Nurse Noodle Head, speak up and let me get back to being the spoiled diva I hear calling.

Ever feel like that????? But, on the flip side---I am thankful for the blessed life I have lived, for the ability to get up out of bed each and every morning of my own will, for the work ethics instilled in me by my wonderful parents, for the delicious food I am able to have in my cabinets & frig---I was just whining for a few minutes cause it's so cold and dreary this morning. No more whine!!!!

So, hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the shower I go!!! Count your blessings and have a GREAT day!

We Have Been To The Queendom!

Yes, that's her!!! The Sweet Potato Queen herself (she's the one in the sequins--ha ha ha), Jill Conner Browne! She held court at Barnes & Noble tonight, and, as you can see, Queen Penny & Queen Pam marched their noble a***es down to the event!

The "wannabe" queens arrived a full hour early and MAN ALIVE are we glad we did!!! We only arrived early so that we could grab a bite to eat, but lo and behold, there were already several gals with chairs claimed!! So, we were able to get an "A" ticket, load a couple of good chairs down with books, and then grab our food.

We sat on the fifth row back--primo seats dearies!!! Finally, HRH Jill arrived, told several amusing stories, read from her latest book, and answered questions. She is most accomodating--quite friendly, and very accessible. She acted as if she were willing to stay all night if required.

Anyhoo-after a time, it was photo op heaven!!! Queen Jill signed our books, even personalizing them, and allowed us to take as many pictures as we wanted!!!

It was tons of fun! Even saw some familiar faces in the crowd. But, alas, we had the best seats, and weren't going to go and make small talk for fear of losing them!!!

So, if you haven't read any of the Sweet Potato Queens books, hop, skip & jump to the local library or bookstore and pick them up! She has written, "The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love" "The Sweet Potato Queens Big-Ass Cookbook & Financial Planner" "The Sweet Potato Queens Wedding Planner" (which on the flip side has "Guide To Divorce"), and "God Save The Sweet Potato Queens". The books are funny, raunchy, and southern with a capital SOUTH!!!!! If you want to know more before the stores/libraries open, check out the website at :www.sweetpotatoqueens.com

Have a blast ! And sleep well my pretties!!!