Owww Owww OOO Ouch!!!

If this is the backside of a "hurting" tooth, then it is mine! Yesterday, as I drove home from the grocery store, I reached into my purse, took out a piece of sugar free SOFT gum, unwrapped the stick, slipped it into my mouth and WHAM!!!! Boulders!!! The first small "chew" and BOULDERS came tumbling onto my tongue. My first thought was "what the heck . . . . ". I immediately stopped the chewing, and luckily, I was the only car at a stop sign, so I spit the entire contents of my mouth into my hand. Jeepers!!! There was the gum and two ginormous pieces of something white and hard! It took a moment for it to sink in-----that was my TOOTH!!! I just sat there looking at the pieces, trying to make sense of it all. Finally, I ran my tongue over that area and OUCH--jagged edges!!! The remaining tooth didn't hurt, but the jagged edge sliced through my tongue.

Now, several years ago, I worked as a dental assistant, so I knew a bit about what to look for in the mirror. And it wasn't there!!! The molar had broken off on the inside all the way down to the gumline. And from distal to meisial. You dentistry people know that means front to back!! And it wasn't good!!!

Got on the cell phone immediately (thank goodness for cell phones!! I would have missed the slot just cancelled by a previous patient), and called Dr. Bobby. They got me in today at 8:00 a.m. That's a horrid time for a dental appointment! First thing in the morning----a way to start the day.

The receptionist said (when I called) that Dr. Bobby wouldn't have time to do much more than look at it and put some temporary filler in. Which suited me just fine. I have to work up to getting the numbing stick and the drilling that goes along with it.

But at 8:00 a.m. this morning they had time to do it. OMG -- I wasn't psyched up for this. I could feel my heart racing and my stomach churning!!! Dr. Bobby asked if I wanted gas. ABSOLUTELY!!! And lots of it!!! Turn it on full blast and come back in an hour!!! Float me away long before you touch my lips!!!

Anywh0--I am now a "crowned" lady. Well, a temporary lady actually! I love crowns and queenly things, but this was not the type I envisioned. I'd rather spend my monthly wages on a tiara that doesn't have to be viewed with open mouth!!! I'd rather spend that money on Christmas toys!!! But that isn't the way it's to be this month!!! I have now invested more in my mouth than in my IRA ( cause I don't have an IRA--ha ha ha).

Just thought I'd update you on what a fun 2 1/2 hours I had this morning. And really---I wouldn't recommend this fun for anyone out there looking for fun!!!

Have a good evening-----

300 Crowns !!!

Crowns, crowns and more crowns!!! My neice had a sorority sister running for homecoming queen--wanted cookies to hand out as a campaign goodie--and GUESS WHO THEY ASKED TO MAKE THEM!!!

So last Monday & Tuesday am, in between deliveries, we made and frosted these cookies. I don't know if she won or not. But, hey, it was PR right?????

This past week wasn't the nightmare of past weeks, but I did have one 50th anniversary reception and two wedding receptions to deliver food to on Saturday. The anniversary was at 1:00, the first reception at 5:30 and the second at 7:00---miles apart!! Somehow, it was successful!!! Well, the "somehow" was having my sister and mom to help all evening Friday and all day Saturday. And hubby dearest was there the entire time also--doing whatever he was asked. We had to stay at the anniversary event, so hubby finished that up and cleaned up for me while I high-tailed it back to the kitchen to prep and finalize cooking for the other two. One we had hot hors d'oeuvres and one was a three course meal--Chicken Alfredo w/Penne Pasta, Hawaiin Chicken w/Rice Pilaf, Brisket w/BBQ Sauce, two salads, one veg dish and bread. Whew! Am I glad to have that behind me.

I did make an executive decision and am taking not just Monday but Tuesday off also!!! Have already booked for Wed! Somehow I HAVE to get my OWN house cleaned and decorated!!! I look at other homes (as I'm driving around with food to deliver) and LONG for a time to take care of mine!!! So these next two days are it!!! It's now or NEVER!!!

On another note, daughter & family moved into their home. They had been living in an "efficiency garage" for the past 1 1/2 year--Hank has been sleeping in his "toddler" bed next to theirs, and his toys have been in the living room. All their "stuff " has been in storage---needless to say, they feel like freed birds!!! I can't wait to take hubby down to see the final result. Maybe next weekend!!

I read about Tuesday Update's pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Penny the Queen made them, so now I am going to look up her recipe and make them tonight!!!

Well, blog friends, I MUST get to work on this house. I feel like I have been "out of the loop" with both cyber friends and nearby friends. Like I've been on an island somewhere with a kitchen and food. Which is what I wanted, I just didn't realize that it would "consume" my life!!! And it will til after the first of the year. All the holiday inquiries are coming in, and I have to get letters out to my "regs". So, I'll be checking in now and again. I do, however, take time to read your posts---and I love them sooo much. Keeps me grounded!!!

Have a great week!

Just checked w/Penny the Queen--these looked interesting so I'm adding them: Answer w/one word:

1. Where is your cell phone? Here

2. Where is your significant other? Work

3. Your hair color? Lt brown

4. Your mother? Home

5. Your father? Out & About

6. Your favorite thing? Family

7. Your dream last night? ??

8. Your dream/goal? Be home

9. The room you're in? Living

10. Your hobby? Crafting

11. Your fear? Loss

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. What you're not? Patient

15. One of your wish-list items? No payments

16. Where you grew up? Collinsville

17. The last thing you did? Phone

18. What you are wearing? sleepers

19. Your TV? on

20. Your pet? Cat & dog

21. Your computer? Dell

22. Your mood? Tired

23. Missing someone? Kids

24. Your car? Chevy

25. Something you are not wearing? Bra

26. Favorite store? Bookstore

27. Your summer? Decisive

28. Love someone? Lots

29. Your favorite color? Black

30. When is the last time you laughed? Sunday

31. Last time you cried? ???

Kitchen Capers & Weekend Wonders!

Well, thankfully, the past week was a busy one! It's normal to have no bookings on Monday morning (and panic sets in) and then by Tuesday be completely full for the week. Last week followed that pattern. It's a roller coaster ride of orders and calls, worry that there aren't enough orders and then worry that one has taken on way too much! However, Friday evening I delivered the last meal for the weekend.


Thought I would have the entire weekend to catch up on housework and laundry. BUT on Thursday my dear daughter called and asked if I would accompany her and Hank to OKC to the "Thomas The Train" ride. Well of course! I absolutely WOULD get up at 5:00 a.m. and leave the house at 6:00 a.m. so that I could arrive at her house at 7:00 a.m. and travel to OKC to be there by 9:00 a.m.!!!!!


On a side note---the traveling Thomas the Train "Day Out With Thomas" is one of the biggest rip offs I have encountered! It was held at the train museum in OKC (although it does travel around the USA). Think about this----take an OLD train that the museum owns, slap a picture of Thomas on the front, travel 15 minutes north and back 15 minutes south and charge $18.00 a person to ride. Sound like a way to pull the kids out of the woodwork??? Yes it did! And, of course, there was the obligatory gift shop---right up front and center so kids can't possibly pass by without screaming and crying for a Thomas toy. That was by far the biggest tent. Oh there was a tent with train tables set up for kids to play with for no charge, and a tent gave ONE Thomas tatoo per child for no charge, and balloon animals. And even a place to have one's picture taken with a giant plastic (rather scary) Sir Topham Hatt. But if you wanted a picture with the Thomas picture slapped on the front of the old --silver I might add-- train, it cost you a whopping $5.00! And all those parents racing around trying to appease the little ones as they bumped and pushed and shoved from one tent to another! The train table tent was a nightmare -- kids couldn't get to the tables for the parents gathered around to take a picture of little ones picking up the train toys and taking them away from each other! Poor kids!


So, back from daughter's house in time to see my son and his new friend in town playing tennis. Oh yea--Hank came home to spend the night!!!


Then at 4:00 off to a wedding reception for hubby's cousin who was married in Hawaii last week. Now, we HAD to go to this one cause this is the first marriage for his cousin (who is 48), and he married his high school sweetheart. She had been married, moved off, divorced and moved back --seeking him out. Let me tell ya--it was something---something I don't want to repeat. It was held in a town smaller than the one where I live (it's almost a ghost town--no school, no bank, just a post office, couple of churches and small, small, small grocery). I think there were about 25 people there. Hmmmmm


After the "royal reception" had to make a kitchen run to prep food for Sunday. Why? Did I have a delivery??? NO -- a family reunion on Sunday afternoon. My dad's mother's side of the family. It's rather sad, we have dwindled down to about 40--the older ones are passing on, and many of the younger ones are "too busy" to participate. There are some diehards, like my first cousins (3 girls), and a couple of second cousins and their adult kids. But the past two years, my cousin (who is also an oldest child and a "director" type like myself--no we AREN'T bossy!!!), have coordinated games and doorprizes to entice attendance. Last year we played bunco for games. This year we had a game planned, but it didn't happen, so we raffled off the prize for "reunion money" and had great results. We also had centerpieces we gave away.


I wish I had taken pictures of the centerpieces---my sister, mom and I photocopied old pictures of family members and glued them onto mailing tags. Of course, we labled the back with names, and decorated them with stickers. Then we tied them to branches spray painted white, and secured the branches in terra cotta wine coolers with floral foam and covered the foam with glass beads. What a hit! Even my younger cousin whose name was drawn was delighted to win one and said she was putting it right by her fireplace! We're looking into reunion T shirts for next year!



Then to the kitchen to show off the place to my cousins and work on some paperwork.


Now I know what you're thinking but -- YES I did attend church! I taught my Sunday School class of young adults and had such a good time this Sunday morning. The good Lord really invited us to discuss matters we had been faced with this summer--death of a young teen ager, death of a member, divorce of two members--and it seemed to relieve alot of unanswered worries. We all got really honest and personal, and looked to scripture for truths. What a blessing.


And I DID attend Sunday evening Bible study. It calms me to be in fellowship with the church family and to study God's word together.


I was going to sleep in this morning--at least til 7:00 a.m., but the dog started barking at 6:00, something (like a leaf) moved on the back porch and she just HAD to alert me. I needed protected!!! Oh well, I have so much to do today she actually did me a favor. And now that I'm up, I have time to get more done!!!


So, how did your weekend go??


Are you ready for Halloween??? I want to get the decor out this morning and get knee deep in the mood! I love Halloween and don't want it to pass me by this year! And, besides, Hank's coming to spend Halloween with us---I'm making him a pirate costume so I'd better devote some time to that also!!!



Hey---have a great day today----

What's The Deal?????

Much of my new job description is travel---delivering breakfasts and lunches to surrounding communities. Mainly to the Tulsa area. And I have had such a revelation---speed limits are only guides. They mean NOTHING.

Last Friday I had to go and pick up chafing dishes in the downtown area before making a delivery at 7:00 a.m. I travel around 30 miles one way to this area. So, leaving at 6:15 a.m. I hit the nearest highway, and zoom-zoom-zoom---suddenly I am on the motobaun! The speed limit is posted at 65 miles per hour. That is obviously just a suggested speed. If you travel at the posted speed limit, other cars fly around you at such speeds as to make your headlights spin! And if they get behind you, and have to travel for more than 30 seconds, you can count on being ridden on the bumper. Which can be quite jolting if you gaze into the rear view mirror at sunrise. The sight of headlights in one's back seat can cause one's heart to jump in fear!!! If it takes more than 30 seconds to pass you, these superspeeders have been known to tap the horn as in "would you PLEASE go faster!!! When they can finally pass, you can be certain you won't get the good morning smile! Usually the face made is a grimacing frown!!! So why have speed limits???? Is it part of a game to see who can get there first while avoiding the black and white? And where in heaven's name IS the black and white at that time of day??? The highways are full---FULL---and what an opportune time to hand out those tickets they so adore passing out! Guess it's too much work to try to figure out WHICH ONE will receive the ticket of the morn! Or maybe fresh donuts are too much of a temptation -- and hold the attention for much of the morning. (oops that was quite a generalization)

Truthfully, I don't see much of a change at any time of day I am on the road. It's just been so dadgummed obvious lately. Guess that as I only had to travel 2 miles for the past 16 years to work, I didn't see how traffic etiquette had changed. Certainly didn't have to exceed 25 mph to get to work on time. And as I plan deliveries carefully, I usually am not in a hurry. But the rest of the world is! And I just don't understand posting one speed but allowing 20-25 mph over that. I don't know---just griping!!!

I overbooked last Thursday and it just about ate my lunch! And then I was quite busy on Friday and Saturday, and Hank came to spend the night Friday so off to the football game we went. Then on Sat his mom and dad decided they would just stay here also. So, after delivering a dinner at 5:30 on Sat, and a quick run to Sam's for supplies, daughter dearest and I picked her hubby up at school and headed over to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Got home at 8:15 and back to the kitchen to clean and prep for a Sunday delivery. Up Sunday, cook and deliver at 11:30, then back here for a birthday dinner for Big Daddy. Then took daughter & Hank to their car and back to see son and his gal pal. I will work any "odd" hours if it means I can spend time with the kids.

The good news??? I have the morning off!!! Yea!!! I actually get, yes I said GET, to clean, do laundry, and get the Halloween decor ready. Then to the kitchen after noon and prep for Tues. Plus I have got to do paperwork and get taxes ready!!!

My oh my, I never dreamed I'd be this busy or work this hard physically! Or love it so much!!! I did take time to do the Sunday crossword. Love that crossword. And doesn't that keep the brain active and alert?? I need that!!!

Well, I'm signing off for now. More from the kitchen later!!!

Happy Birthday to my Sweetie!

Today is hubby's birthday!! Double nickle! Have you ever sat back and wondered how today got here so quickly???? I remember waaayyyy back when we were first married, without kids, and how we thought this day would never get here! It sneaks up, creeps in and BOOM it's here. I'm my mother's age when I thought she was "older"! And we certainly don't FEEL older -- well, at least in our minds. So happy birthday my best friend and love.


Today was the day I needed to be reminded that I am doing what I love--like---asked for! I overbooked for the morning. What a lesson to learn the hard way!! I should have seen the red flag as I opened the door to the kitchen this morning and spilled my tea all over myself. I should have seen it coming when I kept saying "sure I can work that in". Well, to make a long, LONG story shorter--I had three deliveries to make: one at 10:45, one at 11:15, and one at 11:30. Got to the first delivery and discovered all the salads and desserts were still in the kitchen. My stomach churned. What to do, what to do. Thank goodness for my father-in-law. I rang the house and told my mother-in-law it was an emergency, what had happened and to send him quicker than quick! She pulled him out of the shower, told him I had an emergency and sent him on his way. Luckily the first delivery was only 10 miles down the road. So, after setting up the first one, drove like a bat out of @#(@ to the next. Got it all taken care of. But I won't EVER book like that again. I have already turned down 2 for tomorrow! Never again!!! I don't care how large the debt I have to repay. It's not worth a nervous breakdown and upchucking!!!


Now I have one delivery tomorrow--2 cakes to finish--8 dozen sugar cookies to bake, and sandwiches to deliver in the afternoon. Not overbooking again!


And Saturday I will deliver the sugar cookies, and then I have a three entree, two salad and cake dinner to deliver at 6:00. And Sunday, a dinner for 70 at a church in Tulsa. Entree, 2 sides, salad, and pies---and cobblers!!! Not overbooking again!!!



Sunday afternoon we are having dinner at in-laws for hubby's birthday. Then I am going to collapse!


Oh, and did I mention that Hank is spending the night tomorrow night????? My mom is keeping him during the day tomorrow so I can cook and shop, and then I'll pick him up and take him with me to deliver at 5:00---might as well break him in early!!!


When hubby & I got married, he and his family owned their own business---they built pleasure/ski boats. For over 30 years, we were used to owning and working in a family business. Then when my kids were very small, I had my own ceramic shop---rented space, poured and fired, had all the equipment. After closing the boat business, hubby has worked at two different jobs. But my father-in-law has groomed us all (grandkids included) that owning one's own business is the ultimate. So, here we are again--working as family at a business. Of course, it's not as lucrative as the boating industry was, but the family is working towards a common goal.


Funny how life goes isn't it? And, as I drove madly from one delivery to another today, I kept thinking "this must be a sign from God that I am not to be doing this" but then I remembered the words from Randy Pausch that I love "brick walls aren't there to stop us, but to prove to us how much we really want something". How much do I want this? Well, this isn't a good time to ask---I'm drained! So maybe after a good night's rest I'll see things more clearly. Or more optimistically!!! Or more enthusiastically.



Have a good evening---get some rest!

Cupcakes To Go!!!

Got a call from a gal who wanted cupcakes---cupcakes decorated as one cake, and that look like Spiderman! So, with no pattern, and no idea what I was going to do, this is what it turned out like. She liked the finished job--said the kids could just "grab and go" and wouldn't need plates. Ok, works for me. I wasn't thrilled with the final result, but she liked it, and that's what matters!!

Saturday Hank and Ashley came to visit. Seems Ryan had a huge amount of studying to do and they didn't want to stay in their little "pod" while it rained all day, so they came to town and we went to the mall! Fun time.

We had dinner at my sister's house Saturday evening---my contribution you ask??? Baked herbed chicken breasts and ---how'd you know??---leftover cupcakes!

Today we went to ShalomFest at Temple Israel. My son & his new gal pal wanted to experience the event and food, so we loaded up and joined them. It was good---I like Middle Eastern food. But I have to admit that I like the Lebanese version of the foods much better---they have more flavor and garlic! Bought a t-shirt that says "Shalom Y'All"--now isn't that just cute? And, of course, a Temple Israel cookbook. It has many Israeli recipes in it, but we got a kick out of the "enchilada" and "banana smoothie" recipes. And the "Chinese Chicken Salad". That's just not right! Guess you have to fill the pages with something---and, after all, the Jewish community is not secluded anymore. They have integrated themselves into the various communities into which they have moved over the years. Who thought there would be Jewish Okies????? There are definitely recipes from Israel that I will be trying.

This next week looks like it will be EXHAUSTING!!! Have something on the books everyday---and on Thursday-----well let's just say I came this close to overbooking!!! I have to have my father-in-law deliver two of the lunches whilst I deliver 3 others!!! See what I mean? I'm not--repeat NOT--taking any more orders for Thursday, Friday or Saturday. I'm learning my limits---bills or no bills. A person can only be so productive and do it well.

Gotta run for now---everyone have a safe evening!! Shalom!!!

Kitchen Capers

Week # 2 has almost come to a close---my second full week of being an honest to goodness gracious caterer!!! And, I still love it!!!

This morning I had to be in Tulsa at 6:30 AM!!! AM!!! Do you know what time I had to get up this morning??? No???? Try 3:45!!!! AM!!! My cat thought I had gone bonkers. He just sat on the end of the bed and stared at me with his sleepy kitty eyes. He seemed to be imploring me to "please come back to bed"! Finally he gave up the starefest and went back to sleep---I don't even think he knew I had left til I came back by the house at 11:00!

I delivered breakfast to a company for 10 execs. A business meeting breakfast. Oh I love being on this side of the work force!! They had a breakfast casserole, yogurt (no I didn't culture that!!!), a fruit tray ( it was pretty), bacon and ----- HOMEMADE biscuits!!! I had never made biscuits before, and had already purchased some "commercial" frozen ones, but then the guilt sat in. I found a recipe in our church cookbook (the person who submitted it is a big ole gal, so I figured they'd be pretty darn good) and gave it a go. They were yummy!!! I had a couple left over, and sent them home with my dad this afternoon. He called while ago to tell me how good they were----hours old and cold!!! So the execs MUST have enjoyed them!

That was all I had to deliver today, so after making a Sam's run, I went back, mopped the floor, and made a couple of pies. Sent a coconut cream one to my father-in-law (he's been delivering meals for me), and had a piece of a chocolate one, then took a couple of pieces to my mom & dad, and called Penny the Queen and told her to stop my--I had something she needed!!! Just sent it to her house. We'll all be roly polys if I'm not restrained!!!

I only have one delivery tomorrow---a wedding reception for 75 here in town. And most of that work is done. Hopefully I can get some correspondence out, and tweek my kitchen's website. And take a nap!!!

Well lovelies, I'd best get this flour out of my hair, my eyebrows, my nostrils, etc., etc.

Have a cozy night!