I Love Wedding Receptions!

In my last post, I told you that I was doing a wedding reception on Sunday. And I did! It was held in an old, old house in downtown Tulsa which is now used for events. Wanted to share some photos of the items we provided. Above is how we served the "gourmet" shrimp cocktail--oversized martini glasses!
The bride's colors were blue & brown (duh!), so I asked her for permission to use those colors around the food. She happily agreed, so here's what we did with our limited budget (read $0.00). The flowers were provided, so we just "tweaked" the scene.
The bride had napkins left from showers, so we wrapped the eating utensils & used them as decor!

Another martini glass with hummus & veggies. Wish I had taken alot more pics--I did take a few more, but didn't want to overload your visual senses!!!

The bride & family were really pleased with our work--even tipped us! Whoopee!!! Then, come Tuesday, back to our routine lunch deliveries!! I really like doing wedding, anniversaries, birthdays, especially when we are allowed to join the decor! I'm going to enhance my website with some of my pictures. Maybe I'll get to do more decorating along with the food!!!

And, as it's now late, I'll close and wish you SWEET DREAMS!!!

Pumpkins & Parties

Do you like my pumpkins??? I saw this idea in a magazine (good grief, I have sooo many I don't remember which one), and thought they were quite cute. But I have to admit---I CHEATED!!!! The one I saw had been painted, and I wanted a "short cut". So---I used a permanent marker!! Dried quick as a flash and looks just as good! And, yes, that is an old container on the sideboard--oops! That's what we get Abby's food from the garage in to put in her bowl. I completely forgot it was there when I snapped this!
Now, I am fully aware that I left the school 6 weeks ago (my how time flies!!!), but one of my dear ex-co-workers (and dear friend) just gave me some pictures she took that last day. I wanted to share them with you to give you an idea of how nice that bunch of people are! I think I posted about the flowers I got on a previous post, but aren't they just too pretty?
This is a picture of two dear friends. On your left (in white shirt) is a dear friend who has shared many memories with me. She lived across the street from us, her daughter babysat for my kids, and I have spent many, MANY Saturday nights at her kitchen table playing cards. We even took a "neighborhood" trip to Hawaii together ages ago. We've been through alot together and I love her dearly. The one on your right (in blue shirt) is a childhood friend and soul sister!!! She's the gal I began catering with. Tho I am older than she is, we grew up on the same street, worked for the same dentist, go to church together, and ended up at the same office! Our in-laws were bestest friends too. She is the one who took my place, so now she sits in my old office. She's a hoot, tons of fun, and a dear dear person to know. And know what?? My daughter babysat for her daughter!
Now these two gals are two workers I couldn't image not having known!! The one in the Code Red (football jargon) is quite a bit younger than I, so even tho we are both from the same area, I didn't get to know her until she came to work. And she is one fun gal!!! She kept me sane the entire time I was working with her. And smart! She can do any job you put in front of her. She kept us in stitches each and every day. And the one with the floral shirt? She is one of the truly kindest, most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to know. I wish I could have been around her forever and ever! She is married to a sweetheart of a guy and they have the two cutest (grown) daughters I have ever seen! I miss all of these gals. So every now and again, I have to stop in and say a quick "hi" and keep in touch with them.




So tomorrow I have a wedding reception--this is one I will be staying and serving for, and decorating the food table. I'll be taking some pictures of this one to share with you. The bride is so sweet--we met the other day to go over details. Poor thing--she learned just a couple of weeks back that the business had sold. Can you imagine thinking you have booked one caterer only to find out it's someone you have no knowledge of!!! So, I want to really knock her socks off with this reception. And she has a wedding coordinator, so I want him to get an idea of my "good" work. This could lead to further jobs!!



With all the economic fears, I have been a little concerned about what it would do to my business. But it seems to be staying busy, and I have already booked some holiday events. So, maybe the recession will arrive here after it's over--ha ha ha!!!



Just a few thoughts from my Saturday!



Have a good day--relax and read a magazine! Christmas is just down the lane.

New Friends~~~

Have you made new blog friends??? I love hearing from others out there in "blog world" and, after checking a comment left on the previous post, now have a new blog friend---and she's just down the road in another town nearby!! So, Carol, if you are reading---I, too, am a 50 something gal, who worked in the public educational system before jumping into the unknown world of catering. One of these days I'm going to learn how to "link" others on my page and I'll send you to some of these sweeties sites. In the meantime, if you would like to read Carol's gorgeous blog, go to my comment page and travel the links!!!

October has GOT to be my favorite month (and not just because it's my birthday month--no hint intended). I love the colors associated with the fall--the oranges, browns, golds, and such. And I love Halloween. I don't believe that letting children dress up and enjoy this holiday will turn them into broom riding witches!!! Or mess with their minds to the point they become worshippers of the underworld!!! I, myself, dressed up each and every Halloween until I was, oh, 30 or 40--still do if given the opportunity! And I am a staunch believer and follower of Jesus Christ. So there---urban legend busted!! I'm celebrating the wonder of childhood, the community of friends, the joy of giving, and the awe of make believe. I think some of what is wrong with society today is we have put our own childhood ways toooo far behind. We need to let our hair down and have some fun--pretend--wear mom's make up & dress up--eat candy--share treats with others---

Wait just a second while I climb down off my soapbox-----

There, enough of that ranting. I just HAD to speak my mind for a moment.

Now, I have to get back to my reality life and clean up a bit, make a cake, fix a tasting dish and meet a client.

Please enjoy the sights of this season, enjoy this cool weather and give out some candy!

Have a great day!!!

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!!!