Saturday, October 11, 2008

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.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

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!!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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-----

Monday, October 6, 2008

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? ???