If I Can You Can Too...


Shut up! Two in the same week, I know I am on it! Ok, so I haven't blogged every day, but well sorry.

Now, Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

First, the night before or at least 6 hours before you want to make the Stromboli, get the bread dough out of the freeze, there is a quick 2 hour option on the bread bag.

You will need a loaf of frozen bread dough, you can find this in the freeze section near the rolls and such.

Now, if you wrap the frozen bread too tight, when it thaws it will start to grow down your counter tops.

I recommend putting it on a plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with the saran wrap.

Now start your chicken.  Can I get an OH!

IO!

Ok, now that it done. Cut your chicken into small chunks, likely 1/2 a breast per Stromboli, depending on your preference. Put the chunks in a skillet on low heat, add salt and pepper to taste and some hot sauce.

The Kroger brand is really tasty and cheaper, so go for it!

Now, while the chicken is cooking through, take about 1/3 to 1/2 of your bread dough and roll it out flat.

Then dice a few onions, green peppers, and mushrooms if you like-I like.  Put 'em on the flat dough.

Add a little hot sauce!  Nicely done!

When your chicken is cooked add it to your veggies along with some cheese, I picked good old mozzarella, but you can use what you like.

Now carefully bring the two sides of the dough up and pinch it together. Be sure to tuck the ends in, you don't want your goodness to ooze out.

Pop the stromboli in the oven at the temp your bread dough requires, see packaging, likely 350, until the dough browns.

There you have it, stromboli now you can add any "gusts" you want.  I added a bit more hot sauce to my Buffalo Chicken Stromboli on the top, I like it hot.

If I Can You Can Too...

Looking for a cheese spread with a little kick for your crackers? This is so easy.

Jalepano Cheese Spread

You will need a block of softened Cream Cheese.

Next you will need a few jalapenos. Now the recipe I found on the web called for Bread and Butter Jalapenos, but I couldn't find those. I did find these Hot and Sweet Jalapenos. You will need about 1/3 of a cup of these diced into small pieces.

Mix the cream cheese and diced jalapenos together, add a bit of the juice from the jar too, a few tablespoons or so.

You are done.  Seriously!  You just need to add the spread to the top of your favorite cracker--my choice Triscuits.

Easy, tasty, and different. 

Ladies Room Discussions-Just Don’t…


I know I’ve covered this topic more than once. Which usually means I really like it or it really drives me crazy. In this case, this topic it really drives me crazy.


I have pee anxiety. I can’t pee if someone is talking to me, well unless I know you really well. I also can not have an academic discussion about the current curriculum while trying to pee. I’m sorry, there is a time and place in the ladies room is not it. I hate public restroom. I believe there should be a common room with facilities to wash your hands, then individual rooms for actual “business”.


ARGH! Thank goodness it’s Friday, now if only it were 430pm.

I Don’t Want to Deal With The Weather…

I’m over this weather, I can’t deal with it any more. I have to think of positive things because if I don’t I might loose my mind in this freezing cold.

One very happy thought is that St. Patrick’s Day is only 68 days away! YEAH! To get in the St. Patty’s mood enjoy a bit of Irish music.

This is an interesting version of one of my favorite songs, I like it!

Dropkick Murphys - Fields of Athenry



These guys are great, love them. They were grand at the Southern Theatre last year.

The High Kings- Rocky Road to Dublin



Sad, lovely song! Gotta love it.

The High Kings -The Parting Glass




Stay more warm kids and keep thinking, March will be here soon. *grin*

2010 Resolutions…

1. I miss the joy of reading a real letter received through the post. My resolution is to mail at least one letter a month to make someone else’s day. How very grand of me I know. If you would like to be considered for this true treasure, make sure I have your address on file.

2. I would like to do more cooking in 2010, simple, complex, doesn’t matter, just more.

3. If I’m going to do more cooking there should be more “If I Can You Can Too” entries, or at least get the photos up from the ones I have done.

4. Take more photos, good or bad ones, doesn’t matter, just more. Can’t like or hate what you haven’t taken.

5. Hmm, I feel I should have five resolutions….hmm…right… I plan to Drink, Eat, and be Merry in 2010.

Do you have any fun resolutions for 2010?

My thoughts…

Today is a bit random, second day of a new term and all, so my entry will be like my random thoughts.

First topic work…

Yesterday I saw 19 students, this does not include the multiple phone calls and emails and doesn’t include an hour meeting that I had, or the 15 minutes I took to eat my yogurt and left over pizza. I’m crossing my fingers today is not as bad.

I create a quarterly newsletter for my students in my primary major. I’ve been doing this for over a year now with no problems. I copied my new supervisor (I always copied my old supervisor) and bam, all crap broke forth. He emailed to see if all the advisors in the department do one, however he sent it to all the advisors not just me. CRAP! Now I’m a bit of a type A personality, I have a hard time just doing nothing most of the time and need new projects to keep me entertained, I do better with projects I create than ones I’m giving which is how the newsletter started. A colleague in a different department does a weekly newsletter which is insane and I don’t have time for, but a quarterly one I can do. It also looks good at my annual review. However, my coworkers don’t really like the idea of a newsletter. They don’t like walk-ins either, I do both. I’m kinda walk to my own beat, but always have. I do what I have to do to give my students the best service, and yet, I was not the one nominated for outstanding advisor of the year, a co-worker was last year. Sorry, I am a little bitter, which is likely why I have bad karma. Well, then the Chair got a copy of the newsletter and then asked me to send it to the entire department. Anyway, now the office pretty much hates me, although they don’t thrill me much either, but it’s easier to fly under the radar.

The weather…

Yesterday I left my office, a bit late as expected on the first day which is why I wasn’t stressed about getting to work on time, and walked into a winter wonderland. Well it was a wonderland for about 30 seconds, then it turned into a snow globe. I was in a snow globe that a large giant was shaking to bits. No matter what direction I walked the snow was hitting me directly in the eyes. I mean seriously, cold, ok it’s Ohio, but a freaking tornado of snow is a bit too much. Damn giants and their bored selves.

This morning I felt like I was going on a long winter’s hike just to get to work. Boots, pants tucked into boots, 1990’s flashback to pegged legs, big winter coat, scarf, argh! I really need just a hint of sunshine. It’s dark when I come to work, dark when I leave. I think it’s a violation of my civil liberty to have me work in a bomb shelter where I never see the light of day. I would almost rather be the guy salting the few steps they salt on campus. At least then I see some daylight, and I would own coveralls and other proper winter attire to keep warm in.

I can only categorize this section as, Seriously?...

I received an email from a guy that I had a first date with, there was a reason for the first date only. The summery of the email was that I rocked, well duh, and it was a new year and he just wanted to see why we didn’t click. Well, let’s see you were just not good enough for me. It that an ok answer for ya? I would normally just delete such an email, people don’t really want an answer to this question. I admit, I’ve pulled out the “it’s not you, it’s me” line a couple of time, it’s just easier. However, this time I was in a mood and gave a reply and I was kinda brutally honest and told him exactly why I thought the date was a horrible failure and it was mostly his behavior during the date, kinda just too much, too angry at the world, too obsessed with only one kind of music, too not good enough for me, did I mention this. I believe you don’t go back, so sorry, but no chance kiddo. So I get an almost immediate reply back, asking for a second chance are you kidding me! This just goes to prove, that you really can’t treat a guy well, I did for too many years on one that was not going to marry me and not going forward beyond where we were, so I really do know. They really don’t want to be treated well, they want you be a complete bitch and treat them like crap and they will love it. Are all men mental? Are there any normal ones out there? I tell you why you suck and you want a second chance. I tell you how great you are and you don’t care at all. ARGH! Men! Single sucks sometimes, but seriously I guess I just fail overall because I don’t understand the interworking of the male mind. I shouldn’t even think that I would want a child, good grief I would never understand a boy and a girl I would never be able to teach to understand a man. I think I would be better off having an alien, I might not completely screw it up.

ARGH! Is it Friday yet?

Old Man Winter…

Can you please go find yourself a hot young thing and head to Florida with all the other old coots? I’m done with you.

So, life was busy yesterday and this was all I got down, but didn't post. I'll try to post a better entry later today.

2009 Review…

Last January I posted my New Year’s Resolutions…

New Year’s Resolutions…

*I commit to blogging Monday-Friday, except on holidays and when I just can’t make myself do it.—well I didn’t exactly make that happen so well, will try to do better in 2010

*I will post more pictures on the blog. I stopped posting as many for fear they were not good enough, but snapshots are snapshots and they are good enough, right?—I have posted more pics, there are a ton on my computer, just need to get them actually posted on the blog.

*I will drink coffee and tea, but in moderation, only one-three cups a day—I don’t want to experience the dreaded kidney stone again.—Well done! I did accomplish this and will continue to do so.

*I will smile at least once a day and I will frown at least once a day—keep a nice balance. Hmmm, didn’t keep track of this too much, but do feel I am on the ball and did meet the resolution. I’ll have to think of a few resolutions on for 2010.

Enjoy bringing in your 2010.

A great gift…

My sister got me a set of sheets for Christmas, which was super nice of her. I had my flannel sheets on and didn’t plan to take the off. However, I washed the new sheets yesterday and had to put them on. They are wonderful. Like butter! I’ve never had high count sheets before. I don’t know if I can go back. Yikes!!! Thanks Ms. N!

A moment of TV history, enjoy…

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

This You Tube Video is priceless and sadly so true.

Enjoy!

Dear Public Utilities Commission of Ohio:

I am writing today in regards to the poor customer service I received from the (shit ass) Columbia Gas Company on December 20, 2009. On December 19, I discovered a gas smelled outside my back door. I contacted my landlord who then contacted Columbus Gas. A (twice a day smoking-smelly) young lady showed up with in a brief amount of time to confirm there was indeed a gas leak and my gas would have to be turned off. I was grateful for such a quick response to this emergency call. I was (super) unhappy to be displaced from my home during this cold winter’s night, but understood it was in the evening and a crew would be in the next day between the hours of 8am and 4pm. This is a (ridiculous) long window, but understandable (not).

On December 20, a crew of two men (dumb asses) did indeed show at my apartment to research the problem, around 3:30pm (just meeting that 4pm deadline). The problem was identified as an issue with a new gas line installed in my apartment not 3 months ago. The line pipe was installed incorrectly be the previous (incompetent) Columbus Gas (idiot) employee. The crew of two worked for about an hour and claimed the issue was fixed and that a tester would be out in within two hours to test the time and turn my hot water tank and furnace on again. I must be home in order for the tester to go into my basement to do the testing. This is understandable and I was happy to be there to have my heat turned on as the temperature in my home had dropped to 54 degrees. This is not freezing but is a terribly low temperature to simply sit and wait for the gas company (one can not really knit, fingers are too cold). Two and a half hours had past, no tester had arrived. I called Columbia Gas to inquire the estimated time the Columbia Gas employee would arrive. The emergency line employee, seemed (dazed and) confused when I called. She told me, no work order was in the system for someone to come out to my house that evening. I (gritted through clinched teeth) explained that the crew of two had been in my house and they (when specifically asked if I needed to call-was told no they would) claimed they were calling in a work order for a tester to be there within two hours.

The call center employee was very nice and put in the work order for me, explained that someone was required to be there within four hours, I had already been waiting two and that someone would be there in the next two hours. I was (trying!) trying to be patient and did not point out I had been waiting over two hours for someone to arrive the first time when apparently no work order had indeed been sent in.

I waited (freezing) another two hours, now growing more (pissed) impatient as it was now after 9:30pm. I called the emergency line again. I was told that there was an emergency somewhere else and that someone would eventually be at my house. I inquired a timeline as to when that might be. I was told no timeline could be given as there was an emergency, but I was reassured that someone would there that that evening. Well, this is where my complaint really begins. I had now been waiting over 5 hours for someone I was first told would be there in two hours (argh!). Then I’m told that turning my heat back on was not an emergency (bull shit). Well, had I had a small child or an elderly person in my home, it would likely be an emergency, however since I did not the lack of heat in my home on a cold winter’s night was not an emergency. I would like to differ with this, I don’t typically keep my home at 54 degrees in December, in Ohio and I doubt that any of the Columbus Gas Company (dumb ass) employees do either.

Someone finally arrived at my home and at 10:45pm I once again had gas in my home and could turn my heat back one.

The customer service I received from the initial person that arrived to turn off my gas was (ok-not stellar) wonderful, very kind and helpful. The men to came to fix the leak, knew what they were doing (not likely since they dug a hole that didn't need to be), even if they did leave a pile of dirt in my backyard from digging around. However, their (stupidity) incompetence to call in my work order to delay the return to the gas being turned on created a severe break in customer service (a cluster fuck!). The emergency call center’s lack of urgency (annoyed voice) at getting someone to my home to turn the gas back on so heat could be restored to my home was unacceptable. I strongly encourage the Public Commission of Ohio to take action with the Columbus Gas Company (demand they give me a refund for my time) for their seemly lack of concern on returning heat to a home in a timely manner as an individual is forced to wait in a below average temperature home (54 degrees, in December, in Ohio) for over six hours.

Sincerely,

(Pissed Off) Columbus Gas Customer

(items in red will be omitted from official letter)

I Did It …

You should too. Go to nbc.com and vote for your fav a cappella group from the show. It doesn’t cost you a thing, just a moment of your time. If you haven’t been watching no worries, you can catch up on hulu.com or nbc.com. Or you can simply trust your o’ blogger here and simply vote for the Beelzebubs. Weird name yes, but just do it. I will not track you down and make you vote, but you really, really should.

I’ve never cared about any of those other crappy shows to bother voting and I like the fact I can vote online and not make a phone call.

I’ll keep an eye out for the winner announced on Monday and keep you updated in case you miss it. *grin*

Happy Thursday!

The Year of 34 and New Things Continues…

Ok, so I haven’t been good about keeping you updated, but wanted to give you a quick heads up.

1. Watched Yodeling Contest2. Saw Salad on a Stick3. Eat Emu4. Rev Theory & Shinedown Concert5. Iowa State Fair6. Placed a bet on a horse race7. Won on a bet placed on a horse race. 8.Played a $.25 lottery ticket9. Purchased a Cubs T-Shirt10. Walked around a Bass Pro store 11. Ate Dewey’s Pizza 12. Ate at Mario’s Seafood 13. Ate at Potbelly’s14. Ate at Jimmy V’s 15. Watched Zombieland 16. Played Wedding Photographer 17. Attended a Crew Game 18. Cored a pineapple with amazing ease—love the Pampered Chef tool. 19. Took senior pictures, not new, but the fact he was holding shot gun—new! 20. Drank Mike’s Hard Limeade 21. Bought a Mickey Finns CD and saw them at Byrnes.

22. Watched New Moon—Can’t hide it, Twilight fan here.

23. Made a pumpkin-ish pie from scratch—I did, promise, Ms. A watched me make it. I’ll posted an If I Can You Can Too, soon.

24. Watched Julia & Julia—fun, makes me want to commit to eating nothing but non-processed food, but I’m afraid I would miss my Frosted Mini Wheats too much. But I will enjoy the butter! Don’t worry Mom, I give it a B so I would watch it again at if it comes in.

Don’t think I haven’t been doing loads of fun stuff, it’s just not something I haven’t done before so can’t make the list. I've had dinner with the marrieds before, had coffee with Ms. H, attended Gallery Hop all before.

Yes Virginia…

There is a Santa Claus. He is already giving out gifts. Today, I was going to have a very difficult orientation student and she didn’t show. YEAH! Gift for me! Thanks Mr. SC, I GREATLY appreciate it!

I have a confession readers. I sincerely enjoy…wait for it…a cappella music. I have for many, many years. Last night was a bit of a delight as NBC was featuring a new show of all a cappella music groups. Now, I did strongly disagree with the judges choice to send the guys from Colorado home. They were much better than that group from Lee University.

I have a CD from the Denison Hilltoppers that I love. It’s kinda MIA right now, well many of my CD’s are, but soon, hopefully they will be found. One day visiting Ms. H at Denison a truly gorgeous boy brought around CD’s he was trying to peddle. I bought one, I didn’t have a clue who the Denison Hilltoppers were, but again he was gorgeous! It was an excellent CD. Now this was many years ago before youtube, so the ones below are more current Hilltoppers, but enjoy. The sound is not great, but still lovely.

If I Can You Can Too...

A quick bread delight. Zucchini Bread!

First take your zucchini and wash it really well.

Then you will need to shred it, the hand grader works well.

Go pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees.

Then find a small mixing bowl and add 2 cups of sugar.

To the sugar add, 3 eggs beaten, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Mix well!

Now add 2 cups of the shredded zucchini.

Let this aside for a moment and find a large mixing bowl.

In the large mixing bowl add 3 cups of flower.

Add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Add 1 teaspoon baking powder

Add 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt, mix well!

Now add the liquid mix to the large mixing bowl with the dry mix. Mix well! You can add some nuts at this point if you like, 1 cup walnuts or such, but I didn't have any so, no nuts here.


Pour your mixture into your baking dish, make sure to grease the loaf pan if you are not using a Pampered Chef stone, otherwise you will never get the loaves out. Will make two regular loaves or 4 mini ones.

Put in the oven to bake for 55-65 minutes, until your toothpick comes out of the center clean. It is best to allow the bread to cool for a bit before attempting to remove from the pan.

There you have it, a quick wonderful easy, bread, lovely for a tea and a chat mid-day or any time really.

Enjoy!

What, you don't have zucchini on hand, well try subbing something else instead: banana, apple, cherries, pumpkin, whatever. I have some frozen rhubarb, that I'll likely give a go next time.

Thursday...be gone with you...

The day is coming close at least for me.

The day started off just fine. I went to walk out my back door to my car and discovered I had forgotten to lock the door. Yeah, no one broke in.



Then, I stopped at Starbucks this morning, got a grande vanilla latte. Thanks Ms. A and Mr. B! Your both rock!


Walked through the bitter wind to my office to start my work day. My the time I got to my office the only thing I could feel was the hand holding the coffee. My appointments began to arrive, I was told how awesome I am. Really this is the only reason for my job, to be told how great I am, except for when I'm told I suck.

I'm just glad one holiday work lunch is done and I'll try to make it through another tomorrow. ick!

Like Maggie, I'd like to stick my tongue out at today. Except Bones is on and well, I do enjoy it.

Here's hoping tomorrow is grand and this sneezing stops soon.

Okay folks here is an update to the Blizzard 09 story brought to you last night.

I am unable to actually measure amounts of snow due to drifts. However local news stated for my area a total amount of 14. 5 inches of snow. That is a bunch of snow!!!

No travel is recommended. Parts of interstates I-80 and I-235 is closed.


Can't get patio screen door open due to ice, so pics from the front entrance.



Sad but the sidewalks here were plowed
muliple times yesterday.

Unedited pics:



Snow



Neighbors pinic table.


Guest Blogger: Since Allie is a slacker, I have decided to bring a happening now story to her dedicated readers :)


If you watch the national news, you know that there is a blizzard happening in parts of the nation i.e. Iowa. Well let me tell you it is TRUE!!! Trust me I am living it. (okay I did not watch it but did receive calls about it).

About 5 minutes ago (had to log on and type the wonderful opening, upload pics, etc.) there are 8 inches of snow outside my patio door and wind was blowing.

A Great Weekend...

I had a very fun weekend. A wonderful night of Holiday Hop and a lovely lunch with the marrieds.

Sorry no photos from the weekend, I was a putz and didn't take my camera. Opps. I do have this random photo of Lou with a large chicken at the Iowa State Fair. Lou has been chill in my living room for some time, no adventures for him lately. Poor kid, I'll have to make sure he gets into some trouble soon.

Have a great Monday!

If I Can You Can Too...


This is so easy even your 5 year old can do it and it's kinda good for you too.


Ready?


Open a box of pasta and cook per directions on box. It can be any kind of pasta you like.


Now while your pasta is cooking get out your can of Salmon, or if you the fresh great awesome wondeful-I did not.


Put the salmon in a skillet and heat it up, this doesn't take too long really.

Next pull out your favorite white pasta sauce, mine came from a jar, but if you want to take the time to whip up a white sauce you go for it.

Now all you have to do is essemble your meal.

First a good helping of the pasta, then pour on your white sauce, last scoop some of the heated salmon on top. Add a bit of garlic salt and pepper on top and there you have it a yummy dish filled with Omega-3 fatty acids, good for your heart.

I told you it was easy!

December 1…

I can’t believe it, but today is December 1st. Yikes, where did November go off to?

Ok, picture it…

2009, December 1, small bomb shelter like office, no windows. In the office is a desk. On the desk are seven pieces of small cut paper with names written on each one. The names are pushed around the desk upside down for a moment. A hand goes down, a piece of paper is picked up. The name on the paper is…Ms. H. Congrats Ms. H, you have won the drawing for a photo print. Please email the photo you would like and the size. Sorry kids the new ones have not gone up on the site yet, but give me time, give me time. Maybe there will be a new drawing once I actually get them up there. Hummmm, if only days were 25 hours long and my house was not a disaster and didn’t need a Merry Maid Crew badly. Although, I think all of us have this issue from time to time. Right, right! I can’t be the only one.

Thanks to everyone who entered, I do love you readers!

Too Smart...

I'm so smart, i just got my grade for the class I was taking and yes ladies and gents, I got an A, go me!!! I guess all that busy work paid off.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and your Monday has started well.

I'll be drawing for the photo this evening so don't forget to enter in the drawing today.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Due to dial up at the parents, I'll not likely get to blog much over the holiday. So, I wanted to make sure to send my holiday wishes today. Eat loads of good food and take a good long nap, you deserve it.



Oh and don't forget to entry the drawing from the Nov. 24 blog entry!

Weekend Update…

Friday: Dinner with the girls and the movie were both grand. If you are only a semi-fan of the Twilight series, I recommend waiting awhile to see the movie, the attendance of those under the age of 16 might scare you. They also like to comment during the movie. The movie gets a “B” per my review. It was good, true to the book for the most part, not enough Jacob or Edward, I think it could be covered a bit more material an still held the audience attention.

Saturday: A big thanks to the couple of readers that came to the Craft Show on Saturday. It was a fun time had by all, a bit slow, but with this economy you just never know.

Sunday: A full fun day in the barn-good times!

Ok, so I’m a bit pissy today. I am recovering from a head cold right now and well, I have little patience for idiots these days. I seem to be surrounded by them here at the office today. Yesterday I was asleep more than I was awake and I think today should have been similar. I knew I was going to get sick at some point, I guess I should be thankful it’s not the flu.

As this week includes the Thanksgiving Holiday, where we will all stuff ourselves with ridiculous amounts of food in the name of thanks, or at least I will. I want to show that although I am pissy, I am thankful. I am very thankful for all my blog readers. To show my thanks, I am giving away another print. You can choose any from the photography site, there may even be a few more up soon, but don’t hold your breath, too long, it will depend on time. You have until Monday, Nov. 30 to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.

Thanks readers, you rock!

Oh The Places You’ll Go…

I reader commented and asked what cooking sites I go to for recipes. Thanks reader for commenting and for the blog entry idea.

I visit many, sometime just a google search for a certain item. However there are some I regular on my bored, down time.

Bakerella: Sweet treats, too much effort, but fun to look at. http://www.bakerella.com/

Smitten Kitchen: These recipes look great and someday I will try them. http://smittenkitchen.com/

Food Gawker: Loads an loads of fun recipes to look at. http://foodgawker.com/page/2/

Tasty Kitchen: Fun, some easy recipes posted. http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/

Pioneer Woman: Her site is fun in general, but the cooking section rocks. http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Pillsbury: I somehow got on an email list and get weekly recipe updates from them. http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/recipelanding.htm

Cake Wrecks: I don’t plan to make any of these they are just fun to look at. http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Mario Batali: Oh, the recipes sound soooooo good, but I just don’t get around to making them. http://www.mariobatali.com/recipes_carbonara.cfm

Rachel Ray: I have my own personal Rachel Ray who provides me with great ideas, but I haven’t convinced her to do a website yet, so I must go to this Rachel Ray every now and then. http://www.rachaelray.com/food.php

Do you readers have any great sites you want to share with the group?

I’ll be getting my fill of Edward and Jacob tonight. No these are not my dates, they will be on the big screen. Yep, I got roped in the Twilight Saga too.

Happy Friday Kids, I need some good Irish Luck come my way—send as much as you can, please!

Going On Tour...


According To Alison Photography is going on tour. Ok, not really, I'm just going to a craft show this Saturday. I'll be in Marietta, Ohio this Saturday Nov. 21 from 9-3pm at the Junior Fair Building on the Washington County Fairgrounds. If you are in the area and bored beyond belief, you should stop by, say hello and support the local Band Boosters.

A Want-a-Be If I Can You Can Too...


I have a few If I Can You Can Too Recipes done, but need to upload the photos and such. Opps, sorry. A week or so ago, I had a BAD recipe. I spent a good bit of money to try this new mushroom soup recipe, it was not fit for dogs. Seriously it was horrible. I couldn't eat it. So the entire pot went into the trash and that money gone and no good soup to eat. It was sad, very sad. So I have taken a bit of a break from the cooking of new recipes.


However, I search sites and look for new ones. I love looking at recipe books too. Somehow I've turned into my mother, yikes. *grin*

Today is no exception, I'm sitting watching an episode of Castle on Hulu and searching recipe sites. I've found a few that look very good. Maybe I'll get around to trying them.

Shredded Chicken Nachos-YUM

Slow Cooked White Chili-OH TASTY!

Slow-Cooked Praline Apple Crisp---YIKES, YUMMERS

Spice Sugar Cookies--It is Cookie time!

A Birthday...

Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake.--Annoymous

500...

Post number 500. It's hard to believe. This is the longest commitment, I think I have ever made.

Happy Friday! Happy Friday!

If I Can You Can Too...

I'm a big fan of butternut squash, but don't make it often. My Mom gave me a couple out of the garden and so I had a feast.

First you have to wash the garden dirt off.



Then you take your knife and cut it in half length ways.



Next scope out all the seeds and guts.



Now get out your cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey.



Put the squash in a baking dish and then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and a bit of cinnamon all over and then drizzle the honey on.



Bake on 375 degree for 45-60 minutes, until good and soft, but not burnt.



I baked it covered until the last 10 minutes or so, then pulled the lid off for the last bit. Simply scoop out the goodness from the rind and enjoy!!

I’m Depressed…

I’m sad, depressed, discouraged, angry and yet not surprised.

I got up early this morning, I’m not a morning person, so this is a real challenge for me. I blocked off part of my morning at work in case I was late. I planned ahead, yeah me. I was prepared to wait in a line. I arrived at my voting location and my glee over getting to vote was washed away by sadness. I didn’t have to stand in line, I didn’t even have to wait at all. I walked in, signed my name, took my sticker, voted, and left. Big sigh! No wait!

I heard on the local news they are only expecting a 20% turn out in Ohio. Now, come on people, there are three state issues on the ballet and several community issues. You can’t get your ass out and vote? Now, I’m not referring to all my lovely readers, I’m sure you did. I also know they have expanded the absentee voting options, which is great. However, I know this is not why there was no line. The problem is apathetic idiots.

Now I have a policy and I’m going to have to enforce it strictly from this point on. If someone is complaining about an issue that was on the ballet, my first question will be, “Did you vote?”. If they did, then I’ll have a spirited discussion with them, if they agree or disagree with my views. If they respond with a “no”, then my response will be, “Shut the Fuck Up! You have no opinion, you didn’t even vote!”. Now, there were some harsh words in there, but sometimes harsh words are needed.

So, today I’m depressed. I wear my “I made a difference, So can You, VOTE” and only hope that others will see it and remember they need to get out today and vote.

Tomorrow, a “If I can you can too”, a bit less dramatic.

The answers...

So the Little quiz all about me, here are the answers, did you get them all correct?

In what year did I start this little ‘o blog?—I started this blog in 2005, that was an easy one you only had to look at the archive dates on the side of the blog. I started it because Ms. L was in Desh and it was an easy way to communicate with her. So, really you can blame Ms. L for all this.
December 2005 was a sad month because of what event?—Brian Borus was a lovely small pub in the Short North, it served its last pints the first weekend in December 2005 the night of the Short North Gallery Hop. The only up side was, I was able to be there for the last night. I braved the ice covered streets that night, although I don’t think I would have felt it if I had fallen and maybe I did a time or two. Love designated drivers!!!

What year did I only post twice?—That year was 2006. I didn’t blog about it, so did the year really happen?

Can you name three random things about me?—You should be able to there have been a few posts all about me and my little corks. 1. I hate snakes. 2. I love pumpkin. 3. My favorite children's book is The Large and Growly Bear.

What did I make for the first If I Can You Can Too? Pumpkin Dumplings—November 25, 2008. I hope to have another episode soon.

What morning show do I listen to?—Bob and Tom, sad but true

What is my “Travelocity Gnome”?—What, now you better know this. Lou—Lou, Lou! February 8, 2008 Lou appeared, getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day.

How did I win a free gas card at work? I won a contest. The name I submitted was chosen as the title for the department’s newsletter. Which there has only been one issue of—this was last year. Oh well, not my job.

What library was I a loving in 2008?—Seattle’s main library, ah what an awesome trip.

What Irish beer do I love, but can’t get in the US?—Kilkenny! No I don’t want to Kill Kenny, I want to drink the beer!