Thursday, December 30, 2010

Snow Day

It's been snowing like crazy since late this morning. No one's moving, unless they have to...you can see the weather in Colorado via this live cam, located just down the hill from my house.
    Daughter #1 called; her dog Jack has been feeling peaked since Christmas. Finally, she took him to the vet today. Diagnosis:  pancreaitis (and a $400 bill). Would we come get him, so she could continue to work double shifts at the restaurant? (She's off school until mid-January.)
    I looked outside at the blowing, shifting snow. Would I? Might as well fly there. We were just getting ready to get on the long underwear, and try anyways, when Daughter called again...a friend watched the dog while she went to work. And wouldn't you know it -- she got cut.The restaurant was deserted. (Go figure.)
    All the same, though, we'll go get him when the snow lets up some. In the meantime, we started wading through the pile of gift DVDs, ate cheese enchiladas, and I worked on binding and finishing up a quilt for Road to California.   (Some of my classes/lecture are full -- but there are still openings! I'd love to come have you join me.)
    The dogs have spent the day snuggled by the fire, or on our feet. Don't blame them.

Donna Freedman's home again. I especially enjoyed her description of getting a meal around, after having been gone for some weeks. 
   I'm just glad we didn't have to go anywhere special today. And grateful that Jack the dog is doing better.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

$5 AmazonOn Demand Credit

...Can be used for renting online movies. And wouldn't you like a new movie to watch during that fast-moving-in stormy winter night!

    You'll need a Twitter account, but it only takes a minute after that. Go here. (Many thanks for the tip, One Frugal Girl.)

Five Things That Cost More...But Are Worth It

Before I get started, have you seen this great video -- making stylish designer bags from newsprint!
   Restless winds, the temp is steadily dropping. The sun may be shining now, but the wispy clouds and darkening sky tell the real story: we're due for a huge drop in temps plus snow for the next few days. Ok with me; it will make staying inside that much more cozy. 
   Husband is hanging a heavy cowboy sunset print for me, banging away at the wall (his stud finder isn't working because the 9-volt battery is dead) and muttering. I'd complain, but have been asking him to do this for months -- it will be great to have it up for our New Year's dinner guests! 
   Here goes on the list:


*Spray whipped cream (the real stuff, not the oily fake). Tastes great, adds a professional, decorative look to desserts. Sure, Cool Whip costs less, but once you open the tub, you need to use it within a week or so, or it gets nasty. We've had cans of the spray stuff keep up to six months in the refrigerator. Provided, that is, Daughter #2 isn't spraying it in her mouth when she thinks no one is looking...

*Real wool sweaters. Your acrylic sweater looks good this season. But what about next -- and the year after? Choose wool in a classic design, and it will continue to be part of your wardrobe for practically forever. (Hint: thrift shops ALWAYS have the 'good stuff' -- you just have to be patient, and keep looking.)


*Real gold. It lasts -- and lasts. Husband bought twisted gold hoop earrings for my 25th anniversary. They go with everything, and continue to look just as nice as they did nearly five years ago. You can afford the good stuff, if you stop buying costume jewelry and save your money up. Even a small piece makes a difference.


*Apples, Tangerines and other fruit -- certain kinds. Red Delicious apples are beautiful...and taste like sawdust. Honeygolds, Granny Smiths and Macintoshes, though, are delicious. Experiment until you find your favorites, then watch for them on sale.

*The right tools. Certain brands invariably cost more -- but they can be used for decades! One of our best shovels was purchased by my father-in-law at least four decades ago, and is still going strong. Do your research, read the buyer comments, and buy the best quality you can afford. You won't regret it. Don't take my word -- ask Husband, who is now staring proudly at his finished, hanging frame!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Post-Christmas Ennui

The packages are unwrapped, anniversary celebrated (Dec. 26 -- Philly cheesesteaks and a Denver Nuggets game with friends), and Daughters have both gone home. Bones from the turkey served at Christmas dinner have been simmering all night, and the broth is ready is use. Charley is sacked out underneath the dining room table, exhausted from a few days' prance with Jack, Daughter #1's dog. Piles of stuff are everywhere, waiting to be put away or thrown away. We had a smaller Christmas this year, which made for considerably less mess. (Yay!) Husband has all this week off -- no pay for most of the days, true, but the pleasure of his company makes up for it.

I'm fine, just wishing I could laze away all day. But who will burn the wrapping paper, then, or check on Wal-Mart's half-priced stuff?


Here's hoping you've had a chance to relax and enjoy this holiday time.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Track Santa The Easy Way

NORAD normally tracks drug dealers and such. But one night a year, it focuses on the other major intruder in airspace: Santa. Track him and the reindeer here -- has he found your home yet?

Friday, December 24, 2010

My Very Best Wishes for...

A happy and peaceful Christmas, with time to enjoy and reflect. 

I'm so grateful for a Savior born on earth for us!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Spontaneous Meeting Combustion...

'Flashmobs' have been one of the newest developments -- a whole bunch of people who get together in a preplanned place and DO SOMETHING.

Like the Hallelujah Chorus...

Or rocking out to Christmas music!


(Many thanks to friend Marcie for passing this on.)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Funny Christmas Stuff!

Take a break and a chuckle with these holiday goodies:

*The cats who inhaled!


*Some very silly jokes

*Links to a whole treeful of stuff...

*and a rather odorous joke!

And one of the very best holiday stories, one I read every year --
     Truman Capote's Christmas Memory

The Sweet Smell of...

Are you partial to how things smell?
    When I was little, I realized that people (and their homes) had a distinctive scent. I could even tell, head down, when a certain aunt, or my grandma, entered the room, based on the smell that preceded them. (My grandma smelled like hermit spice cookies!)
     Even now, I tend to rely on how things smell -- I rarely turn on a timer when cookies are baking, for example. Instead, I wait until they have a 'just-baked-but-not-burning' waft. Rice smells a little like mothballs when it's done. And brownies don't start scenting the air until 'just' before they're finished.
     Husband thinks this is funny, but generally is ok with it. The one bad part -- if you get involved somewhere else in the house, and forget to check! (A glance at the clock now and then helps.)
     This blogger got me started on the power of smell. The interesting part about this -- you can actually BUY smells like 'baby powder' and 'bonfire,' thanks to Demeter Fragrances. (They've got stuff on sale, plus shipping discounts.)


    My top ten favorites: lavender, soap (especially Dial), cinnamon, coffee, bacon, lilacs in spring (or the scent of freshly-dug earth), freshly-ironed linen (or sheets off the clothesline), tangerines, cedar...and the scent of Husband and Daughters when I snuggle into their arms.
    What are yours?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

More on the Fish Dishes...

Gee, I didn't know others enjoyed this tradition as much as our family does! But there's actually a blog dedicated to the annual feast, and it has some great recipes. Visit it here.

(And for more good stuff on wrapping presents, check out Homebody Holly's take on the subject. Including potato chip bags! )

Monday, December 20, 2010

Seven Fish Dishes for Christmas

I just found Grocery Cart Challenge's list of 101 stocking stuffers...more good ideas here! One is beloved by Daughters, who are always visitiing the laundromat -- a roll of quarters.
    Also, Jenn at Frugal Upstate, bless her heart, has 68 ideas for stuffing guys' stockings -- Hooray! Husband tends to be quiet to start with, and is not exactly forthcoming about what he'd like in this department. (I can't get the ATV-for-hunting he'd really like, to fit in the sock.)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    A reader asked about the Seven Fish Dishes. Having seven fish dishes (or nine, or as many as thirteen, according to this Wikipedia entry, "The Feast of the Seven Fishes") is an old Italian-American custom for Christmas Eve. The fish (a popular way to stay 'meatless') represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic church.

     I can hear your next question -- are we Italian? Naahh...though we LOVE their food, and Husband spent some time in Naples, Rome and elsewhere during his Navy years. (P.S. We don't go to a Catholic church, either.)
     When the girlies were little, and I was often housebound with them, I started trying to celebrate a different country's customs every year at Christmas time. The Italian version -- the seven fish dishes -- was such a hit that I've repeated it every year, and it has now become a Brick tradition.
     The dishes change, depending on available seafood, what I can find on sale...and our budget. Certain elements remain, though; we always have at least one soup, one whole baked fish, some kind of shrimp. And ALWAYS Angels on Horseback. (The girlies inhale any leftovers while we're washing dishes afterward.) Here's this year's menu:

1.  Clam Chowder (New England style with cream, onion and potatoes -- no tomatoes for us)
2.  Angels on Horseback (oysters wrapped with bacon, skewered with toothpicks, and baked about 20 min. at 400 degrees until crunchy. YUM. Don't knock these until you've tried them!)
Devils on Horseback (chicken livers wrapped with bacon, ditto. I know -- these aren't seafood, but they're a nice complement to the Angels. Don't count them.)
3.  Salmon Creole (salmon filets with a spicy coating)
4.  Shrimp Ajillo (the garlicky Panamanian version of Shrimp Scampi)
5.  Crab Legs 
6.  Tuna with Homemade Noodles (I'll give the recipe for this later)
7.  Rocky Mountain Trout (Daughter #2's contribution; she caught them herself. Baked with mushroom stuffing.)



Plus some kind of greenery in the vegetable department, hot rolls or biscuits and a refresher course of sorbet or sherbet. (All that seafood taste really adds up.) Friend Constance is bringing dessert, and I'll add a platter of chocolates and cookies for after-meal nibbling.
    We dress up in our best...and take our time, with a glass of wine and much talk. Each dish is counted as it appears, and small amounts are the rule, for obvious reasons. Little sighs of pleasure appear for someone's favorite, or a groan from the person who partook too much of another specialty.
      It's a wonderful time.

Wrapping Up Christmas

Normally I spend a big chunk of late Christmas Eve wrapping presents. This is not fun, and I've been trying to fix things, with little success. Last year, I started early...but forgot to put notes on the presents. (And ended up getting duplicates on some stuff! Stupid, stupid, stupid...)
    This year, I smartened up. Got out the presents, plus wrapping paper, stickers, tape and scissors -- plopped them all down by the couch and started wrapping, in front of Husband, who was peacefully lounging. A movie was on...I casually said, "Can you help me?" And that sweet guy (and I) got nearly everything wrapped in one evening! Just a few (including his) to go.
     Thanks to Michaels' early sales (plus the dollar store), I'd stocked up on paper at a reasonable price. (The Simple Dollar uses a standard approach to wrapping presents I'm thinking about using for next year...don't miss the reader comments, too.) Husband loves having a 'station' with the paper, plus accessories, close at hand -- otherwise, he has trouble finding everything and stomps about, muttering.

     Since we didn't even get home from Panama until late Monday night, I've had no time to do much of anything. Got the wreath up on the front door, the mantel decorated, and Saturday night, we finally got a Christmas tree. (Note to self: consider doing this again -- the tree, along with anything Christmas-related, was 40% off at Lowe's this past weekend!) It will get decorated this afternoon, before one of my students arrives for her last piano lesson of 2010.
    Our part of Colorado is dry as a bone, and swept by warm blowsy winds. The mountains are being nailed with snow and ice; there's a wall of gray cloud hemming them in behind the Front Range. But we're getting none of that. Looks like another tan Christmas.

Stocking stuffers are on the checklist to finish up. I've been stashing samples all year, plus little goodies...can't say much yet, because certain nosy people (Note, Daughter #1!) read this blog now and then. But there are some standards that always appear, like a chocolate Santa. (Daughters snort at it, and rarely eat it...for fun, I sometimes recycle the previous year's Santa, to see if they'll notice!) I also always include a toothbrush, imported chocolate and cookies, and a can of black olives. (The latter is perfect for munching while reading the latest Christmas book.) An orange is always in the toe -- memories of growing up on a Michigan farm, where even in my childhood, oranges were an exotic thing. (Tangerines were even more desirable.)


One Frugal Girl's got some good stocking stuffer ideas here (plus easier ways to pay for them). Here's a better, more comprehensive list from the Frugal Yankee that will be of help, too.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Christmas Baking

Hmmm...shouldn't I be whipping up sugar cookies or something?
    Maybe take a page from the Swedish Chef, and do up some popcorn shrimp...or doughnuts.

We always have seven fish dishes on Christmas Eve -- have been working up that list. And starting to plan for Christmas dinner, as well.
   Or maybe I should go haul the boxes of decorations up from the basement.


Maybe I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Back Home - Yay!

...late last night.
    Then today, we learned that one of the two bridges going over the Panama Canal has collapsed, due to excessive rain. (The bridge was anchored in a hillside that's been collapsing, due to the land sliding.) We drove over the other bridge, not this one -- but still, it's a shock.
     On the flight home to Denver last night, I sat next to a lady who had been on a Panama Canal cruise -- sort of. The ship went into the 'holding' lake, but couldn't keep going through the locks, due to torrential rains.
    This was on Thursday. We visited the Canal on Saturday, when it was raining...but working. If we'd taken a cruise, instead of the land trip (we thought about it), we wouldn't have seen much of anything.
    Thankfully, no one has been injured or killed.
 
    Just amazing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A bunch of work to start in on...but it's wonderful to sleep in our own bed again!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Gift Card Specials

Nearly all of our family lives several states away -- which makes sending Christmas presents to them a hassle, let alone the danger that the package will get lost or broken in transit.
    That's what makes gift cards so good -- they're easy to send, and much appreciated. Even better, many companies are now offering bonus offers when gift cards are purchased. For example, Red Robin gives you a $5 bonus card for every $25 card you purchase. (Brickworks employees have gotten this, or gift cards from Qdoba for years -- and have loved it.)
    Here's a fairly comprehensive list -- enjoy. Bear in mind, though, that some of these specials peter out early in December. You may not want to wait too long before acting on them. These make great gifts -- even if they're just for yourself!


Sunday, December 12, 2010

Lighting Up Your Holiday

One of the necessary items on our Christmas tree every year are strings of bubble lights. These glowing little guys were being manufactured in England as early in the 1940s; they graced my grandma's Christmas tree, my parents' tree, and have been on the Brick family tree ever since our first year. (We were married the day after Christmas 1981, so had to wait a whole year before our own festivities.)

For a general look at bubble lights, visit here. They're a little difficult to find, but worth it. Sitting by the Christmas tree, watching the lights glowing against the iced window...there's nothing more cheerful on a snowy night.

(ill. courtesy of Wikipedia)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Back in Panama...City, That Is

And feeling very crabby about it all.

This morning, we had breakfast on the beach at Las Lajas. Then we spent the rest of the day (well, most of it) driving, driving and more driving, Husband cheerfully waving to the cop in Divisa who nearly gave him a ticket (the cop was STILL out there, this time yelling at another tourist) and the umpteey-eleven chickens and dogs who came out to say goodbye.
    After a quick stop in Sora, another mountain town, we ended up at the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal, just in time to watch a cruiser and a cargo ship go through, veiled in rain and wisps of cloud. (You can see it too, thanks to this live cam.) I have wanted to see this since I was a kid, but found myself thinking just as much of the Soo Locks we used to watch at Michigan's Upper Peninsula. That one came first in my memory.  (Although these were great -- and the rain and fog made them even more interesting.)

Then we got lost. BOY, did we get lost. It was raining...and somehow Husband turned off on a highway we couldn't get off...I couldn't figure out where the heck we were on the map...and to make things double-extra stressful, we were running low on gas. A huge fight ensued. We were both tired, and hungry, and sick of driving. Even after we finally packed up our emotions and made a pact to start working together again, we were STILL lost. Though headed in the right direction.

    Then we hit the traffic heading to Panama City.
    It took us nearly THREE HOURS to drive 60-some kilometers. Yep, you read that right. We had people sliding into our lane, cutting us off, nearly rear-ending us, and so on -- busses, taxis, and just for fun, regular cars. I was a basket case by the time we got to the hotel. Husband, who views this all as sort of a game, albeit a serious one, was reasonably fresh. He got to watch me burst into tears and swear I would never go to Panama City again. (Poor guy.)

Oh, and they don't believe too much in street signs. Why in the world would you need street signs, Senor? You should know where you are going!

So...a great vacation, with a hellish last night. These people may be some of the nicest, most polite, kindest individuals I've met -- but they are HOMICIDAL MANIACS on the road. MANIACS!!!

Anyhow, I took a long, hot brooding shower, and am going to rest up for the ordeal tomorrow, when we attempt to return the rental car. That is, without smashing into, scratching up or otherwise damaging ourselves, the car or half the population of Panama City. With beeping. Lots of beeping.

Serve a Log for Christmas Dinner

...a creamy chocolate log, that is! If you've ever made a jelly roll, a Christmas Log won't be that hard for you. It's a French tradition that Julia Child made especially popular, with the 'log' decorated in meringue mushrooms and clouded with a 'veil' of caramel. (Yum -- just writing about this is arguing for setting aside our more usual Sachertorte, and whipping up this instead!)
      Here's the recipe:
  • 1/3 cup cake flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tarter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • Confectioners sugar
  • Filling:
  • 14.5 oz can pitted cherries
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup coffee flavored liqueur
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 15 X 10 jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Grease and flour paper then tap off excess.
     In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder and salt, then mix well. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. In a separate bowl, using clean beaters, beat egg whites on high until foamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and cream of tarter, beating until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. Fold 1/3 of beaten egg whites into egg yolk mixture. Alternate folding in egg whites and flour mixture.
     Pour batter in pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle a clean towel with powered sugar. Immediately loosen cake from edges of pan and turn upside down onto towel, sprinkled with powdered sugar. Carefully remove paper. Trim off stiff edges of cake, if necessary. While hot, carefully roll cake and towel from narrow end. Cool on wire rack at least 30 minutes.
     Combine cherries, powered sugar and liqueur is a small bowl. Let stand at least 5 minutes then drain liquid and spoon over cooled cake. Add whipped topping to cherries. Spread cherry mixture over center of cake and roll cake into a log. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more, even overnight. Garnish with whipped topping or chocolate syrup.
    (Thanks to MDWanda at Better Recipes.com for sharing this)

More Christmas cakes are at Better Recipes.com ...take a look!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Santa Claus Revealed

How much do you know about the Jolly Old Elf who swings by good little children's homes at Christmas time? This history of Santa Claus gets you started, beginning with Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir, now in Turkey).
     According to tradition, Nicholas heard about three unmarried sisters who couldn't get married, because they didn't have a dowry. The older sisters had even talked about going into prostitution, in order to get the funds to give their youngest sister a better chance.
     Nicholas heard about this, and one night, he crept quietly up to the girls' home and dropped a bag of gold down the chimney. It landed in a stocking drying by the hearth. Nicholas then repeated his action twice more. The girls were saved, Nick's kindness found out -- and the legend of Santa Claus began.
     Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D., but our 'typical' mental picture of Santa Claus didn't arrive until Thomas Nast's drawings in the 1860s. His round-bellied Santa, dressed in fur and tights, looks nothing like the tall robed clergyman that is more typical of Santa Claus figures around the world. Nonetheless, it was Nast's Santa that became the prototype of today's Santa Claus.
     Be sure to take a longer look at The North Pole.com -- there are recipes, games and lots of fun worth trying this month.

Christmas Repurposed

Simple, graceful ideas for gift wrapping...


New things you can do with holiday items...

all sorts of Christmas crafts to start now...and finish!

Maybe it's a response to all that cynical humor of Scrooged (yes, I watched it on AMC recently), but I feel determined to actually enjoy preparing for Christmas this year -- even if it means I put a wreath on the door, make just one or two kinds of cookies...and call it good.
    Not having to kill myself preparing for the festivities would truly make it a Merry Christmas!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Coffee in Boquete

Elizabeth Edwards, estranged wife of one-time political candidate John Edwards, died yesterday of the cancer she has fought for years. She did it, to the end, with her usual grace and dignity. What a woman...her children can be proud they're hers.
* * * * * * * * *
We're now snug up in the Panama highlands, at the Panamonte Inn, a country inn with a bit of a snooty viewpoint. Poquete ("po-quet-tay"), the town we're staying in, is tucked into a very tree-and-greenery valley that is part of an old volcano. Everywhere you look, it's crammed with green...oh yes, and people. People wandering around the streets -- and stepping out whenever they feel like it, whether a car's coming or not. People drinking beer outside the liquor store -- or older Americans having loud discussions about weird health problems. (I now know more about when you use socks on disgusting feet problems than I ever cared to.) This place is JAMMED with people, bumping into each other, or just wandering the streets. Reminds me, in some ways, of Aspen, with its pile of houses bumping into each other -- especially big houses.
   There are some intriguing people...Indians here to pick coffee, we're told. The women are very short -- less than 5 ft tall, I'd guess -- and wear bright-colored ankle-length dresses that remind me some of Hawaiian muumuus...but in solids, with what looks like rickrack for trim. (The best photo I could find of them is here...we took a few, but were trying not to rubberneck.) They live four hours or more drive away, but take the bus here and stay for some months, picking coffee. I tried sooo hard not to stare, but was intrigued...
    It's been far chillier here than anywhere else in Panama. Last night, we came into town at the start of a rain-and-windstorm. Lots of mist today, with rain off and on. We spent the afternoon on a coffee tour to the La Miligrosa plantation, hosted by "Mr. Tito." (You can find out more about him and his work here.) The guide went through the whole process, from coffee bush/tree to picking, fermenting, drying and roasting the beans.
    They not only roasted some in front of us, but encouraged us to taste them, both the bean and the ground version, made into coffee. (Tasting it in solution is called "cupping.") Before this, I would have sworn that the dark roast was the most flavorful...but according to Mr. Tito and company, dark roasting is generally what's done with a lesser-quality bean, to mask its lesser flavor. (They also say that the 'export brand' is generally the lesser-quality beans; the good stuff is sold in bulk to a buyer -- often Japanese -- or kept in the country!) What I discovered was that the light was good, but the medium roast really brought out the bean's flavor. And the dark roast? You could just taste 'burn,' not the various nuances. ("Smell the citrus?" the guide said, when we sniffed the light roast. And we could. Fruit trees are grown around the coffee bushes, to protect them and give animals another food source. Some believe that these trees actually lend their essences to the coffee, as well.)
    Mr. Tito (full name: Tito Vargas) built his coffee plantation up from some acres of replanted cow pasture. He grew 9 kinds of coffee beans, and processed them with machinery he cobbled together from junk autos -- even a computer fan! And this iconoclast began to win prizes for his coffee. This year, he took second place in the annual Best of Panama coffee contest -- against very heavy competition. (You'll find it listed as 'Panacoffee.') An amazing guy -- and terrific-tasting coffee.

An Irish Look at the Twelve Days of Christmas

Here it is...and don't be forgettin' I'm Irish, too!

Save Bucks on Your Heating This Winter

Get Rich Slowly, a font of wisdom on all things financial (and practical), has a great post on lowering heating costs this season. 
      Clever Dude also has some good ideas; many are similar to GRS, but there's some new stuff here, too.

      At a time when saving extra money really comes in handy, this subject can be of enormous help.
      We keep our bills below $100 -- even in the deepest winter months! -- by following a few basics:
                  *Heaters are turned off in rooms that don't get regular use
                  *The thermostat is kept at 66 degrees (62 degrees at night)
                  *A space heater and fireplace keep things comfortable in the space we spend the most time in --
                          the living room

      Also, we keep a towel or blanket tightly rolled against the front door. (You can literally feel the cold by standing in front of it. I only wish we could do that with the kitchen cupboards, which are against the north wall. The cold is evident when you open a door, and the dishes stay permanently chilled.)
      Next on the list: thick, heavy curtains against the door that leads out to the deck. I'm thinking maybe red corduroy or velvet; Sylvia Plath sewed curtains like that for her living room, and said seeing them drawn was like being inside a valentine. Warmth and beauty -- a nice combination.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Charley Le Chien

A back post, while I'm still in Panama...

    You may have been wondering how Charley, our new ball 'o fire, is doing.

According to him...or us?

Actually, on most counts, he's been wonderful -- friendly and loving. He loves to doze off snuggled against Husband's chair, paw outstretched against his leg in a sort-of "hey, how's it rolling" gesture.

     Buck, our Weimie boss-in-residence, tolerates and even occasionally welcomes his presence. (Especially when it's cold.) For his part, Charley waits to let Buck go first, and obviously enjoys his company on jaunts outside.

    I'm writing all this to remind myself that, by and large, Charley's been a wonderful dog. It's a help, considering he just pulled a whole batch of freshly-watched clothes off the line, and gleefully trampled all over them.
   "HEY, MOM!!! Thanks for the new toys...and they smell like you and Dad!"
    I'll give him a chance to mend his ways. After, that is, I clean up the bits of paper, plus the latest mangled pen, from his chewing episode this morning. He especially loves pens.
    Sigh.

 Charley in front, ready for mayhem -- and Buck, zonked out, snoozing in back

Life on the Beach

Still in Panama...now in Pedasi. (pronounced 'pe-dah-si') We're at the very bottom tip of the country, through cattle pastures and gently rolling hills -- now into a more sandy area. Palms and greenery are everywhere; we had morning coffee and pancakes under an arbor full of vines, swaying in the (brisk) wind.
    It's definitely warmer in here than in El Vallee ('el vah-yay'), the more mountainous area we spent a few days in. (And loved -- it was a lot like Colorado.) Last night, the air was close and thick. Today, though, it's warm, but the wind keeps it light. Our room overlooks Main St. -- not much happening, except for the occasional dog and man wandering down the thoroughfare. Nice.
    Last night, we had ceviche ('se-vee-chay'), a mixed cocktail of shrimp, fish and octopus, chunks marinated with lime, garlic and onion -- ooh, good. And shrimp in a very garlicky sauce, along with "patt-cone," plaintains (a kind of less-sweet banana) smashed flat and fried crispy. Husband had a $1 Atlas beer. Seafood heaven.
    We're headed out to the beach, but I thought I'd report in first...tomorrow, we're on the way to Boquete ('bo-quet-tay'), which is cooler, back up in the mountains -- and is filled with coffee plantations. We're big coffee drinkers, and are hoping to bring a bunch back to the States...the coffee here is said to be the best in the world.
     We'll be in Panama all week...hey, someone's got to do it!!!  :)

A few things I've already learned about this fascinating country:
    *If you're thinking it's like Mexico, don't -- it's not. The language may be the same (sort of), but the houses are arranged differently, the people dress much more conservatively, and the food is definitely different. For example:
    *'Tortillas' here do NOT mean the Mexican kind. Instead, they're round cornmush-type disks...kind of like polenta. And you have them for breakfast with a slice of cheese on top.
   *Milk and eggs are in short supply. Especially milk. A fair amount of cattle, but they seem to be raised for meat. Brahmans, which are NOT known for their milking capacity.
    We've seen a fair amount of chickens, but the price of eggs in the 'mercados' are in the $1.75 range for a dozen. The chickens like to hang out by the road, and make sudden darts at rushing across. Very freaky, if you're the one driving. After the hundredth chicken acted like he was going to make a break for it, Husband took to sticking his head out and "bawking" at them. (At least it made him feel better about it!) Score, so far: Chickens -- 100, Husband 0.
   *The people are very kind here...but don't know that much English. (We'd read that a lot knew it. Right.) Before you give me the 'ugly American' speech, realize that we're willing, and have been limping along in our bad Spanish. The people are very patient with us, and generally we manage to communicate what's needed. (The one exception was the cop, who saw Husband making a left turn and decided he was really going for a U-turn, which 99.9% of the time, is illegal here. Husband kept saying "lo siento, no comprende," Spanish for 'I'm sorry, I don't understand.' Eventually the cop threw up his hands and let us go. Whoo hoo!)
    *Don't expect spicy food. It's pretty bland, even by American tastes. (Although it's generally been good.)
    *See the earlier comment about the kindness and good manners of the people? Take it back, if you're driving. They rush in front of each other. Stop in the middle of the road, if they see a friend. Drive like banshees -- then slow down to impossible speeds. Swerve in front of you, if you're in the lane they want. Stoplights are generally obeyed; stop signs, however, seem to be 'suggested only.' Panama City was a nightmare of clogged streets and people acting like idiots. Out here in the country, it's easier only because there are fewer cars. Way fewer cars.

    The weather has been overcast some, and rainy some, but very pleasant. The scenery: wonderful -- green, rich and tropical. Fruit trees everywhere. Some flowers. (It's right at the end of rainy season -- winter -- and beginning of dry season -- summer -- kind of the in-between season for them.)The fruit and 'licuados' (juices) are FRESH, somehow richer and sweeter than what we've come to expect. The fish is terrific, too -- but the beef, a little stringy. (Chicken's ok. Bean dishes have uniformly been wonderful.)
    We went to a weekend market in El Vallee, and again in Penanome ('pen-a-nome-ay') yesterday. Piles of veggies, beautifully fresh -- and in El Vallee, lots of painted wood (garish) and weird earrings (ditto). And piles of the most beautiful, glowing molas I have ever seen, with the women who made them sitting nearby. (More on this later. I bought five.)
    In Penanome, a much larger city, more trashy merchandise, including nighties and many piles of bras. On the sidewalk. What are you supposed to do, try one on right there???
    Fireworks are going off -- just the sound, no flashy colors. Husband is waiting, so we can leave for the beach. Hope you're doing well.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Panama City...and It's Raining

But beautiful! We're just at the start of the rainy season here, and the green just glows against the soft gray skies.

We flew into Panama City yesterday. The hotel, though small, is quite comfortable and has a lovely view of a palm-filled backyard out our window. The bed (and armoire) nearly fill the room -- only a few steps to the wall in three directions! But everything is very clean and comfortable.
    I woke up this morning with my back in a twist -- all that riding in airplanes and staying in one position a lot. But it's better now...after a breakfast of cold cuts (is that what Panamanians have...or is this for the Europeans who come here?), fruit (watermelon and mango) and cereal. We'll head out shortly for the countryside, and stay out there. We especially plan to go to Boquete, which is heavy in strawberry and coffee 'plantations.'

Hope your week is going well.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Inexpensive Gifts -- More than a Hundred Ideas

These were suggested for teachers...but there are lots of ideas here for teenagers, mailpeople, choir directors and others!

On My Way, Back Another Day...

A big basket of shirts waits for ironing. The sink's full of dishes. Random scraps of paper are piled here and there. Phone messages. Business files still to be sent.

And Husband and I leave for Panama tomorrow morning! 

We'll return in a few weeks, hopefully brown and rested. (And having visited the Panama Canal, something I've wanted to see all my life.) The Brickworks offices will still be open, though quieter. (It always is, this time of year.) Feels strange, knowing that in less than a day, the cold and snow will be a past memory.
    Please continue to stop by. A pile of posts are waiting and ready, and will be doled out over the next few weeks until I return. Be good -- see you soon!



Making Money for Christmas

Surely you've noticed the Swagbucks 'swidget' on the right of my column. It's been one of my best secret ways to earn gift money for birthdays and the holidays.
   I don't do anything fancy, either, to earn it. I just do the searches I would normally do. I respond to a short survey now and then (5 min. tops), and do a Swagbucks poll (even shorter). That generally earns me 450 points twice a month -- and 450 points is a five-dollar Amazon gift card! I've earned 17 of them so far, this year. That makes a total of $85 for doing little normal than my normal routine. (And note: I haven't had any trouble with weird cookies, viruses or anything like that. Swagbucks is extremely respectful about that issue.)

You can do this, too. Just click on the 'swidget' to get started. (And you'll give me an extra bonus for doing it -- thanks if you do.) It won't be long before your first gift card -- or other item -- is a done deal.

Monday, November 29, 2010

New Picasso Trove Uncovered

Picasso's long-time handyman has surfaced, with a trunkful of paintings, drawings and such he said Picasso's second wife gave him. He's been storing this stash of hitherto-unknown work -- 271 pieces -- in his garage for decades!
     Needless to say, the official purveyors of the Picasso estate -- children Picasso was reluctant to acknowledge during his lifetime -- are not thrilled. They're trying to argue that the handyman stole the works, but based on the lack of official action, are having trouble making their charges stick.
    It will be interesting to see how all this develops. The handyman and his wife said they came forward now, so their children wouldn't have to deal with problems after they pass on. They were certainly right about that...

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Top Ten Christmas Movies

Here's one list -- whaddya think?
   (I'm still at a loss to understand why Bad Santa would be here...but hey, that's me.)

My Ten Favorite Holiday Movies (not in order of importance)


*The Christmas List:   Mimi Rogers has a boring, if busy life -- but a list to Santa Claus, of all the things she's ever wanted, or wanted to try, change her life. Not always for the best, it seems, either. I didn't want to like this movie -- but it's one I never miss each year.

*It's A Wonderful Life: Jimmy Stewart, a very strange angel named Clarence, and the chance to see what would happen if you never had been born. What more could one ask?

The Shop Around the Corner: The movie that inspired Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' endearing You've Got Mail (which easily could be on this list, as well).  Two clerks hate each other on first sight...but have been falling in love via mail, at the same time. A charming picture of a small pre-war shop in New York City. (I know, it's supposed to be in Europe somewhere -- but it sure feels like NYC to me.)

*Scrooge: Albert Finney remains one of the best truly skinflint misers...with a humorous edge. The songs in this musical stay with you, especially "Thank you very much." And Bob Cratchit's buying expedition with 15 shillings ("FIF-TEEN shillings, mind you!") put Black Friday madness back into perspective.

*The Santa Clause:  Is there anyone whose family or friends haven't had to deal with the heartbreak of divorce during the holidays? The notion of a "revolving Santa" is intriguing, but it's the whole 'how do we do this peacefully' dilemma that really breaks my heart. Sad...and funny, too.

*White Christmas:  Along with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, I watched this late night in a comfortable pile of sleeping bags, and cousins. The only problem: we could sing the songs, but never caught the title! It wasn't until college that I finally learned the movie's name. Great actors, lots of snarky side comments, ebullient music and dance. (Even some weird stuff, like "Choreography" and an  "Abraham" dance-down.)


*The Homecoming:  Where's Dad? He hasn't gotten home from the mill yet -- send Oldest Son out to look for him before it's too late. A Depression era family waits, and so do we. I love this simple, touching movie. It was also the first appearance of John Boy, and his family, the Waltons. (Note: Daughters mutually loathe it, and say it's corny. But hey, whose list is this?!?)


*Holiday Inn:   A restaurant/inn that's only open during holidays, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby -- and a ton of jokes and side comments, along with the sparkling dance and music. I love, love, love this black-and-white celebration.

*While You Were Sleeping:  The cutest guy in the world falls on the subway tracks...and you save him, only to be mistaken as his fiancee. Spend your holiday with this quirky family, as well as the sweetest, most wistful heroine ever to wander into the subway. (Plus, Bill Pullman is kinda cute.)  For weeks after we see this, we wander around saying, "Was you leanin'??"


*Die Hard:  The perfect antidote for too much sweetness -- a vacationing cop who's the only hope for foiling a bunch of terrorists and saving a high-rise building...not to mention his wife. Bruce Willis brings just the right amount of humor and bravado to this frenetic romp. ("Whadja think -- I'm ordering a pizza!?) And Die Hard 2 is just as good -- not a common happenstance for a sequel, and something DH3 and 4 can't say.


Here's a more-or-less complete list of holiday movies...pick your own. And let me know what your list is!

Black Friday...Scary

Remember my earlier post about Black Friday? Take a look at this scene from a Hawaiian Wal-Mart. My Colorado Wally experience wasn't this bad...but around the displays that held cheap DVDs, I'd say it came uncomfortably close!

Viewpoints actually has a section on Black Friday Horror Stories. While you're there, take some time to write reviews -- 10 of them will net you a $10 Amazon gift card, but only until Nov. 30.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Weird Photos for the Holidays

...how many strange photos did you produce this year?

Actually, we behaved ourselves. Everything looked normal. But that's not the case for others; witness this odd slide show. The best treat of all in this department is Awkward Family Photos.com, which has a full range of just weird to truly bizarre. (Don't miss 'Grandpa's Last Stand' and 'LOL Cats'...sterrrrrraaannnge. There's also Grandpa and Grandma at Christmastime, with three of four grandchildren screaming their heads off.)

For once, I actually celebrated Thanksgiving without reading Christmas stories, or listening to Christmas music. Now, on to enjoy it!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday - Just Thankful I'm Not Out There Anymore

Daughter #1 persuaded me to hit Wal-Mart just after midnight, when the sales kicked in.
    I have rarely been so frightened.

   In a crowd, I am constantly fighting the fear that I will be trampled. I can control it, but when pregnant with the girlies, it was almost impossible to go anywhere, without the feeling that any minute, people were going to begin stampeding all over. Where did I get this urge? No idea -- but it's been something I've fought all my life.

   We started by not being able to find a cart. Daughter said, "C'mon Mom, we'll just look for one on the way." I was grateful we were cart-less by the time we hit the $2 videos -- people with carts were regularly being trapped in the back aisles. Daughter shoved ahead...I wiggled around people...and twenty minutes later, we were juggling a big stack of goodies. The only way to make progress was curving around a lot, saying "excuse me" until people moved, and grabbing the minute I saw anything good. (Tip: check nearby displays, as well as the top of the video display -- people will discard good stuff there, after they've edited through their stack. They clear away extras. You get the good stuff!)
     For the rest of the time, we literally had to fight our way through the aisles, especially after we found a cart. One chunky girl in a light blue jacket could have been a linebacker; she repeatedly blocked the entire aisle with both her backside, and her cart. Jammed around people, trying to move through without mashing someone else. To add to the strangeness, the employees at Wally (who were largely standing around, or even stranger, standing 'guard') had cordoned off several aisles to keep the midnight specials saved. That was ok -- but after midnight, the ropes STILL stayed up! (We just went underneath.)
     Tip: Go with someone else. You can take turns holding places in line, going to get extra items, and double-checking the list. Daughter finally found a shorter line, while I was trying to get the cart to her. While we caught our breath, I expressed how I felt about being pushed, stepped on and shoved aside. Daughter said, "There are two kinds of people: pushers and pushees. And you have to decide which one you're going to be."
     Me (still breathless):  "I just wanted to bite somebody! So wouldn't that make me a third kind of person?
    "Naw," said Daughter. "It would just put you in jail. Now in jail, there are two kinds of people..."

Husband, who is more a hermit than anything, decided he wanted to get a camera for next week's trip to Panama. If he was headed out, well then, I could make a quick stop at Cost Plus and Michael's...before you knew it, we'd spent the afternoon out. But part of that time was checking out titles at Barnes & Noble. (They have some terrific bargain books and kits this year). We had a great time, didn't spend that much, and actually got a number of bargains. Now, if I can soak my mashed toes...

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

You Have GOT to See This Video!

Before you take off on a flight today...or you're 'looking forward' to coming home:

Be sure to watch this Buck Howdy take on Khris Khristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night."

Except it's "Help You Make It To the Flight."

   Husband came running, at the sound of hysterical laughter: "what, what?"

Cookie Dough for 50 Cents??

Yep...if you have a King Soopers handy in your neck of the woods.

Pillsbury's new "Simply" Chocolate Chip cookie dough packs are on sale for $2.49...but if you buy four, you get $4 back, dropping their price to $1.49 each.
    But wait -- most (not all) of the packages at my local KS had 55-cent coupons on them! And King Soopers doubles your coupons, up to $1. So that meant...
    Eight packages of chocolate chip cookie dough for 49 cents. Each.

I baked up a package worth for last night's supper. Delicious.

Thanksgiving Plans

Well, it's shortly after midnight. And I'm looking at a sinkful of dishes, as well as Mr. Turkey, waiting for his debut this evening.
    But wait, you ask. Isn't Thanksgiving THURSDAY?
I know. It is. But we're invited to friend Constance's house...and she's making everything but desserts. Yet Daughters #1 and #2, who will be spending the day, would love a take-home doggy bag of the traditional stuff.
    And they'll get it. Two nights in a row. I love leftover stuffing and turkey breast, too.

Take a peek at Grocery Coupon Guide's aim to make a Thanksgiving dinner for six for only $1 -- total. (And he's accomplishing it.) I laughed myself silly at his adventure while digging in the Safeway trash cans for coupons.
     One time, I came into Washington, DC for a gig -- and to visit the Smithsonian backrooms (and write an article about their textile storage areas). I came by train...it was a long trip, and I was exhausted. My pickup hadn't arrived yet, so I found a corner and sat down on my suitcase. I was too tired to read, too much in a strange place to sleep, so I just stared off into space. Must have looked more bedraggled than I thought -- because someone tried to give me a buck, in sympathy!

Making a pecan pie  (pronounced "pay-kan" by Darling Husband, whose North Carolina roots demand proper pronunciation), as well as a cranberry-apple version, will be in the doings tomorrow night. I hope to get Daughters to watch Plymouth Adventure with me...an event that's already been greeted by deep groans and sighs. (No doubt that means excitement!)

    A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours...from us and ours. Enjoy.



Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Restless Tuesday

Brin over at Messy Thrilling Life is drying corn. At least that's something productive -- I've been trying to force myself to keep my mind on work, and stop wandering all over the internet. A Get Rich Slowly reader has interesting (and inexpensive) gift ideas. Prince William is getting married. (Girls everywhere start sobbing on cue, here.) He's also going to be the patron for a centennial reenactment of Scott's race against Amundsen to the South Pole. (Just so it doesn't end the way the original did!)
      There's a new copy of the Declaration of Independence out for sale. (The last one went for $625,000. A mere stocking stuffer...)
    And this insanely cool 1840s-or-so 'Aviary handkerchief from Ebay:

The price was right -- less than $35!
We're having cold and BLOWY temperatures...the greenhouse blew over Sunday. I unzipped the plastic (thank God it wasn't glass) and Husband re-propped it. Fortunately, only one little flat of baby greens tipped over. I carefully picked the seedlings up and poked them back in the soil, then re-placed everything else.
    Yesterday, it threatened to tip over again. (You would too in 45 mph or so winds!) Today, it's rocking with every gust. But so far, still upright.
    And that's me too, hopefully -- once I get some work done.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Publishing Books -- What's Best?

This guy thinks so, though he argues only for self-publication.

I've published six books now -- three with three different publishers (American School of Needlework, Voyageur Press and the Kansas City Star), and three self-published. One book (Hanky Panky) went into 13 printings -- almost unheard-of for a craft book.

    My own experience has been that each book is different. Today's post is on having a publisher publish your book -- tomorrow, I'll give my take on self-publication.

LETTING SOMEONE ELSE PUBLISH IT FOR YOU

First, there's the effort of interesting them -- and getting a contract. You may get an advance, which helps fund your lower-income writing periods. (Then again, that advance comes out first before you get a cent of your royalties.) And if the book sells well, the royalties come in handy, and they continue to flow until your book goes out of publication. (About 3-5 years, if you're lucky.)

Don't think, however, that the publisher will do a lot of promotion for you -- they won't. A prominent mention in their sale catalog, yes. A full-page ad or two when the book first comes out: maybe. Review copies to various publications and blogs: only if you initiate it. (And insist on it. I knew of publishers that automatically sent their new books, when I was the book review editor at Quilter's Newsletter. My publishers, however, have not, although Voyageur Press was willing to ship to the list of people I suggested.)

   But the primary benefit, as a teacher, judge and appraiser, is much more subtle. People read your book -- and want to meet the writer. People read your book -- and decide that you are an authority on that subject. Or your expertise is worth trusting more. Those assumptions all lead to more gigs teaching, judging and appraising. A further bonus: I can sell books at these venues, giving me even more income. (Not to mention added royalties.)
    You don't make a lot of money selling books -- it costs a great deal to get them wholesale. After I pay the publisher, I only get a limited amount of $$ per book. And the money is tied up in those books, until they're sold. If a rainstorm from an open window damages them -- as happened recently to a pile of Quilts of the Golden West -- well, Brickworks is out of pocket. Too bad.

The final issue is copyright. When I first started publishing with others, it was assumed that I would retain the copyright. When I approached ASN in the past few years with another book idea, though, they insisted they would hold the copyright. My words, my patterns -- their property forever!? I don't think so. (Had that book been accepted, I would have countered by offering the copyright for five years -- then it would revert back to me. I think they would have gone for it, but there's no way of telling for sure.)


So -- is it best to have someone else publish the book for you? On the plus side:
    *You make royalties -- and sometimes an advance, as well
    *They'll do a great job (pick your publisher carefully, for this reason)
    *Their distribution network is generally much larger than yours
   *They'll do (some) advertising
   *Having a book published by a reputable publisher doesn't hurt, status-wise

And on the negative side:
   *They may be difficult to work with -- or make changes you don't want
   *They may demand the copyright
  *They may not keep your book in print for very long
  *They may do little -- or no -- advertising, or sending out review copies

Tomorrow -- What about Self-Publishing, Instead?

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Wal-Mart Deals for Black Friday

Get a sneak peek at the sales flyer, courtesy of the Wal-Mart website...

$1.96 DVDs, $2.97 crockpots, and more.

Weekend Dithering

Saturday...aaahhhhh.

Except I have a ton of errands to do, including finishing up a play that's overdue, for the Junior Church kids on Christmas Eve. No leisurely evening, either -- we need to cover for the Worship Team that normally does the Saturday night service at church. Sometimes I feel like poor old Mystery Guitar Man... or maybe Beaker.

I'm grateful for things like automatic deposits, quick Christmas gift ideas (gotta start planning for that, too) and this surprisingly good crockpot recipe:


AUTUMN PORK LOIN
    1 pkg pork loin
    1 can mushroom soup, plus 2/3 can milk and 2/3 can red wine
    2 large serving spoons salsa (I used this terrific avocado version)
    1 teaspoon rosemary -- or not

    1 can green beans (for later)

Mix together, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Occasionally spoon the developing sauce over the meat, and/or cut it into smaller slices or chunks, to soak up much flavor as possible. Thirty minutes before serving, drain and dump the green beans in. Makes about 4 servings.

Serve with baked potatoes or instant mashed potatoes -- yum.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Tonight: On Appraising

Interested in learning more about appraising, as well as dating and valuing quilts and other textiles?
Do you live in the Denver, Colorado area?

I'll be speaking tonight (Thursday, Nov. 18) for the Smoky Hill Quilt Club in Aurora, CO -- general information is here, but the location has been changed to Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church in Aurora.


I'd love to have you join me.

In The Mood for A Little Hanky Panky?

If you've been thinking about getting a copy of my bestselling book, HANKY PANKY CRAZY QUILTS, now's the time! Through Sunday only, you can get a copy of the book for $10.95 postpaid (saving $3!) -- but only by mentioning this post on my blog. (Order as usual, but write CINDY BRICK BLOG in comments. We'll automatically adjust the payment when we process your credit card -- or refund any needed money, if you've paid via Paypal. You can also mail a check -- just put the magic words down on bottom left.)

These books make great Christmas presents -- so do Hanky Pankies. (You can make one in LESS than 10 hours, from first stitch to binding -- wow!)


You can also see Hanky Panky on its Amazon slot -- but don't order it from there. We can't give you this special price, except through the Brickworks website. Your book will arrive ready-wrapped...and we always include a freebie or two, as well.

You've got through November 21, 2010 to take advantage of this special.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Pass the Teapot - On A Sunny Day

The Frugal Girl has a tempting recipe for squash muffins today. Yum, you say -- I'd stand in line for SQUASH!! The recipe's step by step, which is helpful. These have a streusel topping, and the photo shows a flaky, steaming muffin that looks just plain delicious.
   Yum.
    Besides, this is the girl who had regular posts on what spoiled in her fridge that week...and I, God help me, made fun of that. I have to make it up to her. (Ok, I STILL think it's weird.) 
    Three little piano student girls are coming over this afternoon for tea...maybe I should make muffins to go with the chocolate-frosted lebkuchen, cheese appetizers, and tiny cups of chicken noodle soup, daintily sipped. Oh, and a pot of strong English Breakfast, too. The sun is finally shining, after some days of grayness and snow. We'll have fun...pinky fingers extended, of course!



Monday, November 15, 2010

Join the Pilgrims - Live on Tuesday, Nov. 16!

Meet a Pilgrim and an Indian...how many chances do you normally have to visit the Pilgrims' home at Plimoth Plantation -- live. It's only a 30-min. field trip -- head here to join.

Come Join Me on Thursday!

I'm speaking for the Smoky Hills Quilt Club in Aurora, CO this week Thursday. The subject: appraisals. How they're done, what they mean, how I do it...and so on. If you're in the neighborhood, come and join me!

The meeting starts at 6:30 Thursday evening, at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church (21755 E. Smoky Hill Rd. in Aurora. You can mapquest it from your address.)

I'd love to meet you!

Fitting Everything In

It's a long week ahead.

    I've got a ton of stuff to do. And to make things more interesting, Charley, our new dog, is a chewer and explorer. So far, from his grasping jaws, I've rescued Husband's toolbelt, some weird velcroed sheepskin thing (I still don't know what it is, or where he found it), a piece of 1890s calico...and a bag of fireplace ashes he split open all over the sidewalk. (Hey, the dog's an equal opportunity grabber!)

Charley views computer time as poke-Mom-repeatedly-with-a-very-cold-nose-so-she'll-pay-attention. To more important things, of course, like petting drippy-furred dogs. (It's been snowing off and on all day.)

Well, he's a pup 10 months old. He'll learn.

I need to get more stuff done more quickly in less time -- and this blogger has some great ideas. (Thanks, Moneycrashers!) I also have some tricks that work well:

     *Bunch errands. If you're going to the post office, stop by the library and bank, as well. If I have to make phone calls, I'll do them all in one swoop. (Don't answer the phone every time it rings, and save yourself even more minutes -- just return the calls in one group later.)
     *Keep your morning routines to a minimum. My skin dries out easily in the winter -- and a quick shower is better than a leisurely bath. My hair stays glossier if I don't wash it as often, either.
    *If you've got regular tasks, do as much as possible ahead of time, while you're relaxing. I'll wrap extra copies of the books we ship out for orders -- same for freebies. That way, it takes only a minute or two to pack an order.
    It isn't just for the biz, though. I'll write thank-you notes, and Husband pays bills while we watch tv.
    *Get extras. I'll pick up extra boxes of Husband's favorite protein bars, or a tube...an extra dozen eggs...an extra 40-lb bag of dogfood...and I try to keep an extra gallon of milk in the freezer, to minimize additional trips to the store. When I get these items on sale, I pat myself on the back twice!
    *Cook simple meals during times of extra busyness. White cheese dip plus pasta = Pasta Alfredo. Store-made fried chicken. Baked potatoes. Macaroni and cheese. Mix in chopped broccoli or mixed vegetables, and you've got a meal. Make a large pot of soup or chili, eat some and freeze the rest.

     Charley's banging his meal dish around, I've got to get the fried chicken in the oven, and there's dishes to wash. See you later.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

There's a New Brick in the Family!

...and he's kinda furry.
    Charlie is part Chesapeake Bay Retriever, part Lab...and all cute. He's a lovely cream/gold/rust all over, with perky ears and bright golden green eyes. He came from the Dumb Friends League -- maybe he was subdued in his little cage, but at home, he's been anything but! So far, he's done great, with the possible exception of the glass doors that lead outside to the deck -- he can't figure out who that strange dog is in the reflection, and keeps wanting to go out and investigate. :) 
    Buck, our resident Weimie, is less than enthused. But then again, Buck feels this way about all 'intruder' dogs. (For your information, Buck does not think HE is a dog. He is a 'people' who just isn't given the privileges he deserves.) I think he'll get used to the idea in time. Probably he would disagree, if he could type!
    Charlie already is making a place in our hearts. Oh...and his name? Because he's full of the Dickens!
* * * * * *
In other notes, Donna Freedman has some extremely helpful notes for the upcoming holiday season -- including how to save on gift cards and other purchases. Lots of links, too...take a look here.

Our funds are at a minimum, thanks to hospital bills for Husband. Thankfully, though, I've been purchasing gifts all along, as I find them at a good price. There's very little to get, other than maybe a few dollar presents for Christmas stockings -- and Husband's anniversary present. (Dec. 26) I do plan on making the annual stop to the mall, to see Christmas decorations -- but that will have to wait until the girlies have a day off, and time to spend. (I'll take just enough cash for lunch -- and no credit cards, to ease the temptation.)

Charlie's tail almost knocked the row of cups off the coffee table...I'm not used to tails, after living with docked-tail Weimies for decades! Gotta go...

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Elf Yourself - One Sample!

Just elfing around...I've got work to do (Husband is muttering over his), but can't help adding Jack, Daughter #1's dog, and Buck to the Elf mix!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/DH4tPMmR7JK5D6EH

Enjoy...and please don't hurt me, Daughters #1 and #2.

Saturday

If you're dawdling over breakfast (or brunch) this morning, you might enjoy spending it with Ginger. We did!

    Today is full of little doodly errands...plus heading to the Dumb Friends League to look for a little brother or sister for Buck, our very-old Weimaraner. He misses Goonie, who died back in July. So do we.
    Now is the perfect time to think about adopting a dog or cat, if you live in the Denver area -- the Dumb Friends League is offering a $100 discount through the end of November! Adoption includes spaying or neutering, shots and an initial doctor's visit. The final price should be pretty close to free when all's said and done. Get your $100 coupon here.

Supper with friends tonight -- but I have a bunch of business stuff to do first. Have a good weekend yerself.

Elf Yourself!

Not that you don't have anything else to do...but thanks to Office Max, this popular program is back. Turn yourself and the ones you love into dancing elves! Not only will they look goofy, but you can train them through a number of dances, as well.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Charley and Me

...Charles Dickens, that is.

   I'm rather fond of this old boy. I did my Master's paper on his work, and try to read at least a few books by him or about him throughout the year. Scrolling through his museum website (the Charles Dickens Museum in London), I came on a very appealing invitation -- if you visit the museum during the holidays, you'll not only get the usual tour, but a glass of mulled wine (after Dickens' own recipe -- he was a big one for this), mince pie or Christmas cake, and a gift pack! Wow. The invite's here -- I wish I could come up with a good reason for the sudden need to fly to England.



Also -- for those of you who are also fond of Dickens tidbits, Robert Seymour's gravestone has been found and refurbished. (Seymour was the first illustrator -- and some say originator -- of the Pickwick Papers, but committed suicide in a fit of despair after he felt his idea was stolen. Blamed Dickens for it, too.)

And Gad's Hill Place, Dickens' beloved home through his death, will change from a private children's school to a Visitors Centre in 2012. Whoa...maybe I should start saving!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Get Some Guacamole -- Close to Free!

Run, don't walk, over to your Facebook account, and access Wholly Guacamole. They're currently running a $4 coupon that will let you get a nice pot of guac or cheese sauce practically free! (I could even print off two: one for us, one for Daughter #1, who is a sucker for an avocado anytime.) 
   Click on 'Like,' then coupons -- it's just a step after that. These coupons are only good for the first 10,000 printings or so, so don't dawdle.

Snow...

The sun was shining this morning...and still doing its stuff when I drove into Denver to do some appraisals. By 1:30 p.m., the world was pearl gray, with heavy spatters of rain. That turned into hail. Back into rain. And by the time I hit Dead Man's Curve on the way home (it really is called that), it was flappy globs of snow that stuck to everything, including the highway signs. As of tonight, there are at least 6 or 7 inches of snow sticking to everything, tree branches included...and yet it feels curiously warm outside. We're getting more low temps the rest of the week, though. I just hope the plastic-walled greenhouse Husband set up for me on the patio will make it. It's resting on a concrete foundation -- maybe that will help keep it warm. Maybe I should put some jugs of water in there, to help absorb and release heat at night. Any ideas?

Speaking of, here's a terrific way to turn your favorite magazine photos into stationery, courtesy of Messy Thrilling Life. (I'd read about this in the Tightwad Gazette, too -- have just got to try it.)


And don't miss the sad tale of 4,500 passengers and crew stuck on a Carnival cruise to the Mexican Riviera, that are basically going nowhere, thanks to an engine room fire. No hot water. No air conditioning. (They don't seem to need the latter -- it's only 65 degrees out.) Eating canned crabmeat and Spam. Oh boy!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Veteran's Day Free Meals and Discounts

Don't miss out on this, if you or someone you love is/was on active duty or retired in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Many of the specials revolve around Thursday, Nov. 11 -- but some, like a free meal at the Golden Corral, are on Nov. 15, instead.
    Lowe's and Home Depot are both offering a 10% discount for purchases this week through the 11th. Husband (a six-year Navy veteran) and I will probably be headed to Applebee's on Thursday for a free meal.
    Full list is here!



Uptown Girl...and Other Female Muses

Did you know that Billy Joel's song "Uptown Girl" wasn't about Christie Brinkley? (It was actually Elle Macpherson. Go figure.) 
   And Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" was about Caroline Kennedy.
   More about a number of female-inspired songs here. Fascinating.

Sleepless

Wow, what a weekend.

   We had a great time at Caryl May and James' wedding celebration...got home about 9:30 p.m., just in time to do some quick vaccumming and greet Joanie, Joy and Janet, who arrived about 11:00. They finally went to bed, but Daughters, who were both in a feisty mood, wanted to stay up and blab.
   That meant going to Worship Team practice (and dropping one daughter off at the lightrail) on just a few hours' sleep. And having the cousins here meant another trip around, and no Sunday nap. Even more sleep lost.


Whew. 

   The J's leave early this morning, on their way to Michigan. I had planned to get up early anyways, to make them breakfast, but couldn't sleep -- even when I finally had the opportunity. The time change? Or maybe the culprit was some difficult things to consider, including some business decisions on product. I finally got up at 3:30 a.m., and started plowing through those. The worst are done, and I feel better. Now on to breakfast.


Things I Have Learned (Once Again) Through this Weekend:
*Stop worrying about Stuff That Might Happen. It doesn't change anything. You're not better prepared, either, unless you plan, instead of obsessing. Besides, whatever you dreaded doesn't even happen part of the time.
*Poor decisions don't change, whether you make them now -- or try to fudge, put it off and make them later.
*Listen to your gut. If a little voice is speaking that this is not the right fit, or there's a problem brewing, listen to it. Less heartache in the long run. Every single time that I've ignored this little voice, I've regretted it.
*Spend time with the ones you love. Even if it means lost sleep.


Now that, I won't regret. Ever.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Shocking Animal Videos

(Hey, if Shawn Hannity and Greta VanS can use that phrase a lot, so can I!)

A dog catches a salmon -- as it swims across the road. (I'm not making this up. Go look.)


A bear chases a bison down the road in Yellowstone National Park. (Does he catch him? Go see!)


And now I'm off to wash dishes...

Molly Brown House is Having A Party!

You're invited to a free Night at the Museum...tomorrow night (Sat., Nov. 6) from 5-10 p.m. Here's the general information; if you live in the Denver area, it should be great fun! Visit the Molly Brown House Museum website for more information.


Molly Brown House Museum Events

Night at the Museums - FREE event!
Saturday, November 6, 2010 5-10 pm

As part of Denver Arts Week, we invite you to visit the Molly Brown House Museum and more than a dozen other museums, all hosting free extended hours on a fun Saturday night! Free shuttle buses will depart continuously from the Cherry Creek Mall and the Denver Art Museum. Beginning at 4:30 pm on November 6th the Molly Brown House Museum will hand out timed entry passes into the Museum good for that night only. Passes are given out on a first-come, first -served basis until all timed entries for the night are handed out. If you are unable to join us on the 6th, we will have another Free Day for Denver Arts Week on Thursday, November 11th from 10 am to 3:30 pm.


Trying to Get Everything Done

Husband and yours truly found ourselves facing off tonight over something silly. He'd had a long day at work, and both of our computers are acting up. (And we don't know why.) As for me, I'd been trying to cram cleaning in around piano lessons, business stuff and trying to help out for Caryl May and James' wedding tomorrow. (We still don't know for sure when Daughters are coming in, and need to be picked up from lightrail, though I have a better idea now.) Plus I got a nastygram from someone who completely misunderstood my actions (not to mention my motives) about a situation.
   After we got done snarling at each other, I apologized and explained why I was frustrated. He explained why he was frustrated. And at least we're talking better now.
   The cousins called -- they're in Boise, Idaho. They figure 14 hours to Castle Rock, since they're going slower than usual. (Mapquest says it's about 12 hours drive.) They won't leave until 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.
   Hope sprang in my breast. That would put them in town probably about 8 or 9 p.m. The wedding is at 5 tomorrow; reception at 6 p.m. I should be able to stay through the wedding and a good-sized chunk of the reception, with no worries. (Dave and the girls can stay as long as they want.)
   This may work, after all, with God's grace.

Wedding Bells and Random Thoughts

Our good friends' daughter, a girlie we have watched grow up from a scabby-kneed kid into a beautiful, sophisticated woman, is getting married tomorrow. Caryl May and James (an engineer we've also grown to know -- and love) are having a big reception afterwards, in a building that will only hold 200 people. (The building supervisor said they're going to have someone there to check. And count. Which is driving our friends unnecessarily crazy, worrying about whether they get too many people, and having to "uninvite" others. Note to self: when Daughters marry, make sure we're in a location that will hold more people than we want to ask, just in case.)
   Had the usual Friday morning coffee with Chris (the mom) and her sisters -- and she just looked dazed. So many things to check on. So many people to provide for. Poor girl...but tomorrow will be fun!

   This makes life especially interesting for the Brick household as well. Joy, Joanie and Janet, our cousins, are driving through town, on their way to moving Janet from Oregon to Michigan. They're planning on stopping here for a day, and are supposed to be coming in -- Hold your breath, drumroll, yes, you guessed it -- tomorrow night, right during the wedding and reception!! TA DA. So far, they're running a bit late. I am really hoping they come in about 10 p.m. or so -- which would let me stay and enjoy the festivities, as well as Dave and the girls. But who knows.
   Why is it that when you have something wonderful happening in your life, something else wonderful has to happen at the same time?? I love Joanie dearly -- she is a year older, we grew up together, my middle name is actually named for her -- and she has never been here, in the 26-plus years we've lived in Colorado. (Joy has stopped by...but Janet hasn't been here, either.) I want to show these cousins a great time. Why did Janet move on the same weekend Daisy Maisy and James are getting married???


While I'm dithering and cleaning, here are a few sites you'll find intriguing:

*A place to print your own fabric! Imagine that: your favorite style, colors, whatever -- all for about $18 a yard. Not much more than buying fabric at the quilt shop anymore. I plan to visit Spoonflower again -- and do some stuff for Brickworks.

*A lady who's going through a rough patch -- coming up hundreds of dollars short each month, and doesn't know how to fix it, other than stiffing her mother. (And mom has helped her out considerably in the past.) Don't miss out on the comments here -- great suggestions, but also some verbal fistfights between correspondents. Kind of fun to watch. (Thanks, Simple Dollar, for the entertainment.)

*Do you complain when you get bad service? One Frugal Girl tussles away at this idea...I'd say, of course. You're spending good money for it -- why not? But I am not one to make a fuss during the actual experience...I write letters afterward. Seems to have more impact.

*For those of you who enjoy Undercover Boss, a look at 11 CEOs who started at the bottom and worked their way up.

*One of the funniest commercials I've seen lately -- Conan O'Brien washing his desk, in prep for his new show on TBS. Conan...sexy?? And finally...


*Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt admit to blowing through $10 million. Now they're broke, facing bankruptcy and a $2 million tax bill. Poor babies.


The Mama called -- it's snowing in Michigan! And our forecast is for 70s tomorrow...have a good weekend yourself.


                         Congratulations, Daisy and James! We love you.

Monday Stuff On the way to Other Stuff: Meltdown

     The nice thing about Colorado is that we have these horrendous snowstorms -- and within a few days, they're melting off -- fast. Al...