Brother and wife donated in our name to Heifer International this year...a wonderful program that gives animals and poultry to families in Third World countries to help increase both their food intake, and their income.
This seems waayy better than the latest book or scarf.
You can too, by going to:
http://www.heifer.org/
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Recipe Heaven - for Christmas Breakfast!
I have zippo time for fancy stuff this Christmas season. That's why this page caught my attention --
34 different breakfast casserole recipes! They look delicious...and more importantly, fast AND easily done with everyday ingredients.
http://www.recipe4living.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=65330
I think my family is going to enjoy one of the crockpot casseroles for Christmas morning, along with the Brick standard -- a nice juicy slab of pan-fried ham. Maybe a little red eye gravy for Husband, whose North Carolina blood still runs thick this time of year. (Stir a little coffee into the pan juices and thicken -- that's it!)
34 different breakfast casserole recipes! They look delicious...and more importantly, fast AND easily done with everyday ingredients.
http://www.recipe4living.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=65330
I think my family is going to enjoy one of the crockpot casseroles for Christmas morning, along with the Brick standard -- a nice juicy slab of pan-fried ham. Maybe a little red eye gravy for Husband, whose North Carolina blood still runs thick this time of year. (Stir a little coffee into the pan juices and thicken -- that's it!)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Finances, Shinances...
And on a better note...or at least something that doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth --
A phone interview with Suze Orman and some of the Internet's top financial bloggers. Her answers to their questions are honest and realistic. Take a look:
http://genxfinance.com/2008/12/17/suze-orman-answers-some-financial-questions-from-various-bloggers/
It's still icy here...but the sun is shining, and any flakes we see are sparse. We watched the Arizona/New England football game this afternoon...it was snowing so heavily there you could hardly see the players. Every touchdown was greeted by a chorus of snowballs by the fans -- thrown straight up, celebration-style. (The East Coast equivalent of the West Coast shooting-guns-in-the-air-at New-Year's, I guess.) One player made a touchdown, landed in the snow...and promptly made a snow angel!
A phone interview with Suze Orman and some of the Internet's top financial bloggers. Her answers to their questions are honest and realistic. Take a look:
http://genxfinance.com/2008/12/17/suze-orman-answers-some-financial-questions-from-various-bloggers/
It's still icy here...but the sun is shining, and any flakes we see are sparse. We watched the Arizona/New England football game this afternoon...it was snowing so heavily there you could hardly see the players. Every touchdown was greeted by a chorus of snowballs by the fans -- thrown straight up, celebration-style. (The East Coast equivalent of the West Coast shooting-guns-in-the-air-at New-Year's, I guess.) One player made a touchdown, landed in the snow...and promptly made a snow angel!
More 'Great' Financial News
From the "Nausea-Inducing" Department:
An Associated Press survey of 116 banks that have accepted financial bailouts so far (to the tune of $188 billion dollars) shows that their officers received nearly 1.6 BILLION DOLLARS in salary and other perks in 2007 -- the year that they were busy making 'brilliant' decisions to lead their companies to the current financial crisis. The survey used information provided to the SEC from the annual reports of the banks in question.
According to AP, executives received an average of $2.6 million in "salary, bonuses and benefits." Each.
The total amount of extras given to the nearly 600 executives would have been more than enough to bail out 53 of the 116 banks, without having to ask the government for help.
The article goes on to mention that some companies are freezing cash and stock bonuses for their chief executives. John Thain, the CEO of Merrill Lynch, for example, earned only a measley $57,000 and change in 2008. (Plus an insignificant $15 million signing bonus and $68 million in stock options.)
Goldman Sachs paid an average of $233,000 PER EXECUTIVE for leased cars and drivers. (Per year, remember.) The company 'reassured' its stockholders that was perfectly valid -- financial counsel and chauffers gave their executives "more time to focus on their jobs."
If you can keep your dinner from making a return visit, read the full article here:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/finance/20081221/Executive.Bailouts/
And I was just planning how we can cut expenses 20 hours worth of pay next month!
An Associated Press survey of 116 banks that have accepted financial bailouts so far (to the tune of $188 billion dollars) shows that their officers received nearly 1.6 BILLION DOLLARS in salary and other perks in 2007 -- the year that they were busy making 'brilliant' decisions to lead their companies to the current financial crisis. The survey used information provided to the SEC from the annual reports of the banks in question.
According to AP, executives received an average of $2.6 million in "salary, bonuses and benefits." Each.
The total amount of extras given to the nearly 600 executives would have been more than enough to bail out 53 of the 116 banks, without having to ask the government for help.
The article goes on to mention that some companies are freezing cash and stock bonuses for their chief executives. John Thain, the CEO of Merrill Lynch, for example, earned only a measley $57,000 and change in 2008. (Plus an insignificant $15 million signing bonus and $68 million in stock options.)
Goldman Sachs paid an average of $233,000 PER EXECUTIVE for leased cars and drivers. (Per year, remember.) The company 'reassured' its stockholders that was perfectly valid -- financial counsel and chauffers gave their executives "more time to focus on their jobs."
If you can keep your dinner from making a return visit, read the full article here:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/finance/20081221/Executive.Bailouts/
And I was just planning how we can cut expenses 20 hours worth of pay next month!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Sole Story on George Bush's "Shoe Assault"
Here's the news report (and video):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7782422.stm
From "This Is True" December report:
EDITORIAL COMMENTS: On a secret pre-Christmas farewell trip, President George W. Bush went to Baghdad to meet officials -- and hold a press conference. During the president's comments, an Iraqi reporter interrupted, shouting in Arabic, "This is a farewell kiss, you dog!" and hurled his shoe at the president's head. Bush ducked, so the man threw his other shoe, which also missed. Other reporters wrestled the man to the ground before Secret Service guards could even react. The president was unfazed, joking "All I can report is that it's a size 10." (AP) ...The worst part: "Made in Iran" on the label.
I get a big kick out of this zany, often irreverent report. Sign up for your own (free) copy at:
http://www.thisistrue.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7782422.stm
From "This Is True" December report:
EDITORIAL COMMENTS: On a secret pre-Christmas farewell trip, President George W. Bush went to Baghdad to meet officials -- and hold a press conference. During the president's comments, an Iraqi reporter interrupted, shouting in Arabic, "This is a farewell kiss, you dog!" and hurled his shoe at the president's head. Bush ducked, so the man threw his other shoe, which also missed. Other reporters wrestled the man to the ground before Secret Service guards could even react. The president was unfazed, joking "All I can report is that it's a size 10." (AP) ...The worst part: "Made in Iran" on the label.
I get a big kick out of this zany, often irreverent report. Sign up for your own (free) copy at:
http://www.thisistrue.com/
Photoing Around the World
A glorious sunlit (slightly chilly) day here -- I feel a little guilty enjoying the sunshine when so many are enduring blizzards. We normally get it, too -- but the really bad storms skipped our area right now. The folks called from Michigan -- they're snowed in and planning on staying put for a while.
Photos, especially of other places, not only are restful, but inspiring. Take a look at the best of 2008, according to Pixcetera:
http://www.pixcetera.com/pixcetera/2008-pictures-of-the-year-peoples-choice/43257
Photos, especially of other places, not only are restful, but inspiring. Take a look at the best of 2008, according to Pixcetera:
http://www.pixcetera.com/pixcetera/2008-pictures-of-the-year-peoples-choice/43257
Friday, December 19, 2008
Weather or Not You Need It...
Husband came home last night, feeling discouraged -- his office was just told their hours were being cut to 35 a week. That means we will go without 20 hours of salary a month that he's getting now.
Not fun. But we've lived on less than that -- we can do it. At least he isn't being laid off. Douglas County's school district has already announced a bunch of people are losing their jobs, come the new year.
Husband said, "I think I need to look for a new job." Fine by me!
Have you ever wondered what it looks like where I live? This cam is only a mile or so from my house...
http://www.wunderground.com/webcams/croakhills/1/show.html
This one's just down the road. (We can see I-25 from our dining room window. Not right next door -- down the hill a good ways.) Notice Castle Rock in the distance?
http://www.anythingweather.com/current.aspx?id=540
And this one is more out on the plains. We live in a very strange area, geographically speaking. Hilly bluffs and mountains, as well as buttes, are everywhere -- but so are wide-open spaces that seem to stretch forever.
http://www.wunderground.com/webcams/CRWShawn/1/show.html
http://www.wunderground.com/ is a great place to find a local weather cam in your neck of the woods.
The sun is shining, a (cold) wind is roaring past the house...and we don't have a flake of snow coming down. Weird. But nice, I guess.
Not fun. But we've lived on less than that -- we can do it. At least he isn't being laid off. Douglas County's school district has already announced a bunch of people are losing their jobs, come the new year.
Husband said, "I think I need to look for a new job." Fine by me!
Have you ever wondered what it looks like where I live? This cam is only a mile or so from my house...
http://www.wunderground.com/webcams/croakhills/1/show.html
This one's just down the road. (We can see I-25 from our dining room window. Not right next door -- down the hill a good ways.) Notice Castle Rock in the distance?
http://www.anythingweather.com/current.aspx?id=540
And this one is more out on the plains. We live in a very strange area, geographically speaking. Hilly bluffs and mountains, as well as buttes, are everywhere -- but so are wide-open spaces that seem to stretch forever.
http://www.wunderground.com/webcams/CRWShawn/1/show.html
http://www.wunderground.com/ is a great place to find a local weather cam in your neck of the woods.
The sun is shining, a (cold) wind is roaring past the house...and we don't have a flake of snow coming down. Weird. But nice, I guess.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
In Praise of Tiny Kitchens
It's amazing how much you can do in a few square feet!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/weekinreview/14bittman.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=so%20your%20kitchen%20is%20tiny&st=cse
Our first kitchen was a five-foot-long strip along one wall: small refrigerator, stove (with miniscule oven) and a few cupboards for dishes and pots & pans.
It didn't matter. I cooked everything from ramen noodles (which we ate - a lot) to multi-course Chinese meals there. And was very happy.
Less equals more, sometimes? You bet!
Now back to work...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/weekinreview/14bittman.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=so%20your%20kitchen%20is%20tiny&st=cse
Our first kitchen was a five-foot-long strip along one wall: small refrigerator, stove (with miniscule oven) and a few cupboards for dishes and pots & pans.
It didn't matter. I cooked everything from ramen noodles (which we ate - a lot) to multi-course Chinese meals there. And was very happy.
Less equals more, sometimes? You bet!
Now back to work...
Monday, December 15, 2008
Lands End $100 Gift Cards to Five Lucky Moms!
Go this site and fill out the survey...it took me about 3 minutes, tops.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v1XWko6pU98QYbCX2rp9hw_3d_3d
Then you're automatically entered! Deadline is midnight, Friday, Dec. 19.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v1XWko6pU98QYbCX2rp9hw_3d_3d
Then you're automatically entered! Deadline is midnight, Friday, Dec. 19.
A Great E-Book on Saving Money - Free!
Live to Budget, bless his heart, got together with nine other bloggers to write Spend Less Than You Earn. It's a tidy compendium of ideas to save money and reduce your spending -- some of which might come in handy this holiday season.
And best of all, it's free! Just download the e-book from Live to Budget's blog:
http://www.livetobudget.com/misc/187-free-ebook-spend-less-than-you-earn.html
It is cold here. As in dive-back-under-the-blankets-invite-the-dog COLD. (Or, as Husband says, a stay in and hold your baby sort of day. Too bad we both had to work.)
We spent yesterday afternoon snoozing, watching the Broncos lose (again), fireplace and space heater going, the dogs snuggled down under our feet...and I still was a bit chilly. It's supposed to be this way all week.
Daughter #1 taught snowboarding in this iciness to a group of Detroit kids. She said it was all she could do not to say to them, "Ok, practice this -- I'll be watching you from inside." They complained a lot, too. Thankfully, no one wanted to stay out extra long.
And best of all, it's free! Just download the e-book from Live to Budget's blog:
http://www.livetobudget.com/misc/187-free-ebook-spend-less-than-you-earn.html
It is cold here. As in dive-back-under-the-blankets-invite-the-dog COLD. (Or, as Husband says, a stay in and hold your baby sort of day. Too bad we both had to work.)
We spent yesterday afternoon snoozing, watching the Broncos lose (again), fireplace and space heater going, the dogs snuggled down under our feet...and I still was a bit chilly. It's supposed to be this way all week.
Daughter #1 taught snowboarding in this iciness to a group of Detroit kids. She said it was all she could do not to say to them, "Ok, practice this -- I'll be watching you from inside." They complained a lot, too. Thankfully, no one wanted to stay out extra long.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Food For A Buck A Day?
Terri Leonard and her boyfriend Christopher, both of them Social Justice teachers, began a long experiment to eat on $1 a day.
No matter what.
They did it -- and you can read their adventures here:
http://onedollardietproject.wordpress.com/
(Needless to say, this means no meat.)
They relied heavily on potato/rice/bean burritos, oatmeal, homemade bread with peanut butter, polenta and some strange 'meat' cutlets made out of wheat flour. Oh yes, Tang and peanut butter cookies, too. At least in their soup choices, they had more variety...but I honestly think they could have been quite a bit more creative in their food choices.
In University of Michigan college days, I went through several periods of living on a buck a day, give or take 25 cents. I made it because I had a good friend who ate meals at a commune nearby...and invited me to go, too. Otherwise, I ate a lot of saltine crackers and canned spaghetti. One memorable week, I pretty much lived on canned green beans.
Terri and Christopher are getting lots of press now about their experiment -- but the deeper meanings are what count here. After all, much of the world lives on less than a dollar a day for their food.
Remember the country-wide experiments to live on $3 a day -- or food stamp limits -- that happened last year? This couple did it for a week:
http://foodstampfollies.blogspot.com/
Needless to say, their menus sound more appetizing. The recipes here are good, too.
I only have one question. What the heck is a Social Justice Teacher?
No matter what.
They did it -- and you can read their adventures here:
http://onedollardietproject.wordpress.com/
(Needless to say, this means no meat.)
They relied heavily on potato/rice/bean burritos, oatmeal, homemade bread with peanut butter, polenta and some strange 'meat' cutlets made out of wheat flour. Oh yes, Tang and peanut butter cookies, too. At least in their soup choices, they had more variety...but I honestly think they could have been quite a bit more creative in their food choices.
In University of Michigan college days, I went through several periods of living on a buck a day, give or take 25 cents. I made it because I had a good friend who ate meals at a commune nearby...and invited me to go, too. Otherwise, I ate a lot of saltine crackers and canned spaghetti. One memorable week, I pretty much lived on canned green beans.
Terri and Christopher are getting lots of press now about their experiment -- but the deeper meanings are what count here. After all, much of the world lives on less than a dollar a day for their food.
Remember the country-wide experiments to live on $3 a day -- or food stamp limits -- that happened last year? This couple did it for a week:
http://foodstampfollies.blogspot.com/
Needless to say, their menus sound more appetizing. The recipes here are good, too.
I only have one question. What the heck is a Social Justice Teacher?
Quilting Your DNA
I'm not making this up. Beverly St. Clair has come up with a pattern that can cleverly incorporate anyone's DNA sequence. Her "human red core pigment sequence" was featured on the cover of the Dec. 2008 issue of Nature Genetics. See it on Beverly's site at:
http://genomequilts.com/
Yes -- you can do it, too! Beverly's system is here:
http://genomequilts.com/genome.php
The finished piece looks a lot like a 'Birds in the Air' run amuck. The seemingly random mix of triangles almost form patterned blocks, then visually break and re-form other units. Stare at it long enough, and more patterns emerge.
Anyone with an engineering or scientific mind would kill to get a quilt like this.
http://genomequilts.com/
Yes -- you can do it, too! Beverly's system is here:
http://genomequilts.com/genome.php
The finished piece looks a lot like a 'Birds in the Air' run amuck. The seemingly random mix of triangles almost form patterned blocks, then visually break and re-form other units. Stare at it long enough, and more patterns emerge.
Anyone with an engineering or scientific mind would kill to get a quilt like this.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Save Money on Eating Out with Your Kids
Want to know where to find kids eating specials in your area?
It's easy -- go to http://www.kidsmealdeals.com and put in your zip code.
Fast and efficient. And saves you money, to boot.
Too bad my little darlings are 20 and 22.
It's easy -- go to http://www.kidsmealdeals.com and put in your zip code.
Fast and efficient. And saves you money, to boot.
Too bad my little darlings are 20 and 22.
Christmas Greens
Finally, FINALLY the autumn-themed plaque went off the front door, and I started getting out Christmas boxes.
Fun!
A wreath's on the front door, with another on the front yard trellis. Holly is woven through the garden arch in the front yard. Now, to cut branches from the junipers bordering one edge of our yard, then fill the front planter. Add some balls, a ribbon or two, and the front yard's done.
Like Merchant Ships is a big fan of greens:
http://likemerchantships.blogspot.com/2008/12/hanging-of-greens.html
And so is Monica of The Homespun Heart:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/12/guest-post-thrifty-evergreens.html
Take a look at Monica's blog, http://www.thehomespunheart.blogspot.com . It really is quite encouraging, and has some nice craft ideas.
On to the annual debate: What to do about the Christmas tree.
We've always had a fresh one, even if it meant cutting a Charlie Brown version in lean times. (Can you believe companies are actually selling a 'pathetic tree' like this? Sears' version is down to ten bucks, if you really want it... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07196996000P?vName=For%20the%20Home&cName=ChristmasTrees&Decorations&sName=Indoor%20Decorations%20&%20Animated%20Figures&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a )
I don't know about you, but in our current neck of the woods, Christmas trees are EXPENSIVE. The very cheapest one I can find is $20 -- and that's for a two-foot baby that ranks way up on the pathetic list. We like a 6-7 footer, and the very cheapest are $50-65. Way too much, considering much of our extra income has been funding plane tickets to Michigan.
What with Dad's illness, the folks finally caved and got a prelighted artificial tree. I don't blame them one bit. The artificial trees around here are marked down to tempting prices. They don't shed. The lights are on already. They look terrific.
Frugal Dad went to artificial this year:
http://frugaldad.com/2008/12/09/artificial-christmas-trees-frugal-alternative/
So should we? Without exception, our friends all have artificial trees. I am such a sucker, though, for that crisp, fresh air smell that fills the upstairs. And if we wait another week, odds are good that Lowe's will mark their fresh trees down 50%. They did it last year.
I think we'll wait -- but this may be the last year. I'll be looking for bargains in January.
Fun!
A wreath's on the front door, with another on the front yard trellis. Holly is woven through the garden arch in the front yard. Now, to cut branches from the junipers bordering one edge of our yard, then fill the front planter. Add some balls, a ribbon or two, and the front yard's done.
Like Merchant Ships is a big fan of greens:
http://likemerchantships.blogspot.com/2008/12/hanging-of-greens.html
And so is Monica of The Homespun Heart:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/12/guest-post-thrifty-evergreens.html
Take a look at Monica's blog, http://www.thehomespunheart.blogspot.com . It really is quite encouraging, and has some nice craft ideas.
On to the annual debate: What to do about the Christmas tree.
We've always had a fresh one, even if it meant cutting a Charlie Brown version in lean times. (Can you believe companies are actually selling a 'pathetic tree' like this? Sears' version is down to ten bucks, if you really want it... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07196996000P?vName=For%20the%20Home&cName=ChristmasTrees&Decorations&sName=Indoor%20Decorations%20&%20Animated%20Figures&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a )
I don't know about you, but in our current neck of the woods, Christmas trees are EXPENSIVE. The very cheapest one I can find is $20 -- and that's for a two-foot baby that ranks way up on the pathetic list. We like a 6-7 footer, and the very cheapest are $50-65. Way too much, considering much of our extra income has been funding plane tickets to Michigan.
What with Dad's illness, the folks finally caved and got a prelighted artificial tree. I don't blame them one bit. The artificial trees around here are marked down to tempting prices. They don't shed. The lights are on already. They look terrific.
Frugal Dad went to artificial this year:
http://frugaldad.com/2008/12/09/artificial-christmas-trees-frugal-alternative/
So should we? Without exception, our friends all have artificial trees. I am such a sucker, though, for that crisp, fresh air smell that fills the upstairs. And if we wait another week, odds are good that Lowe's will mark their fresh trees down 50%. They did it last year.
I think we'll wait -- but this may be the last year. I'll be looking for bargains in January.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stocking Stuffers
This subject has been dear to the hearts of bloggers lately, including one of my favorites, One Frugal Girl:
http://onefrugalgirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/stocking-stuffers-for-my-husband.html
(She has a cool post on buying gifts for her little niece and nephew, too:)
http://onefrugalgirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/this-years-approach-to-gift-giving-for.html
And take note of this blogger's opinion on the subject:
http://notmadeofmoney.com/blog/2008/12/cheap-stocking-stuffers-inexpensive-gift-ideas-to-fill-those-stockings.html
What's in the Brick family's stockings this year?
Well, I can't tell you everything -- at least Daughter #1 reads this blog now and then.
But in the past --
chocolate bars (only the best kinds, including Toblerone or Lindt)
tangerines and bananas (the traditional fruit)
that person's favorite foods, in jars/bottles/cans
a can of tuna (for Daughter #1, who dotes on it)
can of black olives (a requirement -- to be worn on all ten fingers, and munched gradually away while reading the Christmas book)
a bracelet or necklace or earrings (usually garage sale-picked)
Maglites (Husband's favorite, hands-down)
a paperback or magazine
cans of nuts
fancy pens and markers
refrigerator magnets (preferably something weird)
free samples of various goodies --
make a note to yourself. Next year, start requesting them -- you'll be amazed at how quickly they add up. This includes shampoos, perfumes, cookies, granola bars, specialty drinks...
And on top -- a chocolate foil-wrapped Santa.
The key is the person whose stocking you're filling. Pay attention to what they really like -- buy a little bit here and there -- and that stocking will be full in no time flat.
http://onefrugalgirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/stocking-stuffers-for-my-husband.html
(She has a cool post on buying gifts for her little niece and nephew, too:)
http://onefrugalgirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/this-years-approach-to-gift-giving-for.html
And take note of this blogger's opinion on the subject:
http://notmadeofmoney.com/blog/2008/12/cheap-stocking-stuffers-inexpensive-gift-ideas-to-fill-those-stockings.html
What's in the Brick family's stockings this year?
Well, I can't tell you everything -- at least Daughter #1 reads this blog now and then.
But in the past --
chocolate bars (only the best kinds, including Toblerone or Lindt)
tangerines and bananas (the traditional fruit)
that person's favorite foods, in jars/bottles/cans
a can of tuna (for Daughter #1, who dotes on it)
can of black olives (a requirement -- to be worn on all ten fingers, and munched gradually away while reading the Christmas book)
a bracelet or necklace or earrings (usually garage sale-picked)
Maglites (Husband's favorite, hands-down)
a paperback or magazine
cans of nuts
fancy pens and markers
refrigerator magnets (preferably something weird)
free samples of various goodies --
make a note to yourself. Next year, start requesting them -- you'll be amazed at how quickly they add up. This includes shampoos, perfumes, cookies, granola bars, specialty drinks...
And on top -- a chocolate foil-wrapped Santa.
The key is the person whose stocking you're filling. Pay attention to what they really like -- buy a little bit here and there -- and that stocking will be full in no time flat.
"Living Like It's 1929"
This fascinating post on throwing a party for "only" $30 a head!
It's got some great ideas...just disregard the occasionally patronizing attitude.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/fashion/30Monn.html?_r=3&ref=fashion
It's got some great ideas...just disregard the occasionally patronizing attitude.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/fashion/30Monn.html?_r=3&ref=fashion
Friday, December 5, 2008
Finding Bargains
I've been surprised.
If you're got the money to spend (make sure you do), Ebay's prices seem to be dropping some!
Pioneer and mining-themed photos are a must right now, for use in my upcoming books. (Old quilt photos come in handy anytime.) If they're old photo postcards, they have to be at least pre-1925, to handle the copyright issue. (Generally speaking, anything 75 years and older, illustration-wise, is generally usable...the main exception being Mickey Mouse right now. There are exceptions, and it's wise to check, but you are generally ok doing it. Don't just take my word here -- I'm no Great Expert, law-wise. But I have generally found it to be true. Home-taken photos, on the other hand, are usable. Period.)
I generally plan to spend at least $6-8 for each of these, with the really good ones going for as much as $20-25. The quilt photos will go as high as $250-288. (ouch)
So how much have I been paying for these in the past month? Four dollars. Six dollars. I just grabbed two Really Good ones for $3.99 total -- and a nice quilt photo for $5!
Is it that that collectors who normally pay Big Bucks are holding off? I'm guessing that's the case...
* * * * * * * * *
From the Christmas List department: Is your family scattered around the country? Need an easier way to let them know what you'd really like for Christmas? Here's what works for the Bricks: keep a wish list on your Amazon account. That way, Daughters, and especially Husband, know exactly what books, movies and other goodies I've been wishing for -- and I don't get weird stuff like chicken carvers and humidifiers. (Husband is a HUGE fan of gadgets and figures I should be, too.)
It works.
* * * * ** * * * * *
At least gas prices are going down -- around here in the Denver, CO area, I just saw a sign for $1.49 a gallon. Can you believe it!!! Our pockets will benefit greatly during the 18 hour-plus drive to Michigan in a few weeks.
If you're got the money to spend (make sure you do), Ebay's prices seem to be dropping some!
Pioneer and mining-themed photos are a must right now, for use in my upcoming books. (Old quilt photos come in handy anytime.) If they're old photo postcards, they have to be at least pre-1925, to handle the copyright issue. (Generally speaking, anything 75 years and older, illustration-wise, is generally usable...the main exception being Mickey Mouse right now. There are exceptions, and it's wise to check, but you are generally ok doing it. Don't just take my word here -- I'm no Great Expert, law-wise. But I have generally found it to be true. Home-taken photos, on the other hand, are usable. Period.)
I generally plan to spend at least $6-8 for each of these, with the really good ones going for as much as $20-25. The quilt photos will go as high as $250-288. (ouch)
So how much have I been paying for these in the past month? Four dollars. Six dollars. I just grabbed two Really Good ones for $3.99 total -- and a nice quilt photo for $5!
Is it that that collectors who normally pay Big Bucks are holding off? I'm guessing that's the case...
* * * * * * * * *
From the Christmas List department: Is your family scattered around the country? Need an easier way to let them know what you'd really like for Christmas? Here's what works for the Bricks: keep a wish list on your Amazon account. That way, Daughters, and especially Husband, know exactly what books, movies and other goodies I've been wishing for -- and I don't get weird stuff like chicken carvers and humidifiers. (Husband is a HUGE fan of gadgets and figures I should be, too.)
It works.
* * * * ** * * * * *
At least gas prices are going down -- around here in the Denver, CO area, I just saw a sign for $1.49 a gallon. Can you believe it!!! Our pockets will benefit greatly during the 18 hour-plus drive to Michigan in a few weeks.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hesitating...
I was scrubbing the bathroom today, when the Little Farm Girl inside began poking around...
Hey.
Shut up -- I've still got the floor to mop.
Who cares...and why are you so messy, anyways? What about that blog entry yesterday -- who gave you permission to be Queen of the World?
Huh?
Dissing on your brother and folks like that. Shame...they love you, and you make them sound like hicks from Yahootie, for God's sake. They could have been ax murderers -- instead, they just fuss now and then about bearnaise sauce. Stuff like that.
Eerggh...
Not only that -- anyone from Michigan is going to think you've labeled them all insensitive, uneducated clods. (I start to protest) I know, I know -- you don't think that. You don't even think that about your own family. But they might think you do.
Sigh.
The LFG is right. I'm lucky to have siblings and parents that didn't try to hurt me, and were often encouraging. (Well, maybe not when Bro practiced his wrestling holds on me!) My folks paid for college -- I worked, too, but they paid, as well. They've been very supportive over the decades.
And here I am, griping because they didn't want to go to a lecture on Alaskan customs.
Ok. Take me -- and the previous post -- with a grain of salt.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It's snowing here -- cold cold cold. I've been collecting for the California Gold book, including research on women connected with gold, silver and copper mining. I still need a few 'characters' for the book -- any suggestions? I'd love to hear from you!
Hey.
Shut up -- I've still got the floor to mop.
Who cares...and why are you so messy, anyways? What about that blog entry yesterday -- who gave you permission to be Queen of the World?
Huh?
Dissing on your brother and folks like that. Shame...they love you, and you make them sound like hicks from Yahootie, for God's sake. They could have been ax murderers -- instead, they just fuss now and then about bearnaise sauce. Stuff like that.
Eerggh...
Not only that -- anyone from Michigan is going to think you've labeled them all insensitive, uneducated clods. (I start to protest) I know, I know -- you don't think that. You don't even think that about your own family. But they might think you do.
Sigh.
The LFG is right. I'm lucky to have siblings and parents that didn't try to hurt me, and were often encouraging. (Well, maybe not when Bro practiced his wrestling holds on me!) My folks paid for college -- I worked, too, but they paid, as well. They've been very supportive over the decades.
And here I am, griping because they didn't want to go to a lecture on Alaskan customs.
Ok. Take me -- and the previous post -- with a grain of salt.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It's snowing here -- cold cold cold. I've been collecting for the California Gold book, including research on women connected with gold, silver and copper mining. I still need a few 'characters' for the book -- any suggestions? I'd love to hear from you!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Beebe Moss: Remembering
I knew her better as 'Mom,' a name she didn't mind my using. She wasn't technically mine -- she was Ami's.
Ami Simms, someone I've been proud to call a friend, lost her mother, Beebe Moss, last Saturday, November 29. But it was actually the end to Beebe's 7-year struggle with Alzheimer's. Beebe remained herself to the end... but in most ways, she had already quietly shut the door on her world some time ago.
Beebe shared her life with many people. She was peppery, vibrant and full of comments on everything imaginable. I spent an afternoon or two painting with her, talking about animals and quilts and techniques. Her cards and paintings were folk art swirled in bright colors, full of African and other influences.
She didn't mind popping off with whatever was on her mind -- right now. The effect was astonishing at times -- refreshing at others. She generously shared herself with family and friends. Whatever else she was -- she was herself.
I will miss her.
Share your thoughts with Ami through her blog:
http://amisimms.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/her-name-was-beebe/
Beebe Moss of Flint, Michigan, age 85, died on Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Genesys Hospice Care Center after a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. The family has requested memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (www.AlzQuilts.org) in lieu of flowers: 1200 Creekwood Trail / Burton, MI 48509.
Beebe was born May 18, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of William and Jennie (Medvedov) Gottesman. She and Dr. Leonard W. Moss (deceased) were married in 1945.
Beebe leaves daughter Ami and husband Steve Simms; granddaughter Jennie Simms; brother Bud and wife Elaine Gottesman; nieces Simm Gottesman-Tessler and husband Doug; Kim and husband Ted Noble; Niki Gottesman; Mindy Reed; cousins Blanche Borenstein, RubyJean and Richard Gould, Sandy and Rodney Landsman; and friends Eva Boros, Joyce Christensen, and Joanne Malcolm to cherish her memory.
Friends may share with the family online at www.amisimms.wordpress.com/
Ami Simms, someone I've been proud to call a friend, lost her mother, Beebe Moss, last Saturday, November 29. But it was actually the end to Beebe's 7-year struggle with Alzheimer's. Beebe remained herself to the end... but in most ways, she had already quietly shut the door on her world some time ago.
Beebe shared her life with many people. She was peppery, vibrant and full of comments on everything imaginable. I spent an afternoon or two painting with her, talking about animals and quilts and techniques. Her cards and paintings were folk art swirled in bright colors, full of African and other influences.
She didn't mind popping off with whatever was on her mind -- right now. The effect was astonishing at times -- refreshing at others. She generously shared herself with family and friends. Whatever else she was -- she was herself.
I will miss her.
Share your thoughts with Ami through her blog:
http://amisimms.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/her-name-was-beebe/
Beebe Moss of Flint, Michigan, age 85, died on Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Genesys Hospice Care Center after a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. The family has requested memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (www.AlzQuilts.org) in lieu of flowers: 1200 Creekwood Trail / Burton, MI 48509.
Beebe was born May 18, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of William and Jennie (Medvedov) Gottesman. She and Dr. Leonard W. Moss (deceased) were married in 1945.
Beebe leaves daughter Ami and husband Steve Simms; granddaughter Jennie Simms; brother Bud and wife Elaine Gottesman; nieces Simm Gottesman-Tessler and husband Doug; Kim and husband Ted Noble; Niki Gottesman; Mindy Reed; cousins Blanche Borenstein, RubyJean and Richard Gould, Sandy and Rodney Landsman; and friends Eva Boros, Joyce Christensen, and Joanne Malcolm to cherish her memory.
Friends may share with the family online at www.amisimms.wordpress.com/
Movies, Movies, Movies
TCM (Turner Movie Classics) has been running some of the great classics these past few days, including a spate of Buster Keaton slapstick pieces. (Boy, can you tell where the Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy got some of their inspiration...) Perfect for the overdue ironing I've been putting off. I saw Joan Crawford as a Depression-era clerk who stays virtuous while watching her girlfriends put their trust in slimy (rich) dudes in Our Blushing Brides. (Joan is incredible. And guess who wins in the end? Yup, it wasn't her friends...) Tonight was Citizen Kane. Intriguing -- but sad.
Now on to the last few flannel shirts -- and The Magnificent Ambersons.
At least the ironing's getting done. Take a look at TCM -- they seem to be digging out some great choices for December.
Now on to the last few flannel shirts -- and The Magnificent Ambersons.
At least the ironing's getting done. Take a look at TCM -- they seem to be digging out some great choices for December.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Food - ANYTHING but Turkey!
It's almost gone.
The 20 lb.-plus turkey I cooked Thursday morning is a memory...except for a handful of dark meat meant for Dave's lunchtime sandwich.
I thought, when Chicks #1 and #2 flipped the nest, that my food would stretch further. Ha. When the kiddos left for home Thanksgiving evening, they took substantial doggy bags with them. What was left made two meals of turkey & gravy for us, plus some goodies for the dogs.
I'm not griping. Really. Few things are more disgusting than a 5-day-old pile of turkey with an off-taste. It's just... just... where did it all go?!?
If you're shuffling through your refrigerator as well, and wondering what happened, take a minute to visit Clara, a 91-year-old grandma and fine cook. Her YouTube posts on Depression era cooking are gems. Try this one, the Poorman's meal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OPQqH3YlHA&feature=related
Watching Clara cook is like being with my grandma while she made Christmas sugar cookies (and fussed -- a prime Cumings trait). Grandma died when I was in high school; I miss her.
Off to watch Ratatouille...and dream of pork chops a la francais.
The 20 lb.-plus turkey I cooked Thursday morning is a memory...except for a handful of dark meat meant for Dave's lunchtime sandwich.
I thought, when Chicks #1 and #2 flipped the nest, that my food would stretch further. Ha. When the kiddos left for home Thanksgiving evening, they took substantial doggy bags with them. What was left made two meals of turkey & gravy for us, plus some goodies for the dogs.
I'm not griping. Really. Few things are more disgusting than a 5-day-old pile of turkey with an off-taste. It's just... just... where did it all go?!?
If you're shuffling through your refrigerator as well, and wondering what happened, take a minute to visit Clara, a 91-year-old grandma and fine cook. Her YouTube posts on Depression era cooking are gems. Try this one, the Poorman's meal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OPQqH3YlHA&feature=related
Watching Clara cook is like being with my grandma while she made Christmas sugar cookies (and fussed -- a prime Cumings trait). Grandma died when I was in high school; I miss her.
Off to watch Ratatouille...and dream of pork chops a la francais.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Less Clutter...More Content
I spent much of today carrying Stuff, with Daughter #1's help. Umpteen boxes of samples, kits, embellishments, fat quarters and assorted flotsam and jetsam were lugged downstairs to put back into inventory. I have lots of excuses why so much accumulated up in the living space -- you try doing multiple back-to-back gigs, I've had to deal with family issues, etc. -- but the truth is I'd become A Big Slob. (I didn't insist that the staffers bring Stuff back downstairs as consistently as I should have, either...big mistake. It adds up.)
This needs a bit of explanation. Brickworks, my company, sells books; kits; every kind of embellishment, from lace to trim to ribbon roses to brass charms...even matching Tibetan silver hand charms, holding hearts that say "Love" and "You!"
All these items, which are often made with a batch of other items, add up to a Lot of Stuff. Shelves and shelves of it. Add my teaching samples; paper patterns, postcards and other ephemera; other quilts and textiles in the Brickworks collection --
Whew.
So far, my office, plus the company's inventory has filled the bottom half of our house -- some 2500 feet. (Just the downstairs, that is.) This generally works because the downstairs has a separate entrance. We can spread things out, and work with minimum hassle. The main area has a cutting table, shelves that hold bolts of fabric and trims, stacks of kits, etc. All around the edge of the main area are shelves that hold all sorts of kits; jars of buttons, silk embroidery floss and other goodies; and misc. books, stacks of fat quarters and so on.
A huge schrunk (German armoire) fills one wall -- three large opening doors, and shelves and hanging racks behind for everything from a 1790s baby quilt, to the Depression repro wallhanging my mom finished last year. Nearby sets of drawers hold orphan blocks, vintage fabrics and samples for classes.
That's not all of the Brickworks business, though. One room upstairs holds shipping materials, tape, etc. When Stuff is left upstairs, that means our already-decreasing living space fills up with stacked boxes and bins.
Now that those boxes and bins have been lugged downstairs, the dining room suddenly seems spacious. Lighter. Easier to move without bumping into things. Wow. What will it be like when I get everything vacuumed and dusted for tomorrow? Gracious living, here we come!
I can't let this Stuffing Up happen anymore. It's too easy to limp along and just add to it over the weeks. I MUST put things away right away from now on.
That's my Thanksgiving commitment. The Simple Dollar has their own take on this subject: they argue that Stuff doing nothing is Stuff that could be sold, or cleared away to make the space start working for itself. Earning its keep...
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/23/clutter-is-money/
This needs a bit of explanation. Brickworks, my company, sells books; kits; every kind of embellishment, from lace to trim to ribbon roses to brass charms...even matching Tibetan silver hand charms, holding hearts that say "Love" and "You!"
All these items, which are often made with a batch of other items, add up to a Lot of Stuff. Shelves and shelves of it. Add my teaching samples; paper patterns, postcards and other ephemera; other quilts and textiles in the Brickworks collection --
Whew.
So far, my office, plus the company's inventory has filled the bottom half of our house -- some 2500 feet. (Just the downstairs, that is.) This generally works because the downstairs has a separate entrance. We can spread things out, and work with minimum hassle. The main area has a cutting table, shelves that hold bolts of fabric and trims, stacks of kits, etc. All around the edge of the main area are shelves that hold all sorts of kits; jars of buttons, silk embroidery floss and other goodies; and misc. books, stacks of fat quarters and so on.
A huge schrunk (German armoire) fills one wall -- three large opening doors, and shelves and hanging racks behind for everything from a 1790s baby quilt, to the Depression repro wallhanging my mom finished last year. Nearby sets of drawers hold orphan blocks, vintage fabrics and samples for classes.
That's not all of the Brickworks business, though. One room upstairs holds shipping materials, tape, etc. When Stuff is left upstairs, that means our already-decreasing living space fills up with stacked boxes and bins.
Now that those boxes and bins have been lugged downstairs, the dining room suddenly seems spacious. Lighter. Easier to move without bumping into things. Wow. What will it be like when I get everything vacuumed and dusted for tomorrow? Gracious living, here we come!
I can't let this Stuffing Up happen anymore. It's too easy to limp along and just add to it over the weeks. I MUST put things away right away from now on.
That's my Thanksgiving commitment. The Simple Dollar has their own take on this subject: they argue that Stuff doing nothing is Stuff that could be sold, or cleared away to make the space start working for itself. Earning its keep...
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/23/clutter-is-money/
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Hand-Done for the Holidays
One of my favorite blogging buddies, Almost Frugal, has a mini-encyclopedia of handcrafts. Not only are they do-able for practically anybody, but they'll make wonderful gifts and decorations this season!
This one, for a 'ragamuffin' garland that uses up leftover strips and scraps. (I see it curved into wreath form, too.)
http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/04/ragamuffin-memo-garland.html
And I like this ribbon wreath:
http://thelongthread.com/?p=1310
The version in the post has a Halloween twist to it, but I'm seeing it in plaid form for Christmas. Guess what project I think I'll be doing this weekend?
Check out more of Long Thread's posts, too...she doesn't always give instructions, but the pictures are often enough for you to figure them out.
Be sure to check out the other projects in Almost Frugal's section; they're lovely.
This one, for a 'ragamuffin' garland that uses up leftover strips and scraps. (I see it curved into wreath form, too.)
http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/04/ragamuffin-memo-garland.html
And I like this ribbon wreath:
http://thelongthread.com/?p=1310
The version in the post has a Halloween twist to it, but I'm seeing it in plaid form for Christmas. Guess what project I think I'll be doing this weekend?
Check out more of Long Thread's posts, too...she doesn't always give instructions, but the pictures are often enough for you to figure them out.
Be sure to check out the other projects in Almost Frugal's section; they're lovely.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saving $$ for Thanksgiving
The Internet's full of great food and entertainment ideas for Thanksgiving.
Try this one. (Tip Hero is brand new to me, but has terrific ideas for a wide range of subjects.)
http://www.tiphero.com/tips_516_how-do-you-save-money-on-thanksgiving-dinner.html
My all-time favorite site, MoneySavingMom, has a huge list of recipes and food ideas:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/11/thanksgiving-on-a-budget-share-your-ideas.html (And I could never ever drop the stuffing, as some readers suggest -- I loooove stuffing. I'd drop potatoes and gravy, but then the rest of the family would protest!)
Frugal Upstate has a very long list of recipes, separated by category similar to MSM:
http://frugalupstate.blogspot.com/2008/11/best-of-frugal-thanksgiving-mini-series.html
If your time's limited, try Frugal first...MSM has a LOT of postings.
CheapHealthyGood has consistently good ideas, though you often have to wade through a mass to get what you want. For what it's worth, here goes:
http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2008/11/only-thanksgiving-post-youll-ever-need.html
* * * * * * * * * * * *
and now my own tips...
Buy your family's must-have foods when they're on sale -- not at full price. I stock up on things like black olives and cheesecake all year round.
Take your primary menu items from the sale flyer. If ham's on sale, that's what we have, sliced and fried, for Thanksgiving breakfast. If it's pork chops or bacon, they get substituted, instead.
Home-grown...yours, or just in the area? Use it! Old-timers took great pride in featuring their own harvest on the Thanksgiving menu. (It's cheaper and fresher, too...)
Buy napkins, tablecloths, candles on sale AFTER Thanksgiving -- for next Thanksgiving! (Or use fall-themed items leftover this year from the Halloween clearance aisle.)
Share the meal with friends. You make some dishes -- they make some. You get a variety of food. And overall, you save on the grand total.
Only make what your family REALLY likes. Skip any 'traditional' foods that you've included, just because you had them on the table as a child.
Bake a pie (or two) -- but freeze half after the meal's over. Don't waste a scrap of anything! Put any food you can't use in the next few days away in the freezer -- or give to someone -- before it goes stale. (I don't personally care for turkey's taste if it's just bunged in the freezer -- but I do like turkey chunks frozen in gravy.)
Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. I'd never done this before -- but the sale turkey I bought late last week just wouldn't fit in the freezer, even for a few days. The meat dept. guy said to turn up the fridge temp slightly, and put the turkey in a pan on the bottom shelf. He said it would be ready for roasting, come Thanksgiving morning. Lo and behold, based on what I'm seeing...he's right!
Bake your own bread for stuffing. I used to buy a loaf or two of the cheapest bread -- but one year had a loaf of my own going stale. Epiphany: the stuffing made from this tasted amazing! You don't have to do much...and no fancy bread. (Plain white, wheat or a mix works best.) But it makes all the difference.
THE BEST STUFFING (heavy on the veggies!)
1 loaf bread
1 bunch celery, including green leaves, chopped
1-2 onions, chopped
1/4-1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
Any other vegetables your family likes -- carrots, peppers and so on
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (from my herb garden -- substitute 3 tablespoons powdered)
2 tablespoons marjoram
1 tablespoon rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
7-10 grinds black pepper (or one teaspoon)
1 cube butter (don't substitute for this, anymore than the bread)
2 cups chicken broth
Melt the butter in a kettle or deep frying pan, dump in herbs and chopped veggies and saute. While this is going on, break up the bread with your hands. Add to the kettle, then gradually add broth until the mixture is moist. (You may or may not need all of the broth -- and yes, I use bouillon cubes, as well as homemade broth.)
For oyster stuffing, add 1 small can or 1 jar oysters, including juice, at the chicken broth stage. (You'll need 1 cup less broth.) A handful of chopped ham or bacon doesn't hurt.
Stuff your turkey -- or bake stuffing in a greased pan for 25-30 min. @ 350 degrees. Serves 4-6...with leftovers for a greedy writer/quilter later that night.
Try this one. (Tip Hero is brand new to me, but has terrific ideas for a wide range of subjects.)
http://www.tiphero.com/tips_516_how-do-you-save-money-on-thanksgiving-dinner.html
My all-time favorite site, MoneySavingMom, has a huge list of recipes and food ideas:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/11/thanksgiving-on-a-budget-share-your-ideas.html (And I could never ever drop the stuffing, as some readers suggest -- I loooove stuffing. I'd drop potatoes and gravy, but then the rest of the family would protest!)
Frugal Upstate has a very long list of recipes, separated by category similar to MSM:
http://frugalupstate.blogspot.com/2008/11/best-of-frugal-thanksgiving-mini-series.html
If your time's limited, try Frugal first...MSM has a LOT of postings.
CheapHealthyGood has consistently good ideas, though you often have to wade through a mass to get what you want. For what it's worth, here goes:
http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2008/11/only-thanksgiving-post-youll-ever-need.html
* * * * * * * * * * * *
and now my own tips...
Buy your family's must-have foods when they're on sale -- not at full price. I stock up on things like black olives and cheesecake all year round.
Take your primary menu items from the sale flyer. If ham's on sale, that's what we have, sliced and fried, for Thanksgiving breakfast. If it's pork chops or bacon, they get substituted, instead.
Home-grown...yours, or just in the area? Use it! Old-timers took great pride in featuring their own harvest on the Thanksgiving menu. (It's cheaper and fresher, too...)
Buy napkins, tablecloths, candles on sale AFTER Thanksgiving -- for next Thanksgiving! (Or use fall-themed items leftover this year from the Halloween clearance aisle.)
Share the meal with friends. You make some dishes -- they make some. You get a variety of food. And overall, you save on the grand total.
Only make what your family REALLY likes. Skip any 'traditional' foods that you've included, just because you had them on the table as a child.
Bake a pie (or two) -- but freeze half after the meal's over. Don't waste a scrap of anything! Put any food you can't use in the next few days away in the freezer -- or give to someone -- before it goes stale. (I don't personally care for turkey's taste if it's just bunged in the freezer -- but I do like turkey chunks frozen in gravy.)
Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. I'd never done this before -- but the sale turkey I bought late last week just wouldn't fit in the freezer, even for a few days. The meat dept. guy said to turn up the fridge temp slightly, and put the turkey in a pan on the bottom shelf. He said it would be ready for roasting, come Thanksgiving morning. Lo and behold, based on what I'm seeing...he's right!
Bake your own bread for stuffing. I used to buy a loaf or two of the cheapest bread -- but one year had a loaf of my own going stale. Epiphany: the stuffing made from this tasted amazing! You don't have to do much...and no fancy bread. (Plain white, wheat or a mix works best.) But it makes all the difference.
THE BEST STUFFING (heavy on the veggies!)
1 loaf bread
1 bunch celery, including green leaves, chopped
1-2 onions, chopped
1/4-1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
Any other vegetables your family likes -- carrots, peppers and so on
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (from my herb garden -- substitute 3 tablespoons powdered)
2 tablespoons marjoram
1 tablespoon rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
7-10 grinds black pepper (or one teaspoon)
1 cube butter (don't substitute for this, anymore than the bread)
2 cups chicken broth
Melt the butter in a kettle or deep frying pan, dump in herbs and chopped veggies and saute. While this is going on, break up the bread with your hands. Add to the kettle, then gradually add broth until the mixture is moist. (You may or may not need all of the broth -- and yes, I use bouillon cubes, as well as homemade broth.)
For oyster stuffing, add 1 small can or 1 jar oysters, including juice, at the chicken broth stage. (You'll need 1 cup less broth.) A handful of chopped ham or bacon doesn't hurt.
Stuff your turkey -- or bake stuffing in a greased pan for 25-30 min. @ 350 degrees. Serves 4-6...with leftovers for a greedy writer/quilter later that night.
Update on Michigan...and Dad
Last week (and a bit of the week before), I spent with the folks, who live on a farm outside Sparta, a small town north of Grand Rapids. Daughter #1 came along for the ride, too.
The folks are doing surprisingly well, considering they were going to radiation every day, and chemo twice a week.
I saw Dad's brain scans. Not good. The bone is pretty much gone over his left eye, letting the tissue bulge out and push on his optical nerve. It's the cause of his seeing double...and why he couldn't get his left eye open. Radiation is helping, in that the eyelid (sort of) works now. But he's still seeing double.
The bone over the right eye has large chunks missing. The rest of his skull bone is still there, but considerably thinned.
Obviously, there is no way to replace this bone.
I'm grateful, nonetheless, that the cancer is not actually IN his brain -- just consuming the bone outside it. Dad's mind remains sharp.
He can walk some, with a cane -- but pride gets in his way. He refuses to use a walker or wheelchair. (Says his arms and legs just don't feel that strong.)
He said, just before we left, "You could stay here for a month -- then go home for a week -- then stay for another month." Husband would hate this...he'd be out of underwear, living on soup and frozen pizza and lonely... but my dad asks for so little. We live several states away. How can I take care of biz, be with Dave -- and still help my dad?
The folks are doing surprisingly well, considering they were going to radiation every day, and chemo twice a week.
I saw Dad's brain scans. Not good. The bone is pretty much gone over his left eye, letting the tissue bulge out and push on his optical nerve. It's the cause of his seeing double...and why he couldn't get his left eye open. Radiation is helping, in that the eyelid (sort of) works now. But he's still seeing double.
The bone over the right eye has large chunks missing. The rest of his skull bone is still there, but considerably thinned.
Obviously, there is no way to replace this bone.
I'm grateful, nonetheless, that the cancer is not actually IN his brain -- just consuming the bone outside it. Dad's mind remains sharp.
He can walk some, with a cane -- but pride gets in his way. He refuses to use a walker or wheelchair. (Says his arms and legs just don't feel that strong.)
He said, just before we left, "You could stay here for a month -- then go home for a week -- then stay for another month." Husband would hate this...he'd be out of underwear, living on soup and frozen pizza and lonely... but my dad asks for so little. We live several states away. How can I take care of biz, be with Dave -- and still help my dad?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff
Ever wondered what Copernicus' face REALLY (or probably really) looked like?
http://news.aol.com/article/remains-identified-as-copernicus/255255
Basically, they compared hairs found in a book known to have been in Copernicus' library with a skull found in a cathedral in Poland. (A strong tradition holds that C. was buried in this particular church -- and a smashed skeleton was found under some floor tiles. Weird.)
I think I'd better go clean out my library books -- fast!
And this is one of the loveliest home dec projects, considering the cost and effort:
http://owcl.blogspot.com/2008/11/home-easy-painted-word-project-for-word.html
Maybe this is the time to paint on that motto on the dining room's north wall...
I collapsed into bed Wednesday night...and quite frankly, the 'ol bod still has no idea what time it is. I get tired at very strange times, and wide awake at others. Thursday was at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, checking up on my California Gold exhibit. Find out more here:
http://www.rmqm.org/current.htm
The gallery's warm yellow light really made the golden prints glow in these 1880s scrap and applique quilts. I was VERY pleased. (And yes, photos will be posted, as soon as the museum sends me their batch.)
This was one of the roughest exhibits ever, as far as setup. It was supposed to go up the Sunday before we left for New Hampshire. (Got a last-minute phone call that the gallery wasn't ready.) Instead, it couldn't happen until Wednesday -- but I left Tuesday! So Karen Roxburgh and two volunteers put up the quilts, plus signage. I hoped for the best.
Fortunately, it was. Karen is a champ. She made a few changes from what our floorplan...but they were great. If you live in Colorado, "California Gold" will be up at the museum through January 2009. Take a look; I think you'd enjoy it!
http://news.aol.com/article/remains-identified-as-copernicus/255255
Basically, they compared hairs found in a book known to have been in Copernicus' library with a skull found in a cathedral in Poland. (A strong tradition holds that C. was buried in this particular church -- and a smashed skeleton was found under some floor tiles. Weird.)
I think I'd better go clean out my library books -- fast!
And this is one of the loveliest home dec projects, considering the cost and effort:
http://owcl.blogspot.com/2008/11/home-easy-painted-word-project-for-word.html
Maybe this is the time to paint on that motto on the dining room's north wall...
I collapsed into bed Wednesday night...and quite frankly, the 'ol bod still has no idea what time it is. I get tired at very strange times, and wide awake at others. Thursday was at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, checking up on my California Gold exhibit. Find out more here:
http://www.rmqm.org/current.htm
The gallery's warm yellow light really made the golden prints glow in these 1880s scrap and applique quilts. I was VERY pleased. (And yes, photos will be posted, as soon as the museum sends me their batch.)
This was one of the roughest exhibits ever, as far as setup. It was supposed to go up the Sunday before we left for New Hampshire. (Got a last-minute phone call that the gallery wasn't ready.) Instead, it couldn't happen until Wednesday -- but I left Tuesday! So Karen Roxburgh and two volunteers put up the quilts, plus signage. I hoped for the best.
Fortunately, it was. Karen is a champ. She made a few changes from what our floorplan...but they were great. If you live in Colorado, "California Gold" will be up at the museum through January 2009. Take a look; I think you'd enjoy it!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Treasure!
A new discovery of a Celtic coin hoard found overseas... in a cornfield near Maastricht, Holland.
http://news.aol.com/article/ancient-celtic-coin-cache-discovered/247382
Wow.
Don't miss the slide show with the article -- it includes some incredible archeological discoveries, including the drainage tunnel thought to be the escape route for Jews fleeing Titus when he sacked Jerusalem. Also, a beautiful -- and ancient -- white stone earring found under a parking lot. (Wish I had a pair.)
Someday I'll bumble onto something wonderful like this.
Or see Bigfoot, peering over our fence. (Not as wacky as you would think -- he's been spotted within ten miles, near Sedalia: http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_county_reports.asp?state=co&county=Douglas .)
Or a flying saucer, wobbling to say 'hi' at midnight.
Or discover Jimmy Hoffa's personal cement pylon. (Some people think he was hidden somewhere in Giants Stadium: http://urbanlegends.about.com/b/2003/11/08/is-jimmy-hoffa-buried-in-giants-stadium.htm )
Or figure out what the heck cats are really thinking when they're staring at you. (Jack, Daughter's dog, does it, too -- weird.)
Who knows!
http://news.aol.com/article/ancient-celtic-coin-cache-discovered/247382
Wow.
Don't miss the slide show with the article -- it includes some incredible archeological discoveries, including the drainage tunnel thought to be the escape route for Jews fleeing Titus when he sacked Jerusalem. Also, a beautiful -- and ancient -- white stone earring found under a parking lot. (Wish I had a pair.)
Someday I'll bumble onto something wonderful like this.
Or see Bigfoot, peering over our fence. (Not as wacky as you would think -- he's been spotted within ten miles, near Sedalia: http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_county_reports.asp?state=co&county=Douglas .)
Or a flying saucer, wobbling to say 'hi' at midnight.
Or discover Jimmy Hoffa's personal cement pylon. (Some people think he was hidden somewhere in Giants Stadium: http://urbanlegends.about.com/b/2003/11/08/is-jimmy-hoffa-buried-in-giants-stadium.htm )
Or figure out what the heck cats are really thinking when they're staring at you. (Jack, Daughter's dog, does it, too -- weird.)
Who knows!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Home...and the phone's still working!
I'm finally back, after the Quilter's Gathering; a day in the White Mountains, where I used to work; and a few days with Husband's brother Jim and wife Marsha in Newport, RI. Four states in less than two weeks -- amazing! It takes 7 hours to go the width of the state...and we went from Conway, NH to Newport in 3 1/2 hours.
More about that coming --
I did a stupid thing and left my cellphone in the Boston rental car. (sigh) That meant the toll-free number -- and my cellphone -- had to be disabled temporarily. (The staffers at home couldn't access either number either. If they did, my cellphone would be usable by any yahoo who wanted to phone Timbuktu.) So no phone. And anyone who called it would be told the number was "disconnected."
Double sigh.
The toll-free number's back in use again -- you can reach the Brickworks offices 1-888-48-BRICK. (If the Denver area is local for you, try 303-519-8781, instead.) Hopefully, my personal phone will be back in business shortly.
In the meantime, take a look at this blog. If you're making do on a limited income...and you want to do it beautifully...you'll enjoy her take on things:
http://queenofmytrailer.wordpress.com/
She's got a long and detailed how-to report on tiling laminate kitchen counters. Hmmm. We need to replace our counters badly...and I LOVE this look. Hmmm.
And I am very happy to report --
Both roofs are DONE!! They're fully shingled -- and beautiful.
A pile of shingles and splintered woodplanks awaits for tidying. In the meantime, there's stuff to put away, plus a gig tonight at the Arapahoe Quilt Guild in Denver...
Talk to you soon.
More about that coming --
I did a stupid thing and left my cellphone in the Boston rental car. (sigh) That meant the toll-free number -- and my cellphone -- had to be disabled temporarily. (The staffers at home couldn't access either number either. If they did, my cellphone would be usable by any yahoo who wanted to phone Timbuktu.) So no phone. And anyone who called it would be told the number was "disconnected."
Double sigh.
The toll-free number's back in use again -- you can reach the Brickworks offices 1-888-48-BRICK. (If the Denver area is local for you, try 303-519-8781, instead.) Hopefully, my personal phone will be back in business shortly.
In the meantime, take a look at this blog. If you're making do on a limited income...and you want to do it beautifully...you'll enjoy her take on things:
http://queenofmytrailer.wordpress.com/
She's got a long and detailed how-to report on tiling laminate kitchen counters. Hmmm. We need to replace our counters badly...and I LOVE this look. Hmmm.
And I am very happy to report --
Both roofs are DONE!! They're fully shingled -- and beautiful.
A pile of shingles and splintered woodplanks awaits for tidying. In the meantime, there's stuff to put away, plus a gig tonight at the Arapahoe Quilt Guild in Denver...
Talk to you soon.
Twinkle, Twinkle...
A strange swirl of Northern-Lights-style aurora is hanging out at the top of Saturn right now...
http://news.aol.com/article/mysterious-light-show-seen-on-saturn/247048?icid=100214839x1213203267x1200857561
For more unusual space photos, take a look at this batch:
http://news.aol.com/article/mysterious-light-show-seen-on-saturn/247048?icid=100214839x1213203267x1200857561
Cool!
http://news.aol.com/article/mysterious-light-show-seen-on-saturn/247048?icid=100214839x1213203267x1200857561
For more unusual space photos, take a look at this batch:
http://news.aol.com/article/mysterious-light-show-seen-on-saturn/247048?icid=100214839x1213203267x1200857561
Cool!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Exhausted
It rained here in New Hampshire...but honestly, I didn't notice. I was too busy teaching. Twenty-five people in your class means that you are constantly hustling around, checking and trying to help whenever you can.
I give out a lot of freebies during class, as well. It's an easy way to get the students to relax...while I'm checking on their work!
That's done. Went well. On to "Quilts of the Pioneers" tomorrow.
It's supposed to rain all day again...but I won't see it until night-time.
I give out a lot of freebies during class, as well. It's an easy way to get the students to relax...while I'm checking on their work!
That's done. Went well. On to "Quilts of the Pioneers" tomorrow.
It's supposed to rain all day again...but I won't see it until night-time.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
New Hampshire
(pronounced "New Hamp-sha," or so I'm hearing)
We flew into Boston last night -- got here about 10:30 p.m.
Trudged through the airport. (Motto: "You're in Boston - welcome. Now get the heck outa heah.") Twenty-eight miles out of Boston, rental car starts going "putt -- putt -- puuutttttt." The failing engine let us get off just in time to coast into a gas station. The Alamo people said it would take 1 1/2 - 2 hours to get a new car to us. (Thank you, Lynnette, for trying to do something for us, even if you couldn't much...)
By the time we limped back to Boston...got another car...and drove to Nashua...well, we couldn't find the Radisson. A Mobil station in town said there was no conference center in Nashua -- shoot, there wasn't a Radisson, either. Go to Merrimack, instead.
So we did. No Radisson here. The one hotel with a conference center was obviously not in business. A hotelkeeper finally told us to go back to Nashua -- there was a Radisson there, after all.
Found it, and checked in. At 3:00 in the morning.
Slept in -- did some work this afternoon -- a lecture on politics -- and quilts -- tonight. It went well...but boy, I am zonked.
At least the fall colors are still pretty here! Crazy quilting all day tomorrow...stuff everywhere, and boy will it be fun.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A strange waiting silence all day yesterday while we were flying here. People not sure whether to talk about it -- or not. Almost a palpable relief when Obama's victory was quick. (I'm not so sure about decisive -- the USA Today map made it clear that McCain took an awful lot of states -- but Obama took the big cities.)
The one opinion we heard expressed was the Jamaican bus driver, jumping up and down and yelling "Obama prez, Obama prez" into his cellphone, a huge grin on his face.
Congratulations, President Obama. Now let's see what you can do!!
We flew into Boston last night -- got here about 10:30 p.m.
Trudged through the airport. (Motto: "You're in Boston - welcome. Now get the heck outa heah.") Twenty-eight miles out of Boston, rental car starts going "putt -- putt -- puuutttttt." The failing engine let us get off just in time to coast into a gas station. The Alamo people said it would take 1 1/2 - 2 hours to get a new car to us. (Thank you, Lynnette, for trying to do something for us, even if you couldn't much...)
By the time we limped back to Boston...got another car...and drove to Nashua...well, we couldn't find the Radisson. A Mobil station in town said there was no conference center in Nashua -- shoot, there wasn't a Radisson, either. Go to Merrimack, instead.
So we did. No Radisson here. The one hotel with a conference center was obviously not in business. A hotelkeeper finally told us to go back to Nashua -- there was a Radisson there, after all.
Found it, and checked in. At 3:00 in the morning.
Slept in -- did some work this afternoon -- a lecture on politics -- and quilts -- tonight. It went well...but boy, I am zonked.
At least the fall colors are still pretty here! Crazy quilting all day tomorrow...stuff everywhere, and boy will it be fun.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A strange waiting silence all day yesterday while we were flying here. People not sure whether to talk about it -- or not. Almost a palpable relief when Obama's victory was quick. (I'm not so sure about decisive -- the USA Today map made it clear that McCain took an awful lot of states -- but Obama took the big cities.)
The one opinion we heard expressed was the Jamaican bus driver, jumping up and down and yelling "Obama prez, Obama prez" into his cellphone, a huge grin on his face.
Congratulations, President Obama. Now let's see what you can do!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Jest Dancin'
Matt Harding has a new "Where's Matt?" video...
or maybe it's just new to me.
But here he is -- I can use some cheerfulness. Hope you can, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4
or maybe it's just new to me.
But here he is -- I can use some cheerfulness. Hope you can, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4
Monday, November 3, 2008
Update
...mostly on my dad.
He starts radiation Thursday -- 13 sessions of it. Hopefully this will slow the cancer down some, though I am not very hopeful. The latest tests show the bone in the front of his head (the area behind the eyebrows) is all but gone.... eaten away. The rest of the bone in his skull is considerably thinned.
How in the world can you live with no bone in the front of your head?
The tissue is pressing on the optic nerve, no doubt causing the double vision, headaches and other struggles he's been having lately.
I really appreciate your prayers for him. It is really difficult to trust that God knows and is control of this situation. I know intellectually that He is...but my heart still cries out:
Help, Lord...he's my dad, and I love him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nine more bundles of shingles...some work on the flashing around the chimney...and the roof is done.
Now, back to packing.
He starts radiation Thursday -- 13 sessions of it. Hopefully this will slow the cancer down some, though I am not very hopeful. The latest tests show the bone in the front of his head (the area behind the eyebrows) is all but gone.... eaten away. The rest of the bone in his skull is considerably thinned.
How in the world can you live with no bone in the front of your head?
The tissue is pressing on the optic nerve, no doubt causing the double vision, headaches and other struggles he's been having lately.
I really appreciate your prayers for him. It is really difficult to trust that God knows and is control of this situation. I know intellectually that He is...but my heart still cries out:
Help, Lord...he's my dad, and I love him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nine more bundles of shingles...some work on the flashing around the chimney...and the roof is done.
Now, back to packing.
Friday, October 31, 2008
A Very Strange Blog
Well.
I've bumbled across one of the weirder blogs out there -- Robert Frank's "Wealth Report," a regular look at the wealthy and their favorite things. (courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.)
Here's my favorite: a very expensive watch that does not tell time. (It shows you whether it's day or night, instead. No, I am not making this up.) Supposedly the watch contains metal from the Titanic, as well as other interesting materials.
Oh, and it's already sold out. At $300,000 a pop.
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2008/04/25/the-300000-watch-that-doesnt-tell-time/
Whew! I can offer a new watch made of old bits and pieces from quilts -- do you think that would sell?
Take a look at other goodies in the blog...including frequent posts that rich people are not unaffected by this current economic downturn. On the contrary...
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/
Have a good weekend...talk to you tomorrow.
I've bumbled across one of the weirder blogs out there -- Robert Frank's "Wealth Report," a regular look at the wealthy and their favorite things. (courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.)
Here's my favorite: a very expensive watch that does not tell time. (It shows you whether it's day or night, instead. No, I am not making this up.) Supposedly the watch contains metal from the Titanic, as well as other interesting materials.
Oh, and it's already sold out. At $300,000 a pop.
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2008/04/25/the-300000-watch-that-doesnt-tell-time/
Whew! I can offer a new watch made of old bits and pieces from quilts -- do you think that would sell?
Take a look at other goodies in the blog...including frequent posts that rich people are not unaffected by this current economic downturn. On the contrary...
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/
Have a good weekend...talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pigs...and More Pigs
Hmmm...Exxon just shattered its quarterly profit record, with its two biggest quarters ever -- in spite of the recent drop in crude oil prices:
http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?x=http://76.96.38.13/data/news/2008/10/30/1101727.xml
I seem to remember warnings of how gas prices were going to shoot up again after the hurricanes of 2008 destroyed all the oil-drilling platforms. And the war in Iraq just shot everything to hell. And --- (insert your own dire prediction here).
Oops, the Exxon executives seem to be saying. Guess those didn't happen, after all.
Are we supposed to believe that the recent drop in gas prices are just their way of being more generous...sharing the wealth, so to speak...instead of a response to the supply and demand issue? (People not buying as much gas because they're not traveling as much.)
I do believe in free enterprise, but this seems a little greedier and grabbier than usual. Take a look at other companies' profit margins and reports for this quarter -- if they're posting a profit at all, it's lower than they predicted.
How many freebies are the gas companies getting from the U.S. government (and us) in the form of tax breaks, etc.? Maybe it's time for some of those to go away.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thinking about that (and the tussle to put in that last stubborn plant) got me to thinking about pigs...in blankets. Aunt Max ran the school cafeteria, and in return for lunch, Little Brother and I were student employees. I ran the cash register; I think he washed dishes. (Try doing that, and kids' habits of mixing all the leftovers together in one disgusting mess -- Barnyard Casserole, we called it -- doesn't seem so funny.)
Auntie must have thought we were malnourished, because she really slapped the food on our trays. Potatoes and hamburg gravy, gray-tinged green beans, weird mystery cutlets...none of that wussy green salad or dainty stuff. Just rib-sticking, gets-you-through-afternoon-band-practice food.
My favorite was her Pigs in Blankets. I still use her recipe -- and the huge canisters of baking powder she scooped from now hold my flour and sugar. Pigs are cheap, filling and perfect for a blustery fall day.
PIGS IN BLANKETS
1 package (8-10) hot dogs
1/4 cup (one half-stick) margarine or butter
1 cup water & 1/2 cup milk (or 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup dry milk powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon yeast
3-4 cups flour
Nuke the margarine, water/milk for approx. 45 seconds, or until the butter is softened and melting into the water. (Check - water should be warm, but not hot.) Add salt, sugar and yeast, then gradually mix flour in until you have a soft dough. Knead for about 3 min., until the dough is solid and slightly 'boingy.'
Let rise, depending on your hungry family, for 10 min...or up to 10 hours. (Longer makes a better dough, but I've also made the dough and used it in five minutes, with good results.)
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Squeeze off a glob of dough and wrap it around a hot dog, leaving the ends exposed; place on a greased cookie sheet. Repeat until all the dogs are covered. Bake until light brown, approx. 15-20 min. Serve with barbecue sauce or lots of catsup. Serves 4 adults, with leftovers for breakfast.
Oink!
http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?x=http://76.96.38.13/data/news/2008/10/30/1101727.xml
I seem to remember warnings of how gas prices were going to shoot up again after the hurricanes of 2008 destroyed all the oil-drilling platforms. And the war in Iraq just shot everything to hell. And --- (insert your own dire prediction here).
Oops, the Exxon executives seem to be saying. Guess those didn't happen, after all.
Are we supposed to believe that the recent drop in gas prices are just their way of being more generous...sharing the wealth, so to speak...instead of a response to the supply and demand issue? (People not buying as much gas because they're not traveling as much.)
I do believe in free enterprise, but this seems a little greedier and grabbier than usual. Take a look at other companies' profit margins and reports for this quarter -- if they're posting a profit at all, it's lower than they predicted.
How many freebies are the gas companies getting from the U.S. government (and us) in the form of tax breaks, etc.? Maybe it's time for some of those to go away.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thinking about that (and the tussle to put in that last stubborn plant) got me to thinking about pigs...in blankets. Aunt Max ran the school cafeteria, and in return for lunch, Little Brother and I were student employees. I ran the cash register; I think he washed dishes. (Try doing that, and kids' habits of mixing all the leftovers together in one disgusting mess -- Barnyard Casserole, we called it -- doesn't seem so funny.)
Auntie must have thought we were malnourished, because she really slapped the food on our trays. Potatoes and hamburg gravy, gray-tinged green beans, weird mystery cutlets...none of that wussy green salad or dainty stuff. Just rib-sticking, gets-you-through-afternoon-band-practice food.
My favorite was her Pigs in Blankets. I still use her recipe -- and the huge canisters of baking powder she scooped from now hold my flour and sugar. Pigs are cheap, filling and perfect for a blustery fall day.
PIGS IN BLANKETS
1 package (8-10) hot dogs
1/4 cup (one half-stick) margarine or butter
1 cup water & 1/2 cup milk (or 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup dry milk powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon yeast
3-4 cups flour
Nuke the margarine, water/milk for approx. 45 seconds, or until the butter is softened and melting into the water. (Check - water should be warm, but not hot.) Add salt, sugar and yeast, then gradually mix flour in until you have a soft dough. Knead for about 3 min., until the dough is solid and slightly 'boingy.'
Let rise, depending on your hungry family, for 10 min...or up to 10 hours. (Longer makes a better dough, but I've also made the dough and used it in five minutes, with good results.)
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Squeeze off a glob of dough and wrap it around a hot dog, leaving the ends exposed; place on a greased cookie sheet. Repeat until all the dogs are covered. Bake until light brown, approx. 15-20 min. Serve with barbecue sauce or lots of catsup. Serves 4 adults, with leftovers for breakfast.
Oink!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Roofing It...
One of the best ways to get over financial worries...
Carry shingles.
That is -- packages of shingles. Weight: 75 pounds each.
Drag the wheelbarrow over to the pallet. (Husband's decision to choose a no-deflate wheel on the wheelbarrow was a brilliant idea, considering the nails everywhere.)
Look at pallet, stacked high. (Remind self that there were originally three pallets -- and this is the only one left.) Straighten back. Sigh a little.
Hunker down again. Get a good purchase on the package...huhhnnnhh...and slide it into the wheelbarrow. Repeat with one more package. (Wipe away slobber as dog Goonie rewards Mom's New Game with a good-sized lick on the face.)
Wheel barrow over to ladder -- and stone wall. Get another grab on package #1, and...oof...lift it onto stone. Let go.
Whumph.
Repeat. Rub sore ankle after empty wheelbarrow tipped on it.
Back to the pallet.
I did this for 12 packages this afternoon. Hmmm. What's 12 x 75? I personally lifted 900 pounds?
And three of those are up on the roof, as well. Now to get the other nine there...
Daughter #1 and Husband are up on the roof, arguing with each other and (hopefully) nailing shingles down. I hear the rapid bang of the nail gun -- a promising sign.
Old shingles are picked up. (Although I'll be finding nails and bits of tarpaper in my flowerbeds for probably years to come.) The dumpster's gone.
And it's a lovely, warm fall day.
Carry shingles.
That is -- packages of shingles. Weight: 75 pounds each.
Drag the wheelbarrow over to the pallet. (Husband's decision to choose a no-deflate wheel on the wheelbarrow was a brilliant idea, considering the nails everywhere.)
Look at pallet, stacked high. (Remind self that there were originally three pallets -- and this is the only one left.) Straighten back. Sigh a little.
Hunker down again. Get a good purchase on the package...huhhnnnhh...and slide it into the wheelbarrow. Repeat with one more package. (Wipe away slobber as dog Goonie rewards Mom's New Game with a good-sized lick on the face.)
Wheel barrow over to ladder -- and stone wall. Get another grab on package #1, and...oof...lift it onto stone. Let go.
Whumph.
Repeat. Rub sore ankle after empty wheelbarrow tipped on it.
Back to the pallet.
I did this for 12 packages this afternoon. Hmmm. What's 12 x 75? I personally lifted 900 pounds?
And three of those are up on the roof, as well. Now to get the other nine there...
Daughter #1 and Husband are up on the roof, arguing with each other and (hopefully) nailing shingles down. I hear the rapid bang of the nail gun -- a promising sign.
Old shingles are picked up. (Although I'll be finding nails and bits of tarpaper in my flowerbeds for probably years to come.) The dumpster's gone.
And it's a lovely, warm fall day.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
AIG News -- And More
AIG, bless their 'lil hearts, has decided to freeze millions of dollars in bonus payments to some of their former executives:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-finance/20081022/AIG.Cuomo/
That means former chief executive Martin Sullivan doesn't get his $19 million golden parachute. And Joseph Casano, the former head of the Financial Products subsidiary (said to be the Achille's heel of AIG's current financial troubles), doesn't get his $69 million bonus, either. (Five other former executives are out approx. $93 million.)
Darn.
What do you want to bet that they sue?
I'd be more impressed if I didn't get the feeling that New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo was the real impetus behind this new interest in fiscal frugality -- instead of AIG or its current chairman, Edward Liddy.
Holding people responsible for their actions?
What a refreshing change.
* * * * * * * * *
Allen Greenspan's got something to say about the current economy...and it ain't pretty. According to the former Federal Reserve Chairman, we are enduring a "once in a century credit tsunami." From the article:
He said that he and others who believed lending institutions would do a good job of protecting their shareholders are in a "state of shocked disbelief." And Greenspan also blamed the problems on heavy demand for securities backed by subprime mortgages by investors who did not worry that the boom in home prices might come to a crashing halt.
"Given the financial damage to date, I cannot see how we can avoid a significant rise in layoffs and unemployment," Greenspan said. "Fearful American households are attempting to adjust, as best they can, to a rapid contraction in credit availability, threats to retirement funds and increased job insecurity."
He said that a necessary condition for the crisis to end will be a stabilization in home prices but he said that was not likely to occur for "many months in the future."
At least he's not sugar-coating the situation. Read it for yourself at:
http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?x=http://76.96.38.13/data/news/2008/10/23/1095828.xml
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And from the Department of "Stuff's Getting Better. Better Every Day" comes this update:
The house roof is stripped, repaired and tarpapered!!
Thanks to our new friend Carlos (plus effort from Husband and yours truly), we're finally ready to start shingling again, without worrying about leaks or flapping tarps.
It was nearly done by Tuesday night, when a wind-roaring snowstorm came up from the mountains. Fortunately, we only got an inch of snow. (First of the season, not counting some spits Daughter #1 noticed in the rain last weekend.) It melted quickly, and Carlos finished tarpapering last night.
Whew.
Myself and still-aching wrists aren't thrilled about the idea of shingling, but it goes quickly, based on previous experience -- the garage roof. Guess what we'll be doing this weekend?
There's been a strange byproduct from the Roof Affair. I seem to notice people working on other roofs more quickly than I ever had before -- including details. A kinship, perhaps? Daughter #1's friend suggested she start a new company, Hot Roofing Girls, now she knows the process, too.
If this economy gets any worse -- it's a thought.
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-finance/20081022/AIG.Cuomo/
That means former chief executive Martin Sullivan doesn't get his $19 million golden parachute. And Joseph Casano, the former head of the Financial Products subsidiary (said to be the Achille's heel of AIG's current financial troubles), doesn't get his $69 million bonus, either. (Five other former executives are out approx. $93 million.)
Darn.
What do you want to bet that they sue?
I'd be more impressed if I didn't get the feeling that New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo was the real impetus behind this new interest in fiscal frugality -- instead of AIG or its current chairman, Edward Liddy.
Holding people responsible for their actions?
What a refreshing change.
* * * * * * * * *
Allen Greenspan's got something to say about the current economy...and it ain't pretty. According to the former Federal Reserve Chairman, we are enduring a "once in a century credit tsunami." From the article:
He said that he and others who believed lending institutions would do a good job of protecting their shareholders are in a "state of shocked disbelief." And Greenspan also blamed the problems on heavy demand for securities backed by subprime mortgages by investors who did not worry that the boom in home prices might come to a crashing halt.
"Given the financial damage to date, I cannot see how we can avoid a significant rise in layoffs and unemployment," Greenspan said. "Fearful American households are attempting to adjust, as best they can, to a rapid contraction in credit availability, threats to retirement funds and increased job insecurity."
He said that a necessary condition for the crisis to end will be a stabilization in home prices but he said that was not likely to occur for "many months in the future."
At least he's not sugar-coating the situation. Read it for yourself at:
http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?x=http://76.96.38.13/data/news/2008/10/23/1095828.xml
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And from the Department of "Stuff's Getting Better. Better Every Day" comes this update:
The house roof is stripped, repaired and tarpapered!!
Thanks to our new friend Carlos (plus effort from Husband and yours truly), we're finally ready to start shingling again, without worrying about leaks or flapping tarps.
It was nearly done by Tuesday night, when a wind-roaring snowstorm came up from the mountains. Fortunately, we only got an inch of snow. (First of the season, not counting some spits Daughter #1 noticed in the rain last weekend.) It melted quickly, and Carlos finished tarpapering last night.
Whew.
Myself and still-aching wrists aren't thrilled about the idea of shingling, but it goes quickly, based on previous experience -- the garage roof. Guess what we'll be doing this weekend?
There's been a strange byproduct from the Roof Affair. I seem to notice people working on other roofs more quickly than I ever had before -- including details. A kinship, perhaps? Daughter #1's friend suggested she start a new company, Hot Roofing Girls, now she knows the process, too.
If this economy gets any worse -- it's a thought.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Update on the Steakburger Special
well, folks, all good things must eventually come to an end.
Here's the original post on getting steakburgers from Omaha Steaks for 36 cents a pound:
http://catherinewheels78.blogspot.com/2008/10/get-ground-steak-delivered-for-36-cents.html
And here's Catherine's update:
People are now reporting that Omaha Steaks is canceling their orders. According to their website, my order already shipped, and hopefully those of you whose orders are already in transit too will still get your order. This seems like fairly bad customer service to me, but if you're still interested in purchasing from the company and can handle them changing the rules every few hours, the information below should still be applicable to $100 orders.
It seems that this deal has been modified as of this morning. You can still get a $25 gift card from the Geico website (as described in step 1 below), but you will have to use it for a purchase of at least $50. You can also still get the free hamburgers from step 2, but if you combine that with the Geico card from step 1, you will still have to spend $25 out of pocket. If you were to order, for example, 32 steak burgers for $39, plus the free 12 burgers, and shipping, then applied your $25 gift card, you'd be spending approximately $2.25 per pound for the beef, delivered.
In my area, $2.25 a pound for lean ground steak is still a really good price, but it's up to you if you feel like that is worth your money or not.
Further Update: Now some people are reporting that the $25 gift card is only good for orders over $100. I'm sorry I can't actually come up with any way to make that frugal, unless you were already planning to spend that much, in which case maybe the gift card and free burgers will help you get a better deal than you would have gotten otherwise.
And EVEN FURTHER: Apparently if you actually call Omaha Steaks and place your order on the phone, they will give you the $25 off without the $50 or $100 restriction, but you won't get the free burgers that way. Still, you'd get the 8 burgers for $1.99, which is 2.5 pounds of meat for under $2, and still a good deal.
But I still haven't gotten my gift card number from GEICO!
Here's the original post on getting steakburgers from Omaha Steaks for 36 cents a pound:
http://catherinewheels78.blogspot.com/2008/10/get-ground-steak-delivered-for-36-cents.html
And here's Catherine's update:
People are now reporting that Omaha Steaks is canceling their orders. According to their website, my order already shipped, and hopefully those of you whose orders are already in transit too will still get your order. This seems like fairly bad customer service to me, but if you're still interested in purchasing from the company and can handle them changing the rules every few hours, the information below should still be applicable to $100 orders.
It seems that this deal has been modified as of this morning. You can still get a $25 gift card from the Geico website (as described in step 1 below), but you will have to use it for a purchase of at least $50. You can also still get the free hamburgers from step 2, but if you combine that with the Geico card from step 1, you will still have to spend $25 out of pocket. If you were to order, for example, 32 steak burgers for $39, plus the free 12 burgers, and shipping, then applied your $25 gift card, you'd be spending approximately $2.25 per pound for the beef, delivered.
In my area, $2.25 a pound for lean ground steak is still a really good price, but it's up to you if you feel like that is worth your money or not.
Further Update: Now some people are reporting that the $25 gift card is only good for orders over $100. I'm sorry I can't actually come up with any way to make that frugal, unless you were already planning to spend that much, in which case maybe the gift card and free burgers will help you get a better deal than you would have gotten otherwise.
And EVEN FURTHER: Apparently if you actually call Omaha Steaks and place your order on the phone, they will give you the $25 off without the $50 or $100 restriction, but you won't get the free burgers that way. Still, you'd get the 8 burgers for $1.99, which is 2.5 pounds of meat for under $2, and still a good deal.
But I still haven't gotten my gift card number from GEICO!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Innuendo
Campaigns don't seem to deal too much in what we think of as true 'facts' -- usually, we seem to get a version or two to puzzle over.
Consider this article on smears made against Barack Obama -- according to this author, much of it is true:
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_smears_fact_check/2008/10/20/142379.html
And some of his research does seem to make sense. BUT -- this guy's got his own axe to grind. Take items #8 (whether Obama is a Muslim or not) and #10 (whether he's American-born or not).
*Does having a parent who has practiced the Muslim religion -- and going to services with him as a kid -- make you a Muslim, too? (My children would argue not.) Obama's current place to worship, part of the United Church of Christ denomination, is categorized as some sort of weird Black Power-type thing... hmmm. We've known a number of people who have been thoughtful and faithful Christians, with ties to that denomination. No way.
*Was Obama's birth certificate doctored to show him as born in Hawaii? (His paternal grandmother, according to the article, says he was born in Kenya--a US President has to be American-born.) Wouldn't a 'certificate of live birth' be good enough to disprove this? (I'm not sure why the certificate number would be obscured...why not show it?)
Ironically enough, McCain wasn't born in the United States -- making him technically ineligible -- but in Panama. However, his parents were stationed on the military base in Panama, thus making him eligible. Weird, huh...
I don't know what to think --completely. But I do know I am sick and tired of all the innuendo, nasty, hateful remarks and sly digs. Let's get this election over with.
Consider this article on smears made against Barack Obama -- according to this author, much of it is true:
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_smears_fact_check/2008/10/20/142379.html
And some of his research does seem to make sense. BUT -- this guy's got his own axe to grind. Take items #8 (whether Obama is a Muslim or not) and #10 (whether he's American-born or not).
*Does having a parent who has practiced the Muslim religion -- and going to services with him as a kid -- make you a Muslim, too? (My children would argue not.) Obama's current place to worship, part of the United Church of Christ denomination, is categorized as some sort of weird Black Power-type thing... hmmm. We've known a number of people who have been thoughtful and faithful Christians, with ties to that denomination. No way.
*Was Obama's birth certificate doctored to show him as born in Hawaii? (His paternal grandmother, according to the article, says he was born in Kenya--a US President has to be American-born.) Wouldn't a 'certificate of live birth' be good enough to disprove this? (I'm not sure why the certificate number would be obscured...why not show it?)
Ironically enough, McCain wasn't born in the United States -- making him technically ineligible -- but in Panama. However, his parents were stationed on the military base in Panama, thus making him eligible. Weird, huh...
I don't know what to think --completely. But I do know I am sick and tired of all the innuendo, nasty, hateful remarks and sly digs. Let's get this election over with.
Buffett's Take On Things
If you've been reading my posts lately, you know I have a great deal of respect for Warren Buffett. The guy is one of the original frugal investors -- careful not only how he spends other people's money, but how he uses his own.
Here's his latest statement:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/opinion/17buffett.html?_r=4&em&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
The man isn't known for saying much, if anything, publicly...so read and learn. I plan to.
Here's his latest statement:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/opinion/17buffett.html?_r=4&em&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
The man isn't known for saying much, if anything, publicly...so read and learn. I plan to.
Steakburgers Delivered...for 36 Cents A Pound?
What can I say...
my frugal buddy, Moneysavingmom, is talking about this...
http://catherinewheels78.blogspot.com/2008/10/get-ground-steak-delivered-for-36-cents.html
I've put in for it...and am waiting on the GEICO gift card number. Maybe you should too...fast!
my frugal buddy, Moneysavingmom, is talking about this...
http://catherinewheels78.blogspot.com/2008/10/get-ground-steak-delivered-for-36-cents.html
I've put in for it...and am waiting on the GEICO gift card number. Maybe you should too...fast!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fall...and the Holidays
About the only things falling around here are leaves and shingles (!!!). But even though I have weeks of prep work, appraising and teaching on my plate before Thanksgiving even shows on the radar....
well, it's nice to think about Christmas, too.
My favorite financial blogger, J.D. Roth at "Get Rich Slowly," has plenty to say on the subject:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/10/17/ask-the-readers-favorite-frugal-christmas-ideas/#comments
Here, too...
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/07/the-amazing-frugal-christmas-savings-spectacular/
As always, the reader comments are often the best of all.
I don't understand chucking Christmas altogether; the holiday of the Lord's birth has too many wonderful moments for that, in spite of all the commercialism. And there is nothing like reading in a chair, snuggled up next to the lit tree, holiday music all around you... going for a walk (or a carol) in the snow... seeing the faces of your family all around, shining in the candlelight... leaving out stockings... going to a concert.
But this year holds all sorts of uncertainties. Daughter #1 is looking for work; Daughter #2's job demands she stay as late as possible before Christmas. Husband has two weeks off, starting around Dec. 19 -- he works for the school district. (Sounds idyllic, right? Bear in mind that other than a few holidays, those days are unpaid.)
My own schedule is pretty open -- other than some last-minute orders, people don't need appraisals or quilt teachers during the holidays. The issue is:
my dad. And mom.
So we'll be heading to Michigan the day after Christmas to spend New Year's with them. It wouldn't matter if gas cost a million dollars a gallon; it looks strongly as if this will be Dad's last Christmas on earth. So we'll go, with Daughter #2. (And I keep hoping Daughter #1 will come, too.)
Hmmm...I just realized that when I think about Christmas for this year, I don't think about presents. It's the time spent together this season that counts. Cancer does that to you.
well, it's nice to think about Christmas, too.
My favorite financial blogger, J.D. Roth at "Get Rich Slowly," has plenty to say on the subject:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/10/17/ask-the-readers-favorite-frugal-christmas-ideas/#comments
Here, too...
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/07/the-amazing-frugal-christmas-savings-spectacular/
As always, the reader comments are often the best of all.
I don't understand chucking Christmas altogether; the holiday of the Lord's birth has too many wonderful moments for that, in spite of all the commercialism. And there is nothing like reading in a chair, snuggled up next to the lit tree, holiday music all around you... going for a walk (or a carol) in the snow... seeing the faces of your family all around, shining in the candlelight... leaving out stockings... going to a concert.
But this year holds all sorts of uncertainties. Daughter #1 is looking for work; Daughter #2's job demands she stay as late as possible before Christmas. Husband has two weeks off, starting around Dec. 19 -- he works for the school district. (Sounds idyllic, right? Bear in mind that other than a few holidays, those days are unpaid.)
My own schedule is pretty open -- other than some last-minute orders, people don't need appraisals or quilt teachers during the holidays. The issue is:
my dad. And mom.
So we'll be heading to Michigan the day after Christmas to spend New Year's with them. It wouldn't matter if gas cost a million dollars a gallon; it looks strongly as if this will be Dad's last Christmas on earth. So we'll go, with Daughter #2. (And I keep hoping Daughter #1 will come, too.)
Hmmm...I just realized that when I think about Christmas for this year, I don't think about presents. It's the time spent together this season that counts. Cancer does that to you.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Faking It
Enough people, including my own dad, have struggled with cancer that I feel a bit like throwing up when hearing of someone who pretended the whole thing:
http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/breast-cancer/awareness-month/faking-breast-cancer
Suzy Bass was a popular teacher who, according to her, just somehow faked breast cancer -- at three different schools! (Once exposed, she'd just move on to the next one...) No matter that she went to great lengths to look like a cancer patient, not only shaving her head and forcing herself to throw up, but giving herself 'radiation burns' with a towel. Although she did not take money from the various fundraisers held in her honor, she did accept gifts -- everything from an Ipod to casseroles.
Now the people who were duped by her are angry and outraged. Suzy's response?
"I'm sorry I can't undo what I did, and I'm sorry that sorry is such an insignificant word," she says. "The remorse in my heart and soul is huge." Bass acknowledges that there were other lies she'd told friends and colleagues. She once pretended she had a fiancé who died on 9/11, that she'd played basketball at Florida State University and that she'd starred in the North American tour of Mamma Mia! "What I did was wrong, and I'm willing to stand up and admit that," Bass says, "but it doesn't change that my intent was never to hurt anyone. Never. I'm not that kind of person."
Hmmm..."never to hurt anyone." So it means that not 'meaning' to counts somehow, even if you do hurt someone? (Sounds like a case for Judge Judy -- she sees a bunch of defendants who argue that their actions don't count 'because it was an accident.')
How about betraying someone? Using their goodwill and energy? Permanently affecting their views on other cancer patients and causes?
Yep, she's sick, all right. In the very worst way.
http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/breast-cancer/awareness-month/faking-breast-cancer
Suzy Bass was a popular teacher who, according to her, just somehow faked breast cancer -- at three different schools! (Once exposed, she'd just move on to the next one...) No matter that she went to great lengths to look like a cancer patient, not only shaving her head and forcing herself to throw up, but giving herself 'radiation burns' with a towel. Although she did not take money from the various fundraisers held in her honor, she did accept gifts -- everything from an Ipod to casseroles.
Now the people who were duped by her are angry and outraged. Suzy's response?
"I'm sorry I can't undo what I did, and I'm sorry that sorry is such an insignificant word," she says. "The remorse in my heart and soul is huge." Bass acknowledges that there were other lies she'd told friends and colleagues. She once pretended she had a fiancé who died on 9/11, that she'd played basketball at Florida State University and that she'd starred in the North American tour of Mamma Mia! "What I did was wrong, and I'm willing to stand up and admit that," Bass says, "but it doesn't change that my intent was never to hurt anyone. Never. I'm not that kind of person."
Hmmm..."never to hurt anyone." So it means that not 'meaning' to counts somehow, even if you do hurt someone? (Sounds like a case for Judge Judy -- she sees a bunch of defendants who argue that their actions don't count 'because it was an accident.')
How about betraying someone? Using their goodwill and energy? Permanently affecting their views on other cancer patients and causes?
Yep, she's sick, all right. In the very worst way.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Dollar Thoughts
My 401K is up...sort of. The stock market is bouncing around like a pogo stick right now. That elasticity keeps me from believing much of what I read, day to day.
Bripblap had some very interesting things to say about confidence...I think you'll find them helpful:
http://www.bripblap.com/2008/7-mistakes-not-to-make-in-a-crisis/
* * * * * *
LOOKING FOR HELP: Nancy Kirk and I are the process of writing an e-book on saving money. Have you got a great idea for this? Comment at the end of this post...and we'll be sure to credit you!
Bripblap had some very interesting things to say about confidence...I think you'll find them helpful:
http://www.bripblap.com/2008/7-mistakes-not-to-make-in-a-crisis/
* * * * * *
LOOKING FOR HELP: Nancy Kirk and I are the process of writing an e-book on saving money. Have you got a great idea for this? Comment at the end of this post...and we'll be sure to credit you!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A New Review for CRAZY QUILTS!
Take a look at the Quilt Channel blog:
http://www.quiltchannel.com/2008/10/crazy-quilts-history-techniques.html
Quotes from this review include:
Crazy Quilts contains many beautiful color photos of significant examples of the style from its heyday in the 1890s, but equally significant is the coverage of the legacy of the crazy style into the present day. Stunning quilts by Judith Baker Montano and Terrie Mangat, among others, are generously represented in large photos. My favorite is the double-truck of Mangat's “Cleveland Fireworks,” a dramatic expressionist work commissioned by the Cleveland University Hospital for display in their entrance foyer. It absolutely takes your breath away.
Part 2 of the book is the inevitable and indispensable section on how to make your own crazy quilt. It addresses piecing, stitching and embellishing the quilt, including three different construction methods, traditional hand-piecing, paper foundation piecing, and a Cindy Brick technique called “shadow crazy piecing,” billed as the fastest of the methods, using either hand or machine piecing. An appendix includes a large collection of elaborate embroidery motifs with lots of birds, flowers, and an Art Deco alphabet, among other designs.
This handsome volume belongs on the shelf of any quilter touched by this rich tradition. Which in all likelihood includes all of us.
Thanks, Rob. I'm honored.
You can still get CRAZY QUILTS from the Brickworks website at less than what you'd pay for it on Amazon -- free shipping included! Visit us at http://www.cindybrick.com to find out more...
http://www.quiltchannel.com/2008/10/crazy-quilts-history-techniques.html
Quotes from this review include:
Crazy Quilts contains many beautiful color photos of significant examples of the style from its heyday in the 1890s, but equally significant is the coverage of the legacy of the crazy style into the present day. Stunning quilts by Judith Baker Montano and Terrie Mangat, among others, are generously represented in large photos. My favorite is the double-truck of Mangat's “Cleveland Fireworks,” a dramatic expressionist work commissioned by the Cleveland University Hospital for display in their entrance foyer. It absolutely takes your breath away.
Part 2 of the book is the inevitable and indispensable section on how to make your own crazy quilt. It addresses piecing, stitching and embellishing the quilt, including three different construction methods, traditional hand-piecing, paper foundation piecing, and a Cindy Brick technique called “shadow crazy piecing,” billed as the fastest of the methods, using either hand or machine piecing. An appendix includes a large collection of elaborate embroidery motifs with lots of birds, flowers, and an Art Deco alphabet, among other designs.
This handsome volume belongs on the shelf of any quilter touched by this rich tradition. Which in all likelihood includes all of us.
Thanks, Rob. I'm honored.
You can still get CRAZY QUILTS from the Brickworks website at less than what you'd pay for it on Amazon -- free shipping included! Visit us at http://www.cindybrick.com to find out more...
Friday, October 10, 2008
Life...Parts...and Sheep Squirts
See if you can read Dadcentric's post today without laughing:
http://www.dadcentric.com/2008/10/sacked.html
Maybe he's right...or maybe Thing 2 (you'll see!) is positioning himself just right on the Poop Scoop of Life!
Especially after this conversation:
http://blogonkevin.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-son-budding-racist_11.html
http://www.dadcentric.com/2008/10/sacked.html
Maybe he's right...or maybe Thing 2 (you'll see!) is positioning himself just right on the Poop Scoop of Life!
Especially after this conversation:
http://blogonkevin.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-son-budding-racist_11.html
Drooling About Food...
...I must be hungry.
If you haven't visited Almost Frugal's blog (or its companion food blog), you're in for a treat. She's an American living and going to school in France with her French husband and family. I lived in Austria and Germany for a summer, and whenever I get homesick for a Continental take on things, I visit AF. She has some very la francais points of view, in spite of her USA origins.
Her latest includes a contest to win five French foods, including a bottle of chartreuse liqueur. (For medicinal purposes, she says.) All you have to do to enter is add a comment on her post...or register for her 'Friday is for Food' section.
Here's the giveaway post:
http://almostfrugal.com/food/2008/10/09/french-food-giveaway/
And AF's regular blog is at:
http://www.almostfrugal.com
Vive l'Almost Frugal!
* * * * * * * * * *
Stock Market Musings: I must be crazy ,too-- I actually looked today. Pretty much everything is down, some of it within gasping distance of the big $0. Sigh... but I am going bargain hunting, once a check gets deposited in the account. Mostly for blue chips: COKE and GE are still looking good. Maybe the eventual gains (I hope) will make up for this scariness.
Have a great weekend! We'll be spending ours (as usual) up on the roof...but at least tonight, we're going for an elegant dinner (pronounced "dinnah") at the Broker:
http://www.thebrokerrestaurant.com/
They're in a former bank building -- and we'll be dining in the Vault. Very cool, as you pass through a huge round lockbox-type opening. Very romantic, too. They have what's termed as a 'never-ending' shrimp bowl, and their entrees are very meat-and-potatoes style. Dave's favorite, by far...he'll put up with some fussy stuff, but give him a steak and a loaded baked potato, and he's in heaven. I'll snag the kale garnish off the plates -- chopped fine and simmered in chicken broth with onions, potatoes and bratwurst, it will make an outstanding soup for tomorrow night.
Now if you'll excuse me, a cup of hot coffee and Judge Judy are waiting...it's chilly out here.
If you haven't visited Almost Frugal's blog (or its companion food blog), you're in for a treat. She's an American living and going to school in France with her French husband and family. I lived in Austria and Germany for a summer, and whenever I get homesick for a Continental take on things, I visit AF. She has some very la francais points of view, in spite of her USA origins.
Her latest includes a contest to win five French foods, including a bottle of chartreuse liqueur. (For medicinal purposes, she says.) All you have to do to enter is add a comment on her post...or register for her 'Friday is for Food' section.
Here's the giveaway post:
http://almostfrugal.com/food/2008/10/09/french-food-giveaway/
And AF's regular blog is at:
http://www.almostfrugal.com
Vive l'Almost Frugal!
* * * * * * * * * *
Stock Market Musings: I must be crazy ,too-- I actually looked today. Pretty much everything is down, some of it within gasping distance of the big $0. Sigh... but I am going bargain hunting, once a check gets deposited in the account. Mostly for blue chips: COKE and GE are still looking good. Maybe the eventual gains (I hope) will make up for this scariness.
Have a great weekend! We'll be spending ours (as usual) up on the roof...but at least tonight, we're going for an elegant dinner (pronounced "dinnah") at the Broker:
http://www.thebrokerrestaurant.com/
They're in a former bank building -- and we'll be dining in the Vault. Very cool, as you pass through a huge round lockbox-type opening. Very romantic, too. They have what's termed as a 'never-ending' shrimp bowl, and their entrees are very meat-and-potatoes style. Dave's favorite, by far...he'll put up with some fussy stuff, but give him a steak and a loaded baked potato, and he's in heaven. I'll snag the kale garnish off the plates -- chopped fine and simmered in chicken broth with onions, potatoes and bratwurst, it will make an outstanding soup for tomorrow night.
Now if you'll excuse me, a cup of hot coffee and Judge Judy are waiting...it's chilly out here.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
And THIS Is What We're Paying For...
AIG got itself bailed out of trouble, thanks to Uncle Sam and his Very Large family of taxpayers. (In other words, US.)
So how does this large insurance company thank us?
Flowers, right?
Champagne?
Uh...a personalized pen?
Try a $440,000 vacation for AIG executives, complete with banquets, massages, room service and all the perks a lavish resort can provide:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/aig-executives-blow--getting-bailout/
And what's AIG's explanation? According to Fox:
"AIG issued a statement saying that 'This type of gathering is standard practice in the industry and was planned a year advance of the Federal Reserve's loan to AIG. We recognize, however, that even activities that have long been considered standard practice may be perceived negatively. As a result, we are reevaluating various aspects of our operations in light of the new times in which we operate.'
"According to the statement, the event was held by one of AIG’s insurance subsidiaries, not AIG employees. The attendees were independent life insurance agents who were "top business producers" for AIG. Only about 10% of the attendees were AIG American General employees, and no corporate executives from AIG headquarters attended the meeting, according to the statement. "
Hmmm..."reevaluating." Only 10% of those attending were 'real' AIG employees; the others were just agents who make their living selling AIG's policies. Gee, that makes me feel so much better. What a sordid mess.
Congress, are you listening?
So how does this large insurance company thank us?
Flowers, right?
Champagne?
Uh...a personalized pen?
Try a $440,000 vacation for AIG executives, complete with banquets, massages, room service and all the perks a lavish resort can provide:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/aig-executives-blow--getting-bailout/
And what's AIG's explanation? According to Fox:
"AIG issued a statement saying that 'This type of gathering is standard practice in the industry and was planned a year advance of the Federal Reserve's loan to AIG. We recognize, however, that even activities that have long been considered standard practice may be perceived negatively. As a result, we are reevaluating various aspects of our operations in light of the new times in which we operate.'
"According to the statement, the event was held by one of AIG’s insurance subsidiaries, not AIG employees. The attendees were independent life insurance agents who were "top business producers" for AIG. Only about 10% of the attendees were AIG American General employees, and no corporate executives from AIG headquarters attended the meeting, according to the statement. "
Hmmm..."reevaluating." Only 10% of those attending were 'real' AIG employees; the others were just agents who make their living selling AIG's policies. Gee, that makes me feel so much better. What a sordid mess.
Congress, are you listening?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Interview with a Tightwadder
Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced "decision") opened a lot of eyes when she first published the Tightwad Gazette newsletter, a compendium of things cheap and frugal. Fortunately for those of us who didn't subscribe, Amy also combined her newsletters into several books, also called the Tightwad Gazette. (Look for the combined version on Ebay or Amazon; it's the best buy. Amazon's choices are here:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Tightwad-Gazette-Amy-Dacyczyn/dp/0375752250/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223405536&sr=8-1 )
Some of her tips are overkill in frugality, but the vast majority are simply brilliant. And here's an interview with the author herself:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/14/an-interview-with-amy-dacyczyn-the-author-of-the-tightwad-gazette/
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Tightwad-Gazette-Amy-Dacyczyn/dp/0375752250/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223405536&sr=8-1 )
Some of her tips are overkill in frugality, but the vast majority are simply brilliant. And here's an interview with the author herself:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/14/an-interview-with-amy-dacyczyn-the-author-of-the-tightwad-gazette/
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monday Busy-ness
There's a chill in the air...and a few pathetic rosebushes are gasping around the shingles and wood bits piled on them. (Poor guys) Some daisies and a zinnia or two are still hanging in there on the edges -- but thanks to the Great Shingle TearOff, my flower beds are toast.
Sigh.
We started putting up tarpaper on the house today...just in time. More tp tomorrow night, then it's on to new shingles.
* * * * * * * * * *
I had an interesting thing happen during the Phoenix trip -- a brand-new toothpaste tube blew up in the suitcase! Goo squirted all over my clothes (thankfully not the antique stuff) and a few books. What a mess. I spent the trip scrubbing the 'minty freshness' off my shirts, and hoping for the best.
Then on the final zip on suitcase #2 before the trip to the airport -- the zipper broke. Permanently. (Thanks Patty, for trying to fix it, anyways.) Ever heard of "the handyman's secret weapon?" Duct tape saved my life, and got the suitcase to Denver without spitting everything out.
At least part of it was minty fresh.
Sigh.
We started putting up tarpaper on the house today...just in time. More tp tomorrow night, then it's on to new shingles.
* * * * * * * * * *
I had an interesting thing happen during the Phoenix trip -- a brand-new toothpaste tube blew up in the suitcase! Goo squirted all over my clothes (thankfully not the antique stuff) and a few books. What a mess. I spent the trip scrubbing the 'minty freshness' off my shirts, and hoping for the best.
Then on the final zip on suitcase #2 before the trip to the airport -- the zipper broke. Permanently. (Thanks Patty, for trying to fix it, anyways.) Ever heard of "the handyman's secret weapon?" Duct tape saved my life, and got the suitcase to Denver without spitting everything out.
At least part of it was minty fresh.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Home to Colorado
Just flew back from Phoenix...and boy, are my arms tired.
Ba Dum Bum
Seriously, I AM tired...I love teaching, I really do. But it takes a chunk out of your stamina, especially the dating/restoration classes. They require being able to spout off a bunch of terms and dates at the drop of a hat. Take it from me -- if you haven't spent the past six weeks crouched on a roof somewhere, it probably would be easier to do it.
I can say, though, that the PAQA (Phoenix Area Quilters Association) guild is wonderful. They were enormously kind and very enthusiastic. (Hi guys -- and thank you so much! I'm missing you already.)
Tomorrow morning puts me back into gear...and gets us back to shipping, as well. A bunch of orders await.
* * * * * *
Just found this wonderful blog -- great if you enjoy a blow-by-blow account on whatever he's cooking. (I found myself occasionally shouting at the screen, 'GET ON WITH IT...' but hey, that's me.) He has some terrific ideas.
http://www.thepauperedchef.com/
And -- two tickets to the theater, just for asking? For a good many parts of the country, that's true!
http://www.freenightoftheater.net/shows/index.cfm
Not Denver or Castle Rock, darn it...but hopefully you can take advantage of this.
Dave is snoring -- time for bed. Tomorrow, another day.
Ba Dum Bum
Seriously, I AM tired...I love teaching, I really do. But it takes a chunk out of your stamina, especially the dating/restoration classes. They require being able to spout off a bunch of terms and dates at the drop of a hat. Take it from me -- if you haven't spent the past six weeks crouched on a roof somewhere, it probably would be easier to do it.
I can say, though, that the PAQA (Phoenix Area Quilters Association) guild is wonderful. They were enormously kind and very enthusiastic. (Hi guys -- and thank you so much! I'm missing you already.)
Tomorrow morning puts me back into gear...and gets us back to shipping, as well. A bunch of orders await.
* * * * * *
Just found this wonderful blog -- great if you enjoy a blow-by-blow account on whatever he's cooking. (I found myself occasionally shouting at the screen, 'GET ON WITH IT...' but hey, that's me.) He has some terrific ideas.
http://www.thepauperedchef.com/
And -- two tickets to the theater, just for asking? For a good many parts of the country, that's true!
http://www.freenightoftheater.net/shows/index.cfm
Not Denver or Castle Rock, darn it...but hopefully you can take advantage of this.
Dave is snoring -- time for bed. Tomorrow, another day.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sitting Tight
My 401K lost nearly $350 today...after losing about $350 the day before yesterday...and not doing too well before that. Ever since the panic began, I've lost about 30-40% of January's value in my 401K.
My personal prizewinner is Wendy's (WEN), a usually consistent earner that got snapped up by the Arby's corporation...and went from the $20s to $5 or less. (sigh) It's not worth selling now...hopefully it will start to work its way back up.
And actually, 2/3 of my stocks are holding their own...Pulte Homes (PHM), for example. Or General Electric (GE). But the weiners like Wendy's are making everything else look bad.
Should I panic, and sell everything now, reasoning it's Only Going to Get Worse?
I think not.
Here's a similar take on the subject:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/02/the-only-thing-we-have-to-fear-is-fear-itself/
Simple Dollar lists several things that are different now, compared to the Depression...one of them being our much healthier unemployment rate. I also noticed that the US dollar has actually been strengthening against foreign currency. How could that be a bad thing?!?
The last time I panicked and sold really fast, I also really regretted it. This time, I'm actually going to buy more stock, while it's 'cheap.' Warren Buffett just got a boatload of GE stock...I want to buy more of that. Maybe another blue-chip type stock like Coke, too.
But I'm not going to buy something without researching it. And I am NOT going to panic. It never helps. Ever. I am grateful, though, that I'm not depending on these funds right now...
* * * * * * * * *
In Phoenix this afternoon, where the temps stand at a healthy 90-plus degrees! I got to my hostess' house and asked her if she went out of her way to make me feel welcome...
two guys were re-roofing the house across the street.
(She just laughed.)
My personal prizewinner is Wendy's (WEN), a usually consistent earner that got snapped up by the Arby's corporation...and went from the $20s to $5 or less. (sigh) It's not worth selling now...hopefully it will start to work its way back up.
And actually, 2/3 of my stocks are holding their own...Pulte Homes (PHM), for example. Or General Electric (GE). But the weiners like Wendy's are making everything else look bad.
Should I panic, and sell everything now, reasoning it's Only Going to Get Worse?
I think not.
Here's a similar take on the subject:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/02/the-only-thing-we-have-to-fear-is-fear-itself/
Simple Dollar lists several things that are different now, compared to the Depression...one of them being our much healthier unemployment rate. I also noticed that the US dollar has actually been strengthening against foreign currency. How could that be a bad thing?!?
The last time I panicked and sold really fast, I also really regretted it. This time, I'm actually going to buy more stock, while it's 'cheap.' Warren Buffett just got a boatload of GE stock...I want to buy more of that. Maybe another blue-chip type stock like Coke, too.
But I'm not going to buy something without researching it. And I am NOT going to panic. It never helps. Ever. I am grateful, though, that I'm not depending on these funds right now...
* * * * * * * * *
In Phoenix this afternoon, where the temps stand at a healthy 90-plus degrees! I got to my hostess' house and asked her if she went out of her way to make me feel welcome...
two guys were re-roofing the house across the street.
(She just laughed.)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Refreshment
Enroute to checking one last time for e-mail, I came across this Chris Tomlin video:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9c95a062b84eb57b9605
This song is very, very basic...but it covers it all.
Praise Him.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9c95a062b84eb57b9605
This song is very, very basic...but it covers it all.
Praise Him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
More Bailout Thoughts
Well, the House rejected the government's current bailout plan...
but is that a bad thing?
I'm sure a number of prominent CEOS are crying into their gold-lined champagne glasses...
and I'm equally certain that Husband's right -- if it weren't an election year, and House members would have to explain to suffering constituents why they were rescuing corporations...and not them --
well, the bailout might have passed at the speed of light.
Gather Little by Little has their own take on the subject:
http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/09/30/government-bail-out-fails-thats-a-good-thing/
What's yours?
but is that a bad thing?
I'm sure a number of prominent CEOS are crying into their gold-lined champagne glasses...
and I'm equally certain that Husband's right -- if it weren't an election year, and House members would have to explain to suffering constituents why they were rescuing corporations...and not them --
well, the bailout might have passed at the speed of light.
Gather Little by Little has their own take on the subject:
http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/09/30/government-bail-out-fails-thats-a-good-thing/
What's yours?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Cocooning
This rush of cooler air is making me think more about Home Cooking. But I still have zip extra time, what with the roofing, the house-y stuff and getting ready for the Phoenix gig this weekend.
So how can I indulge this urge?
Well, one possibility is cooking something easy. How do Mama's Spaghetti, Salmon Cakes or Oatmeal Apple Crisp and other goodies sound to you?
http://www.recipe4living.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=63368
Here's another thought...a good soup that takes only a few minutes to make:
'HOMEMADE' FALL SOUP
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can milk (whole milk makes it creamier, but 2% or skim is fine)
1/2 - 1 cup vegetables of some kind, chopped
1/2-1 cup chopped meat (two kinds, mixed together is best -- try sausage and ham, chicken and ham, hamburger and pork roast)
1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika
fresh-ground pepper
That's it! Mix together and heat slowly for 5-10 min. Serve hot, wih a light sprinkle of pepper. Makes two large bowlfuls. (Double as needed for your family)
Last night's version used a leftover sausage patty from Saturday's breakfast, a handful of chopped ham from Sunday dinner, plus chopped red pepper and kale (the latter, leftover from a restaurant meal).
If you keep a container in the fridge, and take a minute after each meal to stash bits and pieces of meat and veggies, you can literally make this soup in one or two minutes.
I know. This sounds TOO easy. Trust me. This soup will taste like you've been working on it for ages. It uses up leftovers. It goes well with cheese sandwiches, PB&Js ...or in our case, a leftover burger from Red Robin.
Try it.
A recipe for oatmeal bars is calling my name...and I've got other work to do. See ya later.
So how can I indulge this urge?
Well, one possibility is cooking something easy. How do Mama's Spaghetti, Salmon Cakes or Oatmeal Apple Crisp and other goodies sound to you?
http://www.recipe4living.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=63368
Here's another thought...a good soup that takes only a few minutes to make:
'HOMEMADE' FALL SOUP
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can milk (whole milk makes it creamier, but 2% or skim is fine)
1/2 - 1 cup vegetables of some kind, chopped
1/2-1 cup chopped meat (two kinds, mixed together is best -- try sausage and ham, chicken and ham, hamburger and pork roast)
1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika
fresh-ground pepper
That's it! Mix together and heat slowly for 5-10 min. Serve hot, wih a light sprinkle of pepper. Makes two large bowlfuls. (Double as needed for your family)
Last night's version used a leftover sausage patty from Saturday's breakfast, a handful of chopped ham from Sunday dinner, plus chopped red pepper and kale (the latter, leftover from a restaurant meal).
If you keep a container in the fridge, and take a minute after each meal to stash bits and pieces of meat and veggies, you can literally make this soup in one or two minutes.
I know. This sounds TOO easy. Trust me. This soup will taste like you've been working on it for ages. It uses up leftovers. It goes well with cheese sandwiches, PB&Js ...or in our case, a leftover burger from Red Robin.
Try it.
A recipe for oatmeal bars is calling my name...and I've got other work to do. See ya later.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Is This Bailout Really Being Handled Right?
...my beady little mind immediately starts wondering whether Congress can actually keep the average person's interests in mind, rather than their corporate big-bucks contributors.
Do I sound cynical? Well, I feel that way.
Dave, normally much more suspicious than I am, is surprisingly upbeat. After all, he points out, there's one critical part of this equation right now:
It's an election year!
If those up for re-election want to keep their jobs, they cannot just ignore Joe Q. Public that easily. So perhaps they will consider what the average taxpayer thinks.
Then again, maybe not.
Sweden had similar troubles in the early 1990s (which I did not realize back then, being more occupied with kids' backpacks and spelling bees). They handled the situation quite differently -- and the country actually came out of it in better shape.
Read here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/business/worldbusiness/23krona.html?em
I'm hoping Congressmen read the New York Times, too. Who knows -- perhaps we do have a chance.
Do I sound cynical? Well, I feel that way.
Dave, normally much more suspicious than I am, is surprisingly upbeat. After all, he points out, there's one critical part of this equation right now:
It's an election year!
If those up for re-election want to keep their jobs, they cannot just ignore Joe Q. Public that easily. So perhaps they will consider what the average taxpayer thinks.
Then again, maybe not.
Sweden had similar troubles in the early 1990s (which I did not realize back then, being more occupied with kids' backpacks and spelling bees). They handled the situation quite differently -- and the country actually came out of it in better shape.
Read here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/business/worldbusiness/23krona.html?em
I'm hoping Congressmen read the New York Times, too. Who knows -- perhaps we do have a chance.
Friday, September 26, 2008
How Do I Know Fall's On Its Way?
*Trees down in the Flatlands are changing now. (The mountains got started weeks ago.)
*Hummingbirds are gone...two weeks later than usual. (They normally take off right around Labor Day.)
*Air, even when the sun in shining, has a bit of a chilly nip.
*Suddenly I have an interest in cooking -- mostly soups and stews. Is this the "nest-maker" kicking in?
*Snuggle afghans and pillows are back out and in use. Ditto the fireplace.
*Roof is progressing! We're going to push ourselves this weekend...Daughters #1 and #2, as well as Daughter #2's boyfriend, are set to help out this weekend, too. Then next week, we're hiring someone to come finish off...whew.
What do you look for as signs that fall is near -- or here?
*Hummingbirds are gone...two weeks later than usual. (They normally take off right around Labor Day.)
*Air, even when the sun in shining, has a bit of a chilly nip.
*Suddenly I have an interest in cooking -- mostly soups and stews. Is this the "nest-maker" kicking in?
*Snuggle afghans and pillows are back out and in use. Ditto the fireplace.
*Roof is progressing! We're going to push ourselves this weekend...Daughters #1 and #2, as well as Daughter #2's boyfriend, are set to help out this weekend, too. Then next week, we're hiring someone to come finish off...whew.
What do you look for as signs that fall is near -- or here?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Need A Quick Loss of Appetite? Read This...
still wandering about in food-dom, and found this...
A photo of a twelve-year-old McDonald's hamburger.
Next to a fresh one.
And they don't look too different from each other:
http://aht.seriouseats.com/?ref=sefooter
Eergh. Maybe I'll go eat a tomato, instead.
A photo of a twelve-year-old McDonald's hamburger.
Next to a fresh one.
And they don't look too different from each other:
http://aht.seriouseats.com/?ref=sefooter
Eergh. Maybe I'll go eat a tomato, instead.
Yum
I must be hungry...
My favorite (new) blogs found today are all about cooking.
This one has some of the most delectable-looking photos ever...a real celebration of produce:
http://www.teaandcookies.blogspot.com/
But she's also a graceful, meaningful writer. You'll want to visit her.
And this one is just making me drool for Japanese food!
http://www.eatenintranslation.blogspot.com/
(I rushed over and got out a package of sushi nori to munch on while reading posts -- plus a cup of tea.)
Unfortunately, she stopped posting, once she came home to Australia after teaching in Japan for some years. I wish she'd go back...or at least tell us what she's noshing on now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The folks got back to Michigan in one piece. Dad insisted on driving much of the way, and paid for it by sleeping in his favorite chair last night, instead of bed. My mom's dizziness has subsided. And now I do not need to explain to my brother that I killed one parent (or the other) by having them come visit us in Colorado. (A definite fear)
Whew.
We continue on the roof -- but a ray of light is showing. First, both girlies, plus a boyfriend, will be here tomorrow and Saturday to help. And DH has found a guy who'd be willing to finish the roof for us. I told Dave we MUST have done a good amount of the work already, because Mr. Roofer's quote is actually quite reasonable!
My 'roofpan hands' may soon be a thing of the past. One more weekend to go.
My favorite (new) blogs found today are all about cooking.
This one has some of the most delectable-looking photos ever...a real celebration of produce:
http://www.teaandcookies.blogspot.com/
But she's also a graceful, meaningful writer. You'll want to visit her.
And this one is just making me drool for Japanese food!
http://www.eatenintranslation.blogspot.com/
(I rushed over and got out a package of sushi nori to munch on while reading posts -- plus a cup of tea.)
Unfortunately, she stopped posting, once she came home to Australia after teaching in Japan for some years. I wish she'd go back...or at least tell us what she's noshing on now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The folks got back to Michigan in one piece. Dad insisted on driving much of the way, and paid for it by sleeping in his favorite chair last night, instead of bed. My mom's dizziness has subsided. And now I do not need to explain to my brother that I killed one parent (or the other) by having them come visit us in Colorado. (A definite fear)
Whew.
We continue on the roof -- but a ray of light is showing. First, both girlies, plus a boyfriend, will be here tomorrow and Saturday to help. And DH has found a guy who'd be willing to finish the roof for us. I told Dave we MUST have done a good amount of the work already, because Mr. Roofer's quote is actually quite reasonable!
My 'roofpan hands' may soon be a thing of the past. One more weekend to go.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
We've Got A Winner! And...the Kidnap
Congratulations, LouAnne Sassone! You've won the birthday pack drawing. Take a look at LouAnne's blog. I enjoy her approach to crazy quilting, stitching -- and life:
http://gettingtocrazy.blogspot.com/
(Happy blog anniversary to you, LouAnne!)
We'll be offering more freebies in the future -- stay tuned.
* * * * * * * * * * **** *** ** ****** * **** ****
Last Friday. Dad was propped up in the chair, snoozing. Mom was cutting fabric and chatting away. I was on the computer, booking tickets for Phoenix. (I'm headed there next week to do a gig for the Phoenix, AZ guild.)
The doorbell rang, the dogs arfing away. It was two dear friends, Chris and Jo. "Grab your bag, pack it for 24 hours, and come with us," they said. I looked at Mom, who was laughing. Dave, who had just gotten home, was laughing. Chris and Jo were smirking. What was going on?
Well, it was a full-scale kidnapping, birthday-style. They refused to tell me each development until we were right there -- but we had coffee out on the patio at the 16 Street Mall to start. (A great place for watching strange people, horse-drawn carriages, buskers...) Then to the hotel -- with another good friend, Lizzy, peering from behind the door! Then on the Broker and a wonderful meal. And refreshing, renewing talk...until our eyes drifted shut at 3 a.m.
The next day, we ate a leisurely breakfast, then I got a facial! (Wonderful, but a little unnerving when you're laying there in your bra, being observed -- and commented on -- by three bemused friends.) Finally, it was on to see "Les Miserables," a stomping, shouting musical based (sort of) on Victor Hugo's novel. And finally, we had birthday cake in the park, then supper before heading home. Dazed, content and somehow refreshed.
It was one of the nicest weekends ever.
I am so grateful to have these loving friends.
It was a wonderful memory to keep me going -- because my actual birthday was difficult. Dad wasn't doing well. Mom had dizzy episodes, which turned out to altitude sickness. (24 years of visiting us here at 6250 altitude, and she gets it this year?!?) That made Dad want to leave NOW. And he sure didn't want to go into Denver for a birthday supper, even if it did save the girls (coming from Boulder via bus and lightrail) an hour of travel.
Fine. Ok. We'd wait until the girls got into town, and go somewhere local. Only that took more time...with the folks not seeming to understand that we couldn't go out to supper RIGHT NOW because the girlies weren't there yet. So they ended up peeved -- the girlies had to eat quickly, then turn right around and leave for home again -- and the relaxed birthday supper turned into a gobble-and-rush affair. (Oh yes -- and Dad refused to come.)
Sigh.
The folks left for Michigan yesterday morning, more than happy to leave. I heard from them this afternoon -- they were almost to Chicago, three hours drive from their place. Mom's dizziness had subsided. Dad was driving. And I really, really hope this is not the last time I ever see him.
http://gettingtocrazy.blogspot.com/
(Happy blog anniversary to you, LouAnne!)
We'll be offering more freebies in the future -- stay tuned.
* * * * * * * * * * **** *** ** ****** * **** ****
Last Friday. Dad was propped up in the chair, snoozing. Mom was cutting fabric and chatting away. I was on the computer, booking tickets for Phoenix. (I'm headed there next week to do a gig for the Phoenix, AZ guild.)
The doorbell rang, the dogs arfing away. It was two dear friends, Chris and Jo. "Grab your bag, pack it for 24 hours, and come with us," they said. I looked at Mom, who was laughing. Dave, who had just gotten home, was laughing. Chris and Jo were smirking. What was going on?
Well, it was a full-scale kidnapping, birthday-style. They refused to tell me each development until we were right there -- but we had coffee out on the patio at the 16 Street Mall to start. (A great place for watching strange people, horse-drawn carriages, buskers...) Then to the hotel -- with another good friend, Lizzy, peering from behind the door! Then on the Broker and a wonderful meal. And refreshing, renewing talk...until our eyes drifted shut at 3 a.m.
The next day, we ate a leisurely breakfast, then I got a facial! (Wonderful, but a little unnerving when you're laying there in your bra, being observed -- and commented on -- by three bemused friends.) Finally, it was on to see "Les Miserables," a stomping, shouting musical based (sort of) on Victor Hugo's novel. And finally, we had birthday cake in the park, then supper before heading home. Dazed, content and somehow refreshed.
It was one of the nicest weekends ever.
I am so grateful to have these loving friends.
It was a wonderful memory to keep me going -- because my actual birthday was difficult. Dad wasn't doing well. Mom had dizzy episodes, which turned out to altitude sickness. (24 years of visiting us here at 6250 altitude, and she gets it this year?!?) That made Dad want to leave NOW. And he sure didn't want to go into Denver for a birthday supper, even if it did save the girls (coming from Boulder via bus and lightrail) an hour of travel.
Fine. Ok. We'd wait until the girls got into town, and go somewhere local. Only that took more time...with the folks not seeming to understand that we couldn't go out to supper RIGHT NOW because the girlies weren't there yet. So they ended up peeved -- the girlies had to eat quickly, then turn right around and leave for home again -- and the relaxed birthday supper turned into a gobble-and-rush affair. (Oh yes -- and Dad refused to come.)
Sigh.
The folks left for Michigan yesterday morning, more than happy to leave. I heard from them this afternoon -- they were almost to Chicago, three hours drive from their place. Mom's dizziness had subsided. Dad was driving. And I really, really hope this is not the last time I ever see him.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
An Insider Look at Publishing
If you're a writer...if you're considering writing a book(s)...this gives a closer look at things like royalties, advances -- and when they DON'T pay off for the publisher. (I only wish that writing and publishing quilting books paid as well.)
http://nymag.com/news/media/50279/
http://nymag.com/news/media/50279/
Postedy Post
BLACK BEAN BROWNIES?!?
Well, according to Cheap Healthy Good, they taste terrific. They're certainly easy:
http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2008/09/bride-of-frankenfood-black-bean.html
And Frugal Dad has an interesting list of all the ways he wasted money, time and effort -- maybe you goofed up this way, too.
http://frugaldad.com/2008/09/23/seven-ways-to-ruin-your-financial-future/
Well, according to Cheap Healthy Good, they taste terrific. They're certainly easy:
http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2008/09/bride-of-frankenfood-black-bean.html
And Frugal Dad has an interesting list of all the ways he wasted money, time and effort -- maybe you goofed up this way, too.
http://frugaldad.com/2008/09/23/seven-ways-to-ruin-your-financial-future/
Monday, September 22, 2008
50 YEARS
It's finally happened...
the birthday.
Do I feel different?
Nahhh.
But over the weekend, I was kidnapped and forced to enjoy the celebration. More on this in a bit...
sorry for the weekend's blank spaces, but when you're a hostage, not much gets done.
See you tomorrow!
the birthday.
Do I feel different?
Nahhh.
But over the weekend, I was kidnapped and forced to enjoy the celebration. More on this in a bit...
sorry for the weekend's blank spaces, but when you're a hostage, not much gets done.
See you tomorrow!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Lost and Found
A lot of things are in this category nowadays...including my stocks. (Except it's generally the opposite for them, poor babies.)
Like a wooden Viking shield -- the first one ever found in Denmark:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080919/EU.Denmark.Viking.Shield/
And a mystery ship uncovered on the Alabama coast by Hurricane Ike:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080919/Ike.Mystery.Ship/
And a handwritten Mozart score, rediscovered since the early 1800s:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/sep/19/classicalmusicandopera.france
Dad and I had a long talk this morning -- something I would have missed, had I gone to the funeral in Missouri. I was able to tell him how I felt about him. Not that he didn't already know, but it was good to make sure he knew. This is a guy who adopted me when I was two. He didn't have to when he married my mom -- but he insisted on it. And he has never treated me any differently than my little brother, who has a full blood claim on him.
I love my dad. And I'm a lucky woman -- he loves me, too.
Like a wooden Viking shield -- the first one ever found in Denmark:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080919/EU.Denmark.Viking.Shield/
And a mystery ship uncovered on the Alabama coast by Hurricane Ike:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080919/Ike.Mystery.Ship/
And a handwritten Mozart score, rediscovered since the early 1800s:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/sep/19/classicalmusicandopera.france
Dad and I had a long talk this morning -- something I would have missed, had I gone to the funeral in Missouri. I was able to tell him how I felt about him. Not that he didn't already know, but it was good to make sure he knew. This is a guy who adopted me when I was two. He didn't have to when he married my mom -- but he insisted on it. And he has never treated me any differently than my little brother, who has a full blood claim on him.
I love my dad. And I'm a lucky woman -- he loves me, too.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Decision Made
THANK YOU THANK YOU for your kind words about my dilemma. This has been a rough week.
As I mentioned earlier, Husband's Uncle Bill died Monday morning...funeral is tomorrow in Missouri north of Kansas city. Some ten hours drive away. Plane tickets just weren't feasible.
Should we go? Bill was very dear to both of us for many years, though in recent times we were not as close. Neither of Dave's brothers could make the trip. His aunts were elderly...who knew how much longer they would last. (Bill was 91.)
Complicating things --
*The roof(s). We must get these done before the snow flies.
*My parents, still here, visiting from Michigan. My dad's health is uncertain enough that leaving him and Mom here -- no real knowledge of where to go for medical care -- is really frightening.
*Our finances, which have been soaked up by the roofing costs (less of an issue -- I am learning more and more that this isn't the most essential thing to consider at a time like this. People are more important than money -- always.)
At first, we, along with Daughter #1, were going to leave tonight, drive most of the night, then leave to come back after the funeral. Twenty hours drive in two days.
Then Dave came home, unsure. He was so busy at work that he literally could not find the people to ask for the time off. Was God telling him this wasn't the right decision? Dave looked exhausted, telling me this. (He's been busting himself even more with the roofing than I have.)
Daughter #1 was hesitating. (Both she and D#2 have the flu. Bigtime.) Still willing to go...but hesitating.
I felt more and more unsure about leaving the folks. (Nearly all of your comments suggested I stay home with the folks, and let Dave go on his own. I love Husband and feel terrible sending him off to bear a burden by himself. I didn't want to do this.) But...my going meant other issues.
After a long talk, we decided -- we'll all stay home.
I made several phone calls, to Bill's daughter, our aunts. I'll send cards and a donation to the family's choice, the hospice that took care of Bill.
It wasn't the easiest decision, but my mind is at peace about it.
Thanks for helping me -- us -- make it.
As I mentioned earlier, Husband's Uncle Bill died Monday morning...funeral is tomorrow in Missouri north of Kansas city. Some ten hours drive away. Plane tickets just weren't feasible.
Should we go? Bill was very dear to both of us for many years, though in recent times we were not as close. Neither of Dave's brothers could make the trip. His aunts were elderly...who knew how much longer they would last. (Bill was 91.)
Complicating things --
*The roof(s). We must get these done before the snow flies.
*My parents, still here, visiting from Michigan. My dad's health is uncertain enough that leaving him and Mom here -- no real knowledge of where to go for medical care -- is really frightening.
*Our finances, which have been soaked up by the roofing costs (less of an issue -- I am learning more and more that this isn't the most essential thing to consider at a time like this. People are more important than money -- always.)
At first, we, along with Daughter #1, were going to leave tonight, drive most of the night, then leave to come back after the funeral. Twenty hours drive in two days.
Then Dave came home, unsure. He was so busy at work that he literally could not find the people to ask for the time off. Was God telling him this wasn't the right decision? Dave looked exhausted, telling me this. (He's been busting himself even more with the roofing than I have.)
Daughter #1 was hesitating. (Both she and D#2 have the flu. Bigtime.) Still willing to go...but hesitating.
I felt more and more unsure about leaving the folks. (Nearly all of your comments suggested I stay home with the folks, and let Dave go on his own. I love Husband and feel terrible sending him off to bear a burden by himself. I didn't want to do this.) But...my going meant other issues.
After a long talk, we decided -- we'll all stay home.
I made several phone calls, to Bill's daughter, our aunts. I'll send cards and a donation to the family's choice, the hospice that took care of Bill.
It wasn't the easiest decision, but my mind is at peace about it.
Thanks for helping me -- us -- make it.
Friday, September 12, 2008
I spent most of today just being with Mom and Dad -- watching 'Ice Road Truckers' (our mutual fix), cowboy movies...and just trying to let Dad know I loved him. Quietly.
Tomorrow will be mostly on the roof...the skies finally cleared up this evening, and it's supposed to be a nice weekend.
So, in the meantime, check out this interesting thread:
http://smallnotebook.org/2008/09/10/what-did-your-parents-teach-you-about-money/
And this longer answer to the same question:
http://www.remodelingthislife.com/2008/09/11/humble-beginnings/
I'll tell you my opinion shortly. What's yours?
Tomorrow will be mostly on the roof...the skies finally cleared up this evening, and it's supposed to be a nice weekend.
So, in the meantime, check out this interesting thread:
http://smallnotebook.org/2008/09/10/what-did-your-parents-teach-you-about-money/
And this longer answer to the same question:
http://www.remodelingthislife.com/2008/09/11/humble-beginnings/
I'll tell you my opinion shortly. What's yours?
Money, Money
The folks came in from Michigan last night...my dad looking particularly awful. Once again, I remembered I probably don't have long to live with him.
This morning was better. Dad looked healthier, Mom more cheerful, and life in general seemed rosier...
I have work to do, but somehow don't have the gumption to start a new job. Think I'll work on the quilt restoration, instead.
Here are two money-related carnivals that are especially interesting this week:
http://thecopyeditorsdesk.com/2008/09/09/the-carnival-of-money-stories/
http://bankergirl.com/archives/182
Our skies are gray and rainy today -- no working on the roof until it clears up a bit. Maybe I'll build a fire in the fireplace...
This morning was better. Dad looked healthier, Mom more cheerful, and life in general seemed rosier...
I have work to do, but somehow don't have the gumption to start a new job. Think I'll work on the quilt restoration, instead.
Here are two money-related carnivals that are especially interesting this week:
http://thecopyeditorsdesk.com/2008/09/09/the-carnival-of-money-stories/
http://bankergirl.com/archives/182
Our skies are gray and rainy today -- no working on the roof until it clears up a bit. Maybe I'll build a fire in the fireplace...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Another review of CRAZY QUILTS
http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/2008/09/crazy-quilt-whe.html
And this one, I'm especially honored by...
And this one, I'm especially honored by...
Remembering 9/11
The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum will be displaying the "Freedom Quilt" through the end of the month:
http://www.quiltindex.org/basicdisplay.php?pbd=RockyMountainQuiltMuseum-a0a0x5-a
This quilt was made by the students of Yasuko Saitoh as a remembrance to the people of the U.S. after the horrors of 9/11.
See it in person at the museum in Golden, CO... for more info, visit
http://www.rockymountainquiltmuseum.com
http://www.quiltindex.org/basicdisplay.php?pbd=RockyMountainQuiltMuseum-a0a0x5-a
This quilt was made by the students of Yasuko Saitoh as a remembrance to the people of the U.S. after the horrors of 9/11.
See it in person at the museum in Golden, CO... for more info, visit
http://www.rockymountainquiltmuseum.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Yum!
The Mama mentioned a new salad making the rounds in Michigan -- watermelon mixed with onion, greens...and basil viniagrette! This is a refreshing mix of sweet and sour...I've seen tomatoes sliced and mixed in, as well.
This got me to thinking about other 'interesting' foods...including a slice of meat in aspic I gagged down one sunny afternoon in Nuremberg. (It was the cheapest thing on the menu...and I didn't quiiite understand the German translation!) If your penchant is for this sort of thing, you'll find a full list here, including an incredibly revolting Tripe Wiggle. It's all courtesy of Slashfood:
http://www.slashfood.com/category/retro-cookery/
Don't think this isn't real -- it is! My grandma would whip out all sorts of meat jello types, including headcheese. Fortunately, she didn't usually go quite this far...
Erghghgh.
And on a better note, some very good chocolate chip cookies, courtesy of the New York Times.
Very Good Chocolate Chip Cookies
(adapted from a recipe by Jacques Torres)
Time: 45 minutes (for 1 6-cookie batch), plus at least 24 hours’ chilling
2 cups minus 2 tablespoons
(8 1/2 ounces) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour (for high altititude, make sure these measurements are rounded)
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content
Sea salt.
1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.
4. Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.
Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Could you get by on nearly $3 a day? This teacher vowed she'd do just that --
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1052710/How-cash-strapped-teacher-beat-credit-crunch-living-1-day-YEAR-drunken-bet.html
Could this be a short-term solution for bills you know are coming up soon? Hmmm...
This got me to thinking about other 'interesting' foods...including a slice of meat in aspic I gagged down one sunny afternoon in Nuremberg. (It was the cheapest thing on the menu...and I didn't quiiite understand the German translation!) If your penchant is for this sort of thing, you'll find a full list here, including an incredibly revolting Tripe Wiggle. It's all courtesy of Slashfood:
http://www.slashfood.com/category/retro-cookery/
Don't think this isn't real -- it is! My grandma would whip out all sorts of meat jello types, including headcheese. Fortunately, she didn't usually go quite this far...
Erghghgh.
And on a better note, some very good chocolate chip cookies, courtesy of the New York Times.
Very Good Chocolate Chip Cookies
(adapted from a recipe by Jacques Torres)
Time: 45 minutes (for 1 6-cookie batch), plus at least 24 hours’ chilling
2 cups minus 2 tablespoons
(8 1/2 ounces) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour (for high altititude, make sure these measurements are rounded)
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content
Sea salt.
1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.
4. Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.
Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Could you get by on nearly $3 a day? This teacher vowed she'd do just that --
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1052710/How-cash-strapped-teacher-beat-credit-crunch-living-1-day-YEAR-drunken-bet.html
Could this be a short-term solution for bills you know are coming up soon? Hmmm...
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