Proud to Be...

 

Shades of...

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Still Plugging Away

 ...which feels good. Very good. But it means a lot of research, and not much to say. At least I bumbled across a number of interesting links while I was doing it.

We're in muddy conditions right now...but more snow is coming. Meanwhile:

"What was a loophole you found, and exploited the hell out of?"  Some interesting ideas here from Quora readers.

A secret drawer in a $20 Goodwill desk yields a century of history. What we treasure hunters all dream of.  Or this:

Was Jesse James gold found at Mystery Cave, back in 2019?   

Read the comments, and you'll have your answer.  Or try this treasure find. 

The story (with photos) of the lost WWII sub Grayback.

Funny therapy memes... these are more realistic than you think!

Ten best dumpling recipes. Yum!

Amazing artifacts found while excavating train tunnels in Amsterdam -- and an underground museum that displays them.

Secrets of a 'cheapskate genius.' Okay, this guy does take it a bit TOO far. I much prefer...

Donna Freedman's approach to no/low-cost spending. Some good ideas here.

The earliest-known North American settlement is in... Oregon! And it was decided, in part, by "dessicated human feces."

A Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself when her teammates cancel at the last minute -- and does great!

Get money to move and work in these towns!

A Muslim 'Latina' and other trendy 'cultures of color' person -- is actually white, her mom says. 

Other race fakers mentioned here, too. 

An Australian professor is kidnapped in Papua, New Guinea.  We have missionary friends and strong connections there from our time in Arizona -- this is really concerning.

The 'Rock's' cheat meals.  (He's got a real thing for waffles, pancakes...and sushi.)

Ghost stories below the Antarctic circle.

'My family is weird:'  Jimmy Fallon tweets.

Indian boarding schools that were anything but honorable -- anyone who's been watching 1923 will recognize some of this. 

A lost palace found -- that an archeologist was initially accused of making up.

A little trick that lets you skip the computer voices -- and go right to a real person, instead.

Funkiest bass lines in popular music songs. 

Strange castles -- in the U.S.!

Buried treasure... found by a descendant whose family hid it in WWII.

Eighteen personal finance facts connected with U.S. Presidents.  (From Len Penzo)

How to make an itchy sweater feel softer...

Funny curse tablets. At least the Romans had a sense of humor...

This curse tablet may contain the earliest Hebrew name for God.   Plus:

Seven unusual archaeological finds from Israel, Jordan and surrounding areas.

Ten ways that even physicians can save on groceries.  (From the White Coat Investor)

What various celebrities were like in high school.  Fascinating.

Foolish mistakes that cost companies (and us, unfortunately)  millions to billions of dollars.

Have a good week. 

Frugal Hits & Misses: February Report

    This month is full of family birthdays...including the Brick's. Valentine's Day was another bright spot. In between, we worked, did chores, watched movies, read a lot...and tried to save money. Successful, too, for the most part.

A friend mentioned a surprising way to save -- a subscription to the Unlimited Sip Club at  Panera!  She loves their tea, and a Panera is nearby, making it easy to stop at the drive-through on the way to other errands. For $11.99/month ($9.99, if she pays ahead for a year), she can get unlimited drinks -- and she uses it to the max. Lemonade, coffee, tea, sodas -- even Saturday specials. All for one price.

     I hadn't thought about 'working' this subscription -- but she's right. And smart. P.S. You can even get the first month free, if you sign up now.

FRUGAL HITS

(some of these are from late January)

*Four free Covid tests, just by requesting them. You can, too.

*A Hunter's Lunch, for the Brick and his hunting buddies, plus their families. We brought a few packages of marinated elk backstrap, which I grilled, plus tortilla chips and homemade bread. Everyone else contributed various food... delicious. We heard some great stories, too.

     We also had several meals with friends, using food on hand. 

*The canned goods shelf is looking a little bare. This makes me a bit nervous -- I'm used to stocking up. But it will be easier to move pantry items back into the fifth-wheel in a month or so. Yes, we're still staying inside our friends' house for now, instead of in the fifth-wheel, parked by the garage. That will change in the spring, when they come back to Colorado for the summer and fall.

*Half-price candy for Valentine's, including dark chocolate espresso bars for the Brick and the kids. I threw in some half-priced peanut butter Christmas trees for the Brick, as well.

*A book on Roanoke's Lost Colony, that I couldn't find anywhere else- $9 and change on Amazon.

*Made chicken & rice for friends who were sick, and several loaves of Mavis' bread to give away. The leftover chicken & rice made a tasty casserole with extra cheese and green chili enchilada sauce.

*Water shoes for less than $17 (Amazon)...for use on the cruise. The Brick spent about $25 for his. (Sam's)

*A Ray Harryhausen Legendary Monsters pack -- for $21 and change on Ebay. (They were asking $10 more, but accepted a Best Offer.) I got another set of Harryhausen movies for $9, thanks to another Best Offer. Hey, you pick your monsters -- I'll pick mine. 

*A gift card ($35) and refund ($25) from the Brick's healthcare. (Only we don't know why we got the refund...that doesn't happen often!) Plus a survey ($5) taken by yours truly, and $10 earned from the Brick's health plan for exercising. These add up.

*Kona coffee beans for less than $7 a pound!  Amazon Warehouse comes through again.

*Kept the heat largely turned off in the fifth-wheel. (After all, we've been living in the house. Kept the temps low there, too.)

*Didn't visit the thrift shop much, from mid-January through the end of February. They don't offer free bread anymore, which was one of my reasons for going. That, and we don't need much right now. My two trips netted a shirt for each of us ($5), cards (50 cents), fancypants stationery ($2), mugs ($1) and some vintage Charlie Brown memorabilia -- all at 20-30% off.

*Fifty-cent Valentine's cards... especially for our great-nieces and nephews. The Mama had asked me to do this last year, but I never got to it, in the haze of the weeks following her death. (I think. Not sure.) I kept my word this year, and sent them out. 

*Valentine's dinner at home -- including lobster ($10 each from Safeway), baked potato, beer-battered mushrooms and okra ("oker"),  garlic toast...and chocolates. 

*High Tea at the Brown Palace hotel with a friend -- no charge, thanks to our investment company, Lord & Richards. It was very relaxing. Plus a red rose and a $25 gift card for Fogo de Chao.

*Supper at Red Robin, using the Brick's free birthday burger. We went out to eat at Burger King (the 2-for-$10 special); Daughter #1 and her partner covered a nice Tibetan meal for the Brick's birthday. (Thank you, Dears!) The Brick also got a new pair of slippers, to replace his nasty wornout ones, and a Red Lobster giftcard. 

*Local goodies from Hatch, NM:  Daughter #2 and Son #1 spent some time in Tucson at the gem shows there. (Wish we could have gone.) They brought back roasted green chilies, a huge bag of pecans -- and local honey. (Thank you too, Dears!)

*Found money:  a penny in the King Soopers parking lot. A quarter and a penny at Burger King. Plus a penny in the washer. Change found this month: 28 cents!

*Did some appraisals. Finished up more reports. Exciting, huh. 

*Saw a movie, $13 for both of us -- Plane, which was wonderfully tense. (As the Brick loves to point out, Gerard Butler is my 'buddy.' But he's the Brick's, too.) 

*Some videos and kids' books from the library's booksale room...most of these will go to our darling nieces and nephews in Michigan. Found a few interesting dvds at Dollar Tree, as well.

*DiGiorno 'carnivore' pizza -- it was tasty, but too small for the price. (How can you tell, in those big cardboard boxes...) It cooked up soggy in the middle, too. I complained, and got replacement coupons.

*Hand-stitched Panamanian molas -- for less than $10 each. (The shipping added a little, but the seller kindly refunded some because she didn't use it all. Wow -- that happens rarely!) 

*The Brick worked some more on our friends' tractor, then faucets for two sets of friends. Plus a toilet. What a guy.

*Barely finished some leftovers, including cheese (some of which went to Ruby) and pea soup. At least they were eaten. I was more careful with leftovers from suppers with friends. 

*Sold more Robinhood stock -- for about $100 profit. I could have made more, had I hung onto it for a few additional weeks. Ah well. (It's back down again now.)

*Figured out why we didn't get our tax refund from 2021. (We should now.) Figured out another tax problem, this time by the state of Colorado. Why can't these computers get their acts together?!?

*Food bargains:  97-cent milk half-gallon and $1.97 for a gallon (paid attention to the brand this time); $1.97/lb ground beef; Campbell's Chunky soup for 97 cents a can;  a pound of baby carrots for a buck (Ruby's favorite snack); 3 pounds of mandarins 2.97; free items-- Greek yogurt, cream cheese, two cans of green chilies and a 'chili-maker' mix. I love this free stuff! (Safeway).  Markdown bags of mandarin oranges for 99-cents each, plus a bag of limes; mix of a dozen fritters, cinnamon rolls and danish for $3.60; fancy spiral ham for 79 cents/lb!  And no one was buying any ham at the store -- I don't get it. (King Soopers) 

FRUGAL MISSES

*We were over budget again for January -- but also covered expenses we'd charged (and gotten cashback from): hotel expenses (for an upcoming cruise), a new mattress, as well as an 1845 jacquard coverlet. At least we've done better on February's purchases -- which will be paid in March.

*Had the remains of a rotisserie chicken spoil, only a few days after the Brick bought it. (Sam's Club). Eeerrggghghgh... I also ended up going to Safeway's customer service (again) to return a package of bratwurst (tasted 'off'), a bitter-tasting bottle of half & half -- and get prices adjusted. I get tired of this...

*Bought two gallons of the wrong brand of milk. It was NOT on sale, so I got to pay $4 more. Took advantage of a 'Buy Two, Get Two Free' special on chips -- only to find they'd raised the price on said chips, so it wasn't that frugal. (I bought them, anyways. Twice. Bad girl.)

*Signed up for excursions for the cruise -- they weren't cheap, but they were 20% off, ordering them now. We're going to enjoy them with our darling cousins, who are also going on the cruise.

    I also had to pay ahead of time for a women's retreat in late April. Oh well -- at least it's taken care of.

*Bought myself three dresses - partly for the upcoming cruise, partly because I need something comfortable for summer. (My summer outfits are stained and worn, because I wore them so often! ) The dresses ranged between $20-26 each, and free shipping -- but still...that's a lot more than I usually spend on myself, clothing-wise. The Brick found a great beach towel to take along: $10!

Last month's report is here.  Also here: February's report from last year, as well as the February report for 2021.  Based on the comments I get (mostly on FB and verbally!) this feature continues to intrigue you, Gentle Readers. It helps keep me on the straight and narrow, frugality-wise... because I know I'm going to have to confess screwups to YOU.  (My readership continues to grow. Thank you so much for believing in me.)

Upward and onward...and please, give me a thrill by now and then commenting right on the blog!

..

        Antelope Canyon - Arizona

We Miss Him Too...

Reparations? Really??

 I just stumbled across one of the week's most delightful contradictions. (Okay, next to the 'Latina/south Arab' got-my-job-because-of-my-'race' person... outed as 'white as the driven snow' by her mom. Oops.)

1969 -- at her first lecture in Royce Hall. 

I loved the Afro hairstyle --but could never get my hair to cooperate.

Angela Davis, former Black Panther and self-described Marxist radical teacher/writer, just discovered that she is directly related to:

William Brewster, one of the Pilgrim leaders on the Mayflower. 

Here he is, holding forth. 

The irony is delicious.

One of the very people who demands reparations for black people (though not Native Americans -- God forbid) may have to bill herself. 

Davis was not happy with this revelation. In fact, she was a bit angry. But hey, the person she was facing was Henry Louis Gates Jr., whose Finding Your Roots show has been such an interesting look at people's DNA backgrounds. (And more than a surprise, in several cases.)

I found this especially interesting, since one of my dearest friends, a blue-eyed blond, is also a direct descendant of William Brewster. (And nope, she and Angela don't look a thing alike.)

Think about this. 

We Americans are mutts -- myself and the Brick included. We hold such a mix of ancestry from different countries, people and events. Even those 'identifying' as Black are going to have a hard time arguing that they're 100% from Africa... i.e., African-American.

Because, except for extremely rare cases -- they're not. 

Even if they argue that the Caucasian blood came from white plantation owners taking advantage of female slaves (which definitely happened), they're going to have a harder time excusing their DNA ancestors who may have been kidnapped and put into slavery by -- other Africans. (Or done some slave-selling themselves, in turn. Increasingly stronger evidence points out that tribes would use this attack-and-kidnap approach to fatten their finances, and keep their tribe dominant. But it's a long ways from the 'Whitey put us in chains' argument.)

California currently has a reparations task force arguing that not only should Black people get substantial payments-- but they're stating flat numbers already. And saying that if the U.S. doesn't get behind this, we're all... you know... 

RACIST.

Here are the problems.

If this goes through -- and I have this uncomfortable feeling it will -- who will pay the money? People with slaveowner ancestors? Those who have 'white people' blood in their veins? What about those with 'black people' blood in their veins -- from African slavers? Do they count?

But...

Many, many Black Americans have some degree of 'something else' in their blood. (One way to see this is to compare photos of Black Americans with Black Africans. Whose 'of color' really stands out? I noticed this particularly in an episode of Finding Your Roots that brought Chris Tucker to his ancestral home in Africa.)

 It's inevitable, in this country of so many mixed cultures and backgrounds. Even Henry Gates, who said he got his professor's appointment because he was a 'person of color,' acknowledged that his DNA showed him to be 51% white. Not Black -- White.

So... who qualifies, and who doesn't? 

I've heard the 'One percent' theory -- that if your DNA shows even just 1% of the nationality you're claiming -- it counts. (If that's true, then I'm Basque -- because at one point, Ancestry.com stated it. Dear Friend's husband, in spite of a huge mix of Indian and Spanish blood, is also 100% Basque -- because he also has one percent.)

I've also heard that if you 'identify' as Black, that's good enough. (Shades of Rachel Doelzal, who continues to argue that she should be considered Black -- because she wants to be.) People aren't stupid. If 'identifying' as Black in California means a substantial payday, there will be a huge increase in 'Black' people moving there soon. 

What a mess. 

Meanwhile, a tiny bit of me is enjoying watching Angela Davis squirm because of her newly-discovered family history. And another tiny bit really wishes and hopes that the creator of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, would make a similar discovery. Please, Dr. Gates -- 'do' her background next!

And while you're waiting, be sure to check out Finding Your Roots. It really is an illumination of all the various nationalities and people who made us who we are. Why not celebrate the fact that whatever's running around in your DNA --

You're an American. And that's something to be proud of.

Fishy Responses

 

Or a big fat one, in this case...'Hey Ma, just shovel it in.'

Antsy

 ...The Brick is, too. 

Ah, well. 

Nearly all our snow has turned to mud...but a new storm is moving in tonight.

Didn't Work Out the Way You Planned, Huh...

 German Climate Activists Glue Themselves To The Conductor's Stand At A Concert. The Stand Is Removable, So They Were Taken Offstage.

    The concert continued, after a 30-second interruption.

"Ummm... is this the custodial area? Anybody?? I have to pee..."

And have you noticed that these protest events are suddenly getting rare? Perhaps they're starting to realize that most people are not sympathetic to throwing soup or paint on the world's treasures, regardless of the cause. 

And perhaps... because they tend to look a tad goofy, glued to things. Although they're still doing it -- two people glued themselves to the red carpet at the Berlin Film Festival a week or so ago. They remained there, while events went on elsewhere. 

And just looked silly. 

More clueless people, thanks to Bored Panda.

Happy Birthday, My Darling Brick!

 I made him waffles and bacon. 

Wrapped his presents. (Nothing fancy...I couldn't find anything much that deserved him.)

Made him a carrot cake.

And we'll go out for Mexican food tonight. Maybe watch a movie, too... who knows.

Not much to celebrate a golden guy's natal day...

      but he's wonderful to me.

Happy Birthday. I love you.

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Finally -- Progress!

 On the world cruise, our British staff would often say their lists were "ticked off" when finished. The Americans would look at each other -- 'Why are they angry??' But now that we've been able to 'tick some things off' our personal lists, it's very encouraging.

     The flu has lifted. We've still got snow on the ground, but it's maneuverable. Now, to watch those lists continue to shrink...

Supposedly the 10 funniest Superbowl commercials. (Frankly, they're  more stupid than anything.)

And the 10 best...especially the Boston Lager one.

But the real winner? The 15-second Tubi commercial that made everyone think they lost connection... us included!

Bacon french fry dipping sauce. What's not to like?

The most popular candy bars over the decades.  Speaking of popular...

Why the tv series 'Blue Bloods' has been so incredibly evergreen.  This was the Mama's favorite show, along with (I am not making this up) 'American Gladiators.'

South Park comments on the Sussexes...

A HUGE dino footprint -- found in Yorkshire.  (3.3 ft long)

A remarkably good movie...if you like zombie flicks! We just saw the Korean Train to Busan. (dubbed in English)

The Forest Service is waiving fees for President's Day.  This is happening in Colorado -- it may be the case in your state, too.

Cats with very funny names.

A rerun of one of yours truly's profiles is back.  (Thanks, Frugal Girl)

Certain paintings are barred from selling, unless they're to an English buyer.  By British decree.

More than an hour of Titanic dive footage!!  Wowwwww....

A robot that can change from solid to liquid -- and back again.  (If you're not thinking about the Terminator, you should be.)

Snorkelers find a hoard of Roman gold while diving in Spain.

Codebreakers figure out the code Mary Queen of Scots used in her letters, written during her imprisonment. 

Twelve treasures found in recent years...

New treasures are still being found in Pompeii, too.

Some newly-discovered twists on 'traditional' info about Charles Dickens' death and burial.

California's Lake Oroville is no longer 'empty,' thanks to the all the rain they've been getting. Oops...didn't climate change people say that wouldn't be happening anymore??

'Bad advice' that's actually very funny. For example:

"If you are at an ATM at night and there is a person in front of you, kiss them on the neck to let them know you are not a threat."

Or, as one commenter suggested, give them a friendly slap on the butt, instead. See what that gets you.

Homemade Italian salad dressing mix.  (From Little House Living)

Philly cheesesteak egg rolls...easier than you think.

Some really good storage ideas.

Yosemite National Park just had its annual 'firefall' event.

President Jimmy Carter's health is failing. I didn't always agree with his decisions, but have an immense amount of respect for this man's courage and kindness.

Practicing 'stealth wealth.'  (From Financial Samurai)

A black bear takes more than 400 selfies... after discovering a game camera in Boulder County, CO. (More here, including a wonderful mix of animals/birds caught on camera.)

Monsterverse fans are yelling: bring Gamera back to fight with Godzilla!   I wouldn't mind it myself, Gentle Readers...

There's still one Blockbuster store left. The Bend, OR location had a Superbowl ad...

The ship found after it went missing for 17 years  -- with her crew still on board, in frozen popsicle form. Legend... or truth? 

A Colorado cop dies, after accidentally falling off a bridge.

Martin Luther King's copy of his 'I Have A Dream' just happens to be saved...and found again. 

What are celebrities snacking on now?  (Ramen is one of the choices.)

Remember the shop teacher with the huge appendages?  She/he now insists they're real -- and the man photographed coming out of her apartment is someone different. (Gee, he sure looks similar...)

Easy, beautiful pastry desserts -- including this incredible 'rose' apple tart.  (From The Baller On A Budget)

A glorious early look at spring... via Instagram's Prudent Homemaker. Will it come?

Have a good week.

Guess Someone Forgot to Tell Me...

 

Auction News

 A steel railroad spike, also known as the 'Arizona spike' -- essentially a big nail for holding rails in place-- sold for $2.2 million recently. 

What the?!?

Almost life-size here.

It makes more sense when you know it was THE 'golden' railroad spike used to link the railroad, coast to coast. Actually, it was gold and silver-clad, and the final meeting was in Colorado -- read my book, Ghosts & Legends of Colorado's Front Range, if you're curious. The railroad dignatories made a big deal about it, plus an elaborate ceremony, in Promontory Point, UT. 

Says the post:

The spike was crafted to commemorate the completion of the world’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869, joining the eastern and western halves of the United States and connecting California with the industrial centers of the east.

Spearheaded by an act of Congress before the Civil War and taking six years to complete, the railroad’s construction is considered one of nation’s greatest technological feats of the 19th century, allowing commerce to thrive throughout the country, even in places far from sea routes.

The hammer price, incidentally, was more than four times the spike's initial estimate of $300,000-500,000. Some appraiser has egg on their face over this one. However, it is difficult to estimate the value of a one-of-a-kind piece, including sales and auction results. However, future appraisals will benefit from this one.

Take a look here to find out more. I, for one, am curious. How did the spike end up as part of the Museum of the City of New York? And why are they selling -- oops, 'deaccessioning' -- this piece? (They sold off some Andy Warhol memorabilia, too.)

Farmyard Tableau

 How in the world does she get them to stay still this long?? I have no idea...the chickens alone would be outa there in five seconds or so.

anddd.... more farmyard fun, thanks to this talented photographer. 

**********

Weather update: We got somewhere around 14 inches of snow in the past 48 hours. It's beautiful. Fortunately, I can say that because we had nowhere to go yesterday or today. 

Friday, however, is a different matter. Some appraisals to do, and errands to run. Hopefully it will stay sunny.

High Tea At the Brown Palace Hotel

      "Wear your pearls and diamonds," I cautioned Friend Jo, when we were both invited to tea at the Brown Palace Hotel. I'd forgotten all about my lippy remark until we were seated. She whipped open her jacket. Sure enough, she not only had a string of pearls around her neck, but they were also dotting her sweater! 

      Take a friend who dresses classy...and you can fit in anywhere. 

      The Brown Palace Hotel is a slice of history in oldtime Denver. Molly Brown stayed in its rooms while her famous house, just a few blocks away, was being rented. Mr. Brown, its owner and builder in 1892, built a mansion, as well -- and sold it to Horace and Baby Doe Tabor. (They had already poured their money into the Tabor Theatre not far away.) Augusta Tabor's mansion was across the street; when her son Maxcy began managing the Brown, she moved over to it, instead. Somehow the Brown managed to hang on through Denver's crashes and Depression era. It remains the second-oldest hotel in Denver, Colorado, beat out only by the Oxford, built the year before. 

     The Brown has a vivid haunted history, full of unusual ghosts. But they're pushed aside by politicians and businessman, socialites and lavish fundraisers. Plenty of movers and shakers meet at the various restaurants of the Brown; even the Grand Champion winners at the annual stock show are brought over to the hotel and shown off in their own custom corral, right in the middle of the lobby. 

    Perhaps you'll notice a wandering ghost in a second floor mirror... who knows.

     And if you want to see and be seen, one of the best ways to do it is the Brown's Afternoon Tea. While a pianist or harpist tinkles away, you'll be seated at a lovely table of fresh linen and fancyware, then treated to finger sandwiches, dainty cakes...and of course, tea. It's very relaxing.

   You can order wine and champagne, too. Notice the truffles? The hotel is famous for them.

     Jo and I found ourselves intrigued by the seafood and cucumber sandwiches and some tempting chocolate truffles. (A few of these, along with a tiny gingerbread cake and a chocolate version, were spirited home to the Brick.) Devonshire cream, currant-flecked scones... they all tasted wonderful. A dainty cookie, flecked with lavender, was on the top tier. Jo took one bite -- and set her cookie down. I did, too -- it was like biting into a mouthful of perfume. Ewwww.

     At least the Bordeaux tea washed the taste away. 

     Others have enjoyed the hotel's ambience and genteel atmosphere, including its High Tea. It isn't exactly for the frugal, at $50 each-- but it is a lovely way to treat your favorite person. We were asked as part of a group of ladies, most of whom were extremely well-dressed and very dignified. And within a minute of the tea's conclusion, they spread out and started scavenging the tables for their favorite leftover goodies -- ours included! One white-haired dame shouldered her way past and grabbed all the lavender cookies on our tray.

 Jo and I looked at each other... she was welcome to them. 

Find out more here. 

Feel Like This Some Days??

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Liz Bushong came up with this brilliant take on cherry pie -- put it in a pastry envelope!

Here's Liz's version, using frozen piecrust and canned cherry pie filling. I've got plans, too, but will be adapting it slightly for my dear ones.

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

PIE IN A PASTRY ENVELOPE

2 cups flour

5 tablespoons butter

a sprinkle of salt

icewater as needed

-----------------

tablespoon of sugar

any kind of jam (I'll be using red currant)

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut flour, butter and salt together until it looks crumbly -- then add water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it balls together. Thickly flour your working area, then roll the ball out until it's approx. 1/4" thick. (Add flour on the top as needed, if it feels too sticky.) Cut large squares. (Liz cut small hearts with a cutter, as well.) 

     Transfer squares to ungreased cookie sheet; add a few tablespoons of jam to each, then fold three corners up, using the photo as a guide, pressing with your fingers to hold. (Add the heart on top. Liz has good step-by-step photos for this.) Sprinkle with sugar -- bake for 10 min., until lightly brown. Serve warm, with a squirt of whipped cream alongside. (Leftovers would be especially cute in lunchboxes the next day.)

Makes 6-8 'envelopes,' perfect for your Valentines' dessert tonight.

Valentine Things I Don't (And Do) Understand

 You know how much I love these. So here, in the spirit of Feb. 14, are plenty of "Awww" and "What the heck???" items from the Cupid of luuvvv. Feel free to print Sherlock and Mr. S. off for your favorite person(s).

Something from the Big Guy for you. Enlarge and use for your own Mr. or Mrs. S.

What was ordered -- what arrived, instead.

The handyman's secret weapon.

Heart-shaped meatloaf... how romantic.

What guys do after work on Valentine's Day.

Whoops. Guess he/she wasn't impressed.

These are discounted. Wonder why?

(In my case, it was Christmas chocolates, with the green references carefully removed.)

Ummmm...

For those of us who admire the great detective...

Happy Valentine's Day to my dear, sweet Brick. You sexy thing, you.