A Reprieve...And Mother's Day Freebies

I'm still here...which is wonderful.

The Mama's still on hold for open heart surgery. Her appointment with the surgeon is Monday...and I'll know for sure when to head for Michigan after that. I'm guessing soon.

Meanwhile, I've been able to work on some delayed jobs, clear away some other commitments...and spend some time with the Brick and the doggies. Knowing I must leave makes every moment sweeter.
     Yes, Mother's Day is Sunday -- but in this uncertainty, it's some farflung event, way off in the fog. Is it really going to happen?


      If you're looking for Mother's Day freebies and discouts for restaurants, by the way, here's a good place to start.

P.S. Don't forget about the Fat Wallet special, too...double the usual money back (12%, instead of just 6%) when you order a Groupon. And there are plenty of them to choose from!  That special is only good this Thursday - Saturday.
     Use this link to get started. (Yes, I get a little perk off it, too...thanks, if you do it.)



Meanwhile, I've got some ironing and appraisals to finish up. 

Fat Wallet's got Groupon Buys...And Earn More Through Saturday

Starting Thursday, instead of 6%, you can earn double that on Groupon buys via Fat Wallet!

Some of the buys are terrific to start with -- like a four-pack of movie/snack tickets for Elvis movie theatres for $16. ($9 for a pair). Huge discounts on FTD.com (and other flower/delivery companies). Yes, you can still get flowers delivered for Mother's Day.  Restaurant coupons. Haircut packages. Lots of stuff.

Use this link to get started. (Yes, I get a little perk off it, too...thanks, if you do it.)

It doesn't cost a thing to take a look. PLEASE NOTE: Wait until Thursday to do this...I ordered today, and only got 6%, instead of 12%! Darn...

Parts Is Parts...

Mental Floss has a new one... 18 famous people missing at least one body part.

Hey, only the up-and-coming stuff on this blog! After all...

Seasoned with Life

Paula Deen's come up with a mix of spices she calls her HOUSE SEASONING...

only this versatile mix has been around long before Ms. Deen came onto the cooking scene.


Here's the basic recipe:

HOUSE SEASONING

1 cup salt 
1/4 cup pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

For best flavor, use sea salt* and fresh-ground pepper)

*Unless you're allergic to it...like I am. Then try kosher salt, if you like the 'crusty' look.

That's it! Mix the three together and store in a shaker. Keep it on the back of your stove for seasoning meats and veggie mixes.

Once you've got the basic mix down, then consider adding other ingredients:

*parmesan cheese
*onion powder
*marjoram*
*basil*
*rosemary*
* parsley*

*dried and crushed. Or substitute your favorite savory herb

Start with a few tablespoonfuls, adding up to 1/4 cup -- taste as needed.

A pretty jar of this mix, tied with ribbon and a sprig of fresh herb, makes a nice hostess gift. (Or maybe part of a gift basket for Mom!)

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: What to Do, What to Do

Spring is here in Colorado -- and the trees are blooming like crazy. (Except our peach trees, which apparently lost their blossoms to our cold weather weeks earlier.) It's time to plant, but I won't be putting in a garden right now, after all. The Mama's open heart surgery will be very soon, and I need to be there. That means packing for Michigan -- plus the North Carolina gig. Once I leave, I won't be back for at least a month. 
     The problem: when is the surgery? Do I plan to leave asap...or a week from now? I hope to know tomorrow.
     The Brick, bless his wonderful heart, will hold the fort while I stay with the Mama. The trick will be getting things done in Michigan, while I help out there, and yet keep life going at home. Meanwhile:


A fond (and slightly eccentric) look at Cary Grant.

How these 17 people paid off thousands and thousands of dollars of debt -- in less than four years.  (From Frugality Magazine)

Asphalt lilies? Yep...way under the ocean. (From the Weather Channel)

Six ways to doubt yourself -- and accomplish things, anyways. (From Get Rich Slowly) From the same place...

A new way to get rich slowly. Read this one carefully, and give it time to 'digest.' Some interesting concepts here.

A pretty little 'cage' dress -- made from your existing slipdress, plus ribbon. This is brilliant! (From The Felted Fox)

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, a big bunch of enchilada recipes, including 'No-Roll' enchiladas. (Yes, I mentioned these in a previous post, but they're worth repeating.)


Who doesn't enjoy a good belly rub? Actually, this seal looks an awful lot like our Golden Lab, Abby. (And yes, she enjoys a tummy tickle, too.)

Making furniture your way. (From Reach Financial Independence)
And in keeping with that,

An amazing upholstered bench, made with (drum roll) free pallets and a crib-sized mattress! (From  MyLove2Create. She's helping renovate her sister's laundry room -- but on a strict budget.)

What 3 out of 10 homeless adults had in common, as kids. I'm not completely convinced that all of the numbers quoted in this long infographic are accurate - but it will make you stop and think.


A swimmer finds himself protected from a killer whale by a pod of dolphins. Adam Walker was swimming in a 16-mile Oceans 7 Challenge race when he noticed a great white beneath him. Fortunately though, a pod of dolphins also noticed, and positioned themselves around him until the danger was over. Wow...

Have a great week.  

Olivia Dvorak -- And News

It's been strange around here.
     The Mama had a test this week -- and turns out she will need open heart surgery very soon, to replace a heart valve. (They use 'tissue' valves to do it -- actually, pig heart valves.)
     This means that I must put pretty much everything aside for now, and head to Michigan in a few days. I'll be teaching at the North Carolina Quilt Symposium at the end of the month, so will pack for that now, and take it with to Michigan. Then I'll drive from there by the 26th...then drive back, to spend more time with Mom.
     My schedule for May and June, normally jampacked with teaching gigs, has been strangely open this year. Now I know why God arranged that -- because I would be needed to spend the time with Mom.
     You'll be hearing from me...maybe even more, because I won't have the usual life activities to take care of. (They'll fall on the shoulders of the Brick, instead.) Meanwhile, I thought you might enjoy this video of Olivia Dvorak, singing "Don't Come Knockin'." Our good friend Bert's son is currently mixing arrangements for her, and traveling as a backup band while she tours. Enjoy...

Where Bigfoot Goes in the Spring...

...now you know.

To Boulder, Colorado, on the Pearl Street Mall.  (Hey, he enjoys tulips, just like us.)

And hanging out with Daughter #2. 

Who is a brat, for sending this to her mother, the True Believer.

Happy May Day, Petunia...