Last Friday before...

Christmas!  I can't believe it's the 20th.  Where has this month gone??

I had the grandkids decorate the kids tree last night - it was so much fun watching them discover the different ornaments.  They were standing on the arm of the couch to get them on the back side and I had to kabosh that one...  sigh.  But it was fun.  I sent my daughter (their mother0 over to supervise, and she was on her phone - so I was giving her grief about supposing to be watching them.  She said she couldn't watch them...it drove her crazy how they were putting things on, lol.  That's the reason I have a kids tree...  I don't worry how it looks!!

Can't believe it's Friday...although yesterday was Friday all day.  It was terrible...I had to keep reminding myself, no - it's Thursday...no - it's Thursday, lol.

Hopefully you have all sorts of fun things planned for the coming weeks - Christmas Day.  We are spending it with family, so it will be good.

There's just a couple of things to look at for today in case you aren't feeling like the norm...

Games Day -  play a game with your family! This was started in 1975 in England, so it's been going for a while.  Do you have a favorite board game or card game in your family?  We sure do.  We'll be playing a lot over the next two weeks...  :)


National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day - I tried finding out where this started...and it's kind of vague.  I thought it was connected with National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, but it's not.  Apparently 'ugly' sweaters were started in the 50's as kind of a commercialism to Christmas.  They weren't ugly...they were rather nice and tasteful.  They kind of waned a little, and then came back in full force after Bridget Jones Diary...apparently. 

Not sure why these are considered ugly, kind of silly - yes.  Whatever. I have no idea...and you can't always believe what you see on the internet, so there you go.  Personally I don't have an ugly sweater.  I love sweaters, but I'm usually tooooo hot when I wear them, so I don't buy them.  And...being a - um - large person, they aren't easy to come by and they aren't cheap.  So...  do you have an ugly sweater??  

on a side note... I see on one of my sources that today is National Fried Shrimp day, and on most others it's tomorrow - so since I won't be emailing anyone tomorrow, I want to make sure all of you know that important fact, as I don't like to pass up fried shrimp.  Or pretty much shrimp anything... lol

Well - hope you have a wonderful Christmas Season.  I'm hoping that we'll get caught up with all the things we want to do, and relax a little.  We'll be spending most of the break putting my daughters floor down and getting her moved back home - which is exciting and a little sad at the same time.  I hope they'll come visit often!!

so - want to end with some favorite movie clips.  First is While You Were Sleeping. 


I also love Last Holiday and how she discovers there's a whole nother world out there... (some of us will never see it! lol)


And last...you probably don't think of Lethal Weapon when you think of Christmas movies, and I agree it's not heavily associated, but it is.  (Kind of like Die Hard...but ya know - these aren't exactly kid friendly)  We watch both of them with filters, lol.  sigh.  Love the last scene of the first one....


And so - to leave on a little more religious note...  the best one of all.


Merry Christmas!

One week to go...

And I'm not ready.  It hit me last night, and I almost panicked.  I mean...I've been kind of floating along on the sea of our crazy life and realized that I haven't done a lot of shopping.  And it's too late to really to it online...so that means I'm going to have to brave the stores..  UGH.  Not looking forward to that at all...  I usually do everything I can to avoid shopping this time of year... and I have grocery shopping to do as well...  sigh.

Well, there hasn't really been much to comment on celebrating day wise this week, yesterday was anything covered in chocolate day.  I promptly went home and dipped one of the gingerbread cookies we made on Sunday into some melted chocolate.  Wasn't as good as shortbread, but still worth eating.  :)   Today has only two things...

A Christmas Carol Day - I'm not sure what that's about, but since it's one of my favorite Christmas mvies, I figured it was worth mentioning.  I know it was published on the 19th almost 200 years ago, but they don't say anything about it on the 19th, so I guess they promote it today.  If you haven't read the book, only watched the movie - you're missing out.  The book is a good read, and it's a short one.  Take a day of Christmas and read it, you'll see the true story that is mostly put in the movies.  I had no idea it was meant as a social commentary and a call to repentance on child labor!!  Interesting.  My favorite version is the one with George C. Scott.  I think he plays a definitive Scrooge.  The new one called the Man Who Invented Christmas with Christopher Plummer, is pretty close.  




Which one is your favorite?  I didn't like the one with Jim Carrey...ugh.  And the one with Patrick Stewart didn't really feel right either...

Maple Syrup Day - Real maple syrup, as in the stuff from trees, is what we're talking about here.  I have discovered that it's great on oatmeal! and it's a great sweetener instead of sugar.
I used to think it was too runny and didn't like it as well as my homemade, but I like it better now.  (However, we've discovered butter syrup, and make that more than use the maple stuff, lol)

So, hopefully you're doing better than I am, and are ready for the holiday, come what may.  :)  Since I'm trying to be positive today, I'll say that it's all good - it's not about the presents anyway - it's about our savior Jesus Christ and His birth, and I'm always ready for that!!
Have a wonderful day!  I'll leave you with some Christmas spirit.

Getting closer...

Hi everyone!  It's Thursday...and less than two weeks till Christmas - are you panicking yet??  lol.  I'm feeling a little numb

Gingerbread House Day -So apparently gingerbread was first brought to Europe by an Armenian monk named Gregory of Nicopolis.  This spread the stuff throughout history and created what everyone loves to do this time of year, lol.  We've never been a big fan of gingerbread houses because I already have tons of decorations and there's no place to put it.  Never mind that my kids would have eaten all the decorations off before Christmas came!  I do love me a good gingerbread cookie though...  and that brings to mind one of my dear friends that passed away a couple years ago (miss you Sonjia!!) used to give us gingerbread cookies at Christmas time.  I might have to make some in her honor....  forget the house bit, lol.  But hey - it's a fun thing to do with little kids.  You could always do the graham cracker version...

National Cocoa Day - one of my favorite days, people.  I love me anything to do chocolate, right?  And hot cocoa is sooo good. Have you made it in a crock pot yet??  Sooo good!

Poinsettia Day - I think I've shared the story of the whole Poinsettia thing before, and I don't feel like elaborating today, so if you're curious you can go here...

Hope you have an awesome day!!

Only 17 days left!!

Where has the time gone already??  This is one of those years that drive me crazy - December is so busy and all of a sudden you realize Christmas is here and you aren't ready.  I mean, my house isn't even decorated yet!  I do have my trees up...but they have nothing on them.  Should I do minimalist this year and just skip the fru fru?  lol   Not sure I'll handle that.  We made candy last night but we still haven't figured out what to send to our daughter for Christmas (It's got to fit in the postal box, lol).  Or our son... any suggestions on a single 20 something in a small studio apartment?

 

Anyway - couldn't find anything in the world of internet wizards that was worth celebrating (in my view).  So I discovered a new comedian that I hadn't heard of before...and a duo that isn't always clean, but a teacher recommended this skit and I knew most of you would appreciate it.  🙂  Just because there are definitely careers that SHOULD be this important.  🙂   Like Firemen, Policemen, EMTs, etc. ... 

I also found a recipe for a Christmas breakfast wreath that looks awesome...  When I lived at home, we had a traditional breakfast that included a bread wreath our neighbors baked and gave to us every year.  I've always wanted to replicate that for our breakfast, but I've been intimidated by anything I've found, and never have quite found the right thing.  I've tried cinnamon rolls - which are good, but never turn out quite the same each time for me - and anyway, it's just never been the same.  Now I've found this little recipe, and I'm going to try it out.  I'll let you know how it goes...  🙂

https://www.savoringitaly.com/holiday-breakfast-wreath-twelveloaves/

Holiday Breakfast Wreath - #twelveloaves - Savoring Italy This bread is a recipe I found on the kitchn. I love that site! I used my dough recipe that I use in many sweet bread recipes. The technique for this wreath is the same one used in this Estonian Kringle.I also used a similar technique for my Mexican Hot Chocolate Bread.I changed the filling around a little.I used cherries (the kitchn uses cranberries in theirs). www.savoringitaly.com

So - hopefully you've been having a great week so far.

Anyway - hope you have an awesome day.

It's Monday! and 23 days before the BIG day!

That's right, only 23 days left till Christmas.  I can't believe it, can you??  November seemed to fly past!  Of course I was sick for a big chunk of it...sigh.  Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and didn't have to travel in the crazy snow.  My hubby actually used his big snow blower, which was fun to see.  He said he needed to play more video games...it has a joy stick for turning the shoot and two handed controls, lol.  It did a good job though!!

This week should be good - no more storms for a bit, so you can enjoy all the fun things to do this time of year!!  There's a cool activity thing at the Davis Legacy Center tomorrow and Wednesday that should be fun, apparently an interactive trip to Bethlehem...  I was sad we didn't make it to the lights on Friday, but we would have froze our little keisters anyway.

So, a couple of fun things for today if you're looking for ideas...

Cider Monday - Cider!!  I love cider.  Especially warmed up with spices... It's our favorite thing on a cold night, (when the hot cocoa just doesn't work or you've run out, lol)  When I have a cold, cider is what I want.  Don't you love the smell of it warming up??

 
Cyber Monday - Of course everyone knows about cyber Monday...  I think the whole thing has totally gotten out of hand.  Most businesses have the whole online thing going for the day before Thanksgiving. ugh - but oh well, such is life in a commercialistic society, right?  lol.  Anyway - if you are looking for special items, good luck!!
 
Special Education Day -  And - since that's the department I work in, this is a special day.  I don't know if you know how much the SPED department does for students, or if you've had a special ed student, but many teachers put their all into the job.


National Fritters Day - If you like fried goodies, then you'll like fritters.  Bowman's does a great one, and so does Kent's.  Personally, it's a little too much for me...

But anyway - have a great day!!

It's the Monday before Thanksgiving

and all through the house all the creatures are stirring, especially the hosts!  :)  As the Turkey day draws near, everyone is running around trying to make sure every last morsel of food is purchased and the house is ready for company.  Since we won't be having any company or going anywhere for the first time in like...EVER, I'm wondering how everyone is going to be managing it.  We've always gone to family for Thanksigiving.  Either my side (most of the time) or my in-laws.  This year my sister is remodeling, and had to beg off.  My in-laws are invited elsewhere, and so that just leaves my kids.  2 of them are living out of state and won't be joining us.  So, not only are we not having company, we're just the household.  It's gonna be strange and a bit quieter than we're used to... 
How about you?  Are you traveling in this lovely winter weather??  Of course the snow waited til the week when everyone wanted to travel, lol.  But I love snow, and we aren't going to be traveling much in it, so I'm happy.  Sorry to all those of you who are...be safe!
Also - it's the count down to Christmas now.  For some reason, having Thanksgiving be on the last week of November makes the season seem short.  I know my logic isn't all that logical, I can't figure out why, lol.  We don't do black Friday stuff though...so not really worried about this weekend.
So - to get geared up for the week of stuffing turkeys and bodies, there isn't much to shout about.

National Parfait Day - this is a light lovely way of getting ready for the season of sugar.  Perhaps you could do a sugar free pudding with a light whipped topping and nuts... sounds yummy to me!!  We love parfaits at my house.  To quote Donkey "Everybody like parfaits!"


sorry - the sound is really soft on this!

National Play With Dad Day - this sounds like fun.  The point of this day was to get dads to slow down and enjoy being a dad.  I had the pleasure of watching my hubby play with our grandson and another little boy same age in church yesterday.  They were having fun rolling a car to each other and then it started getting a little giggly, so he pulled them up and had them start doing some stuff and then read to them a couple of books.  It was the cutest thing...and they were totally happy,  Now I know it gets harder as kids get older (believe me, there are times I wish our adult children were younger than 8 again!!! it was so much simpler...lol)  but sometimes its just spending the time with them doing what they want that makes them appreciate you.  So - if you're needing a little prod of encouragement dads (like there's any of you reading this, lol) then here ya go.  Have fun with those kidos!

So - just because it's me, and you know how I roll, I have to leave you with some of my favorite Thanksgiving clips.  Have a great thanksgiving and enjoy family!!

love this one -

My hubby will even quote this sometimes when I have picked up dinner from Papa Murphys or something, lol.

Got to love the Adams Family...


of course we have to have Snoopy...  where in the world did he find that many toasters???  lol


This one I hadn't seen before, but made me wonder.  What would you do??  And why didn't they use whipped topping?  lol



Well- have a wonderful Holiday and start of the season. 

Day 5 and still.... ugh

I could possibly have gone to work today, but I'm not really feeling better.  I finally did a mud soak bath, and that didn't help much either.  Fortunately I have enough sick leave, but I still feel guilty.  I mean, seriously!!  I guess that's how it hits you when you're closer to 60 than 50... lol  guzzling airborne and drinking Mullien tea...sucking on cough drops and walking around all day in my bathrobe...  sigh.

Anyway - I wanted to mention how different books are - and one of the reasons I write.  When I was younger, I believe it was before my mission and marriage - I ran across an author that I gave up reading after a while because there was usually bed hopping.  Her books were almost porn...and I realized one day that I needed to give them up.  It just wasn't worth it.  I didn't want that in my head.

One of her books, though, I have kept.  It's called The Summerhouse, and it's ...just wonderful.  Every time I read it I have a hard time putting it down.  There are a couple of writers that make me feel that way.  Another book that is like that is called Coast Road.   I realized recently that one of things both books have in common are painting.  And writing.  Two of my passions - so perhaps that's why they call to me.

Anyway - after reading that book on Monday and realizing it was just - UGH...I read one yesterday by Robin Cook.  His are usually interesting and full of medical terms that loose me, but this one was another UGH.  both are now consigned to be donated to some charity. 

So today, when I realized I was staying home (yet again!) I picked something that was comfortable and I knew was worth reading.  Kind of like slipping into a comfortable pare of slippers and wrapping in a warm blanket.  The story covers the lives of three women who have the same birthday and happen to meet at the DMV on the day of their 21st birthdays.  Each of them have a goal in life...a dream that they are pursuing.  One of them is an artist, one is a dancer, and one is simply...beautiful.  The story tells how their lives went NOTHING like how they had imagined them at 21...and they get together when they are all turning 40 at the bequest of the artist.  She is now a world renown writer.  Their stories are enough to break your heart.  And then, they are given the chance to relive 2 weeks in the past.  They can pick the two weeks, they can do whatever they wish.  Then, at the end, they can choose to continue the life they had perhaps changed in the course of those two weeks, or they can go back to what they were.

At the end of their two weeks, 2 of them never looked back.  Only one kept her life as she had lived it...but she was determined to make changes.  I think Jude Deveraux is a darn good storyteller.

Reading this book always makes me examine my life and what I'm doing.  This is the first time I've read it that I realize I am pursuing my dreams with a drive I've never had before.  I am painting almost every day - I'm working on getting my 4th book in the Hibiscus Ladies out, and I have a book being accepted by a publisher.  It still gives me chills... 

And my husband is a big part of that.  I tell him all the time, but I'm not sure he believes me.  He is my support, my inspiration...most of my male characters are based on him in some way - they usually have one or more of his habits, his characteristics...  He accepts that as being married to a writer. (remember, I know you, am friends with you, I will most likely use you as a character in a book.  Not that I'd use your name!!!  lol)

I have been so extremely blessed in my life.  I never thought I'd be where I am today...though I did hope to be a writer...always.

I know that it's a combination of the Savior, His gospel, and my husband.  When everything else is crazy, (kids, job, grandkids, house...)  I know that I can have at least a hope with them.

Just wanted to share.  And say you really need to read The Summerhouse...  Just saying.  :)

Musings while home sick...

So - there are some upsides to being sick - if you can say it like that.  One, I get to laze around in bed and not feel too incredibly guilty; two, I get to read!  Which is something I rarely have time to do without feeling guilty (my own fault - no one ever says anything, lol) The house is quiet, I have it all to myself as everyone else is working.  To be honest, I like it when it's like this...though there are times I wish my hubby were here with me.  I'm not sure what we'd be doing...he'd be puttering and I'd be wishing I were well.  lol  what a combination, right?
Well, part of the reason for this post is a book I just finished.  I'm not going to tell you the title because I really wouldn't recommend it - for a couple of reasons.  1 - it has casual sex ALOT mentioned and fortunately, not described!!  Has some language...which I felt it my duty to black out with a sharpie.  Yes, I guess I really am that older woman who doesn't want to read swear words.  Sigh.  And 2 - the author obviously had a unhappy youth with parents who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It's a um, secondary plot to the story, so to speak - how the parents are religious fanatics who are insensitive to the daughter that has married outside of the church and is no longer in their 'eternal ' family and when she has a miscarriage while they express sadness at her loss, they are pretty unfeeling about it.  The parents are apparently on a mission to Africa, and the main character can only shudder when thinking about all the hapless people who are having to deal with them.
It made me so sad.
I get that there are people who've had to deal with extreme religion.  A couple of my children would probably agree with the main character...ass they are not active in the church.  I get that not everyone is going to feel the spirit in the same way.  I also get that it's hard for people to forgive and move on.  Perhaps this book was her way of purging the past... or perhaps she was writing from another person's story - us authors do that a lot, we hear someone's story and feel inspired to develop it. 
But be whatever the reason - I feel strongly that I need to share my testimony - that the Lord is there and loves everyone.  Jesus Christ died that we would not, and that we could have the chance to be together forever.  Everyone's interpretation of that is a little different - but the great plan of happiness is for everyone. 
None of us are perfect.  That's why we're here.  One of my favorite quotes from our leaders is 'The church is a hospital for the sick, not a resort for the healthy' or something like that.  The savior said many times that He had come to heal and bind up the wounded and sick...not for them that were whole.
All of us need Him in our lives.  All of us are struggling.  While yes, I believe there is only one true church - or organized religion - on the earth, that doesn't mean others can't feel the influence of the spirit and be good people.  Everyone has good in them.  Everyone can BE the good around them.  I hope as we head into this holiday season that everyone will think of others, and how they can be served, helped, ministered to, any of the above.
My daughter commented the other day as we were driving that there seemed to be a lot of random signs around that said stuff like "hug someone today"  or "be kind".  I think they're great.  It plants a thought, brings to mind kindness... helps in this dark world.
I hope if nothing else, you feel the love of God and of Jesus Christ in your life.  I don't know who you are, where you live, or if I'll ever see your face - but if you are reading this; know that you are loved greater than anything thing on this earth.  You are a child of God and He has your happiness as a priority, even when things look dark/bleak or at their worst.
He knows.  He has been there.  He loves you.
Have a great day... 

We made it - It's Friday!!

I am really glad it's Friday.  I've been feeling a cold coming on all week...my grandchildren have coughs and are loosing their voices and since they are living with us right now...that spelled disaster.  I've been taking Airborne and trying to stay healthy, but I think it got me.  :(  However, I have many things to do at work and can't take the day off sick.  I'm hoping to take some time this afternoon after I get everything done...we'll see how it goes.  sigh.

So...it's Friday!  there were some random items to mention, but I didn't want to delve into politially charged items.  It's Friday and I want something that's cheerful and uplifting...  lol

I Love to Write Day - This is one of my favorite days all year.  And I really have been missing writing, I've been so involved with editing my latest in the Hibiscus series that it hasn't really been writing.  I think I'm going to just have to do some writing today, no matter what else gets done.  Write people!!  It's your brains throwing up on the page... sort of...  that doesn't sound very good...  Um...your inner most thoughts flowing through your fingers and filling the page with good things.  That's a little better...  (Unless it's one of the many voices inside your head that says chocolate is better than veggies...lol) 

National Bundt (Pan) Day -  Personally, I didn't think the bundt pan was a big deal.  It's a round cake pan.  Some of them have fancy designs in them and some are a heavier duty than others.  I have one that I love to use for bday cakes now.  It's nicer than the typical 9x13 and seems more adult.  However...I don't do a typical bundt cake.  I do a cake mix with pudding and stuff.  Sometimes we get carried away with the frosting, but usually my daughter makes a gnosh and drizzles it.  YUM.  anyway...whatever floats your boat, so to speak.  However... it always makes me think of this scene in Big Fat Greek Wedding...


National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day -  time to de clutter, people. Well...or make sure there aren't any spoiled items in there...those always sneak up on me.  My children never check drawers or use all the veggies I buy...
So today is the day to clean out that fridge and make sure you have fresh food in there. Apparently it was created by the people at Amana who wanted you to have room for the holiday food.  lol
I'm not sure many people would go for this...  I mean, most of us clean out our fridges at least once a month, if not every week.  How about you??  I was very lucky when we first got married - I hated to clean it and my hubby didn't mind, so he would be the one to clean it out.  He hasn't done that in years now though....
of course you could always have your dog help...  like Hooch in Turner and Hooch, lol


National Raisin Bran Day - my daugher is the only one (besides myself) that will eat this cereal.  She loves it.  The rest of my kids want more sugar...sigh.  Where did I go wrong???  anyway - we don't really buy it when she's not here.  I used to eat this all the time when I was younger and didn't have little kids running around.  (of course I also used to eat
there is actually a petition to get rid of raisin bran, lol.  Check it out...  it's got a whole 13 signatures...

so - everyone have a wonderful day.  I hope you find something to enlighten and make things wonderful.  To remind everyone that there are only 40 days left til Christmas, here is a little vignette from Secret Life of Pets...  :)

Remember a Veteran today...

Welcome to Veterans Day Monday and all things military-ish.  If you know a vet or had family that was, be sure to thank them and let them know how appreciated they are if you don't do this on a regular basis.  We owe much of where we are today as a country to these people who are willing to serve in such a capacity. 

I believe I've mentioned that my family has always been great supporters of the military, my Grandfather being in the Navy and my father being a Ranger, my brother being in the Air Force and my son was in the Army reserves.  My other dad was a Marine and his brothers were all in a different arm of the military as well during the Korean war.  I currently have a couple of nephews as well who are in the service, though a couple of them have now been honorably discharged with disabilities.  Military service takes it toll in many ways.  I know I usually try to keep this a little on the lighter side, but War isn't really a light thing...  I think it's appropriate that these days are part of November when we celebrate Thanksgiving.  We have much to be thankful for in this country.

Armistice Day -  this day is different from Veterans day in that it marks the day the first world war was ended.  100 years ago this year President Wilson marked the loss and change that had happened as a result of the war.  The Armistace was signed 101 years ago.  I remember that they used to say it was the war to end all wars.  Well...that didn't happen.  :(  

Forget-Me-Not Day - I don't think I knew about this before.  I've looked at days of the year before - (I mean many of you can attest to that) and I don't think I've mentioned Forget Me Not day.  So...here is a first.  This is apparently a day that veterans can try to raise funds for those who are in need.  I think it's sad that funds need to be raised, never mind that our Vets have so many needs that aren't met - but that's another day.

 
Origami Day - my daughter is the professional origiami folder in our house.  My granddaughter loves to watch her and try to fold things too.  I think it's a great way to challenge the hand eye coordination...lol.  When our first grandchild was born, she made a mobile of origami butterflies.  It took her a while... but it was cool.This is similar to what it looks like.

National Sundae Day - don't want to miss celebrating this today!  My
favorite part of Sundaes??  the hot fudge!  What's your favorite part?  Of course ice cream is the base!!  There is actually a debate as to who and where the first Sundae was created.  You'll have to decide who you agree with... lol

So - one of my favorite scenes from Hacksaw Ridge - this father is so tormented by fighting in WWI that he became a rotten drunk.  However - he knew his son desired nothing else than to serve in whatever capacity he could without bearing arms.  He put on his uniform and went to his aid...


Unfortunately there isn't much to find humorous in war. There have been some well done movies, like the one above.  I hope you have a wonderful day...  44 days left till Christmas... and 16 days till Thanksgiving.  Just some fun stuff to look forward to. 

It's really Thursday!

We made it past the halfway mark and are close to the weekend...  I can hear celebrations going off everywhere, lol.  I guess it doesn't matter if you like going the one hour back or the one hour forward, it always messes with the mind!!  And...I still need to change the clock in my car, lol.  How about you??

There's only a couple of things worth mentioning today...
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day -  If you like dark chocolate, well then, bittersweet is your thing.  I think it might be a little too bitter for me, but I do like dark chocolate and almonds...  :)   trying to decide how to combine these two today.  What would be your choice?  I'm thinking hot chocolate with almond flavoring...  :)    How about almond joy hot chocolate??  anyway...enjoy!

National Men Make Dinner Day -  I wanted to share clips of men cooking, like Mr. Mom where he's cooking Chinese food, or Kramer vs. Kramer where he finally masters french toast...but I can't seem to find anything that shows what I want.  They seem to make such a big thing out of men making dinner...but I have to point out - most of the famous chefs are male!!  So, it's not like men don't cook, or don't want to... It appears that most husbands aren't the ones that cook.  They leave that up to the wife.  Now I know there are exceptions to this...and it's a throwback to the fifties and sixties where it was expected that the wife be the one cooking...  but ya know, things are always changing, and nothing is the 'norm' anymore.  My hubby liked to cook when we got married, but decided he didn't want to compete with me, so he basically stopped.  He claims he'd starve to death if left on his own now... lol.  I doubt it.  He makes a mean sloppy joe!!!

Have a great day.

Can't pass up...

letting you know it's National Doughnut day!!  Well...the unofficial National Doughnut day.  If you like any excuse to celebrate, then here's your day.  I suggest Tasties doughnuts or Bowmans after 7pm, lol.  Or there's always the homemade variety...  I guess the official one is in June, but I'm not complaining.  It's not like any of these days are engraved in stone, right??

We might have to bake some at home...  we have leftover frosting from my grandkids bday cake that we could use...  yum.

Remember this scene?  Sometimes I feel that way with chocolate, lol


It's also National Love Your Red Hair Day -  I teased my daughter and said to rock her hair.  She just died it a dark red.  Those of you lucky enough to have rich color in your dead protein parts, rock it!!! 

and last... it's Play Monopoly Day - If it wasn't a school night, this would be a good thing!  Or does your version not take hours like ours do??

  I guess if we started right after work we might be done before bed...  we wouldn't be playing with my youngest daughter.  We used to drive everyone nuts because she wouldn't play to win, just liked to play and see how long she could keep everyone going.  She would usually win...  Wonder if one of her Japanese friends has a game...  (yes, we do have this version.  My hubby is a BIG Peanuts fan.)

Well, hope you have a great day.  Make it yours!

It's Monday. Are you glad?

It's the day after Daylight savings ends...and one of my favorite times of the year.  I love having an extra hour to sleep - because that's usually what I do with it, lol.  Not the best, but ya know.
Hopefully you all got a great nights sleep!  I found this crazy article about how DLS came into being, and while I knew some of it, I didn't know the whole of it, and thought you might enjoy the knowledge as well...

Did you over do on the Halloween candy?  Did you have a great party?  Today is National Candy day...which I'm sure is because everyone just ate all the candy they could stand and are probably still feeling the effects.  Thankfully, I don't really like candy any more, tooo sugary and I don't like milk chocolate, so it's not a problem for me.  My kids, on the other hand...would eat it till they got sick.  Fortunately no one threw up during the weekend, though my grandson had issues out the other end...  Glad I didn't have to deal with it.  :)

So - just wanting to give you a reason to start off the week with a smile.  today is also Easy Bake Oven Day...and for those of you who remember, that was a fun little toy that us girls (generally...I don't think my brother ever wanted to play with it) could mix up a little cake or cookie and bake it in our own little oven and pretend to cook way before we were big enough to do it in the real kitchen.  Then we grow up and get to do it all the time...and it's not always as fun, right?  But there are days. 

I guess it's time to start showing my oldest granddaughter some stuff in the kitchen...  if I can let go of control.  It's all about control, and I'm not real good at letting other people in my kitchen.  sigh.

Today is also Traffic Directors day.  Well, when I looked it up, I was thinking they meant like traffic cops.  Nope - they're talking about business traffic.  Well...  I'm celebrating the traffic cop.  This is a cute clip of a woman traffic cop in NY.

here's one of a male one that has become an icon as well.  These people are amazing.  :)  How come they don't have them out here???


Well, hopefully that gave you something to smile about today.  Have a good one!!

Happy Celebration of Candy and all things dress up!

yes, in other words, happy Halloween to all of you who like to collect free candy and dress up to pretend to be something other than you are... lol.  Hey, I like to dress up too, so no judging going on here!! 

This is one of the days that I love working for a school district - I get to see some sooo cute costumes!  And the teachers get to dress up as well.  I should say it as 'get' to  because some of them would rather not.


My grandchildren got dressed up this morning to go to school, and I snapped a photo before they left because I knew I wasn't going to make it to the parade.  I'm going to have to put more thought into it next year!!  but aren't they cute??  sorry it's blurry...blame the photographer who was just barely awake and crappy lighting, lol.




the little unicorn on the left had her bday yesterday - she's a big 6 years old.  The Cat is 9 and the little dragon is 3 as of two days ago.  I can't believe how their growing up!


Books For Treats Day - This is an idea that started ten years ago, and it's kind of cool.  The idea of giving kids books instead of candy is awesome.  I know lots of kids aren't thrilled with the idea of not getting candy, but they get enough of it from other sources anyway.  So - if you have lots of kids books and no grandkids, why not give them out instead of candy??  We don't get trick or treaters at our house, we live on too rural of a street and the houses are too far apart.  But - it's a great idea!!

Halloween or All Hallows Eve - everyone knows what today is in the United States.  Did you know that this holiday is growing to be the number one for spending - second only to Christmas??  Crazy.  It's the costumes and stuff.  Remember when we were growing up and costumes were whatever you could throw together?  I didn't know anyone that bought costumes.  Or, if they did, they were cheapy plastic stuff.  Or- their mom was a seamstress that loved to sew fancy stuff.  usually it was simple stuff with makeup, witch hats, etc.  There's some pretty fancy stuff out there now...  Note photo above...  lol  there are no less than seven kidos at the school I'm at this morning with the air filled costumes that look like dinosaurs or a unicorn.  I guess that would keep you warm!!


National Caramel Apple Day - It's also national candy apple day too, depending on which site you refer to.  Personally, I like caramel apples better than candy apples.  My son has bought them on two different nights and cut them to share.   He's pretty generous!! 

National Doorbell Day - in honor of the workout the doorbell will get tonight, I guess.  Not our doorbell!  Do people ring yours or knock on the door?  And talking of knocking...

It's also National Knock-Knock Jokes Day.  I still think my favorite is from the movie Home.


National Magic Day - and of course, magic goes with halloween, right?  My favorite spells/magic people are from Hocus Pocus... I guess Harry Potter is good too, but Hocus Pocus is more fun.  :)


Well, since the world series ended last night (Wasn't that AWESOME?? The Nationals WON!!) what's the plan for viewing tonight?  Are you the kind to watch scary movies for halloween?  I used to make my kids put all the leftover halloween candy into a bowl and then we'd all munch and watch some scary movie.  If there was any left, it got tossed.  I hated having pieces of candy left around the house to attract ants and mice and go stale, etc.  They seemed to like the tradition!  My autistic son keeps wanting to do the same thing.  We reminded him this year that we don't have a big bowl of candy because they don't go trick or treating, we don't get trick or treaters and so the bowl of candy is pretty much out.  Last year they all went and bought a bag of candy to make a big bowl so that they could munch.  Sigh.  Adult children can be soooo clueless sometimes.  :)

Well... whatever your choice for the evening, hope it's a great day and awesome weekend!  Some of us have the day off tomorrow...  :)

We Have Snow!

Not very much - it's just a skiff, but it's cool and I'm excited.  I remind myself that it will melt and go away before the end of the week, if not today, and winter hasn't quite started yet, but it gives me hope.  Yes, I love winter and spring and fall...  summer is too hot!  sigh.

And just a couple quick things today -
Internet Day - of course we all now take the internet for granted...but you realize that only 20 years ago it was not as accessable, right?  We moved from Salt Lake and I had a part time job doing data entry on our computer and then sending it back via internet.  That was the day of the dial up modems and such.  Only five years before that we hadn't had internet, only a computer that we sort of played games on and I did a little writing.  When we got married, there was no internet yet...just the new PC and word processing. We thought cable was awesome and we rented VHS movies from Blockbuster.  😁 My how the world has changed!!  Before the Internet, there was the intranet, which there was a big article on KSL about how the U was part of that whole beginning.  Amazing stuff... we live in the day of science fiction.
I remember when this movie came out, we thought it was sooo cool.  Now it's old stuff and kids wouldn't even understand what he was doing...  (which was a bad thing, lol)


National Cat Day -  I used to be a BIG cat lover.  We've had cats since we got married...and one by one they have finally died off and we aren't such big fans anymore.  Don't get me wrong, I love kittens!!  oh my they are so cute!  but full grown cats??  They get on the nerves.  sigh.  If they use the litter box and stay off the counters, I might like them again... lol.  My daughter has three growing kittens that are so cute..but they are rapidly reaching the cat stage.  We were working on her house last night (it's in a late stage remodel) and this one cat is an escape artist.  The rest of them are confined to the basement, but this one always seems to find a way upstairs.  So she sat and purred and bugged and jumped on us all the time we were there.  Once she jumped on me from a shelf and the other time she jumped up from the floor and clawed her way up to my shoulders.
I like cats in movies better...at least the animated ones.  I love the Secret Life of Pets and Chloe.  She's soooo typical.  This is a compilation of her...

but my husband can never get enough of this scene



National Oatmeal Day - I love oatmeal.  I like it with all the toppings!!  Raisins...nuts...blueberries...maple syrup...cinnamon...the list can be endless.  How do you like your oatmeal??  I also like oats in cookies, and we put it in our banana bread, etc.  Have you tried the overnight ones in the fridge?  Those are yummy too, but better when it's hot.  Today would be good to have a nice steaming bowl of oatmeal with all sorts of toppings.  Enjoy!

Have an awesome day.... and if you're watching the world series tonight, I hope whichever team you're rooting for wins!!  Personally, I'm thinking the Nationals might not pull it off...  😪

And it's my grandson's bday...  can't believe how fast he is growing.  He's such a cutie!!

National Chocolate Day!

That's about the only thing I can talk about today.  The invention of the best stuff...  well, I guess it wasn't invented today, but for some reason this is the day they picked to praise it.  Apparently there are two days and one is in July.  Since I'm a little busy in July, I'm glad I get to celebrate on this day.  :)

Got to love Sandra Boynton's take on things.  I used to have a calendar by her where every day was some kind of food day.  It was soo much fun.  I guess I've been into this day of food stuff a long time...  hmmm.
This was probably more appropriate for chocolate cake day...but I love chocolate in almost any form and this is fun...


Anyway - hope you had a great weekend, and that you're ready for an awesome week!

Here's a great song to get you going!

It's Friday!! I'm so glad....

Have you ever had that week that's been good and bad at the same time??  You think you're doing good and then you realize that you've been brain dead in several capacities and it's not been as good as you think???  sigh.  That's the kind of week I've had.  I hope you've had a better one!!  A teacher and I were wishing we could do 'do over's, but when you get to Friday, why would you want to do the whole week over???  NOT.

sigh.

So - onto bigger and better things, right?  Today is supposed to be lovely, and tomorrow as well before the big cold front moves in, with possibly...SNOW!!  (happy dance, lol)  I know...four letter word, I know...  (my daughter hates driving in it.)

Tomorrow is also the bison roundup on Antelope Island for anyone who is looking for things to do.  It should be fun!

Today is also game 3 of the world series, so we all know what's going on tonight!  And tomorrow, actually...we have a family gathering and I'm wondering how well my brother will accept the fact that we need to watch the game instead of some movie...  🙂 😏

I guess I'll share the couple of fun things and get going with the day.

Frankenstein Friday -  So - the last Friday of October is THE day to celebrate this fictional character.  There has been so many adaptations of this book that I wonder if the author would recognize them today.  We used to like Young Frankenstein when we were younger, and then when we started having children we realized it's really NOT a good film for children...  actually quite inappropriate, but when you consider the director and most the actors involved, yeah...no surprise.  I think the version we like best is the one in Van Helsing. I wanted to show the clip from when Van Helsing is releasing Frankenstein (the monster) from the vampires but it doesn't seem to be a clip someone wanted.  sigh.  Anyway - it's a good halloween movie to watch!!

International Artists Day - Apparently this day was created to encourage and recognize the contributions of artists to society in general.  There is even a website dedicated to it...  Being an artist, I think this is kind of fun.  I hope you'll check out local artists and support them.  Here's a shameless plug for my website...  

National Breadstix (Bread Sticks) Day -  Looks like this is another last Friday of the month type day...  I can't seem to find out why or when it started, but oh well.  I'm not one to complain about breadsticks - I love anything bread pretty much, and I love some good breadsticks (though don't talk to me about the skinny crispy might-as-well-be-a-cracker stuff...). 
When we had our pizza joint we used to make an awesome alfredo cheese sticks that were a big item.  Our kids still miss those breadsticks...  Hmmm  Might have to come up with something tonight that might be passable.

  Anyway - if you go to Olive Garden you know you'll get free breadsticks with your dinner...  and looks like if you order Little Ceasars (ugh) you get free breadsticks today.  So - thoughts to consider, lol.

World Pasta Day - The idea of going without pasta, I admit - is a very difficult proposition.  Pasta is one of my favorite carbs...along with bread.  So - I try to be healthy and buy the whole grain or whole wheat ones.  My family grumbles a little, but hey, they figure pasta is pasta, lol.  I had planned this weeks menus before knowing that it was world pasta day, or I would have definitely made chicken alfredo with bow ties!!  (that's on the menu for another day - didn't quite think it was baseball food, go figure)  I wish I was ambitious enough to make my own, but our pasta machine lost it's handle somehow and we need to get a new one.  sigh. 

National Greasy Foods Day  -  I don't know why this would be a day, but as I was reading on one site - anyone can create a day any time they want to, it doesn't take an act of congress or the president.  Where's the fun in that??  I mean, I guess I could make my own day...a Pasta foodie day...or the cooking artist day...  what day would you come up with??  So, greasy foods go with baseball, but we're having philly steaks, so no greasy stuff on our menu.

Hope this gives you some ideas for the night and weekend...hopefully you'll have a great one and be ready for another round next week.

Enjoy some fun from Robin Williams and food...

Do you Feel AWE?

A coworker shared a link of a study done about how people need more Awe in their lives.  I thought it was an awesome thing, and there's a link to a quiz to see how much awe you have in your life.  I wanted to share it with you...so here ya go - go find out if you need more awe in your life!
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_awe_looks_like_in_the_brain

I got a pretty good score - which didn't really surprise me because I'm always the first to point out amazing cloud formations to my family...or ooh and ahhh over the colors of fall on the mountains.  I think our planet is amazing!! And I really appreciate where I live and the views of the mountain and the lake...  sigh.  It's a gorgeous place, really.  I wish I had photos that did it justice... but here are some that were submitted to KSL that you can enjoy!
https://www.ksl.com/weather/photoContest/gallery/10/2019

and one of my own

And - before heading into other stuff - if you haven't been watching the World Series, you're missing out!  Last night's game was amazing!!  The Nationals are doing AWESOME!!  Here's a highlights of last night... 

 
  (a point of awe, right??)  My hubby is pretty bummed about his team not doing as well...  I'm hoping they at least win one game...
so, anyway -  onto more mundane things...lol

Today is also National Bologna Day.  Now - as an adult, I don't eat much bologna.  I did when I was a teenager... we used to fry it up for sandwiches.  I discovered mayonaise with bologna and wondered where the stuff had been all my life!  (I'd been raised eating miracle whip - ugh!  couldn't stand the stuff and still don't like it.  Mayo is the best!!)  My son still likes it, though I guess he won't eat it every day.  I remember we also used to put potato chips on our sandwiches too.  Did you ever do that??

It's also Good and Plenty day.  If you like the candy, then I'm sure you're thrilled.  I've never really been a good and plenty fan, so no biggy to me. Apparently the stuff has been around since 1893... 🙂  Part of the reason is I'm not a dark licorice fan.  I love red licorice - but can't stand the black stuff.  The only time I've liked the flavor is when of my co-workers made licorice flavored caramels.  Oh my!!  Now that was something else entirely...

Well... have a wonderful day!!  Find some awe and soak it up.

World Series starts today!!

Okay - I know it's not really a 'world series' as in different countries compete... I don't get how they get away with calling it that personally...but that's my own psychosis, lol.  You would think Japan would object - they are big base ball fans too.

ANYWAY - totally got sidetracked there.  sigh.  So - world series time is big in our house.  My hubby doesn't watch baseball any other time because we don't have cable or dish or whatever, and so we can't watch games.  Once in a while we'll catch a BYU game, but that's not the same to me.  I try and take him to a Bee's game once a year, but that doesn't always happen.  Last year we got to go for free - it was awesome!!  So...to make a long story even longer...we buy Canada Dry to drink (remember, he's a Canadian at heart - and it hails back to the 90s when the Blue Jays won the world series.  :)  ) The teams this year are Washington Nationals and Houston Astros.  Who is your pick?  It's hard because we usually like Texas, but I don't rememberWashington making it to the series...like ever, so I always root for the under dog.  Did you know they pick home field advantage based on how they've had a season??  So that's lame...should be a coin toss, lol.
So anyway, we always have chili dogs and baseball food.  I have it totally planned out this time...and I think I've got everything we need, except the peanuts!
And today is National Nut Day!  So, I'm going to have to grab some peanuts in shells for him to munch on.  It's tradition!  So much of baseball is all about tradition, right?  (baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and...)  I'll bet everyone knows the words to "Take me out to the ball game..." 

We have so many favorite baseball movies...  which is your favorite??
Here's a couple of favorite scenes...

Love the Rookie!!

I think everyone loves the Sandlot!

I also loved Field of Dreams...


Okay - I could go on forever, so I'll get back to the day to day stuff, lol.  Last thing to comment on is 
Smart is Cool Day - smart is always cool.  I guess back in my day it wasn't so cool to the 'in' crowd, but if you wanted to get anywhere, it helped to be smart.  Makes me think of the music video by Weird All...  White and Nerdy...


I think it's cool to be smart.  There's just a gene sometimes that lacks the social cues... makes me think of Big Bang theory...  Have you ever watched that show?  I don't, but I have seen this particular scene and it makes me laugh...


Well...  Have a great day, and remember to watch the game tonight!!  I'll be rooting for the Nationals.  just watch...my hubby will root for Houston...  sigh. 

Happy Monday everyone!

Hope everyone had a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable long weekend!  I tried...  we got some things done, and then grandkids got sick...home repair didn't get as far along as expected and then we froze at a booth on Saturday, another grandkid got sick on Sunday...so, from one end to the other, so to speak.  🙂  

We watched Hocus Pocus on Thursday, which was fun.  Always good for a laugh!  Our grandchildren haven't seen it yet, so I guess we've extended the tradition another generation.  :)

 

Hope all your travels were safe and fun.  I've heard of several people that are sick!! 

So - not much to celebrate, but the two items are worth looking into!!

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day!  Of course we're into everything pumpkin this time of year, but this sounds YUMMY.  I recently discovered the Cheesecake factory...and while I'm not that impressed with their food otherwise, the cheesecakes ARE amazing!  So - we might have to grab some to go...

National Caramel Apple day!!  I tell you, I love me some caramel apples...especially when dipped in chocolate.  Slice those puppies up and share, and it's good stuff.  My son brought home one the other day to share and it was SOOO sour!!  😲 I didn't think they'd try that hard to counter act the sweet...  man.  My daughter used to bring them home once in a while from Kneeders and share them.  There was some awesome ones there.  I guess you could always just cut up an apple and dip in caramel, but then how would you work the chocolate???  I mean...that's kind of essential for me, lol.  

What I'm really sad about is last Saturday we missed celebrating Seafood Bisque!!  I love bisque...I guess it's the cream, right??  But Mushroom bisque??  Lobster bisque??  sigh...  we might have to have soup tonight.  Everyone will complain because we had stew last night, but I don't think it's the same thing, AND, I'm the mom.  I get to say...right??  If they want to cook, they can pick something else.  lol

 

anything with bisque means I have to share James...right?

Well - hope you have a great day!  It's going to be an awesome week!  🙂