The Week of Thanks

Last week was a whirlwind as is most holidays.  This year, we had our own special weather issues to deal with.

The snow started mid-day on Monday and it turned to ice. For three days I was home bound - me and the Stand do not venture out in the ice weather.  It's just safer for everyone if we stay home.

So the Stang and I stayed home and worked from home for three days.  I did take a couple of trips to the grocery store however.  I bundled up, got out my slightly used (read: used once) hiking boots, scarf, gloves, and warm jacket.  I set out to finish my Thanksgiving day dinner shopping. 

See how beautiful it is when it snows.  Notice the pond behind me is slightly frozen over.  It was that cold.  In fact, we had days down in the teens.  Now those of you reading from back East probably think we're pansies...but it doesn't get that cold here...we don't know what to do.  So I did what most do, stayed home and drank warm drinks.

HikerGirl and Marathon Bob were coming to Thanksgiving from Montana. We had to make them feel welcome by having snow on the ground and fresh French Breakfast Puffs for them. God I love these dangerous, little, nuggets, of yum. If you haven't you really should make them. You'll thank me for it, I promise.

My guests arrived and the day for all the cooking and celebrating began. I quickly ran out of room in my fridge so I stuck Henrietta on the back porch to "chill" for a little. She had a big day ahead of her so I wanted to be sure she was relaxed.

As I was putting the old bird outside I noticed some little tracks in the snow.  Some other bird had already been out on the deck.

At noon the bird was in a bag, seasoned and ready for it's 3 hour sauna.  A side note, if you've not ever cooked a bird in a bag, you should try it.  They get done in way less time and are sure moist and so tasty. 



3 short hours later the bird was done.  Some of my guests weren't here yet because they misunderstood what I meant by "anytime after 1, and dinner's at 3", so the bird sat for 30 minutes or so as I finished preparing the rest of the meal.  By now HikerGirl, Marathon Bob and I were already stuffed from all the clam dip we had before.  Yet somehow we knew we'd find room for the feast that was about to be put before us.

No carvers in the house, so I grabbed the knife and set to work. Thank God my dad taught me year's ago how to carve a chicken. Turkey's are just big chickens.  Although this bird didn't want to be carved at all.  It slipped all over the cutting board. Next year I'm putting a towel down, I think that would help.

At the end of the day we had a feast.  It was traditional through and through, which is how I like Thanksgiving.  Menu included the bird, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli casserole, and dressing.  We were stuffed, and happy.

At the end we still had room for some homemade pie. Claudia and her mom brought the homemade pies.  One apple, and one cherry.  I didn't have the cherry, but I can tell you the apple was to die for.

The rest of the weekend is kinda blur. HikerGirl and Marathon Bob had friends they wanted to see so they took off doing their thing.  My think is decorating for Christmas.  The tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving and comes down the day after Christmas (It has to be gone in time for my birthday...it just does).  So Mr. Volleyball and The Dane came over to help decorate and ultimately visit with HikerGirl and Marathon Bob. Though HikerGirl napped, somehow, in the living room with us all talking around her.  Too many carbs I think. 

 Pookie seems to approve of the decorations too.   He found his spot in front of the fireplace and slept contently waiting for Santa to bring him some real food and not this nasty kidney health food he has to eat now.  Poor Kitty. So neglected.

Chicken Soup for the cold

I can never remember if it's "feed a fever" or "starve a cold".  Either way I spent the weekend blowing my nose, hacking up a lung or two, or three, and generally have a grand old time with my new best friends...

the Holy Trinity of Colds

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go blow my nose!

Or Thursday - watch the walls instead, It's Friday, I'm in Love.

Yes, I'm in love.  In love with what I am not sure. Give me 5 minutes and I'll come up with something to love.

So its Friday! 

Huh!

How'd that happen?

I'd recount what I did all week, but honestly I don't really remember.

Oh! Oh! Wait...I remember something.

Tuesday!  Tue...or was it Wednesday! Yes, Wednesday! Mega-Roonie came over for dinner.  At first it started as just to good friends getting together to catch up. It had been awhile you see and we finally found a time to have dinner.  Dinner was at Chez Jenn's and I tempted Mega-Roonie into coming over by offering up a recipe by the Pioneer Woman.  Now, I'm a big fan of PDub now.  She and I, I'm sure, are sisters some how.  Anyhow, I made Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich, which BTW, you MUST make. Go ahead. Click on the link. Drool. I'll wait.

It's not only inexpensive, but quite good. And as we slobbered our way through dinner, in between mouth fulls we talked about other ways to have this meal. For example, Mega-Roonie thought the idea would be good with Fajitas.  I agreed, minus the bell peppers.  Then we thought putting it in a pita pocket...and we went on and on, happily discussing how else we could eat this.

Then it turns out that Wednesday night was the night PDub had challenged Bobby Flay to a Throw-Down - wooo...I could barely contain myself.  So we ate. We watched PDub win and all was right in the world.

Last night, I met a couple of the Traveling Crabs (that's my new name for the Hunting crew wives, who consists of the MomUnit, Mrs. Brach-pir, Seattle Sister In Law and me - or I - or whatever.) minus the MomUnit, add in Blueberry (she's an honorary Traveling Crab) at the Harry Potter Exhibit at the Pacific Science Center.  It was good.  Quite interesting. They had a bunch of the props from all the movies that they had displayed along with some interesting facts/tidbits about the movie.  In fact as we wondered through I couldn't help but feel how incredibly creative the author was...amazing really.  All in all it was a fun night.

Turns out today, thanks to my efforts to not let this happen, I now have a sore throat.  My Officemate has been sick all week, though I'm not convinced I got this from her, but being a Capricorn I have to have someone to blame.  I'm pushing the liquids laden with Airborne and Vitamin C stuff and am hoping it doesn't go into a full on cold. I just had a cold in like August. One a year is my quota.  Not to mention next week is Thanksgiving and I have guests coming to visit! Argh!

The weekend ahead looks to be quite. I need to clean (see above mention of guests), I need to run to Costco (ugh), and I need to scrapbook.  Tough life I tell ya.

The Weekend...

The weekend came and went in such a flurry that I’m hard pressed to recount just what I did. Aside from the normal laundry, vacuuming, cleaning etc, it’s all a blur.

BeagleBabe and I set out early on Saturday morning to attend the Scrapbook Convention. Yah, I know. You’re shocked they have a convention. Well, they do and I am sure it’s a huge money maker for them…from my wallet’s empty-ness I can vouch for the $$ they make. Still, I was glad I went and gladder still that I stayed within my budget. Nothing I bought did I “absolutely” need and most likely could have lived without…but I just couldn’t help myself. So many good deals. They prey on the weak.

When I got home and started sorting through the paper, clips, flowers, doo-dads, etc I realized, again, that I could sell everything in my scrapbook room and 1) have a room that’s not called the scrapbook room and 2) buy a small island and a plane to get me there.

Now the pressure’s on to use everything in said room. I’ve not felt the scrapbooking motivation that I normally feel and am hoping it comes back soon. I miss it…and God knows there’s plenty to do. I’d like to have all of 2010 done before 2011 starts….but that’s not gonna happen I don’t think. We shall see. If you're a bettin' type of person, I wouldn't bet on this.

Sunday was the very popular and famous Sunday Dinner at Chez Jenn’s. You should have seen the line outside of guests waiting to get in. All clamoring to feast on the meal that Jenn herself prepared with her own hands.

Okay, so there was no line this month. It was, in fact, an actual “family” dinner. Just BigBro, Seattle SIL, and Blueberry were in attendance. Thankfully they all came hungry and we boy did we eat. I cooked a brisket again and man…the leftovers I’ll have for lunch today….mmmm…mmmm good.

Thanksgiving is just days away now.  I got out this weekend and did my shopping for Turkey day (I'm hosting at my house for HikerGirl and Marathon Bob who will be coming in from Big Sky Country).  I was stunned at my grocery bill for groceries that included Sunday dinner, all week dinners for me (and one night including a friend for dinner) AND Thanksgiving...all for under $100. 

Which just leaves more money for scrapbooking supplies...or saving...or a plane ticket to Tucson...

Livin' on a Prayer

I've had Bon Jovi on the mind since Glee this week. If you don't watch Glee 1) What the hell is wrong with you? and 2) Bon Jovi Mash Up...awesome, with a little awesome sauce on the side.

ahem....

So I think from now on I'm going to start each and every blog with, "What the hell happened to this week?"  I'm tellin ya kids, Grandma Spaid was right way back when when she told me that time flies the older you get.  I'm still trying to figure out what happened to October. If anyone see's my missing October please return it. There may, or may not be, a reward.

This week has been all about scrapbooking.  A bunch of crazies came to my house on Tuesday for some girl time and scrapbooking. I'm not sure how much scrapbooking we got done, but we got a lot of girl time done.  (That sounds kinda bad...moving on...)

Tomorrow I'll be braving the hoards and crowds and going to the scrapbook convention with a new to scrapbooking friend. If you can believe this, shes accusing me of being an evil influence.  Me?  Sweet, innocent me!  (Side bar: If while looking for my October you stumble across my halo, please return too). Anyhow, I'm looking forward to going, but am not looking forward to the crowds. I don't do well in crowds since most people are R-U-D-E! I know that's a sweeping generalization, still I stand by it.

...and she breaks into song...

Way back when when I worked with PMDude, he used to purposely say things to see what song would pop into my head.  I find I do that to myself these days.

I need help.

Serious help.

Moving on....

Sunday is another Sunday Dinner. I'm so glad I am doing these. I get to see people on a regular basis and get to cook for large crowds on a regular basis.  This weekend will be a small one...only 7 people I think.  I'm making brisket again.  It was so good last time and so stuck in my noggin, that I feel I should make it again.

I swallowed my vitamin sideways again just now...man that hurts...and what song pops in my head...

...this one...

and that is for you PMDUDE!

I Gotta Feeling...wooohooo...

I  know it's been several months since the 3day here in Seattle came to an emotionally charged close, yet I still feel obligated to post the music video I made of all my favorite photos and songs. So go get a cup of coffee, a tissue, and sit back and watch.

63 Years Ago Today

The world changed as we know it.  Well I didn't know it had changed yet cuz I wasn't around...but that day this lovely was born.

Yes, she was a cute one.  Just look at those chubby cheeks.  She still makes that face too, BTW.

Then that lovely had this lovely. And the two became one...almost...

wow..skinny and young (Spain 1986)

Yes that's a one piece shorts outfit.  They were cool in the 80's. 

Yes, 63 years ago my mom was born.  I'm sure in 1947 neither she, nor my grandparents, knew she'd grow up and be the world most awesomest mom...but she did.  And I'm so very lucky to have a mom like her, and a relationship with a mom like her.

She's lived a life that has been full.  She's traveled, she's been loved, and she happens to have the world's best daughter.  What more could a woman want? 

In all seriousness, I've been blessed to have a role model like her. She did what she had to do in the early years, to make sure my sister and I were well cared for.  She's made sacrifices that I can't even begin to imagine (nor do I want to), and did most of it without complaining.  Even today she's sacrificing a lot taking care of dad.  And she doesn't complain...well, okay, she does, but she deserves to.  And her complaints aren't whining...there's a difference.

So Happy Birthday Mom...you're the best and are so lucky to have me as a daughter...hahaha, I'm kidding. I kid. I'm a kidder.  And thanks for listening to Careless Whispers in 1986 4 THOUSAND times on our way to Bakersfield...if you ever had a right to complain it would have been that day with a crying teenager in your care listening to George Michael belt out his sorrows. 

In other non mom birthday news, the Big Black Beast of Burden had a visit by the V-E-T yesterday.  The V-E-T had some concerns and was afraid Pookie had thyroid issues AND kidney issues.  She confirmed he has a heart murmur and the combination of the three could be bad. 

Thankfully, today she called and said he does in fact have a kidney disease. Luckily it's treatable by simply changing his diet.  Which is simple and expensive no doubt. 

The V-E-T recommended yesterday I go buy those little pill pockets to see if Pookie will eat them because it'll make it easier to give him medication.  So today I picked up a bag (for $9) brought it home and before I could get one out of the bag the cat was climbing my leg.  He apparently likes them.

Then the V-E-T calls and he won't need medication after all. Figures.  At least now he has some pretty tasty treats.

Miss Independent

So last night I was minding my own business and watching a re-run of "How I Met Your Mother." (which BTW is a funny, funny show) when out of no where I had a small panic attack.  Nothing major, just an "OMG that's totally me."

See, in this particular episode, two of the character's who had been dating decided to move in together.  He moved into her apartment.  She didn't make any room for him.  Every time he tried to put something of his away she would hiss and make some comment about how it was the way it was supposed to be.  In the end, they realized they weren't ready to live with each other, but to me I totally related to the woman who didn't want her stuff moved.

I've lived by myself for a long time now, and I often wonder if I'd be able to let someone in (physically, not emotionally - that's a whole other blog for another day).  I was raised to be independent and for that I'm thankful.  I do, however, think my independence how crossed over to control freak ( Why are all of you saying, "DAH"...)

In the end of the day, I do like my stuff, and I like my stuff where it is, and after giving it some serious thought, I don't think I'd really be like that character. I think I could, and would, make room for some unsuspecting guy.  Although, if he had a picture of dogs playing poker, I don't think I could let that into my house.

I also had a thought that perhaps my independence is scary to boys.  You know how they like to protect and "fix" women (sorry guys I know that's a sweeping generalization and not all of you are like that) I'm not sure I'd know what to do with someone wanting to protect me or take care of me.  I've done it by myself for years and have been pretty good at it. 

This doesn't mean I won't continue to search for my Fred (Have ever told you my theory about how people should find each other?  No! Well, I think when we're born we should each get a cartoon character and our goal in life would be to simply find the other character who matches. For example, I'm Wilma Flintstone and I have to find my Fred.  It'd be way easier and way fewer divorces I think.).  In fact, I may *gasp* sign up again for an online dating site.  I've been working on my profile for a couple of weeks now - mostly because I get distracted and forget - but it's almost done. 

Who knows maybe I'll find my Fred and maybe I'll find that, while Miss Independent, I can and want to be flexible.  Stranger things have happened.

Day After Dia de Los Muertos

I had planned on participating in that writing a blog a day for the month of November game...but well, yah I forgot yesterday was November 1st (aka dia de los muertos).

Let me tell you a story.

Way....back....when....the earth cooled.

Okay, not that far back.

How about October 1990? Whew now that's 20 years ago! TWENTY...how'd that happen? Hold please why I try to catch my breath at the thought that 20 years has past since I lived in Mexico.

Yep, my Junior year in college, first semester I was an exchange student who lived with a wonderful family in Guadalajara Mexico.  I went to the University of Guadalajara Center for foreign students (in Spanish I think that's Centro Estudios por (or para) los Extranjeros (CEPE) I think...what? It's been 20 years).  For the Dia de los Muertos celebration a couple of us decided to travel to Patzcuaro, Michoacan - a place known for its celebration of dia de los muertos.

We hopped on a bus...a packed bus, with our over night cases, and a dinner packed from our respective parents and we were off. We had a hotel reserved, but we didn't have a clue what to do when we got there.  Oh the free spirit of the young. 

On the bus we were actually able to find seats together - it was a rare thing to find seats, let along together.  We talked about what we should do when we got there, and how we should go about finding the cemetery.  We knew that Patzcuaro wasn't overly big and we'd most likely be able to ask a local.  The ride was long, bouncy and bumpy...but we arrived.  Upon arriving I realized my camera was tucked safely in my drawer at home. Argh. No photos of what was sure to be a fantastic day/night.

We found our hotel and deposited our bags and we headed out.

Four American girls with varying levels of Spanish, in search of the cemetery. We had no idea where it was or how to get there.  We stopped at a restaurant and had some beer dinner.While eating our waiter started up a conversation with us.  He was a nice young man who seemed to have manners and was thrilled to talk to us about his town. When he realized why we were in town, he offered up himself and his twin brother as our guides.  (look away mom...) so we said, sure.  The four of us, his twin and him hopped into a small Datsun pick up and off we went.

Side bar: looking back now it was extremely unsafe of us. I can't believe I felt so invincible to just hop into a truck (granted it was the bed of the truck) with two men/boys we didn't know.  

We stopped at the bottom of a HUGE mountain.  Our guides pointed to the top of the mountain and said, the cemetery was up there. And we began to climb.

At the top of the hill, mountain, whatever was this HUGE statue that I for the life of me can't remember what it was of. I just remember it was enormous...I'm gonna google it...hold please.

Right, so this isn't my picture, but that's the hill (which looks smaller I might add) and that's the statue.  Behind the statue is the cemetery and most of the town.

Anyway, we reached the hill at/around 10 pm and climbed with hundreds of people to the top. Once there I was stunned to see the hundreds and hundreds of people already there and celebrating. 

The graves well all decorated. Food sat out for the spirits.  Families gathered and talked about their loved ones that passed. It was magical.

We spent about 4 hours up there walking through the cemetery talking to misc families. Our guides introduced us to his family, and their neighbors, and their cousins, and their relatives from the north, and more relatives...it was insane. 

My memories of that night are still quite vivid...details aren't so vivid, but I remember thinking how fantastic it was for these people to celebrate their families and the passing of loved ones.  Some may think it's morbid, but I thought it was respectful and honorable. 

Mexico has a lot of culture...and a bad rap for the border towns.  But when I look back to my 6 months there I smile.  It was such a wonderful experience that I'm sure helped shape me into who I am.  I know it helped me remember not to ask "tienes juevos?" (A colloquialism meaning "do you have balls?") and follow it with "Queiro los grandes" - meaning I want the big ones.  Yes, I learned a lot in Mexico.  Much won't be forgotten.