Halloween at the Doc's Office

Just returned from Walmart. Yes, on Halloween. Stoopid, stoopid, stoopid decision. The aisles were packed. People wore costumes. Walmart is scary enough without costumes.

Speaking of costumes, yesterday I had to take Jorge to the doctor because he was about to expire, or so it seemed.

Wouldn't ya know, the entire office staff wore costumes. There was an Amazon pirate woman who must've been 6'3", witches, Raggedy Ann, Bart Simpson ... on and on.

It was a regular old party in there, except for the people wearing masks in the waiting room or having blood drawn or other unmentionable procedures.

So the nurse who took us back into a room was a vampiress, complete with long black wig, terrible makeup and a general overall look that made the Goth look seem sorta cute.

They kept Jorge somewhere for a few minutes and took me back to the room, and while Vampira was asking me questions, in jumps a small man in a rubber mask like "Chuckie" the spooky doll, holding a chainsaw prop. He kind of growled at me, but I just looked up from the People Mag and said, "Nice."

He shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

That was the doctor.

After the exam, the doc said Jorge needed to have blood drawn, and so a girl in a skin-tight black cat suit did that.

Now he can die happy, I suppose.

Once we get him cured of this kidney infection.

My Current Favorite Song And Random Dozen Feedback

Random Dozen Feedback:

I'm spending my blogging time today catching up with the last 25 of you. I'm enjoying this meme immensely, but it's wearing me out!

Here are some observations I've noted while reading:

The English teacher is by far the most influential/favorite.

You guys are so funny about how to tell when you're getting older. I should compile these and start a stand-up routine.

But most of you show your age by replying that you do not text, or if you do, it takes you a week to send a message, and even then it's not guaranteed to get where it needs to be. Funny!

Yellow appears to be the most-cited favorite color.

Most of you do celebrate Halloween, with the reservation of no evil stuff.

You all want to be a "suburban mouse," even though that wasn't an option.

Apparently, you are all the life of the party. Can you imagine if I got you all in one room? Party central!

The naming of the star thing is similar, I think, to adopting a highway. Your money goes toward funding (probably sending Koalas into space or something like that) but you get the "romance" of the notion. You either get this, or you don't, it would seem.

So have a great weekend--if I haven't been around to see you, I'm on my way!


Favorite current song:

If you have not heard "Say Hey, I Love You," then it is time. WARNING: It will stick. All day.

My RD and the Winner of "I Won ... You Win!"

Well, what do you think??

Just messin' with ya. It's a wig from Kristin's hip hop dance.

Don't worry; I will never, EVER do this for realsies.

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.

My 9th grade English teacher inspired me to get a teaching degree. I saw the way she "did teaching" and thought, "I would love to be a teacher if I could be one like her." I did earn that degree (BS in English, 1985, Ball State University) but never taught because I married three weeks after college and began a family the next year. There were a few other good teachers, but she was stellar. She certainly outshone all my professors at BSU. And it is because of her that I use "outshone" and pronounce "when" as "hwen" and not "wen." My kids think it's hilarious. But I don't care because I am correct. I do break some rules here on the blog that she taught us, though, such as not beginning sentences with conjunctions and writing fragments.

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.

Going back to BSU for this one. Jorge had broken up with me (I know, readers, but you must forgive him. That was a long time ago, and I have made him pay for 24 years, so it's all good.) and I was bereft of any desire to go on in life. It was at that point, though, that I really decided, as an adult, that come what may in life, I would not turn bitter against God but follow Him more intently, not just because I was reared in a Christian home but because I wanted to. I have not always done this to the best of my ability, but it is my goal in life.

And I can thank my 9th grade English teacher for "bereft" and for "reared" instead of "raised." Hogs are "raised." Children are "reared."

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?

I love a shade of lavender that some might call orchid. When I see it, it takes me back to early childhood, looking at the light coming through the stained glass windows in our little church. It's one of the few early memories I have.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?

Good night, Nellie, what a question. I heard once that you can always tell a woman's age by her elbows and upper arms, and I would agree, generally speaking. But I could start from head to toe and describe from experience the mudslide called middle age. The effect I'm hating most right now is the sagging jawline. Check back tomorrow, and it might be nose hair. Friday's answer might be the stupid gray hair around the temple area that is so resistant to color.

Also, I'd like to thank my English teacher because I just edited that last section to exchange the phrase "to tell you about" for "describe" and the nondescriptive "one" for "effect."

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you? Nope, in spite of the black wig..

6. What's your favorite musical?

What? Is this another set-up by myself to stump myself in this meme? Yes, yes it is. I don't have a favorite because I don't like musicals. I started to link to a post or two about this subject but decided I couldn't choose from the 35 posts or so on the topic, so I'll just leave it at that.

But if you tied me down and yanked out my middle aged nose hairs one by one until I chose one, I'd say Oklahoma.

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?

No "suburban mouse?" I'm a country mouse who likes space and a view with all the amenities of a city at least nearby. I was just thinking last night that I'll never get tired of looking across a field and seeing a barn on the other side. That is my Midwest perspective of beautiful America. But I'm not into well water or gravel roads. It's a fine line for me.

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."

My first response would be the one about popcorn. But as I thought about it, it might depend on who it was and the occasion and how serious the person was about the gesture. After all, a gift is a gift, and one should be gracious even when taken aback by the gift, right Ann Landers?

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.

Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

I don't text a lot, but once I was stuck on a plane and gave my closest friends and family the play by play in case I never made it out alive. It was terrible!

10. "It's not a party unless _______."

Oh, this question is so loaded. There are a handful of people (tiny people? ha) in my life who are walking parties. The party is wherever they are.

I guess my real answer is "It's not a party unless everybody's laughing." The food and drinks, music, place and reason for being together are all secondary.

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.

Well, I usually have something in my purse to entertain me. It's like an adult diaper bag. If nothing else, I'll start writing on a scrap piece of paper. Sometimes I write in my head. (And sometimes I wrong in my head. HA!) For instance, I'll think of questions for this meme. Or I might strike up a conversation or just sit there quietly and count things. I love to count. It's soothing. Why am I sorry I told you that?

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

I've been thinking this question over, and I have come to the conclusion, and I say this in my best Bill Cosby voice in my head: "Theo, that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

But my answer is "yes" because I would give myself space to be alone (not clingy) and because I like to laugh. If I delve too deeply, though, my answer is probably no because I don't work at relationships, and I'm pretty selfish. So I would like me as a superficial friend, I guess. Ouch, that hurts. So here I am with myself just doing superficial stuff like going for a bike ride.


The winner of the "I Won ... You Win!" is:

Dana at Bug's Eye View

Thanks, Robin! Congratulations, Dana! Happy reading!

Random Dozen #9

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.
2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.
3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?
4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?
5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?
6. What's your favorite musical?
7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?
8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.

Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

10. "It's not a party unless _______."
11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.
12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

Go ahead and link up; I'll answer these tomorrow right here. Thanks for playing!


Tomorrow I'll announce the winner of yesterday's carnival.

A Fun, Unique Carnival & Preview of This Week's Random Dozen

My sweet friend Robin at Be Still and Know came up with one of the most creative blogging ideas I've seen in four years of blogging.

The carnival is called "I Won ... You Win!" (subtitled "The Gift that Keeps on Giving") and the idea behind it is that once you win the "prize," you pass it on to another winner. In this case, the main prize is a book called Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn. What's cool about this is that we are sharing this book literally and figuratively, since Robin and I have both made a couple of notes in the margins about things we like on certain pages.

Here's how Robin explained the concept:

As I finished the book up the other day I began to think about the two women the story centers around.

The story begins with two pen pals in elementary school and they continue with there friendship for many, many years through letters and emails, but they have never actually met, not until things change for the main character. Her life takes an unexpected turn and she finds herself face to face with her long time pen pal.

I began to think of the similarities between the two women in the book and all of you, my fellow bloggers.

As members of this unique internet community we enter into each other lives as we read each others posts, as we comment, share encouraging words or just a well needed giggle now and then.

But what I enjoyed as I read this book was the depiction of the friendship these two women shared. They had been intimately involved in each other lives but had never been in the same room with each other, never shared a cup of coffee over the kitchen table, never wept in each other arms. Yet they still shared in the deep bonds of friendship.

The relationship the two women in this book have is a real friendship, as real as friendships get.

I found the simulates between the book and the blogosphere to almost mirror each other.

The idea for “I Won…You Win” is two fold.

Once a winner is chosen I will send the book out into the blogosphere.

My hope is that whoever wins it will keep the “I Won…You Win” giveaway going.

The second requirement is once you have finished the book place your blog address on the inside cover, as well as the date you finished the book and then continue the “I Won…You Win” Giveaway on your blog.

Link back to me in your giveaway. Let’s see where this takes us.

I also want to encourage everyone who reads the book to mark your favorite chapter in the book with a note in the margin telling future readers why you enjoyed the chapter. Use your imagination, tuck a special note in the pages or a pretty bookmark, but put “yourself” somewhere in the pages of the book.

I am so excited to send this out into the blogosphere.

Let the giveaway begin!

When I received the book, I found that Robin had tucked in some sweet surprises that really blessed me, and I want to do that for you, too. (Secret!)

If you'd like to put your name in the hat wooden shoes for the drawing, leave me a comment today.

Thanks to Robin, the patron Saint of Blogging Patience (You don't know how hard it was to resist paintshopping a halo into this pic) who has been waiting for me to finish the book and get on the carnival ball. She's probably thinking, "Did Lidna really understand that she's supposed to pass this gift along?"

Anyway, I do think this is a great, fun idea for celebrating our unique relationship as bloggers. If you're in, let me know!

*PREVIEW* Write your post, publish tomorrow and link up tomorrow.

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.
2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.
3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?
4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?
5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?
6. What's your favorite musical?
7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?
8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.

Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

10. "It's not a party unless _______."
11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.
12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

Come back tomorrow ready to link up! Don't forget to let me know if you want in on "I Won ... You Win!" Have a wonderful Tuesday.

I Gotta Feelin' : Monday Morning Fun & Fall Into Flavor

Yeah, I'm all excited. Yesterday was Hall & Oates' appearance on Private Sessions on A&E. I liked it a lot, except in one interview session, the host, Lynn Hoffman, brought up the moniker "Blue Eyed Soul," and Daryl Hall talked about how terribly racist it is and how he hates it.

Oops.

I had no idea that was a racist remark. I can only say that when I first heard it, I thought it was a very cool and descriptive phrase. So if I offended anybody who reads here, I apologize. The racist implication went totally over my head. Sorry, Daryl Hall and John Oates and all soul artists everywhere, although I'm sure you're not waiting for an apology from a blogger mom in a small town in Indiana. But I wanted to get that off my chest.

Now I suppose Donny Osmond is going to tell us he hates purple.

Anyway.

It's the 2nd installation of Fall Into Flavor PLUS this amazing video.

Little tangent: One of the fun things about my girls is their playfulness when it comes to music. Yes, the one who hates musicals, me, happened to birth daughters who have a penchant for bursting into song and dance without warning.


















So the other day, Kristin, the high schooler, pulled into the drive and sat there. Immediately, her older sister, Katie, pulled in, observed Kristin and realized that she was listening and singing to the same song as she was (the song in the video below).

So the song ends, each girl gets out of her car, and they continue dancing and singing on the driveway.

Insert Mom-smile here.

Their favorite part to sing is "Fill up my cup--draaaaaaank!" No, not drink, but draaaaaaaank.

How I love my two brunette musical stylists. "Brunette soul?" Oh no. I shouldn't have gone there.



Here are 20,00 people dancing in syncopated waves. Amazing.





Here's my submission for this week. I Gotta Feelin' you'll like it:

Butter Pecan Cake

1 butter pecan cake mix
4 eggs
1 c. milk
3/4 c. oil
1 can coconut-pecan frosting (or you could make from scratch, you show-off)

Oven 350*. Grease bundt pan well.
Mix cake mix, eggs, oil & milk for 2 minutes.
By hand, stir in the can of frosting into the mix.
Pour, bake for 45-55 minutes.
You can toothpick test, but this is a very moist, dense cake due to the frosting in the mix.
Cool 10 mins. in pan, then remove.

Jesus Messiah

This song was on my mind all week and then someone posted this vid on FB.

Oh-h Here They Come ... It's Hall & Oates on A&E!!

So let's revisit the whole Hall & Oates discussion because heaven knows I haven't mentioned them lately on this blog.

Point 1: They are awesome.

Point 2: In 1976, they released their first break-out hit "Sara Smile," and nine months later, hundreds of little baby girls were named Sara-without-an-"h." Yes, their music is that good.

Point 3: They're still making great music after all these years, reinterpreting songs they must have performed thousands of times.

I mean, can you imagine reinterpreting anything already really good, like luscious chocolate for instance, thousands upon thousands of times and still leave the public cheering for more?

Which brings us back to Point 1.

End of discussion.

And now the announcement:

According to A&E's website, the production called Private Sessions showcases exclusive performances and conversations with top names in contemporary music and film. Hosted by Lynn Hoffman in an intimate loft setting, each Sunday morning at 9 am EST, Private Sessions dedicates each hour to the body of work of a single artist or group, featuring not only current releases but also the projects that defined and built careers.

Guess who's on this week?

That's right--This Sunday, October 25th at 9am ONLY ON A&E'S PRIVATE SESSIONS: Best selling pop duo Daryl Hall & John Oates join us in the studio for exclusive performances of their classic hits: "Maneater," "Sara Smile," "She's Gone," "Say It Isn't So," and "It's a Laugh." Don't miss their in-depth interview with host Lynn Hoffman. Plus, surprise guests Jimmy Wayne, Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy, The Bacon Brothers, and Mike Henry- the voice of Family Guy and The Cleveland Show's Cleveland!

Don't know who those other people are, but--doing the happy dance all over my house because--Hall and Oates on A&E! See? I can't even speak in full sentences!

Here's a promo video for that show, and below, another to get us in the mood for some of that timeless Blue Eyed Soul.


Hall & Oates Behind Scenes on A&E's Private Sessions

Lynn Hoffman | MySpace Video

The Gift of Comfort: When You Lose Someone You Love by Richard Exley

I've been talking a lot recently about losing several friends in the span of one week or so. That was rough.

One had ALS, two had cancer.

In the middle of the deepest grieving for my high school classmate, I was offered a chance to read/review When You Lose Someone You Love: Comfort for Those Who Grieve by Richard Exley.

I'd say that was a gift of comfort, wouldn't you?

There is nothing more devastating than the death of a loved one. And whether it comes suddenly and unexpectedly, or at the end of a long and painful illness, every death is experienced anew, a shocking loss that takes your breath away and leaves you disoriented and lost.

The book's format is a series of letters between a pastor and parishioner. Exley says, "I have chosen the letter style because it affords me the opportunity to speak to you directly and in a very personal manner. This is not a book about grief; rather, it is comfort extended to those who are even now walking through the valley of the shadow of death."

Wow-as soon as I read that last line, it jumped off the page at me, and I saw for the first time that the Psalm 23 valley is not just applicable to one who is physically near death but also for those who are left to walk out the rest of their lives without the one who means so much to them. Sometimes grief feels like a living death.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about the book is that it is only 122 pages and is written very simply and straightforwardly. In my experience with depression and grief over the years, there were times I wanted to read but simply couldn't maintain focus or retain what I had read. I believe this book is perfect for anyone who struggles the same way.

When You Lose Someone You Love might be a nice gift for someone when you want to touch base with him/her a few weeks down the road after their loved one passes. Nothing beats a listening ear, but in the middle of the night, a little gift of comfort like this might help them through.

My Swipe at the Random Dozen #8

In my post title, I accidentally typed, "the Random Doze." Gee, I hope it's never that boring.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

I might grab a handful because my hand is attracted to empty calories like dog hair to Mamaw's velour jogging suit, but I'd rather have something ... Reese Cup-ier.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

I remember the first thing that crazy librarian ever said to me. HA. Joking.

Very first conversation with my husband was in 9th grade English class. But no, we weren't married then. I was a smart girl; I waited until I got my driver's license and then we got hitched. HA. Joking.

I was a cheerleader, and Jorge was a football player. It was a game day. When the bell rang to end class, he walked up the aisle we were sitting in, and as I stood to leave, he whispered, "I like your outfit."

And I liked that overture very much.

"Ooh la la," as my sister-in-law would say. But she says that about everything.

Cue Sade: "Smooth Operator ... smooooooth oppa ray tah-uh ....."

We didn't date until college, though. But we have known each other since 9th grade.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

Not only could I, but I'm planning to as soon as Kristin becomes a college student. She is an enthusiastic carnivore, and it's just too hard to prepare two different meals if a person doesn't have to.

It's pushing it for me to prepare one, as it is. I mean, can you imagine having to fix a bowl of cereal AND a bologna sandwich?! What am I, Ina Garten?

I just don't like the texture and flavor of most meat. If it's a hamburger barbecued to a crisp, I like it.

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

Oh, Lid! Was this a set up?! Yes, yes it was! Here she is as a reindeer, as "Eve," and as other cutenesses.













5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).

Malibu Barbie (How did I know I would say that?)
Playing with my cousin, Pam
Jiffy Pop
Getting letters from my cousins in California
Learning to cartwheel
Giant Sweetarts that weren't chewy like they are now but just regular
All of the seasonal shows like Rudolph being an annual "event"
Vacation Bible school

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

6th grade. MVP Volleyball. 'Nough said.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

I also posed this question on Facebook, and almost hands-down, the answer is the day after Thanksgiving. I myself start wanting to listen in October when it starts to cool. I don't think I lose Thanksgiving in the mix, and I usually play it when I'm by myself or so quietly at my desk that no one but I can hear it.

AMYGRANT*AMYGRANT*CALLME*AMYGRANT*AMYGRANT

8. What's your favorite board game?

Not a big fan, but I guess Scrabble. Outburst isn't a board game, but I KILL at Outburst.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

I feel uneasy about them. My threshold for spontaneity and embarrassment is low. Finding the gas tank near empty on any given morning is a traumatic surprise.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"

Yes. And wow, there were some thoughtful, vulnerable answers to this question!

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

This is hard to say because I've begun to suspect I'm allergic. They are giving me headaches like I'm traveling behind a diesel truck. I used to love gardenia, done right, not cheaply. I probably like the autumnal baking ones, too.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

OK, These are not necessarily wonderful, unique things. These are the things that would represent me.

No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
Caramel Apple Spice Cider and Coffee
Hall and Oates choral concert in the living room next to the piano
Scrapbook filled with my newspaper column clippings
Exercise equipment
Running clothes
Zoe
Bible
2nd Cup Screen Saver
Remote control

I hope you enjoyed week 8 and will be back for 9. Also, remember, if you're participating in the Fall Into Flavor meme, that will be this MONDAY. Have that recipe ready to post and link!

"No need to ask--he's a smooth operator .... smoooooth operator ...."

The Random #8, Winner of the Apron & Zoe Goes to the Groomer

Today is the day you link up! Have fun! I'll answer the questions myself tomorrow.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
8. What's your favorite board game?
9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
11. What is your favorite candle scent?
12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?




What delicioso recipes you all offered for the kick-off! You would make Paula Deen proud. And you would make me quite chubby, if I put all of these recipes on the immediate "must try" list.

So the winner of the apron, should she choose to accept it, is Amy at All Things A Ro: Life of a happy go lucky music teacher with lots of hopes and dreams. Congrats, Amy!

After work, I took Zoe to the groomer for "the works." When she came home, she had a bow in her hair, which I can never manage, so I tried to get a pic of her, but she was so wiggly-excited that this was the best we could do.

When I dropped her off, I made sure they could have her done by 6:00, since I had a school concert to attend. They said, "No prob."

So I went home, and much later, I got a phone call from PetSmart asking, "Where is Zoe? Aren't you going to keep your appointment?"

How many of you know what thought crossed my mind?

SHE'S MISSING.

"What? She's not there?

"No."

"But I dropped her off a while ago; you didn't give her to someone else, did you???" (When I dropped her off, another customer was making a big deal over her, and I thought for a second maybe that Yorkie stalker came back pretending to be me and stole her!)

Did I mention I have a big imagination?

"OH, wait a minute. Here she is. I was on lunch break when you brought her in, and no one told me. I'll get on her right away."

Whew. (PetSmart or PetDumb?)

And as I was taking her out, there were all kinds of dogs and cats being paraded into the store in Halloween costumes for some kind of soiree, I guess. We just got out of there!












And here is the baby at her Fall choral concert. Jorge is in Vegas for a few days, so he had to miss her performance. I just included these pics because he will check my blog and see her and wilt on the inside because he's not home. Not that I'm trying to make him want to hurry home or anything. No. I would never do that.

Let me just say that Vegas may never be the same after Jorge, the "Great Rebuker" has been there!

Fall Into Flavor 09 and Preview of Random Dozen 8

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I hope you thought of a favorite flavorful recipe to share with us today for the kick off of this 5 week meme which will actually be on Mondays from now on.

Here is my submission.

[Suddenly, mental train switches tracks:]

Wait a minute.

Is this rich enough to qualify for this meme, Lid?

Why, yes; yes I believe it is. It has one million calories; will that work?

Yes! This thing is richer than Jed Clampett!

Baked Potato Soup

9 baking potatoes
2/3 c. butter
2/3 c. flour
6 cups whole milk
1/2 t. salt
1 t. black pepper
1/2 c. bacon bits, divided
4 green onions, chopped
10 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8oz) container sour cream

Directions:

1. Prick potatoes with a fork and microwave 3 or 4 at a time, scooping out the flesh while the others are cooking.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook about one minute.
3. Whisk in milk a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, 1/3 c. bacon bits, 2 T green onions and most of the cheese.
5. Cook until thoroughly heated (do not boil).
6. Stir in sour cream and heat through.
7. Serve topped with remaining bacon, onions and cheese. Makes about 3 qts.
8. After eating, do not get on scale for at least one week to avoid emotional trauma.

OK, link up with a recipe, and I will select a person to win the coffee apron I've been plugging for three posts now:






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Preview of Random Dozen Week #8

Do not answer these today; this is just a preview so that you can get your thoughts together, write your post and link up tomorrow. I give you extra time because allegedly, some of these questions are "so haaaaard" like they're geometry proofs or fractions or something.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
8. What's your favorite board game?
9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
11. What is your favorite candle scent?
12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Weekend Brew and Apron Giveaway

Action shot! Yeah, I thought you'd see the resemblance.

Only she spelled her name with a funky "y": Lynda. Can you imagine how ridiculous it would be to be called, "Lyd?" Well, unless you're Lydia, I guess. Never mind. (If you're reading this via FB, you need to click on the title to see the blog to see the pic.)

I'm giving this action shot apron away. You just have to participate in the grand kick off of this comeback meme:



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Last year I began this monumental, historic (one year) tradition of posting our favorite Fall dishes once a week. (Aka meme.) You'll have to have your recipes ready by each Monday morning to do this crazy thing. We'll do this for 5 weeks. I'm giving something away at the beginning and a little something at the end.


Here's the print up close. Upon even closer inspection, you will infer that there is a "coffee theme" attached to this apron, which corresponds to this iconic image:



Two words: Masterful marketing.

The point of the meme is to use favorite, homespun, not necessarily healthy Fall comfort food recipes. Ones that Paula Deen would be proud of.

Are you up for this?

OK, here's the other thing. Since you didn't know I'd be asking for recipes today, I'm beginning this tomorrow, Tuesday, even though NEXT MONDAY will be the second installment. Remember, after tomorrow, it's Monday from here on out.

So choose your weapon recipe and return tomorrow to sign up for "Fall Into Flavor" and a chance to win the apron. It's what all the cool kids are doing.
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Well, how was your weekend?

Mine was fun, despite an infection which nauseated me and caused me to puff up like a Pufferfish just in time for fun pics.

I went with some people from my small group to Brown County, Indiana, known for its colorful autumn foliage (that's leaves, for you sauna dwellers in TX and FL) and kitschy gift shops. Please note the strange sign Jorge and I are standing under: "Cripple Crow and Me. And Ed."

Also, the son came home from college this weekend, which is always fun. Part of that fun means five vehicles in our drive and garage. I'm sure the neighbors expect us to throw a washing machine out on the front lawn any day now.

Anyway, Moms of little ones, fortify your hearts: They will look as sweet taking a nap at 20 as they did at 2. Sleeping with his hood up makes my heart bunch up; I can't help it.

Sunday: Church, a walk on a greenway to commemorate a female friend who passed recently and then worked at Oneighty, where it was "Glo" night complete with a gymnasium lit only by black lights. Yes, that's me. Yay for Crest White Strips.




















What did you brew this weekend?