1. MIL is looking for transportation to and from a couple doctor's appointments after I return home. I asked why my SIL who lives 40 minutes away couldn't take her. She answered, "Well, she has to find someone to watch her daughter after school, and drive all the way up here, and then into town, and then.....you know, it all sounds pretty lame compared to coming from Pennsylvania."
2. It's a gratifying thing to have someone thank you for cooking their dinner and then tell you it tastes great. Of course, she said it was great compared to the swill she got in the nursing home but it's still a compliment, right? I'll take that.
3. Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold and my MIL has some of the best. She's a lucky lady.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Don't Think I'll Tell Her...
I got a text message from Diana saying she was making hamburger pie for dinner tonight. Later she texted me saying dinner was 'uber gross.' I think it might be cruel to tell her my MIL's neighbor brought us some delicious takeout meals from the local Italian restaurant.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Made It
Roads at home were kind of awful when we left but got to the airport fine and made it to Georgia safely. MIL is walking around much better than I expected her to be and she is beyond thrilled to be at home after a month in the hospital/nursing home. My back is kinda meh but not awful. I'm already being called and texted by Mr. Lime and the Limelets not knowing where things are, what to do, what to cook,etc. Pretty funny.
Thanks to one and all for the prayers and good thoughts!
Thanks to one and all for the prayers and good thoughts!
Friday, February 22, 2008
On a Midnight Plane to Georgia
No 55 or Da Count this week. I've been scurrying around for a day trying to get ready to go to Georgia to take care of my mother-in-law. If you recall, some time ago she fell and broke her wrist and pelvis. She comes home from the hospital today and I am scheduled to fly out early tomorrow to stay with her for a week.
This is not meant to be a complaint but I have a few concerns. My back is still not right. It's better than it was but I have been down this road enough time to know I'm at the point where if I don't pace myself I could completely screw things up. So I want to be useful to my MIL but I also don't want to make my own situation a whole lot worse.
As the time approaches I am also wondering how things will be going interpersonally because we don't have an especially close relationship. At times it has been more than a bit contentious. things have been better recently and I am glad for that. A week of just the two of us, both coping with varying levels of pain...could be very interesting.
Finally, we currently have about 3 inches of snow, we are expected to get about 6 more then ice on top of all that. It's not supposed to stop until tomorrow morning after my flight leaves. It's a 2 hour drive to the airport when weather conditions are good. After running the car into a ditch last week and doing $300 worth of damage to it I am less than thrilled to be heading into the city in the pre-dawn hours during such lovely conditions.
Any and all prayers and good energy for the well being of me, my MIL, and my family while I am gone, as well as me just getting there in one piece are most appreciated.
I can't say that I will be posting at all while I am down there. If I do it will be sporadic and I know I won't have a lot of chance to get around to all of you. I should be back to regular posting the first week in March.
UPDATE: 11:30am...We've got 6 inches already and the worst has supposedly not even started. ugh.
This is not meant to be a complaint but I have a few concerns. My back is still not right. It's better than it was but I have been down this road enough time to know I'm at the point where if I don't pace myself I could completely screw things up. So I want to be useful to my MIL but I also don't want to make my own situation a whole lot worse.
As the time approaches I am also wondering how things will be going interpersonally because we don't have an especially close relationship. At times it has been more than a bit contentious. things have been better recently and I am glad for that. A week of just the two of us, both coping with varying levels of pain...could be very interesting.
Finally, we currently have about 3 inches of snow, we are expected to get about 6 more then ice on top of all that. It's not supposed to stop until tomorrow morning after my flight leaves. It's a 2 hour drive to the airport when weather conditions are good. After running the car into a ditch last week and doing $300 worth of damage to it I am less than thrilled to be heading into the city in the pre-dawn hours during such lovely conditions.
Any and all prayers and good energy for the well being of me, my MIL, and my family while I am gone, as well as me just getting there in one piece are most appreciated.
I can't say that I will be posting at all while I am down there. If I do it will be sporadic and I know I won't have a lot of chance to get around to all of you. I should be back to regular posting the first week in March.
UPDATE: 11:30am...We've got 6 inches already and the worst has supposedly not even started. ugh.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
HNT-Snow on the Roof
No, that's not the world's worst case of dandruff. During the snow storm last week this is how much snow accumulated on my head as I walked from the chiropractor's office to my car. My camera was in the car so a HNT post was born.
Keep warm!
HHNT
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tender, Tasty, Juicy Breasts
*image from http://www.wiseacre-gardens.com/buttons/foghorn.html Yesterday I shared a wonderful little recipe with you all. In it I mentioned sharing a story about chicken breasts today. Do you remember the little overnight, girls-only getaway I went on not long ago? Among other topics, there was discussion about recipes during which one lady interjected, "My husband cannot eat chicken breasts without thinking of Michelle's breasts!" Every head in the room whipped around in her direction and an explanation was demanded.
Several years ago she and her husband bought a farmhouse and the surrounding 11 acres. Her husband got into his head that he wanted to raise his own livestock for meat and eggs. Among other critters he had a bunch of chickens and butchering day came. He decided he wanted to have a chicken Barbeque to share with friends. We all headed over and in order to get through the process efficiently we set up an assembly line to get the job done. One person killed the chicken, one plucked, another gutted, and it was my job to cut up the birds into various parts. Our host gave me the knives he had available and I looked them over trying to decide which one was going to do the best job since none of them were terribly sharp. The fellow wondered if my hesitation indicated I was unsure as to how to cut up a chicken and asked, "Do you know how to split the breasts?"
Without missing a beat, I looked at him and replied, "Yes, I lay on my back and they slide right into my armpits. It's like the parting of the Red Sea."
UPDATE: I am such a doofus sometimes....I meant to provide a link to a recipe Zombieslayer posted yesterday. His recipe would make a really dandy dessert to the sandwich I posted yesterday so run on over there and give it a looksee.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Yummy Eats
Today we will learn how to make this sandwich. It does not have a name. The Limelets, well the omnivorous ones anyway, just refer to it as "That yummy chicken sandwich." You can call it "Lime's Awesome Marinated Grilled Chicken with Mozzarella, Pesto, and Roasted Peppers on Ciabatta Bread Sandwaich." On second thought that's kind of unwieldy so feel free to call it Herman or Brad or Ronaldo or whatever works for you.
You'll have to forgive me for only having this completely poor picture of the completely yummy sandwich and none of the process. Now I warn you all in advance, I am no chef. I made this thing up myself and I didn't measure a thing or time stuff either. I guess you're going to at least want an ingredient list though huh? Ok, here goes.
Boneless split chicken breasts (come back tomorrow for a special story all about chicken breasts)
Ciabatta rolls
Paul Newman's Light Balsamic Vinagrette
Lemon pepper seasoning
Roasted peppers
Pesto (basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil)
Fresh Mozzarella
Portabella mushrooms
MARINATION (Is that a word? Well, it is now.)
First you want to get some split boneless chicken breasts and pound them till they are I dunno, maybe a half inch thick. Just beat the hell out of them until they are an even thickness, however thick ya want. Feel free to imagine the face of whatever jerk has made your heart break. Pounding chicken breasts is a great way to vent aggravation. A little kitchen therapy plus it burns calories before you ever consume them..It's all good. For the men out there, we only pound chicken breasts.This is no way to treat your lover's breasts. Oh yeah, ya might want to stick em between pieces of saran wrap to keep the mess to a minimum....the chicken breasts, you doofus, not your own hooters. Then again, who am I to say what turns you on is any less valid than what turns me on. Pull off an extra long sheet for yer own breasts if ya want.
Next you want to sprinkle some lemon pepper on the breasts and then pour some balsmaic and olive oil over them to marinate. Or you can cheat and grab a bottle of Newman's Own Light Balsamic Vinagrette. I do it all the time. Whatever floats yer boat, or yer chicken breasts in this case. Let em marinate however long ya want....well, not until they mutate and crawl out of the fridge, mind you.
Now, while the chicken tits are marinating you can make your roasted peppers and your pesto. Yeah I know you can go buy this stuff but it just ain't as tasty. You see those colors up there. They don't come out of a jar and they don't come from Photo Shop. I like my food all bright and cheery. Tie dye on a plate, my friends....well, if tie dye weren't actually toxic. You get the idea.
PEPPER ROASTAGE (More coinage a la Lime)
Ok, so the peppers. Get a red one, an orange one, and a yellow one. Color, I tell ya! Wash em, dry em and smear em up with olive oil. Feel free to imagine you are smearing George Clooney or Hugh Jackman...actually no...that's who I fantasize about and I won't share. I am sharing this recipe ok, I don't have to share my men. Find your own damn celebrity to smear with olive oil. If you're a guy, feel free to grab Salma Hayek or whoever. Ok, back to the peppers. Smear em up, stick em on a pan and stick the pan in a 400F oven until the skin gets blistery or black in spots. I dunno how long that is. Don't ask me. Just check on em when they smell good enough to make your belly gurgle. When they are done let them cool until you can handle them and peel the skin off, take the stem and seeds too and toss all that. Now cut up the pepper into strips or squares, whatever ya like. The guy who taught me to roast peppers is adamant about slicing into strips. I slice into squares just for spite. Do what makes ya happy. Get out cookie cutters if it makes you smile. They are your peppers and the last time I checked our flag was still red, white, and blue.
PESTO
As for the pesto, get a big bunch of basil and throw it in your food processor. How much basil? I dunno, as much as you can get. Beg, borrow and steal to get a pile of basil because pesto is so good, you can never have too much pesto. It's good on pasta. It's good in couscous. It's good on these sammiches. I love me some pesto. Ok, so whiz it up until it's good and minced up. Then throw in maybe a third to half as many pine nuts as you used for basil. Whiz that all around. Throw in some garlic. A clove or two for a big pile of basil (ok, ok, I have a 3 cup processor...so however much basil you can cram in that and still make it work) , add more if you are afraid of vampires. Sometimes I double the garlic, sometimes I don't. It depends on my mood. Yep, that's how I cook, deal with it. This is your pesto, be happy. Ok, so next you need to toss in some parmesan cheese and pulse that around. Not a lot though. Yeah I know. You want to know how much. I use maybe half a palmful. I got small hands. Figure it out. Whiz it around and then start dribbling olive oil in the processor and whizzing that up until it looks like a consistency you'd like to spread on your bread. See I am all about your happiness here, folks.
GRILLAGE OF BREASTS AND SHROOMS
Ya still with me? I know this is long but trust me, it's worth it. Get out those breasts now and grill em. How high the heat and how long...yeah yeah.....pffft. I dunno that either. I don't make the heat too high so they don't dry out. I put the grill on medium low and grill em till they are all nice and juicy.
Holy crap I almost forgot the portabellas. Get some of them and slice em up, pour some leftover balsamic dressing on them(fresh, not from the chicken) and stick them on the top rack of the grill while ya do the chicken. I had to add those for my vegetarian kid. She was happy. Then one day I threw a few on top of my sammich and now she and I arm wrestle over the mushrooms.
When the chicken and shrooms are done throw some nice ciabatta rolls on the top rack to toast them. There's a place near here that sells the yummiest ciabatta rolls. Those I don't make from scratch. I mean gees, people.....have I not done enough here? Now you want me making my own bread? Next you'll expect me to plant my own wheat and mill it. For crying out loud, I don't have that kind of time. This post is already crazy long!
ASSEMBLAGE
Ok, so ya got everything. Take a roll and slather it with some of that yummy pesto, throw on a slice of fresh mozzarella, a chunk of chicken, some peppers, and some shrooms. If you want to, you can stick the whole thing back in the grill for a minute to make the cheese all melty. Oooooh, bite into that baby and tell me it's not a mouthful of happiness. Please chew and swallow first though. I don't need to see a half chewed sandwich rolling around in your mouth.
You'll have to forgive me for only having this completely poor picture of the completely yummy sandwich and none of the process. Now I warn you all in advance, I am no chef. I made this thing up myself and I didn't measure a thing or time stuff either. I guess you're going to at least want an ingredient list though huh? Ok, here goes.
Boneless split chicken breasts (come back tomorrow for a special story all about chicken breasts)
Ciabatta rolls
Paul Newman's Light Balsamic Vinagrette
Lemon pepper seasoning
Roasted peppers
Pesto (basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil)
Fresh Mozzarella
Portabella mushrooms
MARINATION (Is that a word? Well, it is now.)
First you want to get some split boneless chicken breasts and pound them till they are I dunno, maybe a half inch thick. Just beat the hell out of them until they are an even thickness, however thick ya want. Feel free to imagine the face of whatever jerk has made your heart break. Pounding chicken breasts is a great way to vent aggravation. A little kitchen therapy plus it burns calories before you ever consume them..It's all good. For the men out there, we only pound chicken breasts.This is no way to treat your lover's breasts. Oh yeah, ya might want to stick em between pieces of saran wrap to keep the mess to a minimum....the chicken breasts, you doofus, not your own hooters. Then again, who am I to say what turns you on is any less valid than what turns me on. Pull off an extra long sheet for yer own breasts if ya want.
Next you want to sprinkle some lemon pepper on the breasts and then pour some balsmaic and olive oil over them to marinate. Or you can cheat and grab a bottle of Newman's Own Light Balsamic Vinagrette. I do it all the time. Whatever floats yer boat, or yer chicken breasts in this case. Let em marinate however long ya want....well, not until they mutate and crawl out of the fridge, mind you.
Now, while the chicken tits are marinating you can make your roasted peppers and your pesto. Yeah I know you can go buy this stuff but it just ain't as tasty. You see those colors up there. They don't come out of a jar and they don't come from Photo Shop. I like my food all bright and cheery. Tie dye on a plate, my friends....well, if tie dye weren't actually toxic. You get the idea.
PEPPER ROASTAGE (More coinage a la Lime)
Ok, so the peppers. Get a red one, an orange one, and a yellow one. Color, I tell ya! Wash em, dry em and smear em up with olive oil. Feel free to imagine you are smearing George Clooney or Hugh Jackman...actually no...that's who I fantasize about and I won't share. I am sharing this recipe ok, I don't have to share my men. Find your own damn celebrity to smear with olive oil. If you're a guy, feel free to grab Salma Hayek or whoever. Ok, back to the peppers. Smear em up, stick em on a pan and stick the pan in a 400F oven until the skin gets blistery or black in spots. I dunno how long that is. Don't ask me. Just check on em when they smell good enough to make your belly gurgle. When they are done let them cool until you can handle them and peel the skin off, take the stem and seeds too and toss all that. Now cut up the pepper into strips or squares, whatever ya like. The guy who taught me to roast peppers is adamant about slicing into strips. I slice into squares just for spite. Do what makes ya happy. Get out cookie cutters if it makes you smile. They are your peppers and the last time I checked our flag was still red, white, and blue.
PESTO
As for the pesto, get a big bunch of basil and throw it in your food processor. How much basil? I dunno, as much as you can get. Beg, borrow and steal to get a pile of basil because pesto is so good, you can never have too much pesto. It's good on pasta. It's good in couscous. It's good on these sammiches. I love me some pesto. Ok, so whiz it up until it's good and minced up. Then throw in maybe a third to half as many pine nuts as you used for basil. Whiz that all around. Throw in some garlic. A clove or two for a big pile of basil (ok, ok, I have a 3 cup processor...so however much basil you can cram in that and still make it work) , add more if you are afraid of vampires. Sometimes I double the garlic, sometimes I don't. It depends on my mood. Yep, that's how I cook, deal with it. This is your pesto, be happy. Ok, so next you need to toss in some parmesan cheese and pulse that around. Not a lot though. Yeah I know. You want to know how much. I use maybe half a palmful. I got small hands. Figure it out. Whiz it around and then start dribbling olive oil in the processor and whizzing that up until it looks like a consistency you'd like to spread on your bread. See I am all about your happiness here, folks.
GRILLAGE OF BREASTS AND SHROOMS
Ya still with me? I know this is long but trust me, it's worth it. Get out those breasts now and grill em. How high the heat and how long...yeah yeah.....pffft. I dunno that either. I don't make the heat too high so they don't dry out. I put the grill on medium low and grill em till they are all nice and juicy.
Holy crap I almost forgot the portabellas. Get some of them and slice em up, pour some leftover balsamic dressing on them(fresh, not from the chicken) and stick them on the top rack of the grill while ya do the chicken. I had to add those for my vegetarian kid. She was happy. Then one day I threw a few on top of my sammich and now she and I arm wrestle over the mushrooms.
When the chicken and shrooms are done throw some nice ciabatta rolls on the top rack to toast them. There's a place near here that sells the yummiest ciabatta rolls. Those I don't make from scratch. I mean gees, people.....have I not done enough here? Now you want me making my own bread? Next you'll expect me to plant my own wheat and mill it. For crying out loud, I don't have that kind of time. This post is already crazy long!
ASSEMBLAGE
Ok, so ya got everything. Take a roll and slather it with some of that yummy pesto, throw on a slice of fresh mozzarella, a chunk of chicken, some peppers, and some shrooms. If you want to, you can stick the whole thing back in the grill for a minute to make the cheese all melty. Oooooh, bite into that baby and tell me it's not a mouthful of happiness. Please chew and swallow first though. I don't need to see a half chewed sandwich rolling around in your mouth.
Monday, February 18, 2008
WARNING: Longjohns Recommended for Optimal Viewing
First of all. thanks to everyone for the kind words over the weekend. You all are the best.
Did you all put on your thermal undies? Ok, feel free to proceed to the pictures. If you didn't heed my warning and the images send a shiver up your spine don't blame me. I warned you. We had an ice storm last week and though I am not fond of how they can tend to lead to power failures when trees weighted with ice pull down power lines I do think they make for some gorgeous scenery. Now imagine the poor, infirm Lime with her crickety back donning parka and boots and carrying her beloved camera in the dripping slop as she trudges through a heavy layer of snow, ice, and slush in her back yard. Ever the suffering artist, I did it all for you. It's how much I love you all. Ok, ok, so I was trying to heighten the drama of the pictures and I would have taken them all for myself anyway because, as my kids tell me, I have a weird fixation on photographing flowers and sticks and blades of grass. But I AM sharing and my mother said I should always share...except for my germs, and some of my harsher opinions, and hats because we don't want headlice...Anyway, onto the pictures.
Did you all put on your thermal undies? Ok, feel free to proceed to the pictures. If you didn't heed my warning and the images send a shiver up your spine don't blame me. I warned you. We had an ice storm last week and though I am not fond of how they can tend to lead to power failures when trees weighted with ice pull down power lines I do think they make for some gorgeous scenery. Now imagine the poor, infirm Lime with her crickety back donning parka and boots and carrying her beloved camera in the dripping slop as she trudges through a heavy layer of snow, ice, and slush in her back yard. Ever the suffering artist, I did it all for you. It's how much I love you all. Ok, ok, so I was trying to heighten the drama of the pictures and I would have taken them all for myself anyway because, as my kids tell me, I have a weird fixation on photographing flowers and sticks and blades of grass. But I AM sharing and my mother said I should always share...except for my germs, and some of my harsher opinions, and hats because we don't want headlice...Anyway, onto the pictures.
For those of you who live in warm climates and have never seen this kind of ice encased landscape, it really does weigh down a tree limb when the whole thing is covered in a thick layer of ice.
Poor frozen rhododendron or azalea (I forget which). Makes ya want to knit a tiny sweater for it doesn't it?
My washline. Remember when it was filled with tie dyed sheets and towels over the summer?
Frozen bridal wreath. I want to carry this poor thing to a heater instead of down the aisle.
Sing it with me now...I have a pussy willow. It's frozen on a stick...Ok, so that's not how the song goes but I like this shot because you can really see the crackled surface of the ice.
I bet those of you who didn't take my warning seriously are wishing you had right about now. This is still my backyard. It's a heavily wooded acre. I love the way an ice storm makes it all look so lacy.
Next we shall sing "The Holly in the Ice Cube."
Hope you enjoyed the tour. Now go fix yourselves some cocoa and warm up.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday 55ish(or more) & Da Count-Enough
If I'm not
pretty enough,
young enough,
thin enough,
sweet enough,
Do me a favor and say
you've had enough.
If I don't
play dumb enough,
work hard enough,
stroke your ego enough,
kow tow enough,
Why don't you just say
you've had enough.
If you don't
enjoy me enough,
love me enough,
want me enough,
respect me enough,
Don't be surprised if I decide
I've had enough.*
Not to beat a dead horse here but so far February has not been any better than January, this last week in particular. If I'm going to be honest I have been less than delightful to be around this week. I'm tired and my back hurts. When it hurts I go to a really low place because I can't accomplish much, I miss out on fun, and I worry if this is the time when it won't get better and the doctors decide it's time to cut into me. I'm not proud of my response or defending it. I know I have been very unlovable this week in my 3D life. Certain individuals have responded to my unloveliness with plenty of their own. And yet there have been those who have given help or a kind word when I most needed it.
I hurt myself while the girls were away last weekend. Calypso wasn't home from her fun weekend away for 10 minutes before she was asking me what I needed and how she could help. When I got all weepy at one point she very gladly gave me a hug. I want to give praise where it is due for that child...especially after what I shared in Da Count last week. There have been friends among you who have very graciously let me whine at them. When I asked one how they could possibly stand listening to me and was told, "Being good to you gives me a chance to express the love I have." Well, if that didn't make me blubber all over the place....That's love alright and it's more than enough.
*Please don't freak out about the content there. I'm just venting.
pretty enough,
young enough,
thin enough,
sweet enough,
Do me a favor and say
you've had enough.
If I don't
play dumb enough,
work hard enough,
stroke your ego enough,
kow tow enough,
Why don't you just say
you've had enough.
If you don't
enjoy me enough,
love me enough,
want me enough,
respect me enough,
Don't be surprised if I decide
I've had enough.*
Not to beat a dead horse here but so far February has not been any better than January, this last week in particular. If I'm going to be honest I have been less than delightful to be around this week. I'm tired and my back hurts. When it hurts I go to a really low place because I can't accomplish much, I miss out on fun, and I worry if this is the time when it won't get better and the doctors decide it's time to cut into me. I'm not proud of my response or defending it. I know I have been very unlovable this week in my 3D life. Certain individuals have responded to my unloveliness with plenty of their own. And yet there have been those who have given help or a kind word when I most needed it.
I hurt myself while the girls were away last weekend. Calypso wasn't home from her fun weekend away for 10 minutes before she was asking me what I needed and how she could help. When I got all weepy at one point she very gladly gave me a hug. I want to give praise where it is due for that child...especially after what I shared in Da Count last week. There have been friends among you who have very graciously let me whine at them. When I asked one how they could possibly stand listening to me and was told, "Being good to you gives me a chance to express the love I have." Well, if that didn't make me blubber all over the place....That's love alright and it's more than enough.
*Please don't freak out about the content there. I'm just venting.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Weird Wednesday-Just in the Nick of Time (or an Ear)
Feeling lonely with Valentine's Day approaching rapidly? Well have I got a solution for you! Head on over to the Dead Celebrity Soulmate Search and see who is perfect for you. Plug in a few answers about who you are and what you're looking for and you'll be given three potential soulmates' profiles to further investigate. I suppose since they are dead you may need a medium or a ouija board at the very least to make the first date, but it's a start.
Who did they pair me with?
Well first I got Raven. He's a quiet scholarly type who likes to write, visit graveyards, and experience melancholia. He's looking for a partner who enjoys sorrow and madness.
My most humbling moment... When my cousin and wife, the love of my life, Virginia, succumbed to tuberculosis. Oh, Virginia! A day naught goes by but I hear your sweet cry! (I'm sensing someone who's not ready to move on here.)
My greatest accomplishment... There was this bird bothering me for some time, but I finally decided to write about it and ended up making a decent amount of money. (Well, I guess it's better than the neighbor's dog constantly leaving piles in the back yard...no money to be made there.)
My ideal date would include... After dinner slow and stately, as have been my dinners lately, we would sit and over coffee share our thoughts a little more. 'Til I'd note with fearful gasping, how your voice was gently rasping, rasping in a dusty tone, like Virginia long before. I'd have to see you... nevermore! (Well, isn't that special...a way with words but again with the moving on...)
The celebrity I resemble most... Harry Dean Stanton (*shudders)
If I could be anywhere at the moment... At Virginia's graveside. (Charming.)
The book on my bedside table... A collection of works by Edward Gorey and the first couple of volumes of the Lemony Snicket series. (Well, some good reads at least)
The things I can't live without... A novelty skull with a candle sticking out of the top (I forget who gave it to me); my cameo of Virginia (How...um...very romantic.)
Fill in the blanks. Madness is sexy... melancholia is sexier.
In my home you will find... An unusually new-looking brick wall, which you must never go near. A soft, moist spot on the floorboards, which you must keep covered by the rug at all times. A black cat, which you must feed regularly lest he torment you with the madness-inducing mews of hell. I call him Fluffertop. (Alrighty then, that's a solid vote for my place, not his!)
Bachelor #2 is veni_veggie_vinci, who is a sculptor, draftsman, and vegetarian looking for an apprentice to his heart.
My most humbling moment... Well, my plans for the flying machine didn't quite work out. (My plans for ziplining didn't work so well either, this could be a dangerous match.)
My greatest accomplishment... Have you ever heard of this painting called "The Last Supper?" That was me. (I hope this indicates more of a faithful viewpoint than a cheapskate skipping out on the dinner tab mentality.)
My ideal date would include... After a simple meal in my studio, you would disrobe for me and I would translate your beauty into sculpture. You would smile mysteriously at me, a sort of half smile that I'd have trouble interpreting. We would probably have to schedule several dates in a row for me to complete my tribute. (Ooohhh, sounds like all sorts of fun. Maybe he could help me with HNT ideas too!)
The celebrity I resemble most... Willie Nelson (Pre-IRS troubles or Post-IRS?)
If I could be anywhere at the moment... In my studio. (Do I get to be draped artistically?)
The book on my bedside table... "Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, 2nd Ed." (Hope this goes better than the flying thing...)
The things I can't live without... Sculpting tools; sketchbooks (Artistic, i like that.)
Fill in the blanks. Youth and beauty is sexy... engineering a system by which one can deliver running water throughout an estate is sexier. (Um, not what I was hoping for, but a girl does like a shower on a regular basis...)
In my home you will find... Sketches, sketches, and more sketches; a chisel; charcoal; fragments and scraps from all my abandoned projects; at least one apprentice, probably disrobed, unless the vice police are loitering about. (Hey! I thought I was the disrobed one!)
Bachelor #3 is Sunflowers, a moody, depressed artist unappreciated in his time. He's looking for someone to appreciate his art and help him sell some paintings.
My most humbling moment... The whole time I was painting regularly, I was only able to sell one canvas. (Hope ya didn't quite yer day job.)
My greatest accomplishment... One of my paintings, in today's dollars, is now worth over $116 million. (Impressive!)
My ideal date would include... First off, I promise I will not cut off anything while we're together. We could check out some galleries if you're interested. We could also watch a movie, anything but "Reservoir Dogs". (Why do I need to worry about things being cut off? Should I hide the sharp implements?)
The celebrity I resemble most... Jack Palance with red hair (OK, he's kind of rugged and manly.)
If I could be anywhere at the moment... In Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone, France. It's the perfect place for an art colony, if only I could convince other artists. (Sounds lovely)
The book on my bedside table... "The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat," by Oliver Sacks (Oh my stars, this could either mean he's completely inattentive...or he wants to wear me on his head...hhmm...further investigation needed...)
The things I can't live without... Brush, blade, canvas, my gauze-wrapped and dried up bit of ear (Hiding the kitchen knives NOW!)
Fill in the blanks. A young woman walking down the street is sexy... the burning essence of living color all around us is sexier. (Well, that's poetic and exciting!)
In my home you will find... A lot of canvas, my paints, and some fresh sunflowers... sometimes they help cheer me up. (Does that mean he'll be sending me flowers rather than ears?)
Ok, it's a tough choice but I think I will go with veni_veggie_vinci..
Leonardo da Vinci responds... "I really need to finish these sketches for my latest invention, and then start work on the mechanical lion statue that has been commissioned by the King, but your beauty and intelligence captivate me. Let us meet, and soon!" (Why did he even sign-up with this dating service if he isn't going to respond quickly!)
What your date might be like... If you've ever dated someone with ADD, you might have an idea of what to expect. Leonardo might suddenly disappear to work on an idea, or might change topics midstream as some concept or phrase triggers a new series of thoughts. Your best bet is to offer your assistance on whatever project he is involved in at the moment; then, at least you'll be able to talk a little, even if the conversation will mainly consist of being given a series of instructions by your overachieving master. (Great, so life will be dictated by his whims? How about MY interests, Leo? You know I have hopes and dreams too! I have ideas and a brain! Pfftt...so much for dead celebrity soulmates. Maybe I should have gone for the marauders instead of the artists....Hope you all do better.)
Who did they pair me with?
Well first I got Raven. He's a quiet scholarly type who likes to write, visit graveyards, and experience melancholia. He's looking for a partner who enjoys sorrow and madness.
My most humbling moment... When my cousin and wife, the love of my life, Virginia, succumbed to tuberculosis. Oh, Virginia! A day naught goes by but I hear your sweet cry! (I'm sensing someone who's not ready to move on here.)
My greatest accomplishment... There was this bird bothering me for some time, but I finally decided to write about it and ended up making a decent amount of money. (Well, I guess it's better than the neighbor's dog constantly leaving piles in the back yard...no money to be made there.)
My ideal date would include... After dinner slow and stately, as have been my dinners lately, we would sit and over coffee share our thoughts a little more. 'Til I'd note with fearful gasping, how your voice was gently rasping, rasping in a dusty tone, like Virginia long before. I'd have to see you... nevermore! (Well, isn't that special...a way with words but again with the moving on...)
The celebrity I resemble most... Harry Dean Stanton (*shudders)
If I could be anywhere at the moment... At Virginia's graveside. (Charming.)
The book on my bedside table... A collection of works by Edward Gorey and the first couple of volumes of the Lemony Snicket series. (Well, some good reads at least)
The things I can't live without... A novelty skull with a candle sticking out of the top (I forget who gave it to me); my cameo of Virginia (How...um...very romantic.)
Fill in the blanks. Madness is sexy... melancholia is sexier.
In my home you will find... An unusually new-looking brick wall, which you must never go near. A soft, moist spot on the floorboards, which you must keep covered by the rug at all times. A black cat, which you must feed regularly lest he torment you with the madness-inducing mews of hell. I call him Fluffertop. (Alrighty then, that's a solid vote for my place, not his!)
Bachelor #2 is veni_veggie_vinci, who is a sculptor, draftsman, and vegetarian looking for an apprentice to his heart.
My most humbling moment... Well, my plans for the flying machine didn't quite work out. (My plans for ziplining didn't work so well either, this could be a dangerous match.)
My greatest accomplishment... Have you ever heard of this painting called "The Last Supper?" That was me. (I hope this indicates more of a faithful viewpoint than a cheapskate skipping out on the dinner tab mentality.)
My ideal date would include... After a simple meal in my studio, you would disrobe for me and I would translate your beauty into sculpture. You would smile mysteriously at me, a sort of half smile that I'd have trouble interpreting. We would probably have to schedule several dates in a row for me to complete my tribute. (Ooohhh, sounds like all sorts of fun. Maybe he could help me with HNT ideas too!)
The celebrity I resemble most... Willie Nelson (Pre-IRS troubles or Post-IRS?)
If I could be anywhere at the moment... In my studio. (Do I get to be draped artistically?)
The book on my bedside table... "Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, 2nd Ed." (Hope this goes better than the flying thing...)
The things I can't live without... Sculpting tools; sketchbooks (Artistic, i like that.)
Fill in the blanks. Youth and beauty is sexy... engineering a system by which one can deliver running water throughout an estate is sexier. (Um, not what I was hoping for, but a girl does like a shower on a regular basis...)
In my home you will find... Sketches, sketches, and more sketches; a chisel; charcoal; fragments and scraps from all my abandoned projects; at least one apprentice, probably disrobed, unless the vice police are loitering about. (Hey! I thought I was the disrobed one!)
Bachelor #3 is Sunflowers, a moody, depressed artist unappreciated in his time. He's looking for someone to appreciate his art and help him sell some paintings.
My most humbling moment... The whole time I was painting regularly, I was only able to sell one canvas. (Hope ya didn't quite yer day job.)
My greatest accomplishment... One of my paintings, in today's dollars, is now worth over $116 million. (Impressive!)
My ideal date would include... First off, I promise I will not cut off anything while we're together. We could check out some galleries if you're interested. We could also watch a movie, anything but "Reservoir Dogs". (Why do I need to worry about things being cut off? Should I hide the sharp implements?)
The celebrity I resemble most... Jack Palance with red hair (OK, he's kind of rugged and manly.)
If I could be anywhere at the moment... In Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone, France. It's the perfect place for an art colony, if only I could convince other artists. (Sounds lovely)
The book on my bedside table... "The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat," by Oliver Sacks (Oh my stars, this could either mean he's completely inattentive...or he wants to wear me on his head...hhmm...further investigation needed...)
The things I can't live without... Brush, blade, canvas, my gauze-wrapped and dried up bit of ear (Hiding the kitchen knives NOW!)
Fill in the blanks. A young woman walking down the street is sexy... the burning essence of living color all around us is sexier. (Well, that's poetic and exciting!)
In my home you will find... A lot of canvas, my paints, and some fresh sunflowers... sometimes they help cheer me up. (Does that mean he'll be sending me flowers rather than ears?)
Ok, it's a tough choice but I think I will go with veni_veggie_vinci..
Leonardo da Vinci responds... "I really need to finish these sketches for my latest invention, and then start work on the mechanical lion statue that has been commissioned by the King, but your beauty and intelligence captivate me. Let us meet, and soon!" (Why did he even sign-up with this dating service if he isn't going to respond quickly!)
What your date might be like... If you've ever dated someone with ADD, you might have an idea of what to expect. Leonardo might suddenly disappear to work on an idea, or might change topics midstream as some concept or phrase triggers a new series of thoughts. Your best bet is to offer your assistance on whatever project he is involved in at the moment; then, at least you'll be able to talk a little, even if the conversation will mainly consist of being given a series of instructions by your overachieving master. (Great, so life will be dictated by his whims? How about MY interests, Leo? You know I have hopes and dreams too! I have ideas and a brain! Pfftt...so much for dead celebrity soulmates. Maybe I should have gone for the marauders instead of the artists....Hope you all do better.)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Trinidad to Pennsylvania: Chocolate!
"When I die," I said to my friend, "I'm not going to be embalmed. I'm going to be dipped." Milk chocolate or bittersweet was [the] immediate concern. ~Adrianne Marcus~
Apparently I am a chocolate genius since I got 8 out of 10 questions correct. Anyone out there actually surprised by that?
*image from www.digitalarthawaii.org
-The botanical name of the chocolate plant is Theobramba cacao, which means "Food of the Gods."
-One plain milk chocolate candy bar has more protein than a banana.
-Ten percent of U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron is found in one ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa. Chocolate also contains Vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D and E as well as calcium, potassium, sodium and iron.
-Cultivation of cacao trees can occur only in tropical climates, 20 degrees north or south of the equator. Principal growing areas include West Africa, Brazil, Ecuador and the Indies. Generally, it takes five years before trees begin bearing fruit in the form of pods that grow from the tree trunk. Each pod contains an average of 20 to 40 cream-colored cocoa beans. Nearly 400 beans are required to make a pound of chocolate liquor, the semi-liquid mass produced by grinding the beans. A non-alcoholic substance, chocolate liquor is the basis of all chocolate and cocoa products.
-The earliest cocoa plantations were established in 600 AD, in the Yucatan, by the Mayans.
-Drinking cocoa became popular in the USA after the Boston Tea Party, partly as a means of protest because it was not taxed in the way tea was.
*image from hersheypa.com
-Pennsylvania is second only to California in its number of chocolate and cocoa processing establishments.
-Hershey, PA is named for Milton Hershey who was the first American to experiment with creating milk chocolate. He came up with his own formula after visiting Swiss chocolatiers who would not share the process they had invented.
-He founded the town as a company town for his employees but felt strongly it should not be a faceless company town with merely utilitarian rows of identical structures. He envisioned and created a family friendly town with parks, recreational opportunities, and good public transportation. The quality of his product and the well-being of his workers were always placed above mere profit.
-Unable to have children, he and his wife established a school for orphan boys which continues today to serve over 1100 financially needy boys and girls today. Three years after his wife's death Hershey endowed the school with is entire fortune. He himself only completed the 4th grade. His philanthropy was motivated by a deep sense of obligation to use his wealth for the good of others.
*image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgmccook/57608910/
-Trinidad is 11 degrees north of the equator so it falls within the 20 degree north/south range where cacao can be grown.
-Hershey uses cacao from Trinidad.
-As strong as the smell of chocolate in Hershey, PA is, the smell of driving through a cacao plantation is 100 times more. It was the most intoxicating aroma I have ever encountered. I wanted to get out of the car and re-enact the poppy field scene from The Wizard of Oz.
Apparently I am a chocolate genius since I got 8 out of 10 questions correct. Anyone out there actually surprised by that?
*image from www.digitalarthawaii.org Chocolate Trivia: (taken from hersheypa.com and corsinet.com)
-The botanical name of the chocolate plant is Theobramba cacao, which means "Food of the Gods."
-One plain milk chocolate candy bar has more protein than a banana.
-Ten percent of U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron is found in one ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa. Chocolate also contains Vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D and E as well as calcium, potassium, sodium and iron.
-Cultivation of cacao trees can occur only in tropical climates, 20 degrees north or south of the equator. Principal growing areas include West Africa, Brazil, Ecuador and the Indies. Generally, it takes five years before trees begin bearing fruit in the form of pods that grow from the tree trunk. Each pod contains an average of 20 to 40 cream-colored cocoa beans. Nearly 400 beans are required to make a pound of chocolate liquor, the semi-liquid mass produced by grinding the beans. A non-alcoholic substance, chocolate liquor is the basis of all chocolate and cocoa products.
-The earliest cocoa plantations were established in 600 AD, in the Yucatan, by the Mayans.
-Drinking cocoa became popular in the USA after the Boston Tea Party, partly as a means of protest because it was not taxed in the way tea was.
*image from hersheypa.comChocolate in Pennsylvania:
-Pennsylvania is second only to California in its number of chocolate and cocoa processing establishments.
-Hershey, PA is named for Milton Hershey who was the first American to experiment with creating milk chocolate. He came up with his own formula after visiting Swiss chocolatiers who would not share the process they had invented.
-He founded the town as a company town for his employees but felt strongly it should not be a faceless company town with merely utilitarian rows of identical structures. He envisioned and created a family friendly town with parks, recreational opportunities, and good public transportation. The quality of his product and the well-being of his workers were always placed above mere profit.
-Unable to have children, he and his wife established a school for orphan boys which continues today to serve over 1100 financially needy boys and girls today. Three years after his wife's death Hershey endowed the school with is entire fortune. He himself only completed the 4th grade. His philanthropy was motivated by a deep sense of obligation to use his wealth for the good of others.
*image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgmccook/57608910/
Chocolate in Trinidad:
-Trinidad is 11 degrees north of the equator so it falls within the 20 degree north/south range where cacao can be grown.
-Hershey uses cacao from Trinidad.
-As strong as the smell of chocolate in Hershey, PA is, the smell of driving through a cacao plantation is 100 times more. It was the most intoxicating aroma I have ever encountered. I wanted to get out of the car and re-enact the poppy field scene from The Wizard of Oz.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sassy Mamas and Smiles
I think it was about a week ago that Maddy gave me the Sassy Mama Award so I am finally getting around to passing it on.First off, I have to give this to Susie and Logo. They are two of the sassiest girls I know. Susie's fondness for orange knickers certainly has to qualify her. As far as Logo goes, I couldn't even begin to narrow it down to a single post that exemplifies her sassiness. You'll just have to go peruse her archives for yourselves.
Next, I will have to award Jocelyn and Theresa. Again, every post from these two ladies oozes sass. They are both brilliant writers and funny as all get out. Go read them.
Next, Moose gave Isaac this Make My Day Award for his Death by Locust video. Since he doesn't actually blog I will pass it on to some people in his stead. At the risk of sounding completely whiney, it was a rotten weekend. I screwed up my back on Saturday morning and I've been in wicked pain ever since. After a month of taking care of other sick and injured people you might think I'd get cheerful help from the folks who have recovered. You'd also be wrong...insult added to injury. But I want to pass this award on to G-man, Tommy, and David for either giving some specific words of encouragement or just making me giggle once or twice this weekend. Thank you for some smiles and kindness when I needed it.Finally we come to the audience participation portion of our post. I was corresponding with David and we discussed famous places we had grown up near to but either have never seen or didn't see until we were well into adulthood. I grew up only about 2 hours away from New York City but never made it there until I was 31. I'd seen over 30 other states in the country, visited Canada and Bolivia, and had lived overseas but I still hadn't gotten to NYC.
So how about you? what famous local (to you) landmark do you have yet to see or didn't see for a ridiculously long period of time?
Friday, February 08, 2008
Da Count-A for Effort
Report cards came home this week. One was quite good and two were not at all. I was less than pleased by the less than stellar grades earned by kids who are more than capable of wowing me. There was a certain amount of drama associated with the revealing of the grades and the application of consequences that are intended more as a removal of distraction than as outright punishment. After the epic freak out over the unfairness of life at House of Lime calm was eventually restored. The lead player in the tragedy approached me calmly and we had a rational discussion about expectations, next steps, and how she feels as if the efforts that have been made since the previous marking period (when the first dismal set of marks came home) are consistently unrecognized. Then she said the words that hit me hard, "I don't feel like what I do is ever good enough for you and it hurts."
I mulled it over, considered some of the other points she made and realized that though she is prone to exageration and though the grades were really not acceptable at all, she did have some reason to be feeling the way she did. The truth of her words (as they related in a sense broader than a couple of report cards...we covered a lot more ground), more than the words themselves are what pierced me. It reminded me of all the times I brought home straight As and heard my father growl, "That will suffice." I thought about getting nearly a 1300 on my SATs and being told I should have done better. I remembered graduating magna cum laude from college and hearing there was no reason why someone who had chosen the easy way (a degree in special education) shouldn't be graduating summa cum laude. I remembered swearing I would never make my kids feel that way when they had given their best effort. I remembered being a mother of three and my father starting in on one of my kids about some perceived shortcoming before I told him I didn't like that he had criticized me my entire life and I sure as hell was not going to let him do that to my kids.
So, while I am not happy about truly bad grades from bright and capable kids, after a little more examination I can see where some effort was made and I can see where there were things that should have been positively noted. I don't think people need to be patted on the head and have their egos pumped up even when they have done poorly but neither should they be denied praise when it is due. So for this week I'm going to count that Calypso was able to tell me calmly and rationally how she felt about several areas so we can both make the necessary adjustments for better results in the future. It's not something I felt able to do at her age so I'll also count it a small victory that she feels secure enough to do.
I mulled it over, considered some of the other points she made and realized that though she is prone to exageration and though the grades were really not acceptable at all, she did have some reason to be feeling the way she did. The truth of her words (as they related in a sense broader than a couple of report cards...we covered a lot more ground), more than the words themselves are what pierced me. It reminded me of all the times I brought home straight As and heard my father growl, "That will suffice." I thought about getting nearly a 1300 on my SATs and being told I should have done better. I remembered graduating magna cum laude from college and hearing there was no reason why someone who had chosen the easy way (a degree in special education) shouldn't be graduating summa cum laude. I remembered swearing I would never make my kids feel that way when they had given their best effort. I remembered being a mother of three and my father starting in on one of my kids about some perceived shortcoming before I told him I didn't like that he had criticized me my entire life and I sure as hell was not going to let him do that to my kids.
So, while I am not happy about truly bad grades from bright and capable kids, after a little more examination I can see where some effort was made and I can see where there were things that should have been positively noted. I don't think people need to be patted on the head and have their egos pumped up even when they have done poorly but neither should they be denied praise when it is due. So for this week I'm going to count that Calypso was able to tell me calmly and rationally how she felt about several areas so we can both make the necessary adjustments for better results in the future. It's not something I felt able to do at her age so I'll also count it a small victory that she feels secure enough to do.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
HNT-Plucky Sidekick
There's a new superhero in town at Mark Leslie's place.
Mild mannered nerdy book loving book seller by day . . .
Super geeky writer by night!
Mild mannered nerdy book loving book seller by day . . .
Super geeky writer by night!
Faster than a one liner, more powerful than an extended metaphor, able to leap stacks of rejections in a single bound . . . it's a lit prof . . . it's an editor, NO! It's Super Writer!
And what's a superhero without a plucky sidekick? When the family is home she is cooking, cleaning, running kids to activities in the Mom Taxi, and lately doing battle with nasty pathogens in between handing out meds.
As soon as everyone is off to school or work she dons her magic bathrobe, grabs a cup of tea and some snacks, cranks up the iPod, and becomes.....
Blogger Girl!
Separated by hundreds of miles but connected by the internet, she and Super Writer tap along on their keyboards as they fight for humor, blogging, and the digital way!
As soon as everyone is off to school or work she dons her magic bathrobe, grabs a cup of tea and some snacks, cranks up the iPod, and becomes.....
Blogger Girl!
Separated by hundreds of miles but connected by the internet, she and Super Writer tap along on their keyboards as they fight for humor, blogging, and the digital way!
HHNT
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Weird Wednesday-Spam Spam Spam Spam!
Every now and then I take a look in my SPAM filter before I dump it. Just to make sure I am not missing something that was inadvertently filtered. Here is some of what I found...
Phonesai Zeroes tells me, "Give girls what they want with your long hard instrument."
Oh yeah, baby! I love a man who knows what to do with a trombone.
Williams P. Short reassures me that I can have convenient and private ordering for my penis enhancement drugs.
I'm thinking with a name like Willie Short he may want to take advantage of his own offers.
Totally Satisfied offers me great deals on replica purses, watches, and pens.
I would have figured she'd be selling Willie's goods. Purses, watches, and pens? Are these euphemisms?
OOfun Valentines tells me I can send Balloon Grams for the holiday.
So given all the other SPAM is this a reference to colorful latex or mylar novelties filled with helium or are they wanting to inflate something else?
Colin Powell asks, "Why be an average guy any longer?" The body of the email isn't advertising but it's a weird rambling thing that I believe is supposed to sound somewhat erotic.
All I can say is if Colin Powell has taken to directly marketing his erotic imaginings to the unsuspecting public our country is in bigger trouble than I thought.
Phonesai Zeroes tells me, "Give girls what they want with your long hard instrument."
Oh yeah, baby! I love a man who knows what to do with a trombone.
Williams P. Short reassures me that I can have convenient and private ordering for my penis enhancement drugs.
I'm thinking with a name like Willie Short he may want to take advantage of his own offers.
Totally Satisfied offers me great deals on replica purses, watches, and pens.
I would have figured she'd be selling Willie's goods. Purses, watches, and pens? Are these euphemisms?
OOfun Valentines tells me I can send Balloon Grams for the holiday.
So given all the other SPAM is this a reference to colorful latex or mylar novelties filled with helium or are they wanting to inflate something else?
Colin Powell asks, "Why be an average guy any longer?" The body of the email isn't advertising but it's a weird rambling thing that I believe is supposed to sound somewhat erotic.
All I can say is if Colin Powell has taken to directly marketing his erotic imaginings to the unsuspecting public our country is in bigger trouble than I thought.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Fausnacht Day
It's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Trinidad and Rio de Janiero, Pancake Day in the UK. In Pennsylvania Dutch country it's Shrove Tuesday or Fausnacht Day. First, a definition or two...
Shrove is the past tense of the verb 'to shrive,' meaning to gain absolution for sins through confession and penance. This is all part of the preparation for forty days of self-denial during Lent and leading up to Holy Week and Easter. Part of the Lenten observances is to rid the house of fats and yeast. Fausnachts, yeast raised, square doughnuts made with mashed potatoes, (alternately spelled fastnacht or fasnacht) are a way to use up those ingredients. The term Fausnacht translates to mean 'fasting eve,' which refers to the fast that occurs on Ash Wednesday tomorrow.
If you recall my first post on PA German culture you may remember that I outlined distinctions between the Plain Dutch (Amish and Mennonites), who rejected church liturgy and rites because they thought Reformers such as Luther and Calvin did not go far enough, and the Fancy Dutch (Lutherans, Schwenkfelders and others) who continued in the liturgical tradition. Given that, it seems apparent that Fausnacht Day is more associated with the Fancy Dutch since they are the ones who adhere more closely to liturgical calendars.
Yes, I will be making Fausnachts today. If I were a really good and traditional housewife, I'd have gotten up in the middle of the night to make Fausnachts so everyone could have them for breakfast. Given the time consuming nature of theses things I think you all know there ain't no way I am doing that. Traditionally, the last one out of bed this morning is also known as the Fausnacht. Given how I feel about early mornings I would love to be able to lay in bed and BE the Fausnacht (that sounds sort of zenlike to me...be the fasunacht, you are the fausnacht). It's supposes to be a shameful thing to be the last out of bed but my sense of shame never quite kicked in where pre-dawn risings are concerned. At House of Lime we have our Fausnachts for dinner. If I am feeling particularly shameless that's ALL we have for dinner.
Since I have this love for Trinidad I also need to find a way to work in the bacchanal that is Carnival. All yuh know I does dance in de kitchen, so as I fryin' de fausnachts I will be getting on bad to dis...
Monday, February 04, 2008
I'm Too Sexy for This Meme
I saw this at Goody's and had to steal it. The title up there is a reference to Goody's admission that his music collection contains Right Said Fred's I'm Too Sexxy.
1. What song lyric taken completely out of context has become important to you?
Well, it's not out of context...I just change the lyrics of Amos Lee's Arms of a Woman to fit my personal preference for a good man instead. It just takes me to a happy place.
I am at ease in the arms of a woman.
Although now,
most of my days I spend alone.
A thousand miles,
from the place I was born.
But when she wakes me,
she takes me back home.
2. What was the last stupid lyric to catch in your head and not let go?
The Steelers Superbowl song. I hate that stupid song but Calypso and another friend who is a Steelers fan were singing it to soothe themselves yesterday. It doesn't get much more stupid than that. Make it stooooooooop!
3. Have you ever bought a record / CD for the cover art alone - what, and why?
Nope, and truthfully there are a couple musicians whose music will get an automatic purchase from me before I even hear any of it. I have to have heard some of it repeatedly and really like it before I am going to sink money into it usually. Unfortunately. I got burned on the last one I bought this way. Critics may have loved it but I was sorely disappointed by Prince's Planet Earth.
4. What is the LAST CD you bought / downloaded, and why?
The Essential Paul Simon. I've been a fan of his forever. I just never had anything past his dynamic duo days in my collection. Now I do, woohoo!
5. What CD do you own that you think would make your friends shake their heads in either pity, or a total lack of comprehension?
I've seen people react that way when they look at my Ladysmith Black Mombazo CDs and another one I have that's done by various African musicians. I have zero embarrassment about owning or enjoying those CDs. Lessee, I also have a compilation album of irreverent car related music from NPR's Car Talk that a dear friend sent me. That's just plain funny. Not embarrassed about that either. It's great for road trips. Then there is the Toolbox Classics CD where a guy plays classical music on power tools. I find it fairly amazing that you can get that kind of range out of chop saws and power drills. I guess I'd blush a little to admit my iPod has Baha Men's Who Let the Dogs Out on it. In my defense, after a 14 hour drive to Georgia it's pretty fun to crank it up, roll the windows down, and drive through a snooty gated community when we finally arrive.
6. From Cooper's place I am adding....5 songs to chase away the winter blues.
Hot, Hot, Hot by Buster Poindexter
It's Getting Hot in Herre by Nelly
Caribbean Party by David Rudder
She's Only Happy in the Sun by Ben Harper
Summertime by The Sundays
Yep, I'm all about the power of suggestion as I sit here watching the snow fall. Here, if Seasonal Affective Disorder has you in its grip enjoy Buster and the ghastly 80s fashions. Feel free to dance around. It will help your mood. I will not be taking any responsibility if you decide to use a can of Aquanet on your bangs though.
Final bonus question: What are you listening to right now?
The Prerelease of Andy T and the Gear Jammers Band You Don't Say that arrived in the mail on Saturday! Woohoo!!!
1. What song lyric taken completely out of context has become important to you?
Well, it's not out of context...I just change the lyrics of Amos Lee's Arms of a Woman to fit my personal preference for a good man instead. It just takes me to a happy place.
I am at ease in the arms of a woman.
Although now,
most of my days I spend alone.
A thousand miles,
from the place I was born.
But when she wakes me,
she takes me back home.
2. What was the last stupid lyric to catch in your head and not let go?
The Steelers Superbowl song. I hate that stupid song but Calypso and another friend who is a Steelers fan were singing it to soothe themselves yesterday. It doesn't get much more stupid than that. Make it stooooooooop!
3. Have you ever bought a record / CD for the cover art alone - what, and why?
Nope, and truthfully there are a couple musicians whose music will get an automatic purchase from me before I even hear any of it. I have to have heard some of it repeatedly and really like it before I am going to sink money into it usually. Unfortunately. I got burned on the last one I bought this way. Critics may have loved it but I was sorely disappointed by Prince's Planet Earth.
4. What is the LAST CD you bought / downloaded, and why?
The Essential Paul Simon. I've been a fan of his forever. I just never had anything past his dynamic duo days in my collection. Now I do, woohoo!
5. What CD do you own that you think would make your friends shake their heads in either pity, or a total lack of comprehension?
I've seen people react that way when they look at my Ladysmith Black Mombazo CDs and another one I have that's done by various African musicians. I have zero embarrassment about owning or enjoying those CDs. Lessee, I also have a compilation album of irreverent car related music from NPR's Car Talk that a dear friend sent me. That's just plain funny. Not embarrassed about that either. It's great for road trips. Then there is the Toolbox Classics CD where a guy plays classical music on power tools. I find it fairly amazing that you can get that kind of range out of chop saws and power drills. I guess I'd blush a little to admit my iPod has Baha Men's Who Let the Dogs Out on it. In my defense, after a 14 hour drive to Georgia it's pretty fun to crank it up, roll the windows down, and drive through a snooty gated community when we finally arrive.
6. From Cooper's place I am adding....5 songs to chase away the winter blues.
Hot, Hot, Hot by Buster Poindexter
It's Getting Hot in Herre by Nelly
Caribbean Party by David Rudder
She's Only Happy in the Sun by Ben Harper
Summertime by The Sundays
Yep, I'm all about the power of suggestion as I sit here watching the snow fall. Here, if Seasonal Affective Disorder has you in its grip enjoy Buster and the ghastly 80s fashions. Feel free to dance around. It will help your mood. I will not be taking any responsibility if you decide to use a can of Aquanet on your bangs though.
Final bonus question: What are you listening to right now?
The Prerelease of Andy T and the Gear Jammers Band You Don't Say that arrived in the mail on Saturday! Woohoo!!!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Da Count-Getaway
Well, the house is clean. It's been a long month for many reasons aside from just sickness. Illness, my mother-in-law's injury, certain other things I haven't mentioned here, and then locally there has been some really gruesome, horrific happenings. I'm hoping February is better than January.
A friend of mine has a husband who has some big business related conference he goes to this time every year so she throws a ladies sleepover for a bunch of friends during that time. She's an amazing cook and baker so we get fabulous food, and some nice wine. There are always some outrageous favors as well. I'm looking forward to getting away from sick people and bad news even if it's just for one night....and counting the opportunity to do so.
A friend of mine has a husband who has some big business related conference he goes to this time every year so she throws a ladies sleepover for a bunch of friends during that time. She's an amazing cook and baker so we get fabulous food, and some nice wine. There are always some outrageous favors as well. I'm looking forward to getting away from sick people and bad news even if it's just for one night....and counting the opportunity to do so.
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