What Have You Been Doing?

I made baked turkey thighs and sides one night.

I "saved" a bunch of meat...and yet, it didn't thank me.

This is only an example of what Dave bought...Big sale at Raley's on bulk meat.

I made a nice pot roast one night....love it.

I always make my own croutons..and I always make my own

Ceasar dressing. I don't make my own parm cheese.

Making Family Memories!

I found my "goals" diary in a box in the garage. I started it in 1992...when I earned my master's degree. I penned my goals in 5 year increments..up until I was 85. One of the goals I had [by 2003] was to take my entire family to a vacation in Hawaii..which would include: myself , grand kids and their parents; my mom and Jack; my brother John and his entire family; my sister Glenna and her entire family; my sister Pat and her entire family. Lofty!

Well, no to Hawaii but Yes to the Oregon Coast! Yes, it is 6 years past my goal...but it is happening. I remember when I wrote it, thinking, "well, I might never have grand kids..and I might never be able to afford it, but I'll write it down anyway". I have invited my son, DIL, and my wonderful grand kids, my bro and his wife, my step-son and his wife, and I offered up ideas for a family reunion several times in the past two years. Hopefully, we'll all get together when the economy is better. I just need to win the damned lottery!

So...it is what it is. It's gonna be fun!

So..I put the deposit down today for a 5 day vacation right on the beach....with a hot tub..and I have two grand kids to enjoy it with. Most importantly...I have a great husband to enjoy it with, which I didn't have in my "goals diary". I also have a wonderful son and DIL...who will hopefully enjoy it with us, and a fabulous step-son & wife who I hope can make it. Maybe my bro and sis-in-law will ride in as well?

If my mom would have ever said to me..."we are paying for a vacation for you and your kids...right on a beach"....I would have been screaming for joy! Are you kidding me????

I have always said to myself..and to my husband, "if my kids ever have children, I will be a very involved grandma". I am.

Lasagna...and sardines?

I made a batch of lasagna for us and the folks!

My favorite? Great canned Italian Sardines from Corti Brothers...with a "dusting" of cream cheese on a whole grain cracker. Omega 3, fiber, and pure yummy goodness. My husband, Dave, thinks I am nuts.

Good Vibrations

My friend is having surgery tomorrow..so send good thoughts, prayers, positive energy, or some head cheese. Whatever you think might help.

If You Love Cats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3U0udLH974&feature=related

I turned up the sound and my cats came running in the room....Stanley jumped up on the computer table and was looking all around...even went behind the computer. He began to talk back! Your dogs may come running too!

Below find the translation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JynBEX_kg8&feature=related

I Am A Two-Timer

I met my friend Jenny at Scott's on the River. It was my second time there, but my first time for the Thursday night.. "buck a shuck" in the bar. We decided to sit at the bar. Great atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, and oysters! We didn't get our favorite oysters (those are $2.50 each) but we enjoyed ourselves. After two martini's, cobra heart would've tasted delish! We also shared some fried calamari..which was quite delightful.

I will go back for the Thursday night special. Get in there no later than 5:30 p.m. It was packed by 5:45 and when we left at about 7:45 pm...there was a slight lull, but the barkeep said it revs back up. Good times.

Butternut Squash Ravioli..with sage brown butter sauce

I topped it with parm cheese, candied pecans, dried cranberries.

Don't Divorce Us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-awVQkTeVE -Don't Divorce Us!!

Let the CA Supreme Court know!!


If you have more or better ways to contact the appropriate people, please add to comment section!

(thanks to Paul for posting this great video on facebook)

Dave's Dagwood..from finish to start.

Sourdough loaf, mustard, onion spread, miracle whip (his choice), cheddar and swiss cheese, salami, pastrami, peppers, onions, turkey, ham, and iceberg lettuce. Sometimes, I make each quarter different...so everyday he has a new type of sandwich. Not this time. I also send along some of my favorite pickles from Corti's..Hot and Spicy Gundelsheim Barrel Pickles with Chili & Red Pepper.

Comfort Food for the Throat

Spring Onion Rice Noodle Soup with fresh mushrooms

Cold tofu with bonito flakes, spring onions and tamari

My Mom at age 36

She is very gorgeous at 36. She gave birth to 6 kids between the age of 18 and 28. Two of them died. Michael died shortly after birth, and Lydia died at birth. I remember going to the funeral home to see Michael..my dad lifted me up to see him in the casket. I touched his fingers. It was 1956...I was 3 years-old. I totally recall it.

I just love this picture of my mom...which was the one in the local paper when she died..on 9-11-01. My dad died on the very same day, in 1994...7 years earlier to the very day. They were divorced in 1964. I am thinking, like my bro, that I will get a tattoo in their honor. He got a big one on his upper arm..I am thinking I'll get one around my wrist.

I Love Bonnie Hunt...and these dog/baby clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMppUgSQNPU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixvim4OlPfg&feature=related

Happy Birthday Patricia!

My sister turns 55 today. (above)

Just added Elaina's pic..so you can see the resemblance!

Potatoes...in my slippers and drawers?

My grandson, Ethan, loves moving produce. I have discovered red potatoes in the most unusual places. The grandkids have their own drawer in the kitchen...and he put some there as well. I am looking forward to finding garlic cloves and tomatoes throughout the house! I did find a lemon in the dishtowel drawer. :)

Superbowl Food

HOT Wings

Cornbread topped with chili and eggs

Yummy goodness.

I was surprised when Dave added some beans to his chili.

My husband makes good cornbread.