Poor, Poor, Pitiful Troy

The museum director was sighing and grumbling today. I finally asked what was wrong. Well, he has to be gone all day Saturday. Oh, whatcha doin? I ask. Nothing. Jerrie (his wife) is making him leave the house all day, real early and he doesn't know why. Sigh, groan, grumble and bumble. He can't even sleep in, he has to be out of the house. More sighing.

Now, I know Jerrie and I can't think that she would be so unreasonable and mean.

And then it dawns on me. Saturday is National Card Making Day. Right up there with Halloween, her birthday and Christmas, so Jerrie is celebrating. Sorry Troy, it's a big deal. In the card making scrap booking world, anyway.

Have fun Jerrie. I hope you make lots of swell cards and send me one or two!

Applesauce 101

My hubby and I made a batch of applesauce this afternoon. He peels and I slice. Max had a football game at five this evening so we had time for just one batch. We use gravenstein apples, apple juice for the bit of liquid, lots of simmering time, a potato masher and sugar and cinnamon to taste.
We'll need 2- 3 more batches before winter. My guys like the apple sauce. It is the freezer variety. We like it served with a pork roast, or with biscuits and gravy, or serve it with meatloaf. Applesauce is a good fill-in with dinner.
* Thanks for the pasta tips, we are going to try it. Sans the machine.

Yummy Pasta & Tough Questions

Their pasta is so, just so, I can't come up with just one word for it...It is just right, in every way. Someday I want to order dessert at D'Anna's. I'm always too full from the pasta.

Someday I'd like a pasta machine to experiment with pasta dough and shapes. I gained ten pounds owning a bread machine, so maybe a pasta machine isn't such a good idea. Has anyone tried to make homemade pasta? Did it work and was the effort worth it? Or is better to just go to D'Anna's?

Baking & Rockin' Out in My Kitchen

This morning, well into the afternoon actually, I have been in the kitchen. I've had the music on and I listened to, Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes, AC/DC, Joe Satriani and The Rolling Stones. If I am cleaning I like to listen to Rod Stewart. Just when you thought you knew me. Who do you listen to while cooking and cleaning? My hubby and BIL Bill both have fond memories of their Moms listening to Johnny Cash while cleaning and cooking.

This morning every flat surface in the kitchen and dining room was covered by cooling baked goods or rising dough. I am making food for a party for next Saturday, cookies and cinnamon rolls for the guys (you too Jay!), and dinner for my sis Jodi and BIL Bill and family (moving house today).

Next week I'll let you know about the bash I am helping to plan for my friend Karen's 50th Birthday Party. Fun stuff!

Almost There

Not tonight, but tomorrow night- my hubby, my sofa, my new, soft afgan from Restoration Hardware, a stack of Fall magazines, a glass of wine, maybe a movie. So close...can't wait.

It Just Went Bad

Yesterday I biked to work bright and early. I like to go in before the museum opens and get things done. I glanced up and saw the UPS truck was making a delivery. A pretty big delivery which changes my day. The UPS guy is making small talk and then casually mentions that there is a pile of dog poop by my front door. I should have taken it as a sign to go home and get in a bubble. But NO, I cleaned it up and things went downhill from there. Do NOT get me started on irresponsible pet owners!
Sam needed my van for an appointment in Bellingham. His car is having issues which he keeps thinking he has fixed. He drove to Bellingham which took three times longer than normal due to road construction. Got there and he had the wrong day, he has to come back today. He gets home and is going to head right back to work when he hears a hissing noise. The van has a flat tire. He goes back to work, calls me. We meet at two o'clock and take the tire off (neither of us have ever changed a flat), we run the tire to Zylstra Tire (they are so great). There is a KEY in the tire and it is shot. We buy a new one, go home, put it on. Sam goes back to work for a meeting. I start dinner which I have had to change because when Sam saw I was making ham loaf from Eastside Deli, he was unhappy as he loves it and had a dinner meeting. I threw it back in the fridge for tonight and planned a new menu. Hubby came home and tried to fix the lawn mower (I'll get to that), went to pick up Max and saw Sam's car by the side of the road. So, he and Max push it home, it actually started half way... Sam had his long board in his car, hopped on that and got to work on time.

Things are falling apart here. In the last month, our lawn mower quit , the living room TV died , Sam's laptop broke and the Xbox 360(the 360 has the red ring of death, gamers know this is BAD). We gave our nephew a vehicle and it died. My bike needs new brakes. I am approaching all appliances with extreme caution.

There is no photo for this post. Who would want to see a pile of junk?

Today I am biking to work and a funeral for a friend.

If this is the last post ever...know that the Mac must have croaked or the bike brakes went out.

What Is Mine Is MINE

Sometimes I leave love notes around the house. This is easier than mentioning something and hearing from all the people that "would never do that".
Just keepin' it real.

Max, Little Bit, Abby

The Good Bye
The Hand Over.
The End.

Abby was so cute and excited, Max was happy that Little Bit is going to Abby, Mindy has a little girl with chaps on her birthday list, Rick is happy to have one out of five kids that loves horses and to have Little Bit for Abby. The whole thing felt right. Everything is good except my puffy eyes and the lump in my throat.

Autumn has Arrived

Yesterday, instead of cleaning my house I got ready for Fall. I bought candy corn, chocolate eyeballs, pumpkins and gourds instead of groceries. I stopped at Grandiflora and picked up a bead encrusted BOO. This corner under the cabinets in my kitchen makes me smile.
Nothing says Fall like eyeballs on ice. Don't worry, they're chocolate. The packets are for orange hot cocoa. Yum!

I have made similiar Fall displays in my kitchen window before. I buy the little pumpkins and then spell out 'autumn' using stickers from my scrap booking supplies. "Fall is Fun!" is another good one.

Last Fall I found this metal/glass thingy at the Second Chance Thrift Store. I put gourds in it for Fall and shiney brights at Christmas. The table runner with cornucopias embroidered on the end is a garage sale find. The leaves are fake unless company is coming. The filbert nuts are from my folks' orchard.

Liz over at Mabel's House posted about decorating for Fall yesterday and inspired me to change things up a bit here. I mostly use things that I find here at home and in the grocery store.
More Fall fun...I went to the LCHS football game last night with Max. Hubby had another committment so I hooked up with Melinda and her boys. Max rode with me and ditched me fast. As Melinda says, "he wouldn't want anyone to know that he actually has a mother." Max told me not to talk to him or look for him. I told him-"right back at you buddy, don't come sit by me either!" That'll show a teen. Give it right back. The Lyncs beat Vancouver College. I had a nice visit with Mel, Leanne and Shannon. I got to hold Mike and Tricia's new baby, Addison. So darling.
Today cleaning, laundry, baking and making dinner for my guys who are all working today. Have a good weekend.

Fashion Police

This may be the most controversial post evha... Hang on. I have a something I want to wear, badly... it is probably a terrible fashion idea but I just want to. And I am seeing some older women wearing this little style with style. Are you ready?

I want some black leggings with cute black flats to wear with cute skirts, maybe denium. It has kind of a cute theme. That is the problem. I am approaching fifty and I don't want to look like a chubby ten year old heading off to school.

In the last week I have seen two women in their sixties wearing leggings. Both looked really stylish. One with a tunic and a sweater shrug and the other with a swirly skirt and sweater set. I might do it. Leave your opinions in the comments. I will probably do whatever I want to do anyway. But you may still tell me.
My skirt would be longer than pictured below. Just above the knees.
photo from nordstroms

It's Great To Be Home

As Kathi and I got closer to home, I mentioned that all my guys had plans that evening and I would be returning to an empty house. I always like to be met, have a bit of a homecoming as it were. Years ago when I traveled, if I got off the plane and no one met me, I'd hug my traveling companion so as not to look like a loser at the airline's gate. Anyway, Sam thought of me coming home to an empty, dark house too and left me a surprise. That Sam I Am.

On Tuesday evening my Hubby thought it might rain the next day so we quickly stacked two cords of firewood before dinner. Never mind that I was a tad sore after my return to boot camp on Monday.

Instead of happy hour, I get a low cal snack at 4:30ish.

It is great to be home. Really.

I Miss My Yacht

Our stateroom on the cruise wasn't huge but it was nice. Plenty of storage. Nice, high quality linens. Chocolates on my pillow. A heated tile bathroom floor. Gorgeous views. Great pillows. Nice.


I miss my yacht and the scenery.

I miss going down to visit with Elaine to check out the drink of the day.

Thanks Kathi! I had a great time. But all good things must come to an end.
I am home, doing laundry, making dinner, cooking breakfast for 32+ people on Thursday morning, paying bills, vacuuming, picking up Max etc. etc. etc. And it is good to be here with my guys. I missed 'em.
Oh, and mid-October I am going on another sisters' trip.

Meals on a Yacht

Kathi and I, both enjoy cooking, entertaining and eating. The food on the yacht was fabulous. We asked for a galley tour. Sure. Really there wasn't anything the crew said no to. I liked that part. It is a very efficient galley with the chef, his assistant and one dishwasher, runner, everything young man. The galley was homey too, patio lanterns, drawings from children and thank you notes on the bulletin board. They have a dumb waiter, so they plate all meals down below and send them up table by table. It smelled good too. The turkey was roasting for lunch sandwiches, the foccocia bread was cooling and the brownies were in the oven. It was amazing what came out of that little galley. I am inspired to bake bread this winter.

Afternoons on a Yacht

We visited quaint little ports with shopping and ice cream shops. It was fun to get off the ship and walk.

We lounged on the sundeck and in the hot tub. One afternoon we had our massages. The aromatherapy in itself was unreal and the massage- the best I've ever had. Merlinda used hot towels. I wanted to take her home with us.

On Thursday we had a bbq on the sundeck at lunch. Crab, ribs, burgers, salads, peach pie and margaritas. My new friend Shelly, the Pastry Chef made corn bread with honey butter. Oh Baby!

Kathi and I took a lot of time just watching the scenery and taking photos. We met so many nice people and enjoyed visiting and cruising. One afternoon we went under Deception Pass Bridge. I had been over many times, never under. So beautiful.

The Captain of the Safari Explorer

The Explorer has open bridge rule. This means that you can go up and hang out with the captain at any time. Captain Tim Voss brought his charming wife, AnneMarie with him on this voyage. They are a well traveled couple from Whidbey Island. He was very patient with my questions. On the last evening Kathi and I were invited to join Captain Tim and Anne Marie for dinner. We talked travel, movies, dogs, shopping, food and life experiences. An evening to remember.
Edited to add photo from Kathi.

Mornings on a Yacht

Just in case you were wondering about mornings on a yacht, I can fill you in. Yoga at seven on the sun deck, stairmaster, breakfast in the dining room. Breakfasts were made to order with a morning special offered every morning. Dishes like Kahlua French Toast with carameled bananas. Coffee in the lounge including espresso. Then relaxing, kayaking, watching the scenery. The American Safari yachts do not travel at night. They don't want you to sleep through the scenery. Nice.

I had never been kayaking, and I was a bit worried. Didn't want to tip the boat. So peaceful and beautiful. Our weather was so perfect. Truly a Northwest miracle. They asked that Kathi and I stay in sight of the yacht because the captain didn't want to leave us behind again. No problemo.

We Missed the Boat

Our cruise began with high blood pressure. I picked Kathi up from work and we drove to the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham where the yacht was moored. We parked, got our bags and were strolling toward the dock when we noticed the ship was leaving the dock. We ran, we screamed, we made a scene. Fotunately, the skiffs that were escorting the Safari Explorer out of the bay came back, loaded us and our bags and brought us to the yacht. Since we were last minute travelers, our names were not on the manifest. The weather was gorgeous so the Captain decided to leave early so the passengers could enjoy the sunset. He thought everyone was on board. If you knew anyone having dinner at the hotel or Hearthfire Grill on Tuesday night and you've already heard about us running with baggage and screaming down the dock please bear in mind how much we wanted to go at that point.

We are gaining on them...

We sipped martinis and got over it. The crew and captain fell over themselves making it up to us all week. Kathi and I had a great entrance, so everyone on board knew us.

Bon Voyage

Photo is courtesy of American Safari Cruises Their site is listed to your left...

I have been on standby. My sister Kathi, the sister that is not a Snapsister but a travel agent, asked me to MAYBE take a trip. She would enter a drawing for a cruise at 3:00 on Tuesday, with drawing at 3:30 and the yacht leaving at 6:00 in the evening on Tuesday. Kind of be ready to go but you might go nowhere.
I can do that! My hubby said GO, if you get picked... My boss, Troy said GO, if you get picked. My guys said GO, if you get picked. This is a BIG if... The cruise is Tuesday through Friday in the Pacific Northwest on board the Safari Cruiseline. There is a gourmet chef, a wine expert and a masseusse on board. All included, really. There is a sauna and a hot tub on the deck, unreal scenery, luxury cabins, kayaks to use, people to meet, books to read. Oh please, please let it happen! We would take the train back home on Friday evening... Hoping like crazy! Cross your fingers...
*I prewrote this post on the off chance we got to actually GO. If you are reading it, we got picked! I figured I'd have time to pack, hit the post button on the blog and drive to the Belleweather Hotel where I am departing on an unreal adventure!
Bon Voyage- I'll just go ahead and say it since I don't have time to wait for your good wishes.

Fall is Football

Max had his first JV football game yesterday afternoon. Fun! He had two really nice sacks. The Lyncs soundly beat Sehome. Fun. I love to go to Max's football games and particularly when they win. Hey, if it's not about winning why keep score?
Max is #83. He is on the far left of the photo. Go Max!
*Check in late this afternoon for another post.

Summers' End

I was hoping for a sunny Sunday and I got one. After church, Sam and Max boarded and hubby and I biked at Birch Bay. We met up for lunch at CJ's Beach House for some calamari and coconut prawns out on the deck. Nice.
And the C Shop. I had my favorite, a caramel sailboat, they are white chocolate diamond shaped "boats" filled with homemade caramel and two almonds for a sail. As good as I remembered. Buttery!

My sis Jodi, and BIL Bill and family came over in the evening for a BBQ. The whole day felt like a really nice way to end the summer.

This & That Again

*Love Fridays-especially when Hubby is actually off for the weekend. Yay!
*I have two cans of pumpkin in the cupboard just burning a whole in my pocket, or something like that. I feel like baking, baking something with pumpkin that makes me feel all Fall like, makes the house smell good and just gives that cozy feeling. Any ideas? Besides pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?
*Hubby is going to help me with the Costco, Trader Joes trip this weekend. Yay!
*Hoping, hoping for a sunny Sunday. We need one last day at the beach with long boards and bikes. Church is at 9:30 so we'll have lots of time.
*I am starting to think about cleaning the garage, ooh, my guys just love that. Maybe Saturday afternoon, early evening, a family, bonding project. Are you feeling the love people?
*It is REALLY dark at 5:30 a.m. when I get up for boot camp. O'dark thirty. It's hard. It's cold. Anyone want to join?
*I ordered very cool, cute, neato inventory for the museum gift shop this week.
*Yesterday I ordered two cords of firewood. Hubby has worked too much to get it done. We've, well the guys, have always gone out and cut, split and stacked. I found an ad for firewood being sold by some young guys that want their Christian school to have a band and were fundraising. Win-win! I got the last two cords and they deliver! Yay!
*I need to declutter my house and brain this weekend. Wish me luck!

A Fall Meal

One Fall Saturday my BIL John was visiting and I had made Taco Soup for dinner, we went to a football game and decided to invite more guests. We got home and I quickly made this chowder, dumped it in a crockpot after it had simmered, to keep it warm. I'm flying around the kitchen and was ready to join my guests for a little happy hour, gave a quick stir and found the lids from the mushroom soup in the chowder. Could have been awkward if one of my guests had been served a tin can lid...So, take it slow.
This corn chowder is a good Fall meal that my guys enjoy with blueberry muffins. I posted that recipe earlier.
The celery adds some nice color.
Why fry bacon, when there is facon?
If I use baby reds, I just leave the peels.

Supper Corn Chowder
5 slices bacon
1 med. onion, chopped
2 c. cooked or canned corn
1 c. diced cooked potatoes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
parsley
Cook bacon/ facon until crisp. if you use real bacon save 3 T. dripping for frying the onion. I use the all ready cooked bacon from Costco and fry my onion in butter. Add remaining ingredients and dash of pepper. Heat to boiling; simmer a minute or two. Enjoy!
*Please note I usually double the recipe. My guys like leftovers. Sometimes I assemble and put in the crockpot on low before I go to work. When I cook the potatoes I add a sliced carrot or two, they are good for you and they add some nice color. Sometimes I add a stalk of celery to the onions. Again, nice color.
Like all of my recipes, they would never be recognized by the original cook.

Dinner is ready and I have a couple hours to go walking or do some gardening. Nice.