tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23829542063946234512024-03-12T21:12:04.957-05:00Mrs. Always Random and Usually ShallowMrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.comBlogger529125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-28535559673849390282017-01-12T21:15:00.001-06:002017-01-12T21:15:21.443-06:00New Address!Well...it's been a long time <i>(almost two years)</i> since I've posted on my blog. And coming back to it... it just didn't feel like it felt quite right.<br />
<br />
So I began a new <i>(and hopefully improved)</i> blog...because sometimes it's just too difficult to pick up from where you left off.<br />
<br />
I hope you'll join me in this new endeavor...parts of it may seem similar to this blog, and others will be brand new. If you are so inclined, you can find me <a href="http://fosteringmrsalwaysrandom.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Hope to hear from you soon! :)Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-45985376995100893152015-02-17T18:47:00.001-06:002015-02-17T18:47:13.124-06:00Foodie Non-Friday: Lemon Blueberry Bread<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">So I truly don’t know what’s up with all the
cooking </span><i style="background-color: transparent;">(ok, mostly baking)</i><span style="background-color: transparent;"> I’ve</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">been doing lately but aren’t you lovely folks
fortunate to reap the benefits of it?</span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, actually my family is b/c they get to eat
whatever is tasty <i>(it’s not ALL been
tasty…lest I lead you on about my cooking overall)</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But you get kitchen-tested, Always Random
Family-approved recipes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this lovely little number is no exception.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And you can totally trust us because we have eaten
about 2 loaves of it in the past 24 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don’t judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I am certain you all are asking: “What prompted
this foray into blueberry bread…because I thought you had an aversion to whole
blueberries in baked goods?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And yes, you are correct I do have an aversion to
whole blueberries in baked goods. <i>(And
don’t worry…I realize that most of you, perhaps all of you, have no idea what I
am talking about, so I shall explain)</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I was a child, my mother made fresh blueberry
muffins, utilizing fresh blueberries. Well, apparently I could not wait to eat
one and bit into a piping hot blueberry, whose lovely juice burned, dare I say
SCALDED, my tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Totally my fault…I blame my mother not at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now…I know, I know, you are all surely thinking, “Get
over it, Dude!” but I could not completely get past it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For years, I would only eat those crappy
blueberries muffins which had used dried blueberry powder <i>(or whatever they use)</i>…chopped up bits of blueberry? I don’t even
know, but it was how I got by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until yesterday…when I realized that all those
pints of blueberries I bought last summer and diligently washed and froze on
cookie sheets <i>(you know…so they wouldn’t
all stick together in one big pile of mush upon defrost)</i> and then lovingly
collected and placed in baggies…all those blueberries were sitting in the
freezer…mocking me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had thought I would make some lovely cobbler or
something like that…but then I remembered that I don’t care much for cobbler.
Or pie…another viable option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Disgusting, but viable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So…I Googled “easy blueberry recipes” and much to
my chagrin, the top response was for blueberry bread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Argh…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I decided to forge ahead. Conquer my fears. Look at all this growth, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked at several recipes, but decided on this
one…it had the addition of sour cream or yogurt <i>(which I got to use <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://1morningglory.blogspot.com/2014/01/foodie-friday-yogurt-in-crockpot.html">my crockpot yogurt</a></span>, so that was kind of fun)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, you may be wondering how we have eaten almost
2 loaves…because this recipe only makes one loaf. Clearly, I doubled it…I could
just tell that I would love it and trust my instincts <i>(and also, I seriously have a lot of blueberries to use too).</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NOTE: I did not, however, double it when I listed
it below, so you’ll have to do that higher math if you want two loaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please feel free to contact me for assistance with
this; I don’t mean to brag, but I am a trained professional.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So…without further delay, I give you Lemon
Blueberry Bread: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>INGREDIENTS</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">2 tsp baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">½ tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">½ cup oil </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">(vegetable
or canola)</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">1 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">1 cup plain yogurt </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">(or
sour cream, or homemade yogurt!)</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Juice of 1 lemon </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">(about
3 tablespoons if you have the bottle…I don’t judge that)</i></li>
<li><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NOTE: I also added a tablespoon
of lemon extract, but did NOT use the glaze…I wanted more lemony flavor without
the additional sugar…clearly I’m watching my caloric intake…</span></span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">1 cup blueberries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Lemon Glaze </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">(¾ cup powdered
sugar and 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>INSTRUCTIONS</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Preheat oven
to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">In a large
bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">In a separate
bowl, mix together the oil, vanilla, eggs, sugar, yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon
juice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Combine the
wet and dry ingredients, just until smooth. Do not overmix or your bread will
come out tough.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Fold the
blueberries into the batter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Pour batter
into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. The bread will be finished
when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. NOTE: If
bread begins to brown too much on the top, tent with aluminum foil. I used some
foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Once bread is
finished, remove from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. Run
a butter knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the bread and then
remove it from the pan; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Once bread has
cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Start with one
tablespoon of lemon juice and whisk well. If your mixture is too thick, slowly
add up to one more tablespoon of lemon juice. You want the glaze to be thin
enough to drizzle, but thick enough to set up on the bread.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Using a
spoon, drizzle the glaze on top of the bread. The glaze should harden up a
little more after about 15-20 minutes.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Will store in an airtight
container on the counter for up to five days </span></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.533333361148834px;">(supposedly, but who would really know...by my estimation it is more like 24 hours on the counter...)</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">, or freeze well for up to two
months.</span></div>
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-89537267830354803662015-02-09T06:04:00.001-06:002015-02-09T06:04:06.619-06:00Foodie Non-Friday: Hill of Beans<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">You guys...we eat a lot of
beans in our house. Beans and quinoa.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Often together. It’s yummy…you
should try it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The
quinoa is expensive <i>(but it wasn't when
we first started eating it...now I'm addicted and am willing to pay whatever
the store is charging. I think that was their plan all along.)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
the beans are cheap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
have always bought canned beans because according to the label on the shelf,
the canned beans were cheaper per ounce than the dried ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Duh...I'll
take the cheaper ones please.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
I kept hearing people talk about dried beans being cheaper. And one day the 2
pound bags of dried black beans <i>(my
favorite kind of beans…because I’m certain you were wondering) </i>were on sale
at Aldi for $1.99. So I decided to give it a whirl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And
to be fair, the unit price was still more, but I thought, "Other people
can't all be wrong about dried beans, right?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So...they
have been sitting in my pantry for weeks. Mostly because...get ready for my
confession here...I have never in my life prepared dried beans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Never.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Let me pause right here
and say this: I do not RECALL ever having made dried beans before. If you have
known me to ever undertake such a task, please do not call me out in my comments
below…I honestly do not remember. And frankly, no one should be surprised by
this because really is this a memory-making activity? Probably not, unless it
is eventful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Spoiler alert: I will
probably recall this experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And we’re back: I had
heard tell that there was soaking involved. And it was just more overwhelming
than I could handle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And
I had heard of "crockpot refried beans"...but again, that was
intimidating for some reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Homemade
bagels? No problem. Beans in a crockpot? Paralyzed with fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So,
like any normal person, I avoided it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Yes...I
was avoiding beans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Don't
judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
then this week, I found a recipe which contained "refried beans".
Now, I am not a HUGE fan of refried beans, mostly b/c of the fat content. And
the "canned fat free" ones are kind of gross. As in they look and
smell like canned dog food...which, I am pleased to report, I have never once
found the desire to eat <i>(neither the dog
food nor the beans)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
I thought, "OK, here's my opportunity to face these dried beans once and
for all. I shall Google and thusly attempt the "crockpot refried
beans" <i>(which, as it turns out, are
not really fried or refried at all...who knew?)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
Google it I did and found a plethora of recipes. Argh…something else to deal
with!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
waded through a few and they basically said the same thing…so I chose one and
dove right in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The conundrum
(</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">not really…that implies major issues and
this was not…I just wanted to use that word) </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">was this: my recipe called for
2 cups of beans. I was doubling my casserole recipe, so I needed 4 cups </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(you’re welcome, you math-impaired folks)</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But
the recipes I found only used two cups of beans. So clearly I had to double
mine, right, which meant I needed to use the whole 2-pound bag of beans?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><i>(If
you’ve made dried beans before, you know where this is heading…please don’t
spoil it for the newbies.)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So…the
recipe I ended up using said to put 2 cups of beans in the crockpot <i>(as well as other ingredients)</i>, and 6
cups of water. Which I thought seemed like quite a bit, but as I read through
the recipe, blah blah blah, it mentioned something about “draining the excess
water” <i>(which I could only imagine would
be a lot…)</i> so I wasn’t worried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">NOTE:
you DO NOT soak the beans ahead of time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Though
I did only put in 10 cups of water in with my 4 cups of beans instead of 12
cups <i>(lest I truly be doubling it…)</i>,
because, well, 10 would be MORE than ample, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But I
am getting ahead of myself a bit, so instead of backing up, I shall fast
forward <i>(mostly because it has taken me 3
days to get this little, drivel bit of writing done and I need to pull the rip
cord on it)</i> and tell you this: they turned out just lovely with the right
amount of liquid <i>(no need to drain any
off, but the beans were not too dry either)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">However…they
made a lot. The word “gargantuan” comes to mind. As you probably have discerned
by this point, they soaked up all that water, leaving me with 10 cups of “refried”
beans, instead of the 4 I actually needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
yeah…we’ve been eating some beans this week. A lot of beans…anyone want to come
over for some beans?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Now,
because I’ve really sold it here <i>(they
were good…just overly-bountiful)</i>, here is the recipe in the original ratios
for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">You.are.welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1
onion, peeled and halved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 cups
beans (I used black, but the original called for pinto)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2
cloves garlic, minced,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">½ fresh
jalapeno or other hot pepper, seeded and chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">¾ teaspoon
salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">½ teaspoon
black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6 cups
water</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><b><u>Instructions</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Combine
all the ingredients in the crockpot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cook
on high for 8 hours (so either overnight for those who love some refried beans
first thing in the morning, or during the day)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Remove
the bigger onion chunks and drain any excess liquid (as mentioned, I had no
excess liquid…you can save some of the liquid to add back in if needed after
mashing)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Using
a potato masher, mash the beans and tah-dah! Enjoy!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-52692221617194829152015-01-20T18:35:00.000-06:002015-01-20T18:40:42.218-06:00Foodie Non-Friday: Homemade Bagels...Because Clearly I Have That Kind of TimeSo yeah...I haven't been around much lately. It's not for lack of wanting. It's mostly for lack of material.<br />
<br />
That which I would like to write I cannot <i>(by law and such...)</i> so I haven't written.<br />
<br />
Except my clever, some may call them pithy<i> (I know you beloved readers would never...haters, they're gonna hate)</i>, posts on FB <i>(You can "like" Mrs. Always Random on FB...did you know that? Tell your friends!)</i><br />
<br />
Frankly it's the best my brain can do for the moment.<br />
<br />
I'm ok with that because I know that other good stuff is going on in the lives of our family and the time I previously devoted to you, my lovely readers, is now devoted to The Little Man.<br />
<br />
Someday, he will probably leave us and I'll be back to blogging more. <i>(I'm sure you are all screaming, "WHEN? How soon can he leave? We MISS your beautiful and eloquent writing, Mrs. Always Random!" and to you I reply, "Patience, dear children...all in due time...")</i><br />
<br />
I must confess that in addition to taking care of The Little Man, I have also been filling some of my time with extra attention to my kitchen.<br />
<br />
And trying to cook a little bit healthier.<br />
<br />
And fresher.<br />
<br />
Christmas was kind of killer, I'll be honest...I'm trying to get back on the wagon.<br />
<br />
I made yogurt for the first time in a few weeks...I have missed it.<br />
<br />
My digestive system has also missed it...<i>(Too much info too soon? Come come, we are among friends...)</i><br />
<br />
And I've also introduced kale into our diets...much to my family's chagrin. I blame my friend MM, who apparently puts it in "everything".<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcI7jgkwdCM">("Kale is a super-food and it's special power is tasting bad..." ~ Jim Gaffigan</a>...<i>I know I have shared this before it bears repeating...)</i><br />
<br />
So not to be outdone by MM, I, too, have, also begun using it.<br />
<br />
Just to be clear, I have not put it in "everything"...mostly salad at this point.<br />
<br />
And it's on the menu in the black bean and kale soup for later this week...I'll keep you posted. <i>("And I wanted to throw the bowl at her...")</i><br />
<br />
But I didn't come here today to talk about kale.<br />
<br />
I came to talk about homemade bagels...because who doesn't love that? Well, I suppose if you have committed to not eating carbs, or are gluten-free...but you don't have to be such a downer...you can still read and enjoy. Promise.<br />
<br />
So yeah, I made bagels from scratch this afternoon. Because I have that kind of time...to sit around and wait for dough to rise.<br />
<br />
And boiling water.<br />
<br />
And boiling bagels <i>(for one minute...no more, no less, apparently)</i>.<br />
<br />
And baking bagels.<br />
<br />
All just so they can be eaten.<br />
<br />
OK, so I don't actually have that kind of time...but I blame my friend JP for posting the link I am about to post below. He posted it on his wife's FB page.<br />
<br />
I didn't stop to ask if it was a joke, although knowing his wife, it probably was not. And she probably has made them. More than once. And they were amazing.<br />
<br />
Because she's amazing...and I'm not just saying that because we're friends.<br />
<br />
But I am not her. And I don't typically "make bread" unless it is a) a quick bread <i>(which is really just cake that we eat for breakfast...no one is fooled here)</i>, or b) in the bread machine <i>(which only requires me to put a list of ingredients in a specific order into a machine and hit a couple buttons. And in 4 hours voila...delicious bread)</i>.<br />
<br />
In fact, I had to text the aforementioned MM <i>(who is quite a domestic goddess...she cooks, she sews...I would kind of hate her if I didn't love her)</i> to ask about using my Kitchenaid mixer for the dough. The picture in the link below <i>(you'll see...I know, I'm such a tease)</i> shows the paddle when it mentions "kneeding"...but I thought the bread hook<i> (which, let's be clear, I had NEVER used prior to today...look at me being so brave)</i>. So she told me she uses the bread hook and then kneeds by hand.<br />
<br />
Well, I'll go ahead and tell you that I used the paddle to mix and the bread hook to kneed and my hands never touched the dough until it was time to roll it into the greased bowl for rising. <i>(which, I must add, was NOT a step she included, but in looking at the pictures, it appears that she did it...in case you didn't know, when the dough is mixed and kneeded, you scrape it into a ball and put it in a well-oiled bowl...and then you turn it over so the top of the dough is also oiled and won't dry out when it's rising.)</i><br />
<br />
Also <i>(and she didn't mention this so I thought I would)</i> you should cover the bowl as the dough is rising.<br />
<br />
AND...it will take about an hour or more for the dough to rise...important tip to know for all you fellow non-bread bakers out there.<br />
<br />
Just so my mom doesn't feel that all my childhood was in vain, I did have a niggling memory from childhood of making bread with her <i>(or maybe I watched...I don't recall that part exactly, but she probably had me help)</i>...but I remember a big bowl that was green on the outside and white on the inside and that's what she used to let the dough rise, and I remember it being covered with a towel. So looky-there mom! Aren't you so proud?<br />
<br />
So now after all this build-up, I shall give you the link I used. Sure, I could have just written out the steps for you myself...but I do not have the kind of time that would necessitate...so here you go:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/cooking/bagels-2/">My homemade bagel reference!</a><br />
<br />
Ta-dah!<br />
<br />
Well, please let me continue with my story...because we you may have recalled, I was only at the "letting the dough rise" portion of the event.<br />
<br />
And yes, it was an event.<br />
<br />
A couple other things I would like to mention before you jump on the bagel-making bandwagon:<br />
<br />
* Don't forget about the oiled bowl for rising...and cover it too.<br />
The "rising" part of the dough will take at least an hour...so don't rush it!<br />
* Have some flour accessible to coat your hands when shaping the dough.<br />
* Give plenty of time to get your water up to boiling...and use a larger pot otherwise it will feel as though this part takes forever.<br />
* You can add all sorts of goodies to the bagel dough but I made plain for my maiden voyage.<br />
* Your bagels will NOT be pretty...but they will be delish.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWRBKkA9l0g/VL7yXqy3VRI/AAAAAAAAEqI/r7JjF6DrmuU/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWRBKkA9l0g/VL7yXqy3VRI/AAAAAAAAEqI/r7JjF6DrmuU/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My finished product...yes, some of them look a little bit scary. <br />
And yes, all that work for 11 bagels. <br />
But the PBA and Mr. AR all said they were "very good" so I think it's totally worth it...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-57145056190062715082014-12-07T14:00:00.000-06:002014-12-07T14:00:00.097-06:00The Little Man's Christmas Letter<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I begin, I know that some of you don’t know
about me yet. These people call me The Little Man. Or sometimes Prince
Charming…I don’t mean to brag, but I charm most of the people I meet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I came to stay with these people at the end of
August <i>(my parents had some trouble
taking care of me so I am staying here until, well, I don’t know exactly how
long I’ll be here)</i>. Just to clarify, I call them “The Lady,” “That Man,”
and the 13yo and the 11yo. The lady and that man haven’t really told me what to
call them yet so that’s what I’m going with until they do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And since I haven’t been with them for most of the
year, I’m not entirely sure why they asked me to write this letter…I figure
it’s because they can’t remember most of their year either so this way they
have an excuse for why stuff is missing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just blame the baby, apparently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will say, though, that they have mentioned
little bits of things and being that I am super-smart<i> </i>with a somewhat advanced
vocabulary<i> (in spite of the fact that I
am just 6 months old)</i>, I have held on to these bits of info and shall now
relay them to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First I will tell you about the two boring people
in the house:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That
Man and The Lady<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That Man<i> </i>continues
to work in the same field at the same company, CMT. I don’t know what he does but he leaves most
days when it is dark out and gets home when it is dark out. He also coached the
11yo’s basketball team last winter and is coaching his team again this season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In addition, he helped with several projects at
church this year, including <i>(but not
limited to)</i> painting, cleaning <i>(think
“cleaning out/purging”…more than your cursory cleaning)</i>, and more painting.
And then some more painting. Let me put it this way…he wasn’t in charge of the
painting, but most people thought he was.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Lady has been busy for the past few months
taking care of me and homeschooling the PBA. She has also been doing some
freelance writing this year for a couple local magazines. Her dad <i>(who is a photographer)</i> has taken all
the pictures for her stories, and even though she hasn’t admitted it to him,
she enjoys working with her dad. I can tell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over Easter week-end, the lady and that man had
their first foster kiddo placement that didn’t go so well. It was two little girls who had been in the </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">system a few times and I think we can just leave it at that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This fall, the lady and that man began a study
called “7: A Mutiny Against Excess” by Jen Hatmaker with their Hope Group from
church. In August <i>(the first of 7 months),
</i>they could only eat 7 foods for the month. Granted, they chose the foods,
but it still seems a little bit crazy. I mean, I only have one thing I ever get
to eat but still…when you have such an array of options, I really don’t know
why you would limit yourself. I think it had something to do with simplifying
their lives and being thankful for what they do have and considering people
around the world who have less than 7 foods to eat all the time…not just for a
month. I think that’s what they said, anyway… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They are currently on Month Four: Media, having
already done Month Two: Clothes <i>(wearing
only 7 articles of clothing for the month…not including skivvies, workout
clothes and jammies, just in case you were wondering…oh, and apparently it’s
fun when you have an urpy baby in the
house too)</i> and Month Three: Possessions <i>(giving
away at least 7 possessions a day for the month, and being intentional about
where they are going instead of boxing it all up and sending it to Goodwill). </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Give
them a call or send an email if you want to hear more about this craziness, or
any other craziness, in their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The
13yo and The 11yo<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 13yo played basketball for the first time last
winter. Although he did a great job, he decided that playing organized ball is
not really for him; he will stick to shooting baskets at the gym just for fun.
He continues to excel at soccer, traveling the state for games and tournaments.
And this summer he experienced his first “overnight” camp at Camp Lakeview,
near Seymour, Indiana. He loved it and can’t wait to go back next year. He
turned 13 over the summer as well and suddenly he knew everything. I can’t wait
until I turn 13!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 11yo played his fourth season of basketball
last winter and just began his fifth season a couple weeks ago . He plays
lacrosse too, which is only in the spring… I haven’t seen this game played yet
but it sounds a little dangerous. Boys running around a field with sticks they
can use to catch the ball and also hit each other with. On second thought, I
think I might be in! In February, he had 10 teeth <i>(yes, you read that correctly) </i>extracted<i> (they were all baby teeth, but some were anklosed, which means the
roots had not dissolved and had actually fused to the jaw bone)</i> and then he
got braces. He was confined to a Pacers
basketball daycamp this year, as the lady wasn’t ready to let him go away for a
week just yet. It might also be that the lady didn’t think Camp Lakeview was
ready for him. But I’m a little fuzzy on the details…I am only 6 months old,
you know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the summer, the boys took a “Safe Sitter”
class offered through a local hospital. They learned basic first aid, CPR and
how to change a baby’s diaper. Lucky for them, I provided a much more accurate
version of a baby than those teddy bears they were using…I include wiggling,
rolling and grabbing my feet for an extra added challenge. They do a fabulous
job helping the lady and that man take care if me…I don’t think I could ask for
better brothers if they were my own flesh and blood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The PBA began school at the end of July…yes, it
seemed early to me too, but these crazy homeschoolers decided to stay on the
same calendar as the public school kids…whatever “school” is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And both boys began art lessons. The 13yo LOVES
them and the 11yo, well not so much. The lady says they are “a lesson in
humility” for him. I think she’s a really good mom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over Fall Break, they all went on vacation to
Hilton Head Island; I got to take my own little “trip” to stay with another
foster family. I think they had
fun…their skin was darker than mine before they went and it was REALLY dark <i>(compared to mine, which isn’t saying a
whole lot b/c I am kinda, really pale…) </i>when they got back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The
Little Man<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let’s see…now to me. I was born in May but the Always
Random Family didn’t know about me until August. On the last day of their first month of “7” <i>(actually as they were “celebrating” with
their Hope Group by indulging in some pizza)</i>, they got the placement call
for me. They had to go downtown and pick me up from the hospital…after, of
course, they had a lesson in how to feed me with an NG tube.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I’ve been with them ever since. I see my mom a
few times a week and go to the doctor about once a week too, since I was less
than 10 pounds when they got me as a 3-month old…they have to make sure I am
growing as I should. I still haven’t figured out how to swallow without gagging
so I am having surgery next week to get my g-tube put in. They think I’ll be
able to figure out this whole “eating by mouth” business when I don’t have a
tube running down my throat all the time. I sure am interested in what other
people are eating, so maybe that will help me out too. I hate to ask, but
prayers for me would be greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think that covers all the basics. Now just to
wish you all a very Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Little Man <i>(and
the Always Random Family too!)</i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjaxld2rIg0/VH8xQSN-FyI/AAAAAAAAEoI/lz_r4a9j5qI/s1600/20141127-_FM43262-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjaxld2rIg0/VH8xQSN-FyI/AAAAAAAAEoI/lz_r4a9j5qI/s1600/20141127-_FM43262-3.jpg" height="188" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-38738191112119249442014-12-05T08:30:00.001-06:002014-12-05T08:30:39.676-06:00Foodie Friday: Pistachio Bread<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So because I have so much extra
time to bake lately, I thought I would include a Foodie Friday post for you
lovely people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">When we were on vacation, back
in October <i>(was that REALLY almost 2
months ago?!?)</i>, at The Indigo Inn <i>(you
surely recall <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://1morningglory.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-indigo.html">my trip down memory lane about Larry</a></span>, right?)</i>, we had fabulous breakfasts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Fabulous, I tell you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">My mouth is watering as I type.
Don’t judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But…one thing none of us had
previously encountered was a quick bread that was bright green.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I am talking GREEN.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But it was ah-mazing. I can’t
even tell you what was so wonderful about it but it was divine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Insert watering mouth again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">When I got home, I Googled it
and found it…it was pistachio bread. And please don’t ask me HOW I Googled it
b/c just now <i>(for purely journalistic
reasons…I like to be full-service, you know)</i> I wanted to be able to report
to my adoring fans exactly WHAT I Googled…but now I can’t find it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Trust me…that was it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So there were actually MANY
recipes for it <i>(which were actually,
basically variations on a theme)</i>, but I went with the one on the Betty
Crocker website. Odd, right? Nope…they
are all based on a cake mix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So while this technically may
be a cake, we are calling it a “bread”…which means we are free to eat it for
breakfast or a snack with no major caloric ramifications.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Don’t quote me on that last
part, as I may be mistaken…it’s what I am personally claiming, but you do what
you feel is best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Two things to note: I have not
made this in loaf pans as the recipe instructs…I actually used a bunt pan
(which the spelling on that looks incorrect…I want to put a “d” in there: “bundt”
pan. But I get a red squiggly line under it, so clearly I am mistaken…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But I still maintain that it is
NOT a cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Also note that it is NOT bright
green. Far from it, in fact…I am making the presumption that a generous amount
of food coloring was added to the bread at The Indigo Inn. I don’t judge their
use of artificial color…but I chose not to employ it in my cake…I mean BREAD!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I have included directions for
both loaf pans <i>(it makes two loaves if using the loaf pans)</i> and bunt pans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So now…without further delay:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #F6F1EB 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #F6F1EB .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin: 3.75pt 0in 0.0001pt; padding: 0in;">
</div>
<ul style="line-height: 15pt;">
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1 yellow cake mix <i>(I used the butter yellow but yellow would be lovely too!)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1 box instant pistachio pudding <i>(I used a small box b/c that's all I could find...and I had to go to 3 grocery stores to find it...)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1/4 cup oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1/2 pint sour cream <i>(which is also 1 cup...I don't know why Betty Crocker listed it that way...just to be confusing, I guess, or making it simple for the math-impared)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">4 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1/4 cup water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1 cup brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1 cup crushed walnuts or pecans <i>(I omitted these b/c not everyone at my house would like it with nuts, but I think it would be lovely)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;"><u>Instructions</u></b><br />
<ul style="line-height: 15pt;">
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span></div>
</span></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Grease the pans <i>(or pan singular if you're making a bunt...seems obvious but I like to point it out nonetheless)</i></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">Blend cake mix, pudding mix, oil, sour cream, eggs and water with a mixer until blended <i>(I recommend on low speed)</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In another bowl mix brown sugar, nuts and cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Start with a layer of
the bread mixture, then sprinkle on the nut mixture, another layer of bread
mixture, and at the end sprinkle the top with the nut mixture and marble it all
with a knife through the batter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NOTE: This does not have to
be exact as far as the layers as long as you distribute it in both loaves and
then marble.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bake for one hour for loaves or 50 minutes for the bunt pan; or when toothpick
comes clean.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;">I do not add a glaze or anything to it,
but a nice one made of just powdered sugar and water might be nice. And maybe
sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top as well? Try it and get back to me on
it, ok?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODiwBIeZoV4/VH8ygbm_cFI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/0AuOZ0kPiPo/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODiwBIeZoV4/VH8ygbm_cFI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/0AuOZ0kPiPo/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-68206688035619165852014-11-22T15:37:00.002-06:002014-11-23T06:44:05.382-06:00The Mutiny Month 4 Day 1: Media<div class="MsoNormal">
As you may or may not recall, we are working our way through
“7: The Mutiny” with our Hope Group. Here’s a little “<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://1morningglory.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-mutiny-month-1-day-1.html">overview</a></span>” if you missed it when we began.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thus far, we have made it through, I mean experienced…Food,
Clothes and Possessions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now, today, we begin Media.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Food was by far the toughest…but we are already back to
eating all the things we were really sick of by the end of that month. Choosing
what to make for dinner became a real breeze. I kind of miss that.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wearing the same 7 articles of clothes for a month wasn’t too
terrible and even the day after we were finished with that fast, I found myself
still wanting to wear the same things. Plus it made getting dressed in the
morning uber-simple. Granted, we didn’t include workout clothes and jammies in
our 7 articles, and with an urpy (<i>putting
it mildly)</i> baby in the house, those were gifts we were thankful to have.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Possessions: I don’t think I even wrote about this one.
Mostly b/c I wasn’t doing much writing, but also because I don’t think I did
this one as well. I know I gave up the designated amount of 196 items <i>(for my math-impaired friends, this equals 7
items a day for 28 days)</i> but I know there is much work yet to be done in
that area so I will continue to wade through my possessions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which brings us now to Media.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We decided not to skip the two weeks between fasts this time…mostly
b/c we are so shallow as to not want to miss all the Christmas specials and
such; staying the course, we will finish this month on December 19, just in
time to squeeze in all those movies before December 25.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So clearly we still have some heart issues which need to be
addressed…and I put myself at the top of the list of “who needs the most work”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what is the point of this month? My interpretation of the
chapter is that it is to spend time in prayer, Bible study, and with family NOT
staring at a screen together. Not that it is bad to watch TV or a movie
together, but if that is your ONLY family time, it might be a problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sorry if you feel judged…it’s not my intent. Mostly it’s
about my/our conviction. Your conviction is totally on you. And God...I advise you to take it up with him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what are our rules? I won’t even tell you her rules
because they are kind of cray-cray. We, as a group, we bent some, and then I
bent them even more. So here are my rules, in no particular order:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>I am refraining from Facebook <i>(OK, I am allowing myself one visit and possible post to it per day…but
even then it might not be even that often. I shall try…)</i></li>
<li>No Instagram.</li>
<li>We get seven hours of tv/movie time/week. We are not holding
our kids to this <i>(as in my family is not…I
don’t know about the other families, actually)</i>, but we will not be watching
TV together as a family every evening. We might have to bust out the euchre
cards again. Wahoo!</li>
<li>Email as need for family business, work, etc. No superfluous
emailing.</li>
<li>Same goes for texting. <i>(Ugh…I
am not sure how I will survive. How did I live prior to the text?!?)</i></li>
<li>I knew that I would be so filled with blog ideas in these 28
days that I could not take my blogging away…but I don’t plan to READ any blogs
during this time. Which actually won’t be too too different from what I have
been doing since The Little Man arrived, but still. I am intentionally
refraining rather than simply being too busy.</li>
<li>Radio…I am choosing to only listen to Christian stations or
Christmas…which should overlap but doesn’t always. I don’t think Dominick the
Christmas Donkey is one we’ve ever sung in church. I could be mistaken, though,
so don’t quote me on it…</li>
<li>No gaming…which is not a problem for me. Which may be why I
included it.</li>
<li>We are allowing 7 minutes/day of superfluous internet access,
which will be when I load my blog post into Blogger. <i>(And check my FB.)</i></li>
<li>Also, I am not considering online shopping for Christmas in
my 7 minutes a day…the way I figure it is this: if I can shop online and not
have to either a) drag 1-3 boys out shopping with me, or b) go in the evenings
or week-ends when Mr. AR is home, this will exponentially increase the amount
of time we get to spend together so it seems like the “broken rule” that makes
the most sense.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with that, I will wrap up by telling you how I have
failed in this experiment already. On Day 1.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was doing Christmas shopping online, my 11yo was
watching “Elf” in the adjoining room…I tried not to listen but I couldn’t help
it. Technically I didn’t “watch” it but I’ve seen it so many times I could
picture it all in my mind. And maybe say the lines along with the movie. Don’t
judge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we took the boys shopping at the actual mall <i>(yes, I online shopped and then made them
actually go to real live stores)</i>, I tried to get on the wifi to check
Facebook…because I forgot about “7”. Fortunately, the connection was slow so it
never did connect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as I sat there waiting for Mr. AR and the 11yo to meet
up with us, I sat mindlessly watching a TV that was set up there…because I couldn’t
get on the wifi. So 6 of one, half dozen of another, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So yeah…it might be a long long month. If I have time, I’m
sure you’ll read all about it. Lucky you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-84069618710114477212014-11-20T19:39:00.002-06:002014-11-20T19:39:40.390-06:00I Am Not Sure If Our Issue is Spelling or Language...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the issues
when using a Classical Curriculum for homeschooling is that often times we come
across words in our literature which are not ones we use in our everyday
language… often originally innocuous words which have since taken on another
<i>(typically less desirable)</i> meaning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For example,
every time our current history text mentions something about “booty” for example: “they
slaughtered all the people of the town and hauled off much booty”…my boys dissolve into a giggling fit the likes of which you may have never seen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately,
this means that their teacher may or may not also giggle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, as a
trained professional, I would merely be laughing at them laughing…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn’t come
here today to talk to you about that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But it’s kind of related
so I’m not completely off-topic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, in our
literature, there is sometimes the inclusion of curse words. I try to act as
though it’s no big deal at all and keep on reading. These are all words the PBA
has heard <i>(not from me, just to be clear)</i>
and it’s not as though the purpose of our homeschooling is to keep them
entirely sheltered. So we read strong, classic literature.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which sometimes has curse words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It typically
consists of, but is no way limited to, the following list: ass, damn, and hell…and
bastard is thrown in there sometimes as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt I should
include this list because I am full-service. And you may also be questioning,
at this point, what I am allowing my children to read. I really don’t have
issue with it and you shouldn’t either.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That’s what I
tell myself, anyway; it helps me sleep at night.</span></div>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Anyway…we ran into a few choice words this week, as we were reading our current literature
piece,“</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Personal
Recollections of Joan of Arc” by Mark Twain…I tell you this just in case you
care to pick up a copy for yourself. I’m sure you will…it’s quite a lovely
read, actually...minus the expletives. I am certain you’d enjoy it. I’d loan you my copy but I just
couldn’t stand to part with it. I’m sure you understand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I digress. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So yes, this book does have a <i>little </i>language but so far it’s been fairly easy
to gloss over. I am often the one reading it <i>(we are working on our
listening skills at the PBA so I make them listen and then narrate back to me
what they have heard; it’s about as frustrating as it sounds, actually)</i> so
I can omit a choice word if it’s really not relevant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However this week, we were in the car and pressed for time so I let my
11yo read it aloud for us. Which also works on developing my listening skills;
it’s also about as frustrating as it sounds, actually. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So since I decided to take one for the team and listen to someone else read, in so doing I got to hear my 11yo, with great delight and emphasis <i>(I might
add)</i> shout out “Bastard!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Several times, in fact.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have never before and possibly may never again hear him read with
such excitement and zeal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must, before I continue, share with you my favorite sentence in this
streak: “Bastard, Bastard, will ye play always with these English? Now verily I
tell you we will not budge until this place is ours. We will carry it by storm.
Sound the charge!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He was so impassioned in his reading, I felt like I was there to
witness the event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At first, my 13yo, the consummate rule-follower <i>(except when the
rules might apply to him)</i>, chastised his brother, “Oh my gosh! I can’t
believe you said that word!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11yo: What’s the big deal? Mom said that it’s not a big deal when it’s
in our books for school. The sentence had an exclamation point so I was trying
to read it with enthusiasm!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: Just keep reading, please…<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, like the obedient son he is, he forged ahead…until he got to a
sentence that began, “When all our host…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then he stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11yo: Ummmm this sentence has the “h” word in it…<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: Oh, ok…well if you aren’t comfortable saying it, just skip it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I could not imagine why he wouldn’t say “hell” after shouting out “bastard”
no less than 4 times…but whatever, dude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He continued on, but for some reason the sentence with the “h” word was
rolling around in my head…because it didn’t make sense with the “h” word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And because I am a stickler for complete understanding, I stopped him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: Buddy, stop for a second…the “h” word that you didn’t want to say.
..could you just tell me what it is, because the word I was thinking of doesn’t
fit in that sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11yo: Well… <i>(clearly uncomfortable and a little bit squirmy)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">13yo: It’s ok…what was it? <i>(so all of a sudden, a curse word isn’t
wrong to say? I assumed that he was just trying to learn a new curse word…so
here’s a case in which me telling them “I want you to be life-long learners and don’t
be afraid to ask questions” kind of came back to bite me in the behind...or ass, as it were)</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11yo: It’s the “h-o” word…<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: Oh…<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Considering the sentence, it still didn’t make sense. So I forged
ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m an “only”…don’t judge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: But wait, that still doesn’t make sense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11yo: “h-o-a…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Silence filled the car. Now I don’t claim to know every single curse
word which has ever been uttered, but I’d like to think I have a jump on the
11yo. Not that it’s a competition, mind you, but if he’s hearing swear words on
a regular basis <i>(and possibly new and different ones to boot)</i>, I might
need to step up my parenting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My 13yo shot me a confused look…clearly thinking the same thing as me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: Ummm, I still have no idea what word that is. Can you read the
sentence again…maybe I didn’t hear it correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11yo: “When all our host was shouting itself *beep* with rejoicings…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(After I
stopped giggling)</span></span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">, I said, “Oh…is it ‘hoarse’?!? I think the word you are thinking of begins with a silent 'w'..."</span></span></h1>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-43780234870428531422014-11-14T19:52:00.004-06:002014-11-14T19:52:37.251-06:00We Are So ProgressiveSo I am certain you have all been eagerly anticipating my post for today...because, as I KNOW you all remember...today is my birthday.<br />
<br />
Now don't get yourself all in a tizzy if you forgot.<br />
<br />
I will happily accept gifts for days past the actual day.<br />
<br />
But note: I prefer cash. Mostly 10's and 20's...K?<br />
<br />
Well, if you DID remember that it was my birthday, then you've been waiting to see if the PBA and I made our "Annual Progressive Lunch" pilgrimmage.<br />
<br />
I am happy to report that we did.<br />
<br />
And Mr. Always Random joined us.<br />
<br />
And Little Man did too <i>(no visitations on Friday)</i>...I can only imagine how fun it was for a baby on an NG tube who eats nothing by mouth to be schlepped from restaurant to restaurant, and watch people enjoy a variety of tasty foods.<br />
<br />
But Little Man is not your everyday, run-of-the-mill baby. He is a go-with-the-flow kind of kiddo, and was just happy as a lark.<br />
<br />
The whole time.<br />
<br />
Amazing.<br />
<br />
So, because it is getting late <i>(yes, it is only about 8 but I am always ready for bed by this time so it FEELS late...that and the blasted Daylight Savings Time...but I shall save that soapbox for another day)</i>, I shall not tarry and will cut to the chase.<br />
<br />
I will begin by saying that we took bottles of water...because we don't typically pay for squat on Birthday Progressive Lunch Day.<i> (We did pay $1 this time, but I shall get to that shortly. Try not to be too terribly disappointed in me.)</i><br />
<br />
And there were no drinks offered on the freebie list we had going.<br />
<br />
Except for Dunkin' Donuts...and I wasn't feeling like washing down all my sweet and savory treats with some coffee...free though it was.<br />
<br />
I'll save that little treat for another day.<br />
<br />
Like when the PBA are at art lessons and I don't have to share with nobody.<br />
<br />
Don't judge. I did my sharing today, pretty please and thank you <i>(BTW that's all for you, DK)</i>.<br />
<br />
We began our rounds with Steak N Shake...it was a free double cheeseburger and an order of fries. We each got a fourth of the sandwich, which amounts to amout 2-3 bites each.<br />
<br />
And a few fries.<br />
<br />
But it was all quite lovely. And free.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
And yes, we ate in the car. While the PBA and I don't mind going into restaurants and just getting the freebie, Mr. AR was a little more reticent about it...so we indulged him.<br />
<br />
Next stop: Firehouse Subs and a free 8-inch sub of your <i>(ok, MY)</i> choice. I selected the beef brisket and cheddar.<br />
<br />
We each enjoyed approximately 2 inches of sub <i>(2-3 bites...more if you took small bites and savored, which I did not)</i> and it was fabulous.<br />
<br />
NOTE: I did give them a donation in the box on the counter, lest you think I totally stiffed the fireman. I did not.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Yes, we also ate this in the car...and it was a little messy but we were in Mr. AR's car so it was ok.<br />
<br />
Third stop: Jack in the Box. We had not done this one before, so it was an addition to the rotation. And just so I am completely forthright with you: I did pay $1 at this one.<br />
<br />
My coupon was for "2 free tacos <b><i>with purchase</i></b>." So I did pony-up the cash and bought two other tacos <i>(lest you be unaware, tacos are 2 for $1 at the Jack in the Box; I don't judge your ignorance on that, b/c I didn't know until today either)</i>. So we each had our own taco. And though they didn't taste like I thought a taco would/should, we all thought they were pretty tasty.<br />
<br />
Well to be hoenst, 3 of the 4 of us liked them...the 11yo was not a fan. Still, 75% favorable rating is pretty good, I think. I'd be happy if I had that rating at my house.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I apologize for not being total full-service on this b/c I did not capture pictures of the tacos themselves. Too messy. And<i> (again) </i>we were eating in the car.<br />
<br />
I drew the line at the next stop and insisted that we go inside. There was no way we were going to share bowls of pasta from Noodles and Company in the car...even if it was Mr. AR's car.<br />
<br />
And Little Man needed to get out of his seat. Not that he was complaining, mind you...because he's go-with-the-flow <i>(remember?)</i>.<br />
<br />
This worked out well because Mr. AR doesn't sign up for all the birthday freebies like I do, but he did get the Noodles and Company one. And he decided to share with us today.<br />
<br />
So short story boring, we had two bowls to share.<br />
<br />
Which is good b/c the PBA are getting bigger and it takes way more food to fill them up. We had the Pad Thai Noodles with Shrimp, and the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with Meatballs.<br />
<br />
Yum-o.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I promise you that the bowls were the same size...it is simply due to my stellar photography skills that I made one seem about 1/3 smaller. That takes real talent.<br />
<br />
And finally, we went to McAllister's Deli. I had a birthday coupon for $5 off any purchase.<br />
<br />
And because we'd been so loaded on savory foods, it was definitely time to bring in something sweet. And it just so happened that their ginormous cookies were <i>(are)</i> $1.25 each. And being the math genius I am, I quickly realized that 4 cookies would be $5.<br />
<br />
So I walked out of there with a cookie for everyone...except Little Man. But he was asleep by then so he didn't even care...or know...what he was missing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIGmFksq9Dk/VGaj0bf6ovI/AAAAAAAAEmk/e3iSxeJCKP8/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIGmFksq9Dk/VGaj0bf6ovI/AAAAAAAAEmk/e3iSxeJCKP8/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Again...we ate them in the car: one was sugar and the other three were toffee crunch. Perfectly under-baked in the middles. Love.<br />
<br />
So that's all for our lunch today...but I will keep celebrating for the rest of the month: I still have a Smokey Bones Free Dessert, Applebee's Free Dessert, BOGO at Qdoba, a Free Drink at Dunkin' Donuts, a Free Drink at Starbucks, and two Free Sundaes at Culver's.<br />
<br />
And because I lack all creativity at this point...that's it, this is the end. I'm out. And also because I'm off to eat my Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcake from The Flying Cupcake, which was, most assuredly, NOT free.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-rDu0rd1iw/VGaxvpYIQ4I/AAAAAAAAEnM/2QTMtK4p7UI/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-rDu0rd1iw/VGaxvpYIQ4I/AAAAAAAAEnM/2QTMtK4p7UI/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-27213292184257540372014-11-06T20:08:00.001-06:002014-11-06T20:08:16.378-06:00Easy Hospitality and Then Some<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OK you guys…it’s been a while. My brain has been packed full
of things other than you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And for that I am deeply sorry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, maybe just a little sorry. I don’t feel like writing
much b/c I am exhausted. If you follow me on Facebook, you are privy to tiny
little quips of what I hope is kind of, sort of, funny.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Frankly that’s about all I have been able to muster for
most of the past 11 weeks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But who’s counting, right?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I am certain you all are, as I know I have been
missed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OK, maybe just my mom has been counting. And possibly my grandma <i>(if she’s remembered to check)</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Other than that, I have my doubts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And that is ok by me…because much as I want to read my
friend’s blogs <i>(as well as the blogs of people I simply stalk but pretend like we are friends)</i>…I do not have
time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or I do not MAKE time. I'll own that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously people…I am spent by the end of the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which means I know I cannot be upset if people do not read my blog. Now or ever again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, don’t get me wrong…I love love love The Little Man and I am
thankful for the opportunity to care for him, but there are so so so many
things about this system which are broken so badly that dealing with them is
kind of weighing a little bit heavy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s tiring to deal with all that. If I only had to add The
Little Man into my schedule? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Piece.of.cake. Truly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even the NG tube is not a big deal at all at this point.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But…all the crap we have to deal with. Yeah. You wouldn’t
believe me if I told you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I can’t tell you anyway…privacy and all that business.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn’t intend to even say all that…it’s sort of just
spilling out. I suppose that’s what
happens when you are accustomed to blogging several times a week and then
suddenly go cold-turkey for a while.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">True, I have posted a handful of things, but still. Mostly it’s
radio silence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don’t think I’m using that term correctly but it’s what
popped into my head so there you go: out it came.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may be, by now, wondering why I titled this post “Easy
Hospitality”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or you may not have even noticed or taken the time to look
b/c quite frankly it doesn’t usually seem to matter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I am here to tell you people today that it DOES
matter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It matters a great deal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, not really.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But it is kind of, sort of pertinent to the post…so it does have that going
for it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>(There's a first time for everything, right?)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may have noticed a few days ago my post on Instagram or
my FB page a photo of two cookbooks I received from my 96-year old Grandma. She
just moved to an assisted living apartment which is about 5 minutes from my house <i>(after
living in the same apartment for over 15 years, and prior to that, the same
house for probably at least 50…that’s my fuzzy math, btw so don’t hold me to
any of those numbers. Except the 5 minutes from my house…that part is totally
true.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway…in cleaning out her kitchen cabinets, my aunt came
across some cookbooks <i>(as well as other various and sundry items…hey, Christmas
is coming up and you never know what you might be able to give people; note: if
you may be receiving a gift from me for Christmas, you will be getting a real
treat from me this year, I assure you!)</i> and asked if I wanted them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, we are into the third month of “7” and we are supposed
to be giving away items.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But instead, I happily took in two boxes of Grandma’s things.
And regrettably I was remiss in my blogging skills and neglected to take a
picture of the treasures within.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please forgive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So you’ll have to just trust me and put on your imagination caps to picture the items in
your mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ready?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got a couple nice skillets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some cream-colored, woven placemats.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And my FAVORITE item <i>(after the cookbooks, of course)</i> were
some shower caps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now…I must explain…they were NOT actually shower caps. But they certainly looked
like them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I guarantee if I had used them as shower caps, they
would have functioned perfectly well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, knowing that these items were from the kitchen, what do
you suppose these “mystery” items actually were?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I didn’t have a clue and my mother had to set me straight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They were covers to put over dishes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I suppose the fact that they had images of lemons all over
them SHOULD have been my clue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But nope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn’t get it at all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Too subtle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now that I have outed myself for my lack of knowledge
that a shower cap can also double as a food dish cover <i>(keep that in mind,
people, should you ever visit a hotel that has “complimentary” shower curtains
in its little goodie basket in the bathroom. You can always bring it home
and use it to cover your food. You.are.welcome.</i>)…I shall now move on and tell
you all about that thing which prompted this whole post: the cookbooks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now…because I am sold out on “7” <i>(ok not to make fun…I love
love love the concept…I am having trouble with the implementation)</i> I opted not
to KEEP all the cookbooks. So I shall only be sharing with you today the ones
which I kept.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And are all, of course, from the 1950s.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And let me preface this <i>(and that’s funny b/c I have droned
on for pages and pages by this point, but I digress)</i> by saying: I don’t like
these cookbooks for their recipes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In fact, some of them sound down-right disgusting as you will see for yourselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They have other redeeming qualities which I
hope you will enjoy as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First up: Betty Crocker’s Bisquick Party Book. From 1957.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKUIITA4_Fs/VFwjiBlgLhI/AAAAAAAAElQ/Ao-cNFw8P1w/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKUIITA4_Fs/VFwjiBlgLhI/AAAAAAAAElQ/Ao-cNFw8P1w/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My favorite part is the fact that from 1957 to now, Bisquick
hasn’t come up with too many new ideas. I have a whole BIG cookbook that is
only Bisquick recipes, and I am 100% certain that every recipe from this 1957
throwaway booklet which Grandma certainly picked up at the grocery <i>(it has a
perforated page at the back where a coupon, presumably, was torn off at some
point) </i>is in my book from a few years ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If it ain't broke, dont fix it, right?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next up: Spry 20<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Cookbook. From
1955.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-l3TohNyiY/VFwjiKnfsJI/AAAAAAAAElM/tJGU6h4U37A/s1600/IMG_1706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-l3TohNyiY/VFwjiKnfsJI/AAAAAAAAElM/tJGU6h4U37A/s1600/IMG_1706.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had to do a tiny bit of investigative reporting <i>(I am a
paid professional)</i> to figure out what exactly “Spry” is/was.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">OK, not much investigating, actually...it was discussed on the inside cover of the book. But hey, I had to OPEN the cover so that took some <i>(albeit marginal) </i>effort.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don't judge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spry was vegetable shorting, lest you be unaware.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe they still make it, but I’ve never heard of it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And if I’ve never heard of it then, well, I can’t imagine there’s
much to it then…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I digress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My favorite part of this cookbook falls under the
description of the item. Now I have to say, first of all, I understand what
they are trying to convey…it’s just an interesting word choice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And perhaps the very reason this product is no longer being
made…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“It’s bland in odor and flavor”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, if that doesn’t sell your food product, what would?
Who wouldn’t want their food to be bland in odor and flavor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, I know…it is vegetable shortening but still. I think
they probably could have selected some better word options.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And last, but not least <i>(definitely not least...in fact, it is totally the best, I am excited for those of you who made it this far in my ramblings to enjoy this)</i>: Easy
Hospitality. From 1951.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh my darling friends. You are about to get a real treat. I
needed a laugh and this cookbook did not fail me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This cookbook was published by the Coca-Cola Company and
contained recipes, as well as entire menus, in which to include such recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course every last menu included Coca-Cola or a Coca-Cola
item, but that kind of goes without saying <i>(even though I’m saying it…)</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I hope you will find as amusing as I did are the menu
titles…these are suggestions for when such menus should be put into play.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are going to get a bit of a picture overload, because
frankly I am tired <i>(it’s getting late…for me, anyway; don't judge)</i> and you really needed to
see these in context.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And honestly, there were so many to choose from that I didn’t
even try to contain myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here they are in no particular order…except the very last
one: it’s my favorite.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhbqZ6IZx_U/VFwjgFhNi4I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/eClMh_QOKVs/s1600/IMG_1697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhbqZ6IZx_U/VFwjgFhNi4I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/eClMh_QOKVs/s1600/IMG_1697.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could apply to virtually any day this week...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npkUKGkCUqs/VFwjhZAGW5I/AAAAAAAAEk0/JKqqCjZ_vVs/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npkUKGkCUqs/VFwjhZAGW5I/AAAAAAAAEk0/JKqqCjZ_vVs/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now...there are two more. They have battled in my mind for days <i>(not really)</i> on which should take top billing. And I have made my decision.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In second place:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrlSCV1L7ng/VFwjhhbcPjI/AAAAAAAAEk4/folnVBVmuz8/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrlSCV1L7ng/VFwjhhbcPjI/AAAAAAAAEk4/folnVBVmuz8/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg" height="296" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because, quickly frankly, liver paste? I thought you wanted that permanent to look GOOD! And you're serving liver paste to the people helping you?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now, the drumroll please! Taking First Place in the competition in my mind:</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3XMu7xWzo8/VFwjg0gnKHI/AAAAAAAAEkk/ijiNJjYq5Ck/s1600/IMG_1700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3XMu7xWzo8/VFwjg0gnKHI/AAAAAAAAEkk/ijiNJjYq5Ck/s1600/IMG_1700.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because this happens to me ALL the time...all my time working on those dresses really sucks up my day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hope I'll be back before another 11 weeks fly by, but no guarantees! Thanks for sticking with me!</span></div>
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-50868824286369377692014-10-20T14:28:00.002-05:002014-10-20T14:28:46.297-05:00I May Spend Too Much Time with BoysSo...over the years, I have spent a fair amount of time with boys.<br />
<br />
I had a lot of guy friends in high school...and by that I mean they were FRIENDS. Don't go making any innuendos that weren't there!<br />
<br />
And now, I spend a lot of time with boys.<br />
<br />
Not just any old boys...the boys in my family.<br />
<br />
Well, and The Little Man, who falls into that category too...temporarily a member of the family.<br />
<br />
And the friends of the boys in my family.<br />
<br />
OK, that just sounds weird...I don't hang out with the friends of my sons...but I am around them on occasion.<br />
<br />
And if you know anything at all about boys, they can be rude.<br />
<br />
And crude.<br />
<br />
And gross.<br />
<br />
And largely lacking in filter.<br />
<br />
I will tell you <i>(in case you don't know him live and in person)</i>, one of my boys <i>(you can probably guess which one if you DO know him live and in person, but in order to protect his anonymity, I won't tell you which one)</i> kind of really lacks filter.<br />
<br />
If I draw a line in the sand for him, he doesn't sidle up next to it and precariously stick a toe over...he takes a flying leap across it, beginning with a running start.<br />
<br />
But I digress...<br />
<br />
For this particular child, sometimes I am never quite certain what he is going to say or do.<br />
<br />
Sometimes HE is never quite certain what he is going to say or do.<br />
<br />
But enough with the backstory...here's what I came here to tell you:<br />
<br />
So...we are on vacation.<br />
<br />
It is a beach vacation.<br />
<br />
A lovely beach vacation...full of opportunities to lounge by the pool or on the beach. And perhaps even catch a little cat-nap.<br />
<br />
I was doing such a thing <i>(if you know me at all, this probably surprises you, but I promise that on vacation...a beach vacation...I can relax)</i>...this after spending a few hours on the beach and coming in to rest in the shade by the pool.<br />
<br />
We all came up to get out of the sun for a little while.<br />
<br />
I was on the fringe of dozing off when I heard this statement from the mouth of a PBA member: I'm leaving my ball out so it can dry.<br />
<br />
Immediately awake and alert, imagine my delight when I saw my son's football resting on the ledge in the sun...where it could dry.<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-68482040682579398672014-10-14T19:27:00.003-05:002014-10-14T19:27:23.619-05:00The Indigo<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So a few years ago...ok I'll be honest, it was 26 years ago...I visited Charleston, SC with my parents.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And there were two things which stood out in my mind, lo these many years, regarding the trip: that many of the historic homes had earthquake bolts which basically screwed damaged houses back together following the earthquake of 1886, and to be perfectly honest in my mind they were due to the civil war, not the earthquake <i>(bc I did not recall that they were called earthquake bolts...I only remembered what they did, not why they did it. Basically I knew enough </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>to be dangerous. </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>Give me a break...it was 26 years ago!)</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But the other thing I remembered was staying at The Indigo Inn.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKpY6wX98ho/VD28YhC09YI/AAAAAAAAEg4/1UtxmHMIrMY/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKpY6wX98ho/VD28YhC09YI/AAAAAAAAEg4/1UtxmHMIrMY/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And most specifically: the concierge at the time named Larry. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now before I continue, I have a confession which will not be news to most, if not all, of you lovely people: I live under a rock. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And have lived under said rock my entire life. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which is why my encounter with Larry 26 years ago was memorable; he was the first person I'd truly experienced who was "into fashion".</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Do we all understand what that means? Lest you be confused, I mean he was <i>(and most likely still is)</i> gay. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Now...because I live under a rock, my experience up to that point with people who were "into fashion"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was limited. At least as far as I knew...if you were gay in Greenwood, Indiana in the 1970's and 80's, you were probably not overly flamboyant about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Or if you were, you weren't in my social circle. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Not because I didn't want you there...I don't know the reason exactly. But you just were not. I'm terribly sorry if that offends you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So when I happenstanced (not really the right word, but it's fun to say so I included it there) upon Larry, it was an impressionable moment. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And frankly my moment with Larry was brief. I shall set the scene for you: we were in the hotel lobby. My dad had asked the concierge <i>(whose name I did not yet know) </i>about a specific place we were interested in checking out for dinner. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So the concierge, in what is typical concierge fashion <i>(pardon the pun...I assure you that it was completely unintended)</i> he called the restaurant. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">When the party on the other end of the line answered, our concierge said, "Hi, this is Larry at The Indigo..." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And I don't have any idea what he said after that but those seven words and the pitch of his voice are etched into my mind and I can recall it as if it just happened yesterday.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe that makes me a horrible person...I hope not. I'm just relaying an experience I had as a teenager.<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So...while that might or might not be funny to you, I am not finished with this little ditty. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Fast forward to this vacation in which we returned not just to Charleston but also to The Indigo Inn. Mostly because my parents had heard this story about Larry and I had shared it with my children, and as an aside, my children also live under a rock but theirs is not nearly as large as the one under which I grew up. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">While we were at The Indigo Inn this time, my parents had trouble with the AC in their room. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If you've ever been to Charleston, even in October, you know an AC on the fritz is not acceptable. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So the custodian was checking it over. And my dad was chit-chatting with him. And somehow <i>(don't ask me how...I was </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>not privy to this conversation)</i>, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">it came up that the custodian had been there for 30 years. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now...here was an obvious opening. Obvious to some, anyway. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I probably would have kept my mouth shut <i>(ok, I probably would not have...that's kind of a lie; in many ways I am my father's daughter)</i> my dad barreled right through. He asked if the guy remembered a concierge from 26 years ago named Larry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The guy did, and even said he'd come back recently for a visit...blah blah blah, those details aren't important.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The best part is that my dad never explained WHY he was asking; I cannot even imagine what the custodian was thinking...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0H1PKkhZdUs/VD28k3mEJ0I/AAAAAAAAEhI/M6Xljrr6RPs/s1600/IMG_1551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0H1PKkhZdUs/VD28k3mEJ0I/AAAAAAAAEhI/M6Xljrr6RPs/s1600/IMG_1551.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The courtyard where we ate breakfast and had afternoon cocktails...very hoity-toity, right?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Follow me on Facebook or on Instagram.</span></span>Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-28574832194919151542014-10-10T18:30:00.003-05:002014-10-10T20:20:31.484-05:00Are You Packing?I figure that the boys are old enough to take charge of their own vacation packing. <br />
<br />
To be fair, they should have been doing it for a while now but I figure better late than never, right?<br />
<br />
That being said, I adopted a "Here is a list of the things you need to pack; I'm not going to check to make sure you have what you need" attitude. <i>(It actually began with my 13yo's trip to camp this summer; we had marginal success. The biggest issue was making sure everything made it back home, quite frankly.)</i><br />
<br />
Some may call it a "laissez faire" attitude.<br />
<br />
I would call it that as well, being as how I love "all things French"...except for the smoking. I could do without the smoking.<br />
<br />
And the wine...don't really care for wine either.<br />
<br />
Beer. Now that's the stuff.<br />
<br />
Which proves that my ancestors were mostly of German decent.<br />
<br />
But I digress.<br />
<br />
I decided that for this vacation, I would give the PBA a verbal list <i>(NOTE: This means that I did not even write it down; we are working on our listening skills, which I might add, are somewhat lacking.) </i>of what they needed to pack and see how that turned out.<br />
<br />
I like to live on the edge, clearly.<br />
<br />
I couldn't take it, however, with the 11yo. I was fairly certain he would pack a bag full of knives and other accoutrements, as well as all-things camo.<br />
<br />
And since we are not visiting the Robertsons, I didn't think this necessary.<br />
<br />
So I did cave on my own stand and insist on seeing what he packed. At least some of it. And hear a verbal list of all of it.<br />
<br />
The 13yo, on the other hand, I was willing to let him figure it out for himself.<br />
<br />
He, however, ASKED me to come in his room to see what he was planning to pack.<br />
<br />
Immediately upon seeing the various stacks of clothes, I said, "Buddy, you don't need this many clothes. Remember...I'll do laundry. And you can wear the same thing more than once."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, Mom, but there will be pictures!"<br />
<br />
Heaven help me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook! </a>Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-59858815244920029702014-10-06T19:00:00.002-05:002016-12-15T14:30:24.125-06:00Happy Birthday, James Whitcomb Riley…I Made You Some Cookies<div class="MsoNormal">
I am finding more and more, I must be turning to baking as
my relaxation therapy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not that I don’t love writing for all you lovely people…I
do. Truly and truly I do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But…since I have not been feeling creative as of late, I
find that when I have spare time, I bake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, I have always enjoyed baking. But the number of loaves
of quick bread I have in my freezer is almost embarrassing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I did find some time to make some cookies this week-end
as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not even from a mix.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shocked, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Especially since these are not even drop cookies…these are
roll into balls and then roll in cinnamon-sugar cookies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Labor.intensive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But tasty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What cookie did I make? Why Snickerdoodles, of course!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, you are probably asking, “Now, why, on God’s green earth,
would you choose to make Snickerdoodles?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, for those of you who are astute, you may have noticed
the title.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James Whitcomb Riley…The Hoosier Poet… is my all-time
favorite poet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not that I have many…I do also like Silverstein and Poe <i>(very different from one another as well as
Riley…once again illustrating my randomness)</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And tomorrow is Riley’s birthday. And Snickerdoodles are <i>(ok, were)</i> his favorite cookie so we
shall eat it on his birthday to celebrate him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I am always looking for an excuse to make some cookies…sometimes
even ones sans le chocolat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bet you don’t even know the favorite cookie of your
favorite poet, do you? I’m not trying to shame you or anything, but I am a
little embarrassed for you about that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an aside, he shares a birthday with my favorite <i>(and only…just to be clear)</i> mom. So here’s
a birthday shout-out to my mom…for whom I did not make her favorite cookies,
but I will gladly share the ones I made for my favorite poet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I have mentioned him before, but just in case you are
unfamiliar <i>(or if your child has not yet
reach fourth grade in the state of Indiana and has yet gotten to experience
Indiana History); </i>it was in my own Indiana History curriculum <i>(just a couple years ago)</i> that I heard
about him for the first time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I fell.in.love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So just in case you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>do not live in Indiana</li>
<li>you live in Indiana but moved here only after you or your
kiddos were in fourth grade</li>
<li>you or your kiddos haven’t gotten to fourth grade yet</li>
<li>some other option applies which covers the options I have
inadvertently neglected</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.rileykids.org/uploads/files/kcs.curriculum_2009.pdf">I am providing you with a link to a pre-made unit on James Whitcomb Riley</a>. I didn’t put it together or anything, but only because someone else
already had.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, that might not be true. But I WOULD have done it, just for
my adoring fans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just in case you DO take the time to read this, you may
notice that it does include the exact recipe I include below, because it is the
very recipe handed out by the docents at the James Whitcomb Riley home, located
in Lockerbie Square in downtown Indianapolis. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which I have visited.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than once.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m certain you are shocked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now <i>(in the spirit of
my smooth transitions)</i>, I have a fun fact about my love of him and his
poetry…and I am certain I have told this previously but it totally bears
repeating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(You’ll get that pun
in a minute. Trust me…it is funny.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my eighth grade English class, during our poetry unit, we
had to select our favorite poem to memorize and to recite in front of the
class.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now this may come as a surprise to some of you, but the
teacher said “favorite” poem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Favorite. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not just any ole’ poem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Favorite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I am a stickler for the rules, I chose my favorite;
while most students in the class (<i>I won’t
say “all” b/c I know some of them well and they are rule-followers like yours
truly)</i> were choosing the shortest, 4-line rhyming couplets they could find,
I chose a 140-some line poem <i>(which was
really more like prose b/c it didn’t have any rhyme, or meter, or anything to
it…you know, all those things which might have given aide to the memory work)</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is called “The Bear Story” (<i>see why “it bears repeating” is funny…don’t worry, I’ll wait while you
laugh).</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.jameswhitcombriley.com/riley's_prose.htm">Here is a link to it</a></span>, because I know for certain you will want to read it. Even
if you’ve read it before, it’s worth a re-read.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please just don’t ask me to recite it now, because though I
know chunks, I can’t remember the whole thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I should work on that…in my spare time, of course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, because I am running short on time, I shall no longer
tarry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Snickerdoodles</b></u></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 cup soft shortening or margarine</li>
<li>1-1/2 cups granulated sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>2-3/4 cups sifted flour</li>
<li>2 teaspoons cream of tarter</li>
<li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>½ teaspoon salt</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><i> </i></o:p><i>Instructions</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Cream shortening or margarine, slowly add sugar, then eggs.
Mix together dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Chill the dough. When
ready to bake, shape into balls the size of small walnuts and roll in a mixture
of 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Place 2 inches
apart on an ungreased baking sheet.</li>
<li>Bake at 400 degrees until lightly browned, but still soft <i>(about 8-10 minutes)</i>. These cookies puff
up at first, then flatten out with crinkled tops. Yields about 5 dozen 2-inch cookies.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-go9XWQxa0QI/VDMszSej55I/AAAAAAAAEgQ/gfIPlv6NVWQ/s1600/IMG_1052%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-go9XWQxa0QI/VDMszSej55I/AAAAAAAAEgQ/gfIPlv6NVWQ/s1600/IMG_1052%2B(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
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<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-84861951405882909762014-10-03T21:27:00.003-05:002014-10-03T21:27:49.790-05:00Foodie Friday: Strawberry Bread<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So I'm certain that you're
all shocked that I am writing two days in a row. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I'm
not really certain how it happened, and frankly am more surprised than you, I
assure you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
time being what it is, I won't prattle on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Today
the PBA’s Life Skills food was Strawberry Bread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
use the words "Strawberry" and "Bread" loosely at best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">You'll
soon see why...stick with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To
be fair, this wasn't even on my original list. Today was supposed to be Chicken
Noodle Soup...but a) that seemed too ambitious for the week I’d had, and b) my
13yo had been reminding me of the "tradition" of strawberry bread on
the first morning of vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Let
me explain...when we go on vacation we drive 95% of the time. And we leave
early. And stop at a rest stop to have breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clearly
we bring our own b/c I am too cheap to eat from a vending machine. And that
stuff will kill you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Not that I am above eating
junk, but I TRY not to do it right out of the shoot in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And
most of the time <i>(I don't think it's
every time) </i>I bring a quick bread for our rest stop buffets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
used to bring Lemon Poppy seed. And one time I apparently decided to mix things
up and bring strawberry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
would venture to guess that I did not have the ingredients for Lemon but had
them for Strawberry; in fact, that's probably the whole reason, b/c Lemon is
WAY better than Strawberry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">My
blog, my opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
my 13yo <i>(apparently</i>) fell in love
with the strawberry so that's what he always asks for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And
being the dutiful mom that I am, I acquiesce to his desires. <i>(I actually don’t care very much what kind
we have and since he has expressed an opinion, while no one else has, I’ll go
with it.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So…before
I begin, I must explain that this recipe can be made in any flavor, just depending
on what flavor cake mix you use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Yes, I
said “cake mix”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
warned you that I used the term “bread” loosely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One more thing while we're making true confessions, if
I’m using a cake mix for the flavoring, it clearly does not contain the fruit
listed in the title either.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Yes, I
am serving cake to my family for breakfast and calling it bread. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And clearly I'm not above eating eating junk right out of the shoot, as I had touted just a few lines above.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Don’t
judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
this recipe was originally for my Lemony Poppy Seed Bread, but I have adjusted
it here to make Strawberry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">If you
prefer lemon poppy seed (such as I do), just use a lemon cake mix, and add
2Tablespoons of poppy seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">One
other thing…I pretty much let the PBA take the reins on this Life Skills lesson…so
if it doesn’t turn out well, I am totally throwing them under the bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">AND
(and this is B.I.G.) it was their maiden voyage with my Beloved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">By “Beloved”
I mean my KitchenAid Stand Mixer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
never knew how much I could love a kitchen appliance…and I don’t even use it
for nearly half the things I could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Mostly
just mixing, in fact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But it’s
just so pretty, sitting there on the counter…all red and shiny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Begging
me to make a cake <i>(like I need someone to
beg me to make a cake…)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I kind
of love her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Don’t
judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">They
had never used it, so in addition to making this “bread”, they got their first
lesson in the mixer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I may
or may not have hovered over it like a mama with her newborn babe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Don’t
judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But
they did ok…not quite as gentle as I would be, but it was ok. They even
remembered to wipe her down when they cleaned up the counters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Bonus
points for them. I mean they’re not ready to use it unattended, but it was ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Anyway…I
have digressed. And the hour is getting late.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Without
further delay, here you go:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Strawberry Bread<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 box
strawberry cake mix</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 cup
orange juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1
teaspoon lemon juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">½ cup
oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 eggs</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Preheat
oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bottom of 9x5 loaf pan. If you don’t have
a loaf pan that big, you can spoon out some of the batter into muffins (some
may call them “cupcakes”) and bake them for 20 minutes each.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In a
large bowl, blend all ingredients on low speed until moistened. Then beat 2
minutes on medium speed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pour
batter into pan. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cool
15 minutes in pan. Run a knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the loaf
and remove from pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wrap tightly
and store in fridge, or freezer.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-5617800246460105152014-10-02T20:22:00.003-05:002014-10-02T20:52:08.927-05:00Many Thankssssssss<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So...you may be wondering
how and why I have so many “ssssss” on my “thanks”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Or you may be just as
quick-witted and clever as I and have discerned that is may have to do with
something that makes the “ssssssss” sound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">OK, I don’t have time for
you to sit and ruminate on it…I will just come right out and tell you b/c the
hour is getting late <i>(I mean, sure I’ll
be up at 2:30, but I have yet to put </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">proverbial</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> pen to paper at that hour and
do not intend to begin now)</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">…</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I am, in fact, thanking a
snake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
hate snakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">H.A.T.E.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
get this so completely and totally that I cannot even explain:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ClwIj3x24Q4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And SPOILER ALERT<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>(in case you thought Harrison Ford
was just that brave...I'm here to break the news to you, after lo these many
years, b/c we all know that this movie is somewhat “aged”): </i>even though
there is a piece of glass between him and that cobra at the end of the clip<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>(that's the spoiler, in case you
were confused)</i>, the scene still creeps me out.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> I
can't express to you my level of dislike for snakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And
yet...I must, at for this brief moment, thank one for perfectly punctuating my
point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">(I
love good alliteration, don't you? I'm totally implying that this was
good, lest you be concerned. Or wondering. Or frankly confused. I do not
promise that this post will be either succinct or linear. Continue at your own
discretion.)</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
must seemingly-digress for a moment…stick with me. I will bring it around as
usual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I have always been a
strong proponent of wearing shoes outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Not
so much for myself, but for the PBA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Definitely
a "Do as I say, not as I do" sort of thing, as I will dart out on the
deck or to the mailbox unshod <i>(that means
without shoes…I dare you to work that into your next conversation)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The same "Do as I say, not as I
do" goes for bike helmets...currently a hot button issue in our abode, but
I shall get off my soapbox about that just now.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So...I
used to ride my boys about wearing shoes when they went out to play. It got to
the point where I didn't have to remind them...they just did it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Not
out of respect, as one might hope, but out of habit more than anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This
summer, however, my 13yo has been testing the limits a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Those of you who have
weathered teen-hood…or are at least further along the journey…are undoubtedly
shocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And
because he is 13, I let him. I know my man-child is going to push and stretch
and test…and just generally irritate. All in the name of “maturity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So b/c he is 13 and
<i>(maybe) </i>I wasn't as attentive over
the summer, he may have developed a penchant for being unshod <i>(oh yeah, I used that word again…just trying
to make it past your short-term memory)</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You may be thinking
this makes me lazy but I assure you that I am not; in fact, my soapbox quote
this week to the PBA was "I'll let you be lots of things but lazy isn't
one of them!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So today, b/c he's
grounded from electronics <i>(details
withheld),</i> my 13yo actually went outside to play. A couple minutes later, I
was playing with The Little Man and saw my eldest child scurry rapidly across
the deck and bolt through the back door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Me: You ok?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13yo: Um yeah...I'm
going to put my shoes on before I go out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Me: Oh...well why didn't
you have them on already?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He tee'd it up for
me so I just HAD to ask. You moms understand. And no, I can't let a sleeping
dog or baby lie either...actually I'm good with letting a sleeping baby lie
unless he's got some wicked ugly torticollis and he's asleep in his swing or
car seat and his neck is all cattawampus...and in case you didn’t know, when
you attempt to reposition a torticollis-ridden <i>(that's not really a term...he's not "ridden" with it...I jsut could not think of the word I wanted to use, and I'm pretty certain you know what I mean...)</i> baby, he will wake him up...and I
can't leave it alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I digress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Insert eye roll by
the 13yo...but not the usual dramatic one; one marked with…how do you say?
Terror...that's the word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marked with terror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">13yo: Well
I was going to play tether ball and when I stepped off the deck I saw something
shiny out of the corner of my eye. It was a snake! And I almost stepped on it
with my bare foot!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Me: What kind of
snake?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I asked but thought he wouldn't know b/c
no way would I have stuck around long enough to find out...and let’s call a
spade a spade: even if I DID stick around long enough to look at it, I don’t
know enough about snakes to remotely begin to identify one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13yo: Just a
garter...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said this very
casually…apparently his heartrate was below 200bpm by now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As an aside and
this may be something that you, my adoring fans, may or may not know: a
"garter snake" isn't a type of snake ...it's a name
belonging to a class of harmless, non-venomous snakes. They can range in size,
color etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know you wanted
to know that. I'm full service, remember?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You're welcome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I acted casual
right back. Like it’s no big deal that my son almost stepped on a snake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And that it may or
may not have been harmless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it still could
have bitten him and it would have <i>(possibly)</i> hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I would have
been uber-panicked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And calling poison
control <i>(even though everyone knows that
poison and venom are not the same thing...you can drink venom and it won't kill
you...it has to go into the blood stream. I guess if you had an ulcer it would
kill you.</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I digress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don't judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So after all my
internal panic <i>(I'm certain he had no
idea what was going on in my head b/c I'm so calm, cool and collected in an
emergency…even when it's a fake one in my head)</i>, he said, "Well, I'm
never going outside again without my shoes!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So many thankssssssssssssss, Mr.
Snake...whoever and whatever you are. If I ever see you in the yard, I will be sure to give you a personal thanks before I lop off your head with a shovel.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-72801138682104419882014-09-27T19:19:00.004-05:002014-09-27T19:20:11.953-05:00A Whole Lot of Nothing...and "Whole Lot" May Be GenerousSo...I've been slacking on my blogging lately. You may not care so much as you may simply notice, but believe me: I care!<br />
<br />
I have so many thoughts rolling around in my head. And they seem funny. Honestly...I mean, come on! You've read my blog. You know I'm funny.<br />
<br />
Ok, so you don't have to admit it at the moment, or even in public for anyone to see...but we both know it's true.<br />
<br />
But lately: Not.Funny.<br />
<br />
Just not. I'm still thinking in sound-bites and even those may be somewhat lacking.<br />
<br />
________________<br />
<br />
Literally that was all the material I had. I just wanted so desperately to write something and was hoping and praying and crossing my fingers for a brain-storm that I began writing in faith.<br />
<br />
And really I still had nothing.<br />
<br />
Clearly.<br />
<br />
But since the PBA are always good for a laugh, I shall, instead, tell you a short little anecdote <i>(which is totally different from an antidote, btw...only one of them is helpful when bitten by a poisonous snake and I'll give you a clue: this blog is not helpful in such an event)</i> from our dinner time this evening.<br />
<br />
First I must explain that Little Man always seems to get fussy when it is time for us to eat dinner. Frankly I think he's just jealous b/c his food is pumped right past his developing taste buds and directly into his stomach.<br />
<br />
I could be wrong, but it is a theory I'm working on.<br />
<br />
And I know I'd be mad if my food bypassed my mouth.<br />
<br />
Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so he could be in the room with us <i>(As an aside, we find that he doesn't like to be alone. Ever. Except at night when he sleeps like a Rock Star in his own room. Go figure. I'm not complaining...just mentioning to give you a full picture) </i>while we eat, and not have someone hold him, we introduced the high chair.<br />
<br />
It is a lovely little number I bought from a friend before she moved away and left me here.<br />
<br />
I'm not bitter.<br />
<br />
Ok maybe a bit.<br />
<br />
But my bitterness is not the point.<br />
<br />
So we got out the high chair. It has a nice big tray. And a strap<i> (you know...to keep the baby tethered down)</i>.<br />
<br />
And Mr. AR put Little Man in the seat and slid the tray in place.<br />
<br />
He looked like a head on a platter <i>(have I mentioned that he's on the smallish side? But growing growing growing...just shy of making it on the growht chart this week, in case you'd missed that news)</i>. Clearly not quite big enough to be sitting in a high chair and eating...but for our purposes, it was just perfect.<br />
<br />
But my 13yo was concerned that he would slide out. "Dad, did you fasten the strap?"<br />
<br />
And before my husband could answer, I said, "He's not going anywhere...doesn't he have a thing between his legs?"<br />
<br />
Without missing a beat, my 11yo said, "Well I should HOPE he has a thing between his legs!"<br />
<br />
And I must confess that I laughed. Out loud. And hard.<br />
<br />
So yeah...that's where we are for humor at this point. Amazing what's funny when you only get a couple 2.5 hour naps each night.<br />
<br />
Thanks for sticking with me through this dry spell...hopefully "the funny" will return to me soon!<br />
<br />
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<i><br /></i>Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-42780097022508471002014-09-22T10:18:00.002-05:002014-09-22T10:18:28.360-05:00Making a List<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So…coming
up with these past few posts have been something of a struggle. Apparently my
brain has been reduced to producing small little sound bites. Facebook post-sized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">That
being said, I am doing my best to draw this out and provide my adoring fans
with an actual post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">It may
not be good but it will be longer than a Facebook post…so that’s good, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Case
in point…because I was terribly proud <i>(and
yes, I know pride is wrong…don’t judge)</i> of this parenting moment, I shall
share it here with you lovely people, just in case you missed it on FB…you’ll
want to be sure to read this because it may be the best part of this entire
blog post:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So earlier this week, my 13 asked me to buy something for
him, promising "I'll pay you when we get home!"</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Unfortunately, he
forgot that he didn't have any cash. Except coins...so he paid me $5, mostly
consisting of dimes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Last night, on the
way home from soccer practice, I stopped at the store to buy a tub o' ice cream
(don't judge...that's not the point of the story). And I made him stand there
while I paid $5 for it...mostly consisting of dimes.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
there’s that…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I have
been ruminating lately on Bucket Lists. I admire people who have such lists,
although I myself do not have one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">We
have an “Always Random Family” Bucket List, though I am not entirely certain we
will accomplish anything on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">It’s
not for lack of wanting…it’s for lack of moolah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I am
not complaining…I am just saying. It is truly ok and we are all fine with it…mostly
we took an opportunity to write down things we’d like to do and it didn’t go
beyond that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">No
plan to make it happen. No plan at all. And I know that a Bucket List
necessitates a plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I can
live with my short-comings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">As for
my own personal list? It doesn’t exist except kind of in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Nor do
I have a Non-Bucket List…a list of things I never care to do. I mean, sure,
there are loads of things I could put on that list, but I find that once I put
those things on my list, the good Lord, in his infinite wisdom, makes sure it
is something I end up doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Shall
I make a list of some of those things for you? <i>(I apologize if I have done such a list in the past…I can’t recall. And
if I can’t recall, I am going to venture a guess that you cannot recall either.)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
here is the list…either for the first time or not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Deal
with it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will
not live in Indiana, once I graduate from college.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will
not live in Greenwood.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will
not have boys.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will
not name my children with the same first letter of the alphabet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I won’t
be a teacher.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I won’t
be a homeschooler.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will
never be a foster parent.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So
yeah…it’s kind of like that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">All
that to say, I have officially <i>(ok,
probably not really but a girl can dare to dream, right?) </i>stopped telling
God what I will NOT do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">And
that rambling being shared, here’s what I’ve got for you today: I DO <i>(apparently…this is a recent discovery) </i>have
a list of “Things I Never Cared to Know How to Do but Do, In Fact, Know How to
Do…and Not Only That, I Appear to be Fairly Rockin’ Awesome at Doing”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Yes,
the title is a bit lengthy…it’s a work in progress. Kind of like me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But
the title is not the point of my list. My point is to tell what is topping my
list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I must
<i>(and this should surprise you not at all)</i>
digress for a moment and share a little secret about myself…I beg you to allow
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I have
a bit of a weak stomach. As in: I get uber-queasy when people share medical-related
stories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Even baby
birth stories sometimes gross me out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Now, I
can tell anyone who’d care to know about it about my boys’ births, or about my
9+ hour surgery for “my back” <i>(just to
clarify, it was not really “back surgery”, but my 11yo is STILL convinced it
was; it may have something to do with the fact that I explained my surgery was
happening “because I have so many back problems”…take from this what you will,
astute readers)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">However,
I grow pale, get clammy, turn “green in the gills” when other people choose to
share their medical “talk”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">OK…do
you have a clear picture of this now? Great…I can continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">In the
same vein of telling God what I don’t want to do, he gave me a foster kiddo on
a feeding tube.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Lest
you be confused, I had previously told God that wasn’t going to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Now, in
case you have not seen him live and in person, I shall explain: the feed tube it
doesn’t go directly into The Little Man’s belly; it goes in through his nose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Because
I like the rock under which I live, I had no idea until 3.5 weeks ago that that
was even a possibility. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Oh,
the miracles of modern medicine, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
anyway…I’m sure the build-up is killing you <i>(actually,
I bet you have all already figured it out…I never claimed to be a suspense
writer)</i>, I shall let you off the hook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">What
is the thing currently topping my list of “Things I Never Cared to Know How to
Do but Do, In Fact, Know How to Do…and Not Only That, I Appear to be Fairly Rockin’
Awesome at Doing”? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Threading
a feed tube in an infant’s nose and snaking it down to his stomach.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately
my “partner-in-crime” in this ordeal <i>(because
yes, it is an ordeal and yes you most-assuredly need a minimum of two people to
accomplish this task; hard to believe but the infant does NOT care for this and
there’s a fair amount of, oh, how do you say? Thrashing. Thrashing is the word.)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I
digress…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One thing
of note: this would be much easier of my partner <i>(also known as the illustrious Mr. Always Random, who supposedly-has a
cast-iron stomach)</i> would stop gagging during the process.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XavBQzACNWg/VCA9NHJAOdI/AAAAAAAAEfA/qB8GUBa5L5o/s1600/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XavBQzACNWg/VCA9NHJAOdI/AAAAAAAAEfA/qB8GUBa5L5o/s1600/IMG_1407.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is all the "fun" equipment we get to use now...the tube is the orange, "snake-like" thing. Oh yeah...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-38269982694422439282014-09-19T18:30:00.003-05:002014-09-19T18:30:36.557-05:00Foodie Friday: Cooking with the PBA<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So,
as you may or may not recall, I am doing a “life skills” lesson with the PBA each
Friday. In addition to our regular house cleaning, and sheet & towel washing, I
have added cooking to the docket this year.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently
I chose this due to a momentary memory loss…did I fall and hit my head?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I
can’t recall. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh the irony.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I
am trying my best but oh.my.word. Cooking with the PBA sometimes makes me want
to rip out all my hair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They
are sweet sweet boys, but thus far they do not seem to have much of a penchant
for this whole cooking business.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And
maybe I am not being entirely fair. "Cooking" might be ok. The mac and cheese
came out fine, as did the roasted chicken. And the scrambled and hard-boiled
eggs <i>(two separate lessons, lest you be confused)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Frankly,
it’s the baking where we really struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And
when I say “we” I mean <i>(of course)</i> “they”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Measuring
things, leveling them off, refilling the sugar and flour jars, greasing pans, using parchment paper = torture to be
sure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And
of course today we made chocolate chip cookies. With the assistance of an almost-4mo baby. Who is very cute but not what one might call “helpful” in the
kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now
why did I opt for this? Because it was on the schedule. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And because I promised
myself and the PBA that foster care would not disrupt our entire schedule…as
best as we can, the two schedules will combine and neither one will dominate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hence
Home Ec Friday lived to see another day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And
frankly, this mama wanted some chocolate chip cookies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ergo…the
PBA made chocolate chip cookies today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now,
as you may <i>(or may not)</i> also recall,
I insist that the PBA write down the recipe prior to making the dish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today,
my 11yo insisted he would remember the recipe; this coming from the child who
wrote down instructions to scrambled eggs…and then also USED said directions
the next time he made scrambled eggs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Needless
to say <i>(although I’m going to say it
anyway)</i> I insisted that he write it down; he does have an uncanny knack for
memorizing long passages and such, but I had my doubts that a chocolate chip
cookie recipe would make it into his long-term memory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Much
to his chagrin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now…the
recipe I opted to use was the <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.kairosofindiana.org/docs/cookies.pdf">Kairos Cookie recipe</a></span>. <i>(As an aside, I KNOW I have posted this recipe on here before but I can't find it...so here it is again. You.are.welcome.)</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I chose this particular recipe because <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It
is tasty, and<o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It
does not require softened butter, but instead uses shortening…which I know is
horrible for you but I figure if you’re making chocolate chip cookies, you may
not necessarily be concerned about “what is good for you”.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No,
because I clearly have a death wish, I made the PBA double the recipe. To be
fair, it was because the printed-out version of the recipe I have only makes 3
dozen. And that is just not enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now…I
DID write out on my recipe what each ingredient would be doubled…they only had
to pay attention when copying it and write the DOUBLED amount.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well,
because I was apparently speaking in tongues, with no one here to translate for
me, that message failed to compute and neither PBA member wrote it down
doubled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not
one to easily cave due to lack of fortitude on the part of the PBA, I forged
ahead and made them figure out what each item was doubled, using their own
copies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Now don’t pretend that
you wouldn’t have done it too…)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So
an hour later <i>(that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not my much…)</i> we
finally had our cookie dough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which
was really dry.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Clearly something was missing...perhaps some of the milk?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not
even knowing how much of ANYTHING they had put in, with the exception of chocolate
chips <i>(I knew they put in the whole bag of chocolate chips)</i>, I added a couple
splashes of milk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I
was quick to point out that I had been baking long enough to know about
such things, but for rookies such as themselves, they still needed to measure...no "splashes" of anything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I
totally used those words of wisdom and advice from my daily word allotment,
knowing full-well that these boys are NEVER going to make chocolate chip
cookies on their own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At
least probably not. I mean, of course I HOPE they do…it’s the whole reason
behind the “life skills lessons” but, I am realistic and know that the chances are slim
to none.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I digress...</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now once
the actual "baking" was in full-swing <i>(we did have to pause and discuss that the goal
was NOT to see how many unbaked cookies we could get on one sheet…case in
point, 20 is too many, unless you want them to all merge into one another)</i>, I
realized that <i>(perhaps)</i> we had made
too many cookies.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, I know...that sounds like crazy-talk, but I really didn't want to have all those cookies hanging out around the house. They are nothing but trouble.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But,
being a problem-solver, I asked the boys, “Wouldn’t you like to take some of
these to our neighbors…to thank them for the meat pies?”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>(We all recall the meat pies, right? If not, <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://1morningglory.blogspot.com/2014/08/off-wagon.html">here's your refresher</a></span>)</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I
had been laboring for WEEKS <i>(yes, I may have a touch of the obsessive/compulsive
disorder…literally weeks)</i> about what to take next to them…when this was so
nicely laid in my lap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And
because I am a full-service mean-mom, I even made the boys write a note
explaining the “gift” and then deliver it themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So
really that’s all I have to say about that. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No funny/punny little way to wrap
it up; no clever <i>(at least clever in my
mind)</i> ending, bring it home with a pun about cookies or baking or anything like that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In fact, you
might even say that this ending is half-baked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOUyvTizYIc/VByy93y-4nI/AAAAAAAAEeo/dmWxI-swoJ4/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOUyvTizYIc/VByy93y-4nI/AAAAAAAAEeo/dmWxI-swoJ4/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Photo of actual first batch</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-53817257979946172652014-09-18T16:02:00.002-05:002014-09-18T16:02:50.671-05:00The Mutiny: Month 2 Day 6: Finally Telling You What I Am WearingSo...this will most likely be uber-short as I have no time.<br />
<br />
You know why...the standard excuse from the past 3 weeks: The Little Man.<br />
<br />
But, seeing as how <i>(yes I am certain that is grammatically correct...still on no sleep...my other excuse of the past 3 weeks)</i> you, my adoring fans,<br />
<br />
a) have most-assuredly been missing me,<br />
b) have been wondering how this second month of "fasting" has been going, and<br />
c) are dying to know what I chose for my 7 articles of clothing.<br />
<br />
So...I will tell you but I must back the train up for a minute; I must explain that Jen Hatmaker included in her "7" her shoes...two pairs of shoes = 1 item.<br />
<br />
Our Hope Group opted not to do that; we only "allowed" two pairs of shoes, but they did not count as one of the 7 clothing items.<br />
<br />
And we also said that "workout clothes" and pajamas also did not count.<br />
<br />
Or socks and skivvies...because that would be 3 items right there; and while this whole "7" business is a bit cray-cray in and of itself, we don't need to be over the top about things.<br />
<br />
And while we are on the subject of workout clothes <i>(ok, not really but I don't have time to attempt a smooth transition)</i>, I am so thankful for them. The Little Man tends to be most "urpy" first thing in the morning. And being as how<i> (also grammatically correct...don't question me)</i> we are now going to the gym in the morning <i>(because there is nursery/childcare in the mornings AND it only costs $2/hour...wahoo!)</i>, I begin my day in my workout clothes.<br />
<br />
And I can change them as often as need be <i>(at least once a day, but it has been more...)</i> without dipping in to my 7 allotted articles.<br />
<br />
I may be stretching things...don't judge.<br />
<br />
As an aside I must really love you people because I am holding a fussy baby and using my right hand to hunt and peck this out. Frankly it is not unlike my method of texting so I am quite familiar with the process.<br />
<br />
Don't judge.<br />
<br />
Anyway because time is of the essence, and my unsupported left arm is beginning to tremble, here's my 7 clothing items:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUwIIJsF9Qk/VBtEx60ov6I/AAAAAAAAEeA/85DEKP_2ppA/s1600/IMG_7442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUwIIJsF9Qk/VBtEx60ov6I/AAAAAAAAEeA/85DEKP_2ppA/s1600/IMG_7442.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pardon any dirt you may or may not see on the carpet...tomorrow is Home Ec Friday at the PBA and it will be rectified then.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">1 pair of jeans</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">1 skirt</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">1 dress</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">1 3/4 length sleeve sweater</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">2 short-sleeve shirts</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">1 long-sleeve shirt</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrWQ4W9nWqk/VBtE2HUz-FI/AAAAAAAAEeI/7j8dBG52Fsg/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrWQ4W9nWqk/VBtE2HUz-FI/AAAAAAAAEeI/7j8dBG52Fsg/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My two pairs of shoes...we are hovering on fall but I think I can get by with sandals as one of my two pairs...at least I hope I can!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8ecFTfE51I/VBtE4Xr95JI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/U3ehupN3BcU/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8ecFTfE51I/VBtE4Xr95JI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/U3ehupN3BcU/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was my original selection...at the eleventh hour I switched my long-sleeve shirt from white to black, and changed the dress to one I can wear by itself...just in case you were wondering if I made any last-minute modifications. This is funny b/c I made my clothing decision the night before we began...and did not put <b><i>nearly </i></b>the thought into it as I did the food.<br />
<br />
Clearly food is more important to me than clothing.<br />
<br />
Don't judge.<br />
<br />
And I know that this month is prepping me to give-away during the "possessions" month...so clearly more fun is to be had!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<br />Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-86370675904023609862014-09-13T15:06:00.001-05:002014-09-13T15:06:36.908-05:00Total Splurge: The Pantry<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So
this post is WAAAAAAY over-due.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Although,
in all honesty, it took me WAAAAAAAY too long to accomplish said task and thus
write about it. So it's not that the post-writing took all that long (even though it kind of did too)...it was the finishing of the event which gave me the most trouble.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Because,
well, frankly, I have been caring for a baby. And even though you think you
remember how it all goes when you have a baby <i>(newborn or not)</i> you don’t remember everything.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Plus,
you know…many couples have 9 months to prepare for such an event. We had about
an hour.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
think I’ve already used that line but frankly I can’t recall. I am averaging
about 6 hours of sleep per night and that is with getting up twice in there…But
it’s all good. It’s only for a short time and we are joyful to be Jesus’ hands
and feet to The Little Man.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">But I
have digressed and made excuses for my delay.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There’s
really no excuse for it…I had planned for this post to be up about 2.5 weeks
ago. Only the project wasn’t complete.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Again,
we shall lay blame on The Little Man. Mr. AR had white-washing to do, which he
could not b/c I was working <i>(helping set
up wedding flowers with my friend SV)</i> on both Saturday and Sunday on the
week-end when Little Man first arrived.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">After
that, it was almost another week before the white-washing took place. I don't remember why...it's been too long ago now. Get off my back, would you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And then
it took me about 1.5 weeks to get everything back in place. It takes a while to
put things in their proper place when you can only hold one thing at a time…what
with a sleeping <i>(or non-sleeping)</i>
baby in the other arm.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So…since
I have belabored this long enough <i>(I know
you have all been missing me, so I’m trying to make this post worth your time)</i>,
I shall tell you what has happened: we had custom-built shelves installed in
our pantry.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And even though this may not sound like a big deal...trust me. It is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And
let me tell you this as well: these shelves are ah-mazing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Amazing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">They were built by a friend from church
who is extremely gifted at such tasks and I don’t even know how we will ever
repay him…so if you have a thought on how we might best do that, please leave a
comment, send a message, something to help a girl out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Because
frankly, I am completely tapped out on my creativity as of late. For
approximately the past 2 weeks, actually. Go figure...it's a curious <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">coincidence, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Which
may or may not be why I haven’t blogged except twice in these past two weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Or it
might be because I have no time. Or that hunt and peck with one hand <i>(because,
yes, you guessed it..holding a sleeping baby) </i>is irritating beyond belief…just
to be clear: the holding the sleeping baby is not irritating; it’s the hunt and
peck with one hand that is irritating.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So…because
I know you will want to see how this project transpired, I will give you some
photos. Because I can at least do THAT with one hand.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Now,
I must explain, especially after coming off our first month of “7” why I would
do this and spend my money in this way: because it is not wrong to spend money
on things you want, so long as you are not ONLY spending your money that way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This
is my two-cents.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Plus,
this is something I have wanted since we moved into this house almost 10 years
ago. And I finally decided to do something about it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And
because Mr. AR is awesome like that, he totally agreed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So
here.we.go.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This
is what my pantry has looked like for almost 10 years <i>(ok, the food items
themselves changed, because otherwise that would be disgusting)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-DgOhyZRO8/VBSeVyltAvI/AAAAAAAAEck/bAVcq9XlfVQ/s1600/IMG_3777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-DgOhyZRO8/VBSeVyltAvI/AAAAAAAAEck/bAVcq9XlfVQ/s1600/IMG_3777.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gwr3mmhmJw/VBSeXHscerI/AAAAAAAAEdA/W1U1uRHsB5M/s1600/IMG_9727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gwr3mmhmJw/VBSeXHscerI/AAAAAAAAEdA/W1U1uRHsB5M/s1600/IMG_9727.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And now here it is with everything emptied out. Except the fire extinguiser. Safety first!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiANRIxQdt4/VBSeVUpw2dI/AAAAAAAAEco/mNTLfP5jJ9M/s1600/IMG_2105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiANRIxQdt4/VBSeVUpw2dI/AAAAAAAAEco/mNTLfP5jJ9M/s1600/IMG_2105.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And mind you...this took place while we were still in the midst of "7: Food" so here's all the food we were NOT eating at that time...so that was fun to avoid looking at. <i>(And yes, I ended my sentence with a preposition...)</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuCvCOV05CY/VBSeUuPZ18I/AAAAAAAAEdY/Lc85W_QlVd0/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuCvCOV05CY/VBSeUuPZ18I/AAAAAAAAEdY/Lc85W_QlVd0/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And here's what we <i>(and the PBA...note that some of this was not on our list, but it's what the PBA often ate...really all we had on the counter was the dry quinoa, black beans, olive oil and dried cranberries)</i> WERE eating...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kePmfdtrPg/VBSeWf_sNAI/AAAAAAAAEc4/SBbYoi32vyE/s1600/IMG_7255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kePmfdtrPg/VBSeWf_sNAI/AAAAAAAAEc4/SBbYoi32vyE/s1600/IMG_7255.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And here it is sans the shelves. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And Mr. AR and the PBA removing all the hooks and screws which were holding up the shelves <i>(there's a few...I didn't take into consideration just how many there were...oops!)</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-k0A9NdqHM/VBSeWR5BRzI/AAAAAAAAEdM/_aPYnq7DGOg/s1600/IMG_4700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-k0A9NdqHM/VBSeWR5BRzI/AAAAAAAAEdM/_aPYnq7DGOg/s1600/IMG_4700.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Note all the black dots. Those are all the holes which needed to be spackled. I am thankful that Mr. AR loves me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CT-GR9Uv7M0/VBSeW0LxtOI/AAAAAAAAEdI/9ktJP4unMBM/s1600/IMG_9488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CT-GR9Uv7M0/VBSeW0LxtOI/AAAAAAAAEdI/9ktJP4unMBM/s1600/IMG_9488.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Note that we are STILL hanging on to that fire extinguisher.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And because "one does like a hint of color" <i>(quick....what movie is that from? Time's up..."The Birdcage") </i>I <strike>forced</strike> <strike>insisted</strike> asked oh-so nicely for it to be painted the same color as the kitchen. And I love love love it! I'm so glad that "we" decided to do that.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt6rZ1C2WBQ/VBSeU2dE58I/AAAAAAAAEcY/0uWkmD1KIfo/s1600/IMG_1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt6rZ1C2WBQ/VBSeU2dE58I/AAAAAAAAEcY/0uWkmD1KIfo/s1600/IMG_1279.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And I thought I took a picture of it before the whitewash was on, but apparently not...I can't be expected to keep track of EVERYTHING! So here we have jumped ahead to the final product. Feel free to ooo and ahhhh along with me. I honestly smile every time I open the pantry door...and I'm certain it is not only because I am once again free to eat everything inside.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdpmZlf1VtM/VBSeVMJtxJI/AAAAAAAAEcg/euODVFoAFx0/s1600/IMG_1353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdpmZlf1VtM/VBSeVMJtxJI/AAAAAAAAEcg/euODVFoAFx0/s1600/IMG_1353.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxXBWedWla4/VBSeVeTcKkI/AAAAAAAAEcc/7QKX62m0zEc/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxXBWedWla4/VBSeVeTcKkI/AAAAAAAAEcc/7QKX62m0zEc/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you are interested in finding out the name of our the fabulous craftsman, please send me a message and I'll be glad to share his info with you. <i>(His wife, upon reading that, may have just had a heart attack that I said that! Love you, CK! Thanks again for sharing your husband's time!)</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-49540211448459154192014-09-08T17:02:00.001-05:002014-09-08T17:02:12.275-05:00Cleaning Up: Homemade Baby Wipes<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">OK you guys…just because The Little Man is not my own doesn’t
mean I am going to be treating him like a prince or anything. I am washing his
clothes with home-made detergent </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(ok some
of the formula-vomit stuff I used some Tide I had hanging around for a laundry
emergency…I felt this qualified as a true “laundry emergency”).</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am using vinegar to soften his towels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And now, I have made his baby wipes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did you honestly think I would spend money on things like baby
wipes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, to be fair, I did buy one box of wipes b/c I needed the
box. But from here on out: homemade baby wipes city, Baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, I am sure you are all wondering how I did this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know you are not asking “why” b/c you’ve read this blog
before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And because I do not have time to spare <i>(well, I do have a little bit…it’s not as though someone will wake up
and demand a feeding or diaper change at the moment; Little Man is at
visitation with his mama and daddy as I type…which is a whole weird dynamic I
am still wrapping my brain around; it’s rolling around in there, for sure, and
may or may not come out one day…we will see where it lands and if I can be
diplomatic in my thoughts. Which means that no, it is probably in there to
stay, and not fit for human consumption… but I digress),</i> I shall make this
as succinct as I possibly can. <i>(See, that’s
funny because that entire parenthetical comment was as long as the rest of the
blog post…feel free to give a courtesy laugh if nothing else.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Homemade Baby Wipes</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Ingredients:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">½-1 teaspoon baby shampoo </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(Dollar
Tree)</i></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">1 teaspoon baby oil </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(Dollar
Tree)</i></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">1 ½ cups water </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(my faucet…duh)</i></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">Paper towels </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(I used
Bounty…spared no expense, right? The cheaper ones will shred on you…well, on
the baby actually…and ain’t nobody got time for that)</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Instructions:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.3pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">Place the shampoo, baby oil, and water in a sealable container </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(this is simply to make it easy on yourself;
I would recommend that you use the one you’ll store the wipes in, but you don’t
have to. I’ll let you choose whatever is easiest…I’m nice like that.)</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;"> and
swish it around. No need to shake it; a nice, easy swirling will do the trick.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">Then using a bread knife, cut the roll of paper towels in half, across
the center.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">Place one half of the paper towel roll inside the container in
the solution. Give it about 10-15 minutes to soak up the liquid; then pull out
the cardboard middle from the paper towel.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">You’ll be able to pull the wipes from the middle of the roll.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">One container of these wipes costs approximately $0.60 </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;">(or less)</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3pt;"> to make, and mostly depends on
how much you pay for your paper towels.</span></li>
</ul>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook! </a>Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-82879015386948257172014-09-04T21:19:00.001-05:002014-09-04T21:19:10.276-05:00The Little Man<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know that you have
been eagerly-anticipating my assessment of the first month of “7”. But I just
cannot wrap my brain around it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you don’t follow
me on FB, you may be a touch confused. So I shall momentarily explain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I have gone and
dropped off the planet again. But this time it's legit. We have a baby. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not our
baby.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A foster baby. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And he is teeny tiny. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And he eats every 3 hours, if not
more often <i>(today it has been more often, which is good b/c he needs it)</i>...and yes, it includes the night. He
doesn’t wake up and demand to eat, but we have to get up and feed him. The feed
tube makes that easier, as anyone who has tried to bottle-feed a sleepy baby
can attest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">All this to say, I'm
running on not a lot of sleep. You can call me Jerry.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>(There's a really funny Seinfeld clip where Jerry's staying in Kramer's apartment...well, I found it on Youtube but I can't get it loaded here. Feel free to take a look for yourself. It's only 20 seconds long. Good luck.)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, The Little Man is
soft and cuddly and smells of spit up formula. He's been bathed 4 times but he
still kinda stinks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But he
sleeps like a champ…so that makes up for any lingering funk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wish I could
share details about his 3 months thus far. But I can't. Just trust me when I
tell you that it's sad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I wish I could
share pictures of him with you. But I can't. Just trust me when I say that he's
the cutest thing ever...excepting maybe my biologicals. <i>(I have to say that.)</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So
yeah...that's what I'm up to. That and trying to homeschool the PBA. And keep
the house somewhat clean. And going to various and sundry appointments for all
3 children who are currently living with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ll
be honest…it’s not the best week of homeschooling we’ve ever had. Not the
worst, but definitely not the best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh and packing to
go to family camp this weekend. As an aside I über thankful that we were
offered a room in the lodge instead of doing the tent camping we'd planned on.
I mean tent camping with a 3 month old that's on a feed tube SOUNDS fun but I'm
just not feeling it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Call me crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And while we are on
the subject of thankful I am thankful for the gifts of a pack n play, clothes,
blankets, burp cloths, car seats, bedding, and various other accoutrements, as
well as and loaner equipment like a baby carrier and a bouncy seat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And a HUGE shout-out
to our Hope Group friends who assembled the crib while we went downtown and
picked up the sweet boy at the hospital. We were with them when we got the call
for placement and immediately asked what they could do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mr. AR <i>(not wanting
to burden anyone)</i> said we didn’t need any help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I, however, have
stopped pretending to be Super Woman. I piped right up and said, “We are going to Target to buy a
crib. Come to our house in about 20 minutes and put it together for us while we
are gone.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot fathom what
we would have done without them….especially since we did not get home until
midnight. Putting a crib together at Midnight sounds like fun, doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">And most of all, we
are so overwhelmed with all the prayers. We appreciate the prayers for us but
even more the prayers for The Little Man.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are so
inclined to jon us, here’s how we are asking people to pray for this situation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pray that he will eat well and bulk up so the feed tube can be
removed soon </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pray that he will respond well to bring held</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pray that he will thrive by leaps and bounds </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pray that God's will be done in his life </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pray that his parents will pull themselves together so they can
get their sweet baby boy back</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pray that our family can be Jesus to him and love him like
Jesus does</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I really should
be writing an article right now but instead I'm telling you lovely people about
my current little microcosm.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I may or may
not also be sitting here watching The Little Man sleep. Which might be why I
feel as though nothing is getting accomplished around our house this week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's funny... At ages
27 and 29, I had the energy to have babies but didn't take the time to hold
them like I could have. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now I don't have
the energy <i>(yeah I'm little tired... I'll
own it)</i> but I am more inclined to hold a baby. Maybe I'm trying to make up
for the non holding he's had up to this point. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But for the record,
it's not just me doing the baby-holding...all of us, PBA included, have greatly
reveled in holding a sleeping infant. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And speaking of the
PBA I am just so thankful to them for all their help. True... neither of them
have stepped up and changed a diaper yet <i>(the
first formula The Little Man was on did make those diapers pretty toxic
..."hazardous waste coming through !") </i>but the new formula he’s
on makes them WAY better. The boys just have no real frame of reference...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To be fair, their only diaper changing experience was a stuffed bear in
their safe sitter class this summer. Who knew this experience would come in so
handy so soon?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well I
suspect God knew, if anyone's really asking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">And the PBA's help
has made me realize that large families are so doing the right thing... Those
older kids are helpful! I wish I'd had a couple of them when the PBA were
little. I highly recommend it to anyone. I'm certain that it's not that The Little
Man's a novelty or anything...</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well I have rambled
on long enough I suppose. I do need to get to writing that story. And packing
for camp. And most importantly...snuggling that baby.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thx for stopping by...please
know that my seeming-hiatus is in no way an indication of how I feel about you
lovely people. I hope to be back with regularity soon. <i>(And no, this has nothing to go with my bathroom habits. Clearly I am
spending too much time with the children...arm-pit farts have begun to be funny
to me, if that tells you anything).<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And maybe I can
even get The Little Man to guest write for me. <i>(For those of you who love literary terms, that may be a hint of
foreshadowing…)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook! </a>Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-1588630817968979412014-08-29T07:22:00.001-05:002014-08-29T07:22:22.868-05:00Something about Hydrophilic Tails<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First
I must preface this post with an apology for once again falling off the planet
for a few days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know
that your hopes and dreams rise and set with the publishing of each new blog
post, so I’m sorry to have left you in a lurch these past few days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I have
no excuse other than this: “Divergent”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
yeah, after much coaxing, cajoling, and whining <i>(ok, not so much the whining, but the other two for sure)</i> by my
13yo, I began reading it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">And
since he’s not a “reader” that should have been my clue that it was pretty good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">As an
aside, I’m certain that his affinity for the books have nothing at all to do
with the girl <i>(one of my future DILs
perhaps…my fingers are crossed!) </i>who has been giving him reading
assignments which have helped propel him through the book series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
mean, the boy’s been staying up to read and reading on his own time…all to keep
this girl from “yelling” <i>(she’s not a
yeller that I have ever seen, BTW)</i> at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But
again…I am CERTAIN she has nothing to do with his interest in the books…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
digress…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">And
while I do not find “Divergent” to be the finest piece of literature ever
written, the story is thought-provoking and engaging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Clearly…as
it has been enough to keep me from you lovely people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Not
that I am all that far along in it <i>(ok,
true confession…I’m on chapter 29 out of 36)</i>…but my spare moments have been
spent reading instead of blogging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I’m
certain that you understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">And
now, with that matter of my humble little apology out of the way, I bring you
my actual reason for writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">_____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So…I
saw on FB yesterday a video with this little experiment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
found it interesting enough to share it with you lovely people…because I know
how you love it when I do this. Because who doesn’t love little sciencey-type
things with little to no practical application to daily life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Preschool
teachers, that’s who.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
yes, mostly I am thinking that my vast array of preschool-teaching friends will
latch on to this; but I know my audience. I know that there are others out
there who may want to try it. Just for funsies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">And
still others may just find it interesting, whether they actually perform the
experiment or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The
rest of you can simply by-pass this whole thing altogether. You’ve already
opened the file so it will count in my “views” so we’re all good there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Because
that’s what I live for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Don’t
judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Now,
as opposed to all the other preschool-type activities I have done, there’s no
cutesy name for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So if
you can come up with one, I’d love to use it. Just submit your suggestions in
the comments below…because I also live for comments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Don’t
judge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Now
because I have strung you along for a while <i>(so
you feel like you’re getting your full money’s worth from this post)</i>, I
shall delve into the experiment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">It’s
really quite simple…here’s what you need. You know that I don’t like to “assume”
so instead I would venture to guess that most of you have all 3 of these
ingredients in your home:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jGeypk_44s/VABuLx3RofI/AAAAAAAAEa8/HlgZaB7FnJc/s1600/IMG_1284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jGeypk_44s/VABuLx3RofI/AAAAAAAAEa8/HlgZaB7FnJc/s1600/IMG_1284.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Milk </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(whole
works better but any other kind would work too, but to a lesser degree)</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Food coloring</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dish
soap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A
plate or pan or something to put the whole concoction in </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(and yes, I am ending my sentence with a preposition…don’t judge. As an
aside, you seem to be very judgmental today…not your best side, I must admit.)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Begin
by putting enough milk in the pan to cover the bottom, but the milk doesn’t
need to be very deep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Then put
in a few drops of food coloring…I would use as many colors as you have so you
can really see the reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Make
sure to spread them out, not clumping<i>
(yes it is a real word, in fact…no red squiggly line underneath it or anything)</i>
the drops all together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Then
put in 2-4 drops of liquid dish soap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Sit
back and watch the fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Now
for those of you who want to know the why what happens happens <i>(read that aloud if you need to…I know it
looks odd, but I wrote what I meant to say right there; it makes sense, even if
I’m getting all sorts of squiggly lines under it in Word)</i>, the best I can
offer you is this explanation which someone typed under the original video I
watched on FB. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">And
yes, I lifted it directly from her post, so any typos, grammatical errors, etc…don’t
try to pin them on me. I’m not going down for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">But
this will at least give you a semblance of an idea of why this happens. She
seems to know what she’s talking about and I’ve never known her to lie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">In
fact, I’ve never really known her at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="color: red;">I think it
has to do with the fact that dish soap has molecules that have hydrophobic
"heads" and long hydrophillic "tails" and act as
surfactants. The hydropobic heads will surround the fats from the milk; at the
same time, the hydrophillic tails will mix with the watery part of the milk
(and food coloring, which is water soluble). The dish soap will move around the
surface of the milk and try to gather larger and larger pieces of milk fat
together; as it does, the food coloring will mix together.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Oh…one
more thing. I did take a video of our experiment. And since I do not have a Youtube
account, I can’t post it here…because Blogger won’t let me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">At least, I can't figure out how to do it...which may or may not mean that Blogger "won't let me". I don't mean to disparage Blogger, but...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">However, I won't leave you twisting in the wind entirely: you can see it on FB and Instagram…because contrary to what you may have
guessed, I have stumbled upon out how to post video there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Go
figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382954206394623451.post-30680616344787754522014-08-23T07:57:00.002-05:002014-08-24T13:27:32.482-05:00Foodie Friday on Saturday: How We Have Done "7"<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, since I know you were all curious as to whether or not
I could eek out a second Foodie Friday while on this “fast”, I shall give you
one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But on Saturday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And not including a recipe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BTW it’s only one week left…can you believe it?!? It feels
like it’s only been 3 weeks and wow, now it is almost over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually, on some days, it feels as though it has been years
since I ate some of the delightful food I see around me, and that it will be an
eternity until it’s over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm clearly still a work in progress so don't judge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, I caution you to be careful of judgement about its difficulty and the range of emotions you feel until you give this a whirl...it truly is more difficult than a) it looks and b) it should be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I digress…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I have no recipe to share, I shall give you my list of
ingredients and share with you all the various ways we have found to combine
them to give us some variety…because I know you’ve been wondering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as a recap, our foods are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Yogurt</li>
<li>Quinoa</li>
<li>Chicken</li>
<li>Eggs</li>
<li>Spinach</li>
<li>Berries</li>
<li>Black beans</li>
<li>Whole wheat bread <i>(which
is an added 8<sup>th</sup> food, which I haven’t eaten every day, but sometimes…don’t
judge)</i></li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Coffee <i>(typically I only drink 1 cup in the morning, but a couple times I have indulged in a mid-afternoon cup
too; and once I added some sugar b/c iced black coffee is beyond disgusting. Who knew?)</i></li>
<li>AND we could use as much salt and pepper as we wanted <i>(this means I have used more salt and pepper in the past three weeks than I believe I have used in all the rest of my life combined)</i>, as well as sparingly-use olive oil.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So…how have we managed to survive on this? Well, first of
all because it is plenty <i>(in fact, still
MORE than plenty)</i> of food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Originally, I wasn’t sure how handy that would be, but trust
me: it is. If I have been hungry during these past weeks, it's because I opted not to eat what was available to me...not because the food was in short-supply.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But since our American mind-set needs variety so this is how
we have accomplished it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Berries by their own lovely selves, separated according to type, or mixed up together</li>
<li>Yogurt with berries <i>(notice
we used “berries” the generic term so we could mix it up a bit…excepting no “Crunch
Berries” which Mr. AR is still trying to sneak in)</i></li>
<li>Spinach salad with berries <i>(also provides variety with the different types of berries…I know that
sounds crazy, but different berries do make it different!)</i></li>
<li>Spinach salad with roast chicken and boiled eggs</li>
<li>Chicken and black bean soup <i>(utilizing stock I made from the chicken carcass of the whole chicken I
made in the crock-pot…still chicken and water…nothing added!)</i></li>
<li>Chicken sandwich <i>(with or without spinach)</i></li>
<li>Roast chicken</li>
<li>Chicken and quinoa</li>
<li>Chicken, quinoa and black beans</li>
<li>Sauted spinach with quinoa and chicken</li>
<li>Black bean burgers <i>(recipe
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://1morningglory.blogspot.com/2014/08/foodie-friday-quinoa-black-bean-burgers.html">here</a></span>)</i></li>
<li>Boiled eggs <i>(with or
without toast)</i></li>
<li>Scrambled eggs <i>(with
or without toast)</i></li>
<li>Scrambled eggs with spinach <i>(with or without toast)</i></li>
<li>Scrambled eggs with spinach and quinoa <i>(with or without toast)</i></li>
<li>Toad in a Hole (<i>which
is sunny-side-up eggs in the middle of toast brushed with olive oil)</i></li>
<li>Frozen yogurt <i>(also a “cheat”
but once I began having a small bowl of it before bed, my restless legs calmed
down and I could sleep…my conscious is ok with it. Don’t judge.)</i></li>
<li>Sunday Addendum<i>: </i>fruit smoothie <i>(yogurt, fruit, ice...why did this not occur to me before now?!?)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
See…it’s not so bad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrsalwaysrandomandusuallyshallow?ref=hl">Follow me on Facebook!</a> Or on Instagram (look for
"mrsalwaysrandom")<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Always Randomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621796911952199649noreply@blogger.com1