Safety First!

I hope everyone has a safe and festive New Year's Eve. I'm snuggling with Chickie next to the wood stove with a bowl of rotini and Silver Palate "Vodka Something-or-other" sauce (from the jar). And I'm cooking up some of the Pioneer Woman's Bacon Parmesan Appetizers. I may even crack open a bottle of wine! Go me!

I shoveled about 6 inches of snow earlier; since then it looks like I've gotten a scant couple more. I made the executive decision to resume shoveling tomorrow morning, after the winds blow it all over the place again.

Let the snuggling commence!

Happy New Year!

(image swiped from this blog via a Google image search for "fireworks")

And another thing....

I should have read this first to make myself laugh the other day. See what happens when you don't go thru all your blogs?

Happy Meals and Happy Hour

File under:
Things to Make you go Ouch!

Count to 3, THEN hit send...

I apologize for my maudlin tone in my last post. In the scheme of things, lots of people had a way suckier Christmas than I could even dream of having, so I shall try, cross my heart & hope to die, to not post when I'm at the verge of having a pity party for myself. (Which I did, on Friday) I feel a little better; Emily even washed my 2 lonely sandwich plates and 3 forks that had been collecting in the sink all weekend, after I screeched wailed how stressed out I am when she called looking for an envelope from home today. She also rode the horse, so I didn’t have to face that tonight, either. Not that the Axe has been trouble- I’ve ridden twice since my chaotic holiday frenzy ended; and she was wonderful. Nothing like a horse you can get right on after a 10-day vacation who you don’t have to lunge for 45 minutes beforehand to get the crazies out.

Riding even improved my mood. I also need to do some stitching- it’s been far too long since I last made any X’s.

I got the one huge to-do task completed today- I had to order Emily’s textbooks online. It took 2 hours of searching & comparing to make sure I had even close to the correct edition of some. It was such a painful headache of a chore. But it’s so much cheaper than for her to go to the campus bookstore.

Well, I have a fire trying to burn in the wood stove, so I really should go to watch over it and grab my stitching bag for some much-needed attitude adjustment.

Thanks for the good wishes and good thoughts and good advice!

Merry Freekin' Christmas!!!

As the late Chris Farley used to say.

I've been very wistfully reading thru other blogs hoping some Christmas cheer would rub off on me, but alas, I seem to be having a humbug Christmas this year. I did manage to get all my Christmas things-to-do off my list, leaving a couple or 3 non-holiday issues to deal with.

Bob went back into the hospital last Saturday morning, and I came back a little while ago from visiting him there. It took until yesterday (Wednesday) for the lung specialist to finally start his case, so it's almost been like 5 days wasted in the hospital. Plus, this morning they changed a lot of his med's around, so he was feeling kind of nauseous when I got there.

I was up until 1:00 am wrapping; not a lot of stuff really, but just taking my time. I was more interested in Chronicles of Narnia, than tape.

I finally trimmed my tree this morning:

It's a bit blurry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the snow house and my mantel:

Here's Chicken pining for her daddy:

She waits by the door for him; first the front door, then the kitchen door.

 

 

 

I finished-finished 2 ornaments:

My alignment skills need some honing. This is my first pinkeep finish.

I like how this came out. Here's the back of both:

Emily's finally on her way here with Luke to open presents.

Merry Christmas. Thanks to all who read and/or comment.

Let it Snow...

My life now exists in snow depth increments: last night until 10 PM, I shoveled about 9"; this morning until 7:30 am, I shoveled another 4"; at 12:30 another 2"; and at 4:00 PM, another 1".

It's snowing again.

I'm so done with winter this year.

This is at 7:30 am, after I finished shoveling and cleaning off the car (and shoveling again). The snow on my picnic table is what was on my car.

"But where am I supposed to tinkle, Mommy?"

On the other hand, I got 3/4 of my cookies baked.

A Bit More...

Tote #2:

Now for some shoveling so Miss Chicken can tinkle.

Blog Break

Try this one. I came across it about a month ago. I find it funny, but then I'm a sarcastic bitch.
Happy Meals & Happy Hours

Almost done...

I'll write about our Stitch & Bitch Xmas party later, but will say for now: It was fabulous! I had a great time, and so much wonderful, delicious food prepared by Joanne (who's house we were at) and Jeanne. I must confess to a cookie breakfast, too!

Snow day projects:

One of Emily's totes (she's gifting these to others- aren't I a good mum?) (More likely a sap mum):

I still have to tack 2 corners of the base inside and then close the inner lining and it's done. One more of these babies to do. This took all afternoon, but I spent a bit of time puzzling over the side corner instructions - not clear writing, nor clear drawings. Hopefully, the second one won't take as long. Then the only other obligation sewing to do is an insulated sliding door curtain for Bob. The snow started around 2:00 here; I may have all day tomorrow to myself for baking cookies and the curtain, and the tree, and the........

PS:

I'll get to that dream later too!

Remind me..

to write about the dream I had not last night, but the night before, starring..................

 

don't fall off your chair........................................................

I know, I can't believe it either............................................

AND NOTHING naughty happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

here it comes................................................................................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

****THUD!!!!!!!!!!!****

Feel free to call the appropriate mental health authorities.

She's Makin' a List....

Toil & Trouble:

Cookie swap production:

Unfinished tree:

This is how it will probably sit until this weekend. How lame!

"It would look better if you sat next to me, Mommy!"

I've also wrapped and boxed for shipment my neice & nephew's gifts to go to VA; I cut out one tote. Horse shoes tomorrow.

Pass the Hand Lotion

The dog bed covers are sewn and I've made three more bit warmer pads. Now I have to come up with a pouch to wrap the warmers around the bit. Then I have a couple of tote bags to make for Em to give as gifts. Joann's B&M store doesn't have the cool, "groovy" fabrics that Joann's online store carries. I hope she likes the fabrics I picked out.
I also have to make a sliding door curtain for Bob.
Oh and did I mention this was cookie baking week? Time to make the dough.......
oh nuts.

Busy Hands:

I finished the doll clothes; well, I had cut out a nightgown, but decided to just go with these:

I fixed the collar & sewed some buttons on the pink calico dress. The last outfit consists of the blouse & jumper. My eyes are drooping- I went on a first thing this morning Walmart run. That's the only time to go to beat the crowds.

Progressing:

Toil & Trouble:

On to another doll outfit before CSI starts with Lawrence Fishburn. Can't wait!

Mad Dash:

Another doll dress done:

As modeled by my pencil jar.

"Hey! Hey you in there! I need some scratchies and a fire in the stove would be oh so snuggly nice! Are you done yet???!!!Mommmmiiieee?"

I even managed to take Toil & Trouble out today at lunch. I was dreadfully over tired, but couldn't take a nap. Damn Tami Hoag book until 1:40 am last night!:

Haven't finished the "N" in "cauldron", but if you see any typos, now's the time to let me know!

PS-

Haven't mentioned the horsie lately because she's been really good for me- we've been having awesome (for me) workouts, aside from a couple of bitter cold days I just couldn't bear to get on.

Check This Out:

Horse puzzle today at Shockwave:

Daily Jigsaw

I did it in 12:52 for the 150-piece size - see if you can beat me.

Click on the 'Play Free Online" button below today's image; you may be prompted to download a Shockwave applet. I've never had any problems with the software.

Insanity Reigns

Because one can never overextend oneself too far, I decided to sew some doll clothes for my niece as a Xmas present. I have 4 more pieces of clothing to start & finish: The pink one I have to redo the collar as the raw edge didn't catch in a couple of places. And I still have dishes to wash and my lunch to make.

Here's Toil & Trouble- sounds like my life at the moment:

 

Doesn't seem like a lot since last time, does it?

Here's the kid at the Fall River Christmas parade- she had to drive Santa & Mrs. Claus, then give rides in the parking lot after.

Here's Jody:

That guy behind was the Comcast camera man following her around in circles in the parking lot.

It was cold.

And Hilarity Ensues:

Go Elf yourself!

http://www.elfyourself.com/

It's Never too soon

to go back to CakeWrecks. The most current post is an hysterical juxtaposition (way to go with the big wordz, Mare!) of  "This is What I'd Like My Wedding Cake to Look Like" and the actual creation from the bride-to-be's chosen bakery. Keep scrolling down for a most, ....uummm....ahemm... interesting (?) cookie cutter shape. Then keep going back to the Thanksgiving cake updates - more were added since my last referral to Jen's blog.

Have a great day- I'm getting my Toyota back today!!!! I can't wait! I didn't realize how much I missed that little car. Or maybe it's because I feel so jinxed lately with vehicles, I don't trust myself with the rental.

All Requests Honored

One of the Thursday night stitching bitches asked for my Flat Apple Pie recipe. Since I probably won't be posting tomorrow, here's my chance:

Flat Apple Pie

1 Pillsbury Pie Crust or store brand
4 tart apples (I like MacIntosh)
juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 TBSP flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 Tablespoon butter

Topping:
¼ cup butter
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup flour
3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Prepare topping first: cut butter into sugar & flour until it resembles fine crumbs; stir in walnuts; set aside. (this is most easily done in a food processor)
On flat baking sheet or pizza stone, lay out pie crust flat.
Fold in outer edge by about 1/8” all the way around, then in again all the way around, crimping/fluting edge as you go, until it’s about ¼” high.
Peel and slice apples 1/8” thick into large bowl, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning as you’re peeling. Toss with granulated sugar, flour & spices until coated. Arrange slices in concentric circles on prepared crust, starting at outer edge and working towards center. Repeat with additional layers as necessary until all apples are used, but try to keep height of pie consistent, about ½” to ¾” high.
Dot with butter, then carefully sprinkle evenly with topping, so that all slices are covered completely to edge. (This crumb layer will seem thick). Gently press down on top of topping with flat (clean) hands, to compress everything together, being careful not to disturb your creation.
Bake for 30 minutes or until topping starts to turn golden and apples are bubbly and feel soft when pierced with sharp knife. Cool as desired, but loosen bottom of crust from pan while warm if juices seeped under during baking.

-----------------------------------------------

Thanks to Linda & Sue for their hints on where to find flax seed. Your help is much appreciated!

See you all later this week!

Two More Days...

Can you tell I'm so over NaBloPoMo? Scintillating writing this is not.

The icicle lights are hung, the wreath is on the front door. I have a major house cleaning due imminently.

Does anyone know where I can purchase flax seed (just flax seed- not a mix of seed) and/or buckwheat hulls?

No flax seed at the pet food store. Forgot to ask about the hulls.

I got most of the dried mud off you-know-who's blanket. Her waterproof one is covered now. Every day is a day at the Spa for her!

Leftovers

Is this month over yet???
No shopping for me, I had other plans that took all day. Got home around 3:30; walked Chiclet, then went to ride the Axe. She was good for me. SHe did, however, have a grand roll in the mud. Her blanket was differnt than yesterday and I thought "well maybe it got too warm here, plus this one is waterproof and it was raining to day." When we went out the back to the indoor, I saw her other turn out blanket. It's supposed to be blue and green, but was almost entirely mud covered. Jodi had hung it up over the fence to dry.
No one in the supermarket- that was a bonus.

Give Thanks...

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. I hope you all enjoyed good food, good company, good weather and good traveling.

Bob came hours earlier than I expected, so I never even got the house cleaned. He did help with preparing the stock  for the gravy, though; and when I came back from a coffee run, Chickie greeted me at my door like this:

 

Isn't that cute? It's like a Christmas turtleneck!

Later, after the tryptophan kicked in:

You thought I was kidding when I said she crawls up my nostrils??!!!

My reward for doing all the dishes:

Flat Apple Pie with vanilla ice cream!

Remind me to post my recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffing- when I went looking for how I did it last year, I realized I never followed thru on posting as promised last year. I was very pleased with how it turned out. Emily called & said the peanut butter filled cupcakes were good, but the filling kind of overpowered the cake - the cake was good, and the filling was good, but they kind of didn't work together. I'm thinking I'll have to hunt for a different type of chocolate cake recipe.

Off to snooze on the couch.

Thank you to all my new in-person and virtual friends!

Are we there yet?

Stitching post:

Toil & trouble:

On to page 2!

Ornament:

"To Thee, A Very Merry" by Bright Needle designs

on 32 ct. ivory Jobelan w/ threads from stash (WDW, GAST) over one

I've run out of energy; I still have to bake my Flat Apple Pie, and I should make my dinner rolls and clean my house. I had to drive daughter o'mine up to Braintree to catch the T back to Boston because we just missed the 6:00 train and the next didn't leave until 9:30. So 2 hours in the car, in heavy traffic, has done me in.

I have a sink full of large mixing bowls. I've tried a twist on my cupcakes- I filled some chocolate ones with a peanut butter cream, then frosted with chocolate icing. I can't wait for Em to tell me how they came out.

She had a great ride on her horse tonight. They have such a bond, and Axe goes so well for her. I suck.

Yer stoopit!

Yeah, I know, I should have saved that second post yesterday for today's extravaganza. But then I couldn't post this:

You have to look at CakeWrecks today- the Thanksgiving edition is up. Take a look at this "turkey" of a cake.

It'll make you spew Pepsi out your nostrils I tell you!

My boss basically said to have a nap today while he meets with another set of doctors to settle on their office layout. Yay me!

Horse Related

By the way: Jessica Springsteen won the Maclay Finals. Yes, she of the Boss's daughter Jessica Springsteen.

Here's another story.

Family Favorites

Here's a recipe I make for every holiday:

We call them "Green Brownies", but we're weird like that. Hershey's calls them "Chocolate Mint Dessert". I think I cut this out of an old Family Circle or Woman's Day magazine. The original recipe calls for a whole layer of chocolate topping. I cut it down to a drizzle and I think it's just right.

Green Brownies

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
• 4 eggs
• 1-1/2 cup chocolate syrup

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9"x 13" pan with cooking spray. In large mixer bowl combine all the above ingredients until smooth. Pour into prepared pan; bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely in pan. You could do this the day before & refrigerate until ready to frost. Frost with:

Mint Butter Cream Frosting

• 2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
• 1 TBSP water
• 1/2 to 3/4 tsp mint extract
• 3 drops green food color

In small bowl, combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Top cake layer to edges. Then decorate with:

Chocolate Drizzle

• 2 TBSP butter or margarine
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Microwave on medium for 20 seconds at a time in a small micro-wavable cup or bowl, stirring with a fork each interval, until chips are completely melted and combined with butter. Pour into a small zipper baggie, and cut about 1/8" off corner. Drizzle your brownies back & forth, in a decorative manner. Chill in refrig until ready to eat. Cut into small squares, about 1-1/2" square. These are unexpectedly rich and satisfying, so little is the way to go.

These are good cold, room temperature, and even frozen! (For those who store leftovers in the freezer to minimize snacking- yeah- riiiight!)

OT: Stitching Related..

Daily Jigsaw is a photo of a thread display; play to your heart's content.

Enter Post Title Here

We're scraping the bottom of the barrel tonight, folks!

I gathered my courage and every warm piece of clothing I could find and went over to actually saddle up & ride the beast. I'm sorry- a week ago we were over 60 degrees; the past two mornings were in the upper teens/low twenties, not rising much above thirty for the day's high. And the wind! The wind chill has been in the single digits! I know I'm needing a little cheese with this whine, but really, a little more gradual change, please! For me and the furry beasts! Anyway, thanks to Sue over at Liv'N Laf, for shaming me into getting off my ass and pulling on the 3 turtlenecks, fleece vest, long johns and high socks, and hooded sweatshirt. They had to get the crane lift out to put me in the saddle because I couldn't move, but I did it!

She was good, and appreciated that I didn't spend too much time brushing her- she's so ticklish! - because, well she has two blankets on and couldn't get herself dirty!

I came home, and made up the wood stove so I can torch it off when I finally sit down to watch "24: Redemption" on FOX at 8:00 pm TONIGHT. Don't forget! Has everyone else been missing Jack Bauer?  I can hear that clock beep/ticking...

For Informational Purposes only:

I found on a horse related forum a link to a new Google..thing..service..feature...something..

Life Magazine Photo Archive

Here's a story about the launch. It says that " Along with displaying the images online, Google said they can be printed for free as long as they are not being used to make money. Life's parent company, Time Warner, however, plans to sell high-resolution prints of the work though Qoop.com."

Lots of horse related ones- you have to use the search feature. Then I think you could click on associated tags to narrow what you're looking for.

It'll be a big time waster for sure.

That is all.

This will have to suffice...

for tonight:

Progress on Toil & Trouble:

After I finish that tree, I'm on to the second page. Other than that, I'm feeling a cold or something not right coming on. I need to start my wood stove and get to bed.

TTFN

Next to Nothing...

It'll be a bloody miracle if this post is successful. I would have a progress photo of Toil & Trouble, except that I am running that dastardly Norton system scan, yet again, on Emily's side of the computer, because one of her files contains a t.r.o.j.a.n. (Trying to avoid random google word search hits). I am literally clicking a function button, then having to walk away to the next room to do something else out of utter frustration at the slowness of my computer. By the time I come back, my request has occured.
I also made the mistake of calling to see if my car might possibly be ready tomorrow, so i won't have to keep the rental thru the weekend. Uh, no way. The appraisal came in absurdly low (which was my assessment, but I haven't had body work done by a shop). The shop is seeking a "supplemental" payment to cover the labor costs of removing the head liner to bang out the dents in the roof. The dents are too deep to just fill with Bondo, they have to be pulled so a thinner application can be applied, otherwise the filled spots will probably crack and pop off in the cold, or if the metal flexes at all. Which was why I thought it would be at least $2000 to fix prpoerly, and the body shop guy agreed. But they have to wait for a re-appraisal before they can do anything.
And on the way home tonight I had to drive by a fully-engulfed truck. Believe me when I tell you I was shouting at the cars in front of me to "step on it!!!!" instead of gawk at the inferno one lane away. I was afraid it was going to blow up just as I went by, but I made it, thankfully. I was surprised the state trooper was letting people drive by; the other time I happened upon a car fire, they shut down both sides of a 3-lane highway (3 on each side).
Well, see you on the other side if this posts. I will take photos tomorrow.

I got Nuthin'

Darn this National Blog Posting Month!
Let's see:
Axe was good tonight; a little stiff but hse got better (I hate my tyoing skills- I'm NOT fixing that) as I rode.
It was frikkin' freezing.
I really feel jinxed driving anything, much less a rental.
I bought my 15 lb Marvel frozen turkey tonight.
I finally started Christmas shopping. Things shall be lean this year.
I thought I had come up with a good scheme for the doctor's offices at the mill in Lawrence (see yesterday); then my boss said we need another small office PLUS 2 - 10'x15' rooms for vascular and ultrasound. Thanks. Nothing like shoe-horning 25 lbs of shit into a 12 lb bag.
I'm done for the night. I think I'm about to venture off down the road of potty-mouth.
TTFN

Demotivated

Having spent the day with my boss in an old mill in Lawrence, right on the banks of the Merrimack River, and the trama of having to use a rental car for the rest of the week (car damage being fixed), and bringing Chicklet to the vet for her annual shots, I totally ran out of ambition to ride. Plus it twas ccccoooolllldddd!!!! My body hasn't acclimated yet. I went up to see the Axinator, and shove two tubes of wormer down her throat. This horse SO loves me.

Bonus: my first & second time thru the Big Dig Tunnel and over the Lenny Zakim Bridge. I really need to use these highways as much as I can before they start charging tolls. I mean, I've paid for them with my taxes all ready, right?

From the Boss Benz: Going to Lawrence:

Coming back from Lawrence:

Let's Try that Again Redux:

And two frikkin' tries to try to post that blog entry- 15 frikkin' minutes!!!!!!

Let's Try that Again

Mini- rant about Norton Internet Security: it totally sucks every system resource available while it's scanning the system!!!!

I had to make two attempts to upload photos off my camera, then two attempts to start Windows Live Writer, two attempts to open my Task manager to see what was causing problems...................

All right rant over.

Photos:

A minute amount of progress- the gray (?) star and a length of floss in the unfinished tree. Next:

Sorry about the blurry: too close and too dark.

ARRRRGGGG! Every thing is taking SOOOOOOOOO long to do!!!!!!!!!

Another Day, Another Post...

So my BF has gone totally insane. He came yesterday morning with this:

That's a HIGH CHAIR. And yes, that's Chicken eating her marshmallows in a HIGH CHAIR!!!!

He says its so she can be at our height while we eat Thanksgiving dinner.

"Did you say turkey and gravy?"

Yes, I KNOW she's a dog.

Apparently, because HE doesn't know she's a dog, SHE doesn't know she's a dog.

Does any one know Cesar Milan's phone number? I have a dog that needs rehabilitation and a BF that needs training.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:

Pretty girl- before the mud.

My Hidden Compulsion

Shockwave's Daily Jigsaw

Gotta play it- EVERY DAY. I've even gotten back out of bed and turned the computer back on to play.

You can choose degree of difficulty. When it's an oval shape, usually on Mondays, I pick a medium high (150 piece or the next size up). The other days I always do the 150 piece. Once, recently, the 150 piece was flawed- pieces didn't match and not all were there (very odd bug- only time it's happened to me), so I picked the next more difficult. I typically finish in the top 100, a lot of times in the top 50. Once, I was even first! I'm not a "Premium" (paying) member, so I don't get any recognition.

 

So now you all know another dark, dirty secret about me. Don't let the white coats take me away! (Ha ha, hee, hee, ho, ho; to the funny farm....)

Six Random Things About ME..ME..ME..

Is that too narcissistic?

Anna, over at StitchBitch, tagged me for Six random Things. Way to go Anna, takes care of another day's post. You bitch. (That's tongue-in-cheek sarcastic in case you don't know me!!)

The rules are as follows:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

OOOO.. my FIRST meme!

1. This is the VERY first time I've been tagged! (Take that!)
2. I can't type worth a damn- I backspace more than forward ...space...er...type.
3. I've been working for my boss for over 26 years! And I still love my job!
4. I went thru a cigar smoking stage about 10 years ago when my brother lived in Spain and could mail me Cubanos! My favorites were Partegas and MonteCristos.
5. I sleep with a light on.
6. My half-uncle went to the South Pole with Admiral Bird in the 30's. He was the radio operator.

OK- here's the hard part- picking some victims! This is why I absolutely HATE chain letters! (Random fact #7?) I will pick blogs on which I've left comments or have left comments on mine:

1. Anna at Cookie Madness
2. Edgar at Blacksheep's Bit of the Web
3. On The Bit at Horse and a Half
4. Jennifer at Running With Scissors
5. Vonna at The Twisted Stitcher
6. Glenna at Eye of the Needle

Nothing Much...

Just a T&T update:

Witch has a face now.

I'll have a big 'to-do" tomorrow!

Craving...

MMMMMMMChocolate.....................

This is a problem.