The Year 2013

Happy New Years! 

You know where I will be for New Year's Eve!!

Where will you be? 

See you next year!!

Helpful hints

I love it when someone tells me about a helpful hint. I thought I'd share a few of mine with you. My brother Tommy was visiting 2 weeks ago and he was telling me that we have been peeling bananas wrong. He said a monkey will peel it from the other end, because it is easier. So I tried it and it was easier. How weird is that? And speaking of bananas, I just love this hint that I've been trying the past few months. I usually buy a bunch of bananas, usually 6 or so in the bunch, and if not eaten in 3-4 days, they get really ripe and I usually end up tossing them out after around 5 days. (that Bisquick book has a great banana bread recipe by the way) But if you take each banana off the bunch, and just have them sit there separately, they won't ripen very fast. And it seems to make them last twice as long. I haven't tossed any out since doing this. Try it and see what you think. 

I tried this hint tonight as I was making tacos. I was cooking the hamburger and trying to break it up with my spatula and it was taking forever. Than I remembered that if you take your potato masher and use that, it crumbles the beef to Taco Bell size meat. It took only 30 seconds and it was perfect. I will be using this idea from now on. 

What helpful hints do you want to share with us? 

I'm back to annoy you again!

I know you all missed me, right? Right? Been busy with family that came up from California to visit my mom, Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, family picture taking and editing, and sneaking in a date with Rod. My mom is over at my brother and sister in law's house this past week, and I've been just plain lazy. I've been reading and catching up on some of my TV shows I've recorded. And the best part is, that I don't feel guilty. I am recharging.

So what did everyone get for Christmas? Anything good? I never know what I want, I guess I'm too simple. But I did mention wanting a Bisquick cookbook, again I'm all for simple. And I did get one from Jennifer and I found myself hugging it when I opened it. Yep, that was simple me. Did you know that you can make Deep Dish Taco Squares and Hidden Sloppy Joes? This is going to be fun to experiment on Rod. I've wanted this book all year. 

And I am now an official BBQ Smoker. Ok, maybe not official yet, as I haven't made anything. I did get it ready today for curing the smoker. I have to leave it on for 4 hours before I use it. I've wanted a smoker since Kristopher treated us to his smoked salmon. He also smoked a ham for Christmas dinner. I've also had smoked pork and smoked chicken which was awesome. Be ready for a few Bisquick and Smoker blogs soon. lol 

So tell me what you got for Christmas!

Christmas countdown 2013 -- http://www.webcountdown.net/?a=KXaMQJj

Christmas countdown 2013 -- http://www.webcountdown.net/?a=KXaMQJj

How many more days?

Is it Christmas yet? I don't know about everyone else, but I'm tired out. It seems like a mini vacation is in order after Christmas, just so I can relax.

I've been on the go for the past few weeks. I think this year, even though I've been shopping at Amazon, I've been trying to get stuff done sooner than later. Usually it is much later and I'm still shopping.

 We are having a family get together this weekend, and that took some planning too. So now that the floors are mopped, I don't care how the rest of the house looks anymore. I'm going to go put my feet up and read my Kindle. 

Good thing we don't put this much energy in to New Years!

Oh crap, I really should do my Christmas cards too! Oh well, next week will be soon enough.

 Or New Years!

How is everyone doing with their shopping? 

Hallmark Movies

I love watching all the Christmas movies on Hallmark the past few weeks. I know that they are kind of corny, but I still like them. It is always fun to just sit and pretend you are in La La Land with them. They entertain me and they are easy to follow. I must not be the only one watching them, or they wouldn't have them on TV.  I also like to watch regular Hallmark movies all the time. Too bad I can't get Rod to sit and be sensitive, and watch them with me. Unless it has blood and guts and shoot em' up crap in the show, he won't be sharing the Kleenex with me. 

So do I belong to the Hallmark club alone, or are there other Hallmark movie people out there? 

Amazon Shopping

It feels good to have a dent in the Christmas shopping. This year I am taking advantage of using Amazon. I love Amazon. I look for the item online, order it, and use the free shipping. It arrives in 2 days. Always, every time. I don't have to find parking, walk around looking for the item, having to dodge all the shoppers, and no standing in line to check out. I don't miss the Christmas music because I hear it in the grocery store. I get my fill of it. If I want to get in the Xmas mood, and shop with Christmas music, I can hear it on my computer while I shop online. Win,Win for me... 

I guess I better go looking for some toys now. Haven't searched that section yet. 

Someone wants a sword and a big hat. I was thinking of Candyland, but that isn't happening. I have 3 boys to search the toys for. Girls are so much easier to buy for. 

I'm making a list,

And checking it twice!

So how many of you are Christmas shopping online this year?

Lordy Lordy, Look Who's Forty

Today is Jennifer's 40th birthday. Not only does SHE feel old today, but I feel really old now too. Where did all those years go? 

A big big day! 

Enjoy your day Jennifer.

Happy Birthday!

I love you more everyday!

Happy Birthday Carol!

Today is my only sister's 63rd birthday. I do have 6 brothers, but having a sister is special. I don't think I have ever told her how much I love her. So there you go Carol, I love you with all my heart. I wish you lived closer to me, but than again, we would probably hate each other than...lol

When we are together, all we seem to do is laugh. Rod says all that he hears from us is laughing, and more laughing. Here is one reason why we laugh so much.

And guess what guys, she is available!!

Happy Birthday Carol!!

Show Carol some Love, and shout out a Birthday hello!

Hello Santa!

When I try to make a Christmas list of what I'd like, it sure isn't easy. Been trying to think of things that aren't that expensive, under $20. So I started thinking of what would be something to put on the list. I drew a blank, except for one item I've been eyeballing the past few months. I saw it at Lowe's and it cost something like $17.00. I pass by it every time I go in there. Right there by the customer service desk are a rack of books.  

In between the how to make a house deck and how to install a ceiling fan, is the one that jumps out at me every time. It is a Bisquick recipe book. Odd isn't it? I guess the handymen get hungry. How many things could I possibly make from this book with using Bisquick? Would I even use it? I love making chicken and dumplings using Bisquick and I make baked biscuits quite often. I use to make pancakes, but I now use pancake mix. Although I do remember a good recipe we use to make that was a really good coffee cake with a brown sugar topping. Ok, maybe I'd use this book more than I thought......

I've been a good girl, Santa!

What is on your Christmas list that you'd probably not buy for yourself, but you'd like to have? 

Why Didn't I Think of That?

I love those emails with unusual ideas! So passing those ideas on to you today. You are welcome!  

The Flip Flop idea cracked me up and the noodle under the sheet for kids was awesome. 

Solutions to problems you probably didn't realize you had Which one did you like the best?

Feed a cold or is it feed a fever?

Caught a cold on Saturday and today I finally felt human again. So I haven't gotten a whole lot done with anything lately. I did make dinner tonight, if heating in the micro counts as making dinner. It was better than the chicken noodle soup I've been eating for the past 2 days. Although I rather enjoy chicken noodle soup anytime. That seems like all I crave when I have a cold though.  Ice cream also helps me feel better. But than again, ice cream makes me feel better anytime. Apple juice is my choice of drink too. Yesterday I couldn't taste anything I ate or drank, but I still managed to have all of the above. I pretended I could taste it. Or was I just hoping. 

So what is the food or drink you have to have when you are sick with a cold? 

Not A Black Friday Shopper

How was everyone's Turkey Day? I've been busy the past few days with the 4 day weekend. Not even sure what has kept me so busy, but it seems I didn't have time to blog. Maybe I just didn't have anything to blog about. What? Me? Not talking about anything and everything? Consider this your few days of quietness from me.

My favorite Thanksgiving side dish was Chris and Mom's sweet potatoes. I am not usually one to like those very much, but I gave it a thank you try. And boy, they were good. I thought I was eating a Pumpkin Mousse. I need to get that recipe from her. I will post it for anyone who might like to try it for Christmas this year. Oh and don't forget how great the pear mold is too!

I didn't do any Christmas shopping either. I'm just not one of those crazies who get in line for a blender or toaster at 4 am. I'd be the one who got trampled in the rush. No thank you. I don't even have a Xmas list yet. 

So tell me what your favorite dish was? And if you were one of those crazies and what treasure you found. 

Pear Mold

It is almost Thanksgiving and if you haven't been to the grocery store yet, good luck with that. The check out lines are always so long. I went today, Tuesday, and it was fine. I think I went at the perfect time.  

Rod and I are going up to my brother Roy and sister in law Sharon's house in Bothell, on Thursday. Chris came over and picked up mom today, so she won't have to drive over and back the same day. I'm thinking the traffic will be slow going. Going there and coming back again. I will bring my book. 

So what is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Mine would have to be Pear Mold. It is a family favorite all these years. I sure hope someone is making it again this year. And I hope they doubled the recipe. It is that good. Trust me. 

Instead of using the Dream Whip, I always use Cool Whip. Less work. I think I just use the smaller tub. And we always double the recipe, so you would need 2 small tubs. We just wing it on that part. 

Let me know what your favorite "must have" for Thanksgiving dinner is. Also, where will you be stuffing yourself at this year? 

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

The Years Just Fly By

Today I turned 60 years old. Dang, wasn't I just 16 and falling in love, 18 and getting married, 19 and having a daughter, 24 and having a son, and 39 and becoming a grandma? Than my 40's and 50's went by so fast. Now here I am at 60. That is a big one for me. Sixty seems so old. When Rod and I talked about growing old together, was it the age of 60 that we were thinking of? I hope not, because I'm not ready to be old yet. 

Here is a picture of us dancing from last night. Ok, ok, so I'm lying. 

But now that I'm sixty, I can get away with telling lies, saying what I want to and not caring what anyone thinks. I'm sixty, remember? I think I'm going to like this 60 thing and my new attitude to go with it. I can be as cocky as I want to be. If you don't like it, look above. 

Chicken and Dumplings

It was going to be cold and rainy for the next few days. So it sounded like good day for chicken and dumplings for dinner. I use to make this all the time when the kids were little. And I still make it every month or so. I use Bisquick, so it makes it really easy. I made this on Friday night. 

First I boil the chicken, ( I use frozen chicken tenders ). Cover the chicken with water and boil for 20-30 minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked,  it is time to add a chicken bullion cube or two, or three, or four, depending on your limit of sodium. I have been using 1 bullion, just for that reason, and it seems ok to me. Add more if you don't mind the sodium.  Make sure your pan is 1/3  full of the water/bullion/chicken. Leave the chicken in the pan while you cook the dumplings. I find that the 1/3 works for me, but you can experiment on how thick you want the gravy. You don't want too much liquid, as it will make a thin gravy, and nobody likes thin gravy on their dumplings. Trust me on this. 

In a bowl, mix 3 cups of Bisquick and 1 cup of milk. I add more milk if needed. I like the dough more on the softer side, instead of the dry side. Just mix it up by spoon. Nothing fancy or hard to do.

Heat the chicken and water to almost boiling and add the dumpling mixture by spoonfuls to the pan. I made 6 dumplings or you could make them smaller for maybe 7-8 dumplings. Cook on low/med heat for 10 minutes uncovered. Now put a lid on it and cook for 10 more minutes. No peeking.

Now it is done and ready to eat. Don't forget the peas!

A Funny for the Day

Lipstick in Catholic School According to a news report, a certain private Catholic school was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine provided it was of a natural or neutral skin tone, but after they put on their lipstick, they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them; and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally, the principal, Sister Mary, decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian, who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses). To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, Sister Mary asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror. There are teachers...... And then there are educators! Wouldn't you just love to be there to see those girl's faces? I'd even pay to be there...lol

Freebie

While shopping for groceries today at Walmart, I heard an announcement that they were giving away a free paring knife in the  produce section. Just look for the red flashing light and listen to the man give his demonstration for 3 minutes, and you will get the free knife. 

 A free Surgical Stainless Steel knife. 

I have this knife and I love it. I stood listening to another knife man 25 years ago in Kmart. I use mine all the time. I need a new one. No wait! We will get 2 of them, because my mom gets one too..So off we go to the produce section. 

It is suppose to stay sharp for life. Than I wondered if they would replace mine, since it got caught in the garbage disposal and has a messed up handle. Hey, he said no questions asked, they just replace their knives. His little speech lasted 15 minutes, not 3 mins, and all I heard was blah, blah, blah....My back was aching and my feet were done for the day...My mom is giving me the do you really need this knife look...Come on knife dude, talk faster and slice those damn (demo) tomatoes and give us our knives already. I'm done standing here. Finally!!  Thank you! 

So now I won't have to dig in the dirty dishwasher looking for that favorite knife. I have backups!

At the Pullayup Fair, I've stood and listened and bought a squeegee with a long handle, a magnetic duster, and the pink gel cleaner in a tub. Oh and a shammy rag.  

What demos have you stood around listening to? Did you get anything free?

The Family Inn of Manchester

I wonder why it took us 27 years to try a nearby restaurant. Every time we drive by it, we say we should try this place sometime.

It is called the Family Inn at Manchester. I think the outside of the place is very uninviting and we would just say, someday we will try it. 

There is a Pub right next door called the Manchester Pub. At times you might see around 100 bikers parked there. It is referred to as a Biker Friendly Bar.  Between the bar and the restaurant, they both seem very popular.

So this past Saturday evening, we decided to try something new. Or old. It depends on how you look at it. Rod, my mom and I wandered in and right away I realized how homey it felt. I guess it really is true that you can't judge a book by it's cover. 

Cute place, huh? The people working there were very friendly and helpful. I can't wait to give it another try. 

This was where we sat. It even had a wood stove to warm the room.

The fish and chips were yummy. 

And the homemade pizza was excellent. 

The next time my sister Carol comes out from TN, I know where she will want to go.

 The Biker Bar!