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!