I can hardly believe another year is down the pike....and no, I don't do FORMAL resolutions. I prefer to call them goals- that way I don't feel like such a schmuck when I forget them 2 weeks into the new year.
With that being said, I have GOALS for the new year...I know, different name, same cow!
Goal 1: Get my house in order. This includes finally gettting smaller scale fumiture to fit my home, which is "cozy". This means bunkbeds for the twins, and a futon for the older one...I am going to do his room as if it is a dorm room, that way when his friends and girlfriend want to come over, they don't have to put up with dorky parents....yikes. my kids are at the age they have parents that are dorky (but of course they don't use that outdated word...)!
Goal 2: More exercise (that one shall not be discussed, hence I should tire from the thought of it and be unable to act on it). Better diets for all of us...
Goal 3: More knitting. This one will be the easiest. I am going to set my mind to finally finishing the socks I started on in 2005! After that, my goal is to knit at least one hat for the Cancer Treatment Center every other month.
Goal 4: Digital camera so I can finally post pictures and pretend I am up with the current technology.
'nuff said....
On the cooking front, I tried a cake from the January issue of Midwest living---discovered that sticking a knife in the center of a cake that looks like it may not be completely done, does not end in good results....and yes, I now know what it looks like when a cake falls....darn it! Oh well, a little cram cheese frosting hides a multitude of sins!Please ignore goal #2 for now--it's not 2006 yet...
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas to All!
And a very merry Christmas to all out there!
I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and in the very least, peace on your corner of the earth.
Kids woke up early as usual and we got to watch them unwrap their presents. This was an electronic Christmas, so needless to say, there were fewer...But enjoyed nonetheless...While the kids were playing, I made homemade buttermilk pancakes from a fabulous recipe I found in "The Best Quick Breads" by Beth Hensperger. I love the whole book, but here is my adaptation of her wonderful recipe. I can't keep a recipe for too long before I start fiddlin' with it. However, this one has very little fiddlin' involved because the original was perfect... (You've really got to get his book---YUMMY-- and the breads are east to boot. Always a plus in my world.)
OLD FASHIONED BUTTERMILK PANCAKES
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups buttermilk
3 large eggs ( I sometimes use 4)
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or veg oil
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/4 cup sugar (optional- this is my add in)
1 cup blueberries, strawberries or peaches if desired
Combine the flour, baking soda, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and oil (or butter). Whisk the wet ingredients together to combine completely.
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX-BATTER WILL HAVE SMALL LUMPS. If you want to add fruit, gently fold it in now.
Heat a griddle over medium heat- until a drop of water skates over the surface. Remove pan from heat and add lightly add oil to pan or spray with non stick spray.
Return to stove and put 1/4 cup batter in pan.
cook until bubbles form on the surface, the edges are dry and the bottom is golden. Turn once, cooking the opposite side until golden.
Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200*F oven until ready to serve.
YUM! Definitely an easy recipe and the pancakes are so fluffy you will never even think of pancake mix again! And if you want to change it a bit, you can add all kinds of flavoring extracts and nuts....Complete breakfast heaven (we also have them for dinner when Mom (aka ME) is too darn lazy/tired to come up with something else.
I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and in the very least, peace on your corner of the earth.
Kids woke up early as usual and we got to watch them unwrap their presents. This was an electronic Christmas, so needless to say, there were fewer...But enjoyed nonetheless...While the kids were playing, I made homemade buttermilk pancakes from a fabulous recipe I found in "The Best Quick Breads" by Beth Hensperger. I love the whole book, but here is my adaptation of her wonderful recipe. I can't keep a recipe for too long before I start fiddlin' with it. However, this one has very little fiddlin' involved because the original was perfect... (You've really got to get his book---YUMMY-- and the breads are east to boot. Always a plus in my world.)
OLD FASHIONED BUTTERMILK PANCAKES
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups buttermilk
3 large eggs ( I sometimes use 4)
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or veg oil
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/4 cup sugar (optional- this is my add in)
1 cup blueberries, strawberries or peaches if desired
Combine the flour, baking soda, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and oil (or butter). Whisk the wet ingredients together to combine completely.
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX-BATTER WILL HAVE SMALL LUMPS. If you want to add fruit, gently fold it in now.
Heat a griddle over medium heat- until a drop of water skates over the surface. Remove pan from heat and add lightly add oil to pan or spray with non stick spray.
Return to stove and put 1/4 cup batter in pan.
cook until bubbles form on the surface, the edges are dry and the bottom is golden. Turn once, cooking the opposite side until golden.
Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200*F oven until ready to serve.
YUM! Definitely an easy recipe and the pancakes are so fluffy you will never even think of pancake mix again! And if you want to change it a bit, you can add all kinds of flavoring extracts and nuts....Complete breakfast heaven (we also have them for dinner when Mom (aka ME) is too darn lazy/tired to come up with something else.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Happy Days!
YEEAAHHH!
We finally got a new computer for our house today-no more trekking to the public library. Not that going to our little library is bad-quite to the contrary, we have a wonderful library in our little town-but there is nothing like being able to blog in your scivvies at three in the morning...I do think trying to do that at the library would result in dire consequences--not to mention the whole "trespassing if the building is closed" issue.....plus I love that I can once again park my rear in front of the computer with a mug of hot chocolate when it is butt freezing cold outside!And that it has been! I have reached the conclusion that I probably don't love winter as much as I thought I did in the middle of the summer. Reality has a way of knocking you in the face! This is actually the first year in quite a few years that I have actually had to worry about getting myself together in the mornings and getting everyone to school and having to go to work...I LOVE my job-which helps, but BOY do I miss being able to come home and have an hour to form a complete thought...not a morning person am I. Which explains why I am sitting here at the computer at midnight instead of getting into bed.
Can you believe it is almost Christmas! Last December (after Christmas, of course) I had firm intentions of having tons of things made for gifts by now--at least one knitted scarf. There is a difference between theory and practice...Ok-goal for next Christmas...I am actually progressing on the first pair of socks I have ever knitted - except that I have come to the conclusion that I am knitting them inside out--not that it would surprise anyone who knows me--so I will be running down to our local knit shop and testing the patience of the owner AGAIN...One day that woman will write a book that will make people weep--wanna guess who will be the main villain?
We finally got a new computer for our house today-no more trekking to the public library. Not that going to our little library is bad-quite to the contrary, we have a wonderful library in our little town-but there is nothing like being able to blog in your scivvies at three in the morning...I do think trying to do that at the library would result in dire consequences--not to mention the whole "trespassing if the building is closed" issue.....plus I love that I can once again park my rear in front of the computer with a mug of hot chocolate when it is butt freezing cold outside!And that it has been! I have reached the conclusion that I probably don't love winter as much as I thought I did in the middle of the summer. Reality has a way of knocking you in the face! This is actually the first year in quite a few years that I have actually had to worry about getting myself together in the mornings and getting everyone to school and having to go to work...I LOVE my job-which helps, but BOY do I miss being able to come home and have an hour to form a complete thought...not a morning person am I. Which explains why I am sitting here at the computer at midnight instead of getting into bed.
Can you believe it is almost Christmas! Last December (after Christmas, of course) I had firm intentions of having tons of things made for gifts by now--at least one knitted scarf. There is a difference between theory and practice...Ok-goal for next Christmas...I am actually progressing on the first pair of socks I have ever knitted - except that I have come to the conclusion that I am knitting them inside out--not that it would surprise anyone who knows me--so I will be running down to our local knit shop and testing the patience of the owner AGAIN...One day that woman will write a book that will make people weep--wanna guess who will be the main villain?
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Fall in Kansas
For November, we are definitely having unseasonably warm weather here in the land of sunflowers and wheat! It was in the high 60's today (possibly higher, but I didn't really check-all I know is everyone is running around in t-shirts)....definitely not normal for this area. My oldest son remarked that he didn't think we were going to see any cold weather this winter, but this is Kansas and things change from day to day. It could be 20 degrees and snowing tomorrow....
I am making actual progress on my knitted sock but I understand why you don't see a lot of them for sale. After you calculate the time spent on them, they would cost hundreds of dollars--for one! However, I am enjoying the heck out of the process of knitting the thing. There is something relaxing about the repetition of it. I wish we had a digital camera so I could share my progress with you. HMMMMM..I'm thinking that will be my next purchase after Christmas....
Well - have a great day and try to spread some joy to at least one person today!
I am making actual progress on my knitted sock but I understand why you don't see a lot of them for sale. After you calculate the time spent on them, they would cost hundreds of dollars--for one! However, I am enjoying the heck out of the process of knitting the thing. There is something relaxing about the repetition of it. I wish we had a digital camera so I could share my progress with you. HMMMMM..I'm thinking that will be my next purchase after Christmas....
Well - have a great day and try to spread some joy to at least one person today!
Sunday, October 30, 2005
sock knitting and other adventures
I am a newbie to knitting, the most adventurous I have been to this point is knitting basic scarves; but for some unexplained reason, I have developed a fascination with knitting socks. I know-with all the cheap and readily available socks in this world, what would possess me to want to knit a sock?! Well, I have no idea either but I think it is the challenge of creating something from string and 4 or 5 needles that remind me of pick-up-sticks.Plus some of the ladies in my knitting group have created the coolest socks that you just can't find in stores. My first attempt was last night-it didn't go to well. I am afraid I may be one of those people who simply cannot learn from a book. I ended up almost injuring myself while trying to manuever around the other needles and wondering what possessed me to think I might be able to do this...but I refuse to give up-either from ignorance or stubborness. -- and the aventure continues!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
back in the saddle again!
And for those of you that thought I was gone from the face of the earth, I say " Nope.." for those of you wishing, I say "HAH! I"M BACK" ---not that I actually went anywhere worthy of a grand adventure, but I have been sidetracked with my math class and the fact that our computer crashed and I have to actually make time to go to the public library to write. Having a computer at home is one of the basic necessities--like air and water.....I miss my computer. I guess I'll have to suck it up and face the fact that our old one is not going to magically resurrect itself, and go looking for another....
This has been an absolutely crazy semester for me. Although I only have a math class, I have started working part time and it seems like a time worm hole has opened up and there isn't even 24 hours between one class until the next, making getting homework done a challenge. Especially when I am not fully convinced that combining numbers and letter is at all logical. I'm going to petition to get foreign language credit for this class 'cause it might as well be FRENCH! And the sad thing is I'm not even in college algebra yet....HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...BOOOOOOO. It also doesn't help that my 19 yr old son is in the level ahead of me complaining it is too easy. That just give me further evidence that I bred with a martian-no one with my genetics could possibly find this amusing, let alone easy!
Well enough for now! Peace and sweet dreams to anyone that happens to fall onto this blog! Oh yeah-the spell check is not working so if you find any misspelled words, feel free to ignore them and mark me down as a moron...just kidding, but it would make any grand grammaticla errors more bearable....
This has been an absolutely crazy semester for me. Although I only have a math class, I have started working part time and it seems like a time worm hole has opened up and there isn't even 24 hours between one class until the next, making getting homework done a challenge. Especially when I am not fully convinced that combining numbers and letter is at all logical. I'm going to petition to get foreign language credit for this class 'cause it might as well be FRENCH! And the sad thing is I'm not even in college algebra yet....HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...BOOOOOOO. It also doesn't help that my 19 yr old son is in the level ahead of me complaining it is too easy. That just give me further evidence that I bred with a martian-no one with my genetics could possibly find this amusing, let alone easy!
Well enough for now! Peace and sweet dreams to anyone that happens to fall onto this blog! Oh yeah-the spell check is not working so if you find any misspelled words, feel free to ignore them and mark me down as a moron...just kidding, but it would make any grand grammaticla errors more bearable....
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
This isn't funny!
For those of you out there that can actually comprehend math that includes numbers and letters, my hat is off to you. I have decided it is a gift and talent that I am obviously lacking. Unfortunately, I have to master it enough to get up to college algebra to finish my degree. Right now am flailing miserably in pre-algebra and our first test is tonight. For those of you who enjoy math, I expect you to at least leave the room before you break out into laughter or giggles...at any rate, my husband who is an engineer does not understand my inabilities...he writes like an engineer, so I always keep that in my arsenal ready to fire....At this point I have decided that colleges require math from majors that will probably never use it simply because they want to see who the heck will hang in there! University santioned sadism....
On the lighter side, ther trip to Tulsa was wonderful as usual. For those of you who have never been to Tulsa, you ought to go at least once in your life of you can get there. It has wonderful museums, shops and eating places. I tried sushi for the first time at a Japanese eatery, although my eating companions pointed out that technically since it was a California roll, it didn't qualify as real sushi...oh well....it's a start...
I actually taught my friend's daughter how to do the knit stitch while we were in Tulsa, so she is working away on a scarf. It is fun to teach someone something that will inspire their creativity. I have finished 2 scarves this month and will start in 2 more this week after my math test today...Right now I am still learning the basics, so nothing complicated. I want to move on to doing socks-not for the socks themselves, but for the ability to do them my way and my colors. Plus it is the act of knitting something original that I enjoy.
I am seriously considering adding a couple chickens to my menagerie this Spring. Our city doesn't allow roosters (for the obvious reasons), but we can keep up to 6 hens. I love to cook with organic eggs, so I want to try my hand at raising my own.
I have decided we are getting to a point in our house where we really need to get a new computer to replace the one that recently crashed. It is inconvenient to have to trapse down to the library for internet access and there are too many times I need one for something late at night...My question is, what are the advantages of a lap top over a stationary one (other than the factor of portability)...please feel free to give me feedback on this. My oldest son wants a laptop, for the portability...
On the lighter side, ther trip to Tulsa was wonderful as usual. For those of you who have never been to Tulsa, you ought to go at least once in your life of you can get there. It has wonderful museums, shops and eating places. I tried sushi for the first time at a Japanese eatery, although my eating companions pointed out that technically since it was a California roll, it didn't qualify as real sushi...oh well....it's a start...
I actually taught my friend's daughter how to do the knit stitch while we were in Tulsa, so she is working away on a scarf. It is fun to teach someone something that will inspire their creativity. I have finished 2 scarves this month and will start in 2 more this week after my math test today...Right now I am still learning the basics, so nothing complicated. I want to move on to doing socks-not for the socks themselves, but for the ability to do them my way and my colors. Plus it is the act of knitting something original that I enjoy.
I am seriously considering adding a couple chickens to my menagerie this Spring. Our city doesn't allow roosters (for the obvious reasons), but we can keep up to 6 hens. I love to cook with organic eggs, so I want to try my hand at raising my own.
I have decided we are getting to a point in our house where we really need to get a new computer to replace the one that recently crashed. It is inconvenient to have to trapse down to the library for internet access and there are too many times I need one for something late at night...My question is, what are the advantages of a lap top over a stationary one (other than the factor of portability)...please feel free to give me feedback on this. My oldest son wants a laptop, for the portability...
Friday, September 02, 2005
road tripping
Today at 9:00 a.m my husband and I were supposed to be flying to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi for a short vacation--needless to say, that's not going top happen. The airport we usually land the plane at is in Waveland (right down the road from the Bay)... we are really hoping that the wonderful people who take such good care of us there are okay. My heart aches for Bay Saint Louis-for those of you that have never been to BSL, it WAS one of the most wonderful little towns on the coast. I am hoping there is more than enough assistance for the whole area and the citizens to rebuild. Keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers!
However, since we couldn't go to Mississippi, we decided to take a short trip down to Tulsa, Oklahoma--another town close to my heart. We lived in Tulsa for 5 years so is fun to come back and visit friends. For those of you out there planning a trip, the Gilcrease museum and Philbrook are the best museums! Plan to spend a day at either of them--there's a lot to see. I had to take a detour and drag my dear, patient husband to a yarn store (Naturally Needlepoint). I am learning how to knit and am discovering there is a whole world of yarns beyond the stuff you find in the discount stores-not knocking that yarn, I still use it for various items, but there is yarn that will make your toes curl out there! I found a lot of it at that store-but I had actually gone there on a mission--I was looking for 14" Lantern Moon needles. They only had the 10"---figures....so I had to order them online...I suck at patience-I wanted instant gratification darn it!!!!!! I know, grow up!....(that'll never happen!). However, if you are looking for yarn that will make you weak in the knees, that's the place to go!!!!
My new goal this season is to actually get a new computer so I can actually provide visual entertainment for those of you reading this. It would be nice to be able to show you my little town. We are actually 2 miles from the Wichita city limits but my little town has a small town feeling that I love. But that would also mean I will have to learn how to take digital pics and download them...GGGGGGGreat, yet another opportunity for my 19 year old son to teach his mom something.....I'll never be able to act like I know everything at this rate!!!!!
However, since we couldn't go to Mississippi, we decided to take a short trip down to Tulsa, Oklahoma--another town close to my heart. We lived in Tulsa for 5 years so is fun to come back and visit friends. For those of you out there planning a trip, the Gilcrease museum and Philbrook are the best museums! Plan to spend a day at either of them--there's a lot to see. I had to take a detour and drag my dear, patient husband to a yarn store (Naturally Needlepoint). I am learning how to knit and am discovering there is a whole world of yarns beyond the stuff you find in the discount stores-not knocking that yarn, I still use it for various items, but there is yarn that will make your toes curl out there! I found a lot of it at that store-but I had actually gone there on a mission--I was looking for 14" Lantern Moon needles. They only had the 10"---figures....so I had to order them online...I suck at patience-I wanted instant gratification darn it!!!!!! I know, grow up!....(that'll never happen!). However, if you are looking for yarn that will make you weak in the knees, that's the place to go!!!!
My new goal this season is to actually get a new computer so I can actually provide visual entertainment for those of you reading this. It would be nice to be able to show you my little town. We are actually 2 miles from the Wichita city limits but my little town has a small town feeling that I love. But that would also mean I will have to learn how to take digital pics and download them...GGGGGGGreat, yet another opportunity for my 19 year old son to teach his mom something.....I'll never be able to act like I know everything at this rate!!!!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Am I doing this right or what?
This may turn into an eternal ring into which I continually enter my blurbs and end up right back where I started...kind of like the movie "Groundhog Day"!...
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