Friday, July 31, 2009

How much is that doggy in the window?

Fri 7/31 Blog Prompt: Today is Mutt’s Day. Do you prefer a mutt or a purebred animal? Why?

It really depends. Normally I prefer a purebred because you know the lineage of the animal and usually you can be sure of their personalities. But I have met some really sweet mutts out there from time to time, :)

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Happy Anniversary, Pan

Seems everyone remembered that today was our anniversary, except for me. I like to think that I forgot because of everything that as been going on. Like the kids leaving yesterday (btw, they made it safe and sound, mom. Sometime around 10:30 our time), but in all honesty, I just forgot, like I do every year.

Happy Anniversary Pan. I love you and don't know what I would do without you.

FIL Day

Thurs 7/30 Blog Prompt: Today is Father-in-Law Day. Describe your father-in-law if you have one or tell what you think a perfect father-in-law would be like.

I have the most wonderful, absolutely perfect father-in-law. He is very quiet spoken (much like his son) and tells the most fascinating tales of his life and of his days in the Navy. To keep himself busy he builds model airplanes, though he use to build boats (not the model ones, LOL). In fact, Pan and I have the last boat he built.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ciao, gradico gli spaghetti

Wed 7/29 Blog Prompt: Today is National Lasagna Day. Do you like Italian food? What is your favorite Italian dish?

Spaghetti with marinara would top the list of my all time favorite Italian type foods. And that is all I'm going to say on the subject.

In other news, Bomb and the kids are leaving this morning for NC. I'm pretty down about it and don't know if I will be updating my posts over the rest of the week, but we will see. So until tomorrow or next week...buon giorno

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Choco-lat or chocolate

Tues 7/28 Blog Prompt: Today is Milk Chocolate Day. (Don’t get this mixed up with Chocolate milk day.) Do you like milk chocolate or dark chocolate and why?

I'm don't eat a lot of chocolate as it upsets my stomach, but if I had to chose then dark would win hands down. There is just something about the smooth, semi-bitter sweet taste of dark that can send shivers down my back. It's funny that they are now finding the benefits of the one chocolate I do like to eat occasionally. :)

Monday, July 27, 2009

A walk around the block

Mon 7/27 Blog Prompt: Today is Take Your Pants for a Walk Day. Go for a walk (or pretend you have gone for a walk) and tell about your walk. What did you see? What was the weather like? What smells surrounded you? What did you hear?

It is hot, already near 90 early this morning. Perfect weather for dip in the pool. Indy is always ready to go and with the pool just a couple of blocks away it is within walking distance. The road it scorching so shoes of some kind are a must. The sky is a light blue with fleecy clouds floating slowly by. Plants and lawns are wilting from the heat wave we have been experiencing. Birds and animals are hiding in the shade and not expending any more energy than they have to. The only sounds that can be heard are of cars coming and going. As we approach nearer to the pool, the screech of children at play becomes apparent. Soon to be joined by the laughter of Indy and the Princess.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Photography - Friendship



Every kid should be so lucky as to have parents who get along as well as the Bomb and J do. Even though they have been divorced since the Princess was three, they still consider themselves friends and it shows when they are together. Sometimes it is hard to decide who really is the kid... The Princess or the Bomb and J.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Snow Mountain Part 2

Word art (c)Cottage Arts; Winter Wonderful, a collaboration & (c)various designers

Friday, July 24, 2009

Kissin' Cousins

Fri 7/24 Blog Prompt: Today is Cousin’s Day. Tell about something you remember doing with your cousins either recently or when you were a young child.

We weren't kissin' cousins, but we did play well together. When we would come home to visit we would try to spend at least a night at our aunt and uncle's to play with the cousins. They had a two story playhouse in the backyard or we would convert the bedrooms to Gilligan's Island and try to figure out a way to rescue ourselves, while all the while coming up with fabulous new inventions using only palm trees and coconuts. T and I were nearly the same age, as were ddpup and S; with Bug and T2 being close in age.

Right now, though, I would like to spend more time with my cousin, Archeologist. I can just imagine the stories he would have to tell. Maybe one day soon we can get together.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Hot diggity dog

Thurs 7/23 Blog Prompt: Today is National Hot Dog Day. How do you like to eat your hot dog? What do you put on it? Make us all hungry as you describe the perfect hot dog.

First it is helpful if it is plump, juicy and hot off the grill. But it would be nothing if not served on a po-boy bun with mustard and tart sauerkraut. Some chips on the side and a tall glass of lemonade would round it off nicely, don't you think?

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Lazy, Lounging Days

Wed 7/22 Blog Prompt: Today is Hammock Day. Describe a lazy summer day and what you do or don’t do.

I'm going to have one of those days come Friday. The pool is open and I plan on being there with a good book and a bottle of water. In between reading I can take a dip in the cool, clear water of the pool and enjoy floating from one end to the other.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Junk Food Junkie

Tues 7/21 Blog Prompt: Today is National Junk Food Day. What favorite junk food will you eat today? Describe what it tastes like and how it makes you feel.

I'm not a big junk food eater, especially now. But I will probably indulge in a kosher dill pickle or two today and an ounce of macadamia nuts.

I love the tart, salty taste and crunch of a really good pickle in between bites of a sandwich. The same holds for the macadamias, except they have a slightly sweet, salty taste and crunch.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Moon Walk

Mon 7/20 Blog Prompt: Today is Moon Day. Would you want to walk on the moon and why or why not?

Anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time knows this a no brainer, LOL. Since my desire from the time I could read has been to be an astronomer, walking on the moon would just be the crowning glory of that dream. To be able to see the stars and planets without the hinderance of atmosphere or pollution would be a wonderful thing.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Perpetuum Jazzile

My mom sent me this link:

African Thunderstorm

Head on over to watch and read. Well worth the 6 or so minutes.

A dip in the pool?





This is what has been Pan's bane for the last several months. Our homeowner's pool which was desperately in need of major repairs. It definitely looks a whole lot nicer. Now if the health department would just sign off on it so it can be opened.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Snow Mountain Part 1

Word art (c)Cottage Arts; Winter Wonderful, a collaboration & (c)various designers; Font: Yukon Gold

Friday, July 17, 2009

Yellow pigs?

Fri 7/17 Blog Prompt: Today is Yellow Pig Day. Now I’m sure you wonder what Yellow Pig Day is so here is the explanation “Yellow Pig Day is a mathematician's holiday celebrating yellow pigs (is there such a thing!?!), and the number 17. It is celebrated annually since the early 1960's, primarily on college campuses, and primarily by mathematicians.” Make up or tell a story about the number 17.

As her eyelids slowly lifted, she realized that today she was 17 years old. Nearly a lifetime for one such as she. That is until the next year. But at 17 she was free of the childish constraints that had held her back and well on her way to adult responsibilities that she could not see.

As she dressed she wondered what delights the day would bring. Humming silently to herself she twirled exactly 17 times. Um. Did that have meaning or was it just a coincidence. Down to breakfast she danced, noticing the 17 candles on the cake that would be lighted in her honor later in the day.

After breakfast she whirled out the door with a smile on her lovely face, until she saw what was awaiting her at the bottom of the porch steps. Seventeen yellow pigs, standing at attention and staring forward with eagerness. Was this some kind of joke?

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Bored Witless

Thurs 7/16 Blog Prompt: July is National Anti-Boredom Month. What are some of the things you do when you are bored.

Well I almost started to say read, but that is only the outcome. Normally I just wander from room to room, trying to think of something. I may pick up a sheet of paper and pen to write only to put it right back down. I'll turn on the television and scroll through the guide then turn it off. Eventually I'll find a book I haven't read in a while and will sit down and start reading.

Why don't I just start with the reading? I guess if I started there, I would read the first sentence and then put the book down. There where would I be?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Moo Who

Wed 7/15 Blog Prompt: Today is Cow Appreciation Day. Tell why you appreciate a cow today.

Shhhh, don't tell my sister (she has an obsession with cows. They are all over her kitchen), but they make mighty fine eating. I personally like the filet, though I know it doesn't have the marbling which make other cuts tastier. Don't know why I prefer that cut. If I can't have the filet, a porterhouse is the next best choice (okay, I probably like the porterhouse better, but there is so much to it).

If we aren't grilling them outside, I like to wrap my filet with bacon, salt & pepper both sides, then smear butter over them. I place a large slice of vidalia onion on the bottom and top, wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. Yummy and tender.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

My Pande-monium Bear is Loose

Tues 7/14 Blog Prompt: Today is Pandemonium Day. Tell about a day in your life that was utter pandemonium.

Do you mean to say there are days that aren't absolute pandemonium? Really? How about that. Like today... When I have to be at the doctor's office in 30 minutes and should be at work in 3. But the doctor couldn't schedule it for any one of the 3 days I have off. Now I have to rush in, get checked out, head to work and work probably 3 hours more than I would have just to make up for a 1 hour difference.

It is going to be one of those days.

Monday, July 13, 2009

I am Geek. Hear me roar?

Mon 7/13 Blog Prompt: Today is Embrace Your Geekness Day. Geeky usually refers to technology but are you “geeky” about some hobby that causes your friends and family to roll their eyes once you start to talk about it? If so, share with us and we will try not to roll our eyes!

I haven't yet seen anyone roll their eyes, but it is possible they do it behind my back when I start getting obsessive, talking about cross stitching or scrapbooking. I do try to keep it to a minimum when I am around people who don't do either of them. Sometimes it is pretty hard though, LOL.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Photography - Nature

My new lemongrass (thanks sis).

f/29, 1/25 sec., ISO-800

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Photography - Still Life

f/11, 1/2 sec., ISO-100

Friday, July 10, 2009

My Teddy Bear

Fri 7/10 Blog Prompt: Today is Teddy Bear Picnic Day. Did you have a favorite childhood stuffed animal? Describe it.

Actually my sister and I had a giant panda bear. Our uncle and grandmother brought it up when they were visiting. I thought it was giant, like about 10 feet tall. In actuality it was probably only 4 foot. But we loved that bear and used it as a resting place on the floor to watch television on those evenings we got to do so.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Sugar, Sugar

Thurs 7/9 Blog Prompt: Today is National Sugar Cookie Day. Do you have a sugar cookie memory that stands out? Please share it with us.

I think most of us have grown up with at least one sugar cookie. The one's I remember the most came from Betty Crocker's Cookie Cookbook. But there were other's in the book that made you drool just reading the ingredients. Mom used that book all the time and had hand-printed instructions written next to the all time favorite cookies. I would love to sit and just look through it at all the pictures and what mom had written in it.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Da Daa Tatada da....Or so the hum goes

Wed 7/8 Blog Prompt: Today is National Video Games Day. What video game do you remember playing and what why was it so much fun?

Still play them and the favorite by far are the legos games. Star Wars, Batman, Indiana Jones. While entertaining for children, they include humor that an adult would enjoy. Challenging but not so difficult that you get frustrated (for the most part anyway. There is one area where you have to have JarJar jump up and it takes forever).

I just wish they would come out with more. Maybe based on the Mummy movies. Can't you just see Brendan Fraiser as a Lego man. :) There's the Harry Potter books/movies too.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

A Chocolate a Day

Tues 7/7 Blog Prompt: Today is Chocolate Day. What is your favorite chocolate and when was the last time you had it?

It has been many, many years since I have had my favorite chocolate. A very dear man and friend who happened to be a professor at the university went to Europe for a temporary teaching position. While there he purchased a box of Austrian chocolates for me.

While I do not eat chocolate alot (like almost non-existent), I devoured the ones he brought back for me. I had purchased some again when I visited Austria with my sister, but I didn't bring any back with me. :)

Monday, July 06, 2009

Florida Fried Chicken

Mon 7/6 Blog Prompt: Today is National Fried Chicken Day. When was the last time you had fried chicken? Describe the event, and the taste.

Oh, another one of those food prompts, LOL. I don't eat a lot of fried food (which leads me to wonder why, as Indy so succinctly puts it, I am fat). But I did make fried chicken four or five months ago. I fry the drummettes (wing portions), dredging them through a mixture of flour, salt (lots of it) and pepper (lots of it too). Placing them in the hot oil I let them get a light golden brown turning them at that point. Putting on a cover and reducing the heat, they continue cooking for about 10 minutes more. Off comes the cover and one more turn for good measure and a few more minutes. I drain them on paper towels (or paper bags if they are handy). Once cool, into the fridge they go (if Pan and the kids let them stay around that long) for a nice dinner the next day.

I prefer my fried chicken cold rather than hot. And if I have gotten the right mixture of salt, pepper and flour, the drummettes will have a light crispy coating and be a wonderful accompaniment to home-made potato salad and baked beans. And if you want to through in some turnip greens with onions and corn bread, I think I would be in heaven.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Photography - Commitment

f/5.6, 1/25 sec., ISO-100

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Happy Birthday USA

235 years and still going strong. Let's make it another 235 years, why don't we? And Bless all of our military personnel who are unable to spend this time with their families as they are steadfastly working to make our freedom last.

Photography - The Unexpected. Like a squirrel letting you get with 3 to 4 feet of him.

f/8, 1/100 sec., ISO-400

Friday, July 03, 2009

Disobedient? Me?

Fri 7/3 Blog Prompt: Today is Disobedience Day. If you could protest about something, what would it be?

I'm more of a work behind the scenes type of person, but if I was to take up a picket and march to a tune, it would be the unfair treatment of middle class working Caucasian men. Years ago laws were passed to promote the equal treatment of working persons of all races, creeds, age and gender. And I approve of the measure as it stood then. But the time has now come to put it in perspective.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Huh? What did you say?

Thurs 7/2 Blog Prompt: Today is I Forgot Day. What is something you forgot and how did you solve the problem?

The other day I forgot to take my bottle of water with me when I went to work out. I had to grunge through my purse to come up with enough change to buy a bottle. Took a while but I did find it. :)

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Flavor of the Day

Wed 7/1 Blog Prompt: Today is Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. If you could create your own flavor ice cream, what would it taste like?

Not being a big sweet treat type of person, I can't really think of an ice cream flavor that I would create. Irish coffee flavor might be good though. A small bowl in the evenings before bed.

I look forward to seeing what other come up with.