It Is What It Is

Worldless Wednesday

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Embrace Your Inner Bird

While I was talking to my good friend, B the other day, I discovered that she was embarking on a journey of the Virgin Bird territory.  It was hard to believe that after almost 20 years of marriage she had never prepared a Thanksgiving turkey.  She's an accomplished cook and fabulous baker, so I just assumed that cooking a turkey for her was old hat.  Truth be told, she's never had to prepare the Thanksgiving bird.  She's always gone to a relatives or friends for Thanksgiving dinner.

  When I thought about it, I realized that I just started cooking the "Bird" a few years ago.  I too, was in the family Thanksgiving boat.  (And I don't mean gravy..) we would alternate our Thanksgiving dinners at either parent's homes.  It wasn't until about six years ago that I decided I wanted to attempt the bird thing on my own.  I then started my day after Thanksgiving turkey dinner tradition.  Regardless of where we celebrated Thanksgiving, I would prepare another, (albeit smaller version) of Thanksgiving dinner on the Friday after.  Last year was my first ever (after 19 years of marriage) of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner.  

The reason for this gluttony?  Basically to prove to myself that I could master the task.  Cook the turkey, make the gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, etc...on my own, all homemade without the help of Mom or others.  It was my own challenge.  I wanted to be able to create my Thanksgiving memories for my kids and future grandkids.  I didn't want to be 50 years old and never having mastered this Holiday meal. 

Jump ahead several years, and I feel pretty good that I've got this meal down.  I've fine tuned  different side dishes, so we have our regular must haves- and not just the ones from the grandmothers.  It's nice to have these traditions.  This of course can be spilled over into the Christmas holidays. 

Thinking about the upcoming holiday season right now- is enough to give me a stomach ache.  I have so much stuff going on right now, I can't even begin to process how in all that's holy am I going to get everything done for Christmas?  We celebrate Christmas with Beloved's side one week from this Saturday!  It's making me cranky and want to take a permanent union break and not do anything.  Part of me wants to introduce "Christmas Light" this year.  Thinking that way goes against my previous paragraphs, me wanting to create these perfect memories for my family.  So in honor of Thanksgiving- I'm going to allow myself a change in thinking. 

I'm going to get a grip and realize what's important- my family and friend's health and well being.  It's not about creating the perfect memory- but about creating the memories as they happen.  It doesn't have to be about setting the perfect holiday scene- but about making sure those you surround yourself with are comfortable.  The food and drink don't have to be award winning- just fulfilling and nourishing.  The gifts I give don't have to be the best- just thoughtful and heartfelt. 

Ok- that's my mantra for the next 4 weeks.  I wish that for all of you too- enjoy what's meant to be enjoyed and don't sweat the small stuff.

That being said- I'm still preparing a turkey on Friday- and I'm brining that bird, baby!  IMO- the best way to cook a turkey!  Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

"To all the Blogs I've Loved Before.."

First, I want to set the mood for your reading pleasure.  Close your eyes, and think of the Willie Nelson song, "To all the girls I've loved before.."  Can you hear it?  That's the kind of mood I'm in folks.  I'm trying not to be a hater.  Hater of myself and the procrastinating that has invaded my life.  But first before I write about that, I must go watch" Curb Your Enthusiasm"....I'll be right back, I promise.

I'm back...seriously, I have the worse case of procrastination EVER!  I've been able to accomplish only those things that need taken care in the most immediate of ways.  For instance, today was a beautiful day.  I didn't have any place to be- so I could in theory get caught up.  I did take care of a few things that I needed to-BUT the things that have been hanging over my head for way too long- didn't get touched.  So because of that, I'm going to tell you about all the blogs I wish I would have written in the last few weeks in hopes of actually getting them written-

1.  Desk Redo Bloggy Style- UPDATE - In this post, I show all the progress I've made on my desk- actually showing the finished product.

2.  Volleyball- A Love Story to replace A Love Story- Football

3.  A Season of Cheer- In this post I tell all about my adventures in cheerleading coaching 19 ten year old girls- (I can almost hear you laughing as you read this...)

4.  DIPS- Revisited- This is my cooking mini-tutorial where I photograph and make the dips submitted by  two of my faithful commenter's.

5.  DIPS- for Book clubs- this had to be postponed because the dip party was postponed- so I guess I'm not procrastinating on this one...

6.  Decorating for fall- Because I actually did so little it wasn't worth the effort.

7.  How to Parent an 18 Year Old- If anyone has any advice on this- I could use your help.

8.  My new favorite author- Jen Lancaster!

9.  "Twilight"- I'm behind the curve...

10.  My New fall Favorite TV Must Watches...

11.  I have a New Boss- Oh mY!

Hopefully, I've peaked your interest.  I know I've peaked mine.  Lets hope I can kick this procrastinating cloud that has been hanging over my head and get to writing!  Are you procrastinating anything?  Tell me what it is so I can feel better about myself!  Thanks for sharing!

Book Clubs Are For Dips

 

My Book Club is having a Dip Party.  Instead of our regularly scheduled book chat we are each bringing our favorite dip and recipe to share.  Since we are really into Dip season- (starting with tailgating Saturdays) and fast approaching High Dip Holidays with the Trifecta of Dipping Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years and Bowl Games...well there really aren't enough days for all the dips out there.  Time to refresh the regular repertoire...my dilemma is which dip should I make and take?  Something tried and true or a new found try me dip?  How many ways can you use cream cheese?

Do you have any suggestions? What's your favorite Dip?   Recipes you'd like to share?  Send them on over....I'll be sure to share the fun and recipes with all of you after the last chip is dipped...(or cracker or pita  or bread-stick or crudites....it's endless....)

Roll Out the Barrel....

 

This past weekend we attended our local area Polish Festival.  Our area is host to many festivals in the summer.  Church festivals galore polished with their parishes personal touch.  Ethnic festivals of all types showcasing the food and culture of a particular ethnicity.  We try to sample what we can and we are particularly fond of the Polish Festival.  The number one reason?  The music! 

 

POLKA MUSIC!  You can't help but smile and move your feet when you hear that polka beat!  It instantly puts me in a good mood.

 

This sassy gal brought her dancing shoes!  You gotta love that dedication to the dance form. 

 

Young and old dancing together.  Mom's with their kids.  Woman dancing with woman- just because it's so much fun. 

 

Here's Beloved giving Youngest her first lesson in Polka Dancing.  Back in the day, Beloved was quite the Polka King.  When he was a youngster, his family, (of German heritage- another Polka loving group of ethnic folks) would travel the area hitting all of the Polka Festivals.  His grandmother and mom taught him to dance and he would be their dance partners.  He's a good teacher- but be warned he only knows one speed- FAST!  So grab on and get ready to spin around the floor if you're his dance partner.  Youngest was having a blast!

 

Initially, Youngest and her friend, K weren't so sure what do.  We told them watch everyone else and just make sure you move so you won't get mowed over...

 

They quickly got into the spirit of things...

 

And soon were looking like true Polka Princesses!  They had to be dragged off the dance floor...

Here's the other thing about festivals that I adore-

 

The people!  It's a plethora of people watching nirvana! 

 

 

This little sweety asked me to take her picture and was tickled when I showed it to her.

 

This fine gentleman called me a "sweetheart" for taking his photo.  Which leads me to the 3rd thing that is so great about festivals....

 

The FOOD!  Did you see those onion rings on his plate?  They were indeed "colossal."  This festival had the usual fair food-

 

Yummy onion rings, unbelievable fresh cut fries, pizza, funnel cakes-(a personal favorite)

 

But what I really want when I'm at a Polish Festival is Polish Food!   There were several choices when it came to picking the food stand for our kielbasa, sweet and sour cabbage and pierogi's.  We opted for the local church's food pavilion.   I liked knowing that the food was made by the sweet souls of St. Hedwig's Parish. 

 

In a word, DELISH!!  We even sat ourselves down on the front steps of this beautiful old church. 

 

 

If I were an architectural guru I would tell you the type of stained glass window that was- but I'm not, so I won't but I will say I thought it was beautiful.  I especially like the fact that the paint is peeling.  It gives an extra special something...

 

Did I mention that Middle One complained - pretty much the whole time we were there?  Yep- he didn't really care for the Polish food.  He chose a steakburger and fries.  He didn't care for the music - the most.  He said listening to the Polka music should be a form of torture for prisoners.  Which actually gives me an idea- I think I'll have it piped in his room on the mornings he doesn't want to get out of bed...yeah- now that's an idea I can get behind.

The rest of us- though- we had a barrel of fun...! 

Surprise!

"I get by with a little help from my friends."
- John Lennon

I promise this is the last time I will mention my birthday.  And honestly, this has less to do with my birthday than it has to do with how lucky and blessed I am to be in the friendship of some very fine women. 

 

This past Friday, these adorable gals staged a surprise birthday luncheon for me.  Can I just say how utterly and completely surprised and humbled I was by this event?!  I've never been given a surprise party before.  Talk about rockin your world.  I'm still so taken back by the thoughtfulness and generosity that was shared with me.

So this group here, weren't they all having a spectacular hair day?  Really, everyone looked so beautiful that day.  The gal in the middle, that's L and she was the mastermind behind this little shindig.  She set the whole thing up- and what a fine job she did.  Totally surprised me- even got the Beloved involved. 

 

That's K and L- they've been friends for a long time.  I was so happy to see them there.

 

G, M and C- hidden is M-

 

Still hidden, M. 

I know these aren't the best photos, (again with too much tablescape and not enough faces) but it's important for me to showcase these fabulous gals- because they mean an awful lot to me.  Not just because they came to a birthday lunch, but because this little group has somewhat become my posse- and I'm proud to call them my friends.

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
- Abraham Lincoln

Isn't that the God's honest truth?  I want to also thank them for their generosity of spirit and for all the beautiful gifts they gave to me.  Again, I'm speechless and humbled.

Ok- now this is where it gets unbelievable-

 

Let me tell you about the dessert!  Well, sneaky little L- contacts Beloved and asks about my favorite sweet stuff- he says, well, she likes chocolate, you can't go wrong with cheesecake, but lately she's been craving peppermint ice cream.  Beloved thinks L is trying to come up with something to order off the menu.  NO WAY- guess what L did?  She researches recipes, can't find exactly what she's looking for- so guess what she does?  She comes up with her OWN recipe for "Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate ganache and peppermint."  Let me just tell you- it was spectacular!  I've been picking at it all weekend- and my diet has gone to hell.  (Holding up that cheesecake was no easy feat- I swear to Goodness it weighed about 10 pounds-before a bite even entered my mouth!)    So- to thank you- I want everyone to see just how special you are....(she's hates having her photo taken...)

 

"I count myselt in nothing else so happy
As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends."
- William Shakespeare

Friday Friends and other Fun Stuff

It's Friday!  Thought I'd share a variety of stuff I've been saving up for you.

Here goes-

 

This is a small group of us that got together when B was in town over the holidays.  We all met up at a newer Mexican Cantina that is owned by a fellow school/church family.  We had a nice time catching up with B and laughed like we always do.  They made a stranger take a picture of all of us since I had annoyed the snot out of them at the cookie party taking their photos.  (Note to self, when having strangers use your camera to take pictures, set up shot,  so the stranger knows you'd actually like the photo to be of people and not the table full of dirty dishes.)

So as to give equal time- I wanted to share this adorable pic of B and her hilariously funny husband, S.

 

I mean, really, they could be the poster couple for a teeth whitening ad.  My, what beautiful teeth you have.!!!!!!!(Those are for you, B.)  Oh, my I can not believe that I did not take any pictures of the girls- what was I thinking?  Well, look at S and you'll see their beautiful daughter, K.  (I always thought she was a combo of the two of you- but clearly she is her dad's daughter in this photo.)

Next up- How to make friends with your favorite authors and get stuff.....

So- as I've stated before, I'm an avid reader.  I read all genres and love many authors.  One of my little habits is to search out authors on the web and read their websites/blogs.  It's extremely interactive and it's a great way to stay up to date with what the author is doing and when their next book will be published.  I've also have joined reader groups on-line and have met some really great folks.

Many times these authors will sponsor contests on their blogs offering all different kinds of things based on your responses.  Well, two authors in particular that I love, actually just give stuff away for the fun of it because they're nice.  Megan Hart, bestselling author of erotica fiction  is a blast.  She recently sent me a ton of bookmarks and postcards (signed) to share with my book clubs.  Her newest book, Stranger was released this month and is another fantastic read.  (www.meganhart.com.)

Well, today when I came home, I got the nicest surprise.  Jane Porter, bestselling author of Flirting with Forty (recently made into a Lifetime movie,) Mrs. Perfect and Odd Mom Out, sent me a little package. (Unsolicited!)  During the holiday, she asked readers to send her your address and she would send you a Christmas Card.  It's something that she's done for awhile and has fun doing it.  So, me being the queer I am, I sent her my address.  Well, I didn't get a Christmas card, (maybe next year) but I did get this- (Even better!)

       

Yeah, that's right, it's a Flirting with Forty fun pack.  Included, an official Jane Porter, Flirting with Forty pen, a Movie Bookmark- complete with photo of the cutey-pie Brian Buckley, and the official Jackie Laurens, Favorite Luau foods cookbook!  So, what do you think of that?!  How nice is Jane?  So if you haven't, check out www.janeporter.com and pick up one her books.  You won't be disappointed. 

Next up, CRACK- IT''S A GOOD THING.....

I feel it's my civic duty to share with you a dirty little secret.  I'm addicted to Crack and I'm going to give you all the recipe, my friends because no one,  and I mean no one likes to be alone when they have an addiction.

This started with my friend, D when she had the nerve to bring  crack to my cookie party a few years ago.  Now, I insist that she brings it and that she must bring extra.  It actually wasn't always called crack- it was just plain old caramel corn, but with a twist.  It's made with PUFF CORN.  So, you know how you get all the kernels stuck in your teeth when eating caramel corn, you don't with this.  It's fabulous.  It's also highly addictive-

Let's begin-

You'll need-

2 bags Corn Puff (butter flavored Shearer's works great!)

1cup Butter, melted

1/2 cup light corn syrup

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

Mix together butter, syrup, sugar, stir and bring to just boiling point.  Then put on medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.  (DO NOT STIR)

 

See all that buttery, sweet golden goodness? Just you wait...

Take off heat , add vanilla and baking soda and stir.  Pour half the mixture over the first bag.  Stir to coat the puffs.  Pour the rest of the mixture over the 2nd bag and stir to coat. 

 

Line 2 cookie sheets with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Pour puff mixture onto trays, spread out and bake in the oven @ 200 degrees for 1 hour.  Puffs will be soft when you remove them from oven (this is a good time to sample,)  let set and then break apart.  Store (as if there will be any left) in an airtight container.  Delicious!  I had to make this several times over the holiday break- and I've even doubled the recipe. 

Crack - it's a good thing!  (Except when your 9 year old daughter yells out in front of people, "Mom, where'd you put the Crack?")  We, won't talk about that....

**Special thanks to D.H. for sharing her original Caramel Corn recipe with me!

 

Scenes from the Weekend

Well, I just realized that I have not left my house since Wednesday.  I actually only stepped outside yesterday evening to check out the lighting display that my beloved and middle son put up.  Thankfully, the weather God's were kind on Saturday, as today it is cold and wet.  Not really ideal outside decorating weather. 

I thought I'd share a few pics from the holiday-

Cranberries Before-

 

Cranberries After-

 

This photo really doesn't do this dish justice- they really are just so beautiful with their bright red color.

Sweet potatoes before-

 

During-

 

Ok- can you count all those sticks of butter in the background?  Over the course of my cooking that night before I used all of them- plus more the next day.  Thanks God for Costco butter in bulk!

 

Sweet potatoes after- that streusel topping melts and then carmelizes and gets crunchy with the sweet gooey mashed sweet potatoes inside- this is to die for!

 

The table-

 

The turkey- I was so mad that I forgot to photograph that brined bird in all of its golden brown glory.  Suffice it to say- she was divine.

 

Starting on the left- FIL, Beloved, MIL, Sis...

 

From the bottom- Middle One, Eldest One...

 

Top left- Youngest One, Sis' eldest and then Youngest at the makeshift children's table, otherwise known as our family room coffee table.  For some reason, I missed my BIL- he was probably loading up his plate again when I took the photo...Many thanks to him for carving my bird.

 

Bringing down the Christmas decorations....

 

The good thing about decorating, my house gets a thorough cleaning as I set everything out.

 

Okay, I really didn't mean to post this.  For one, I can't figure our how to adjust how the photo is displayed.  Second, it's a little blurry.  Third, I also haven't been able to delete a photo from a post once it's been imported.  Oh why am I so technically impaired?   But since it's here, I tell you this is beloved having to rip all of the lights off of the tree to figure out what was not working before he had to put on all new ones.  I'll share  the after of decorating with you all later!