J is for...

J is for Jello! font is Johnyokonysm.

Warm pudding is a comfort food for me when my throat hurts. The warmth soothes and the the thickness coats my throat and the sugar is a natural antiseptic. Besides that it just plain tastes good. and Jello is of course the preferred brand.

Rain Rain go away

It started raining last night and is still going this morning, it is making my head all muzzy and I am a tad chilly. It is making me crave soup or good old fashioned home cooking. I made Swiss Steak last week and it sounds delicious right now. What I really want though is a thick stew with lots of meat and veggies and nice crusty bread to go with it. I am not sure what I am actualy going to end up with, it probably depends on how I feel when I get home.

I've spent the last couple days playing with my food blog (must put link on side panel) and browsing various goodness, but the weather today is just dragging me down. I need to do some research for my knitting patterns and just don't have the concentration. So I am being a bit Random. As a plus I found this goody, Flogos!

Poor Old Micheal Finnegan..

Ok good stuff first. Best is this lovely tree with a rose bush growing up through it. It was simply beautiful. Indra wants one and I am seriously thinking I would like to recreate it as well. Think how pretty it would be growing up through an evergreen! (for more images check out my Flickr account)

Continuing on the rose theme is the Fudgy Chocolate Layer Cake I made for Clay's Lisa's Birthday party on Sunday. The cake is by me and the rose is a minicake from Kroger since my decorating skills are negligible. I used a recipe from one of my favorite books and while Indra said it was great I found it a little dense and dry though the frosting is lovely. Everyone else seamed to like it so I guess it was a success even if it goes on my don't do again list.


Now for the bad news, My payday loan went thru and left us almost broke, then John cashed the rent check for April and left us in the red and there is still the rent check for May to go through. And even with another Payday loan (which I really can't afford) that second rent check isn't going to go unless Indra's tax rebate is bigger and sooner then expected. In theory at the end of that month I should get a bonus of about 600, that will definitely help and I was hoping would put us back in the black but I am not holding my breath at the moment.

In the not so bad news Wednesday is definitely expecting and looking at her I expect her to drop at any moment, which means probably in the next three weeks since she is a little kitty and probably showing early.

busy

I have been busy this week. Work released an update to last years program that went about as expected, that is poorly so we were busy at work. And I discovered the world of food blogs, So many people taking pictures of food and sharing recipes, it makes my mouth water. So I started a food blog of my own.

It will most likely be nothing but a list of recipes and some pictures that I can link to from here. Looking at some of those blogs I swear those people must run around with a camera everywhere, and what kind of looks are you going to get whipping out a camera in a restaurant to take pictures of your food?

I signed up for 4 food challenges and figured out how to get the little link picture thingies on the side. I am so proud of myself. :)

backtracking

It has been a bit since I last posted, the reasons are the usual. Not enough time, busy, stress, and illness. I ran a fever the weekend we moved, fever chills the whole nine yards. It was Wednesday before I went back to work and Saturday before I felt decent. Saturday Indra went to see Iron Man and I conked out at home, slept the whole day, it was great. Sunday, was housework and my Sit and Stitch. It was great to get to go again.

I don't really have an excuse for not blogging Monday or Tuesday, other then I just didn't But I was busy today so there is alot to catch up on.

Indra's surprises were a Pomegranate tree and a Blue Girl rose, she was thrilled, and most determined Dean not mow them over. she was with out Internet until today and I was afraid she was going to have a nervous break down. She actually had to resort to cleaning to keep herself occupied. We got the Internet just in time for her mouse to go south. It started double clicking on nothing , which made it hard to play solitaire. So tonight we went and got a new mouse.... and keyboard... and mouse pad (20$, it is fancy). The trade off is I get the computer tonight.

My brother emailed me out of the blue. Apparently he had lost all my contact info and now after several yrs of my father not being able to remember my phone number or address he found me again. I talked to him on the phone and emailed him several times. Relationships are hard work even those you are born with. Maybe if we had telepathy it wouldn't be so hard to talk to people.

I was reading journals and browsing pictures and stumbled across the Daring Bakers website. It had instant appeal to me, pictures, recipes and people to share them with. So I signed up. And then I started thinking, I wanted to have some incentive to cook other things as well, and after a little searching I found the answer. Taste & Create, A blog recipe swap type thing. So I signed up for that too.

I now have the daunting task(at least to me) of going back over past entries and adding recipes so I can participate in the Taste & Create challenge. I started by marking all my food entries with a tag (I must use tags more) And bartered some computer time from Indra for adding recipes tonight. I think what I am going todo is use links instead of writing out the whole recipe in an entry. Indra has volunteered to create a web page for me somewhere to link to and it will be alot easier for me to format and type up my recipes separately instead of while blogging.

Good Day

I am having a pretty good day, and yesterday wasn't bad either. I had homemade egg noodles with chicken and mashed potatoes, and chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. And Sunday we went to see that car and it was nice! It is the first car I have owned that wasn't old enough to drink.

I finished knitting bunnies and have found new homes for some of them but there are still plenty left. And today I started a new project (I decided I needed a little purse because the pocket method of tranporting everything isn't working.) I measured for Lisa's cardi Saturday, and it will take less hexagons than I thought, but the arms are going to be a bugger to fit together.

I got Indra a couple suprises I think she is going to love. they certainly have me all bouncy in anticipation. I am predicting much squeeling and bouncing. But more on that latter... when she can't ruin the suprise by reading.

The image is the rough for a T-shirt contest Work is having. When finished there will be a hot dog on it.

Happy Birthday to me

Yesterday was a horrible day. It was my birthday. I loathe and hate my birthday. I have a horrible history with them, the first one I remember I gave myself a headache. Another one I got Chicken pox from one of the guests. I have had birthday parties where even my own cousins didn't show up. I had an angle food cake with a 45 degree angle on top. All in all not a good experience. But I think for pure misery yesterday has to have been in the top 5. I waited all day for Indra to wish me a happy birthday and it was almost 9 pm before she finally did. She was online by 12 and talked to me then nothing. All day others said Happy Birthday but nothing from the most important person in my life. It hurt and I was miserable. She didn't do it on purpose she just didn't want to say Happy Birthday while I was at work. I got home and we cuddled and I felt better. And next time she will know that I am a fragile flower filled with angst and insecurities.

The end of the world has come I found chocolate that I refuse to eat. This is me who will eat baking chocolate in a pinch. But Black and Green Organic chocolate sucks ass! It has this floral after taste that reminds me of lilacs or that nasal spray they keep trying to give me for allergies (and what sadist thought allergy medicine that smelled like flowers was a good idea). And before you ask, it wasn't just me, everyone I shared it with agreed, what a waste of money.

I saw a woman today with gorgeous hair. She was black (of course) and had these silver braids. They were thick and wrapped around her head into a coil / knot / bun on the back of her neck. Some days I really do wish I was black, they can do some of the coolest things with their hair and get away with outfits I can only dream of wearing. That and it would be nice to fry after 5 seconds in the sun.

I have been feeling particularly needy recently. Which means I want to go shopping and buy chocolate and books at a minimum. And I would really like to go splurge on things for me. I am hoping Birthday cake (chocolate with peanut butter frosting) homemade chicken and egg noodles with mashed potatoes, and a new car this weekend will take care of these urges.

PS: Almost forgot. Here is the quote of the week.

"Luck is my middle name," said Rincewind, indistinctly. "Mind you, my first name is Bad."
-- (Terry Pratchett, Interesting Times)

Snow Day

It snowed last night! (see picture on left, that was in McKinney) Actually Snow! Not the usual ice pellets and rain they get here and think is snow. Granted it was pretty much gone by noon, but while it was here it was real honest to God snow. I made a threw my first snowball in years, it made a very satisfying splat, the only thing that could have made it better was a human target rather then the building.

Yesterday started cold and just kept getting colder. So I took my poor shivering self to The Olive Garden for lunch. I love their soup and salad deal, it is about the same price as a decent burger, fries and a coke (I blame TX, it was soda til I came here). And the best part is the soup. Zuppa Tuscano and Pasta Faguli, One warms you up the other fills you up! I thought I had died and gone to heaven, a couple bowls of soup, some bread sticks and I was full and warm all the way through. It was perfect. I really need to figure out how to make the Zuppa Tuscano (I have a Pasta Faguli recipe).

And lastly, all this weather changes is making me sick... again. I am not sure if it is just drainage or the beginnings of something like strep but I am pretty sure it is not getting better and that I am not going to like it.

Spell checks back!!!!!

picking up where I left off

I am blind. Its true I went to the optician this weekend and my eyes (or rather my left eye) is rather significantly blinder then my last appointment 2 yrs ago. I was at a -7 for both eyes, now the right is 7.25 and the left is 9.25.

Now for a bit of randomness. From my wonderful lovely and talented Indra comes this gem... If I want a man I will call Dean (our handyman, or 'Husband for Hire' as we call him) or read a romance novel. I told her I didn't think Dean did those kind of house calls.

Also from the love of my life comes my blogs new look, doesn't she just spoil me? I love my template.

Linda sent cereal home Saturday and I seriously considered eating a bowl of each kind last night. But I was good, and waited til this morning to have a bowl of Captain Crunch (I use to eat a bowl every morning duringUpward Bound). Tonight I am going to have Honey Nut Cheerios. I am in cereal heaven!

Speaking of food, I was eating oven toasted garlic bread with tomato and boiled egg on it seasoned with a little garlic salt and a co-worked said it was disgusting and he had to go before he threw up. What is the world coming too, it wasn't even one of my odder combinations.

And finally these are just two good not to share Luna's Hubby and Larceny Lechery and Luna Lovegood. Two great Luna / Harry fics.

The Secret of Cozies!!!

I have discovered the secret of the Cozy. It is not hideous acrylic yarn in garish colors it is RUFFLES! You know I am finding this whole Pick axe cozy thing fun. I may have to make more cozies so I can explore the relationship between gaudy acrylic yarns and ruffles that produce kitchy goodness. I think next it will be a mailbox cozy.

Last night I stopped by Whole Foods for Esther. That place is Evil! Evil I tell you. They greeted me with a blast of hot air that smelled Divine and then led me on a merry chase through aisles of overpriced specialty goods I would love to try. I mean come on, grind your own peanut butter? its just too much. And then there is their whole bakery/bistro/food thing. It was 8:30 at night I was starved. I managed to get away with just a slice of BBQ chicken pizza, but Damn was it GOOOOD! There was crispy bacon on it and melty cheese and real onion bits. and none of it tasted like it came from the supermarket produce section. I also got a sample of Turkish delight, I have been curious about it for a while but unwilling to pay 10 bucks a pound. It was good, and the lemon sugar was nice but not worth the money in my book.

Some where in all the talking Esther and I did last night I realized I had graduated from caretaker to enabler where Indra is concerned. Not a happy realization, but with any luck I will be over this phase soon. Make me wonder what role is Indra playing in my life?

I have been browsing Ravelry this week and I am scared. Cause I live in Texas most sweaters just don't look like they are worth the time to knit. And I am not a shawl type person, have no children and refuse to knit for the dog. All that leaves is socks, and I don't wanna be a sock knitter! Not that I have anything against socks. Socks can be quite nice but it is like knitting nothing but scarves for the rest of your life. I would go crazy! (well crazier). I am thinking Lace might be a good thing to knit especially if I get involved with the SCA like Esther and I have been talking about. I think though I just need to move somewhere cooler.

Winter wonderland

It was and is COLD. Darn Cold in fact. And more then a bit windy. I was not happy this morning. I was cold, I stopped to get gas and opted to pay inside so I could warm my hands over their hot dogs and other assorted hot foods. It made me wonder how fast I could knit a ski mask or a nose warmer at the very least. I didn't get warm til I got to work and got a hot chocolate from the cafeteria, it was made with steamed milk and was really more like hot milk with a hint of chocolate, but boy was it good. Next time I need marshmallows though.

I had plenty of time since I didn't get to register the car (get to try to do that again tomorrow) so I stopped by Lowes to measure their pickaxes. On the way out I browsed there garden department, they had all their stuff out for spring planting. It made my fingers itch to buy things to plant, never mind that it was freezing outside and I am a lousy gardener. They had Peonies and Raspberries and all sorts of lovelies. And I love Peonies and Raspberries and have never been able to find them in Texas before. But I was strong and resisted temptation.

Today has been slow at work so I have spent time browsing Flickr and Ravelry. Random searches are great things. they let me find things like this series of pictures. Zoo Keeper Says. All these images, funny and otherwise, really make me wish I was better with a camera so I could share the things I see with others.

News and notes

So lets recap what I have learned this past month.

Lets start with Xmas. I love Xmas, I hate everything before Xmas day though. I don't like decorating, I hate the time crunch on my baking (even though I usually love baking), I don't like the pressure to find the right gifts, I hate the financial stress of all the present buying and baking supplies and everything else. I hate the uncertainty of gift giving (and receiving). Basically Xmas and Valentines day both make me want to curl up and hide. (My Indraz make holidays better)

On the upside my Xmas baking was pretty successful. I made Caramels and Fudge and learned that browning the butter before hand makes the carmels taste better but the butter needs cooled and added later (also marchino cherries are devine in fudge, next yr I need to find some little molds to make them in). I discovered that enough milk in the top layer of GaStSq's makes it spread really nice and tempering the egg before adding makes it not as likely to separate. I learned chocolate covered bacon is definitely tasty but is probably better not combined (I am willing to give it another go though). I found that date pinwheel cookies are easier then I remembered and just as good. And while Honey Cookies always sound so good they just never quite live up to expectations.

I have learned that yes B12 really really makes a difference in my energy levels. And that yes sleep and proper nutrition are important (for some reason I keep forgetting this). I have learned that when playing Santa with more then one person clear and constant communication can save all sorts of things, money, sanity, time..... And Hopefully I have learned that I can not knit fast enough to make presents for everyone (especially if I start in Nov.)

The rest of these I are just thing that made me think, what is not important but if I reach any conclusions I will let you know. Apparently spanking your laptop will make it boot faster. Publishers clearing house is having a drawing for 5,000 a week for life (and why is life usually defined as 20 yrs?, I really expect to live alot longer then that). And do you really want to compare your company / product to a Cadillac? Sure it has bells and whistles and is luxurious, but it is not responsive, fast or maneuverable.

jingle bells

I had a entry all planned in my head but now of course I have forgotten it. So here is my brain in all its disorder....

I spent this weekend cooking. It was joyous and wonderful and I can still feel my teeth rotting. Esther came over and taught me to make fudge that is actualy fudgy (instead of runny or crumbly) and carmel that is nummy. We also experimented. some very low carb treats were the result and one very high carb cookie. I have to say Browned Buter Cookies rock! I was a little doubtful about the texture but the taste makes that inconsequentual. I don't think I am up to making as many cookies as I had planned though.

Frog got the flu so I had to make a run to the house for heaters cause he was freezing. Poor guy is miserable and there is nothing I can do to make him feel better. His leg is swelling and hurts something fierce. Lisa is talking about taking him to the hospital later cause she thinks he has a blood clot. I would have to agree. :( Poor man.

We moved the bunnies and bird this weekend too. they are now sitting in the living room by the computer. I like them there and apparently V'ree likes it too. She is all excited to be close to people and a part of things. The puppies are all excited to have extra floor to run on (and poop on). The cats however are less then thrilled with the loss of there puppy free area. I just like being able to get back to the Fridge (and seeing all that open floor).

And finally I am down to one pair of jeans. I am sad.

Xmas Spirits

I abhor egg nog. It is unbaked custard and that is just wrong. But every once in a while I come across something that makes me rethink that decision, at least momentarily. This article from NPR is one of them. But I think the best part of the article is this quote...

The FDA advises against ever eating raw eggs, but then the FDA asserts that everything on Earth should be heated to at least 160 degrees before eating — which would give plain old scrambled eggs the texture of shoe leather.

I must admit though Starbucks has a Chai Eggnog Latte that is stupendous.

Good eats

The food fairy visited me this morning! She brought Gingerbread! mmmm Gingerbread! Does the food fairy know me or what?

I have a long weekend coming up and once again way to much to do. I really need to work on that whole getting a life thing. But with any luck I will be able to sort it all out before I get too much older. wish me luck.

Due to the season I have once again started thinking about what I want, not only for Xmas but also from life. It is hard, there are so many things I want but so little I need and most of everything seems beyond my grasp most of the time. Some day soon (after thanksgiving) I will post a list of links and things for gift giving ideas, mostly for myself. but for any one who is curious too. Today though I am going to keep it simple all I want for Xmas is love.

In other news Cranberries rock. Red and bouncy and full of good stuff that made the itchy burny bladder infection go away. So yes my weekend sucked but I felt pretty darn good by Monday. Which is very disappointing cause I wanted to do naughty things this weekend.

All around the mulberry bush

Ok so I had stomach flu and was miserable and so no posts, and before that Halloween kept me busy and I didn't really post what I wanted to. but now I am going to play catch up.

Starting with... Lisa the marvelous Reiki master who made my neck work again. Woo Hoo Reiki! We were at a party the sat before halloween and my neck was swollen and sore and I was mucho miserable. Lisa came over and noticed my pain and offered to help. A half hour later I could move my neck and swallow and the pain was gone, the swelling went down and it was great. so once again I say All Hail the Master! and Woo Hoo Reiki!

I also got Yarn, 100% wool handspun for felting. I traded some very pretty silk / rayon blend for it. I did a happy yarn dance when it came in (after checking to make sure I didn't have an audience). It took me way to long to get the return package mailed out though, mainly cause I hate the post office but getting sick certainly didn't help. So I included some extras, she should get them today or tomorrow, I look forward to her reaction. Should I be embarrassed that a little undyed wool can make me so excited?


Had our first puppy class last week, Tank was a good boy and with liberal treating has got the look at me thing down solid and thinks the clicker is the bomb. And darn cute too! Unfortunately Bella didn't go, money is tight and I understand that even though I am not sure Indra really does. But it is all about priorities so I will give Frog and Lisa 100$ a paycheck and let them decide what to do with it.

And then there is the fun stuff.... just a sample mind, If you thought bacon is gods perfect food and chocolate a gift from the gods why not combine the two in this treat? A Bacon candy bar!

I've been quoted!

I just got a link in someone else's blog. so I thought that warranted a new post. well truthfully I was planning to journal anyway but extra incentive is good. And since it is only polite to link back I really need to get that script from my love Indra again.

Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits wrote in her blog http://www.chicknits.com/rambles/ about the joys of rare breed wool. which made me ask what is it (besides the obvious) and why is it better then regular wool. Today when I read her answer I felt stupid, I already knew most of it just had never really thought about it. She also recommended a good book 'In Sheep's Clothing' http://www.amazon.com/Sheeps-Clothing-Handspinners-Guide-Wool/dp/1931499381/ref=pd_sim_b_img/104-7505908-9885536 I am thinking I should get this next instead of another pattern book. I wonder if they have something similar for non wool fibers.

Indra doesn't know it yet but I am rearranging furniture this weekend. with the sister gone I have my craft room back and I am moving the love seat in there and our big dresser which Indra claims is ugly and doesn't use. So now I will fill it with yarn and be happy cause I think it is pretty. It should be fun listening to her throw a fit about it.

I am making a German chocolate cake this weekend and I think I am going to make cabbage rolls. we will see though. I am tired and already have to much to do. I don't think Indra really understands how much time everything she wants me to do really takes.

Good idea

Carmel custard pear tart, good idea. Spaghetti squash with butter, nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon, good idea. Calling Indra's mother for help, good idea. Never thought I would say that last. but at least this once she pulled thru and last night I picked up the money I needed to make the bills. See I told you it would all work out.

Now I need the kitten fairy to come and find homes for all our kittens. I need to bleach them again tonight (their highlights are fading). Rhonda wants an inventory so she knows who we have and their adoptability. Unfortunately she also wants to know which litters they are from, and quite honestly at this point I am clueless. So I am going for the tried and true method of making it up as I go.

The bad news is I am looking into having the Internet and TV turned off at home to save money. this will lead to a very distressed Indra, good lord she might actually have to do something! On the other hand it should certainly light a fire under our house guests. And this is good cause they need a fire lit under them.

Bad idea,

Malted lime sherbet, bad idea, capers in avocado citrus salad, bad idea, me trying to support 4 people and keep them happy on a balanced budget, bad idea: How do I know? I have done them all with disastrous results. The real problem is that while I have avoided repeating the first two mistakes I keep trying variations on the third, and it is never pretty.

Currently I have a rent check about to bounce and a utility payment that is going the same way. I need about 500 dollars to make it through the next two weeks and could even begin to pay it back until I either increase my income or decrease my spending. I would do anything for family, unfortunately that appears to include going broke. :( I am most unhappy, most unhappy. I am thinking it would be nice if family would do even a bit of the same for me.

But it will work out. Some how. And next post I will tell you about the wonderful person who rescued me, or how I was able to get a loan, or some rich relative who left me some money , or Something. Cause I always manage to get it to work, somehow. Somehow.

Good news I went to the cardiologist and they said I am fine. Which I kind of expected but is still nice to hear. Low B12 is apparently to blame for how draggy I have been feeling. And I am not diabetic or going to die anytime soon. Woot!

I am jonesing for a knit fix though and am not sure when if ever I am going to get the time. To much housework and to many other places I have to be.

This weekend we are going to Medieval Times for a company get together then to a friends for a get together, that admittedly does include a hot tub. Sunday it is a meeting about our foster kittens and a baby shower (scheduled at the same time of course). and then there is the house work, I have laundry that is clean but needs folded, I have kittens to bleach and litter boxes to clean, And honestly I think I am going to count myself lucky if I get all that done.

Some day when I am old and grey I am going to figure out how people manage to have a job, a clean house and a life, cause most days 1.5 of those is taxing me to my limits. Hopefully I will have figured out this budget saving thing long before that though.

Mondozzies

I am going to be a little scattered, it is 12:36 am and my brain has still not finished booting.
Tahiti cookies by Pepridge farms are the best store bought cookies I have ever had, heck they are better then many homemade ones I have had too. Coconut and chocolate, crisp and buttery with no funky after taste. mmm mmm good.

I had the money talk with the roommates last night. it went well? now I just have to wait and see what happens, hopefully it will be either be money or moving, cause anything else is really going to stress me out. not that either of those options won't stress me too. but something has to give and I don't want it to be my mind or pocket book.

I spent all weekend helping a friend move. Cause that's what friends do right? Apparently not since I am the only one that showed up. Makes me want to crawl in my cave and bite anyone that annoys me.

The kittens all got their bleach bath last night. The problem is they are now big enough to fight back and opposable thumbs don't beat kitty kat claws in that situation. On the other hand a wet cat is the epitome of uncomfortable in their own skin. They just look so disgusted with their body. It is funny. Well I found it funny.

I have to go get the car inspected on my lunch, I really have put it off way to long, just ask Indra, and I need to talk to the Dr about the results of my annual exam, and I need to get enough brain cells together to write to the spice people about my order they got wrong since they do not answer their phone or return calls. I think that is everything I have to do before the end of work, but I could be wrong.

I figured out the hood on the jacket I am knitting, now I just need to find the time to finish it. And I have to get those patterns written and finish the slippers and knit something for Nicole's baby. I need yarn and time. Badly.

I also need Indra to write me an html cheat sheet so I can put links in here and do other cool things. She has already agreed to take care of my pictures for me so I can actually put pictures of my knitting stuff up. She is so wonderful and tolerant of me. I really don't deserve her.

Indra read the newest Harry Potter book Saturday and I read several select pages of the last couple chapters at the grocery store to see how V died and if Snape was a good guy. I got hit for it when I went home because apparently that ruins the whole experience and how could I do that. I told her it was simple I asked her and she yelled at me so I had to find out on my own. So There!