Crash Courses in Life 101

I think that perhaps the advent of my "Evil Twin" assuming more and more control, I've been contemplating a great many things lately.
( Warning: May cause offense )

FOr those of you who are single or cooking for 2:

www.redisetgo.com

Interesting little gadget. Be kinda cool.
Ah, well, when I'm rich. *LOL*
ME

OK, so, I think I'm in a reality not of my own making and I want to go back to my regularly scheduled programing now.
( It all started with a little toothache )

OK, so, I'm experiencing a certain De Ja Vu...
( Didn't I already do this once before? )

OK, so, like, my oldest girls each wrote me a letter last year that got sent sometime in March. I thought about what I wanted to say and finally got the replies sent off in July.
( Trying to remember everything Dad taught me about tact and Diplomacy )

I think most of us really never pay attention to the fact that time can pass us by without notice. When it is noticed, there's usually shock and surprise involved.
( Observations from a snail's eye view )

Sometimes, life happens whether we are ready for it or not.
So, this is kinda one of those posts where you have been warned in advance.
Don's cousin Keith died 6/18/09. No one was notified until yesterday. I haven't really talked to the right people to ask the right questions on account of certain peoples got a case of the uglies that pissed me off enough to ignore the whole thing until tonight. Drama lama of epic proportions and I just wanna shoot it already.
Keith was a dork. But, he was a kind, compassionate, caring dork who tried really hard. He screwed up *A LOT!*. In some ways, he reminded me a lot of Maryangel's dad, minus the large, muscle-yness and obstinateness. I had a soft spot for him 'cause he was kind.
I had a soft spot for him because he literally talked me out of suicide without even knowing he was doing it.
Yep. I said it. Was gonna off myself. Had naughty thoughts of hurting myself, not anyone else. And this time yon counselor was not gonna talk me outta it. Had it all planned out, right down to the wire, Maryangel taken care of and all. I was very meticulous with it all.
Said dork hadda come into Reno for a procedure on his gut. Said Dork came back to our place and sorta started yakking. Then got to yakking some more. And yakkin'. I was kinda listening, but not, then he said "You know, I'm glad you're my friend. It's nice to talk to someone who treats me like I'm somebody instead of a loser."
Then he gave me a hug. Then he went on into the bedroom and took a nap.
And I went out on the balconey and cried as silently as the darkness.
'Cause the dork went and said that I was needed and I'd be missed without saying I was needed and I'd be missed. And in that moment, the pain, the exhaustion, the hopelessness; it all seemed insignificant next to that one little realization that my continued existence meant that much to just one person.
And I tell ya, I must have a serious superhero complex, because all it took was that one person to make me stop feeling so selfishly sorry for myself and start listening to that voice that had been whispering in my ear all along, telling me I could go just one more step, I wasn't alone.
And, no, Maryangel didn't and doesn't need me like that. The cub is a survivor that knows how to land on her feet. Keith was a battered, bewildered soul who could never understand why he was constantly getting kicked while he was down. Someone tried to kick Maryangel while she was down, she'd eat thier foot. Keith, well, Keith would be like the cute little puppy with the cute little bewildered and confused eyes that said "Why'd you do that?" while not doing a damn thing to protect himself or avoid the next kick.
So, when certain people started with the uglies, I didn't want any part of it. 'Cause I could just picture Keith's shade crying in bewilderment like a small child, trying to understand why everyone was being so mean when they should be comforting each other. It made me angry. It made me hurt.
I got enough shit to deal with. I don't need or want pain that isn't mine.
Liz called tonight. Short of it is that the mortuary needs money to pay for the ashes. She asked that we help with what we could. I was non-committal. I will help with what I can when I can, for Keith's sake. However, I will leave it to Don to decide if he is going to use any of his last SEB check to contribute.
I really, really wanna go home now.
When people die, the people they leave behind should not dishonor the dead by being at each other's throats or by being mean to each other. They should look around themselves and see that what matters is not something you can touch or hold in your hand, but is far more precious than the most priceless treasures on this earth.
Most people are fools.
*grr argh* I feel like the mutant zombie cartoon thingy they used to trot across the screen at the end of every Buffy The Vampire Slayer episode. Without any brains to munch on in sight. Geez, I'm gonna starve.
I promise, I will weep for him, just not at the moment. This household is not a fit place at the moment for me to honor his memory with my tears.
It is late and I have to get some sleep. Work will come early tomorrow.
ME

OK, so, I did this experiment:
2 plastic buckets from Wal-Mart: $3.00
3 bags potting soil mix: $15
Assorted Veggie seeds: $5
Assorted planting containers and buckets at home: $0
K-Bar hunting knife: $0
2 Tomato plants: $6
1 Strawberry plant: $2
2 Watermelon plants: $4
1 Exaperated, consternated and hyper husband snarking "WTF?!?": $0
Watching your teen-age daughter excitedly go straight for getting grubby, dirty and happily digging in dirt?: Priceless
Listening to said exasperated husband tell the plant killing cat "Now, this is your area and this is the no-no area." while making gestures normally meant for small children and the cat is looking confused as hell?: Hilariously funny.
Now, I'm pretty sure the containers I made for the upside down tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberry plants will make it. If the cat leaves the rest of it alone, we may actually get other veggies and melons. Day 1 of the re-attempt at container gardening.
Whee!

Sometimes, that day seems like it happened just yesterday.
OK. Emotions warning. You may find the following disturbing. Remember, I love you.
( Why? )

My Dearest Chelsey, Vanessa and Matthew;
These are going to be difficult for me. They may seem disjointed, but, I need to set them down.
( Answers from Mom's perspective )

This has been weighing heavy on my mind for a very long time. Years, in fact. More recently, I've been struggling with a decision on whether or not to post it under "public" with the faint, vague hopes that perhaps they might actually see it and read it.
( This is going to be stark and leave me exposed, so be kind! )

'Cause Rhi said the Fritatta thing sounded interesting! *LOL*
If you are going to use regular ground sausage or other raw meat, cook it first, then when it's about half-way done, add the veggies to it and finish it off. Make sure you drain any fat off! ('Cause, ewww! otherwise)
For more Fritatta ideas go to http://www.delish.com/search/fast_search_recipes/?search_term=egg%20frittata
For other recepies that are easy to adapt for us cheapskates go to http://www.delish.com/
There are tons of recipes there that you can easily use substitutes in to make them cost-effective but still nutritious!
Now, on to the "Interesting Fritatta"!

Italian Frittata
Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
· 4 eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 tablespoon(s) fat-free milk
· 1/4 teaspoon(s) dried oregano leaves
· 1/8 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
· 1/8 teaspoon(s) salt
· 1/8 teaspoon(s) black pepper
· 1/4 cup(s) chopped red bell pepper
· 1/4 cup(s) chopped broccoli florets (I leave this out and substitute whatever veggie I have on hand that everyone will eat 'cause my household doesn't like broccoli)
· 4 ounce(s) Sausage Links (sliced) (I use Ground sausage that we get in our meat pkg from Butcher Boy meats, but any sausage or even bacon or leftover chicken/whatever will do)
· 1/4 cup(s) canned sliced mushrooms, drained (Or you can use fresh ones. I also throw in some onion, 'cause, hello, yummy!)
· 1/2 cup(s) (2 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
1. In medium bowl whisk together eggs, milk, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray cook bell pepper, broccoli, and Sausage over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Remove from skillet. Set aside.
3. In same skillet cook egg mixture over medium-low heat until set. Top with vegetable mixture and mushrooms. Sprinkle with cheese. Tightly cover. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

NOTE: For those of you who don't care for or can't tolerate veggies for whatever reason, just leave them out. It's still yummy sans veggies. Good served with a side salad or garlic toast or with fresh fruit for a light meal that is also CHEAP.

Just 'cause I was lookin' for something else and these cropped up in my files first! *LOL*
And just to be clear, sesame seeds at our Winco are so cheap it's laughable. Canned chickpeas are probably $0.50 or so, olive oil really isn't that expensive if you look at the overall application of what you are doing with it and the yeild and canola or sesame oil works too. Winco carries a brand of yeast called Bakipan that I've found to be excellent and costs between $0.25 to $0.38, depending on the week. All purpose flour is cheap, so's garlic. A small can of roasted red peppers is about $0.89 to $1.69 depending on the brand and demand. Lemon juice isn't expensive, either. I get a decent yeild of hummus when I make this recipe and it costs me less than $3.00 to make. Lasts me and Babygirl about a week and that's only 'cause I don't let her have it on her toast with breakfast! *LOL* I'm not too fond of Tahini, so I usually just leave it out. However, hey, if you like it, it's not that hard or expensive to make. Keep in mind it's totally optional in any hummus recipe, so if you don't have it, don't sweat it!
Pita bread isn't so hard to make, just time consuming. I get a good batch, but it doesn't last long because, hello, Babygirl loves it with her breakfast.
I've included a link for basic bread as well that is good for beginners http://www.io.com/~sjohn/bread.htm
If you are a more advanced Baker, http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oGkyFQ4AVKxWYBR2ZXNyoA?p=basic+bread+recipes&fr=hsusgo1&fr2=sb-top&sao=1 has tons and tons of links just waiting to be explored! *WEG*
I tend to splice and dice bread recipes together and have gotten a pretty good result from a kaiser roll recipe I modified by using the whole egg instead of the whites and cutting in whole wheat flour for about 1/3 of the overall flour used in the recipe. Still can't cut the loaves worth diddly, but that doesn't seem to matter. Good thing I always get 2 loaves 'cause within 5 minutes of me pulling it out of the oven, 1 loaf has a good 1/3 missing due to the fact Don has raided it on behalf of himself and Babygirl. *SIGH*
Tortillas are easy, but time consuming. Also, if you don't have a decent rolling pin, you are gonna hate it. But in the end, it is worth it, 'cause they are yummy wrapped around all kinds of fillings.
The crepes are the easiest to make. You just have to remember to tilt and roll the skillet to get the batter to circle out evenly. Once you get the swirling rythym down, it's a snap. And crepes are pretty versatile; they wrap around scrambled eggs for a quick portable breakfast, any kind of jelly, jam or fruit as a treat or around meat/veggie filling for a lunch food or dinner food. If I am feeling lazy, I'll use the crepe as a tortillia. Refried beans and some grated cheese, salsa on top and viola! Burrito!
Oh, and the Hot Slaw is pretty yummy with hot dogs, smoked sausage/keilbasa or potatoes. I love it 'cause it's quick, tasty and CHEAP! I take leftover baked potatoes, cut them up in cubes, fry in a bit of butter and have them with the slaw. Yummy! (And wonders of wonders, kids like it!)
I have tons and tons of recipes that could make this post too large. *LOL*
In the meantime, hey, enjoy!
*WEG*
ME

Tahini
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
· 5 cups sesame seeds
· 1 1/2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350. Toast sesame seeds for 5-10 minutes, shaking the seeds frequently with a spatula. Do not allow to brown. Cool for 20 minutes.
Pour sesame seeds into food processor and add oil. Blend for 2 minutes. Check for consistency. The goal is a thick, yet pourable texture. Add more oil and blend until desired consistency.
Yield: 4 cups
Storing Tahini
Tahini should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. It will keep for up to 3 months.


Roasted red pepper hummus

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
· 1 can of chick peas/garbanzo beans (15 oz)
· 1/3 cup tahini
· 1/4 cup lemon juice
· 2 tablespoon olive oil
· 2 garlic cloves, crushed
· 1/2 cup -3/4 cup roasted red peppers (depending on taste)
Preparation:
In a food processor, (Or blender) combine beans, tahini, lemon juice and olive. Process until smooth. Add red peppers and garlic until desired consistency.
Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with hot pita bread or toasted pita chips.
Roasted red pepper hummus can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Heat up in microwave or on stovetop to serve.


Roasted garlic hummus
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
· 1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans (15 oz.)
· 2 tablespoons roasted garlic
· 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Preparation:
In a food processor, (or blender!) process beans, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and oregano until desired consistency. If hummus is too thick, simply add olive oil in small increments(i/2 teaspoon) until desired consistency.

Serve roasted garlic hummus garnished with finely chopped parsley with hot pita bread, pita chips, or veggies. Roasted red pepper hummus goes very well with cubes of warm Italian bread.

Hummus can be prepared in advance up to two days if store in airtight container in the refrigerator. To serve, heat in microwave or on stovetop.

For more Hummus Recipes go to http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/a/hummus101.htm

Basic Pita Bread
Ingredients:
· 1 package of yeast, or quick rising yeast
· 1/2 cup warm water
· 3 cups all purpose flour
· 1 1/4 teapsoon salt
· 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
· 1 cup lukewarm water
Preparation:
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until water is frothy.
Combine flour and salt in large bowl. Make a small depression in the middle of lour and pur yeast water in depression. Slowly add 1 cup of warm water, and stir with wooden spoon or rubber spatula until elastic.
PLace dough on floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. When the dough is no longer stick and is smooth and elastic, it has been successfully kneaded. Coat large bowl with vegetable oil and place dough in bowl. Turn dough upside down so all of the dough is coated. Allow to sit in a warm place for about 3 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Once doubled, roll out in a rope, and pinch off 10-12 small pieces. Place balls on floured surface. Let sit covered for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 deg F. and make sure rack is at the very bottom of oven. Be sure to preheat your baking sheet also. Roll out each ball of dough with a rolling pin into circles. Each should be about 5-6 inches across and 1/4 inch thick. Bake each circle for 4 minutes until the bread puffs up. Turn over and bake for 2 minutes. Remove each pita with a spatula from the baking sheet and add additional pitas for baking.
Take spatula and gently push down puff. Immediately place in storage bags.
Storing Pita Bread
Pita bread can be stored for up to a week in a pantry or bread box, and up to a month in the freezer. Be sure to use freezer bags when storing in the freezer.



Garlic Pita Bread

This is a tasty twist on the traditional pita bread. Garlic pita bread is simple to make and perfect with any meal.
Ingredients:
· 1 package of yeast, or quick rising yeast
· 1/2 cup warm water
· 3 cups all purpose flour
· 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
· 1 cup lukewarm water
· 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
· ¾ cup butter, melted or olive oil
Preparation:
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until water is frothy.
Combine flour and salt in large bowl. Make a small depression in the middle of flour and pour yeast water in depression. Slowly add 1 cup of warm water, and stir with wooden spoon or rubber spatula until elastic.
Place dough on floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. When the dough is no longer sticky and is smooth and elastic, it has been successfully kneaded.
Coat large bowl with vegetable oil and place dough in bowl. Turn dough upside down so all of the dough is coated. Allow to sit in a warm place for about 3 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Once doubled, roll out in a rope, and pinch off 10-12 small pieces. Place balls on floured surface. Let sit covered for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 deg F. and make sure rack is at the very bottom of oven. Be sure to preheat your baking sheet also. Roll out each ball of dough with a rolling pin into circles. Each should be about 5-6 inches across and 1/4 inch thick. Bake each circle for 4 minutes until the bread puffs up. Turn over and bake for 2 minutes. While pita is baking, combine minced garlic and melted butter in a small bowl. Remove each pita with a spatula from the baking sheet and add additional pitas for baking. Once pita is removed from oven, take spatula and gently push down puff. Immediately brush garlic mixture onto pita bread evenly.
Serve immediately or place in storage bags.

For more pita bread recipes go to http://mideastfood.about.com/od/breadsrice/r/garlic_pita.htm

Flour Tortillias
2 Cups Flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vegetable oil
¾ c lukewarm milk
Mix Flour and baking powder in large mixing bowl.
Mix milk, salt and oil. Stir until salt is disolved.
Slowly add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring to make a sticky dough.
Sprinkle flour onto a clean counter and turn the dough out onto it. Knead with floured hands for about 2 min. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 20 min. After 20 min, pinch off balls of dough about the size of a golf ball or egg. Roll into round balls, cover with damp towel and let rest another 15 to 20 minutes.
One at a time, Roll out flat with rolling pin on a floured surface into a thin circle about the size of a small plate. Don't get them too thin or they will rip when you try to pull them up. You can roll them out a little thicker if you want for Gordita style tortillias, too. They'll be a bit smaller, but that's ok.
You can stack the rolled out tortillas on top of each other, but don't leave them sitting too long or they will stick together.
To cook, heat a cast iron griddle or large round skillet on high. Cook for about 20-30 seconds on each side, pressing down on any bubbles that form.
Store in airtight container or bag for up to a week in the fridge, 3-5 days in the cabinet. Makes about a dozen

Basic Crepes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot. Makes about a dozen.

Hot Slaw
1/2 to whole small Green Cabbage, shredded
1/2 to whole small Red cabbage, shredded (Totally optional and up to you. I usually just use green by itself)
1 small onion or more to taste, halved and cut in thin slices
2-3 grated carrots, depending on your taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Minced or granulated garlic to taste
1 cube of butter or margarine or 2 tablespoons of Olive oil/your choice of oil
¼ cup of white or red wine vinegar or more, depending on taste.
1-3 beaten eggs, again totally optional and up to you. I usually don't, but that's 'cause I have other stuff along with it.
Heat the butter/margarine or oil in a large skillet on med-high. Once melted, add the onion and saute for about 2-3 minutes. Add the cabbage and the carrot, salt, pepper and garlic. Continue sauting on med-high until the cabbage begins to wilt and the onions are translucent, about another 5 to 10 minutes. Add the vinegar and the egg. Continue to saute until the egg is done, about another 3 min or so. Serve as a side or alone or hey, get creative like those of us in the Elwell family and stuff it into pot stickers and spring roll wrappers! This is an "invention" of my grandmother's that has been one of those "Ooo, look what we can do with this! Isn't it COOL!" dishes that continues to be a hit once introduced into a household. We encourage you to tweak and play with it. I've added other stuff to it, just because. Zucchini, eggplant, ect. It's a foundation for experimentation and CHEAP! (And did I mention, it is yummy wrapped in a crepe?) It's good with rice and fish too. If anyone expounds and tries new twists on it, let me know, 'cause, hey, always interested in yummy cheap ideas for dinner sides and stuff! LOL

Your result for Which Were Animal Would You Be? Test...

You are a Were-Wolf!

60% wolf, 50% rat, 0% horse, 50% tiger, 20% leopard, 50% fox and 40% bear!

Take Which Were Animal Would You Be? Test at HelloQuizzy

I'm sure I had a moment of weakness to do this:








Either that, or I haven't had enough coffee yet...So, please, click on the little dragon egg and help it hatch...
And that is what I get for being Don's new World of Warcraft playmate. *Chortle*
ME

OK, so, perusing and found these:

http://www.caron.com/images/yarn_images/shadows/shadows_proj/SSS2_baroque_tunic_lg.jpg

I showed them to Babygirl and she seemed to like them, though said the second one would look pretty done in purple.
(She's a purple sort of girl.)

I also found this:
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/mirror_lake/mirror_lake_2.html
that I figured would make nice gifts for Liz, katrina and C. (Who is going to be there and whom George thinks I should be nice to 'cause she's sorry about what she did to us..But, that's another story for another time.)

D and I are kicking around the possibility of seeing if stuff will sell on E-bay. If it does, well, then, we'll figure it out from there. Could be a source of pin money for both of us that would ease finances for both of us. We'll see.
I sent my mom a pressie for her birthday and included some snowflakes, crocheted of course! (Tree ornaments) She said she is sending me money and all I could think of was "YARN! WHOO-HOO!" *lol*
At any rate, starting Christmas gifts will keep me busy and out of trouble. *SIGH*
Happy Sunday, all.
ME

OK, so, I'm undergoing "intense therapy/introspection" and this is the result. *LOL*
Seriously, Doc G said reevaluate and in order to concentrate on re-evaluation, I need to "zone". As my cousin D put it, the best therapy is a crochet needle, some yarn, a cool pattern and music. It's very true. Although, sometimes, just getting in the kitchen and creating something yummy to eat helps too. Yesterday, it was "Crockpot Sloppy Joes" only I sort of expounded on the recipie a bit. Added diced bell peppers and grated carrots as something new. Turned out pretty good. Made a big huge batch, as always. (I freeze the leftovers) I also made German style "Broetchen" buns. Discovered I was running low on flour and snuck in whole wheat pastry flour to compensate. Oh, wow, were they great! Of course, I had banannas that were starting to turn brown, so decided to make bananna bread, only I had zucchinni squash too...and more grated carrot...and no cinnamon...
Well, I still made the bananna bread, only, I grated the zucchini into it along with the carrot. i subsituted Chinese Five spice for the cinnamon, as it's got a healthy dose of cinnamon in it already, cut back a smidge on the allspice, substituted brown sugar in a less amount for the white sugar and whoa...I got a nummy sweet tasting bread that even Don will eat and he hates banannas! *LOL*
Today, I got whined at about peanut butter cookies, 'cuz I had said I'd make them before Don discovered he liked the sweet bread. *SIGH* So, I made cookies. Tonight, I am going to make a light dinner of ham and egg scramble crepes. I'm kinda all cooked out, but crepes aren't that hard. takes me about 30 minutes total from start to finish to make a batch of them. Fill 'em and roll 'em and viola! Dinner.
In the meantime, I'm sort of taking a break from crocheting my latest project 'cause today I felt like vegging on the 'puter. *EG*
But, here are some of my latest things, finished and unfinished:


My first attempt at a snood. Turned into a warm beret type hat. Back view



Front view. Don likes it when I wear it around the house. It's comfy and doesn't drive me bonkers like most winter type hats do. I get cold *A LOT* and as my wilderness survival teacher said, "IF you're cold, put on a hat, you'll get warm in no time!". Besides, it keeps my hair out of my face and safe from scissors. *LOL*




OK, so, he's really not a project to me. I'm sure others would have different opinions. *LOL* However, he tolerates the yarn monsters that live in the house and is even fond of them, when they turn into something useful or pretty. *LOL*



A lacy tunic sweater I am working on for Katrina's B-Day.



Closer look. The yarn is pretty. Took me a bit to figure out the correct hook size to get the required gauge. This yarn is not fun to frog. I have to remind myself to keep my grip on the yarn light and my stitches loose. But, I don't think I could have picked a more froofy yarn that Katrina is sure to love. She's the classic girly girl. Just for fun, I picked a darker rose color of the same yarn to make a pinwheel lace cardigan for her mom. *EG*




Biggest pain in my rump for 3 years. I lost track of how many times I had to re-start it due to it getting chewed or marked on by the dogs and the cats. Or because the pattern was sort of tricky to figure out and I'd get just so far before figuring out, no, that wasn't what it was supposed to look like. *SIGH* I finally just had to put it away until the urge to duct tape everyone and everything in sight went away. I finally completed it right before Babygirl's birthday! Ironic, when I originally intended it to be a birthday present, only 3 years late! *LOL*



Pineapple lace poncho.



Pineapple Lace poncho. Pretty!



A scrap yarn afghan that Don decided how it would be put together. I'm just finishing it with rows of Double crochet in solid colors.



Scrap yarn afghan. (I'm hoping to be finished with this soon!)




That's it right now. Once I finish the lacy tunic Sweater, I am doing a pinwheel lace cardigan. Then, I am going to figure out Christmas presents. Since the washcloths and tableset I made for D's wedding present met with great enthusiasm, I figure those would be good choices. Or, I have a pattern for a Pineapple lace sweater I'd like to try, if I can figure out adjustments for different sizes as the pattern is for a medium. I might save that one for after the holidays. *LOL*
In the meantime, back to puttering on the internet! (Truthfully, I'm feeling a bit rundown today, so I figured a lazy day of internet surfing would be a good thing. I probably did too much yesterday, with all things considered. But, I felt so energetic. It's hard sometimes, to remember that with this stupid condition, if I am having a great day, I should still pace myself to conserve. *SIGH* I used too many spoons yesterday and am now facing a spoon shortage for today. *SIGH*)
ME

Thought everyone could use a laugh...
"How to give your cat a pill"
1. Grasp cat firmly in your arms. Cradle its head on your elbows, just as if you were giving a baby bottle. Coo confidently, "That;s a nice kitty." Drop pill into its mouth.

2. Retrieve cat from top of lamp and pill from under sofa.

3. Follow same procedure as in 1, but hold cat's front paws down with left hand and back paws down with elbow of right arm. Poke pill into its mouth with forefinger.

4. Retrieve cat from under bed. Get new pill from bottle. (Resist urge to get new cat.)

5. Again, proceed as in 1, except when you have cat firmly cradled in bottle-feeding position, sit down on edge of chair, fold your torso over cat, bring your right hand over your left elbow, open cat's mouth by lifting the upper jaw and pop the pill in--QUICKLY. Since your head is down by your knees, you won't be able to see what you're doing. That's just as well.

6. Leave cat hanging on drapes. Leave pill in your hair.

7. If you're a woman, have a good cry. If you're a man, have a good cry.

8. Now, pull yourself together. Who's the boss here anyway? Retrieve cat and pill. Assuming position 1, say sternly "Who's the boss here, anyway?" Open cat's mouth, take pill and....Oooooops!

9. This isn't working, is it? Collapse and think. Aha! Those flashing claws are causing the chaos.

10. Crawl to the linen closet. Drag back large beach towel. Spread towel on floor.

11. Retrieve cat from kitchen counter and pill from potted plant.

12. Spread cat on towel near one end with its head over long edge.

13 Flatten cat's front and back legs over its stomach. (Resist urge to flatten cat)

14. Roll cat in towel. Work fast; time and tabbies wait for no man--or woman.

15. Resume position 1. Rotate your left hand to cat's head. Press its mouth at the jaw hinges like opening the petals of a snapdragon.

16. Drop pill into cat's mouth and poke gently. Voila! It's done.

17. Vacuum up loose fur (cat's). Apply bandages to wounds. (yours).

18. Take two asprins and lie down.

Wow, I think I am in another funk.  Don't wanna do anything.  You name it, I don't wanna.  'Course, could have something to do w/having did my budget and realizing I gotta sneak in OT hours. *SIGH*  So much for days off. *BLEH*
Anyway, late for a shower.  Gotta book.
Hope everyone is doing ok.  As for me, well, I refuse to take anti-depressants again and Doc G agrees with me.  Said it's probably the worst thing we could do at this point.  Wants me to try yoga and meditation.  Well, that's what crochet is for....
*SIGH*
And while I really do love my cousin, the thought of being around so many church folk on Saturday is kinda daunting.  On the one hand, "Esme" cackles I should go in full regalia.  On the other hand, well, I respect everyone's right to worship as they please.  I just dread getting cornered by someone who is not of the same mindframe, 'cause, hello, cousin's wedding and I promised to be extra nice!
*SIGH*
No comments please.
ME

OK, so, I've been following this. I've got a question to pose for everyone out there: Are we really that naive and stupid?
Think about it. The economic bailout proposal cites that if it is not passed, America faces an economic depression that will make the Great Depression look like a Sunday in the Park. If that were the case, why would Bank of America be stable enough to take over Merrill Lynch?? Why aren't we hearing about other firms on the edge of closure? Where's Bank of America? Where's Wells Fargo? Where's Key Bank? Where's Price Waterhouse Coopers???
Want to know where they aren't? Not on this list, as far as I can see.
Moreover, if the government feels it needs to burden the taxpayers to this level, why aren't we pushing for them to actually go in and buy up all the loans outstanding on the homes that are being foreclosed and/or are in danger of being foreclosed due to the real estate fiasco that has been perpetuated by the "Wall Street" market leaders? Why are we bailing out the criminals responsible for this crisis? Why not let them crash? Why not go in and bail out the American People, instead?
I gotta tell you, I'd be more willing to sacrifice $10,000 a year to make sure people like my mom and dad don't lose thier house and can buy groceries rather than someone who made $70 million dollars last year.
Personally, I think that the people responsible should be paying for this. You're a CEO of one of these companies who did this? Wow, you're gonna be fined$69.75 million. Don't have the liquid assets to pay the fine? Well, the government is going to cease your bank accounts and property and liquidate it for you. Your an executive who had a finger in the pie? Wow, sucks to be you, 'cause you're getting the same treatment.
Of course, we all know that this isn't going to happen. Why not? Because, the Oligarchy Leaders aren't going to want to have to have all that lovely money get sucked out of thier pockets.
And, America, stop whining. We put ourselves in this position by putting up with everything that was shoved on our shoulders. We lay down and spread our collective legs like a crack whore spreading for her next fix.
Question is: Are we gonna get clean and make sure it never happens again or are we gonna just stick another syringe in a vein and ignore it for another 4 years?
I'm voting. How about you?
ME