trading treats tuesday

This Trading Treats Tuesday, I find joy in this

Mellow Kid.

At his very first piano recital with his very first (very cute) piano teacher, he was totally unconcerned that his shirt looked like this:

And, that his shoes looked like this:

(Do you remember the saga of these Sunday shoes? They're still going strong, after all they've been through. Although I have wondered if they refuse to stay tied because of their ordeal, or if I just can't tie shoes tight. Things that make you go "hmmmmm." Or not.)


Despite these imperfections, he was totally fine. He went up on the stage. He played his three little pieces (The Balloon Man, Caterpillar Crawl, Ode (which he insists on pronouncing "Oyhd") to Joy) . And he bowed -- smiling the whole time.

That's just the way he is.

That is, unless someone (or two) is bugging him.

Then, watch out.

What are you enjoying today?

apple crisp

Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!

(I bet you didn't know today was Johnny Appleseed's birthday. Unless you're a kindergarten teacher. But it is.)

It is, indeed, a day of celebration! Not only are we celebrating this important holiday, but also the wedding of my nephew and his bride --
Here --
It was a beautiful ceremony. We are so happy for them both.

Her mom is especially happy today. Last night, at a family dinner, the mom confessed she thinks her new son-in-law is HOT. And that she can't wait for grandbabies. And since they got married on Johnny Appleseed day, I think it only appropriate that they should listen to her mom, and heed the counsel to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.

Especially since they will make some beautiful children.

Since most of you don't know the happy couple, here's a little recipe to help you celebrate the blessed day. Today, on Good Food Friday, multiply the inches around your waist, and replenish your family with a batch of


The First Family's Favorite Forbidden Fruit Crisp

3 to 4 medium apples (Jonathans or Granny Smith)
3/4 c rolled oats, quick cooking
3/4 c packed brown sugar
½ c flour
1 tsp cinnamon
½ c butter

Pare & slice apples into greased 9"x9" pan. Combine oatmeal, sugar, flour, & spices; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle mixture over apples & bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.



This is a family heirloom recipe. It was passed down from my grandmother (the proprietress of an apple orchard), to my mother, to me and now to you -- 'cause we're all part of one big happy family. And to celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day, go outside and throw a few appleseeds over your shoulder as you make this yummy dessert.


Enjoy!

spiderwoman

Today I smushed the most incredibly huge

Monsterously Ginormous

Black Widow.

It was so big,



that when I smooshed it



I swear I heard it give a little scream.







Five points to whoever can tell me who - or what movie - coined the word "ginormous".

black widow picture originally downloaded by dutchdoubles

hair today

The boys school is doing some safety awareness week. Today was crazy hair day.

The Littlest Carrotstick wanted a reverse fauxhawk.

He ended up looking like Wolverine from (e)X-Men (minus the sideburns).

I know, I should have taken a picture. Force yourself to enjoy Hugh J@ckm@n instead. (I don't really like him as Wolverine, to be honest. But I just saw a preview for some new movie he's in, and at times I think he can be quite nice looking.)

The Middle Carrotstick good naturedly tried to play along. But his hair is incredibly thick and naturally curly. Somehow the two together make his hair almost like duck feathers -- impervious to water, hair products, and any kind of styling whatsoever. So, though we attempted the Wolverine/Reverse Fauxhawk on him, shortly thereafter he looked . . . Normal.

Enjoy this picture of him. He has grass sticking out of his ears. But one day, when he's really old, I'm afraid he'll look the same -- only then it'll be hair.

Ewwww.

trading treats tuesday

"Dating Decisions"

This weeks lovely, inspiring lesson topic for our Young Women.

One met with fear and trepidation by the Young Women Leaders asked to teach it.

Somehow it was very much akin to the dreaded 5th Grade Maturation Program -- except the kids didn't get a fair forewarning.

Things went well, from what I've heard. The Beehives were embarrassed by the whole thing. The Laurels were embarrassed by the whole thing. The MIA Maids, I heard, were very noisy. I don't know for sure what that means. We'll assume lots of good discussion was taking place and that the girls were all committing to be selective with their kisses, and not hand them out like pretzels to every boy that comes asking. Dating is not Trick-or-Treating, ladies.

So what does this have to do with Trading Treats Tuesday?

Only this:

Thank goodness my dear sweet daughter had no idea what Lust is.

That, my friends, is a treat indeed.
Hurray for Innocence. Long may it reign!

And also: a big Hurray for great Young Women Leaders!

What are you celebrating today?

pms poem monday

monday and pms together.

good stuff.

but not quite as good as monday, pms and a migraine -- which some would argue go hand in hand -- and then go ahead and add bitter cold wind, overcast skies, and intermitten rain.

one thing about monday, pms and a migraine, plus stormy weather is it really makes you grateful for all the other days of well-being.

and isn't that part of what life is about? experiencing the sad, and the sorrow, and the hard stuff so that we can really know joy and happiness and the difference between well-being and the other?

I just found this poet, Jane Kenyon. She was a modern poet, and really wrote some quite beautiful stuff. "8 Credo" is an excerpt from her poem Having it out with Melancholy. The whole poem is really . . . thought provoking. It also reminds me of the sections in Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert where she personifies depression sitting in her room and snuggled up next to her in bed. Interesting, sad, sorrowful stuff.


Here is the promised poem.

8 Credo

Pharmaceutical wonders are at work
but I believe only in this moment
of well-being. Unholy ghost,
you are certain to come again.

Coarse, mean, you'll put your feet
on the coffee table, lean back,
and turn me into someone who can't
take the trouble to speak; someone
who can't sleep, or who does nothing
but sleep; can't read, or call
for an appointment for help.

There is nothing I can do
against your coming.
When I awake, I am still with thee.


For me, today, I am happy that the pharmaceutical wonder called ibuprofen exists to help me manage my migraine, that I can go to lunch with PB&J and friends, and that the sun always manages to break through the clouds.

(like this picture? I took it in Hawaii. You just can't feel bad in Hawaii. It's a state law. Or should be.)

Last Friday, at the Middle Carrotstick's soccer game, the skies spit rain on us for about 10 minutes. But when it was done, the setting sun rewarded us with a glorious full magical rainbow. Unfortunately, the only little leprechauns I saw running around were wearing soccer cleats and chasing a ball -- not lucky charms -- around the soggy field.

But. I don't think we would have enjoyed or appreciated the rainbow as much if we hadn't been sitting out on that field, enduring the rain (without umbrellas) first. There is joy in the contrast.

Sorry. This ends Waxing Philosphical (with unoriginal thoughts) by the Lunch Lady. We now return you to your regularly scheduled whatever.

overcast picture originally downloaded by Patrice Balard

chicken green chili

I looked out the window, and what did I see?

This.

And what do find littering my front porch every morning?

These.
You know what's next?

This.

Apparently, it IS as the wise sage said:
"It's not easy being green."

And so, the seasons change, and autumn comes. And your kids get bigger. And it's just no fun.

But I refuse (at least in theory) to embrace the change. -- Not THAT change. I'm not quite old enough for that. Yet. And when I am, I think I will refuse to embrace THAT change too.

I refuse to embrace the passage of time. I will not allow autumn into my life yet. I am NOT a Candidate for Change! Boycott the Red, I say! Boycott Red, and Yellow, too! Embrace the Green!


As the philosopher says,

"I'm green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful and I think it's what I want to be."



This Good Food Friday, I can not ethically post a recipe for Chili. At least not normal, typical RED/EVIL Chili.


Instead, GO GREEN with this --

Preserving the Status Quo Chicken Green Chili

3 chicken breasts
Table salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium jalapeño chiles
3 poblano chiles (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces
3 Anaheim chile peppers (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces
2 medium onions , cut into large pieces (2 cups)
6 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans , drained and rinsed
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
4 scallions , white and light green parts sliced thin

Season chicken liberally with salt & pepper. Heat oil in large pan over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add chicken, cook about 4 minutes. Turn and lightly brown on other side, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate.

While chicken is browning, remove and discard ribs and seeds from 2 jalapeños; mince flesh. In food processor, process half of poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions until consistency of chunky salsa, ten to twelve 1-second pulses, scraping down sides of workbowl halfway through. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Repeat with other half, and combine with first batch (do not wash food processor blade or workbowl).

To 1 Tblsp vegetable oil, add minced jalapeños, chile-onion mixture, garlic, cumin, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover & cook, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Transfer 1 cup cooked vegetable mixture to now-empty food processor workbowl. Add 1 cup beans & 1 cup broth and process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add vegetable-bean mixture, remaining 2 cups broth, and chicken breasts to Dutch oven and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

Transfer chicken to large plate. Stir in remaining beans and continue to simmer, uncovered, until beans are heated through and chili has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

Mince remaining jalapeño, reserving and mincing ribs and seeds, and set aside. When cool enough to handle, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones. Stir shredded chicken, lime juice, cilantro, scallions, and remaining minced jalapeño (with seeds if desired) into chili and return to simmer. Adjust seasonings and serve.

(If Anaheim chiles cannot be found, add an additional poblano and jalapeño to the chili. Serve with sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges.)



This IS yummy chili. PB&J and I are quite in love with it. It's a little lighter than normal *shudder* red chili. But with really great flavor. I'm not at all into Eating Hot (only being H-A-W-T), but if you carefully (using gloves) remove all the ribs (white junk) and seeds from inside the chilis, this is not hot! It's really good and a little different. And remember, different is good! You, of course, can add all the ribs and seeds you want to it, if you are addicted to Tabasco and have killed all your tastebuds.



I'll leave that up to your indiscretion.


Think Green! Go Green! Green Power!

trading treats tuesday

I have discovered the most wonderful thing.

Although it requires I wear birkenstocks and carry my own reusable and sustainable shopping bags, I have found our city's Farmer's Market.

It wasn't very hard to find. It's just that I finally went.

I don't usually like to be awake in the morning on Saturdays, but the Middle Carrotstick's over-zealous soccer coach has put an end to that. (Sloth. That's a Deadly Sin, you know.)

What wonders have I found at the Farmer's Market? you ask.

Well,

in one word,

my treat for today is:

Gluttony.

Yes, it is another one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

And when you look at the following picture of Gluttony Incarnate you will know why.

See?

This Asiago Basil Artisan Bread is not just a lovely collection of carbs. It is Gluttony. Especially lightly toasted and spread with butter.

Mmmmmmmm. That's all I can say, with my mouth crammed full of bread. Mmmmm. We originally bought only one loaf. We took it home. Tried it. Ate half of it in 5 minutes. And had to go back and get another one. Or two. (Greed. Another Deadly Sin.)

This Trading Treats Tuesday, may I recommend you get thee to a Farmer's Market and see if, perchance, you can find a loaf of Gluttony of your own to enjoy. 'Cause I don't want to make you guilty of another Deadly Sin -- Envy -- so you'd better get your own. Just don't buy them all, or you might incite my Wrath (another Deadly Sin. I just can't seem to get away from it.)

What Treat are you celebrating today? Go ahead, show a little Pride, and share. Sharing make your Pride less Deadly. Just hold back on your Lusts, if you don't mind. This is a PG-13 blog, after all.

(by the way, don't you love that picture of my Loaf of Gluttony shrouded in plastic wrap? Maybe I should quit my day job and become a bread photographer instead.)

lucky lady here for to start communication with you

A quote from my Google homepage today:

I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.
-- Tom Lehrer

And since I don't really have anything to say today, but feel bad because I haven't posted since last Thursday, instead of remaining silent (like I should) I will waste your time by sharing with you the following troubled salutation from some SPAM that appeared in my inbox today:


"Good time of the day!"


And the muddled valediction:


"Sweet goodbye!"

The Middle Carrotstick frequently gives me this look. He is thinking "Mom, I love ya, but you just don't make sense." Just like SPAM doesn't make sense -- both the kind you get in your email inbox, AND the kind you get in a can at the grocery store.

Do you have any sweet nothings you'd like to whisper in my ear?

say what?

My sister, Farm Girl, has the following on her resume: Pioneer Interpreter.

Which means she used to parade around in turn-of-the-century prairie clothes and make jam over an open fire, in the middle of the hot summer, entertaining and educating tourists and schoolchildren alike.

Or something like that. She was good at it. So good, she just got a job at some important American History-type museum in The District.

Following her example, I have decided to add the following to MY resume: Child Interpreter.

At times I parade around covered in child detritus. And though I don't entertain anyone, I do understand and interpret the things my children say.

I am fluent in Toddler, Dentally Impaired, and I am currently learning Teen (lol). (See?)

My curriculum vitae:

The Middle Carrotstick, when he was 2, about once a day would tell us he was "Sinking". Being well-versed in Toddler, I did not confuse "sinking" with "thinking," despite the concentration -- and consternation -- on his face. I knew he was thinking about stinking.

When the Oldest Carrotstick says she "Hate[s] Piano!" What she is really saying is "I want to go hang out with my friends -- not practice. Not now. Not ever. Why are you so mean?"

I am presently enrolled in a refresher course in Dentally Impaired. The Littlest Carrotstick, after the recent loss of his fourth tooth, is now missing his two front teeth, which has resulted in a little lispth. And inadvertant spit showers. This became very apparent after a trip to the library.

Littlest Carrotstick: "Mom! I justh found the sickest book!"

Lunch Lady: "Why? What was it about?"

LC: "I don't know. It was justh sick."

LL: "Did it have gross pictures or something?"

LC: "No, Mom! It was sick. Sick! Like thisth: (holding his hands about 5 inches apart.) Sick. Really sick."

LL: (light finally dawning) Oh! Thick! You saw a thick book!

LC: Sats what I said, sick.

Ok, so I'll admit, I've got to brush up on my Dentally Impaired, but I've got time. He's got 16 more teeth to lose.

To prevent atrophy, I've been practicing my Toddler with this little man, trying to keep up on it. (see how he's a glowing, and a little blurry? It's not that he's out of focus, it's cause he's an ANGEL and it's hard to capture angels on film. or whatever it is digital cameras use.)

Anyone in need of a translator?

(yes, Farm Girl, I know I am willfully mis-interpreting your occupation. Maybe it would be more appropriate if they called you a pioneer channeler or medium? That would be spooktacular.)

would you rather?

Throughout time, Man has asked a few Big Questions.

Who am I?

Why am I here?

And,

Would you rather be:

Smart

or

Popular?


Socrates asked it.


He chose:

Smart.


What happened to him?

Death by hemlock.



Gilbert Blythe answered:



"Smart is better than being good-looking (or popular)."

And for that he had to work for years to earn the affections of his One True Love.


The Oldest Carrotstick's Honors English class debated that Eternal Question in class recently.

They took an anonymous survey of the class.

The vote was split 24 to 3.

Only three in the Honors class chose popularity.

The three dissenters proved to be our own family philosopher and fledgling hedonist -- the Oldest Carrotstick, and two of her friends (who, interestingly enough, are boys).

The three debated their choice thusly:

"If you're popular," they argued, "you can still be smart. And it's really important to have good people skills, when you have a job and stuff. Besides that, you'll have Way More Fun, than if you're just smart."

So there.

Add that to your Socratic paradoxes.

trading treats tuesday

You know how you wake up in the morning sometimes, and you are filled with dread, because you have so much that needs to be done, and you know, in your heart of hearts, that you have you have as much chance of getting everything done as a butter pat in hades?

Suddenly, I feel very Southern.

Come on, say it with me, "Butta pat in Hay-dees."

Well, y'all, that's how Ah'm a-feelin' tuhday.

Ah'll try tuh keep frum writin' with muh Suth'n accent, 'cause it's just the teensiest bit distractin'.

That, and I haven't watched Paula Deen for a while, and so I might be a little off on my Southern drawl, y'all.

Well. Because it's Trading Treats Tuesday, I am not going to dwell on my impossible day. Nor am I going to dream the impossible dream. I am going to find something of Good Report and I'm going to look on the brighter side of things. By george.

So, today, I want to celebrate: A Nice Warm Car.

Not only do I love my seat heaters, but a nice warm car can be a glorious thing in the middle of summer, too.

You know how sometimes when you go on a lunch date with your husband (a treat in-and-of-itself) and you are sitting in the restaraunt -- FREEZING -- and secretly wishing you had brought a sweater, or even a parka, even though you would look ridiculous, but you are just so cold that it sounds very, very tempting?
Finally, the waiter brings the check, your husband pays, and at last you are released from your sub-zero experience and you go out and sit in your hot-like-its-been-sitting-in-the-sun-for-2-hours-in-the-middle-of-July car-with-a-black-leather-interior! Ahhhh, warmth. To feel the sun once again. And to feel your toes, and the tip of your nose.

I love that.


What're y'all luvin' tuh-day?


snowman picture by david wheeldon

italian grilled corn

Once again it's Good Food Friday.

Some may confuse Good Food Friday with Good Friday. But there are, if fact, several significant differences. Good Friday occurs only once a year. Good Food Friday occurs once a week (or should occur once a week (Sisters -- hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge nudge)). Good Friday is a religious holiday, for which some people get to take the day off, or enjoy a reduced number of commercials on tv. (This is true, by the way. If you have the audacity to doubt me, read this.) Good Food Friday is a made-up blogging holiday, adopted in part because it gives me one given regular posting topic. It really has few other benefits, except the occasional new recipe. Finally, Good Friday is a day of fasting, whereas Good Food Friday is a day of feasting. Or of celebrating the feast.

With that all cleared up, let me share the following recipe with you. But first, the preface. This recipe is . . . a little unexpected. And considering the unusual list of ingredients, you will think it a miracle that it tastes good. But it really is divine.


Unofficially Sanctioned by the Vatican Italian Grilled Corn

6 ears corn, shucked
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 to 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
About 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Hot red pepper flakes

Preheat a gas grill or prepare a fire in a gas grill.

Place the corn on the hottest part of the grill and cook for 3 minutes, or until grill marks appear on the first side. Roll each ear over a quarter turn and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then repeat two more times.

Meanwhile, mix the oil and vinegar on a large flat plate. Spread the Parmigiano on another flat plate.

When the corn is cooked, roll each ear in the oil and vinegar mixture, shake off the extra oil, and dredge in the Parmigiano to coat lightly. Place on a platter, sprinkle with the mint and pepper flakes, and serve immediately.


Did you catch the weird part?

Mint.

On Corn.

I found this recipe online somewhere, and I was so intrigued by the mint/corn combination that I had to try it. I love it when something you think shouldn't work, does.

But I tried this on Monday and absolutely fell in love. So in love, I actually took pictures of it -- a la M.C.D.A. So for once, here is a real picture of actual food cooked by me.

I did omit the red pepper flakes. Cause I'm not into Hot like that. And it was still really really good.

Come on, take a chance. Try something new!

self esteem 101

In Health, the Oldest Carrotstick is learning about Self Esteem. They took a test the other day to evaluate the level of their self esteem. But really, why? Isn't it all subjective? This is Junior High, after all.

Here's a little case study to illustrate my point.

Today was Picture Day at a certain Junior High. Some Junior High Girl, who shall remain nameless, has worried about what she was going to wear and how she was going to do her hair since the first day of school (2 weeks ago). (Traditionally, she wears what she wore on the First Day for Pictures. But, what she wore on the First Day this year might blend in too much with the generic mottled blue school photo background. That won't really matter in the yearbook, because it's all black and white anyway. But how will it look when she exchanges wallet sized photos with her friends?)

Knowing that, how would you grade That Nameless Girl's self esteem?

• A (excellent -- you have to have a plan)
• B (average -- everyone does that) OR
• C (below average -- why is she so worried, it's not that big of a deal.)

Now, let me just tell you: That same Jr. High Student, and I'm not naming any names here, had her picture taken and then asked the photographer to let her see it, even though there were 673 kids waiting in line behind her. Surprisingly, he showed her. Unfortunately, she was not entirely happy with it. She asked him to take it again. Once again, surprisingly, he complied, and showed her the retake. This time it was acceptable.

Now how would you grade Student X's Self Esteem:

• A (excellent -- way to get what you want)
• B (average -- everyone does that) OR
• C (below average -- why is she so worried, it's not that big of a deal)

See what I mean?

It's all relative.

Not to say this nameless girl is related to me.

I would never have to guts to do that. Even if I thought about it.

back to the future

Recently Dani, and not-so-recently Carrie and Competitive Kate, tagged me. I am finally responding, en masse. Multi-tasking at its finest. Or laziest.

It was very hard to remember the details of my past for this Tag. I must have long term memory issues. And I think I have short term memory problems too. All-in-all, it just proves that my life is really pretty boring. Try not to yawn too frequently as you read this.

Now, with all my disclaimers disclaimed, the Tag:

20 Years Ago. . .

1. I was 15, a Young Woman, and just beginning my Junior year.
2. I had just been to Europe.
3. I went on an East Coast/Church History trip with my family.
4. I had a Twix bar and a Cherry Pepsi almost everyday for lunch.

10 Years Ago...

1. I had a little three-year-old who really wanted to Be In Charge.
2. I commenced and graduated from BYU, 8 months pregnant, and 8 years after I started.
3. My little brother married Ubermom. Their colors were sage and peach. I was 8 months pregnant, round and ripe. I wore peach. And looked like a peach.
4. I had grand dreams that someday I would get it together enough to be a Good Mom.

5 Years Ago...

1. The Oldest Carrotstick had just been baptized, the Middle Carrotstick was 4, and the Littlest Carrotstick was 1.
2. I hiked (or rather PB&J dragged me) to the top of Timp.
3. My brother and Ubermom decided to share a kidney. (And not for dinner, may I add.) It was successful.
4. We went camping in Jackson, WY so we could visit my sisters. We were not eaten by bears.

3 Years Ago...

1. My baby sister, Competitive Kate, got married.
2. I had to put our first family dog down. It was hard.
3. I conquered the ropes course at Aspen Grove. I only elvis-ed a little when I scaled the wall. (Elvis-ing is a highly technical climbing term for the adrenaline that rushes through your body causing you (or your extremities) to shake uncontrollably, i.e.: Elvis's crazy leg.)
4. I was in Young Womens. Alas, no longer as a Young Woman, now as an Old Leader.

1 Year Ago...

1. I was in Primary.
2. Then I was in Relief Society.
3. I went on a handcart trek.
4. I got a new piano. Someday I will really learn how to play it.

So far this year I...

1. Have been to Hawaii.
2. Road tripped with my mom and sisters
3. Am back in Young Womens.
4. Forced myself to leave the Littlest Carrotstick at school on the first day of First Grade.
Yesterday I...

1. Ate a fabulous peach. (It's much better to eat one than look like one.)
2. Went to the kids piano lessons.
3. Picked up kids from soccer.
4. Took the Oldest Carrotstick to dance.

Today I...

1. Went shopping. Was very tempted to buy a bright red leather chair. Got control of myself just in time.
2. Took the Littlest Carrotstick to piano lessons.
3. Went to Young Womens and two soccer games. At the same time.
4. Am letting my kids stay up too late watching a movie. While I blog.

Tomorrow I will...

1. Regret that I let the kids stay up late.
2. Go to Back to School Night.
3. Drive to dance.
4. Clean. Do laundry. And clean some more.

In the next year I will....

1. Take the family to Florida.
2. Hopefully become a better teacher.
3. Attend many many more games/lessons/ practices/recitals.
4. Try to get at least one step closer to being the elusive Good Mom.

They say it is important you write down your goals. I usually try to avoid making any commitments like that, but there you go. So this Tag was worthwhile, but a little exhausting. I'm not used to thinking that hard. I'm sorry if I got any of the years wrong . It was totally unintentional. And I'm sorry if you were bored. And I am also sorry if I sound neurotic and insecure.

Really. I am. I'm sorry! Please don't hold my life against me.


With all that said, I would love to get a glimpse into your life! And so I tag: all of you. If you are reading this, accept the promptings and chronicle a little of your life for all the world to see. I look forward to seeing the skeletons in your closet!



peach picture by cava_cavien

trading treats tuesday

A bad storm hit the area yesterday, courtesy of someone named Gustav. When it was finally over, we went outside to survey the damage.

It was quite horrific.

Hail collected in piles alongside the roads. Water gushed and pooled and collected, obstructing streets and byways. Large branches were torn from trees, scattered across yards.

And my front porch was a scene of total devastation.

Strewn across my porch were my precious, carefully tended flowers.

The carnage!

I tried so hard to keep my plants alive this summer. Some years I have boycotted having plants on my porch -- because they end up being just one more thing I have to babysit and take care of. But PB&J bought me three hanging baskets for Mother's (Guilt) Day, and I swore those baskets would feel no neglect, and that they would thrive, THRIVE I tell you, under my care.

And they did. They were doing so well.

That is until the great Labor Day Storm of 2008.

PB&J went out and tried to set things right. And it seems that though quite a few blossoms were lost, and the plants are all bent and leaning in awkward positions, they are, in fact, ok.

*Whew*

So for Trading Treats Tuesday, celebrate with me:

Though Gustav gusted with gusto, My Flowers Survived!

What's your treat today?