Eats Nothing with Eyeballs

Just Because I Am One.

2011-10-01T02:00:00.000-04:00

Lucky you! My cute little face will be up here for a while as gramma writes other stuff to publish. Could be a day or a year. No matter what, she can't beat this for cuteness!

It's my day and I am gonna party! Just because I am one!

How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less Than 10 Seconds

2011-09-30T18:53:00.001-04:00

My only question-does it have to be metal bowls?

The Magical Crazy Time

2011-08-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

It's 8 AM on the last Saturday in August. For thirty straight years this was a magical, crazy time in my life. I would get up very early, before the sun rose to blind me from my bedroom window and start a ritual. The normal routine of most days like teeth brushing and hair combing was interspersed with once-a-year procedures. From the precisely laid out ritual offering of the night before, I draped myself in silken shorts, a sleeveless top and well worn shoes. That could have been nothing special but the labels on the clothing were a little off the normal brands I wore, which were usually store branded. These items for the magical time bore the monikers of New Balance, Asics and Bill Rogers.

I then would tie my hair up, somehow getting it under a hat or in a braid. I didn't want to deal with it for a few hours. As I donned my shoes, I made sure to dab bits of emollient between my toes, pulling my socks tight and double tying the laces. In later years, I also added a plastic tag to the shoe, so someone somewhere might keep the numbers straight. At least I thought that was part of the fee I paid to be a part of this magical time. The last part of the early morning ritual was the adding of the paper bib to my chest. I now was really a number! 4 safety pins, one per corner (one always with a dollar bill poked thru as a safety net).

I set off for the 15 mile drive, sometimes thru extreme fog and redirects thru town for parking. The magical time originally started on the main road leading into the local community college. Over the years, it became so crowded, it was moved into the downtown area for both the beginning and the end of the magic. The bright blue line that guided hundreds and then thousands of locals, all 50 state visitors and Olympian internationals of all colors and talents, was a year round presence for us, and a stepping stone to conversations for anyone who inquired of it.

This was the quest. The red bricks of Saginaw Street was the end of a long and winding road thru Flint. Nearly every economic level of life in the area had a neighborhood that correlated to the paychecks and you would run, walk, crawl and dance thru each one. 10 miles. Never one step less. The magical time was 8 AM on the last Saturday in August. The event was the Bobby Crim 10 Mile Road Race. The prize (at least originally) was a wooden Popsicle stick, handed to you as you crossed the last painted wedge at the end of the blue line. In later years, you were handed a metallic amulet on a bright ribbon. You had earned the right to wear the totems of the magical time, including a brightly embossed shirt, and the metal totem. You also earned the blisters and the bruises and sometimes, even a trip to the local medical tents and forced fluids by IV.

Many would plan for months for this magical time, spending hours a week getting faster and thinner by running in neighborhoods in their own cities and towns. Some ran on tracks at high schools, some ran on trails along the river or local wooded areas. Many took to marking the sides of their local blacktopped roads as they made each foot plant count toward a weekly total that climbed as the months passed. Some who had to deal with detrimental weather like heat and ice, ran indoors at the local gym or high schools, keeping track of each mile, along with the temperatures, what they ate before running, even what music they had on cassette players, which segwayed into Cd's, and later iPod. There were many rituals for each participant.

One of the rituals was to NOT have new shoes the day of the magical event. You had to have the shoes broken it, with hard earned asphalt miles making tiny cracks in the bottom, which made for better gripping should the day be hot and humid, or in one case, turn into a monsoon, where rain fell by the inches per hour, and everyone was glad for a dry towel at the end.

The anticipations of the participants each year were quite unique. Some were looking for glory , often coming thousands of miles for the chance to set a world record for time, and in the process picked up thousands of dollars in prize money along with the cover of Running Times or Runner's World. Some used this as a warm up for a fall marathon or "light" training for the next year Olympics. Quite often the challenge was just to finish, STANDING UP and being able to talk about it after the fact. In between were dares, celebrations and tears.

My first year of participating in the magical crazy time in August 1981, I told no one. I snuck out of the house before sunrise, entering the challenge only the day before, when I had seen an ad in the local paper and wondered what it was. I had only run one 10 K before that, (and promised myself I would never run one again!), but something drew me to this event. In part, it was the fact it was a fundraiser for Special Olympics. I have always felt blessed I had healthy kids both mentally and physically, so I emptied my pop bottle cash jar, tore off a check and entered the unknown. Pure guts got me thru it, even though I had been running for quite some time.

I sit here at my desk, with tears in my eyes as I type this. The magical crazy time is not on my calender this year. I decided that 30 years of toeing the starting line was enough. I have been dealing with a knee problem for awhile but I could have toughed it out, even if I did more damage to it, eventually the darn thing will need to be replaced, as I have fallen so many times on it. I have been thru much worse, including a trip to the hospital after one event. The decision to stay home came not by my body giving me a challenge but from the loss of what should have been a small recognition last year. I don't ask for much. I don't like anyone citing me for something I have done that is positive for them. If I gift, a quiet thank you and smile work for me. I even am accepting of hugs, but really I don't need much.

The decision to give up the magical crazy time, started a few years ago. At that time, I came across a newspaper memo, asking that those who had participated in 25 years or more of the magical toeing of the line, contact a person to get their name and years of participation. I did this and at that time, I was informed that at least 4 of the years I did run, they had no record of. These included the first two years of my participation (long before electronic mats and beaming of info from a chip on your shoe or embedded tags sent times at various check in points along the route). Everyone originally got the same start time, even in years when the participants took up to 8 minutes to cross the line on the bricks. Popsicle sticks and later tear off tags were the only way to keep you in order as a giant clock ticked off the seconds over your head.

The hardest to deal with were the missing participation of one, the year I had my second best running time and the tear off tag was handed to a person at the finish line who did not like me. Sounds petty but my finish never even showed in the local paper, and I knew from instinct, she disposed of the tag. I never thought it would matter. I knew I had run, I had my finish medal/certificate and I was off to see dad, who always called me his wet rat after being doused with sprinklers for 10 miles. But the most hurtful run, 1995, was the last time I saw my dad. I stopped over after finishing the race, showed him my medal and never saw him alive again. He didn't call me his wet rat. And I turned and said "Bye Dad", as I left the kitchen at my childhood home. I knew.

Somehow I still kept up my streak, thinking it was still a streak. Thru a two year illness with multiple hospitalizations, loss of friends, lingering lung and pain issues, I kept ticking off the years, dedicating each magical crazy time to those who were no longer with me, either at the start or the finish. But I was heartbroken when my participation could not be verified, as this was such a personal achievement for me. I did this for me! So last year as the names were called, and mine was not one of them, I decided that along with the fact hubby was no longer working and I was unable to make my normal large donation to Special Olympics due to medical expenses, I was done. The last Saturday in August was no longer mine to anticipate and the magical crazy time was history. I was at the mercy of the keeper of the records. No amount of cancelled checks, credit card slips, t shirts (now being made into a quilt), finish certificates and medals can find the missing and restore the official. For me, it was like going thru school and getting set for graduation and they say you can't, because they can't find your records. So no diploma. It hurt and still does. So I decided to end the run on my terms.

There will be no more laughing thru painful hills at the sideshow of humanity, who show up each year, and cheer us on or are puzzled by the craziness of the day (or the ordinary of the day).

There will be no more piles of cups from lukewarm water that tastes as if it comes straight from the Flint River which is dispensed by volleyball playing frat brothers from GMI/Kettering.

There will be no more dispensing of the beer at 8AM at the Peanut Gallery, a large group of obnoxious drunken friends (I don't say this with affection, as they are very hurtful verbally to those who are struggling), and the cloud of smoke won't be missed one bit.

Altho I may still have to occasionally drive this road known as the Bradley Hills or a trip into Hell-this is just the first of the three hills rising up toward the halfway mark of the race-I will not miss the debilitating pain in my quads and being forced to run backwards to get the cramps out of them.

This sign that marks the halfway point of the race, on the west side of the city, was always a topic of theft. There were years when my friends David Jones and Bryan Coleman conspired with me to steal it. We could not finalized cutting it down or unbolting it, and seeing as Bryan was a city cop, well, I don't think I would have gone thru with it and ruin his career. But it was great conversation and at least you felt sort of grand knowing you got halfway thru the race and it was all downhill from there (a lie! a big fat lie!).

The mass of humanity, both from those participating and those who volunteered hours and days to help us achieve our day of magical crazy spread over the city, singing, preaching, dancing, banging drums and spraying you with water from hoses and buckets of ice cold Gatorade. It would not be the success it is, without all of them.

And it was all done to get one of these. A cheap piece of metal with a colorful ribbon, a totem to display around your neck as you puked in a bucket at the finish, or stood under a shower in the middle of the brick road. Sometimes you found a cold beer or a melting Popsicle to share with others who had the same quest of the magical day. Just to finish and have a good time.

The day of magical crazy will go on for others and perhaps there is another streak to be had for me in another town on another day on another last Saturday but today I call it a wrap. The wet rat will be dry but the memories linger. I would not have had the times of my life without so many wonderful people. My kids Courtney and Ben started doing shorter fun runs to later accompanying me on the crazy, even doing one year on a dare for a hundred bucks with no training (I still have the photo on the mantel Ben). The entire Bentley family Jennifer, Michael, Jamie and Amanda (the above twins) and big sis Jessica who could not be seen with us stragglers were always just plain fun, but mostly mom Karen, the person of courage with the Crim on her bucket list that I was a witness to and thru the next 12 years, I carried a yellow rose in my pocket in her memory as I dedicated the race to her. The photo of her family and mine crossing the finish line in 1998 is still on my mantel. Then we have Jim Blackhurst, a participant of many years who let the entire clan invade his yard and pool post race along with his wife Karen, the keeper of the kidlets while we ran, and let them all swim in the Flint River with the carp! I certainly will not forget the pasta dinners the night before the race, imbibing a bit too much and having hangovers at the start line. All those strangers along the race route, the silly conversations with old, young and the littlest ones shoving cups of water and high fiving-and really, who had the biggest grins, them or me? How about Earl from Hurley Fitness barking his Marine commands for me to get my ass in gear at the 6 mile mark after he could not run anymore because of health reasons. Of course, the Shriner's clown who saw me struggle only to pull a trophy out of his pants and pass it to me as I ran the last half mile would know it's now a 20 year dust collector on my bedside dresser along with a running shoe dipped in plaster holding all the medals received. All the crazy weather, the time I lost my shoe, the frat boys with the beer wagon and the Marines in cadence with full gear. The guy dribbling the basketball for charity and the former soldier who carries the POW flag for every DAY he runs and every MILE he runs. These people and events never leave my mind.

Mostly, there was hubby, who made me do the last two miles one year even when I begged him to go get the car. He was a spectator that year, hanging out in front of the School for the Deaf, and telling me it was far easier for me to finish (it was all downhill from there -more lies!) but that kept the streak going past 15 years, and later he joined me when I feared to do it alone, as I recovered from illness. He had the nerve to say hi to Don Williamsom! The nerve! But I got to 30 because of him, so I guess I will forgive him.

This band aid will be used someday, should I have another foot blister as I know it WILL occur. I will keep looking for more magic and fun somewhere on the roads or streets of Michigan or wherever I hang my stinky shorts. The magical crazy of the Crim is worth your dedication should you so choose it, just think of me at the five mile mark-as it's all downhill from there (lies, lies lies!).

Imagine

2011-07-24T10:56:00.001-04:00

Imagine there’s no heaven

It’s easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people

Living for today…

Imagine there’s no countries

It isn’t hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people

Living life in peace…

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world…

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one

For the kids of Norway and everywhere .

Help! I NEED These Lights For My Kitchen!

2011-07-24T01:30:00.000-04:00

I am looking for strings of lights like these. The larger of the flower is maybe the size of a softball. The smaller flower is maybe the size of a baseball. I don't care what the colors are at this point but these would be perfect. These are strung at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant on the west side of Flint called Pesto's. I would love these in my kitchen when I finally get it finished, but like I said, color at this point doesn't matter. Just this style or something really close.

My son-in-law Chris also thought they were pretty neat and even better, he liked the eatery! I wish we had more places locally where the food was this good and you want to steal the scenery!

Flooding In Downtown Area Flushing, MI May 2011

2011-05-20T16:13:00.000-04:00

The Flood Flushing, MI 2011

2011-05-20T06:01:00.002-04:00

Random photos of the flooding in Flushing, Mi on May 19, 2011. I found it particularly funny that the local outdoor pool had little water and a sump pump attached, and the parking lot to the pool had more water than the pool itself. I tried to chase down the duckie, but hubby got there first. No close up. :( The river thru Flushing is usually pretty laid back and the River Walk follows along the meander of water. Old man Flint River had a mind of his own this spring day. Flood stage is expected to crest sometime Saturday night. All the trees in the "river" are usually on land. Some dry summers an island appears in the middle and kids boat or swim out to it. Not today!

The Flood Flint MI 2011

2011-05-19T23:21:00.001-04:00

These photos were taken at Mott Golf Course in Flint, Michigan just west of Kettering University (formally General Motors Institute). Taken from a vantage point west of Bradley (the Hills so many of us moan and groan about during the Crim 10 Mile Road Race each August) and on dryer ground, there were many still trodding the walking path that lines the flooded areas.

Since I only WATCH golf and don't actually play, I can't tell you where you would be on the course at this point. The river itself is not that wide. The course is not open because of budget problems in the city but it is the 5 mile mark of the Crim, so you think you are almost done. You just forgot the hills come next!

The bridge to where?

Many years ago, this point of view (the actual street) was underwater, so this is NOT the worst flooding I have seen in this area. There wasn't a walking path at that time.

This is actually a replacement bridge from a years ago rotted away span. The water at this point was pretty calm compared to what I saw in Flushing later in the day.

Everything sure greened up with all this rain. This was about 7PM so the sun came out a bit to help show off the beautiful trees. If I were a golfer, I would have probably hit my balls many times into these beauties.

Mama Bird And Her Brood Still Believe In Michigan!

2011-05-17T07:00:00.004-04:00

A mamma robin made her nest on the gas meter of the Detroit Tv station WXYZ. Stop back and see them thrive and learn to fly!

Free live streaming by Ustream

Phone Phobia

2011-05-07T06:38:00.003-04:00

I have had the same phone number since I moved into this home in 1978. I still have a home phone. However, I don't use it . The biggest reason I still have the phone is for Internet. I recently found out I don't need to have a home phone for Internet and will be cancelling it. But the biggest of the big reasons I don't use my home phone is it rings night and day, with telemarketers, bill collectors, and for a while, relatives who left nasties as messages. I used to just turn it off and leave the machine on to pick up the messages, but after one fitful night of constant clicking on for every message, I just unplugged it.

Those bill collectors are not calling for me. I have always paid my bills on time and if I had a problem, I would call the business or company reps and explain to them what was holding me back and work something out. No, these collectors and scammers and spammers and even legit companies, are calling for my brother, my sister (dead), my mom (dead), and my dad (dead). My family and death is in reverse order by age and demise. My brother is still alive and probably working on some scheme to finagle money or some service out of someone, just as he did to the three who died. The companies he screwed over can figure it out for themselves. I did report him to several and still the lies and cheating went on. They all deserve each other. Sadly we, as consumers get this passed down to us in higher fees. I could write a book on my family and in fact am, for another day.

But my brother gave MY phone number as the contact number. He gave MY address as the contact address. Thank god he didn't have access to my social security number. I got to the point where my phone ringing put a huge knot in my stomach. I don't even want to keep my cell phone and get that same feeling when it rings. Then that pit in the stomach also comes about when my door bell rings, or a knock tap tap tap on the front glass. Process servers were coming to my home looking for the three dead or the one living. No amount of telling them to go away or explanation on phone or at the door changes anything. The phone still rings, the doorbell still chimes and the letters still pile into my mailbox.

I am registered at the Do Not Call lists, I have returned the letters to the Post Office marked "no such person lives here", I leave a note on the door to leave packages but don't ring the bell, and still it goes on and on. I even went so far as to contact one of the lawyers who was sending mail to my sister and told him to cease and desist...guess what? I got a letter in the box last week that my sister is part of a class action-now get this-for a lawsuit against a phone solicitor! Bwa ha ha! Should that not be ME as the recipient?

So the reason I am writing this tonight is I came across this excellent script for when a telemarketer won't give up and what YOU should do....PRINT THIS OUT and read it and keep it by your phone. Keep a pen and write all the info down with dates etc. Be calm when speaking to the offenders-and don't let them do to you what this whole 2 decade long oppression has done to me.

I never liked phones-growing up I would just as soon have written a letter or made a quick date and hung up. Maybe it's because my sister beat on me for "hogging" the phone for 30 seconds. Maybe it's because the phone always brought bad or sad news. I'd rather talk to people in person so I can see their faces. Nothing has changed in my 50 plus years. I just wish I had parts of MY life back.

Dine the Windy City At Uno's

2011-03-25T09:10:00.001-04:00

It's been over thirty years since I had my first taste of deep dish Chicago style pizza-in Chicago. Hubby was on a business trip and I tagged along, leaving two wild kidlets with frazzled grandparents while I tramped thru all the historic haunts of the "Windy City". Two things I brought away with me: a early morning waterfront run as the sun came up was breathtaking and reflective AND you won't find better pizza anywhere, at anytime, ever!

Cheese Dippers

Sadly Chicago is half a day away by car, so that is a bit far for a sunrise run or a pizza run . So I have spent many a weekend trying to find a perfect pie that would make me forget Chicago deep dish. I think I lucked out. One place isn't all that close-altho if you are in Oakland County or south into the Detroit limits and don't visit a Buddy's, shame on you! But if you want a closer dining experience, look no farther than Birch Run Outlets at exit 136 off I75 . Uno's, (all the way towards the back of the mall complex-map at site) now with locations in at least 22 states and Puerto Rico-most east of the Mississippi and into the Northeast, has managed to satisfy many with both deep dish and thin crusted pizzas for almost 70 years. I am delighted to say vegetarians and vegans can find something delicious to dine on while enjoying the family friendly atmosphere.

Farmer's Market Deep Dish

On a recent visit, my entree was a Farmer's Market Deep Dish style pie, with caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, pesto and a combo of three cheeses, including Feta. But what sets this pizza off is the addition of eggplant! I know of no other pizza joint near Flint offering eggplant as a topping. There is a smokiness to this particular pie that is so enjoyable. I have the chef go very light on the cheese-I am only using it for the glue to hold the veggies to the crust. But you can go sans cheese as I have seen others do this. The deep dish pies come in single serving and full size. The single was more than enough, when accompanied by a salad or appetizer, for a shared dish. I took half home and it's wonderful cold for breakfast. The crust is, well..crusty! Crunchy on the outside and almost bread-like on the inside. This may be my favorite part of the dish! Options for deep dish include construct your own pie-perfect for vegans and those who want something more traditional.

The pizza crusts can be made with 5 grain crust or traditional. I prefer the deep dish but many like the thinner, local style of crust so I would recommend the 5 grain as a nutty flavored and more healthy selection. I also believe a gluten free crust is available upon request.

Deep Dish Serving for One

There are many side dishes available at Uno's that go from healthy to indulgent. Hubby ordered a selection from the sea and added skinless baked potatoes topped with several items-all that is missing is skin. The skin is my favorite part of a potato, especially if it's crusty from an olive oil and salt rub. I wish Uno's offered plain baked simply because the health factor is something we all should consider, but if you leave off the toppings, a dish of smashed taters is not the worst choice-there is a side of red skins mashed to lumpiness that I have enjoyed. But they have better choices at Uno's such as steamed broccoli, steamed or roasted veggies in season (zucchini, red peppers, yellow squash and cauliflower) a dish I have to fight to keep to myself, brown rice with sweetened cranberries (one of my favorites), rice pilaf, and what has turned out to be my all time favorite in recent years-farro salad.

Skinless Bake

Mashed Cauliflower

Farro Salad

When I ordered this side dish, I expected it to be warm like the other sides I had previously enjoyed. All the other grain based side dishes are served hot or warm. But farro salad, which is also known in the US as spelt or emmer wheat, is served chilled with diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers and a hint of balsamic vinegar. These items are inside the molded farro and are there for a pleasant discovery both when you find the salad is chilled and when your fork breaks the mold. I certainly know what my go-to dish will be on subsequent visits!

Other sides I have ordered in recent months include vegetarian veggie soup of which I wasn't particularly impressed. I felt it was canned flavored-almost a metallic taste and much too salty for my taste buds. Avocado egg rolls are a good "share" appetizer or when paired with a larger salad, could be an excellent vegan meal along with the cashew/tamarind dipping sauce for a tangy and salty addition to the flavorful finger food. The egg rolls were a "test" dish last year, something Uno's does seasonally. Obviously, the test went well as they made the main menu.

Uno's has a diverse selection of entrees to please all paletes. A complete bar is available, and drinks can be served in the bar with large screen televisions or in the dining area. Desserts are sharable and often include chocolate but new to the menu is bread pudding so I certainly know what my next sweet dish will be. A children's menu is available, and one item lets kids build their own pizza, completed at the table with an apron to bring smiles to the little chefs. Healthy sides are available for kids, too.

I do wish Uno's would try to regulate the temperature of the dining room better. A big complaint for me is how cold it is year round. The air conditioning is brutal in the summer, and maybe that is what shoppers like. But the winter temps inside, no matter where I have sat, are too cold. So much heat escapes out the front entrance due to no buffer zone between the door and waiting area. It then pushes right to the back and it can be painfully cold.

Be sure to sign up for email announcements from Uno's. This can be done either in the restaurant or online. Recent coupons have been for a free entree with purchase, $10 dollars off your final bill over $25 and tastings of new menu items before they hit the public announcment boards or new menus. Uno's can be very crowded on weekends especially during high shopping times like summer, back to school and pre-holiday, so prepare for a wait during those times.

Red Eyes and Guilt

2011-03-24T07:33:00.006-04:00

Something smelled horrible in my refrigerator. This was a new odor, as I had previously cleaned out the entire cooling side when I returned from Iowa a few weeks ago in early March . The necessity of the clean out and scrub down was a container of apple/cherry cider that exploded inside, spraying fermented sticky juice all over the inside, down the door and then what had nowhere to run, out the bottom of the door. As I entered the kitchen from the 11 hour road trip home, it was dark. I flipped the lights on (fluorescent take their good time warming up to brightness) and little by little I saw something on the floor and at first I panicked and thought it was dried blood! I immediately went looking to make sure I still had a cat, who proceeded to cuss me out, berate me and I think I learned a few feral words from her! It took her another week to forgive me for going away and she having to sleep alone, but granddaughter is growing too fast and I wanted to see some of those changes.

The fridge clean-out from exploding cider forced me to sort thru the sauces, jellies, mustard and other condiments I so readily collect and spring on the hub, so anything that was a total bomb, went thru the composter and the bottles were recycled last night. Anything remotely fresh when I left was covered in sticky residue and either had to be immediately cooked or washed to preserve it. I managed to cut up celery, carrots and placed those in containers of water that hubby could munch on instead of his usual granola bars. He is the kind of retiree who grabs what is in front of his face, not what might need a bit of prep. That makes for a junk type diet at times, so I do try to have something he only has to reheat as prepared and frozen or ready to eat in the fridge.

Stupidly, I forgot I had purchased large bulk bags of broccoli, red potatoes and spinach, which if I had thought about it, I could have taken to Iowa and shared. I did remember the cashews and jelly beans, however. I guess somewhere someone is making a fabulous trail mix! But the potato bag was staring me in the face all this week, so tonight I said I would make some smashed taters and freeze them up for a hunger pang that was sure to come some night at 2AM.

I suppose when I purchased my yummy reds in late February from Costco (bulk crack for me), my taters looked healthy and ready to be sliced, diced and sauteed with garlic, skins included (like above). But in reality, several weeks later they now look like those below. Most of you would do what? Throw them away, right? A few might look thru and poke and squeeze to salvage a panful for a quick veggie stir fry? What if they looked worse than this? To the composter, maybe down the garbage disposal and for some, slopped out to pigs, horses, other farm critters? I didn't do that. And some of mine looked far worse than these below.

Tossing them would have been so easy as a bag of 10 pounds of these redskins runs about 6 or 7 dollars. Not the end of the world for most of us here in the States or other so-called Westernized countries where veggies are easy to obtain year round, often organic and just trucked in straight from the farms. We don't know what it is to be hungry and I mean the painful gnawing hunger that comes from going without palpable food for days or even weeks at a time. The pain of hunger where your brain no longer can make decisions, your body no longer instinctively knows what to do. The kind of hunger where you might want to kill for something to eat. I personally went without any substantial solid food for 5 months due to an illness but once in a while I got something solid down and when I couldn't, I lived on Gatorade. At least I had some calories but my entire body was sent on a strange journey , and I suffer the repercussions of that illness even today, 13 years later.

Americans waste so much, myself included. What we throw away in food alone in one week would sustain a refugee and family for a month. Have you ever looked back at the table before leaving a restaurant and felt guilty because you didn't take a "doggie bag"? You could take it home for the dog and he would greatly love you for about 3 minute but you might be able to construct a light lunch the next day from the leftovers. Do you order more than you can possibly eat and feel uncomfortable upon leaving or do you suffer pain and hate yourself for gorging or over-indulging? We all do that, either when dining out, at holiday reunions with family or to impress others with us.

Tonight as I peeled those ugly and almost non-salvageable redskins, I thought of my grandparents during the Depression of the 1930's, going without so much so they could feed and clothe their tiny sole surviving daughter. I heard many a story of rationing during the War that shook the world and today is a popular topic for movies, books and discussions as we see many who served, both men and women turning old, losing their ability to remember and dying while we, the baby boomers and X generations and whatever moniker the press puts on us, act as if we are entitled to whatever we had yesterday and today, that is should always be as we want it, even to the point of waste.

I have read two books recently that had passages of desperation for food that you and I and everyone I have personally met would not survive. Unbroken , a story of survival and redemption during World War II and the years and life that bookend a young Olympic caliber athlete's capture and torture in a Japanese war camp, often reflects on food as entitlement and as lifesaving. The chapters of giving up your soul to have a rotten scrap of maggot covered potato often made me close the book and cry myself to sleep, only to churn back into that abyss the next day as I hoped for prisoners' survival and berated myself for complaining about soggy pizza. The other book, Nureyev recounts a desperate mother walking 5 hours ONE WAY in the Siberian cold of January Russia during WW2, and digging in fields, often stealing rotten potatoes and turnips so her children could eat. Often her only son would turn his nose up at the meager spread accompanied by stale flour and water flatten bread while he, showing signs of incredible talent would push himself into families where food was a more normal and tasteful part of the family day.

The peelings I left behind as I salvaged some of the potatoes were far better than anything either person portrayed in the books above ate during the durations of desperation they faced as young children and young adults. I will compost those peels and in a few months, the fermented remains will have decomposed enough to nourish what I will plant in my garden or pots to supply my family with healthy organically grown veggies and grace my deck with bursts of colorful blooms. Yet for some, those scraps would be a meal even today, as we watch the world and the travesties that nature and humans do to each other and so many go hungry and search for what little sustenance can be found. They would gladly take the doggie bags. They would gladly take the scraps. They would gladly take the garbage. But would you?

Let "Uncle" Leo Cook For You!

2011-02-28T07:08:00.005-05:00

Once upon a time, I would have some eats at a place called Moe's Southwest Grill. Located at 4151 Miller Road in Flint Township between the freeway and the mall, it was a great stopping off place after the gym, with wifi (one of the earliest to offer it locally and free!). They did something really dumb. They decided to upscale themselves with beer and margaritas altho they really were only slightly more than fast food. The good thing was I could get anything vegetarian and the spicy tofu salad called the Close Talker was my fav. Sadly the lights went out and they closed in 2007 .

Then I saw construction and had the normal contest between family members trying to guess what it was going to be. With a burger joint next door, another southwest menu next to that and a stir fry on the other side, I was resigned to a coney island and not much more. I was right on the coney island but it turned out to be Leo's! I had eaten at a couple in the Detroit area when either dropping off or picking up hubby at the airport but not enough times to really give them a try out. Until they came to Flint.

And yes, they are very veg friendly! On recent trips to the Flint location I have been able to select a variety of vegetarian items and usually have something left over to take home without breaking the bank. Many of the sides or appetizers are suitable for vegetarians and with tweaks, also vegan diets. Everyone loves baked potatoes, right? I just leave off the sour cream and request margarine or go bare. They really bake the potatoes here! There is nothing worse than a microwaved jacketed spud.

On an occasion where I was really hungry, I ordered spinach pie (Spanakopita) which included Greek rice flavored with golden saffron and a chunky tomato sauce that is similar to the heavenly topping called Domatorizo. There are discernible chunks of tomatoes, onion, green peppers and spices with a hint of cinnamon. I had this red sauce served on the side. Also a small side of tzatziki sauce (cooling Greek yogurt with cucumbers and onions, quite similar in construction to an Indian dip called Raita) accompanied the spinach pie, which was hot, very spinachy with feta cheese and a crispy crust of phyllo dough browned to yumminess. The serving was very large and I took at least half home for another day.

The egg salad sammy would actually be a good choice for protein sans all the added fat gobs of mayo that other places use to prepare it with. At Leo's the boiled eggs are prepared fresh daily and sometimes the eggs are still warm on the bread. There is so little dressing on this, I often believe none is added. Just chopped up/mashed hard boiled egg. Tomato slices and fresh lettuce complete the dish, and you have your choice of breads. I love this on toasted rye because it doesn't get soggy. The only thing I would personally do to this sammy is add some onion or green pepper for crunch.

I am not a fan of french fries. I would love that more places offer something besides them, as I think they are pretty boring. Maybe sweet potato fries would work. Until that happens, I have become devoted to American fries or home fries. Most breakfast places offer hash browns, which are often undercooked, soggy or a combination of both. The waitress at Leo's one night offered me American fries but with a twist. She had the cook cut up a baked potato and deep fry it! Now wait before you think unhealthy. It is the same as the regular fries but with the skin (very healthy) and they are not greasy! Since the potato is already cooked, it only takes a few seconds to get this golden look and is a good "share" side. I don't order them often but they are a "cut" above soggy hash browns.

For dieters and health nuts and all in between, if you want a truly fresh salad, look no farther than Leo's. There are up to 4 sizes available for each style from mini to extra large. The Michigan salad with dark dried cherries, fresh mixed field greens, walnuts and mandarin oranges is unique to what most coney islands offer. A vegan could omit the cheese and buy a larger serving as this salad is quite filling and all salads usually come with toasted-on-the-grill pita. I sometimes get a mini Greek or a Village salad (which has no lettuce) both of which shore up with just about any sandwich. Veggie pitas are another offering.

Another savory selection is the Gardenburger. You will get this grilled (not microwaved as a burger chain in the area is notorious for doing), served with tomato and lettuce on a toasted bun. I always have onion added and sometimes it is a 10 cent charge for a huge slab and ofttimes, not so. I guess it depends on who the waiter is. I imagine you could get cheese added to this but as it's served, it is vegan and kosher. With a small or mini Michigan salad, what a great lunch or light dinner!

Other veg friendly dishes I have not tried but have had other family order are the vegetable stir fry served over rice, cheese ravioli with marinara, and Mac and Cheese (hubby loves this!). Leo's has the typical coney island fare from dogs, to burgers to all-you-can-eat fish fry on Friday's which will help all you Lenten observers coming up. You can get breakfast all open hours.

Tuesday evenings is "kid's night" at Leo's. Bring in the little ones for balloon animals, face painting (you will LOVE this!!) and Disney TV on the two large screens on opposite corners of the dining area. Even the adults get in on the act often leaving with glittery painted faces and silly balloon constructions. There is a decent kid's menu along with soups, specials on the board up front and what to me is really wonderful wait staff. I knew many of the waiters from other local restaurants and I think they have found a place to settle in for a while.

Leo's is open 7 days a week, has a well lit parking lot and outdoor dining in nicer months. All dinners are under $10 and include rice or fries with a minimal cost to add a salad. Leo's menu is online at their website and if you sign up for their newsletter, you will get occasional coupons for some dollars off.

Edited 3/1/11 Free wifi and free refills. Stop by and maybe we can IM!

The Hollywood Diner-Off The Beaten Path On I75

2011-02-15T06:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you forget about a dining opportunity because it's not along the main strip or traffic pattern of your normal week. Last week, after a day trip for crafty shopping in the Ann Arbor area and a stock up after two months of no grocery shopping (what possessed me NOT to dine in Ann Arbor still hasn't fizzled out of my brain, other than it was after 9PM when I finished my shopping), I picked up the hubster, and he drove back to the Flint area. I figured as close as we were to home in Flushing, I might as well put some of those fresh veggies I picked up at Whole Foods to use and make a quick stir fry at 11 PM. Then we saw THE sign-and I had a coupon! Exit-stage right onto Corunna Road.

Fresh Salad-YUM!

It had probably been a couple of years since I was last in Hollywood Diner. I know when they first opened, we tried them with a free coupon that came in the direct mail envelope we get once or twice a month. I don't remember being particularly impressed at the time. It was way too noisy, and the square footage seemed much too cavernous for what I thought a diner to be. And they got a liquor license and that just ruined it for me-I felt it lost the family touch with that choice. We went three times over a couple of months, once being during Sunday brunch hours. Then we just wrote the place off, as a diner with so much potential and in a great spot for travelers just should have been much better.

So on our "emergency" visit at nearly 10PM on a cold January night, I had a plain veggie burger (they were out of mayo, it seemed-so I got a take-out packet) and hubby got a cow burger. We went home and said "ho hum".

A few days later, snail mail brought a coupon for either a free appetizer or $5.00 off our total tab and I decided I was tired of the Miller Road eateries, so let's try an actual dinner from Hollywood Diner. We entered the restaurant at about 7PM or so on a Monday evening to no basketball on the large overhead tvs and I was disappoint that there was only one other table occupied. As the host sat us, right across from the only other occupied table, I glanced over and saw late teens or early college age kids on laptops and smart phones. So I guess they have free WiFi.

ravioli with pesto

I immediately looked to see if any entree could be vegetarian and found ravioli with a choice of meat sauce, marinara or pesto. I chose pesto and asked for cook to go light on the sauce as I am not a saucy type eater. I could have chosen some other pasta or again, the veggie burger (which is huge but they butter grill the bun-not really healthy) or a couple of other dishes I might have had the cook vegetize but this sounded good. Breakfast was off limits because they do not serve it after 4PM, which kind of negates the Diner part of it. Any other diner in town will serve breakfast when you want to eat it. I often eat breakfast for dinner and I know many a odd shift worker who would love that, too.

I offer a photo of my ravioli plate along with a close up. The stuffing was some sort of cheese, probably a ricotta and very hot! I can handle ricotta as usually it isn't too cheesy and the topping or sauce gives it the flavor that is needed. I believe I had 8 huge ravioli on my plate but only ate half. I think I was expecting them to overlap each other and having been tossed in the pesto. No. The pesto was plopped atop each ravioli and a little of the basily oil was drizzled on the pasta. It was very bland and I wanted to run across to the Kroger and buy some roasted garlic! I personally use pesto a lot at home and many flavors of it. My favorite is pumpkin walnut. This was no pumpkin walnut but just some generic pesto from a food service. Oh well. I did not order the marinara because I have found some cooks using animal broths for flavoring and I no longer trust it to be vegetarian or vegan.

My dinner included a wonderful crunchy salad with fresh pepper and halved grape tomatoes with slices of cucumbers. A basket of fresh Italian bread (wrapped in a sammy lunch bag-perfect for take home!) was also table topped. I also received two half slices of this same bread grilled with what was touted as garlic butter. From the queen of garlic, nope! It was soggy and old tasting. I was not offered any sprinkly cheese as many pasta dishes come with but I would not have used it had it been offered. So I can't vouch for what you get as a topper for spaghetti or ziti.

Had I been a bit more hungry, I would have ordered the fried pickles! Yup, you read that right!! If you have never had fried pickles, you are really missing out on a wonderful treat. Usually they are batter dipped in a spicy flour mix,deep fried and served with a ranch type dressing. I might go back just to try them and a dish of rice pudding for a snack. For now, I would give this diner a high C + for at least having a few vegetarian choices. Sadly, other than salad and bread, vegans should look elsewhere other than perhaps oatmeal and applesauce for breakfast. Hollywood Diner does NOT have a website nor is their menu online. This is not acceptable in this age when a plain website can cost less than a full meal. They have wifi so they have an Internet connection and probably have some free space from their provider. Or get a free blog!

The service was wonderful (the owner also stopped to say hello ) and we were thanked on the way out. The teens that had been cemented to the booth across from us were still there but only drinking pop and using wifi. Just as I left, I handed the extra coupon to an elderly couple so they could save a few dollars. I hope when others use a coupon they remember to tip based on the full pricing of the meal and not the discounted total.

Black Swan 2- Nina Returns!

2011-02-10T15:59:00.003-05:00

Kabob City-A Taste of the Middle East

2011-02-05T07:10:00.043-05:00

Tonight for a change of pace, we decided to visit a newer restaurant in the Flint area. Kabob City has been open a few months, located in a former Chinese buffet and previous to that , the main Moy Kong Asian dining establishment. Moy Kong at one time had several satellite to-go eateries but at this time, I can't verify that any are still in business. Kabob City is the 4th Middle Eastern eating house to open within a few miles of each other. Badawest, the oldest sit down of this style in Genesee County, relocated to a larger facility (from a hole in the wall) near the freeway on Corunna Road quite a while ago and is the one I use to judge the others for taste, price and atmosphere. Taboon, about a half mile from Kabob City once had a twin in Grand Blanc, but this location is working for them and they are often open on holidays, too. Jerusalem Inn, about 2 miles away, sadly had a devastating fire (ruled an arson) a few years ago and was not re-opened as an ethnic dining establishment, but the area is not lacking for this type of food.

Depending on what you order, Middle Eastern dining can be quite healthy for you. But you MUST say no to the bread basket! As soon as we sat down, we were greeted by Olivia, who brought us iced tea (appeared fresh brewed but watered down) , bread and garlic spread. We nibbled as we perused the menu-I scoped out the vegetarian items and hubby chose the "other".

This bread is similar is style to Badawest, so I think it's purchased from a local bakery or brought up from the main bakery in the Detroit area. Unlike Taboon, which bakes their own bread on site, this was warmed and had been grilled a bit-in some cases actually charred. I hope that isn't a normal way of serving it. The garlic spread/sauce pictured below, is often served with chicken shawarma dinners as a dip, too. I found the garlic sauce to be strong like I love it to be, but it was very thin. Other eateries have more substance to their sauce, so perhaps this was made with a tad too much lemon juice or they thinned it with yogurt. It was tasty, just not thick. I personally never turn down anything with garlic! BTW-this small dish is called a monkey. I don't know why but it's one of those things I learned years ago and just adds to my trivial mind.

My menu selection was the Veggie Combo for 14.95. This is a good way to get lots of flavors, instead of ordering off the appy list. Honestly, I thought it would all come on one large platter but each item came on its own plate, so that is how I present them to you. Normally, I always try to get a salad, with dressing on the side to start a meal. I just like the crunchiness of lettuces and other raw veggies. But tonight I had a choice of soup or salad and went with the lentil soup. I started to eat before I remembered to take the photo. Oops! The soup was very warm and tasty altho I thought a bit salty. Hubby said the saltiness went away after the first bite, as he also ordered this vegetarian starter. I though it hung on, but it wasn't too much of a big deal. I did finish it and would not hesitate to order it again. I believe it to be the only vegetarian soup on the menu.

As my mini plates, very similar to Tapas ,began arriving, I felt a bit overwhelmed and self conscious because my dining partner was not getting anything to eat beyond his lentil soup. I offered him bites of my bounty but he decided to wait until his dead chicken arrived. This falafel was very fresh and green on the inside just as it should be. Sometimes I have had falafel at other establishments where it was brownish all the way thru and very dry-meaning they were instant falafel. This was deliciously moist and served with some greens and a bit of tahini sauce. The tahini was way too watery and almost tasteless but I can live without it with falafel. I just dipped it in the garlic sauce that was served with the bread.

One big fail and a huge disappointment to me was the hummus. It was very dilute and I think it was because the preparers used the same tahini from above to make the hummus. I like my hummus thick like peanut butter but creamy. I imagine you can pick up that this hummus would not have held itself to a spoon for long. This is something easily fixable, but it's up to the cook to know that hummus is not supposed to be soupy. Or if it was a mistake, add more garbanzos to thicken it up.

I also had a small plate of vegetarian grape leaves. These were wonderfully moist, stuffed with spiced rice, diced garbanzos and a few flecks of sweet red peppers and a bit of mint. They are very filling, so it's hard to eat more than one or two. I have leftovers for tomorrow which I will stuff into some pita bread and make a sammy! This dish is fairly common in Greek cuisine and others along the eastern Mediterranean so I assume each country has its own add-ins. The minced garbanzos were a nice change of pace.

A reason why I didn't get my normal salad is my meal included Tabouli. This ultra fresh dish is super healthy and can be made in just minutes. I tend to make this with a tad more bulgur/cracked wheat. This dish was served almost room temperature, and was not overloaded with lemon as other places tend to serve it. A lemon on the side will give those who like this dish more lemony a chance to "pucker" a bit.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment to me were the spinach pies (also known as fatayer). I have had this style in many a diner, and this was the worst. I don't know if it was the particular cook, the regional representation or just plain cheapness but these reminded me of canned biscuit dough. They were "doughy" not flaky. And the spinach inside was pretty much a tad of spinach and some onion. I could not discern any feta cheese as other eateries serve them. In fact, all the recipes I have include feta. Not a lot but enough for me to see it! I much prefer this made with phyllo dough as it's so flaky. But this dish would have worked if they had not been steamed. I could tell right away that they were probably reheated either in a microwave or something that would not crisp up the dough. I would not bother with them again.

Kabob City is very similar in pricing and selection of dishes that others in the area serving this style of food typically offer. They do present a Buffet Salad Bar, which is unique to the Middle Eastern trio and this is served between 11 AM and 7 PM and it comes with bread and dips for 5.95 so if you want to eat light, this might be the way to go. Also for the health conscious, is a full juice and smoothie menu. I did not see a children's menu but with these smaller plates, you can get something for the kidlets to eat. Of course, there is the ubiquitous hamburgers and chicken strips in case the little ones object but I think you should discourage them if you can and order some grilled items. I bet they would love it!

I cannot vouch for the decor being new, a hold-over from the old Chinese buffet or a combo of the two. The last time I was inside, it was still Moy Kong and my kids were in junior high or less. I would like to see them cozy it up a bit, as it was way too bright with vast areas of empty space. Cloth lined the tables but were covered with clear plastic overlay which are a cinch to clean but kinda cheesy. If they did a remodel, they need to have the contractor come back and fix the wall paper which is coming away from the wall (I ran my finger along seams and the glue isn't holding). There is no focal point but room for one, and maybe a demo of Middle Eastern dance or weekend music is a possibility. Additionally is room for a moderate sized gathering off to the side. I believe they have free Wi Fi available. I hope the decor is only on the lesser side for now as they want to make sure this location works for them and isn't jinxed as the previous conceptions have been.

One other item to address: our waiter was attentive, almost to the fault of being annoying. It seemed she asked how our food tasted every other bite. Perhaps she is new to waiting and this will finesse itself. I would have liked to see the food presented to us at the same time, so we could have both eaten together. This is probably a problem for the kitchen and certainly not the waiter's fault.

I would award this newest place to dine a B- at this time. I almost gave it a C+ but waited to let the meal and experience settle in. It's always a plus to see a formerly empty place re-open and I hope they get more business as it wasn't particularly busy for a Friday night (the rib and burger sit-downs a quarter mile down the road had a back logging at the entrance areas). A better street level sign would help them immensely. Kabob City is very vegetarian and vegan friendly, especially the appetizer category. You can mix and match and make a full meal from these selections.

ETA: 3/10/11 I have received a couple of comments which you can read below. I don't know who they are from and do not reflect my opinion. I am not paid to write these reviews, nor do I receive any compensation in cash or food to write them. I am doing this because I feel there is a need to let others know that vegans and vegetarians can eat locally and get more than a plain salad. I would love it if the comments were not anonymous but the only other option would be for me to moderate. I will leave anonymous for now and I will not reject any comments UNLESS they are nasty rude. Thanks for dropping by.

Think Warm and Summery

2011-02-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

see more Gifs

Printed Nirvana

2011-01-23T07:24:00.004-05:00

The lure of the newsstand has always been hard for me to resist. Growing up, there was a small storefront on Saginaw Street near downtown Flint just across the way from Sunday church at St Mike's (can you guess how many times I was late for Mass because I went to this place first?) and sometimes, as I waited for the bus , some after school perusing. I can't remember a week from the time I learned to read and had a dime or so in my pocket not checking out the lower shelves at ReadMor. Week after week, I bought a comic or a "movie fan magazine" or Baseball Digest, just buying what was new that week. Sometimes there were magazines I could not afford, or were "forbidden" that I took a peek or two inside.

As I got older (junior high) I developed an addiction to newspapers and often came home with the Chicago Tribune or a New York daily and if I got there early enough, the treasured Washington Post. Since I was now operating on my own budget from babysitting, I had a stack of magazines that I dog-eared from reading and often fell asleep holding and probably drooling on, too. I bought what interested me, from gardening to sports to sewing to art. Once I brought home a copy of Ebony, because it had an article about my favorite baseball player inside. I was told not to bring that publication home again-and not understanding why, I just read it at the library. I also discovered you could borrow magazines from the library, too!

Little did I know the extent of my addiction. I discovered subscriptions! You know those annoying cards that fall out of every magazine you buy? They used to be sewn into the spine of the magazines, and many were perforated for extraction. When I found I could save tons of dollars by subscribing, I was in heaven! My first paid subscription was to Sport Magazine, sadly gone to the old printing press in the sky. Then I added Sports Illustrated, Baseball Digest, see a trend here? I love stats and the newspaper daily box scores just weren’t enough.

After I married, I still made the Monday night trek into Flint to buy an eclectic stash. Some magazines didn’t have subscriptions like the Logic Puzzles that came out quarterly. By this time I had added a few local book stores that were more than just tabloids, paperbacks and comics. Then I started dragging my kids on my journey to find the drug of choice- something good to read. Most of the places I hit up back then, from ReadMor to Young and Welshans (when they were downtown before getting snooty and moving), Little Professor and even used magazines and paperbacks at Jelly Beans, are now gone. I will never forget the night I went to Courtland Center to get my stash only to find the Professor locked up, and hearing how they snuck out of the mall by night, leaving employees sobbing and customers (me) in shambled thoughts as we didn’t know where to get our stuff!

Borders moved in and with them, many periodicals from Europe and Asian, soon to follow with some from Australia. I could be found sipping tea and flipping thru magazines as I waited on hubby to meet me for dinner along the strip. My kids had their selections, too. And with no online offerings in the late 1980’s and later, we often walked away with full prices books, some of which still dot the landscape of my family room or bedroom. I later sold the books in garage sales, gave a bunch away and then started donating them to Goodwill or other non-profits. Sometimes, there were tears as I let each one go, like letting a child off to school for the first time. The Internet hit, Barnes and Noble moved in and I discovered Amazon. All those wonderful magazines to be had, either weekly, monthly or by subscriptions left me seriously on the edge of reason as I selected must have reads. Many online selections were not on the local news stands, so it was a chance to try them before committing long term. School kids sold them for fundraisers, and everyone knew to come to Jan-the magazine junkie.

Hubby would bring home from his worldly travels any local newspapers he could find, many not in English but I didn’t care. I just wanted the experience of holding them, smelling them and in some cases, cutting them up for crafting. If I made a purchase online and newsprint was used to cushion my items, I smoothed out the papers, sometimes getting inky fingers, so I could read the local sports from the Gazette in Billings, Montana or the want ads from Des Moines Register , on occasion a small local weekly wrapped my treasures and I got to read Obits from Franklin, Kentucky or Gramma’s secret recipe from Clovis, New Mexico.

I purged 15 years ago many of the magazines and newspapers I had collected over the years, dozens being first editions. I tried to sell them to a used book store (there was no EBay at this time) but it seems there was no interest unless it was real pop culture like People. I finally put them out for the recyclers, with a sign that if they wanted to read them first, and pass them on, please do. We all know the result of that, right?? Now all my used magazines (other than my crafty ones) are taken to rehab centers, the heart clinic at Hurley Med Center or similar, to let someone else dog ear them.

Slowly the subscriptions have been whittled down from over 100 a year to about 6 or 7. Some of these over the years have been tax deductible as business expenses either related to Ron’s job (may THAT rest in peace), or investing education. With each passing year, some magazines became more expensive than they were worth. They offered less and less notable content, less and less enjoyment and many went from monthly to bimonthly, to quarterly and some sadly, to no publishing at all. I hated the fact I paid for a full year or two or five and when they folded, got some other garbage to finish out what was owed to me, or more apt, nothing at all. You can’t sue them-well you can-but you are last on the list to be considered in a bankruptcy.

At one time, I received at least a dozen rubber stamping-related magazines each month. Most have stopped publication, some were infused into other crafting magazines that had nothing to do with paper crafting. I let the scrapbooking magazines lapse, some which no longer publish. There was so much drama over contests and auto renewals, the final straw was the company trying to charge me for three years subscription even after I verbally told them NO twice and declined via email. Luckily I had cancelled that credit card two years before, as the perks were no longer valid for me. When ads took up more space than creating, I gave them the boot.

Today I received notice of Stamper’s Sampler sending me my final issue. I have purchased this magazine for years, but the last time I renewed I did it with trepidation. It was a monthly downsizing to a bi monthly. The last year on this subscription has been torture. Redesigning the interior did nothing for me, and enlarging the samples to fill up a page instead of having more interior art is usually a clue that the magazine is going downhill and soon will go quarterly, raise the pricing and slowly drift off to the land of lost publications. The issues on this magazine run from 7.95 to 14.95 and this latest issue has over 20 pages hawking other publications owned by the publisher, several actual paid ads/pages and so little quality content that I would be stupid to order another subscription. Every other month I complained more and more and honestly, it was a relief to finally see….this is your last issue.

As I write this, I am looking at a stack of solicitations for renewals of magazines with one or two issues remaining, or some that expired months ago. The only one I am certain of renewing is the full year to USA Today. I tried to go without it last January, and that lasted about a week and a half. If I could lock in the price, I would order three years at a time-I NEED the sports section or I can’t breathe. Alas, they only offer one year. I will probably renew one paper crafting magazine, and I just renewed the zine I get called Vamp Stamp News. With so much blogging about stamping and paper crafting that Is far superior to anything being put out in paper publications, I can only say to the publishers…you f***ed up. The artwork I see online that designers share with their fans via websites and blogs is far superior to anything in the magazines, the artists are available to answer questions, these artists aren’t being ripped off by greedy publishers who “claim “the art and then never compensate the designers, AND I don’t have to wait for a month after the actual magazine hits the newsstand for my issue I paid for UPFRONT 3 years ago. Also, the blogs don’t have the covers ripped off or mangled (thank YOU Mr. Postman).

I was born with something to read in my hand. I feel like I am naked and incomplete without the printed word publications I have purchased since childhood. Often , I wonder if the next century will have anything printed on papers, or will the generations of the 22 century have only digital books, magazines and newspapers. As I watch the steady regression in quality of my local newspapers, the demise of favorite magazines and the uptick in less than stellar reading materials being presented on news stands (how many car magazines are there, really?), I feel the slow death knell inside my head for the entire industry. I still have plenty of books to read, as I continue to add to my queue beside the bed stand so the withdrawal has been easier to handle. But as the newsstands of the 20th century are moved farther and farther from people's access, I see the forward generations losing out on the actual feel of shiny paper pages and aroma of freshly printed ink that have been both my joy and my bane over 5 decades.

The Star Wars Special Everyone REALLY Wanted

2010-12-24T07:16:00.001-05:00

Star Wars Christmas 2010

Have a good one, whatever you celebrate. Meet me back here in the next decade.

Casa Real Comes To Flint

2010-11-18T23:33:00.004-05:00

I have known for a few months that Casa Real of Oxford, MI was opening a sister site in Flint. It is in the previously inhabited site that was Rib City (I miss the okra they had but nothing else). Several times I thought they were almost ready to open and then nothing. New sign, lights on inside, stickers on the door. But finally two weeks ago, was the marquee announcement that they would open middle of November. They are now open and more info can be found HERE.

The free basket of chips was fresh, crisp and more than enough for two. Salsa was served in a bottle you could pour into a molcajete. I would have preferred a slightly spicy salsa, as this was rather bland. You can order a spicy one, but my dinner partner does not like spicy. His loss.

This is the bean dip we ordered to go with the chips. I asked what the milky melt on top was and the waitress told me, but I thought it started with an F....but now I think it may be Asadero or possibly Teleme, but the taste of it reminded me of sweetened condensed milk. We swirled a chip thru the bean dip (mildly spicy with jalapeno) then dug in. This was a huge bowl-enough for sure for 4 or more.

I don't like Spanish rice. It's usually falsely colored orange and just overcooked, dry and tasteless. But this wasn't. It was fluffy and had real vegetables in it. Corn, peas, and mini carrot bits were dispersed thru the rice. The only thing better for this dish would be brown rice!

Finally here is my entree Queso Enchiladas. There are three enchiladas under that sauce and cheese (I will ask for light on the cheese next time). I only finished one, so I have a full meal for this weekend with my leftover rice and beans. Casa Real is vegetarian friendly with 6, count them SIX vegetarian entrees and the possibility of others should you leave off the meats. There are also several breakfast/supper egg dishes, various appetizers and OMG desserts! that any vegetarian would certainly dig into. Prices run a tad cheaper than Don Pablo's but are so much fresher. All the sauces are made in house and the enchilada sauce does not taste bottled like other places. A bit sweet with a mild tang, it's a red sauce you could use on many items.

Smaller portions are served from 11 AM til 3 PM for lunch. They have a full bar, TVs for all you stock market junkies at lunchtime and ESPN in the evening. The decor is whimsical with hand carved and painted tables and chairs with a choice of booths, tall tables and regular height tables. Tejano, mariachi, Mexican Ska....you will hear it all and it can be loud depending on how many patrons absorb the extra noise. Definitely family friendly and sure to please both tummy and wallet. And can I also praise the waiters? Service was terrific!

Observations of a Road Trip

2010-11-15T06:29:00.001-05:00

We (meaning my driver, my clingy dog and myself) just got back from a 6 day tripper to Iowa where we got to meet our new grand daughter for the first time. Avanelle is now 6 weeks old, putting on weight and even starting to smile a bit. I miss being able to feed her but I don't have the proper working equipment for that task. One day I rocked her so long, my butt went to sleep and my back locked up. I would do it again, even if it hurts, however.

In the course of our Interstates (69, 94, 96, 80, 380 etc.) traveling to Iowa and back to Michigan, several things crossed my mind depending on the occurring event at the time. I decided to rattle on about some and with others, probably embarrass myself .

You never will have the perfect time to go on a long drive. If it doesn't rain or snow one way, it will coming back the other way. Actually, wind may play a bigger role if you drive into it. It's not so bad if you have it at your back....blows you home, so to speak.
One person has to remember the bulk of everything to pack in the car. Other person only has to remember his underwear. Ultimately, something or many things will have to be left behind because there is no room in the Chevy transporter. So Ben didn't get his Little Mister Books (sorry dude but Avanelle can't read them yet) and I forgot the phone number and info I needed to make a dinner date and I feel awful as I really wanted to connect.
If you are planning on leaving at 8 AM, then sleep in the car. With the key ready to ignite the traveling gases. Forget teeth brushing, lock check etc. Just leave at 8 or be late.
Get your gas the day before and if Gas Buddy tells you prices are stable, fill up yesterday.The worst thing to start off a road trip is sticker shock for gasoline. It went up 30 cents a gallon overnight. Not nice, Speedway.
Dropping one dog off at Doggie Day Care for a week is very hurtful to the wallet. They have no weekend pick up unless you pay an additional fee..so if you wait until Monday, you still get screwed a day. Plus the shots and flea control you never would use anyway if you didn't board the monster. But he sat on Marley's head on the way to camp, so there was NO room or ambition on my part to take him with me.
Know that if you are the passenger, you are at the mercy of the driver's selection on the radio for tunes. I am sick of 50's songs and the 60's are getting pretty lame, too. I prefer folk, protest rock and show tunes. We heard the same things going to Iowa as coming home. I also like news. I can forego the farm reports, however. I see corn, I see soybeans, I see cows. Doing good farmers. I don't care how much a pound of cow is, I ain't contributing to your massacre.
Having a GPS without access to updates is useless. That diner from 2004 probably ain't there anymore.
Just because I like the sammies at Panera, and usually the vegetarian soups doesn't mean the breakfast is tasty. I tasted it all right, all the way to Iowa. Yuck.
If you need gas again, wait til Indiana. Or hope you make it past Illinois. Indiana is about 30 cents cheaper than Michigan, and Illinois thru Chicago area is impossible to get off the ramps without getting killed or cutting people off and it costs the most. Pay your toll and get very far west. Or wait til Iowa, where mid grade is cheaper than regular unleaded and better for the environment. Ethanol is the way to go if your car can use it.
Hammond Indiana stinks....always has and always will.
Passing by the rock quarry just inside the Illinois border, I have always wanted to yell out "Hey, Mr. Slate!" and "Yabba Dabba Doo!".
I am not the least bit embarrassed when my dog lifts his leg at the gas station stops. He feels my pain.
The toll booth people are not a happy lot. And why did Ron say thank you to them? They would not have a job without my 60 cents each way. They should thank the drivers who pay them to be surly.
Your dog will make a liar of you. He didn't run off when let off the leash. He went around the deck and sat and whined.
The least thought of problem item will be the one that happens. Dog broke his leash while twisting himself around a yard torch. So we bought a new one plus a tie down. Never used the tie down but it was 25 bucks. Out of the packaging and in the garage, it probably won't see the light of day again.
I took tons of Vernor's to Iowa.. Deposit is 10 cents a can in Michigan but it's only 5 cents a can in Iowa. Can't we all figure out that 10 cents or more will get many more cans and bottles out of landfills and off roadsides? I was appalled at how many containers I saw along roads during the trip. Plus I feel ripped off when son doesn't at least get the full 10 cents back. And if you get caught in Michigan returning cans from another state...it's trouble, I tell ya.
I was asked how I liked Iowa by the pastor's wife. I told her about as much as I like Michigan. I don't like cold. I don't like snow. Then the monsoons started and I was up all night listening to the winds blow. Did the gods put a curse on me?

My son learned how to cook. His specialty used to be sammies made in this little griddle with two pieces of bread and stuff in between the layers. Now he actually has real pots and pans and real knives. He even has cookbooks. My baby grew up!I wonder if he will ever make Scooby Sammiches again??
Back to that wind thing-just as you change directions, so does the wind. So don't put your paper dollars in your sweatshirt pouch and expect to get back to the car with any of it after stopping for a drink break. The wind took all my bills, blowing right thru the pouch and I stood like an idiot instead of chasing it down.
Then I realized what happened and tried to chase them down. Don't do this! Especially in a truck stop with a bunch of semi trucks jockeying for a gas pump. You won't live and if you do, your bills will be tossed into the salad along with all the other food wrappers, liquor bottles, dirty diapers and other trash that people toss out along the interstate.
Make sure you get your free Iowa map. Or Illinois map. Or Michigan map. I have a bag full of them. Someday they will be antiques. I plan on using them for something. Maybe when the GPS figures out it is a stupid machine and can be replaced, these maps will be worth something.
I asked the GPS to give me the fastest route back to Michigan. It thought to Milwaukee then Fort Wayne would work. I thought maybe it wanted me to swim or take the ferry across the lake. CR 234 isn't the fast route. Unless you are running along side a sloth.
Don't pass rest stops by. Even if you don't have to use the facilities, stop anyway. Even if you don't want to piss off the driver, it's better to piss him off than piss on yourself. Or the car seat.
Note to self--re-read the above.

When you are trying to find a place to go and the sign says next rest area 98 miles, and you have to find a dark, secluded place to "go", don't congratulate yourself for not peeing your pants too early. Your undies may have made it thru unscathed, but your pant legs and shoes didn't fare so well.
Note to self--re-read the above.
Don't try to read all your mail, newspapers (oh how I missed my newspapers while I was gone! I am a junkie!), packages and emails when you get home. I tried. I just don't like to have unread papers and mail.
Don't take a camera if you aren't going to use it. You did notice I have no baby photos, right? I don't have a good flash, and we can't use them around baby. The weather was dreary, we didn't go anywhere to take photos, and I don't like to be obnoxious. I am mostly a nature photographer, so macro of a big nose boogie would have been kind of gross. Ben has some. Hopefully he will email me a few?
I am now caught up with laundry, mail and am going to bed with today's papers. Have a grand Ides. It used to be payday, now it's just another manic Monday.

Pumpkin Leaves

2010-11-01T08:09:00.002-04:00

The Tale of Two Spoons

2010-10-25T07:52:00.007-04:00

Once upon a time (about three weeks ago) the cook of the manor found that her 25 year old spoon was getting long in the tooth and decided she needed to purchase a couple of new wooden tools as replacements. She looked at Target but didn't find anything (and she is also participating in a boycott of Target-another story for another night).

A cursory schlep thru at Kohl's and another peak at the dollar stores didn't please her, but she did find a style that was suitable at Meijers. The shaft of the spoon was thick and the bowl adequate for her stirring of batters and slurping from the pot of the savory soups she likes to create. The eager cook purchased two.

Isn't this a lovely spoon? The manor budgeter was so excited to find such a beauty and under 5 dollars each. This was a clearance sale from $9.99 . Cook hopes the spoons will last nearly as long as the retired utensil that has served so well...........

Alas! When the stirring and slurping began this past week, the spoon failed to serve the mistress of the kitchen and her expectations of a long life. As she scrapped the pasta from the pan, she noticed an odd item. What looked like an overcooked sweet potato french fry was laying on the counter top. She was very perplexed. How did this item get into the pot of fusilli? Chalking it up to something one could see while organizing several dishes for the week including freezer dinners, she plodded on. Then she found another in the Sweet Potato chili pot. How very odd.

Said cook withdrew the spoon from the pot of Sweet Potato Chili only to find the above! The spoon which was so beautiful out of the packaging, was now splitting apart at the seams! As you can see from the above photo, the spoon is layers of hardwood...perhaps glued together. Clicking to enlarge will show you that more layers are set to disengage themselves from the bowl of the spoon and honestly, cook believes she gets plenty of fiber already!

In what at first had been perfectly formed twins are now a mismatched and scary duo. The cook of the manor had washed the new spoons with soapy water and let them air dry in the mason jar. The only difference was spoon on the right was called to duty in the Sweet Potato Chili construction and spoon on the left was put in the reserves for another day. Spoon on right will be dismissed from the kitchen brigade for failure on the job. Spoon on left.......well, cook thinks she will glue some flowers to it and let it decorate the premises of the kitchen but it has permanently been added to the Don't Ask Me To Stir Your Pot list.

The cook of the manor is now on a new journey to find a spoon worthy of her soups and stews and pasta constructions. Perhaps cook will also find the perfect cast iron Dutch oven and stainless steel canning pot in the process.

........................................

Faces

2010-10-14T08:53:00.001-04:00

Over the years, I have amassed a lot of unusual garden creatures. Each has a face of interest. Although the dog has eaten many of my smaller friends, these are larger and still survive.

JoanPlowright

Snail Male

God's Ugly Brother

AlMolinaro

Mrs. Mark Fidrych

___

I Have Invaders.

2010-10-11T08:11:00.001-04:00

Mid October and these things show up. So much for weed and feed.

Oh Baby!

2010-10-10T10:10:00.001-04:00

For anyone NOT on Facebook , you probably don't know about this.

I present to you Avanelle Elizabeth. She was born on October 1, 2010. She is the binary code baby (10-1-10) ! This teeny tiny bundle was one month early and weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces....she then proceeded to go on a diet and tip the scales at 4 pounds exactly.

Mom, dad and baby are all doing well and trying to get into a rhythm of a schedule but little girl is eating every hour and a half. Mom is happy/tired, dad is awestruck and baby Avanelle is stealing hearts.

And life goes on...................

1011010110

Manny the Funky Fanny Kat

2010-10-08T00:16:00.000-04:00

The balloon lady at Leo's Diner made this for me last week. I named him Manny with the funky fanny. He is losing air pretty fast, so I think he will be long gone with his farty wind soon.

How funny-my reflection is in the face of Manny. Good thing I had three shirts on. It was a windy, brrrr day.

Porch Posies

2010-09-28T03:25:00.008-04:00

I rarely use my front doors, but with the shady area I am able to have a slew of color without the plants getting burned. At the end of the season, I will plant the English ivy as a ground cover. You can see what I planted last summer peeking from the lower left corner. It is climbing up the bricks near the living room window. Ivy is for my gramma.

I do wish I could have these all year long. Guess it's soon time for silk to make its appearance until spring. I wonder if I will have a nesting dove again come March.

Stranded In Time

2010-09-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

For the first sixteen years of my five plus decade life, my maternal grandparents lived close by. They were either in the apartment next door, the house next door or the rental flat upstairs. The last few years of their lives, the duplex we shared with them was one of the few places I truly felt safe. My grampa had used his retirement money from AC Sparkplug to help my parents make the down payment on the house off DuPont and Hamilton Streets in Flint, thus removing us kids from the ghetto hellhole that north of downtown was becoming. It was quite a change to sit on a front porch and not fear being shot in the evening, altho I have never gotten past that fear of guns. This neighborhood soon took a similar road into hell, but I have been gone almost 40 years. The rest of the family chose to stay as a brother died young, each parent died, a sister died, a fire and finally foreclosure. 2010 is the end of any life for that house. It will likely be torn down leaving another empty scarred lot inside the city.

Even after my gramma died in spring 1966, I still spent a lot of time with my grampa, going so far as to lie to my mom as to why I could not do the laundry for her or swab the wood floors. I would tell her I had to make grampa supper or dust for him (we were often watching the ball game). I did confess it every Saturday morning at St Mike's but I always felt it was an acceptable lie. My grampa needed me. So I said my penance and went about the same scenario the next week.

Aging crevices of my memory are filled with faded photographs and 16mm black and white movies from those years that I can't take to the developer to print on glossy paper or burn to a DVD. Often a memory is triggered from some innocent occurrence while out and about or a flash of a face in a dream. Such was the case this past week when I stopped at Bed Bath and Beyond. I was looking for a yogurt machine and instead came away with a rerun memory of a simpler time reflected in green glass.

Hubby and I were strolling up and down the kitchen aisles at Bed Bath and Beyond, not finding a yogurt maker, and I stated the cast iron Dutch oven was way overpriced as I simply wanted it for making rustic bread. I remembered how my gramma always used cast iron, and one particular pan always hosted the creamy potatoes and onions mix I loved as a kid. But $100 for a pot? I think not. So we were making our way out of the aisle targeting the front door, when a piece of glass caught my eye. I picked the item up, turning it over in my hands and all the morning breakfasts spent with my gramma came flooding back to me.

This simple glass kitchen gadget (14.99-what a rip off!) brought out the anger and sadness I have been trying to get past involving my mom, my brother and the house I grew up in. Some of you reading this know a bit or lots of bits involving this life story for the past few years. They are chapters best told on my other blog when the time line gets there. I just wasn't expecting to see this item in a store, what with all the electronic toys we try to cram into our kitchens.

Here is a similar item (above) to what I remembered as a kid. I always saw this on my gramma's breakfast table. As I got older, I was also allowed to ream the lemons or oranges for juice. I don't remember my gramma ever buying pre-juiced juice in a bottle or jar. She purchased lemons or oranges whole and when I begged, a grapefruit or two for me (I loved the red fleshed ones). Luckily, gramma also had a friend who lived in southern Florida who every Christmas sent us a crate full of ripe (and sometimes over ripe) globes of Floridian sunshine. I can still smell the aroma of citrus, altho I can no longer partake due to stomach issues.

This juicer/reamer was a freebie back in the Depression. Every week at the local theatre called the Strand, there was a dish night/towel giveaway or something similar. I remember a cookbook where kids got special stickers to complete. The cook book is still somewhere in mom's house along with this green gem and its matching casserole dish. Gramma used the larger dish with lid to hold her bacon drippings. It was always on the middle shelf of her Frigidaire icebox , ready for fried eggs or those yummy potatoes I mentioned above. Gramma knew how to re-use everything, a true recycler way ahead of her time. Sadly, many others were also doing the same thing during the Depression and the follow up decade into WW2.

***You can see the Strand Theatre in this photo in the lower right corner next to the Mott Building in downtown Flint. It's no longer there altho the Mott Building is still majestic in its architectural beauty. (The alley behind these buildings is where I met hubby-no, not IN the alley, but in a hole in the wall bar where I got my first waitress job)***

My gramma's juicer has a chip on the edge. It was I who chipped it when I was in second grade, as I offered to wash the lunch dishes so gramma could watch her soap As The World Turns. Even that is gone now. I tried to hide the chip but was crying so hard, she knew something was amiss. After gramma died, grampa used the juicer himself. He always had a bit of orange juice for breakfast. Eventually the juicer and the casserole along with most other items from their estate made their way into the everyday life of our household. The sleeper sofa was still in the living room when the house was foreclosed on. All those touchable memories are still inside four walls. I imagine at this point the house has been ransacked, while squatters perhaps spend a night or two. My brothers took what they could quickly sell on eBay, leaving untold treasures behind. What I find to be valuable is mostly junk to others, but I have emotions attached to my junk. Thus, they become treasures. I just can't touch the treasures anymore.

My reveries when writing this blog post tonight are mostly about what I value from the actuals in my life. I collect Superman comics, trivia books, rubber stamps, odd dishes, fabric, and other sorts of things, not with any thought to how much their worth is upon selling them but to the joy and memories they brings to me now. I don't think my talking Jar Jar Binks puppet from Star Wars will be high on anyone's list of must have items, but I smile whenever I play with it. Eventually some items may have a monetary value far exceeding what I paid for them but it doesn't matter at this point.

I don't have the green Depression juicer in my possession. I never will. I don't have my mom's wedding gown to fashion into a Christening gown for Baby Scholl. I never will. I don't have any baby photos of myself. I never will. I don't have the chair my grampa sat on while he called his Canadian family to sob that his beloved Nana was no longer with him. I never will. But I do have those memories, those instant photos stuck in my head, some very deeply hiding until a glimmer of glass refreshes them.

..........................

Olio's Cafe and Grill

2010-09-09T00:02:00.025-04:00

ETA Directions/Address 1072 Elms Road Flint (just north of Corunna and on same side as Flint Iceland Arena Map If you pass Calkins Road, you went too far. On the left side going north on Elms.

We don't get many quality eateries in the Genesee County area these days. Usually anything new opening up and actually staying open is along the lines of fast food, burger joints/coney islands or buffets (another word for deep fried and greasy). So imagine my surprise when the repaved road over the Flint River opened last week (after three months down) and this sign lit up the night! I didn't know what sort of cuisine was going to be had but I spied cloth napkins thru the windows!

So tonight on a dull, cloudy Wednesday we decided to give it a try. The lot was not really busy but that is par for many sit down eateries mid week, in general . I was almost startled to be greeted by a host when I barely had the door open. We were immediately greeted by our waiter Emily, who was so cheery and remarked that she had done the Crim (after seeing hubby's wind jacket with the Crim logo). While getting our beverages, she also highly recommended the Bruschetta with its fresh ingredients. Bread? Me? You betcha!

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Emily is also a vegetarian, so she was able to inform me of all the secret ingredients (Minestrone is NOT vegetarian made with a combo beef/veggie broth) but the Marinara sauce is! (I always thought Marinara was vegetarian but not so, as twice locally it had chicken broth).

Hubby had tortellini soup while I chose a salad with my "surprise me-on the side" dressing and the accompanied bread with garlic (almost cake like and topped with lightly crumbly cheese). This bread was sooooo goooood. I could have eaten just it. A small bowl of balsamic vinegar with olive oil and rosemary poured over was a side for dipping. We were later brought a second helping of this and the chef came over to chat and welcome us. He also brought a menu for me to take home

This dish is called Spaghetti Trapanese to which I had spinach added to give it a little oomph in color. I would say it was a large serving that would have fed minimum two but closer to three. Very hot, very fresh and just the right amount of sauce as I am not a sauce person. The sauce was tomato, olive oil, basil and garlic. If I had the choice, the only difference would have been some toasted pine nuts on the top for extra crunch.

Here is the yummy Bruschetta with the garlic bread in the background.

Hubby had the Chicken Cremosi which had a lemon cream sauce over some dead chicken but you are not getting a photo. We don't do eyeballs here. But he enjoyed it and it was a very generous serving of two dead cluck breasts. There was a side of spaghetti with chunky sauce which comes with most meaty dishes.

All entrees include soup or salad and the garlic bread. Entrees start at $9.99 thru $13.99 except for a few specialties like filet or lamb but the most expensive was under $20. They have a burger/sub lunch menu but there was only a veggie sub and no veggie burger listed. Since I am not a lunch person to begin with, that won't affect me. Lunch with fries and an 8" sub tallies up for $7.49. Children can eat for $4.99 and homemade desserts are also available.

When I Googled Olio's tonight, there was not one hit online. They don't have a website yet as they only opened two weeks ago and are waiting on the applied for liquor license. The bar area is already set up and there is a large meeting/conference/party room off the main dining area. I promised them their first hit on Google and listing on Twitter. So if you are in the vicinity, stop and check them out. Supporting local businesses means supporting your neighbors.

_____________________________________________________

ETA on Feb 8, 2011-Since I first wrote this review, I have returned several times and the last time my daughter and son-in-law were with me. Finally they have a website! Check the menu and set aside a nice evening of dining as the word has gone out that this is a great place and the parking lot is now full.

PS-my photos are going to be better since I finally ordered a new camera! Don't let people step on your purse! It messes up the photos big time.

Checkin' In

2010-08-16T01:59:00.002-04:00

see more Señor Gif

Heart Tubers

2010-07-18T21:26:00.007-04:00

My life is in a bit of flux right now and I am trying to decide what if anything, to do with my "open to the public" blogs. I love blogging but for some reason I have no focus for any of them in the last 18 months. If I write how I feel, I end up getting hate mail. I kid you not. Horrible stuff that I delete because it's so hurtful to know how much people spew garbage-hate, bodily harm, stupidity. I prefer not to post them here (thus they are deleted under moderation) because they are reminders of how inhumane some people are. Some leave a real name! But most don't. Some are even from acquaintances far and wide. So I have quit. I have better things to do than stress over it, wondering how people get to be how they are. I have pretty much quit Facebook, too. I now just play a couple of games and move on. I may come back to FB someday but don't bet the farm on it.

I found this potato in the bag I purchased from Costco. I don't know if this was the "snake" transport, but I saved it to give to my nephew Arturo. Only problem is, I haven't seen him in a while and the tuber is sprouting. So here is the photo because the potato either needs to be cooked or added to the compost bin. At first I said it was a "Michigan" potato.

Many outsiders don't know that we Michiganders use our flat hands to show what part of the Lower Peninsula we are from. The UP itself is much like a running fox, so I imagine Yoopers have their own way of describing their home towns. As you can see from the photo below, I seem to find veggies in a common shape. I won't go into the X rated ones, however. They were chopped up for soup at one time or another.

So to counteract the hate mail, I decided that my tuber is a heart. My heart sends the best wishes to anyone reading this blog, my other blogs or my FB pages. The good vibes are emitting from the heart of the Midwest, the beautiful Great Lakes state of Michigan. Most of the people here have good hearts and wish the best to everyone even if it's not returned.

I will leave this blog up until the end of the year. If I don't find myself wanting or needing it, I will take it down. I retain the ownership of the title, so it's not for sale or trade. And no spam comments, please. They too, are deleted along with the tripe.

Go Fish

2010-03-03T22:47:00.006-05:00

Missing-Andrew Koenig-Please Share! Updated

2010-02-22T01:31:00.004-05:00

ETA-sadly, Andrew was found dead today. He took his own life. If anyone reads this and feels like they have no choices, please call one of these numbers and talk. People care. Strangers care. Friends care. YOU are worth so much more than you think.

If you are feeling desperate, alone, or hopeless... or know someone suffering, please don't delay...call for help.

US National Suicide HotlineToll-Free / 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

1-800-273-TALK

1-800-273-8255

1-800-799-4TTY (4889)Deaf Hotline

RIP Andrew

You made a large community care about you without ever having met you.

Andrew Koenig, the son of Star Trek actor Walter Koenig, is missing. The last time Andrew Koenig was seen was on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Andrew Koenig never boarded his flight back to the US, and he hasn't heard from since then.He was last seen at a bakery in the Stanley Park area of Vancouver.

Andrew Koenig, 41, was working as a camera operator on the show "Never Not Funny" as well as doing improv in Los Angeles. Best known as "Boner" from "Growing Pains", Andrew also had a role in "Deep Space Nine", and is a talented actor director, editor and photographer as well as a passionate activist. In 2008, he was arrested at the Rose Bowl while protesting China's part in the genocide in the country of Burma.

This is a serious matter that has Koenig's friends and family gravely concerned. If you have seen him, emailed him or had any contact after the 14th or spent time with him during his stay in Vancouver please call Detective Raymond Payette of the Vancouver PD at 604-717-2534. Please share this and send prayers and positive thoughts. If you wish to leave Walter a note, visit his site at: www.walterkoenigsite.com

Nebbie Crosses the Bridge.

2009-09-15T19:11:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, all I need is the air that YOU breathe.

The dumpster kitty had to leave today. She had a quick onset illness relating to her liver. I was going to bring her home for one more night of cuddling and having a talky talk with her, but I didn't want her to be in any kind of discomfort. She had a bit of salmon yums last night and sat on my computer chair and we chatted early this morning about the engravings she has left on my wood work upstairs by the bedroom door.

Nebbie was always a bit of a pig food wise, and she would eat whatever was leftover after the others had their twice weekly treats of canned num nums.

It will be a lot quieter now with one less chatterbox at 2 AM. This is my second cat loss in three months and now only Spencer, age 12 remains. Nebbie was the baby by several years. I just put her bed and sleepy cave off to the side until I can deal with it. My cat cemetery under the pines is getting full and my heart feels so empty. Goodbye, my little girl.

I Didn't Abandon This Blog!

2009-08-27T01:01:00.005-04:00

I have been busy. Working on some recipes and enjoying my garden growing (aside from the dog eating my tomatoes and peppers and yes, he loves the hot ones, too). I have a bunch of photos and recipes backed up on my external drive (and hope they restore to the new computer when I get some time). I also have new things on my card blog listed on the sidebar.

But you may like this dish. I really have no recipe for it. I tend to grab and see what happens.

I used extra firm tofu which was already cubed and sauted it in peanut oil with hot pepper flakes. I added various herbs and spices, some garlic, and some unsalted peanuts. This was served over brown rice. The carrots were steamed with corn and Lima beans and a dollop of marmalade melted in Earth Balance with garlicky salt was added atop. It was a nice summery and very quick dinner as the rice had been pre-made and frozen. Before serving, I added some homegrown shredded basil. Even the doggies like this!

PS-the photo is crap, I know. I have been saving for a macro and every time I get close, something else comes up. Steamy food seems to strobe for me. I took this photo using only the stove top light. I need to upgrade my stuff!

Summer Laundry

2009-06-25T00:57:00.002-04:00

GM Stock Buyers...Trust Your Broker?

2009-06-10T19:22:00.001-04:00

Loki

2009-06-05T20:06:00.002-04:00

Daylight

I must wait for the sunrise.

I must think of a new life

And I musn't give in.

When the dawn comes

Tonight will be a memory, too

And a new day will begin.

Touch me

It's so easy to leave me

All alone with the memory

Of my days in the sun.

If you touch me

You'll understand what happiness is.

Look, A new day has begun.....

Goodbye my boy. I will miss your hand nibbles and talkies.

Now every day is your day in the sun.

If Moms Ruled The World

2009-04-29T16:44:00.001-04:00

Hopping Down The Bunny Trail

2009-04-12T21:32:00.001-04:00

The Schitt Family Tree-Rated PG13

2009-03-28T00:59:00.001-04:00

Heart the Dyess.

2009-03-13T00:33:00.003-04:00

I was at a Pistons game in January courtesy of Detroit Bad Boys and Matt Watson, which was a raffle of sorts from Matt's Twitter account. I just now am sorting thru the photos I took with hub's yucky camera. I have become reluctant to take my Rebel into places because of photo restrictions, so this one fit in pocket.

This was a so so photo until I played around with it. I think I am onto Leroy Neiman a bit with this one. Just using the Vista photo enhancer and I could never do this again, but sure was surprised at what I got. Maybe I can eventually take out the guard and that wayward face on the bottom, but until that happens, I am pleased with what I got so far.

I "heart" my Dyess and wish he could get a ring but it won't be in Detroit, as this team was screwed the minute AI came here. Dyess deserves better and had a chance to go to Boston, but came home. At least pay the man his due, Joe.

Happy 75th Sparky!

2009-02-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

Socks

2009-02-20T17:59:00.001-05:00

R.I.P. Little GUY

20 years old

It's National Carrot Day!

2009-02-03T16:11:00.001-05:00

I Robot

2009-01-19T22:20:00.005-05:00

Do you know this face? Probably not. But the whimsy in his features should have never been hidden. I watched him on TV every week during the 60's with my brothers. We had toys of him. And I so wished I could have spent a few hours doing what he did so well. And to bring joy to kids and adults along the way.

His name is Bob May and he died today.

You know him better as Robot.

RIP

Top 10 Surprises In GWB's Farewell Speech

2009-01-18T01:33:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Late Night With David Letterman

10. His eyes were darting around like a Costco ferret

9. Apologized to the people of Iran for not geting around to nuking them

8. His glowing review of "Paul Blart: Mall Cop"

7. Announced plan to take $4 billion in government bailout funds and put it on the Steelers

6. Kept yelling, "Laura, more Mountain Dew!"

5. The sombrero

4. Unveiled list of goals for his third term

3. Gave speech in front of a turkey being slaughtered

2. Because of economy, announced he and Laura have to move in with his parents

1. Got a 21-shoe salute

Not What You Expect?

2008-12-30T03:24:00.000-05:00

"Mystique is Pregnant" featuring Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn by Jerry Minor

Eat The Head!

2008-11-21T23:12:00.001-05:00

These commercials with Wade and Barkley are so insanely funny! I am glad they don't want to eat the head tho.

Kitty Entertainment

2008-11-19T23:33:00.002-05:00

Ever have a day when nothing seems to work and you just wanna hit your head or hit a room mate? All it took was this video to make me feel a bit better and chuckle. But I am telling my cats--you are not getting one of these. The dog would try to find the squeaker or hummer in it and tear it to pieces.

Top 10 Things On Obama's To-Do List

2008-11-17T23:46:00.003-05:00

Purloined from the "Late Night With David Letterman" Newsletter.

10. Remove Alaska from the Union.

9. Have the FCC look into getting Fox News taken off cable.

8. Hire some chubby interns.

7. Learn how to mispronounce "nuclear".

6. Take down all the Three Stooges posters in the Oval Office.

5. Less talk, more Barack.

4. Broker peace agreement between hosts of "The View".

3. Appoint Joe the Plumber ambassador to Home Depot.

2. Ask Oprah if she'll take care of the budget deficit.

1. Begin his 2012 campaign.

The Corner-A Tribute To Tiger Stadium

2008-11-15T04:14:00.002-05:00

For more information about preserving home plate and most of the original playing field at Michigan and Trumbull please visit here.

Seven Random Thoughts

2008-11-14T01:21:00.004-05:00

This is a meme going around and I have been asked multiple times to participate-so I will as I am waiting for time outs on the Pistons/Golden State game to finish. Settle down Rasheed!

#1. I won't leave the house with the dryer running, the dishwasher going or even a fan on. A neighbor's house burned down after she left the clothes dryer on a years ago. Luckily she and her family were gone but not so lucky were the pets.

#2 My personal finance books have to balance. No penny off stuff for me. I have actually found mistakes from the bank, like numbers transposed or wrong dates for deposits. Once I even found the same debit twice on two different days and another time a credit of the same amount twice. I balance my receipts and all bookkeeping the minute I get it.

#3 As anal as I am about receipts and checkbooks as noted above, my desk is a total mess. I have all sorts of sticky notes, and bits of newspapers stuck on the monitor, the side of the computer case and in the drawers of a make shift desk in the kitchen. I just found a coupon that expired two months ago stuck under the keyboard. I try but somehow a clean desk makes me nervous and unproductive.

#4 The older I get the less I watch TV as I get antsy watching it and end up screaming at the commercials unless I find a way to distract myself while they are on. I rarely watch commercial TV and come February will probably watch the one show I like (Brothers and Sisters) over the Internet. If football never showed up on any channel I would be happy but sofa slug finds a way to watch 7 or more games on Saturday alone, so by not buying one of those digital boxes, I can guarantee at least a couple of games don't get into my space.

#5 I don't borrow books from the library. If I choose to read a book, I buy it but always at least 40% off. The local book outlet closed a few years ago so I have become more selective in my purchases. I still have enough backlogged books to read to last until I am 90 but still keep a list to watch for and always a wish list at Amazon with a price trigger. I will die with a book or magazine in my hand.

#6 The only type of video or computer games I really like are word or shape puzzle types--Tetris, Scrabble or similar that I can play against the computer or solo. I don't really like timed ones as I muse over my words and sometimes walk away and come back. I guess I get distracted or try to do too many things at once. I have some crosswords I have been working on for days that I have saved to complete. The puzzles with puns drive me bonkers.

#7 I have SAD. Seasonal Affect Disorder. I need sun. The syndrome hit early this year as it came at a time with some other dishevels in my life. Instead of baking all night to crawl out of the rut, I have been snuggling with a sick kitty. With hubby retired (part of the above dishevel) I no longer cook until 4AM like I used to and send the goodies into work with him. I need to find another quiet distraction for my insomniac AMs. I tried my other hobby rubber stamping but apparently that was too noisy for slug boy. Inking the edges of card stock woke him up. (eyes roll here)

So if you got this far and want to participate, feel free to. Make sure you post below that you did, so I can come visit. I am hoping to add some of the soup and stew recipes I have created over the summer with photos-I need to edit a few photos as I must omit some of the resulting items on a plate or tray--or cover it somehow. I now always make sure I take photos of individual productions instead of finished presentations. Then I don't have to worry about the recipe Nazi.

Targetted

2008-11-09T18:30:00.002-05:00

Chock Full Of Shopping Carts @ Yahoo! Video

Bad Roll Of the Dice

2008-11-03T21:39:00.005-05:00

ETA-My man is coming home Dec. 3!

McDyess will re-sign with the Pistons on Dec. 3, after a league-mandated 30-day waiting period expires. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2008-09 season.

Big trade in the NBA today. You all know I love my Pistons. But the hardest part of this is the loss of Antonio McDyess. All the injuries, comebacks, smiles, dedication, and teamwork from this man for an ending like this?? Make it not so. I heard he will retire rather than report to a place he doesn't feel he belongs. Hopefully, Denver will just waive him and he can resign with Detroit again. There has to be a place for him somewhere-best man and first man off the bench. Gimme back my Dice.

Free MP3 From The Boss.

2008-11-01T00:37:00.002-04:00

click this link below.

A Night With The Jersey Devil

Happy Halloween!

I Put A Spell On You.

2008-10-31T20:02:00.000-04:00

Don't Be A Jerk-Vote!

2008-10-30T02:23:00.001-04:00

Put a Fiver In Your Pocket

2008-10-19T00:26:00.002-04:00

Yum Yum Yum!!

Save 5 Bucks At Whole Foods!

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Chubby Sunshine

2008-10-18T23:19:00.001-04:00

I was feeling a bit down today and someone sent me this. Enjoy.

McCarthyism In The 21st Century??

2008-10-12T00:36:00.003-04:00

It must stop now! Please read and sign if you agree.You don't have to be an educator to support an end of to the desperate measures by politicians and others. Think for yourselves-not how others want you to think!

End McCarthyism Forever!

-----------------------------------------

Investing In Your Future

2008-10-09T17:20:00.002-04:00

I saw this on a blog earlier this morning with several back links. I have no idea where the origination point was--so thanks all you very witty people. I am not a beer drinker.....yet.

"If you had purchased $1,000 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago, you would have $49 left.

"With Fannie Mae, you would have $2.50 left of the original $1,000.

"With AIG, you would have less than $15 left.

"But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drunk all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214 cash.

"Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle..."

Tip Greed

2008-10-08T23:05:00.002-04:00

Do you know that some restaurants charge the waiters a credit card fee if you put the tip on the bill when paying? There was an article in the paper about it Sunday. The owners of the establishment get charged 1.8 to 3.5 % of the total to accept your credit card as payment. They are now passing the percentage of the bill that is a tip onto the waiter by deducting from the total amount of tip. Nice, huh? And you don't know it unless the waiter happens to tell you.

The average a waiter makes including tips in the US was 8.93 an hour as of 2007 according to the Labor Statistics. It did not say how many establishments are doing this percentage thing, but now that its "out in the open" I am betting a lot more will do it now that it's "legal".

I think we should all now go out of our way to place the tip in the waiter's hand-don't leave on the table because you don't know who will get it. Give it to the waiter and say thanks. I used to do this because I wasn't sure if they actually got the tips-now I will make sure they do.

It's All About The Fake Pres.

2008-10-08T18:15:00.001-04:00

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Mr. Breathed's Opus

2008-10-07T22:41:00.003-04:00

My favorite Sunday comic is ending on November 2. I have no reason to buy the Sunday edition after that. I used to get the paper for the coupons, but even those are going the way of the dinosaurs. I imagine had we been tortured with 4 more years of Bush and other whacks, he might have stuck around. Isn't Sarah winkie worth a few more weeks? Come live with me Opus, I will always have a spot for you.

"PBTTTF!"

Quotes From The Dark Side

2008-10-06T00:43:00.002-04:00

"Are you kidding me, the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska? Yeah, that's who you want in the White House during a time of crisis. When she got a phone call at 3 in the morning, it was because a moose had gotten in the garbage can." --Bill Maher

"I think this is pertinent because McCain has been running this campaign based on 'we're at war, it's a dangerous world out there'. The democrats don't get that. I, John McCain, am the only one standing between the blood-thirsty Al Qaedas and you. But if I die, this stewardess can handle it." --Bill Maher

"Five kids? Does anyone in that party understand the concept of pulling out?" --Bill Maher

"When they were vetting her for this job, like three seconds ago, she said,
quote, I'm not making this up, 'What is it exactly that the VP does every day?' Let me field that for you, Sarah. They start wars, they enrich their friends, they subvert the Constitution, and they shoot people in the face.
That's what the vice president does." --Bill Maher

"Today President Bush called Gov. Palin and congratulated her. Bush told Palin the job of vice president is very important because as vice president, you get to tell the president what to do." --Jay Leno

"John McCain's VP pick is the governor of Alaska, an unknown hockey mom named Sarah Palin that no one ever heard of. The only other job she had in politics was the mayor of a small town known as Wasilla, Alaska, and now she has the opportunity to be on a ticket opposite of Barack Obama, the first black man she's ever seen." --Bill Maher

"This isn't a presidential ticket, this is a sitcom. The maverick and the MILF." --Bill Maher

"There was some breaking news out of Dayton, Ohio today, where Republican presidential candidate John McCain introduced the world to his third wife." --Jon Stewart

"She's not bad looking. She looks like one of those women in the Van Halen videos who takes off her glasses, shakes out her hair, and then all of a sudden, she's in high heels and a bikini. All of a sudden, I am FOR drilling in Alaska." --Jimmy Kimmel

"Not only is she young, they're saying she's the prettiest candidate for Vice President since John Edwards." --Jimmy Kimmel

"Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is John McCain's choice. Here's what we know about her: her name is Sarah Palin." --Jay Leno

"Actually, it was kind of a smart choice. McCain went with a woman because he didn't want to have to be in a position to have to get CPR from Mitt Romney." --Jay Leno

"Palin and McCain are a good pair. She's pro-life and he's clinging to life." --Jay Leno

"The McCain people believe that Americans will disregard her inexperience because they will fall in love with her story. She was a runner up in the 1984 Miss Alaska Pageant., which may sound trite, but you try walking in high-heeled snow shoes." --Bill Maher

"And the trump card, why Americans will fall in love with her, she's got five kids. How can you not vote for someone who has five children, including an infant? Some touching details about the infant: it has Down's Syndrome, she had it when she was 43 years old, and it looks a lot like John Edwards." --Bill Maher

"Sarah Palin, she's getting ready for tomorrow's debate, too. I understand
she now knows all three branches of government." --Jay Leno

Well, some people think Sarah Palin took a swipe at Joe Biden's age when she said that she had been listening to Biden's speeches since the second grade. Which is kind of ironic, because Biden has been listening to McCain's speeches since he was in the second grade." --Jay Leno

"See, you've got to admit, Sarah Palin does look great when they walk out,
but that's causing a problem for McCain now. In fact, now they call the
ticket 'Beauty and the Deceased.'" --Jay Leno

Here's some good news. The government is talking about stimulus checks
again. The bad news? We're the ones that are writing them." --Jay Leno

"But tomorrow night is the vice presidential debate, also known as the
debate to nowhere." --David Letterman

"But don't kid yourself. This is for all the marbles, this debate tomorrow
night. And Sarah Palin is nothing if not diligent. She's working hard on
preparing for the debate with Joe Biden. Earlier today in Arizona we just
heard that she shot a donkey." --David Letterman

"Earlier today, John McCain and Sarah Palin introduced a new 'just say no' program. McCain told Sarah Palin, 'If a reporter asks you any questions, just say no!'" --Jay Leno

I think this unprecedented financial crisis is great news for George Bush.
Now this will be the president's lasting legacy! It will cover up all the
things that were going to be his legacy! I mean, just think of Iraq, torture, wiretapping, Katrina as little paint drips on the floor of his presidency. This financial disaster is like painting the whole floor! Now I don't see any mistakes. It really freshens the place up. Now, sure people in New Orleans' ninth word still don't have houses. But soon neither will anyone." --Stephen Colbert

"Did you all watch the presidential debate Friday night? You know, a lot of analysts were calling it a tie; they say neither man stumbled. That's how low the bar is now. Apparently not stumbling is considered a huge accomplishment in politics. He didn't stumble, fantastic!" --Jay Leno

Got any to add, including the other side? Let me know-equal ridicule on my part.

Do Or Do Not-It's About YOU!

2008-10-03T16:59:00.001-04:00

OHMYGODSOCIETYISCOLLAPSING...................

2008-09-25T00:11:00.001-04:00

Urgent Business-This Is Not Spam

2008-09-24T18:05:00.002-04:00

Date: Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 1:18 PM

Subject: URGENT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP

DEAR AMERICAN:

I NEED TO ASK YOU TO SUPPORT AN URGENT SECRET BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH ATRANSFER OF FUNDS OF GREAT MAGNITUDE.I AM MINISTRY OF THE TREASURY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. MY COUNTRY HAS HADCRISIS THAT HAS CAUSED THE NEED FOR LARGE TRANSFER OF FUNDS OF 800 BILLIONDOLLARS US. IF YOU WOULD ASSIST ME IN THIS TRANSFER, IT WOULD BE MOSTPROFITABLE TO YOU.I AM WORKING WITH MR. PHIL GRAM, LOBBYIST FOR UBS, WHO WILL BE MY REPLACEMENT ASMINISTRY OF THE TREASURY IN JANUARY. AS A SENATOR, YOU MAY KNOW HIM AS THELEADER OF THE AMERICAN BANKING DEREGULATION MOVEMENT IN THE 1990S. THISTRANSACTIN IS 100% SAFE.THIS IS A MATTER OF GREAT URGENCY. WE NEED A BLANK CHECK. WE NEED THE FUNDS ASQUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. WE CANNOT DIRECTLY TRANSFER THESE FUNDS IN THE NAMES OFOUR CLOSE FRIENDS BECAUSE WE ARE CONSTANTLY UNDER SURVEILLANCE. MY FAMILYLAWYER ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD LOOK FOR A RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY PERSON WHOWILL ACT AS A NEXT OF KIN SO THE FUNDS CAN BE TRANSFERRED.PLEASE REPLY WITH ALL OF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, IRA AND COLLEGE FUND ACCOUNT NUMBERSAND THOSE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO WALLSTREETBAILOUT@TREASURY.GOVSO THAT WE MAY TRANSFER YOUR COMMISSION FOR THIS TRANSACTION. AFTER I RECEIVETHAT INFORMATION, I WILL RESPOND WITH DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT SAFEGUARDSTHAT WILL BE USED TO PROTECT THE FUNDS.

YOURS FAITHFULLY MINISTER OF TREASURY PAULSON

Vote No On The Bailout!

2008-09-22T18:39:00.002-04:00

I suggest you use an email that is secondary but your real name etc.

Vote Here

Edits To My Blog

2008-09-22T00:25:00.005-04:00

Tonight I removed two blogs I had recently written from "Eyeballs". I had included links to a blog that for some reason, wanted me to remain anonymous whenever I commented to his/her blog. I said no. I have a rule when commenting on blogs. I always use my real name. You can click my name if I leave a comment on your blog and it will take you back to either Eyeballs or Papertango-depending on the connection to your blog. There is also a link to either/or on my sidebar.

I do not leave nasty, troll-like postings on any blog. I know there are lots out there who do and it makes me spit! If I have something to say and don't want anyone to know who I am, there are anonymous blogs out there that allow you to do that. If you go to PaperTango (see sidebar), there is a "bitch" logo. Click that and email the proprietor (it's not me) and ask to be added or just leave a complaint/response/drunken diatribe on any post listed. That is just one of many such blogs out there that allow this.

Again, if I visit your blog and have a comment, a snort, or even a giggle-I will always use my real name with a link to one of my blogs. If I don't feel comfortable having that link, I won't post anything and just close the page. I hope you will offer me the same consideration.

ETA:I am posting this blog to both Eyeballs and Papertango.

ETA-I removed the links to protect the other blogger-which is apparently what said blogger felt was needed to keep any social connection I had to said blogger anonymous . I was not nor am I out to protect myself. There was a bill introduced this past spring HB-775 which was possibly entered to protect from bullying anonymously. I certainly understand that, as the main recipients of such a law would be children or minors. It won't wash, but you never know with this administration.

Dear Red States

2008-09-15T01:21:00.004-04:00

This is making the rounds (from an anonymous post on Craig's List). I love it! Feel free to pass it on.

Dear Red States, We've decided we're leaving.

We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes Hawaii, Oregon,Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly:

You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states.
We get stem cell research and the best beaches.
We get Elliot Spitzer.
You get Ken Lay.
We get the Statue of Liberty.
You get Dollywood.
We get Intel and Microsoft.
You get WorldCom.
We get Harvard.
You get Ole' Miss.
We get 85 percent of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs.
You get Alabama.
We get two-thirds of the tax revenue.
You get to make the red states pay their fair share.
Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families.
You get a bunch of single moms.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq, and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners) 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools, plus Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia. We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties.

By the way, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

Peace out, Blue States

Pet Food Recall-Making Humans Sick Too!

2008-09-14T23:18:00.004-04:00

Several brands of pet food-both cats and dogs-have been recalled in the US. They were produced in a factory in Pennsylvania and the plant was voluntarily shut down after two reported cases of Salmonella in HUMANS! The caregivers for the pets were possibly infected from dispensing the food to the pets.

Please go read the list of brands involved HERE. Be sure to pass the link on to all pet owners both cats and dogs.Lets all be safe.

The Doggie Dictionary

2008-08-30T00:54:00.002-04:00

LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go.

DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.

DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps.

SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop.

GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread.

BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.

DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.

THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.

WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home

SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean.

BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.

LEAN: Every good dog=92s response to the command "sit !", especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.

BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular Bump doesn't get the attention you require.....especially effective when combined with The Sniff. See above.

LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.

Dog Lovers-Please Read!!!

2008-08-28T16:38:00.001-04:00

I came across a story this morning about a toy being sold at big box pet stores and dollar stores across the United States. Please click this link and read it including the embedded links in the story, which will take you to a blog and the manufacturing web site. Then I beg of you to go thru your pet toys to see if you have any like it and take them away from the fur children. Lastly, please send the link for this blog post to anyone who might have dogs, loves dogs or who can send it on to other who will benefit. Thanks from my crazy ass dogs. I had two of these potentially deadly things in my stash, having bought them on sale at Target.

Running For Prez

2008-08-01T18:27:00.000-04:00

What Kind of Music Am I?

2008-07-27T13:38:00.001-04:00

You Are Classical Music

You are a somewhat serious person who enjoys studying subjects deeply.

Art of all kinds interests you, and a good piece of art can really effect you emotionally.

You are inspired by human achievement, and you appreciate work that takes years to accomplish.

For you, the finer things in life are not about snobbery - they're about quality.

What Kind of Music Are You?

60 Year Old Wisdom-No One Listened Again, As Usual.

2008-07-19T14:42:00.001-04:00

"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."

-- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials

Free Greenies!

2008-07-17T00:37:00.005-04:00

Now don't get your hopes up to getting high. This ain't the 60's anymore. This is for your dog or cat-especially if you have to give them meds or some daily nasty tasting thing. I have been giving my Loki a daily dose of antibiotics and guess what? He's worse than a kid-I have the scars to prove it. So click HERE and get your free samples-dog, cat or both. You will be glad you did and their breath will be so much nicer too--for all those fur kisses you will get.

Do Animals Have Basic Rights? Should They?

2008-07-16T17:06:00.002-04:00

Read This and Ponder

Buying Gas With A Credit Card? Beware!!

2008-07-09T14:26:00.000-04:00

Uno's Has Pot Stickers-Ho Hum.

2008-07-05T01:07:00.005-04:00

New Menu from Uno's

Today after shopping at the home improvement store, we decided to lunch at Uno's. I had a coupon for $5.00 off $15.00 so seemed like a good deal. Normally I like their Eggplant and Tomato pizza. This week, they have a new menu and one of the items was this-pot stickers.

This is their photo-because what I got on my plate was ugly. And tasteless. Doughy, certainly not sweet, sour, salty or even remotely hot. I told the waitress who gushed about them I would never order them again. I was very disappointed. And my cauliflower mash was ice cold. Send it back and still not hot. Just a heads up if you are interested in this. I wanted wow and got poo.

Mellencamp Fans??

2008-07-03T14:21:00.001-04:00

John has a new album out on the 15th of July but you can get a couple of free downloads courtesy of Vanity Fair magazine . Mellencamp is often referred to as the "Poet of the Interstate" and is one of the best live concert entertainers out there.

So grab your freebies while you can. If the above link doesn't work, try this one. In both cases you MUST enter this code LDLF6.

Both sites have the same two songs.

Southern Nights In The North Supper

2008-06-30T00:10:00.000-04:00

Here is my idea of perfect holiday food. I made some vegetarian "snausages" a while back and froze them. Of the three flavors I made, this one was my favorite. Sun dried tomatoes (since no one should be eating fresh ones until the whole salmonella mess is clued in) have the most intense flavor. I often just eat them fresh from the bag (I buy dried ones, not those soaked in oil).

I served the grilled and sliced "snausages" over spiced rice (sorta my version of Jambalaya). The lower right "patty" is mac and cheese with a batter around the outside and then dipped in bread crumbs and baked until the outside is crispy and set. I am not into cheese but hubby loved these.
Here is a close up of the Jambalaya. Very intense and spicy , so have a pitcher of lemonade or iced tea on hand to cool off the tongue.
A close up of the mac and cheese pattie. I served it on a few fresh baby leafy greens. The messiest of this plate was the grilled corn on the cob. I melted Earth Balance with garlic and paprika, a little salt and pepper to drizzle and bam! was this tasty. A perfect plate that even the pooches enjoyed. They love corn on the cob and we serve it to them while holding the ends. Certainly no leftovers! Have a safe and thoughtful Independence Day here in the USA and Happy Canada Day to our northern buds. Share the bounty with all you love.

Possible Titles For George (Monkeyboy) Bush's Memoirs

2008-06-23T18:25:00.002-04:00

Thanks to David Letterman and his wily bunch of writers. A video clip is here .

10."Tuesdays With Moron"

9. "Surviving The 12-Hour Work Week"

8. "What Being President Learned Me"

7. "The 7 Habits Of Highly Incompetent People"

6. "All I Ever Really Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten"

5. "Sloppy Joe's Is Tasty"

4. "It Takes A Village Idiot"

3. "How To Lose Wars And Alienate World Leaders"

2. "At Least I Never Had A Gay Date In An Airport Bathroom"

1. "Huh?"

Why I Hate Summer

2008-06-19T00:46:00.000-04:00

Click HERE!

Isn't Osgood Yummy?

2008-06-13T15:26:00.001-04:00

Iowa Flooding

2008-06-12T00:24:00.002-04:00

For anyone interested, I have photos up on my other blog of the devastation. When I have the promised video, I will let you know with a link to You Tube.

Stay safe-I think we are in for a hellacious summer.

Hardware

2008-06-09T21:46:00.002-04:00

I won this! For more info, read here. Not bad for an old lady, eh?

A Sad and Eerie Anniversary

2008-06-09T00:33:00.003-04:00

For more info, visit my other blog here .

3 Minute Video-9/11's A Lie!

2008-06-06T02:20:00.000-04:00

Kwame The Clown

2008-05-29T01:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday Kwame Kilpatrick vetoed his own removal from office.Detroit, one of my favorite places to visit, has lost so much in recent years. Now any dignity is gone too. Watch this parody from Jon Stewart as the world laughs (and some cry) at how low a man can go and still think he is right.

Rear Ended

2008-05-20T00:41:00.003-04:00

Officer, this is how the fight started...

I rear-ended the car in front of me. I admit that. It was my fault. So, we both pull over to the side of the road, and slowly the driver gets out of his car. . . And you know how you just-get-so-stressed... And life... Sometimes life seems like... Suddenly funny?

Well, the driver of the car is a DWARF!

He gets out of his car and I get out of my car. He is frowning and scowling and he storms over to me.

Right up close at me he looks up in my face and says, "I AM NOT HAPPY!"

And I don't know what possessed me, officer, but I look down at him and I said, "Well, if you're not Happy, which one are you?"

-- And that's when the fight started.

Doh!!

2008-05-18T23:29:00.000-04:00

Go read this.......here.

Sundried Pesto

2008-05-18T01:24:00.001-04:00

I wasn't gonna post any food tonight (since I didn't eat anything) but this was soooo good earlier this month. Sun dried tomato pesto tossed with pasta and garlic and tiny bits of broccoli. It was even better warmed up (isn't it funny how that is?) Hubby's had shredded cheese and mine didn't.

I also made fresh biscuits with Cheddar for him. And the strips on the right are veggie patties that I grilled until crunchy and then cut into strips much like sausage links. These veggie patties are from Costco and are the best I have ever eaten!

A sprig of fresh basil and ta da! A dinner better than anything in the local dining chain. When I get the recipe written for the pesto, I will publish it here. I grow my own herbs even in the winter ( Aerogrow) and what a cost saving investment it has been!

Thanks For The Emails My Friends

2008-05-17T23:45:00.002-04:00

To everyone who wrote me today with hugs and encouragement over a recent development, thank you so much. I appreciate all the positives uplifts you sent. Us humans make mistakes and none of us are immune. I was up all night upset over it and have not eaten today as my stomach went into overdrive. I will be better tomorrow after my pot of tea at Gramma's.

I consoled myself with a new vegetarian cookbook, a grass de-thatcher (see what a weirdo I am) and some glittery 99 cent rub ons from Micheal's. I am easy-and the grass is finally gonna get mowed (I could not find a rent-a-goat locally to munch the weeds-but the dandelions are pretty) . Just my credit card is shot! Old mowers die hard and expensively!

Happy 31st birthday to my baby boy! Ben and his lovely Johanna are out hiking for the day and I am sending the GC via email so they can add some goodies for their kayaks. (did you know you have to get a license for a kayak in Iowa? Grubby taxing scum everywhere).

Anyways-thanks for everything. I need to simplify my life for a while and go smell my blooming lilacs! I now have 6 beautiful dwarf Korean bushes in light purple! Photos coming soon!

I Truly Apologize to Lindsay

2008-05-16T22:42:00.002-04:00

I made a mistake last night and published a post that I meant to save for later. It was very late and I didn't check before I shut down that I had hit publish instead of save. I had made up several posts for later publication but obviously was not paying attention to what I did.

Please accept my apology Lindsay and every one else involved with the project. I enjoyed "meeting" all of you and wish you all the best. I look forward to the publication too.

Take care everyone-and don't screw up like I did-even as innocent as it was, I hurt someone.

What TV Mom I Am?

2008-05-15T23:57:00.003-04:00

I moved this from my other blog but it's too white and hard to read, so here it will rest for now. I need to learn how to change colors in these things-not as easy as plain text. (I did a copy and past and delete instead)

You are Roseanne Connor from Roseanne. You've probably got a sarcastic streak, and you may take some pleasure in embarrassing your brood. But ultimately, your kids know that when they really, really, really need to talk about something, you will listen...eventually. Truth is, you tend to see things from their points of view; you just don't like to let them in on that until necessary.

That's your little secret. And while it may not be your style (or fit your schedule) to compulsively whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, if your kids want to microwave some popcorn and watch TV with you, there's always room on the couch, and even on your lap.

What TV mom are You? Click here.

Monday Morning Political Humour

2008-05-12T17:17:00.000-04:00

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain were flying to a debate.

Barack looked at Hillary, chuckled and said, 'You know I could throw a $1,000 bill out of the window right now and make somebody very happy.'

Hillary shrugged her shoulders and replied, 'I could throw ten $100 bills out of the window and make ten people very happy.'

John added, 'That being the case, I could throw one hundred $10 bills out of the window and make a hundred people very happy.'

Hearing their exchange, the pilot rolled his eyes and said to his copilot, 'Such big-shots back there. I could throw all three of them out of the window and make 304 million people very happy.'

I'm voting for the Pilot!!