Oh what big teeth you have…

Today I had the pleasure of babysitting Justin, my niece Ashley’s son. He is such a little cutie pie and made me realize how clumsy I’ve become around babies. But he was very forgiving and we had a wonderful day. The morning started with a nap…that was a good way for me to get back into the swing of things.

When he woke up it was time to eat and then get that all-important burp. After a diaper change and getting him tucked into his little jumpy seat, I did the dishes and got his Uncle Greg’s lunch ready. All that time I was telling him a story and he was such a rapt audience.

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Little Red Riding Hood…

 

Come on, Aunt Nancy, where’s this story going? Couldn’t you at least tell me a story about a guy ??

 

It’ll get better…well there was this wolf and he disguised himself as Little Red Riding Hood’s grandma and got in her bed….

Now wait a minute, Aunt Nancy. You didn’t say anything about a wolf…where’d he put grandma??

Just wait and see. Well Red wasn’t so sure about this really being her grandma especially when the wolf smiled and showed all those big, old, sharp teeth. “Oh! What big teeth you have grandma!” Red said.

 

Hey are you sure you should be telling a kid my age this story???

It’s okay…it all works out in the end. The woodcutter in the forest figures out what’s going on and he rushes in to save Red.  He throws the big, bad wolf out in the cold and he and Red live happily ever after (after they let Grandma out of the closet).

The End.

 Yipee! It all worked out great in the end…you had me scared there for a minute, Aunt Nancy. I may have to have Mom have a talk with you about what’s an appropriate story for 3 month old boys though.

Ode to Dairy Queen…

Anyone who knows me, knows how close I was to my Aunt Jean and Uncle Jack.   Aunt Jean and Uncle Jack never had children and so my brothers and I became their “kids” too.  Aunt Jean was my mom’s older sister. They had a younger brother, Clarence Jr., who we all called Junior. They are both gone now, but in so many ways they are still touching our lives in special ways.

One thing that Aunt Jean and Uncle Jack loved was Dairy Queen. Every trip they ever made was planned and plotted around Dairy Queen locations. It was tradition!!  While on my mom’s birthday trip yesterday, I saw a sign for the Dairy Queen in Wickenburg. Lisa, Mom and I decided we would come back through Wickenburg on the way home and stop in at the Dairy Queen in honor of Aunt Jean’s birthday which was the day before, Monday, the 16th. I can tell you, I was excited about this bit of homage….remember my better eating habits??  I was very careful at lunch and had a salad with chicken salad and only about a zillion Sweet Potato Fries. (Notice the capital letters…one must show respect…I LOVE those Sweet Potato Fries!)

We made it to the Dairy Queen and Lisa and I went in to order for all three of us. Mom wanted a Heath Blizzard and Lisa decided on a Chocolate Waffle Cone Turtle Sundae….she mentioned she was PMSing and the chocolate was strictly medicinal. I wanted a simple vanilla cone so I could eat and drive. Lisa (the devil must have possessed her for awhile) chastised me for being “boring” and said I should just “go for it”….so I guess I can blame the Heath Blizzard I had instead of my saintly cone on her. But I must say, I’m glad I gave into the temptation…mmmm good stuff.
So here’s to you Aunt Jean and your love of Dairy Queen. We miss you terribly and think of you always. You have never left our hearts.

Someday soon, I’ll tell you about my Uncle Jack and gambling…

Mom’s birthday road trip…

Last Tuesday was my Mom’s 78th birthday and because we had out of town guests, we delayed Mom’s birthday trip to Prescott until today.  Mom likes the drive to Prescott and I take her there to have lunch. I’ve done this trip a couple of times now and this time Lisa went with us. 

It was a gorgeous drive. From our house west of Goodyear we took the Loop 303 to  I-60 West  and headed to Wickenburg. There has been so much growth and change along the route, but it is still pretty much scrubby desert. Once you get to Wickenburg things begin to change quickly. They’ve put a bypass around Wickenburg and it has one of those oh-so-lovely roundabouts. Luckily with Lisa helping keep me in the right lane, we made it without having to go around any extra times. The climb begins not far outside of Wickenburg and you’re well on your way by the time you get to Congress Junction and Yarnell hill. I’m not sure why they call it a “hill”…I mean it’s five miles of twisting, curving road that climbs steadily…that might actually qualify it as something more than a “hill”.  I don’t think  Lisa was enjoying this part of the ride too much. When I’d point and say “Look out across that valley and see all those mountain ranges”, Lisa looked a little green and kinda like she wanted to grab the steering wheel. Years ago there wasn’t a divided road up and down the hill…the down side was all there was for traffic going both ways…it is very narrow in places and used to be much more exciting.

We cruised through Yarnell and I showed Lisa a couple of places I hang out with friends when I go up there. There’s an awesome little shop a friend of mine owns called the Painted Lizard…stop in if you get the chance. Next comes Peeples Valley, one of my all time favorite places on earth. There hasn’t been much rain this year so the fall colors weren’t as pretty as they’ve been in the past. Went turned off at Kirkland Junction to head through Skull Valley. This is such an interesting drive for me.  

I really want to spend time exploring this little town. 

There is a museum I want to go check out.

 

This store is still open..I want to go in…   Sorry no gas…I love crossing this bridge…..

 

 

 

There is so much open country to drive through. There are huge cottonwoods all along the river as it meanders through the valley.

We made it into Prescott and headed straight for the restaurant. After a little bit of a challenge with the parking, we made it to our destination…The Gurley Street Grill!!

 

 

 

 

This is a favorite spot. I love the history of the place. In 1900 there was a fire that destroyed most of downtown Prescott. In 1901 the Gurley Street Grill replaced the saloon that had been in this location originally. Inside it’s really fascinating…lots of pictures of the past and ambiance out the whazoo!

 

 

They had some great lunch specials…

 

 

But we had to start with Sweet Potato Fries…they are sooo delicious. They sprinkle them with sea salt and brown sugar after they come out of the fryer. Mmmmm….good. Except poor Lisa doesn’t like sweet potatoes. She gave it her best effort though….I mean they’re so good for you. She tried them plain, she tried them dipped in the sauce of her Blackened Chicken Fettuccini, and she even tried them with ketchup. She almost made it with the ketchup….but nope….just couldn’t do it.

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We had a nice long, lovely lunch and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Cathleen, our waitress, even tempted me with an order of Sweet Potato Fries to go…oh, it was hard to say no. They would have been for Greg…no, really….okay, I’m lying. They wouldn’t have made it back down Yarnell Hill.

Lisa spotted a herd of deer heading up a hill. We had to turn around and go back. She counted at least twenty of them in the group. It wasn’t the best picture taking opportunity, but we got a couple good ones. Can you spot them?

As we passed through Kirkland Junction we had to turn around and go check out a bird we saw way up in one of the cottonwoods. (Luckily this group doesn’t mind turning around). It was huge!! It just wouldn’t look at us (even honked the horn) so I didn’t get a good shot with it’s head turned. Lisa and I checked the bird book when we got home and the consensus is that it’s a Ferruginous Hawk.

As we headed back through Congress Junction we had to get a picture of “Frog Rock”…not sure who has taken on the responsibility of keeping this guy painted, but somebody does. It’s been there for absolutely decades.

We really did have a wonderful day and I think the birthday girl had a great time.

 

 

 

 

We made one last stop in Wickenburg to honor my late Aunt Jean and Uncle Jack…but I’ll save that story for tomorrow….

The past and the present collide….

As you know I’m making some dietary changes and this morning when everyone was off and gone to their respective places, I decided to make some healthy muffins. Got out the Prevention cookbook that has some lovely recipes in it and got started.

When I very first started learning to cook from my mom, this was my favorite bowl to use. I love it and have made many wonderful dishes in it over the years….my first oatmeal cookies, meatloaf, baked beans, cakes of all kinds…it was just my go-to favorite.

Recently, I was looking around on ebay and found this lovely smaller version…so I bought it. Mom tells me she used to have one larger, but it got broken somewhere along the way.

So I decided to make new, fond memories of healthy recipes in my favorite bowls.

 

 

  Now this recipe (unlike any recipe ever done in this bowl before) only had two tablespoons of oil, only used one egg white, and only had two tablespoons of honey to sweeten it. I think the bowl was about to revolt and head for the hills. Remember this bowl had made rich, luscious two-stick-butter oatmeal cookies with both white and brown sugar….excuse me while I wipe the drool….but all good things must come to an end. I had to take the upper hand and convince the bowl these things were good for us and that maybe sometimes I’d loan it out to somebody who still could make those wonderful things. Things settled down when I zested the orange and added orange juice…what a lovely aroma…so fresh…so healthy.

They look very close to the picture in the book, but I have to admit I was afraid to try them…I made mom the guinea pig. Seriously…isn’t that sad?

She asked that I heat it and add “a little” butter. She said they were good…different, but good. After all, butter can do a lot to improve anything.

So my old world and my new world are going to collide in places I never imagined. I don’t even want to think about what will happen when I pull out the food processor….

Timing is everything….

Well is was bound to happen sooner or later…I was holding out for later…much later, but I’ve already postponed making these changes for long enough. Went to the doctor on Friday…the 13th…that should have been my first clue that good things were not to come.  She was very kind and we talked about many things, but the upshoot is that my cholesterol and triglycerides are very elevated and my blood sugar has also been creeping up.  Greg’s numbers are too high also and we’re not doing Nicole any favors with the example we’re setting. Changes need to happen…now.

So here is our cleaned up fridge and we’re all turning over a new leaf. (Pay no attention to the chocolate and butterscotch chips…they’ve been in there for the two years we’ve lived here.) So if you call and we’re a little cranky, please forgive us. I’m pretty sure I’m knee deep in Dr. Pepper withdrawals.

Remember that part about timing is everything….well we’re headed into the holidays and of course what does Mom decided she needs to cook today….. You should all pray for us….seriously…..

Not a winner….this time…..

I'm sad to say I didn't win the photo contest I entered on The Pioneer Woman's website. Too bad. I was kind of  excited...until I saw that there were over a 1000 photo books and albums entered!! I don't even know how she made it through all the pictures. Some books had well over 100 pictures in them. Craziness!! Just let's you know how many people follow her website.

But I haven't given up on trying again. I want to thank all of you for your kind words of encouragement and "face" contributions. I really did have a blast doing the album and I'm going to tweek it and put some text with some of the pictures and then I think I'll print it out. It really is a neat website....shutterfly.

Here are a few shots of my nephew's boys...

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Cant' find my boot straps...

What do you do on the days when life just seems to be overwhelming? You know when you think you have a plan and that you've really thought things out and are looking to taking care of the future and BAM! something just kicks your feet right out from under you?

I know what I do. I ignore it and try to stay upbeat and positive for Greg, that is until that one little thing happens...you know the straw the camel just couldn't take. It doesn't have to be something big and usually isn't..it's just that one last grain of sand that pushes me over the edge. Then I need a few hours to rant and rave, cry, piss and moan and generally feel sorry for myself. This is where the balance that is my and Greg's marriage works so well...when he sees me in mid-meltdown, he puts aside however he's feeling and assures me everything will be okay and that we can handle this just like we have so many things before and that as long as we're together, everything will be fine. This is the glue that holds us together...that ability to be strong when the other can't, to know that sometimes it's your turn to support and sometimes it's my turn, because somedays we all just need to be held and told everything will be okay. Somehow that makes everything alright. Now it hasn't changed the fact that both of us will still have to work at whatever has to be done and that it won't be any easier or quicker or cheaper...but just knowing someone else is right there with you committed to making things right, changes everything. Being held and comforted should never, ever be under-rated.

This is one thing I love dearly about this man...when I can't seem to find my boot straps to pull myself up by...he always does.

Thanksgiving, Part Deux…..

I’m continuing the story about our get together on Sunday at Cassie’s house. We even had a rousing bowling tournament when Aunt Jodie challenged Julian to bowling on the Wi. Nicole was to play the winner. Now I’m pretty sure Aunt Jodie won in the “form” category, but Julian mopped the floor with her in the actual bowling part…which he then proceeded to do with Nicole also. He’s quite the bowler and loves the victory pose!!

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Nicole was able to make a comeback in the tennis tournament. Everyone was a gracious winner and good sport…no tantrums!

Once the guys had mastered the art of napping, they went out for an afternoon fly…no pictures were taken. (I stayed home to play games with the women folk.) I’m not sure why Chad didn’t take any pictures. All I know is this was the second time out flying that day, the plane had already spent some time in the shop being repaired, and they needed to come home and get a ladder to bring the plane back. I can’t imagine why no one took pictures! Sounds like good material to me….

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We had a lovely day. It’s good to be a part of a family that really does understand what loving each other is all about…I’m glad they let me be a part of it all.

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Early Thanksgiving….

Greg’s sister and brother-in-law, Jodie and Steve, are here visiting from Georgia. They are the nicest people…just like the rest of Greg’s family – now proudly  MY family. We had an all-purpose get together at Cassie’s house Sunday to cover Thanksgiving, Steve and Jodie’s 25th wedding anniversary, Luke’s 22nd birthday and Katrina’s 40th birthday….sorry Katrina, but since I’m 52 I’m allowed to tell that you’re turning a very young 40!!

                   

We had such a nice time and ate lots of delicious food. Everyone seemed to find something to do to entertain and amuse themselves….

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Someday Jayden will probably have words with me regarding this picture of him!! John Taylor seemed happier playing by himself..

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There’s more to tell, but I’m going to split this into two postings. There are so many photos to share….

Good Ol’ Betsy…

Yesterday I did a bad thing…I dissed on Betsy, Lisa’s car. We were meeting up at Leslie’s to head to the book signing and Lisa got there before me in her 1993 Saturn SL2. I needed room to park Midge, my 2005 Ford F150.  My husband drives the Chevy Malibu because it’s more economical for his job and my brother has always called that my Malibu Barbie car….so the truck has to be Midge, Barbie’s best friend. I’m not sure why Lisa calls her car Betsy…I’ll have to ask. Anyway, I headed in the house and asked Lisa to come and move her midget car….please…..I said please, really I did. Well driving home that night it was placed on my heart that that was a mean thing to do. I had disrespected Betsy. 

 

Here she is tucked all nice and warm in her garage.  

 

 

Lisa bought Betsy perfect and  brand new while she still lived in Vermont.  When my brother proposed and she accepted, he flew back to Vermont where they were married. They made their first (and so far, last) cross country trip in good ol’ Betsy. Lisa pampers her and maintains her the best she can. Parts are getting either slim or expensive for Betsy nowadays. I can still remember Lisa first describing Betsy to me…the color is blue, but not really blue…it’s midnight blue and looks black until the light hits it just right….she had to wipe a tear from her eye as she said it. 

As I mentioned, Lisa comes from the New England area and some of you may have heard of their ability to pinch a penny till it screams….I mean their frugalness.  Lisa’s things are important to her and she takes pride in caring for them and that’s a good thing. It was a sad day not so long ago when she had to replace her microwave that she had had since her First Communion…okay, maybe that is an exaggeration, but you get the idea. Not to mention the fact that not having a car payment for the last few years is just icing on the cake.

Lisa zips around in her little five- on-the-floor and dreads the day she may have to get another car. Even though today we didn’t open the sun roof just in case it rained and we wouldn’t be able to close it again. This is close to the correct mileage…she’s not really sure because in her old age, Betsy (not Lisa),  has slipped a cog or two and doesn’t always click away the miles. She’s served Lisa and Richard well. She’s given Lisa years of service and pleasure. She doesn’t deserve my, or anyone else’s, disrespect. So hats off to you Ol’ Betsy and please accept my apologies.

 

 

Ain’t she a beaut!!!

 

 

Also, in case anyone is interested, Lisa has a neato, keen television that she’s only had since she was 18 or so. I’m sure for the right price, it could be yours!!!!Did I mention she was frugal???? Love you, Sis!!

Cooking, cowboys and chaps…..

Let me start by saying, I have never been to a book signing before last night. I had such a wonderful time!! Why haven’t I done this before? I’m sure my wonderful time had a lot to do with the group that went – not just my group, but all the people who came to see Ree, Pioneer Woman; wife, mother, rancher, cook, and blogger extraordinaire. She is such a down-to-earth person…very real and very approachable. She really is like the best friend you just haven’t met yet.  I read about Ree in the newspaper and knew her life sounded just like what I know my niece, Leslie, is dreaming about happening one day. So I sent the link to her and my sister-in-law, Lisa, and we have all become addicted.

Lisa, Leslie and I went last night to Tempe to the Changing Hands Bookstore…along with a few hundred other people. We met up with one of Leslie’s friends, Liz. Such a nice person and she grew up on a ranch in Oregon and can really relate to so many of Ree’s stories. I don’t think the bookstore had any idea how many people were going to show up. I spoke with a woman who had come up from Tucson and was meeting her daughter who was driving down from Flagstaff. The lady next to me had worked all day and then driven down from Prescott. Ree has such a devoted following.

There were some mix-ups about how seating was going to work, but luckily we were on the ball and got in line in time to have seats. We were packed in that room like sardines, but everyone had such a great attitude…people talking to someone in the seat next to them they had never met and sharing their favorite things about Ree’s blog. Then Ree walked in and the magic began. She really is a very captivating speaker…not because she enjoys it  (she’ll tell you she doesn’t)…but because she’s just so natural and open and spontaneous. Her sister-in-law, Missy, and mother-in-law, were with her. Liz and Les were brave and asked Missy to sign our books too. She was just like Ree…real. And pretty soon, both ladies had lines to sign their pictures in the books too.

During her question and answer session, one of Liz’s friends asked about one of the cowboys pictured on Ree’s website and in the cookbook…now she was happily married, but Liz and Leslie wanted to know if Josh was single!! That lead to picture taking to show to Josh and possible ideas about exchanging numbers and email addresses…what a hoot! But, hey, can you blame them??

This is a cookbook like none I’ve ever seen before. Full of beautiful photographs of ranch life and step-by-step instructions on how to make some of the most delicious food. Here’s a sampling of some of the pictures in the book.

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Anyone who follows the blog knows that Ree’s one true love is her husband, Marlboro Man (as she calls him). She has a section on her blog where she recounts their meeting and courtship. You will get hooked!!!  Les, Lisa and I have called and laughed and cried over entries…Les has chewed me out about her not being able to get her homework done because she got caught up in the story and couldn’t stop. Here he is in all his “glory” after working hard, I’m sure.

We had a wonderful time. I’m so glad that I shared the experience with Lisa and Leslie…I know that’s why I had such a good time. We laughed and giggled and had a great dinner at the Wildflower Bread Company and laughed and giggled. I stayed out really late for me….I didn’t get home until 10:45….PM!!! The house hadn’t fallen apart and everyone found something to eat and managed to get themselves into bed…all without me there. Hey, I might try this again sometime…..the book signing I mean….

All photos were taken from “The Pioneer Woman Cooks”.