6 years ago
8.31.2008
I Swam With Alligators!
I must have been 10 or 8 - maybe 7 or 9. Ok - who knows . . . somewhere around there. But I was young. We were on vacation! Yea! Our family vacations were always spectacular! A kid's dream (and probably a parent's nightmare by the end! hahaha - just kidding! Thanks Mom and Dad.) We would drive all over the country for weeks in my Dad's cool antique car with side pipes - stopping here and there - hitting any and every spot along the way. (Except the rattlesnake with two heads place. Kinda creepy!)
Anyhow - this particular time we were on vacation in Florida to relax and go to Disney World and Epcot. My Dad had a friend from work (?) that had a lake cabin there that he was letting us stay in. His name was Art Dosal. I thought it was the coolest name - and would repeat it often in my head over and over. Art Dosal Art Dosal Art Dosal Art Dosal . Ok - anyway. I was slightly fascinated by him because I remember seeing a giant green dollar bill with his face on it. He was wearing a top hat. I'm not sure what that was all about - but things like that can fascinate a kid. Seriously. It did.
So we were at his lake house and of course - decided to go swimming in the lake. We found a few kid type swimming things in a closet and put on our swimsuits to go play.
At this time - I would like to pause. I have two items that must be addressed before this story can move forward.
1. I failed the Starfish Level of swimming class 8 times. (ok - maybe not 8 - but it sure felt like it) over and over and over. Let's just say I was not a confident swimmer. Bless all my swim teacher's hearts. I could kind of keep my head up - but wasn't quite coordinated enough to put it all together. Don't worry though - I'm ok now. In fact - I took the Starfish Level again this summer and passed with flying colors. (No I didn't. Taking the class I mean - not that I didn't pass - again.)
2. I am the youngest of 3 girls. The youngest. The baby. The supposed spoiled one. Well - really it goes both ways - it has its perks and it has it's down side too. I missed my sisters terribly when they both left for college. That alone swallowed up the benefits of the perks. We had a lot of fun together growing up.
Ok - so now that those two points have been established I can carry on.
In the closet - we actually found a big rubber inner tube - that fit two. And a styrofoam kickboard with what looked like a very large shark bite out of the bottom corner of it. Umm yeah . . . guess who got the kickboard. Right. So my sisters enjoyed the inner tube and the man power of two - out playing in the lake - while I pathetically trailed behind on this broken styrofoam kickboard in my limping Starfish level kick about 15 yards behind wherever they were. Needless to say - I stuck near the shore.
After a few days of this unarguable injustice - I gathered up enough bravery to follow them further out in the lake then I'd ever gone before. We were actually out pretty far - especially for a failed Starfish. I recall finally catching up to them and enjoying my feeling of triumphant I-can-do-it-too-ishness. When I suddenly noticed my sisters (sitting on that nice big beautiful inner tube) were looking past me - with wide eyes - and a terrified look. They began screaming - and paddling with their two-man man-power back to shore faster than I could turn my head and look behind me. When I managed to - I saw a slithering writhing mass of water moccasins headed in our general direction. Just a slight refresher - I had a styrofoam kickboard - which was missing a giant chunk out of the corner - and I failed swimming. However - in that scary life threatening moment - I actually would have qualified for the Olympics. I had never been so terrified in my short time on earth. By the time I'd reached shore - my sisters had informed my Mom what had happened and we were banned from sticking our toes in the lake ever again. Fine with me! My heavens!
So - this is the ironic part. When Art Dosal showed up a day or two later - to see that we were enjoying our stay - my Mom casually (hahaha) mentioned to him the experience we had. I will never forget the look on his face as the color drained and he looked like he wanted to sink to his knees and pray in thanks. He said to my Mom "You let them swim in the lake?!?!?!?! Did I forget to tell you?!?!?!?!? THERE ARE ALLIGATORS IN THIS LAKE!!!!!!
It was beyond me at that point - why anyone would even WANT to pass the Starfish swim class. Mercy!
Another thing I love about Bob . . .
He never criticizes me when I make a mistake - or says "I told you so" He never seems to get a kick out of watching me mess up. (even though he so easily could). Bob knows just how to point out things to me to get me thinking on my own in an inderect way - rather then directly pointing out my flaws or crazy ideas.
I just really love him.
And Anotha Thang . . .
Did I mention - while the kids took piano this summer I did too!?!?!?!
It was so much fun! I love playing! I'd forgotten how much. My teacher helped me with two new songs a Sonatina and a piece by Greig - and then we worked on an old fun favorite of mine - Maple Leaf Rag - that had gotten a little rusty.
Maybe I will make that my summertime treat each year. It was really fun to sharpen up some cobwebed skills (that's an actual word! no it's not. but it should be.) :o)
Mary's Menu
Image Source: http://www.rpbash.com/images/MarysPizzaMenu.jpg
Ok - so I'm not much of a cook. I'm more of - shall we say - a meal preparer. It's not that I don't enjoy cooking - I do! But time - and energy by the end of the day - is usually lacking greatly. So - here is my quick list. My Fakeipes (get it? fake/recipes) if you will. In case anyone else is like me and might find this list helpful. Feel free to add yours to the comments as well. I'm always looking for new good ones.
Seasoned Burgers: Last night we had hamburgers and seasoned french fries. I mix a packet of Hidden Valley Garden and Herb Dressing with 2 TB Worcestershire sauce and a pound of hamburger. Broil on high 6 minutes on one side - 5 minutes on the other side. Bun - lettuce - tomato - etc. Mmmmmmm!
A few of my other favorites:
Chicken Salad on Toast: A can of chicken mixed with mayo and grated cheese and chunks of pickle (we like the bread & butter pickles in it). Toast some bread and make open-faced sandwiches.
Chicken Sandwiches: Frozen chicken patties cooked and placed with tomato and lettuce & mayo on hamburger buns
Meatball Sandwiches: Frozen meatballs cooked & mixed with spaghetti sauce - then spread on Hoagie buns. Parmesan or provolone cheese - optional.
BLT's : I like to make them double decker (bread, bacon (hot on one side), then bread, lettuce, tomato, mayo (cold on the other side) bread). They are more filling that way.
Italian Chicken Sandwiches: Frozen chicken patties cooked and placed on a burger bun with pizza sauce and provolone or mozzarella.
Tuna Melts: Tuna Salad with a tomato slice and grated cheese on a half a toasted bagel - then broiled just till the cheese melts.
Tamales: From a can with Lipton packets of Mexcian rice - easy but tasty and quick!
Taco Pile-ups: My absolute #1 favorite meal! Pile up in a mountain on your plate - Fritos, burger (w/taco seasoning if you like) lettuce tomato cheese olives salsa, sour cream etc. Mmmmmmm!
Burritos: A pack of Frozen Chimichangas or burritos in a 9x13. Pour over enchilada sauce. Sprinkle grated cheese and sliced olives. Cook according to package.
Burritos: Or - Mix 1 c rice (you can use a can of Mx rice too), 1c salsa, 2 c grated cheese and a can of beans together and roll up in flour tortillas and bake in greased pan 20 min @375 with cheese sprinkled on top.
Chili Cheese Fries: Cook frozen fries or tator tots and pour over your favorite chili and sprinkle with cheese.
Nachos: Tortilla Chips with cheese sauce, guacamole, refried beans to dip. The kids love the dipping part.
Lasagna: Frozen with some frozen garlic sticks and veggies
Raviolis: Frozen cheese raviolis with spaghetti sauce. (Frozen raviolis cook really quickly!)
Spaghetti and Meatballs: frozen meatballs cooked and mixed w spg sauce over spg noodles.
Fried Rice and Eggrolls: You can find both frozen. Sometimes I get potstickers or dumplings too.
Shake and bake chicken: They have some really yummy flavors.
Sausage Biscuits and Gravy: Pop open biscuits or frozen biscuts with sausage patties and Country gravy from a jar
Belgium Waffles: Frozen Waffles toasted with cool whip on top and a bag of Frozen Strawberries - (thawed and then mashed up) to pour over the waffles - or it's good with strawberry yogurt on top instead.
Chili Dogs - chili, cheese, a dog and a bun
Pigs in a Blanket - Pop open biscuits flattend and torn in half wrapped around a little smokie - cook in oven according to the biscuit directions. The kids LOVE to make these on their own. Smash, tear, wrap and cook!
Fish n chip Sandwiches - Fish Fillets (frozen) cooked and placed on a burger bun with tartar sauce and lays plain chips on it too.
Tuna Salad Pitas - tuna salad in a pita with chunks of tomato and lettuce too.
Chili Spaghetti: Spaghetti noodles topped with your family's favorite canned chili - sprinkled w grated cheddar cheese.
Chicken Parmigana: Spaghetti noodles topped w spaghetti sauce and a cooked breaded frozen chicken patty - topped w grated cheese.
Chicken Biscuits: Frozen biscuits with a frozen breaded chicken pattie (cooked of course). Add either some mayo, country gravy or honeybutter. Mmmmm! Yum!
Seasoned Burgers: Last night we had hamburgers and seasoned french fries. I mix a packet of Hidden Valley Garden and Herb Dressing with 2 TB Worcestershire sauce and a pound of hamburger. Broil on high 6 minutes on one side - 5 minutes on the other side. Bun - lettuce - tomato - etc. Mmmmmmm!
A few of my other favorites:
Chicken Salad on Toast: A can of chicken mixed with mayo and grated cheese and chunks of pickle (we like the bread & butter pickles in it). Toast some bread and make open-faced sandwiches.
Chicken Sandwiches: Frozen chicken patties cooked and placed with tomato and lettuce & mayo on hamburger buns
Meatball Sandwiches: Frozen meatballs cooked & mixed with spaghetti sauce - then spread on Hoagie buns. Parmesan or provolone cheese - optional.
BLT's : I like to make them double decker (bread, bacon (hot on one side), then bread, lettuce, tomato, mayo (cold on the other side) bread). They are more filling that way.
Italian Chicken Sandwiches: Frozen chicken patties cooked and placed on a burger bun with pizza sauce and provolone or mozzarella.
Tuna Melts: Tuna Salad with a tomato slice and grated cheese on a half a toasted bagel - then broiled just till the cheese melts.
Tamales: From a can with Lipton packets of Mexcian rice - easy but tasty and quick!
Taco Pile-ups: My absolute #1 favorite meal! Pile up in a mountain on your plate - Fritos, burger (w/taco seasoning if you like) lettuce tomato cheese olives salsa, sour cream etc. Mmmmmmm!
Burritos: A pack of Frozen Chimichangas or burritos in a 9x13. Pour over enchilada sauce. Sprinkle grated cheese and sliced olives. Cook according to package.
Burritos: Or - Mix 1 c rice (you can use a can of Mx rice too), 1c salsa, 2 c grated cheese and a can of beans together and roll up in flour tortillas and bake in greased pan 20 min @375 with cheese sprinkled on top.
Chili Cheese Fries: Cook frozen fries or tator tots and pour over your favorite chili and sprinkle with cheese.
Nachos: Tortilla Chips with cheese sauce, guacamole, refried beans to dip. The kids love the dipping part.
Lasagna: Frozen with some frozen garlic sticks and veggies
Raviolis: Frozen cheese raviolis with spaghetti sauce. (Frozen raviolis cook really quickly!)
Spaghetti and Meatballs: frozen meatballs cooked and mixed w spg sauce over spg noodles.
Fried Rice and Eggrolls: You can find both frozen. Sometimes I get potstickers or dumplings too.
Shake and bake chicken: They have some really yummy flavors.
Sausage Biscuits and Gravy: Pop open biscuits or frozen biscuts with sausage patties and Country gravy from a jar
Belgium Waffles: Frozen Waffles toasted with cool whip on top and a bag of Frozen Strawberries - (thawed and then mashed up) to pour over the waffles - or it's good with strawberry yogurt on top instead.
Chili Dogs - chili, cheese, a dog and a bun
Pigs in a Blanket - Pop open biscuits flattend and torn in half wrapped around a little smokie - cook in oven according to the biscuit directions. The kids LOVE to make these on their own. Smash, tear, wrap and cook!
Fish n chip Sandwiches - Fish Fillets (frozen) cooked and placed on a burger bun with tartar sauce and lays plain chips on it too.
Tuna Salad Pitas - tuna salad in a pita with chunks of tomato and lettuce too.
Chili Spaghetti: Spaghetti noodles topped with your family's favorite canned chili - sprinkled w grated cheddar cheese.
Chicken Parmigana: Spaghetti noodles topped w spaghetti sauce and a cooked breaded frozen chicken patty - topped w grated cheese.
Chicken Biscuits: Frozen biscuits with a frozen breaded chicken pattie (cooked of course). Add either some mayo, country gravy or honeybutter. Mmmmm! Yum!
Man Stuff!
Today Cowboy T got ready for church in our master bath. He came out smelling much like Bob's cologne. According to him - he was wearing "man stuff".
I love "man stuff"!
I love Cowboy T! :o)
I love "man stuff"!
I love Cowboy T! :o)
8.24.2008
Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Once we make these in the summer - we're addicted and eat them over and over. Thanks Subletts!!! :o)
Pesto Grilled Cheese
butter the sides of the bread
pesto:
2 TB walnuts
2 c tightly packed cilantro
2 large cloves garlic, halved (I always use the equivalent from a jar of chopped garlic)
1/3 c olive oil
Use a food processor to chop the first 3 pesto ingredients. When they are coarsely chopped add the olive oil while it's still running. Add water if necessary.
Layer the bread, spread on the pesto, then a Velveeta slice (Bob likes regular cheddar slices) then a delicious ripe tomato slice, another Velveeta slice, and the other piece of bread. Toast on medium high heat in a buttered skillet. Flip and press down on the sandwich. The pesto can be stored in the fridge for several days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. It can be used on pizza, pasta, chicken, fish, etc. Mmmmmmm! It's sooooo good!
Summer Wrap Up
The blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning our summer fun! The kids and I all worked a summer camp at my school together. It was a great experience for them. They did a great job and it was such a kick to have them there with me.
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Another highlight was using the kid's free Six Flags tickets. It was so fun to go and have a mini-family day. We cruised through the park all day riding everything we could find. Then in the evening Bob and Cowboy T enjoyed the mini mine train and other assorted looney tune rides while Buddy, K-bugs and I tore up the big scary rides. It was such a blast! I love hanging out with my family! ---
Besides the summer camp volunteering, swim, piano, guitar, golf, violin, karate, baseball and softball lessons - we also went to San Antonio! Hooray! My sister and her family came down from Idaho and we all made the trek to see the Alamo and Shamu! It was so much fun! I love seeing my sisters whenever I can. This trip - you name it - we did it! The Imax, Alamo, Riverwalk, Children's Museum, Cheesecake Factory (oh my gosh amazing good!!!!), two days of Sea World, and more swimming too! We had such a blast together! We left on Bob's birthday and arrived home on K-bugs birthday! It was just a week-o-fun!!!!! I love summers!
THE MOST delicious cherry pie EVER!!!!!
I like pie! Better than cake, cookies, and even brownies. Probably not more than ice cream - but pies are right up there for me! So I have a pie story to tell. When I was in college one of my roommates who was a local went home for the weekend and brought back a jar of freshly bottled home grown cherries! Oooooohhh! They looked soooo good! They were no big deal to her and she didn't plan to do anything with them - so she let me have them to make a pie! Mmmmm! Well - if I must say so myself . . . it turned out to be THE BEST PIE I'd ever made. It was beautiful. Brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it! The lattice work crust was just amazing. The jucie was all bubbly and oozy - just right.
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So - as any group of 6 single college ladies would do with a lovely-looking domestic-inspiring pie sitting on the table - we invited some friends and other neighboring gentlemen in the dorm next door over to sample the aforementioned delectable culinary delight. (ok - I may be a tad overboard here - but only a tad.) Not that I was interested in any of them - I'd already picked my husband by then . . . but still - I was proud of that pie - and how smart would I look?!?!?! (what is that saying . . . something about pride before a fall?)
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We all sat down and began to eat. Such odd looks began to cascade down the line of people around the room. Something was horribly wrong. This perfectly beautiful pie - full of such promise - had a hidden flaw. What I didn't realize about that gorgeous jar of bottled cherries - was that every single one still contained the pit. Oh the humanity!
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Luckily - the group was good natured - and being that we were all prone to college silliness - we simply had a cherry pit spitting contest - much like a watermelon seed spitting contest. Ahhh - and so - such is life. What may look beautiful and covetous on the outside - may truly be filled with pits of despair inside! hahaha! Well . . . you know what I mean. ;o)
The Clean Fresh Scent of Laundry
Image Source: http://www.gainscent.com/images/product_lineup/gain_packaging_shot.jpg\ Ok - speaking of the great laundry catch up which occurred yesterday - my husband (being the amazing creative genius that he is) - when he finds us in these scenarios . . . uses solar powered energy to catch us up on our laundry! My my my! Aren't we environmentally conscientious!?!?!? Actually . . . no! It's just that our dryer takes to long compared to the washer. So if we line dry our clothes we can get it all done in a day rather then waiting forever for the dryer. But I'll go ahead and take the extra credit points for our environmental contribution. Thanks!
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Whenever my sister visits - she always comments on how good our laundry smells - which just makes me feels very happy and domestic (which clearly isn't a natural trait for me) so I'm always pleased to hear that! It's due to no effort of mine - merely the combination of Gain detergent and Bounce dryer sheets. Mmmmm! (This is not a paid advertisement . . . )
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So - stick with me . . . this all comes together right about now . . .
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On nearly every brand of laundry detergent they have the "Clean Fresh Breeze" scent - with a picture of a sheet on a clothesline - blowing in the wind - with sunshine and puffy white clouds - just assuring you that a piece of heaven and old-fashioned comfort is inside that box and the world will be ok and the Yankees will win the World Series and a fresh baked apple pie will magically appear on my windowsill. (sorry) (I got carried away.)
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I am hear to tell you that clothes hung on a clothesline in the middle of a congested suburban neighborhood in the middle of a densely populated metroplex of over 5.1 million people DOES NOT smell clean and fresh. Nor anything close unto it! Don't get me wrong! I'm so glad the laundry is done. Grateful doesn't even cover it!!! I really don't care what it smells like . . . but I'm thinking that I've found a deceptive advertising practice worthy of a minor rant. My bubble is burst. I will never look at a box of clean fresh breeze scented detergent the same way again. I'll have to wonder - if I open that box will I get a slight hint of carbon monoxide and car emissions with a subtle waft of pollution? Cause that's the picture I'm paintin' here in my neck of the woods!
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For now I'll stick to my secret combination (hahaha!) of Gain and Bounce - and maybe make an effort to keep up with the mountain of laundry that frequently becomes larger than the entire size of our home. (Then we have to tunnel out!) But all in all - I'm so thankful the laundry is done. And if you happen to catch a faint trace of an odd smell near me . . . it's the newest - latest and greatest - environmentally friendly perfume! ;o)
School Starts Tomorrow!
Hooray! I think I'm pretty close to ready . . . knock on wood! :o) It's so much nicer starting the school year with a clue! hahaha Our principal opened the building for us yesterday and I'm SO GLAD she did! I had no idea how behind I was. I worked up at the school all morning and then came home and worked the rest of the day at home until I felt prepared! Yea! Of course - there's always more to do - but I'm starting in good shape at least.
Bob and the kids got the lawn looking nice and the house sparkling - and all the laundry done too. They are a great crew! It's great to know we're starting out prepared. Hopefully it will give us a good kickoff to the week. It's Jr. High for K-bugs and a new school for the boys. They are all excited and confident. So cheers to tomorrow! :o)
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