Monday, August 31, 2015

Why do you spend so much time on Facebook?

So, I'm in a local business, looking to replace a part broken on an appliance, and a gentleman asked me the question above.  The implication was it was nothing but a waste of time.  He further commented on the negative possibilities associated with the social media.  Think of the relationships it could ruin.  And obviously, there's nothing to talk about since all info appears on line.  And he could have a point.  Like any invention, the possibility of misuse exists.  But I try to avoid that.  If anything, I like to think positives can occur if the media is used correctly.  Maybe I am excessive.  But maybe, I can make someone smile.  Then, it's worth it.  I just hope he doesn't discover my blog!

Sunday, August 30, 2015

You, too, can be a fashionista!

So, we're sitting at breakfast this morning with our host and hostess at the B&B we are revisiting, and the hostess, a lovely lady, obviously kind and generous says to me, "Don't take this the wrong way, but are you color blind?"  How could one POSSIBLY take that the wrong way?  I looked at my outfit.  Seeing no glaring fashion faux pas, I said no and inquired as to why she would ask.  She commented that her son was color blind and he always opted for brightly colored apparel.  Funny.  I didn't realize my outfit was anything but subdued!  You be the judge 

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Observations on a summer's day road trip across the state of South Dakota

This is one freaking wide state.

There are only three routes possible north of the interstate.

When you google Oreo cows, you discover they are actually Belted Galloways.

Hogs with similar markings are Hampshires.

Traveling with an I-pad has innumerable rewards.

I-pad coverage is spotty, so sometimes one has to write on the notepad and cut and paste to one's blog.

There really is a Billsburg, SD!

Of the billions of bugs in the world, the majority of those with a death wish have met our windshield.

You know you've been in the car too long when you believe it's ONLY 73 miles to your destination.

Life is better when you travel with the ones you love!

Friday, August 28, 2015

And the sweat runs in rivulets down my corporeal magnitude!

Yup!  Sweatin' like a hog!  Just finished mowing the yard.  Had to bag it--it got a little long--two honkin' garbage containers long.  Oh well, it will look nice for a day or two.  Now it's time for shower number two today to get ready to add to my corporeal magnitude!  It's a trip to the Bird Feeder one more time.  The Milbank Retired Teachers' Association is having their kick off meeting tonight and have invited us to join them.  The motif is Hawaiian!  I think I can cover that.  (Doesn't every retired elderly gentleman have at least three Hawaiian shirts?)  The pina colada fudge is in shot glasses ready to do shooters, and my taste buds are dancin'!  It's good to be old!  And you are loved!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

There are parts of my body

that do not hurt.  The top of my head.  My eyelids.  I think that's it.  But the pavers are laid, the sand has been distributed, and now we wait for the opportunity to sit and enjoy and nice cold brew with the neighbor.  After all, it is her yard.  This is not to say, however, that the project went without a hitch.  One new saw later, all are cut.  The packer we had was temperamental and would work when it wanted to.  The last time I went to start it was the last time I went to start it.  The pull cord broke, so we had to take it back and get another one.  It the terminology of my former students, those suckwads are heavy!  Enlisting the aid of our paperboy, I was able to get it into the truck and exchange it.  Thankfully, the paperboy returned to help get it out of the truck.  When we finished, my bride and I attempted to lift it back onto the cart to return it to the neighbor.  I had the idea that if I held the handle up I would get a better grip.  My end went up first.  The handle went down and hit my wife in the head, knocking her to the ground.  She will have a headache and a goose egg, but I think she will be okay.  I'm not feeling the proudest, however. Of course it was an accident, but one is not happy when one's loving spousal unit gets hit in the head!  The observation to which I have come is this.  DIY network, I'm having you expunged.  PSTDI is my byword!!!  And you are loved!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Shamed into a work ethic

If you read last night's blog, you realize how impressed I have been with the neighbor's patio progress.  Since we had a small project of our own, we decided to tackle it today.  24 pavers to be set in a 6X4 pattern in the neighbor's back yard.  Piddling.  Or so I thought.  Since we had already hauled the sand, we had to pack it.  The neighbor wanted to rent the packer, so we piggytailed on her efforts.  Of course, after using it for about 3 minutes it quit and I couldn't seem to get it started again.  Never afraid to admit to my ignorance, we went back and asked her if she would call and see what should be done.  Tool Time graciously said they would send someone up to look at it.  THANKFULLY, as I sat waiting for them to come, I noticed a small switch on the bottom of the machine.  It said "off".  I flipped the switch.  It ran!  And we beat the service call.  Chagrined, I finished packing the sand, and then it was time to place the pavers.  Of course, they had to be level.  Of course, they had to be steady.  Fast forward four hours later, and the first 18 are placed.  The last six have to be cut to size.  Darn.  The neighbor has my saw.  I'll have to wait!  With heavy limbs and the knowledge that she can run circles around me, I look forward to a good night's sleep and the finished project tomorrow.  Yeah, right.  Don't hold your breath!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

It's a matter of trust

I don't believe I have said much about the neighbor to the south.  She is an amazing woman, holding down a full time job, raising three kids, and landscaping her back yard.  Last summer it was the flower garden in the back and an amazing fire pit.  This year, she decided a patio made of brick and paving stone would look good next to the house.  This required that the sod be removed...by hand.  The dirt excavated...by hand.  The gravel (all nine ton of it) hauled into place...by hand.  The sand hauled into place...by hand, and the pavers set in the right location...by hand.  God, she makes me tired.  Of course, due to the pattern of the pavers and the non-yielding pattern of the patio, several of the stones need to be cut.  Therein lies the story.  Seems as how she rented a stone cutter.  It proceeded to blow the circuit halfway through a cut.  Quick end, she got one stone cut.  New thought.  How about using a circular saw and a rock cutting blade?  A good idea, if only she had a circular saw.  Enter the Zubke household.  We have a circular saw.  She was somewhat skeptical when she saw the cord was held together with electrical tape from where I had sawed right through it.  Undaunted, however, she gave it a try.  Eureka.  It worked.  Several stones were cut, and the saw quit.  Seems as how the splice job done so many years ago gave way and the black cord ends had burned out, causing them to disconnect.  Never one to say die, I unwrap the old tape, disconnect all the ends, reconnect with new tape, cover the splices, and as we speak two miracles are happening.  First, it is working, and second, she is still standing!  Hopefully, this will be the case until she is done.  Hopefully, the trust is not misplaced!  Quit shaking your head!

Monday, August 24, 2015

Blue

As I was walking home from my presentation this morning, my eyes were drawn heavenward to the most beautiful shade of blue.  There is no place in the world that can outdo the clear morning blue skies of eastern South Dakota.  And I started thinking.  The very nature of the sky boosted my spirits and raised my expectations of positive things for the day.  Why, then, when someone is sad, is it said they are blue?  It just doesn't make sense to me, so I have a new campaign.  Let's change the connotation of blue.  From now on, when I'm sad, I believe I shall say I'm puce.  Puce seems much better.  How about it?  Will you join my movement?  Or will I have to be puce all by myself?  All I know is I shall never be sad blue again!  This is my belief, and I shall adhere to it...as long as I remember it!  Celebrate the positive blue, and know you are loved!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Be the change

Tomorrow begins the first of five rallies we will do for the United Way.  Our involvement in this organization extends back for years.  It is an amazing way to serve the community and support those agencies that do good (and that is NOT a grammatical error!).  By one gift, you support over 30 different beneficial service providers in our area.  And the money actually stays here.  With an extremely minimal administrative fee, what you give remains in the Watertown area!  And what you get?  Feeding the hungry.  Helping the lonely.  Protecting the children.  Education.  Sports.  And that indescribable feeling that comes with the knowledge that you CAN be the change! 

Saturday, August 22, 2015

A little bit of heaven?

If you're in Tyndall for a wedding and spending the night, you will be staying at The Shady Rest Motel!
Cute, huh?  Suite #6.


Notice--complete with running water and an on-suite lavatory.






All the comforts allotted our five star accommodations!  Life is good, and you are loved!

Friday, August 21, 2015

If ya ain't been yet...

Ya gotta go!
Rules were made to be broken.  If a blogger expects to attract a wide and varied audience, he should write about universals...those things that can pertain to "Everyman!".  If that's what you need, then you can quit here, because this doesn't!  We just came home from Twin Brooks, SD, and an amazing place called The Bird Feeder.  Carol, the owner is amazing.  The cooks are amazing.  The servers are amazing.  The experience is amazing.  And another amazing thing?  I think this even though this wasn't our "first rodeo!"  We've enjoyed the dining experience before.  Several times.  And each time, the food is fantastic.  Each time the prices are outrageously reasonable.  And each time, I swear I will never eat that much at one sitting again.  But I do.  I'm seduced by the "bird seed" that starts the meal.  I'm enticed by the freshly prepared soup and bread.  I'm taken in by the salad and home built dressing.  And by the time the main course arrives, I'm ready to be done.  But I'm not.  The variety of food is refreshing.  And those champagne grapes....  Of course, there's dessert.  And I eat it.  Tonight, it was a lemon curd on graham cracker crust, a tiramisu cup cake, and a scoop of chocolate gelato on a home made cookie.  Just before we left home, I had to repair the drawstring in my elastic waist pants.  On the way home, I had to untie the drawstring in my elastic waist pants.  And pray that the elastic had enough elasticity! 
Hopefully by now you are ready to make your reservation.  Do so.  She does lunch on Monday-Thursday and supper Friday and Saturday.  It's worth the drive.  It's worth the wait.  And it's worth the girth!  For what it's worth, we're scheduled to go again next week.  I believe I shall fast until then.  Or not! 

The new school

For years, my life was governed by a building.  To start, it was behind a desk in a classroom, wondering what the heck the teacher wanted.  Trying my level best to give it to him/her.  Then, it was a group of buildings:  a dormitory surrounded by classes teaching me what I should be when/if I grew up.  Then, it was in front of the classroom...full circle...wondering what the heck the students needed.  The structures that surrounded me varied.  Old and rickety.  New, without walls.  Established and sturdy.  And I learned one thing.  Walls a school does not make.  Life makes a school!  So to the teachers, administrators, cooks, custodians, parents and students of the new middle school, I have three things to say.  1). Enjoy the new building!  It is gorgeous, technologically amazing, and full of opportunity.  2). Make the new building a safe place for all who enter.  3). It's not about the bricks, the mortar, the carpet, the wood floors...it's about the people inside.  Love them!  Take care of each other!  And teach them how to learn!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

They say that all good things must

Today was the end of a marathon group of presentations on fraud.  4 different presentations in eight days a state apart.  It took a while to get things organized.  The research and planning paid off.  To the best of my knowledge, we were able to pull the whole procedure off and only offend one person.  This may be next to miraculous considering my propensities!   The good thing is, she wasn't offended bu what we had to say, only by my Catholic joke.  Funny.  The nuns we have told the story to have found it quite amusing!  Isn't it amazing.  I think the end result of our work is exceedingly positive.  We had several compliments and quite a few "atta boys".  Or actually, "atta boy...atta girl!"  I had the opportunity to perform.  Cath had the opportunity to enlighten.  Between us, egotistically speaking, we gave them "what for" in a way they will remember.  It was a good run.  And tonight, the paper work is done.  The information has been mailed.  And we can put to rest the shims, the placards, the top eight....  It is the end.  And it is good!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Somewhere

in a home for the aperiodic anal retentive, Nurse  Ratched is fluffing my pillow!  Those of you who know me realize that I have often been referred to as suffering from AR, but it stands for Abstract Random, certainly NOT anal retentive.  And yet, there is no doubt that the latter is the best descriptor for my mowing tonight.  It wasn't a vertical mow today.  It wasn't a horizontal mow today.  It was a diagonal day.  Proof of latent AR tendencies!  But it gets worse.  Today was an AR squared day.  What do you get when you trust a lawn mower to someone suffering from anally retentive abstract randomness?  Why you get a yard cut in a herringbone pattern!  No lie!  Even I couldn't believe I was doing it!  But it was fun and looks just a little hinky...just what you might expect from an ARAR.  Find your uniquity and remember you are loved!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

A fun little recipe

So--you want that pizza taste without the pizza crust?  I can do that.  Use chicken as crust?  Yup.  You'll need chicken, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, oregano, garlic, pepperoni,and more mozzarella!  Divide your chicken breasts in half--width-wise.  Pound each one until it is as thin as you can get it and it still hangs together.  Combine 1 tsp. oregano with 1 tsp. granulated garlic (or garlic powder).  Sprinkle each side of the breast and brown in a large non-stick pan with a tsp or so of oil of your choice.  (I happened to have bacon grease, and how can you possible go wrong with that?)  Brown for 1-2 minutes on each side and line the bottom of a 9X13 glass pan that has been sprayed with Pam.  While preparing the chicken, in a small sauce pan empty a the prepared pizza sauce, and heat, allowing it to diminish to half it's size.  Once the sauce and chicken are done, you're ready to assemble.  Since the chicken is already in the pan, simply cover with four ounces of shredded mozzarella.  Pour the pizza sauce over the top and spread until evenly covered.  Sprinkle with more cheese and cover with pepperoni slices.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes until the cheese in melted and starting to brown.  Allow to cool and ENJOY, know you are loved!

Saturday, August 15, 2015

I remember...

Icy roads.
Blowing snow.
Wind chills to -55.
Being trapped inside for survival.


I choose today!  See--it's all a matter of perspective!

Friday, August 14, 2015

Coots!

Sometimes, I forget how fortunate we are.  Lunch today.  Our guests?  Three amazing women.  Amazing because of what they have done.  Amazing because of who they have become.  And in some ways, amazing because of their longevity.  One was over 95.  The other two, over 80. The conversation never lagged.  Each had opinions.  Each had stories.  And each was stunningly alert to what was going on.  Don't get me wrong.  I do not, in any sense of the word, consider them old.  I marvel at the things they have to say.  Their memories far surpass mine.  Their knowledge of events (not to mention baseball) astounds me.  I truly understand the respect and honor afforded to elderly in the Asian culture.  Sometimes, I think we forget what a priceless treasure they can be.  If these three ever become old, I will report back.  As the saying goes--you have to grow old...you don't have to get old!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

The checklist

On our way home yesterday, between the two of us, we created quite the daunting to do list for today.  A myriad of tasks, from mowing the yard to buying dog food loomed over us as we thankfully arose in our own house.  Funny how much difference that last prepositional phrase can make.  Between rain showers, we accomplished each and every one, along with picking and preparing beets, planning to broil tomatoes, and inviting people over for BLT's for lunch tomorrow.  Now, the sun is trying to shine, the grill is calling my name, and supper is right around the corner.  Of course, there's a list for tomorrow, but smiles all around for a job done today!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

True to the title...

We are on the road.  And a darn long road it is!  I've never been overly fond of long road trips that have a specific destination and expected time.  While this is a beautiful time to traverse South Dakota (the grains, the sunflowers, the Zesto in Pierre), it is time consuming and confining.  My ADHD kicks in around 20 minutes into the trip and I am ready to be at my destination.  With technology, I do have some diversion, but one's batteries do have a habit of running out.  Oh, I know I could plug them in, but the cooler is plugged in, the GPS is plugged in, Cath's phone is plugged in...and I'm out of plugs.  So I ration myself to time spent.  It is kind of fun to have instant access to answers to such puzzling questions as "What's the difference between transfusion and infusion?" And "What IS the population of Hayes?" But soon the "Oh, how I wish we were home" willies set in and we're only in Blunt!  (For the multitudinous readers who are perusing this and are non-Dakotans,  Hayes and Blunt are metropolistic communities passed through on the route from Rapid City to Watertown!).  
The big White House on the north side of the road has a new green tin roof!
The driver in the van ahead of us is obviously Italian and carrying on a lively conversation with so,done, although we just passed him and he seemed to be alone in the car,  and we're down to only 140 miles until we are home.  If only I had ruby slippers to click...but then, I might end up in Kansas!
Okay, so ADHD hinges on insanity left unchecked.  Maybe I'll take a nap!  You?  You are loved!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

One down...

One to go!  The Spearfish presentation went well.  Great questions at the end.  Food for thought.  So we hit the road on this, our 42nd wedding anniversary, and arrived in Rapid City and are currently ensconced in a delightful B & B!  As I sit here next to my bride, I realize how amazingly lucky I have been.  With her, there is no fraud, no sham, no pretense.  There is love and kindness and respect.  To find any of those in another is an amazing benefit.  To find all three in a woman you love and respect is a joy!  And while that joy is realized, perhaps a greater elation is knowing she's also my best friend!  So we grow older...maybe wiser...but we shall do it together!  And that is the greatest gift I could ever receive!

Sunday, August 9, 2015

It's a fraud!

Tomorrow, we head out to do fraud training in Spearfish and Rapid City.  No, we're not teaching them how--we're teaching them how not.  The more we hear, the more we read, the more prevalent this problem seems.  And if you think it only affects the "rubes" of the world, you're wrong.  Everyone can be taken in by what they call the ether these experts deliver.  What seems plausible and possible may not be.  The end results we will leave them with are:
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
If someone contacts you for personal information, don't give it.
If you get an e-mail from someone you don't know, don't open it.
Shred, shred, shred
Report any and all attempts to the Attorney General's office.
And don't be embarrassed if you fall for one of these schemes--don't keep it to yourself--pass it on.  We can all teach!  And you are loved!

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Memories, all alone in the moonlight

Now tell me you're not humming tunes from "Cats"!  Sometimes, nostalgia waxes over me and I think back to my earlier youth.  I've had a good time aging.  I made amazing friends.  I made an amazing life choice.  I made an amazing career choice.  I've always been loved.  I've always been fed.  I've always been housed.  And as another week approaches, I can truthfully say bring it on!  It's good to have memories.  It's great to make memories!  Always amazing.  And you are loved!

Friday, August 7, 2015

Rules are made to be broken!

It is my here-to-fore inviolable policy not to put people pictures on the web.  Especially, when the quality is suspect at least, blurry at best, and obviously posed.  Even considering those things, I'd like to recollect a great two weeks with these "girls".  What a cast and crew.  And besides, they rock the t-shirts!  Sometimes, ya just gotta!  Know they and you are loved!


Thursday, August 6, 2015

THE WOMEN recipes

Of course I'll cheat!  Some of these are posted on my web page--http://ezbzspeak.com.  Those are linked below, and the ones that aren't appear below!  I almost hesitate to share, because when you discover how easy they are, they might lose some of their magic!  Give 'em a try and know you are loved!

Lemon Bars
1 pkg. one-step angel food cake mix
1 can lemon pie filling
Combine.  Place in an ungreased jelly roll pan and bake at 350 for 18-19 minutes.  Remove and glaze while warm, with 2 cups powdered sugar mixed with the juice and the zest of one lemon.

Haystack cookies
1 pkg. butterscotch chips
1 pkg. chocolate chips (I like the dark)
1 bag chow mein noodles
1/2 jar dry roasted peanuts.

Melt the chips in the microwave until smooth and easily stirred.  Place the peanuts and noodles in a large bowl.  Pour the melted chips over.  Stir until completely coated.  Drop by tablespoons-full on waxed paper.  Allow to set and refrigerate.

Carrot cake--web page--Duplicate bridge 2008--I used mini-muffin pans, liners, and baked them for 15 minutes!

Fudge--web page

Stuffed brownies--web page-- Instead of symphony bars in the middle, try--
      1 pkg. dark chocolate chips and 1 pkg. Andes mint pieces
      1 pkg. dark chocolate chips and 1 pkg. Resses Peanut Butter chips
      1 pkg.  semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 pkg. butterscotch chips
      1 pkg dark chocolate chips and 1 pkg. butter brickle chips

Chocolate chips cookies


1 cup butter                               2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup Butter Flavored Crisco       2 tsp. salt
2 cups white sugar                       2-12 oz. pkgs. Chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar  
2 tsp. vanilla             
4 eggs       
4 cups flour              
5 cups oatmeal         
2 tsp. soda   
            
Directions:
Cream shortening and butter.  Add sugars and beat until mixed.  Add eggs and beat until fluffy.  Add vanilla.  In separate bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 2 cups oatmeal.  Add 1 tsp. salt, soda, and baking powder.  Stir until well mixed.  Add remaining flour and oatmeal.  Add remaining salt, soda, and baking powder.  Stir until well mixed.  Add liquid ingredients and stir until blended.  Add chocolate chips and stir.  Using a small ice-cream scoop, place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

Only one requirement--ENJOY!







Wednesday, August 5, 2015

My double X's

I've facebooked about it.  I've blogged it.  I've cut.  I've staged.  I've learned volumes from my mistakes, and thankfully, tonight is the end of "I".  It's all about THE WOMEN. Based on rehearsals, the play should be retitled The Good Sports!  The only constant was change!
And now to the purpose of today's entry.  While I realize the import of private gratitude, this group deserves public praise!  Meet the cast:
Maylou--our narrator.  There hasn't been a rehearsal where her script has been the same, and that won't change tonight!  But does she complain?  No.  She reaches far outside her comfort zone and provides her audience the background necessary for understanding.  
Emily--a former student of ours, an adopted daughter, and an amazing talent.  Understated, realistic and well rehearsed, she adds an element of surety and calm to the cast.
Christine--another former student, and one of the busiest women I know.  She has taken time from an amazingly packed schedule to bring a believable level of hysteria to the stage.  She's over the top--exactly as her character demands!
Mary--a force with whom to be reckoned!  Her portrayal of the Countess is dead on to her own life.  Live it to the fullest and give gracefully and endlessly to those around you.
Tami--the newbie in the group!  We were in a pinch.  She said yes.  She brings vitality and excitement to her role AND the cast.
Cathy B.--as Mary Jr., she plays a petulant and stubborn child...the exact opposite of who she is in life.  We can attest to this opposition because she is our niece and our love.
Maria--The Sound of Music says it best..."Maria makes me laugh!"  Totally in control of her two different characters, her attitude and demeanor are spot on interpretations.
Kris--we go back a long ways.  She was one of the best interpers I ever had, and like Tami, filled a void in this show. She embodies a character that is so antithetical to her being, I marvel!  How do you politely tell an actor she makes a good slut?
Karen--if we do rename the play, she is the eponymous character.  Her roles have changed, depleted, and changed again!  Her willingness to listen and keep an open mind impress the bejeebers out of me.
Cathy--by now you all know what I think of her!  Her ability to see what I do not has saved my bacon on more than one occasion.  And I never thought I would say this, but what a great gossipy hairdresser she would have made!
Jill and Linda--who move the sets and set the stools and do the props...any director knows the theatre gnomes are the most important part of any show that runs smoothly.
Marlin--I know in legends, it was Merlin who was the wizard.  Not so with us.  Marlin walked in and in one day had us lit and ringing!  Amazing.
Judy--who recognized early that hearing cues was important and had to bow out of the production, but not out of the play.  Her enthusiasm as assistant director and support of the cast added immensely to the experience.
In life, if one is extremely lucky, our paths will intersect with a person or persons who profoundly impact who and what we are.  You have definitely done that!  To the cast and the crew, from this day onward, you will not be The Women...you will be MY women!!!  Thank you. Thank you.  Thank you!  You are loved!

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Blessed be the pie that binds

So, in the quest for that PERFECT low carb pizza alternative, we have discovered the tastiest taste fooler to date.  The only thing is, it has just a touch of cheese in it, and if you have a similar digestive system to mine, cheese does not incite peristalsis.  Following the consumption of this meal, you may have to call Mayflower to instigate movement, but it is a tasty treat.  If you are low carbing it, give it a try.  We truly think it tastes and textures like real pizza!

7 cups mozzarella cheese
7 eggs
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil

Combine all ingredients and press into a lipped cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees.  Remove and cover with toppings.  We used a Chef Boyardee pizza sauce, fresh mushrooms, and pepperoni.  Since we bought the bag of shredded mozzarella that had 8 cups in it, I sprinkled the remaining cup over the top.  Bake for another 10 minutes.  Allow to cool slightly and enjoy.  And know that you are loved!

Sunday, August 2, 2015

It sounded like a good idea...

Individual carrot cakes!  I've done them before.  No problem.  For some reason, after frosting 150 of them, I'm not sure why I did it again?!!!  Maybe it was what transpired between the baking and the frosting?  Business.  A little of this, a little of that.  When it was time to frost, it was past my nap time.  Then of course, there was the matter of sugar.  Not enough of it.  Have you ever tried to stretch sugar?  Well, I did manage, and the lovelies are in the freezer.  Now, it's time for bed...or chair...or something.  The dishes can wait until tomorrow, right?  Take good care of you and know you are loved!

Saturday, August 1, 2015

There's still some life in the old man

First swipe with the mower.  Snap.  The self-propelled cord snaps.  Darn (or words to that effect).  Don't have the time to take it to the shop.  Can't figure out how to fix it myself (go figure).  Have to finish the yard in the "oh my god this sucker is hard to push" mode.  This I can do.  Finish the neighbor's yard.  Notice a change in the weather.  Hear a change in the weather.  SEE a change in the weather.  But darn it, the lawn needs mowing, so up speeds Bill.  Now, not only am in in the OMGTSIHTP mode, I'm doing it at a clip that even a 60 year old would admire.  Just as I finish the side yard, I celebrate because the first few drops of rain start to fall.  That would the the last few drops of rain as well.  Seems as if it is a "widely scattered" rain storm and it's scattering somewhere else.  I needn't have rushed.  Oh well, the lawn is done and I'm off to play in the kitchen.  Know you are loved!