Cookies Now and Then

Christmas week is a time when I get my fill of sweets. I love chocolate and most sweets. This week I made my father-in-laws famous caramel corn. This may be a new tradition for me. It was not as good as his but I will keep working on it.

Those who know me know how much I love vintage items. This past month I founds some wonderful vintage cookie cutters in excellent condition. They reminded me of my childhood as these were the type that I remember us having at our home where I grew up. The Christmas cutters always featured a Santa, a bell, an angel and usually a reindeer.

Some of the older cutter sets also contained a camel. When was the last time you at a camel cookie?

I also happened upon a very nice vintage Betty Crocker Cookie book that brings back memories also. Now in the modern age I have a wonderful nephew who is becoming quite the cookie baker. His new Christmas cookies are called Ninja Bread cookies. I think they are adorable!

December - Life is Good

December - where did it go. Christmas is only a week away.

I've done a great job of staying out of the shopping mall and stores this past month. I've done some fabulous thrift shopping and have cut my shopping list in half. My husband and I agreed to a small gift for each other and we are calling it Christmas.

This year for my co-workers I made caramel corn. It was not fancy but I think it was better than some bogus trinket that would just be re-gifted.

I'm not sure when I became so disgusted with crazy consumerism. Again, maybe this is me just getting older and crankier. (God forbid). Not having a lot of extra cash has also made me look at consumption and waste. My husband and I are doing much better at not wasting food. I realize that we have been, and sometimes still are,very wasteful when it comes to food.

Instead of shopping I have been trying to read more and keep myself busy at home. You would think my house would be immaculate but I still need to work on that.

This was my 50th year on earth. It has certainly been a year of reflection for me. I have a lot to think about and a lot to be thankful for. As my 50th comes to an end this month I want to put it out there that life is good.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving.
This year I am thankful for so many things. It's been a rough year but I am surviving. I feel very lucky. I'm thankful for friends and family. I'm thankful that I am employed. I'm thankful that I have a roof over my head and food on my table. I'm thankful for the beautiful Arizona weather.
Here's wishing everyone a Happy Happy Thanksgiving.

Beautiful Obit

When I sit down on Sundays to read the paper I usually take a look at the obituaries. I have not lived in this are a long enough to know too many people so the chances of me reading about someone I know are slim.

I like the obits with photos. I like the obits that have two photos, a young and old version of the deceased.

Today there was an obit for a woman named Dora. She was a rancher. She was an Aunt, like me. There was no mention of children (like me). Here's a bit of her life that was shared in the obit:

She spent most of her life on the Ranch. At the ranch, she supervised nieces and nephews; milked cows; jerked beef; rode; fed chickens; killed snakes; opened and closed gates; dug out the spring; scraped out the water tanks; watered the trees; picked fruit; peeled figs; chopped seasoned juniper & mesquite; filled the wood box; started the fire in the stove; ground corn; made enchiladas, tortillas, cakes and pie crusts; dressed in layers; took pictures; read; kept a diary; wrote letters; watched the night sky and bats; the butchering, barbecuing, and branding; and repaired the dirt road as required by her car. When visiting, Dora arrived serendipitously & left when she tired of company. She played marbles to win. Tia Dora could grab and twist an ear, pulling it & the disobedient child along behind her. She was a favorite aunt.

I've often wondered what my obituary would sound like. I don't think it would be nearly as interesting as Dora's. Her obit makes me think I need to get a move on and do something more interesting than just working in an office everyday and then coming home and going to bed.

Today I raise a glass to Dora, a woman I never met and just read about. You sound like my kind of woman. Rest in peace girl.

Behind the White Door

Thank goodness for doors. Doors are my co-conspirator for hiding messes. Doors and drawers are my friends.

Yesterday I tackled the mess that is my pantry. I'm embarrassed to say how much expired foods I tossed yesterday.

My pantry has never been a tidy place. It is so easy to just stuff my dried goods in behind the door after grocery shopping.

I found many "gift" foods that have been given but never eaten. I also found that I have 5 bottles of vinegar. I rarely use vinegar. Evidently whenever a recipe called for vinegar I just went out and bought another bottle. I have a lot of Karo syrup too. I think this is left over popcorn ball fests from holidays gone by.

So yesterday I decided to make a soup with what was on hand. Since I had all of the dry goods on the counter I could actually see what I had. I made a delicious soup with white beans (that I did not know I had), Dried mushrooms (that I did not know I had) some frozen sausage, potatoes and spices. I threw in some vinegar just to feel good about using it (since I had 5 bottles).

So in a nutshell, two accomplishments in one day - clean cupboards - delicious soup!

Vacation Aftermath

I miss vacation.

A little down time

As I write this I am sitting out on a deck in the mountains of Cedar Crest, New Mexico. I am visiting my dear friend Martini MarySue. We have known eachother for 28 years. We sure look different than we did 28 years ago but our hearts are still the same.

I'm here for a little R&R.

Martini MarySue is an animal lover and has 3 dogs and 2 cats. I had to share these photos because I think her dogs like me. Either that or the bacon perfume I have been wearing is really paying off.

I am so covered in dog hair that I have become an honorary dog.

A fun week with good friends. You can't beat it.

Truths - True

A friend sent the following list to me and I thought it was one of those I had to share. #7 resonates with me quite a bid as I am a MapQuest-a-holic. Also #12.

Simple truths for mature adults -


1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. Really, how ARE you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Crap!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail.
What
did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

15. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

16. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

17. I disagree with Kay Jewelers, I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

18. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

19. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text. (just kidding Oprah)

20. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

21. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

22. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

23. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

24. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

25. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

26. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'll bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

What else I did not buy this week...

The one that got away.

Arghhh. Last night after work I was killing some time before I had to meet my husband. Of course my favorite way to kill time is to hit a nearby thrift store. There is an unwritten rule of thrifters that if your hand is on an item it is yours until you let go. Last night I let go.

I'm so mad at myself. I love to buy original art. There was a pretty fantastic painting of cactus available. I was pondering the purchase and decided to think on it. I'm not sure why I was even hesitating. The price was so right. The place was not busy and no one appeared to be looking at the art along the wall. The SECOND I backed away from the painting some guy ran up behind me an took the painting.

It's like a fish story about the one that got away.

Thrift rule #1... hold on to it until you are sure you do not want it.

What I did NOT buy this week.

Those who know me, know that I LOVE to second hand shop. I love to hunt for odd items at bargain prices. I have found some wonderful items over the years, many of the items totally useful. (Many not).

Some "most useful" items I have found include the GIANT champagne bottle that currently resides in my home office. An awesome metal candelabra that resides in my dining room. I've purchased some great artwork at bargain prices. A beautiful old steam trunk. A killer travertine dining room table that we currently use in our semi-formal dining room.

I've also bought a few stinkers that seemed like a good idea at the time. A rusty old childs bicycle that I thought might be worth something to someone else. An unidentifiable weapon of mass destruction that I found at a garage sale and thankfully re-sold at the flea market. I am still not sure what that was. At one time I did a lot of re-selling and would buy almost anything if I thought I could turn a buck.

I have no qualms about buying pre-owned. I look at it as the ultimate in recycling and I love re-purposed items.

My sister in Maine is also a second hand shopper and sometimes in our travels I will e-mail photos of some crazy or just fugly items I have discovered but would probably never buy. The uglier the better.

I buy a lot of funky thrift items but this post is about the ones that got away this week.

Creepy Butler

The first is the creepy butler. He was creeping at a re-sale shop in Scottsdale. A bargain at a mere $695. More than my recession-ass budget can handle at present. If he was $50 I may have considered it. I'd be all over having him hold a roll of toilet paper in my bathroom. Pardon me but to you have any grey poop-on?

Praying Hands Poster

Next item I passed on. A hairy armed poster of praying hands at Oral Roberts University. I lived in Tulsa once and would drive by the giant hands a few times a week. I've got to tell you this was hard to pass up except that the hairy arms sort of gave me the creeps. Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those new-americans that hate body hair but for some reason these hairy arms gave me the heebies.

50 Cent's T-shirt

The next item I did not buy was this lucky 7, g-money, hip hop t-shirt. Ick. I didn't buy this because then I would need to buy a gold grill for my teef to go with and I can't afford that either.

Le Glorious Green Orb

And then there was this. Oh glorious giant green southwestern gourd lamp. I must admit that I actually put this in my cart and gave it a ride around the thrift store while I admired it. There were small holes poked throughout and it actually lit up. A bargain at $24. I just could not justify this purchase. It was so weird that I almost fell in love with it. This is one of those items I had to weigh whether or not it would destroy my marriage if I brought it home.

I also did not purchase this Punks Not Dead, Ed Hardy hoodie. I'm so over Ed Hardy but I'm still a punk at heart. I know that if I wore this shirt that any punks still alive might go preppy after seeing me at 50 wearing this baby. I did not buy partly because it should say Punk IS NOT Dead and that error would make me crazy. Also, Punk was way after the era of the real Ed Hardy. I'm sure he would not approve.

What did I buy you ask? Well that is another post. You'll just have to wait for that one.

Tell me, what is your weirdest thrift purchase? I'd love to know.

Thelma and Louise without the excitement of Brad Pitt

Went for a drive yesterday with a friend. The morning started as any good morning should, with strong coffee and a decadent Krispy Kreme donut (or ten).

My friend had some books she wanted to sell at Bookmans so we hit all three in Tucson. Wow. I had never been there before. What a treat.

This place is amazing. They sell new and used books, CD's, games, jewelry and decorative items. So fun. The place is very organized with a system for dropping off books that they may purchase from you. You can either be paid in cash or a little more for in-store credit.

I was on the hunt for some used copies of the Steig Larsson trilogy. I found two out of three of the books I was looking for at the last stop.

We hit a couple of thrift stores and ended the day with a beautiful drive home with some pretty clouds compliments of mother nature. A great way to spend a day indeed.

Domestic Divas

I'm still digesting my fabulous family reunion. I will post some photos soon. We had 380 adults and probably 100 children attend. It was overwhelming. I have been reminiscing about my childhood and family all month.

There was a lot of photo sharing from the old days. I thought I would share a couple of photos of some of the ladies in my life.

The black and white photo was taken in preparation for my parents wedding. We have a large family tradition of cooking in groups for special family occasions. The mainstays have always been cabbage rolls and pierogi. Only two of the women in this photo are currently living.

The color photo shows two of my Aunts again.

These photos make me so happy. I really miss these women.

Back to the Future

My huge family back in Ohio are having a family reunion next month. My Mothers family is huge! So far over 350 people have rsvp'd. ( That doesn't include the family members who don't know what rsvp means.)

The last reunion was about 7 years ago but this one is going to be special as the older generation is fading.

Above is a photo from over 40 years ago at a family reunion. In the center is my Grandfather. He is shown with his first 50 grandchildren. Next to my Grandfather is his first grandchild and she is holding his 50th grandchild. There were more grandchildren since this photo and I think the last count is close to 70 grandkids. (I am in the front row with my hands up near my ears.) I am hoping to get a better copy of this photo from my cousins.

You can imagine the progeny since then. This reunion will be attended my many of Grandpa's great and great, great grandchildren.

It should be an interesting event. I plan to share some photos and stories later.

Fashionista that I am...

I went to happy hour with a friend after work last night. When I got home I was a little buzzed and also too lazy to cook dinner. I announced that we were having KFC tonight and that I would run out and pick up dinner.

When I came home I put the chicken on the counter and said to my husband that I would be right back as I wanted to change my clothes. Smart*ss that he is asked me if I was putting on my chicken-eating pants.

CHICKEN-EATING PANTS! The nerve.

Chicken tastes so much better when you are black and blue. Or so I've heard.

Philly Days Continued...

Again I wish I had photos of the people that I am remembering from my days in Philadelphia. As stated in my previous post. I worked at an art framing shop on Walnut Street. I worked for a very nice Jewish man who befriended every stray dog (or person) who came to him.

I feel compelled to write about one of the stray people that hung around the shop. The reason I feel compelled is so that someone remembers him. His name was Nesty. Short for Ernesto. He was an adorable 80-ish short Italian man. He would make his rounds on Walnut Street visiting different businesses during his day. We jokingly called him the king of Walnut Street.

He was always dressed sort of dapper and wore a hat. I don't remember him talking about having a family or children, so partly I want to write about him so that he is remembered.

He would come in to the store and sit in one of the chairs we had that mostly were for friends of the owner who came in to chew the fat. Nesty was a little lonely I think. He told me of his girlfriend who had Alzheimer's. He told me that she was a true lady. She wore Feragamo shoes and was always dressed to a tee. He said she was always a lady until the Alzheimer's. He said she would get a bit mean and say hurtful things that she would never have said before the disease. He once gave me a couple of gold bangles that were hers. I was truly honored.

Nesty loved peppers and egg sandwiches. He would sometimes eat his lunch in the shop and he would always say that the other old guys he knew always wanted his peppers and eggs.

I'm not sure where he actually lived. I assumed it was someplace downtown and that it might have been a senior living facility.

I must say that I don't know what became of him. Because this was over 20 years ago he may be deceased.

I would like to say that when you meet an older person who wants to talk. Give them a little time and consideration. They may be alone and lonely and you may be the only person that has spoken to or acknowledged their existence that day.

Nesty, I'm not sure if you ever had children, but please know you are remembered by someone. Happy Fathers Day and God bless you where ever you are.

My Philly Days

Walnut Street Now

It's been a few years since I lived in Philly. Over 20 years. I was young and newly married and we moved to the outskirts because of my husbands job. I found a job in downtown Philly working at a frame shop. I took the train in every day. Basically I was the counter person who took measurements for artwork our customers wanted framed.

The shop was on Walnut Street. It was owned by a super goodhearted man named Bill. Besides myself he employed a framer who worked above the shop and Bill worked in the back. The framer had worked for him for over 20 years. Bill also employed his son and another young fellow to keep him company.

There were always a cast of local characters that hung out or stopped in the shop. They came in to see Bill. He would never turn someone down if they needed money. If a homeless person came by and needed a little cash he would think of something they could do like sweep the sidewalk.

I started writing this blog about the employee who worked upstairs and a few other characters that came and went, but now as I write this I think I need to discuss Bill instead. I have not thought about him in a long time.

I would have to guess that at the time Bill was probably between 50 and 60 years old. He looked older. He was skinny and balding. He had a pencil mustache and few teeth in his mouth. He moaned and groaned a lot because I think he was actually ill but not diagnosed. He tended to pick his butt a lot and I vaguely remember him talking about his prostrate. He moaned and groaned in Yiddish.

I was the only woman working there and the guys never held back. They talked about personal things all the time and sometimes things that were not exactly appropriate for mixed company. One story was of the framer who worked upstairs and a big butted mistress he had that used to come to the shop and "spend time" with him upstairs. Upstairs guy, I actually forget his name, bragged that this woman liked when he put vice clamps on her nipples. - Did he really need to share that with me? I never went upstairs. That was his domain. He was too dumb to be creepy and I never felt in danger.

Bill would tell stories about his youth. He wanted me to know that he used to be pretty good looking. The girl he wanted to marry married was Catholic like me and he could not marry her. He had to marry a nice Jewish girl. So he settled. He was married late in life. What Bill did not know was that the nice girl he settled for was probably the best thing that ever happened to him. She was kind and understanding. A very nice woman. She may not have been the looker he was comparing her to but she was a very good woman who loved him. I think he often wondered what it would have been like with the one that got away.

Bill was one of those guys who were too nice for their own good. He probably could have been pretty wealthy but he gave a lot away. He was always cutting people deals. Doing things for free for people he knew.

Bill was just a super nice guy who employed me when I first came to town. I googled the shop a few years back and it is no longer there. I also googled his name and could not find him. I am assuming he is deceased. He was a pretty good guy. I'm sure his family and friends miss him. If I ever get to Philly again I want to stop by the old shop and see what is there now and take a photo or two. Philly is definitely a town with ghosts. I'm sure that there are a few hanging out in that old building. (And one of them is wearing clamps on her nipples).

Huh?

About 2 weeks ago I noticed this billboard on my way to work. It looks like someone hand painted it. I'm not sure if it is a goof or a read ad for beer. Odd yet mesmerizing. I'm only at this light for a short time in the morning and it took me a few days to get a photo.

It's weird with the hairy arm and the pig potholder. Any thoughts?

Location - 3rd and McDowell in Central Phoenix.

Where have you been all my life?

Chocolate Olive Oil !!! Where have you been all my life?
I know that I go on about the olive oils from the Queen Creek Olive Mill but be assured I don't work there, am not related to anyone there. I just plain love their products.

I had heard that a chocolate oil was going to be released and when it did not appear a few months ago I figured it was just a weird rumor.

I visited the Mill for lunch today and ......CHOCOLATE OLIVE OIL. I have not cooked with it yet but it smells heavenly.
Per the label suggestions include.... saute' with chilies to add depth and character to chicken. I am going to try that soon.

www.queencreekolivemill.com

Hola Tomatoes!

So excited. I actually have baby tomatoes on the vine. I hope I can keep these plants alive long enough to actually eat one. I am disgusted with grocery store tomatoes. They are waxy and have no taste. I am growing a few plants in a pot. It gets pretty hot here in Arizona so I need to watch them carefully and be sure they get enough water.

I noticed a lizard hanging around my little garden. I'm hoping he does not get the first taste.

Our backyard cactus had it's first bloom. It is about years old and looks like it is going to really put on a show. The blooms don't last long so I am taking photos almost every day.

A close-up photo of an ocotillo cactus flower. These blooms won't be around long either.

Happy spring everybody!

Spring in Arizona

It's spring in Arizona when the Ocotillo cactus bloom. I'm loving the color and the birds are too. I thought I would share a few photos from this week.

Hummer Happy Hour

It's April in Arizona. I had noticed lately that my hummingbird feeders were draining quicker than usual.

Gee, I wonder why? I think the word is out that it's Happy Hour at Cornflake Girl's house.

I think the migration has started. My friends in the Midwest are anxiously awaiting their first sightings.

By the way, I LOVE the feeder in my photos. It is plastic and comes apart easily for a good cleaning. If you feed hummingbirds do not let your feeders get moldy as this can harm the birds.

I also make my own syrup. Here is a recipe and some tips for feeding hummingbirds.

Boil four cups of water.
Remove water from the heat.
Stir in one cup of white sugar.
Cool the syrup before filling feeder.
NOTE: Do not use honey, which can cause a fatal fungal infection on the birds' tongues.
NOTE: Do not add food coloring to the solution. It's not necessary, and it may be harmful. Even a small spot of red on the feeder will attract hummingbirds.
You can store the extra syrup in the refrigerator for a week.
Hang the feeder where you can see it from a window.
Clean the feeder at least once a week. In warm weather, you may need to change the syrup and wash out the feeder every day. Don't let the syrup turn cloudy in the feeder — that's mold. It will make hummingbirds avoid your feeder, and it may make them sick.
If ants discover the feeder, discourage them by applying petroleum jelly to the wire that suspends the feeder.

Dad's Old Socks

Yes, I'm back at it again. Trying to tackle the organization of my home office /studio. Again, totally distracted. Of course now I "find" a 1944 McCall's magazine. Had to stop and look through it. Excellent wartime edition.

So, I find this article of some new uses for old socks. I remember tying my hair in strips of cloth when I was a kid but I never knew about using socks.

I'm glad that I can afford curlers now.

Here's the directions incase you are inclined to try it. (Send photos please)