Random Dozen

I have had fun reading other's answers to Linda's Random Dozen questions. This is her 12th edition and this time I have time, and I actually have answers (maybe I am not over thinking the questions/answers this time!). So I am jumping in...

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?

Hmmm, ok, this might not be considered a sport by all, but I would want to master white water kayaking. They make it look so easy! The idea of splashing through the water, being able to flip the kayak back over without knocking my brains out, etc. Now, I don’t want to go over 20 foot waterfalls, nope, nothing to that degree.

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?

I have to think on it and do a little research.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?

Lol! So sad: Merie Decatur. If I had any talent to begin with, the agent would absolutely make me change that one!

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?

Favorite music. Gotta keep the favorite food. I can think of the music, remember the music, hum the music. Food, well thinking of it just does not bring any enjoyment if I cannot indulge. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Nope, I need it. Where is my stash????

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?

Pristine Yellow (borderline green)! Spotty ones are only good for waiting to ripen to the point of making bread. AND, this sounds strange, but there is some kind of change from the yellow/green to spotty and the spotty irritate my allergies – my ears and throat start itching. Very annoying.

6. Your favorite tree is?

Oh goodness! I love the live oaks in the South. I don’t have a single one in this yard, but yup that would be my favorite. A Ginko tree very easily could become my favorite though.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?

Hmmm, I think about middle of the road on that one. My greatest fear of aging? Technology Gap. I figure those older ladies that do not know the first thing about computers, were probably pretty savvy in whatever was “in” in their 20’s, 30’s etc. So, what will come out that will send my into that spot?? The next cell phone?

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?

Thank the Lord no!

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?

Analytical. Not as bad as I was when younger. I have learned to stop myself before dragging it out too very long are skewing the perspective by over scrutinizing.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?

Ahhhh, a Koala, cute and fuzzy and cuddling? Nope, not me. Much more that of a dog. (pant pant pant).

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?

I do. Or at least I try. Everyone’s lives are so busy, but I still talk to two of my highschool friends a couple times a year.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?

It does not matter. I have this skill. A pretty consistent one. Whichever line I get in, it slows to a crawl. Always. Because of that, most of the time I don’t really pay much attention to the amount of items other’s have.

Join in the fun sharing about you! Check out Linda at 2nd cup of coffee . . .

Thanks Linda!

In the spirit of getting back into the swing of things, I heart the bloggy world!

Janine at Sniffles and Smiles recently, so sweetly, so kindly, proved she was the hostess with the mostest as she awarded many at her Sniffles and Smiles award day event.

And, thank you, thank you very much, I am a proud recipient of one of her awards. If you have not met Janine, do so. She is wonderful writer with intriquing posts of her life. She has the sweetest spirit and the kindest of words.

Thank you Janine!!

. . . by Tracie at Tale of Many Cities

8 things I am looking forward to:

reading a good book
Demolition D returning from Choir Trip with stories of fun
selling all my equipment at the shop
Demolition D driving

Figuring out what to do for work next
a trip somewhere, the beach, wherever

the first trip in the Airstream (ongoing, 2 year project)

The Man starting 8th grade

8 things I did yesterday:

Worked, finished some orders for meals for Tuesday pickups

Sat outside in the sun for awhile

Watched a movie with the kids

Dropped off/picked up Demolition D from a job

Urged, only like a mom can do when annoyed at procrastination, D to pack his carry on for

the Church Choir Trip

Enjoyed a burger from Burger King

Did some laundry

8 thing I wish I could do:

win the lottery and pay off all debt and play santa clause to others
paint like an artist

go to Costa Rico
dance (not like the chic on Seinfeld)

not find anything or anyone irritating

spend the summer at the beach

Scrapbook all my pictures

figure out what Ocho was just up too, hmmmm

8 Shows I watch:

It is summer so this is the fall/winter list

My Name is Earl

Biggest Loser

Life

Medium

Today Show

Whatever show the male species has on - they dominate the TV

8 favorite fruits:

oranges
grapes
watermelon
cantaloupe
bananas
pineapple

8 places I'd like to travel:

just about anywhere

8 places I've lived:
So sad, not 8 :)
Denver, Colo

Albany, Ga

Baconton, Ga

Now for the tagging, if you are reading this and would like to play along . . . Tag, you are it!

Let me know that you played, so I can check your list out too!

Thanks Tracie for the tag, I have been a little out of the loop lately and am trying to work myself back into bloggyland fun!!

Smiles to all!

Tag Time

I have been tagged! Twice!

Finding Pam tagged me to come clean on my addictions.

So five addictions huh?

1. Blogging. Love the community, love the comments

2. Facebook. Why oh why did I go there! But it has been fun! Like a class reunion without the

face to face or awkwardness!

3. Chocolate. I love dark chocolate! Not because it is the in thing, but I REALLY do like it

4. Recipes. I love food, not just because one cannot live without it! I like trying new dishes all

the time.

5. Ummmmm, air? I guess that is not what you want. Hmmm. I know – BATHS. There is

nothing better than a really hot bath . . . with soft soap . . .and loafa spongy thing.

Ok there are five and now I am suppose to choose five . . .
Let’s see, whose addictions would we like to hear . . .

Rhonda . .. Because I Said So

Linda . . .2 Cups of Coffee

Ballerina Girl…roller coaster

Jules…jules stones

Jan…crazy lady on road 80



And now for Tag Number 2 which is a 6th of the 6th meme . . . This one is from Muse Swings . . .

I was to go to my 6th picture folder and choose the 6th picture in the folder, post it and tell the story of the picture. This kinda scares me . . .what if it is some strange picture that makes no sense at all and has no story. But, what picture doesn’t have some sort of story???
So, the 6th of the 6th is:

The Man’s 11th Birthday

(Demolition D enjoying being responsible for the fire duty, oh I mean candle duty)

Most birthdays are celebrated with just family. We have quite a large group to gather just with that crew. The house is always noisy and crowded and fun.

One of the most exciting gifts of the day? A skate board, and thus was born the pictures for the Airborne Wordless Wednesday picture the other week.
So now I get to name more bloggyworld buddies

Gayle…planet m files

Sandi …holding patterns

Aleta…fleur di lis

Angie…sandals and daisies

Sandy ... shell in your pocket

Belle…life of a southern belle

You are each tagged to

1) go to your photo folders,

2) post the 6th picture in the folder,

3) tell the story about the picture and then

4) tag 6 bloggers to do the same.

Cheers!

I See What You Are Saying . . .

I have pushed myself to do this . . . well a little, it is a start. Several months ago, in one of CJane's post, she mentioned (paraphrased) how glad she was that her sister had not been camera shy. For me it posed a challenge -to quote "be enchanted with yourself." Well, I HATE having my picture taken. If I was photogenic or nice looking (I don't know which is the problem, my face or the camera) I would not mind, but for the most part I do not like pictures of myself - I can't find the enchantment.
Then this week, Linda, at 2nd Cup of Coffee is hosting her second "I See What You Are Saying," where all post a simple or funny or cute or heart felt video of themselves. Or maybe their family. Well, that posed a second problem, I don't really care to hear myself either.
So, I could not push myself to go all the way - you know, image and voice. So . . . . well, here is my entry for "I See What Your Are Saying" . . . .









ok ok, I did thicken up the accent some, it is not quite that bad, never know there was time in the Mid West, huh? Maybe one day, maybe on the third go around, I can rid myself of my yellow bellied ways and produce more of a me video, more than my shoed tootsies! S



o now go check out the real good videos, ones with faces, not feet!

I'm Late, I'm Late For A Very Important Date . . . Bloggyland Christmas

So today is a wonderful tour through the land of Christmas by a gracious host - Muse-Swings, and I feel like a horses, well

{backside} Thanks, muse-swings for the pic ;)

. . . because I just did not get it done. See, my home is in disarray. I have chairs on their sides, furniture pulled from the walls, furniture stacked in spare rooms - you know, the redoing of room. You get the picture, well maybe not, with the broken battery housing on camera and such.

Soooo, I can't leave you pictures of my beautiful gingerbread house (well, I couldn't anyway, I can't make pretty ones). Or of our tall, elegant Christmas tree (we, have the Charlie Brown one this year); Or a snow covered beauty of a yard or a blazing fire place (it is high 70's today).

BUT, I can leave you this wonderful Christmas video and wish every single one of you, moments of calm and joy and laughter this beautiful season. (and eggnog, and cake, and cookies, and dip and chips, and casseroles)

Randomness Meme

I was tagged before Thanksgiving by Sandi at Holding Patterns . Check out her blog ... she has some wonderful post, great stories. Sandi’s entries for the “portrait of words” challenges are great, it amazes me how she pulls the cards together for great stories.

Ok, so for the tag. First the rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Drumroll for the 6 random things that I hopefully have not already mentioned:

1. My favorite comfort foods: Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Popcorn, Ice-cream (anytime of the year).

2. I have not balanced my personal checking account in, well, maybe 9 years?? It would stress me big time if it is off by even a few cents. So I just don’t do it! No stress. Just keep up with what I have and what is coming through. I did let Will know that when we began dating, just in case that kind of thing was a deal breaker or some inside look at a character flaw. HA!

3. I had a lunch date with a garbage man once. I was 18 and agreed to lunch with a 21 year old fella I had met at church. I found out his occupation after agreeing too go to lunch. I know SHALLOW. He also shared he had failed the GED three times. Then at lunch, I noticed how long his fingernails were. Gaaarooooossssss! He handled garbage with those long nails. We were definitely at different places in life. He was a kind guy – just not for me.

4. I spotted Tiny Tim in the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport in 1990. I did have my friend take my picture with him, just for the fun of it. The picture did not turn out. He did not smell good either. Not as good or as lucky as those of you with Donny Osmond stories. All I got was the tulip man!

5. I graduated from a class of 14. I attended a small Christian School for High School, that’s why the small class.

6. I love a dusting (key word dusting) of snow. I don’t want to live in it day in and out. I don’t want to shovel it. I don’t want to fall on my backside on iced side walks (been there, done that). But I get SO EXCITED when there is a possibility of snow here. My mom bought me a can of fake snow for Christmas one year. That was even great! My birthday present from hubby this year? An overnight trip to Highlands to see snow. Play in snow, hmmm might have to blog it!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (this was for you Carrie!!)

So now I name, I am trying to remember who has posted a random list recently and who has not, hmmmm:

Merrie at Merrie Days.

Ann at AnnOnandon

Hadriana at Hadriana's Treasures

Carrie at Candid Carrie

Gayle at Planet M Files

Jane at Jumpin in the Jungle

And anyone else who wants to reveal personal randomness . . . jump right in and share with us!

Jumping on Pay It Forward's and Soap Boxes

Veronica at A Day In The Life, posted this great Pay It Forward post! And I jumped on board for my first Pay It Forward! I received my goodies in the mail the other day - see . . .


Just in time for this feeling of Christmas that is overcoming me! (suppose to be 25 in the morning!! Of course, being this far south, next week could be back in the 80's ) SO excited!

Here is the deal - I will send something handmade or just a small gift, to the first three people who tell me that they are interested.

The catch is that you then have to grab this picture and Pay It Forward on your blog!





You can send anything you wish! If you are not interested you can still comment on this post, as I will only choose the first three people who express interest in Paying It Forward! Let's spread the love through blogland!

As I invite you to indulge with me on the materialistic side of Christmas . . .

I saw this video on See Through Faith

And now to step up on my soap box. I know the economy is in bad shape. I know that as I sit in this quiet shop and prepare for the influx in customers I am praying for. I know that as I hold one eye shut and look at what bills are coming up next.

BUT, as for all these big company bailouts . . .I think if you get a government bailout, you therefore become an extension of the government, and therefore should be set up on the same government pay scale as say, let's see, the Department of Family and Children Services or the Department of Ag or the Federal Rangers. CEO's have to give up their million dollar salary for the sake of the company/country. Want a bailout? But bought a $30 million dollar retreat on pay from the company sinking? Sell it and reinvest in the company, in the workers that are not getting paid millions and cannot afford to or deserve to lose their job due to your short sightedness (one word or two?? hmm) and greed.

So CEO asks for government bailout, government says yes, company is now funded by government, CEO and executive staff now live on normal wages. Company saves millions in the first month alone! Problem solved. Or, could the company make some changes that would take care of their squeeze without burdoning every tax payer in America, just so they(executives) can continue to recieve their excessive salary?

Fall Into Flavor - Dip and Chops - updated

I am sad to say, but today
is the last "Fall Into Flavor" with Linda at
2nd Cup of Coffee. But it has been fun! I still have
many recipes to try from the list !


On The Fat Track:


This is a four ingredient snack dish that Demolition D loves!

Chili Dip

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
1 can chili (bean in or bean out)
Desired shredded cheddar cheese.

Spread cream cheese in pie plate or dish (microwaveable).
Spread chili on top and sprinkle with cheese. Heat in microwave for 45 -60 seconds. (Check at 45 seconds)

Now this


On The Light Track


This one is for Becky. She seemed to think my other recipes had too many carbs! hehe - they did, not to mention fat too, but that was the fun of the meme!

So this dish is for you!


Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin Chops

3/4 cup mushroom slices
3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon oregano (I added some rosemary too, very good)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 boneless pork loin chops, cut 3/4" thick, cut a pocket in each with a paring knife
Worcestershire Sauce

Mix the first 4 ingredients. Stuff each chop with about 2 tablespoons of mixture. Secure with toothpick. Drizzle each chop with Worcestershire sauce.

Pre-heat indoor or outdoor grill.
Grill uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes or until done (160 deg) and juices run clear, turning once halfway through grilling. Or bake, 350 deg oven, for 20-30 minutes or until juices run clear. Remember to remove toothpicks after cooking.

Serving Suggestion: Baked Potatoes and Sauteed Asparagus.


Calories: 241; Carbs 4; Fat 14; and if you watch points: 6

Updated: Recipe is easy to cut in half. Also, each stuffed chop can be wrapped and frozen. for another time, makes several meals at once! Just thaw chops needed, and cook according to directions.

Wordless Wednesday . . .Approaching Half A Decade

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

I am kinda sad that next week will be the end of the recipes through 2nd cup of coffee!

Of course, as Linda so kindly pointed out, we all might be rolling to Thanksgiving dinner, so maybe she will want to try a low calorie cooking meme.

So here is a goodie that is chock full of fat (but can be, lowered - use yogurt instead and lower fat cheese).



Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

2lbs mashed potatoes
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup bacon crumbled (Hormel real bacon bits works great)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup green onions
1 cup cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle with more cheese if desired. Bake at 400 deg for 20 minutes or until set.

Enjoy and then go for a wonderful walk!

Fall Into Flavor - Mariachi Chicken Bundles

Join the fun . . .
2nd Cup Of Coffee is hosting a homage to comfort foods for fall . . .
who doesn't eat! So share your goodies and get try some new ones!

Mariachi Chicken Bundles

6 chicken breast – flattened

¼ cup diced red peppers, or a mix of colors
¼ cup minced green onion
2 tablespoons chopped black olives

½ cup cream cheese – room temperature
1 cup salsa


Preheat oven to 350 deg.

In a small bowl, mix the veggies. In a separate bowl, stir cream cheese and salsa until combined (I like to zap the cream cheese in the microwave to make this quicker).

Place the flattened chicken breast in your hand, shiny side down (back side up). Place a tablespoon or two of veggies in center. Fold up chicken breast and place seam side down in greased baking dish. After placing all bundles in the pan, spread cream cheese salsa mix over the top. Sprinkle with paprika.

Bake, covered, for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through,(internal temperature is 170 deg).

Enjoy!!