Suppertime, And The Living Is Easy

During the summer months when Farmtown is in full operation at The Compound, there are times when suppers are just thrown together with whatever is in the fridge, freezer or pantry.  Tonight, it was one of the most awesome suppers ever.  This morning, Mom put on a pot of pinto beans in the slow cooker on the back porch so the kitchen wouldn't get all heated up from the stove.  And just before it was time to eat tonight, she let out all of the stops.  She plugged in the electric skillet out on the back porch and fixed a bag of Tennessee Pride sausage balls.  Yep, sausage balls.  Just like you'd fix for Christmas parties or New Years Eve parties.  Oh how they rocked with the pintos.  I would have never thought about having them as an entree with a meal until tonight. But they fit right in with our pinto beans and leftover hoe cakes (sorry, SH).  We all three remarked how we need to get a couple more bags of the sausage balls to keep in the freezer. I'll be sure to pick them up on my next trip to the grocery.

FInally Some Good Luck

When I got to work this morning, I called my friend in the factory who is replacing the a/c compressor on the Blazer, and I'm very happy to report that he said when he test drove it yesterday it was like a freezer on wheels.  I can't wait to find that out for myself.  And he only charged me $17 - and that was for the Freon he replaced.  I picked up a gift card for a restaurant tonight so he and his wife can enjoy a nice meal that they didn't have to cook or pay for.  And while they are enjoying their meal, I'll be riding around in the nice cool Blazer again.  Thanks JL - you deserve a standing ovation.

Link Of The Week

We love to discuss food at work - the crazier the food, the better we like to talk about it.  We especially like reading and talking about a hamburger that weighs 9 pounds or a pizza that is 6 feet in diameter. We also like to hear about new restaurants and foods.  That having been said, I'd like to share one of my department's favorite food websites with you - appropriately called Serious Eats. Check it out at http://www.seriouseats.com/.  And right now you can read about ten foods that visitor's to the London Olympics must try.

This Sure Ain't Prada

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this purse with matching wallet while shopping with the 'Rents and my cousin from California.  I regret not looking at the price tag to see how much it cost.  And the picture just does not do the purse and wallet justice -- the bling on them was sparkling cubic zirconia.

And if you had this purse, how could you not carry your gun in it?

Flashback Friday

When I was a kid, Grandma gave me a very cool pink plastic collapsable cup, much like the one in this picture.  I'm not sure where she got it, but I thought it was all that.  I carried in my purse and I was the only kid at Greenwood Elementary that had a cool little collapsable cup to drink from.  While the other kids were slurping water from the water fountains I was filling up my little cup with water and drinking with manners. 

I did some checking and they still sell these - they're hard plastic or aluminum, but you can still get them. 

Happy Life Day

Happy Life Day to me. On this day every year, I celebrate life. Twenty years ago today, I was in a car crash, and the surgeons thought that I might not be able to use my right foot again. But the Lord and I proved them wrong. So every year on the day of the wreck I celebrate Life Day, and give thanks to the Lord for sparing my life that day and for the miracles He performed through the surgeons and doctors that took care of me in my long two weeks in the hospital.

I don't like to single out my friends on Facebook, but as I celebrate Life Day, I have to give a special thanks to MP and PD because they were the first people I saw (besides my parents) while I was still strapped down on the back board in the emergency room that night. And just to give thanks even more, tonight I made that same trip to Mike Linnigs that I did twenty years ago. Only this time, I made home with our supper. Thanks to everyone who is a part of my life and through your love and friendship are a part of my Life Day.

Alarm Clock Oddity

I have the alarm on my clock radio set for 6:40.  This morning, I woke up at 6:39.  Yep, one minute before the radio came on.  Can you explain that one to me?

My Luck Is Changing

How hot is it, Puddin? Well, it's hot. Sickening hot. I drove home today in the Blazer with no a/c and a temperature of 100 degrees with a heat index of 111. I made it home and it didn't kill me. 

I drove the Blazer to work today because my coworker JL was going to check out the a/c compressor and see if it was just a switch causing the issue.  Well of course not.  The compressor needs to be replaced.  But luckily for me JL is going to do it.  I'll have the family follow me over to his house on Saturday and drop the ole buggy off and then I'll get it in a couple of days.  He said he would have it forming ice on the windows.  We'll see about that. Ice or no ice, I will have cool a/c in the Blazer again in a few days.

But it sure was hot today. And not thinking, I got in the Blazer about an hour to and headed to the grocery store.  Needless to say I didn't buy any frozen foods because they wouldn't have made it back home frozen.

Just My Luck

This weekend, I had planned to take the Blazer to a local Firestone shop to get the tires rotated and redeem a coupon for a free oil change.  I also needed to get a couple of things checked - it was making a noise while the car was idling, and  making another strange noise so this would be a good time to get things checked out.

As my luck would have it, about a mile before I got to the Firestone shop on Monday morning, the air conditioner started blowing out not-so-cold air.  Great.  But I didn't worry because there was no need.  As our dear friend MG said about gas prices, "Either you pay it or you stay at home."  This was a similar case.

The oil was changed, the tires rotated, the front brakes replaced, the plastic shroud around the radiator fan was replaced, and something on the axel (I forget) was replaced, and she drives like a new one.  But they said that something was wrong with the a/c compressor. Needless to say I had it replaced just 5 years ago by a friend at work that is one of the best car a/c people around.  As soon as I got the estimate for the a/c I called him and he said whatever I did to not let them touch the a/c; he would bring his tools to work tomorrow (with the forecast of 101 I might add) and attempt to fix it.  Nuff said.

So yours truly drove home today with the mercury reaching 98 degrees without air conditioning.  When I got home, my face was red and my blouse was soaked with sweat.  But you know what?  I made it home.  And driving home with no a/c I said a prayer of thanks that I had a great old SUV that was in excellent running condition that got me home from work.  Because there's a lot of people that don't even have that.

Ordinarily I would be stressed out but I'm not tonight.  I'm calm.  I'm thankful I had the money to pay for today's repairs, because it sure as hell beats having a monthly car payment. And I'm thankful for a friend like JL who will fix the a/c for me.

Happy National Hot Dog Day

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy National Hot Dog Day.  I'm proud to report that we are having hot dogs for supper tonight here at The Compound, and I urge you to have the same.

FYI, I prefer my hot dogs just like in the picture - plain.  If there's chopped onions available, I'll add some along with mustard.  And I love a good chili dog, too, but today we're honoring regular hot dogs.

Link Of The Week

I've gotten a few calls and emails in the past two days from friends, asking my thoughts on the horrific Aurora, Colorado shooting.  I told everyone of them the same thing that I said yesterday - mainly, be aware.  One friend that called is a classmate that went through my Masters program with me.  He is currently head of security at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  He shared a link with me and I am passing it on.  The link is from the Department of Homeland Security, and it gives tips on what to do if you are in an active shooter situation.  It's a card you can printout and carry with you. Some may think he and I are being melodramatic, but as I said yesterday, it could happen to you.  Visit this site today and print it out http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_pocket_card.pdf

Security Tip Saturday

There's no much I could say in TWIT that hasn't already been said about the horrific movie theater shooting yesterday.  One thing I've heard repeatedly, and it is something I hear when talking with churches about implementing safety and security plans and procedures, is "nothing like that is going to happen to us" or even worse, "it's never happened before." Well, it has happened, maybe not to you personally but in schools, colleges, churches, day cares, stores, beauty salons, and now movie theaters.  If only people would think "Wow - something like that COULD happen to me" and cause them to take just a few minutes to be prepared.

What I talk to churches about isn't rocket science or some elaborate system - it's mainly common sense thinking ahead and planning for what could happen.

Today's security tip is as common sense as you can get: 

1. Wherever you are, as soon as you get there look for a way out if you need to get of there fast.  And I mean wherever -- maybe even your home, someone else's home, a restaurant, church, work, a store, the movie theater, a concert, a sporting event, on a plane, train or bus. 
2. Once you've discovered your way out, think about where you would hide and take cover if you need to.  In some situations, it's safer to stay put then to try and run.
3. Look around and see if there is something within arm's reach that you could use to protect yourself.

Our prayers go up to all of those affected by yesterday's attack.

Stay safe.

Flashback Friday

I remember buying this album way back in the day because I was just fascinated by the album cover and how they had the band's name written on their fingers. 

My favorite song from this album is without a doubt "Mama Weer All Crazee Now."

New Recipe Update

I did quite a bit of research last night, and it didn't take long to realize that yours truly didn't give Mom the full recipe.  Sure, I gave her the right ingredients, but I didn't tell her exactly what the recipe said to do with the ingredients.  The recipe (and incidentally all of the recipes I read) said to pour the marinade into a skillet along with the chicken and to sautee/grill the chicken pieces on medium heat (a "5" on the dial on the stove) for about 30-40 minutes, until the marinade has caramelized onto the chicken tenders.  Makes perfect sense now. 

We plan to try the recipe again in a few days.  I'll keep you posted on how they turn out.

New Recipe Tuesday

The 'Rents and I ate at Cracker Barrel last month, and I wolfed down on one of my favorites from Cracker Barrel, the grilled marinated chicken tenderloins.  I'd been thinking about how flavorful and juicy they are, so I set out to hopefully find a copycat recipe for them online.  Imagine my delight when I found about a hundred recipes for the grilled chicken, while I didn't look at all 100, I did read about a dozen, and all 12 were the same, simple recipe - 1 pound of the chicken tenderloins, 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, and 1 and a half teaspoons of honey.  Simple enough.  Mom marinated the chicken for a few hours and then sauteed the pieces in her nonstick grill pan and they turned out awesome.  Although they didn't taste much like the grilled chicken tenders at Cracker Barrel, they were still great and we were all grabbing for the last piece of chicken on the plate.

As I said, the recipe was so easy even I think I could them, and you know I don't cook. And even if they don't taste exactly like Cracker Barrel's, I still give this recipe the TWIT Seal of Approval.

New Product Review

Today's post is brought to us by Diva Stacy, who is just bursting at the seams to tell us about a new product that she absolutely loves.

I have a husband and a teenage boy in the house. Both have a lot of dirty laundry. My husband works outside in the heat all day, moving parcels all over the world. My son plays a lot of sports. As you’ve read in TWIT, it’s been brutally hot this summer. There’s no polite way to say this….their laundry smells bad. This is something I complained about all last summer. Even when it came out of the dryer it still smelled bad. And what’s worse, it was causing the other clothes in the load (mine and my daughter’s) to smell bad too! I tried using extra detergent, and extra fabric softener. Nothing worked. I just kept thinking, “I wish there were something that would help!” Oh, what a glorious day it was when I discovered Gain Scent Boosters!! A few crystals thrown on top of the laundry, and it smells wonderful!! It’s not cheap (about $7.99), but a bottle goes a very long way. I love this product and encourage anyone with smelly socks to give it a try!!

Based on Diva Stacy's glowing review, TWIT is happy to give Gain Boost a thumb's up.

Farewell, Kitty Wells

RIP, Kitty Wells.  You were the true pioneer for women in all genres of music.  You not only paved the way for all female singers and musicians, but you started the pathway for them to follow.  I can't begin to thank you for not only your contribution to country music but also to the countless women (and men) that you inspired over the years. And I don't mean just country music, either.  If it hadn't been for you, there would not be a Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Ann and Nandy Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, and even Madonna and Lady Gaga, and many, many other women.

Link Of The Week

I was looking for some information about a very funny and cool picture that I saw on the cover of a greeting card and I had no idea how to search online for the picture.  I didn't have a clue what to type in the search engine.  Then I remembered a website someone told me about - you upload a picture, and then it will search and show you where that picture is found on the internet.  Pretty cool, eh?  You can try it yourself at http://www.tineye/.  Give it a try.

File Under: WTF?

Police: Man throws eggs, stabs girlfriend with pencil for staying out late

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A man is charged with domestic violence, and police say his weapons were eggs and a pencil.

Metro police say 41-year-old Dana Jones got mad because the woman he lived with stayed out all night.

When officers arrived at the scene on south 43rd Street, they found the woman covered in raw eggs, and there were broken eggs in front of the house and on the street.

Jones is also accused of stabbing the woman in the arm with a pencil.

I don't mean to presume or prejudge, but I think it's safe to assume that Mr. Jones wasn't throwing organic, free-range eggs at his live-in girlfriend. I pay three bucks a dozen for fresh eggs that are delivered to me just hours after they were gathered, and I sure as hell wouldn't waste those expensive eggs by throwing them at someone.  I say if you really want to punish the person, make them cook the eggs.





 




 

Flashback Friday

TWIT would like to wish Krispy Kreme a very happy 75th anniversary.  Yep, for 75 years, folks have been able to enjoy the awesome Krispy Kreme donuts. 

When I was a kid, getting Krispy Kremes was a major treat. The donuts weren't available in grocery stores and convenience stores like they are today; we had a thirty minute drive to the Krispy Kreme bakery/store.  It's not like we had a covered wagon as our transporation, but back in the day, travelling 30 minutes to get food was a pretty big occasion. I think we take them for granted today because we can get them easily.  But believe me when I tell you that the store-bought Krispy Kremes don't taste nearly as good as the ones that come directly from the Krispy Kreme bakery/store.

We only got Krispy Kreme a few times a year when I was growing up.  Mainly because back in the day we thought a thirty-minute ride equated a day-long road trip. But only getting Krispy Kremes a few times a year made them more special than they are today.  Now we take them for granted because we can get them pretty much anywhere. 

Lessons From The Litter Box

Today's journal entry is from a dear friend and faithful reader PB.  Yesterday evening, after reading in TWIT that it was National Ice Cream Day, PB decided she would have some ice cream to celebrate the holiday.  Things didn't work out so well for PB.

I am an expert klutz but I learn a lot, such as a fail-proof way to avoid eating that tempting dessert. I knew I shouldn't but since it was National Ice Cream Day, I couldn't help myself and went to the freezer and took out a container of Turkey Hill Bavarian Espresso ice cream. I knew I could eat just a little. As I opened the container to see how much was left, it slipped out of my hand and landed on its side in the cat'slitter box, scooping up litter as it fell. Lost my appetite for ice cream. Lessons learned at the Litter Box.

Happy National Ice Cream Day

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very Happy National Ice Cream Day.  Please take some time this evening to had a bowl or cone of ice cream.  I'll be stopping at the store on the way home from church tonight and get some new Turkey Hill chocolate covered pretzel ice cream.  Enjoy!

The Evening Flow

I've never had a child, but I believe that if I did, he or she would probably write a to-do list just like this little child did. I'm sure somewhere in the Archives among my drawings and school papers, there is probably a similar to-do list from me.

Heatwave 2012: Day 13

Today, the heatwave ends. Yesterday, even though the temps reached 99, the storm front moved through and by the late afternoon, the temps were in the upper 70's (no, that is not a typo) and we actually got some rain.

And the same with today - the official high today was 80; a far, far cry from the record setting temps over 100 from the past two weeks. 

I'm not sure what to say next --- we're so thrilled that it's not 100 or higher, that we're almost confused at what to do.

Link Of The Week

Let me preface by saying I'm not going to attempt to talk about the following in technical terms.  That having been said, the FBI has uncovered a virus attack on computers with internet access.  Computers that are affected will not be able to get internet access after midnight tonight.  Most computers are safe but some are affected  Please visit this site right now and get all of the info you need. It will explain the attack in detail, and will give you steps to take to see if your computer is affected.  Visit: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911/DNS-changer-malware.pdf

Heatwave 2012: Day 11

When I got up at 9:05 this morning, the temperature here in the 'Ville was already 88.  Yes, 88 degrees at nine in the morning. They're calling for a state record high for a summer season (not just a high for the day) of 107 today. But if we can make it through tomorrow (with a forecasted high of only 99) there is some relief in sight with forecasted highs of the mid-80's for next week.

Once again, we've cancelled our plans to attend the Bats game tonight.  We see no sense in being miserable for a few hours, and instead the SFs and I have decided to go see the "Madea's Witness Protection."  Yes, faithful readers, I'm going to the movies again.  The heat today won't be the only record-breaker; this will be the third movie I've seen in a year. 

Heatwave 2012: Day 10

You can do the math - we've got yet another day above 100 here in the 'Ville - as I type this and am hearing the weatherazzi from the TV in the family room, it's 103 right now, give or take a degree.

If you've been concerned about your home a/c units like we've been this week, with them running constantly, I've got a bonus emergency Link Of The Week for you.  Visit http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/for-the-homeowner/home-maintenance-for-the-homeowner/ac-running-time/ and get the answer to many of your home a/c questions.  We did some quick research this evening and called the Old Man's best friend Bos, who happens to be one of the best HVAC men in the city or county, and he agreed totally with the 20 degree rule that is discussed in this link.  Keep cool.

Heatwave 2012: Day 9

The heatwave continues.  Including today, it reached 100 or higher 8 out of the 9 consecutive days.  And on those 8 days, we either met or broke the record high.  As I type this, I can hear the weatherazzi on the TV in the family room saying that it is currently 104 right now in Louisville.  After doing a quick check, it's only 87 in Las Vegas, and 90 in Phoenix.  But I digress.

I don't need to tell you that we're over the heatwave.  They're calling for highs of 104 till Sunday.  Then they are teasing us, saying that the highs on Monday and Tuesday are only going to be in the low 80's.  I'll believe it when I see it.

The a/c here at The Compound is still doing great.  Of course during the heat of the day around supper time it's a bit warmer in the house, but that's because the stove has been going.  And for the past week they've also had the stove on during the daytime canning stuff from the garden.  So we're very content and happy with the current reading of 78 here in the house.  It beats the hell out of 104 outside.

Happy Fourth Of July

Heatwave 2012: Day 7

As I type this, the weatherazzi in the background reported that this is the first time in six days that we did NOT reach 100 degrees or above.  But never fear, this is a fluke.  They're calling for temps back over 100 tomorrow and for the next seven days.

We're all pretty much in shock.  We don't know whether to keep outdoor plans or to cancel well in advance so people can make other plans.  At any rate, we bailed on tonight's Bats game, and if the 100+ degree temps are true for Saturday, we'll probably bail on the Saturday game as well.

I just hope that those out on the water or elsewhere tomorrow will be safe and drink plenty of water, and remember to have a designated driver if you plan on drinking tomorrow.  FYI - with temps over 100, it's not a good choice to drink anyway; save that till you're safely home.

Heatwave 2012: Day 6

Saturday's high was 104, and the official high yesterday was 103. The weatherazzi says we got to 100 today.  So the heatwave continues.  There's not much relief in sight, I'm afraid.  Some freak storms moved through last night, and there are parts of the area that are still unfortunately without power.  For the record, we got about ten seconds of rain here at The Compound with the storm.

They're calling for only a high of 98 tomorrow.  So as of now, we're going to pack our small coolers full of ice and bottled water and attempt (key word) to go to the Bats game tomorrow night.  I'll keep you posted.

Link Of The Week

I'm far, far from being called a tree hugger, but here at The Compound, we do what we can - we recycle our newspapers and magazines, and Mom has her compost pile, and we try to"reduce, reuse, and recycle". 

This week I found an interesting site that asks people to commit for 30 days to being garbage-free. It's called the Trash Free Challenge.  Check it out at http://www.oceanconservancy.org/.  They ask people to try to leave the least amount of trash for 30 days -- use refillable bottles and bowls being the main task. I'm going to give it a try and for the next 30 days and use my Nalgene bottle instead of drinking bottled water and take my lunch to work in my Tupperware containters instead of ZipLoc bags.  Hey, it's a start.