Found out where my baby boy is is gonna be stationed. We may be heading to New Jersey sometime in the future, if we want to see him. He is happy. it was one of his places he requested.

Cookies with cake flour

This morning i got off work at 6. It is always a surprise when I am told I get to go home early. I know I have said that before, but its true. I had thought I would go home and just change and get ready for an early visit to curves. they open at 730, so I could get to bed really early. Instead, I came home and decided to make some cookies for alex. it was a spur of the moment thing, but i really wanted to get some good cookies to alex.

I dont remember if I wrote about this earlier. I sent cookies about a month ago, and they got there hard as a rock. they looked good, until they tried to eat them. CRUNCH! Alex isnt shy about telling me when i mess up on my baking. I dont mind, it makes me get better.

this week, I asked John to get me bread flour when he went shopping. i was out of flour, and wanted to make cinnamon rolls, but also was wondering how it would work with cookies. I usually buy all purpose flour. For those of you who's eyes are glazing over, I am getting to my point, really. I know some of you think cookies are only found in bakeries and on the shelves in stores. Nope. some of us still make them, and flour does make a difference.

Ok, so I got home and put my mixer over on the counter and threw in two cubes of butter and turned it on. the cookies were in process. After all the ingredients were mixed, I threw in two cups of chocolate chips in the end, let the mixer do its thing and the mixture was complete. I decided to cook them just slightly less than required, so they couldnt get crunchy. this did the trick.

These cookies were a little chewy, very fluffy, and so fabulously DELISH! I changed into my workout clothes, and headed to curves after the last batch was out of the oven. After curves, I headed over to longs to buy a rubbermaid or something similar to keep them fresh when I shipped them. I found a container that cost 8 bucks that i kinda had to think twice about. but after i worked so hard to get these just right, I just paid the over price and hoped it would fit all the cookies and keep them fresh.

At home, I layered them in paper towels and press n seal and put them into a priority box from the post office and added his other mail and went off to the post office to mail them off. I used the self service thingy at the post office and avoided the line inside. I was back home in 15 minutes. I was happy I got a lot done. I also wrote to Johns mom and gave her Alex's new address. I could go to bed with no troubling thoughts keeping me awake.

What a great sleep I had. These kinds of things make me personally happy. Even though i make these frequently, sometimes I just need a really good success. Today was mine. have a great week. Im gonna give it my best shot.

Sunday September 27, 2009

This is going to be one of those posts I put a title on after I write it. oops, if your looking at this and there was nothing there to begin with, I hit "enter" after i decided to just use the date as a title. crap, I hate it when i do that.

Last night, we went to a birthday party for a friend from the post. Just about everything we do lately is somehow connected to the post. In a way, i guess that is a good thing. Anyway, this mans son recently came back from Iraq. I don't ask these brave people about the experience there, because I don't know how to start the conversation. It scares the hell out of me. Anyway, I got ahead of myself there. We got to the party and didn't know anyone. pretty soon, another member showed up, and John and I found out these two guys were brothers. We were both surprised. they have the same last name, but neither of us connected it. So many people out here have the same last name, such as Garcia, I don't even blink at it any more.

a bunch of people showed up and hte party was really a lot of fun. We chatted a lot with different people and ate some really good food. There  was tri tip, chicken, lumpia(homemade) noodles, rice, chile beans and some other stuff. It was a mix if american and Filipino. Love that food. For desert, we had a white cake with strawberry filling and whipped cream frosting. His wife put a picture of her husband when he was in high school, with a big ole afro, and a current one on the top of the cake. I wish I had brought my camera just to get a pic of that.

so let me get to what I started to tell you in the beginning. John and the friend that went with us, so he didn't have to drive, started talking to the son. they are both vets, and know how to start that conversation. He brought out a book of pictures his mom had put together for him when he was over there. He would send her pictures, and she kept them all. She had them all developed, and put them into sleeves, then into a book. there were so many pictures. I was sitting off to the side, talking to his mom, and listening to small parts. Watching that exchange between the two generations of foreign war vets, was heartwarming to say the least. To see the young new brave man, explain is experiences to the older vets, and to see the sincere interest from them was site to behold.

I really wanted to see what they were looking at, but i didn't want to interfere with the exchange that was happening. I know none of them would have minded, but it would have changed the conversation. I was also watching his mom and dad. Without saying a word, their faces beamed as their son told his story through the pictures he sent home. I couldn't imagine the pain she went through when he son was over there. it would tear me apart. I did slide over his shoulder and take a short peak at one picture he said was his trophy shot. It was of a smoking humvee that had just been hit. he was the driver when it was hit, but he drove it as far as he could to get out of the line of fire, and to a safe spot. Then, him and his guys jumped out of the humvee and ran for safety. they stayed there for a short while, until the rest of the unit showed up and rescued them.

That is when i asked him, You were Hit? he said yes, like it was nothing. That tore me up. it was getting kinda late by then, and the last of the guests were saying good by. We followed them. Before we left, I hugged the young man and told him Thank you for your service to our country. That was all I could say. We left after that and I drove home. I didn't ask about the pictures, because i know I cant handle that. I would cry. The things we don't know are so much scarier than what we do know.

When you see a vet, tell them thank you. You don't have to say anything else, they know why you said it, and they love it.

That's it for today. We are off to the post again today for another function. I want another us weekend. See ya all later.

DWTS started tonight. yippee! I am a dancing freak. I love this show. I want to dance just a little like a ballroom dancer.

15. How did you feel about school?

 

I loved school. School is where most of my friends were. We knew we could meet up every day there. When I was in grammar school, there was an after school program we could do right at the school for fun. In the summer, we could go to a program I think was just called recreation. We made all kinds of little trinket things and those things everyone had at one time that their keys were attached to.

Then we were in Junior High. We only spent two years there, 7 and 8 grade. The school I went to was called San Andreas. For the kids that lived close to that school, there was a grammar school there also. We thought we were so cool.

I never did anything special in High School, like be a cheer leader, or sports or anything like that. I just liked school. I liked learning and a few of my teachers made that fun and interesting. I tried to get my boys to like school and do their best. That isn’t always an easy task. I went and did my best. I also had this thing, that I still try to do and live by today. Find something, anything to like in every class. That made school better for me. Find something to like in everything you do. I’m glad I finished and went on to do some college.

 

Fun Night, Funny Morning, 9-19-09

Yesterday there was a Commanders Lunch/Dinner in Delhi. Its about 20 miles south of here and held once a year for the past commander of all the Posts. Each year its held in a different place. Well, this place has to be the oldest post around. the building is an old one room school house. this town is really tiny, and at one point, they didn't have that many children in school, so one room is all that was needed. They have since built a real school house. Anyway, it was freaking hot, and there was no cooling system in the building. So, the doors were wide open to keep everyone from suffocating. Since the doors were wide open, the flys all came in. UGH! I hate flys. We had bought some raffle tickets when we got there, to support the post, so we kinda had to stay till they did the raffle. We didn't win anything, but my friend gave me the Paninni Maker she won. That was so nice of her. The Paninni maker was the only thing I kinda wanted to win. We finally got to leave, rolling up the windows of the car and blasting the AC till we all cooled off. We had a friend with us so he didn't have to drive.

We then headed back up north, dropped off the friend, he didn't want to finish the night with us. then we headed up to Ripon. The Post up there was having a fund raiser dinner with a luau theme. I wish we had gone there the whole day, or at least for dinner. I bet it was good. Those folks up there can cook. So we got there around 7 and it was packed. Nowhere to sit so we stood for a while, then some friends found us a seat. A little later, another couple that went to the dinner with us showed up. Again, a seating issue, so we waited for the raffle to end and then we could sit. They had hired a DJ and he was there with his laptop and playing everything they wanted. He was really good. Pretty soon we were dancing, yes, even John. We danced until my legs hurt. We were drinking this drink called a Cherry Cheesecake. One Part each of Malabu Rum, Vanilla Vodka,Grenadine and then half n half. Top with whipped cream and a cherry. Served in a hurricane glass and yummy enjoy. I love dancing like that. Just jump up and have a good time. None of that stuff where people expect you to dance a certain way. We danced until 11, then i drove my drunk hubby home and slept till 9 this morning.

Which brings me to the funny part. John woke up before me and got up and made coffee. he turned on the tv, and pretty soon I woke up. he had already got himself a cup, so I had to get my own, then crawl back into bed. I wasn't ready to fully wake up yet. I asked john what we wanted for breakfast, and suggested waffles. Ok, that sounded good. So we started getting ut of bed and here is where it started. I get up, John gets up and grabs his coffee cup. He some how looses his grip, and spills the coffee on the carpet next to the bed. I grabbed a towel to soak it up, and John finished that cleanup.then he knocked over the bottle of water he set there last night. Crap! the towel was still handy. I used Silk, rather than milk to make the waffles, and they sorta tasted like air with a slight crunch. i was going to make syrup, had the sugar and water all ready, no maple flavor. WTH! I always have this. OH well, i still had a little regular syrup, we could use the blackberry syrup I had. Then john went to get a glass of water, with his plate in his hand, and spilled syrup all over the floor. Oh yeah, while we were looking in the cabinets for maple, the bacon kinda burned. the eggs broke also. I think we were supposed to go out for breakfast today. I started laughing when John spilled the syrup on the floor, it was just too funny. we never have this many mishaps in one morning.

So that is how our day started. we are watching the 49er game right now. And its a good one, so far. they are doing really good this year. I think the new coach, Mike Singletary is really doing a great job with them.

Ok, see ya all later.

Did anyone else watch Ameica's Got Talent this year? Does anyone else thing the votes were tabulated wrong?

Checkin In, again 9-15-09

I better start dating those things so I know the last time I put something in here.

So this is whats been going on with me lately. We have been spending a lot of time working at the post on the weekends. they are going to open soon, hopefully and have been having a lot of last minute inspections. every weekend there has been a cleanup, or something we had to do. this past weekend was the chile cook-off. it was a  lot of fun and they raised $6000.00. the ladies Auxiliary raised 800 I think it was. Pretty good for two quilts and lunch served all day. they raised 235 selling raffle tickets for the quilts. the good thing about that raffle is that the person that gets a quilt, really wants it. they don't by those tickets unless they want them. the lady that got the one I made was so happy. that makes me happy to see.

I got a call from alex last night.  he is at sheppard AF base in texas right now. he thought he was going to be there until january or february, but will graduate on december 16. I was so happy to hear that. he starts the last leg of his tech training on thursday. and guess what, they are doing nite school and he has the same schedule as me. yep, sunday through thursday, 11 pm to 6 am. he sees that the same way i do, the best schedule. three days off. i am just happy he will be able to come home for christmas. that means i will be putting up a tree this year. if you recall, the last few years i didn't for one reason or another. I don't know about shopping for presents for him though. I will probably just give him a gift card and let him do his own. I hate returning gifts.

Work has been going I guess. last nite I swear they had all the lines on turbo. everyone said they were kickin ass and walked out of there so tired. I know i was beat. a co worker gave me a get well gift she had bought for me while I was off. I don't know why she didn't give it to my friend lorrie to give to me while I was off, but it was still a very nice gift. Tea, peanuts, a teacup, and a really nice card and some crackers. the card made me laugh, she referred to being part of the AARP club and you just never know when we don't show up. its just a running joke we have.

Ok, so that is it for now. not much, but something. that is what really matters. untilmthe next check in, see ya all later.

Smile, when you feeling lonely, smile when your feeling blue...... I dont know who wrote those words in that song, but they are really good words of advice.

Had a great time at the VFW 7th annual Chile Cook off yesterday. I really should blog about it. and maybe even add some pics. they are all on facebook if you want to see them.

I need to add something to this just to get rid of that huge space this thing is taking up. lol. I know it doesnt matter, it just bugs me.

14. Describe one of your favorite outfits of all time...a dress, shoes, shirt, hat.

I cant think of anything that was my favorite outfit or piece of clothing. I hate clothes shopping. As long as the clothes that I am wearing are comfortable, I’m good. I recently bought a pair of new balance walking shoes and I really like them. I can walk all day in these, then walk some more at night, and my feet don’t hurt that much. There isn’t much in my closet or drawers that is special to me.

I was about to call this finished. Then, I was looking in my closet for something, and I came across a dress I bought with my mom to wear to my brothers summer wedding. I didn’t want to buy it at first. It was strapless, tight fitting, rather risqué and something I would never wear. Mom talked me into trying it on. She was trying on a strapless long dress, breezy and summery. She was going to have fun, because she liked to have fun. I did too, but didn’t feel I could wear that dress.

I did try it on, and it fit perfectly. I looked at the price, and it was $240.00. Yes folks, you read that right. It was on sale for some percent off and then some more. I cant remember exactly how much. I ended up paying somewhere around $60.00 for this dress. As it hung in my closet, waiting for the wedding date, I lost weight. My mom had to take it in for me. It fit like a glove and I looked hot! This dress gave me confidence I had never had before.

I wore it another time to a company Christmas party. I still looked hot. And so this red silk, strapless dress still hangs in the back of my closet. I cant fit into it. I have more than a few pounds to go until I can fit into it again. But I will keep it. it’s a beautiful dress. It represents the beginning of strength and confidence for me. Every time I see it, I think back to that time in the department store when I was told I looked good and I should buy it buy the one person who meant the most to me, my mom.

And Now, the end is here

I have to go back to work tonight. I'm ready this time. I have been going to curves and working out, walking, doing housework and yesterday I helped dig a ditch to run the underground electrical at the post. We were so filthy at the end of the day, and my hair felt like straw from sweating so much. it was hot yesterday.

 

That other person is Donna, who is the ex commander of the Post. She got a raw deal when she ran the post, but she did an excellent job. I don't have to salute her, but I would do it gladly. there is no task she wont tackle, no person she cant handle. I am fortunate to have her a a friend. He husband was at the other end of the ditch and John was right behind her. it had to be two feet deep. All dug by hand, hard sweaty work. they still have to raise $30,000.00 to run the city water down there. something good will happen, it always does. when we got home last night, we were so tired. We stopped and got mexican food and ate at home. We both slept late today, and it felt good.

I forgot to tell you about seeing the movie Julie and Julia. I don't go to the movies very often, just because there aren't very many that come out that strike my attention. Most of them just look stupid, or they are some kind of destruction movie, or that really stupid comedy that appeals to guys, and mostly guys. Think of dumb and dumber. I just cant do that kind of comedy. I try, but it wont happen. This movie was really good. I laughed, was shocked a few times, and cried at the end, a little. To me, it wasn't necessarily a chick flick. If you require massive swearing, some blood shed, and a fight or two of some kind, or even sex, don't bother with this movie. If you can handle just being entertained for a while, go see it. It moved back and forth in time, from Julia Child's start, to Julie's progress through cooking her way through the cookbook. it was done so smoothly, it didn't even bother me, and that usually does. five stars as far as i am concerned.

I don't think I have a whole lot more to talk about. I am going to get my nails done before i go back to work. they grew too long, and it will hurt ever so bad if I catch them on anything. I also put nail polish on them friday night. Cant have that at all. well, see ya all later. Have a good week. I have to work the holiday, but john doesn't. I will get holiday pay though, so that's not so bad.

see ya!

You must see this

http://www.thefreedomrock.com/

Thank you very much to the Divine Ms. Em for putting the link to the website in the comments on my last blog. Evidently, the wonderful pictures i saw, didn't show up to you. Those pictures made me cry, with pride. Pure Patriotic Pride. I went to the website and looked at all the pictures he has painted on this rock. He does a new painting each year on the rock. This man is amazing and the work he does is worth taking the time to see. I really enjoyed it, I hope you do too. Again, Thank you Ms. Em for providing the link.

Have You Seen this?

I got this in my email the other day from a VFW member of Post 3199 in Modesto. When I saw it, it took my breath away and brought a tear to my eyes. it really did. John says seeing things like this gives him hope for the future. It makes my heart swell. If you have actually seen this, please tell me it hasn't been vandalised and remains as it is in these pictures. I think its amazing. I can't believe this was done by a teenager! There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy. 25 in rural   Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed. It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos.(all angles) of the rock. I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.

Here's the artist:

Ray 'Bubba' Sorensen.

AWESOME Work, RAY .
Thank you!



Pass it on.

You may be only one person in the world,

but you may also be the world to one person.

 

---

 

A Stow away, and ummmmmm

On our last trip, we went to Monterey. We went wine tasting. While we were at the shop, we sat and looked across the bay. It was a wonderful day. We each drank wine at the tasting, and then we each bought out own glass of wine to sip at a table by the big window. Before we left, we had to use the restroom. As we left the restroom, this scally wag was lurking on a nearby shelf, screaming for our attention. He finally caught Johns eye, and then John showed him to me. We decided we would come back tomorrow and see if he was still there.

 

So the next day, we stopped by the shop. Sure enough, there he was, waiting for us to come back. I bet he thought we were just saying that we would be back. John found him though, so I knew we would be back. I put my foot down though. If he was going to take up space in the car, he was going to carry a bottle of that really good port. then, when we got home, he has to guard it. So far, only John and myself have gotten into the port. I guess he wasn't really a stow away. And his little head comes off and a cork screw is holding onto to his body. So, now, here is the part i spoke of in the last posting. I said I brought something home from my surgery that was sort of pervy. I didn't notice it until I got home. It was sitting somewhere in the bedroom, and all of a sudden, i saw it for what it looked like to me on meds. I told John it looked like a big ole horsey condom. John said i was sick. I started laughing. I thought it was funny, so I couldn't use it if I had to. John kept it by the bed just in case i had to.

Guess what it really is? I bet some of you know, but to me it will always be a horsey condom. As if anyone could really do that. Its a barf bag. there is even little measuring lines, making it work as an animal condom too. lol. this was the pervy thing.

Catching up , Again

I haven't been here for a few days. I suppose i have an update to do. first off, i just noticed the little extra bar at the bottom of this page again. Multiply is changing things up, and for the good I think. anyway, there is a box down there on the bottom right hand corner, look down there, in the corner. there is a section that tells you if you have any friends on line. next to that, is a little thing that makes you aware of any new updates. next to that is a thing that looks like a magnifying glass. you can connect to Meebo from there. Well, I don't know what Meebo is. I think it is a site where you can see what is happening on all your sites from just one site. I'm not sure of that, but i think that is what it is.

This is my last week of being off work. I am really trying to make it count. I don't think I'm doing that either. Yesterday I went back to Curves. I figure, I f I can do Curves three times this week and it doesn't hurt, then I can go back to work. I'm not working really hard, just enough to get around the circle twice. I will do the Park walk on thursday, then next week i will start really working again. I just really need to loose some luggage. Its a long slow road, but I am there to the end. One way or another, I am gonna loose this junk in my trunk.

I have a few pics i want to put on here. one I still have to take, maybe i will do that in the morning. I got the funniest thing from the hospital that I have been saving to show you. maybe it was just funny to me, but I have a funny feeling Carol and Em might be just as pervy as I am sometimes. I giggle every time I think of this thing, and what it really is. that is all I am saying on that subject.

I know I have more to say, but I cant think of it right now. I will try and remember to take that picture in the morning. well, see ya all later.

Hey, as an after thought, can we all try something. Texas is in a severe drought situation. It hasn't rained there in over 4 months and some parts are literally running out of water. California is burning up and down our state and hasn't seen any rainfall in a very long time. it is a tinderbox waiting for a match. Could we all do a little talking to God, or thinking Rain for both states or something to send some help to the firemen and people. I hate to see what could happen if these two states don't get some serious rain soon. Just a thought.