Sunday, November 30, 2008

Princess


What a princess? Don't you love the pink Christmas tree in her room? We have been working hard this weekend getting all of our trees put up. Thought this one was extra special!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Recovering from our food coma!

Oh my! What a great Thanksgiving. My brother, Chris and his wife, Debbie came from New Bern and joined my Mom and Otis, Anna Jane and me. We were a happy little group of 6, seated around The Gabelmann's dining room table. The dining room furniture looks great, a little small for the room and probably not something that Otis and I would've picked out--but it's my Grandmother's and hey, the price was right! Anyway, you could almost hear the table groan under the weight of all the dishes. Those of you who know me well, are aware of my Post-It Note fetish when I'm entertaining. I stick a "sticky" on every serving dish, utensil and designated spot to help facilitate the presentation at serving time. Anna Jane "helped" my little system along by Post It Note-ing every plate, spoon, fork, knife, salt/pepper shaker, etc. The tablescape was one of purple paper mayhem! I guess she picks up on my craziness. Nevertheless, dinner was served, buttons were loosened and lots of tall tales were told around the fire!
Be sure to ask me about "Red-Eyed Dick" next time you see me!

Monday, November 24, 2008

It Figures...

Anna Jane's class had their Great Thanksgiving Feast today. Each parent was asked to bring something specific for the party. The kids did all of the preparation and some cooking. My task was baked apples-skin removed, medium sized pieces. I got up early this morning to prepare my assignment. I carefully peeled, cored and cut up the high dollar, organic apples into the appropriately sized pieces. I followed my directions from the teacher very carefully. I squeezed a little fresh lemon juice onto them to prevent browning. I considered the additions of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon or a squeeze of orange or a bit of zest---but, NO--Mrs. Reynolds gave me specific instructions and I wanted to impress her with my obedience. I also thought about allergies that perhaps I was unaware of. Can one be allergic to cinnamon? Probably. The last step was to "nuke" them with a little water to soften. They arrived safely and in perfect condition to the preschool classroom. When I arrived later this morning for the feast, the teacher met me at the doorway and told me that there was a "problem" with the apples. Terror struck my soul---did they find a wayward pubic hair??? were the apples tainted??? was I going to be brought up on child endangerment charges??? does this mean that Anna Jane has no chance in hell to get into a good college now???
Well, while the kids were taking turns mashing the cooked apples into applesauce, one of the boys sneezed right into the bowl!! Anna Jane's considerate teacher removed the typhoid apples from the classroom. She did save them for me. ???
Serves me right for being so persnickety.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Ah! Friday!

Woke up this morning to a very excited little girl (and her Daddy) running into our room, jumping up and down, opening the shutters and squealing about SNOW! and that was just Otis... The three of us started singing and dancing, which led to more dancing outside in our slippers! It only lasted for about an hour, but it was so pretty. No accumulation, but I think there is more to come this year! I am so thankful that Otis works from home sometimes. Imagine if he had missed out on this memory.

Starting the closing weekend of the play tonight. Only 3 more to go. I'm always glad when a show is over, but after about a week--I keep feeling like something is missing. This has been a wonderful group of women to work with. No divas, no attitude. Or maybe, I'm the diva and just don't know it! Audiences have been very complimentary, but they always are. I know that I've felt good about it. Having lots of friends and family there on Sunday, so it should be a blast.
I'm off to put on my get-up. Only Otis will be able to help me "break this habit!"

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Life in the Spotlight!

I am currently appearing in a Neuse Little Theatre production of Nunsense II: The Second Coming. We opened to sold out audiences-despite the crazy weather: tornado warnings, etc. What a dedicated audience!

How cool is it to be recognized and drooled over by the adoring public???? OK, so maybe most of the time they are senior citizens and maybe they're not drooling, they just have ill-fitting dentures...the point is that it's nice to be told how wonderful you are! My pseudo-celebrity status is fun for a while--people pointing and whispering to their friends, thinking that they recognize you from the night before--and I'm not talking about what happens after a fraternity party! But seriously, people being genuinely starstruck when they talk to you! Like I said, cool-for a while.

We are between production weeks and I am enjoying the time off. You'd think that I'd be catching up on laundry and other "important" things. Nah...shopping, play dates (only the kind with kids I like!), nail appointment, lunches/breakfasts with friends, etc. I will have plenty of time to do the Holiday Hustle as soon as this play wraps up. Anna Jane and Otis are glad to see the end in sight. They like having me home and it's nice to be needed/wanted/revered/snuggled with/tormented/and appreciated by the audience at home.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Who knew it could be even easier?

Here is an awesome tip:

Who knew that it could be even easier to make Rice Krispy Treats?? or as Martha says, "Crisp Rice Treats"!
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter/margarine in the microwave--45 seconds
Add a bag of marshmallows, toss to coat all in the butter.
Nuke the marshmallow mixture for 1 min 45 sec.
Pour in 6 cups of cereal---pat into a greased pan.
Done!
What's your excuse now???

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Am I really doing this???

Ok, ok...for a while now, I've been the voyeur into other people's blogs---and always the one to complain if it had not been updated!!! So, I was thinking that maybe I should put my thoughts down and see just how much of a committment this is! No promises, no guilt. I'll do it when I can and probably sometimes when I shouldn't. You know, you can really be held accountable for things that you put down into print.
Later taters!