"You only have what you give..."
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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Currently Watching
Hello, Dolly! Widescreen Edition
By Joyce Ames, Louis Armstrong, Richard Collier, Michael Crawford, Fritz Feld
see relatedHello Dolly!
Keep coming this way!!
(boy, do we need the rain!)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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Currently Reading
Photoshop Elements 6 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
By Barbara Obermeier, Ted Padova
see relatedPlay Time!!
After all this time, I have finally gotten around to downloading the free trial of photoshop elements.
You may not see me for awhile
If any of you have any special tips and tricks, please let me know.
**edit**
ok, so far just a little basic playing with one of my favourite marsha's photos.
Before:
and after:
Pretty cool!
Ok, off to other things...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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Currently Listening
Sounds Of Summer - The Very Best Of The Beach Boys
By The Beach Boys
see relatedEh
One of those days....
Monday, July 21, 2008
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Currently Reading
Cooking Basics for Dummies (For Dummies (Cooking))
By Bryan Miller, Marie Rama
see relatedA Few of My Favourite Things...
...in the kitchen.
Most of you know I'm a firm believer in recycling stuff...not just hauling my coke cans to the center, but using what I have, buying used or making my own. That generally means, I keep stuff around for awhile. A long while. With that in mind, for the most part I try not to buy trendy stuff. What's really cool today won't be so hot five years from now and since I'll probably still have it five years from now, I've still got to be satisfied with it. In other words, it has to be a darn good trend.
So I thought I would show you some of my favourite 'trendy' kitchen stuff that has held true to the passage of time (that means at least five years, if not more):
A countertop ice cream maker.
A must have in any home. I bought mine about five years ago when they first came out for about $50 and it came with two freezer bowls. I love this thing for two big reasons-1) I love homemade ice cream but a regular size freezer is just too much. Too much trouble and too much ice cream (unless you have company). This is perfect, comes with a recipe book (including no cook recipes) and can be whipped out on the spot for not only ice cream, but sorbets, sherberts and slushies.
Next we move on to:
A stand mixer. Kitchen Aid has made these babies for years and the design has not changed since it first left the production line upteen years ago. Every new attachment and gadget for it will fit on an old one as well as a new one. The only thing that has changed on these are the colours (mine is white, but they come in about 15 different colours now). I saved for years to finally get one and it was well worth the investment. I also have one of their hand mixers that has lasted longer than I ever expected. It's the best hand mixer I've ever owned (I admit, it honked the hubby off tremendously when I paid $50 for it and tossed his hand me down mixer he got at a garage sale in the trash. He never understood the concept of good kitchen tools).
Another great kitchen staple comes from Pampered Chef:
Pampered Chef carries a variety of kitchen do-dads, some of which are better than others. However, I have found their stoneware to be above and beyond the call of basic-dare I say, even good quality. I not only love the way it works, but I am fortunate to be friends with ceramic engineer who oversees the company's stoneware products. I have seen where they are made, how they are made and basically learned more about ceramic engineering than I will ever remember. What I will remember, is never to buy anything but Pampered Chef for stoneware.
And for ironware, I have this:
A good ol' cast iron skillet. Mine was made by Mount Vernon Ware back in the early 50's and belonged to my grandmother. My mom used it and it got handed down to me. I remember in the 70's being told not to use them because they harbored 'germs' (ie-seasonings) and all sorts of new, fancy cookware was being developed and people were urged to get rid of their skillets and save their health. Don't believe it. They're great. They go anywhere (except the dishwasher!), can be used for almost anything (including smacking uppity roosters upside the head) and can be used on stove top or in the oven. They rock.
Another fav is this:
the old fashioned glass juicer. I have my grandmother's, but I have no idea when she got it. Probably along the 50's or early 60's. They haven't changed much and despite being made of glass, are quite durable. I do admit to having an electric juicer, but I rarely use it.
And last, but not least, another fav toy is this:
A Braun hand blender. You can have a party with that thing. Great gadget!
Other things I have include a blender, food processor, marble slab (pouring out chocolate and making fudge), copper bowls (beating egg whites), good kitchen scissors and an excellent set of knives-oh yeah, and this:
This is a saucier by Emeril. One of the only things I own from a celebrity chef. Mimi bought this baby for me not long ago and I love it so much I sleep with it under my pillow now. Ok, not really, but I really do love this thing. Did I mention I love it? I do. Almost as much as I love Mimi. Almost.
I do not own any fancy pots and pans (except above mentioned). My stuff is Revere Ware. I bought in a large set back in the mid 70's for myself at J. C. Penneys with my birthday money when I turned 16. I spent a whopping $75 and had to drive all the way to Lubbock to get it. Because of the price of copper, that set is no longer made, but last I checked a few years ago it was running for a little over $200.
My love for this stuff came from using the two pans my mom had. I noticed it handled temperatures evenly and cooked things so much better than her other stuff, I had to have my own.
The thing is, I'm not a chef, just a regular mom with four kids. I cooked a lot. At times I still do. I have cooked all our regular favourite foods as well as diabetic diets, high blood pressure diets and dialysis diets. There were times I was NOT happy to be stuck in the kitchen. A lot of times actually. But I found out that having good tools to work with did make life a little easier and cooking more enjoyable. So if you are just starting out, think about getting yourself some good tools. You can skimp on a lot of things, but the hard core stuff should be good.
You're worth it.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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Currently Reading
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
see relatedDom Barbie
So....anyone going to rush out and buy the newest Barbie when it hits the shelves at Christmas time? I can't think of anything that embodies the Christmas spirit more
Friday, July 18, 2008
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Currently Reading
Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs And Cats
By Andi Brown
see relatedThe Party's Over
Time to move on.
To all of you who offered sympathy, empathy and hugs and smiles, thank you. I do feel better now and hopefully have avoided a clinic visit. We'll see.
As for Otis, my buddy, his time is short. He is in pain now and beginning to develop sores. It's so sad because he still tries to be somewhat active and still shows attention and interest in things...mostly food.
**sigh**
And of course, how could I not introduce you to the newest member of the family and my favourite paperweight? For your viewing pleasure, may I introduce you to Bagheera (or as I call her, Baggy Butt):
You will notice, she has strategically shoved all my stuff off to the side (and on the floor). You will also notice that darn cat weighs at least a zillion pounds. She is not easy to move and I don't have much luck. At that spot, she not only has a view out the window, but she is also right under the a/c vent. I suspect she'll stay there the rest of the summer, esp given how hot it's been.
Speaking of hot, how hot is it? This hot:
One of the girls spotted this guy sprawled out in the shade on the steps under the oak tree. He was so hot, he didn't even move when she walked up to get his picture. Bum.
On that note, I am back to usual self and will try and post again tomorrow.
If I can get to my desk.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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Currently Listening
Amazing Grace: Music Inspired by the Motion Picture
see relatedRandom Thoughts
I have not had much to say in the way of the blog world, save small pulses here and there. That's probably not a bad thing, but I just can't think of much (nice) to say for once.
So, for your reading pleasure (or not), my thoughts of the day:
Xanga contests.
Just. stop.
Really.
I don't have a problem with the contests. I really don't. I think some of them are kind of cute.
What a I do have a problem with is the time frame. My friends, if you can't wrap these things up in about a week, DON'T DO IT! There is really no reason for the rest of us to suffer to a long, drawn out affair of totally un-epic proportions. My "new home page" is clogged with that crap and I miss my friends. You know, my friends-the ones that I subscribe to that are usually funny, witty and charming. In doing the contest, they have become annoying, repetitive, competitive, pushy, whiny and mean. I have spent the last month un-subscribing to people right and left till this thing is over. I don't want to see you this way. I just don't.
I'm also annoyed as crap over whoever started the whole thing. They have put me in the position of choosing between friends and that pisses me off. How dare you? I refuse to take part in that.
My dog.
As you can see from the picture by the gray on his muzzle and ears, my buddy is old. What you cannot see in the picture are his hind quarters. My buddy has pins and plates in his hips and leg from an accident he suffered as a puppy. He does not get around well and we usually carry him. He is beginning to be in pain now and well...you know.
It will be soon. Much, much sooner than I want. I tear up thinking about it.
My health.
As some of you know, I do not have insurance. I now need to see a doctor. It bothers me I cannot afford to see my regular one and will have to find a clinic. The only nice one we have is Planned Parenthood. This bothers me more than you know.
Cat-napping.
Our old next door neighbors are moving out of state. The dad has decided that their family cat will not go. Too much trouble. He is taking her to the pound. The cat has been part of the family and neighborhood for at least ten years that I can remember. His wife is angry, his kids heartbroken, but too bad.
So at midnight, eldest slipped out under cover of darkness and cat-napped the cat. Guess where she is now? Yup-on my desk. I have a new paperweight. Just what I needed.
Chickens.
Oh nevermind. I don't even wanna talk about it.
So there you are. My thoughts this Thursday morning. Any offers of empathy and sympathy will be welcome. Yes, even I need to wallow in self pity from time to time.
I'll get over it.
When I'm ready.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
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Currently Reading
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Literary Touchstone
By Oscar Wilde
see relatedPretty as a Picture-or Not
I was not a child that grew up having her picture taken. Don't get me wrong, there are a number of photos of me as a baby and the obligatory school pictures and a dance recital or two. That's about it. There aren't even any senior pictures. It never occurred to anyone to take any. Not just of me, but of anyone. I don't think we even owned a camera the entire time I was growing up. Those were luxuries. It's just not something I am used to.
Which throws me straight into the ninth circle of hell in the digital age.
I love cameras. I have a great one and have my eye on another one and a snazzy camcorder. I've gotten used to them. I've gotten used to being behind them. And most of my subjects have no trouble being in front of it (heck, the dump practically thrives on it!), but then, they grew up with their every move recorded. I pull out the camera where ever I am, and everyone turns, shifts into position and smiles (this does not include my own children for some reason) then goes back to whatever they were doing. They have practiced smiles and poses-which is fine.
The problem is, I don't.
I don't have a pretty practiced smile and I don't have a good side and I don't have a good pose. It's not that I haven't worked on this, it's just I really don't have a good side.
This puts me in a quandary because for some bloody reason editors have suddenly started wanting pictures and God forbid, videos of their writers! What the hell are they thinking?? One of the reasons being a writer always appealed to me was because of the great, fabulous ability to be anonymous. They didn't ask Hemingway for that! Can you imagine Papa going for that? (actually, I can and it would of been hilarious, but that's not the point.)
So I'm asking you dear readers for help. Give me tips. Give me pointers. Give me advice. Give me some idea how to get over this phobia I have.
And if you're so inclined, I would love to see pictures of you. Show me how you do it. In fact, I will even up the ante-send me your picture (please do wear clothes) and I will be brave and post a picture of myself using your tips and techniques. I won't even make you wait while I lose 20 lbs, grow 6 inches and get a face lift.
You have no idea how horrified I am by the thought, but I really gotta learn how to do this.
I promise, unless you say it's ok, I won't post your pics here or show them to anyone else. You may send them to my email.
farmgirlkate@gmail.com.
Help me! -
Currently Reading
Seattle Slew (Thoroughbred Legends (Unnumberd))
By Dan Mearns
see relatedVindication
R.I.P. buddy.
You really were something else. You made papa proud.
http://www.kentucky.com/302/story/458220.html
Friday, July 11, 2008
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Currently Reading
Goodnight Moon
By Margaret Wise Brown
see relatedEvening Tide
I hope you don't mind, but I thought we could sit out on the deck this evening. Bring your drink and find a chair.
The moon is especially pretty I think-it's in the first quarter and very clear and very close tonight. See? Just a little over there to the left above the oak tree.
The tree frogs are clacking away. From the sound, most of them are in the tree by the pond. Did I tell you about the time I had one in the house? I swore I had a duck in the house. I had everyone looking for a duck. And no, I wasn't drinking. Turned out he was in a house plant I had taken outside to catch the rain. He came in when the plant did. I had no idea. It about drove me insane trying to find that darn duck. Of course anytime one of us came near the plant, he shut up. I was half-way convinced he was in the chimney and made a rather hysterical phone call to the police dept telling them I had a duck stuck in the chimney.
I still haven't lived that one down.
There's a ballgame going on tonight. We have a semi-pro team and when the wind is just right, like it is tonight, you can hear parts of the game. If they win, there will be fireworks and we can see from here. They put on a great show. One day I would like to actually go over there and watch a game, but I'm not sure how much tickets are- it would be a luxury I think.
You know, since I have had this time off, I think about things a little more carefully. It is not that I have gotten cheap or stingy...I hope I am never that, but more that I have come to appreciate how special everything is and how small things shouldn't be taken for granted. Ironically the only thing I have had to give up that I really miss is my netflix account. I didn't realize how much I loved movies till I couldn't have them anymore. My list of catch-up's grow longer by the day.
The fireflies are out-look way in the back. There in the wisteria vines and hedges. Were I not still in my jammies and had a spare jar, I would try my luck at catching them. I haven't done that in a very long time. When I was little I would catch them, then watch them in the jar in my room as I fell asleep. I was convinced I had captured magic, but in the morning all I had was bugs. It only lead me to believe that things are not always what they seem. They veer towards magic if only you let them.
Oh look-the fireworks! We must of won. The dogs are going nuts and the geese and roosters are muttering.
I always try and count how many they shoot off at the end, but I lose count everytime and can only stare, looking up, my mouth wide open and go "OooOoo", completely losing myself in exploding colours and light.
It really has been a nice night hasn't it? I'm glad you shared it with me.
Sleep sweet my friends. Sleep sweet.
k8tthelate
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- Name: k8t
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 9/5/2004
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About Me
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The kindest person on the planet-or so I'm told. I like to read/study, paint/draw and create. I would rather have roses on my table than diamonds around my neck. I long for summer mornings and winter nights, the sound of rain on the roof and the chance to sit before an open fire...blessings. So many blessings....
Pulse
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still looking for dolly....
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and yet another lovely day of 101 temps...I just love Texas **sigh**
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http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D922DSVG2&show_article=1 now I've seen everything
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