Cooking with a partner!

We found some recipes tat Bob's Mother wrote and wanted to try them again.  Bob does like to help if he isn't working.  I got all ingredients ready for the massive mixing project.  He cracked the eggs and cut the cheese in cubes while I mixed the eggs well.  After adding some ingredients it was time to start adding the flour, a cup at a time.  I gave the mixer to Bob.  "Now keep the mixer in the bowl."  He has a tendency of lifting it out of the bowl at all angles, slopping everything around.  I kept a good eye on him.  After adding most of the flour it was time to give up the mixer and get the bigger bowl.  This is almost done.  Now he is the only one that can stir this now by hand.  The dough gets thick.  Then it says to continue stirring for 5 extra minutes.  Enough is enough already!  We separated the dough into two small containers and one large one.  It says to oil saran wrap and place on the top.  I didn't do that last time and had a mess.  Oh, yes, I had the same mess even though I oiled the saran wrap.  Now we wait till it rises, which really took a long time today.  Time for the oven, finally!  Smell the air, Torta, home made.  It is an Italian Cheese Bread.  Oh so good.  The timers went off.  Let it cool, don't touch it.  They are trying to get it as it comes out of the oven.  I made them wait five minutes before I relented and let them cut it.  Oh so good.  They are both silent as they stuff their mouths with Torta.  Hey, wait!  Where's mine?..... 

What have you done?

Bob was gone for most of the day so I was able to catch up on some things around the house today.  After supper I decided it would be a good day to clean the oven.  It is self clean and this will be the first time I have done it.  Can't be that hard.  I put the instruction book away so I am on my own.  Hit the clean oven button - ok, now it says lock the door - ok.  Whoops, I forgot to take the racks out.  Now, start over.  After locking the door the numbers 4:00 came up.  This will take 4 hours?  When it started to smell like burned food I knew I wouldn't leave this on for 4 hours.  My eyes started to water.  I have had enough.  I shut it off and opened the back door.  Bob will be home in 2 hours.  Shouldn't be too bad by then.  Yep, it was.  His foot wasn't in the door when he piped up, "What have you done now?"  He expected me to say I burned something.  When he found the culprit was the oven, he wanted to know why I picked today to do it.  His eyes started to burn also.  Now he is really complaining.  I laughed, it will take a few minutes for them to stop.  Good thing I don't do this often.  We would all have to leave the house for hours a day.  Might be a good way to get him to go shopping!.....

Concert!

I have always loved the songs from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  I know the younger kids don't know who they are.  The older set does.  When we go to Vegas we always go and see the "Jersey Boys."  Great show.  Great songs!  They announced that they are coming to our area.  I haven't seen them in years, lots of years.  Last time I saw them in person our local amusement park held a music marathon for the day.  I loved music so I was there.  We saw lots of famous bands.  I know if I mention more name no one will know them!   Just remember I said they were great.

Now Bob is hoping I don't make a fool out of myself because I really want to meet Frankie.  I am not planning on how to do it, yet.  Stay tuned!.....

Quiet House?

I just had a friend say her kids are home from school and are driving her nuts.  Yes, I do remember those days.  I would put one on each end of the couch and tell them no talking, no touching and above all no fighting!  That would last for five minutes and it would start all over again.  We have all been there.  It seems so important at that age to have a few minutes of peace and quiet and it doesn't happen when we want it.  It's easy to say wait a few years and it will change, and it does.  But it would be nice to have a little quiet time when you need it not when they want to give it to you!.....

Home sweet home?

Ah, so nice to get away.  Also nice to get home.  Yes, it looks the same.  Doesn't look like the fire department has been here so they did a good job keeping Grandma busy.  No parties, house is clean and quiet.  Wait, where are the goldfish?  The chickens?  Cats?  Then we got the answers.  The fish got eaten by the cats, the cats got loose and got attacked by the chickens, so the chickens had to go and be quarantined by the vet.  House is peaceful, maybe we will like the peacefulness?  What do you think?......

Returning home

Arriving at the airport two hours early to go through the new scanners was really exciting.  I take off more clothing in the airport than I do at the Doctor's office.  And the shoes have to come off too!  Now I travel with a C-pap machine and laptop computer.  The machine and laptop must come out of the case and be put in tubs.  Shoes, purse, backpacks, jackets all go in tubs also.  Now after the x-ray of this stuff and yourself you must repack this stuff in 1 minute even though it took 5 minutes to undress yourself and everything you have because some guy is yelling, "Keep the belt moving!"  Hey he is bigger than me!  I grab things just to get them off the belt and put my shoes on after I find a place to sit.  People are running in all directions trying to get dressed so we can go and catch a plane out of here.

Once on the plane we again pay for food that isn't the greatest only because you didn't have time to get anything in the airport because you are too busy getting redressed!  Grin and bear it.  Give me the bag of pretzels, I'll eat those. 

Then we get to the next airport and when we entered it we found it to be at least 95 degrees inside.  I knew it was warm outside so maybe the air conditioning wasn't up and running.  We didn't have a long layover so off we went to the gate on the monitor.  It was quite a hike.  When getting there, they sent us to a different gate!  Now I am hot and aggravated.  We did run through the new section of Newark Airport and it had air conditioning.  Off to the right again we go, hot again.  Okay we reach the new gate checking every monitor along the way.  Upon looking at the monitor at the gate, I saw red.  It doesn't say Scranton!  We needed to go to a different gate.  Now I am hot, out of breath, sweating and once again running to another gate.  We ran this dam airport for 45 minutes.  Finally at the correct gate, we find it is 100 degrees in here.  So sweat is literally pouring off me.  By the time we get on the plane we will all stink.  Next trip will not go through Newark.  I have a dislike for that airport....... 

One more day

Vacation was winding down too quickly as it usually does.  We both agreed to go back to Fremont Street since there is lots to do there.  I wanted to go back to see if I could win more money.  Yes, I did end up in that Casino, on that bank of machines while Bob walked around.  It didn't take long, Four of a kind!  Yes!  Whack that cash out button, fill up your cup and turn it in.  After doing this a few times I was afraid someone would think I was cheating so I had Bob take one over.  This is what it is all about.  I was really having fun.  I played my heart out and won some money.  I can go home burned out.  Yes, till next year!.......

The Weekend

We had plans to go to Fremont Street on Saturday.  I had a few 2fer's for supper.  We got a great seat on the double decker bus and away we went.  Don't plan on returning too early!  We watched as we rode past the areas called, "the bad section," that we walked years ago.  All the people walking amazes me.  There are a lot of people here this year.  The end of the line is near, 45 minutes later.  Let me off!  After scoping out the sights we went in and out of the casinos.  Playing here and there but nothing big.  I wanted to go to this one casino that I won money in years ago with a 4 of a kind.  Bob just wanted to see the sights.

 Finally reaching the casino, I went to the back where all the poker machines are located and sat down.  After a few minutes, yes a 4 of a kind pops up.  400 quarters is the reward.  Must cash out like I always do.  The second I hit the button I realized there were no paper coupons, just the sound of 400 quarters coming from the bowels of the machine.  After scooping these quarters up I looked at the color of black my hands had.  Small price to pay for winning some money!  I went back and played some more, and hit again.  This is where I will stay till supper time.  Bob laughs because the only reason I got up was to change machines.  I was winning and that was all that mattered....... 

Jersey Boys

Friday brings tickets to the Jersey Boys.  We have seen this show twice.  I love Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.  This is a story about their life.  Awesome show, music was great and I would go and see it again.  Afterwards we started to hoof back to the hotel again enjoying the weather.  The next few days we spent at Fremont Street.  The light show was something to see.  They added a zip line about 10 stories up and that was a big hit.  Too high for me to wander.  As we walked we saw the different vendors and people impersonators.  Who said Elvis and Michael Jackson were dead?  They were there, a new one on every block.  Another new thing was the mimes that acted as statues.  They were really something.  They could stand in one position for the longest time.  Some people thought they were statues until they moved and scared them.  I wanted to stare one down but Bob dragged me away.  All I know is I couldn't stand still for that long.  I need to move.......   

Jet lag?

We didn't suffer from jet lag.  Our hour were almost the same as back home.  Upon arising the next AM it was time to go to our favorite place for breakfast, the House of Blues.  It was fashioned from an old southern bayou restaurant.  Their food is great, plus I had a 2fer, a two for 1 coupon.  Then you get the receipt and you can do the same the next day.  Now that we are done, let me loose again.  I played for a little then we needed to plan our day.  A few texts came in from home.  Doesn't sound too bad, oh well.  Donnie and Marie was the show of choice tonight.  This year the price of cabs was out of this world, so double decker buses were the transportation of choice.  We walked the block to get to the bus stop and join all the others that are hoping to get the front window on the top deck.  Not us this time. 

There were quite a few casinos that we could visit.  I played to my hearts content.  Next is the  buffett, also a 2fer!  We ate watching the flamingos on the ground and the koi in the stream.  So relaxing.  Next is the show, which was awsome and was over too soon.  We could have sat there all night, not just two hours.  They still have it!

The plan now was to catch a bus and return to the hotel.  Come on, it is nice out let's take a slow walk.  It wasn't too crowded so we continued.  Then there in front of me, the escalator to go up is broken.  All that is left is 4 flights of stairs.  Now all of a sudden the crowd caught up with us.  Up the first two flights, the third was slower, I almost didn't make it on the fourth and it took a few minutes for me to catch my breath, but we pressed on. 

We weren't ready to go up to the room so we sat and played. I won some money so they revitalized me.  No, not to the room now, I'm just getting started.  It was 2:00 before I gave up.  It was time to go to bed.  Bob could only laugh.  The last time I saw 2:00 was when we were in Vegas last time!.......

Chore list!

Before we left for Vegas we left a "Chore list" for Stacy.  Just needed to remind her of things she might need to know. 
1. Feed the cats twice a day.  Cut can in half then divide among the cats.  There should be five of them.
2. Feed dogs twice a day.  Bella gets 1/2 can of food and mashed potatoes if you have them.
3. Water up and down for the pets.
4. Clean the cat pans, there are two of them.
5. Give chickens water and food daily.
6. Be sure there is dry food in the two containers for the cats.
7. Check my room and behind the couch for puke daily. 
8. Feed goldfish twice daily, AM & PM.  This doesn't mean once a day at twice the amount.  She defaced this one to " feed goldfish once a day at twice the amount."
9.Garbage goes out on Thursday AM.

 Vacumn & clean out the container every time you vacunm.
Grandma:
Ensure three times a day.  Pills in AM.

Now that was the list.  By the time we returned 3 of the cats left and so did a dog.  The cat pans were cleaned every other day.  The pets had been fed once a day, but only dry food.  The containers were empty!  It stopped the cats from puking!  No food, no puke!  Goldfish were eaten on Friday - Lent you know.  The chickens all went to the auction.   This cut out a lot of the work.  Grandma gained 10 pounds from eating 3 meals daily.

Now I can say I won't be able to go away again.  Stacy won't allow it.  She had school to fit in this crazy schedual too.  More tomorrow........

Where were you?

We have just returned from a well deserved and needed vacation.  Years ago we started to go to Las Vegas.  We went once then returned almost yearly.  This was unexpected, but of course I jumped at the chance.  So early in the morning we hopped on the plane for our destination.  Vegas here we come.  We arrived at 10:30 their time, got our luggage, they didn't lose it, and went on to the hotel we always stay at.  The air was warm and dry.  Light jackets were needed not our heavy ones.  Our room was ready and of course he wanted to rest up before going anywhere, me, just let me loose!  The wait wasn't long.  I was loose.  Yes, where's the slot machine?  It's been two years since we went to Vegas.  I still remember how to hit the winning button.  After traveling all day I gave up early.  Tomorrow will be a whole new day........

Downtime!

Sorry folks.  This site will be down for maintenance for a few days.  Please stop back.  I will be back!

Zoo

My house is like a zoo.  5 cats, 3 dogs, and 4 goldfish.  Add on all the humans and it is a challenge on a daily basis.  At least no one is sick.  We do have a cat that I call a "barfer."  She eats and eats and then barfs, or should I say we think it is her.  It really could be one of the other four.  No, we don't see her barf, it's just that when we had two cats it was her all the time.  I have used my carpet cleaner more times in the past two days, than I have in weeks.  Stress is what the vets say.  Stress!.......  

Da Javu

I do have a good laugh when Mckee is here, especially when she does something that her Mother has done.  It all started with wax that was melted.  Some spilled on her TV in the room.  As she was cleaning it up, she was a little upset about the mess.

Now I remembered back when Stacy was a child.  "No nailpolish in the bedroom!"  She was in that knock everything over stage.  Unknown to me she took red nailpolish in her room and was doing her toenails.  Yes, she knocked it over.  Did she do it on a paper towel?  Of course not.  I do give her credit for trying to clean it up before I saw it.  By then it was quite the mess.  She pulled the bed down from the wall to cover some, but the bed was out of place where it was.  I noticed the bed and went to push it back and here is this red nailpolish on the blue carpet that stuck out like a sore thumb.  "I didn't think you would notice it."  Anyone who couldn't see it was blind!  I did clean most of it up with polish remover but part of it never came out.  A throw rug couldn't be used to hide it either.  So when Mckee does things we sit and laugh as Grandparents while Stacy says the words, "Laugh, go ahead and laugh!"  This makes us laugh even more!  What next?......

March

Well March came in like a lion, will it go out like a lamb?  We got snow again.  Yep, we moved it from one place to another.  That was two days ago.  All the other towns around us got just as much snow and theirs is gone!  We still have enough in the yard to make a platoon of snowmen!  Please no more snow.  Keep the weather up in the 50's.  This really has been a great winter in our area.  How about yours?.....

A dog!

Bella is my buddy.  She follows me everywhere.  I feel like she is one of the kids.  If I close the door behind me she will scratch and whine till I open it.  She then holds her head up high as she enters the room that was previously shut off to her.  Mealtime she goes and begs off of Bob.  She knows she will get a few bites from him because she sits up on her hind legs till she does.  Snack time is with whoever is snacking.  When I am feeling sad she will jump in my lap and lay her head on my chest and look up at me with these two big black eyes that say all will be okay.  She is a bed hog, yes, I sleep with the dog!  I usually have 6 inches of bed as she chases me to the edge nightly.  Chasing the cats is her favorite thing to do.  They are both getting exercise. 

I believe we got her for a reason.  She is the goodwill ambassador even though Bob calls her a terrorist because of the cats.  My house is never boring and Bella helps to keep it that way........