I haven’t written about it much… but one of my favorite indulgences are nice purses and handbags. I have a number of beautiful bags that I’ve collected over the years… all original Gucci, Coach and Dooney and Bourke. This obsession started many, many years ago and I usually add a piece or two every couple of years. This little beauty is about 3 years old and one of my favorites. I do have a larger bag (and matching wallet) in this same pattern. One of the golden rules that I try to follow is “The bigger the bag, the smaller your butt looks.” But, sometimes, you just want a little bag for an event or special occasion.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Fantasy Football
Football is in the air… and with the anticipation of cheer on the live games, football also takes over our fantasy lives as well. It’s a lot of fun to put together your “dream team” and compete against friends and family.
Steel has decided to be the commissioner for a league and has signed Brandon up as a participant. Here they are watching the draft on the laptops anxiously awaiting their chance to place their own picks. I’ll keep you updated on the progress throughout the season.
Jalapeno
Aren’t these the cutest things you’ve ever seen in your whole life? This is my Jalapeno plant and the fruit is beginning to grow. I’ve had tremendous success with my garden this year and this is just another example. I’ve never grown jalapenos before. Steel asked for the plant. I just hope they mature before he has to leave for school. Otherwise, I have a feeling that I’ll be mailing jalapenos to Oregon.
Grandma’s Cookies
These are by far, my absolute favorite (packaged) cookies. I discovered them when I was working in Yosemite. They sold this brand in the vending machine in the office where I worked. I have loved them ever since. I used to find them in convenience stores, but they are getting harder and harder to find. Costco had them in a variety pack for a while, but I didn’t want peanut butter and chocolate chip, so it was a waste. Leroy discovered that they sell the individual chocolate packs at Cash and Carry. He had to go there today, so he picked up a few and left them sitting on my desk for me. What a nice surprise waiting for me when I got home.
CWT Tags
We applied for and were accepted on the “herd retirement” program through CWT (Cooperatives Working Together.) I haven’t written much about the changes in the family business we’ve experienced the last few months. The situation seems so fluid. I’ve been waiting until I had some real, (hopefully) positive news to report, but so far… nothing. Today was a sad day. They came out and tagged all of the cattle for the program. All milk producing animals were tagged and must be sold for beef within 14 days. A hard dose of reality. Forty five (plus) years of breeding, blood, sweat and tears have gone into this business and these cows and now they are all headed for slaughter. Not the ideal solution we were looking for but a necessary business decision.
Silver Volvo
Last winter, I blogged about our experience renting a silver Volvo when we traveled to Southern California for a wrestling tournament. It only matters because the main character of the Twilight books, Edward Cullen drives a silver Volvo. When that’s what we were assigned as a rental last winter… I had to smile. When Steel decided to purchase one today, I had to laugh.
This is Steel’s new ride. I think it suits him perfectly. A new vehicle for a new start away at college.
Basil, Parsley and Jalapeno, Oh My!
With the recent success of my tiny vegetable garden, I took advantage of the fact that Leroy had to stop at Home Depot today. Steel and I went straight for the plants to see what herbs we could find. For me, basil is a must, although I have never had much success with growing it. I was also looking for cilantro (another tough one for me) but we couldn’t find any. I grabbed a parsley plant (easy to grow) and Steel threw in a Jalapeno plant. I didn’t read the directions (maybe that’s why they don’t always do well) before planting, I just threw them all in the same pot. Now we’ll see what happens.
Anemia
My doctor’s office called today to say that my lab results came in. She informed me that I’m STILL anemic. The problem is that I never knew I was anemic in the first place. Apparently, my iron levels were low on my last blood test (June of 2009.) She assured me that they informed me of this fact, but I sure don’t remember, and I know I haven’t been doing anything about it. I knew my Vitamin B levels had been low, and I had even been going in for quarterly injections… but the iron was a new one. My doctor has suggested Ferrous Gluconate as a supplement. Good thing I’ve been taking my vitamins again… now all I need to do is add one more pill.
Concert
This evening, I was privileged to attend the Paradise School Music Concert. I was the guest of performer Brooke Lemos. Brooke performed a medley of songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies under the direction of String Instructor, Mr. David Poteet. It was extraordinary, and while I did enjoy the Chorus and Guitar Ensemble, I’ve always favored the violin.
In a time when music programs are being cut from school curriculum, I am impressed with this first year program at Paradise. With financial support from parents, the Parent Teacher Group as well as corporate sponsors this little school is offering programs that are hard to find with the budget cutbacks schools are facing. The enrichment these children are receiving from their involvement in the music programs will enhance all areas of academic study as well as their social skills and self confidence. I look forward to see what they can achieve in the future.
Sweetbread
One of the best parts of living on the dairy is having my mother in law so close. This was especially handy when the kids were little, but I have to say, my favorite part is the special food deliveries that are made periodically. I’ll never forget one rainy night shortly after we moved here in the early spring of 1988. I was home alone. My mother in law came to the door with fresh, hot Filozes. (Portuguese donuts.) I knew right then and there that this arrangement was going to work out perfectly.
Today, she brought over a fresh, hot loaf of her famous sweetbread. This is not ordinary Portuguese sweetbread… she adds a special touch with a layer of cinnamon in the center. It is absolutely delicious. And, when I say famous… I mean it. Everyone knows about my mother in law’s sweetbread. It always brings rave reviews and high prices at the charity auctions when she donates it. We are spoiled, that’s for sure.
