CindyDianne

Recipes Week 3?

2011-03-29T16:34:00.002-05:00

Turns out I'm not that good at this new recipe a week thing either. I mean, I cook new ones all the time, but I don't seem to blog about them.

Ugh. Just UGH!

Anyway, here's one for cookies that I thought turned out pretty good.

Gooey Chocolate Cookies

1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pkg (18-1/4oz) chocolate cake mix

In large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add cake mix and mix well (dough will be sticky). Cover and refrigerate for two hours.

Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Place two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets (or roll up and put in a big ziploc bag and stick in the freezer). Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes (longer is starting from frozen dough) or until tops are cracked. Cook for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

I added walnuts and these dudes were soft and yummy.

Go forth and bake!

Notable

2011-03-06T09:30:00.001-06:00

A couple notable things happened last week. Wednesday morning dawned and I was packed and ready to go. First to Dallas for a work luncheon, then for a Southwest Airlines flight out of Dallas Love Field to Houston's Hobby. After a shuttle to the hotel and a terrible nights sleep (excitement mixed with anxiety mixed with a strange bed and the lack of my husband to keep me warm) Thursday morning had me on another shuttle. This time to Texas Direct Auto to picked up my new (to me) car.

It's a 2010 Chevy HHR LT with just under 12,000 miles. It has ALL the fun toys. After driving my pickup, which I do still love, for the last 7 years I am excited to have something that makes traveling a little less expensive and that is easier to get around in!

By Thursday afternoon I was cruising to Galveston, sun roof open, ready for some fresh seafood. I hit the beach for a while. In the slightly modified words of Charlie Robison

I heard the ocean singing and I sang along

while I danced over the water to some old forgotten song...

For your viewing pleasure (again maybe? I can't remember)

I grabbed a bite to each at the distinguished and lovely Gaido's which has been serving fresh, Gulf seafood for 100 hundred years. I choose the house salad, Watkin's Bisque and Sapporito Shrimp, if you were wondering. I didn't eat half of it and mourned leaving it and not being able to finish. It was scrumptious. Seriously.

After supper, I drove down the Sea Wall Boulevard (it may have another name, I don't know). I took a picture with my Blackberry's camera, of me, that I actually like:

After that, I did a little shopping at GNC and Sally's Beauty Supply since I hadn't planned this little excursion to Galveston and was planning on being home.

The next day, I drove MY NEW CAR home! I love it, Y'all.

Chocolate-Sour Cream Frosting.

2011-02-14T07:24:00.002-06:00

It's Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's day by the way. My advice to you is to make cupcakes today. Plain yellow cupcakes will be fine because you also should put on this frosting.

Chocolate-Sour Cream Frosting

1 12oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of sour cream
4 cups of powdered sugar (this is what the recipes call for, I use HALF)

In large saucepan melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring frequently. Cool for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.

YUMMMY!

Also, it keeps in the fridge for about a week so you can make cupcakes on Saturday too! ;-)

It's a need, not a want

2011-01-19T14:41:00.002-06:00

We really need some tool storage. Really. I can never find anything I want. Ever. Hammer? No idea. Phillips screwdriver? I don't have a clue. Drill? Nope. Nothing. Never. Nada.

Do you think I can talk KB into this:

'cause this is the one I want.

Uhhh

2011-01-12T15:21:00.006-06:00

KB's Arms look better

'nuff said.

New Recipes Week #1

2011-01-11T08:59:00.005-06:00

Week One of the Try a New Recipe A Week Challenge that I am doing with Kath and Maria. I am such a joiner. ;-)

On Sunday, I tried a recipe that my friend Shele gave me years, YEARS ago. Chicken Enchiladas. Yum. Anyway. I forgot to take any pictures until we had already eaten out of the dish. Oh well. Here is what they look like:

Shele's Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup Italian Dressing
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 16oz container sour cream
1 large can chopped green chilies (can use two small cans)
1 package burrito size flour tortillas (8-10 count)
2 packages of pepper-jack cheese

Spices:
Mexican seasoning (note from CD: I have no idea what this is, so I added some crushed red peppers)
Tony Chachere's (Green)

Directions:

In square baking pan, poor the Italian dressing over the chicken. Sprinkle a little mexican seasoning and Tony's over each piece. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

While chicken is baking, grate cheese and set aside.

In large saucepan, mix both cans of soup and green chilies. Add both seasonings (it is less spicy if you leave out the Tony's. I'd say 2 TBLS of Mexican and about 1 tsp of Tony's to achieve mild to medium "hear". Let simmer over low to medium heat. About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, add in the entire container of sour cream.

Remove chicken from the oven (leave oven on if you plan to eat immediately following preparation). Put chicken on a plate and using 2 forks, shred the chicken.

In a 9x13 baking dish, taken a flour tortilla and put a little of the chicken in it, add some cheese, and cover with two (tablespoon size) scoops of sauce. Roll it up and start the next one. After you're done with the tortillas, add any extra chicken to the sauce and stir. Cover the tortillas in the remaining sauce and chicken. Cover the sauce with the remaining cheese.

If eating immediately, put in the oven uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. If you are heating after being refrigerated, it will need to bake for 30-40 minutes.

Notes from CD:
-These are really, really good.
- KB doesn't care for the taste of sour cream, so they were a little "sour creamy" for him. Next time I am going to cut back on the sour cream and maybe add a can of green enchilada sauce.
-I used bone in chicken breast, because that is what I had. Same story with the deboning and shredding except, I use my fingers because I don't like the sound of the forks on the plate. Yes, I know. Weird.
-The 9x13 didn't hold all mine. Maybe I filled each tortilla with too much chicken and cheese. I wound up with 5 tortillas in the 9x13 and 3 tortillas in a 8x8. Since it worked out this way, I probably could have used more sauce, but I didn't worry about it. They turned out great. I froze the 8X8, so in a few weeks I'll be able to report how they freeze!
**This was actually better left over. The flavors continued to meld and enhance each other. In fact, I've got a friend coming over for lunch today. Menu? Chicken Enchiladas! ;-)

New Year, Less Fear

2011-01-03T17:18:00.002-06:00

That's my theme for the year.

Perhaps this blog isn't defunct after all. Kath and Maria have resolved to try one new recipe a week and to blog about it. This just may give me some purpose. I'll never be a "food blogger", I really don't have it in me. But, I'd like to do this little challenge. So, you shall see more of me after all.

:-D

5th Blogiversary (Almost)

2010-12-05T21:09:00.005-06:00

In a few days I'll be having my 5th Blogiversary. In 2005 this blog started with this post about Christmas decorating.

In 2006 I wrote about my Grandpa and about our trip with Daisy Dawg and brand new puppy to Amarillo for the WRCA Championship Rodeo.

In 2007 I bought my first Digital SLR camera and became A Total Wannabe Photographer. Also in 2007 KB and I went from The Redheaded Relationship to The Redheaded Marriage. I

n 2008, KB took me on a Road Trip to Iowa for the first time. I loved it! I had gastric by-pass surgery and told y'all about it here and then deleted the posts. Thus began the road to weight loss that so far totals over a hundred pounds.

And in 2009, I finally spoke my mind. KB was laid off from a job he liked. Also, in 2009 we moved into an RV!

In 2010, KB and I had difficulties in our marriage and persevered. While living in our RV, Texas experienced record levels of snowfall that our dogs just loved. KB got a job that required us to moved to a new town in a new county in the state we love. We were (and still are) completely excited because as it happens, KB and I have loved this place for years. We have a New Hometown.

An impulse turned a five year adventure. It's been a wild ride that I've shared with you folks here. As we enter into this wonderful but extremely busy time of year, I want you to know how much I appreciate y'all.

I may, or may not write anymore this year. I may, or may not, write here next year. My email address is cindydianne_tx(@)yahoo.com, if y'all need me - give me a holler!

Much love,

The Third Annual Guide to Holiday Gift Giving Coolness

2010-11-25T05:58:00.003-06:00

I missed 2009. Let's just call the last half of 2009 through the first half of 2010 the Year of the Funk. I think I shall forgive myself for it. Carry on, nothing to see here.

Wait, there is something to see here. I've been collecting some of my favorite gift ideas. Some of these babies are on sale and in limited supply so get on out there and get them. Apparently, the Monday after thanksgiving is the big online shopping day. So, I shall give you a head start!

1. Because credit cards really do get ripped off via electronic signals.

2. Because gems in "Mom Jewelery" is so yesterday.

3. Because Art needs a nice display.

4. Because changing your mind really should be an option.

5 Because not all of us have the attention span to scrapbook.

6. Because there is a little cowgirl in all of us.

7. Because you shouldn't use plastic when you can use glass.

8. Because these are just cool.

9. Because not all hotels offer them.

10. Because Swiss and Spa mean awesome.

11. Because an awesome skirt can take you anywhere.

12. Because you really need to be able to pick your own fabric.

I'm your Huckleberry.

Friday, Friday, FRIDAY

2010-11-19T09:19:00.003-06:00

I took off work today. YAY! I slept until 7:30. I am still in my pj's. I've FBed, played games, drank coffee, plotted and planned. KB and I are going to have lunch with our friend/pastor today. BBQ Baby! Hammond's has THE best turkey. LOVE IT. So, that's what's for lunch.

Hopefully the snazzy dress I ordered for the snazzy wedding we are attending tomorrow night arrives in the mail today! I have a back up dress, in case you were wondering why I was waiting UNTIL THE VERY LAST MINUTE! Then I need to pick out my dress and make sure I have the appropriate foundations. Y'all know what that means, right? Yep! "Suck it in" stuff and panty hose *GASP*

It comes to my attention, with a housefull of family impending, that we have a significant shortage of decent pillows. That needs to be rectified pronto.

And my friend from back in my Lockheed Martin days and her husband are coming to visit in the late morning tomorrow for a few hours. I.am.very.excited. We've had it planned for months!

AND I AM BEHIND ON MY THANKSGIVING PREPARATIONS! Anyone surprised?

The Freezer is My Friend

2010-11-17T11:20:00.004-06:00

I just mixed, rolled, Ziploc freezer bagged and froze some of these:

Sausage Balls

-2lbs pork sausage (Jimmy Dean, y'all)
-1.5 cups baking mix
-16 oz shredded cheddar (I used sharp)
-1/2 cup finely diced onion
-1/2 cup finely chopped celery
-1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix it all together. I used my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with the dough hook attachment.

Form into 1" balls

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes (longer is starting frozen) or until golden brown.

There is an alternate recipe that leaves out the celery and the onion and adds 1TBLS Milk. But, I like the onion and celery.

How's your cleaning and Thanksgiving prep going?

Pull Yourself Together

2010-11-15T13:53:00.006-06:00

I am a planner. I have a Franklin Covey planner that I use. A lot. If you are having a difficult time figuring out how to get ready for Thanksgiving and not lose your mind (like me) then I propose we work together. I mean, this way we won't be in it alone. Right?

So, I am going to post my plan of action. Feel free to follow along and to post ideas for saving time and energy! Remember, this is in addition to important stuff like, you know, working.

Monday, November 15th

Vacuum sofa cushions *Update - this turned into washing all the slip covers*
Mix up Cranberry Ice Box Cookies and freeze
Mix up and bake part one of the Cheesecake crust
Visit your horse. Blow in his nostrils. Kiss on him because you are one of those, despite knowing better and because it is JJ. Feed him extra hay from the bed of your pick up. (and if you can't do this, find something that gives you peace and do it.) *I didn't make it to see JJ*
*I did work on my lab for my Internal Protection class though*

Tuesday, November 16th

Clean the guest room. Go ahead and vacuum and clean the light fixture. Make sure the sheets are clean. Then leave and SHUT THE DOOR. You are done in there.
Finish the Cheesecake and freeze.
Remind your husband that he has a list of things to do before Thanksgiving and that he might want to look at it (because you know that ordering that glass for the baker's rack will take about a week)
*Update - Added three loads of laundry and a little closet organization to the list*

Wednesday, November 17th

Clean The Girl's room (or the boy's if you have one). Our isn't going to be here before Thanksgiving to do it herself. Go ahead and clean that light fixture and ceiling fan. Sweep or vacuum. Make sure the sheets are clean. SHUT THE DOOR. You are done in there.
Dice and freeze a couple of onions. Just get that done. You know you are going to need them.
Decide if you are setting the table on Thanksgiving or doing a buffet. Decide about plates and cups and silver. Make sure any paper you need is on the shopping list.
Torment the husband about his list. Again.

Thursday, November 18th

Clean the guest bathroom. Go ahead and scrub that shower. Mop the floor. Clean the light fixtures. Check there is extra toilet tissue. Make sure there is shampoo and body wash and towels for your guests. Shine that mirror! SHUT THE DOOR. You are done in there. (except you may have to touch up if someone stops by for a visit, which is encouraged by the way)
Clean your office. Dust it. Put papers away. Make it as pretty and tidy as you can. Now, promise to keep it that way. You can do it! (this is me giving myself a pep talk)
Buy hosiery for Saturday's fancy wedding. Wonder for the 50th time why that girl chose the weekend before Thanksgiving to get married.
Chop nuts. Pecans, walnuts. Whatever and however much you are going to need next week. Just get it over with.

Friday, November 19th

If you are making dressing/stuffing, go ahead and cook your cornbread. Cook it. Let it cool. Crumble it. Ziploc bag it. Freeze it. (I love my freezer)
Finalize, if you haven't, your menu. Tidy up your shopping list.
Clean your kitchen and dining room. Do it right. I won't be cooking much the rest of the weekend, so I can just get this part done. Don't forget the refrigerator.
Remind the husband of his list.

Saturday, November 20th

This is a free day for y'all out there in blog world. I have school, friends coming and to be getting ready for the fancy wedding by around 3:30.
Remind your husband about his to-do list.

Sunday, November 21st

Church
Grocery shopping
Make sweet potato balls.
Community Wide Thanksgiving Service at the First Baptist Church. 6PM.
This would be a good day to have the kids clean the baseboards. If they are just dusty, a swiffer cloth will be great. If they are gooey, a damp cloth may be necessary. I'll be doing the baseboards room by room because I don't have a kid at home that weekend to force into slave labor.
Also, consider tidying up the laundry room.
Remind your husband about his to-do list.

Monday, November 22nd

Clean Master bathroom. Go ahead and scrub that shower. Mop the floor. Shine the mirrors and fixtures.
Clean the Master bedroom. Change the sheets. Dust. Pick up books and junk, finding homes for it all as you go.
Threaten your husband within an inch of his life if he messes any of it up.
If your turkeys are frozen, take them from the freezer, put them in the pans (or find some other way to catch any oozing yuck.

Tuesday, November 23rd

Clean the living room. Dust. Clean that ceiling fan that has dust on it. Primp it all up. Sweep.
If you are making pies that go in the frig and don't have meringue on them (yuck) you can make these Tuesday night.
If you are making giblet gravy, you can cook and chop up the giblets (yuck, my grandmother still does this for me)
If you are making candies or cookies, you can bake them today and store in air tight containers. (Remember, I have frozen cookie dough, so this will be easy)

Wednesday, November 24th

Make the dressing and refrigerate.
Make sure the turkey's are defrosting
Make the Pumpkin and Pecan Pies
In the evening, start the dough for the rolls
Take the sweet potato balls out of the freezer
Make sure the kitchen is clean, the dishwasher is emptied and the trash has been taken out before bed.
Do a final sweep for items that didn't find their home during the week and for dust that may have settled.
Pick up your much anticipated family at the airport.

Thursday, November 25th.

Wake up at the crack o dawn and start that turkey if you are roasting or smoking.
Make sure your bird is good and dry before you fry it
Be thankful for two ovens
Finish the rolls and set to rising
Opt for paper plates and don't feel bad about it. You are not Martha Stewart.
Don't forget to make tea
And for real, don't use that jellied cranberry sauce. There is usually a cranberry sauce recipe on the bags of fresh cranberries you find at the grocery store - do it!
Eat until you are sick
Watch football
Play cards
Dishes
Eat again
Decide which Black Friday sales you are going to brave, if any.

Friday, November 26th

Do it all again for the other side of the family.
Collapse.

Saturday, November 27th

As little as possible.

Sunday, November 28th.

Ask your husband to get down the Christmas boxes. Listen to him gripe about the number of them.
Go with Crystal to The Ritz in Dallas and don't worry about all the boxes.

"You Don't Turn Here"

2010-11-11T08:48:00.004-06:00

A couple of months ago, I was up in the Messtroplex (DFW y'all). Coming home I called my Grandmother. Grandmother is 80 something. She lives in a cute little apartment by herself, though she does have someone that comes a couple days a week and helps her clean and do laundry.

I said "Grandmother, wanna come stay with me in our new awesome house on the hill with a view and a comfortable guest bed?" and she said yes. So, I scooped her up and we came home.

Along the way we talked about when she used to live in the areas we drive through to get to our new and awesome small town. I told her how I go home, etc.

When we come up to the Hwy and I get ready to turn, she tells me that this isn't where we turn. Apparently, 20 years ago when SHE drove this road all the time, the HWY was what is now called Business Highway. I said "No, Grandmother, this is where we turn". At this point she again emphasized how wrong I was.

Gotta love her. Apparently, I didn't know how to get home and needed her help. I needed her help to drive a road I've driven countless times. I needed her help to get to my house that SHE HAD NEVER BEEN TO!

Adorable.

:-)

The next day I had to take her back home to pick up her medicine.

I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday #26

2010-11-09T06:39:00.000-06:00

Actually, I have two today:

1. Clean your shower and bathtub right after you use it. That's when the steam has helped loosen the grime.
2. Once a week, give your toilet bowl an overnight soaking of white vinegar. By morning, it will be disinfected. Just flush clean!

Exposed!

2010-11-08T10:34:00.002-06:00

I am obsessed. It is a horrible thing. Currently, laundry duties are twice as difficult because of storage. You see, my linens are exposed! It's kind of like having your unmentionables on the kitchen table when someone drops by - unsettling. I easily spend double, maybe triple the amount of time normal folding linens. The towels aren't a problem. The sheets? Oh.my.

Come on, feel my pain!

Worn Out

2010-11-05T15:16:00.002-05:00

I am tired. I'm not sure if it is the additional stress brought on by the "new" job or the allergens floating around or my body's anticipation of the horrid thing that is called Standard Time. But, whatever it is, it is no longer welcome. I just can't cope with this amount of tired. I don't have time for this amount of tired. This amount of tired sucks.

Also, I noticed that I've whined/complained/griped almost all week in my blog.

Time for an attitude of gratitude. I'll get on that, just as soon as I feel like it.

Boo hoo

2010-11-04T13:22:00.002-05:00

I am sad to put away my Halloween decorations.

I don't think Daisy likes it either.

The Raise Wasn't Big Enough

2010-11-02T16:18:00.002-05:00

I took a new position within the same company back in July. It was very exciting because it was a promotion. It was very scary because I was going to be less in control of my work than before. After 3 1/2 months, I can honestly tell you that the raise wasn't big enough to justify the additional stress.

Just sayin'

An Incredible Start To November!

2010-11-01T08:41:00.003-05:00

After a too short trip to the ranch, we are home again. It's funny. It doesn't feel like we were in Oklahoma long enough, but it feels like we were away from home for too long. Does that make any sense at all? I didn't think so.

The whole point of the quick trip up to the ranch was to pick up JJ (the Great) and bring him home. We finally located a place to board him that we like and feel confident will take good care of him. I didn't know how much I missed him and how much I needed him back close to me until we picked him up again.

He's about 20 minutes away happily munching on hay and Equine Senior. He's got other horses to be friends with and I have INDOOR ARENAS to ride in when it is cold and rainy! It's going to be a completely tolerable winter!

And if I want to, I can go see him RIGHT NOW! How cool is that?

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T06:05:00.000-05:00

We're at the ranch. I set this post to auto-publish. And yes, I know that Saturday isn't Halloween. But, I what to give you some fun facts about the spooky day. But, it doesn't seem right to do it on The Lord's Day (as if they aren't all His). So, here are some facts about October 31st.

From a Celtic festival celebrated 2,000 years ago, Halloween has evolved into a fixture of American culture that encompasses spooky folk traditions - from early Scottish and Irish immigrants to German, African, Haitian, English and Dutch beliefs and customs.

Ancient Celtic people hid themselves in ghoulish disguises on Oct. 31, so that any malicious spirits they encountered wouldn't recognize them as human.
Trick-or-Treating as we know it today became popular between 1920 and 1950.
The top Halloween costumes last year were witches and vampires for adults and princesses and Spider-man for kids.
Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF began in 1950 in one Pennsylvania school and now is a national campaign that has raised nearly $160 million to provide clean water, food, medicine and other assistance for children worldwide.
The jack-o'-lantern evolved from a medieval Irish tradition of using carved-out, candle lit turnips as lanterns. The turnips were placed on gateposts to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants in America began using more easily carved native pumpkins their jack-o'-lanterns.
Although Halloween always has had spooky, otherworldly connections, it wasn't until the 1978 movie Halloween that the holiday became associated with violence and horror. Considered a horror film classic, Halloween was filmed in 21 days on a budget of $320,000.00 and became the highest-grossing independent movie of its time.
Americans spend some $5 billion to $7 billion a year on Halloween.

What do y'all say that next year we all DON'T spend money on Halloween, pool it together and do some good. It sounds like a plan to me!

I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday # 25

2010-10-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

Clean your oven! Seriously! It's grody.

Remove tough stains from the bottom of the oven by spreading automatic dishwasher soap or baking soda and covering it with wet paper towels before you go to bed. Simply wipe clean the next day.

After that, put aluminum foil down there for goodness sake.

Good Ol' Southern Dunkin

2010-10-25T08:53:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a big deal 'round these parts. After much teeth gnashing and angst, KB was Baptized. A vast majority of the people in Baptist churches get baptized earlier in life. KB, always one to buck a trend, didn't.

It was never a big deal, until recently. You see, in order to join a Baptist church one has to have been baptized by immersion. It's our thing. John immersed Jesus, so we do the same. To us, it is just how it is. KB and I wanted to join a local church that we love and therefore, KB needed to be "dunked", as he so eloquently puts it.

He was a little self-conscious that he hadn't done this particular act of obedience earlier in life.

But, he went ahead and did what he needed to do...

And our wonderful church didn't make too big of a deal about it.

They just loved him through it...

And then we came home and ate lasagna. It was a great, awesome, wonderful day.

Beesy

2010-10-08T14:22:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year, I guess. The weather cools down and all that activity we've put off during the heat of the summer commences. In my case, I have a year's worth of not baking to catch up on. For example, I am in the process of mixing up a Colossal Batch of Oatmeal Cookies - 13 dozen to be exact. I won't be baking them all. I like to roll 'em up and freeze them for eating a couple at a time or when we have company.

Speaking of company, we've been having guests every weekend. It's awesome! I missed my friends and family while we were living in the Rolling Mansion. I can't imagine why no one came to visit! What with them having to sleep on an air mattress in the living room and all. ;-)

School is going just fine. I took the mid-term 6 days after starting the class and scored 85 out of 85. Then, I figured out that I could graduate in Spring 2012 if I took one 16 week and two 6 week courses each semester rather than just two 8 week courses a semester. So much for taking it easy, I guess.

Also, I am in the process of filling out an application (WHAT A PAIN) to teach for the local community college. Honestly, I am hoping for an online medium. Mainly because that is how I think I would be most comfortable starting out. I figure it will be good experience and look good on the resume.

Speaking of resumes, I updated mine. I finally broke down and took off the old objective statement. I figure they know, if they are getting the resume, that I'm looking for a job. Not that I am looking for a job, because I am not. Well, I am looking for a teaching job, but not a new full-time job. Thank you very much.

It is October. I love October. I giggled like a school-girl when I started taking out my beloved Halloween decorations. I guess technically I am a school-girl, but you know what I mean.

Y'all come and visit! I keep the guest room ready all the time! We'll leave the light on for you.

WMU

2010-10-07T09:39:00.002-05:00

Tuesday night I attended a pot luck for the women at our church. First, you just have to love any excuse to have a bunch of church folk cook for you. Second, it was for the Women's Mission Union. We talked about Operation Christmas, which we are hijacking a bit this year and sending the shoe boxes to a orphanage in Uganda. We learned a little more about Human Trafficking. People, it's bad. A few facts:

- 161 countries out of 192 are involved in some manner of human trafficking
- Women and children are the favored targets, making us 80% of the people being trafficked
- Industrialized countries are the main source of slaves or labor servants approximated at 15.5 million victims
- The Superbowl (being help in North Texas this next year) brings in approximately 50,000 trafficked individuals, many in the form of prostitution, each year.

Let's all think about how we can help, shall we?

The Slow Cooker Is My Friend

2010-09-30T16:04:00.003-05:00

Make it your friend too. Try this recipe:

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (I used Rotel)
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (I didn't have this)
1 pkg (8 1/2 oz) corn bread mix
2 eggs
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (I used whatever was in the fridge)

In large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, drain. Stir in the spices. Transfer to a slow cooker. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, onions and cilantro. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through.

In small bowl, combine the muffin mix and eggs; spoon over meat mixture. Cover and cook 1 hour longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Sprinkle with cheese, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with sour creak and additional cilantro is desired.

- Taste of Home, September 2010

TGIF

2010-09-24T17:55:00.003-05:00

Received some 8x10 and larger prints of my pictures today. I just might make a photographer. They are pretty dang good, if I do say so myself.

Because I Am Just A Glutton For Punishment

2010-09-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

I applied for and was accepted into a Master of Science Information Assurance program. It it from a school in Maryland and is online. SO, I don't have to commute to attend. It is in my field. I have co-workers in the program so we can share books. The large telecom company will pay for it.

I really didn't think I had that much to lose, except maybe my mind!

She's Bad to the Bone!

2010-09-14T16:38:00.007-05:00

She likes creatures...

Creature Comforts...

Wacky Perches...

Vintage Tableclothes

Odd Locations...Wacky Hidey Holes - including my unpacked suitcase with now dirty clothes.

There is nothing that can have you more furious one minute and laughing the next than a hound. There is nothing that can make you more proud one minute and more embarrassed the next than a hound. If you have never had one - I completely recommend it.

It's September 11th

2010-09-11T13:44:00.002-05:00

I feel like I should write a rousing tribute to the men and women who died in the World Trade Center 9 years ago. Sadly, I have a bad case of writer's block and all I can really do it tell you that I WILL NEVER FORGET.

I'll also never forgive those that had a hand it that tragedy. God tells us to forgive. God commands us to forgive as He forgives us. I just cannot do it. I can't forgive those people who contributed to the destruction of those people, our way of life, my child's naivety and security, and my friends and family and people I don't even know who continue to fight for us because of that day.

HELP

2010-09-09T21:10:00.001-05:00

I can't get the stupid white board I bought to stay on the dang wall! I'm annoyed. Someone come fix it!!

Thrown

2010-09-08T18:25:00.001-05:00

I kind of feel like this blog is a horse I've been thrown off of and I know I need to get back on but I am hesitant. Wonder why I am hesitant?

My Favorite Time of Day

2010-08-14T10:19:00.004-05:00

If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight

When the fireflies start their dancin' on the lawn

And supper's on the stove and mamma's laughin'

And everybody's workin' day is done

(As seen and heard from the deck of the new and not yet settled home on the hill!)

*Lyrics from "If Heaven" by Andy Griggs

Alive and... Well, We're Moving

2010-08-01T00:14:00.005-05:00

Tonight is our last night as full time Rolling Mansioners. (Knock on wood) We move tomorrow. Actually, we started tonight.

Outside

Office with a view!

Living Room

Kitchen and looking into Dining Room

And my favorite part!

Yes. I am alive. Very much alive.

Chairs as Art? Art as Chairs?

2010-07-19T05:39:00.000-05:00

Sitting in the laundry mat waiting for KB's jeans to dry the other day I was pursuing Luxe magazine. Before you go thinking I am some kind of sophisticated chick, I should confess that it was the first time I'd ever heard of Luxe, much less used it as eye candy. I saw some really pretty things. I'll probably show you some of them, because really I want a record of them for the someday that we build our own house.

Before I do that, I want to show you these chairs:

I think they look like they have garbage bags draped on them. They are supposed to be some sort of awesome, artsy, high-end beauty. The garbage bag fabric is made from Vintage Mennonite petticoats. Ok, that part is kind of neat. However, the way it is used? Ugh. Just UGH! Seriously? I think these things are about $65,000US. Worth it? I think not.

Happy Stupid Monday.

White Chapel

2010-07-14T13:04:00.004-05:00

*Insert Picture of Pretty White Chapel*

*Insert Picture of Pretty White Chapel's Sign*

*Insert Picture of Pretty White Chapel's Original Building*

*Insert Picture of Valley where Pretty White Chapel Sits*

Bemoan the fact that I didn't have a memory card in my camera when I took these photos.

Five Oaks

2010-07-08T20:22:00.004-05:00

The Chisolm Trail, by the way.

Awesome Bridge

2010-07-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

On the way from Whitney to Glen Rose on Wednesday, KB and The Girl discovered this bridge. Apparently it was awesome. So awesome that it is now and probably forever (or however long she lives) dubbed "Awesome Bridge" in Samantha, the GPS.

They took me back out there and we got out and did some walking.

It was in service for nearly 100 years. Once dubbed the Queen of the Brazos, it sits beside its replacement.
Once we walked about 1/3 of the way onto the bridge, we spied a flower. We walked on over to see why it was there.
It turned out to be sobering.

It's almost too bad that they paved over the original boarding. But, on the other hand, it wouldn't have been used for nearly a hundred years if they hadn't done some modernization to it.

It's hard to catch The Girl when she isn't cheesing for the camera these days. I do a lot of shots that she doesn't know about. She really likes the bridge.

She fancies herself a bit of a dare devil. But, notice the grip! She was really enjoying the view from her perch.

And really, who can blame her?

New Town (Hometown)

2010-06-30T21:25:00.003-05:00

Both separately and together, KB and I have wanted to live in this town for years. We came here on our first road trip which corresponded to our third date. The town that we had our first official day in today. After we move out of our Rolling Mansion and into a home, this will be the town that will be on our little "KB and CindyDianne, Glen Rose, Texas" sign when we go on the road.

This is our new hometown. The town we just left didn't feel like home. This one already does.
Maybe it is knowing that we are here for the long term makes the difference. Maybe knowing how long we've loved this place is the reason for the new attitude. Whatever the reason, we couldn't be happier to be here.

I've always loved the Sara Evans song "New Hometown". I identified with it because I really needed to escape the big city.

Every day we walk right past
All the concrete and the glass
I don't know where we're going
I hardly ever see your face
And there's not enough space
For all the love we should be growing

[Chorus:]
We just need a little earth to stand on
Plant our hearts on solid ground
Turn the lights out on this city
And wake up in a new hometown
We'll stand out in our front yard
Where we can finally breathe
If we find a little earth to stand on
Baby you and me

Imagine Friday football games
Where everybody knows our names
They even stop to say hello
I bet they'll have a town parade
Kids selling lemonade
Baby, don't you wanna go

Songwriters: Schelske, Sara Linn; Evans, Matt; Smith, Shaye

Yes, Baby, I really did want to go! KB doesn't think a person can have a new hometown. And in a certain way, he's right. You are from where you are from, that's your hometown. I'll always be a Mansfield Tiger. But, I'd like to think you can make a new town your hometown. I'm going to be giving it my very best shot.

Stay tuned in the days to come as I give y'all a tour of our new home(town).

Happy Birthday KB!

2010-06-28T12:24:00.002-05:00

Here is to many, many more!

Haven't Given Up

2010-06-25T09:10:00.004-05:00

I haven't given up on my little blog.

Yesterday we got a post office box in our new town. Did you know you need TWO forms of ID with your address on them and one of them has to be a picture ID in order to get a PO Box? I didn't. Fortunately, I had what I needed.

We drove around the little side roads to get places. We did this because I'll be taking the side roads on my scooter. The scooter I am hoping to have shortly. The scooter we are selling the Neon so I can have it. The scooter I see myself on with a matching helmet and scooting about town.

How cute will I be?

Goings On

2010-06-14T07:23:00.003-05:00

Friday we drove to Glen Rose and picked out our place to move the Rolling Mansion. The plan is to stay in the RV for a couple more months and make some friends and connections. Hopefully, that and prayer will pave the way for a cute little house on a few (or a bunch) of acres at an affordable price. We may have to rent for a while longer than we had planned if we were staying in Hill Co. The real estate is quite a bit more expensive in our new county. There is also a lot fewer roads in horrid shape. They also don't fix the bumps in county roads by laying down a bunch of white gravel, as is the case on our current road.

We might even be able to keep a vehicle clean, eventually.

We drove a section of road that we hadn't driven before and it is even more beautiful than the other parts we've explored. We didn't think that was possible. We are blessed.

We are trying to decide if we are going to take a quick trip to The Land of Enchantment before KB starts work and won't have vacation time for quite a while. I think we should go if we can swing it. Vacation time after this will be dedicated to family in Iowa for a while.

I placed my first order for portraits that I took last night. I hope the quality is what I want. If not, I'll send them somewhere else. :-D To make the ordering of pictures a bit easier, I used Shutterfly to slap together a quick web site. Check it out at http://cindydianne.shutterfly.com

I guess that is all for today. I apologize for the boring post!

News!

2010-06-10T19:04:00.005-05:00

It appears we have another move on our horizon; our immediate horizon. KB got the job in Glen Rose. Wait a minute. Just take a look at that again! KB got the job in Glen Rose. The job that we wanted so badly 10 months ago. My cousin/friend Crystal said "See? God wasn't saying 'No' He was saying 'Not now, have faith'"

We'll be rolling the mansion about 40 minutes down the road on June 29th.

Oh, and speaking of the rolling mansion. My dad diagnosed the a/c issue and KB replaced the offending part (capacitor) for $6.77! How awesome is that. Now the rolling mansion is pleasantly warm instead of hotter than heck. I mean, it really is difficult to cool a tin can. But, $6.77? That's a blessing, huh?

I'm so very excited. Seriously excited!

Oh, and I got a promotion! I start a new position in a new department next month.

So, things are looking up! Yay!

Not Charming

2010-06-07T23:12:00.002-05:00

1. Deer hit our truck. $2000.00 worth of damage.
2. Dad loaned us his boat. 3 days later it broke.
3. A/C in the Rolling Mansion broke on the same day as the boat.
4. KB didn't get the job in the County we live in...
5. I've had tough go of it at my job, though it seems to have worked out. More on that later.

Good news? KB had another job interview today for the job he wanted but didn't get last summer. I wrote about how disappointing that was HERE. Maybe we won't be disappointed this time around.

Bad news? It is hot; record heat hot. No a/c in Texas is NOT CHARMING.

Charming

2010-05-28T13:54:00.007-05:00

Savannah just might be the most charming city in the United States. It's beautiful. Trevor said that with 22 town squares it is the smallest big town he's ever seen. It's quaint even.

Spanish moss and lamp posts every where you look. Did you know that Spanish Moss isn't moss at all? It is an airborne plant. A long time ago the settlers tried to use it in mattresses. That didn't work out very well. It has chiggers in it. So, look. Don't touch.

Savannah is built along the Savannah river. It has been there since 1733. They built it on bluffs and because of that it has never been flooded by the river. Never. I guess New Orleans could have taken a lesson, huh?

The largest industry in Savannah is not tourism (which is second), it is shipping. It is the second largest container port on the East coast. It is so popular, in part, because it is so far inland. If you look at a map and draw a line South from Dayton, OH you will bump into Savannah. Because of this, shipping the Central and Western United States is shorter and therefore less expensive.
If I ever have to move to the East coast. You will find me here. I will be in one of those old haunted houses with a big front porch drinking sweet tea and waving at the people passing by...

I mean, even the water fountains are charming!

2010-05-21T09:45:00.004-05:00

I haven't taken a lot of picture yet. So much beauty, so hard to not get a bunch of people I don't want in the frame. Hopefully, today will be better.

Out and Back

2010-05-17T18:02:00.002-05:00

USAF pilots do these things called "Out and Back's" where they fly out somewhere and then back on the same day. It is kind of how I feel right now; though in reverse. My "out" is home. I am here for a day and then Back on the road.

We left Des Moines last night at 5:30 (that's 1730, for those of you on a 24 hour clock) and arrived this morning around 6:00 (0600). I drove for about 200 miles. Maybe. KB drove all night. I'd wake up for a while, ask him if he was ok and fall back to sleep. I'm not that great of a road trip companion though I hope that KB will disagree. :-)

My parents, Trevor and I are leaving tomorrow night and flying to Atlanta, staying the night and then setting off on an adventure in Savannah. Maybe I'll use my camera more than I did in Iowa (which is to say not at all) this time. I've always kind of wanted to go to Savannah. Though, if I am being honest, I always thought it would be a romantic trip... I really wish KB were going.

Trevor and I will be back on Sunday afternoon. Maybe I'll post, maybe I won't.

I miss KB already.

Greetings from Iowa

2010-05-14T09:08:00.003-05:00

We made an emergency trip to Iowa on Wednesday afternoon/evening. KB's 97 year old grandma fell and broke her hip. She had high risk surgery (mostly because of her age) to repair it yesterday morning. KB drove all night Wednesday night and we arrived here yesterday morning at 0630. We made it to the hospital just after they took her (early, btw) to surgery and spent an anxious couple of hours waiting for her to come out of surgery.

She did.

In her room, she had a difficult time waking up. But, she eventually did. She said "OH, KB. I am so glad you are here" and went back to sleep. About 45 minutes later, she woke up and said she was hungry. She VERY quickly ate a container of jello and drank some apple juice.

She's a hoot. Really. I am so glad she made it through surgery. Before surgery, she was saying she didn't know why she was still here...

We'll probably stay until Sunday.

We are staying with Crystal and Randy. They were brave souls to put us up. AND OUR DOGS. Did I mention that we brought the dogs? Randy and Crystal have two dogs and a cat.

Daisy hasn't stopped stalking the cat since we got here 24 hours ago. She lies in wait for hours. I've never seen a more patient dog. It is crazy.

I haven't seen any corn yet. But, we've been in town. Though, it may be a little early in the season. I don't really know that much about growing corn up here. At home, our corn is about knee high. Mundane, huh?

Macro Monday #3

2010-05-10T06:50:00.001-05:00

Today, KB is interviewing for a position that, if offered and accepted, will move us to East Texas. Talk about a change. Pray for us that God' will for our location, employment is done and that we make our decisions wisely.

Happy Mother's Day Y'all

2010-05-09T09:59:00.004-05:00

Aside from my own mother, one of my favorite mom type people is my childhood friend, MC. I've written about her before and she is very special to me.

MC is the one (person) I tell everything to without worry of judgment or lack of support. We've been through it all since the 4th grade. Really. Anyway, Friday night I took pictures of her daughter, Errin. They weren't just pictures, but Senior pictures.

We are re-shooting on Tuesday because a) we started late and lost the light and b) about a third of the pictures were under exposed because I pulled an amateur (which fits, no?) mistake and didn't double check how they were turning out. But... some of them are stunning...if I do say so myself.

She wanted something different from the other Senior Portraits she's seen. She said most of the ones she has seen were taken in the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. And that IS a gorgeous place to have one's photo taken. I've had a few taken there over the years.

I remember love, love, loving this outfit and my mom hardly ever let me wear it!

Don't judge the quality of the photographer based on what these look like! They were scanned directly from my mom's scrap book, plastic film and all!

It turns out there are a bunch of really awesome and different places for portraits in our small town. We were told off by a chihuahua on our way into the field to get the rusted out truck pictures. I had to stand in the middle of the road for some of them and MC wasn't great and warning me there were cars coming. But, I really like how Errin's are turning out. She's such a gorgeous girl...maybe some of her pictures will be portfolio worthy.

Romance

2010-05-08T07:50:00.002-05:00

-Trevor is going through his first break up. It is tough. I hurt for him. The hardest part is that I am mostly helpless to help him.

It is one thing to know it will eventually happen and another for it to be happening now.

-The Girl has her first boyfriend. We got a text message Wednesday night that said "Im just gonna come rite out and say this but Connor ask me out today and i said yes and i dnt want to keep this a secret so yahhh i just want to tell you all this. i love yooh" (yes, she typed it EXACTLY like that)

About an hour later her relationship status on Facebook went from "Single" to "In a relationship". Oh yay! She's 13. Just YAY! Can I tell you just how excited her father is? Not so much.

It is one thing to know it will eventually happen and another for it to be happening now.

Friday!

2010-05-07T10:42:00.002-05:00

I.am.so.glad.it.is.Friday.

Work today.

Photo shoot (Senior portraits) tonight.

Absolutely nothing tomorrow.

Sunday up to the Metroplex for Mother's Day, hotel stay and KB's interview.

Did I tell you that KB has an interview on Monday for a County "Trapper" position. He really wants to do this job. Though, this interview is for the position in East Texas. The benefit to getting the position in this particular county is that is comes with a (free) house and 4 acres to live in and they pay the electric.

In the next week or so, the County Trapper position for the county we live in now should come available. The benefit to getting this particular position is that we already live here, we mostly like the area and it is closer to the metroplex and our kids.

We're just praying for the doors to be opened on the position that He wants KB to take and that the doors be closed for the position that He doesn't think will best reflect His will.

Wish KB luck!

Bye Bye Bluebonnets

2010-05-05T06:01:00.001-05:00

KB and I try to take some bluebonnet pictures together. It started with our engagement photo, beautifully photographed by my friend Edie:

This year, we waited kind of late. The bluebonnets are past their peak. And, tonight we waited kind of late to start... like almost dark. They didn't turn out well. But, it was really about playing with my new toy. I ordered a remote control shutter release for my camera. No more doing the 12 second hustle on self timer. It is a really nice (and inexpensive) addition to my arsenal.

One photo, I cropped the heck out of in order to 1/2 way like it. You can see a single bluebonnet over shoulder on the left of the picture.

The only one that was 1/2 way decent with bluebonnets (though not pretty any longer) showing was the Kissy, Kissy one.

It's really a shame we didn't get these pictures made sooner; both in the day and in the season.

Oh well.

On a side note, have you noticed that every since I took the pressure off myself regarding the my blog, I've been posting? Hmmm. Verrrry Interesting.

I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday #24

2010-05-04T11:31:00.003-05:00

I had oil in my new sweater. I decided to move the oil drainer pan thingy the other day while wearing my new short sleeve, topper type sweater. I got oil on it. OIL! (which made me think of the BP Disaster in the Gulf and you don't EVEN want me to get started on that) But, I used Pre-Spot by Melaleuca.
That oil came right out. No problem. That being said, there is a little catch. Melaleuca is a direct sales company that specializes in eco-friendly products. Their home products are phenomenal and I've been using them for ... 4 years exclusively. I love them. Like most direct sales companies, you need to sign up in order to get the best deal on the products.

That being said, this isn't a pitch to get you to join me in buying Melaleuca. Mainly, I just wanted to tell you how excited I was that the spot remover got OIL (CAR OIL) out of my sweater.

The tip is this... if you are looking for eco-friendly cleaners, check out Melaleuca. It is good stuff.

Macro Monday #2

2010-05-03T06:46:00.000-05:00

Blog Identity Crisis

2010-04-30T10:39:00.003-05:00

My blog, like its writer, is experiencing an identity crisis. Not sure what to do with it, I'll continue to update occasionally, but without the pressure I put on myself, until I get a clue.

There has been a lot going on in our world. The vagabond nature of our existence is wearing on us. Turns out, we are both "Put roots down" kind of folk. That being said, if we were truly using the Rolling Mansion for its intended purpose and making trips, I would be A-OK with that adventure. But, being in our 6th month of park hosting ... well, we are tired of it. We will tough it out in order to get some money in savings, if we can ever stop finding things to spend our money on!

We are looking at our future and making plans. We are dealing with a teenage girl that we don't have enough control over. We are dealing with living in a place that we don't know anyone. We are dealing with major issues in our marriage (which are much, much better with counseling and increased communication). See? I told you there is a lot going on. Who knows? Maybe the answer is to go and start a new blog where no one knows me and say what is really on my mind. Here, I feel I am responsible to my friends and my family to not be completely free with turning my thoughts into words.

I might finish my "Story of Me" series or at least do a few more posts on it.

I might continue to publish some of my photography. Though, I should probably spend more time on Flickr getting the constructive criticism I need.

I might let some people do Guest Posts (volunteers?)

But, for certain, I will not make this blog a stressor when it is supposed to be an outlet.

I Was A Substitute Teacher

2010-04-27T13:55:00.002-05:00

for about 2 months.

I worked like 6 times. It wasn't fun. But, I did it because I was trying to pay for the board for my horse.

The last time I worked as a sub, I was working at Trevor's High School. It was a Sophomore Science class. Trevor made the announcements that day. That made it pretty cool. It was a good day.

And then, this kid, a man child, walked up to me and asked me out on a date. I laughed and said "No. You are too young and I am married." The man child said "That's ok. Hooray for 3-way."

I had nothing. I told him to sit down. I should have sent him to the office for disciplinary action. I should have said or done something. But, I had nothing. If he had been a man man instead of a man child, I probably would have had a clever come back. He wasn't. I didn't.

And that was the last time I was a substitute teacher.

I figured, correctly, I didn't have what it took.

Wanna Be Photographer

2010-04-20T08:50:00.004-05:00

I am a total wanna be photographer. Occassionally, I take a picture that people see and really like. Occasionally, the people that see them and really like them know me in real life and ask me to take their picture. Sometimes, I say yes.

Sunday, I had two sessions scheduled. One with Beth who is a Bible study friend and fellow equine nonsense partaker. The other was Errin, whose Mom is like my sister and they want me to do Errin's Senior pictures. The weather was perfect for it in Glen Rose, but not up in the Metroplex where it rained all day.

Long story, short, Beth came to Glen Rose and we took some lovely pictures. I am still running through them doing that crop and enhance thing. Though, honestly, I don't have photoshop so I don't do much to my photos. I like to think it is making me a better photographer. But, I think that is just what I tell myself to make me feel better about not having Photoshop! Ha!

Earlier on Sunday, Kent drug me out of the house kicking and screaming to "Get in the right frame of mind". We had The Girl, who is a great character with a cheesy smile and an awesome subject. I captured her pretty well in this one:

One of the few I got without the cheese.

Now, I have to go find a decent lab, figure out how to get digital files to them, figure out how to price prints, figure out if I can take pictures that people want to actually pay for prints of, figure out ALL KINDS OF THINGS.

And heck, here is a couple of the pics of Beth (unfinished)

Did I mention it started raining at the end of our session?

Critique? Anyone?

Macro Monday

2010-04-19T07:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Stupid Monday

Friday Blessings

2010-04-16T09:25:00.004-05:00

I am tired. Like, super duper tired. I am physically tired. I am mentally tired. I am tired of driving. I am tired of working. I really want to go to bed and watch 19 hours of mindless TV. I will probably only watch 4 or 5 at some point in the very near future because... because my latest addiction is Brothers and Sisters and Season 2, Disk 2 just arrived from Netflix. Of course, it is down at the mail box place in town and I am tired. Maybe KB will pick it up for me.

Here's your bluebonnet picture. It should probably have been done on Monday for Macro Monday. But, I hadn't taken it on Monday and I can't wait until this Monday because I don't have another bluebonnet picture to post and I am too tired to go take one. See a trend? Tired and run on sentences. I am never too tired to be the queen on run on sentences. Somethings are just a gift.

Ok. Happy weekend and all that junk. I'll be running to dance recitals, attempting to clean up with extreme mess of a Rolling Mansion, watching Brothers and Sisters and taking photographs of actual people if you need me. Which, honestly, I hope you don't need me. I am tired. Plus, you not needing me is one reason we are so close! I need you! You don't need me. It's in the contract, if you look.

Bluebonnet Week Continued

2010-04-15T06:53:00.004-05:00

Hey Y'all. I'm up in the Metroplex for a conference. So, this won't be long... but I promised bluebonnet pictures this week. No time to make them all pretty since I HAD to go shopping last night because I got here and hated what I brought to wear once I put it all together.

This is the color of bluebonnet most people think of...

Did you know they also show up in this color?

Which do you like better?

G.R.I.T.

2010-04-13T15:56:00.004-05:00

grit (grit) n. firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. Alternatively, Girls Raised In Texas.

Bluebonnets have grit people. Like the girls from their home state, they bloom in the face of adversity. Bar ditches along highways? Yes. Fields with cows stomping all over them? Yes. Rocky hillsides next to a wind blown lake? You bet.

Like some horses I've owned (not at all like me), bluebonnets are also counter suggestive. You want them to bloom in your front pasture? Only if it is their idea. You want them to take from seed in the back of your place? Was it their idea? Because otherwise, no. The trick, like with some of the horses I've owned (not at all like me) is to make those silly blue bonnets think it was their idea to bloom there. So far, I've not figured out how to do that.

When I get the real deal on making these babies bloom where planted, I'll let you know. Right now, you just have to deal with the little counter suggestive beauties. Just meet them where they are. mmmkay?

I ran across this funny little article when I was googling Girls Raised in Texas. Y'all read it, ya hear?

Bless your hearts!

Bluebonnet Time

2010-04-12T16:33:00.004-05:00

In Texas, we have Summer, Fall, Winter and Bluebonnet time. Our Spring lasts about as long as the bluebonnets, give or take a week.

It's the time of year that you see families gathered along the side of highways braving traffic and tip toeing through the flowers for just the right location for a picture.

It's the time of year that families pack picnic lunches and head out on wild flower watching excursions.

In honor of bluebonnets, it is bluebonnet week at this here blog.

This is one of my favorite bluebonnet pictures. Of course, the adorable model might have something to do with it...

Help Me.

2010-04-11T21:46:00.001-05:00

In Flickr, how does one view only the photos marked "public" and be signed in where one can change the permissions?

Anyone?

Wacko Waco

2010-04-10T21:24:00.002-05:00

KB and I were having a pretty good day in Waco. We went to a local adventure outfitter and contributed to their bottom line. KB bought a crazy pair of shoes. We had some lunch. We went to a couple western wear stores. It was all so nice...

and then I decided it was time for a new bra and time for me to brave *GASP* Victoria's Secret. For the record, if you ever are feeling too good about yourself, all you need to do is go to this store. I left thinking that I would rather go to Lane Bryant and get the satisfaction of trying on the smallest stuff in that store than ever darken the door of VS again. The secret? Not going. Just sayin'.

Wild Flowers

2010-04-09T16:59:00.003-05:00

It's wild flower time in Texas. Beautiful. Seriously gorgeous. I've been all over the States, but nothing is more beautiful to me than Texas, this time of year. I've always said that a beautiful day in Texas is more beautiful than any other place in the world.

Amidst my pelican stalking I've been taking some wild flower pictures. Here's an Indian Paintbrush:

Pelican Stalking

2010-04-07T08:53:00.003-05:00

Did I mention the white pelicans are migrating through? They are here on our lake. We've been trying to get a couple decent pictures. The silly things are proving quite elusive.

So far, this is the best one I've gotten...

That's My King

2010-04-04T06:37:00.002-05:00

He Wasn't In the Grave!!

He Died for Your Sins.

He is YOUR Savior.

Have you accepted Salvation?

The Grace of Salvation is yours - Just Ask Him.

It's Friday

2010-04-02T06:35:00.000-05:00

Header

2010-03-31T08:39:00.003-05:00

I put up the Easter/April header early. I couldn't wait to see the pretty, pretty colors. Plus, Easter is in early April. I might change the header to something non-Eastery later in the month. But, I wouldn't count on it.

THE WIND IS BLOWING the Rolling Mansion around and whistling in the windows and I am tired of it. It's time for March to go out like a lamb.

The Devil's Concubine

2010-03-29T20:54:00.005-05:00

About 2 weeks ago, KB placed an order online. He quickly began his obsessive tracking of the package which was coming from CalifornI-A. It took 4 days and I wasn't sure he was going to be able to stand the long, long wait.

Then, it arrived.

Photo from the http://fitnessanywhere website

TRX

After using it last week, I hobbled around for 3 days. I am hoping after tonight's work out that I'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow. Calling this thing effective is an understatement. Apparently I am going to be fit, even if KB has to drag me into it!

My friend Angela posted on FB about Asian Beetles, calling them The Devil's Concubine of Bugs. This is The Devil's Concubine of workout equipment. Thanks for the description Angela. I needed a descriptive for this monstrosity.

I'll keep you posted on my mobility.

48 Hours in the Twitterland of CindyDianne

2010-03-26T12:27:00.002-05:00

cindydianne...

has a pimple that looks suspiciously like a 3rd eye situated squarely between my eyebrows. Pretty.

hates touching raw chicken

is it just me or is assless chaps redundant?

letting the damn dog out (at 12:30AM) to potty since she is too big a wuss to do it in the rain.

nights like this make me thankful for full care boarding for JJ - just sayin'

has put on her toe rings for the season

I hope you haven't been missing all that!

Blessings

2010-03-23T18:17:00.002-05:00

In the midst of some really tough times, a huge blessing has surfaced. I unknowingly paid off our truck back on February 19th. What? How could I not know? First, I had it in my head that it would be paid off in November. Second, I am not good at mail. This turns out to be a good thing, because I kept sending payments in an attempt to pay it off early and lo and behold, we now have money in a savings account. Money we hadn't planned on. So now, we have a little money AND we have a little more money each month to a) buy another vehicle and b) pay off other things.

Look at us go!

Wednesday

2010-03-18T21:06:00.005-05:00

On Monday I called Trevor and said It's Spring Break and you need to spend a day with your Mom. I took off Wednesday and we went on an adventure.

The traffic was horrid. It seems that because it is Spring Break everyone thinks that spending some time with their kids is a good idea. Copy Cats.

We wound our way through downtown Fort Worth and found ourselves at Montgomery Plaza. The old Montgomery Ward building was built in 1928 and is an absolutely cool building that has been turned into super sweet homes. There is a retail center and restaurants on the lower floors. We grabbed some lunch. Trevor looked around and said This is Fort Worth? I didn't know it was nice!

We pushed on through the cultural district and wound up at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens in hopes of taking a photography walk. Trevor got a Nikon D5000 for Christmas with two lenses and hadn't even changed to the longer lens. It was so crowded that I swear we got the last parking spot and we had to circle around for it. It was so crowded that we could hardly take a picture without some stranger in the frame.

Isn't he handsome? I just can't believe he's 20 years old. Amazing. Absolutely shocking!

I did manage a could shots I think turned out alright. See the bee?

After we left the gardens, we went shopping. First for a shirt and tie for KB, then for new black slacks and a top for me. We have a funeral to attend on Saturday and didn't have exactly what we needed. Trevor is a big help shopping. Though, he does require me to actually buy clothes that fit. Which makes me a tad self conscience. I am used to baggy clothes and am more comfortable hiding my newly emerging figure.

I found slacks at SteinMart. I just love Steinmart.

I don't really have an ending to this post. It doesn't really have a moral. I just wanted to share about my day with my boy.

The end. Sort of. Not much of an end. But, I am going to stop writing now.

Why I am Currently Swearing I'll Never Have Another Dog

2010-03-16T10:26:00.004-05:00

and might actually get rid of one of two that we currently have.

That is my chair. At the end of an exhausting and sad (more on that later) day yesterday KB and I walked in to this. This is the 2nd chair she's chewed. The first one was wood, a hundred years old and the rocker that I rocked my baby boy in. That one can be repaired, though it will never be the same.

This one. It isn't all that sentimental. It IS completely necessary. Dear Readers, I LIVE IN AN R.V. - there are two place I can be to relax: the bed and this chair. I am so pissed that I can not even see straight. 12 hours later I am still pissed. And I haven't even really thought about the blinds yet..

Truth is Violet isn't my favorite dog. She is needy, pushy and she taught Daisy some bad habits. She does have her good points, but I can't see them right now. My chair is in line sight of my work station. So, I have been staring at the destruction all morning.

I really think I want to give her away. Honestly, I wouldn't think twice about it if it weren't for The Girl.

Manic Monday

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sing along with me. I know y'all know this one. Who among us can't hear this song in our heads while we read along to these lyrics...

Six o'clock already
I was just in the middle of a dream
I was kissin' Valentino
By a crystal blue Italian stream
But I can't be late
'Cause then I guess I just won't get paid
These are the days
When you wish your bed was already made

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

Have to catch an early train
Got to be to work by nine
And if I had an air-o-plane
I still couldn't make it on time
'Cause it takes me so long
Just to figure out what I'm gonna wear
Blame it on the train
But the boss is already there

All of the nights
Why did my lover have to pick last night
To get down
Doesn't it matter
That I have to feed the both of us
Employment's down
He tells me in his bedroom voice
C'mon honey, let's go make some noise
Time it goes so fast
When you're having fun

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

Happy Stupid Monday!

Tater and Mudbugs

2010-03-13T10:59:00.003-06:00

Today, we are celebrating Tater's birthday. Tater is doing the cooking. Yippee! The menu tonight is a crawfish boil. HALLELUJAH People! I love me some mud bugs. The hotter the better. Bring that spice Baby! For the record, I don't suck the heads. But, for those that don't love crawfish like I do, there will also be shrimp, sausage and potatoes in the boil.

But, really, the night is about breaking in the new Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville Machine.

I am such a lightweight that I'll probably be dancing and flirting with the old men by 6PM. The party starts at 5:30...

It should be a great time. We've been looking forward to it for weeks.

Overheard at the Laundromat

2010-03-10T08:13:00.003-06:00

I had never washed clothes in a laundromat until last summer. When in the mad dash to move out of our house, move into a 5th Wheel and put all the things (like linens) that we were keeping in space bags, in plastic containers and in storage. During that time our washing machine broke. Yay us. That first trip to the laundromat was quite...interesting.

First, it was in my hometown which isn't the small little town I grew up in. Second, I was the only white person there. I know that shouldn't have bothered me too much and it didn't. It did make me pause though. Third, I didn't have a rhythm. A rhythm is important at a laundromat.

Anyway, since we've moved into the 5th wheel we make a weekly trek to wash clothes. Sometimes I go alone. Sometimes KB goes it alone. Generally though, we go together. It makes it easier on both of us and we have someone to talk to while we are waiting. The laundromat that we frequent has an attendant that oversees everything, helps you carry to and from your vehicle and generally gossips about all the happenings in our small Texas town.

KB said, last time we were there, that we could start a Stuff Overheard at the Laundromat along the same lines as Sh*t My Dad Says (which is often raunchy but funny, check it out on FB and Twitter)

One day, in the late afternoon, KB and I were waiting for our clothes to dry. OHMYGOSH those clothes seems to take forever to dry. Over the noise of the dryers we hear...

We went down to that monster truck rally. There was a clown or something there that had these long, skinny balloons. Well, one of them broke and it was filled with baby powder. That baby powder combined with ... with... you know... EYE JUICE and ran down my face. I didn't really hurt, just kind of burned.

I am sorry lady, you lost me back there on EYE JUICE!

What in the world? I guess the word Tears just wasn't accessible in the old noggin that day. But just think about the word EYE JUICE for a minute. Yuck. It's kind of gross isn't it?

Happy to share.

Confession

2010-03-09T08:45:00.000-06:00

I like Miracle Whip.

Baptism at The Cowboy Church

2010-03-08T08:34:00.003-06:00

Yesterday at the Cowboy Church we are visiting, there was a baptism. It was in stark contrast to the previous baptism we experienced at a Cowboy Church. It was still in a watering trough. But, it was inside. It was respectful. There was no one smoking.

But, the baptism protocol is not the only thing different at this church. In the other Cowboy Churches we've visited, we found a generally lacking of reverence. That is, fortunately, not the case at this one.

But, here IS something that bothers me about every Cowboy Church we've been to... what's up with the hats inside the Church Cowboy's? I mean, didn't you mom teach to you remove your hat in church? These cowboys take their hats off to pray, but not during the rest of the service. It doesn't seem quite right. Am I missing something here?

Anyone?

ps. KB takes his hat off when entering the church and leaves it off until we walk out the doors.

There Ought To Be a Law Against

2010-03-06T09:08:00.001-06:00

Using the checking of one's blind spot as a turn signal.

8am Saturday morning band practice for Jr. High kids. That crap shouldn't start until they can drive themselves.

Husbands lying awake all night tossing and turning and then sleeping in the truck while we are in the parking lot waiting for said band practice to be over.

Magazine covers with bikini clad hotties causing normal women to feel bad about their bodies and men to compare us to them.

Acuras. Seriously people, they are just Hondas. Let's call a spade a spade, shall we?

That is all. For now.

In Which I Feel Sorry For Myself

2010-03-04T07:05:00.000-06:00

That after a little neglect and years of writing in this here blog, my readership is down and my comments are as well. I miss my bloggy friends. Apparently I need the validation. What can I do to get a little more life back in the old blog? Anyone? Huh? How about you? What do you think?

Roses Are Lavender

2010-03-03T07:42:00.002-06:00

KB bought me these beautiful roses last week. Sweet huh?

They've opened up beautifully.

That makes me sad. They shrivel and fall apart too soon after they open into these gorgeous, fragrant, lovely heap of layered petals.

Maybe I am just a tad bit melancholy. Ya think?

I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday #23

2010-03-02T07:46:00.003-06:00

Many of my I've Got A Tip For You posts are inspired by my mom. She's really hip on gadgets and makeup and all that stuff that I sometimes struggle with. I am good at jewelry. She's good at everything.

For Christmas, Mom bought KB, Trevor and me a Clarisonic Mia. It is a facial cleanser amped up. I wish they were paying me to say this or at least sending me a free Clarisonic Opal. Alas, they are not. But, I am going to say it anyway. This thing ROCKS. Seriously. My face has never felt so clean. My pores are SO much smaller since using it. Seriously.

KB was extraordinarily hesitant about it. I think he thought it was an odd gift for a manly man like him. But, even KB has changed his tune. Seriously. His face feels cleaner. His pores are at least 2/3 the size they were. Seriously. He swears that soot, grease and grime from 10 years ago is coming out. He uses it faithfully. He's a fan on Facebook for goodness sake! Seriously.

I wish we had before/after pictures. I really do. The difference is significant for me and absolutely stunning for him. I even think we have fewer wrinkles.

Here is the tip: Get thee one. Seriously.

Burning Diesel

2010-03-01T19:22:00.004-06:00

I started asking for a new laptop a year ago. You see, unlike other people that work at the Major Telecom Company with me, I don't have a desktop to use as a back up PC. If my laptop goes, I am dead in the water. I know that's not what they want. I started asking a little early. But, since I have no other computer (for work, I do have another pc Major Telecom Company, don't worry) it is used very heavily.

It started running "hot" about this time last year so I started preparing the way for a new one. A year later, it has been ordered. Yay me.

Last Thursday, after we got back from the Metroplex for the third time that week, I got a call from the mail room at the office where I "officially" work. It is in Irving. I am not. I am, in fact, close to 2 hours away from Irving. Since KB and I have a standing appointment up in the Metroplex on Monday's I figured we would pick it up then. I asked the nice mail room lady to kindly hold it for me. She did.

After our appointment today, egg salad sandwiches with my Grandmother and a doctor's appointment for me I took the wheel and we headed to the office. We got there in one piece, which was questionable since it was raining and people in Texas just get stupid in the rain. Come on, Texans, y'all know it it is true. I went in and picked up my box.

We were about 25 minutes away from the office when KB got curious and pulled out the packing slip. Basic docking station. Cool. Keyboard. Yay. Extra battery. Go me! Mouse. Wuhoo. Notice anything missing? Yeah, we did too. There was no laptop.

We get to go back again whenever they locate my laptop. Nothing like an anxiety ridden trip to the office for no reason. Happy Stupid Monday.

Rewind Your Life On - The Giveaway - RESULTS

2010-02-23T20:08:00.001-06:00

Congratulations BIDDIE!

Send me your new address!

Loser!

2010-02-23T16:11:00.003-06:00

It's ok. I know I am. You don't have to tell me. I promise to do the drawing for the giveaway and post the results tonight. Don't expect pictures. Don't expect a big deal, just the announcement. That's all I seem to be able to do! I've been procrastinating since Friday because I didn't want to deal with pictures and the like. So, just an announcement. That is all.

I do love y'all Dear Readers.

I am just too unfocused to ... focus.

Oh, but I do have a story to tell. Maybe I can get through it in the next day or so.

Rewind Your Life On... The Giveaway!

2010-02-14T19:46:00.007-06:00

The other day, I was listening to the iPod on the Bose dock. The Bose Dock, by the way, is the bomb! I love it. The sound coming from that little baby is excellent. Anyway, the song came on was Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me) by Willie Nelson. Which is one of my very favorite Willie songs actually. The first two lines of the lyrics

That's my favorite part

rewind my life on

This had me thinking about what is my favorite part to rewind my life on. Since it is Valentine's Day and I'm feeling all gushy and loved, I'll pick a romantic one... my favorite part to rewind my life on is dancing with KB at our wedding reception.

What is your favorite part of your life to rewind your life on?

How to enter:
Get one entry in the drawing by leaving a comment here answering the question.
Get a second entry in the drawing by advertising the Rewind Your Life On... The Giveaway on your blog. Let me know here that you have done it.
Get a third entry in the drawing by posting about the Rewind Your Life On... The Giveway on Twitter. Let me know here that you have done it.

Entries must be received by Midnight Feb 18th and the winner will be announced on Friday the 19th!

What am I giving away? A green, cute, vintage, hostess apron if the winner is a woman and a neato Texas t-shirt should a man win. And probably other things that I'll throw in. I am pretty good at making sure you are happy to be the winner. I am not, however, good at immediately sending it out. So, you'll probably need to give me a couple of weeks. :-D

That's my favorite part, rewind my life on.
When my world got dark, and you turned my light on.
I watched it for hours again and again in my head.
I did.
I see I was down on you, more than I needed to be.
I'd say I'm sorry but then you'd think I'm lyin'

Chorus:
Maria, shut up and kiss me.
Stop shakin', stand up and hold me.
I bet you're gonna miss me.
You need me.
Believe me.
Maria shut up and kiss me
You're crazy and it turns me on and on
The way you're carryin' on.

That's my favorite shirt, you always had on.
Man, It sure looked good, ev'ry time you walked on.
You're takin' the wind from me every chance that you could.
You're good.
Somethin' I can't explain.
You tell me lately I've changed.
If you feel better tell me why are you cryin'?

(Repeat Chorus)

Maria, Maria can we talk it over instead?
Let's call it even and leave it alone.
Come to bed.
Maria, stop leavin' your teasin' is beaten me down.
Maria just calm down
In these situations I've found it's best not to be proudand say that you're sorry.
Maria, shut up and kiss me.
Stop shakin', stand up and hold me.
I bet you're gonna miss me.
You need me.
Believe me.

Maria shut up and kiss me
You're crazy and it turns me on and on
The way you're carryin' on.
And it turns me on and on.
on and on
on and on
And it turns me on and on.
on and on
on and on
on and on and
on and on......

Dog Days of... Winter?

2010-02-12T20:44:00.003-06:00

KB and I took a walk this morning. It was quiet and gorgeous. Not too cold and no wind. We had a blast with the beautiful scenery and still feeling.

The dogs were in heaven!

Daisy:

Violet:

Stop! Look! Listen!

2010-02-12T09:57:00.004-06:00

LIVE!

Be still and know that I am God:
Psalms 46:10

The Second Annual (and Unintentional) January Adventure Part 3

2010-02-08T09:27:00.002-06:00

After our long journey home, we were whooped. We fed the dogs, took off our footwear, took hot showers to warm up and ate chili for supper. In the 5 and a half hours since we left home we were not having good times. On the other hand, we recognize that it could have been worse. It could have been raining instead of a couple snow flurries. It could have been 10 miles instead of 6. And honestly, there are few people in this world (as in no one I can think of) that I'd rather have that particular experience with than KB.

When we woke up the next morning, the battery on our other car was dead. Nice. KB put it on the charger and we went back to bed until noon. When we drove to beginning of the driveway where our truck was stuck, KB told me to sit tight and walked up the muddy mess of a driveway the 20o yards to survey the damage in the daylight. Less than a minute after KB was out of sight, Josh the Mystery Guy walked past, waved and headed up the driveway to see Kent.

Where does this guy come from?

KB decided to let the road dry for one more day and try to get it out on Sunday. Josh the Mystery Guy had given KB his phone number and told him to call him on Sunday. He had an idea involved 2x12's and a jack.

On Sunday, we went back to the head of the driveway and called Josh the Mystery Guy. The woman that answered was like Uh, who? Oh, uh, yeah, he's not here. KB is still not convinced he is real. KB was unable to get the truck unstuck. We wound up calling the local tow truck who charged $150 this time instead of the $400 he was quoting on Friday. Hmph.

We were just grateful to get the truck home.

Anti-climactic huh? :-)

The Second Annual (and Unintentional) January Adventure Part 2

2010-02-05T09:17:00.003-06:00

Sitting there, watching that big, beautiful tow truck drive off into the dying light, my heart sank. I watched my silhouetted husband walk back toward the truck, the mystery guy by his side. After I unlocked the door, KB opened it and said that the AAA Tow Truck said it would have gotten stuck trying to get us out, so he left us. KB and Josh the Mystery Guy were going to see what they could do. Somehow, that just didn't sound encouraging.

They walked back down the slippery, muddy lane. I sat with a dying battery on my Blackberry and spotty signal. Daisy had started this low growl about an hour and a half earlier and it continued. I couldn't let the dogs out of the truck because I didn't want them bringing it back into our already dirty truck. So, we sat. And we waited. Me and my dogs. One of them growling at nothing that could be seen and the other one completely wigged out and jumping around (and farting).

KB sent me a message and let me know that they had called the local towing company. Great, I thought. We just spent money we didn't really have on renewing our AAA membership and it didn't do us a bit of good. Now, we get to pay the local guy to pull us out.

The local guy showed and I saw the group of men standing in the lights of the tow truck. After a while, I saw that tow truck drive away. It's 7:30PM, cloudy, windy as all get out and cold. Yay! I was so excited to see that truck drive away too. KB came back to the truck, without Josh the Mystery Guy this time and said "They wanted 400.00. They got stuck too. They were going to have to go and get a second truck and chains and everything else."

I said that we would just walk and deal with the truck in the daylight. Josh the Mystery Guy had told us that he was the only one that used that driveway, so the truck would be ok. KB called the Sheriff's' Department Dispatcher and let her know that we could use a ride. He says he could tell by her tone that she had no intention of calling one of the deputies and asking them to give us a ride.

I crawled into the back and looked behind the seat and found a tow strap to use as a leash. We only had one with us. I also found: two leather work gloves, one fleece glove, a headband thing that has a spot for a baseball cap bill and a pair of KB's rubber boots.

Did I tell y'all that when we left the house at 4:30, I had wet hair and was wearing yoga pants and a pair of Merona brand (Target), flat Mary Jane type shoes with a thin pair of socks? My hair was dry now, but my clothes had not morphed into cold weather gear. I donned KB's rubber boots, tied on my Mary Jane's, buttoned up my pea coat, put a vest over that and got ready to go.

This time KB prayed safety for us, our dogs and our truck. We set off squishing and sliding all the way to the county road. Once we hit the county road, I put on my Mary Janes because walking in men's size 13 rubber boots is no easy feat (or feet, arh arh arh) and we set off.

At this point, KB suggested I call my parents. I told him that I was 40 years old and that I was tired of calling my parents to come and rescue me. Then, I reminded him that his mom lives in the same town that my parents do - same distance for her...

It is sad that we've lived here for 6 months and because we thought it was temporary we have not made a single friends. We did not have a single person we could call for a ride. Pitiful really.

We walked 6 miles with the stupid dogs pulling us. The wind was so bad at one point I thought my head was going to explode from the cold. We had approximately 75 cars pass us throughout our 2 hour journey and no one stopped. I guess they thought we were just some nut bags out walking our dogs in the cold. The Sheriff's department never did come through for us, though we are pretty certain the Sheriff would have wanted them to come to our aid.

At one point, I hurt my foot and was in question as to whether I could continue. I did. 6 miles is a really, really, extremely long way in those circumstances. By the time we got home, even the dogs were tired.

(to be continued, I've run out of time)

The 2nd Annual (and Unintentional) January Adventure

2010-02-02T20:40:00.008-06:00

Y'all may remember that last year in January, we had a Cold Weather Adventure in Oklahoma's Red Dirt. That particular adventure caused us to renew our AAA Membership just days after it had expired.

Our AAA Membership expired this January on the 15th. That should have been our first clue not to do what we were thinking. Ha! We laugh in the face of AAA expiration!

KB and I have been talking about settling down. Getting us a place that we can let our little wanna be roots grow. You know, something that is just our own. Our property, our fence, our house, ours. There are some things in the works, work wise for KB, that could mean we need to stay in this county we are in now. That would be just fine. Out of curiosity, we've been looking at real estate. Cool, right?

Yeah, right. It's us.

4:30pm on last Friday, the 29th of January (14 days after our AAA expiration, if you are counting and 18 hours since I posted on FB that our Rolling Mansion was turning into an Arc) I say: "Honey, let's go look at that property before it gets dark" KB says, "Ok" so we plug the address into Samantha (the GPS) and headed off 6 miles or so down the road onto a previously unexplored County Road.

As we are leaving KB asks me to pray us safety on our adventure. Lord, please keep us safe as we are looking at property today, our AAA membership expired and it would be bad to get stuck. Thank you for all your blessings. Amen.

We turn left and then right and then left and go around some curves and down a gravel county road and Samantha tells us our destination is on the left. We look at the mail boxes and with some concern up this driveway. Then, we made our second critical mistake after leaving the house - we went ahead and went into the driveway. Up the little hill we see nothing but mud. Texas Red Dirt road. Slippery as snot and almost impossible to get out of clothes. The driveway looked to be about 400 yards long. I knew we were in for it when KB said "well, it's too late now".

200 yards in, we were stuck. It was my fault, I know it. First it was my idea to leave the house and then I prayed the getting stuck in the mud into the universe. Don't ever think our words aren't powerful.

OH, OH, OH! And did I mention it was also my idea to take both the dogs? Yeah, I am good like that.

Here we are, stuck, no AAA, two dogs, no 4 wheel drive (or we wouldn't have been stuck) and dark is coming fast. KB hops out and tries to get us out. No love. We made it worse. I did what I did in January of last year: Renew my AAA and request help at the same time. I thrive on humiliation. AAA Roadside Assistance says it'll be an hour. It was an hour and 15 minutes.

During this time, KB is making jokes about hearing Dueling Banjos like a scene from Redemption.

Seriously though, I can't tell this part of the story; making a rare and highly sought after appearance on cindydianne.com is the one, the only, the love of my life... KB.

Howdy, Howdy, Howdy! KB here.
So as we were sittin in the truck my wife got stuck the dogs were barkin and fussin at every little noise outside. I was almost to the point of duct tapin their muzzles when I saw a figure dressed in camo slinkin down the drive. I looked at Wife, handed her my .45 and told her it was good to go as I stepped outta the truck.
Soon as I got out, this figure stopped walkin and just stared at me with little beedy eyes that seemed to shine from under his hood, I asked if he was the tow truck driver, "Nope" he said. I asked if he was the owner of this drive "Nope" I asked him if this was the correct way to the land we were lookin at and again "Nope"

We stood there for a minute sizin each other up, and then he approached. As he walked up in the dyin light I realized how cross eyed, buck toothed and big eared the was. Have any of y'all seen the comedian Bill Engval when he talks about a dork-fish? The face he makes durin that monologue pretty much sums up what I was lookin in.
This kid looked to be mid twenties, skinny as a rail, like a typical tweaker...Great, a hillbilly Meth head! Wonderful! Fantastic!
I introduced myself, and he said he was Josh. We engaged in a little small talk until I finally asked him where the property line was. As he walked up he looked at the truck and said "Ya know you ain't gittin a tow truck down here." He then pointed to the property line, and told me he was the only one that ever used this drive. He fed dogs on the property in exchange for huntin rights.

At last, common ground! We talked huntin a bit then he said he could show me the driveway in if I was interested. I followed him down the woods makin sure to stay with in sight of the truck. Still was worried about a hillbilly ambush, and figured maybe Violet could run to my rescue, or at least bite me quick and git it over with fast. (I was feelin like that Baptist Preacher who was chased up a tree by an angry bear. He prayed "Lord if You don't help me; Be sure Ya help that bear!)
Walked back to the truck and just small talked about this n that. Finally I saw the tow truck and we walked off into the night to greet the driver as a light snow started to fall...

Back to Cindy, who is not rare to post here, but still Wonderful none the less.

I was SO excited to see that tow truck. Time elapsed since getting stuck? 1 hour and 15 minutes. It was starting to get cold. It was a cold winter day in Texas. The high had been around 38 and the wind was blowing 30 mph, even with the setting sun. I dutifully sat in the truck and let KB handle the AAA tow truck driver. I sat there. I sat there. And then I saw that beautiful tow truck driver off into the dying light!

(to be continued, I've run out of time)

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2010-02-02T09:12:00.004-06:00

Just in case y'all missed it. I thought I would tell you I have a new header!

HAHAHAHAH!

Here Deer, Deery, Deerie!

2010-01-31T08:52:00.003-06:00

I haven't seen hide nor hair of the group of deer that were in our park for at least 6 weeks. This disturbs me. I loved coming home at night and seeing them in our "yard". I liked looking out my "office" window and seeing them cross the road. I liked going to our neighbors RV and seeing them while having morning coffee.

Hey! Did I tell you about our neighbors? My parents bought an RV, parked in close to us, became our co-hosts and come down occasionally to visit and when we are out of town and they need to be here. It's been kind of nice actually. It works out for us because we weren't really wanting full-time neighbors and it works out for them because they get a place to escape to when they are going stir crazy up in the metroplex.

So, um, I miss the deer.

Missed It.

2010-01-29T07:01:00.000-06:00

Back on December 11th, I missed my 5 year Blogiversary. That's a big mile stone for me to just let slip on by. So, in honor of 5 years of typing tripe:

Go me!

Put In Our Place

2010-01-28T09:14:00.005-06:00

KB and I were lovingly and sternly put in our place last night at Bible Study. These couples we have been connected to are amazingl, fallible, Godly, diverse and gifted. Last night, we were told to get our butts back in church, among other things.

We've not been attending since we moved to Smalltown, TX. We don't really know anyone or where to go or ... who am I kidding? We weren't attending when we lived down the road from the church I've been a member at for 25 years.

Anyway, Sunday, we are going to try the Cowboy Church down the way.

God? We ARE listening. We are just not very bright.

I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday # 22

2010-01-27T06:46:00.001-06:00

One day last year KB came home with a bundle of grocery store (Albertson's) flowers. They made my day. And they made the next day. And they made the day after that happy. In truth, they made me smile every time I saw them. They were Crazy Daisies.

Nothing but brightly colored, sometimes glittered, always sunny daisies.

The Girl and I found them at our local Brookshire's on Sunday. I bought them. I brought them home. KB said "They brighten the whole house"

We love them. You might like them too! It's a whole lotta bright and cheerful for $5.99 (or however much they cost at your local grocer)

Get thee some.

Weekend Puppies

2010-01-26T08:20:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning dawned and it was a beautiful day. A day that required us getting up at 5AM to open the gate to the park and then STAY awake because The Girl had band practice 45 minutes away at 8AM. It wouldn't have been that bad except the little princess HAS to take her shower in the mornings because her hair gets wonky otherwise *gasp* and it takes for 19.4 hours to get ready.

We took her to the band practice and got back around 11. Shortly after, a couple who were visiting the park told us that there were two starving puppies down at shelter #2.

The Girl and I stayed at the Rolling Mansion while KB went down there and checked them out. Turns out they were there. They had dug out a little hole under the concrete slab for the picnic table. He sat on the ground and eventually he got them out and into the bed of the truck. Honestly, he was hoping they were ugly or in bad enough shape that the most humane thing to do for them would be to shoot them. But, that was just not the case.

For the next 36 hours we dealt with adorable wild, starving, brave, smart little puppies.

The little multi colored one went to a country home with a young girl who wants to be an animal doctor. But we found ourselves a bit sad when the last one (the black and brown) found a loving home with an old high school friend of KB's thanks to the "miracle" of Facebook.

Not Amused

2010-01-23T10:09:00.002-06:00

I am not amused, not one little bit. After posting "I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday" about how much I love my little microwave popcorn popper, our microwave is dead.

I am unclear if this is God trying to tell me to face down my popcorn addiction, the Enemy trying to keep me distressed or just plain ole run of the mill yuckiness. Whatever, it is.... I am not pleased.

Just sayin'

I've Got A Tip For You Tuesday #21

2010-01-19T06:27:00.000-06:00

I love popcorn. I mean it. I LOVE popcorn. Sometimes, I eat popcorn and drink coffee for breakfast. Sometimes, I eat popcorn for supper. Do you want to know how I make my popcorn? Well, I sure don't buy the bags to put in the microwave. I sure don't use an air popper. Nope. I don't. I use this little baby:

1TBLS of Orville Redenbacher's popcorn oil and a handful of popcorn, two minutes in the microwave and PRESTO! Perfect popcorn. It's the best deal going for $17.

Get thee one!