Friday Klatch (8/4)

[lindrusso]

Good morning. :)

It's supposedly in the process of cooling off around here, but maybe not as much as they said it would. Earlier in the week they were saying low 80s, now it's upper 80s but LESS HUMIDITY which I will certainly welcome with open, drier underarms.

Our plans this weekend are similar to last weekend, just different faces. We're headed once again to my SILs in New Hope, but instead of hanging out with old college friends, we'll be hanging out with family. MIL has whipped up a birthday party for my 2 SILs (one is her daughter) and myself - all 3 of us (along with all my college friends too, for that matter) turn (or have turned) 40 this year.

She's treating us to a crab feast. Yum! We just had crabs in OBX, but you can never have too many steamed MD crabs - especially after living in a krab state for so long.

The boys will be going to stay with my MIL/FIL after the party and they will bring them back to us later in the week - that way they can sneak in a visit to the new house. DH and will be looking forward to trying at least one of the wonderful-sounding restaurants on our "to-try" list.

Other than that it's just boring stuff like taking my car in to be checked today, doing laundry to get the boys ready, packing for the boys, etc.

Take care everyone. :)

[fci5767]

Have a wonderful time in New Hope. I haven't been there since I've left PA but I used to love to go there. I heard they had a lot of flood damage earlier this year. I hope your family was unaffected.

I'm going to have a pretty lazy day. I go back to work on Tuesday so I'm going to do as little as possible over the next few days. I do need to finish the blasted bunk beds. I now wish I had just worked on them straight through. This bits and pieces approach dragged out the whole project. I think I will go looking at cribs this weekend. It's a tax free weekend in NC but not on the things I really need right now (just clothes, school supplies, computer stuff, etc.) I'd love to go shopping for me (I'm down another clothes size :) ) but that's going to have to wait until next month.

Mmmm, crabs. I haven't been to OBX in a few years (since before it got so popular.) I may have to drive down there after the season ends.

[linsleyd]

Good morning everyone. Not much on the plate this weekend, working a bit on the house and then heading to the Bethlehem Muic Festival either Saturday or Sunday.

Alysha, we had crabs in OBX, too. They were fantastic! Enjoy New Hope!

fci, congrats on losing the clothing size, hopefully it's gone for good!

[lindrusso]

heading to the Bethlehem Muic Festival either Saturday or Sunday.


Hi Linsley - ACK! I keep forgetting about Musikfest. We could sneak it in on Sunday, but we're bringing Bailey.

I promised myself we wouldn't miss it this year since we're finally close enough to go again! We're going to have to fit it in somewhere........

Have fun! Maybe we'll see you and not know it on Sunday. We keep showing up in the same places........ ;)

Beth - My SIL is far enough from the river that they weren't effected. Have fun with all of your bed projects. :)

[Robyn1007]

Good morning all,

Alysha, I'm jealous, I would love a crab feast! Enjoy the time with just DH.

Linsley, have fun at the music fest.

Beth, good luck on those bunk beds!

I am heading to Austin today for the night to spend time with my sister. I mentioned at the end of last week's klatch that I've never spent time with her without our parents (her mom is married to my dad, they have been for over 20 years now) since we were kids so the winery last weekend and visiting at her home in Austin this weekend is a real treat.

On Saturday, my 12 year old brother (his dad is married to my mom) arrives here in Houston for 2 nights. This is quite a challenge because he has many issues (he's been in a special school for awhile) and we are concerned about safety of our things and my mom and our cats. I don't want him here without me around to be another buffer, especially with my mom in a neck brace and still recovering from surgery. Please send your good vibes this way that everything goes okay.

Hi to everyone else!
Robyn

[Gracie]

Good morning all!

We have a super-busy weekend and week ahead. We are hosting 2 neighbor couples for brunch on Sunday. Andy will make Eggs Benedict, pancakes, scrambled eggs, steak and potatoes and I'm making banana bread, blueberry crisp, cracked wheat bread and we're going to buy tiny Danishes.

Then I have to start baking for next weekend's catering project of my friend's 50th BD. I want to bake the carrot cake and the 2 yellow cakes and freeze those layers, make the frostings and the cookie and brownie doughs. Then later this week I'll bake the cookies and brownies. Andy will prep the salads later in the week.

We still have to figure out the best way to transport all of this to the Vineyard on Friday when the party isn't until Sunday. The only car that can go over has a Friday reservation (my friend's car) so everything has to be ready Thursday night. Andy and I may bring the prepped ingredients for the potato and pasta salad in a cooler when we go over on Saturday and put them together Saturday night.

I thought about baking the cookies there Sat night too, but I have no idea what's in the house's kitchen so I'd have to send baking pans, parchment, scoops, etc with my friend. I'm still not sure if I should do that or just bake them Thursday night. Then I'd have to pack the cookies so they wouldn't break. Any ideas for me about the best way to handle the whole cookie situation? Do you think they'd be stale if I baked them on Thursday night?

This also means we have serious grocery shopping to do. I'm going to go to Haymarket - our huge farmer's market tomorrow morning to get the best deals on "non-perishable" produce like onions, potatoes, celery, etc, but now I know why bakeries charge so much money. I need 7 pounds of butter to make 3 cakes, 6 batches of cookies and 2 batches of brownies and that's just a start! Baking ingredients are expensive!

Alysha - what's OBX and where is New Hope? I grew up in MD and there is nothing like Bay Seasoning-steamed crabs!

Beth - YAY on going down a clothes size!! I just threw out an old pair of khakis and now I'm in the next size down. It's not an across-the-board size down in everything but it's a start.

Linsley - how are you? Good to "see" you again!

Loren

[lindrusso]

Robyn - Good vibes coming your way. :)

Loren - OBX=Outer Banks. New Hope is in PA, on the Delaware River, so just across the river from NJ. It's a pretty, artsy-fartsy kinda town. If you've never been to the Bucks County area, you should come - it's beautiful.

I lived in MD for about 8 years and grew up feasting on steamed crabs. Our whole family loves them, but my mom and dad wash the Old Bay off. Wimps. :D

Wow - you are busy! Could you maybe make little dough logs and then just slice and bake the cookies at the house? That way you'd only have cookie sheets, parchment and a spatula to bring. What kind of cookies? Some do better over a few days than others - some would definitely not be as good after 3 days. Another option - you could bake them and freeze them - that way they'd keep.

Good luck! :)

[cniles]

Wow - you all sound super busy!!

Alysha - have fun at your 40th!!! birthday party - mine is in 3 weeks!! ;) I love New Hope. Miss the Philly area!

Loren - I've been following your Martha's Vineyard adventure - GOOD LUCK!! I don't have any tips for packing the cookies other than good tupperware and layers of wax paper. Have fun!

Robyn - Enjoy your visit with your sister. Sister time (without parents) is a good thing to do. Sending good vibes for your brother's visit.

Linsley - ahhh Music Fest!! Who's headling this year?

fci5767 - good luck with the bunk beds.. Luckily I had Dh put ours together (and now they're apart!)

Well things here are a bit stressed. My grandmother is dying - it's been up and down since Easter.... I think we'll be flying out to Iowa on Sunday or Monday (depending on when the funeral is) Let's just say it's been a very emotional 4 months and it's so time for her to let go and be at peace.

In the meantime my MIL is here (just bought a house 11 miles from us! :o ) She's staying with the boys when we leave. So this morning we're going over to start cleaning the house so she can move in. I just want to fast forward a week please!!!

[Gracie]

What kind of cookies? Some do better over a few days than others - some would definitely not be as good after 3 days. Another option - you could bake them and freeze them - that way they'd keep.

Good luck! :)

I'm making

1) Chocolate chips - the recipe with the pudding that Anna loved in her blog way back when - I've never made these

2) Snickerdoodles - I've never made these

3) White Chocolate/Cranberry/Oatmeal from The Baker's Field Guide to Christmas Cookies. I make these every year at Christmas to raves. They are pretty sturdy.

4) the Farm at Beverly Hills brownies - these are very delicate and don't keep. I've never frozen them and I dont' think I will this time, either. They are my biggest headache.

If I froze cookies that I baked Thursday night, they will be leaving the house Friday noon time and probably won't stay frozen anyway. Would it still help to freeze them?

It's one thing to cater a BBQ/party and a whole other thing to have to prepare everything 3 days before it's eaten and transport it in coolers! :D

All ideas are welcome!!

Loren

[lindrusso]

If I froze cookies that I baked Thursday night, they will be leaving the house Friday noon time and probably won't stay frozen anyway. Would it still help to freeze them?

Can they go back in the freezer once you arrive?

It all sounds complicated.

FWIW - brownies usually freeze very well. However, given the different texture of the ones you're making (they are so rich and moist), I'm not sure if it would effect them or not. Maybe you could post to the food board and see if anyone's frozen them before?

[pointerhaven]

Good morning everyone, I have just joined this BB and have enjoyed reading about the cooking, food, excercise and everything.

Just a little intro: I'm Wanda, I live in Hanover, VA (Richmond sub), married 35 yrs and have 1 grown daughter. We live in the country, which I love, and I have three English Pointers, hince my name Pointerhaven. I also do rescue for this breed. I love gardening and cooking and being with people who love food.

This thread is near to my heart as we are going on Sunday to Cobb Island, MD to eat crabs...yes steamed hot and spicy Maryland Crabs. This place is only 1.25 hrs from my place in VA. It's a beautiful drive and we always enjoy the day. Then on the way back we stop at the Elk Lodge (also in MD) and buy Ribs or Chicken for Supper...It is to die for good. This old black man and his wife do the cooking and the meats are so tender and wonderfully spiced and the potatoe salad is a dream come true.

On Saturday, I will be doing a Rescue Transport to the Northern VA area. If they need another driver, if not I hopefully will be working in the yard, if it's cooler. Does any one else live near Richmond?

Wanda

[fci5767]

Ok, I just realized that today is Friday and not Saturday. Good, that gives me another day. Sorry for jumping into your Friday Klatch, though.

I still have many sizes to go but each one lost is great. No money to buy new ones right now, so it's a good thing my students don't start for another month. Getting ready to foster has been a lot more expensive than I anticipated and I haven't even gotten a placement yet. I'm excited though.

I have been to the Bethlehem Music Festival before (my mom just moved from Quakertown.) I remember having a lot of fun.

Wanda, my mother and stepfather just moved to Chesterfield. They don't cook, though. They are really liking it in the area.

Well, maybe I'll go try out the pool. Yesterday it was like bathwater so I'm assuming it will be the same today. Ick.

Have a great day.

[GingerPow]

Wow, you are a group of busy people!

Alysha, have a great time in New Hope. I used to live in Doylestown and I hung out in New Hope quite a bit. I used to love the "Sagittarius Bookstore" and found some fascinating reading there at least every other week. Enjoy your visit to that fabulous, funky town and enjoy those crabs! Yum, Old Bay!
Side note: you know what is great with seafood w/ Old Bay? Make spicy Bloody Mary's, rim the glass with lemon or lime then dip in Old Bay. Whoo-hoo good stuff!

Beth, first of all, congrats on going down one clothing size! That is a great feeling and even better is when you go shopping next month and try on that new size! As far as the bunk beds, I have learned when I have a project hanging over my head (and I always do) I picture it finished. Don't think about what it takes to get it finished - close your eyes for a minute and form a vision of it completed and looking great. Sometimes we (I) get stuck in the details. You can do this!

Linsleyd - Enjoy the Music Festival - what a fun thing to do!

Robyn - You sound like a fabulous big sister! Enjoy your time with your sister, and I hope that all goes well with your brother.

Gracie - Your Sunday brunch will be wonderful, what a menu. :p And all of the baking and cooking - you will be busy! Your baking list sounds delicious - Snickerdoodles are a snap to make! White Chocolate/Cranberry/Oatmeal cookies are a favorite in our house as well.

Cniles - I'm sorry to hear that your grandmother is so ill. Thank goodness your MIL is going to stay with the children so you can go to Iowa.

Wanda - Welcome to the board! You'll have a great time here, but be warned - it's addicting! :D English Pointers are wonderful dogs, it's the only breed my uncle has ever or would ever have. You enjoy those crabs too!

I'm getting ready for our vacation in gorgeous Vermont for most of August. DH and DS will be driving up on Sunday. I'm driving DD#2 and the dogs up on Tuesday because DD has a doctor's appointment we need to work around.

It's a good time to get away to a beautiful, peaceful place because DD is having a tough time with her "friends" lately, and needs a respite. Either it's the age, (almost 15) or just the characters :rolleyes: around her, but she is finding out who she can trust and who she can't. Sadly, the list of friends that she can count on is short.

I've explained we're better off with true friends we can count with one hand than a bunch of shallow friendships, but it still hurts her. It breaks my heart to see her going through this, especially since she is such a sincere and sweet little thing. :( Her big sister helped her out with this yesterday - DD#1 doesn't take anyone's BULL-oney! ;)

I wish we all really were sitting around a kitchen table with a big pot of coffee having this klatch. :o

So this weekend is finishing laundry, cleaning, putting the outside flower pots in the path of the sprinklers...details details details. I'm also packing my new ice cream maker. Even though Ben and Jerry will be waiting for me, I still want to make ice cream using that great Vermont milk & cream. :p Take care everyone, have a great weekend!
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/MurphChessLinus/Weekendcocktail.gif

[SDMomChef]

Welcome Wanda! I'm somewhat of a "lurker" - I've been a member for a couple of years, but I post only a couple of times a week. I love this BB community!

This is my "first" post on the Friday Klatch - I'm in the Midwest, so we don't live close to the coasts for fresh seafood! :(

I can't wait for this week to be over. I had to terminate an employee, and then one of my favorite clients passed away unexpectedly and his funeral is today. He died of a heart attack...and he's only 36. Needless to say, that has caused me to get serious about forcing myself into a regular exercise plan...and doing my will. No excuses....

For the weekend - it is going to be fairly quiet. I'll probably take the kids to the swimming pool on Saturday. Sunday we will have to go shopping for back to school episode - which is a combined measure of testing my patience and my fortitude (no, no, no, no).

[linsleyd]

Wow, lot's to reply to, let's see if I can do this!!

Robyn, enjoy your time with your sister and hopefully everything works out with your brother.

Charisse, I hope things go ok with your grandmother and she finds it in her to go finally. Such a hard time.

Ginger, enjoy Vermont. I love that state! It's probably the age, when my SIL was 15 until about 17 (which was just Feb.) she has had a difficult time with girlfriend. Unfortunatly now she has a boyfriend and no girlfriends.


Welcome Wanda!


Loren, good luck with the catering I have absolutly no advice for you! Sorry!

Alysha, we do seem to be quite near one another lately! I haven't been to the Fest for about 7 years since we used to work there. I don't remember who is headlining though I know Carrie Underwood and Alice in Chains will be there.

[tbb113]

Morning all

Not much planned here for this weekend. I had a job interview yesterday that I don't think I got. I keep scoring points for personality and losing points for skills. Since they wanted 2 years of internet experience and I have 0 years...I would be shocked if I got the job.

The process keeps bringing home to me how little I want to stay in IS. Just can't figure out what else will bring me the necessary income.

I have booked my first non-friend Simply Fun party for the end of August :) While I know this will never replace my income...it would be nice to bring in a little on the side.

Beth - congratulations on the weight loss.

[LakeMartinGal]

Good day, all! This weekend will probably follow the usual formula... laundry today, swimming the dogs (and me) the next couple of days, out to lunch and dinner on Saturday. DH will probably fly his model airplanes on Sunday, leaving me to eat leftovers! Not a problem! And then the week starts again...

GingerPow -- will you have computer access in VT? If not, we'll sure miss you... have a great time. I hope DD2 decompresses while you're gone - that is certainly a difficult time in a girl's life, as you may remember!

Wanda -- welcome to the BB! Glad to have you here, and look forward to hearing from you... Check out the Game of the Week threads, and maybe join us!

SDMomChef -- I'm so sorry about your client! That must be very difficult. I hate funerals... of course, I don't know anyone who likes them, but they are very difficult. I empathize. Enjoy your time at the pool with the girls, and the shopping!

Alysha - have a fun weekend... Bailey will probably like the music, too! ;) mmm, crabs!

Beth - congrats on less of you! I don't know if I've told you, but I think that your fostering is brave and wonderful! BTW, even a warm pool is good... you're cooler when you come out!

Loren - good luck on your catering... don't sweat the snickerdoodles - they are easy and GOOD! DD1's favorite cookie! The secret is half butter, half shortening!

LinsleyD - enjoy the music... don't work too hard on the house!

Robyn -- enjoy time with the sis...good luck with the brother! Sounds like a tricky situation... When do you go back to CO?

Cniles -- prayers for your family in their bereavement, and God's Grace to your grandmother...

If I missed anybody, I apologize... :o Happy weekend, all! :D

[Robyn1007]

LakeMartinGal, I'm not sure when I'm heading back to CO. We bought a one way ticket because it all depends on jobs and mom's recovery. At this point, if I get a job, I could leave but since I don't have one I'm staying here. I am working on projects for them (putting a faux finish on the fireplace mantle and chimney) and stuff so that keeps me somewhat busy.

[GingerPow]

Good day, all! This weekend will probably follow the usual formula... laundry today, swimming the dogs (and me) the next couple of days, out to lunch and dinner on Saturday. DH will probably fly his model airplanes on Sunday, leaving me to eat leftovers! Not a problem! And then the week starts again...

GingerPow -- will you have computer access in VT? If not, we'll sure miss you... have a great time. I hope DD2 decompresses while you're gone - that is certainly a difficult time in a girl's life, as you may remember!
I do, but I don't remember it being this extreme. Either I forgot, or we were more laid back. I just don't recall the cattiness and back biting. :confused: I may start a thread on that topic someday.

We have dial up in VT - takes 40 forevers and ties up the one phone line. I'll check in at some point, but it won't be much. :(

I'll have alot of reading to do to catch up with what I'll be missing when I return. In the meantime, I'll be thinking of you, wondering what is being discussed and is Kay swimming in her lake? :D Keep cool!

[lindrusso]

Hello again.

Well, Kay, no go on bringing Bailey to Musikfest - I just checked the site and no dogs on the grounds. I figured that would probably be the case. Imagine the chaos??? We may just have to suck it up and wait until next year. Or see if the kennel can take Bailey at the last minute....... ;)

Ginger - Mmm...those Bloody Marys sound good. But I'd better stick to beer - I'm a beer, wine and champagne girl who only very occasionally ventures to the hard stuff. It has bit on the butt too many times..... ;) Best of luck with your daughter. The best you can do is put it out there and hope that it resonates at some level. I can never understand people who say they'd like to be teenagers again - I wouldn't go back to that time for anything! Now, my early 20s in college - yeah, you bet. :D

Welcome Wanda - hope you enjoy our crabs too. :)

Sherri - I hear you on the Midwest thing - Indiana wasn't much better. :)

Charisse - Hope things go as well as they can with your grandmother.

Time to take the boys - and dog - to the creek as promised. We've been couped up a lot lately........

[GingerPow]

I can never understand people who say they'd like to be teenagers again - I wouldn't go back to that time for anything! Me neither.

Now, my early 20s in college - yeah, you bet. :D
I hear you! If I could go back knowing what I know now... :D That would be very interesting! ;)
Enjoy that creek!