It's Saturday

[Chefzhat]

It's cold. I have to go take my state certification test today. I have to find time to plan lessons for next week, and also to go take care of some business for my parents. My stomach already hurts.

Kind of geeked about the Tigers! :D

Saw "Man of the Year" last night - pretty funny! Worth the price. I took my oldest son and his friend and we all ended up sitting together - wierd.

My dog is laying here next to me snoring like an old man!

I'm rambling.

Debie

[breadmama]

I'll join your rambling, Debie! Hope your testing goes well today. I've got a list of to-do's that is too long for one weekend! I'm going to try to balance things like clearing a parking space in the garage so at least one car is frost free, cleaning in the house (managing my young and somewhat reluctant work crew... :D ) and other boring things with some fun baking and reading!

I made the CL Old Fashioned Cider-Gingerbread Cake last weekend, and it was a big hit. So, since we picked apples , I'll be making more of that and probably making a big batch of applesauce in the crock pot. Mmmmm :)

I just had a friend ask me about our new Penzeys...a group of her friends was planning a field trip there! I told her about you choosing some spices and blends for me and bringing them across the state from your Penzeys! :) I still think that was so nice of you. (And nice to know I'm not alone in my enjoyment of something like that! :) )

Hope you get some fun into your weekend. And maybe a nap? :)

[phantomcg]

Good Morning, Debie!

Good luck on your state certification test!! I'm sure that you'll do great.

Today will be spent running lots of errand with DH (Post Office, return the wrong size furnace filters that he bought last week, grocery shopping, return the mountain of soda cans from the garage, etc.). We'll watch the Tigers game this afternoon and DH will need to pack as he leaves for Mexico tomorrow for work.

Tomorrow I'll be attending a baby shower for my cousin.

Well, off to the shower - have a GREAT day, everyone.

Edited to add: Good Morning Laurie!!!

Cheryl

[badunnin]

It's a Michigan klatch! G'morning Debie, Laurie and Cheryl!

Deb - I'm with you on the lesson planning today. And I have a whack of grading. And a ticket to the Tigers game. ;)

[breadmama]

Hi, Bethany and Cheryl! Hope you have great weekends!

That's all...just wanted to say hi to the Michiganders! :)

[lindrusso]

What's this? PA people only klatch on Friday and MI on Saturday? ;) :)

I prattled on about my weekend yesterday, so I'm just popping to say......

Hi Debie and good luck! I'm glad to hear you liked Man of the Year - I was hoping it would be funny. Seems like we have REALLY slim pickin's this year in the way of movies.

Laurie - I was trying to figure out what to bake today, so I'll have to go look up that gingerbread recipe you mentioned - sounds yummy. Good luck in the garage too - those kinds of tasks aren't all that fun, but it feels good when you're done. This house is the first time we can actually both park in the garage (but only because it has 3 bays so we still have room for our bikes and such).

Hi Cheryl and Bethany. :)

It looks really nice out this morning (although chilly), so I will have to take Bailey for a nice long walk to make up for the last two days that I didn't walk him at all. Bad doggy mommy.

[Chefzhat]

Laurie, if I ask "pretty please" will you post that recipe here? :D Sounds yummy!!! Good luck clearing the garage. I'd almost prefer to be doing that - I hate testing.

Cheryl!!!!! I was going to write you to say how much I love the BE tinted mineral veil you suggested. Wow. It's wonderful! Have fun doing errands!

Bethany - I have papers to grade too. I'd forgotten that. Let's hope we both get all our stuff done!!! Last night was the first night since school started that I went out for a bit of fun (but skipped our homecoming game to do it - guilt guilt guilt). Lucky you on the tigger tix - enjoy!

Alysha - I was thinking about you yesterday and how you are settling in. Hopefully well? I gotta hit your blog . . .

I think I'm going to add picking apples to my list!

Debie

[boisewinesnob]

Good luck on the test Debie. I know you'll kick butt! :D

Just checked out webcam at DS's campus and looks like all your snow is gone and the leaves are gorgeous fall colors. Wish I could visit next week for parents' weekend, but I'll be here in the NW.

I have to work later today, but stepson is in town for about 4 hours this morning on a layover so we're going to visit him in a few minutes.....which is why I am up at 5:30am :eek: :eek:

More house projects this weekend. We finally got some kind of sealer for our new door and hopefully DH can get that applied today so it can dry. I'm guessing it won't be dried in time to install it tomorrow but you never know. Will definitely post some before/after pictures. The door we have now doesn't *look* all that bad (from far away) but the previous owner's son was quite um, wild (read: partying when mom was away :rolleyes: ) so the door is pretty banged up. Here's a link to the kind of door we got:
http://www.masonite.com/PRODUCT_GUIDE/pdfs/RMP_Craftsman.pdf

Hope all of you have a great weekend :)

[lindrusso]

Alysha - I was thinking about you yesterday and how you are settling in. Hopefully well? I gotta hit your blog . . .


Yes, we're settling in well here, thanks. :) I'm just in a rut because I've hit that wall where we're unpacked (and have been since August with just a few pictures still to hang) and the kids are in school and I'm trying to figure out what to do with myself.

Not that I don't have plenty to keep me busy at home - baking, blogging, scrapbooking, etc. - but as much as I longed for that kind of time before, it is possible to have too much of that kind of time! And no, I'm not complaining that I have time to do what I like, it's nice, I just need adult interaction - something more. I need to get out and DO something. I'm a hermit!

I'm in the process of trying to sub in the school system (as an aide, not a teacher - could do the sub teaching thing but don't think I'd be good at it), so hopefully that will bring some work my way. We could really use the money too!

So, I'm going through some new-kid-on-the-block growing pains. In our last town I knew soooo many people - too many - couldn't anywhere without knowing someone - and now I know no one. Kinda lonely. Although kinda nice too - I can go to the store looking like heck and it doesn't matter! ;)

So see, that's why I ramble on and on here at the CLBB - not enough IRL adult interaction! :D

[Lauren]

Good morning all! Hello Michiganders!

It's cold here in MA and I've been holding off from putting on the heat. I think tonight it will go on! :p I'm comfy now with a fleece robe, fuzzy slippers and hot coffee.

boisewinesnob - Love your new door! I really like the Craftsman style.

Debie - good luck on your test! Hey, I finally got a pair of Dansko's and have been living in them.

[breadmama]

Hi, Debie,
Here you go! I hadn't tried this before, and was making it for a party. I wanted to be sure it was good, so I put a little batter in a ramekin and baked it along with the cake. A mini cake as chef's reward! :D I'd never done that before - and it's a trick I'll use again in the future. There was still plenty of batter left to make a beautiful cake, and I could be sure it tasted great before serving it. Gotta love that. :D

Enjoy!

Old-Fashioned Cider-Gingerbread Bundt Cake


From Cooking Light website - not sure of date




2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup blackstrap molasses
3/4 cup apple cider
1/2 cup apple butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup egg substitute or 1 egg white
1 1/3 cups shredded peeled Granny Smith apple (about 1 apple)
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.
Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour and the next 5 ingredients (flour through salt) in a bowl. Combine granulated sugar and next 5 ingredients (granulated sugar through egg substitute) in a large bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer 2 minutes. Add flour mixture; beat until well-blended. Add apple; beat well. Pour batter into a 12-cup Bundt pan coated with cooking spray. Bake cake at 350° for 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; invert cake onto a wire rack, and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar over cake.


Yield: 16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

I subbed apple sauce for apple butter, and added ¼ c ground flaxseed and 1/8 c more wwpf, as it seemed wet. Came out great and spicy!

[Chefzhat]

Debie - good luck on your test! Hey, I finally got a pair of Dansko's and have been living in them.

Told ya! :D

Laurie - BLESS YOU!!!!! Maybe I'll bake tomorrow. Bribe my teachers!

Boise - I WISH you could come next weekend!

[Lauren]

Alysha - too bad we're in different states. I'm still out of work and am bored. If we livied closer we could do lunch! :p

Next week I have to start stripping and refinishing a dresser I got from my in-laws. It's the perfect size for my guest room and the price was right ... free!

[lindrusso]

Alysha - too bad we're in different states. I'm still out of work and am bored. If we livied closer we could do lunch! :p

:D

That's the bad part......I don't even feel like I can "do lunch". ;) We are really tight with money right now because the house in IN is still for sale, so I stay home so that I won't be tempted to spend money!

I need to make the best of this free time, though, and get some scrapbooking done. I am behind 2 years or so and I just know that suddenly some job will come up and I won't have time again and will be kicking myself that I didn't get it done while I had the chance! :D

I'm sorry, I don't remember - did you get laid off or choose to leave or what? Hope something comes up for you soon!

[merley]

...i'm going to the Tigers game tonight and it's gonna be cold.

[SandyM]

Morning, Saturday klatchers. :)

Suzy - that door is gorgeous! I've loved seeing all the photos you've sent.

I'll join in the Debie-Recruited Me-To-Danskos Club. I love mine. :) Good luck with the certification test, Deb.

I just talked to my best friend in western NY - they don't think they'll get power back until Tuesday. She's lucky though - her DH owns a construction business, so they have a generator. Her daughter's 8th birthday party is tomorrow, and she's not sure if families will send their kids over. She's all ready, but she was going to make a cake - she said she can run out and get one, but she's going to poll the group and see who all will be attending. Her 10 year old son is just miserable about no TV or video games. :rolleyes: She sat him down and gave him a reality check on just how lucky he is. :)

It's gorgeous today. I'm cleaning up from a little sangria get-together last night, and I have an appointment for a hair cut and pedicure this afternoon. Yay! After that I'm going out with my brother and SIL to watch the Tigers game.

Hey Cheryl - lets hook up for dinner next week. I'll come to you. :D

[Lauren]

Alysha - I hear you on the idea of staying home to avoid purchasing temptation.

My job was eliminated in June, after I had been there over 5 years. New owner brings lots of changes ... I was happy to take my package and enjoy some down time with the kids. I am looking now and having been seeing some good opportunities.

Sandy - enjoy your haircut and pedicure! :D

[Canice]

I have no idea what the weather is: it's 7:15 and nearly dark out yet. I've been up for over an hour and I'm pretty sure I have NEVER been up at 6:00 on a Saturday morning in my life. DBF's brother is visiting and we have to leave for the farmers' market at 8:15 (shopping for them, and cooking class for me) so with three of us using one bathroom I thought I'd get up and get ready early so as keep traffic moving!

Great door, Suzy! We're big fans of Arts & Crafts as well (and have all the bruised feet and knees to prove it). Our next house will be a Craftsman for sure.

I wear my Dansko's a lot too, and would like to go on record as having bought them without agonizing over the choice and exhausting the BB analysis and debate...unlike, say, my purse or Le Creuset! :p Oh wait, I did come back and ask for advice on the fit AFTER I'd bought them. Never mind - all purchase decisions of mine are now officially returned to the BB.

[Robyn1007]

Hi everyone!

Debie good luck on your test!

Hi to everyone else, it sounds like there are some great days planned.

I just have to share with someone, I went on a first date last night and it went really well. I got a text message on my way home from him saying he had a good time and wants to get together again soon. :) Its been too long since I have had a real date and even longer since its been a good one. ETA: The first thing he noticed were the red shoes I posted here awhile back. He thought they were great. :D

Tomorrow, I think I'm going skiing. :eek: :D Arapahoe Basin opened yesterday! But in order to make that happen I have to get a lot done today, cleaning, weekly cooking, pull out ski gear and winter bed stuff.

[lindrusso]

My job was eliminated in June, after I had been there over 5 years. New owner brings lots of changes ... I was happy to take my package and enjoy some down time with the kids. I am looking now and having been seeing some good opportunities.


Ah, June was our crazy month, so that's probaby why I don't remember!

I'm glad you're making the most of it with the kiddos.

That's what's hard about trying to find a job. I want something in the school system so I can be home when they get home and be home with them during the summer. I hate the idea of them hanging around the house all summer with nothing to do (we're out in the country, so they couldn't even walk to anything) alone while I work. I wouldn't make enough money to make it cost-effective to send them to camp or some other sort of child care. Something just a few hours a day during the summer wouldn't be bad though..........

Decisions, decisions!

Hello to Robyn, Sandy, Canice and Suzy. :)

[raka1214]

Can I join in - even though I live in KY???

I really do envy all you that are able to get all your running around done today!!!! I usually have Sats. off but am having to work all day today - which really bums me out! It is so beautiful here - chilly but the sun is shining bright.

Was doing laundry at 4:00 this morning - just so I could get some of my weekly stuff done. Oh well, it could be worse I reckon - no laundry done at all.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend - enjoy your time with your families and doing all the mundane things that make up life!!!!

[jjsooner73]

I just have to share with someone, I went on a first date last night and it went really well. I got a text message on my way home from him saying he had a good time and wants to get together again soon. :) Its been too long since I have had a real date and even longer since its been a good one. ETA: The first thing he noticed were the red shoes I posted here awhile back. He thought they were great. :D


Woohoo Robyn! Maybe you could send some karma my way? Keep us posted!

My weekend consists of getting my house clean and decluttered, getting my guest bed set up, unpacking still more boxes, and going up to my classroom and working some. I doubt I have any social interaction at all. I do have company coming in Thursday, so am motivated to get things done...but am sort of overwhelmed right now.

I'm bummed that the OU football game is on FSN and I don't have cable...I need to find it on the radio, though that's just not the same.

btw Robyn-my friends that live in Loveland are moving to St. Louis soon! I'm excited for them (promotion for her) but sad that that may mean no more trips to CO for a while.

[Robyn1007]

Woohoo Robyn! Maybe you could send some karma my way? Keep us posted!

btw Robyn-my friends that live in Loveland are moving to St. Louis soon! I'm excited for them (promotion for her) but sad that that may mean no more trips to CO for a while.

I'll try to send some but I need everything I can get here! Oh, and you always have me to come visit here! :D Do you ski? Come ski this year!

[jjsooner73]

I'll try to send some but I need everything I can get here! Oh, and you always have me to come visit here! :D Do you ski? Come ski this year!

Well-you're a ski instructor, right? I am willing to learn!
Actually, I've always wanted to learn, but have never had the opportunity.

Forgot to mention--another thing I am doing today and using my new Dyson Animal vacuum! I can't believe I'm so excited about a vacuum cleaner. :D

[Lauren]

Jennifer - You'll love the Dyson! I bought one over the summer and it's great at sucking up Molly, my yellow lab's hair. :D

Kim - too bad you're working today. Hope you have a fun Sunday planned!

[colleency]

Debie, you've probably already taken your test by now, but good luck anyway!

Go, Tigers!

The date sounds fun, Robyn.

It sounds like everyone's keeping busy today.

We've been working for the last couple of Saturdays on cleaning DH's workroom. There's still so much to do! Today's the day I'm tackling the closet where we both keep our costumes, as well as potential costume pieces. I'm in horror of the things I'm going to have to decide to get rid of. :( Of course, I'm sure we no longer need the costume with three pantlegs and two shirtcollars (Zaphod Beeblebrox).

Tonight we're going to a Halloween tea. The dress code is Victorian, Goth, Formal or Halloween costume. I'm deciding between Elvira, medieval gown, Victorian bathing suit, and a kind of 1890s dress made out of terribly shiny poly material. :rolleyes:

I'm enjoying what the newscasters at the top of every network newschannel were calling Stormwatch 2006. One of the newscasters, standing in a completely dry street last night, said that we were experiencing fierce scattered showers. Yes, folks. It's sprinkling.

I'm trying to let DH sleep as long as possible, since he's been having an asthma attack for the last week. He seems to breathe better when he's asleep.

Thanks for letting me ramble on.

[Kayaksoup]

Debie, hope the test went well!
Robyn, happy to hear your date went well :D
Sandy, have a good spa time. What are these Tiger's you speak of? There is a sport other than hockey?? :p

Hello everyone else!! (I got here way too late to be able to remember everyone)

I got a surprise at work yesterday ~ the sous chef didn't see my name on the schedule, so I didn't end up being on the lists for today. Free day off!! :D I am celebrating by making Cranberry Chutney, followed by an apple spice bar from a cookbook I get to review, Fritter's for a blog event and probably chicken noodle soup and plain old cranberry sauce as well. Tomorrow I am making Chocolate Madelines from the same cookbook ~ except I can't seem to track down Marshmallo Fluff. :confused:

[Kayaksoup]

Colleen, I am sorry to hear about your DH's asthma. You suffer from it as well, don't you? I take a steroid/bronchodialator fro my asthma, but my doctor recently put me on reflux medication to treat it. He said asthma is often linked to/caused by reflux disease.

[Beth]

Afternoon already, but I'll say hello from Texas where the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the aire dry and I can't believe the thermometer says 80 degrees. Well, the other one says 76, and that plus a very gentle breeze feels about right. It's gorgeous.

Okay. It's supposed to rain this afternoon or tonight and tomorrow. I'm not gloating -- I'm savoring. ;) :D

Robyn, hope the nice date is the first of many more.

Jennifer -- sending you wishes and vibes for the same soon.

Alysha, boy do I understand the phase you are in. Do you knit or have any crafting hobbies? This could be some good time to get ready for the holidays. What about taking a seasaonal job for some extra money between now an the holidays and while the school thing gets going? Pick a store where you will buy things you need or gift and take advantage of the employee discount.

Debie, I'm glad you liked Man of the Year. I want to go see that one, but have promised my son that Open Season would be on the agenda this weekend.

DH is working on cleaning the garage so we have a place to park the cabinets when they arrive. I'm starting to pack the seasonal china and relocating the pantry. I really hate to pack the bakeware when it's getting cool and the baking mode wants to set in, but that will go next. The oven is the first appliance I lose -- then the cooktop. This is so bizarre -- I can't believe it is really happening!

Everyone else, have a great weekend. I need to get to work.


ETA:
Colleen, hope DH is feeling better.

Linda, that's interesting. My dad had a perpetual cough (this first cancer scare) and it turned out to be reflux related -- irritation of the esophagus. I guess the brochial irritation would be a logical progression. Hope that helps!

[oceanjasper]

Tomorrow I am making Chocolate Madelines from the same cookbook ~ except I can't seem to track down Marshmallo Fluff. :confused:

Not sure where you shop, but at Superstore, they have it in the aisle with the potato chips, popcorn, and canned nuts. I think it is with the ice cream toppings, i.e. hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, etc. Good luck!

I just spent an hour cleaning out my vehicle (hopefully to get the most out of a trade-in this afternoon, if all goes well!). My niece has soccer this afternoon, so I am going to watch her play. Of course, it looks like it might start to rain!

Hope that everyone has a great weekend!

[Kayaksoup]

OJ, I just left Stupidstore... looked everywhere BUT that aisle. :rolleyes:
Beth good luck with your remodel. I know it will be aggravating to be without your kitchen, but I am sure it will be worth it all in the end!
I just read your early Thanksgiving thread. So glad to hear that things are looking up for your father.

[lindrusso]

Alysha, boy do I understand the phase you are in. Do you knit or have any crafting hobbies? This could be some good time to get ready for the holidays. What about taking a seasaonal job for some extra money between now an the holidays and while the school thing gets going? Pick a store where you will buy things you need or gift and take advantage of the employee discount.


Hi Beth. I would miss the baking too! But you'll still have Dec, Jan and Feb! And a nice shiny new kitchen to do it in. :)

Hobbies - I scrapbook and started taking up jewelry making too. I really need to do both, I just have had a hard time motivating myself now that there's no schedule. The problem is I'm really bad about getting things done when I'm at home - I do better if I get out of the house.

Yes - getting ready for the holidays! You're right! With money being tight, I should probably come up with a list of homemade goodies and get cracking!

Thanks Beth. :)

Seasonal job - I've thought about that. I'd kind of like to avoid nights (we have activities nearly every night of the week) and weekends which is hard to do in retail. Still, I guess it couldn't hurt to go see if anyone needs someone M-F, 10-2. ;) Having worked in retail I know that even in the rare times that we hired someone to work those hours, we were always calling them and begging them to come in when someone else called off. :rolleyes:

In a few months, I might be wishing I had all this unstructured time so I need to make the most of it! I think I'm just a bit depressed and having a delayed reaction to the move. I just need to clear my head, adjust, and get moving..............

[Robyn1007]

Well-you're a ski instructor, right? I am willing to learn!
Actually, I've always wanted to learn, but have never had the opportunity.

Forgot to mention--another thing I am doing today and using my new Dyson Animal vacuum! I can't believe I'm so excited about a vacuum cleaner. :D

Actually, I coach ski racing which is a bit different. These guys already know how to ski and I'm coaching more on racing technique and such. But, Catharine and I found a great lesson set up last year that I would highly recommend.

[Chefzhat]

Okay, I'm back. :D What a LONG test. 2.5 hours of bubble sheets and history questions. But I think I did okay.

Boise, tell your son that I took the test in Heimenga Hall on Calvin's campus. They were having a wedding at the chapel next door - so I got to see a pretty bride! Not a great day for a wedding though . . . brrrrrr.

Off to lesson plan.

Debie

[jjsooner73]

Actually, I coach ski racing which is a bit different. These guys already know how to ski and I'm coaching more on racing technique and such. But, Catharine and I found a great lesson set up last year that I would highly recommend.

So I probably couldn't jump right in to racing technique? :D

I'm so bummed. OU's Heisman candidate Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone today. I'm taking friends to the game next week, but will miss seeing him. He is probably going pro after this season, so I'll never get to see him grace the field in OU uniform again. :( This season is turning out really bad for OU.

[Beth]

Having worked in retail I know that even in the rare times that we hired someone to work those hours, we were always calling them and begging them to come in when someone else called off. :rolleyes:

Ah, but wouldn't it feel great to be needed? ;)



In a few months, I might be wishing I had all this unstructured time so I need to make the most of it!

That's the classic problem, when there's money, there's not time. When you have the time, you don't have the money or the energy. :) Been there too. Take small steps and chisel away what you can. Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed, I can take a few small steps adn feel the load lighten. When that little voice starts saying "just chisel away -- a little at a time" it seems thing usually start rolling and gaining momentum again.

Hang in there -- you probably will wonder where the time went before you know it.

[colleency]

Wow! Reflux? I wouldn't have thought it. DH's asthma is caused by getting sick. Whenever he gets flu or something, he gets asthma. I had a cold about two weeks ago, which he was mostly successful in fighting off, until he got stung by a bee between his eyes. It turns out he's allergic to bee stings. He didn't stop breathing, but the swelling wouldn't go away until he got a steroid shot, and it triggered his asthma. We haven't figured out why I get it yet, but it seems to be triggered by stress/panic and allergies.

Linda, I hope you post the apple spice bars, if they're good. I've been vaguely looking for one that is somewhat similar to pie: crispy on the bottom with apple slices.

Oceanjasper, a new car! Good luck.

Alysha, if you're having a hard time getting motivated on your hobbies, maybe you could form a craft or scrapbooking group to meet once a week. I just did this with a sewing circle. While we don't get a lot done, because we chat so much, it actually motivates me to get stuff done in between meetings.

[oceanjasper]

Oceanjasper, a new car! Good luck.

Thanks, colleency! Well, I didn't end up buying the car I test drove. I really liked how it drove, but the people who owned it previously (for only 6,000 km) had a dog and the back seats were really trashed. Disappointing, but it made me realize that what I really want is a brand new one! :D

[colleency]

How fun !