I think I'm toasted!

Justin and I bought a loaf of bread at the Fall Festival on Saturday from one of the stands. Slicing bread is not my strong suit but somehow I have mastered it, cutting pieces for my breakfast. Who would think two slices would be so incredibly filling?? Wow, I feel as though I had a four-course feast instead of my buttered toasted bread! We have one more piece of bread left which will work well for my leftover meatloaf sandwich at lunch time---if I am hungry enough by then!

When Justin baked our meatloaf the other night, he had a problem getting it from the oven. The foil pan the loaf came in had a little flex to it. When he grabbed it, some of the juice/grease schlupped onto the floor of the oven, and beyond it. The next morning I saw streaks of grease down the oven door and, yes, onto the floor. This calls for an oven auto-cleaning! So, so thankful for this feature on my oven. Plus some wiping up with a hot, soapy cloth, my weapon of choice!                                  

                                   

Even though the sudsy water is my favorite, climbing inside the oven to wipe up the residue is NOT my favorite. This is where a young and able son comes in. He is so achy and sore all the time but is still more nimble than am I. When I got home from Bible study, I checked the inside of the oven and found it somewhat sparkly, but failed to check the drawer below the oven. I had asked him to wipe that out as well, since it is also a collection point for residue. My oven has been used more in the nearly one year he has been here than it has since I moved in!

Last night at BIC, Pastor mentioned that next week we will not have class as he will be in MN to meet his soon-to-be born granddaughter. He offered to send the lessons via Internet to those interested in order to work ahead. I mentioned that by tonight I would be caught up (I had missed several classes last time through due to being in WI), so I did not need the lessons. He also announced no Thursday classes for two weeks at which point I put my head on the table in sorrow. My spirit will starve!!!

When the class was over, Pastor leaned forward and asked, "So, Kim, does this mean you won't be joining us any longer?" Oh, my! Emphatically (really???) I expressed my desire to continue the class, claiming it to be the highlight of my week. The young couple in the class looked at me, and I told them, "I have a boring life!"  Pastor H.said he was glad I enjoy it so much and am willing to make the trek across the river twice a week to be fed with the Word.  "Please, sir, may I have some more?"

A busy head

Not like I didn't expect this to happen to me but I dislike it nonetheless. I cannot get to sleep! Justin tried going to bed, too, but got up again. He has to work early in the morning. I think he did manage to go to sleep, having taken a Mucinex and perhaps something else to stop his sniffling. He blames it on the fresh air, since we had doors and his windows opened. Not mentioning the fact that he is out in it all day long! Ever since he lost his left ear's hearing due to the virus, he experiences post nasal drip. Very annoying for him, and for those who listen to him trying to keep his throat clear. Usually he takes a 12 hour medication and he is able to manage but the pill wears off!

Both of us were keyed up before and during part of the debate but we faded fast. What we had hoped to hear was not there in the force expected. As I told Justin, we got spoiled in Debate #1, thinking they could all be home runs. The spin doctors will lay it all out tomorrow (or rather, later this morning) but most consider it a tie for now. Nothing huge or game changing happened, which is, I guess, a good thing. The undecided and independent voters likely won't be swayed by foreign policy any way. The one focus group of undecideds were wildly impressed with Mitt's performance which gives me hope.

*****

The other day Twila asked me how much longer we'd be studying the psalms on Monday mornings, and I told her I had it written down somewhere at home. In cleaning off the desk, I found the paper, which showed two more psalms to go through yet, including Psalm 119!! That should take us well into November! 

After Bible study, only four of us went to lunch, Judy C. being absent due to it being picture day at her grandkids' school. She is helping with that and might get a deal on the picture packages. Anyway, I decided to change it up a little and ordered what I thought was a BLT with sirloin steak on it. What actually came out was a salad, with sliced tomatoes, bacon, and a couple hunks of sirloin with a heavy seasoning on the exterior edges. Boy, did I drink soda with my lunch!! I had to laugh at myself because this was so not what I wanted or expected! Should have read the menu better. Jason offered to get me something else but I struggled through, enjoying the potato soup that came with it. Won't make that mistake again!

After lunch I went up to the Publix nearby and got rolls for our sliders. Justin planned to make them for our dinner, adding chopped onion and hand-minced garlic for flavor. I am still tasting my sirloin from lunch plus now the sliders from dinner. My friend, Linda M., sent me a recipe yesterday (actually Sunday!) for an easy refrigerator pie. I got the ingredients for that plus a few other items and then went home. 

Looks good enough to eat!

The pie needed to set for 4 hours so I mixed it up. Gotta love no-bake desserts like this! It used sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, cool whip, and a bag of frozen raspberries, in a graham cracker crust. No fuss, no muss, and so delicious!

Now I must try to calm my brain and get some rest. Tuesday night is BIC, and I have some homework to do at some point during the day. Amber has quit coming for a while, which makes me frightfully sad, but perhaps someday, she will return. Things are tough for her right now and hopefully soon she will have a bright spot. I certainly do miss having her here for Bible history and miss spending that time with her. A prayer or two on her behalf would be appreciated. Remember one for our nation, as well...

Fall-like weather

After a certain point in life, it all comes down to the weather. There was even a song written about it with the lyric: "I get all the news I need from the weather report...." Always a conversation starter, stating the obvious, or asking the obvious, such as "Cold enough for you?" At church yesterday Gretchen asked me why I had no jacket because it was substantially more chilly than previous Sunday mornings. I told her it felt like Alaska out there but many folks countered this statement, claiming they like this type of weather. Not me! (By the way, it's mid 70's during the day....)

In a couple weeks I will be having my nasty windows cleaned from the outside.  The lady just called me to confirm the appointment. It makes my stomach feel queazy just thinking of the guy standing on a ladder this high up but it is too hard on my window hardware to have them wrestle the panes from the frame to tip them down. The company which made these windows is no longer in business and the guy who makes the repairs for them is running short of replacement parts. I cherish my windows and want nothing to happen to them as a result of having the glass cleaned. It has happened before so I am not being overly concerned, just properly so. 

It is a long way up there....

When they use the tall ladder to wash the sliding glass doors, at least they have the railing to offer some 'assurance'. That 'safety' feature is not available at the windows, however. I get the willies just thinking about it now, and hope I am not home when they do it!

Sailboats on the river

This is what a beautiful day looks like!

A day for the books

Last night Justin used my car to drive to Daytona for the Romney/Ryan event, with Jesse. The crowd was huge and really needed a larger venue. Unfortunately, Justin was not able to get close enough to get his cheese head autographed. The two guys decided to stop for wings on the way back so it was quite late when he got home.

Our plans for Saturday were centered around Stephanie and Erica making the trek from Southside to OP to have breakfast with us at Grumpy's. The ladies wanted to go to the Romney/Ryan store on Fleming Island to get yard signs, decals, and t-shirts, etc. Plus, Erica had never been to my home so they were coming here as well. This is all very exciting for me!

I made sure Justin was up and ready for breakfast in time, and off we went to Grumpy's. A short wait and we were seated, saving two seats for our friends. Once they arrived, we enjoyed our time and meals together. 

They mentioned seeing the Fall Festival going on at Town Hall and asked about stopping in there. Stephanie is a crafter so would love such an event. I knew the Art Guild had a booth there where I have worked in the past. Justin looked it up on his phone and sure enough, there was a Romney/Ryan booth at the fair! One stop shopping!

Justin, my kind gentleman, dropped me off and then parked the car, having to walk several city blocks to do so. Nice! The two ladies parked at the Winn-Dixie Plaza and walked across Kingsley to the Festival. The ground was covered with straw which was sort of messy but better than walking on dirt. The food vendors lined the perimeter and boy, if only we'd not just eaten at Grumpy's......

We found the Art Guild booth right off the bat and I greeted those working, two of whom I knew. The woman I didn't know asked me, "Are the lady from the picture at Great Hang Ups, eating the ice cream?" Um, yes, that would be me! Her piece was hung right above mine in the show. Fun!

Several booths featured animals, the shelters being well represented. Our two friends love dogs and had plenty to enjoy, some in cages and some on leashes. Other vendors had pet accessories for adorning them with sport team items or even entire costumes. 

Erica is so pretty!

The day started out cooler but as we strolled the grounds, it got warmer and warmer. Even I was warm but not uncomfortable. Eventually we found the R/R booth which was crowded with people. We got the yard signs, decals, and other campaign items, much of it free. And Erica got herself a t-shirt, which she changed into in the bathroom. Everywhere on the property one could see R/R signs, with only a minute number of the opposing team's items. "Their" booth had no lines or crowds around it. 

I was drawn to a booth where the vendor had stainless steel serving and eating items embellished with beads. I bought myself a set of serving tools with cobalt blue beads wired to the handle. Justin's sales pitch to me? "They are dishwasher safe!" 

Eventually we made it around the ever-expanding show, and worked our way to the food vendors. As we looked, Justin found a booth with fresh-baked bread so we took a loaf of that. Earlier I had picked up a mini-pumpkin pie for him which was in a foam box.

Erica had seen a stand selling Filipino food so that's what she was hungry for. One stand was cooking 'soul food' and smelled so wonderful. The owner of the restaurant was standing outside the booth and greeted us as we got closer. He said to me, "Oh, you look so pretty today!" and I gave him a hug. Later, Stephanie asked me if I knew that guy and I told her, "Now I do!" 

Justin and I found a vendor selling knishes so we each took one to-go. Mine is brisket with mashed potatoes, to be eaten later. I got my heart's desire of a funnel cake and found a place to sit down. The others set off to find their heart's desire. Stephanie came back with meat on a stick, and Erica had some sort of Oriental noodle dish. Not sure what Justin ended up with, but he did bring me back a soda, without my asking!

When it was time to go, Justin went to get the car, and the ladies crossed back over Kingsley to theirs. Justin picked me up at the curb, again the gentleman, and we got home before our guests arrived. Stephanie has been here before, but never Erica. 

Once parked, and in the lobby, she was all set to move in!!! She loved the place and wants to lie down on a sleeping bag in front of the patio doors. Erica asked me how I ever leave here. It does become harder and harder, especially when all things are going well!

He calls these his 'Fred Flintstone' feet!

Justin showed us his feet when we got home, filthy black except where his flip flop straps were. Even my feet were filthy and I was wearing closed-toe shoes! Stephanie's feet were okay but her ankles were black. THAT is why they spread that annoying straw at the Festival! It was early afternoon when they went back to Southside, with just enough time for Erica to get cleaned up for her next engagement at the Riverside Arts Market. A high culture day for her, beginning with Grumpy's!!

After his nap he went grocery shopping and laid up some supplies for the coming week, including what I need to make Swedish meatballs. I forgot to tell him about the spinach, though, so will get that on another visit. Can't wait, but now, must rest after my busy day!

I loved it!!! and love my friends and my son! 

The Kim Burger

If I lived in Manitowoc, I wonder if a restaurant would name a perch sandwich after me. Maybe Harborside would do it--name it "Something Fishy Going on Here" or similar to that, incorporating my name somehow. If I ate shrimp, it would be Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp! Here, on the shores of the river, I have a burger named after me!

Wednesday evening I went to The Club, as I mentioned, to sample my personal sandwich. It turned out to be something other than a sandwich, but not being one to complain, I waited until Thursday to do so. The menu described the 'entree' as beef tips on crostini with garlic and spinach. Not really a slider, but it was described as being 'new'...

Was it ever delicious?! But with the others having the beer-tasting buffet serving the actual sliders (the 'old' ones?), well, I was disappointed. My version featured tender morsels of beef splayed on two pieces of crostini, and then draped with fresh spinach and an abundance of garlic. Oh my, the garlic! I could barely stand myself, nor could Justin stand himself, after eating it. And I DID eat the spinach!

                                                       

Well, the next morning after much brushing, rinsing, and spitting to rid my mouth of the garlic smell and taste, I wrote a note to Chef. (This name is used like it's his first name, which is actually Sheldon. I guess it's like calling your pastor Pastor). My thanks were extended for the honor of having a menu item named for me and all that BUT---

I went on to say I was thinking more along the lines of the simpler delight of a mini-burger like we had at the cabana last summer. I told him the grown-ups might like this version better, but simpler tastes as mine like a mini-burger. Justin suggested pureeing the spinach and garlic into a paste to spread over the burger, and I shared that with Chef, as well.

                                              

He wrote back and thanked me for the review. And, he is going to change it! He said it is his life's desire to make me happy (I paraphrase here...) and said the staff likes to make me smile. To which Justin replied, when I read him the note, "Oh, great!" or something like that....Chef asked me about adding cheese to it and grilled onions and I granted him permission to do so! 

I am not so difficult to please---just get the right type of hot dogs in the cabana and the right slider in The Club, and I am good! AND, I raved madly about the onion straws which were extraordinary the way they came. I would go everyday to have an order of those. I told Chef I seemingly don't mind onion breath but do mind garlic breath!

This all just makes me laugh and oh, so happy! I think they are grasping at straws (onion straws!) at The Club these days!

I can't play poker!

Several years ago when we played card games with our friends, Bruce asked me, "You don't play poker, do you, Miss Kim?" My face gives me away!

My dinner, and Justin's, came from The Club last night as I went to sample the new Lahaie Day Slider on the tapas menu. When I got there, a round table usually comfortably seating 7 or 8 people had closer to 20 around it. Two of my neighbors, Joe and Rose, were seated at the adjoining table so I plunked myself down with them. 

As people were coming in, more chairs were pulled around the first table as the circle backed away from the table. Since I was going to order food, it was best for me, and my table-mates, to stay where we were. Joe and Rose were taking part in the beer-tasting event going on which provided slider-style burgers and chicken wings, and had left the table to get their food. Mine was being delivered to me from the kitchen. 

Hugh looked up and saw me alone at the table, and I heard him say, "Kim's sitting by herself..." as he got up and came to where I was seated. He urged me to join their circle and promised me no one would use profanity or talk about live-in situations. Nice! I did explain Rose and Joe were filling their plates and would be right back, assuring him I was just fine where I was, but also thankful he was concerned for me.

The "live-in situations" comment came from the other night on the sundeck when one couple was explaining about getting their son's apartment or house ready for the girlfriend to move in with him. I don't remember reacting openly to their conversation but something must have been expressed in my face, or from him knowing me (I hope the latter), which made him say such a thing to me. I am such a pain to have around! But yet, they wanted me!

Gradually a couple ladies left that table and came over to where I was seated. Miss Chardonnay came in and sat next me, quite gingerly, as her back is giving her a fit. She was having an MRI this a.m. to see what's going on. She recently began doing yoga with our upstairs neighbor who is an instructor and I can't help but wonder if it's related. 

Betty and Kathy came over and our heads were together with Joe and Rose, talking about the debate from the night before. Miss Chardonnay was the only one not in the know, admittedly so. She took the opposite position of the rest of us, and kept trying to hush Rose. "Excuse me, I'm talking!"---just like in the debate!! 

Kathy was able to explain a few things to her but as she was speaking, I picked up my to-go bag with Justin's dinner in it, to leave. Miss C. grabbed my arm and asked me, "I didn't offend you, did I?" I assured her she had not but I did want to take Justin's dinner to him. Betty was concerned about my walking home alone but I was fine. So fine, in fact, that Justin was standing at the railing, watching for me! He claimed he heard me coming....I was not laughing so I don't know what gave me away!