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!

My adorable nephews

My nephew, Angelo, is trying on hats with his grandma, Lynn. Here he is sporting a Santa-style hat with Yoda ears attached to it. He is so darn cute!

Angelo is playing with an electronic device behind the wheel of this ride-on toy. I often see people doing this  when driving down the freeway! 

My nephew, Bryson, was celebrating his birthday and seems overjoyed with this giant coloring book!

Manny and Gabe watch as more birthday presents are being opened. I miss them terribly!

How to Win a Debate: 101

From breitbart.com:
1. "He did call it an act of terror." The worst untruth told by a moderator in presidential history. Candy Crowley's intervention in favor of Obama caused the president's cheering section to burst into applause, in violation of the rules, and there was little that Romney could say in response. But she was wrong--Obama's reference to "acts of terror" in his Sept. 12 statement was in a general, abstract sense, and came long after he had described the 9/11 attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions as demonstrations against an anti-Islamic video. Even Crowley seemed to realize what she had done: it wasn't long before she walked back her own comment.

(Emphasis mine)

Speech from the Rose Garden on September 12 in part: 

"Of course, yesterday was already a painful day for our nation as we marked the solemn memory of the 9/11 attacks.  We mourned with the families who were lost on that day.  I visited the graves of troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and had the opportunity to say thank you and visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed.  And then last night, we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi. 

As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases, lay down their lives for it.  Our country is only as strong as the character of our people and the service of those both civilian and military who represent us around the globe.

No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for.  Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America.  We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act.  And make no mistake, justice will be done."

Mitt was right!!!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/12/remarks-president-deaths-us-embassy-staff-libya

Getting excited

Cautiously so, in looking forward to the debate tonight. The radio and Internet shows are ablaze with the Clinton news, the diversion from the focus being on the leader of the free world. What it's all about is yet to be determined. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Talk about a war on women---letting them take the fall!

When Justin and I were talking about the upcoming debates, I expressed to him how I was not a fan of this format, but somehow, it has caught on---probably because of being like Oprah! One of the commentators reminded today about "the ponytail guy" from the 1992 elections. I had nearly forgotten about him! He stood up and asked the candidates to take a pledge to fill the needs of the nation...Look at what a mess THAT type of thinking gets us into!

The scuttlebutt is that PresBO will bring up Mitt's secret tape where he has discussed the "47% of those who believe they are victims". I hope the secret tape IS brought up so Mitt can reiterate how he shouldn't have said that, and then turn to the President and say, "You really wanna go there? You really wanna go to tape recordings? How about your conversation with Medvedev about waiting until after your re-election to get more flexibility with Russia and its missiles? Or, how about the 'bitter clinger' remarks made when talking about the Bible believing people in PA?(speculating about white voters who "cling to their guns or religion)" I would strongly suggest not opening that door!

Ooh, I am fired up today! Maybe it's because today is my friend, Linda's, birthday! To celebrate, I am making a pumpkin pie for Justin and I to enjoy during the debate. I had promised him one for his birthday and am just now getting around to baking one for him. Me, and Maria Callendar!

                                              

This morning I got up and dressed, and took myself on some errands. First to the bank, and then, foolishly, to the grocery store. I say foolishly because then I was going to see Julia at Great Hang Ups. With frozen foods in the car, not a good idea to hang out very long. I gave her an extra camara bag which I had lying around my house, and then lying around in my car for months. Always intending to take it to her, and finally, at last, remembered to do so! She loved it, saying hers looked like heck from being banged around so much. It is a win-win!

Once home from the errands, I got things put away in the fridge and cabinets, and then had to go back down for my BIC workbook. I had to do my homework! Connie met me near my door with a delivery from the mailman---my new books! One morning I heard the one book being discussed on Fox and Friends and sat right up in the bed. In fact, I was chatting with Linda when the author was on. His book is sort of 'self-help' which I normally don't care for, but the topic appealed to me. It is titled "Living the 4:8 Principle", based upon Philippians 4:8. Finding joy in our lives based upon that passage. This excited me because this is my favorite passage in Phil. 4, my funeral chapter!!!

^"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." 

This passage got me through some very tough times in my life, and continues to do so. I pray the book will not be trite, because then I would have to put my sad face on, instead of the sunshiny one from the cover of the book! 

                                                

The other book is about the important role mom's play in the lives of their children. When Linda was here, being an early riser, she heard about this book on Fox and Friends, before I got up. Later we were at the pool, eating lunch in the cabana with Lee while the rain came down. We talked about the book, "What a Difference a Mom Makes" and had a wonderful conversation about it. Lee went home and downloaded it immediately. I have the paper version and will have to discuss it again with Lee once I have finished it. Might be after the elections, though, as my brain is being kept busy with all the political stuff! I am so into this!

Eureka! I have found it!

The top of my desk was seen for brief periods this afternoon and early evening as I whittled away at the accumulation. At long last, the filing is done, that which has a place has been dealt with, and that which has no place, remains. In my 'work' office, these things would be in the Miscellaneous basket!

(Have you seen the commercial by Subaru where the little kids wash the car with the windows and sun roof open, even scrubbing the dashboard and controls with   soap and toothpaste? Oh my! They are basically ruining the car, but the dad simply walks up to the car, and tells them they missed a spot. The premise is that the car survives because it is a Subaru and they will inherit this vehicle from him. It looks like a pretty new car to me, and these kids were doing damage to it. Personally, I would NOT shrug that off. Ugh!)

So, anyway, I got a lovely present yesterday. At church, Jackie gave me another of the laughing cards she gave Gretchen for her birthday this year. Because I liked it so much, Gretchen gave me the laughing card to enjoy at home, so now, I have 2! Jackie figured I would need a back-up in case the battery fails on the original! Now it sounds as though I have a full audience laughing at my jokes. Thanks for feeding the problem, Jackie!!!

Justin had a very short day work day today. With the weather changing, some places go to an every-other-week schedule. This afternoon he went to get a haircut and looks very nice, though he did not want it this short. It will grow back, sooner than he wants, probably. 

Justin and I stayed in tonight and polished off some leftovers for dinner. He and I were talking about tomorrow night's debate. He is wildly excited about it, and hopeful. Since I have BIC at Victory, I told Justin that I would try to leave the class at 8:30 in order to get home in time for the beginning of the debate. Strawberry pretzel torte anyone?

Justin vacuumed my bedroom for me tonight, something for which I am most grateful. We are having an infestation from outdoors of teeny tiny flying insects which somehow make their way through the screens. And then they die. Therefore, they must be vacuumed from the floors. Yes, I am particular, and make good use of my man-servant with mad vacuuming skills.

Today I got a bevy of catalogs in the mail which were such fun to page through (anything to avoid cleaning off the desk!). There were several t-shirts which tickled my funny bone. One read: "I am not a pessimist---I am an optimist with experience". Funny! Guess I will open my card and hear the laughter! Here's another one: "I don't expect everything to be handed to me....just put it down wherever". I am opening my laughing birthday card now!!!

Needing some beans!

Justin is going to a birthday party tonight and made a special batch of baked beans to take. Jesse, his friend, whose mom is celebrating the birthday, asked Justin to make his bean recipe. He used a can of beans, browned hamburger, crushed pineapple, real bacon bits, and topped the whole works with fried onions from a can. Smelled marvelous!

                     

My dinner will be made up of leftovers from the week, up to those brought home today. There is enough for a couple night's worth so I will go easy on them. At lunch, I got full so quickly that it seemed I ate nothing on my plate at all. But I did! 

I had one pretzel bread stick, one potato skin, and one chicken crisper from Chili's. Sometimes Justin helps me but today he was also full from his lunch, plus two bread sticks with his soup. Usually I get a couple meals from my outings which makes it a rather good deal for me. Plus, a side order of socializing to boot!

Today I was expecting to have Pastor S. preach at GS, got Justin all jazzed to be there. But....change in plans! I had the right information except for the change in plans. Shoot! Anne H. had sent me a text message last night encouraging us to come to Victory today but I told her I needed to be at GS. Robbie was playing the organ today, his debut at Victory, and we missed it.

Judy C. had told me we were having a reprisal of last year's stewardship Bible study. Since we have been through it before, neither of us were going to go. Her Elder had called and told her it was starting today, but we later found out this was not the case. Pastor K. apologized after worship, saying there was confusion or some sort of mix-up. Some folks had come specifically for the class and were disappointed it was not held. Next week for sure, actually, the next two for sure! And then a new stewardship class the two weeks beyond that. We think. 

Lots of plan changes going on today!

****

Justin and I rode together since I did not go for Bible study. My Elder needed a word after church so Justin, my driver, waited in the car for me. When I got in to go to Chili's, I picked up my soda can from earlier in the day, and took a swig. Ew! I said to Justin, "There's something in this can..." as I put it back in the cup holder. He said, "I put a wiper in there!" He thought it was an empty can and had washed his hands and the steering wheel with the wiper. His 'particular' mother does not like the feel of the steering wheel after he's used it....

                                              

How we laughed! It tasted awful, wretched and soapy, yech! I told him I would likely get the runs now because of having consumed soap. Everyone at our table in Chili's found it amusing as well, and gross, of course. It might have been Terri T. who said I was clean as a whistle, inside and out! He is as bad as I am, nearly, with our need for clean hands.                                                                                    
                                                   
A couple weeks ago I got him the 'as seen on TV' PedEgg for removing the calluses from his feet. The feet take a beating with the all the walking he does for his job. Today in church (he hasn't changed a bit, Mom!) he told me he should use it on his hands as well. Oh that guy! At least the PedEgg wouldn't fit in the top of my soda can!