Cheddar X for November

I wanted to end the year with a profound post, but then thought, why start now? So instead I stole this from my sister, Victoria's blog, although my answers aren't near as interesting or as fun as hers!

We Eat Cheddar X

1. 1. What do you make sure you keep in your fridge at all times?
Diet Soda...my husband is a big soda drinker, so I always make sure we have that on hand. And cheese! We both love cheese so that's another must staple for the fridge.

2. What is the oddest thing in your fridge?
An open can of evaporated milk. Nothing odd about it except I got it to make fudge a month or so ago. Tried the fudge. Failed miserably and promised I would try again. I never got around to it, but the can is still there...guess it's time to toss it out.

3. What is the oddest thing in your freezer?
You really need to read Victoria's answer on this one! LMAO!! For me it's the only non food item. A big ice pack. I pack my husband's lunch, but he has to keep it in his office so I use a thermal bag and put this big ice pack in it to keep everything cold.

4. What is your go to comfort food?
Strawberry Milkshakes or ice cream.

5. What food reminds you of your childhood?
Meatloaf. I always loved my mothers meatloaf and no one has ever come close to making it as good as hers. When I go home, on those rare occassios I get back there, my mom always asks what I want to eat and I say, meatloaf!

6. How often do you eat out?
Very rarely. I prefer to stay home and eat a relaxed meal watching a movie with my husband. When we do eat out it's really eating in...I got get something and bring it home.

7. What are you most likely to get at a drive thru?
Strawberry Milkshake...unless it's Chick Fi Let and then it's a number 7 for Keith, supersized and a regular chicken sandwich for me.

8. What's your favorite fast food?
BoJangle's chicken and dirty rice.

A Class Act!

A lot of people could learn a lesson from Joe Paterno's response to the Texas A&M Yell Leader who tried to get a cheer going that JoePa should be on his death bed. JoePa is one class act!

SAN ANTONIO —Texas A&M apologized to Penn State after a student leader mocked Joe Paterno by telling a crowd that the 81-year-old coach needs "a casket."

Paterno and his Penn State team face A&M on Saturday night in the Alamo Bowl.

One A& M yell leader, during a pep rally Thursday night, told the crowd that Paterno was "on his death bed" and "someone needs to find him a casket." The remarks drew boos from the crowd.

A&M team spokesman Alan Cannon said Friday he did not know the name of the yell leader, though the student has been sent home.

The yell leaders - similar to cheerleaders - are A&M's official "spirit" organization and lead fans' cheers during games and other school events. They are elected by the student body.

Paterno, at a news conference Friday at the Alamodome, said he was backstage with Aggies interim coach Gary Darnell when the comments were made, but did not hear them.

"I think everybody has to take things with a grain of salt," Paterno said. "Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he's accurate, I don't know."

Texas A&M's interim president, Eddie Davis, and athletic director Bill Byrne later apologized to their Penn State counterparts.

"I honestly didn't hear it, and I don't particularly care about it," Paterno said Friday. "Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you."

Paterno, a 42-year head-coaching veteran, is about to enter the last year of a four-year contract that expires following the 2008 season.

Door Bells ring, are you listening?

I needed to go to Aldi's and had gone back to get dressed. No sooner did I start than the door bell rang, so I quickly pulled my nightgown back on and went to the door. Before you get too excited it's a long, plaid, flannel one. It was was the mailman with a package for me, from my sister, Victoria. It was my Christmas box so, of course, I sat down to open it right away. Wow!! What a treasure box!! Okay...time to go finish getting dressed. Ring, Ring!! The doorbell again....Keith says he saw a couple women walk up and I thought maybe it was a couple of my friends, so threw the nightgown back on and went to the door. When I opened it two strangers stood there smiling vacuous smiles and I said, "yes?" and the one said, "Hi, I'm sister _____________" (dang bible thumpers!!!). I responded, "that's nice and shut the door." Back to finish dressing... ring, ring!! Yep! The doorbell again!!! This time it was Mr. UPS with Keith's present from Victoria. I had to laugh and told him maybe I'm not supposed to get dressed and go out today. I finally did manage to complete the task of dressing and made it to Aldi's and back. But still I feel I really was supposed to remain in my nightgown all day and not do anything except sleep!

Postal system

I have come to the conclusion we either have the worst postal system OR we are being scammed every Christmas. Have you noticed how every year at Christmas time a Christmas card mailed 30 years ago - 40 years ago - or even 50 years ago is miraculously found and delivered? Amazing! Every year! I have come to the conclusion the postal system has a box labled specifically for this little trick every year. Once in a while, maybe, but to find one every year? Hmmmmmm....well, I used to believe in Santa Claus and the tooth fairy too. Just food for thought.

Merry Christmas

Twas the open mic before Christmas

What a hoot!! I was actually surprised we had a group last night, with it being the week before Christmas. We brought in some treats and the line dancers across the hall were having a party. Every once in awhile one of them would stick there head in the door and invite us to come make up a plate and enjoy some of their food. In the end we did get some poetry in, we did get some music in, and yes, we did get some food. I should have taken a picture of that....dang!!! Anyway, here are some fun pics of the poets for everyone to enjoy.

Our poets and guests for the night were Aaron Johnson, Kwan Johnson, Cyndy Harris, Ela Boettcher, Marie Grady and Kathleen Roy...and of course, me!

Kiss my grits!!

Well, it was bound to happen sometime. I mean, I've been here in SC for 6 years and it was inevitable that one day I would wake up as a southerner. Back north when winter hits and you wake up on a cold frosty morning you make a breakfast of oatmeal, cinnamon toast and hot chocolate. I've never really liked grits until I started making my own...they were either too watery thin or too thick. So, yesterday when the cold snap hit Sumter, SC and I was in the Piggly Wiggly mailing a package, I picked up a bag of yellow grits on my way out. Not only did we have grits but we had an egg on it and yes! I even whipped up a corn bread!!!! My husband says I make the best cornbread he's ever had, so I guess that says something for my transformation. But, today when I was once again making grits I realized a southerner was creeeping out of me...I need to get back north before the transformation is complete!!!!!!! In the meantime, you can just kiss my grits!

Rambling thoughts from a disconnected mind

Well, by the title you can tell this is going to be one of those hodge podge posts where I just types whatever comes to mind. At the beginning of the year,myself, my sister, Victoria, and our friend, Bernie, make a resolution of sorts to post at least once a week. Last year I did pretty good, but this year was so full of strange happenings there were times I didn't have time to write and other times I just had no desire to write. I think Victoria did the best this year, and Bernie? We're still waiting for a post and pics of your latest cruise.

The open mic has been going well and each time I am surprised people actually show up! We have so much fun I look forward to the monthly get togethers. The one night that is all mine! No husband! No cats! Just poetry, music, and friends. I can be dead on my feet before the open mic, but once we start the life just seems to grow in me until I am energized beyond belief. I am sad, though, that one of our poets will be leaving us and moving to Florida. Her husband returns home on the 7th and soon after he is being reassigned and they will have to move. She promises to keep in touch and I am going to make sure I do the same.

As most of you know Keith fractured his foot months ago and we have been having a lot of problems with it not healing properly. So, they are trying something called a bone stimulator, hoping that will get the bone to heal and we can avoid surgery. The surgery is not a good thing as he will have to be off his feet for at least two months! If it does come to this we are going to see if it can be done over the summer so he won't have to miss anytime at school teaching. Hopefully that is something we won't have to worry about.

Well, for all my friends and family up north who laughed at me when we were having temps over 100 degrees here this summer... remember I told you it would my turn when winter arrived. Just talked with my mom and they have 7" of snow in Erie, PA right now... 3" in Conneautville where my older sister lives, and I'm sure CT, where Vic and Bernie live is having it's share... so for all of you ... I have my windows open and am enjoying the beautiful day!

Until the next time.....