Decadence

Cupcakes, fresh from the oven.  THESE are not just any ordinary cupcakes.  THESE are a recipe from America's Test Kitchen, seriously the very best cooking show ever.  I love it, PBS does not disappoint and any recipe I have ever tried has always worked out exactly as stated. There may be a few more ingredients than what seems necessary and always a few more steps than one could envision; BUT, the end result is totally worth it.  All the time.  Check it out, A.T.K. is awesome.

Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Filling with Mocha Frosting: frosting to be made and added later.  The only downside, if there can be one with A.T.K., is that my yield is exactly one dozen - just as predicted.  I absolutely have to wait until Easter to try one of these decadent desserts.  No sampling allowed. That is if there is enough left for me; I'll be happy if I get just a bite.

Recipe found here.

Bottomless Cup

If you came to my house to visit,
and you enjoy a cup of coffee,
I would serve you my best cup.
And converse about what-nots or all important topics.
I would serve it with my newest-to-me, tried and true coffee percolator.
I could use my electric Corning Ware percolator, thanks to Goodwill at $5.99.
Or I could use my stove top Corning Ware percolator, thanks to a $1.00 estate sale find.
Either way, we would enjoy a great cup of coffee.
I like coffee first thing in the morning, lingering after breakfast, and a 2:00 coffee break.
Stop on by for some sippin' and chit-chattin'

I became wary of replacing my glass french press pots every so often due to the glass breaking, now these are all I need.

(And if you read any reviews or directions on how to use these beauties, you will discover this IS the way to make the BEST coffee, ever.  Just saying.)

So much to do today, 

just . . . .

Seam Ripper

I did get a handy dandy seam ripper from Santa this year, with a raving recommendation from my Mom.  It is quite handy at picking up tiny stitches and snipping all at the same time.  Quite handy.

Except, I did not need that today.

Nope, I needed the doctor today, to remove the 3 stitches that held my skin together allowing my cut to heal.   This would be the first time in my whole life that I ever had stitches removed.  It was not really pleasant, yet not too awful.  Mostly just uncomfortable.

Eric told me that I should have just used my own seam ripper. I told him no way, I wanted a sterile and knowledgeable environment.  I did not even watch the happenings while the doctor did it.

I still have to protect it, and be careful with my thumb.  I was told not to lift anything too heavy or wash dishes.  As I do not want it to open up again,  I concur, whole heartedly.  Yesterday I bumped my band-aided thumb on the faucet, and it really hurt.  Yesterday was the first day I did not bandage it with gauze.  It was still tender.  Hard pinching and pressing with it is still not yet pre-cut normalness.

At the end of my doctor's visit, I had to get a tetanus shot, which did hurt.  That is also slightly tender to the touch and a bit of muscle soreness. And I did not get a sucker or a sticker.

Ouch!!!!

Today, my left thumb made contact with the blade of my mandolin slicer.  I was trying to make a healthy snack and needed to slice a piece of produce quite thin.  Instead, I sliced my finger.  Ouch!  Simon was to get off the bus in 5 minutes, Norah was trying to nap, and Eric was at work.  I figured this registered as an emergency.  So I called Eric, all I had to tell him was that I cut myself and felt that I needed stitches.  He raced home lickety-split.  Norah got out of bed on her own.  She had no idea what was going on, but looked confused when I sent her to put on her boots and coat and get in Daddy's car.  

At Urgent Care, this gauze replaced my bloodied kitchen towel. 

This is how my thumb looked after the doctor's care.  A bit immobile, don't you think.  I must keep it as dry and clean as possible.  My stitches free life has come to an end.  I have 3 or 4 stitches in my thumb. The whole procedure was endured with my eyes closed.  The four to five shots to numb the area were the worst.


It makes knitting away rather difficult.  I tried a few rows.  I have to use my clumsy wrapped thumb or hold the needle with my index and middle finger.  Either way it is awkward, slower, and works different muscles.  Hopefully each day gets better.

No Cabin Fever Over Here

And not much of a desire for spring, yet.  We have a good amount of snow cover taller than the grass that has lingered for more than a day,  finally!  I have come home from work the last two days to 4 boys romping in the snow in our yard and then moving the fun to another boy's house to build a fort and continue the romp.  My Lil' Miss must be with the boys, and holds her own quite well.  She is B.U.S.Y. in the snow.  Who thought that putting away summer toys was a good idea?  Buckets and other such summer toys are just perfect for the snow.  She fills up a bucket and dumps it somewhere over and over and over again.  She also builds penalty boxes for the boys' games.  I don't even know.  All I know, is that they COMPLAIN when it is time to come in the house with their really rosey cheeks and soaking wet clothes.  Then, they collapse on the couch and are asleep in their beds before 8:00 p.m.

It was perfect packing snow that has not fallen in a very long time!  They LOVE it.  You know the beautiful peaceful look of a white covered yard that looks so serene?  Not present in our yard, ours has snowballs of various sizes littered all over with tons of footsteps and crumpled snow.

And those wet snowpants? Well, they were still wet in the morning and needed a tumble in the dryer. Packed for more recess fun and will be donned for more after school play.  With a repeat ride in the dryer.  I don't mind one bit.

Knitting Away

My lenten project to complete, for the Addis Adaba Fistula Hospital. A hospital that cares for women with childbirth and related injuries, located in the capital of Ethiopa.

This is the shawl that I am making to donate to the Addis Adaba Fistual Hospital in Ethiopa.  A mom of a friend of mine, once mentioned a book her book club was reading.  It is called "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide".  It is about how women are treated around the world, it is heart wrenching and I could only read a little at a time.  One chapter was about women who have injuries related to childbirth that a simple surgery can fix, but does not happen.  One injury is a fistula, and the women leak urine until surgery fixes the problem.  Since they leak, they smell, and the family and village shuns these women to leave outside the village. They do not receive  this simple and humane healthcare because of how women are viewed and treated, and the unavailability and cost of healthcare.  This hospital provides the healthcare needed for these women.  And shawls can be donated.  So, this mom of a friend's book club decided to knit shawls.  She and I partnered together.  She bought the yarn, and I am knitting it.  I am sure that the cost of the yarn to make this lovely shawl probably totals a year's salary for any of the women in this hospital. A May completion date is coming fast, so I am knitting like crazy; I have to get it done!

Every stitch is a true joy!

Monday is Coming!!!!

And I CANNOT wait!  Monday, I can't believe IT will be here.  Document Due Date!

Monday is the day that all documents are due for Eric's mostest hugest project ever in the history of his career.  He did it.  Not that he won't still have a lot of work to do, but hopefully he will not have to work when he should be sleeping, multiple nights a week.  Or work several 14 hour days in a row.  Hopefully he will be able to feel awake when enjoying family down time.  It seems like a very long time since this all started over 2 years ago.

Breaking ground on this project will be a huge accomplishment.  I, personally, cannot wait to see the completed building that my husband designed, planned, and made possible.  The inner workings of his mind is so very detailed.

That being said, we are soooooo looking forward to a chance to get away and have family time playing away the days.  We are thinking about getting away for a few days over spring break; however, spring break is holy week ending with Easter.  A long weekend away over Palm Sunday seems to be the best option.  Perhaps mid-week would work, if he can get away from the office.  We have to see, and find a destination.  

I definitely want a family vacation this summer.  A week off with Eric, how wonderful would that be!  I can't remember the last time . . .

At least one can hope that plans for a family vacation are possible!

Happy Heart Day

I used to send out Valentine's to my girlfriends, family, and dear people to our hearts.  I loved it.  The last 2 years it felt more of a chore than a joy, so I don't do it to the extent I used to. Simon and Norah have their own Valentine's to sign and pass out, so my energies go to them.  I still send out a few of my own Valentine's.  First to my own honey, then to my kids.  I had to hand select who were the recipients of the other 3, and this year, they went to people who need a little extra care right now.  I hope they enjoy them. 

But, a lot was still done. 

1. ‎24 party favor/treat bags for 2nd grade party made and sent on their way, 
2. getting the boy to finish his 24 Valentine's to pass out to classmates completed, 
3. 23 preschool Valentines signed and "decorated" by Norah, 
4. 12 day care friends' Valentine's carefully created by Norah, 
5. 7 important teachers' Valentines ready for delivery, 
6. 1 befriended neighbor girl's Valentine ready to drop in the mailbox (Norah calls this 5th grade girl her "best friend", 
7. 27 Valentine's passed out for students on my caseload (simple print, cut, sign, and deliver), 
8. 13 Valentine's waiting for my homeroom students (again, simply print, cut, and sign), 
9. 6 special Valentine's handmade and hopefully arriving in mailboxes today, 
10. little treats in tin mailboxes ready to greet 2 sweet and lovable kiddos at the table this morning! 

Whew! It's now time to sit back and enjoy the love! 

Happy Valentine's Day to you, hope you feel loved and appreciated!

Snow Much Fun!!!

Finally, we have snow!

And enough to require shoveling!
Enough to make snow angels!
Enough to go sledding!
Enough to look pretty when gazing out the window!
Trees are coated, it is lovely!

Norah and I enjoyed shoveling.  Well, I did the shoveling.  She enjoyed making snow angels, had Purple Teddy make snow angels, helped Teddy sled, and enjoyed the yard with snow!  Then we walked to the park about 1.5 blocks away.  This park has an outdoor pool, a pond, benches, and a few picnic tables - no playground.  It is a great little park to fly a kite, fish, swim, enjoy storybook picnics, watch ducks and geese, play under the willows, and just a place to walk to after dinner.  We love it.  It is mostly for water retention and the grassy field is bowl shaped.  The bottom is usually soggy during non-winter months.  The little hill was perfect for early morning sledding.  We had a good time outside this morning.  The Lil' Miss lasted about an hour and a half outside on the this warm and balmy 24 degree morning!

When Simon returns from school, we will go sledding at the big hill.  Perhaps we will see the neighborhood when we go!  We have waited practically a year for these few precious inches!  I'd say we only got about 2-3 inches.  Possible snow through tomorrow and again on Thursday may bring us more.  One can only hope!