Still Alive & Kickin'

I wanted to thank those who have asked how I was doing. I appreciate the fact someone out there cares how I'm doing. I'm doing better. I've got several hometown people who have the same problem (panic attacks) and we are supporting each other. It amazed me just how many suffer from this. If you do, be aware that a panic, or anxiety feeling can also be a symptom of another problem. MVP. Mitral Valve Prolapse. Actually, the symptoms are almost identical for them. Only a test from the Dr. can rule that out.

As WIP Wednesday post, I have gotten some crocheting done while I took a break from the computer. I finished up a Irish Crochet Doily, which I will be blocking and posting pics of soon. I've started that pineapple centerpiece for my grandmothers Christmas present. And, I'm testing a beautiful doily for a friend. So 1 down. 2 to go. Next month I've decided to start on some Christmas ornaments and gifts for my friends. Don't be surprised if you get a pm from me requesting ur address.... I'm already getting happy about the holidays.

Now, for the most pressing issue in my life this week. FOOTBALL! Yes, our first high school game of the year kicks off Friday night. An away game. Figures. Anywho. The importance of this is that it will be the first year the dd will be marching in the band! We are so excited! This mommy will be the camera queen, and pop will be manning the camcorder during the halftime show. I'm really glad we got the new camera with super zoom. I'm hoping for some goodness to scrapbook with. The only thing I'm pissed about is I get a phone call from an 8th grade band parent saying " Its tradition that the 8th grade parents hold a cook out for the whole band Thursday night (tomorrow) hotdogs, etc. Ok I can do that. Then she says, also, after they eat the 8th grade band parent takes the place of their child on the field and does the drill with the rest of the band. Excuse me? You want ME to go MARCH on a drill i dont KNOW? I work till 5pm. This shin-dig kicks off at 5 pm.can u see my frustration? and is that not the DUMBEST thing you have ever heard? My dd, needs to beg her pop cause mommy is NOT, repeat NOT going to do high-step knee marching and crap and get laughed at, all for the sake of some tradition. Nope. ain't gonna happen. I'll toss 'em 2 packs of hot dog buns, but no marching for mom.

And, last but not least I will leave you with my favorite saying this time of year:
ROLL TIDE ROLL! :-) Alabama plays Hawaii in its season opener at Bryant-Denny stadium, 6pm cst. I usually, attend this first game. I'm still grumbling about having to work the whole weekend again... grrr.
Have a great rest of the week guys. I'll be back sometime this weekend!

Foodie Friday ~ Zesty Greek Couscous

This is pretty much a staple in my house. The whole family loves it. Its simple too. Make it the night before and let sit for zesty goodness. Enjoy!

1 pkg plain couscous
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbs. Lemon Juice
3 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 med. zuchinni, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 c. fresh basil, cut into strips
1/3 c. green onions, sliced
3/4 c. feta cheese, crumbled

1. prepare couscous according to package directions. except omit butter or olive oil and add black pepper with water.
2. In a large bowl, combine prepared couscous, lemon juice, and olive oil. add tomatoes, zuchinni, basil, and green onions. chill overnight or for 4 hours.
3. Stir in cheese just before serving. Serve over lettuce if desired. I don't though...

7 servings, prep time 20 minutes, cook time about 5 minutes.

Feeling Crappy

So today has been a crapola day. I had a panic attack this morning. Just what I needed to start my day off with a bang. Went to the dr., and now at least I have some meds, so when i feel I'm going off the deep end, maybe I can help control it somewhat. So, that said... I'm headed to bed until the dd's get home from school. Keep me in your thoughts guys. I hate feeling that anxiety rush. I'm hoping its gone for awhile.... Have a good Thrusday yall!
HUGS!

Stacy needs

Swiped from Deneen's blog.

Stacy needs:
1...some thoughts on what to do with small roulette wheels,
2...a new pair of bloomers,
3...rescuing from time to time, but she is an expert kick boxer,
4...a bit and bridle for that horse mouth of hers.

She also needs to get a clue,
to use the bathroom,
and to look to the state of her soul.sigh....

But on the bright side, Stacy needs no boob job.

WIP Wednesday

Irish Crochet. I love it. I started an oval doily using a roses and leaves for the centerpiece. And, here it is. Using #20 ecru thread and a size 10 hook. This is one of my fav patterns. I've made it several times.

Another Butterfly doily

This is the 2nd doily from Aly Hymel's pattern. Its about 14 inches across. I used #10 threads in varigated pinks/purples and a size 8 hook. I really enjoyed these butterflies, too.

Completed ~ Goddess & Queen Doily

This is an Aly Hymel design called "Goddess & Queen". It has a 3-d effect with the roses and butterflies. Once I got the pattern straight in my head, it worked up beautifully. Its about 20 inches across. I used size 10 threads and a size 8 hook. I'm currently working on the other doily in this pattern series off her website. Its working up fine as well. Yall have a great weekend! I'm back Monday with a weekend report.

Foodie Friday ~ Hoecakes

mmmm.... a southern delight! Use these to soak up that good pot liquor from turnip or collard greens. After the plate is completely clean, save a few to eat with syrup for dessert.
(makes about 17 hoecakes)




1 c. self-rising flour
1 c. self-rising cornmeal
2 large eggs
1 tbs. sugar
3/4 c. buttermilk
1/3 c. plus 1 tbs water
1/4 c. vegetable oil
oil or butter for frying

Mix all ingrediants well except for frying oil. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop mexture by tablespooonfuls into hot skillet. Use approximately 2 tbs batter per hoecake. Brown until crisp; turn and brown other side. Drain on paper towels. Leftover batter will keep in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Another Hiddleson doily

As I was posting this a creepy, huge spider crawled out from under the desk and skiddled across the floor. I cannot move. I screamed, until hubby came down here, but the freakin monster got away. I'm called pest people tomo, I can't deal with critters skiddling across me... EEEKKK!!!

Ok, back to the doily. Another Hiddleson doily. about 10 inches in diameter, copper DMC perle #12 thread, #10 hook, and some iradescent beads complete the project. Very simply, enjoyed, and worked up super quick. Another Christmas present down! *yays*

UPDATE:HUBBY KILLED MASSIVE SPIDER!!!!!!!

Goddess & Queens~ blocking

I finished up this doily today and have it blocking. It was certainly a challenge to figure out the roses. Another Christmas present down. I couldn't wait to post a pic though. I'll have the finished project up in a few days. Here's what it looks like tonight.

Charlie

There's something about Charlie....

Goddess & Queen Doily WIP

I started this over the weekend its from Aly Hymel's collection. I love the 3-d stitches in the center and how the butterflies "pop" up. An awesome design. I'm having problems making the roses that go round the butterflies. Otherwise, it is working up beautifully. If you have any tips on her roses, lemme know. I'm at my wits end.

Foodie Friday~ Omelets anyone?

Omelets are a great breakfast item allowing everyone to add their favorite ingredients. Each omelet must be made individually, but its worth it. To make omelets easy, use a handy, dandy non stick skillet.

Time Required: 5-10 minutes cook time per omelet

Ingredients:
2-3 eggs per person
Butter
Omelet toppings of your choice, such as:
Shredded cheese
Ham & turkey (deli slices cut into squares or chunks)
Cooked bacon and sausage
Diced green peppers & onions
Mushrooms

Steps:
Beat eggs together
Melt some butter in the pan
Add desired toppings (except cheese) and sauté for a minute or two
Pour enough eggs into the pan for one omelet
Allow the eggs to cook, lifting the sides of the omelet to allow more egg to reach the hottest part of the skillet
When the eggs are only slightly runny on top, flip the omelet
Fold the omelet over and serve.

Completed ~ Pineapple Passion Doily

Patricia Kristoffersen's Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies, "#4. Pineapple Passion". #20 ecru Cebelia and a size 10 hook. This doily is about 10 inches in diameter. I love the detailing in the center. Its a really small, delicate doily. Would be perfect framed, too. Another Christmas present down! *yays* Now to decide on the next project. I'm thinking of an oval Trish K. doily....hmm...

WIP Wednesday

current project= from Patricia Kristoffersen's Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies, "#4. Pineapple Passion". I'm using #20 ecru Cebelia and a size 10 hook. I should finish this up, later this week. Least I'm hoping so ...*fingers crossed*

Patricia Kristoffersen Doily

This is from Patricia Kristoffersen's Doilies with a Twist booklet, named "Tala". I used size 20 dmc ecru cebelia and a size 11 hook. It is about 10 inches in diameter. I've made this one twice now. I really like the challenge of it. I'm wondering about the possible flaw that Lori found though. In any case, its a beautiful creation. Another Christmas present off my list *yays*

Elizabeth Hiddleson Doily

This is an Elizabeth Hiddleson doily named "cobblestone". It is about 12 inches in diameter. Made with dmc cebelia size 10 in bright pink and a size 10 hook. It has 460 black glass beads around the edges. This is going to be a Christmas present for my SIL. shhh! It was a simple pattern and I enjoyed making it.

2,996 Project~ A tribute to the victims of 9/11

I read this on Kari's and Melissa's blog and felt compelled to join in.

The idea is simple, but powerful: have a special tribute for each victim of 9/11, with each tribute being created by a different blogger. They created the 2,996 Project to coordinate the creation of tributes for all the victims.

You can sign up to make a tribute yourself, on your blog (they will randomly assign a victim to you). You can also browse or search through either the victims that have already been assigned, or those that have not -- and can get pointers to more information on all of them. Won't you join up? Click here to sign up.

special~ feathers dipped in ketchup

*disclaimer* the events described in the following post are TRUE. yes, TRUE. This was not thought up, but lived through. Read at your own risk:

My weekend. This was a "tax-free" shopping weekend in my state. So, We waited until now to do most of the major school shopping. I had to work Saturday, so my SIL & I planned on leaving as soon as I got off work, and could get over there. We took both the dd's and a best friend along. I need to insert here the ages of these kids are 13 & under.* Ok. So Everything was rocking as planned. I worked. I got home. Packed the kiddies up and headed to the SIL's. We left there. Headed up to Hunstville. no problems so far.... We hit the mall, did some serious shopping for 3 hours and then decided to get a room, eat, rest, and start up again Sunday to finish up the shopping.

We went to a best western inn. It looked like it was booked, but they had a room for 100 bucks. *eek* I think I can do better than that. We go across the street to another hotel. Very nice looking, too. Rooms? Why yes, they had a room and was less than a Franklin so hey.. We are all set. I tell the crew to grab our suitcase and lets head up to this room. I will never forget the number of the room... 302. My dd's best friend wanted to help open the room with the slidey key card. I explained it to her, slide in.. and out real fast and I would open the door TOGETHER with her. She slid. We opened. And what happened next... is a true moment in the sands of time.

As that door swung open, what do my eyes see but a naked couple engaging in some pretty serious wierd sex act. The lady was naked, except for a belt of multicolored feathers dangling from her waist.... that matched the crown of feather she wore atop her beaded hair. The man was sprawled out on the bed... empty ketchup packets, numbering into the 100's were scattered across the floor, and the unmistakable smell of hot cat piss was in the air. Yes folks we walked into something u just don't see everyday. Drat that huge mirror that showed more detail than I ever cared to see.....

I pulled the dd's best friend back. Expletatives flew. and the next thing I know King Ketchup man was at the door, towel in hand to see why I opened their door. I showed him the key, apologized, and headed back to the front desk in shock. I wish I had a pic of our faces. It was a kodak moment. The lady at the desk was in shock too. As people began to crowd around listening to the horrific tale I was sputtering out. Shock turned to laughter. Laughter turned to silence. and we ...eventually got another room, and a free night stay.

moral of the story: use the deadbolts on doors are there.. for your protection.... and mine.

I'm blossoming

Well you are*hopefully* looking at phase one of my new blog layout. I'm new to the whole html thing, so there is prolly a few bugs. I'm working on several things to make it *new* and *improved*. Let me know what you think. Hows the colors?fonts? layout? what would u change? And, any problems your having viewing it. Thanks a bunch!

Foodie Friday

Won Ton Soup Recipe

This recipe serves: 4
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
6 cups chicken broth or vegetable, reduced-sodium
4 cups of chopped bok choy or Napa cabbage
2/3 cup shredded carrots
8 oz. water chestnuts
8 frozen wontons or 4 egg roll wrappers cut into 1-inch strips
1 teaspoon freshly ground ginger root
1/2 cup minced green onion

Cooking Instructions
1. Bring broth to a boil.
2. Add the bok choy and carrots.
3. Simmer over medium high heat for 10 minutes until tender.
4. Stir and add the wontons and ginger. Cook about 5 minutes more.
5. Add the green onions before serving.

Thursday Update

Well, I hope everyone had a quiet and enjoyable Thursday. I thought I'd do alittle catchup post for the weeks WIP's.

I finished the messenger bag Monday night. You know, it wasn't that big of a deal the hardest part was sewing the edging seam.( dont remember whats its called). It is the best project I've completed in sewing.
Look out Martha!

The lining is a bright kinda tye-dyed yellow, with a pocket (oh la la) . The pocket is in the center it looked funked in the pic but u know how that goes......

I went to visit my 80 yr old grammie yesterday and took a WIP doily with me. She loved it. She is currently making an oval tablecloth out of little motifs. She still loves to crochet. And loves when I come and crochet with her. I'm going to do the edging of the tablecloth for her and shes anxious to get that in my hands so it can be on her table soon. I love my grammie so much! I told her I wanted to make a special Christmas present for her this year, and to pick anything she wanted and I would crochet it for her... well this is what she chose.... It's from a 1955 Star 10 cent booklet #120 called "The Pineapple Doily" I'm going to head to Hobby Lobby now that i have to find some varigated yellow threads *gleam* I don't know what it is about pineapples. My grammie always tells me she don't care much for them.. and thats what she picked out. Go figure. LOL

Almost forgot to post a pic of the hot pink doily! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for FOodie Friday. I'm posting Chinese! Have a great night!