From earlier in the season - Roll Tide siblings!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Roll Tide, Y'all!
In case you haven't heard, there's a football game on tonight. So, there's not going to be any elaborate post. I'm over at my parents' house watching the game and enjoying it as well as the entertainment of two dogs. I'll be back tomorrow with something more lengthy. So, until then, Roll Tide, y'all!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Yogurt Woes
I’ve been a yogurt lover for a long time. I don’t know how long, but for about as long as I can remember. I’ve tried all different kinds of yogurt and for about the past year or so, I’ve bought the Publix low fat yogurt because it’s at a good price and also tastes pretty good and has a variety of flavors. I know a lot of folks are all into this Greek yogurt craze, but I’m here to tell you, I am not one of those. I think the Greek yogurt tastes awful!
When I was in France this past summer, yogurt was always served at breakfast; but, the yogurt in France tasted a whole heck of a lot better than it did here in the States. One of the guides that is American but lives in Paris said it was because there weren’t all the preservatives we have here in the States and I have no doubt that is indeed the case.
Recently, I was in Publix looking at the yogurt and something caught my eye. It was Dannon Activia French Yogurt. It was more expensive that the Publix yogurt I had been buying, but I was curious and wanted to give it a try to see if it was similar to the yogurt I had while in France. I bought a couple of them and tried it the next morning. Y’all, it was so good. I was transported back to the summer and could hardly believe the taste on my tongue. I’m sure there are more preservatives in this French yogurt than there were in the yogurt I had while in France but it was the closest I was going to come to have that delightful yogurt from the summer of 2011.
Since that first purchase, I have only bought the Dannon French Yogurt and have enjoyed every single cup. This past Saturday, I went in to Publix for my weekly shopping trip and went over to where the yogurt was and much to my chagrin, the Dannon Activia French Yogurt was on clearance! It won’t be available again after this month! I’m not sure if this is only at Publix or if it’s everywhere. I asked the guy stocking the shelf about it and he said he didn’t know if it was being discontinued only that they couldn’t get it anymore. I’m so sad, people; so, sad! If you happen to see it at your store, pick up a cup and give it a try before it’s all gone.
When I was in France this past summer, yogurt was always served at breakfast; but, the yogurt in France tasted a whole heck of a lot better than it did here in the States. One of the guides that is American but lives in Paris said it was because there weren’t all the preservatives we have here in the States and I have no doubt that is indeed the case.
Recently, I was in Publix looking at the yogurt and something caught my eye. It was Dannon Activia French Yogurt. It was more expensive that the Publix yogurt I had been buying, but I was curious and wanted to give it a try to see if it was similar to the yogurt I had while in France. I bought a couple of them and tried it the next morning. Y’all, it was so good. I was transported back to the summer and could hardly believe the taste on my tongue. I’m sure there are more preservatives in this French yogurt than there were in the yogurt I had while in France but it was the closest I was going to come to have that delightful yogurt from the summer of 2011.
Since that first purchase, I have only bought the Dannon French Yogurt and have enjoyed every single cup. This past Saturday, I went in to Publix for my weekly shopping trip and went over to where the yogurt was and much to my chagrin, the Dannon Activia French Yogurt was on clearance! It won’t be available again after this month! I’m not sure if this is only at Publix or if it’s everywhere. I asked the guy stocking the shelf about it and he said he didn’t know if it was being discontinued only that they couldn’t get it anymore. I’m so sad, people; so, sad! If you happen to see it at your store, pick up a cup and give it a try before it’s all gone.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Movie Experience and Review: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
While I was out for vacation last week, I managed to make it to the movie theater to see "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" on the big screen. As you know, I read the books last year and enjoyed each of them immensely - once I was able to get into it that is. So, I was looking forward to seeing what Hollywood was going to do with these books that have been read and loved by so many.
I went last Friday night and after running a couple of errands, arrived at the theater, bought my ticket and then a large - yes, a large, popcorn. After having the stomach virus a couple of days before and eating cautiously on Thursday, my hunger had caught up to me and I was ready for some eating, people. I didn't eat the whole bucket, but came pretty darn close. I ran into two couples from church in the hallway when I first arrived and chatted with them for a while before making my way to the theater.
I settled into a seat ca couple of rows from the top and was hoping the theater wouldn't fill up. I should have known better because it was showing in one of the smaller theaters and there were already quite a few people in the "stands". I was really amazed at the number of couples in the crowd because call me crazy but I wouldn't want to watch this movie with a boyfriend or husband. Something about seeing rape on the big screen doesn't say, "I love you sweetie," to me. But, hey, what do I know? I guess I sat down about 10 minutes before the movie started and in those 10 minutes , the place became rather full. Two girls came in and sat right next to me which I was less than thrilled about but thankfully they didn't talk or fart or anything like that. (I have no idea what inspired me to write fart, but I'm keeping it. Sorry, Aunt Linda!)
Once the movie began, they showed a wide array of previews, none of which really struck my fancy. I mean, Ghostrider 2? Really, wasn't the first one bad enough? Nicolas Cage, how you have fallen. Of course, I have never enjoyed his acting, but that's a post for another day.
OK, on to the movie review - this movie was quite well done considering the vast amount of material the screenwriters, directors, etc. had to work with. You would think they would have had to leave something out, but in reality there wasn't much missing at all. Impressive. I have watched many a movie based on books I have read but this is the first time I have ever watched one where I felt like someone had literally taken the scenes from my head and placed them on the screen in front of me. I give all the credit to Stieg Larsson and his immaculate attention to detail. He described things so very to the point that it would have been hard to mess it up; but, seriously, y'all - right out of my head. It was quite mind blowing. The whole movie wasn't like that mind you, but many of the scenes, especially from the parade Harriet was at before she went missing and the wreck of the gas freighter on the bridge. It was quite surreal.
I wasn't sure how I would like Daniel Craig in the role of Mikael Blomkvist, I mean, he's quite lovely as James Bond but I always pictured Mikael to be a little pudgier and less handsome than Daniel Craig, but he did quite a good job. He was actually believable in the role, which is obviously important. Christopher Plummer was quite wonderful as Henrik Vanger but I mean when is he not wonderful - hello, Captain Von Trapp! Rooney Mara - amazing as Salander. She did a phenomenal job as this very reclusive and troubled yet remarkable girl. She played the role beautifully.
There were a few things that were changed to make the movie flow better into the second film, such as Palmgren being in the nursing home, which doesn't happen until the second book. The ending was a little different as well, but worked out just fine and didn't take away from the plot at all. I closed my eyes during the rape scene because I did not care to see that on the big screen, or any screen for that matter. There were a couple of other disturbing scenes (those in the basement of Martin's house and another one or two) in which I also closed my eyes because really I wanted to be able to sleep peacefully once I got home that evening. The movie was 2 hours and 40 minutes long but it kept my attention the whole time and I didn't look at my watch once - a modern day miracle. In all, I would give this movie an A plus. If you loved the book, then I think you will love the movie as well. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the second, assuming there will be a second. Here's to hoping so!
Side Note: I decided to name these posts movie experience and review since I seem to write more about what happens at the theater than the actual movie and honestly I don't think I'm that good at reviewing. Thanks for listening!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Rev It Up
You may remember that when my dad and I went to the Christmas parade last month, there was a woman across the way that kept yelling "Rev it up!" at all the cars that passed by. This unknown lady has been the subject of many laughs between my friends and I, especially my friend Candy who often asks for a demonstration of the woman and her motions and the way she said, "Rev it up!" Y'all - it never ceases to make us laugh!
So, this past weekend, as my mother and I were leaving the hospital, I noticed a stand of flyers and they caught my attention because in large letters the flyer said, "Rev It Up!" Apparently Crestwood Hospital is starting a new program for the the New Year which deals with weight loss and healthy living and all that jazz. I grabbed a flyer and took it home with me to show Candy, knowing we would get a good laugh out of it and indeed we did. She told me I needed to scan it in and post in on the blog and so I have done just that. It actually looks like it might be a good program, although it's rather expensive for my taste. Here's the link if you want to check it out.
I scanned the flyer in hopes of posting it here on the blog, but our scanner at work only scans into PDF format and apparently that format won't work here on the blog. I'm so disappointed! But, at least we got a good laugh out of the flyer.
So, this past weekend, as my mother and I were leaving the hospital, I noticed a stand of flyers and they caught my attention because in large letters the flyer said, "Rev It Up!" Apparently Crestwood Hospital is starting a new program for the the New Year which deals with weight loss and healthy living and all that jazz. I grabbed a flyer and took it home with me to show Candy, knowing we would get a good laugh out of it and indeed we did. She told me I needed to scan it in and post in on the blog and so I have done just that. It actually looks like it might be a good program, although it's rather expensive for my taste. Here's the link if you want to check it out.
I scanned the flyer in hopes of posting it here on the blog, but our scanner at work only scans into PDF format and apparently that format won't work here on the blog. I'm so disappointed! But, at least we got a good laugh out of the flyer.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Back to the Grind
Well, I wrapped up the final couple of days of my Christmas vacation and went back to work on Tuesday. I was ready to be back on a normal schedule, but also dreaded getting up early after sleeping in (until 7:00 - I'm such a rebel!) and taking lots of naps while I was off.
On Sunday, my dad came home from the hospital and we were able to enjoy the nice dinner we had originally planned for New Year's Eve. The food was excellent if I do say so myself. I tried this new potato recipe and also this recipe for Egg Nog Pie. If you like Egg Nog, then you will definitely like this pie, which is very light and goes well with a heavy meal when you don't want a heavy dessert. After dinner, we visited with our friends Naaman and Cheryl and then The Tide and I headed home for a night of good rest.
Monday morning I went to the gym and then came home and finally cleaned my bathroom. I say finally because it seems like ti had been on the to do list for about a week before I was finally able to get to it on Monday morning. That afternoon, I took a break from watching football (much to the surprise of my dad) to go have a late lunch with my Aunt Linda. We went to Jason's Deli and the food was, as expected, great. I love their salad bar! We visited for an hour and a half or so and then I came back home and watched more football and perused the internets for nothing in particular.
All of my Christmas decorations were put away last Friday with the exception of my outside lights and I suppose I will get around to doing that this coming weekend. I did manage to take the wreaths down as they are stored in the same bag as my tree. I've got some lingering dish towels and whatnot to put away still but am waiting on some of them to still be laundered so I can take them all out at once. I haven't got in much of a hurry with the laundry as of late.
As mentioned I started back to work today and I was kind of excited because back in early November, I won a sweet parking spot in our annual United Way campaign. I won the spot for two months, which then turned into four months when they doubled the number of spots available on the side where I park. You see, we have a huge parking lot and it is quite a trek from where us minions usually park to the inside of the building and the spot I won (for January, March, July and September) is quite close to the entrance. Seeing as how today is the coldest day of the winter thus far, that made the spot even better.
Well, when I arrived this morning, everyone was parked up close because they have started doing some repair work on the paring lot and I kid you not, over half of the parking lot was blocked off; and now, since it's so cold out, no one knows when the work will resume. So, my parking spot, is less than shiny right now since everyone is parking up close. I hope they get those parking lot repairs completed soon so that I can enjoy my winnings while everyone else (except those who have worked here for 25 years or longer) have to park out in Timbuktu.
Work actually went by rather quickly today as we are doing inventory and spent a good portion of the day auditing counts. I suppose it's a nice way to ease back into the daily routine of coming to work each day and actually wearing clothes other than pajamas. Hope your week is off to a good start as well!
On Sunday, my dad came home from the hospital and we were able to enjoy the nice dinner we had originally planned for New Year's Eve. The food was excellent if I do say so myself. I tried this new potato recipe and also this recipe for Egg Nog Pie. If you like Egg Nog, then you will definitely like this pie, which is very light and goes well with a heavy meal when you don't want a heavy dessert. After dinner, we visited with our friends Naaman and Cheryl and then The Tide and I headed home for a night of good rest.
Monday morning I went to the gym and then came home and finally cleaned my bathroom. I say finally because it seems like ti had been on the to do list for about a week before I was finally able to get to it on Monday morning. That afternoon, I took a break from watching football (much to the surprise of my dad) to go have a late lunch with my Aunt Linda. We went to Jason's Deli and the food was, as expected, great. I love their salad bar! We visited for an hour and a half or so and then I came back home and watched more football and perused the internets for nothing in particular.
All of my Christmas decorations were put away last Friday with the exception of my outside lights and I suppose I will get around to doing that this coming weekend. I did manage to take the wreaths down as they are stored in the same bag as my tree. I've got some lingering dish towels and whatnot to put away still but am waiting on some of them to still be laundered so I can take them all out at once. I haven't got in much of a hurry with the laundry as of late.
As mentioned I started back to work today and I was kind of excited because back in early November, I won a sweet parking spot in our annual United Way campaign. I won the spot for two months, which then turned into four months when they doubled the number of spots available on the side where I park. You see, we have a huge parking lot and it is quite a trek from where us minions usually park to the inside of the building and the spot I won (for January, March, July and September) is quite close to the entrance. Seeing as how today is the coldest day of the winter thus far, that made the spot even better.
Well, when I arrived this morning, everyone was parked up close because they have started doing some repair work on the paring lot and I kid you not, over half of the parking lot was blocked off; and now, since it's so cold out, no one knows when the work will resume. So, my parking spot, is less than shiny right now since everyone is parking up close. I hope they get those parking lot repairs completed soon so that I can enjoy my winnings while everyone else (except those who have worked here for 25 years or longer) have to park out in Timbuktu.
Work actually went by rather quickly today as we are doing inventory and spent a good portion of the day auditing counts. I suppose it's a nice way to ease back into the daily routine of coming to work each day and actually wearing clothes other than pajamas. Hope your week is off to a good start as well!
Monday, January 2, 2012
I Am the Master of Uno
The continuation of my New Year’s Eve (read part one here)
After the adventurous day with my dad and getting my mother home, I went over to Jackie’s to visit with her and the kids a bit before heading back home to an unruly kitchen and a pie that still needed to be made.
When I headed out, there was a truck blocking the road I needed to get on. The truck finally moved up the road and as it was going up to the highway, I noticed what looked like a piece of car flying towards my car. As it turns out, that truck it a SUV coming down the mountain and the side view mirror was what came flying towards me. I stopped and talked to the people in the SUV and then drove off to get the license plate number of the truck; but thankfully the truck turned around to go back to the scene of the crime. I think those folks had already hit the bottle.
Jackie had made a spread of finger foods but I wasn’t hungry thanks to the hospital beef stroganoff. I did have a couple of brownies before I left for the night and they were delectable. Our friend Maria was there as well as her dog Ally. The kids were wound up in anticipation of the New Year, complete with noise makers. They were loud and rambunctious and hyped up on life. It was quite entertaining.
Troy showed me some of his new Lego sets and then he brought out his new Harry Potter Uno game and it was Game On! We played probably 10 rounds or so and I won… wait for it… two! He beat my butt and even made up a little song about it! He declared himself the Master of Uno! And indeed, he was. I got beat by a nine year old – many times, people; many times!
Jackie then got out a couple of decks of cards and we set in for a few rounds of Nertz, which is a game we played when we were kids. I think we each won three games. I really can’t remember the exact count, but we were in full on concentration mode and were having to push the kids out of the way and tell them to hush so we could concentrate.
Around 8:30 I had to call it a night because The Tide had not been out for a bathroom break since I left the house a little after noon. I would have loved to stay longer so that I could become the Master of Uno; but, alas it was not meant to be. My dog needed some attention. We popped open the sparkling grape juice before I left to celebrate the New Year and the taste brought Jackie and I back to our youth when we were quarantined to a bedroom with a set of rented VHS tapes and only summoned out a few minutes before midnight to toast in the New Year. I then headed home and was thankful to avoid any drunks on the road.
It wasn’t the New Year’s celebration we had planned, but it was good nonetheless. We were blessed that nothing major was wrong with my dad and it was fun and enjoyable to spend some time with the kids beating my butt at Uno. Hope your New Year’s was really great! All the best to you and yours in 2012!
After the adventurous day with my dad and getting my mother home, I went over to Jackie’s to visit with her and the kids a bit before heading back home to an unruly kitchen and a pie that still needed to be made.
When I headed out, there was a truck blocking the road I needed to get on. The truck finally moved up the road and as it was going up to the highway, I noticed what looked like a piece of car flying towards my car. As it turns out, that truck it a SUV coming down the mountain and the side view mirror was what came flying towards me. I stopped and talked to the people in the SUV and then drove off to get the license plate number of the truck; but thankfully the truck turned around to go back to the scene of the crime. I think those folks had already hit the bottle.
Jackie had made a spread of finger foods but I wasn’t hungry thanks to the hospital beef stroganoff. I did have a couple of brownies before I left for the night and they were delectable. Our friend Maria was there as well as her dog Ally. The kids were wound up in anticipation of the New Year, complete with noise makers. They were loud and rambunctious and hyped up on life. It was quite entertaining.
Troy showed me some of his new Lego sets and then he brought out his new Harry Potter Uno game and it was Game On! We played probably 10 rounds or so and I won… wait for it… two! He beat my butt and even made up a little song about it! He declared himself the Master of Uno! And indeed, he was. I got beat by a nine year old – many times, people; many times!
Jackie then got out a couple of decks of cards and we set in for a few rounds of Nertz, which is a game we played when we were kids. I think we each won three games. I really can’t remember the exact count, but we were in full on concentration mode and were having to push the kids out of the way and tell them to hush so we could concentrate.
Around 8:30 I had to call it a night because The Tide had not been out for a bathroom break since I left the house a little after noon. I would have loved to stay longer so that I could become the Master of Uno; but, alas it was not meant to be. My dog needed some attention. We popped open the sparkling grape juice before I left to celebrate the New Year and the taste brought Jackie and I back to our youth when we were quarantined to a bedroom with a set of rented VHS tapes and only summoned out a few minutes before midnight to toast in the New Year. I then headed home and was thankful to avoid any drunks on the road.
It wasn’t the New Year’s celebration we had planned, but it was good nonetheless. We were blessed that nothing major was wrong with my dad and it was fun and enjoyable to spend some time with the kids beating my butt at Uno. Hope your New Year’s was really great! All the best to you and yours in 2012!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
My New Year's Eve
I don’t know about you, but my New Year’s Eve certainly didn’t turn out a thing like expected. For the past couple of years, my dad and I have cooked a nice dinner for our family and a few close friends and it was decided that we would do the same this year. My dad was going to cook prime rib and I was in charge of everything else, which was to be a green salad, potatoes Romanoff, steamed shredded brussel sprouts and lemon pound cake and egg nog cream pie.
I woke up around 7:00 on Saturday morning and immediately started to work in the kitchen. I first made the pound cake and then started on the potatoes which had to be shredded – that food processor is a dream come true for this lover of cooking. I got the brussel sprouts shredded and the salad made and cooked some bacon for the salad and thought I was doing pretty well. Around 11:00 I left the house to pick up a pizza I had ordered from Sam and Greg’s because I didn’t want to make myself lunch when I was already making myself dinner – or something like that.
On the way back from the pizzeria, my mom called. My dad had taken himself to the hospital because he was having chest pains. The doctor didn’t like the first EKG and so was going to wait a bit and do another one. My dad had tried to call me so I called him and asked what was going on. He told me the same and that he didn’t want anyone coming down there. A nurse came in to draw blood which cut our conversation short. I ate my pizza and mom my called back. I told her that we were cancelling the dinner and postponing it to either Sunday or Monday.
Not long after talking to her she called a couple of more times with updates and then called to say that the doctor thought my dad was trying to have a heart attack and that they were going to do a heart cath. I took a quick shower, called Jackie to meet me at my parents’ house and drove over there myself to help my mom get dressed and take her down to the hospital.
I was the first to arrive then a couple of ladies from the church my parents attend and then Jackie. We all managed to get mother dressed. A husband of one of the ladies put mother in her wheelchair and Jackie and I packed a small bag with some snacks and sodas. Mother and I were then on our way.
By the time we finally got to the hospital, the heart cath was over and the arteries were really clean – great news! No heart attack! Even better news! Apparently the chest pains had something to do with upper GI problems. My dad has ulcerative colitis and that probably has something to do with it. It may also be ulcers. He will have to have an endoscopy sometime soon.
They moved my dad to a room and soon after visitors trickled in. Thanks to all of you friends who stopped by and all you family too! I would name everyone but then might forget someone and I would feel bad so a BIG thanks to all who came – your love and support did not go unnoticed! Also a BIG thanks to all who prayed or called to check in. We really appreciate it all!
My mom and I headed back to the house around 4:30 but first stopped in the hospital café to have some dinner of beef stroganoff and green beans and you know what, it wasn’t bad at all. I got mother home and her nightgown on her and some friends were going to stop by and help her get in the bed. I do not have the strength to lift her one iota. I can maybe lift one leg. My granddad, her dad, came over to spend the night with her and I left to do a little celebrating with Jackie and the kids.
To be continued...
I woke up around 7:00 on Saturday morning and immediately started to work in the kitchen. I first made the pound cake and then started on the potatoes which had to be shredded – that food processor is a dream come true for this lover of cooking. I got the brussel sprouts shredded and the salad made and cooked some bacon for the salad and thought I was doing pretty well. Around 11:00 I left the house to pick up a pizza I had ordered from Sam and Greg’s because I didn’t want to make myself lunch when I was already making myself dinner – or something like that.
On the way back from the pizzeria, my mom called. My dad had taken himself to the hospital because he was having chest pains. The doctor didn’t like the first EKG and so was going to wait a bit and do another one. My dad had tried to call me so I called him and asked what was going on. He told me the same and that he didn’t want anyone coming down there. A nurse came in to draw blood which cut our conversation short. I ate my pizza and mom my called back. I told her that we were cancelling the dinner and postponing it to either Sunday or Monday.
Not long after talking to her she called a couple of more times with updates and then called to say that the doctor thought my dad was trying to have a heart attack and that they were going to do a heart cath. I took a quick shower, called Jackie to meet me at my parents’ house and drove over there myself to help my mom get dressed and take her down to the hospital.
I was the first to arrive then a couple of ladies from the church my parents attend and then Jackie. We all managed to get mother dressed. A husband of one of the ladies put mother in her wheelchair and Jackie and I packed a small bag with some snacks and sodas. Mother and I were then on our way.
By the time we finally got to the hospital, the heart cath was over and the arteries were really clean – great news! No heart attack! Even better news! Apparently the chest pains had something to do with upper GI problems. My dad has ulcerative colitis and that probably has something to do with it. It may also be ulcers. He will have to have an endoscopy sometime soon.
They moved my dad to a room and soon after visitors trickled in. Thanks to all of you friends who stopped by and all you family too! I would name everyone but then might forget someone and I would feel bad so a BIG thanks to all who came – your love and support did not go unnoticed! Also a BIG thanks to all who prayed or called to check in. We really appreciate it all!
My mom and I headed back to the house around 4:30 but first stopped in the hospital café to have some dinner of beef stroganoff and green beans and you know what, it wasn’t bad at all. I got mother home and her nightgown on her and some friends were going to stop by and help her get in the bed. I do not have the strength to lift her one iota. I can maybe lift one leg. My granddad, her dad, came over to spend the night with her and I left to do a little celebrating with Jackie and the kids.
To be continued...
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