It’s been a while, or at least I think it’s been a while, since I posted some of my favorite things as of late. So, without further ado, I give you, somethingI like right now – because I could only think of one.
Run, don’t walk, to the nearest Williams-Sonoma and pick up some of their Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix. I’m a big fan of Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate. It is the best I have ever tasted. It’s made from real chocolate shavings, not powdered chocolate, which helps. The directions on the back of the can are for one cup of milk and five Tablespoons of Hot Chocolate mix, but I use ¾ cup of milk and ¼ cup of heavy cream because I’m crazy like that.
Each year the Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate mixes come out the day after Halloween. For years they have had the original mix and the peppermint mix, but this is the first year they’ve had salted caramel. I don’t buy these mixes often because they retail for $19.98, which can be a little steep for an indulgence. After Christmas they go on sale and that’s typically when I try to buy; but this year I went on November 1 and took the full price plunge. I bought one original and one salted caramel and I’m here to tell you the salted caramel is absolutely delightful. I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying another canister of two before the hot chocolate selling season is over. If you have an extra $20 lying around, be sure and pick some up, you’ll be glad you did!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A Senior Dog
I got a magazine in the mail this past week. It was from my vet’s office. While it’s not that unusual – they do come in the mail about every six months – this one caught me a little off guard. There was a coupon on the front that said I could save 45% on my dog’s senior health package. Huh? Since when is The Tide a senior dog?
The Tide is now nine years old. I don’t know how old a dog has to be to be called a senior dog, but apparently nine years old falls within the senior dog ranks. Who knew? Certainly not me. I’ve never even thought of The Tide as a senior dog.
The Tide once had jowls that were black as night, now they are practically white as snow, or grey, depending on how you look at it. She’s got some signs of being senior, but to me she’s just the same loveable pup I brought home with me nine years ago. The old gal still has quite a spring in her step and can be just as mischievous as she was when she weighed only five pounds. She’s young at heart, I would say, which is what matters the most.
I don’t know how many more years this old senior dog of mine has left to be a senior dog, but I certainly hope it’s quite a few more.
The Tide is now nine years old. I don’t know how old a dog has to be to be called a senior dog, but apparently nine years old falls within the senior dog ranks. Who knew? Certainly not me. I’ve never even thought of The Tide as a senior dog.
The Tide once had jowls that were black as night, now they are practically white as snow, or grey, depending on how you look at it. She’s got some signs of being senior, but to me she’s just the same loveable pup I brought home with me nine years ago. The old gal still has quite a spring in her step and can be just as mischievous as she was when she weighed only five pounds. She’s young at heart, I would say, which is what matters the most.
I don’t know how many more years this old senior dog of mine has left to be a senior dog, but I certainly hope it’s quite a few more.
Does this look like a senior dog to you?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Over The Weekend
Before we begin, I would like to thank everyone for your kind comments regarding yesterday's post. It really meant a lot!
Back to your regularly scheduled blog posts… this past weekend was rather uneventful yet eventful at the same time, if that’s possible. Now that high school football playoffs have started, I no longer have assignments. Not necessarily because my writing is bad, but because not a lot of teams in the Huntsville area make it which means less assignments to go around.
So, instead of working for the newspaper, I got to enjoy a game as a spectator alongside my dad. We went to see Madison Academy play and it was quite a good game. It went into overtime thanks to a 3-yard MA field goal. MA ended up winning due to a blocked extra point – quite the finish!
On Saturday I went to the grocery store and then over to my parents’ house for a pancake breakfast cooked by my dad – he’s a maker of fine pancakes, people! We watched College Gameday live from Tuscaloosa and I’m convinced that this change in routine is what caused Alabama to lose – ok, maybe not.
After an hour and a half or so of watching, I decided to leave because my dad was snoozing and I was on the verge of sleep myself. So, I went home and put away the groceries and napped for almost two hours. I then did a little cleaning and straightening and quickly realized I shouldn’t have napped so long because there was much to do but the nap was also much needed because I was extremely tired and emotionally exhausted.
Jackie came over about 3:00 and I was not close to ready when she arrived. I finally put my face on, as the old southern ladies like to say, and she snapped a few photos of me and The Tide as potential Christmas card pictures – turns out I don’t really like any of them. This has nothing to do with Jackie’s photography and probably has more to do with an uncooperative dog and what I think is a chunky face (mine) – I blame the steroids I’ve been on for the past two weeks. Anyway, I’m hoping to have some more photos taken soon. I also since have discovered that the sweater I wore has small holes in it. I am convinced I have moths because all of my good clothes end up with small holes so I will soon be buying some moth balls and smelling like an old person. Don’t hate, people!
We finally wrapped up the photo session and went to Randolph’s Under the Christmas Tree. I bought some dips and a gumbo mix and also a large door decoration that looks like a Christmas ornament. I also got a dish towel that says “Christmas Is Always Merry In Five Points” – let’s hope it rings true. I thought it was cute and unique to my area of town so I went ahead and got it. Jackie bought some cider mix and a small tin Christmas tree and seems like something else, but I can’t remember. A lot of vendors had some adorable door decorations that we think were made of burlap – they were shaped like footballs and had an A and Roll Tide on it. Hazel Green Pharmacy had a booth there and was selling these for $40 – this is a hint for those of you wanting an idea for something to get me for Christmas. I’m trying to help you folks out.
When we got through getting our Christmas spirit on, or something like that, we came back to casa de McKinley and grilled some burgers. Maria came over as well and we all stuffed ourselves with burgers and corn dip while watching the Alabama-LSU game. Things obviously didn’t turn out to our liking, but we still had a good time being together, which is really the most important thing of all. Maria left sometime after the half and Jackie left when the game was over. I went to bed and thoroughly enjoyed my extra hour of sleep. I know most people don’t like the time change, but this “regular” time is when I feel most rested and I love it. I spend the whole spring and summer trying get back my hour from springing forward.
Sunday was spent going to church and napping and watching TV, which is as low-key as it gets around my house. As I said, kind of eventful, kind of not, but now you know all the gory details of my weekend. I wish I could say you were all the better for it, but I’m not so sure that’s the case. At any rate, I do wish you a delightful day and thanks for stopping by.
Back to your regularly scheduled blog posts… this past weekend was rather uneventful yet eventful at the same time, if that’s possible. Now that high school football playoffs have started, I no longer have assignments. Not necessarily because my writing is bad, but because not a lot of teams in the Huntsville area make it which means less assignments to go around.
So, instead of working for the newspaper, I got to enjoy a game as a spectator alongside my dad. We went to see Madison Academy play and it was quite a good game. It went into overtime thanks to a 3-yard MA field goal. MA ended up winning due to a blocked extra point – quite the finish!
On Saturday I went to the grocery store and then over to my parents’ house for a pancake breakfast cooked by my dad – he’s a maker of fine pancakes, people! We watched College Gameday live from Tuscaloosa and I’m convinced that this change in routine is what caused Alabama to lose – ok, maybe not.
After an hour and a half or so of watching, I decided to leave because my dad was snoozing and I was on the verge of sleep myself. So, I went home and put away the groceries and napped for almost two hours. I then did a little cleaning and straightening and quickly realized I shouldn’t have napped so long because there was much to do but the nap was also much needed because I was extremely tired and emotionally exhausted.
Jackie came over about 3:00 and I was not close to ready when she arrived. I finally put my face on, as the old southern ladies like to say, and she snapped a few photos of me and The Tide as potential Christmas card pictures – turns out I don’t really like any of them. This has nothing to do with Jackie’s photography and probably has more to do with an uncooperative dog and what I think is a chunky face (mine) – I blame the steroids I’ve been on for the past two weeks. Anyway, I’m hoping to have some more photos taken soon. I also since have discovered that the sweater I wore has small holes in it. I am convinced I have moths because all of my good clothes end up with small holes so I will soon be buying some moth balls and smelling like an old person. Don’t hate, people!
We finally wrapped up the photo session and went to Randolph’s Under the Christmas Tree. I bought some dips and a gumbo mix and also a large door decoration that looks like a Christmas ornament. I also got a dish towel that says “Christmas Is Always Merry In Five Points” – let’s hope it rings true. I thought it was cute and unique to my area of town so I went ahead and got it. Jackie bought some cider mix and a small tin Christmas tree and seems like something else, but I can’t remember. A lot of vendors had some adorable door decorations that we think were made of burlap – they were shaped like footballs and had an A and Roll Tide on it. Hazel Green Pharmacy had a booth there and was selling these for $40 – this is a hint for those of you wanting an idea for something to get me for Christmas. I’m trying to help you folks out.
When we got through getting our Christmas spirit on, or something like that, we came back to casa de McKinley and grilled some burgers. Maria came over as well and we all stuffed ourselves with burgers and corn dip while watching the Alabama-LSU game. Things obviously didn’t turn out to our liking, but we still had a good time being together, which is really the most important thing of all. Maria left sometime after the half and Jackie left when the game was over. I went to bed and thoroughly enjoyed my extra hour of sleep. I know most people don’t like the time change, but this “regular” time is when I feel most rested and I love it. I spend the whole spring and summer trying get back my hour from springing forward.
Sunday was spent going to church and napping and watching TV, which is as low-key as it gets around my house. As I said, kind of eventful, kind of not, but now you know all the gory details of my weekend. I wish I could say you were all the better for it, but I’m not so sure that’s the case. At any rate, I do wish you a delightful day and thanks for stopping by.
One of the photos from the Saturday photo shoot
Monday, November 7, 2011
Life's Ups and Downs
I apologize for the absence over the past few days. Things have been rather crazy on a personal level and I have been busy dealing with all of that. While I try to keep things lighthearted on this blog and leave all the heavy stuff out of cyber space, today I’m making an exception to the rule and am going to let you all know what’s been going on.
Last Thursday my paternal grandfather, Ben, had a bone marrow procedure; after which he stopped breathing and was put on a ventilator and placed in a drug-induced coma to keep his body from having to work too hard. My dad, aunt and I rode up to Nashville together and the situation looked grave at best. My dad and I came back home later that evening not knowing whether or not my grandfather would survive the night. It was frightening to say the least.
On Friday morning, my granddad was doing much better – off of the ventilator and out of the coma and was sitting up in a chair and talking. He was still a little foggy when it came to details and whatnot but for the most part it was nothing short of what to us seemed to be a miraculous recovery. God answers prayer, people! My dad went up on Friday by himself and came back again that evening and said he wouldn’t have believed it if he had not seen it with his own eyes.
As it turns out, my grandfather has a bacterial infection, and has had for some time that caused his heart to stop and for him to stop breathing. It’s the same bacterial infection that my cousin, Bennett, had a while ago and caused him a great deal of pain and misery. Something in the Parker gene pool perhaps? The doctors are now treating the bacterial infection (no, I can’t remember the name; in fact, I’m not sure I was told) and with any luck, my granddad will be back to bossing my grandmother around as if nothing ever happened.
The other event that affected our family also happened on Friday and has to do with my brother. Many of you who read this blog (oh, who am I kidding only people I know read this blog), know me personally and know the struggles my brother has had with addiction over the years. This past August, he moved in with my parents as a last ditch effort to help him overcome his addiction and get on the right path.
As far as anyone knew, he was doing really well. You have probably seen on this blog where he and I spent a lot of time together over the past few months and it was really great to have a sober, functioning and reliable sibling for a change. For the first time in what feels like an eternity I allowed myself to hope – to hope that Justin would overcome his addiction and find the willpower within him to continue to turn his back on the daily temptations in his life. Hope – it’s a dangerous emotion.
On Friday, Justin went to see his probation office and failed a drug test because earlier in the week he had stolen two pain pills and taken them. Once again, hope was shattered. He is now in jail, awaiting sentencing for violation of his parole. He will be headed back to prison for as many as six years, more likely three with good behavior. It’s a crushing blow and one that is very hard to put into words. I told Jackie this weekend that I think I should write a book about being the sibling of an addict – it wouldn’t be an easy breezy read, that’s for sure.
As I said, I usually don’t write about this sort of thing on the blog, because who wants to stop by here and get all depressed, plus everyone else has problems of their own and really don’t want to hear about the problems my family is dealing with; but this time, I wanted to share for a couple of reasons. One, I would like you to remember my brother in your prayers. Pray for his safety while in prison and pray that he might one day be able to truly overcome his addiction and live a sober and full life. Secondly, I ask that you pray for my parents as well because those two have suffered more heartbreak than should be possible in this world. Each time my brother screws up, I see both of them age because it literally takes the life out of them and either he doesn’t realize or doesn’t care; either way it’s sad. We will now have to spend another set of Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years, and birthdays without Justin around. It’s a heavy load for our hearts to bear. I know the Lord will not give us a burden that is too large to bear but at the same time, it doesn’t necessarily make things easier. We will all get through this time, but it won’t be without some difficulty and tears and I just ask that when you say a prayer, remember us Parkers from time to time. And while you’re at it, go ahead and lift one up for my granddad as well. He is already doing so much better but a little prayer goes a long way.
Again, I’m sorry for all the seriousness on here today. I figured some of you might be wondering why it was that Justin was around a lot and then not at all. I’ve pledged to be nothing but honest in life and that goes for the things I say on here too. Thanks for stopping by and I promise to be back tomorrow with something a lot lighter and more cheerful.
Last Thursday my paternal grandfather, Ben, had a bone marrow procedure; after which he stopped breathing and was put on a ventilator and placed in a drug-induced coma to keep his body from having to work too hard. My dad, aunt and I rode up to Nashville together and the situation looked grave at best. My dad and I came back home later that evening not knowing whether or not my grandfather would survive the night. It was frightening to say the least.
On Friday morning, my granddad was doing much better – off of the ventilator and out of the coma and was sitting up in a chair and talking. He was still a little foggy when it came to details and whatnot but for the most part it was nothing short of what to us seemed to be a miraculous recovery. God answers prayer, people! My dad went up on Friday by himself and came back again that evening and said he wouldn’t have believed it if he had not seen it with his own eyes.
As it turns out, my grandfather has a bacterial infection, and has had for some time that caused his heart to stop and for him to stop breathing. It’s the same bacterial infection that my cousin, Bennett, had a while ago and caused him a great deal of pain and misery. Something in the Parker gene pool perhaps? The doctors are now treating the bacterial infection (no, I can’t remember the name; in fact, I’m not sure I was told) and with any luck, my granddad will be back to bossing my grandmother around as if nothing ever happened.
The other event that affected our family also happened on Friday and has to do with my brother. Many of you who read this blog (oh, who am I kidding only people I know read this blog), know me personally and know the struggles my brother has had with addiction over the years. This past August, he moved in with my parents as a last ditch effort to help him overcome his addiction and get on the right path.
As far as anyone knew, he was doing really well. You have probably seen on this blog where he and I spent a lot of time together over the past few months and it was really great to have a sober, functioning and reliable sibling for a change. For the first time in what feels like an eternity I allowed myself to hope – to hope that Justin would overcome his addiction and find the willpower within him to continue to turn his back on the daily temptations in his life. Hope – it’s a dangerous emotion.
On Friday, Justin went to see his probation office and failed a drug test because earlier in the week he had stolen two pain pills and taken them. Once again, hope was shattered. He is now in jail, awaiting sentencing for violation of his parole. He will be headed back to prison for as many as six years, more likely three with good behavior. It’s a crushing blow and one that is very hard to put into words. I told Jackie this weekend that I think I should write a book about being the sibling of an addict – it wouldn’t be an easy breezy read, that’s for sure.
As I said, I usually don’t write about this sort of thing on the blog, because who wants to stop by here and get all depressed, plus everyone else has problems of their own and really don’t want to hear about the problems my family is dealing with; but this time, I wanted to share for a couple of reasons. One, I would like you to remember my brother in your prayers. Pray for his safety while in prison and pray that he might one day be able to truly overcome his addiction and live a sober and full life. Secondly, I ask that you pray for my parents as well because those two have suffered more heartbreak than should be possible in this world. Each time my brother screws up, I see both of them age because it literally takes the life out of them and either he doesn’t realize or doesn’t care; either way it’s sad. We will now have to spend another set of Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years, and birthdays without Justin around. It’s a heavy load for our hearts to bear. I know the Lord will not give us a burden that is too large to bear but at the same time, it doesn’t necessarily make things easier. We will all get through this time, but it won’t be without some difficulty and tears and I just ask that when you say a prayer, remember us Parkers from time to time. And while you’re at it, go ahead and lift one up for my granddad as well. He is already doing so much better but a little prayer goes a long way.
Again, I’m sorry for all the seriousness on here today. I figured some of you might be wondering why it was that Justin was around a lot and then not at all. I’ve pledged to be nothing but honest in life and that goes for the things I say on here too. Thanks for stopping by and I promise to be back tomorrow with something a lot lighter and more cheerful.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Book Review: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
A couple of weeks ago I finished the third book in the Stieg Larsson trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest and it did not disappoint. I reviewed book one and book two here and The Chronicles of Nat and am now going to give you a brief rundown of how much I loved book number three.
The first two books, as mentioned were hard for me to really get into at first. In fact, it took multiple chapters with each one before I was really hooked; but that was not the case with book number three. Book two ends with a cliffhanger and book three picks up immediately where book two leaves off so you’ve still got adrenaline pumping through your reading veins when you start book three which makes it much easier to get into and not want to put down.
As with the first two books, there is a tremendous amount of detail involved in the narrative, which at times can be a bit much but at other times can really help set the scene in your mind and if you are anything like me then when you read it’s like a movie playing in your head and so the more detail the better the scene.
The books is full of twists and turns and breath taking moments that will make your heart race fast just as was the case with the first two. Because of the amount of detail involved in the book, it may take longer for you to read this book than others books to which you are accustomed to reading, or at least that was the case for me. While I finished this third one in record time compared to the first two, it was still a typically longer reader time than I normally take.
I really cannot say enough wonderful things about this trilogy. I’ve got some of the ladies from church reading these and they are all also finding these books interesting and captivating. As mentioned before though, these books are not for the faint of heart as there is a lot of cursing, sex, drugs, and violence in the books so if that’s not really your genre, then I wouldn’t recommend it. If you can overlook all of that and really delve into the story, then I honestly think you will love this series as much as I did.
The movie for book one is coming out in December and I am really anxious to see how it plays out. There is no way it will be as wonderful as these books are, but I’ll probably show up anyway and see how it plays out on the big screen. Happy Reading!
A couple of weeks ago I finished the third book in the Stieg Larsson trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest and it did not disappoint. I reviewed book one and book two here and The Chronicles of Nat and am now going to give you a brief rundown of how much I loved book number three.
The first two books, as mentioned were hard for me to really get into at first. In fact, it took multiple chapters with each one before I was really hooked; but that was not the case with book number three. Book two ends with a cliffhanger and book three picks up immediately where book two leaves off so you’ve still got adrenaline pumping through your reading veins when you start book three which makes it much easier to get into and not want to put down.
As with the first two books, there is a tremendous amount of detail involved in the narrative, which at times can be a bit much but at other times can really help set the scene in your mind and if you are anything like me then when you read it’s like a movie playing in your head and so the more detail the better the scene.
The books is full of twists and turns and breath taking moments that will make your heart race fast just as was the case with the first two. Because of the amount of detail involved in the book, it may take longer for you to read this book than others books to which you are accustomed to reading, or at least that was the case for me. While I finished this third one in record time compared to the first two, it was still a typically longer reader time than I normally take.
I really cannot say enough wonderful things about this trilogy. I’ve got some of the ladies from church reading these and they are all also finding these books interesting and captivating. As mentioned before though, these books are not for the faint of heart as there is a lot of cursing, sex, drugs, and violence in the books so if that’s not really your genre, then I wouldn’t recommend it. If you can overlook all of that and really delve into the story, then I honestly think you will love this series as much as I did.
The movie for book one is coming out in December and I am really anxious to see how it plays out. There is no way it will be as wonderful as these books are, but I’ll probably show up anyway and see how it plays out on the big screen. Happy Reading!
A couple of weeks ago I finished the third book in the Stieg Larsson trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest and it did not disappoint. I reviewed book one and book two here and The Chronicles of Nat and am now going to give you a brief rundown of how much I loved book number three.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Fall Festival and More Fun!
This should be the last post regarding Halloween related activities. When you cram everything into a day or so, you end up with a lot of posts, or at least a handful.
On Sunday afternoon, I met up with Jackie and the kids for the annual Fall Festival at Mayfair. The kids were dressed in their costumes and there were all sorts of games and fun activities for the kids to participate in. There was a large crowd on hand as well, which was really great not only for the Mayfair family, but also for the people in the community.
Ashlyn was dressed as a bumble bee complete with a stinger on her backside, and Troy went as Doby from Harry Potter and it was quite a wonderful costume constructed by none other than his own dear mother, my bestie, Jackie. Way to go girl!
After we had been there a little while, Maria and her kids showed up. Regan was dressed as a lady bug and Jacob was dressed as an old ninja. You may recall Jacob’s outfit from last year which was an old man. Apparently he’s all about being something old for Halloween. Jordan’s costume this year was Freddy Kruger, but thankfully, Maria was wise beyond her young years and told him he couldn’t wear it around the little kids for fear or frightening them (or me for that matter).
Some of the kids’ other friends came too and fun was had by all. I left around 4:15 in order to get back to Chase Park for our fifth Sunday singing and after church was our annual trunk or treat; but this year I decided not to participate. Last year there was a ton of folks from the community that came, which is a really great thing, but I wasn’t in much of a mood for a large crowd of strange children mooching candy off of me so I decided not to stick around although I now have a ton of candy leftover from low trick-or-treater turnout and I wish I had unloaded some of it on Sunday night. I did manage to snap a few photos before I left.
It was a fun day as it always is when spent with friends. I love this time of year and all the activities are so much fun and remind me of being a kid. I’m grateful to Jackie for letting me experience these times with her kids because Lord only knows if I’ll ever have any of my own. I certainly hope your Halloween and fall festivities have been just as magical and as fun as mine have been. Here’s to many more!
On Sunday afternoon, I met up with Jackie and the kids for the annual Fall Festival at Mayfair. The kids were dressed in their costumes and there were all sorts of games and fun activities for the kids to participate in. There was a large crowd on hand as well, which was really great not only for the Mayfair family, but also for the people in the community.
Ashlyn was dressed as a bumble bee complete with a stinger on her backside, and Troy went as Doby from Harry Potter and it was quite a wonderful costume constructed by none other than his own dear mother, my bestie, Jackie. Way to go girl!
After we had been there a little while, Maria and her kids showed up. Regan was dressed as a lady bug and Jacob was dressed as an old ninja. You may recall Jacob’s outfit from last year which was an old man. Apparently he’s all about being something old for Halloween. Jordan’s costume this year was Freddy Kruger, but thankfully, Maria was wise beyond her young years and told him he couldn’t wear it around the little kids for fear or frightening them (or me for that matter).
Some of the kids’ other friends came too and fun was had by all. I left around 4:15 in order to get back to Chase Park for our fifth Sunday singing and after church was our annual trunk or treat; but this year I decided not to participate. Last year there was a ton of folks from the community that came, which is a really great thing, but I wasn’t in much of a mood for a large crowd of strange children mooching candy off of me so I decided not to stick around although I now have a ton of candy leftover from low trick-or-treater turnout and I wish I had unloaded some of it on Sunday night. I did manage to snap a few photos before I left.
It was a fun day as it always is when spent with friends. I love this time of year and all the activities are so much fun and remind me of being a kid. I’m grateful to Jackie for letting me experience these times with her kids because Lord only knows if I’ll ever have any of my own. I certainly hope your Halloween and fall festivities have been just as magical and as fun as mine have been. Here’s to many more!
Doby and The Bumble Bee
Fishing for a prize
Spinning the Wheel of Fortune!
Painting a Pumpkin
The Old Ninja and The Lady Bug
Jordan - doing the cake walk
Grayson at Trunk or Treat - Nice Costume!
The Lamica Kids - Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie from Toy Story
The Lamica Parents - Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween On McKinley 2011
How was your Halloween? I hope it was good. Mine wasn’t too bad; not too exciting but also not too boring. At work yesterday, we had a costume contest, of which I was the organizer. Yesterday started our annual United Way campaign and I had the honor of putting together and emceeing the costume contest. I think we ended up with about 15 contestants and raised almost $400. So, it was a pretty successful event. My favorite costume was of a girl who dressed as Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials. She was spot on and really looked amazing. Her costume raised the most money too and so she was the grand prize winner.
After work, I went to the gym and got a spin class in before coming home to dole out candy to the trick-or-treaters. I managed to eat some dinner and bake a cake for tomorrow’s cake contest as well. This year, sadly, I only had around 10, probably less, trick-or-treaters. I’m afraid some of them may have come out earlier while I was still huffing and puffing on the bike. I didn’t get home until about 6:45; so, I’m guessing that’s maybe what happened considering the last couple of years I’ve had around 30 or so. Needless to say, I’m stuck with a ton of candy which I will be taking to work to force down the throats of my co-workers.
At one point during the night, I sat out a half bar of cream cheese to make some icing for the cake. A little later, I went outside to take a photo of my jack-o-lantern and also bring in the trashcan. When I wrapped up outside, I came in to discover that the cream cheese was MIA. After looking around for a bit I thought to myself that I bet The Tide had snatched it up and sure enough, she had. I found the Ziploc bag on the bed and the cream cheese along with the aluminum wrapper were gone – eaten by a guilty dog. Of course, not surprisingly, The Tide got sick an hour or so later and I managed to run in with a towel before she threw up all over the bed, which seems to be her favorite vomiting spot. (Sorry for the gory details.)
Finally things settled down and then at five minutes until 9:00 the doorbell rang and it was two more trick-or-treaters; young ones too with a parent, of course. I thought I had turned out the porch light, but apparently I had just blown out the pumpkin and not turned out the porch light. Those two were the last visitors we had, that is, of course, unless someone comes up and steals the jack-o-lantern and smashes it in the street, which has happened before. Maybe I should run outside real quick and bring it in. At any rate, I hope your Halloween was great and full of treats, not tricks!
After work, I went to the gym and got a spin class in before coming home to dole out candy to the trick-or-treaters. I managed to eat some dinner and bake a cake for tomorrow’s cake contest as well. This year, sadly, I only had around 10, probably less, trick-or-treaters. I’m afraid some of them may have come out earlier while I was still huffing and puffing on the bike. I didn’t get home until about 6:45; so, I’m guessing that’s maybe what happened considering the last couple of years I’ve had around 30 or so. Needless to say, I’m stuck with a ton of candy which I will be taking to work to force down the throats of my co-workers.
At one point during the night, I sat out a half bar of cream cheese to make some icing for the cake. A little later, I went outside to take a photo of my jack-o-lantern and also bring in the trashcan. When I wrapped up outside, I came in to discover that the cream cheese was MIA. After looking around for a bit I thought to myself that I bet The Tide had snatched it up and sure enough, she had. I found the Ziploc bag on the bed and the cream cheese along with the aluminum wrapper were gone – eaten by a guilty dog. Of course, not surprisingly, The Tide got sick an hour or so later and I managed to run in with a towel before she threw up all over the bed, which seems to be her favorite vomiting spot. (Sorry for the gory details.)
Finally things settled down and then at five minutes until 9:00 the doorbell rang and it was two more trick-or-treaters; young ones too with a parent, of course. I thought I had turned out the porch light, but apparently I had just blown out the pumpkin and not turned out the porch light. Those two were the last visitors we had, that is, of course, unless someone comes up and steals the jack-o-lantern and smashes it in the street, which has happened before. Maybe I should run outside real quick and bring it in. At any rate, I hope your Halloween was great and full of treats, not tricks!
My 2011 Jack-O-Lantern!
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