I'd thought I'd get started on some Thanksgiving dinner preparations tonight. I made the stuffing - no problems there. Then started in on the pumpkin pies. It kind of went like this -
Recipe calls for 4 eggs, I had only put in 2, but caught my mistake before it was too late.
Recipe calls for evaporated milk. Oops, I put in sweetened condensed milk. While I was pouring the milk in, I was wondering why it looked a little different and the cans weren't 12 ounces each.
Since there was no way of saving the pie mixture, I threw it out.
Even though it was getting late, I decided to go to the store to get more canned pumpkin and evaporated milk. It would be the second trip to grocery store since coming home from work. But, I work half day tomorrow, and being in a grocery store on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving would be a nightmare.
I came home and started over. It wasn't until I was measuring the cinnamon that I realized I had put 2 tablespoons of cinnamon in the pumpkin mix I threw out instead of 2 teaspoons. Plus, I left the salt out of the first batch. Those would have been two nasty pumpkin pies!
As I was getting ready to pour the pumpkin pie mix in the pie shells, I realized I needed deep dish pie shells. So, I ended up with enough to make a third pie. However that pie won't get made until tomorrow because in this apartment I DON'T HAVE TWO OVENS like I did in my former home.
My husband's reaction to all of this was "You must be a little off your mark."
Oh, really? You think so? Or maybe, I really am dumb like the whacko lady told me today.
I still want to make a cherry pie and rolls. I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't press my luck.
And then, there's the turkey to deal with on Thursday!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Apparently, I'm dumb.
I've been working a temp job at Church Headquarters the past few days. The position is at the main receptionist desk for Human Resources in an area that's open to the general public - which means that anyone can walk in without going through security. There haven't been too many outsiders other than the few transients that come in from time to time for bus tokens.
Just a little while ago a woman walked in and wanted to know if I could tell her where the city recreation place was where people can go swimming, exercise, shower and then go home. I've lived in the city for a long time and I'm pretty familiar with city services, but told her I didn't know about this particular facility. She told me I was dumb if I didn't know about it. In an effort to give her a little assistance, I made a phone call, looked through the phone book and really didn't come up with anything. Through all this, she is getting a little more upset with me and insistant. It was obvious to me that she was a little whacko.
Finally, I was able to get her out the door by suggesting that she go to the City-County Building. I even gave her directions to walk there and how to get take the local light rail. She left, after she told me that I must think she was lying about this particular facility.
As soon as she leaves, two people who work in the general area tell me that she's a regular visitor. OK, so was it a set-up? Did the some one call this lady and tell her that there was a newbie at the main reception desk so it was time for her to come in to test me?
Test or not, I think I handled this whacko pretty well. I'm patting myself on the back as I write this.
Just a little while ago a woman walked in and wanted to know if I could tell her where the city recreation place was where people can go swimming, exercise, shower and then go home. I've lived in the city for a long time and I'm pretty familiar with city services, but told her I didn't know about this particular facility. She told me I was dumb if I didn't know about it. In an effort to give her a little assistance, I made a phone call, looked through the phone book and really didn't come up with anything. Through all this, she is getting a little more upset with me and insistant. It was obvious to me that she was a little whacko.
Finally, I was able to get her out the door by suggesting that she go to the City-County Building. I even gave her directions to walk there and how to get take the local light rail. She left, after she told me that I must think she was lying about this particular facility.
As soon as she leaves, two people who work in the general area tell me that she's a regular visitor. OK, so was it a set-up? Did the some one call this lady and tell her that there was a newbie at the main reception desk so it was time for her to come in to test me?
Test or not, I think I handled this whacko pretty well. I'm patting myself on the back as I write this.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Careful what you say...
OK, four posts in one day. I know, that's a little over the top.
However, I found out after our Sacrament today that my stake president occasionally reads my blog. His wife is a friend of mine and I guess that from time to time, he reads over her shoulder.
I'm going to have watch what I write about because I never know who's watching or reading, in this case.
However, I found out after our Sacrament today that my stake president occasionally reads my blog. His wife is a friend of mine and I guess that from time to time, he reads over her shoulder.
I'm going to have watch what I write about because I never know who's watching or reading, in this case.
U Turn
Today was suppose to be the day that my husband got released from the Bishopric in the Young Single Adult Ward. As of last Monday, he was fairly certain that the new Bishop wasn't going to ask him to serve as a counselor. The stake president pretty much told him that in a casual conversation they had.
So we made the mental leap to life after a YSA ward. Even going so far as deciding that we would expand our search for a home outside our stake boundaries. During the week, we had several conversations about the choices and possibilities, and talking about the trips we could take because neither of us had church responsibilities that would tie us down right now. I had even made up a list of some potential areas to look for a home - complete with meeting times of the wards in the area. A little ward shopping is what we had in mind.
But yesterday at 11:30 am, husband got a phone call from the Stake President. He asked my husband to stay on as a counselor. So we have to slam the brakes on our house plans for now, and turn around - back to the YSA ward. But it's a good thing - for a season.
So we made the mental leap to life after a YSA ward. Even going so far as deciding that we would expand our search for a home outside our stake boundaries. During the week, we had several conversations about the choices and possibilities, and talking about the trips we could take because neither of us had church responsibilities that would tie us down right now. I had even made up a list of some potential areas to look for a home - complete with meeting times of the wards in the area. A little ward shopping is what we had in mind.
But yesterday at 11:30 am, husband got a phone call from the Stake President. He asked my husband to stay on as a counselor. So we have to slam the brakes on our house plans for now, and turn around - back to the YSA ward. But it's a good thing - for a season.
He didn't get it.
Yesterday, we were invited to drive up to Midway to watch the big local football rivalry game at my BIL's getaway home. My BIL and SIL own the home with three other couples. The place is brand new and is pretty much like the home they have in SLC.
On the drive back home, my husband said he just didn't get it. I asked him what he didn't get. "That house" he said "It's just like being at their place in SLC just different scenery. They do exactly the same things there that they do at home. I just don't get it."
Well, I get it, or at least an aspect of it. Because they have a cleaning person come after they leave, they can just walk out of the house and go home. No toilets to scrub, floors to vacuum, dishes to do or beds to make. Basically, they play, relax, eat, and sleep and go home. I think I get it.
On the drive back home, my husband said he just didn't get it. I asked him what he didn't get. "That house" he said "It's just like being at their place in SLC just different scenery. They do exactly the same things there that they do at home. I just don't get it."
Well, I get it, or at least an aspect of it. Because they have a cleaning person come after they leave, they can just walk out of the house and go home. No toilets to scrub, floors to vacuum, dishes to do or beds to make. Basically, they play, relax, eat, and sleep and go home. I think I get it.
He hadn't better complain.
Most Sundays, I cook a pot roast for dinner. The process involves browning the pot roast well in a frying pan before I put it in the crock pot to slow cook until dinner time. My husband has commented on more than one occasion that I didn't brown the pot roast well enough.
I wonder if it will be browned enough for him tonight? You see, I got distracted and forgot the pot roast was browning. Let's just say that one side of the roast is bordering on char.
I wonder if it will be browned enough for him tonight? You see, I got distracted and forgot the pot roast was browning. Let's just say that one side of the roast is bordering on char.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Conversation with a Three Year Old
I wish I had a tape recorder today when I was talking with my grandson. His little sister was taking a nap and he was playing with an assortment of cars at the kitchen table. I sat down with him and started asking him a few questions.
I found out that he liked playing at Bennett's (his friend) house, and that he liked nursery at Church. He doesn't like singing songs in nursery, however, because it makes him sad. That was a surprise to me because he has always liked music and has been singing almost before he could talk. On further questioning, he told me that the song "Itsy Bitsy Spider" makes him sad. Further questioning revealed that his singing voice was stuck in his tummy. But he had his talking voice.
With Christmas coming up, I asked him what Santa Claus was going to bring him for Christmas. A look of concern came over his face and he stated that there isn't a Santa Claus. I guess he hasn't been caught up in the Santa fever yet. Because when I asked him a little more about Santa Claus, he started to get upset. He then insisted that his Aunt Kelly will bring him presents at Christmas.
He liked seeing his cousin, Chas, by web cam on Sunday and stated that Chas was a big boy now.
He also told me that his best friends are Bennett and Maliya. He loves Kelly, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Neil, Lindsey, Patrick, Mommy, Daddy and Emily.
But one thing I should have asked him is how he knew about "Rock Abana". I'll save that for next time.
I found out that he liked playing at Bennett's (his friend) house, and that he liked nursery at Church. He doesn't like singing songs in nursery, however, because it makes him sad. That was a surprise to me because he has always liked music and has been singing almost before he could talk. On further questioning, he told me that the song "Itsy Bitsy Spider" makes him sad. Further questioning revealed that his singing voice was stuck in his tummy. But he had his talking voice.
With Christmas coming up, I asked him what Santa Claus was going to bring him for Christmas. A look of concern came over his face and he stated that there isn't a Santa Claus. I guess he hasn't been caught up in the Santa fever yet. Because when I asked him a little more about Santa Claus, he started to get upset. He then insisted that his Aunt Kelly will bring him presents at Christmas.
He liked seeing his cousin, Chas, by web cam on Sunday and stated that Chas was a big boy now.
He also told me that his best friends are Bennett and Maliya. He loves Kelly, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Neil, Lindsey, Patrick, Mommy, Daddy and Emily.
But one thing I should have asked him is how he knew about "Rock Abana". I'll save that for next time.
Rock On
I was looking at a magazine with my three year old grandson. We came across an article and picture about our president-elect. He exclaimed, "Look, Grandma. It's Rock Abana!"
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Silly Idea
These are silly.
How about just recycling old sweaters by cutting off the arms and finishing the edge? You knitters out there could probably turn out a pair of these in no time. And what a creative way to use up those bits and pieces of yarn.
But pay $24.50 for Gap Arm Warmers?
Maybe I just don't get it.
How about just recycling old sweaters by cutting off the arms and finishing the edge? You knitters out there could probably turn out a pair of these in no time. And what a creative way to use up those bits and pieces of yarn.
But pay $24.50 for Gap Arm Warmers?
Maybe I just don't get it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
If only I had my camera with me...
Yesterday while filling up at a local gas station, I missed a wonderful opportunity to take a picture of an "Oops" that happened at the station. I'll try to describe what I saw, but I'm pretty sure it won't do the actual situation justice.
Picture this:
One oversize passenger van (at least 15 passengers).
A narrow turning radius to access the gas pump.
Large red, metal U-shaped marker at the end of the gas pump station.
A driver that apparently didn't understand that her van wouldn't quite make the turn.
The van ended up with the front wheels on a lawn area at the side of the pump and the back left wheel jammed against the U shaped marker. Two or three feet of the side panel just in front of the wheel was smashed with a lot of paint evidence of the red U shaped marker on the panel.
The driver, her passenger and the gas station manager were trying to decide how to get the van out of the predicament it was in. If the driver forced the van forward, most likely, the wheel would be significantly damaged. If the driver backed up, there would be more damage to the side panel. They were trying to decide the lesser of two evils. (I was wondering if the driver didn't wonder what that weird noise was when she first hit the marker).
As I left the gas station and made the turn on to the street, I looked back at this van. Well, it seems like this wasn't the first time someone had misjudged the length of the huge van. There was almost identical damage on the side panel on the other side!!
Picture this:
One oversize passenger van (at least 15 passengers).
A narrow turning radius to access the gas pump.
Large red, metal U-shaped marker at the end of the gas pump station.
A driver that apparently didn't understand that her van wouldn't quite make the turn.
The van ended up with the front wheels on a lawn area at the side of the pump and the back left wheel jammed against the U shaped marker. Two or three feet of the side panel just in front of the wheel was smashed with a lot of paint evidence of the red U shaped marker on the panel.
The driver, her passenger and the gas station manager were trying to decide how to get the van out of the predicament it was in. If the driver forced the van forward, most likely, the wheel would be significantly damaged. If the driver backed up, there would be more damage to the side panel. They were trying to decide the lesser of two evils. (I was wondering if the driver didn't wonder what that weird noise was when she first hit the marker).
As I left the gas station and made the turn on to the street, I looked back at this van. Well, it seems like this wasn't the first time someone had misjudged the length of the huge van. There was almost identical damage on the side panel on the other side!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Call a spade, a spade...
Yesterday we got a letter from our apartment complex management regarding the renewal of our lease. We currently have a six month lease that ends mid-December.
The letter addressed as us "one of our most valued residents". We were also told that "because we value your continued residency" they wanted to discuss a lease renewal with us in person. Further in the letter, we were offered a new lease rate if we signed up for six more months. The offered rate is $100 more a month than what we pay now. If we opted to go month to month, we would pay $130 more a month.
It's great to know that because we are valued, we only have to pay $100 more a month for the privilege of being valued. So,what rate is offered to residents who aren't numbered among the "most valued residents"? $150 more a month? $200 more a month? But, I think that the apartment management should have left out all the feel, good platitudes and just stated that our lease payment is being raised almost 10%.
A blog that I read on a regular basis made reference to the "Unclaimed Baggage Store". It seems to me that this store has the wrong name. Shouldn't it be called the "Hopelessly lost and mishandled baggage that has been rendered impossible for the rightful owner to claim store"? Really, are there people who decide that they don't want their clothing, electronics and other stuff and just leave their baggage on the luggage carousel? I don't think so.
The letter addressed as us "one of our most valued residents". We were also told that "because we value your continued residency" they wanted to discuss a lease renewal with us in person. Further in the letter, we were offered a new lease rate if we signed up for six more months. The offered rate is $100 more a month than what we pay now. If we opted to go month to month, we would pay $130 more a month.
It's great to know that because we are valued, we only have to pay $100 more a month for the privilege of being valued. So,what rate is offered to residents who aren't numbered among the "most valued residents"? $150 more a month? $200 more a month? But, I think that the apartment management should have left out all the feel, good platitudes and just stated that our lease payment is being raised almost 10%.
A blog that I read on a regular basis made reference to the "Unclaimed Baggage Store". It seems to me that this store has the wrong name. Shouldn't it be called the "Hopelessly lost and mishandled baggage that has been rendered impossible for the rightful owner to claim store"? Really, are there people who decide that they don't want their clothing, electronics and other stuff and just leave their baggage on the luggage carousel? I don't think so.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
ER Deja Vu
It was a little weird being in the ER last Saturday night. I was there with my daughter who has had more than her share of ER visits. But she wasn't the patient and neither was I. The patient was my daughter's roommate, Lisa. Lisa was the driver in the great car accident of November 5. Saturday she seemed to be having some problems related to the accident so my daughter thought she needed to be checked out by a doctor. I went along because I thought that two twenty something young ladies might need some help in navigating the maze of an ER.
However, I wasn't really needed. Apparently, Kelly was paying attention all those times in the ER as a patient. Watching her help her roommate with questions and filling in some of the blanks for the doctors and nurses was like watching myself. She was a pro!
Note: Lisa was OK.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The First Snowfall
We had our first heavy snowstorm yesterday. I would like to say that it was uneventful, but I can't.
My youngest daughter and a couple of her friends were in a wild, frightening car accident on the freeway. Every one is OK, but badly shaken up.
Thank goodness they were all wearing seat belts. They were all definitely blessed to walk away.
My youngest daughter and a couple of her friends were in a wild, frightening car accident on the freeway. Every one is OK, but badly shaken up.
Thank goodness they were all wearing seat belts. They were all definitely blessed to walk away.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tell me something I don't know
Before my daughter left for work today and I assumed child care duties, she informed me that she was encouraging Aidan to take care of going to the potty by himself.
A little while after she left, he announced he needed to go potty. I stood by and kept an eye on him just in case he needed some help or had a problem. He took care of business pretty well. But before he was completely redressed, he bent over and proclaimed:
"See, Grandma. That's where my poop comes out!"
(Mmm, thanks for the information, Aidan. I've only been changing diapers on you since you were a newborn.)
A little while after she left, he announced he needed to go potty. I stood by and kept an eye on him just in case he needed some help or had a problem. He took care of business pretty well. But before he was completely redressed, he bent over and proclaimed:
"See, Grandma. That's where my poop comes out!"
(Mmm, thanks for the information, Aidan. I've only been changing diapers on you since you were a newborn.)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ramblings
I don't really understand why we can't just stay on Daylight Savings Time. Since the clock turn was changed to the end of March and the beginning of November, does four months or so of Standard Time make any sense? Seems like Daylight Savings has become the standard.
There's been a change in the weather. Rats! We got really spoiled here in my home state with unusually warm temperatures clear through October. But today, it's cold and rainy. I guess we are going to have some kind of winter after all.
I stumbled across a website recently while surfing the net. On the site, you can put in an address and aerial pictures of the address will come up. (This is not Google Maps. The pictures are much clearer.) Anyway, I put in the address of the home where I grew up. I was really surprised when the picture of the home at the address was a big two-story house. Not the house I remember! I guess my childhood home was sold to someone who bought it for the lot and then built their dream home. I really can't go home again. :(
There's been a change in the weather. Rats! We got really spoiled here in my home state with unusually warm temperatures clear through October. But today, it's cold and rainy. I guess we are going to have some kind of winter after all.
I stumbled across a website recently while surfing the net. On the site, you can put in an address and aerial pictures of the address will come up. (This is not Google Maps. The pictures are much clearer.) Anyway, I put in the address of the home where I grew up. I was really surprised when the picture of the home at the address was a big two-story house. Not the house I remember! I guess my childhood home was sold to someone who bought it for the lot and then built their dream home. I really can't go home again. :(
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