More Choices Not Better

We all have been hearing about the switch to digital TV; this will improve our viewing pleasure and allow our butts to grow bigger; because we are parked longer in front of the boob tube. The local cable company began about a year ago to run a test to see if you were ready for the switch. We took the test and everything was OK . We were ready for the new age of television. No new equipment to buy, no new gadgets just sit back and wait for the big event.

Then about five month ago we began to see new ads. We now had to get a box. The uproar began; why the switch ; were the cable employees not tech savvy, did they forget, what was going on? A different set of ads appeared, this box had nothing to do with the digital change, this was to improve the system. We would get more choices and better service. Yeah, who could complain about that ?

Well the switch came yesterday. The new channel changer has more buttons than a 747, not that I have ever seen 747 buttons, but you get my point. We do have more channels than before, now I can shop in my living room for jewelry and kitchen gadgets. That sure beats Discovery which disappeared. Instead of CNN and Headline News I have about six PBS kids to choose from. More choices? Maybe for a four year old or a shopaholic. I have a new choice, shop for another provider. Where are those yellow pages?.

Ruby Tuesday

Mmm Mmm Good

I was once a cook on a guest ranch. The rich and famous and not so famous came from all over the world to stay. The food was supposed to be delicious, gourmet and attractive. These were sophisticated palates I was cooking for.

I churned out three meals a day six days a week for up to sixty people with one kitchen helper. Homemade bread was served for breakfast and dinner. All cookies and desserts were homemade. Whee! It makes me tired to think about it. I came up with a few tricks to make my life easier.

One included Campbell's tomato soup. Once in a while I would serve grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. The bread was always a very good quality sour dough filled with an excellent cheddar. The soup was the trick or I like to say my own exquisite creation.

I opened a can of Campbell's and added full fat milk and some cream this gave the soup a very silky texture. No one was worried about fat, they were on vacation. Now is where I got creative. Into the pot went a can of diced tomatoes, a dash of Tabasco and a sprinkle of herbs and spices.

Viola everyone loved my Spicy Tomato Bisque. Sophisticated palates indeed!

Happy Mothers Day

I know it is late and for most of us the day is over. You hopefully enjoyed time with families and friends, had some good food maybe a glass of wine. I want to share with you my mothers favorite poem. It is not about mothers but it is her philosophy on life.

This world we are living in is mighty hard to beat.

You get a thorn with every rose

But ain't the roses sweet?

Nature Notes Friday

Prickly Pear cactus produces a yellow blossom that turns into a fruit. The fruit called a tuna is harvested in July or August. You can make prickly pear syrup good on pancakes or jelly good on a lot of things. The fruit require careful harvesting because of the spines which are long and sharp. Tongs and thick gloves are needed. The tuna contains soluble fiber and studies have shown that the juice may lower cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar. They are an important source of food for wildlife.

How Stupid Do You Think I Am

I have been putting items on Craigslist trying to downsize and make a few bucks. The other day I listed three bras. These were bras I bought because they were such a bargain and no they didn't fit but how can you beat the price and I'm going to lose weight. Right! So after hiding in my underwear drawer for three years with tags still on and weight still on I decided to sell them.

e-mail exchange

Chrissy hey I see you have 38 DDD's for sale. How many total I see three. Why are you selling ?They look nice can you send me larger picture?

Me Yes I have three for sale I'm selling because I was losing weight and stopped. They are new with tags still on call me if you would like to see them.

Now, before I go on I want to let you know I would have met this person in a public place during daylight hours. That's how I delivered the Nancy Drew books and the headphones. I'm not crazy.

Chrissy Yea I really like the color that's a rare kind of brown you can tell it is quality. Can you open it up or put it on so I can see the style and shape.

Me look at the second picture it is open there.

Chrissy I know but the picture is not good I really need to see it on so I can get a grip on the size and shape.

Me no reply

Did he she really think I was going to put the bra on and pose for a candid camera shot? I think people make good money doing that. I'm not ready for porn yet.

Ruby Tuesday

Red is not my favorite color. Oh is that heresy? Don't get me wrong I have never disliked red but just prefer green. Participating in this meme has given me a greater respect for red. I find myself looking for things red all the time and I find that red plays a big part in our lives. Did you notice how many logos and store names use red? There was an abundance of red at the festival this weekend. Here are a few more photos HRT

Festivals, Fairs and Such

We had a festival here this weekend. I am not sure the difference between a festival and a fair. They both have food , booths, and rides. I am not fond of rides. The merry go round is about as wild as I get.

This little roller coaster above looked like fun not to fast and not to long.

When did fair food get so expensive? Hot dogs $5.00! What's with that, it's a mixture of the parts of the animal no one wants and a bread that squashes into a ball in your mouth. You have to buy that $3.00 can of soda just to get it down.

The curly fries looked good, but since I can't throw anything away; including food: I would have needed all my sisters, brother and their kids to finish the 10 gallon tub.

So I did what any self claimed gourmet cook would have done. Went home made a Italian sausage on the grill with peppers, onions and new potatoes on the side. Ahhh fair food only better in my own back yard.

Nature Notes Friday

On the left looking through trees in my living room. Above looking through trees in my front yard. The painting was a gift from my sister on my 40th birthday. She is the artist.