Grocery List

Four of the five of us that live here have a Drivers License, but, I'm the only one from our family that is allowed in grocery stores.

My kids tell me, when I return from the grocery store, the things that I should buy when I go.  I then have to explain that I just went and won't be returning for a week and that they will survive with what I bought this week.  

Nick finally posted a list on the cork board in the kitchen with all of the things he wants we need.  Let me remind you that his girl friend works at the grocery store and he picks her up and drops her off at work.  He is more than capable of getting out of the car and buying some groceries on one of those trips.  

The list has caught on.  In fact, if I don't purchase it immediately (when they write it down) someone will write it again and say, "we really need this."

"Someone" wrote down:  granola bars (good ones).  I brought "someone" with me when I went shopping because I was afraid I wouldn't buy "the good ones."

The list gets talked about, too.

Nick will ask about it.  Ask when I'm going to the store again.  He'll even ask how often I go to the store.

I did finally go to the store and purchased all of the items on the list.  I saw Nick in the kitchen, complaining about there not being any food in the house.  I told him I just went to the store and bought the items he wrote down.  His mood changed once he found all the items.

A new list has been added to the board.  So far, there are no requests.  

Dolmades - Krinos' Grape Leaves

This isn't a sponsored post.  If they want, they can pay me, though.

I've been making Dolmades for years and have used grape leaves from a jar.  It's always a pain making them.  The leaves are difficult to separate, they tear and sometimes they are just too small to try to use as a wrap.  You also have to cut the stems off, which sometimes helps them tear.

I just purchased a jar of Krinos Grape leaves and thought I would give them a try.  I started out with the leftover leaves from the previous brand and was getting frustrated.  I was ready to just scrap it all and not use the leaves.  But, I remembered that I had that Krinos jar and thought I would try them.  I mean, when you've been making Dolmades, and it's been an hour or so, you're already crazy, why not continue the craziness, right?

I pulled the grape leaves out of the jar and they were large and did not tear.  And, the stems were cut off already!  All I had to do was separate them and start wrapping!  I was able to wrap the rest of the dolmades and was even willing to wrap more!  (a first)  Add in the delicious aroma of cooking dolmades, and memories of Yiayias house and I realized that this was a much more pleasant experience.

Thanks, Krinos!  I think I will be making Dolmades a lot more now that I know I can use these grape leaves.  I know my kids will be excited!

Vegan Diaries - Cuban Style Black Beans

I have been trying to duplicate these out of this world black beans that we had at a restaurant and I think I've found a recipe that comes pretty close.  I would ask the restaurant, but, they changed the recipe.  They served the delicious black beans when they first opened the restaurant.  Now they serve black beans, but, not as good as the dish on that first visit.

I found this recipe here .  I made a few changes as I went along.  I didn't have dry beans, so, I used a can of beans (that eliminates the soaking of the beans).  I also skipped the tapioca starch.

Here's the recipe:

Cuban Style Black Beans

ingredients:
1 cup black beans
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp oregano
6 cups water
1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
salt to taste
coconut oil
**1 TBSP tapioca starch mixed with 2 TBSP warm water (for thickness)

directions:
Rinse beans and let soak overnight.
The next day, drain off dark colored water and replenish with the 6 cups of water.
Add bay leaves and TBSP of coconut oil to pot.
Bring water to boil then reduce to simmer for an hour.
The beans should be soft to touch
Sautee garlic, onions and peppers in a separate skillet with coconut oil.
Season with black pepper, oregano, cumin and salt.
Once onions are translucent, transfer to pot with beans and stir.
Use the ladle to extract some of the beans to mash them before returning them back to the pot.  This will help thicken the bean sauce.  (can add tapioca starch mix, if needed)
Stir in the apple cider vinegar and reduce to a low heat.
Put lid on pot to allow to simmer for another 20 minutes.
Serve.

My Weird Dog

I know I've mentioned how excited Pippen is when I come home.  He greets me, all excited and his tail is wagging.  I always say it's nice that someone is happy to see me.

Apparently, I'm the only one that gets the red carpet "Welcome Home," treatment.

When RT comes home, Bella and I greet him.  He commented that Pippen doesn't bother to get up and greet him.  You see, our last dog, Newton, was always at the door, wagging his tail when RT came home.

When Alex comes home, Pippen barks.  A lot.  He does this even if he comes home by himself.

When Nick comes home, Pippen stays where he is and growls.  He might let a small bark escape with the growls if Nick's girl friend comes in at the same time.

When I work, Bella comes home before I get home from work.  I tell her that Pippen will be here to greet and protect her.  Bella tells me that she comes home and there's no sign of Pippen.  She walks in and he is always laying in the same spot in the living room.  He doesn't even lift his head when she walks by.  She says, "Hi" to him and keeps walking.  Pippen just stays where he is, in the living room, upset that she disturbed his nap.

Since Pippen has no reaction when Bella comes home, she has decided to pretend that she is a burglar when entering our house.  The first day, she came in and pounded her feet on the stairs.  She happened to come home later than normal, and with the loud noise, Pippen actually got up to check out the excitement.  He realized it was her and went back to his regularly scheduled nap.

RT said he wants the next dog we get to be happy to see him.  "A normal dog."  Of course, Pippen's weirdness has been so entertaining, I think a "normal" dog would be rather boring.

High School Sprints

So, this is the last year at the High School.  Well, we will have a two year break while Bella finishes Junior High.

It seems Alex is making sure that I remember how to get to the school.  For the last month, he has missed the bus and/or missed his ride to school.  Guess who is his chauffeur?  I'm not sure if he wants me to remember all of the good, quick routes to take to get there or if he is grooming me for a job as an Uber to the school?

Alex graduates High School 4 weeks from today, which means I have 4 more weeks of driving  to learn the best route.

So, went for a walk this morning and of course my weird dog had to come along with me.  While cleaning up after him I accidentally got some remnants on my hand.  So, I did what any normal person would do in this situation and cut off my hand.  Typing my posts might take me awhile, but, given the circumstances,  I'm sure you understand

Damsel in Distress

I'm pretty good at playing the role of the Damsel in Distress.  I've worked out the kinks in the role and am able to play the part and get some wonderful results.

By results, I mean, I get people to do things for me.  It's great if it's the first time doing something and I want someone to show me how it's done.  It's also great when I really don't feel like doing something.  I mean, why not have someone else do it for you?  The person is right there and willing to do it for you.  I say take advantage of the situation!  Sit back and enjoy.

A few situations come to mind.  For example, waxing the car.  If you ever need your car waxed, just ask my brother, Steve (He's never going to "help me" wax my car again after this post).  Steve "helped me" wax my first car.  I was a very good student and watched how Steve applied (then removed) the wax to all parts of the car.  It's been a long time and I might need a refresher course in car waxing.  By the way, the Jetta needs a coat of wax.  Let me know if you're free.

One night, I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner.  I had an eggplant from the garden that I wanted to use.  Nick suggested that I make Ratatouille.  I told him that I didn't know how to make it.  He started explaining a quick, "How to."  I asked if he could show me.  Nick then proceeded to make dinner.  I have to say that it was the best Ratatouille ever!  I never did write down the recipe.  I'll have to ask him to "show me how" again.

I'm not saying that I'm lazy.  I would say manipulative  creative.  Curious.  How about, I'm willing to learn new things.

An Open Letter to Winter

Dear Winter,

Thank you for the last chilly, snowy, dreary 5 months.  You are an expert at below zero Fahrenheit days.  Your placement of snowflakes is quite impressive.  You can make anything look beautiful with just one little dusting of snow.  you do need to work in a little sunshine once in awhile.  I mean, January can get a little depressing.   But, overall, we are pleased with your work.

Alas, all good things must come to an end.

It's time for you to move on.

You see, Spring would like to start working his magic.  He needs to breathe life into the trees and the grass.  Maybe sprinkle some flowers here and there.  Spread a little sunshine and maybe even turn up the heat a little.

You had a good 5 months.  It's now Spring's turn.  He needs a couple months to put his artistic touch on the world.  It's time for you to take a bow and exit stage left.

See you in November!

Sincerely,

My Weird Dog

Growing up we had a dog.  I was constantly torturing playing with the dog.  I would follow him.  I would include him in my imaginary play.  My Dad would tell people that I couldn't walk by the dog without petting him.

I was thinking about what my Dad said.  Pippen sleeps in our room most nights on the floor on my side of the bed.  As I'm getting into bed, I rub his back with my foot.  He looks up and I have to pet him again.  When I get up in the middle of the night, as I'm getting back into bed, once again, I rub my foot on his back.   RT already knows about my dog obsession.  He doesn't need to know about the middle of the night dog fix.

I think it's always been this way.  I see a dog and I instantly want to pet it.  I think, sometimes, I get along better with dogs than people.  Dogs are happy to see you, they don't talk back or cause any drama in your life.  And, they're fun to be around.

So, I'm guessing my Dad was right.

Vegan Diaries - Chick Pea Salad Sandwich

Sorry about posting two Vegan Diaries in the same week.  I  came across this recipe and I wanted to try it out.  I'm always looking for easy, healthy lunch ideas for myself and Bella.   I don't eat a lot of sandwiches.  When I have to work, it's a lot easier to take something on a tortilla (hummus, peanut butter, etc.).

This recipe is so easy to make!  I put everything in the food processor.  Well, except the onions.  I like onions and don't mind mine a little chunky onion in my sandwich.

These would be great served with tomato slices, some spinach or even more onion!

Here's the recipe:

Chick Pea Salad Sandwich

15oz can chick peas, rinsed and drained
1 large ripe avocado
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 TBSP chopped green onion
Juice from one lime
salt/pepper to taste
garlic powder (optional)

Put chick peas in food processor along with avocado.  Add cilantro, green onion and lime juice.

Start making some sandwiches!

Enjoy!

Texting Block

Other titles to this post:

How to block spam texters

or better yet

How to tick off your wife.

I know I have mentioned in the past how RT ignores my texts.  I send him texts and he doesn't respond.  I can be sending life altering texts and will get no response.  If it's my last text and I can survive only if he texts me back, I would surely die.

Recently, RT and Alex went out of the country on a Spring Break trip.  RT texted me when they arrived and I responded.  He texted the next day and even responded to one of my replies (a first).  Then, the texting block came back into play.  He would text and I would respond and then nothing.  This went on the entire trip.  Well, I have to admit that I finally gave up and stopped replying.  I figure he wasn't even reading my replies, so why waste my time?

When he returned, RT asked me why I didn't reply to any of his texts.  I told him I did, but he never responded to my replies.  I even showed him my phone with my replies.  His phone showed I hadn't replied for over a week.  I said, "Maybe you accidentally blocked me?"

RT finally looked into it (after a couple of hours of us going back and forth) and guess what?  I was blocked on his phone.  The funny thing is, he could send me texts.

So, all these months, I'm wondering why he doesn't reply to my texts.  And when I ask him, he will tell me that he never received a text from me.  I'm thinking this blocking is something he does so he doesn't have to get my texts.

My question is:  How long before I am blocked again?

Vegan Diaries - Chocolate Chip Blondies

Another success with a vegan dessert!  This recipe is vegan, gluten free and dairy free!  And, it's delicious!

I found this recipe online and decided to make them for the family.  I didn't give out any ingredients or tell them that they are a "special dessert" or use the word "vegan."  When you start saying things about the food, then my family will question it.  Hearing anything odd about the food, they might not try it, or they will try it but not have an open mind about it.   If I don't say anything, I will get an honest answer.

The things I have to do to get them to eat healthy.

We really enjoyed these and I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Here's the recipe:

Vegan Chocolate Chip Blondies

1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup agave syrup
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Blend all ingredients (except Chocolate chips) in blender (Vitamix or food processor will work).  Scoop onto parchment paper that is in an 8x8 baking dish.  Mix in chocolate chips as you are spreading the batter.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

      * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm thinking you could add to the recipe.  Maybe some chopped walnuts?  Or chopped coconut?


The blondies disappeared.  They were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.  I still haven't disclosed the ingredients to my family.  Let's just keep it a secret for now, OK?

ENJOY!

Ten Things I Can't Live Without

I guess this is my first Top Ten list.  I feel like David Letterman should be reading this list to you.  Maybe you can read this post in David Letterman's voice?

Now that we straightened that out...

I thought I would write a list of things I can't live without.  These are not in any particular order.  So, lets get started.

This should be interesting......


1.  Water.

Yes.  Humans can't live without water.  But, water is my drink of choice.  That's all I drink.  Well, I do have tea, but, that is made using water.  I also enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink (that's another story)  but, when it comes down to it, I'm drinking water.  Oh, and it's just water.  It's not designer water.  It doesn't have a well known company name, fancy label or a celebrity endorsing it.  Just. Plain. Water.


2.  My leg sleeves.

What?

I have these athletic leg sleeves I wear when I walk or while I'm at work.  I love them!  I'm on my feet a lot and these help by not making my legs feel tired.

Oh, yea, and my family just loves when I wear them!  <  I'm kidding on that one.  I think they are a little embarrassed, but, hey!  That's why I'm here.  To embarrass them,  Right?


3.  Pens/Pencils

I love pens and pencils!  I have so many pens and pencils.  I'm trying to use them up so I don't leave them as a huge inheritance for my children.  I haven't purchased any new pens or pencils.  Well, unless it's for school.  The funny thing is, when I started to write this post, I couldn't find a pen or pencil to use.  Luckily I had one in one of my billion notebooks with me that had a pencil inside it!

Which brings me to...


4.  Notebooks

I save (can you say, "hoarder?") old notebooks that the kids have used for school.  Sounds strange, but, in some of these books, only a few pages have been used.  It doesn't seem right to throw them out.  I mean, some tree gave it's life for that notebook!  So, I save them and use them for various things.  Girl Scout notebook.  My daily notebook where I keep my "To Do" list and grocery lists.  And, of course, my blog notebook.  I'm not using them up as fast as they are accumulating.  I'm doing my best, though.

5.  Sleep

I need to get my precious 8 hours of beauty sleep every night.  It's essential for me so I can function during the day.

Ha ha ha!  I don't get good sleep.  Who am I kidding?  I'm usually up at 2 or 3 or 4am!

Let's try that one again.

5.  Calendar

Am I the only one that still enjoys the good old fashioned paper wall calendar?  It's where I put all appointments, important meetings, classes, etc.  I even have it color coded with kids activities (which is getting down to only one kid doing something now).  Still, it's easier for me to look at the big picture on an actual paper calendar than on a computer.  I don't know.  I'm just a paper person, I guess.


6.  My Family

I figured I should probably write that down.  You know.  In case any of my family members are reading this right now.

I have to admit, I love hanging out with my family.  They're fun and sometimes quite entertaining.  Although, they can drive me crazy and make me question if we are really related?  They are a great bunch and they help provide stories for this blog (gotta love that!).


7.  My Sense of Humor

Without my sense of humor I would not survive being around my family.

I mean, seriously!  Take a look at these posts:

The Shorts
E is for Empty
Almost Outta Gas
Gone Missing
Diarrhea
The Black Hole
Hearing
RT's Outbursts

If I didn't have a sense of humor, I would definitely have been put in an institution by now.


8.  My Weird Dog.

He's pretty strange.  I don't like that he wants to attack other dogs.  He also only listens when he wants to (selective hearing or selective obedience).  But, it's nice to come home and have someone super excited to see you!  It's also nice to be happily greeted first thing in the morning.  That's better than the grunts I get from some of my family members.  It's also nice to have someone so worried about you that they start crying outside the door...Wait.  Maybe not...


9.  Apparently, my glasses.

My eyesight hasn't changed in the last 30 years.  I've had a pair of glasses that I occasionally wear while watching TV or a movie.  All of a sudden, my eyesight started getting worse.  Sometimes it's hard for me to see at night and distance is, well, really bad.  I finally had an eye exam (my first in 30 years) and some new glasses.  Now, I just have to remember to carry them around with me.

and finally,

10.  Ear Plugs

My ears are sensitive.  No loud music for me.  I've always been the one at places with my fingers in my ears.  Church, concerts, recitals, etc.  Not sure why the organ has to be so loud in church?  So, after years of stuffing my fingers or Kleenex in my ears, I have finally decided to just carry some ear plugs with me.  They even have a nice little carrying case.  My family is embarrassed, of course.  Not sure why.  My hair is long and I just make sure it's covering my ears.  And, I'm happier because my ears don't hurt!

Well, that rounds up my first Top Ten list.  That was fun!  If that didn't scare you off, then, I'll have to come up with another list!

Texting Buddy

Everyone has (or should have) that one person that you can text weird, random things.  Maybe it's words or a picture.  Lines from a movie.  Something funny that always makes you laugh.  Or something stupid that you just did or that happened to you.

For some people, it's their spouse.  Others it's their best friend or co-worker.  I text lots of weird stuff. I've been known to take pictures of stuff in a store, the outside of a store, signs, my food, the mess I made, nature, cars, etc.  The list is endless.

In my case, my texting buddy is definitely not my husband, RT.  He never replies to my texts, so, why bother texting him?  He claims that he doesn't receive texts from me.  I then have to tell him about the text or read it to him.  If it's supposed to be funny, then, it's lost all humor at that point.

Do you have a texting buddy?

What are some interesting things you have texted?

National Card and Letter Writing Month

How many letters can you write this month?

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month.  This is a wonderful time to send all of your love via snail mail.  I mean, who doesn't love getting a handwritten letter?  It's a lot better than receiving a bill in the mail!  

Why not cheer someone up and send them a handwritten letter or card?  A little note in the mail will put a smile on someone's face.  

Grab some paper and start writing!

Inspirational Quote of the Day

A little Monday Motivation for you.

"Change your thoughts and you can change your world."  Norman Vincent Peale