The Case of the Missing Walkman

Yea, I wrote walkman in 2017.

Alex has been using a CD walkman at night to listen to music before bed.  As Nick put it, "It's 2017, don't you have an app on your phone for music?"

The CD Walkman was purchased in the '90's, I think.  Nick used it for awhile, and now Alex has been using it.

Until it went missing.......

Alex did an investigation.  Nick said he hasn't seen it since he used it back in Junior High.  Bella said she doesn't have it.  Nick said that RT probably took it.

This investigation is taking place at 9:45pm, while RT and I are watching a movie.  We are towards the end of the movie when Alex walks in and tells us about the stolen missing walkman.   RT told him to listen to music off his phone.  Alex wants the CD player because he's listening to a CD (that I'm sure can be found in it's entirety on any music app).  I think it came down to, "Who stole it?"

I went upstairs to launch an investigation look for the walkman.  If you saw the state of the plaintiffs room, you would understand why I started my search in that location.  The plaintiff Alex said he already searched his entire room for the walkman.  Of course, "searching" in our house is the equivalent of a quick scan of the room.  I started to move things and was told to stop.  He said it didn't matter.  I said, if it was that important to interrupt the last 10 minutes of a movie, it must be pretty serious.

The one suspect person of interest I interrogated questioned stated that she did not take the walkman. This same suspect person of interest, has been begging to get a CD player (Welcome back, '90's!).  I'm not sure what the excitement about CD's is all about, since (I thought) all of us listened to a music app.  This suspect person was getting quite upset and appeared guilty, but, I stopped my line of questioning so she could consult her lawyer before the tears started rolling in.

I'm not sure if my family is going retro and listening to CD's only?  What's next?  Vinyl records?  8 tracks?

I think this story also tells you about the valuables that we have in our house.  Who else can say that they have a CD Walkman and that they actually use it?  It's an antique!  So,  it very well could have been stolen!

Someone walked into our house, straight upstairs to the plaintiff's Alex's room and went through all of his dirty clothes on his floor and picked out this CD Walkman.

The plaintiff Alex decided to let it go (for now).  I will have to launch a thorough investigation when all parties are off location.

To be continued.....

Dolmades

I enjoy cooking.

Well, let me rephrase that...

I enjoy cooking when the recipients of my masterpieces are grateful.  There usually aren't any complaints when I cook.  There is one child who will complain no matter what I make....we won't mention the name here, tho.

One of my masterpieces that I enjoy making is Dolmades (or stuffed grape leaves).  I'm pretty good at making them.  I can't say I'm great or the best, because  my Yiayia earned that title.  I can't compete with her Dolmades.

Dolmades are grape leaves that are stuffed with meat and rice.  With the addition of lemon and egg, it's actually pretty tasty.

Here is the recipe:

Dolmades

Ingredients:
1 jar grapevine leaves
1 lb beef, uncooked
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
1 large onion, finely chopped
salt/pepper to taste
Whites of 2 eggs

Sauce: 
2 egg yolks
2 tsp cornstarch
1 lemon, juiced
2 beef bouillon cubes

Mix together all ingredients (except grape leaves).  (see Grape Leaf Preparation)

Grape Leaf Preparation:

Prepare grape leaves.  Remove from jar, unroll and separate.  Rinse with water to remove the brine.  Drop leaves in pot of boiling water for two minutes.  If using fresh grape leaves, they must be boiled for a couple of minutes.

Remove leaves from boiling water, drain and remove stems from leaves.  Place grape leaf with shiny side down.

Place a teaspoonful of filling about 1 inch from stem end of leaf.  Fold one side in, then the other and continue rolling to end.  The roll will be about 1 1/2" -2" long, depending on size of leaf.  Stuffed grape leaves should fit snugly together in pan. When bottom layer is complete, start a second layer on top.  Pace a heavy, heat resistant plate on top of do lathes to prevent unrolling during cooking.

Now to prepare a liquid to put over grape leaves as the cook.  Juice of one lemon, 2 beef bouillon cubes, dissolved in one cup hot water.

Place heat resistant plate over grape leaves to hold them down as they cook.  Pour enough boiling water to cover the plate.    Cover the pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and allow them to cook slowly for 45 minutes.

Remove from heat.  Hold a plate tightly against the leaves to pour excess liquid into a saucepan.  Dissolve 2 tsp cornstarch in 1/4 cup cold water and add to liquid in saucepan.  Whisk and bring to a boil.  Beat the egg yolks, stirring constantly.  Add the thickened liquid very gradually to the yolks.  Stir well.

To serve, place the stuffed grape leaves on a platter and spoon the sauce over them.  These may be frozen and reheated.



Let me know if you try making Dolmades.  I would love to hear how they come out!

Enjoy!

*Look for the Vegetarian version - coming soon!

School's back in session

My kids just had a three and a half day weekend.  And, yes, they just went back last Monday.

When they start arguing with each other, you know it's time for them to be in school.  Yesterday morning, it was Nick and Bella.  I'm not sure what they were arguing about, because once it starts, I tune out and run and hide walk away.

I took Bella out to run some errands. Another big mistake.  She started complaining.  I told her I didn't want to hear it and continued with my errands.  I probably could have done them in half the time on my own (lesson learned).

We got back home and Bella and Alex got into it.  Again, I honestly don't know what it was about because  I had other things to do around the house.

Of course, they are in school today and I have to work, so, I don't get to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Bored?

It's funny how my kids will congregate in the kitchen.  Sometimes they look in need of something to do (in other words, bored).  I have gotten into the habit of asking, "Looking for something to do?"  If they say, "yes," I rattle off some chores that need to be completed.

Today, as both boys were hanging in the kitchen while I was preparing dinner, I asked that ever loved question, "Looking for something to do?"

Their immediate response was, "No."  They then disappeared from the kitchen.

I think they are on to me...

Clean up and clear out

I like to think of January as a big time to clean up, organize and clear out the clutter.  These first couple of weeks I've been going through various cabinets and closets and getting rid of things we don't need anymore.  Most things can be donated or recycled.  It's great with everyone out of the house.  I don't have "helpers," trying to talk me into keeping everything.

So far, I have attacked the kitchen cabinets and pantry, the bathroom cabinets and the linen closet.  Looking forward to moving throughout the rest of the house.

Have you done any decluttering this month?  Find any odd items while decluttering?

I took a little break (in case you didn't notice).

It got a little crazy around here.  Working retail everyday, visiting my mom, running kids around and trying to keep up with things at home.

I survived the holidays.  I have to say it was a little too crazy for me this year.  The kids had a later break, which I'm glad, because I got to hang around them for most of the time.  It was just one day too long and I was ready to drive them back to school on Sunday.

It might take me a bit to get back to my usual three day a week posts, but, I'm sure I will get there.  Be patient.

And, they're off!

Winter break is finally over.

The kids (well, two of them) went back today.  It's probably a good thing.  Those two got into a fight last night and I almost dropped them off at school a little early.

I don't have to work today and am planning on enjoying some peace and quiet.