Hearing

As I mentioned, both RT and I have been sick.  RT's hearing has been going awhile (or, at least he says it is) and apparently, I speak softly and carry a big stick.

While I was sick, it was hard to talk because my throat hurt, so, I talked a little softer.  Combine that with RT's hearing and how his cold was affecting him, and he couldn't hear a word I said.  He kept saying, "What?" or " I can't hear you!"

I'm sure watching us interact was like watching a comedy.  I finally said, "I'm not talking to you.  I'll let you know when and if I start up again."

I have to say, it's been nice and peaceful around here.

It's that time!

Time to find a new:  Handy Dandy Blog Notebook!

Sick

It all started on my birthday.  RT started coughing and complaining that he was coming down with a cold.  I made him stay in bed all day Sunday.  He was still sick on Monday (his birthday) and he stayed home from work.  Tuesday, I woke up not feeling very energetic.  I barely made it through my work shift that night (everyone is sick, so it's hard to find some one to work for you).  I took it easy Wednesday (with the exception of the up and down the stairs trying to figure out the water problem) and Thursday, went to the doctor (I have to be on my deathbed to go visit the doctor, so, you know it's serious).  I also was planning the Daddy Daughter Dance with our Girl Scout Troop and had to be there on Friday to set up, decorate and host (Thanks a lot, RT!)

The doctor said it was a virus and wanted to prescribe a bunch of stuff that didn't match any of my symptoms.  He also told me that I would feel about the same the next day taking the stuff he prescribed. (so no miracle pills)

Let's just hope I can sleep most of this off and make it through the dance.

I owe you one, RT.

Water Bill

It all started when I asked Nick to turn the water off when he was in the kitchen washing dishes (his dishes only, by the way).  He has a tendency to let the water run for long periods of time.  He proceeded to tell me that he doesn't use that much water.

This from the man who invented the 30 minute shower (what I like to refer to as, "the four hour shower.")

We just happened to get our water bill that day, so I opened it to show him and realized that it was three times the normal amount!!'

Yes.  You read that right.  Three times the normal amount.

That's where RT and I launched into the long shower (4 hour shower) conversation.  Nick said they are 10 minutes.  Still too long in my book.  I mean, get in, clean up and get out!  Am I right?  I think I learned that when our water heater was dying.  I mastered the art of a three minute shower.  < you have to go in with a plan.

Any way, getting back to our water bill problem...

I decided to call the Village and talk to them.

You see, about 20 years ago (yea, we've lived here for 20 years...scary, right?)  we had a similar situation.  Our first water bill was $150 (RT, Nick (who was 7 months old) and I were living here at the time.  RT and I were working full time and didn't water our lawn (that's what they told us was the problem).  The next bill was $400!  That's us and no lawn watering.  Turns out our water meter was old and they replaced it.

So, this time, I thought maybe it was the water meter, even though they just installed a new one a few months ago.  (we've been here that long to see a third water meter...)  They said to check to see if there is a leaking toilet.  After a quick check, we found the leaking toilet.  The one that is in the bathroom that is getting remodeled in a couple of weeks.

Nick was right by my side calculating how much it would cost to run that toilet per day (don't you just love kids showing off their math skills?).  The water to the toilet is now shut off until we fix or install a new one.  In the meantime, the kids have to use another bathroom.

Hopefully we will see an adjustment in our next water bill.

Time Management

I don't think my children have grasped the concept of time management.  It's not like I haven't talked about it while they were growing up.

We walk down to the bus at 7:44am to catch the bus that arrives at 7:50am.

If practice starts at 4:30, then we should be ready and in the car by 4:00.

We have done this (almost) everyday (different things and times) you would think they would understand to allow travel time to our destination.

Alex had to be at school at 5:30pm for a test and Bella had to be at dance at 6:00pm.  Of course, both of these locations are in opposite directions of our house.  At 5:00pm, I told Alex, "Let's go!"  He said, OK.  I grabbed my purse and bag (with my Handy Dandy Blog Notebook) and hopped into the car.  He came downstairs and I assumed was putting his shoes on.  Turns out he decided he was going to the bathroom.  It takes about 10-15 minutes to get to his school (depending on traffic).  This was a high traffic time since we have to drive by the train station.  When he finally got into the car, I had 15 minutes to make it to his school (I made it in 11 minutes an didn't speed).

It doesn't matter how many times I tell them to allow driving time, they move at the same pace (or slower than) a snail.  I really think my kids believe my car will magically transport them from our house to their desired destination in a minute.

Not sure how I can change that, except to continue my motivational talks (did someone say, YELL?) and my (daily) test on my car's horn.

Vegetarian Diaries - Roasted Cauliflower

I bought a head of cauliflower thinking RT was going to use it when he made a salad.  The salad never materialized and I thought I better use the cauliflower before it went bad.

Normally I will steam it or make cauliflower soup.  This time, I wanted to do something different and thought it would be fun to try roasting it in the oven.  I found some recipes online and got to work.

When all was done, I wasn't expecting the cauliflower to be so delicious.  I think I ate half of the cauliflower (RT ate the other half)!    I think I just found a new way to eat cauliflower.

Here's the recipe:

Roasted Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 or 3 garlic cloves, cleaned and minced
1/2 a lemon, juiced
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Oven to 400F.  Place florets onto baking dish.  Toss in garlic cloves and mix.  Add in lemon juice and brush olive oil onto florets.  Add salt and pepper.  Roast in oven, uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tender.


*I opted for lemon pepper instead of the lemon juice and skipped the salt

Enjoy!

Cheese

Growing up, we always had cheese in our refrigerator.  It was a staple.  A major part of our diet.  My grandfather and Dad could make a meal out of bread and cheese.  It would start out as a snack, but, the amount that was consumed was more like a meal.

RT fits well into our family.  He could probably live off cheese.  When we go on vacation, we always have to stop and pick up some cheese.  For Christmas, I bought him an assortment of cheeses and crackers.  I think that was his all time, favorite gift.  My kids enjoy cheese.  Not to the extent of RT.  In fact, on vacations, they always say, "Is there anything else to snack on other than cheese?"

With all of his cheese consumption, RT forgets to add a little variety to his diet (fiber to the rescue), thus sometimes causing "problems."

Last fall, RT went hiking and took along some cheese that I bought him.  Every day, he took a picture of his lunch and view.  The cheese was in every picture.

With his birthday coming up, I was racking my brain trying to figure out the perfect gift for him when all of a sudden it came to me.....Cheese!

Maybe I'll throw in a few apples, too.