random amusements

This is totally ME as a cat:


http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Leftovers and Eggs

This is a good meal for any time of day; it does not have to be for breakfast. Any leftovers will do. In the photo, it is leftover sloppy joe meat and some zucchini.

Leftovers and Eggs

1. Find some leftovers in the fridge.
2. Put them in a frying pan over medium heat with a dab of butter.
3. Heat leftovers, then add eggs; cook until eggs are done.

You can use basically any leftovers you want, or throw in some fresh veggies with some meat, then add the eggs. There are no rules for this one. It depends on what you can find in the fridge and what you have a taste for. I use this as a meal idea for low-carb cooking options.




Thumper: "Where's mine?!"

Round 3 Game 1

Hawks lose game one

In a high-action game where Chicago out-skated the Deadthings in the first period, the Hawks were only granted one power play, which they did score on, and Detroit was allowed to hook, hold, and slash their way to a victory.

Maybe game two tonight will see the refs pull their whistles out of their asses and actually call penalties at both ends of the ice. Nah, what am I thinking?! I can accept losing when it is fair and square, but that game was anything but. We were out-playing them. Period.


Game 2 Tonight

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Detroitsucks

Hawks need to keep hitting and take the wind out of their opponents sails; out 4th line had them running around in their own zone, and we need much more of that. I know these kids can win. They know they can win. But the ice has to be level, or at least close.

C'mon, Hawks. Let's run 'em over and take a win away tonight.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

Garden Party Today

Goldie's garden party/plant swap

This isn't working out exactly the way I had planned it, but I think it'll still be a fun day.

I invited some friends and family over to have some snacks and join in a plant swap. Basically, you bring a flat of flowers or plants, and everybody takes one, then gives you one of theirs. My only requirement was to make one purchased flat for trading, and then you could also bring stuff from your yard that needed to be thinned out.

The issues I ran into were that it has been a cold spring and I didn't want to plan this too early where things could still get hit with frost, and then we have two holiday weekends in May (plus my birthday & Casey's!), so I should probably have stuck with an April date. Next year, I'll do this earlier!

I will also make the next one an open invitation on a first-come-first-serve basis, because of the whole scheduling and weekend activity issue. And maybe it will be a two-day process of swapping whenever you have a chance to stop by. At the start, I didn't want this to get too big or crazy, so I limited the number of people invited, and that kinda didn't work out so well...but I was trying to pick the friends who I knew were interested in gardening, and I over-thought the process.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone brings. It is always a good idea to share, and this gives people an organized time and place to do it; prompting them to go ahead and dig up some of those daylillies that are going crazy in the yard, ya know?

Below is the text I used in my email and flyers—feel free to borrow it for your own garden party plan:

I'm planning to have a garden party & plant swap on [date] .

The basic premise is to share different types of plants among all the attendees. However, if you are not interested, or aren't available on this date, please let me know a.s.a.p., so I can plan accordingly.

What you should bring:
1) A flat of plants + a few more from any of the local garden centers (grocery stores even have the garden tents put up now). If each person does this, we will each receive a nice variety in the swap.

2) Bring any plants from your yard that need to be thinned out or divided. But you are NOT required to bring extra store-bought plants—this part is strictly voluntary, for those who have the resources in their yard and want to do the digging.

3) Extra seeds or seed packets that you'd like to share. I know every year I save a TON of seeds from my columbines, marigolds, hollyhocks, dill, and all kinds of other stuff.


If you want to join us, please let me know what you intend to bring, so that we can coordinate colors and not get too many duplicates in the swap. I’ll keep everyone updated on this.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, so you only need to bring plants and not food.

Thanks a bunch, you guys! See you soon, I hope!


RSVP:


I will try to post some pictures later or tomorrow...

Blackhawks advance to Western Conference Finals

How about that title, eh? Can you believe it?! WOW!

There are so many reasons why this team is successful. If you look up and down the roster, you'll see that scoring ability is balanced throughout. With four lines putting up numbers, it takes the pressure off of the "star" players, and keeps the opponents guessing about who to cover. Both Calgary and Vancouver had trouble shutting down the Hawks' offense because everyone has the potential to score goals.

In the next round, we will be facing either the Anaheim Ducks or the Detroitsucks Redwings. Their game 7 is tonight, so we will know by the end of the evening who the next opponent will be. People have asked me which one would be better. I could argue it either way, really. Both will be tough to play against and have a physical style of game, which would make for an interesting series.

I have also been asked who my "favorite Hawk" is... What an impossible question! Each guy has a particular function on this team, and it's like a jigsaw puzzle which would not be complete without any one of the pieces in place. I like them all equally. Any Hawk can be the hero on any night, so you cannot put more of the value on one player over another. It's a great team. They all put forth excellent effort.

Game 6 Hawks VS. Vancouver

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Vancouver Canucks

Game 6 will no doubt be a slugfest and physically punishing game. Our skilled players who hit like a ton of bricks include: Ladd, Sharpie, Versteeg, Byfuglien (pronounced BUFF-lin), Bolland, Seabrook, Barker, and Havlat when he's in the mood. Looking for sharp play from our defensive corps--we're gonna need it. Hope our snipers can make Luongo look bad, as we've proven before he's not invincible. "Buffalo" seems to have gotten into his head in past games, so I hope he can have another strong game.

C'mon, Hawks, let's shut 'em down and win this one!!!!!!!




NOTE: For those of you who are not hockey fans and think that I am nuts, please turn on a game and try it out for a short while, before you pass judgment on a sport which you probably know nothing about.

I mean, how many of you have sat and watched a football game once a year because you wanted to go to a Super Bowl party to eat the food?!! (Admit it!!!) Or, how many of you have hosted Super Bowl parties despite the fact that you don't give a crap about football? (Guilty?!?!)

Hockey is much more exciting than football, and especially more active than baseball which has all the stops and starts. These guys are fantastic athletes with amazing skills! Just watch a few minutes; even if you don't understand what's going on, you have to respect the fact that all of the things these guys do requires talent. Can you even stand up on ice skates...?

Happy Mother's Day

icanhascheezburger.com

Hawks Win Game 5

I don't know how this game started because stupid Comcast decided to cut back to the Cubs losing (oh, there's a surprise) to whoever it was beating them in a late inning.

WHO CARES?!?!?!?!!!! It's only stupid baseball. This is PLAY OFF HOCKEY!!!! And you're placing more importance on a @#%$ing baseball game?! Get your s*** straight, Comcast!!! Grrrr....

So, in somewhat dramatic fashion, the Hawks pulled off the win. Bolland scored on the power play to put the Hawks ahead in the third period, and the 'Nucks never got the momentum back. The last goal was Havlat's empty-netter. Hawks win 4-2.

Game 4 tonight...

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Vancouver Canucks

I cannot stress enough how much special teams will play a part in this game. If we remain disciplined and stay out of the penalty box, then we should beat them. 5-on-5 they can't handle this young and enthusiastic Hawks team, but the Vancouver power play has been our downfall. We need to win this game tonight, for sure. I really think the Hawks can win this round.

Hawks lose in game 3

Chicago Blackhawks VS.

Vancouver Canucks

The Hawks basically beat themselves in this game, getting into early penalty trouble yet again, and never really recovering from it.

While nobody had a good game, I have to say that Troy Brouwer played his ass off tonight. One uplifting note on an otherwise sucky game.

Looking forward, the Hawks need to get their stuff together and stop taking stupid, useless, selfish, lazy penalties if they hope to move on in the Play Offs. I know they have the talent, but their youthful enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of them. Chill out, Hawks, and get the job done.

Chocolate-Banana Mondae

I'm not a big fan of ice cream...please don't disown me for saying that... I like the chocolate syrup, nuts and whipped cream, but I'm just not very often hungry for ice cream. So I invented the "mondae" which is like a sundae, but without the ice cream.

Chocolate-Banana Mondae

1 banana, sliced
Hershey's chocolate syrup
chopped pecans
Cool Whip

Put it in a bowl and eat it. I mean...what else am I supposed to tell you? If you need further instructions, then you probably should not be in the kitchen at all, anyway. And put that knife down before you hurt yourself!


*NOM, NOM, NOM*


GONE!!!

Game 2 VS. Vancouver

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Vancouver Canucks

Tonight is Game 2 versus Vancouver. I hope the Hawks learned their lesson about letting up on defensive coverage in the last game, same as they did against Calgary. You just can't allow stupid mistakes to throw the game away.

I thought that Vancouver had an unfair edge in the faceoff circle, too. They seemed to cheat a lot on draws, and our guys were the ones getting tossed out all the time, which I thought was ironic. Maybe the officiating will be a little better tonight. Of course, a lot of the time I think the officiating is complete bullshit, but, hey, what are ya gonna do? Best way to fight that is to just go out and score more goals.

I liked the physical play in Game 1, and I'm hoping the Hawks can sustain that kind of effort tonight.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

Hawks VS. Vancouver Round 2 Game 1

Chicago Blackhawks
vs.

Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver. Yes, that's right, I said, "Vancouver."

And who could forget this:
Alex Burrows Is A Hair-pulling Sissy

Vancouver is on the sh*tlist, as far as I'm concerned. Of course, I'm against any opponent the Hawks will face, but this is one that will actually raise my blood pressure to within normal levels, or maybe even higher. (note: I typically have low blood pressure.)

I read online in one of the newspapers that Hawks forward/antagonist-extraordinaire Adam Burish said it really isn't on their minds, but I suspect he's lying (no offense, Adam!). Or at least downplaying the significance. I mean, he really can't say, "oh, yeah, we intend to take their friggin' heads off."

Anywho, I'm looking forward to a hell of a hockey game tonight. Can't make any predictions right now...we'll just have to wait and see. But I do suspect this will turn into a huge grudge match. Probably won't take too long for that to surface, either.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

Milk Loaf Bread

This recipe came from a cookbook on my shelf: The Ultimate Bread Machine Cookbook.

Milk Loaf

1 c. milk, room temp. (or slightly warmed in microwave)
1/2 c. warm water
4 c. flour
1 1/2 t. salt
2 t. sugar
2 T. butter
1 pkt. rapid-rise active dry yeast

If making in the bread machine, follow the directions specified in your owner's manual with regards to what order the ingredients should be added to the bread pan. This is for a medium or 1 1/2 pound loaf.

1. Otherwise: in large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast packet in warm water; then add milk. Stir well.
2. Add the other ingredients and mix to form a dough.
3. On floured surface, knead dough until smooth.
4. Allow dough to rest, covered, in a warm place for 40 minutes to one hour, until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and knead again, 6 to 8 times.
   
6. Shape into desired loaf to fit dimensions of whatever pan you're using. (I used a round glass casserole dish.) Allow to rise again, covered, 30-40 minutes.
7. Carefully remove plastic wrap or waxed paper, so as not to "deflate" the dough. Bake at 400˚ for about 35 minutes. Bread will be done when the outside crust is a nice golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap it with a knife.

LOL...

Almond Cream Cheese Squares

Borrowed from the Rhodes Bread website...this is a fantastic recipe and a great breakfast to serve to guests.

Almond Cream Cheese Squares

6 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
sliced almonds

1. Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
   
2. Combine 3 rolls together and roll into a 9x9-inch square. Place in a sprayed 9x9-inch baking pan.
   
3. Pre-bake crust at 350º 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
4. Roll remaining 3 rolls into a second 9x9-inch square. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest.
5. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and almond extract and mix well. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cooled crust.
   
6. Remove plastic wrap from second dough square. Place dough over cream cheese mixture. Brush with butter.
   
7. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the butter brushed dough and top with almonds.
   
8. Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes. Let cool in pan and then cut into squares to serve.

linky:
http://www.rhodesbread.com/

Blackhawks beat Flames; Advance to Round 2

Wooooooooooo-hooooooo!!!!!! Hawks win!!!!

Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Flames in Game 6, and move on to Round 2 of the NHL Play Offs.

In this game, the Hawks didn't actually seem to have the same intensity which they had played with in Game 5, but goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin made a total of 43 saves to keep the Hawks alive. Great game by Nik. It's no wonder they call him "The Bulin Wall".

Taco Salad

Ya know what you should do with that leftover taco meat? Make a taco salad!

Taco Salad

mixed greens, or chopped Romaine lettuce
leftover taco meat, heated in microwave
taco sauce or salsa
green onions, minced
tomatoes, chopped
black olives, sliced
sharp cheddar, grated
Ranch dressing, or whatever your favorite dressing might be
Optional: sour cream, guacamole, tortilla chips

1. Get a big bowl or a salad plate.
2. Place a good amount of lettuce in the bottom of the bowl/plate, but don't forget that there will be a pile of stuff on top of it.
3. Layer meat on top of lettuce; top immediately with cheese, so that it melts a little.
4. Add other ingredients, as needed. Top with dressing.
   
5. Enjoy!!!
   

NOTE: that is a stock photo that I found online somewhere; it is not mine.

Hawks Win Game 5

Yeah, I know, I'm late. We've been really busy with work, and then the power went out during the storm last night. We only missed a few minutes of the game while the generator kicked on and the TiVo rebooted.

This game was awesome—the Hawks dominated play for the entire game. They need to keep playing like this, with this kind of intensity.

Excellent game by Brent Seabrook, among several others. Even Area 51 had a strong game. Nice job, boys. : )

Red Tulip Progression

...sounds like the name of a band, doesn't it? LOL!

March 30th...
April 5th...

April 18th...

April 22nd...

Those are the Bouquet Tulips, variety: 'Toronto', which are supposed to be pink...what do you think?

I think they're red. Call me crazy.

I still love 'em, though.