Originally posted by: cullenann on 10/13/2007 8:53:10 AM

Hi ya'll. I am back, kind of sort of. It has been a long month. It was one month ago yesterday that my step-father fell and broke his hip and thus began the down spiral before his death. Mom is doing well. She is such a strong,independent woman. Bob was the second husband she has buried. My Dad was the first.I spent the night there until the Friday after the funeral and then came home. Of course, I can get to her in about 1 min. She will be there until.... She has no intention of moving and if she should finally need someone with her, we will probably sell our house to our kids and move in with her. Believe me she has plenty of room. For those of you that have been here you know what I mean! I usually am over there at least once a day and she eats with us sometimes. She goes to the hospital to exercise in Cardiac Rehab 3 times a week and is going to Bible study and her women's meetings, so she is keeping her routine.
I am busy today getting ready for a catering job. I tried the olive cheese balls in this months issue and they are great. Am serving them tomorrow.
Have a great weekend.
Oh by the way, congrats to Sara on the new baby. I am still trying to catch with all that has happened since I have been gone.

Originally posted by: 1dustychuck on 10/13/2007 9:16:26 AM

Anne,

Sorry to hear about your step dad's demise, glad to hear that your Mom is fine. Nothing much new happening with the exception of finding out what some of us had for breakfast when we were growing up.
Nice to have you back.

Chuck

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/13/2007 4:36:26 PM

Hi-didly-ho family ... not much happening around here since I went back to work. Not much extra time for working on getting a yard in. Still alot of sticks, chunks and roots to clean up yet.

Bonnie has been quite the Sussie home maker this week. She has been so board that she not only cleaned the house but cooked supper every night and baked during the day. It's been quite some time since I have seen all of that at one time.

Hope all is good and well with every one else.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/14/2007 5:27:59 PM

Bethany ... hows the decorating going?

Originally posted by: dd11 on 10/15/2007 4:54:25 AM

Mike,

Glad Bonnie is doing well.

Originally posted by: popeye-1 on 10/15/2007 8:03:57 AM

Well family i went to the last campout for the season .. I'm here to tell you i was froze to the bone. 5 days of high winds an cold low temperature. But the campfire was very welcome at night. all kiding aside good friends,good food and cold beer the good was better then the bad.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 10/15/2007 10:38:54 AM

Hey popeye, we are having a Rod De Vou' in a few weeks down here, pack up your cast Iron and come on down. Actually since we are moving in to an apartment, we don't know if we will be able to go. Hopefully we can go for one day at least.
Well I have started packing boxes to take over as soon as we can get our apartment, so probably will be busy for the next few days.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/15/2007 6:19:26 PM

Take it easy with the moving Lloyd. Remember what you went thru last time.

popeye ... glad that you enjoyed yourself overall. Wasn't Olive Oil with you to snuggle and keep you warm?

Originally posted by: popeye-1 on 10/15/2007 6:25:14 PM

Sorry to say but we are going to new orleans in march and the gathering in june so i am going to have to say we will probly won't be there.

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 10/15/2007 7:57:14 PM

Mike, the decorating is coming along. Since my main downstairs bathroom will not be done, I have to make new signs directing people to the bathroom upstairs. So we'll have the half bath & full upstairs for the party. (BTW, they are LABORATORIES for the party!) Now I'll be decorating the stairs & the upstairs bathroom. Not going to decorate the up stairs tv room! Still haven't got the garage done. Kind of holding off until later this week. You and Bonnie want to come down for the weekend for the party?!!
popeye, where abouts in MI do you live? I don't live too far from the MI/OH line. I wish we could have done some camping. We are now going to put our 5th wheel up for sale. It has been used no more than 5 times in the 2 years we've owned it. Used the first one more than that in the first year we owned it and we didn't get it until Sept!
Well, gotta go. TTFN

Originally posted by: popeye-1 on 10/16/2007 5:53:51 AM

Mike - i don't go anywere without olive oyl.She is the reason i could stay . .
CAKE LADY TO- I live in sturgis,mi. Just across the indiana line. Some week end we will have to get toghter sounds like fun.

Originally posted by: sarab on 10/17/2007 6:22:52 AM

Well, Meagan turned 8 today. Can't believe how fast she is growing up. We're having her b-day party next Saturday and it's going to be a costume party. She is so excited. She took the invitations to school with her today. (Is going to hand them out to her whole class bc they won't let you hand out just a few). There are about 18 or 19 kids in her class. Plus, she has a few friends from church she wants to invite. I must say, hopefully they don't all show up. But, this is a big birthday for her and hopefully the weather will cooperate so most of it can be outside. She wants to have a pinata. They have some halloween ones at the store that I saw last night. I guess I should start deciding how I'm going to decorate and what games and stuff to do so that I can buy the stuff before it is all gone. Any suggestions on games for a bunch of 8 year olds? (Plus a 5, 3 and 2 yo). She took mini cupcakes to school today for her class, the only time they can bring treats to school other than class parties (no, I didn't make them, but I will make them for their Halloween party on Halloween). Anyways, just enjoying the fall weather that we are finally getting, although one day next week it is supposed to be back up in the 80s, but hopefully that won't last long.

Have a great day everyone!!

Originally posted by: SouChef on 10/17/2007 1:43:46 PM

Sara, oh to have an eight year old again! I never did big birthdays for him. Just took all his friends, which was usually about four kids, to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza and games. I did do the cupcakes for the classes each year until he was in middle school. What games do they have now for the kids to play? I think a pinata is a good idea. Black cat, since we are doing costumes? Or pumpkin. Hope you have good weather for the party.

Lloyd, so you are finally moving into the new apartment. Hope all goes well and don't lift anything that will hurt you. Listen to Miss Tommie on where everything should go as well. They have Rendevous in Texas? I thought they just had those out in the Plains states. I read about them years ago and thought it was a really neat thing to do. Too old to try that now.

Bethany, I wish I lived close to you as I can't imagine the decorating you are doing. Sounds like you are having a ball, though. We were just talking about the various haunted houses that are going on here in the area. I bet your house matches most of them to a T.

For those who have been sick (Mindy) and are back (Ann), I am keeping you in my prayers. Have been busy at work with all the crazies that keep suing our clients. That and working on my art.
Haven't been doing the cooking thing as much now that I am the only one I cook for. I am thinking of doing red cabbage and bratwurst with potatoes, but depends on when I get home.

Everyone take care and Sara, the kids will be grown before you know it. Enjoy them while you can.

Mary

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 10/17/2007 7:16:32 PM

Hello Everyone!
popeye, would love to meet up! We could pick a place in between the 2 of us! If we don't get it done before next spring, and we don't sell our camper, we'll have to meet at a campground!! Now are you and your wife going to TX in June? We are going to meet up in paris, tn with Anne and her husband, spend the night and then travel together from there. I hope we get to make the trip! i've already got my gifts.
Mary, My house isn't haunted, but I do go all out decorating. I wish you lived closer too! Anyone who would like to make the trip is more than welcome. We have plenty of sleeping room! Ashley is having 3 or 4 girls spend the night and so far I think 3 of my friends are staying over. I have started working on the garage. Sad thing is my Prius has to be outside for the duration now. Poor thing hasn't been left outside since I bought it. I am going to take pictures this year!
Ashley has her first concert (choir) tomorrow night, so it will be a long day. Tonight we did chocolate dipped pretzel rods for the French Club Bake Sale on Friday.
Did my potato rounds Monday & Tuesday & chicken. Tonight I did what jim call goopy chicken, noodles & lima beans. Tomorrow, who knows!
Well, gotta to. Need to get to bed while I'm tired!
TTFN

Originally posted by: Teressa on 10/18/2007 6:13:50 AM

Sara,

Eight is a good age. Bobbing for apples is always a good one if you have plenty of towels ahead of time. A twist on pin the tail on the {whatever}, throw darts instead or those velcro balls. Relay races, ya know, egg in the spoon and put in bucket (use Easter Eggs) or hard boiled eggs.

How about a scarecrow building contest or a jack o lantern contest with prizes awarded?

Have Fun!

Teressa

Originally posted by: popeye-1 on 10/18/2007 7:00:33 AM

Cake lady too- Yes we will have to meet up will have to work on it ... If we go to tx we will more then likely fly in. An as of this date it looks like a go . The plans for this week end fell throu so i think next week i will put the camper to bed for the winter.Will still have plenty of campfires thats a given..

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 10/19/2007 6:27:31 PM

popeye, Our 5th wheel is a 4 season, so if we actually had time and places open close, we'd go camping. But since our daughter plays in marching band, we don't have any free weekends. I love fall camping! Love the campfire & making pudgy pies (campfire pies). And we can't forget the smores!!
Hope everyone is doing find.
Mike, Deb arriving tomorrow? Tell her hello for me! wish I was joining you guys for a visit.

TTFN
Bethany

Originally posted by: popeye-1 on 10/20/2007 7:52:23 PM

You cal them podgy pies . We call them hobo pies...lol.. Still good.. We used to make all kinds. Pitza,eggs an sausage. pie filling heck you name it.You don't have to be camping just dig a hole in your back yard.. .

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/21/2007 2:50:36 PM

Been busy around here this weekend. Deb showed up yesterday. We went to down town Minneapolis this morning. Kitchen Window was having a knife expo. Nice store with many fine things. We both found stuff to buy that we didn't know we wanted or needed.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 10/21/2007 4:33:47 PM

We had a wonderful evening with friends last night-a continuation of our summer weekly gatherings. We all contribute food.

Last night was special, we had a bonfire after dinner, roasted marshmallows, and lit sparklers. It was sure toasty around the fire! but even nicer to be with great friends.

I'm still waiting for my buyer to sell his house, and it is starting to look gloomy. The market here is so dead.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/22/2007 5:56:59 PM

All good things must come to an end. Deb had to leave this morning for another destination.

Dee ... hope you sell soon.

Originally posted by: LisaJ1 on 10/23/2007 6:17:26 AM

Lloyd,

Please be careful when moving. No more of you getting "owies".

To all those who are doing Halloween, have fun decorating and having parties. Pinatas are fun, and how about bobbing for apples.
We are so far out in the sticks that there are no sidewalks or street lights, so parents drive kids 30 miles into town and go to the malls there where they have trick or treating and costume parties for the kids. Much safer too. And I don't have to do up the outside anymore, I just wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas to decorate now.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/24/2007 4:14:30 PM

I interviewed with the county this afternoon. I feel that the interview went real good. The job is a bit different than what I have been doing but it sounds interesting and something I would enjoy doing.

Lloyd ... are you so busy that you can't check in. Hope all is going good with you and Miss Tommie.

Now that I think of it, everyone has been real quite of late.

Originally posted by: Margielikestocook on 10/24/2007 4:20:48 PM

Mike! Are you back to cooking cats again???!!! Keep your kitties away from Mike. He'll cook 'em up! Shame! Shame! Next thing you know he'll be makin' Roast Puppie!

Margie

Originally posted by: Teressa on 10/24/2007 8:32:02 PM

Hi there! What job was it that you were applying for with the county again? I am sure you got the job if you are feeling that confident about it. Good Luck!

Teressa

Originally posted by: Teressa on 10/24/2007 8:34:55 PM

Hey Margie, I hear that Roast Puppie goest great with braised guppies! Just kidding! Hey mike, I have two healthy cats than need good homes. Come pick them up!

Teressa

quote:

Originally posted by Margielikestocook:
Mike! Are you back to cooking cats again???!!! Keep your kitties away from Mike. He'll cook 'em up! Shame! Shame! Next thing you know he'll be makin' Roast Puppie!

Margie

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 10/24/2007 9:02:20 PM

3 days until Party Time!!
Question:
I'm going to make taco cups (biscuit mix in mini muffin pan hollowed in middle and filled with taco meat & cheese) My questions is that I want to do these up like earlier and then just reheat them so do I just under cook them a little or completely cook them and just hope they don't burn when I reheat in the oven?
Also doing pizza cups this way so PLEASE let me know ASAP!
Thanks!!
Bethany

Originally posted by: Teressa on 10/24/2007 9:13:52 PM

Cake Lady,

Cook them completely. Then set oven for 325 and reheat for 7 min. They shouldnt burn. Test at 5 min to see if they are hot or not.

Teressa

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 10/25/2007 7:09:18 AM

Thanks Teressa, giving them a trial run this morning. I'll do my shopping later this afternoon.
Mike, got may paper towel holder like yours Monday at Sam's. They had a 2 pk for $20!! May go back and get another set as I am taking one with me to TN for Anne. Now all I have to get is the warmer/buffet server like you have.
Hope everyone is doing fine. Kind of quiet here on the family thread. Take care!
TTFN
Bethany

Originally posted by: 1dustychuck on 10/25/2007 8:15:33 AM

Paper Towel Holders !! I've been making them for many years. The hang on the wall kind and also the Type that sits on your counter. You people should really ask questions once in awhile. Could save yourself a buck or two.

Originally posted by: LisaJ1 on 10/25/2007 11:27:07 AM

Mike

Keeping my fingers crossed that you get this job. Prayers too for same reason.

Lisa

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/25/2007 4:26:11 PM

Bethany ... if you place your biscuit on an upside down minni muffin pan you will have more room for the filling. Congrats on your getting the paper towel holder. Hope you get your buffet server soon.

I want to thank those that are crossing there fingers and saying prayers for me to land the job. Bonnie says she has never seen me so excited about an interview and wanting a job.

Originally posted by: HRM on 10/25/2007 4:56:53 PM

And speaking of Bonnie, how is she doing after her surgery and return to work?

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 10/25/2007 4:58:30 PM

Hey family, I haven't been able to be around a computor since Wednesday a week ago. All is well, got most of the stuff that was in our room in the apartment and about ready to go to Houston and pick up more stuff (Mainly my Kitchen stuff!!!)
Mike, I know you are joking, but there is a CAT Serial Killer operating in the San Antonio area now, and these people are up it arms about it. He has kill and mutilated 9 so far and people are being warned to keep their cats inside until after Halloween. The SPCA is not allowing any cats adopted until after November 17. Is anybody else having this happening in their area? This has to be one sick person.
Well I will try and come to the kids at lease once a week to post when I can, loves you all.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 10/26/2007 5:41:26 AM

Lloyd ... if they are leaving the cats behind then you can rule out a new Chineese Buffet opening in the area. I bet your getting excited about getting your own kitchen stuff back in operatiion.

Mindy ... Bonnie is doing good both with her knee and with me having an income again (at least for awhile).

Originally posted by: granna on 10/26/2007 7:13:27 AM

Hi Guys, hows everything going? Wanted to check in, been gone a lot, still working on our new property, tring to get it ready to move trailers off and modgular on, SO much paper work and permits, may drive me "crazy", well maybe "crazier" Later, Granna

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 10/26/2007 7:58:48 AM

Mike, Thanks for the great idea with the dough! I will be doing those tomorrow. Tried the pizza ones and they were delish! Had to bake the pizza crust so filled a couple and tried them complete. Have a BIG list of things to do yet so I will be busy busy busy! BTW Jim likes the paper towel holder too and didn't say anything when I said I was thinking about getting a couple more.
Also keeping my fingers & toes crossed for you and the job. Glad Bonnie is doing good.
Granna, Hang in there! Congrats on the new home. Don't let it make you too crazy!
Chuck, These paper towel holders let you tear off only one paper towel with one hand and don't tip over. Saw & used Mike's in June and loved it. THanks for letting us know though.
Hello to everyone!
TTFN
Bethany

Originally posted by: 1dustychuck on 10/26/2007 10:15:45 AM

The one's that hang on the wall don't tip at all and the other type have a solid wood base and I can add a lead weight to the underside so that it also will not go anywhere.

Originally posted by: SouChef on 10/26/2007 10:26:20 AM

So much happening on the BB since I was last here on Wednesday. I was up to my eyeballs in e-mail yesterday. 119 on a regular day! That is usually what I get on a weekend. Today was my normal 40.

Mike, add me to the list of prayers for your job. I can't think of a better bunch to work for than some government agency (Oh yeah, I work for the State of NC!) Good to hear that Bonnie is doing well with her knee. I have been keeping her in my prayers as well.

Well Lloyd, I hope you get all your stuff up to SA soon. I couldn't live without my kitchen stuff. I would be out buying new stuff before the next meal. I pared down when I moved to the new place, but I kept my good knives, my Fiesta stoneware and my Le Crueset ovenware. Goodwill got lots and lots of Calaphalon cookware and my mis-matched dinnerware, cups and glasses.

Dee, good luck on the sale of your house. Bury a St. Joseph statue (upside down?) in your yard.
I hear it works. I have a friend in NYC who just sold her house after 10 months on the market.
My cousin had to go way down on her house to get it sold. Times like this I am glad I live in a tiny apartment.

Bethany, good luck with the party tomorrow night. I will be there in spirit! If you see a witch with short brown hair floating through, that will be me!

As for the Cat Killer, I think they are rampant about this time of year all over the country. Last year they wouldn't let anyone adopt any kind of pet (cat or dog) until after Halloween. Lots of tricksters use firecrackers and scare the poor little critters. And Mike, only occasionally do I want to give my sweet little kitty to the Mexicans to make into tamales. See, where I last lived there were no cats, except mine who was inside. So the Chinese aren't the only ones who use them in place of chicken or pork.

And we have blessed rain here in Raleigh. It has been just as grey as it can be and cold! I love it. We haven't come close to making up our deficit, but at least my car doesn't look like it just came out of the Sahara desert anymore. We are under mandatory water restrictions for the entire state of NC until further notice. Some really intersting stuff is some of the restaurants are using paper plates and plastic cutlery to conserve water.

Everyone have a wonderful Friday and weekend.

Mary

Originally posted by: Margielikestocook on 10/28/2007 10:32:23 AM

Hi everybody,

Bethany, How was your party? Are you awake yet? I hope it was great.

Mike, good luck on the job. My fingers & toes are crossed & I'm praying too. Is that enough?

Lloyd, Glad you & Tommie moved to your own place. Be careful moving your things from Pasadena.

Dee, I hope your buyer sells his house soon.

Debby, Are you feeling better? I hope so.

Mary, We had so much rain earlier in the season. It has stopped now.

We have Trunk or Treat at the church on Halloween. We decorate our car trunks & give out candy. It's a safer environment for the kids & they have games too. We expect about 400 kids.

Our annual Church Bazaar is this next weekend. It's a craft show, tea room, bake sale. I'm chairman & I cannot wait for it to be over. I'm surprised I haven't lost my mind already. It's so hectic. I have to go back to the church this afternoon to tear the church apart & set up the vendor booths. No one ever wants to help & it's frustrating. My brother & sister won't even help me! Don't you just love them? NOT!

Hi to Judy, Chuck, Popeye & Olive Oyl, Mary, Lisa, Mindy, Sara, & who did I miss? sorry. I'm trying to hurry & can't remember all of the names. Hi to all of you.

Margie

Originally posted by: dd11 on 10/28/2007 12:18:11 PM

Hi Marge,

Is your job back to normal yet?

Souchef,

We have lowered the price a lot, but buyers think prices will reset to another decade.

Originally posted by: stephensgirl on 10/29/2007 1:20:39 AM

Hi guys,

Hope everyone is doing well .Sending prayers to all those who are in need.

This has been quite a week for my family and I.My oldest son Doug (the one in the Navy) has been home since Monday.He's home till Halloween and then he goes for sea duty the following week.He will be deployed for 6-8 months (but we all know how that can change).Needless to say Mom (me ) is already on pins and needles! I knew this time was coming but it really tears at my heart!

So please say a prayer for him and for all our service men and women.They are so brave and so precious.God be with them,guide them and protect them!

Thank you all
Blessings,
Cathy

Originally posted by: Margielikestocook on 10/29/2007 5:24:26 AM

Cathy, I'll pray for your son and all of our service people.

Dee, Normal? I don't think I know what that is anymore! At least I have a job. It sure gets hectic. Now I have the church bazaar on top of work & I may have lost my mind by Saturday.

Margie