the Veterans Day weekend that was

After getting my car cleaned for the first time in like two years and picking up a few groceries at Redner's, I hightailed it to the Trenton Train Station to pick up my friend Misty. We got Steve's Steaks (too lazy to drive down to Jim's, my preferred cheesesteak), put pajamas on, drank liquor while lounging on the couch, and I forced Misty into Duck Dynasty reruns. 

+

I haven't been sleeping well. Saturday was my only chance to sleep in and try to recoup.

Then the President of the Ahole Wakeup Committee decided otherwise. 

Thanks a lot Gus! Even Geege wanted to keep sleeping.

+

No matter how many times I use it, this cup always makes me laugh. 

C O F F E E.

+

Misty and I met Alicia, Amanda and Jennifer from our knot.com monthly wedding board for lunch

at the Cock 'n Bull in Lahaska. Are you laughing? I am because I'm five. 

The food was good and the company was lovely.

It was great to have a leisurely lunch with ladies I've talked to on the daily online 

since the year before our weddings.

We split baked brie as an app, and I had a side salad, beef burgundy and pumpkin pie.

The pie sent me into Food Coma territory, but I couldn't resist.

+

Food prep, including hoagie dip. 

We MIGHT be able to get a sliver out mayo of the container in the fridge. Right?

Hoagie dip is super easy. Here's my version: 

1/2 lb cooked ham, 1/2 lb genoa salami, 3/4 lb american cheese, shredded lettuce, two tomatoes seeded and chopped, one onion chopped, oregano/S&P to taste, and 1-2 cups mayo.

The key to good hoagie dip is to cut everything super small. I do the lunchmeat and cheese in the food processor (thanks for the tip a few years ago Julie!). 

Mix it all together and serve with hoagie rolls.
I usually do the prep the day before and mix it on the day I'm serving it. 

+

Bacon cheeseburger puffs from Plain Chicken. 

These were good, best eaten right away and served with ketchup. 

I used whole wheat baking mix, sauteed onion with the ground beef, and doubled the recipe. 

I flash froze the rest of the balls so they're ready to go when I need them next. 

I probably won't make them again after that - I prefer the bacon double cheeseburger dip.

+

My Boston-based BFF and her man arrived to spend the night on their whirlwind tour of NJ & PA. 

It was so great to see them, we haven't seen them since WedFest in July.

+ 

Other friends rolled in, and we had a fun night as always. 

I am beyond thankful for my friends. They are my family.

That includes you, Dutch.

+

All fun must come to an end. Mine came at 6 a.m. when I got up to take Misty to the train station. We went to bed around 3. That was a rough ride! And foggy. 

The experience called for a pork roll egg and cheese and two more hours of sleep.

+

After the fog burned off, Sunday was gorgeous. Amazing weather. Thank you universe!

I threw open all the windows, changed beds in both spare rooms, did a ton of wash, and watched some Bada Bling wedding show and a lot of Duck Dynasty with Michelle. 

Then I sat outside with my boys for a little, reading and enjoying the day.

I was going to dust the basement...dust will keep. Good weather won't.

+

Nails - OPI Bubble Bath. Toes - Essie Raspberry

+

Sixteen Candles

+

Family dinner for my aunt's 50th at Taormina's.

If I'm eating at an italian restaurant, chances are very good that I'm getting the piccata dish.

+

We're the land of the free because we're the home of the brave.

Thank you for your service and protection, Veterans.

+

TV catch up and early to bed

=

the weekend that was

No cooking, very limited sleep, minimal hausfrauing because MFD rocked and did most of it for me...just lots of quality time with friends and family that leaves me with a full heart.

Back on the chain gang. 

I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans, Five30three, and Join the Gossip for Weekend Update.

V O T E. Especially you women.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Lucretia Mott. Lucy Stone. Margaret Fuller. Susan B. Anthony. Julia Ward Howe. Sojourner Truth. Alice Paul. Lucy Burns.

Thanks to the grueling work and dedication of those women above, the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Amendment XIX was ratified on August 18, 1920. Less than 100 years ago, ladies. Do you know that South Carolina rejected the ratification in 1920 and that they didn't get around to officially passing it into law until 1969? That's less than 50 years ago. Votey vote vote vote vote! Women and men, all of you.

If you don't want to read my politics, please conclude your reading here. Happy Election Day!
____________________________________________________________________

Women of America: you were "granted" the right to vote less than 100 years ago. If I had one wish, it would be that everyone could speed read A Handmaid's Tale today so you can see what might happen if wombs become property of the state. The Handmaid's Tale explores themes of women in subjugation and the various means by which they gain small freedoms in a totalitarian christian theocracy.  The new regime overthrew the U.S. Government, took advantage of electronic banking to freeze the assets of all the women, and kept a class of women as handmaids for reproductive purposes. Fiction, yes. Too close to what's going on out there, I think so.

I don't want to debate abortion with you. No one is FOR abortion. I want to respect your right to make your own decisions and to observe your own personal and religious beliefs and practices, and for you to give me the same courtesy.

Regardless of whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, the absolute stunning gall of men in positions of power trying to REDEFINE RAPE on the national scale, tossing around terms like forcible rape, and saying that pregnancy as a result of rape is like pregnancy out of wedlock is an assault on the sovereignty of women. It is despicable and disgusting and we should not stand for this. These men should not be running for office or sitting in office if they are so very flippant about something like rape that is so detrimental to the safety of women.

I will never vote for anyone who is anti-choice, because I don't believe abortion should be a national issue. I've never had the luxury of choosing between two candidates who are solely focused on growing the economy, improving this country's infrastructure, and protecting this nation from threats both domestic and foreign. So yes, I will be a one issue voter until my lady parts are no longer a national public issue.

"But the economy is more important, Roe vs. Wade will never be overturned!," they cry. If it will never be overturned, why is it being chipped away at on the state level? Why all this focus on what rape is and when women should have children? Why mandatory vaginal ultrasounds? Why any of this instead of 100% focus on an economic recovery?

I wouldn't trade my individual liberty for a 10 foot hole filled with gold bricks. I especially would not trade my individual liberty for the PROMISE of gold bricks. I hope you won't either.

p.s. I have voted in every election for the past 17 years - presidential, local, primaries. I have NEVER gotten an "I voted" sticker. I feel sad inside.

the first November weekend that was

Broccoli rice chicken cheddar casserole. Get in my belly.

+

Hurricane Sandy concert on NBC. 

The images I see of the destruction along my beloved Jersey Shore, in Breezy Point, Staten Island, New York City, and Hoboken leave me speechless.  

I've spent so much time down the shore during my life that it seems like a part of me. I know many people who grew up in this area feel the same. To see the devastation down there is heartbreaking. 

When you rebuild and reopen, we'll be back, shore towns. 

You've given us so much. We'll do what we can by donating $$, items and time so we can give back to you.

+

Poached eggs and toast for Saturday's breakfast, and lounging with Gus & Geege.
I think those eggs resemble boobs. MFD doesn't agree. Please vote. 

+

Two hours of yard work. It didn't even make a dent. 

I battled with a lavender bush for 20 minutes. It nearly broke me. 

+

Changing out photos in frames, hanging some new pictures around the house, and hausfrauing.

She wants to lead The Glamorous Life...

+

Cannot get enough of la naranja. Delicious and nutritious. 

+

Pumpkin bars. Recipe by Shelby at Big Hungry Shelby (see comments for full recipe).

Tip: when I have to cut cold butter into something, 

I put it in the freezer for a bit, then I grate it using a cheese grater. It works like a charm. 

+

Halloween Take II: thanks for hosting Kim and Drew!

+

Thirty One bag party at Melissa's. If you're interested in bags, let me know! Jenn is selling them.
Look at Melissa's new kitty cats. So cute.

+

Lunch at On the Border with Debbie.
The Kokopelli Margarita is deadly on a Sunday afternoon. For real.

+

A trip to Target to buy packs of socks,underwear and gloves for Sandy victims.
And socks for me. I may have a sock problem.

+

Four Christmas gifts bought on Sunday. Holler.

+

I've been ruminating on pantry and freezer inventories, and decided on dry erase boards based on an idea I saw on pinterest. I did some research and check these out: an organizer's dream. Self stick dry erase boards that can be removed. I put them inside the pantry doors and will keep an inventory of pantry food there, as well as freezer foods. I'm forever buying shit I already have but am too lazy to look for, so this is awesome for me.
Yet another photo of my serial killer handwriting. You're welcome.

+

Two Sunday soups: eight can taco soup for this week, and crockpot lentil soup to freeze.
In the eight can taco soup, I substituted refried beans for the cream of whatever soup.

+

Pan seared chicken with balsamic cream sauce, mushrooms and carmelized onions.
Boom.
MFD declared this the best chicken ever.

+

Housing out of state campaign workers on Sunday night (and Monday night)

=
the weekend that was

Busy weekend, busy week ahead, and lots to look forward to this week and next weekend. Bring it on! Except the possible nor'easter. Put the brakes on that, universe. 

And hey, you guys...VOTE tomorrow. In the words of LBJ, "A man without a vote is a man without protection." Many have fought and died for your right to vote. Exercise it. 

Happy Birthday Dad

Last year, I wrote a long post all about my Dad and what I've learned from him, which I hope you read by clicking here.

Today, I wish him a happy birthday and a lovely weekend away with Carol and their friends. And I thank him for being there for me and being a great dad, like I do every year. I am so fortunate to have a father like him.

Dad, I hope your horizon holds everything you want to see in your life over the next year.

And he does. 

I hope you're all recovering from Sandy - and that you'll consider donating to the Red Cross by clicking here or texting 9099 and typing donate. If you would prefer to donate goods, please find someone in your area who is collecting them. There are a lot of people who have lost everything and are in need.

Have a great weekend!

Diary of a hunkered down hausfrau

A chronicle of two housebound days courtesy of Sandy

Monday

SEPTA wasn't running and the office was closed. Excuse the mess of the nest I made. Monday's office setup and coworkers:

Small pleasures: a leisurely eaten bagel out of your own toaster on a rainy Monday.

Laundry, laundry, and more laundry.

My third, fourth, fifth and SIXTH calls to Comcast within two days over billing issues. As the winds howled, I chipped away at their criminal resolve and they are crediting our account the $178 they owe us which was a mere $60 on Sunday before I did more math. Math is hard, you guys. You thieving bastards will never get the best of me! COMCAST DO YOU HEAR ME?!?! Sworn enemies for life.

My dogs won't go outside alone. The wind is scary and lifts their little ears up.

DVR and TV catch up:
-The Good Wife: Lamont Bishop, you showed vulnerability. I liked it.
-Jersey Shore (two episodes): Roger, don't do me and JWoww like that.
-Up All Night: Will Arnett singing along to The Cranberries was perfect.
-CSI: Thank you Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue for making this show good again.

At various points during the day, we have arguments over Gold Rush, Up All Night, Star Wars (one of those assy Clone ones that I have no time for), incessant weather coverage, and how the other person should not watch it. Par for the course for those of us lucky enough to have power and cable through the storm. And we are lucky. One by one our friends and family update their statuses on facebook to include being powerless, seeing transformers blowing on the street, blue sparks coming from their own electric, trees coming down on or around their homes. Arguing over the TV is a luxury many don't have at this time.

Less than 24 hours after they were purchased, the cookies bought at Sam's on Sunday are gone. This is bad on many levels. We blame Sandy and wind fear.

Gus slept like a fat little sausage most of the night. Geege was like MOM when will this be over this wind is scary!

I got an email from Amazon saying that due to Sandy, delivery of my rainboots was surely going to be delayed. Poor timing on the rain boots.

Photo from Amazon.com

I fall asleep thinking dear large trees around the house, please hold your ground. And that I never want to hear hunker down again. Ever.

Tuesday

Commence unhunkering.

Our Sandy damage consists of some downed tree branches and broken yard items. I am so grateful to be so lucky. My thoughts are with those that were not. We check in on our family and tell those without power that they are welcome at our house. Mother nature is a scary bitch.

We're are so saddened by the devastation at the Jersey Shore and are thinking of anyone with a home or business down there. If you grew up in the Philadelphia area, chances are high that you spent part of every summer down the shore. It is part of your personal history, and to see it knocked down is traumatic. This is the Deauville Inn where we had our wedding, one of our favorite shore spots. I love that the photo (that I lifted from their FB page) had the caption "will be ready for next summer though." Coming out strong, it makes my eyes well up. Damage to the Deauville from Sandy - on the left.  According to the owner Lynda the deck, awning framework, docks and patios need some work. On the right is a photo of my Dad and I walking in on my wedding day on one of the docks. You can see the deck, other dock and awning as they normally are. We'll see you next summer Deauville. My heart is heavy for the people of NJ and NY and those right in my backyard with no power, down trees, destroyed homes. Again...feeling lucky.

Coffee with Ron Swanson and The Breakfast Club.

Washing the couches. Washable couches are an utter dream. Here are the boys enjoying clean couches and the elaborate sheet and blanket system we employ to keep them off of the actual couch cushions when we can.

Tuesday's office. Less dog hair and more structure.

My sister and brother-in-law and their kids stopped in to get some hot food and heat since they were without power. Jax was kind enough to visit my dining room office. The dogs were not pleased with the new location.

The boys napped the day away.

Then these happened - pumpkin gingersnap parfaits. 

Essie Demure Vixen nails

Watching the past two episodes of Nashville. Rayna James, you should be with Deacon. If not...Deacon, call me.

My electric-less brother arrived to eat, shower and spend the night.

And on HER day off, Debbie put together a facebook page for her jewelry called Debbie Rae Designs. Please click on that name, visit her page and like it, and check out her stuff. As the owner of many Debbie Rae pieces, I highly recommend them.

This concludes two housebound days. Mesmerizing, wasn't it?

Today? Civic engagement - yours truly has jury duty.

Happy Halloween! And happy birthday to my uncle Perry and my good friend Jimmy G.

TTFN.

Linking up to Rolled Up Pretty for Whatever Whenever Wednesday.