Friday, November 28, 2008

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: OUR THANKSGIVING

I must warn you, the following blog is GRAPHIC in nature....it won't all be THIS pretty and serene: But before you go thinking I'm some kinda "Nervous Nelly" or "Girlie Girl"...I'm not!! Let me show you :



See THIS is BOILING water. I'm looking right at it, up close. Nothing!! Doesn't even faze me!

And see THIS: my hand is directly over the gas flame. Again...NOTHING! (No common sense-nothing!!! *Note children DO NOT try this at home!*)








It is only when you combine THIS: OIL/GREASE






with THIS: FIRE/CAULDREN OF DEATH that I get nervous. It's BOILING HOT OIL AND FIRE PEOPLE!!!! HELLO!!!!

But it's been brought to my attention, that this is my issue...some people don't have issues with it. Hmmmm. These same reckless individuals probably fry bacon alone too. But, that is another story for another day.




Anyhow, sometimes you've got to take a walk on the wild side. Face the fear of death, disfigurement, the loss of mind, home, and body for some fine cuisine. Like on Thanksgiving- you need to fry a turkey! There really is nothing quite like it. Honest! Yum! !


First you start with Tom here: A fine looking specimen.



But he's made even finer when you inject him full of marinade. (Note: this syringe would have also been handy injecting my bottom full of tranquilizers before I took the following photos...but again I digress. Besides, there is always next year!)













(Side Note: I also recommend having one of these on hand: What can I say...I'm a safety girl!!! )



So, you take Tom, inject him full of delicious marinade and then you walk him out to his fate.....dum da dummmmm....dum da dummmmm......(that's me playin' the bugle. good huh?!)


THIS is the BOILING PEANUT OIL! Being heated with PROPANE!!!! (Note, I personally took this picture. Yep that's right. I faced my fear. I looked in the CAULDEN OF DEATH and I laughed! Okay, so I didn't laugh....it was more of a nervous giggle and then I backed the hell away from it....but again I digress.)























See Tom getting ceremoniously lowered into the cauldron..... (See how I am smartly standing on the other side of the fence!!! )










Immediately after lowering Tommy boy into the fryer, it starts to steam/smoke like this photo below. Is your pulse racing?! Are you sweating profusely at this point?! I am!!!









After the lowering of the bird and the scarey smoke screen; it starts to BUBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY....like so:















I warned you this would be graphic in nature!!!!
Just look at the oil SPEWING and POPPING MERCILESSLY over the side and onto the ground. Frying turkeys is NOT for the faint of heart!






Although I must confess...my fearless husband Ricardo is actually frying the turkey. He doesn't have "issues."
However, I feel as if I deserve a sticker for my bravery! Or maybe a t-shirt like:

"I fried a tukey for Thanksgiving and LIVED to tell about it!" What do you think?!





In fact, all the before photos had me so mentally and physically drained that I actually forgot to take a picture of our final product! Honest! HOW funny is that?!!! :) But I found one online that looked just like our final product...


Look at the crispy, golden, beautiful skin on this bird! Wow! Beautiful!! And the inside is so juicy and tasty! Sooooo worth it!!! Yep, it's the final product that will get me to face my fears again next year. The final product... and a t-shirt... and a syringe full of tranquilizers and maybe even a few good stiff drinks first! Again, I apologize for the graphic photos, the suspenseful and traumatizing nature of this story.....But, did YOU think the final product was worth it?! Did I convert you? Are you brave enough? If so, I'll order you an extra t-shirt! :)
























Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A Story of Two Siblings

We found an old tree today while we were communing with nature. I'm showing you this close up. It looked really cool to me. Then after we were done playing all over the rest of the tree, I was HOPING this wasn't poison ivy, poison oak.......do you know?! Guess we'll find out! Should have joined girl scouts, I'd know this stuff...but they spent too much time outdoors,... in tents,.... at jamborees... and other stuff for my liking. But I digress. Anyhow on to the story.....My boys are about as different in personalities as the flip side of a coin. This one here, my eldest, ol blue eyes. He stole my heart before he was even born. Couldn't love him more if I tried! To this day, he has been the most easy going, gentlest soul I've ever known. So patient! Never caused me a moments trouble. I know we haven't hit our teen years yet; but ,I truly don't think I'll have any problems from this one....

Now for the flip side of the coin.....


This little guy, he's gonna be the death of me! He has NO patience, his temper is a force to be reckoned with , and he has a ridiculously funny sense of humor! ( I don't know where he got those traits from! :) I couldn't love him more either!....But man alive, he keeps me on my toes! I would bet money his teen years won't be as trouble free:) He got new shoes today.....



Had to see how far off the tree he could jump in them. Good distance son! Now, be a good boy and come help momma jumpstart her heart again!! OY!


After a few minutes exploring the tree, these two sat down for some sibling discussion. Quite a common occurance in our house. Can't you almost hear the giggles?...




They may have different personality types, but they couldn't love each other more if they tried! And despite (or maybe because of ) the six year age difference they are as close (if not closer) than two peas in a pod.....my 2 sweet peas you might say! :)


Notice my eldest son listening intently to his brother telling a funny story....Could they BE any cuter?!!!




Watch the body language. They lean closer towards each other as the story gets more in depth.....






This story is some funny and fascinating stuff!! Who knew a six year old could weave such a tale?! They were just getting to the grand finale.....







When they realized Mom was snapping their photos! Guess the end of THAT story will have to wait til later.


I hope they always share stories and secrets. I hope as they grow up they will always be as close as this. And I hope that they will always remember all the moments like these.I know I will. And I will cherish them always!!! I love you both with all my heart!!!!















Monday, November 24, 2008

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

I'm not a very astrological person. I don't read my daily horoscope. I didn't consult the star signs before I got married, etc. But sometimes I wonder, could being born at a certain time or day have something to do with your personality, likes and dislikes? I know I'm a Taurus. I know some days I am as graceful as a bull in a china shop. And some days, well...I can be a tad bit stubborn. :) Well, I researched this a little this weekend and this is what I came up with:








People will enjoy you because you have a good sense of humor and are intelligent.....(Don't I know it! ha!)





You are a dependable friend who is not scared off by a challenge .....(Dependable,Check. Not scared of challenges-Double Check)



Taurus sign is caring: Taurus are known for their dependability, loyalty, and their caring and nurturing nature. You are the most loyal friend and you are always there when someone has a problem or needs a shoulder to cry on.... (Loyal, Nurturing, Dependable...Seems pretty accurate so far)





You are very responsive and hate to see someone upset, if something unjust has happened to a close friend (or you for that matter), you will fight to make it right, anything to restore the peace.......(affirmative!)





Taurus are essential for a smooth flowing world. ......(Ahhhhhh! It's nice to be needed!)



Taurus sign is stable and headstrong.( how nice, they think I'm stable :)



Now here's what really got my attention:

Taurus is easy going and not one to pick a fight but should some poor souls attempt to provoke Taurus, the wrath will be known, for they have a temper underneath the calm surface. The bull is the perfect animal to represent you, happily staying in your field, protecting it, being a gentle, happy go lucky creature minding it's own business, not out to harm anyone but if someone should try to invade your property or cross you, your temper will flare and you will charge relentlessly to protect what is yours and you will never give up, the calm bull will turn into a fierce fighter. You have a temper which sometimes can get out of control, once you are fired up it's hard to calm you down again. This could be a good thing because it shows perseverance but it can also lead to problems because you can be blind when your temper is flaring.........( OMG! I promise you this is word for word what it said.....!)





Wow! I stand corrected. There is DEFINITELY a correlation! Guess that bodes well for my loved family and friends......Not so well for "gnats" that are friggin' interfering with tranquility to the meadow! So, "gnat," please restore peace to the meadow before I squash you like a little bug! Just a suggestion from Raging Bull :)

Saturday, November 22, 2008

FOR MY WONDERFUL SISTER: 4 WORDS

ANYTHING...WHATEVER, WHENEVER, FOREVER!!!!

I lOVE YOU!!!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Ima Jo King- Substitute Blogger at Large

Stacy wanted to take another long weekend-what a slacker! She asked me if I would mind filling in for her again "No Problem!" I replied. "That's what friends are for." Then it hit me, I have to come up with something to write about. I racked my brain. Nope. Again....Nothing!!! But I dug out an old e-mail that someone sent me. Now let it be said, I did not take any of the photos! I'm not taking credit for any of these billboards. But, I AM saying I think they are pretty dog gone funny. What do you think?















The following two are PG-13....so if you're not 13 or older, please scroll back up to the top! Thank you!

















Have a great weekend everybody! And remember, if you can't be a good example; be a horrible warning for others!!! :D


Yours Truly,




Ima Jo King






















Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Perils of Wildlife in Suburbia

I enjoy gardening. I'm not a master gardener by any means; but I find it relaxing. I enjoy putting different colors and plant types together- a" horticultural palette , you might say. Also, I enjoy seeing my hard work pay off in the form of a growing plant. I enjoy watching them thrive. Being the best little plant that they can be! Below is a sample of two live oaks that I bought last year and had growing in pots. They were finally big enough to plant in the ground this year. Take a look- This is the first one I planted in our backyard: And below is the second. They are pretty close together in shape and size. Wait a minute. Is it just me,... or do you notice a difference in the appearance too?! Hmmmmm........










Nope. I'm pretty sure it USED to be a little taller. And greener. Also, just a tad bit leafier. It was fine an hour ago. I wonder what could have happened to it?! I was inside doing housework, but the Mastiff pups were outside. Perhaps they know what happened. "Ella, do YOU know what happened to the tree that was here?"
"What tree Momma? Ohhh. THAT tree"......."Momma, I'm pretty sure I saw BEAVERS chew down the tree!:


"Yeah, Mom. It was DEFINITELY beavers! I saw the whole thing," said Harlow.







"Wow!" I exclaimed. "How freaky is that?!... Did either of you see which way they went?"











Apparently,( as you can see) at this point, there was some confusion as to which way the little buggers went. But, they must be crafty to slip by these two! And resourceful. I'm also thinking they MUST be extremely fit; because, we live about 15 minutes from any lake, creek or stream.




But, look at this little face! Is this cute, sweet, precious little face (with just a hint of mud/dirt/...residual tree residue caked on it's nose) the type of face that would lie to me?!

I didn't think so either. If my girls say they saw beavers- I believe them!!! So we went out and purchased another tree. We got it planted in the ground. And THIS time if the beavers come back.....

I think we're ready for them!!!




















































Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Breakfast of Champions

From what I've seen so far, everybody who's anybody, that blogs- also has a cooking section; Or shares a recipe from time to time. So, today I am going to share with you this renowned, revered, often requested recipe that I like to call: The Breakfast of Champions. First you will need the following ingredients: You CAN buy them all separately; but, that takes a lot of effort and prep time. I prefer to buy my ingredients altogether like so. (see above) However, feel free to vary the flavors as needed. There are many different options to choose from. As for me, this flavor is my favorite! Yum! Now, I cannot stress enough-CAREFULLY tear back the packaging- you don't want to have this morsel melt all over you hands! See demonstration below:




Now, for the beverage portion of our program. Once again, feel free to vary the choices. Tea, coffee, bottled water,... vodka -any of these will do nicely. As for me, TODAY I'm having skim milk. Yum! And last but not least, the presentation:





Yep, with this recipe you can vary many things; but, in the end.... it always comes down to the presentation!!!





Bone' Appetite!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Exploring Ancient Civilization

Now where was I when we last left off in our story about nature and the new camera?... Oh yeah! Anyway, since the kiddos and I had left the comforts of home: Sorry! I just couldn't resist! :) And yep, I'm still giggling!! I decided to take the boys even further into nature. A" Field Trip" or "Special Studies" as we homeschoolers call it. We traveled down the country roads to an ancient civilization. The ancient "grounds" if you will. Of a tribe that lived loooong ago.



We drove many moons! Okay, we drove for about 45 minutes. But it seeeeemed longer! We were out soooooo far from modern civilization that we couldn't even get cell phone reception!!! The poor boys had to resort to this:

















When we arrrived at the remains of the lost civilization. Where the "Playa Tribe" once lived, the "Playa Grounds" if you will. :) We discovered this:



Obviously some old volcano where they had human sacrifices I am sure!!There were no tribesmen/tribespeople(?) at the "Playa Grounds"; but we know that they did indeed exist at one time. Just look at the ancient carvings on the cave walls:



We wondered, WHAT could have happened to this ancient tribe?! Were they captured?!







Perhaps, even taken to the stockade?!!





We spent HOURS trying to resolve what it was that had caused these fine people to become wiped from the face of the planet; as though they never existed at all. And finally, we found the answer. It was plain as the nose on your face...They were OBVIOUSLY plagued by THE MIGHTY KILLER ANT!!!! Not even one speck of the tribe remained. Ahhhhhhgggggghhhh!!!






Now THAT is a lesson that you won't learn in any Public School History Textbook I am sure!!!






























Monday, November 17, 2008

Happy 1st Birthday Harlow!!!

We were sitting at the dinner table when it suddenly hit us:
Today is November 17th!! Today Harlow is one year old!! Wow! How time flies! So we threw an impromptu Birthday Bash. Here is the Birthday girl herself. She doesn't look like she can possibly be one does she?!
At the party,
Everyone got their own bottle to play with.
I don't know what it is about these plastic bottles, (perhaps the noise factor?) but our dogs go nutty over them. (*But they require close supervision to make sure that no bottle is actually eaten!* ) Above is Harlow enjoying hers. Below is Ella, also having a grand time at the party!


Of course, not everyone partook of the party favors. Some canines thought themselves above it all. (smile)
Or perhaps being 97 in dog years had SOMETHING to do with it?! But I must say I think that all in all Everyone had a "SMASHING" TIME!


Especially the Birthday Girl! And after all, that is what it was all about! :)

Happy Birthday Sweet Harlow Girl! And many, many more!!! We love you!!!