tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75253224037904700602024-03-13T03:39:31.899-07:00Dragonmamma's Dendragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-76060317785155778622012-12-14T04:35:00.000-08:002012-12-14T04:35:08.029-08:00Hershey's Special Dark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w338S1xuoVRqpdRL4s_tHSjOPeyDV3EppyqOspZzGojvX0zPQa2kbSpl8sT3n-_XeKTjnxHIf-ZeWBmxVvHFXzzRVb9StWYZCSVRnpuyvXT0tO-ABXoVhjeMKkH47HBe0hbPw-P-k8qi/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w338S1xuoVRqpdRL4s_tHSjOPeyDV3EppyqOspZzGojvX0zPQa2kbSpl8sT3n-_XeKTjnxHIf-ZeWBmxVvHFXzzRVb9StWYZCSVRnpuyvXT0tO-ABXoVhjeMKkH47HBe0hbPw-P-k8qi/s320/IMG_0253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm just posting this here so I can show the difference between regular Hershey's cocoa and Hershey's Special Darkdragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-50519328427652778002012-10-17T15:06:00.001-07:002012-10-17T15:06:47.448-07:00Velcome Back!<br />
<br />
It's kind of overwhelming to think about catching up on everything, so I'll just start with today.<br />
<br />
The bookclub is coming this Friday to discuss Dracula by Bram Stoker. Until a few days ago I had no idea what I was going to put in my fireplace, and then I hit on the idea of setting up my Dracula toy with my Halloween blocks. But it looked kind of empty, so I added a tree and some bats and then some lights. Then Rob said "You need to put in Dracula's brides." So yesterday I went to the thrift store where I was lucky enough to find two Barbie-type dolls. I painted them white, added ghoulish faces, and gave them dresses of creepy-cloth tied on with dental-floss. Fast and cheap, but I think it turned out pretty good:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvIrVJdEniA7wW1R7pbcuaqi1UejYFm320j2lf09yKU6bsUGLzsgL9SRofSEwpWlqiXcSl_Ch3cTR-M4pMxd9tZZd64BZCDcYQ5U0BPlCARWZwsKbH8_o8YFzCk-npRIzAf4_1aGgpkL-/s1600/velcome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvIrVJdEniA7wW1R7pbcuaqi1UejYFm320j2lf09yKU6bsUGLzsgL9SRofSEwpWlqiXcSl_Ch3cTR-M4pMxd9tZZd64BZCDcYQ5U0BPlCARWZwsKbH8_o8YFzCk-npRIzAf4_1aGgpkL-/s320/velcome.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-3214548813225760892012-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:002012-01-31T16:20:55.335-08:00Stuff-swap follow upSo, what did I bring home from the swap yesterday? How about two brand-new wine glasses, with the Pier-1 Imports sticker still on them?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdLOS9u6KgpotjRb_1gN5y6cmEpixY2OLpKm_-uxdMcjRLX0mvscxaKFOKfWX7yQPRWswMxT0IQzAGXH97tbV9oHQeyguo4vAuh4k_so1iYXgygoabepCRAp4xDyH_eDyvcxJn4n1lVuN/s1600/glasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdLOS9u6KgpotjRb_1gN5y6cmEpixY2OLpKm_-uxdMcjRLX0mvscxaKFOKfWX7yQPRWswMxT0IQzAGXH97tbV9oHQeyguo4vAuh4k_so1iYXgygoabepCRAp4xDyH_eDyvcxJn4n1lVuN/s320/glasses.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We don't drink wine, but I think strawberry smoothies will look extra-special in them.<br />
I also picked up a small bag of Starbucks coffee. The swapping/stealing went on for six rounds, but I stopped after two because everything I wanted was gone already.<br />
<br />
Just as important is all the stuff I got rid of! I told everyone the story about the tea kettle, but one person came in 45 minutes late and nabbed it. (She'll discover its flaws the first time she uses it; that'll teach her to be late!)<br />
<br />
I was also happy to find a home for this shirt that I embroidered for my dad about 40 years ago, that he saved for special occasions:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVPuZxFZ7seFD0P-cfTuaMDABJfvJKqpFPaiUewKz1xeDdh4cnWVYV2chfQTRPiV86ZAhydMjLD0yPhoIKcGTLBiWWS_BKB04mOfYAAjJHHm5sI9qSUxFvmjNBkJP72cX_y-WzIWpyok5/s1600/shirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVPuZxFZ7seFD0P-cfTuaMDABJfvJKqpFPaiUewKz1xeDdh4cnWVYV2chfQTRPiV86ZAhydMjLD0yPhoIKcGTLBiWWS_BKB04mOfYAAjJHHm5sI9qSUxFvmjNBkJP72cX_y-WzIWpyok5/s320/shirt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
One of the ladies tried it on and it fit perfectly, and she liked it even more when I told her the background.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-39277177790335869652012-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:002012-01-28T10:55:31.417-08:00A fashionably late Happy New Year! 2012Spring cleaning is starting a bit early. I have a friend who has a "stuff swap" a couple times a year, where we all bring a pile of stuff we're tired of looking at that somebody else might love. Here's my pile of stuff:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzSoEnMUDFz3AiFar-0YOVA5Z7kjKLMmfzHYrduno0J2_lYt5eZnVW2qopjAdGGVYaSPnXSMLwBwUfU_EQY8Y8JxI1e8eiBye83U6_4nsWY2kSGaFAj_FV0J9iQxIo-ONbSP_zWM9aqw8/s1600/stuff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzSoEnMUDFz3AiFar-0YOVA5Z7kjKLMmfzHYrduno0J2_lYt5eZnVW2qopjAdGGVYaSPnXSMLwBwUfU_EQY8Y8JxI1e8eiBye83U6_4nsWY2kSGaFAj_FV0J9iQxIo-ONbSP_zWM9aqw8/s320/stuff.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It includes such treasures as the entire Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, a rainstick, a chinese hat, a jar of refrigerator magnets, and a lovely tea-kettle that has turned out to be my "big pink chair". What do I mean by that?<br />
<br />
I recently discovered a website I love called <a href="http://offbeathome.com/">Offbeat Home</a>. On it is an article that particularly captured my attention, called <a href="http://offbeathome.com/2011/12/big-pink-chair">The Big Pink Chair and the White Hot Rage</a>. This is exactly what happened to me and my tea-kettle. It looks lovely, but the whistle stinks (I can barely hear it) and it pours even worse; I usually end up with water all over the counter. Fortunately, I did not dispose of my old, stainless steel tea-kettle. The whistle is loud and pleasant, it pours just fine, and with a bit of elbow grease I managed to make it look presentable again. I now have a fresh appreciation for my old tea-kettle. The swap is tomorrow. Maybe someone else can use the new one as a flower pot, or doesn't mind a kettle that dribbles and wheezes.<br />
<br />
Here's something I'm experimenting with. I'm always deploring the waste of space in the fireplace (we never have fires) and I'm always looking for a place to put our games. So how about putting the games in the fireplace? I'm not quite sure if it looks cool and funky, or weird and messy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyl7k2uogEDvK45Y3DLRIMBH0JUVu68IbrkpFVcfL6wrm-eYyeW0K8xvltEW3VI14j9oonHDKssQlSk76FAThMQqXPTIt-u8ceS-Nv-57W4JqZT60WBt8iG0lsUvGbGHFjIToED4tKuZs/s1600/fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyl7k2uogEDvK45Y3DLRIMBH0JUVu68IbrkpFVcfL6wrm-eYyeW0K8xvltEW3VI14j9oonHDKssQlSk76FAThMQqXPTIt-u8ceS-Nv-57W4JqZT60WBt8iG0lsUvGbGHFjIToED4tKuZs/s320/fireplace.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-46064573076498023212011-10-20T09:03:00.000-07:002011-10-20T09:03:07.460-07:00Month is whizzing byI don't have as much to write about as last year, primarily because most of my decorations and activities are the same as last year. A couple of nights ago we went to see the <a href="http://dragonmamma-dragoncave.blogspot.com/2010/10/wicked-west.html">Wicked West</a> again. It was more extensive this year because they added a maze.<br />
<br />
Here is my fireplace display for the year:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJF5HW0VseP0N-jDW6OoSc3NSYD20HtzPPfAEGOkTWNla69MLCXl9sNMyH-HjybCmc-Xou5sF79bY63jkwWYqb8KLLBR3IIFTM6AexkCgT6__cUzw9NLXrhvElGR1NePhyMf0zb3MfoUy/s1600/fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJF5HW0VseP0N-jDW6OoSc3NSYD20HtzPPfAEGOkTWNla69MLCXl9sNMyH-HjybCmc-Xou5sF79bY63jkwWYqb8KLLBR3IIFTM6AexkCgT6__cUzw9NLXrhvElGR1NePhyMf0zb3MfoUy/s320/fireplace.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-7434049542430430312011-10-12T11:50:00.000-07:002011-10-12T11:50:47.348-07:00Moving on upFirst, to catch up on what is now old news: I didn't win my division in the Harvest Fair Run this year. Three speedy friends all running together took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in 24 minutes, while I was eating their dust six minutes later. I can no longer claim to be an undefeated running champion!<br />
<br />
Now for the exciting news: I got a job upstairs in the fitness center!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VLaSeadUgb5R9yadVgyXzeFJJOOk1NYgyBCq-8JIu5-kHBYq16k8CN6YS3d2x6TVFNsSsAtSgLNShO46Q9GtzwQEtIn5EznLuT3Gp4m1wDUhhZYCx9MpTionBZ01oCJ63ExM840CaSUl/s1600/staff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VLaSeadUgb5R9yadVgyXzeFJJOOk1NYgyBCq-8JIu5-kHBYq16k8CN6YS3d2x6TVFNsSsAtSgLNShO46Q9GtzwQEtIn5EznLuT3Gp4m1wDUhhZYCx9MpTionBZ01oCJ63ExM840CaSUl/s320/staff.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I gave my supervisor in the Membership Center almost 3-week's notice, and she's not happy to be losing me.<br />
<br />
Right now my schedule is crazy, because I'm training for my new job while I'm still working the old job, plus I'll be subbing for the Arthritis Strength teacher while she's on vacation for a couple of weeks. My poor brain is working overtime.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-11447487889282129022011-09-19T15:40:00.000-07:002011-09-19T15:40:06.449-07:00A new partDay 128<br />
<br />
Have you ever changed your part from one side of your head to the other? I have, but not for the past several years. This seemed like a good time to do it because I just got a hair cut that I'm not thrilled with, and I figured it was a good time to train it to lie down on the other side since it looked awful anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhWvwhve99wDIfh8jPBg0A9YZEv-dxBF47GPVs0BhufZ05RJQI-w41A31e49LuWg2MBu8tXttumseSvqRQBOm4fdiy_tAUhw0EgznZA5pdUYerW3nHZgaw6V44nByZshGoNDmCUSm3kT_/s1600/chopsmile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhWvwhve99wDIfh8jPBg0A9YZEv-dxBF47GPVs0BhufZ05RJQI-w41A31e49LuWg2MBu8tXttumseSvqRQBOm4fdiy_tAUhw0EgznZA5pdUYerW3nHZgaw6V44nByZshGoNDmCUSm3kT_/s320/chopsmile.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
What do you think of my chopstick smile? Haven't you heard? This is how customer service people are <a href="http://www.neatorama.com/2011/09/15/a-chopstick-in-your-mouth-will-teach-you-how-to-smile/">trained</a> to smile in China.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-8846414196455198322011-09-16T17:53:00.000-07:002011-09-16T17:53:20.436-07:00Here we go againDay #127<br />
<br />
Remember how much I hate running? And remember how I got talked into running the Harvest Fair 5K last year on my <a href="http://dragonmamma-dragoncave.blogspot.com/2010/10/happy-52nd-birthday-to-me.html">birthday</a> and triumphantly finished 1st in my division? And then I announced that I was a retired running champion and never, ever had to run again?<br />
<br />
Well, I guess I'm a masochist, because I'm doing it again. Signed up today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAFLXJSivufAC6lSmJIuYRxh-CQ3vBeZl0G3yBzEmlUCgMOy-WF57CwBRL_rOj9nZJm30i_gIbJYoK3irA70OgxEQtaGq0QKcNIk6QqzZR6hNuxRKvzn19o_MDroZzAynU6oUExR7LUOd/s1600/app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAFLXJSivufAC6lSmJIuYRxh-CQ3vBeZl0G3yBzEmlUCgMOy-WF57CwBRL_rOj9nZJm30i_gIbJYoK3irA70OgxEQtaGq0QKcNIk6QqzZR6hNuxRKvzn19o_MDroZzAynU6oUExR7LUOd/s320/app.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br />
<br />
That gives me 2-1/2 weeks to train, plenty of time. This year it's happening the day before my birthday, not actually on my birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6RhJFnTL4c5WfGgDCqv-lYi4K8Ky0B_rU9qNG7kWF26iOTJZeYZyPFgjbWIsl7n3mDSa1EZki9N3Rd-e0epTsWzUoBEfr5f27leM3301Nma-hE9B7I5Jcgu-rzCcl6g4dmueYYGN32_Q/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6RhJFnTL4c5WfGgDCqv-lYi4K8Ky0B_rU9qNG7kWF26iOTJZeYZyPFgjbWIsl7n3mDSa1EZki9N3Rd-e0epTsWzUoBEfr5f27leM3301Nma-hE9B7I5Jcgu-rzCcl6g4dmueYYGN32_Q/s320/map.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-10961600865825087162011-09-14T14:25:00.000-07:002011-09-14T14:25:13.257-07:00CertifiedDays 125 and 126<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1esH9acXuO9TUffoaEKKTLU3kGOmDVKZ2k28_eEUO-5dQH0Pkk7YfkFuOGc2imuUeicSJDtgOFkvFeDdDR1VRSNaLtQgugYXzHHz0gYmPbRKMLyyYszGdbbQiGibl86rnDrL74hqkaKom/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1esH9acXuO9TUffoaEKKTLU3kGOmDVKZ2k28_eEUO-5dQH0Pkk7YfkFuOGc2imuUeicSJDtgOFkvFeDdDR1VRSNaLtQgugYXzHHz0gYmPbRKMLyyYszGdbbQiGibl86rnDrL74hqkaKom/s320/IMG_1364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is what I was doing last Friday night and all day Saturday. My eyes were glazing over by the time we were done.<br />
<br />
(Does anybody else think "insane" when they hear the word "certified"?)dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-54886290257976959482011-09-14T14:14:00.000-07:002011-09-14T14:14:43.120-07:00State of the Garden AddressMy garden this summer is definitely not up to par. For one thing, we're letting the ground lie fallow this year and I did all my planting in containers. A bigger factor than that, however, is the crappy weather we've had. In the 26 years we've lived in Santa Rosa, CA, we've never had this little sun.<br />
<br />
Last year at this time I was dealing with mountains of zucchini and crookneck squash. This year, we haven't even grown enough to eat our fill, let alone sneak it onto the neighbors' porches.<br />
<br />
So, I was thrilled when Rob did some weeding and uncovered a volunteer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnDtJVHqOQwvM8JnqalHtzyzb18ss7Dn6ryJzHeS-9RRn_BXFmu947q7KCFMhTvTBRF8meH43EU3AujIYQib7rlSBz38BhxK-W2yVcu6tKjpI0HHc5SV0ZZN21hKraj4kGCNWIAxlOkSj/s1600/volun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnDtJVHqOQwvM8JnqalHtzyzb18ss7Dn6ryJzHeS-9RRn_BXFmu947q7KCFMhTvTBRF8meH43EU3AujIYQib7rlSBz38BhxK-W2yVcu6tKjpI0HHc5SV0ZZN21hKraj4kGCNWIAxlOkSj/s320/volun.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We just got our first veggie off of it yesterday, and it appears to be a weird hybrid of a zephyr squash and a zucchini:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bJ5BDN_UoJr9HYu0Jnlhgq70bkjT9XlcsiFtYD_FYL7-RWQsAUvYk43tjT1uFkTDQmD1_z69RQ5LaQO4whQPCbpLlO0EHd1qTHHNZVp-XPLz9yh2P0lIdNTPknCD7HqowrLP-BCtz21j/s1600/mutant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bJ5BDN_UoJr9HYu0Jnlhgq70bkjT9XlcsiFtYD_FYL7-RWQsAUvYk43tjT1uFkTDQmD1_z69RQ5LaQO4whQPCbpLlO0EHd1qTHHNZVp-XPLz9yh2P0lIdNTPknCD7HqowrLP-BCtz21j/s320/mutant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Don't know what it was, but it tasted as good as any other summer squash.<br />
<br />
The tomatoes took their sweet old time, but now they're the only thing we're getting in excess:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YUoLYTVCSncD7Pa2GUjhyphenhyphenS0y-JyQtgg5cnTQwXML3uHmABdXT-hc1-hof4YXtnBtJQ2jiaYeaDRK06B1nXYuXYHgWsvZZNa6SENk8rrAGnPFJGxssZp1H0QLTEzH3AUxXqZPDWAZ5A8e/s1600/tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YUoLYTVCSncD7Pa2GUjhyphenhyphenS0y-JyQtgg5cnTQwXML3uHmABdXT-hc1-hof4YXtnBtJQ2jiaYeaDRK06B1nXYuXYHgWsvZZNa6SENk8rrAGnPFJGxssZp1H0QLTEzH3AUxXqZPDWAZ5A8e/s320/tomato.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Ever heard of growing pumpkins in a container? Me neither, but I'm doing it. I found out about these containers called <a href="http://www.smartpots.com/">Smart Pots</a> that are apparently the #1 choice of pot growers everywhere because of their high-yield results due to air-pruning. This is a 25-gallon Smart-Pot, and here are the two pumpkins growing on it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PpG-p5tsnBVm23QyNEzOvi61BTe_U14cG_uAUkeSOyXVLH4ma1k-5FkUaxIRzNVjgOHdcORWbYmpuEml50zIxOXnQZqYxUVTNQRxv-WyDfxnJkLSrndIX1OPyl8nrDPS-iiTk0wV1Jvz/s1600/pumps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PpG-p5tsnBVm23QyNEzOvi61BTe_U14cG_uAUkeSOyXVLH4ma1k-5FkUaxIRzNVjgOHdcORWbYmpuEml50zIxOXnQZqYxUVTNQRxv-WyDfxnJkLSrndIX1OPyl8nrDPS-iiTk0wV1Jvz/s320/pumps.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I can't remember what variety I planted but it was a type that's not supposed to get very big, since I really wasn't sure if even small ones would grow very well.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-24156973269537474022011-08-24T14:02:00.000-07:002011-08-24T14:02:22.557-07:00Scallop Meal #2Day 124<br />
<br />
For the 2nd pound of scallops from <a href="http://andersonseafoods.com/">Anderson Seafoods</a>, I wrapped the scallops in bacon and stuck them under the broiler, served with a side of sauteed zucchini and cashews.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10RI2X1lHOqyeef4H6BtCyA38HsduSS2Zaj0ns5MbeKqOfYqWtTOyolC4tDKIEWIB6h5LT1fUuaCTlc6Q-WYvhmmBHayaDVykHYEgIP7ikOtzii5RqnCitvwCeL4tHdykkHfSEsHkN0ec/s1600/bacoscall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10RI2X1lHOqyeef4H6BtCyA38HsduSS2Zaj0ns5MbeKqOfYqWtTOyolC4tDKIEWIB6h5LT1fUuaCTlc6Q-WYvhmmBHayaDVykHYEgIP7ikOtzii5RqnCitvwCeL4tHdykkHfSEsHkN0ec/s320/bacoscall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So easy and so good.<br />
<br />
At another meal, Rob and I ate the prepared meal of Szechwan Shrimp. The shrimp itself was fantastic, but I was not crazy about the sauce and veggies that it came with; Rob polished that off for me.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-79567389506777015112011-08-21T10:08:00.000-07:002011-08-21T10:08:44.867-07:00Curried Scallop SoupDay #123<br />
<br />
I got really lucky last week and won a $150 gift certificate for <a href="http://andersonseafoods.com/">Anderson Seafoods</a> from <a href="http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/">Averie's blog</a>. I ordered two 8-oz albacore steaks, a pre-made szechwan shrimp meal, and 4 pounds of premium scallops. I love scallops, but haven't had them for years because they're so pricey. They arrived frozen in the mail the day after I ordered them.<br />
<br />
Today I made Curried Coconut Milk Soup with one pound of the scallops:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtvljRNo4qyx44hyphenhyphencqJ5d4fGWUW7YmdZeCaLWXmH3AfIo8tBse9Dt4s78uYVve6YK0lNi7gKH6HKEuL4r8uy9cn_rtlA0p06iT3PBlnltd21ZUVyszxt9BlPNNqv7h6hR5q5WdLASI8Cm/s1600/scallops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtvljRNo4qyx44hyphenhyphencqJ5d4fGWUW7YmdZeCaLWXmH3AfIo8tBse9Dt4s78uYVve6YK0lNi7gKH6HKEuL4r8uy9cn_rtlA0p06iT3PBlnltd21ZUVyszxt9BlPNNqv7h6hR5q5WdLASI8Cm/s320/scallops.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Very easy. Sauteed thin strips of red bell pepper, carrots and the scallops for 3 minutes, added curry powder, salt and chives, then added a can of light coconut milk and heated. Mmm, mmm good!dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-85081460646081311212011-08-19T09:30:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:30:38.670-07:00Something you don't see everydayDay 122<br />
<br />
ME in a DRESS? Definitely a routine-breaker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3hXk7O3d48KQxi1T8BydR6CJ4ZS4Y9mhxXpjPSp-qWwXs1UaOmw9YwQy_3k7E9Zi_7oapej3RcIXtbSGcUV13WgMdmpAcOCMKILKTpZ_UosMX8DeP233xkyDH-AVcV3qVzVD4suWPcZz/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3hXk7O3d48KQxi1T8BydR6CJ4ZS4Y9mhxXpjPSp-qWwXs1UaOmw9YwQy_3k7E9Zi_7oapej3RcIXtbSGcUV13WgMdmpAcOCMKILKTpZ_UosMX8DeP233xkyDH-AVcV3qVzVD4suWPcZz/s320/dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It was dollar day at the thrift store, so I figured what the heck. If we ever get a hot summer day, this will be comfy for standing behind the welcome desk at the Y.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-38630100305737731422011-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:002011-08-12T10:36:51.672-07:00Downtown Cattle DriveDay 121<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSTfUtyQIRGQJ7kF9Plm60c7Ya4LAJW-M5_VYru_BGd0xPflI9ZWwZnenD7-IoBpLwHq34sd9_S63a7DnmnmShBPSqc-G8HUWP1GMmRgxhypqpvdLVJmwXLgmvo_sirbBvSFGAP13b0ZM/s1600/coach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSTfUtyQIRGQJ7kF9Plm60c7Ya4LAJW-M5_VYru_BGd0xPflI9ZWwZnenD7-IoBpLwHq34sd9_S63a7DnmnmShBPSqc-G8HUWP1GMmRgxhypqpvdLVJmwXLgmvo_sirbBvSFGAP13b0ZM/s320/coach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In conjunction with our county fair, the organizers did something new this year: Driving a herd of cattle from the downtown courthouse square to the fair-grounds a couple miles away. Because of work I didn't have time to walk all the way, but it started a few blocks away from our house, so I had to go. My husband and I even made it onto the front page of the local paper the next day; we were two tiny little ant specks in the crowd, but definitely recognizable with a good magnifying glass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIGWN-x_iI_zAWM9yfDMg-5aHgHTerejm7fPu1UnCiRK05kwKi_LlHPKi4ZQZf_XbreSSJ5gF4DPlX0bAmuLXB9HgV_SbZNp0bz9bRIkneuImTZrQTzZjTj70II0c29ZxgzX4n49dHR3h/s1600/cattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIGWN-x_iI_zAWM9yfDMg-5aHgHTerejm7fPu1UnCiRK05kwKi_LlHPKi4ZQZf_XbreSSJ5gF4DPlX0bAmuLXB9HgV_SbZNp0bz9bRIkneuImTZrQTzZjTj70II0c29ZxgzX4n49dHR3h/s320/cattle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-24203991117327465832011-08-08T13:35:00.000-07:002011-08-08T13:35:49.340-07:00New kitchen item.Day 120<br />
<br />
Today I found something at a thrift store that I've wanted for a long time; a butcher block island table:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxBM3eQkSaqvynHDiu3Hr6wZEGH8ZWQof2qV9vRsKue6qjJG-fdHgF9mw6_Z6MAZ2C6lUSaRXFuZtbgN2aIi0Dxfv337ypnNEm-jU_3g2HaGR9bRjgFuLsbP-VfeUyx1rmsrbjUTHcwVm/s1600/butcher+block.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxBM3eQkSaqvynHDiu3Hr6wZEGH8ZWQof2qV9vRsKue6qjJG-fdHgF9mw6_Z6MAZ2C6lUSaRXFuZtbgN2aIi0Dxfv337ypnNEm-jU_3g2HaGR9bRjgFuLsbP-VfeUyx1rmsrbjUTHcwVm/s320/butcher+block.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Check out the close-up of the space for knives along the back:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vpT90DAsVKaAUZCcrFwVPdUlWy9hWEdJedthraDApqfrJkiBozLIx4w3-TAcwDqokZn03rgYW0t6VdkTYdm_76NEuJQ3RXM4c07mMM4V4QDu2db6GH6rZMxP8PbbxAG6mYenUvQkPkfq/s1600/close+butcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vpT90DAsVKaAUZCcrFwVPdUlWy9hWEdJedthraDApqfrJkiBozLIx4w3-TAcwDqokZn03rgYW0t6VdkTYdm_76NEuJQ3RXM4c07mMM4V4QDu2db6GH6rZMxP8PbbxAG6mYenUvQkPkfq/s320/close+butcher.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I finally have a large surface for chopping my veggies. I already sterilized it with a vinegar/water solution, and now I need to buy some food-grade vegetable oil for sealing it. It has a bunch of knife marks in it, which I'm guessing is why the previous owner got rid of it, but they don't bother me at all. Now I just need to make sure that stuff doesn't get piled on it. This is my FOOD PREP area, not the pile-up area! Naturally this has set off a flurry of rearranging my kitchen stuff once again. I haven't figured out what I want to put on that one level with all the dowels. I'm guessing that's supposed to be for storing wine, but we don't drink wine.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-17311904748913052562011-07-29T13:08:00.000-07:002011-07-29T13:08:29.119-07:00The 30 Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Days 90 through 119</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcCtZ3vu0zLsWQ4D-I6zu1dDxVccacqRzKMn5LYq06EERl9Ia9eUR0UC2IYHWPTKARXXikOUoXqbOLFQyRXODU8mF9rkGb9mnfKMFt6L8Diqo_HGMvvACPK_xC4uUUqKte9WZYppckU3M/s1600/veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcCtZ3vu0zLsWQ4D-I6zu1dDxVccacqRzKMn5LYq06EERl9Ia9eUR0UC2IYHWPTKARXXikOUoXqbOLFQyRXODU8mF9rkGb9mnfKMFt6L8Diqo_HGMvvACPK_xC4uUUqKte9WZYppckU3M/s320/veggies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today's post is brought to you by procrastination. The details are a bit vague and fuzzy since events took place about three months ago. I can also thank <a href="http://www.yumyucky.com/">Josie</a> for giving me a prod by commenting on an old post.<br />
<br />
My husband and I have been mucking around with low-carb diets for the past couple of years, but we never went hard-core low. Some people swear to have amazing energy levels and get super-lean on such a diet, so we decided to give it a whirl for 30 days.<br />
<br />
No grains. No nuts. No sugar at all, including any fruit. We mainly ate lots of meat, eggs and veggies, and also coconut oil "fat bombs". This was NOT a low calorie diet. I did not measure things precisely, but I estimate that we were eating between 3,000 and 5,000 calories daily, depending on how many fat bombs we ate.<br />
<br />
Results: We both felt great during the first week, and we each dropped a few pounds. My husband continued to feel great for the rest of the month, but I was dragging for the last three weeks. We both dropped a couple more pounds during the second week, and then we stayed the same weight for the rest of the month. When the 30 days were up, I added moderate quantities of fruit and nuts back into our diets. I felt SO much better after eating a banana!<br />
<br />
I'm guessing that we would have lost more weight if we had attempted to limit our calories, but that wasn't the main point of the experiment. I really wanted to see how I would feel, plus I wanted to kick some bad habits that had crept into my diet, like eating dessert after breakfast, lunch and dinner.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-43402516923618481922011-05-12T09:03:00.000-07:002011-05-15T18:53:49.553-07:00Bike-ride GoodiesDay 89 routine-breaker<br />
<br />
Are you having Bike-to-Work-Day Events in your city? I'm so close to work that I walk there instead of bike, but I took a bike ride after I got done with my morning workout-at the Y so I could score some free shwag at the energizer station. Check out the goodies I got:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLphKVBsKFpR0LHGf6_IxAxQdDExx50cqKkBbjA8Ea0GVXdotvTmyHH7lJEOLB48Ez2mkxyPAAR8ZUJVHkIG96pbbi0zRMFJQBCaQqrLnOnIk422WGG2mYIZojNyaBm_aEY-z9bbAASCk/s1600/shwag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLphKVBsKFpR0LHGf6_IxAxQdDExx50cqKkBbjA8Ea0GVXdotvTmyHH7lJEOLB48Ez2mkxyPAAR8ZUJVHkIG96pbbi0zRMFJQBCaQqrLnOnIk422WGG2mYIZojNyaBm_aEY-z9bbAASCk/s320/shwag.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Ooh, I even got a big can of coconut water, which is just about my favorite thing these days! The bars will be perfect for me to take to the airport on Saturday, (Assuming the TSA doesn't confiscate them for looking like terrorist weapons.)<br />
<br />
I hit up a 2nd energizer station for a free pancake breakfast! I don't usually eat pancakes, but how could I resist when they also had bowls of fresh berries and whipped cream to put on top? And coffee?dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-83227388507054915122011-05-11T12:22:00.000-07:002011-05-23T12:23:05.569-07:00Banzai GardeningI'm leaving for San Diego in a few days. I did some planting last week, but I still had three plants left-over (tomato, yellow squash and lemon cucumber) and no place to put them. I really wanted to get them planted before leaving; Rob is still here to water them.<br />
<br />
So I was at Costco this morning, and they had these big corrugated boxes with holes in the bottom. I took them home and plopped them on top of our dying lawn and filled them with home-grown compost. Ta-da! Instant raised beds. I think they're sturdy enough to get through the season without falling apart; we shall see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ENgFSMyzyXJ6yU75qe5Av7JWsCvpcESVjngnoQGy6xXm63KeMKDDh3LmWe5tnt9wqmOik-J51L5mZhvuzBlocHLoIQof6WVQJhUhlnb8QdmHi0A8lYuA87ch5HLv2vNjzSkZmJWeoRsQ/s1600/kamikaze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ENgFSMyzyXJ6yU75qe5Av7JWsCvpcESVjngnoQGy6xXm63KeMKDDh3LmWe5tnt9wqmOik-J51L5mZhvuzBlocHLoIQof6WVQJhUhlnb8QdmHi0A8lYuA87ch5HLv2vNjzSkZmJWeoRsQ/s320/kamikaze.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-17054385084313534902011-04-23T12:29:00.000-07:002011-04-23T12:29:42.503-07:00Reptiles, Creamers and Back-roadsRoutine-breakers, Days 81 through 87<br />
<br />
Day 81<br />
<br />
NEW RULE. I've been really bad about note-taking, and I'm also woefully behind in my blog-posting. Which means that I'm sort of cheating a little bit: From now on, the order in which I post things isn't necessarily the order in which I did them, and I will no longer bother posting the date. There also may be a day or two here and there in which I neglect to do a routine-breaker, but I will still keep going until I hit 365 days.<br />
<br />
Day 82<br />
<br />
I was inspired to totally rearrange and clean-up our solarium/throw everything-we-don't-know-where-else-to-put-it room because I bought three matching shelving units at a thrift store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwDfCw3El4jjJAJkNkHlwRBPhC5RWONs1h39Pp6bVK40ZZi64BnpYH9FUT9gSU4Kd60TmQ0MTS2UGmprXfFgl4S6miYde1pHrRPFcFbHgoO0mfUo24JbQll9vedBBWEuZsUMk9ZwMZDXD/s1600/room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwDfCw3El4jjJAJkNkHlwRBPhC5RWONs1h39Pp6bVK40ZZi64BnpYH9FUT9gSU4Kd60TmQ0MTS2UGmprXfFgl4S6miYde1pHrRPFcFbHgoO0mfUo24JbQll9vedBBWEuZsUMk9ZwMZDXD/s320/room.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The third unit is to the right of the camera. These were a great deal at 10-bucks each.<br />
<br />
Day 83<br />
<br />
My snake is even more neglected than my blog. Technically, it's not my snake, I'm just "watching" it for an indefinite period that will probably be forever. The cage has been getting a bit whiffy, so I cleaned it and brought the snake out for some quality time. I don't think he's been out for about 6 months now. Does he even care? Who knows? Snakes don't have a wide range of facial expressions nor do they wag their tails.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFFxnf8SARXTZVB5_xR_p3vBcW_ykwBg3Go7Tfkp9WZHRExmXkcA-4liIyVCVPU2i3T63-YGjIblan28mrulzNDl3M41GYZfazI9nCDGigcykwBc1j8BYsap0covyG6NhzpEOrhSU9ezo/s1600/snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFFxnf8SARXTZVB5_xR_p3vBcW_ykwBg3Go7Tfkp9WZHRExmXkcA-4liIyVCVPU2i3T63-YGjIblan28mrulzNDl3M41GYZfazI9nCDGigcykwBc1j8BYsap0covyG6NhzpEOrhSU9ezo/s320/snake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Day 84<br />
<br />
I'm not big on ceremonies, but I decided to put in an appearance at the dedication ceremony of the YMCA's new solar paneled parking lot. Shade for the cars plus free electricity for the Y. The mayor was there and everything.<br />
<br />
Day 85<br />
<br />
I did my first closing shift at the Y. Since I'm usually asleep by 8pm, I was not thrilled to be kicking people out of the facility at that time. After a couple of warnings, I actually paced up and down in front of a woman while she was still getting dressed in the locker room. I hope I made her so uncomfortable that she gets out earlier in the future.<br />
<br />
Day 86<br />
<br />
I FINALLY broke my chemical-brew Coffeemate habit! My new creamer of choice is a pint of half-and-half, a tablespoon of vanilla extract, and some packets of Splenda. Yeah, I know the Splenda makes it not perfect, but it's certainly an improvement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2uTfQ2R-CGZ1UsUgJKpszyVeXq3X_J1Ajn2H0K3tg3f8Xo1ElxuORAIHK0zrNStl1nNBgKJRITVbewa_3nXzm1MSw2x1NELLWG10uG7qdaXY9VvAAgb77mCVWRb8ms9BJjz75Wke7tHB/s1600/creamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2uTfQ2R-CGZ1UsUgJKpszyVeXq3X_J1Ajn2H0K3tg3f8Xo1ElxuORAIHK0zrNStl1nNBgKJRITVbewa_3nXzm1MSw2x1NELLWG10uG7qdaXY9VvAAgb77mCVWRb8ms9BJjz75Wke7tHB/s320/creamer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Day 87<br />
<br />
After many urgings from my husband, I took the back-road/short-cut instead of my usual freeway route when I made a trip to Rohnert Park. Not bad. More scenic and less traffic, but it still takes a bit longer.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-19497524800547603082011-03-31T11:26:00.000-07:002011-03-31T11:26:57.029-07:00Spring is sprungThe weather has finally caught up with the calendar, and I've been enjoying walking places while stockpiling some vitamin D.<br />
<br />
I'm woefully behind on blogging about my routine-breakers. Still doing 'em, but I don't feel like focusing on the writing.<br />
<br />
Been reading a book about eating bugs. Purely from curiosity; not something I'm planning to do myself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KS_j8bo-S5i4c_yOKkYDc-sBTj1q2srMf6TTPsY2WqHkqIWzpepoFv_kHePg-4DKkxZxPes8_9BDrnv87lMEBSTTFSycxY8VZyJEZ8PHISQajcxTHJsAr35Y1f_5gI9uwMPvyFAvPsiL/s1600/RV-AB704_BIUGS_G_20110215224017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KS_j8bo-S5i4c_yOKkYDc-sBTj1q2srMf6TTPsY2WqHkqIWzpepoFv_kHePg-4DKkxZxPes8_9BDrnv87lMEBSTTFSycxY8VZyJEZ8PHISQajcxTHJsAr35Y1f_5gI9uwMPvyFAvPsiL/s320/RV-AB704_BIUGS_G_20110215224017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-29051106697254840742011-03-16T12:50:00.000-07:002011-03-16T12:50:11.862-07:00The new Time MasterRoutine-breakers days 77 through 80 (March 4 through 7)<br />
<br />
77: I do not shop at Whole Foods Market. I went there during the grand opening last year, and hoo-boy, it's not just a joke that people call it Whole Paycheck Market. But there are some specialty items I couldn't find elsewhere, so I bit the bullet and went. Didn't find everything, but I did get ghee (clarified butter) and coconut-aminos, which is a soy-free alternative to soy sauce.<br />
<br />
I did NOT find lard or tallow, which I was looking for so Rob could season a cast-iron pan. I did not expect to be judged by employees working behind the meat counter, but I sensed disapproval for daring to request rendered animal fat. I'm guessing that the meat-handlers are the lepers of the Whole Foods Market community.<br />
<br />
78: I rearranged my kitchen to reflect the gradual changes I've made in my cooking/eating habits over the past year. I put away the toaster that hasn't been used for a year, and I now have easy access to my Magic Bullet and Pancake Griddle, which I now use every few days to make a flourless "bread". I also disposed of some items which I don't expect to ever use again, such as flour and any kind of condiment containing corn syrup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx8iXq96a1BgQtUKw9VWR9EaLkQUzyBAk6-uQgpH889-FmxW0-9-W4CNqR24flD97g8EcRGQqGH5gcDlXTVD4jrPsq1tfggXecgSehPt_ZamVgwtMcnw30JBCiX4jhI82qXKuegE3pJOG/s1600/kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx8iXq96a1BgQtUKw9VWR9EaLkQUzyBAk6-uQgpH889-FmxW0-9-W4CNqR24flD97g8EcRGQqGH5gcDlXTVD4jrPsq1tfggXecgSehPt_ZamVgwtMcnw30JBCiX4jhI82qXKuegE3pJOG/s320/kitchen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
79: The winding of the clock is another one of those chores that's always done by Rob; I did it this time. I needed Rob to show me the routine to make sure I didn't wind the side that activates the hourly bongs. (I like the bongs, but Rob doesn't.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_p_sjJctzzOrsZvUAqMvcN6WBo7rVDk7a94Z5RAT1MM19uy1wQp-u_hLoiT65NnbqHhGKn_WvhfMEyecuIubw-r5so7YNb1fHMH2MoCLeMx9F_efbMVyIW-nylWMOFcSYteEozFzjRCe/s1600/clock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_p_sjJctzzOrsZvUAqMvcN6WBo7rVDk7a94Z5RAT1MM19uy1wQp-u_hLoiT65NnbqHhGKn_WvhfMEyecuIubw-r5so7YNb1fHMH2MoCLeMx9F_efbMVyIW-nylWMOFcSYteEozFzjRCe/s320/clock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
80: Ever since I got hired by the Y and am allowed to enter before opening time, I've been going in early to set up boot-camp for Lorenzo. (Class starts when we open at 5:30am.) This generally involves carrying 20-30 plates (from 25 to 45 pounds each) downstairs from the weight-room to the gym. It's been sort of wearing me out so that I'm tired by the time class begins, so I told him I would no longer be doing this when I'm attending class. (I still set up on Thursdays when I don't attend.)dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-37489910577740764282011-03-12T12:19:00.000-08:002011-03-12T12:19:15.964-08:00ZAP, Chopsticks, Sound of SilenceRoutine-breakers days 73 through 76<br />
<br />
73: There's a store down-town that sells ZAP electric motor vehicles; cars, scooters, mini trucks, etc. It's been there a few years but I've never been inside. Today I went in and looked at them. Very cool; if I had an extra few thousand bucks sitting around I would totally buy an electric vehicle with a foot-pedal option.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrU1mYNglJSa8PLzyTIVZxKSykTLeNea4Kr0R0ag2CKPlGqHUURqDZqMfQ2NnEzoddRDEHoo-NJYE5mA3NP5269gDf0VtcoUj261CKVU3vMBxFF-tAg07DJZxllHYDINLo-yqGvrlZlKi/s1600/zap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrU1mYNglJSa8PLzyTIVZxKSykTLeNea4Kr0R0ag2CKPlGqHUURqDZqMfQ2NnEzoddRDEHoo-NJYE5mA3NP5269gDf0VtcoUj261CKVU3vMBxFF-tAg07DJZxllHYDINLo-yqGvrlZlKi/s320/zap.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
74: I won a gift-certificate from a radio-station before Christmas (for identifying a song played backwards) and I still hadn't used it. When I got home from my morning work-out, Rob and I used it to have breakfast at the <a href="http://www.crepevine.com/gallery_santarosa.html">Crepevine</a>. I had a really yummy steak, mushroom and caramelized onion sandwich with fries.<br />
<br />
75: I haven't used chopsticks for years. I guess it's like bike-riding; once you learn, you never forget. Stir-fry is easy; slaw soup is a bit trickier.<br />
<br />
76: I didn't say a word to Rob all day. (I warned him the day before so he wouldn't think I was mad at him.) I think he liked it. I had a really hard time keeping my mouth zipped; there were all sorts of things I was bursting to say.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-41434884130003042762011-03-08T11:24:00.000-08:002011-03-08T11:24:47.430-08:00Naked Ears and DoodlingRoutine-breakers days 69 through 72 (Feb 25 through 28)<br />
<br />
69: I walked directly from work to the grocery store to do some shopping. Had to plan ahead and bring my tote bags with me.<br />
<br />
70: When I was a bored student in school and college, I doodled all the time, but that was years ago. After 30 some years, my style hasn't really changed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSLAspvz6x0iKL_p9csbr_NgzVKzMluusaDdrhtMYpKo7QiXOeoDmpOh529j4bQg3FhimS5vktlMT7ufh3G8gN34Rw0ZvqWFBA-vuzoIv4z1g7twWoMXRZboOE-upshuqI_fslvXzM_m5/s1600/doodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSLAspvz6x0iKL_p9csbr_NgzVKzMluusaDdrhtMYpKo7QiXOeoDmpOh529j4bQg3FhimS5vktlMT7ufh3G8gN34Rw0ZvqWFBA-vuzoIv4z1g7twWoMXRZboOE-upshuqI_fslvXzM_m5/s320/doodle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
71: My husband is the list-maker in the house, not me. I prefer to carry crucial info around in my head. I forgot to take a picture and I can't find it now, but I made a to-do list of such important tasks as grinding coffee, making flax-seed pancakes, and washing the sheets.<br />
<br />
72: I've constantly worn earrings my entire adult life. One time when I was visiting my mom I lost one, so I switched the remaining earring from ear to ear for the rest of the week. So I took my earrings out for more than 24 hours. I kept rubbing at my earlobes all day just because I could.dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-59411373438527724882011-03-04T11:45:00.000-08:002011-03-04T11:45:00.126-08:00more stuffRoutine-breakers days 65 through 68<br />
<br />
65: Ever try to make bread without flour? 'Tisn't easy, but I found a recipe I'm happy with-<br />
1/4 C flax meal<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 egg<br />
1 T coconut oil (or butter)<br />
seasonings of choice (I've been using Penzey's pizza spice blend)<br />
<br />
Mix together, pour into shallow dish, and microwave approx 1-1/2 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17KJFbzsZy93MkqTJi3dwFyuwwxjNd8Vw7ifI0gfny27FaLLkbnvtFyBLpBVnse-EVlHNhcPFBku9Z9w-FzK-WqKjXKsuriUqClLTmnoD6-GtuGYUuPhE2hq1-u-DmXyTxJ7Df95tBdyo/s1600/breadless.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17KJFbzsZy93MkqTJi3dwFyuwwxjNd8Vw7ifI0gfny27FaLLkbnvtFyBLpBVnse-EVlHNhcPFBku9Z9w-FzK-WqKjXKsuriUqClLTmnoD6-GtuGYUuPhE2hq1-u-DmXyTxJ7Df95tBdyo/s320/breadless.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It actually tastes like bread! I cooked this one in the same dish that I'm serving the sandwich and sweet potatoes in. When in a hurry, I can quadruple the recipe and cook on a pancake griddle, but then it looks like pancakes instead of bread.<br />
<br />
66: I consider putting a new bumper-sticker on a car to be a huge commitment. (Ever need to take off a bumper-sticker?) They gave me this one (on the right)at Penzey's Spices, and I knew I was ready to commit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZh4V3O7ArKR_UYCMwyowd7E1lOyinpd8p5wyYxr2__XxrLhWQ88cM6cZyGakgqhLpacp2jDdOu2IZTfyVlDWJgZ568JwrjgklmTSnJsgKeWofbbaqNtUNLfLhumSFD-HTWbx26LJfy9k/s1600/bumper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZh4V3O7ArKR_UYCMwyowd7E1lOyinpd8p5wyYxr2__XxrLhWQ88cM6cZyGakgqhLpacp2jDdOu2IZTfyVlDWJgZ568JwrjgklmTSnJsgKeWofbbaqNtUNLfLhumSFD-HTWbx26LJfy9k/s320/bumper.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
67: Got another Red Cross certificate, this time for CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator.)<br />
<br />
68: You know how you hear something on the radio or you have a random thought and you think "I'm going to Google that." but then you totally forget about it next time you get on the computer? No? Happens to me all the time. Today I wrote them all down and Googled them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9j1dor7RSndkZa8MeqwAU42HTD9av0WAlFTLWyABN370idXqZuh26j-kYQuxFGtrE4FXvAYgBHNr20G0lr8VSTHI-iAnPLVidVSpkCyxxmRoQyjgO-EJgTNH3UmRjAuKjGSJS7NtpGTK/s1600/google.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9j1dor7RSndkZa8MeqwAU42HTD9av0WAlFTLWyABN370idXqZuh26j-kYQuxFGtrE4FXvAYgBHNr20G0lr8VSTHI-iAnPLVidVSpkCyxxmRoQyjgO-EJgTNH3UmRjAuKjGSJS7NtpGTK/s320/google.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525322403790470060.post-44972291185407723192011-02-28T10:06:00.001-08:002011-02-28T16:06:46.048-08:00Playing Games & Playing With Knives61: We haven't played any new games for a long time, but I found Castle Keep at the thrift store and it looked interesting. It said "ages 8 and up", so I figured I could handle it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3qhqCnHZ3mYOrtS5QEZZwaVaFskdSOwn321h5jzvV0lFvVDeqyEiFkan-AxEjuu6Yv-sdULc1mxK4VfFA-JCbWFiSH031CriadMJLY-ChwTgdVv_ip193Ikd6kp8qAt3x7MB4ASiPRhyphenhyphen/s1600/rob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3qhqCnHZ3mYOrtS5QEZZwaVaFskdSOwn321h5jzvV0lFvVDeqyEiFkan-AxEjuu6Yv-sdULc1mxK4VfFA-JCbWFiSH031CriadMJLY-ChwTgdVv_ip193Ikd6kp8qAt3x7MB4ASiPRhyphenhyphen/s320/rob.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXdkSss9VxuX-po5hyphenhyphenCK7gtKSTT2jdiZNhyphenhyphendN57GYyqwee8hFKfeYDWbhhyphenhyphen1I7aOiIjLZUlfr5vswcdhyphenhyphenvt_ovP546piEOFdgwjtNQ9blneixmuQ_nwlf7o0-dg29_vs1lTNP1-4PcNlS/s1600/storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXdkSss9VxuX-po5hyphenhyphenCK7gtKSTT2jdiZNhyphenhyphendN57GYyqwee8hFKfeYDWbhhyphenhyphen1I7aOiIjLZUlfr5vswcdhyphenhyphenvt_ovP546piEOFdgwjtNQ9blneixmuQ_nwlf7o0-dg29_vs1lTNP1-4PcNlS/s320/storm.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Talked hubby and son into playing a few rounds. Eh. OK but not great. The playing pieces are pretty cool looking; maybe I can use them in some future creative endeavor.<br />
<br />
62: Got a first-aid certificate from Red Cross. Haven't had one for about 30 years.<br />
<br />
63: I generally hate computer games and anything classified as a brain game. So I Googled "brain games" and came up with <a href="http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/game/cantstop/">this</a>. I checked out every game on the website and this is the only one I actually liked.<br />
<br />
64: Rob is the official knife-sharpener in the house. He's always telling me how easy it is, but I've always resisted learning. Today I had him show me how. He's right; it is easy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaEiyXTwcryamO8_mKHvPtFtluPpvMgAhSbimuyqdSjMPvJfzeM-xUp0B8Ml-jO3f0t3w6LSVoqBf1qdvNjUWexHXGn3eDEkjFOHgMHKaRRxyAuFzti5K2J9eK2C6SQGcgzqKAtsk1wqG/s1600/knives.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaEiyXTwcryamO8_mKHvPtFtluPpvMgAhSbimuyqdSjMPvJfzeM-xUp0B8Ml-jO3f0t3w6LSVoqBf1qdvNjUWexHXGn3eDEkjFOHgMHKaRRxyAuFzti5K2J9eK2C6SQGcgzqKAtsk1wqG/s320/knives.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't you think it's a good idea that I took the first-aid class before I started playing with knives?</div>dragonmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586472866640318921noreply@blogger.com7