New Toy

One of the first things I ever bought when I got old enough to start baby-sitting was a record player. Not just a record player, no, this was one that played cassettes and 8-tracks, also! I thought it was a beautiful thing! I've had several different stereo systems since that first one and they have always included a turn-table. But about a year-and-a-half ago my stereo died. Although I had kept my eyes open for a new one, I didn't have much luck. Then I heard the great stereo gods had created a stereo that would actually record vinyl to CD. Oh, life was good! So many of my albums have gotten scratched and warped over the years--basically I believed they were just good for framing and hanging on the wall! But several months before Christmas I saw a picture of this stereo in the Kohl's ad and KNEW that was the one! So of course, every time it was in the flyer, I ran over--and they had none. Zip. Nadda. The last time it was in the ad I decided I would check one more time and then head North to the next nearest Kohl's. Which is about 90 miles. I know, crazy. But I get obsessed with things. The stereo gods smiled on me that day, however, and there was amazingly several on the shelf! I love the little pops and crinkles an album makes, unlike the smoothness of something digital. And it's been amazing--so far most of my albums have played without any skips or warps!

Why I'll Never Be Skinny

Rainy day today, and outside activities are limited! So I pulled out this recipe for Chocolate Mousse Torte I got off a nilla wafer box that I've been wanting to try. I had even bought the ingredients weeks ago, but hadn't taken the time. It was a hit--even my son, who isn't a fan of cream cheese, liked it. Yeah! I'm one of those people who pull pages out of my magazines because I want to try the recipe, but then they never get made. I decided I was going to start trying some of them. According to my husband, tho, the problem is I make something, it tastes great, and then I never make it again. My filing system leaves something to be desired! Maybe, someday, I'll be organized!

Harry Dresden

A few years ago I discovered The Dresden Files -- a series written by Jim Butcher about a Chicago Detective who just happens to also be a wizard. I love, love, love the books and was ecstatic a couple of years back when I heard it was to be made into a TV series for Syfy Channel. Like most everything I love on TV, it was short lived. (My husband was sure the reintroduced Dr. Who was doomed!) But a "thank you" goes to Mr. Butcher--he continues to publish new stories and I can honestly say I haven't been disappointed yet. I just got his latest edition, "Changes" and it's been a happy week! I'll probably finish it tonight or in the morning, and it's always a bit sad getting to the end! Hopefully, another adventure will be forthcoming!

Rhubarb Pie

I like to bake. Usually, come Fall, I start baking like mad. By Spring that falls away a bit. But lately I've gotten the bug again. Mainly, I've been baking cookies, but the rhubarb was ready, so I spent part of my Sunday baking a rhubarb pie. I add a diced apple to cut some of the tartness (and the icky feeling my teeth get!), so technically, it's rhubarb/apple pie! I know you can't tell from a picture, but I think this was one of the best pies I've ever baked--and my husband agreed. This from my biggest pie fan! The Rhubarb crop is looking pretty good this year--I see lots of pies in our future!

Favorite Aunt

Everyone should have a favorite Aunt! My mom has a big family and I have lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. But there is one aunt that was always there--kind of my "mom away from mom" aunt. I often would spend a week or two with her during summer vacations. And I've always felt like I could tell her things that I couldn't tell Mom. With the recent marital situation that I find myself in she was the one to turn to. Not just because of our connection, but because her life situation matches mine more than it does my mom's. So I headed up to see her yesterday. The temperature had dropped about 20 degrees from last week's record highs and the sun was shining, so the hour and a half drive was extremely pleasant. We talked, laughed, went out to lunch. It was all very therapeutic! I'm not sure I'm any closer to making a decision, but I feel better/clearer about the decision I have to make. I really thought by this time in my life everything would be settled for my future--and here I am on the tip of the mountain wondering which way to get down! I wish that made me feel like I was King of the Hill instead of free-falling!

Sick Day

Yeah, they got me in to see the doctor yesterday afternoon and she gave me a bunch of pills to take. Which seem to be working quickly. Another yeah! But she told me not to go to work today. I hate using a sick day when I don't feel sick, and I thought about going anyway. But she told me to wear loose clothes today and I can't do that at work, so I stayed home. Now, to find some constructive way to use my day. Cleaning and sorting, I suppose. I'd really like to have a yard sale soon. Maybe this is the boost I need to make it happen!

Chain of Events

Two weeks ago I had a tooth pulled. The cap had popped off and taken part of the tooth, so it couldn't be reattached. I've never had a tooth pulled, so I was pretty nervous. But I've got a really good dentist and it went smoothly and fairly pain free. Except, the next day I started getting a cold sore. Then developed a dry socket. The pain wasn't excruciating, but uncomfortable and was giving me a headache. I took pain killers all weekend. Then on Monday I went back to the dentist and they put in a paste that worked wonders. Except, the next day I started breaking out in hives. I didn't realize what it was at first, but by Friday it was starting to spread. So I went to the Clinic on Saturday morning for their walk in hours. Except, they had closed early! So now I'm waiting for them to open to see if they can work me in today. What next?!