Pardon me, Do you have any Grey Poupon?

Congratulations Jro & gunny! I will get your address from Katrina and will get your prizes mailed off to you!!

The contest has ENDED!!!

I'm going to let the readers vote . Voting will end tonight (saturday) at midnight. Good luck!

TWO POSTS TODAY!

Attention Blurkers...

I posted 2 postings today. One of which is the contest!!! Be sure to scroll down and look at the picture. All entries must be received by midnight Friday. The family will vote for the best one, without knowing who the submitters are. I will announce the winner on Saturday.... because on Sunday, we are going to my Grandma's 89th Birthday celebration... and then...

and then..... grabbing my paperbag as I start hyperventilating....

off to see Genesis from the 9th row DEAD CENTER!!! BIATCHHHHH!!!! WOHOOOOOOOO. As you may remember, this was my gift to my loving husband of 10 years.

Woooooohooooooo We LOVE YOU PHILLLLLLLLLL!!!!

Where's a camera phone when you need one!

Name this photo! Let the contest begin!

Look at this beautiful horse! Sometimes I swore HE looked "worried" however his owner/trainer said he wasn't. I love this photo. It came out great... w/o any tweaking on my behalf. It appears that the horse is looking DIRECTLY at the child. I wonder what he is thinking.

This is where you come in. Only ONE entry is allowed per person. All entries must be received by Friday @ Midnight, Eastern time. The winner of this contest will receive a $5 gift card to my FAVORITE place... Starbucks, as well as a subscription to one of my favorite magazines... Better Homes and Gardens (because they publish articles on everyday people and places).

GOOD LUCK!

Oh... One more thing...

Speaking of Miralee and the book she is reading... if you are a fan of a great romance novel, you MUST, MUST, MUST swing on over to The Pioneer Woman's blog! Start reading her story of how she met her husband from the beginning. There are quite a few "to be continued" sections, but just cruise through them. OMG.... I am in love... with her story!!! Oh and that kiss!!! Today she mentions this hot kiss he plants on her, in the middle of an intersection. Is it hot in here???

Week in Review...

I'm a scatter brain. A total scatter brain. I have been a mental train wreck all week. Yesterday I almost went to work 4 hours early... because I was "confused". That is until Den pointed out on the calendar that I didn't have to be there until 2. So anyway, that is why I'm not so frequent on my postings.

I would like to point out however... two things that I am suddenly interested in... First off, being Miralee's posting on her new book she is reading. I was so engrossed in The Secret Keeper, that I am now hot on the trail for a new great read. I'm almost ready to throw on my shoes and run up to my nearest Borders so I can keep up with Miralee's blog.

Secondly, Katrina who is Sleepless in Southwest Michigan, posted this on my wine review... I copied and pasted it, just in case some of you might miss it. It is a very great thing when someone gives you a review on wine. Speaking of which... I'm thinking of having a wine tasting party soon. Hmmm I say as my wheels start to turn.

Here is Katrina's comment:
oh, I hav 3 recommendations. For whites:1. Hogue Chardonnay - don't let the screw top fool you this is a light and refreshing Chardonnay.2.Copolla Chardonnay. More full-bodied than the Hogue yet really buttery tasting. It's my fave in the winter.For red:Cavit - Pinot Noir - this is so inexpensive for a Pinot Noir and it's fabulous. Our neighbors in chicago got us hooked on this one. Goes great with Sushi ;)

I can't wait to try Sushi. I will only try it with someone who eats it frequently. I'm not too tripped out by it, because come on... not all fish... tastes like fish. It tastes like CHICKEN! lol.

Wow, so as I was posting on Miranda, aka Miralee, or Mandy as Mel gets to call her, but we have to call her Miranda, and on Katrina who is has always been Katrina, or Katerina (Vitt) as I sometimes call her... I started poking into their blogs to get the links for you... I see they have been very busy people with their updates... So I guess I better get my head out of the clouds and get on it!

Java Jane sees that the half caff is done brewing... off to get a cup o' joe before my "class".

Pretty in Pinckney

Today I had the ultimate pleasure of going out to Katrina's to visit with her and her new little baby, Julia.

What a stunningly beautiful baby. She has the smoothest skin, and the silkiest black hair I have EVER seen. I couldn't stop touching her head! Julia is a tiny little bundle. At her last weigh in, yesterday, she weighed 5.9 pounds. I told little miss that my cats are bigger than she is!

I had the best time visiting Katrina, whom by the way, is totally exhausted. Just as every new mother is. While most people have a whole 9 months to prepare for a birth, Katrina & Kraig had like 20 minutes. Literally. Plus with an adoption, she doesn't get maternity leave. So she is still working at home, while adjusting to their new little bundle.

They filled out the adoption paper work in early September and just days later, Julia arrived. As I arrived today, I would like to say that Katrina had the deer in headlights look, but she didn't. She looked perfectly calm and from what I saw... everything is moving right along. The new parents seem to be doing just fine with pretty little miss.

I had the best time just chilling out with them. The new little family lives in this very beautiful, and hilly subdivision. She laughed when I told her that if I threw something out my kitchen window, it would dent my neighbors siding. In their neighborhood, everyone seems a bit further away. It was so quiet, and the breeze that flowed through the house was so calming. It was very refreshing for me. As you know... I am a country girl at heart.

Anyhoo... I helped the new momma by washing and boiling up bottle parts. She made up all of the bottles, and we had a really good time together.

Hopefully after a bit of rest, she will update her blog!

Weekend Wine Review

This weekend, Dennis picked up a 72 hour shift. That essentially means that he went to work on Thursday morning and he won't come home until Sunday morning. There is a lot of talk about how 'easy' firefighters have it, but all I have to say to those people is...

At YOUR job... do you do what you're trained to do or

what your WILLING to do?

It sucks knowing full well that my husband could die for a perfect stranger if it means saving that person's life, or the life of their child, yet "firefighters have it easy".

Speaking of saving someone's life. I am extremely proud to say that my husband and his glory hound partner had ANOTHER CPR SAVE (the person died right in front of them, and they brought them back) yesterday! That is their SECOND CPR save within 1.5 WEEKS!!! It might sound like a piece of cake, but the best way I can describe it is exactly how DEN described it..
Everything is going just fine and smooth in the back of the ambulance, then suddenly someone throws in a grenade!

Coming from someone who used to work in EMS... let me tell you... saves don't happen - hardly EVER!

Kudos to you Den and your awesome partner too! No wonder you are referred to as

The Dream Team.

On to wine in review.

Tonight I had the pleasure of dining with my neighbor and her three children. Her husband is fishing until tomorrow.

She brought down this AMAZING bottle of wine to share.

She said they bought this wine by the case down at Eastern Market, but thinks it can be found locally, like at Meijer. Miranda, not sure where you would find it... but I took a photo of it so all of you have the details.

This wine has a beautiful color to it. It is a white wine. I would almost describe it as a dessert wine. It is not at all dry (I'm not big fan of dry whites). It is very smooth on the palate, with a pear flavor to it. There is no after taste. Just an amazingly smooth wine that I will most definitely be purchasing and taking to my other wine drinking friends. It's been a long time since I've had a bottle this good... except for the "shoe incident" at "D's".

All in all a great wine to share... or to drink alone if your infant just got needles driven into his thighs, although I would want something heavier on that occasion. :o)

After we finished that bottle, we moved along to one I picked up on sale at Meijer.

WINTER WHITE

You know how when it is bitter cold out, the air almost has a bite to it? That is how I would describe this wine, after drinking the wine mentioned above.

It was a VERY, VERY good wine, however, I poured Mrs. Neighbor a glass and she didn't finish it. I asked if she liked it and she said yes, but she drank a lot of the other bottle. Which she probably did, however I still think she didn't care for it.

It was very good and I think having not followed the other bottle, it would have been a pretty big hit with a white meat dish.

WINTER WHITE was very clear in color. Almost like water. It was very crisp, and clean tasting. It definitely reminded me of winter. I would most definitely buy this bottle again... It is a pretty bottle too.

If I had to choose between the two, I would pick Umberto Fiore Moscato D'Asti (sparkling)

Cheers!

The Laundromat

I LOVE going to the laundromat. I can't put my finger on my facination with it, but I LOVE going there. Today I made my trip with all of the bedroom pillows, and my rugs from one of the bathrooms.

If you haven't ever done it, then trust me don't try to wash your bed pillows in your home washing macine... unless you have a front loader. The last time I tried this, my washer almost walked out to the garage. Literally.

So off I went. As soon as I walked through the door, I was instantly reminded of Grandma Gladys who's time ran out way before it should have. The place was spotless. And the smell... omg the smell. It smelled so good in there with all the soaps and softners. The gentle hummmmm of the dryers. I LOVE the laundromat.

For me and some very odd reason, it is a place of total zen. I don't quite understand why, but I love it there. If you have the chance, you should go... mid week, and DO NOT, and I stress DO NOT... take any children with you... unless they are bound to a carseat and will nap. If I had to take frick and frack with me... I would just stay home.

Contest postponed

Sorry to get you all into a tizzy. There is some amazing stuff going on at Katrina & Kraig's. I have been totally absorbed into their lives right now. I know a few of you are following along. I can't say too much for those of you that have not read her blog, but in a nutshell....

On September 7th, they posted their webpage at the adoption agency they signed up with. On September 17th, a baby girl was born, and they have been "chosen". I will leave it at that until all the legal technicalities are out of the way.

With that. I will be posting the contest at a later date so that Katrina can participate too. Trust me... she isn't goofing around online because they now have a nursery to put together!

Plus... I decided that my nephew, should he win, may not be able to use a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens, ;o)

Namaste...

Welcome to Coffee Talk. I'm your host.. Linda Richman.

I swear I am the luckiest gal in the world. When I work the day shift, I come home to dinner ready and waiting. Let me introduce my chefs.

Chef Peepers has about 2 years in the kitchen, and has recently learned how to crack egg without having it explode.

Chef Beaudreaux is very new to the kitchen and is currently finishing his training on controlling your urges to double dip.

Working together, they make wonderful dishes...

Like PIZZA!!!

Sorry! No post assembly photo's... we ate it all!

Cheezy

That's what my prizes seem like... Look what Pioneer Woman is giving away today! www.thepioneerwoman.com

Total Spaz

I promised a contest today, but over at Katrina's blog, there is some earth shattering news. I have been hyperventilating all day today! Check it out. Look for Delicious Ambiguity/Katrina's blog down on the Right side of mine.

I received this today and laughed at how accurate it is. Enjoy!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE FROM MICHIGAN..........
1. You've never met any celebrities.
2. "Vacation" means going to Cedar Point.
3. At least 1 member of your family disowns you the week of the Michigan/Michigan State game.
4. Half the change in your pocket is Canadian
5. You drive 86 mph on the highway and pass on the right.
6. Your idea of a traffic jam is 40 cars waiting to pass an orange barrel.
7. You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre.
8. It's easy to get VERNORS Ginger Ale, Sanders Hot Fudge sauce and Faygo Pop.
9. You know how to pronounce "Mackinac."
10. You've had to switch on the "heat" and the "A/C" in the same day.
11. You bake with SODA and drink a POP.
12. The movie "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" wasn't funny. You consider it a documentary.
13. Your little league game was snowed out.
14. The word "thumb" has geographical meaning, rather than anatomical significance.
15. You show people where you grew up by pointing to a spot on the back of your left hand.
16. Traveling coast-to-coast means driving from Port Huron to Muskegon.
17. You measure distance in minutes.
18. When giving directions, you refer to "A Michigan Left."
19. You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but it isn't that far from Hell.
20. Your year has 2 seasons: Winter and Construction.
21. Home Depot on any Saturday is busier than toy stores at Christmas.
22. You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms.
23. Owning a Japanese car was a hangin' off ense in your hometown.
24. Most people you meet out of state think you know Eminem personally.
25. You actually understand everything I just said.

To Be Continued....

Sorry I haven't posted in a bit. Last week almost sucked the life out of me. Literally. I had to pop 3 cases (108 packs) of popcorn on Friday for the back to school picnic at the kids school. Then our family worked it for an hour. Well most of our family anyway. The diva was off running around with her chicklets. How pleasant for me to see that out of 5.5 HUGE black garbage bags full of popcorn, 2.5 were left afterwards! :o(

I had to work yesterday, and prepare for Beaudreaux's birthday party today, then today was the party.

STICK A FORK IN ME..... I have dishpan hands, and I'm DONE!

I will be back on tomorrow to post, and will be doing another contest! I haven't received the check from my ads yet, so I am going to give away 2 subscriptions to Better Homes and Gardens. My FAVORITE read of all time.

BTW: here are some websites for you...
DECORATE YOUR DESKTOP!

Candy Toss Halloween Game (We've had this on our fav's for over 2 years! It's challenging!)

Dr Death.

This totally impromptu video was shot for our family collection, however it is so funny, that we just have to share it. The video moves around a lot, but I didn't find it too disturbing. Enjoy the laughs!

Good Medical Care Gone Wrong!

Coming Soon...

OMG, I have something so funny to show you tomorrow. It is absolutely hysterical. I had tears streaming down my face. It is THAT funny. But... I'm going to make you wait to see it. lol. It's THAT good.

Java Jane says...

How Appropriate!

Monday I had intended on going to the rec center to start my swimming work out, and taking the laptop to the guru's to find out WTH is wrong with it. What I am actually going to be doing? Get up, shower, make lunches, take E & G to school, come home, watch 2.2 seconds of morning TV, then go and heal all the weekend warriors that pop into the Urgent Care until about 5:30. Consider Monday SHOT!

It is amazing how my calendar can look so open, yet things pop up on a daily basis. And that my friends, is WHY this is The Nut House!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Emily's First Communion with Nana & Papa

Emily and Greg with Great Grandma

Yesterday...

Yesterday was a GREAT day. Beaudreaux went to school, and I followed a couple hours later to bring in his birthday treat. I stayed for a while and helped the teacher file and do some things. It is so nice that he has the same teacher Emily had when she was in Kindergarten. The teacher is comfortable with me, and I am with her.

After he got out at noon, he came home and proceeded to go bonkers over the extenuating wait for his sister to arrive after her full day of school. He even picked up the phone and said, "What is her number? I'm going to call her". "Sorry Charlie. No phone number to speed dial into Mrs. Alfred's third grade class". So D took him off to Costco for a bit.

After E got home, he tore through his gifts with lightening speed. Later that night, we took E to a birthday sleepover at the punks house. (Same punk from State Fair). BTW... all children that are not related to me will be referred to as punks from here on out to conceal their identity. So off she went to her slumber party.

We then went to Rook & "D"s house. They are G's godparents. We had a little birthday party for him there, lots of yummy drinks too. It was a GREAT night. I admit I was a little "overserved". D had approximately 1.5 glasses of wine, while I consumed the rest of the bottle. It was a VERY GOOD bottle from Leelaneau . By the end of the night I had not only lost my shoes, but couldn't remember which ones I wore there to even look for them!

Regardless, it was a lot of fun. When we got home and tucked Birthday Boy into bed, I asked him, "Did you have a fun birthday"? he replied, "I had a GREAT birthday" and off to dream world he went.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy.

My Baby is 6!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Beaudreaux!

And I thought I had it bad...

Love the title of this item up for bidding!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675

Staples Back to School

YEAHHHHH!!!! WOOHOOOOOO!!!!

The Same, but Different.

My heart is still aching for this poor animal. It has been almost 4 months since Booster moved on, and Pumpkin is still not the same. He loves Charlie, although Charlie drives him nuts 75% of the time. He is very intrigued by Charlie, but is still lost without Booster.

He occasionally chases his tail for a split second, then stops. He seems totally out of whack, and very needy. He has me wrapped around his little paw.

Run for cover!

Saturday September 1, 2007
Weather: Blue skies with occasional cirrus clouds. Temperature 72 degrees.
Time 1:00 PM.

As I sit here thinking "I'm not getting anything done", the weekly Severe Weather Siren starts to wail. I start to wonder... My windows are always closed when the weather is bad... would I actually hear that siren if it went off for severe weather?

Two seconds later, Frick and Frack are thundering down the hallway, running for the basement. Question answered. Just wonder if they bothered to look at the beautiful blue skies at all today.