Nice and Cozy

It's cold and rainy here. But not to worry I have 2 new defenses.

Defense #1.


Just looks like tea you say? Look closer.



That's right, DECAF CHAI! I haven't had chai since I was pregnant and that resulted in Isaac and me both being up until 1 am. It was the only time he was ever really uncomfortable en utero. I was so excited to see this in the store I actually paid full price for it. Add some milk and a zap in the microwave and mmm...then I went and took a nap. Most excellent.


Defense #2


No, not the baby, though he's nice too. Two new recliners. We've been looking for nice, affordable patio furniture but as is always the case when we go to Weir's, we found something completely different than what we came for.

They're perfect for our needs. Nice enough to be comfy and fit well in the room, but not so nice as to be unaffordable and make me freak out when they get spilled, jumped or vomited upon.

Now I think I'll go combine my defenses...

New wildlife

We've got a new resident in the neighborhood. Isn't she lovely?


I haven't figured out what type of hawk it is yet. It's a little small to be a redtail, but I guess it could be a male. I'll have to look it up. But I do know what she's been eating from my yard!


She can have all she wants!


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I cleared out some of the cantaloupes from the yard the other day. Look what I found wedged in between fence sections - funniest shaped melon I've ever seen.

I had to get Craig to yank it out it was in there so tight. I told you they were taking over the place.

A wee one

Welcome to Andy and Stacy's Miss. M.

She arrived yesterday October 3rd at 9:48 est. She's 6 lbs. 7 oz. and has quite the hairdo already! She's as cute as she can be and we're very glad she's here!

It should be noted that last I talked to Stacy on the 2nd she was not dilated even a smidge and seemed resigned to waiting things out for a while longer. Just goes to show that you can never tell when those little ones will decide it's time.

Good job, Stacy and congratulations to both of you!

This is the reason...

...you make sure your pie dough is COLD when you put it in the oven.

I was in a hurry to get another apple pie in before Big I woke up and didn't think about chilling it for a few minutes first. Gah! Failure, complete failure.



Instead of flaky, puffy yumminess it became oozy, flat, meltiness. COLD people. The dough has to be COLD.


In contrast, here's the one from this past weekend. It's a bad picture, but trust me, it was everything a crust should be.


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Poor Big I had a bad tumble tonight. Every now and again he tries going a little faster than he should and face-plants on the sidewalk. Tonight I saw it from front and center and he got the whole thing right on his mouth. BIG fat lip, blood, the whole shebang.


He seems to have recovered (yet another reason to be thankful for extended nursing...instant comfort and antibacterial breastmilk right where it was needed) and enjoyed his nice cold cantaloupe (wouldn't take a popsicle or ice). I think one of his teeth is crooked now, but Craig thinks I'm crazy. If his teeth are ruined for life we'll know why.

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Big I got a new rocking horse the other day. We're still working on mounting and dismounting. He may be quite the equestrian yet.




He was also practicing with the camera again today, unbeknownst to me. Maybe he has a future in cinematography. What do you think?

Another give-away

This one isn't mine. Check out Lisa's BEA-ut-ti-ful necklace here. I have a bit of a jewelry problem when it's hand-made. I feel I should support folks who are trying to earn a little something extra and darn it they're pretty and shiny!

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And just to brag, I made the most perfect apple pie this weekend. It was a perfect flaky crust and not too-sweet filling. Gotta love The Best Recipe.

It still wasn't as good as Grandma Gross'.