Our Regularly Scheduled Blogging Will Be Interrupted By This Special Announcement

I am over the moon here people.

Seriously Alice, to the moon .

I got an e mail for the Sistah of my heart this morning.

My Godson and his wife are going to have a baby.

Ok..for most of y'all this is not any big whoop so y'all can skip this if you want to ..no worries.

Sistah is just that..my sistah . She and Double Oh are the family I choose to be with..we are our own family and their son Pyro is the closest thing that I have to a living child . He is my godson and I love him more than my shoes...those who know me can stop laughing now...I CAN hear you.

Anyhoo..it's like I'm sort of a step grandma....!

Yeah Them.

Yeah Me.

And all y'all KNOW there is going to be some shopping !

Have the best possible weekend..we all deserve it .

I just want to hug the world.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

This has made me laugh out loud all damn day.

On Monday night SU as is his custom goes over to the Crazy Cajun's to win the family fortune. Since I still had to doctor the triple batch of cookie dough ( yes, I had in fact lost my mind ) , I had some time to kill while waiting for the dough to warm up so I cruised the t slant v for something to watch that was not a rerun. Luckily for Moi, I ran across a 2 hour bio on Elton John....score...so I was a happy girl..Then there was a double dose of William Shatners Raw Nerve. Now this show I can take or leave , depending on his guest because well..it's Shatner..and other than when he is doing Denny Crane, a little of him goes a looong way .

Anyhoo..the second episode had Walter Koenig as the guest...oh F yeah. He was wonderful. He took some grownup responsibility for a lot of the animosity that is legend with Shatner and the show..and yet in a thoughtful way tore ol Bill a new one .

OUT FRIGGAN STANDING !

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

This Will Make Me Laugh ALL Day !

That about sums it up.

Enjoy !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Winning !

You knew it was out there ..right ?

LMAO !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Mondays

Yep...Mondays.

The weekend was a real mixed bag to use and old phrase...give yourself a cookie if you've ever used the term "mixed bag".


I got a call that I had missed earlier in the week and even though I have gotten used to having my phone on at all times when I am home ( as opposed to before because I HATED that POS phone..I lubs me mah new phone)..I also missed a text from Southside Johnny aka baby brother.I know , I know, I need to stop calling him baby brother...he's 50 and " baby brother" just sounds a bit skeevy at our age.

Anyhoo...it didn't take long to realize that something was wrong in the universe, there was a ripple in the force. Without going into too much detail because it is not my story to tell per se, the Step Momma has breast cancer and it is stage 4.

We all know there is no stage 5.

She had indicated around the holidays that she was about to begin a prolonged dance with chemo.

Then I found out that she has been on some sort of experimental treatment...I want to say that it is Hylaxon which is not the right word I know ..but it's the one that is stuck in my brain.

She sounded rather fragile when she and I spoke Friday...I know..duh....and so I didn't press her for details..this is her journey and not the moment to play Perry Mason with someone. I do know that she is fearful of pain, and after all aren't we all ? At her age, which is over 80, they may have collectively decided to try this course...I don't know...I do know that Southside and I are worried and our stepsister Miss Laura is on her way out there and will text data, info etc.

I debated on sharing this, but then after all , I realized that I have shared my MIL's journey and SU and I are now better versed in cancer than we ever hoped to be..so when I feel the need or the urge...I will share.

Again, we know that there is nothing that we can do and I for one am again reminded that this is not my mother. All we can do is give her and my step sibs all the love and support that we can muster..


SO me being me, when I am upset, I plant or bake.

I planted petunias, salvia, geraniums, yellow daisy sorta things, verbena..repotted some ..so the back is arrgh..and I have always made a commando run around the end of March or April..all things are possible when it approaches my birthday.


Then........even tho I was feeling puny with the sinus thing..dingbat here decided to make a TRIPLE batch of Grandma's oatmeal raisin cookies.

Hah!

Ok..rookie mistake..you really do need a full 6 cups of the rolled oats for a triple batch or they will spread too far..and the small ice cream scoop thingy is still to bit so it will be old school with 2 teaspoons. Luckily rather than futz with it last night, I put the dough in the fridge and will work the other 1/2 cup of oats into it and bake some of them off while he is at the Crazy Cajun's playing cards...

And the house is still a wreck...it was sort of a WTF weekend..Step Momma's situation sort of blew all hopes of concentrating on anything on my part...cause that's how I roll.


Have a good week.


Ciao,


Aunty Pol

Our House Is Now A Comic Strip !

Tah Dah !

Couldn't resist this one !

Have a great weekend.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

For PG

Hey GIrlie..Look what I found for you .

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Bruce Of The Day ~ Happy Friday !

Happy Friday dearhearts !

I am a super happy camper because I just read over at SpacePaws that Little Bit did find a forever home and was saved from euthanasia !!!

And the weather is gorgeous.

And I have the clutter off the pass thru.

Ditto the dining room table .

And SU cleaned the shower .

ON a more serious note...keep a good thought, or a prayer out there for the folks in Japan. From what I have seen on this Tsunami on the news..they basically got their collective asses handed to them. So however you happen to roll , keep them in your hearts right now.

Have a great weekend .

Aunty Pol

Dear Russell T. Davis ~ Now I'm pissed Off !

Dear Mr. Davis,

Somehow I missed the announcement that my beloved " Torchwood" would be moving to STARZ...which by the way I do not get nut have available via my local cable provider.

I forgave Owens demise, likewise with Tosh.

I have accepted Ianto's needless death and do not dwell on my beloved Captain Jack Harkness's heinous act .

I even forgave John Barrowmans idiotic stint on " Desperate Housewives."

Frankly, if Kyle Maclaughlin ( Muad'dib) couldn't lure me in to watch that tripe, Capt. Jack had no chance either.


But....


Now you are going to move " Torchwood " to Starz...why ?

Are you insane ?


What happened ?

BBCA not meet your price?


Dude, they are airing "X Files"...and they are re-runs even.



F You Mr. Davis...you just broke Aunty Pols and Miss Lisa's heart !

Now I have to approach SU about adding Starz...

Sigh.


Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Lil Bit ~URGENT ! CODE RED...DEFCON 4

UPDATE:

BREAKING NEWS VIA MISS LISA AT SPACEPAWS:

Little Bit has found a forever home and is safe from euthanasia.

I am profoundly grateful to whomever opened their heart and home.

ROCK ON !

Red Alert for all of y'all the innertubes .

Little Bit is in the Greenville , S.C. area and needs help NAOW>!

Lady Lisa has this posted on the Adventures of Space Paws and all y'all know I'm all over this . Time is short..spread the word..

Time is critical for this dear heart....post it..twitter it , FB it..you know the drill darlins.

LET'S ROCK THIS MUTHA ONE MORE TIME FOR A FURR BABY IN NEED.

http://www.brianshome-me.blogspot.com/

Fingers are crossed !

Aunty Pol

Hmmmm

Edit: I am indulging in a pity party here so skip this if you want to ...I just need to vent.

I was talking to a co-worker today and it lead me to a couple of realizations.


She is one of the few here that actively read my blog and has given me some very good ideas about a few things. Betty Crocker and I have a mutual fear of "Mom Hair" , and a love of baking...well...duh !


I am frustrated more than usual by things that I can usually handle.

Clutter makes me f'g nuts.


And I have a shit load of it at the Casa right now.

Crap on the pass through. Crap on the dining room table. Crap on top of the file cabinet in the den. A desk full of papers and what nots in the same den. A guest bath cabinet in such disarray that I couldn't find more fixodent or deodorant. Ditto more or less for the built in china hutch in the dining room. A floor full of shoes in a pile in my closet. Dry cleaning taking up all the space on the two hanging rods in the garage. A shower that is toxic in its need to be cleaned , not to mention the floor fan in the bedroom or the comforters on the bed that need to be taken to the Laundromat. And so on.

Last night didn't help when a spill in one side of the pantry demanded we clean/clear off that shelf...nor did this morning when wubby diddums had another accident in the hallway . I had almost gotten my hopes up since it has been a week or so since the last one and we had gone back to the original formula Iams...nope....not happinin.

Part of the problem is that I let it slide for far too long because without the A/C I didn't have the energy to tackle it. Now before you go..um...Pol....it wasn't that bad...try living in Singapore and try running a bakery or a pottery kiln in 104 % humidity and then we will talk.

Other than a few days last October , I haven't taken any time off since we lost his mother in May of 2010.

Ten months ago.

My house is a disaster, my yard is a mess and I feel like I what to throw in the towel..except that the towel would land on the floor and add just one more bit to the clutter.

SU helps, but he is as tired as I am and frankly, he cares less about all of the above than I do....except that it is now working my last nerve. Hopefully I can hang in there till the first week of April when I can tear into some of it...yes kids....that is how I spend vacay. Either with Sistah or cleaning carpet and or house. I like the idea of starting something and seeing it through...and I am just enough OCD to need the control of the organizational parts of it.


Slowly but surely I will get there.


Tonight I will straighten out the floor of my closet and move a few of the winter weight jackets to the guest room closet with the rest of the heavier outfits.

NCIS is a re-run after all and I will feel better....baby steps...baby steps...It's no where near Hoarders or being a case of needing Intervention...it's just enough to irritate me and I like tidy...or at least clutter - less.


Ciao,

Aunty Pol

This Will Make Me Laugh ALL Day !

I might just get over the criminal lack of a cupcake for desert today.

I am a huge fan of this strip!

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

It's Finally Revealed !

Hipster Dwarf for the WIN !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Happy Monday - Sorta

Happy Monday !

Dear daughter..yes ..you wubby diddums...stop this crap about doing the ADK ( attention deficit kitten ) voice in your Mama's ear at oh dark thirty aka 5 a.m.......QUIT IT.

Daddy fed you brekky so knock it off.

Onward.

The weather was very weird this weekend, hot one day and cold the next.....or as I choose to call it.." Lets give the new A/C~heater a test run. Trust me, the gal pals on Facebook thought this was hilarious. The baby got washed and a couple of the sets of drapes ditto but the roses didn't get pulled and the shower still needs to be done. SU has golf next weekend so we shall see.

I hope that the Crazy Cajuns did okay this past weekend in NOLA...from the stuff that I saw on the Weather channel , it was dicier than usual..even for Mardi Gras...sheesh....how ya gonna get your drunk on in a tornado ?

Other than that..very dullish at the Casa...which reminds me...

SU..where the hell was my cupcake for todays lunch ?

If I am nice enough to send some to your office, by GAWD there had better be one in the Hello Kitty ( YES...I carry a Hello Kitty lunch bag thingy) lunch bag....GRRRR. I bet you tucked one in your lunch , didn't you !?

Mama's NOT a happy camper.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Bruce Of The Day ~ Happy Friday ~

Happy Friday kids !

Not a whole lot to report this week..other than SU has come up with yet another nickname for Andy. Bear in mind, I call him a few ( Sgt . Andy Panda Pants, Pooky, or Schmoopy) but MINE are cute. I have my doubts about Table Potato...just sayin.

It appears that we are finally going to get some rain and it may happen tonight. It is sorely needed and of course the car needs her bath( the inside can be done, right honey ?) and I really wanted to get some of the roses pulled that need to be replaced..oh well.

Other than the paws and claws, the height of my ambition is cupcakes..ummmmm.....shiney !

Oh the glam life we lead.

Have a great weekend.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Muad'Deen

This may come as close to a perfect description of what some of my obsessions are as anything else.

Y'all know I love cooking, right now I am obsessed with a recipe for baked chocolate covered kettle corn with almonds...I really am. I am obsessed with cooking and baking. The FoodNetwork channel and Bravo's Top Chefs are our default go to settings. I want to have Alton Browns children. Food has crept into this blog in a way that I had not forseen...mwahahaha..diet..what diet ? I want to make that spicy pork loin this weekend ( pork loin is $3.49 per lb at Kroger honey..and I want that spicy rice too dagnabbit)..My eyes glaze over at the KA ( King Arthur) catalog every time it comes out, their site is bookmarked...as with most of the sites I visit, I am registered there and I archive recipes in their recipe boxes if that option is provided. I have made my own cookbook of sorts using a LARGE 3 ring binder..and believe that for me , my holy trinity is red wine, bacon and chocolate.

Just Sayin.

And then there is my all consuming love for Dune and Mr. Frank Herbert. I have the books, movies, and pc games. I have played with a group in a MPPBP ( Multi Player Play By Post) game on line for over 10 years with the same people. Moritani could be considered my legal last name in some circles and that's Duchess Moritani to you peasents ( I kid , I kid) . People know that Shai Halud or referencing Shaitan means something other than having to put me on a watch list. I support Brian Herbert and Kevin Andersons prequels to the death even amongst my peers, save the brains in the bucket /Cognitors and I mean really, that was a bit much even for Moi. I consider my friends my Seitch and I will give water for my tribe.....oops...too much there...no ? ...okay..

And Red Wine.

Nectar of the Gods.

Other than the fact that I don 't care for a sweet wine ( long ago and far away...I fought the Duck ..and the Duck won...not to mention...Lambrusco, Reunite, Boones Farm and Mateus...hey I was young and poor...don't judge)..I line dry red wine. SU and I will often buy a bottle because the label is unusual or amusing...and did you know that Newman's Own has Wine ?...And it's not bad..

Anyhoo....this picture is a trifecta of sorts..things I love, amusing and something that I can now appreciate having had the first decent nights sleep ( God Bless A/C) in more than a month.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Dr. Seuss Day !

It's Dr. Seuss Day !

Green Eggs And Ham For Every Kitteh !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Guess Who

Isn't he cute !

I am a super happy girl because we got the A/C-Heat replaced at he house today. I have been dying to post about this whole expensive, depressing adventure but me being me, I was afraid that I would somehow jinx the whole thing.

The heat part of it went out a few years ago and we didn't really mind because we live in Texas....yeah...tho I have to admit this year when the temps got way the f cold..it bothered us. GOOD space heaters and my wonderful fireplace were fine for the most part.

BUT NO A/C ?

OH HELL NO !

It was very humid this past weekend to the point of " Oh please let it rain"..but nope. Jere Lee and Cindy and I went out to an early supper since SU was playing golf with the Moron and when I left out house....at 3:30...it was already 80 degrees in the living room.

Besides my perpetual state of hot flash..this is not good for the kittehs, especially Miss Xena..she of the delicate constitution..so I am now a broke but happy girl.


SU stayed home on Presidents day and got all of the bids and dealt with all of that ( way the hell above my pay grade) and was there at home today as it all went in.


Thank you honey for taking care of this whole ordeal,,,I appreciate it , I really do.


Ciao,

A very happy Aunty Pol

More Sheen Fun

Go check out:

www.sheenfamilycircus.blogspot.com

You will seriously laugh your ass off.

Thanks for this link Nee Nee...you dah best !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Beady Cats

Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I love jewelry.

I tend to gravitate towards the unusual, especially in earrings. I have been known ( who me ? ) to build an outfit around a pair of earrings or ring which is pretty much the reversal of what most women do.

I'm a rebel like that

Check out the eatsy shop on Mr. Linky below.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadycats?ref=pr_shop_more

I want the entire inventory.

NAOW !

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

My Charlie Sheen

Once upon a time Aunty Pol had a fang fish.

His name was Charlie Sheen .

He was crazy.

He had to be put down.

He died.

The end.

I'm sorry people, but Charlie Sheen is bat shit crazy.

For the sake of the country..nay the world...

LOCK HIS ASS UP AND WELD THE DOOR SHUT.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Raspberry Bars

Raspbeerry Bars



Ingredients
1 box Plain Yellow Cake Mix, 18 Ounce Box (NOT Butter Recipe Yellow)
2-½ cups Quick Cooking Oats (NOT Old Fashioned Oats)
14 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1 whole Zest Of A Lemon
1 jar Seedless Raspberry Jam, 12oz
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Preparation Instructions :


You can always bump up the amount of jam to 16 ounces if you want more fruit.
This recipe is actually very versatile, because you can vary the kind of cake mix, and kind of jam. How about chocolate cake with raspberry jam? Or lemon cake? White cake with cherry or blackberry jam? There are plenty of specialty jams out there at stores such as Randalls or Whole Foods and I’m sure most of them would pair wonderfully with a basic cake mix. Or, you can try lemon or lime curds, pumpkin or apple butters, or a combination of jam and curd — maybe some nice lemon curd and blackberry jam?
You start with a box of yellow cake mix. Just plain old yellow, not the Butter Recipe yellow, which has artificial butter flavoring added to it. Trust me, we are putting almost 2 sticks of butter into the recipe, we don’t need any artificial butter flavor on top of that.




1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Combine dry cake mix and oats in a bowl.
3. Add melted butter, vanilla and zest to oatmeal/cake mixture, and mix thoroughly.
4. Pat 1/2 of the crumbs down in a 9″x13″ pan, patting firmly.
5. Combine jam and lemon juice until smooth.
6. Spread jam on top of crumb layer evenly.
7. Sprinkle second 1/2 of crumbs on top of jam layer, patting down gently when finished.
8. Bake at 375F for 18-23 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Take out and let cool
10. Slice once cool. Can be stored, covered, at room temperature



I should be cleaning or what ever but no...while I wait for Zuma Blitz to give me some more hearts/turns..I decided to post this.

Enjoy!

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Bruce Of The Day ~ Happy Friday ~

Happy Friday everyone.


It's been a rather strange day, even for a Friday.


On the bright side, it seems that the gods are favoring us and we may be able to fully finance the new heat/AC..and again more will follow because I am at the point that I will jinx it, I swear I will.

The ICEHOUSE may open early..like tonight the way things are going..but the hair got fried, dyed and laid aside at lunch all is not completely heinous in Pol's world.

Have a great weekend.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Happy 66'th Birthday Mr. Harrison

I hope where ever you are that you are at peace and having a wonderful birthday.

Namaste

Fangurl Aunty Pol

It's That Time Again !

Disclaimer:

The above is of course a Vargas print. I have always admired the blog layout that Calamity Anne has on hers, and recognizing the Vargas...I found one for lil ol me.

You may all sleep safely knowing that I am not , I repeat NOT going to be changing the art or format in mine here in any sort of Vargas inspired mode. I may and often do use the term "voluptuous" in reference to my ass, but believe me..no one else would or should. I am a happily middle aged woman and know better.

Onward.

Yessiree Bob..It Be Rodeo time here in H Town.

Everyone is all twitterpated that we can wear jeans tomorrow because we are all ready for the " You may wear suitable, professional jeans on Fridays beginning the Friday of Memorial day weekend and ending on the Friday of Labor Day weekend." policy. Personally I think we should get to wear jeans every Friday but as usual I didn't get a vote . People as I have posted here before who never ever wear western attire are going to be doing it tomorrow . And yes there is also the portion of that group who will in fact take it too far , having never met a bedazzler they didn't like or couldn't operate.

Fact: Unless you are a professional entertainer along the lines of Tom Mix, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans or Trigger for that matter....do not delude yourself that you actually look attractive in that shiny concoction of all things that can be bought at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. The simple truth is that you are merely entertaining me as I desperately zip over to TLC's website in the vain hope that I can get your shiny self nominated for " What Not To Wear."

While I had to pause in writing this...a co-worker left for the chili cook off...and donchaknow..she was working that bedazzled shit ..my eyes...my eyes....she evidently is part of one of the competing cook off teams and will be serving..LMAO...okay sweeties...it's been a less that rainbow bright day so I 'll share my thoughts as she was leaving...

Chili served from 6 pm on ,....hot flashes imminent.

Yes...I will burn in hell.

Now the funny part this year is that if you don't live here , you may not be aware of the entertainment lineup for 2011. It's the usual mixed bag of genre's that is sure to draw a crowd and after all...all snide remarks aside, the scholarship and teaching opportunities at HLSR ( Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo) are truly amazing and a genuine benefit to kids who need and deserve the help.

Then there is the added bonus that there are some men who just look damn good in wranglers.

And then finally....

Wait for it..

Wait...

Wait.....

KISS IS GONNA PLAY AT THE RODEO.

If I didn't dislike (read have an almost pathological fear of ) crowds....you bet your ass I would have paid money to see the mix of Kiss Army and Red Necks.

Yee F'g Haw !

At least tomorrow is Friday...

Have a good one..or 2 or 3..

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Sarah Palin Has Secret ‘Lou Sarah’ Facebook Account To Praise Other Sarah Palin Facebook Account#more-438825

Sarah Palin Has Secret ‘Lou Sarah’ Facebook Account To Praise Other Sarah Palin Facebook Account#more-438825

I have friends who like and or admire Sarah Palin.

Pick yourselves up off the floor please and check for any injuries, medical assistance had been called and is on the way.

I do not begrudge them their choices, I try my very best to not roll my eyes in their presence and I try to not snicker.

I abide in their presence because if they are indeed my friends , I love them already and we are all allowed our differences. More often than not it enhances the relationship and gives us plenty to bicker over.

If they are mere aquaintances, depending on how far they take it and how far they piss me off , I will decide how much damage I will inflict on them.

And for the rest..it affirms their enlightened minds.

NOT !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

The parlance of our times - St. Petersburg Times

More Lebowski love.

The parlance of our times - St. Petersburg Times

Ciao Dude !

Aunty Pol

Well , That Certainly Explains It !

Some days are so bad you just gotta laugh your ass off.

Enjoy !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

For My GM

See...Boshi does pay attention to maps...now we are where again?

Hugs,

The Delicate Flower with the Inkvine Whip.

Baked Shells With Pesto , Mozzarella and Meat Sauce

Baked Shells With Pesto, Mozzzarella and Meat Sauce

Prep Time: 15 - 20 minutes Minutes

Bake Time: 15 Minutes

Total Time : 35 Minutes

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef

2 cups chopped canned tomatoes, drained ( from a 28 ounce can)

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup store bought or homemade pesto

3/4 pound medium pasta shells

1 1/2 cup mozzaralla cheese , grated

1/4 cup parmasen

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray with cooking spray a large baking dish ( aprox 13 x 9 )

In a large pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat , add the onion and cook stirring occasionally until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up until the meat is no longer pink . Drain off any excess fat.

Add the tomatoes and the salt to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates , about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the pesto.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water cook the shells until just done or about 10 minutes. Drain the shells and toss with the sauce . Put half the pasta into the prepared dish and top with half the mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake until bubbling about 15 minutes.

It has been a very frustrating day and tomorrow does not look to be any better here at the office with shortages in my coverage ( forget getting the inch of root retouched or a haircut anytime soon Pol ) crying babies, secretaries who respond to an e mail informing them of a clients arrival an hour after I send it to her and the fact that same said client is already with the attorney ( this is you giggles by the way )..rodeo time...a run to petsmart after I leave here...no lunch, swollen feet ( thanks Mom for that genetic legacy) ..so what do I do ...post a recipe.

Aunty Pol needs a beverage and Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Happy Monday - Sorta

We are one of the few offices open today and you can tell , the complex gets noticeably quieter on days like this . Traffic was light which was nice since we had some pretty dense fog..lets just say that it was dense enough that the 3 or 4 scheduled cruise lines couldn't leave as promised so there are a lot of very unhappy campers not to mention one bride who is ..upset. Um...people and lovely Bride Person....you cannot control the weather so..get a grip...it should also be noted that I refrained from calling you a Bridezilla dear bonus points for Moi .

SU is at home because his jobby gave them the day off which is nice . He is home getting estimates for the new central air/heat nightmare that is in fact my life right now....it's nice that he can take off instead of me because frankly..the questions and ins and outs of this sort of thing are way the hell above my pay grade. Then there is also the fact that he can in fact participate in this sort of thing a bit more than he has in the past and I have let my thoughts on this be known to him.

In all fairness and his defense he did plant the 2 roses that I wanted din the ground and the damnest thing..he actually found a purple geranium of all things.

PURPLE !

I have witnesses.

It's been a bit warmer and all of the catalogs are in the mail now..damn you Jackson and Perkins amongst others...and I get crazed. SO I planted some more geraniums and some basil, and cleared out some of the pots...oh my aching back already..sigh.

So what did you all do this weekend.?

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Bruce Of The Day ~ Happy Friday ~

TGIF kids..really...T Friggan GIF .

On the one hand , I feel mo bedder..yippee for me..on the other hand this bug is making it's way through my office and I am sure that this may turn it's way around SU's if it hasn't already.

The mood here at my office is still that of a colicky 2 year old with dirty draws (diapers) for you Yankees.

Enough !

The weather is the usual false spring that makes us all nuts , myself included. It's not rodeo time yet so there is still the promise of either very cold weather or freezing rain or any combo platter of the above. I've seen it for 29 years. Between Mardi Gras and Rodeo which run pretty close to each other , it gets one last run at the nasty ass weather. And of course all of the seed/garden center catalogs and mailers are out....

Don't make me look at the state of the garden just yet...if I have to I will just cry. Some things like the ornamental peppers, plumbago's and biscuits ( hibiscus ) will come back,..the roses are iffy tho. Some of the roses have been performing far below my expectation for a few years so with the two that SU gave me for valentines day...well...there is a lot to be pulled out before Mr. Trejo weeds all the bed...I want the replacement plants in before the mulch for once.

And I need more/new geraniums..and petunias...and stuff....I need to be in the garden....and we have to clean house this weekend because SU is booked up next weekend and I am not doing it alone dammit and dear.....the bathrooms will be cleaned before you go to the Ice House...NOT after as in " I'll get to them when I get back."

No.

You see dearest husband, not that you are taking up League golf again...as it is Sunday afternoons y0u are at the Ice House as it is...well...that is fine as long as I get the help that I need in the yard or the house. The yard is only a biotch for the first few weekends of spring....and YOU WILL CLEAN OUT THE GARAGE AND ATTEND TO THE INSULATION ISSUE IN THE ATTIC.

Forgive me y'all....but if I have this convo with the SU there is a more than even money chance that he will try to wiggle out of it by claiming that we never had the conversation or that I didn't say any of it.....and yet he reads this blog.

There ya go sweetie....it's in writing.

Have a great weekend.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

OMG OMG OMG OMG ~ PAUSE ~ BREATHE ~ OMG OMG

The above mixed was created by Kitchen Aid for Miss Ree incorporating the cover art from her new book.

See these ?

See the white one ?

That's the one that we have and use ALOT !

Now..which one do you think made me start drooling and foaming at the mouth and muttering..." My Precious...must possess."

You would be correct, you clever things.

OMG !

Sweet Baby Jesus..Have you EVER seen such a beautiful thing in your life ?

When he reads this, SU will shake his head because it is more than my usual taste..I knows I detest Shabby Chic.." Um..it's shabby...lets leave it at that ." ....Aunt Sandy and " Simply Homemade " .,.sorry CE but she makes me nuts...the whole do the decor to match the napkins to the dishes to the doilies to..ERK...( hush husband I can hear you ) ...but this ...this...

I have to lay my head down now because I can the following conversation at the Casa.

Me: " Oh honey..lookey !"

SU : "" At what ?"

Me ( Screeching) " WTF do you mean , at what ? That !"

SU " ????????

Me : " The Mixer, isn't it the most beautiful thing you have ever seen in your life ?"

SU : " Honey..it's a mixer."

Me: " I know ( Eyes glazed , goofy grin...)...Um..honey......

SU : " NO ! We are NOT Re-doing the kitchen to match a f ' ng mixer !'

Me: " But honey....."

Edit : ( Note to self..when did we start channeling I Love Lucy ? )

And dammit..I didn't win...but there are 2 more to be won fairly soon.

Stop it Sistah..I can hear you laughing because you know that the above conversation is EXACTLY the one that would have occurred if I had won..

WAH !

My Precious !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

A Belated Happy Birthday .

Dear Mom,

Yesterday would have been your 82'nd birthday . Southside Johnny and I were talking about it on Sunday and we came to the only conclusion we could....

" HOLY SHIT WE ARE ALL OLD !"

We love you mom...

Still being a bad influence...

Me.

Well That Was Fun ~ NOT !

Youth is truly wasted on the young.

When we are young, ( and I mean over the age of 5 or so) , if we get a bug or two , we run a high fever, get over it and figure out how to milk it for even more tv time.

Teenagers are bullet proof until it is a case of Mono and then they are divided into 2 camps..The girls are all "OMG..Don't tell ANYBODY" , because unless things have REALLY changed since the Jurassic era when I was in school...Mono meant one of three things, none of them good...On a scale of one to ten....(5).you were easy ...7 ...you dated a lot of jocks or ( 10)...you dated all intramural teams from your district, the bus drivers, the custodial staff if enough Boones Farm was provided and your local Military Induction Officers and or ROTC. Teenage males generally simplified their reaction ...." DUDE !" , because as we all know the male of the species are problem solvers , refusing to waste any useless verbage that will reduce the bragging and telling time devoted to the epic tale of this vision quest for their manhood.

When you are an adult, all bets are off my friends.

AND....


No....I didn't have mono.


Yes , I have been a few days not posting which has become both very odd and guilt inducing to me...OCD much..I digress...

I managed to get one of those 48 hour bugs that knocks the crap out of you literally..You know how I have referred to my colon as self cleaning in previous posts...well my dears...It's a full NASCAR circuit in Aunt Pol..or has been for the last 48 hours....all port tubes in useage.

Of course the weather was wonderful and promises to be this week, that false spring that we get before the Rodeo where less astute gardeners will gather at any of dozens of local nursery's and so on to buy , buy , buy , anything and everything that has been brought in or is not totally destroyed , as far as appearances can tell by the recent hard frost.

Not me.


It's a balmy 72 degrees, and I wore a robe over jammies, had the water bed still up a notch and extra blankets on the bed..and still I was cold..finally broke the fever and so onward...



I hate being sick when I am 55+, simply because it kicks my ass soooooo hard.


I was even grateful to a co-worker that I normally detest ( JAR JAR Binks to be precise ) for telling me what day today is.


Jeebus H. shoot me now.


More posts to follow.


Have a great week.


Ciao,

Aunty Pol

How Can I Resist ?

I love clams..fried...casino...I'm just a clam kinda gal.

I found this on PW of course...

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/main-courses/linguine-with-clams-casino/?print=1

One of the fun bits about finding a new recipe on PW is that there are often blog links from the lady or gentleman who submitted the recipe and of course the result is the ever growing pile oh linkys that I follow..what can I say ?

Enjoy !

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Help

One of the hardest things to do in life is to ask for help.

We all feel like it reduces us somehow, it shows weakness or a flaw within us .

Nothing could be further from the truth.

More often than not, we tend to go to those who we feel will help us out.

After all...think about it... you don't go to someone or some place that will shoot you down, do you ?

The hard part is accepting that in asking for help, you have given the askee a chance to do something good, something positive in their life.

That is a gift and it is a huge one.

Some cultures or religions call this Karma.

Others like myself call it being a decent person .

Southside Johnny called me tonight.

He had just started a new job recently and with the cold weather , he unfortunately had come down with some sort of flu .

He worked a day sick, and then took the next day off.

Common sense says send the sick person home before they infect the whole office .

When he returned to work, they decided he was not a "good fit" and they let him go.

It should be noted that this is a commission job.

He is gifted at his line of work and they really, really lost what could be considered an asset for their company, even though he told me tonight on the phone that he googled this company...and they were " shaky at best."

I could tell that this was a hard call for him to make tonight .

I truly believe that if the positions were reversed, and he had the ability , he would be there for us and would help us.

If something happened to my husband, Gaia forbid, he would be the first one I'd call and he would be there for me.

We are family.

I love you Southside.

Ciao,

Your Older sister.

Update On Franky's Fund

Donations may be made to the Franky Fund of the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) where Mittens and her kittens are being cared for. The URL is http://www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org/donating/franky_fund.php. The shelter accepts PayPal.

Yes...I am sstill doing a shameless shakedown.

I just made a small donation so yes..I am putting my money where my mouth is...but really..that's just me..it's easy peasy at the site and they take paypal.

Please, even if you can't donate funds....when you have an extra dollar or two...give to your local shelter or SPCA..drop a buck in the jar at Petsmart or Petco...give your furr babies an extra treat or playtime or a hug...it ALL makes a difference.


Have a good weekend.


Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Please Read This

I have tweeted Lisa aka Space Paws to get information to help with medical care..

YES..ANOTHER SHAMELESS SHAKEDOWN.

Yes, there are things that can be done..we CAN speak for them .

Even if you can't donate right now, please, please do what you can to stop this kind of cruelty. Donate food or blankets to your local shelter...donate to the SPCA....ACT if you see animal abuse.

http://hubblespacepaws.blogspot.com/2011/02/animal-cruelty-you-can-make-difference.html

Blessed be and thank you for reading this. I know it is hard for us to read, can you even begin to imagine how hard it is for the victim without a voice ?

Ciao,

AP/Jane the mommy to 6 fur babies

Mystery Solved !

Enjoy !

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Bruce Of The Day ~ Happy Friday ~

I never thought I'd find a 70's Geek picture of our hero ...but I did.

Yes, posting has been rather light this week , because while we are not as bad as folks up in Oklahoma ( Hi Miss Ree) with their 2...count 'em.....2 record snow falls, it's been colder than a witches tit in a brass bra...and I for one am tired of feeling like a Popsicle .

Basta !

As soon as we get home it's the same old routine now with sweats and 2 children ( you know who you are Miss Gracie Marie and Andy) who are constantly at the back patio door whining and crying and yodeling and hollering to be let out...only to be let back in 3 seconds later...my children are idiots with control issues it seems.

And then there is the location of gainful employment..sigh.

Yes, it has been a very hard week since they laid off 2 co-workers and yes...there is the rumor that there will be at least 2 or 3 more..but it is just that ...a rumor...until it is executed. Much in the same way that a threat is no longer a threat once executed...rumors have no power once they become actions..

And let me say again...if and when they do decide in fact to reduce the work force in hopes to balance the numbers more evenly for the business model ( like THAT ever helps)...once it gets to the actual doing of it all...it's a done deal..it has been decided....there is no room for negotiation, pleading and begging and so forth do nothing-- except make a bad situation worse, debasing the victim and giving the messenger a larger sense of self importance and grandeur.

Like they need more.

So lets carry on.

It is truly depressing to work in this sort of atmosphere and while I know it will pass, as it always has. it is a PAIN IN THE ASS SO KNOCK IT OFF ~ QUIT IT !

I have moved the nail appt so SU can go spend the day it conflicted with his father and then head off to a high school reunion this month..." Do I want to go?"

KILL ME NOW !

Anyhoo...I'm thinking of doing the slow cooker chicken with honey and the Yukon golds so let you know.

The only other quirky question is :

" How the HELL did AW/PG get over 700 k in Zuma blitz ?

Dayum sister..you are good !

Have a great weekend, stay safe and warm.

Ciao.

Aunty Pol

Dear Dark Gray Avalon

Dear Ass Hat Idiot Blind Stupid Driver Person,

How the fuck did you not see us as you made that turn at 7:30 am on a clear , bright sunny morning ?

The white car double parked on the corner was CLEARLY visable as you decreed that you had the divine and imperial right do come closer to hitting OUR car than anyone before in recorded history...how you didn't in fact hit us ought to be on YouTube because bitch..I have news for you ..I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF THE CAR AND BEATEN HOLY JEEBUS OUT OF YOU if you had hit the car.

WE WERE ALREADY IN OUR LANE...AND HAD BEEN THERE AS YOU TRIED THAT STUNT !

How dare you decide that you have the right to drive like that !

You picked the wrong middle aged woman in 3 inch heels to fuck with.

You ought to have a public safety discloseure bumper sticker on that car :

WARNING : FUCKING SELF IMPORTANT MORON BEHIND THE WHEEL.

Aunty Pol

Rosemary Honey Chicken Slow Cooker Style

SU may be right that I am becoming obsessed with my slow cooker and dutch oven. This will probably change once the weather gets warmer due to that lil boo boo with the house...sigh.

Anyhoo, it seems that the Rosemary in the clay pot on the patio isn't ruined....yet....so I think I'd better get off my voluptious ass and use the Rosemary.

Next up in the crock pot will be this recipe , what can I say. I love honey on chicken..hey...don't judge...have you ever tried honey on Church's fried chicken...be daring...go for it. And..both Jere Lee and SU prefer dark meat on chicken because it really does have more flavor and chicken thigh are cheap !

Rosemary Honey Chicken With Yukon Gold Potatoes.

Serves :6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Start to finish : 8 hours, 20 minutes ( may vary due to slow cooker setting for cooking temp) .

Ingredients:

12 skinless bone-in chicken thighs ( about 5 lbs)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound baby yukon gold potatoes

2 medium onions cut into thin wedges

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon coarsely chopped rosemary plus sprigs for garnish

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. Add the chicken and cook turning until brown on all sides about 8 minutes.

2. Place the potatoes , onion and garlic in the slow cooker and top with the chicken.

3. Stir together the honey, lemon juice, cornstarch, rosemary salt and pepper in a small bowl . Pour over the chicken . Cover and cook chicken 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.

Serve garnished with rosemary if desired.

This weekend, I think I will see if we are all actually going to be there for dinner before I start the slow cooker...nuff said.

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol

We get it.

We really do.

Yes, it is all about numbers and the business model.

But..

Do you wonder that we are heart broken ?

And for the record, I still have a job.

For which I am feeling a bit guilty as are many others.

And you wonder that I was sick to my stomach this weekend ?


Ciao,

Aunty Pol

Aunty Pol's MVP

Why of course its " Lil Red".

Yessirree, Aunty Pols MVP ( Most Valuable Puppy) is Lil Red.

Sorry folks, but I am one of those who actually watched Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl every year, featuring the " All Kitten Half Time Show "..naturally.


They are just sooo damn adorable, it makes me insane and after last week, I need all of the sweetness I can get my hands on.

Have a great week.


Aunty Pol

This Can End Any Moment Now ~ I Won't Mind In The Least !

Yes, that is a photo from last year.

It actually snowed here in H Town and there is a more than 60% chance that we will get snow on Friday and worse yet...it may accumulate.

I know what some of you may be thinking ...what's the big deal Aunty Pol ?


Darlins...you do know , or have figured out by my many clever hints and clues that I live in Houston, right ?

We are basically a tropical climate.


USDA zone 9.


We don't get snow dagnabbit.

I am freezing my voluptuous ass off here people.

Munchkin decided that snuggling with her Momma wasn't enough so she decides to lie across my throat.

No dear...not having it.


Center Point/Reliant/Who Ever You Get Your Power From is having rolling blackouts so that the power grid does not implode and the outage is only for at the most an hour.

SUFFER !


We expect this when we have days with a heat index of 107....why not the reverse ?


It is 10:15 am cst and my favorite part of the day:


Ring Ring : : Good Morning....Insert Firm Name here....

Attorney : Oh Pol...We're open ?

Me: Yes Indeedy.

Attorney: So ...What's the statue quo..with the power outages and so on ?

Me: We have power here at ____, and it seems for most of downtown.

Attorney : Oh.....LONG Pause..okay.



Dear Genius with a pay grade higher than mine..Um...If we don't have power here at the office...how is it that the phones are working ?


Sheesh.


I need my sweaty clothes and a kitty or 6 naow.


Stay Safe.

Ciao,

Aunty Popsicle Pol