Every year it is a tradition with my side of the family to put up our fake Christmas tree. No, it doesn't have the smell or the character (aka uniqueness) of a real Christmas tree, but we always made it work. No one could decorate a tree and make it stand out like my mom. People sometimes came over thinking it was real...
I have never been a fan of asparagus. No matter how good it is for you or how fresh you find it, I've never liked it.All of this, however, is in the past.Not only have I been converted, but I managed to convert my husband as well.Now, it did take longer to convince him that my cooking skills were skilled enough to cover...
It is a strange thing to return home after a brief vacation. Even if the time was short, holidays always make things seem as though they were an eternity. I always miss our animals when we're away and cannot bring them with us. It seems that they also start to miss us more and more, especially if we go on consecutive trips. In...
I have been sitting in front of the screen of my parents' Mac for about an hour trying to figure out just how to start my final paper for Early American Literature. Thus far I have managed to check my blog once, my facebook twice, and down half a cup of very strong coffee and two pieces of delicious organic-bread toast.Research papers are...
Yesterday the family Christmas tree went up. It was a long expedition. My parents put up a fake tree, and this year discovered that the tree they've had for nearly 15 years is too large for their military housing. So, after venturing into the madness that is Black Friday, we had to venture out again to buy a new, fake Christmas tree.We went...
Mom in the kitchen cooking Thanksgiving Linner/Dunch.Dad and Nimbus hanging out. Clark was on the other couch watching football as well.Nimbus checking out the set table.The finished table with all the yummy, yummy food!Nimbus preparing to pre-wash the dishes we used.My mom and dad.Clark and me.The family playing football.Shadow recovering from a long day.Watching "The Muppet's Christmas Carol."My little sister,Molly, passed out after...
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As always, the food takes over everyone and tends to leave them feeling nostalgic for at least a day or two. That isn't an option today, however, because I have been rounded up into the madness that is Black Friday.We're getting a late start. It's 6:44 am... and we're getting a late start. There are some...
There is nothing like visiting family for the holidays. Not only does it fulfill the need for traditions and love, it's full of the same family tiffs, teasing, and so much more.Now, don't misunderstand me. I love my family to pieces. I don't know what I would do if they moved across the ocean again... except look forward to visiting them. It's just...
While the pumpkin pie did not turn out as planned, nor, in the end, did the asparagus-- the mini-Thanksgiving was still a success. It goes to show that friends, food, and fun will out weight just about any kitchen disaster.First, I learned that pumpkin pie should not be filled to the rim-- especially if it's missing part of the pre-made crust.Second, I learned...
This evening Clark and I have been invited to our friend's, Jessica and Zach's, apartment for a mini-Thanksgiving. While I am thoroughly excited, and even more over joyed because I was let out of class early, I am starting to get discouraged.The initial plan had been to make a pumpkin pie. Then, when I woke up this morning and realized I hadn't bought...
Ever since I was younger, I've been a lover of lists. It's true. Ask any of my childhood friends or members of my family and you will find that I've been a list lover since the beginning. I'm not sure where it originated. Perhaps I was influenced by my mother, who is also a list lover. I cannot be sure. When it comes...
Although Thanksgiving is now only three days away, and only yesterday I was writing "Thanksgiving on the Brain," I have to admit that Christmas is creeping its way in. After Halloween, it's always hard for me to not listen to Christmas music or imagine just where I'm going to put our tree. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year because of...
It's finally here! Thanksgiving is only four days away. Everyone is rushing to the grocery store to find that perfect Turkey, ingredients (or a box) for stuffing, sparking cider (or maybe wine), pumpkin pie, and so much more. The only problem? Everywhere is pretty much sold out of everything at this point. That's never good, is it?I am so thrilled that this year...
Laundry is one of my biggest vices. I'll spend the entire week doing a load here, or a load there, and then discover another heaping pile of laundry... only, it's clean. Yes, it's true. I'm dreadful when it comes to folding things. It ends up getting to a point where I feel as though I should re-wash everything, only I know that would...
Pictures taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway of North Carolina, except the photo of the mailboxes which was taken near my house. ...
These muffins are my favorite thing to make when the leaves begin to change and apple picking with the family is finally an option. Easy, relatively quick, and positively delicious, these muffins hit the spot on a crisp autumn morning.Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.Supplies Needed:Muffins:1 stick of butter, margarine, or butter-like substance (aka 1/2 cup)1/2 C Sugar1 tsp. baking soda1/3 C Buttermilk1/3...
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