April 30, 2009

April 30th, 2009

The other day I received an email from Silk, I signed up for updates from them.  I love soy milk, and boy was I pleasantly surprised to find this recipe for pudding!  I’d say I would make it this weekend, but I will be away most of the weekend on the surprise Mark has planned. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Silky Chocolate Pudding
Serves 6

Ingredients
-¼ cup cornstarch
-½ cup sugar
-1/8 tsp salt
-3 cups Silk chocolate soymilk
-6oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
-1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method
1.    Combine the cornstarch, sugar, and salt in the top of a double boiler.  Slowly whisk in the soymilk, scraping the bottom and sides with a heatproof spatula to incorporate the dry ingredients.  Place over gently simmering water and stir occasionally, scraping the bottom and sides.  Use a whisk as necessary should lumps begin to form.  After 15 to 20 minutes, when the mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of the spoon, add the chocolate.  Continue stirring for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until the pudding is smooth and thickened.  Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.


2.    Strain through fine-mesh strainer into a serving bowl or into a large measuring cup with a spout and pour into individual serving dishes.


3.    If you like pudding skin, pull plastic wrap over the top of the serving dish(es) before refrigerating.  If you dislike pudding skin, place plastic wrap on top of the pudding and smooth it gently against the surface before refrigerating.  Refrigerate for a least 30 minutes up to 3 days.

April 29, 2009

April 29th, 2009

I am so excited for Saturday. I will be going to Westminster, MD to the Carrol County Farm Museum, and checking out the Civil War Living History weekend. The main reason for going is to support my best friend who will be there selling pie! She will be dressed up in period clothing, at her pie stand, Lucy Pie.

I mean, doesn't this Sweet Potato Pie look yummy? It's just one of the pies that will be available.

Eventually my best friend plans on starting her own bakery, calling it Lucy Pie, and making yummy treats! She says she has found her calling, I sure hope it works for her.

April 28, 2009

April 28th, 2009

Shut the front door!!! They have cameras you can put on your pet's collar!

Seriously! I wonder what would show up if I bought one for Peanut?

http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Milton-1538-Pets-Camera/dp/B0017T7Q00

April 27, 2009

April 27th, 2009

I'm feeling a little stressed today. Mark has planned a surprise for me this weekend, and I have to take off work Sunday, but no one is responding to my calls or emails. On top of that apparently my news reports aren't relevant enough for one of our stations. Really? I'm sorry your area has nothing really going on and your biggest news story one week was about some Buffalo getting loose! I use all the sources available to me and frankly most days there is nothing to "report."

Here's a good stress reliever from Steve Madden...

I could really use a new pair of flats ... or heels! But I also want to get a great pair of running shoes and attempt to get into jogging or something, providing my knee is OK with it.

April 26, 2009

April 26th, 2009

My mom (top right of picture) is one to never say no to free furniture, especially furniture that is free in good condition. Well, this past Sat mom went to pick up a couch and chair from her friend's son's house.... wow that was a mouthful! We really didn't need the furniture, but she got it with one thing in mind. After she got the couch and chair in the house, she said to me, "Marie, when you get your own place again, you can have this couch and chair so that you have some furniture."

SCORE!!!! Ha ha. When I didn't live at home, I shared an apartment with my friend Mary and her daughter, Trinity. I provided the dining room furniture, some kitchen stuff, lamps for the living room, and art work. After I moved out of Mary's I was hunting for a place of my own, but could not afford it. During that time I completed my kitchen stuff with plates, bowls, and pots and pans, purchased some living room stuff from Ikea, and bought new bedroom furniture. The living room stuff, an end table and coffee table are still in the boxes and now reside in my closet waiting for the adventure of of being used. I often tell Mark that there are plates and pots and pans patiently waiting to be use... brand new, still in the original packaging. He laughs and then says "I hear ya!"

Now some people may mock Ikea furniture, but some of it is really awesome and durable. You just have to assemble it. Fine by me, I love assembling furniture! It makes me feel accomplished. It can be very rewarding to know you put that wonderful piece of furniture together.

Here is Peanut, checking out the couch while it was still in the back of the truck.

April 25, 2009

April 25th, 2009

Friday was really no diifferent that any other Friday for me. I woke up and once I got situated away, I took Peanut to the dog park for a bit. When we got there, there were a bunch of large dogs and owners I did not recognize, so I chose to take Peanut into the small area. We played ball for a bit but Peanut was growing restless, so we got back in teh car. I went to Crunchies, our local organic pet food store, and picked up some chewies for Peanut. Then off we went to another park.

This park is called Allen Pond Park, it’s a man made pond and park. Peanut had to remain on leash but that was ok. We walked the entire pond, and saw many geese.

In this last one here, the geese seem to really like this pier!

After the park and what not, we went back home, ate some lunch and lounged for a bit. It wasn’t long before I had to head out to Mark’s softball game.

They played pretty good, but they lost both games. The season is just starting so they have plenty of time to improve.

Above you see Mark waiting to run home…

Here he is playing his position of First base…


Last but not lease here his is, waiting to bat.

I really don’t know much about softball, or any sport. But I was glad I was able to go and watch him play. Hopefully next week they do better and win a game, which will really boost their spirits.

April 24, 2009

April 24th, 2009

We have had quite the set of storms pass through recently. I know April Showers Bring May Flowers, but some of these storms look quite ominous!

I mean seriously…I was wondering if I should have hung out in the bathroom, that’s how ominous it looked out.

Surprisingly though Peanut did quite well with the storm. He is not much of a fan of thunder or fireworks. Who can blame him really, it is quite loud. I was happy he was not shaking during the storms. He just stuck close to me, and stood under things, like the kitchen table. He also very eagerly sat in my lap when I sat on the floor with him.

Last but not least, the building is nothing more than a pile of dirt! I’m amazed at how quickly the building came down. It wasn’t that big. Now what will go up in it’s place?

Tonight Mark has a soft ball game, which I can’t wait to go to. Last week they had their first game, which I missed because Lucia and I were seeing New Found Glory at Sonar in Baltimore. I hope they win, but most of all I hope they just have fun. Guys can be crazy testosterone creatures while playing spots… they get a bit over zealous. Full review tomorrow!

April 23, 2009

April 23rd, 2009

I have a friend who is in the Cayman Islands right now, and now my mind is on sunny beaches with blue water and a delicious Caribbean treat called Conch Fritters. Oh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I decided to look for a recipe for Conch Fritters, now I know it will be near impossible to find Conch here in Maryland, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try the recipe with something else.

11conchYou may recognize the shell, which is referred to as a Conch Shell, but the snail-like creature inside is the Conch itself. Here is the recipe I found:

Conch Fritters

This is a traditional Bahamian recipe that is made with conch, this wonderful shellfish that is delicious but so hard to find out from the Bahamas. These fritters are great as an appetizer, finger food or as a very tasty hors d'oeuvre to accompany your favorite tropical drink!

INGREDIENTS

Fritters:
1 quart oil for frying
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
ground cayenne pepper to taste
seasoned salt to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chopped conch meat
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped

Dipping Sauce:
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
In a bowl, mix the flour, egg, and milk. Season with cayenne pepper, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mix in the conch meat, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
Drop the batter by rounded tablespoons into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

In a bowl, mix the ketchup, lime juice, mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Serve dipping sauce on the side with the fritters.

FOOTNOTES

Conch can be replaced with any seafood.

This sounds like something I am definitely going to try this summer…. maybe even before then!

April 22, 2009

April 22nd, 2009

Blogging made easy!

Last week I got a series of updates for my laptop with an optional addition of Windows Live, which includes Live Writer. I can compose my blog posts on my laptop and then publish them. It’s pretty cool, and I can’t wait to try out some of the really neat features, like adding a map for something.

I have a couple pics for today’s post…

I bought Peanut a new toy, and he tried to hide it with his blanket. I thought it looked really funny.

Just add the caption, “Help Me!!”

Also, here is the deconstructed building… getting smaller by the day!


P.S. Happy Earth Day everyone!!!

April 21, 2009

April 21st, 2009

Last week Mark got an Iphone…

iphone_home

It’s really cool. After he showed me some of the really cool features, he asked me if I wanted one. Oh sooooo tempting. As we discussed this, I was hesitant to make a decision just yet. Which is completely fine, because I want to see us move in together first. That’s the plan for Aug/September. The plan is for us to get a place together, and then we will discuss combining bills like cell phones and car insurance. That would be the logical thing to do…. and that’s what I am sticking to!

April 20, 2009

April 20th, 2009

I snapped this too cute picture the other day of Peanut.  I bought him a new toy and he had brought it to the bed with him, along with his blanket which has lots of holes.  As I took the picture he decided to stick his tongue out, you can see it in the photo. 

SSPX0741

Too funny!!

April 19, 2009

April 19th, 2009

One morning on my way into work I noticed a building was missing it's sides.

Later that same week it was missing a little more.

I wonder what else will be missing the next time I see it?

April 18, 2009

April 18th, 2009

Last night New Found Glory rocked the house as usual.  So much fun! 

My Friday started off like every Friday, I slept in a little.  I ran my errands for the day, and made sure Peanut had his walk.  Then I was off to my best friend’s house.  We decided we were going to meet up early and talk and hang out for a bit, eat dinner and then head to the show. 

When we got to the venue the other bad was still playing and we had to wait them out.  Once they were over there was a brief lull between bands, and then New Found Glory hit the stage. 

 DSCF2084 DSCF2087 DSCF2089 DSCF2090     DSCF2096Lucia and I sang along with all the songs and danced our butts off, so much fun.  I wish we weren’t in the back of the room, I could have gotten better pictures!

April 17, 2009

April 17th, 2009

Today is gonna be a great day!! I am going to see my best friend, and we are going to see one of our favorite bands.

New Found Glory!

Full report and pics tomorrow, until then enjoy this video.



Oh and today is also my younger brother's birthday!! Happy Birthday Ernie!!!! He's 24.

April 16, 2009

April 16th, 2009

Often when I go anywhere I feel terrible that I have left Peanut behind. His little fuzzy butt misses the heck outta me and vice versa, except my butt isn't fuzzy. Well I came across this really cool site, BringFido.com.

It's a pet friend travel website. It knows which hotels in where ever it is you are going that are in fact Pet Friendly! I'm definitely going to book a trip one day, and totally take Peanut.

He will probably think it's the best trip ever, and I would probably think so too.


April 15, 2009

April 15th, 2009

It's been raining the past couple days, and it's been so dreary. I know, April Showers bring May flowers, but rain is no fun.

But once I heard this song, the beat made me want to dance and perked me right up. Enjoy!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

April 14, 2009

April 14th, 2009

Mark told me about this documentary that is coming out about food....



Wow, it's going to shake a lot of people up!

April 13, 2009

April 13th, 2009

I saw this bird the other day when I got home. I love the color of his feathers.

April 12, 2009

April 12th, 2009

The other day I went with Mark to one of his Pool projects. I mean the pool is huge, and it's a renovation. He had to pull off the plastic and look at the shell of the pool to make sure everything was ok, which it was.

Actually the property is a renovation. As you can see the house is being worked on, well that is if you can see through the over grown bushes. It was an old plantation house that was damaged in a hurricane, and a couple bought the property and house and renovating the entire house and pool that was put in. They kind of had to, it needed it.

Oh the property also sits next to the water, which is really awesome.

P.S. Happy Easter Everyone!!!!

April 11, 2009

April 11th, 2009



Peanut and I went to the Dog Park the other day and we met two other Schnauzers!

April 10, 2009

April 10th, 2009

Well, looks like I had a great idea recently. I decided to turn my Steve Madden shoe box that came with those ever so lovely fuschia soles, into a bank! It's my part in trying to recycle. I'm no artist, but I drew a couple bows, and a shoe on the lid.

April 9, 2009

April 9th, 2009

Cherry blossom tree in bloom on my street

April 8, 2009

April 8th, 2009


My neighbor's magnolia tree in bloom!

April 7, 2009

April 7th, 2009

This is currently set as my desktop wallpaper on my laptop. I took this when my Tulips bloomed.

April 5, 2009

April 5th, 2009

So I was able to get my car repaired this weekend. My uncle was kind enough to help me and get back up and running. What was the problem you ask, well I had a wheel bearing go on my front passenger side wheel. Fun times. Not really, it was really noisy and the possibility of long term damage to the right wheel did not sit well with me. So I got the official diagnosis Friday when I got my oil changed. The car place wanted way more than what I had in pocket and I called my uncle. I had to purchase the part, which wasn't too bad.

I called the Chevy dealer first to find out how much the part would be if I purchased through them, $130. I laughed and hung up the phone. I then called the local car parts store, and their price was $55. That was more like it! I'm pretty sure I could find the part online cheaper, but I am a do-er not a waiter.

So Saturday I drove to my uncle's and pulled the car into the back driveway. We got to work getting all the tools together and what not. As the morning progressed and we got the old wheel bearing off, my uncle noticed something odd. He asked if my wheel bearing had been replaced before, and I said no way because I know every repair on this car, because when I drove it off the lot it had 14 miles on it in 2004. The car now has more like 68000 miles on it. Not bad, still fairly low mileage in my mind. So what was so odd? Well, there is this seal that is supposed to go on behind the bearing and bearing hub to prevent dirt and water getting into the bearing, and it wasn't on the car. It was never put on during the assembly of the car in the factory! Now I have a few choice words for GM, but I feel my friend Mary put it best when she said, "Sometimes when I think about my 04 Monte Carlo and get to missing it, I think about my friends who have GM cars and think thank goodness I don't have those issues anymore. I love my Hyundai, but seriously, maybe GM should stop asking for stimulus funds and get back to making a car that is reliable. If they had made reliable cars in the first place, they wouldn't need stimulus money!"

Good point Mary, and I totally agree. I can tell you right now, I may believe in buying American, but after this car, my next one will be something foreign, because I don't trust what we are producing car wise.

Ok, enough about my car adventures, here is a picture I took this weekend. It's some lovely spring violets at the base of a tree.

April 4, 2009

April 4th, 2009



I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging recently. I have been consumed with a new car problem which will hopefully be resolved this weekend. In the meantime, feel free to watch this video of Peanut and a squirrel in the back yard. I always find it amusing when he tries to get the squirrels.

P.S. He is tethered in the yard because we still need to get a fence replaced.

April 1, 2009

April 1st, 2009

Forget about that pesky April Fools Worm (http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/31/april.fools.computer.virus/), and get away!

Tulum, Mexico 2007 - View from the cliffs

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