What's for dinner

Trout!

That is because we are on a strict eating plan as we are both fat, fat the sewer rats. I know this because today I finally found an interview outfit. And I had to go to the official fat lady store. It was hell, although I must say the store was not quite as bad as I expected. Half the clothing was definitely trashy  but there were some decent things. And I bought a belly squisher so I don't look like Honey Boo Boo's cousin. Yes, I am vain. And I am in the smallest size in the fat lady store. The weird thing all the sales people were larger sized ladies. I wonder how they do that as that would be against the law to not hire thin people but then I remembered most people in retail get a discount. Thin people cannot really take advantage of that perk.

I tell ya if you need a kick in the butt to change your physical form, get undressed in the fat lady store. Oh yeah, it was not pretty.

And we had to drive all the way out to Partridge Creek mall, which is an outdoor mall. WTF, it is fine in nice weather but this time of year not so much. And dogs are welcome so every few feet is some idjit telling some other cretins what kind of dog this is-right in the middle of the walkway. Come on, move it to the side people.

Sammy dog is mad at Big Daddy. The snow removal people came and cleaned up again last night so when we put Sammy out this morning he had no poop spot. He was quite comical though, on his second trip out he went right to the spot-looked at Big Daddy over his shoulder-and pooped on the sidewalk. Yep, we gotta get this fixed with Mr. Snow Guy, leave the poop spot alone.

Those were the days my friends

Christmas decorations not on sale.

Well we painted some areas with the test paint and I think it is fine. I had them match the trim paint to the paper flower and then go 3 shades lighter for the ceiling and walls.  There is some prep work left to finish and then we can begin painting. Big Daddy had to get some new light bulbs so I could see the paint and ceiling with a critical eye. First he went to Ace Hardware and was told that he was a cretin and moron from hell for wanting a light bulb over 40 watts, and he was not green to boot. So he went to Ex Way Electric and learned that the manufacture of 100 watt are no longer allowed. WTF. Well they still had some so we can now see to paint and don't have to worry about mercury from broken light bulbs. When the day comes that I have to pay more for a light bulb than a pair of underpanties, well I am gonna be one cranky bitch. Hell, I remember when the bulbs were free, you took the burned out bulbs back to Detroit Edison (they had little stores) and they gave you new ones for free. Then you went next door and got a case of Faygo pop, any assortment you wanted. Those were the days.

Then we found out that China has perfected the Great Fire Wall and most VPNs are no longer operative. The is one that can currently be used, it is the same type as most corporate VPNs and they are terribly expensive. Also some personal VPNs (isn't that an odd phrase) can be used at times. I am so glad we are gone from there, the also banned the New York Times and I can't go without my crossword. It sounds like they are also going to ban Amazon and iTunes, almost as if suddenly they are afraid of the outside world. Big Daddy dropped his VPN and will deal with whatever when he has to go back.

Well, tomorrow is hairdo day and I think we are back on track and can go back to every 4 weeks as it seems like I am living at the hairdresser lately.

17 degrees F this morning and another inch of snow today. Will have to wear my fur tomorrow so I don't freeze. Wow, sounds like Big Daddy got the snow blower working, that thing has sat in the garage for over 3 years. Yowza. And man does it smell horrible.

Let it Snow

Well you can tell we haven't seen snow in a while, we are the only ones excited. While we wait for the snow removal guy Big Daddy forgot to make a poop and pee area and Sammy Dog is not amused.

Sammy Dog went to the vet yesterday for his meet and greet and to find out if his cough is a problem, he has been coughing more in the colder weather. He seems to be okay and we know what to look for if things change. And he got to have fun at the vet's office, an older couple came in with their pup and just our luck it was a dead ringer for the black dog across the street. The hated black dog. The sight of the black dog sends Sammy into a state of enragement*, so of course exactly the same thing happened at the vet's causing the black dog doppelganger to cower and pee on the floor. This of course upset the old people (the guy was using a walker) as I am certain they made sure that their dog was peed prior to the visit.

Speaking of dogs, once again Grosse Pointers have proven themselves to be the cheapest people on the planet. There were 2 Golden Retrievers out for a walk and their owner had wrapped them in bath towels held on with Bungee cords. WTF.

*I invented a new word.

It's a Merry Christmas

This is the spot on our afternoon walk where we discovered both of our phones were on the fritz. Don't know what was wrong with Big Daddy's Blackberry but mine was still recovering from BD playing with it the day before. He discovered an app on my phone that will talk you to your destination. As it was in my purse and muffled it took me awhile to figure out where the noise was coming from.

Sammy dog was ecstatic as there were others dogs out walking and he barked his head off all the way. The only time he barks like that is when he is outside, it is so funny. And he is a big wuss with very few teeth so I don't understand why he keeps painting the devil on the sidewalk.

Our feast was wonderful-stuffed mushrooms, meatballs, brie encased in dough, cheese and olives and vegetables. Oh and my homemade Parmesan crackers, they did not turn out so well. We never got to A Christmas Carol so that is for today. And the strata was a disappointment ,it was okay but the middle was too gooey, need a new recipe because the concept is great.

Well today is the long awaited ham and fancy sweet potatoes. It snowed again, just enough to look like snow on the ground.

So Merry Christmas to all and peace be with you.

Christmas Eve and we are still eating

Last night's duck was a wonder of flavors, first was a layer of white bean cassoulet topped by seared and roasted duck breast finished with sausage and escarole. Delish. Oh yea, there were croutons made with the duck fat. Oh yea, there is not much better than duck fat for cooking up some flavor.

Today we got the wrapping paper and ribbons and had our traditional Christmas Eve lunch, this year at The Hill. It was wonderful, they make their own potato chips and serve them with blue cheese dressing.  Big Daddy and I split the premier burger made with a special grind and he also had crab bisque. He did comment on the way to park the car that we had not purchased a Christmas decoration from the League shop-another old tradition, I told him we will hit the after Christmas sale.

I made him change his shirt before going out so I could surprise him with his bohemian garnet cuff links and he loved them.

Well we are home and "A Christmas Carol" is ready to roll on the VCR and just a few treats left to make for a party snack dinner. First a walk and then the final kitchen work. I will let you know tomorrow how it all turns out.

All food all the time

Big Daddy is hunting for Brioche for the strata recipe, this is not easy to find. Thank goodness he got the ham yesterday, he forgot to order one and he said it was almost hand to hand combat to get the few remaining hams. Our salmon was okay last night, just okay. Tonight is duck breast of some sort.

Punkin Head called and his bread was not pretty, but for a first time cooking in the clay container it sounded not bad. They are going to be late leaving for Vermont-working today and still have to pack- and I will worry, worry, worry. They have a room in Buffalo reserved and I will not rest until I hear all is well. At least they breaking the trip up and not driving through the night.

I am working on my New Year's Resolutions, I never did them before so I am trying something new.

And tomorrow I must buy wrapping paper and gifts bags. So til tomorrow . . .

Well what to my wondering ears should appear

But a recruiter on the phone the Friday before Christmas week, actually late in the afternoon of the last working day before Christmas break. This reminds me of Kramer vs Kramer except they are calling me. This has to be a desperate recruiter or I am perfect for this job. He loved my resume and the hiring dude is in til noon tomorrow, on a holiday weekend. And the recruiter dude is in most of next week. We will see. And these people are actually in the pay range I would like.

Punkin Head also got an interview this week. Maybe it is Santa giving early gifts.

Quite a few of our public schools were closed Thursday and Friday as the Mayan bullshit caused some threats to safety. I cannot comment on this other than to say this is probably the same group of people that damaged the buses last year and are now behind the Mayan violence.

We have perked up a bit here, there was a modest snowfall-just enough to say there is snow-and I am enjoying watching Sammy decide if he likes it or not. Big Daddy got into the spirit and we made plans for holiday food. He is off to get a Dearborn ham and I am waiting for him to call and say there are no hams. Today we are having salmon, Sunday is duck, Monday is hor d'oeuvres and Christmas day will be the ham. Oh and strata for breakfast.

When BD was going through his old menu folders he found the cheese straw recipe and the last menu from Antoine's we had autographed. We collect menu's from restaurants we love and have them signed by the staff. My favorite is from Chef Morimoto in Philly.

Well I must get organized for the holiday but I will report back on our food and merry-making.