WHAT?

Tomorrow is March 1st? That is BANANAS. Where did February go?

Crazy Almonds

My Sweet Hubby (MSH) sometimes watches Grey's Anatomy with me. It's not really by his choice. Mostly it happens when I refuse to watch one more second of his "Man" shows. I refuse to wait until he's gone to bed (This time varies. It's anywhere between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m. CST.) to watch my DVRed shows. Like Grey's. So he gets stuck in a situation where he's not quite ready to hit the hay but I've taken over the TV.

Since this happens about every sixth or seventh Grey's episode, he starts with his silly questions. Like he's never seen this show. In however many years it's been on. Is it ten? And like he doesn't secretly like it.

Who is that? What kind of doctor is she? Who does he go with? Don't you think this is a little unrealistic?

I'm forced to try to be polite and answer as honestly, but as fast, as I can. So as not to have to PAUSE too long.

This is the conversaton that happened last Friday evening. When I finally got a chance to confiscate the remote from his paws, settle into my corner of the couch, and get my hankie ready. Because I always cry. Every single show. It's what I do.

MSH: What's the name of this show? (Seriously? He was just trying to annoy me so I'd decide to wait to watch it later. Didn't work.)

ELC: Grey's Anatomy.

MSH: What? (It's hard to hear answers to your questions when you've failed to remember to remove the headphones you have on. Headphones that are turned up all the way to the loudest setting.)

ELC: Grey's Anatomy.

MSH: Crazy Almond?

I looked over at his precious little face and sweetly said:

Yes. Yes, that's what I said, My Sweet Hubby. Crazy Almond.

Then I gently suggested he move along: Why don't you go watch the television in our bedroom? That way you don't have to watch this Crazy Almond show.

Sigh.

Here's hoping you have hours and hours of uninterrupted viewing of YOUR favourite shows this week!

smooches and hugs!

Oscar

The Grouch. That’s what I know about. Rather than the Oscar associated with The Academy Awards.

I saw not one of the movies nominated last night. For anything. I repeat—not one. (TLC? Even less than one! She hasn't had time to think about watching a movie on TV. Much less see one in an actual theatre. Something about falling asleep if she sits down for more than five minutes.) I’m pretty sure I've always seen at least one or two of the movies nominated for Best Picture. Since I was about 10 years old. Zero for 2012. Sigh.

Oddly, I found that I enjoyed the ceremony for what it always is: Fashion. Celebrities (crazy though some of them seriously are). Jokes. Music. Surprises. Etc.

And I did miss about thirty minutes of if—apparently. During the third hour (which, by the way, is an hour TOO LONG—sheesh), I must have dozed for a bit. I missed the “In Memoriam” and Barbra Striesand. Not sure what else. I only realized this as I listened, for a few minutes this morning, to the GMA Peeps discussing that part of the ceremonies. Silly me, too, because I had DVRed it. I could have played it back to see what that was all about. Alas, I deleted it as soon as the show was over. For me that was midnight—CST. Because, of course, I didn’t know how long I’d been “out.” (How does that happen, you might ask? Well, if you’re pausing the show a lot, you lose track of the time. Yes, I was aware that I’d drifted off…just didn’t know until midnight how long I’d been visiting Dreamland!)

I thought Seth did a pretty good job. Some of his jokes were offensive. They were meant to be, of course. Some had me laughing out loud. I was entranced when Charlize and Channing were dancing. WOWZER. Who knew she was that fabulous? And Channing? DOUBLE WOWZER. That’s all. Just TRIPLE WOWZER.

Having now seen (most of) the winners, I’m not sure there are a lot of those movies I’ll try to watch. Can’t do Zero Dark Thirty or Argo. I know that without a doubt. Too violent. Especially when I know they're based on the truth (or the basic truth of history). Life of Pi? Hmmm. I’m still not quite sure what that one's about. If that tiger dies? Nope. Can’t do that one either.

I think I’m pretty much left with Silver Linings Playbook. And Lincoln. (Yes. Lincoln could be violent. However, the history can supercede my fears and I can watch it once. No more. Just once.) Daniel Day Lewis? Here you go—another WOWZER. He is an amazing actor. Person. Sooo charming and…well…sweet. Could he have been any more incredible in Last of the Mohicans? Nope. (How could I watch that violent movie, you might ask? I don’t know. I truly don’t know. But I have seen it at least four times. Never fails to tear me up. My only explanation: Daniel makes it all worthwhile.)

Here’s hoping each of you has a Marvelous Monday, Wherever in the World you are!!!

9 Yummies

TGIF!

I wanted to share with y'all 9 of my current favourite things. In the words of Nicki Minaj: I'm OBSESSED.

Here we go (and in no particular order):

1. Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo
As a new Mom, showers have become a luxury. Because of this, my hair may not always be as "fresh" as I would prefer. Enter the Aveeno Dry Shampoo. It quickly revives my locks and smells delightful, too!

2. L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara
This was a recent impulse purchase by ELC as she was browsing Target. (And a magnificent one it was!) It thickens without clumping.

3. Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste
I'll admit: I originally purchased this toothpaste because of the name. Yes, I fell victim to their "glamorous" marketing strategy. But this toothpaste is actually and truly yummy. It whitens and brightens and the flavor gives your breath quite a zing!

4.  Drew Barrymore's Flower Lipstick in "Get to the Poinsettia"
I love Drew Barrymore. I think she is a DOLL. I was super excited to try her new makeup line, Flower. I'm always in search of the perfect red lipstick, and I think I may have finally found my shade. (Flower can be purchased at your local Walmart -- aka: Hellmart.)

5. bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil
One of my sisters-in-law gifted this to me for my birthday. I love it. It's a great finishing touch to my makeup routine. It helps give my complexion an almost airbrushed quality. (And I can use all the help I can get.)

6. Sonic CZ with Lime
Move over Coke Zero with Vanilla -- there's a new girl in town. Love.

7. Dove Sea Salt Caramel Dark Chocolates
Oh, my. One word: DIVINE. Okay, four more words: KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF.

8. Mediterranean Chicken Sandwiches from Potbelly
Do y'all remember how truly obsessed I was with Potbelly sandwiches when I was pregnant with Little Leighton? Rest assured, that obsession has only grown stronger with their newest creation. This sammich has FETA. And HUMMUS. It's incredible.

9. Frye "Carson" Patent Leather Flats
I splurged and used Christmas money and a gift card to Nordstrom to purchase these. I haven't regretted it once. They are fabulous. Comfy. Chic. And the bright blue hue has me dreaming of Spring. This just might be my most favourite shoe purchase to date.

Do y'all have any fun new Yummies you would like to share?

Warning! Wake Up! It's WEDNESDAY!

What? When did this happen?

Don’t WHINE. Don’t WASTE the day being WISHY-WASHY. WELCOME the chance to WALK! Whistle.WORK. Write. WALTZ. Weave. Be WHIMSICAL. Be WILD (in an appropriate and healthy way). Make a WISH.

Don’t be WRONG. Or WORRY. Or WITCHY. Or WENCHY. Or WEAK.

Do eat some WALNUTS (very good for you). And WATERMELON. And WAFFLES (but they may make you WADDLE!). Eat something with WHEAT. Have some WHISKEY (not too early, too much or too often, however). Have some WINE (Red=A WINNER!).

Visit: Washington (D.C. or the State). Wisconsin. WALES. Wellington (that’s in New Zealand—yes, we admit we didn’t know this). WYOMING. The Waldorf-Astoria (in New York City—it’s very WONDERFUL!).

Be: WORTHY. WITTY. Willowy (well, if you can—we clearly can’t.) Well-balanced. WELL-BEHAVED. Well-connected. WELL-INFORMED. Well-mannered (because nice matters).

WINK! Whisper! WHIRL! Wangle.

Take some Wedgwood china to a WEDDING or Whoop-de-do this WEEKEND.

Stay away from: Werewolves. WEASELS (the animal AND peeps!). Worms (the bugs AND peeps!). Wasps (they make ELC WHIMPER!). WEEVILS. Whippersnappers.

Enjoy the sounds of a WHIPPORWILL or WREN. Study WHALES. Or the Weather. Learn to paint with WATERCOLOURS.

Share your WISDOM with the WORLD. Or Whomever (Whoever?).

WELL, Whether or not you WANT THIS, we’re WEARY and must WHOA.

WORD.

p.s.—Are y’all impressed we didn’t use: Weigh; WHATEVER; Whatnot; Willpower;  or Wrinkles???

Baileys Salted Caramel Chocolate Pie

I was browsing Pinterest last week when I came across this delightful recipe from She Wears Many Hats for a Baileys Salted Caramel Chocolate Pie. It had me at Baileys. And chocolate. If you'll remember, I confessed to having quite the affinity for that scrumptious Irish cream. This would pair brilliantly with my morning cup o' Joe. (Who says you can't {responsibly} have boozy pie for breakfast?)

While this would have been extra lovely for Valentine's Day, in my book, every single day that ends in "y" is the perfect day for pie. I am planning to whip this up sometime soon.

Baileys Salted Caramel Chocolate Pie

Makes 8-10 servings.

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 fluid ounces (4 tablespoons) Baileys® with a hint of Caramel*
• 1 chocolate cookie pie crust
• Coarse salt for sprinkling
• Optional for garnishing: shaved chocolate, caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate chips according to package directions.
2. Let cool slightly.
3. Whip cream and sugar.
4. When soft peaks begin to form, gradually add Baileys with a hint of Caramel.
5. Gently mix in the melted chocolate.
6. Spread mixture into pie crust and sprinkle top with coarse salt.
7. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
8. *Substitute other Baileys flavors to create different versions.
9. This recipe contains no more than 0.6 fl. oz. of alcohol per serving.

And, of course, no post would be complete without a picture of My Funny Valentine (all decked out in her leopard print yoga pants and festive "Walmart special" onesie).

Happiest Monday, Friends!

Grammy Recap

I ended up watching the majority of The Grammys! With My Sweet Hubby (MSH). And TLC available by cell and text.

(Picture both me and MSH with headphones on. He’s quite deaf in both ears. But can wear hearing aides that do help. I went totally deaf in my left ear 4 ½ years ago. They could never tell me why. They eliminated a tumor and stroke. Finally chalked it up to a “virus.” I have no nerves. Therefore, no “aide” will help me. Fortunately and THANK YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD, my right ear is still pretty decent. Especially with headphones! However, it’s distracting and time-consuming for each of us to have to take our headphones off to converse. Which we do about twenty times an hour. Sheesh.)

I’ve wanted to give y’all my perspective. Alas, MSH and I sat, pretty much, with our mouths open. Yes. Yes, we are old. And quite “out of it.” Of course we knew the Country folks. A few of the other singers/groups. Okay. Maybe “a few” is a bit of a stretch.

The clothes/outfits/fashion? Hmmm. Innerstin. To say the least. I think some of the peeps didn’t get that memo telling them to be more modest/less revealing. When I heard about that I just had to laugh. Seemed to me it would be like telling a kid not to put beans in her or his ears.

While Justin Timberlake was performing, this conversation occurred:

MSH: Is Justin Timberlake bigger than that Justin Beaver?

ELC: It’s Justin Beiber.

MSH: Are you sure?

At that point, I said “Yes” and put my headphones back on. I know him. He didn’t even really care.

A few minutes later, I texted TLC this question:

ELC: Are there two Jack Whites?

Silence for a moment…

TLC: Are you thinking of Jack Black?

Yes. Yes, I guess I was.

The most perplexing category for us Geezers was the Urban Contemporary Album. I suspect, when your home is in the country in North Central Texas, you aren’t ever going to know anyone in that group.

Now I’m sure y’all will be anxiously awaiting my “Oscar” thoughts.

Not.

ta-ta for now and have a Wonderful Weekend Wherever in the World you are!

The Grammy (ELC) Awards

Since The (Actual/Real) Grammy Awards are about to be on this evening (7:00 p.m.? CST? Not completely sure.), and since I probably won’t be able to keep my eyes open past 8:00 p.m. CST, and since I haven’t done a post recently, I’ve decided I will do my First Annual “Grammy” (ELC) Awards. Why the heck not?

They will be so random, y’all will have no clue as to why I’ve chosen my categories. Just go with me, okay? (Also, some categories will have a “Runner Up”—or two. Or five. Because…)

Finally, there will be fourteen (14) categories. (At this time, as I type, I can actually only think of about five…so I don’t know why I even asked TLC how many I should do. She came up with 14. Because of Valentine’s Day. Sure. Why the heck not?)

Here we go:

BEST CANDY: Peanut M&Ms. Runner Up: Heath Bar. Runner Runner Up: Snickers.

BEST COOKIE: Chick-Fil-A Chocolate Chip. There are no Runners Up. These are BIG. Soft. Chewy. WARM. YUMMALICIOUS. (I confess: I had to look up how to spell Chick-Fil-A. I usually spell it this way: Chick Filet. It drives TLC completely bonkers. I’m not a totally ignorant person. But I am old-ish. Clearly, over the years, I’ve not thought it was critical that I remember how to spell this particular fast-food chain. Only where to find them!)

BEST SOFT DRINK/SODA: Diet Mountain Dew. DUH. Runner Up: Coke Zero.

BEST CEREAL: Post Shredded Wheat and Bran. Yes. This is simply a personal preference. I like to put two (2) Splenda packets on about a cup and a half of cereal. Top it with about a cup of 1% milk. Then have it with a Diet Mountain Dew. Fabulous.

BEST MINI SERIES: Downton Abbey. Runner Up: The Thorn Birds. Runner Runner Up: Shogun. (Shogun should have a little dash-thingy over the “o”—but I have no clue how to do that.)

BEST TELEVISION SERIES: (Still and ALWAYS.) Grey’s Anatomy. Runner Up: Scandal. Runner Runner Up: SMASH. Runner Runner Runner Up: Glee.

BEST COUNTRY WESTERN SINGER (Female): Carrie Underwood.

BEST COUNTRY WESTERN SINGER (Male): Garth Brooks.

(I would be here all night if I tried to do Runners Up for these two categories. I ADORE Country Western Music. Have for forty years. My favourites are too many to list. But these two peeps top them all—for moi.)

BEST FAST FOOD JOINT: Sonic Drive-Ins.

BEST CHAIN RESTAURANT (could be a Texas thing—not sure): Saltgrass Steakhouse.

BEST COMEDY (improvisational and otherwise) SHOW in Texas (possibly the World): Four Day Weekend; Downtown Ft. Worth.

BEST MALL IN TEXAS: The Galleria. In Dallas. Runner Up: Northpark. Dallas.

BEST DOG ON EARTH: Teddy Buddy Boo Bear. Runner Up: Y’all’s Dog(s).

BEST MORNING TV NEWS SHOW: Daybreak; WFAA (ABC), Channel 8, Dallas. TLC, Little Leighton and I all TREASURE Izzy, Ron, Alexa and Greg. They completely CRACK US UP. Every morning. Five mornings a week. They ROCK.

There you go. The First (and probably Last) Annual GRAMMY ELC Awards…for what they are worth.

Gotta scoot…gotta go get my seat on the couch and try to stay awake for as long as possible…

smooches!

YUM

Though we're still on a McD's Grilled Onion Cheddar Burger kick, ELC and I have another lunchtime favourite we just had to share. (Obviously food wasn't a part of our New Year's Resolutions, though these can be considered healthy-ish.)

These WeightWatchers Chicken Sliders are DELISH. (Especially if you add a smidge of Hellman's Olive Oil Mayo and a pickle slice.) Our suggestion? Get thee to your nearest frozen food aisle and purchase. Stat.