Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Hey, I think I'm onto something!

I think I have just made an amazing discovery! How to have more time. Today, Jim went to the temple for the 5:30 am session. So he woke me up at 4:30 (yes, in the morning even though you can't tell it's morning because it's dark). I was wide awake and stayed up. It was absolutely amazing how much you can get done at that time of day! I cleaned the house - huge accomplishment, did 2 loads of laundry, trimmed the roses, answered all my email, shopped a little, qvc, of course,blogged on both blogs and even got all my Real Estate files up to date. Wow!! I am so impressed with myself. It is now 8:30 and I think I'll take a nap.

P.S. Be sure to read my post on Sisters Standing Strong, I posted a poem you will like to read, very touching and thought provoking.

Another Maxine

Sometimes I think Maxine should run for president. She was right on with this one!
Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida ...

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.
+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
+ Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
+ Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ? Yes?

Monday, June 15, 2009

Where has the time gone?

I just realized how long it has been since I blogged. It seems like just yesterday. I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Not that I have ever cut off a chicken head. I will post more later on since I really do have some stuff to share. Mostly I have been: 1. Getting the house ready for the wedding. It's starting to look good (pics will be coming) 2. Had a fantastic visit with Dani and Sammy (more about that later) 3. Had a fantastic visit with Lauri and family (more about that later) 4. Taught a great RS lesson (will share later) 5. Selling tons of houses (at least I am working on it) 6. Lots of Relief Society President stuff that I won't share (people like their privacy). 7. Trips to Dr. ( I am going to wait on surgery, it was too scary). 8. Trying to figure out my new phone, don't laugh it has taken 2 days just to get the basics.

Today I am showing property and working on the yard. Maybe I might get to clean house. That would be a very good thing! It is scary. More to come

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Crazy Week

Wow! It is finally Sunday, 6:30 am if you can believe it and I have been up for an hour. Just couldn't sleep, too much to think about. I can hear soft baby cries in the other room. Dani and Sammy are visiting. It has been so much fun. He is the sweetest baby ever. He almost never cries, just smiles and coos. So cute. They are visiting for a few more days, it will be sad to see them go home, I am really glad they came.

I am crazy busy at work. I had 5 offers on properties this week and 2 new listings. I am so busy I can't catch my breath. But I am so grateful for the work. After the slow down I feel like I have to catch up. I am also working with a variety of people: the cute young couple, he is a marine and she is as cute as can be, a single guy Mike works with, just a great guy, always pleasant and easy to work with, an older couple with a handicapped daughter, an LDS couple looking for a good buy (can't find one yet), another couple who will only buy in one area and only if the price is ridiculously low, then 2 crazy guys, both with great houses but very particular and very demanding. I actually care about all of them and hope I soon find just the right house. I also took 3 new listings this week. Looks like it is going to be a good summer.

I am feeling a little better, if I am careful I should be able to put off the surgery with no problem.

Time to get ready for church. More later

Saturday, May 9, 2009

My brief update

Outside my window the sun is shinning and the birds are singing, the hummingbirds are buzzing around the feeders, fighting over the best spot. The roses are blooming and the smell is spilling through the open window.
I am thinking about getting ready for Cassia's wedding. There is alot of things to be done, both in the house and in the yard. I wish I hadn't procrastinated on some of these little things, one by one they are easy, but together they are a project.
I am thankful for the joy of being a mother. With Mother's Day tomorrow, my thoughts keep going to how much having children blessed my life. I can honestly say I love every minute of being a mother. Too bad they had to grow up. But even that is good.
From my kitchen not much is going on today, but yesterday Jim made a fantastic cobbler from a new recipe, it used self rising flour and he used fresh berries. Yummy.
I am wearing my favorite shorts and T-shirt. I will change later to show property, but I love it when I can just veg out.
I am creating a new baby blanket. I finished Zoey's and it will be in the mail soon. I also finished a cute blue one with a hood. I am doing an alphabet one this time in blue.
I went to the doctor this week for more tests. Upper GI, barium drinking, horrible. They want me to do surgery. I keep cancelling the appointment with the surgeon, I am going to try to put it off until September.
I am reading "The Infinite Atonement". It is a slow read, with lots of wonderful thoughts. I am enjoying it and will probably re-read it and underline the key points when I do. It has made me very grateful for the atonement of Christ which I am just beginning to fully understand.
I am hoping that my business will continue to pick up. I have been busy and that is a good thing. I am actually amazed at how much work I have right now.
I am hearing nothing. So quiet. I am alone. It is wonderful, no TV, no radio, just quiet.
Around the house it is delightful. Alma and Inez were here this week so everything sparkles. I love it when they come, wish it was more often.
One of my favorite things is watching TV. I am loving Idol, loving,loving,loving 24 and also The Amazing Race and yes, The Next Top Model and of course Survivor. I know summer reruns are just around the corner, but I am loving it right now.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Since today is Saturday, it is going to be next week. I am concentrating on the Living Room, including painting and a new light fixture and also the front yard touch up. I am also redesigning my car signs and making some changes in my marketing.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing: Imagine Dad sleeping with his new sleep mask on, looks kind of like a snorkel, goes over his mouth and nose, has a long hose and hooks up to a machine. I don't know whether to put on a nightie or a swimsuit.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Ground Zero for Swine Flu

Time Out



I just returned from a Relief Society Retreat. It was just women, no kids. We went to the Israelsen's cabin in Mt. Laguna. I wasn't expecting too much, knew it would be nice, but expected a cabin in the mountains. Well this is what we saw as we drove up. A fairy tale cottage in the woods. It is also about 4,000 square feet. I had a comfy bed to sleep in (although we didn't get to it until after 2:00). The rooms were enormous and they had dining seating for about 20. They also had tons of beds as well as couches so everyone was very comfortable. It is completly self-sufficient, solar, well, etc. I was amazed at what they had done in the middle of 144 acres. Beautiful!

We also had a great time, eating, playing games, talking, laughing and walking around. It has been a very long time since I have seen stars like that. It was just gorgeous. I think it was a great experience for everyone who went. We really had a lot of fun. Marilee even came over from Arizonia to be there. It added to the fun. I loved taking time out to do something different. I need to do it more often.





Thursday, April 16, 2009

Where's Ginger

When I was a child one of my favorite things to do in the spring was to hide in the vacant lot across from our house. In the spring the lot filled with mustard and I thought if I laid down in it no one could see me or know where I was. I would lay on my back and watch the clouds roll by, trying to figure out what they looked like, I always found something in a cloud; a book, a person, a tree, something. The wisteria was blooming from the house next door and I could smell it. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

Jim and I were driving to Rancho Santa Fe to go to the farmstand and what should appear but a field full of mustard. The temptation was just too much. I made Dad stop so I could disappear for awhile. This mustard was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was 6ft. tall, and really thick. I don't remember all the stickers when I was little. but it was still fantastic. So........


Where's Ginger?



Here I am!


Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Easter


I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. It is one of my all time favorite holidays. This year we had a two day celebration. On Friday Shelli and her kids spent the night so she wouldn't have to make the trip twice. The crazy kids wanted to swim on Friday in the freezing cold swimming pool. I couldn't believe they them, but they did it. Johnette and Ana went to Mike and Suzann's for a sleep over. (see their blog) Then on Saturday we had Mike and Suzann join us for our dinner and egg hunt. It was wonderful to spend the day together. As you can see the cousins had a wonderful time together. One of my favorite times was when we were almost ready to go outside to hunt for eggs, we sang Easter songs together. I loved the faces of the children as they relived the past traditions and wanted to make sure nothing changed.

Sunday was a great day for me. It was quiet; which gave me time for reflection. I have been reading the book, The Infinite Atonement. It had already directed my thoughts to the Atonement and what that really means. Not only did the Savior take upon himself our sins, but also all our pains and heartbreaks, illness and disappointments. It was wonderful to listen to the beautiful music and take time to worship and express my gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of this and how important it is in my life. Since the book is slow reading with lots of contemplation, I am finding these feelings are staying with me for a long time. Maybe the result will be an improvement in the kind of a person I am. I hope so.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Happy Easter



ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE
I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey



Thursday, April 9, 2009

The Grocery Game

I have found a great website. It is called the grocery game. I found it from a spot on TV where they were talking about how to save money in these difficult days. It also fits in with my concern that all of you build your food storage up. That includes water. I am certain food is going to skyrocket in price after we have to start paying for all the government give-aways that are going on.

You can find it by going on the Internet or just click on this link:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ I have been using it for awhile. It is a list of items that are on sale at the store of your choice. It also includes a list of the current coupons to take with you. And where to find the coupons.

I have found that it takes a few weeks of saving coupons to get caught up, but the savings are really good. If you follow her plan, it is even better. She recommends that you stock up on items when they are at their lowest price and then only purchase things on sale.

It is working so well I am going to have to buy a freezer to take advantage of the frozen items. Put me down as the person who referred you if you decide to try it. It is only $1.00 to try. Let me know how you do.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Yummy!

I have a new recipe on the sidebar. It is for Classic French Chicken in White Grape Sauce. It is sooooooo good!!!!! Try it, you will love it.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Fridays with Jim and Ginger


This Friday we took a short trip to Carlsbad to see the flower fields. The Ranuculas were in full bloom. It was just gorgeous. We got out and walked around a little. We didn't go up into the fields because they now charge $10 apiece and I thought that was crazy. So I saved the $20 and bought 3 bouquets for $12. Quite a savings and I get to enjoy them for a week.

It was a gorgeous day and you could see the ocean sparkling in the background when you went to the top of the fields. It really makes you feel like Spring is here.




Friday, April 3, 2009

Do you twitter?

I was wondering if any of you twitter? I have wondered if that is something that would be good for my business or if it is just a waste of time. I have had a hard time getting into facebook, as a matter of fact, I don't do it at all. Any comments?

Monday, March 30, 2009

Making Progress

It has been a miserable few weeks, but I think I am about to the end of it all. All of my tests are in and it looks like I have a giant hiatal hernia. One third of my stomach is in my chest. No wonder I've been hurting. Don't know what the treatment is going to be. I think it's just good to know what it is. The cat scan also showed diverticulitis. So I guess that is going to mean a diet change. I might go to a acupuncturist when I am done with the specialists and see what the ancient Chinese would do. I have 3 weeks until my next DR. appt, so I might try some things on my own. I think once they decided it wasn't cancer the Dr. relaxed and gave me nothing new.

Business is really picking up. I am feeling a little stressed, so much to get done. Most of it's behind the scenes, but really important to do. I am just glad I have work. Our Real Estate market seems to be picking up. I hope it holds for awhile.

If you want to see what's going on in Relief Society check out the blog, societystuff.blogspot.com; we have so many good things going on. Also be sure to try the sauce recipes on it. They are fabulous, especially the salmon and chicken ones. If you haven't tried the chicken salad receipe Lauri posted, give it a try, it's great.

I am really looking forward to Conference weekend. I am going to veg out the entire time.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

You might like this.

I thought I would share the beginning of my talk at Enrichment. I think the talk was OK. It was short and sweet. Since we hadn't eaten yet, no one wanted it to last too long. It was really a great night. I have the most amazing enrichment committee. I never have to worry about a thing. They just step up and do it all, and they do it wonderfully well. We had a DVD of the different sisters talking about Relief Society. Our theme was Relief Society and Me. (Does anyone know how to put a DVD on your computer? I want to put it on the RS blog, but have to first put it on my hard drive. Help!). After the program we had a delicious dinner. Laura was in charge of the dinner and hopefully she will put her pasta recipe on her blog. It is a good one to do at home.

Today is my Dr. appointment, can't eat all day. I'm hungry already. So sad.

Here is the beginning of my talk.

M. Russell Ballard "A Woman's Lifeline."
Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Duckling. ("Mom, I can't go to school looking like this!")
Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but decides she's going out anyway.
Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but decides she doesn't have time to fix it so she's going out anyway.
Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but says, "At least I am clean," and goes out anyway.
Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am what I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.
Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.
Age 70: She looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter, and ability. Goes out and enjoys life.
Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

I'm Working!

At last! I am finally seeing some action at work! I have alot of things going on ( said with a happy circular hand motion)! I have 2 escrows, and will be listing 3 houses this week. One of the houses has been on the market for 3 months with another Realtor, so I hope it sells. I think if I get them to come down on the price it should sell. It hasn't been like this for a very long time. I am really scrambling to get everything done. And to add to the fun, I have 2 short sales that need immediate attention first thing in the morning. Not to worry, I will get it all done.

Tuesday is our RS Birthday enrichment and I am the concluding speaker. I really need to get my act together for that. I am drawing a blank on this one. I would like to say something meaningful that will add to the meeting, I hate boring. But at this stage of the game I just don't know what to do. I am hoping I will be hit with a lightening bolt and get an idea.

I went to a cooking class last week on sauces, taught by Deborah Haynie. It was so good. I have tried both her salmon and chicken recipes at home and loved it. It was so easy to do, but had a real gourmet taste to it. She also showed us how to do Alfredo sauce and that will be next on my list. I will post the recipes when I get a chance. We have great enrichment activities in our ward. You are really glad you are there.

Other than church and work it is pretty quiet here. I think that is a good thing. I am still having tests done for my tummy. They are going to stick a scope down my gut on Thursday, hope they see something. It is probably just that I need to quit the Diet Coke. I know it is coming, but I am not looking forward to it. I really like my sodas! The Dr. would also like me to lose some weight, I will as soon as I am tired of making Alfredo sauce and salmon and chicken smothered in sauce. It shouldn't be too long.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

How to make pie crust

I realized I might have fallen down on the teaching of pie making so I have a tutorial for you. My pies are always the very best and the all time favorite is lemon meringue. I have a step by step slideshow to show you how to make the crust. You can then go to the sidebar for the best recipe ever for lemon meringue. It takes a little bit of time, but it is worth it. You can always freeze the crusts unbaked, thaw bake and add chocolate pudding for a quick easy desert. I hope you give it a try.

Home Cooking Recipes

Here are all the recipes on the sidebar.

Classic French Chicken in White Grape Sauce
2 TBS butter
3 or 4 bone in chicken breasts
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1/2 rib celery, finely chopped
2 oz prosciutto or country ham finely chopped
3/4 cup white grape juice
3/4 cup low salt chicken stock
3 TBSP heavy cream (at room temperature)
Chopped fresh parsley

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it in the skillet on the skin side to brown it and render the fat from the skin about 15 min. Turn chicken over and cook on the bone side for about 5 min. Remove and save the chicken. Pour off all but 2 TBSP of the fat from the pan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, prosciutto or ham and saute until the onion is browned and the vegetables are softened, 8-10 min. Add the juice and chicken stock to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables. Put the chicken back into the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the chicken in the sauce until cooked through 20 to 25 min. Remove the chicken from the pan, turn the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the volume of liquid by half, about 5 min. (6-7 min. for a thicker sauce). Add the cream, stir to combin and remove the pan from the heat. Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Great served with mashed potatoes.


Lemon Meringue Pie
Pie Crust
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening
6 TBSP. water (the colder, the better)

Your crust will be more flaky if all ingredients are coldMix flour and salt together and cut in shortening with pastry cutter. Add water, one tablespoon at a time. Stir with a fork after each spoonful of water, just enought to move flour around, until mixture will hold together. Divide dough into 2 balls. Roll out between 2 sheets of wax paper. After crust is fitted, trim edges evenly, leaving a 1 inch overhanging border, fold dough under and back to make an upright rim. Flute edges. Prick crust thoroughly around bottom and sides with a fork(to let out steam).Bake 450, 15 minutes until lightly browned.Makes 2 crusts

Filling
7 TBSP cornstarch
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup hot water
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
2 TBSP butter
Mix cornstarch, sugar and salt in saucepan. Slowly add water and stir until smooth. Cook and stir constantly over med. heat until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.

Add 1/2 cup hot mix to egg yolks and mix quickly so it doesn't cook eggs. Keep adding hot mix to egg yolks a half cup at a time until egg mixture is warm (about 1 1/2 cups)pour egg mixture into the rest of filling. Add butter and peel. Mix well. Gradually add lemon juice. Pour hot filling in cooked pastry shell.

Spread meringue over hot filling making sure there is no holes between meringue and crust edge. Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes or till meringue is golden on top of peaks. Cool before cutting.

Meringue
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
6 TBSP sugar
Beat egg white, vanilla, cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time beating at high speed until stiff glossy peaks form. Immediately spread meringue over pie, all the way to the edge. Leave no holes or meringue will shrink. Bake as directed.

Sheperd's Pie
1 pound ground beef
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 (14 oz) can cut green beans drained
1 (10 3/4 oz) can tomato soup
6 large potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed (can be done ahead)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. salt
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onion, salt and pepper and saute until onion is tender. Put into a greased 9X13 baking dish. Top with drained green beans. Spread tomato soup over beans. Combine mashed potatoes, milk and salt. Mix well. Spoon potatoes over mixture. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Serves 6

Sparkling Butter Toffee Cookies
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. bking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup English or almond toffee bits
Sugar

Heat oven to 350. Combine sugar, butter, egg,vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, reduce speed to low. Beat until well mixed. Stir in toffee bits by hand. Shape rounded tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each with bottom of glass to 2 inch circles. (They spread out, don't put too close together)

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Let cool 2 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar while warm.

Pumpkin Delight
1 large can of pumpkin
3/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs beaten
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1/3 tsp. mace
1/3 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. vanilla
Pre heat oven to 350.
Mix above ingredients together, put in 13 X 9 in. pan.
1 package yellow cke mix, sprinkle over top of mixture.
1 cube butter, melt and pour over top of mixture.
Top with chopped pecans.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Top with cool mix.

Turkey and Dressing
1 large turkey already stuffed with Mrs. Cubbinson's dressing. Preferably cornbread. (Follow dressing instructions, but add onion (use less) , celery and 1 lb. browned sausage
Procedures
Preheat oven to 450. Place stuffed turkey, breast up, in the center of greased, wide, heavy foil. Bring ends of foil up over breast; overlap fold and press up against end of turkey. Place bird in a shallow roasting pan. ( I use 2 throw away pans, one inside the other) Open foil for last 20 minutes to brown turkey.
7-9 lb....2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
10-13 lb....2 3/4 to 3 hours
14-17 lb....3 to 3 1/4 hours
18-21 lb....3 1/4 to 3 1/2 hours
22-24 lb....3 1/4 to 3 3/4 hours

Remove from oven and let stand 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Use drippings for gravy.

Giblet Gravy - Boil Giblets (minus liver, unless you like live liver) in water on a saucepan. Drain and cut into small pieces. Set aside. Mix 2 TBSP. drippings with 2 heaping TBSP flour and 1 TBSP butter in skillet. Heat and stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Slowly add 2 cups milk, put back on heat, stir and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add giblets. Simmer until giblets are heated through. Can be doubled, tripled, etc. If too thick, gradually add more milk.

Mom's rolls
2 pkg yeast (check date to make sure it's not old)
1 cup cold water
Dissolve yeast in cold water. Set aside.
1/4 lb. butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup boiling water
Pour boiling water over butter, salt and sugar. Stir until melted. Cool until you can stick your finger in it comfortably. Add to yeast.
Add 2 beaten eggs
Add 6 cups flour one cup at a time.
Cover with a damp dishtowel and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from refrigerator and let sit for 30 minutes. Shape and place on greased pans. Place in warm area, cover with damp cloths and let rise until double in size. Bake 400 for 10 to 12 minutes. Brush tops with butter.

Cheesecake

14 gram crackers = 1 cup crumbs (boxed crumbs OK)
1/4 cup butter (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
12 oz cream cheese
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
5 TBSP+1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Crust - mix together gram cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Pat around sides and bottom of a 9 or 10" pie pan. Set aside.
Filling - Combine softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth and light with an electric beater. Pour into crust. Bake 350 for 20 minutes.
Cool 5 minutes, gently spoon topping on cooked filling
Topping - Mix together 5 TBSP + 1 tsp. sugar, 1 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Spoon over top and bake an additional 10 minutes at 350. Refrigerate at least 5 hours.

Calling all Chocolate Lovers! This is soooo easy to make and soooo delicious!
1 box of brownie mix3 extra large Hershey Bars
Prepare a box of fudge brownies according to directions.
Pour have the mixture in a 9X13 pan (grease bottom).
Lay 3 of those giant Hershey Bars on the mix.
Pour the rest of brownie mixture over the candy.
Bake according to directions. Cool completely before cutting.
Frosting not needed, but if you want to eat with a spoon instead of fingers try it with whipped cream that has a small amount of chopped pecans and grated chocolate folded in.

Mom’s Pudding Cake
In a 13 X 9 inch pan mix:

1 c brown sugar
1/2 c cocoa
Stir in 1 c water
Add 48 minature marshmallows

Make a Devils food cake mix and spoon this over the mixture in the pan.
Top with 1 cup nuts
Bake 40-50 minutes

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we did something different! We went to the San Diego Opera and saw Don Quixote. It was fun getting all dressed up and having a night on the town. Don Quixote is a spanish opera but they have english sub titles so you know what's going on. The opera stage was really well done. The orchastra was wonderful. The costumes and scenery were exceptional. I expecially liked the windmill scene. However, Don Quixote is a very, very slow moving opera. Don Quixote does most of the singing and there is not too much action, at least not in the first half. There were quite a few people around us that were sleeping.
The second half? Not sure, we left during intermission. We decided we could stay or go get a bite to eat. The stomach won that argument. We just barely made it to Anthony's before they closed. We had a window seat with the spectacular view. I just had a cup of chowder and a shrimp & crap cocktail since it was so late. It was the perfect meal and a great way to end a fun evening.