Scrumptious Scones

I've recently become addicted to scones. I never used to like them...not sweet enough for my taste. I was always a sugary cereal or donut eater in the morning. As I've gotten older my tastes have changed.

So far, my favorite is Alterra's blueberry scone. It has the perfect blend of blueberries with a hint of lemon. It's not too doughy and is crumbly. The best part about it is that it is extremely filling and satisfying.

This morning I decided to try my hand at making my own scones...cherry chocolate chip. Not a bad first effort, but I'm going to try a different recipe next time. I want to see if I can replicate the Alterra one.

I've also been inspired by my sister-in-law who created these amazing hats for the girls for Christmas. She said she learned to knit by watching videos on the internet. I was thinking of looking into a class, but this sounds like a more economical appproach so I've decided to give it a try. My other sister-in-law also knits so I've got someone locally who can help me when I get stuck. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Mini Doses of Joy

I've always loved Christmas. I love the music, the shopping, the decorations, everything. Last year's Christmas kinda sucked because of the ice damming and subsequent water pouring in through the ceiling. It really dampened my spirit.

This year, I'm really trying to amp it up. I want to savor the wonderful little things. Last night while watching Conan O'Brien, he had a segment on called Mini-Dose of Joy. If this doesn't put a smile on your chocolate covered face...I don't know what will.

Then today, amongst our holiday card offerings in the mail was an unexpected greeting from a new friend we made this summer on our trip to New York. He is our sister-in-law's nephew who lives in New Jersey and he sent us this handmade card:

I think that's what I've always loved most about Christmas. Not necessarily the big things, but the mini doses of joy. Happy Holidays!

Christmas Done Come Early!

Thanks to my mother-in-law and father-in-law's generosity, I am now the proud owner of my very own sewing machine. It's pretty amazing...I mean it even threads the needle for you. A huge plus to anyone over 40 who needs readers.

I was fortunate enough to get it before Christmas so I could finish my niece's present...a bee t-shirt. It's obvious that some practice and lessons are in order, but the good thing is that the design itself lends to an elementary stitch. I actually like the rudimentary look.

Realizing that a one-sided piece of flat fabric may be easier to work with, I tried my hand at the one thing I've been threatening to create...the hand towel. So here it is in all it's glory:

Project Runway...here I come.

Answer to Puzzle Master post: Jerry and Sherry

Puzzle Master

My husband is not the easiest person to buy gifts for. He's very particular and after a while, I get tired of going the safe route...socks and sweaters. This year, St. Nick and I stumbled upon a gift that surprisingly hit the mark.

While wandering through Restoration Hardware, I was intrigued by their display of stocking stuffers and retro gifts. One box caught my eye when I saw the name Will Shortz on it. I remembered riding in the car coming back from a weekend in Chicago and we were listening to NPR. Will Shortz was on with his weekly puzzle. I'm pretty sure I didn't have a clue, but I knew my husband was listening intently and trying to figure it out.

So I took a chance and bought it for his St. Nick stocking. When he opened it at first, I didn't think he liked. I don't think he thought he liked it either. But we sat down and looked at the first puzzle. My son was with us and the three of us tried to figure it out. It was my 10 year old son who got the answer first.

Think of a common boy's name starting with "J".
Change the "J" to "SH" and you'll get a common girl's name.
What names are these?*

Since then, my son wants to do a couple each night after dinner. What's been great is that sometimes we individually solve them, and sometimes we work together. Sometimes we cheat and look at the answers. Isn't it funny how once you hear the answer, it all of a sudden seems so obvious?

*Answer revealed in next post.

Putting An End To This Chapter

I've always said that what makes my marriage work is that we balance each other out. Friday night was another example. I left my daughter in her room to cry herself to sleep after revealing the hoax which is Santa. My husband went upstairs to say goodnight and told her that it is a really grown-up secret to know the truth about Santa. He said that she had to be really careful because her brother and her cousin (who are both older) still believed in Santa and it was very important that she not tell them what she knows. She agreed that she did not want them to feel how she was feeling and in the end, being in on the secret was a pretty good place to be.

Saint Nick visited our house last night. It's always exciting to see what is hiding in your stocking. I was sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee and she came in and whispered to me, "Thank you for the pajamas and the slippers." I gave her a big hug. What a relief! It's good to know that everything is okay.

Dear Ms. Blume, Thanks for ruining my Christmas.

Well it's over. My daughter is in bed in tears saying over and over, "I wish I never knew." Thank you Judy Blume. On the eve of St. Nick and exactly 20 days away from Christmas Eve. I had to come clean with my daughter. I could no longer avoid it when she angrily begged me to tell her if Santa was real.

In addition, I'm not sure where her older brother stands on the whole thing and neither does she. Apparently they have not discussed it.

I guess the thing that makes me the most upset is that she found out from a book that was assigned in school. I know I read it, but it's been years and I certainly did not remember the part where Santa was outed.

In the end, I'm not sure who has been most traumatized by this whole experience. I guess only time will tell.

Car Wash

We've all done it. Misunderstood the words to a song, but belted it out unknowingly until someone (usually laughing hysterically) calls you out on it.

Most recently my son did it. To his credit, it was an old Kansas song so how was he to know? It was during a State Farm commercial with Point of No Return playing. Instead of how long he thought they were saying car wash. I mean the guy is in a car and all.

My biggest guffaw came while I was dating my husband. I will preface this by saying that I rarely paid too close of attention to the lyrics. I was always drawn to a song by the music. (The Violent Femmes may be the exception to that rule.) I remember exactly when it happened. We were crossing the Hoan bridge and Waterloo by Abba was on. I actually thought they were singing wannadoo. I mean I was so oblivious that I didn't even know the title of the damn song. My husband corrected me and married me anyway.

Now I will rat out some of my friends. You know who you are:
R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (by John Mellencamp) = Our little secret in the U.S.A.
When Smokey sings, I hear violins (by ABC) = When smoke gets in, I hear fire engines
Smoke on the water (by Deep Purple) = Go tell Walter

No need to be ashamed. You're in good company.