This weekend I got the pleasure of going with Daniel to Western Kansas to visit his family, specifically Stockton and then Stuttgart to visit his parents. His dad runs the local garage; the local hot spot on a Saturday afternoon for a cold beer. I know they all probably thought I was nuts running around snapping pictures but I was having so much fun! I found out that Daniel has been very modest about his gift to paint and sketch. He has painted several saw blades, one of which I did get to see that he painted in 1985.

One of his paintings that I have seen is an acrylic of an old dilapidated limestone house on a hill. I recognized this structure as we got closer to town and later we walked up there so I could get a closer look. Although it is slowly collapsing it is easy to see that in it's time it was a magnificent structure. The elaborate details inside and out are still evident despite the graffiti. It's sad that it hasn't been preserved.

His dad also owns the Blacksmith Shop right across the road from the garage and it is still fully operational. These walls hold a lot of stories and judging by the amount of orbs, is still very popular with the spirits.

It was refreshing to take a deep breath and enjoy a little slower pace for a couple of days. More importantly, I got to see where Daniel grew up and raised hell. I got to put a few more faces with names and even enjoyed being force fed by his mom. Okay, maybe not forced but her idea of quantity was definitely a tad more than mine. I certainly was in no danger of going hungry. On the way home we stopped to see my mom for a bit  and she fed us apple crisp. Then we went up the street and enjoyed the best potato salad EVER and some more snacks. It turned out to be an extremely delicious detour however I may not eat until Tuesday.

Oh, and Ps... the cake was a big hit!  YEA!

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They say baker's trade recipes on a knead to know basis.

I can cook just about anything. Give me a slab of cow and I'll grill it up for ya.. as long as you don't make me eat any of it..., or touch it really. Need a marinade or a sauce? I can conjure one up in a flash. Ask me to bake a cake, cookies, or bread and you'll hear the screeching of my mental tires locking down. I think it's because I don't really eat sweets so I'm not comfortable making these types of  foods. My mother on the other hand was/is always baking muffins, cookies, poppy-seed bread, etc., etc., etc. even though she isn't suppose to be eating that stuff. It's a habit. She came and stayed with the girls while I was gone on my last trip and she called to ask what we typically have for dessert. Say what? Do normal people still have dessert after dinner? I mean, sure when I lived with my sister we went through a 2.5 gallon bucket of cookies and cream ice cream A WEEK but that was more of a bedtime snack than an after dinner dessert. Maybe it's a generational thing and maybe that also explains how I gained 8 lbs the first month I lived in Lawrence. Hmmm.

Today is Daniels birthday and even though he is out of town for work I decided I was going to conquer my fear of failure and bake him a cake, damnit! But it can't be just any cake. No, this creation will be eaten by his parents and most likely some siblings so it has to be flipping outstanding! (No pressure Cj). I started early in the week researching recipes and soliciting suggestions. I even had to borrow a cake pan from my sister! I know my obsessive recipe reading, oven checking and toothpick testing tonight would have sent my Baker friend into a "WTF? Over" frenzy. What can I say? I'm just not comfortable baking. Besides, that is what Dillon's is for and thank goodness there is one really close by in the event this thing turns out to be a total flop. I'll give you the verdict on Monday. *Gulp*

For a while now I’ve wanted to find a new book series that would hopefully grab my attention. My hairdresser is crazy for the Stieg Larsson books so I figured I’d take her up on her suggestion. It just so happened I had a gift card mom had given me for Christmas so last night the girls and I headed downtown to Borders. I know we wandered around that store for an hour and a half trying to find what I wanted to exhaust the gift card. To compound matters we seemed to be silent but deadly fart magnets! The first time it happened I was like “Gawd Syd! Was that you?” “No mom!” The second time I was still like, “Syd, are you SURE you didn’t do that?” “No mom, I swear!” So the three of us were reduced to first gagging, then holding our breath as we ran to another isle to escape the funk of being “crop dusted” in Borders!

Gen was trying to help me so we could get out of there. She picked up a book simply titled “I’m Neurotic” that consisted of mainly pictures. Pretty soon she started giggling, “Hey mom, this is totally you!” then, “Oh my gosh, you do this too! You have to buy this book!”

Child, why in the hell would I buy a book that outlines 70% (give or take 10%) of my idiosyncrasies and plant the seed that could jack that number up to 100%? Nooooo thank you!

Cubicle Art

My laaaaaame attempt to uncover "art" at my desk.

I took this class yesterday that primarily focused on photography and the importance of taking a "dumb picture."  It also featured photos taken by a retired professor who says his subject matter is usually within 50 feet of his kitchen sink but now due to his age has been expanded to include doctor's office waiting rooms. We were challenged to find art in what is around us; to observe shapes, textures, and dimensions. I'm just giving everyone a heads up that you may see a few odd pictures posted on here in the next few weeks focusing on shapes and textures rather than content as I try to find the art 50 feet from my sink. Rest assured there will be no nekid pictures.

 

 

These Bevolo gas lights had me absolutely mesmerized with their warm radiance. We stopped to admire them and discovered something interesting. Can you spot the "ghosts" in these pictures?

Coffee House Squatter

Just cool doors...

Last Wednesday night it was lightly raining as we were walking back to the hotel from dinner. As we passed the front window of a local coffee house (that will remain nameless), the chairs were on top of the tables and the only light was a soft glow coming from the pastry counter. Standing out in the rain we paused briefly to glance inside when suddenly we spotted a healthy sized rat meandering around the floor searching for crumbs. Given the French style building, the scene looked like something straight out of Ratatouille; I even tried to get the little vermin's picture before he wandered out of sight. Despite the peaceful, slightly adorable from a distance Disneyesque sight in the coffee house , I quickly declared, "We sure as hell aren't eating there!" 

The Big Easy - Part II

Back to the trip! We stayed on Canal Street right on the edge of the French Quarter. Due to the barrage of conferences being held in the city we actually had to stay in three different hotels during the week. Luckily for us they were all three in the same block so we didn't have far to travel and we were able to check in early each time. That was a really good thing Friday morning because I woke up feeling like I wanted to die from being out on Bourbon Street the night before. We went to all the have-to-go places; Oysters at Acme Oyster House, a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's, a trip to the French Market, St. Peter's Square, a Beignet at Cafe du Monde, a Muffuletta sandwich, a trip to the Garden District, and even a doll from Reverend Zombie's House of Voodoo (in spite of Daniel's protesting). I wondered aloud if I could find a voodoo doll with grey hair and he in turn wondered if he could find one with it's head in a toilet. How rude but touche'. 

This is what "Bourbon Street Yoga" looks like too.  

French Quarter Sights

This one is my favorite!

Lots of Street Musicians

 

Silver dude with his silver lizard trying to make a buck.

The Thursday night crew.

The fire & water fountain at Pat O'Brien's; home of the famous Hurricane.

Bourbon Street Nightlife

Daniel enjoying his hand rolled cigar.

St. Peter's Square

 

Cafe au' lait & Beignets from Cafe du Monde

Valentine's Time-Out

I’m so over Facebook. A couple years ago it was fun and playful but today it’s the same boring crap, different day. I could care less what my “friends” are eating or that their child won their game. Yes, it’s cold; it’s February genius! Throw out a clever status and you have my attention. So this morning I glanced at Facebook on my cell and immediately I see one of my friends has taken it upon herself to wish ALL her family members, individually a Happy Valentine’s Day. Instantly I’m irritated and log off.

Facebook is not where my heart lies; with strangers claiming to be my “friends.”  This blog is my heart so with that said here’s my status for today.

To My Valentine,

You came into my life when I didn’t think I deserved love. You make me laugh with your wit and you don’t allow me to be depressed when I’ve had a bad day.  You are one of the most fun loving, positive, and open men I’ve ever met. You aren’t afraid to express your feelings and that is refreshing. You know all my faults and yet still want to be with me. We really haven’t known each other that long yet our relationship thus far has been surprisingly comfortable but never, never boring! I am so happy to be able to call you my Valentine and I hope that today is the first of many celebrations to come.

Happy Valentine’s Day Daniel!

XOXOXO

The Big Easy - Part I

The first full day in New Orleans warranted a street car ride to the Garden District in hopes of discovering some of the architecture the city is famous for. We weren't disappointed and I was excited to find Lafayette Cemetery, one of the "cities of the dead."  Several of the mausoleums had dates going back to the late 1800's. I was intrigued by all the beads hanging from the trees, on power lines, on garden walls, etc., etc. Mardi Gras season began January 6th and runs until Fat Tuesday March 8th so many of the homes were decorated in brightly colored masks and tinsel. It was hard to capture on film the "whoa..." effect I got walking these sidewalks. The history and tradition that lives in this city left us awe struck and me a wee bit hungover.

You can't tell from the entries lately but I have been very busy. I can not wait to unveil the completion of my latest project otherwise known as my "color therapy." I'd post pics now but it's not complete and I want it to be perfect. We had a new pet join us this past weekend as well. If it survives through this week I'll introduce him as well. But for now, everything is on hold because I am taking some much needed time off to go play in the Big Easy for a few days. Once I've consumed my fair share of oysters, Cajun cuisine, and perhaps purchased a voodoo doll I'll be back with tons of pictures.

Till then, "Au revoir mon ami!"

Three days in a row the kids and I have not had work or school. Monday was pre-planned but the past two days were the result of mother nature dumping 8 inches of snow on us. They are having a blast while I am going absolutely bonkers. One of Syd's best friends lives just around the block so she's quite happy to spend the day playing with her. Gen spends all day in her room on Facebook chatting with her peeps or playing Sims. Me? I painted a bathroom, the laundry is done, house is clean, I have cooked enough food for a small country, and still managed to find time to become addicted to the game Angry Birds. The past two days I have been waiting for the girls to set their iPods down so I can snatch one of them up. In fact Syd went to bed but left hers in the living room so guess where it is now? Well it's NOT on my night stand... waiting for me to finish this post THAT's for sure! *wink wink*

Ninja Kitty

 This is what cabin fever looks like. Poor Hazel has been a source of entertainment for Syd and her friend. If you happen to see any of her many videos you may recognize her as "Steve the attack cat."

Ever Feel Like You Are Being Watched?