Garage Sale Friday

Well, the big day is here. Cait and I have been working towards this event for so many months, I can't even say, but today we finally had our garage sale.

(Was that the a really long sentence, or just my imagination.)

We had a great day with lots of customers. Our main desire is to just empty out my garage. Cait moved out years ago, but I've still had bin upon bin of her "stuff". Add to that a whole lot of my stuff and Stinky's stuff. and what you have left is just way too much stuff for my
little house.

Here's the way things looked when we started out this morning.

We still haven't been able to sell the wicker headboard. Everyone tells me how pretty it is, but it seems no one has a double bed anymore. Heck, it's only $5.00. Make it work on a queen!


More then half of this table is gone now including 2 blenders.


And most of this stuff is gone too! Someone finally bought the U of M jersey, which is now thankfully out of this house of Sparty. (If you aren't from Michigan, you might not understand this one.) Sorry, Unca Ja, but Stinky just wouldn't wear it.


All in all a good day, but it does take a lot of work and preparation. I do have to admit though, that despite the cheeseburger, seasoned fries and beer I just consumed, I do feel immeasurably lighter.

Glorious Gardening!

What a beautiful Memorial Day Week-end we just had. No rain in sight, just beautiful 70 degree days with lots of sun and blue skies.

Finally found the time to get my deck container garden done and I'm very happy with the results.

This year, I went with all white on the front deck. I saw it on a house in the neighborhood and decided I really liked the look. This is a picture of the pots that hang over the deck railing.

And her is a picture of a couple of my pots on the front deck. I still want to add a few more pots. Of all the white plants I planted this week-end, I liked the petunias best. So I'll probably be back at the garden store to get some more petunias.

Most of the planting took place on the back deck, which is where I plant my herbs and veggies. This is a picture of my herbs. I've got basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary and parsley.

Here's a picture of the veggie section of the deck. I've got tomatoes, lettuce, green beans and squash. I'm not real sure if the squash will work in a pot, but...what the heck. It's worth the try.

All of this, just makes me happy!

So You Think You Can Dance

If there are any fans of So You Think You Can Dance out there and you'd like to join our SYTYCD fantasy league at fafarazzi, just click the link below and join our group. You will have to set up a log in ID to play, but it's fun and makes the show even more exciting.

Did you get to see the tapper the other night? Cait was beside herself. (She thinks tap should be one of the dance styles and can't understand why it isn't.)

Click below to join the group:
http://www.fafarazzi.com/gp_join.php?group_id=9825&utm_medium=email&utm_source=join_group_request

Quote the Raven, Never More...

I've mentioned before that I participate in this Fantasy American Idol game over at Fafarazzi. Right?

Well, there is a whole group of us that regularly discuss the show in their chat forum. (Yes, we all take this show way too seriously.) Today, one of my posted comments was used by another fellow chatter on her weekly American Idol review at the Fox affiliate in Austin, TX. She works at the station and is part of this weekly update segment.

To check out my little claim to fame, click here and scroll down to watch the Idol Chat Week 11. When Danielle mentions that "Someone on-line said..." That someone was me.

Totally lame I know, but I'm still enjoying my itty bitty little moment. (Although it's still not as cool as the fact that Caity won a Carrie Underwood CD from Fafarazzi a few weeks ago.)

Star Trek Movie Review

We had a great opportunity Saturday to hit up two movies, back to back. It's been a long time since we've been able to do this plus, sometimes there just aren't two movies out that we actually want to see. Here's our choices:

Star Trek
Grade: A

Our first movie of choice was Star Trek. We were able to see it at an IMAX theatre as well, which was fun, but did cost $4 more per person.

What an awesome movie this is. Great story, well acted and amazing special effects. I now completely understand why certain people I know, have seen it multiple times. If you are hesistant at all because you aren't a huge Star Trek fan. No worries. You don't need to be to enjoy this film. The movie does a good job standing alone. Although a familiarity with the original series does allow for the appreciation of the care the filmmakers took in paying subtle homage to the original portrayals. On the other hand...not being a devoted Trekie allowed me to not be bothered by the whole time space continuum thing going on. It was just a great ride and I enjoyed every moment.

Angels and Demons
Grade: C+

Our other movie was Angels and Demons. Let's start with the fact that I loved the book, which can sometimes make it harder for me to enjoy the film version. Sometimes it's just too difficult for a film to live up to a good book. The movie was good, but I felt it had to work way too hard. There are just so many religious and historical points that need to be covered in order for the plot to move along. This causes the movie to seem forced and too heavy handed. I think this movie suffers from some of the same failings as the movie version of The DaVinci Code. I think Dan Brown's books just work better as books then they do as movies.

I do appreciate the fact that Tom Hanks' character cut his hair (good bye creepy mullet) and the woman playing the female lead (Ayelet Zurer) did a much better acting job in her role then Audrey Tautou did in The DaVinci Code. There are many action packed sequences to keep you interested and I really felt the scene in the fountain. The photography of Rome was spectacular as well.

As for the somewhat outlandish ending...well, it was even more outlandish in the book. They did their best to reign in the fantastic and so what if anti-matter doesn't really explode, at least it didn't open with a ....based on a true story.

What a Cake!!

Last Sunday we celebrated RJ's 3rd birthday and Aus' 1st birthday. When asked by his mother what he would like his cake to be RJ said "Plankton". To her credit...Krissy did a double check. "Are you sure you want Plankton? What about SpongeBob or Patrick?" "No, I want Plankton" was his response. So Plankton it is:

Pretty amazing isn't it.

It's safe to assume that there are a few of you who don't know what the heck a Plankton is. Tune into an episode or two of Sponge Bob Square Pants and you will quickly find out.

CPS Card Sketch #115

This is the CPS sketch for the week and my version of it. I started with another plan but, I didn't like the way it turned out so I started over, still using the blue color palette as this is a bridal shower card and I wanted to use the bride's colors. I hope I have some time this week-end as I really like this sketch and would like to try another card using it.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Movie Review

In case you haven't notice, I love movies and BW and I usually go once a week and since I have this extensive film studies background (I took 4 whole courses in college, so I'm pretty sure that qualifies me as an expert) I'm going to start a weekly movie review post. This weeks movie is:

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Grade: B

From the opening montage through the very end of the credits, I throughly enjoyed this movie. Granted it helps that I've also seen all the other X-Men movies and I enjoy a good Sci Fi film. If you haven't seen the other X-Men movies, you probably won't like this one as it answers questions, you've never even thought or care about. I don't believe the movie can be viewed as a stand alone movie. You need to have seen all the movies really understand this one.

X-Men Origins presents the back story of one of the series favorite characters, Wolverine. I'll have to check with my resident X-Men expert, Doc Holiday, to see if Wolverine is a favorite from the comic books series or if he became a favorite because Hugh Jackman does such a mesmerizingly, awesome job becoming Wolverine. (Hugh spends a significant amount of time shirtless and he certainly does that well.)

This movie introduces Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth, Wolverine's half brother and warring partner. The opening montage follows them through their fighting exploits from the Civil War through the Viet Nam War and their evolution onto a secret government unit of nearly indestructible mutants. The fight scenes and special effects were terrific and had me grabbing BW's arm several times during the movie.

I really loved Ryan Reynolds role in the early portion of the movie. He plays a smart-alec mutant named Deadpool and his steady stream of one liners are hilarious.

The movie did a great job explaining how Wolverine became the Wolverine we met in the original film, but that's not to say, it didn't leave me with a few more questions when I left the theatre. Fortunately, I do have that X-Men expert in the family and he answered all my questions on Sunday. So now I'm all set for the next movie in the X-Men series.

What...you didn't really think this was the last one, did you?

Tortellini with Pomodoro Sauce (Sorta)

This recipe is so simple and full of shortcuts that I'm almost embarrassed to post this as a recipe, but it is so delicious and easy, that I don't care. This recipe can easily feed 6 people (or 3 with lots of leftovers).

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2-3 minced garlic
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup half & half (or milk)
  

AND

• I use the double size package of three cheese tortellini.


• 16 oz. size of the jarred sauces (approximately)
  

Heat large pot of salted water until boiling. Cook tortellini following package directions and drain. In the meantime, heat olive oil in large pasta pot. Add onion and garlic. Saute until softened, careful not to burn the garlic. Add the jar of Prego Sauce or you favorite jarred pasta sauce. Add wine to jar, put lid on and shake well to remove all the extra sauce. Add to pot. Add Alfredo sauce to pot. Use half and half, cream or milk to rinse out the alfredo jar. Shake well and add to pot. Mix well. Add cooked tortellini to sauce. Stir gently. Serve with fresh Parmesan cheese grated or thinly sliced on top.

Make sure to have some bread to mop up the extra sauce on your plate.

Mangia!

Best Looking Feedback

If you haven't commented on my 5/6/09 post with your "best looking" actor and actress of all time, please feel free to do so. I'm still interested in your thoughts. Based on the input received so far, I think I need to post the following pictures:

Audrey is the clear choice for most beautiful actress (I really can't argue that point at all) and Cary, Gene and Paul all have supportors for most beautiful actor.

Thanks for the feedback.

Best Looking...Of All Time

I was just over at Pioneer Woman this morning and she had one of her fun photo quizes up under her homeschooling tab. I was late as usual and someone had already answered all the questions correctly. But in her quiz, she had a picture of Gregory Peck which got me thinking. To my mind, Gregory Peck was the most beautiful actor of all time. He was just so gorgeous in Roman Holiday. I think I melt in that last scene where he just stands there hoping Audrey will return, but of course she doesn't...she can't. Ahhh, be still my heart.

(This picture is actually from that final scene. Again, I have to say how much I love Google.)

Naturally, this line of thinking then took me to Grace Kelly, who I think was the most beautiful actress of all time. She's particularily special in To Catch a Thief.

(Stunning ain't she.)

Now it's time for your input. Who do you think were or are the most beautiful actor and actress of all time? Just make a comment and give a little detail of why or what movie makes you think they are so special.

Love to hear from you. (If you are a guy and aren't comfortable commenting on an actor...just supply your most beautiful actress. I'll understand.)

Quick, Easy, Cheap Cooking Week - Recipe #1

I've decided to dedicate this week to quick, easy and cheap dinners. You know, those days when you come home from work, exhausted and the thought of making dinner is overwhelming and it's near the end of the month and you are trying to stretch your money to actually make it to payday and you still have a hungry family to feed. Here's what I made tonight:

Super Boboli Pizza

Depending on your family size, you may need more then one Boboli pizza crust. One crust usually feeds two adults. If you can find the wheat version of the crust, be brave and give it a try. It's delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 Boboli pizza crust
• 1 pack Boboli pizza sauce
• olive oil
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  
• 1 small pack pepperoni
• 5 pieces sliced ham - rolled and diced
• 3 pieces cooked bacon - crumbled
• 2 tablespoons diced onion
  
• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 4 whole mushrooms - diced
• 2 cloves garlics - minced
• 2 tablespoons sherry
• 4 grape tomatoes - sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil - rolled and sliced in chiffonade style

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Remove Boboli pizza crust from packaging. Sprinkle and brush crust with olive oil. Spread Bobli pizza sauce in circular motion over the crust. Sprinkle crust with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cover the pizza with pepperoni, diced ham and crumpled bacon.

In saute pan, melt 2 TBS butter. Add sliced mushrooms, mince garlic and diced onions. Saute until softened. Add sherry and cook until most of the moisture is gone. Spoon onto pizza including remaining liquid.

Add sliced tomatoes and basil on to the pizza. Put pizza directly on the oven rack and bake for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

The nice thing about this dinner is you can simplify the ingredients to make a "kid friendly" pizza while still making another pizza with all good stuff. Enjoy and now go relax cause this dinner only takes about 30 minutes.

CPS Card # 114

This is the CPS card sketch for this week and here is my submission. Just in time for Mother's Day. Love you Mom!

Happy Birthday!

Today is RJ's 3rd Birthday. What a very special boy you are. Hope you have a great birthday and Good Luck with the potty training!