All posts by Allison

Politics / Social Issues

Called to serve

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We are less than one week from the inauguration of President Barack Obama  (I get goosebumps when I say that).  I can hardly wait!

I’ve been impressed with his transition so far, and am loving the tone he is setting. One of his mantras throughout the campaign was that WE can make a difference, WE can change things. If our nation, or society, the world are going to see positive change, WE need to be involved in it – not just leave it to the politicians.

National Day of ServiceIn honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Obama and Biden families will be participating in community service on Monday the 19th – and have asked the rest of us to join in on this national day of service on Monday. 

All sorts of events being hosted – from litter cleanup, to boxing cans at food banks, to planting gardens, to donating blood, to making sandwiches, and more. I found several great options, but have settled on helping feed the homeless at Tent City 4 in Kirkland.

Click here to find a service opportunity in your area.

Are you going to participate?

Funny Stuff, Whatever

Dreamtime Theatre

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Often when I go to sleep it’s like going to the movies, as I mentioned in a previous post.   Last night’s feature had me waking up laughing….

Now playing in my dreamsMuch of the dream is too convoluted to try and describe here (though it made perfect sense while I was asleep) but there were a couple of scenes worth sharing.

This dream began with me visiting Michelle’s home in Arizona.   There was a big upcoming event she was planning/preparing for – a wedding, I believe.  

In this scene, we were hanging out in her living room, which had an alarmingly 70’s feel to it.  Think brown bricked fireplace, rust colored carpet.   And she had a big flat screen TV sitting in the middle of the floor, which Tim was watching, that had an unusual/interesting feature.  She could slide a row of votive candles into a slot at the bottom, and you could see them glowing through the base of the tv.

Michelle and the blanket catsAll of a sudden, she turned and picked up a blanket and announced (in her “talking to cats” voice), “It’s time for kitties in a blanket….” and proceeded to scoop up two cats (Fatness and one other), cradling them in a blanket  “… to get their Vitamin D!”

As she walked over to the door to take the cats out into the sun, I thought “what the hell is she doing???”… I pointed out, “Um… Michelle, it’s night.  There is no sun.”    Of course we both burst out laughing.  

What makes this particularly funny is that it is something I can totally imagine happening!

In the next scene, Michelle was trying on potential outfits to wear to the formal affair.  She looked rather hot it a china blue stretch-satin number…  it was quite short, form fitting, and had a round cutout in the lower back area.  We all thought it was a very good choice since it showed off her tattoos. 

The blue dressInitially,  it appeared she just had some deep red cursive writing (not sure what it said – something relating to her love for Tim I believe… or perhaps her devpotion to Fatness) along her very, very low back… but then I noticed she also had several larger, graffiti-like tattoos higher up on her back.     So, what did it say, Michelle?

She wasn’t sure she liked the jacquard, champaign colored jacket that went with it, but we noticed the blue perfectly matched the blue dresses that Chris, Sween and Erica were wearing.     I won’t go into the event itself, but suffice it to say that it didn’t go as planned, photographer missed shooting pics of bouquet throwing, desserts ended up on the floor and I kept wishing that Scott Sheffield would return the crystal serving platter I’d lent him, so we could use it for the remaining desserts. But everyone looked awesome in their China blue satin.

So, have you any interesting dreams recently you’d like to share?

Reminiscing, Reviews/Recommendations

Snowed in – movie time!

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SnowstormI’m here in the middle of one of the biggest snow storms in Seattle history…   I’ve only been out twice in the past week – grocery shopping.  Today it took me nearly 30 minutes to dig my car out from under the foot of snow.   And more is in the forecast tonight – so it looks like it will be a white Christmas.  Which brings me to the point of my post – holiday movies.

I remember as a kid looking forward to the annual “Charlie Brown Christmas“, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Rudolph” specials on TV.   But there are also some great holiday themed movies.

There are classics like “White Christmas” and newer fare such as “Elf” – but I think one of my favorite holiday movies is “Love Actually“.  I know it’s not, actually, a holiday movie – but it does take place during the holidays and I really enjoy it.  

Let’s make a list and check it twice.  What are some of your favorite holiday movies?   Are there any you watch every year no matter what?  Any holiday movie traditions?

NOTE:  One of the weirdest movie traditions I ever participated in was at the Pearce family Christmas party.  The first year was ok – someone video taped it.  But the next year, our “entertainment” was watching the previous year’s taped party!!   And the following year we watched it again!!!!   Man, those Pearces know how to party…..     

Recipes

A soup kind of day

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When it gets cold like this, I often find myself in the mood for soup.   Especially since I can cook it up once, then eat it for several days.   

Taco soupOf my three usual favorites, the one that sounded best for this cold spell is my mom’s Taco Soup.   Probably because I had all the ingredients on hand, and couldn’t leave the house because my car doors were frozen shut!

The recipe below makes an absolutely HUGE batch.  Frankly, I don’t even own a pot that would contain it all – so I always halve it, and it is more than enough to feed a family with leftovers.   

Last night it really hit the spot – I’m looking forward to another bowl tonight.  

TACO SOUP

  • 1 Pound hamburger
  • 1 onion- chopped
  • 1 can beef broth
  • 2 cans water
  • 2 beef bullion cubes
  • ½ to 1 cup salsa
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
  • 2 quarts of tomatoes (if they are too chunky, chop in a blender)
  • 1 quart of water
  • 2 cans red kidney beans (undrained)
  • 2 cans pork and beans

Brown hamburger with onion. Drain and rinse.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with sour cream and Frito corn chips

Do you have a favorite soup recipe? What do you crave on cold, winter days?

In the Garden, Photography

Fat little birds

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It’s snowy and cold today (has been all week) and I’m so glad I work from home.  I have a fire blazing in the fireplace, holiday music playing and am thoroughly entertained by the fat little birds that are hopping around my patio, on the snow and in the feeder.  They make me smile.

I love these fat little juncos…
Pretty little junco

And chickadees are so cute and pretty…
Sweet chickadee

Sweet, fat little birds.

Family/Friends, Funny Stuff, Reviews/Recommendations

Good food, fun people

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Meet Amy HaaseMeet Amy Haase. I like her, and here’s why.

Last night, Kristin & Craig were in town and invited me to join them for dinner at Machiavelli’s in Seattle.  
     

Can I just go off topic here for a minute and rave again about the food at this little restaurant???    Deciding between the Chicken Milanese and the Tortellini Formaggio with Cream Sauce, Proscuitto and Peas is always a daunting task. (I went with the Chicken Milanese with roasted veggies on the side – Kris opted for the Tortellini and we shared a bit with each other).  Craig enjoyed the Chicken al Forno with a side of Spaghetti (which he rated 9 on a scale of 10).

Simply put, Machiavelli’s is the BEST Italian food I have ever had – surprisingly affordable, and in my top 3 restaurants of all time…  don’t ask what the other 2 are, I haven’t decided, just leaving the spots open.   Personally, I think it would be worth your while to make a trip to Seattle just to eat at this little gem. But you have to invite me to join you, of course.

This was Craig’s first visit – perhaps he can tell you if it lived up to all of the hype……

OK, back to Amy. After dinner, we drove back to Molbak’s (where I had left my car) and Kristin and I ran in for a potty break while Craig ran an errand to a man store (auto parts). As we were waiting for his return, we gandered at the billions of poinsettias, and I convinced Kristin to sit in front of the giant poinsettia tree so I could take her photo. She was reluctant, but agreed.

Amy and KristinWhile sitting on the bench waiting for me to snap a shot, she said “I feel silly.”

And at that moment, a fellow shopper says “I’ll sit with you!”

Delighted, we laughed and invited her to do so, and she did.

Amy is a spontaneous, fun and thoughtful person – stepped outside herself to try and help someone else feel more comfortable – just the sort of person we’d love to get to know. We learned she has been living in North Carolina, but is looking to make a return to Seattle (where her family lives.) We hope you do, Amy!

After all this excitement, Kristin discovered she needed another potty break – and I, apparently, needed to amuse myself while waiting for her.

Potty breakSo I stuck my camera over the stall to snap her photo – and found the shot I captured to be absolutely hysterical. Don’t ask me why.  Maybe I was drunk with the joy of my Machiavelli meal and our encounter with Amy, but I showed Kristin the photo, and we both came out of the bathroom with tears running down our cheeks, barely able to breathe from laughter. Craig thought we were nuts. I think he’s probably right.

What fun people have you met in unexpected ways and places?

Whatever

Happy Birthday, Donny…

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Today is Donny Osmond’s 51st birthday. 

I don’t know why I remember that every year, but I do every December 9th.

And here are a few other bits of random information that surface from the depths of my brain now and then….

    

  • Tina Bryant’s birthday is November 1st.  She was a friend in grade school.
  • My phone number on Rodeo Lane in the 70s was 277-2511. 
    Michelle’s was 272-3283.  I even remember the Hadley’s phone number… .completely useless use of brain storage.
  • Steven Sheffield’s middle name is Kingsbury and his birthday is April 15 – tax day
  • el pez means “fish” in Spanish
  • The lyrics to The Slitheree Dee (the slurping sound at the end is very disturbing to Kennedy)

Oh, the slithery dee
He crawled out of the sea
You may catch all the others
but you won’t catch me.

No, you won’t catch me,
you stupid old slithery dee
You may catch all the others
but you (slurp sound).

What useless information would you like to share today?

Whatever

Giving thanks

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I was tagged by Kristin for a list of things I’m grateful for.  Due to travel, I’m coming to this a little late – but wanted to get my list in before my day is over (which it should have been an hour ago…..)

 In no particular order…

Weather.  I was going to say rain, because I do love rain – especially summer rain.  But a sunny day  is nice too.  As is misty fog in the trees.  And I’m quite fond of a thunder/lightening storm.  And sparkling fresh snow is beautiful, as long as I don’t have to drive in it. 

Lindsey - my new hair stylistLindsey, my new hairdresser. After living in Seattle area for 5 years, and trying 6 different hair stylists, I finally found one who actually LISTENED to what told her and gave me what I asked for. YEAH!

Christy – the gal who cleanes my home whenever I call – and is so affordable. In fact, after being in Salt Lake for two weeks, I will return home to a spotless home thanks to her. I don’t know how I ever got by without her.

Water. Crashing ocean waves. A babbling brook. A rushing river. A calm lake. Rain drops. Waterfalls. And an ice cold glass of clean, clear water.

The internet. Blogs. Email. YouTube. Huffington Post.  Watching Ashley model her latest clothing purchase for me on her webcam.

Getting regular Massages.  I have a testimony of massage.  And central air conditioning (which, thankfully, I don’t often need living in the wonderfully temperate northwest). Pedicures are awesome too.

I love MolbaksMolbaks. I could browse this store for hours on end in any season, and leave feeling rejuvenated. Right now, Molbaks is filled with poinsettas and holiday decorations. They have something like 48 different varieties of poinsettia to choose from. Plus, between now and Christmas, they serve free coffee and Kringles (an amazing danish pastry) until 5pm.

Airplanes. I’d never go anywhere if I always had to drive.

My garden. As my many blog entries will attest. And the cute little birds that visit my feeder each day.

Music. Too many artists to name.

Girls trips. Kristin, when are we going to take our next one? Michelle? Chris? Kathleen?

My familyFriends and family. It’s been so great to reconnect with long-time friends on this trip to Salt Lake. Nothing like laughing yourself silly, or a nice warm hug from a friend. And simple joys like granddaughters wanting to cuddle with you before bedtime, or waking you up with hugs and kisses (and asking you to fix them breakfast).

And spending time with my wonderful and absolutely nutty kids and grandbabies.  Today we had our first Thanksgiving with only my immediate family.   Jennifer prepared a fabulous meal (and Ashley’s sweet potato casserole was delicious – more like dessert than a vegetable, though ) while I did “crafts” with Kennedy, Emily and Marie. 

We also spent some time at the park taking photos and playing at the playground.  Did I mention my kids are nuts?

Brandon & Ashley are nuts

They must get that from their dad. Don’t you think?