...musings of the self-proclaimed spajunkie...

The Last Letter of Love (Page One)

Dear Kenny,

When we met 17 years ago I never considered that someday I would write my last love letter to you.  In fact, do you remember how everything stood still and the room seemed to spin around us, outside of us?  How everyone present said there was electricity in the air ...that several commented the back of their necks tingled while we danced.  Fate, kismet, serendipity - something was involved that night.  Whatever it was I am forever grateful for this most incredible journey the past 17 years.  

Oh, it wasn't always easy, but I think two people as passionately in love as we are spend a good amount of time passionately hating one another as well.  But, in all reality, who remembers any of that at this juncture?  I don't.  All I seem to be able to remember are all the times we danced.  Do you know that we randomly, often, music or no, danced for no reason at all?  I never really put that together until I started looking through all our photo albums and remembering so many different things we did together.

One evening we stopped the car and in a bank parking lot on Memorial Drive we got out at 2:00 am and danced while on the radio INXS played "Elegantly Wasted".  I am sure that we were, in fact, just that (the elegant part being questionable), but obviously we lived to dance another day.

No one can hold a candle to you, my dear, when it comes to traveling in style.  Mr. Platinum SPG, British Airways Gold, Singapore Airlines Gold, driver here, driver there....nothing was ever too out of reach when it came to how you traveled first class, all the way.  And I, by luck, was able to tag along...."anything for Madam".  LOL.  Our funny joke that lasted a lifetime.  Your car awaits Madam.

In London, on one trip, we had that really quaint (barely held our luggage and us) hotel room.  We went for drinks at the Swallow hotel...then promptly booked a three room suite and the concierge went to the other hotel and collected our things and brought them back to us.  You went out to "run an errand".  When you came back you asked me to go downstairs and get you a scotch and water.  When I came back up I was met with a trail of rose petals from the door to the bubble bath you had drawn for me and a bottle of Vueve chilling on the side.  And we danced and danced that night - with the full moon shining straight in the windows overlooking Brompton Road, Knightsbridge.  The next day we went for the first time to Notting Hill where we danced through the weekend market made famous in the movie of the same name.  We never made another trip to London that we didn't visit Notting Hill, it was certainly a favorite of ours.  Many years later I was able to show Lauren our Notting Hill, what a joy that was.

Once, in Dharan, Saudi Arabia, at very first light prayer call, when we had yet to go to bed, we made a beeline for the Tammimi Safeway, bought coffee and croissants, then went to the Corniche and watched the sun rise while we danced on the shore of the Persian Gulf.  I wore no abaya, in fact had on only a bathing suit, which in hindsight was probably not that great of an idea... but it sure was fun.  And romantic.  And exhilirating.  

One night we stopped randomly in some desert sand, got out of the car and danced.  When we got back in the car you let me drive back to the compound.  I guess my baseball hat didn't hide the fact that I was female since we were followed by a rabid group of young men who didn't stop until the Al Zamil guards met them at the gates as they closed behind us and we were safe within the walls, laughing our heads off at our foolishness.  

Bahrain.  I can't even think of Bahrain without smiling.  Our honeymoon.  All twelve pieces of my luggage lost by British Airways.  Our suite filled with flowers from BA to apologize for losing my luggage...seven days I was with one T-shirt and my traveling outfit.  Room service coming by and very respectfully asking if they could please have some of their tables back. ..It never even occuring to us we might go and buy me some clothes so I could leave the room.  Crazy love.  Funnier still when all the luggage finally did show up and we had to fit all of it, six vases of flowers and us in the Toyota Corolla!! Those Saudi border guards just waved us right on by.  

The most memorable trip to Bahrain was when we were at Senor Pacos one night and by chance in attendance was the Admiral of the Navy fleet assigned to the Persian Gulf.  There were many Americans there, many friends of ours, and the Fillipino entertainer strummed...."Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie".  We all stood on tables and chairs and sang every, single, word, with tears running silently down our faces.  It became our anthem in a way...it was the first song we taught Lauren all the words.  To this day we've been known to sing every, single, word when we hear it.

Doha, Qatar.  Maxims.  Need I say more?  Private elevator from our suite to get there...went so often we had our own table, waiter, and after the first visit never actually ordered again...they just brought food to us.  While we danced.  People thought we were crazy but we weren't.  Just passionate.  Just in love.  Just no one but us existed.  

Oh, and you certainly played several great rounds of golf at the Doha Country Club.  Haha...The fact that I kept score is a secret we've kept for many years now!  You are welcome of course for that stellar score you posted.

I could never forget Oman.  One of the most beautiful places in the world.  Remember the Sultan's Palace?  Only one way in and one way out.  A "G-30 summit" (I think that is what it is called) happened there because from a security standpoint it was thought to be one of the best locations in the world.  We cared nothing of security while we danced on the grounds overlooking the Gulf of Oman.  The only security I needed was you.

 

Stateside in Key West was certainly memorable.  We got stone crab claws, mustard sauce, fresh bread and wine,  then sat on the floor of our hotel room and had a picnic feast!  It was so delicious we did the same the next night.  After dinner we strolled on the beach and danced while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Christmas in New York City.  That was a dream come true for me...for all of us really.  Remember how I went online looking for tickets to "Wicked" and we ended up with some hotel "package".  We never ever expected the "package" would include a five room suite at the Waldorf Astoria overlooking Lexington and Fifth!! Amazing experience...me, you and Lauren all danced as soon as we got inside and saw our digs for the week!  I think we had room service several times just so each one of us could have "waldorf salad".  And we pass the crazy on to Lauren! 

 We all went to Ireland in 2005 ... we tucked Lauren in one evening, grabbed two glasses of wine and danced in the garden here.

What a fabulous trip!

 In fact we enjoyed it so much, we went back for Christmas 2007 and brought mom and Jim along.  Now that was quite the trip!  Remember how much we loved the Dunraven Arms in Adare?  And the huge full moon that looked over the field behind our suite....and the beautiful fireplace that took the winter chill out of the room while we danced at midnight on Christmas Eve.

Dancing...always dancing...

(To Be Continued ~ ) 

All my love, spajunkie

 

 

Throw Down Meal

It's funny when I don't blog for awhile and go back and look at the stats - number of hits - and find of the no blogs numerous hits on the old stuff....kinda makes you wonder who is reading at four a.m. anyway!

Otherwise, yeah, so don't we all have a throw down meal or two in our arsenal?  Like the tried and true or the quick and easy?  Just throw them together in a jiffy and rock on?

I made one today/tonight.  It was so dang easy and truly very tasty.  I totally stole the way to cook the chicken from my cute hair stylist on Saturday when she sat through my seemingly never-ending quest to plan meals and make a grocery list while having my hair highlighted and cut.  In fact, she was a little amazed at the amount of work that goes into the whole process!

Anyway, here is what I made and it was tres easy!  Seriously crunchy, tasty, and light - just in time for summer.

Ingredients:

Chalupa shells

Boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 jar of mild picante sauce (I use Pace, so shoot me...but if I were cooking only for me I would have used hot, not mild - you be the judge, whatever you like and any brand that floats your boat.)

1 cup of chicken broth

A handful of monterrey jack cheese (if you like that, I don't, he does!)

1 package of pre-chopped cole slaw greens/carrots (do not need the cole slaw dressing)

1 avocado

2 limes and 1 lemon

Some olive oil

A few cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

Several on hand seasonings - I used garlic salt, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper, sea salt...but really you could use whatever!

In your crock pot, place the chicken breasts, pour over the picante sauce and chicken broth.  Cook on low for six hours.  

When you get home, preheat the oven to 350.

Prepare the cole slaw = cole slaw, two limes halved and squeeze juice over cole slaw, add two twirls of the bowl of olive oil, sprinkle liberally with chili powder, salt, pepper.  Add cayenne pepper to your personal liking.  Set aside.

Cut the avocado, spoon out, mash with a fork.  Add a liberal amount of garlic salt, lemon pepper, black pepper and cayenne pepper to your personal liking.  Set aside.

In the oven (once preheated)  heat the tostadas with a bit of cheese on them (if you like that, I don't, he does).  They heat maybe three to four minutes.

While this is going on, take the chicken from the crock and shred with a fork (yep, it is that tender).

Take the hot tostadas (and cheese if you prefer, I don't, he does) out of the oven.  Place shredded chicken on top, then a layer of the cole slaw, then a healthy dollop of the avocado mixture and a couple of halved cherry tomatoes for garnish.

Viola!  Dinner.

Easy, realtively healthy, crunchy, spicy, and super easy!  Summer is on.

Love, spajunkie

(apologies for lack of pictures...it was over in a flash) 

Dinner Party

I love to have dinner parties.  I was trying to remember the last time we had a proper dinner party with all the things I love to have - beautiful food, tablescape, wine, and great company.  I started planning last weekend, made the menu and grocery list on Thursday, shopped Friday after work.  Bright and early (sort of) on Saturday we headed out to Froberg's to pick some strawberries for shortcake.  But before we left I went for a walk through the garden so I could plan the flower arrangements for the table.

I ended up with a great assortment of cut flowers and herbs.  Herbs make a great green backdrop for arranging cut flowers!  How pretty is that?  Simple but lovely.  Yes, I realize it is two weeks past Easter and still there are bunnies on the table.  I left those out on purpose because my friend Thelma and I share the love of the bunnies...all year round.

While piddling around with flower arrangements I got carried away with the views and snapped some random photos...

I just adore all the windows bringing the outside in!

I really did at some point get ready for the actual dinner.  Everything was prepped and ready to go the kitchen was just waiting on the chef!

I made this beautiful antipasto platter - all store bought items but still delicious!  Panera sourdough bread, dipping sauce (olive oil and seasoning), olives, fresh mozzarella, pecorino romano, provolone, hard pepper salami, breadsticks, heirloom cherry tomatoes and some fresh rosemary for visual effect.

It could not have been a prettier evening for enjoying this on the patio!  Mr. Ken and Shane.

Mom and Dad

My delightful and gorgeous friend Thelma

Here is the tricky part of blogging about recipes and a dinner party...

You are supposed to take pictures of the food.  I never made it past the appetizer with the camera!  However, I will give the recipes - the Menu:  greek salad, shrimp scampi with linguine, and sourdough bread followed by strawberry shortcake for dessert.  For the greek salad (my recipe):

In a bowl layer the following in bite size pieces (serves six) - a large head of romaine lettuce, a handful or so of purple cabbage, three pickling cucumbers, one stalk celery, one red bell pepper and a handful of cherry tomatoes cut in half.  Then top with as much or little of pitted calamata olives and peppercini (note, peppercini are better if you cut them open and drain the juice first) as you prefer.  (At this point if you make it ahead of time, and I always do, refrigerate - don't put the feta on or it will make the salad soggy.)  Before serving top with as much or as little feta as you like.  I mix my own dressing in a small mason jar with the juice of one to two lemons, that much olive oil (1/2 and 1/2) a lot of dried oregano, salt and pepper.  Shake well, pour over the salad just before serving.

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine (this was the best scampi recipe I've ever made - but Tyler rarely disappoints!)    Tyler Florence Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Strawberry Shortcake by the Pioneer Woman herself - Strawberry Shortcake  You might note I only use strawberries in the recipe but it would be delicious either way - the main thing I love are the bisquits...also, I use this for the whipped cream on top - one cup heavy cream whipped until frothy, add one TBSP powdered sugar and one tsp vanilla until peaks form...I just like it better than the yogurt version! And a little tip on making the best whipped cream - put the beaters and the bowl in the freezer for a couple hours before you make the cream...this ensures it will peak perfectly!  Same recipe picture is from last year!

 

You know you've had a wonderful time when it is almost midnight before the kitchen looks like this!  (yeah, snapping photos at midnight but just not of the food...I think some wine may have been consumed...)

 I hope everyone enjoys this fabulous weather - and try the recipes, totally delicious!!

Love, spajunkie

 

Osso Buco

We started out Sunday going to our favorite Mexican breakfast place in Montrose.  From there we headed to shop at Central Market.

And then...wow.  We could not find one thing we wanted to buy.  We don't know if this was because we were so full already or because it was so dang cold inside the store but for the first time ever we left without one single purchase.  (I apologize profusely to the grocery store Gods for the loaf of bread I left in the cart!)  We really think it was divine intervention because we headed over to Whole Foods, not the destination of choice that morning, and we ran into some good friends that live on that side of town and we haven't seen them for ages...so if we had found anything to purchase at Central Market, well, we wouldn't have seen them and that was certainly a treat!  Two of my favorite people ever in the world.

Anyway, the end result of our purchases, or at least a few of them, was a spur of the moment decision to make Osso Buco (with beef, not veal - I don't do veal).  It turned out so good, I thought I would post the recipe along with pictures.

Ingredients:

1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 dry bay leaf
2 whole cloves
Cheesecloth
Kitchen twine, for bouquet garni and tying the veal shanks
3 whole veal shanks (about 1 pound per shank), trimmed
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
All purpose flour, for dredging
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 small carrot, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 stalk celery, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chicken stock

I added 1 package of sliced portobella mushrooms to the vegetable list but that is completely optional.

 (Instructions are going to follow, I promise!)

Where's the beef?  I'm not very good at the documenting of recipes!  Here ya go!

 I served this with buttered noodles (actually bow-tie pasta) seasoned with fresh thyme, salt and pepper.  I would have preferred linguine if I had any on hand...And, brownies for dessert!

It was delish!  I highly recommend it - here is the link to the recipe (and if you add the mushrooms do so at the same time you saute the other veggies) and, I actually cooked this about 2 1/2 hours, not 1 1/2 and felt it wouldn't have been as tender if less time.  Just, FYI!

Giada's Osso Buco

Enjoy!

Love, spajunkie

Observations of an "Old Girl"

Recently someone referred to me.. as in ...a sentence... as old girl.  Like, check out what old girl said ... or did... or whatever...

I've heard this phrase before, typically said with a British accent as in "Come on old girl, let's watch some telly."  (Be sure you said that with your best pretend British accent, or your real one if you are one of my friends from that fabulous side of this world.)  It is not a particularly unkind or even upsetting reference - but then again if you say just about anything in a British accent it still sounds  nice.  All so Bond, James Bond-ish.  But the point being once I got over the initial shock that anyone could associate the word old with me, I thought "well, I could own that phrase if I wanted".

Nonetheless, I've never felt old. In fact, I can barely remember my age!  I believe I am twenty, okay maybe thirty...definitely NOT ?  Because that is what this birthday was - ? You gotta love your old girl co-workers who get you a ? candle rather than actually ask you how old you really will be this year!

 

I started the anniversary of the day of my birth bright and early with my FREE Starbucks trienta-black -iced-tea-no water-no sugar-extra ice...and headed to my spa for a 90 minute massage and a 60 minute facial.  While I was having my facial the super nice therapist asked me what my daily skin care routine is...so I told her - cleanser, exfoliant, toner, moisturizer twice daily and at night I use lots of cream.  She said "well, you skin is absolutely beautiful and smooth."  I said "thank you, everyday I look in the mirror I think jeez, I AM an old girl."  She said, "what are you, 36?"  If I hadn't been half naked I would have jumped up and kissed her...best $60 I've ever spent!  The point of this is ... adopt a skin care program immediately!  I've been doing this since I was about 12 when my mother first bought me Clinique.  My facialist went on to observe "you must eat really healthy and drink lots of water."  Umm, no!  I couldn't live a less healthy life style if I tried.  (Note to self, eat really healthy and drink lots of water.)  

Excuse me, I'm just getting up for a glass of wine, and checking on the 5 pounds of pork ribs I am marinating in soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses and salt.

 

 

Okay, I'm back now.  The birthday celebration kicked into gear about two p.m. it was time for ...

Later, we all got dressed and headed down to Galveston where we enjoyed before dinner drinks at the Tremont House, and dinner at Saltwater Grill.

 

 

A beautiful unoaked Chardonnay...served by our lovely waiter, Byron.  Debra Kay offered to steal this wine chiller (when they wouldn't sell it to us)...I almost took her up on it so badly did I covet it but I thought "old girl doesn't want to go to jail on the anniversary of the day of her birth" so I declined her thoughtful offer!

Then it was back to the porch (my favorite place on earth, no matter where I might actually be on the earth - give me a porch, some wine, some Marlboro lights, some music, and I am one happy old girl.)  

Debra Kay, Lauren and I were partying like rock stars and while I was telling a particularly amusing story from my past (because old girls have lots and lots of stories from their very checkered past), the back door swings open and Mr. Ken tells us to "keep it down".  Well, after all it was midnight and my story was loud and super funny!  So, not to be dissuaded in the pursuit of youth and partying like a rock star we did what all good southern redneck old girls would do ... we took the party to the front yard!

But where to sit???  All the "yard" furniture resides on the back porch.

So  - we brought out the good stuff.  I mean, literally, we spied unused furniture and we just set our stuff down and started moving it with almost no words between the three of us!  Out went my grandmother's antique wing back chair, and my great Aunt's marble table from the garage, on to the driveway and we set up shop.  We even strung up some Christmas lights to add to the festive atmosphere!

Imagine you are my next door neighbor and you look out your front blinds at midnight and see three (old) girls sitting in their pajama's, in wing back chairs with Christmas lights, a marble table between them, and a cupcake with a sparkler on top, all while camera flashes go off and (old) girls sing Happy Birthday!!

 

No, amazingly the police did not show up.  Which, in retrospect, would have made this story all the more funny twenty years from now when I'm in the Old Girl's home rocking on the porch telling stories of my checkered past...and with that stolen wine chiller it would have been a riotious story indeed.

That, friends is just how an "Old (southern) Girl" celebrates the anniversary of the day of her birth.

It is just how we "Old Girls" roll.  

Yep, I OWN it.

Love, the spajunkie

 

 

 

Scrumptious!

Don't you love the word scrumptious?  It really is very descriptive...

Scrumptious - adjective.  "(of food) extremely appetizing or delicious."

I can think of a lot of things AND recipes that meet this criteria but this recipe is at the top of the list, especially in cold, winter weather when you are just looking for something warm and comforting.

From the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika - here is the link:

Pioneer Woman Beef Stew  (picture courtesy of Pioneer Woman website, thanks PW!)

It is warm, meaty, hearty, and oh so yummy.  I have made this over and again (though sadly, not photographed it)  as it is continually requested by Mr. Ken.  I serve it with warm sourdough bread I buy by the loaf from Panera and keep in the freezer for just such occasions.

Speaking of scrumptious...this is how a spajunkie feels when she gets her spa on!  Today was scrumptious...pedicure, manicure and 1 1/2 hour deep tissue massage.  Now a bubble bath and beef stew for dinner.  Well, the word definition does translate outside of food, really, when you consider it, what is more delicious than an afternoon of pampering?  I can't think of a thing personally.

Scrumptious indeed.  

Love, the spajunkie

 

 

A Delicious new recipe

Everyone knows I make pork tenderloin, cabbage, black-eyed peas and cornbread every New Year's Day.  

The only thing up in the air is what I do with the pork.  This year I tried a new recipe at the last minute...and, wow, was it good!  It would be good any night, it would make great pulled pork sandwiches or whatever floats your boat!

Here is the link:  Amazing Pork Tenderloin

Of course, because it was New Year's Day and all I made all the other required items!

 

And, a delicious dinner was had by all!

Love, spajunkie

 

New Year's Rocking Eve

Someone posted recently on Facebook that whatever you are doing on New Year's Eve is what you will be doing all year.  (I stole that from you Liene!)

I sure hope that is true!  On New Year's Eve this year we were surrounded with dear friends, fabulous food, a beautiful home, laughter and joy.  Oh, and a little bit of wine.  If that is what the year has in store then I look forward to it!!

But, just in case I am making black-eyed peas, cabbage, cornbread and pork tenderloin...not that I am all that superstitious...just covering the bases.

We had some wonderful entertainment to start out our evening ~ and I found Bentley to snuggle with!

Cheers!

I love this family!  Wish Lauren had been well enough to be with us.

The six of us...what fun we have had in so many places!  

The joy and laughter of children...and a wonderful Mom who allowed this!

 These guys have been good friends for so long...

 

Me and Mr. Ken

Thanks to our fabulous photographer for letting me use these images!  

Reminiscent of the scene in the movie "Sex and the City", I am now off to clean out my closet (and try on outfits--toss or keep), one of my New Year's Day traditions, along with those black-eyed peas.

Hope your 2014 Rocks!

Love, spajunkie

A Few More Wonderful Things

As promised a little more blogging...

Another gift I was very surprised and inspired by was this beautiful cookbook~

Mr. Ken and I have frequented this restaurant (Backstreet Cafe) for as long as we have been married and prior to that I hung out there a lot because I lived very close by - it was the go to for lunch, drinks after work, dinner, etc.  All and all I probably started going there when it opened and still go there when I can.  At any rate he surprised me with a signed copy of their cookbook, which is complete with the story of the restaurant and its owners.  It is almost a love story of sorts along with a lot of good recipes and pretty good business advice for following your dream(s).

The quality and magnificent photography really sets it apart.  And, I am certainly no cookbook afficianado (is this spelled correctly??).  Ha Ha.  Nor do I really like or collect aprons of any kind!  (Another favorite gift is the new apron on the right..LOL.)

This year I made the executive decision that we were doing something different for Christmas dinner.  I simply wished for something, well, simpler, than a turkey, trimmings, casseroles, and the like.  When we started discussing this Mr. Ken mentioned a segment he had seen on Food Network with the goddess herself, Ms. Ina Garten~The Barefoot Contessa, and I knew that was the dinner for us.

It was relatively simple, but gorgeously elegant, as are most of her recipes.  Seafood Gratin, green salad and crusty sourdough bread with a dark chocolate mousse for dessert. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more.  Decadent and delicious but yet simple ingredients and beautiful presentation.

Here is the link for the Seafood Gratin - Barefoot Contessa Seafood Gratin

The one note to make to the recipe.  Because of personal preference I chose to do the recipe with 2 lbs of large gulf shrimp (peeled and deveined) and four lobster tails.  Her recipe calls for cooked lobster and since she lives in Maine this is probably really easy.  I decided to poach the lobster (I didn't consider anyone cooking it for me) because I think poaching adds immense flavor in a short amount of time.  Here is the link to the poaching recipe (more or less, I admit I tweaked it a bit based on available ingredients in my house and time.)

Poached Lobster from Relish.com  (obviously I stopped the recipe once the lobster had cooked and then used it in the Gratin - you could use this recipe for Lobster with butter sauce as well!)

I chose to add a simple green salad - arugula, romaine and butter lettuces with a classic French viniagrette.  As Ina says "how easy is that?"

About four to six cups of washed, torn mixed lettuces

3 TBLS champagne vinegar

1 tsp dijon mustard

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

10 TBLS good olive oil (I probably used less than this)

Put the greens in a bowl.  Mix all other ingredients in a small mason jar with lid.  Shake well.  Pour over the greens and serve.

Then I bought good crusty sourdough bread from Panera and called it dinner.  It was beautiful!

Oh, and who can forget dessert!  Dark Chocolate Mousse which I served with fresh raspberries.  Here is the link  - Bobby Flay Dark Chocolate Mousse

 Yummy.  Fabulous cookbooks, beautiful recipes, adorable aprons.  Who could ask for anything more?

Love, spajunkie.

 

 

Rage Against the Machine

Well, maybe not rage so much but I definitely intend to rant...

This morning I left the house at 8:45 to take Desi for his annual check up/shots/etc.  His appointment in Pearland was at 9:30.  We arrived promptly at 9:20.

......we finally were ushered into the exam room at 10:20, and saw the vet at about 10:50 and paid and were on our way back home at 11:15.  I can tell you I love this veterinary clinic more than I can say as they have taken care of and helped save many an animal.  BUT did I have an extra hour today to piddle around?  Let me take that back.  Did I have an extra hour today trying to keep Desi in "sit" mode while numerous dogs (and cats) came and went and much to my baby's chagrin WERE NOT there to play with him...um, no, quite frankly, I had not alloted for this in my "things to do today" list.  Nonetheless, one hour behind on the list and $352.43 later we were on our way.

Mr. Ken was stuck at home waiting for the plumber to fix the hot water heater.  (This went out on Thursday, plumber came Friday, a part had to be ordered and overnighted so they came back today to install it - which I have to say is pretty good turnaround time and is WAY better than waiting until Tuesday.  BUT could it be I'm so fit to be tied in general with today because I haven't had a hot bath, washed dishes or done laundry since Wednesday?  Perhaps is all I'm saying...read on.)  (I did take cold showers in case anyone is thinking I am fit to be tied and stinky too!)

Anyway, I got back from the vet and ran to get Mr. Ken some lunch since he was house bound waiting on them.  I got to Whataburger and the line was down the street.  (ERGH)  I waited in line mentally thinking of everything I needed to do before I got to sit down today and I just drove right by the window where you pay and went directly to the window where you pick up.  WELL.  I just can't even express in words the mayhem this caused!  You would have seriously thought I was robbing the place.  I even had a $20 bill in my hand hanging out the window.  Jeez.  

After lunch (such as it was) I headed out to get gas and went to the Shell station.  Why oh why did I do this?  This is the exact same station I can NEVER, repeat NEVER, make the gas nozzle thingy work.  I simply don't understand this whole "compress, tilt, pump" concept.  Truly I don't.  I finally gave up and went to HEB.

At HEB I did my shopping post haste, of course organizing my cart as I went as I do, and got to check out.  There I proceeded to put my groceries on the conveyor belt in order with the recycle bags planted atop the things I wanted in them.  IE, cold things, cold bag...produce, softer light bags...heavy things, heavier bags.  I think we've already been over my OCD tendencies when it comes to grocery shopping and bagging.  

As my COLD bag was handed back to me, EMPTY, I asked the girl "Did you put my cold stuff in a cold bag?"  "Yes, ma'am."  Well, I sure didn't see how since it was empty in my hand.  I have more than one so I decided not to make a scene because at this point I was close to ranting and raving.  

On the way home I stopped at the Exxon to get gas (because for reasons unknown to me I CAN successfully use their nozzles and pumps).  As I am trying to drive in and park there are approximately five small children ranging in age from 2-7 romping around the lot in front of the pumps paying not one iota of attention to drivers, cars or anything else.  In fact, they are quite gleefully playing with the window washer things, running around and trying to "wash" each other.  Besides the fact they did all look like they could use a good washing, I was stupidified as to what parent allows this to go on right on the corner of the Beltway and Fairmont with cars/trucks and the like whizzing by.  I, again, kept my mouth shut even though one of them slung the window washer thing hard enough that I got wet.  Where are the parents in this scenario?

At any rate, I get home and here is what I had in my grocery bags after all of the OCD loading of cart and strategic placement of groceries and the bags they should go in on the conveyor belt:

Chicken in a cold (!) bag (but not the one I had placed lovingly on the chicken to begin with) with cleaning products and paper towels.  (If there is one thing I hate more than anything it is non food items bagged with food items.)

The rest of my meat in a normal bag with some produce and some canned goods.

Freezer items in a normal bag with soy sauce, pimentos, canned corn, and refried beans on top.

Peaches, cherries and tomatoes on the BOTTOM of a bag with a half a watermelon, six bananas, five potatoes and a large onion on top.  My peaches are mush...

My eggs in their own bag which I found at the bottom of my cart when I unloaded the car...meaning everything above was piled on top of them...including a twenty pound bag of charcoal.  I'm glad I happen to have not actually needed eggs and mistakenly bought them. 

WELL>  I had it.  I was just done.  After I loudly voiced my irritation, Mr. Ken went up to the man cave to watch golf (smart man!), so I called HEB.  I spoke to the manager and told her I had it.  I was just done.  She was very nice and has promised the baggers will have a refresher course on the ins and outs of packing grocery bags, which HELLO is, BY THE WAY, their job.  I did also tell her that all and all I love my local HEB and, in fact, had written favorably about it on this very blog.

So, now that I feel much, much better about the whole day I am off to finish my list.

Unpack the rest of the non-perishable groceries, make potato salad and brownies for tomorrow and Monday's festivities, wash the dishes and the laundry, and hopefully take a HOT bath and have some wine!

That last part can't happen fast enough.

BTW - hello, hi!  I'm spajunkie and I'm sorry I've been gone so long!  More about the last six weeks in another post to come soon.  Now that I've found my loud voice again.

Have a happy and SAFE Memorial Day weekend.

Love, spajunkie