It's Not Beginning To Look Like Christmas, But Who Cares? Let's Celebrate!

Hi!

I hope this finds everyone well and ready to enjoy the holiday week!  While out enjoying some of the lights (this non-snowy year it looks more like Christmas after dark.) I was trying to remember the origins of some of the traditions like lights, etc.

But before we start, let's enjoy a brief, festive clip from a local house.  It makes me either want to decorate more...or give it up.

So, I thought I would share some of the lesser known origins with you, though I am sure many of you probably know way more.  If so, maybe it will help put you in the Christmas Spirit.  I've pulled these "facts" from several sources, some even from my brain... so let's call it folklore.

Christmas Trees:  Evergreens can survive the harshest of Winters, symbolizing everlasting life. Martin Luther is said to have brought the first one indoors.

Holly: The pointy leaves symbolize the crown of thorns that Jesus wore.  The red berries represent His blood.

Mistletoe:  The Druids believed it came down from Heaven and grew on a tree representing the marriage between Heaven and Earth.  It symbolizes God's reconciliation with Mankind.

Candy Canes:  The J shape represents Jesus or a shepherd's hook.  The white symbolizes purity and the red His blood that purifies.  Possibly invented by a Pastor to help keep kids quiet during services. They contain peppermint which is a close "relative" to hyssop, a Middle Eastern mint mentioned in the Bible.

Christmas Lights/Candles:  Symbolize Jesus as being the "Light of the World."

Gingerbread:  The Germans imported this Middle Eastern spice and began baking with it.  But it really became popular after the publishing of "Grimms Fairy Tales" as they started to build houses with it.  The first iced gingerbread cookies are from Britain and made their way "across the pond" to the US.

Eggnog:  The preferred holiday drink of the British aristocracy as nobody else could afford it.  With all the taxes on liquor, Americans changed the drink to contain rum as it was cheap.

Fruitcake: One version or another has been made pretty much since the beginning of time.  Also a favorite of aristocrats due to it's expensive ingredients (fruit, nuts, spices and liquor) and the long, tedious process to make it.

Christmas Carols:  Originally carols were Pagan songs celebrating the Winter Solstice.  The word "carol" originally meant to dance to something.  Christians took over and wrote songs that reflected their beliefs.

December 25th:  Christmas was first celebrated on this date in 336 AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine.  Later, Pope Julius made this date official.  This also correlates with the celebrating of the Winter Solstice (now the daylight will get longer--good reason to celebrate!) and other pagan festivals, so this date was chosen to draw attention away from them.

Well it's time for you to get back to your preparing and celebrating, but I have one last thing for you!  Click on the link below.  Enjoy!

Thompson Family Christmas Card

Feliz Navidad!

Gale

Things I've Learned As A First Year "TBDBITL" Mom:)

Greetings from a Happy Buckeye!

well mostly... could have done without the Michigan State game!

Taylor's view of the "Big House"  They goofed around with Brutus the whole game.  Note the score on the scoreboard:)

If you aren't a Buckeye fan, I apologize.  But most of this is about a new experience for an old gal...

You have no idea what your kid is getting you into, believe me!  I have to say that I am proud of the absolute dedication my son had/has to making the band and then maintaining a ridiculous schedule that included working everyday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with only one 10 minute break to eat, then fighting awful construction traffic to be at the 'Shoe and in his seat by practice time.  The band is not forgiving on tardiness or absenteeism.  He generally didn't get home until 10 p.m., often as late as 1 a.m., then started over the next day.

That said, whatever I could do to help was nothing compared to that.

The first thing I learned is we have (especially first year's) little or no notice of the schedule.  For instance,  I heard about the parent picnic the night before (right in the middle of our move to another home and the last day to get out of the current one. )  I asked and got an extension from the generous new owner for one more day.

They give you a paper with the schedule highlights, ticket info, concert stuff, etc.  But you don't know the half of it!  To make matters worse, Taylor is just for this semester a Columbus State student taking a band class through OSU so he didn't get the emails and wasn't eligible for buying a parking pass.  That turned out to be the biggest nightmare of the season.  But I will spare you the details--just know it cost him a fortune in fees and tickets before he was able to secure an off campus spot for the last few weeks of the season. (for $200.00)

Then there is the lingo... sections are not known by instrument, but the row of seats they sit in.  So Taylor is in KL -row (pronounced KEL row) for the sousaphone section.  They are assigned nicknames and the group becomes very close.  They get invited to "row dinners" on Sundays, which you think just might be the day you could visit with your kid, but noooooo...   Don't count on seeing them from August through November.   Each row has a mascot.  Some make sense, some don't.  KL-Row's is a banana.  Long story and not that exciting...

I learned pretty quickly when assembling travel bags that you can't buy anything in packs of 28 LOL! The next thing is you can't buy band gear at any of the jillion local stores, just straight from the band (which has no store...)  Occasionally they will have a table AFTER the game, but often the merchandise doesn't all show up.  So, no shirt for me yet.  The band has to protect it's trademark though because they don't get a dime from the athletic department.  Really a sore spot with parents.  There are loads of people who go to the game just for skull session, ramp and half time, then leave (like me.)  We pay full price for tickets, parking and the silly expensive concessions.

Taylor said the Michigan State game was awful on several levels:  losing at the last minute didn't help, but it was a cold, swirling rainy day.  Somehow there was a problem with the caterer and the band didn't get a meal until the staff ran around to all the local pizza places on a golf cart and procured every pizza they could find.

Then, all but the most dedicated fans went under roof at halftime and missed the show they had worked so hard on.  But the worst part was the weather caused the fireworks (the athletic department sets off when the team comes out of the tunnel) to rain some kind of chemical down and ruined all of the instruments.  His sousaphone looks like someone spilled coffee on it and they tried everything, but it won't come off.  Ideally, the athletic department should pay for the damage, but it hasn't happened.  You may have also heard about the busing situation. They always have a breakdown or two.  The team never does because OSU owns those buses.

Parents are offered tickets (at face price) for the seats behind the band.  That is fun and you see you kid, but don't do it if you want to actually see the game!  They also offer some nice tickets in AA sections for a couple games, but those aren't guaranteed.  I saw my tickets for the first time the morning of a night game and they were halfway up C- Deck because all the former Brutus Buckeyes were given our seats.

There were ancient people hauling up the million steep steps and more than 50 stumbled at the step next to me (3 or 4 with food loss) because it was a tad higher than the rest.  So, I spent the whole first half saying "watch your step."  This was after paying $40 for a parking spot because I don't know the ropes.  We did make to our first skull session (pep rally) and it was neat because it's really the band's gig (and it is indoors!)

The kids are a bit disappointed about not going to the playoffs, but at least they get to go to the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ where it's warm.  Game time is 1:00 p.m. Eastern and I will be watching it on TV because the parent/staff/student packages start at nearly $2500 for a three day trip.  But the kids already got the trip of a lifetime sponsored by the NFL to go to London and play at Wembley Stadium.  They were treated well and I am glad.

KL-Row guys at Big Ben last October.  Taylor is the H!

Some advice:  buy lots of the exact white shirts the band specifies.  They wear them constantly for travel and under their uniforms, so you can hardly get it washed between wearings.  Don't expect to be in contact as they are on phone silence and forget to turn them back on.  Know you are on a need to know basis and don't even try to change that. At first I thought is was just that Taylor didn't tell me, but I finally found the TBDBITL Parent's group and I know I am not alone.  That page has made a world of difference.

Author's Note 1/7/2016:  "Rolling Stone" Magazine has an in-depth article about the band.  The author spent the whole season with the band, mainly in Taylor's KEL row.  It isn't all glowing and wonderful about the past, but it's an interesting read nonetheless.

Well, that's enough for now.  Don't want to wear your eyes out!  Related links:
OH-IO!! A Buck-Eye's View of The Scarlet and Gray Craze
More Oh-io!:  A TBDBITLs-Eye-View of the Scarlet & Gray

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

Until next time,
Gale

PS:  Trivia Question:  Who coined the OSU Band "the best damn band in the land?"  Answer:  Woody Hayes

What Could Be Cookin' At The 'Creek?

if I were cooking...

Greetings!

I've admitted before that cooking is not my favorite thing.  But, I really admire folks who have a passion for it (and especially share the by-products of that passion!)  Sometimes one has to cook and believe it or not, there have been times where I have gotten compliments!  I thought I would share a few recipes with you now to try out this holiday season.

None of the recipes are complicated or require exotic ingredients, though the stuffing takes a little time.  Most are from the backs of boxes or cans, family or friends (who probably got them off the back of boxes or cans LOL!)  However, they are really good and full of calories.  Feel free to share these and Enjoy!

Corn Pudding:

2 EGGS, BEATEN
1/2 C BUTTER, MELTED
1 8.5 OZ BOX OF JIFFY CORNBREAD MIX
1 15 OZ CAN WHOLE KERNEL CORN, DRAINED
1 14.4 OZ CAN OF CREAMED CORN
1 C SOUR CREAM

Place in buttered baking dish and put into a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.

Marynelle's stuffing:  

1 1/2 LOAVES DRIED BREAD TORN INTO SMALL PIECES
3 EGGS
1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
1/3 LB OF BACON, LIGHTLY BROWNED (STILL SOFT) AND CHOPPED
1 C CELERY, CHOPPED
1 LG CAN MUSHROOM PIECES, DRAINED
1/2 CHOPPED ONION
POULTRY SEASONING, SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE
1 1/2 LBS BUTTER, MELTED

Using the biggest bowl you have mix wet ingredients, then add bacon and seasonings.  Stir in bread gradually.  Put in a greased pan or pans and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, according to how deep it is.  If by chance you over bake, you can generally save it by adding a tiny bit of turkey broth.

Barb's Broccoli & Cheese Casserole:

2 16 OZ PKGS OF FROZEN BROCCOLI FLORETS
1/2 LG BOX OF VELVETTA
2 STICKS BUTTER
2 ROWS OF RITZ CRACKERS

Cook broccoli until just tender, but not soggy.  It will finish cooking in the oven.  Pour out water and add 1 stick of butter while pan is warm.  Then add chunks of Velvetta until all is melted.

While broccoli is cooking put 2 rows of crackers in a gallon size baggie.  Crunch with rolling pin, but leave little hunks.  Add 1 stick of melted butter to the bag and mush around until all is moistened.

Pour broccoli mixture into buttered 11 x 14 dish.  Layer the cracker mixture on top.  Put in 350 degree oven 20 mins or until bubbly and slightly browned.

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Dip:  

8 OZ CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED
1/2 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
3/4 C CONFECTIONER'S SUGAR
2 TABLESPOONS BROWN SUGAR
1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
1 CUP OF MINIATURE SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Beat cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla to the cheese mixture; stir. Stir chocolate chips through the cheese mixture.  Some folks shape into a ball and decorate, but we dip it out of the bowl with chocolate graham cracker sticks.

Pink Fluffy Stuff aka Ambrosia:

1 LG. CAN CHERRY PIE FILLING

1 TUB OF COOL WHIP (not low calorie--I prefer whipped cream, but I make an exception for this)

1/2 PKG OR SO MINI MARSHMALLOWS (colored or plain)

1 CAN PINEAPPLE TIDBITS
1 JAR MARASCHINO CHERRIES DRAINED
1 CAN MANDARIN ORANGE SEGMENTS DRAINED
1 CAN SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

Dump all in bowl, stir, refrigerator a couple of hours and serve.

Candied Pecans:

1 LB BAG OF SHELLED PECAN HALVES
1/4 C OF ORANGE JUICE
1 C OF GRANULATED SUGAR

Put all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.  Cook on high, stirring every 2 minutes until sugar crystalizes (about 6-8 mins) being careful not to burn them.  Pour onto greased cookie sheet and separate to cool.  Store in an airtight container.

Tried and True (See the back of the packages):

Ocean Spray Whole Cranberry Sauce  (It doesn't get any easier than this!)

Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust (on the back of the key lime juice bottle.)

Jiffy Mix Cornbread  (People love that I add whole kernel corn to it.  It makes it more moist and less bland.)

Until next time!

Gale

Lucky You! A "Two-For" Review!

Hello 'Creekers!

Audra and I feel it is our duty to scour Central Ohio for good food (hey, why make something that takes an hour when you can drive an hour there, wait in line and drive an hour back???)

Today we are featuring not one, but two really good sandwich places.  Both were started as family-owned restaurants.  The first one we visited is popular with the Ohio Wesleyan students in Delaware.  There is also one near Polaris Mall.  Turns out it is a national chain so you can look it up at their website linked here:

820 Sunbury Road, Delaware, Ohio location

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Their sandwiches are huge and reasonably priced.  The meals are the best deal.

I had the green beans.  They were spicy and really good, but my baked potato casserole was a tiny bit dry.  Guess that would be expected because they weren't actually mashed potatoes.

This is a strip mall type place you can either eat in or get take out if you think you will get sauce all over you.  You pick the sauce out and dispense in a cup.

Then then we have...  

Johnny Buccelli's

This is the largest photo I could find.  It is located at 830 Bethel Road in Columbus, Ohio.

This place is connected to Hoggy's and serves really good sandwiches.  I had the Steakhouse Cheesesteak with Provolone.  Audra likes the meatball one.  You can get several sides, but most everyone gets the homemade potato chips which are served warm and come with a sauce sort of like Cane's sauce.  Well, more than sort of...  the prices weren't terrible and the wait for our carry-out was short.  They also serve pasta dishes and paninis.

For more info on either of these, just hit the links above.  

Shortly, I will be posting a "cookbook" with recipes I like when I have to cook!

Until then,

Gale

A Very Scary Halloween- Part Two

Hello!

Well, there were some fun moments...

After work I was planning to start up the fire pit in the driveway, but I was alone and didn't feel right leaving it unattended as I finished up the food, etc.  Since it was cold and a couple of my friends were already not feeling well, I decided to scrap it.  Later on, we wondered why kids were passing us by even though I had all the lights on.  Turns out, they were going from fire pit to fire pit.  So I hollered out to a little shark and his mom and then folks started coming up to the door.  So, it wasn't the flood I expected, but that was fine and the extra candy disappeared in a few days...

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me and my dear "second family", a very special home was purposely being burnt down by developers.  I plan to write a post all about that house once I find the right photos, but it was a shock to see this lovely 1929 English Tudor destroyed because the land it sat on is several acres of prime real estate.  I have a lot of neat memories of the house though I only lived there a couple or so years.

Back to the fun:  Here are just a few of my favorite trick-or-treaters:

The Shark who started it all...

An Angry Bird...

Cindy Lou Who, who brought my favorite trick-or-treater of the night...

The Grinch!!!!

The next morning I decided to suck it up and rake leaves.  But, I also raked up candy!  Who says chores are thankless???  I couldn't bring myself to eat it, though it looked perfectly fine.  

Until next time, 

Gale

More Tricks Than Treats This Very Scary Halloween-- Part One

 Hello from the 'Creek!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!  This post is way different than I originally planned.  It has been quite a weekend.  Let's start from the beginning, shall we?

I am not all that enthusiastic about dressing up, but I try to be a sport and do a little.  In the past lots of folks have gone to work in costume (see past posts).  I found a fancy witch hat and bought some fake eyelashes.  I had an all black outfit and at the last minute, decided I would take Audra's graduation gown for a photo op (that I never got around to doing.)

I had to be at work at 7 a.m. Halloween.  I let the "girls" out of their pen and they joined me for a breakfast of string cheese.  I am not awake enough to prepare anything, but I have to eat something with my meds or I get pukey feeling.

The girls followed me to my bathroom and were standing at the door when I dropped a pill.  I heard it bounce on the counter, but in the 1/10th of a second of putting down the bottle so as not to spill more, I lost track of that pill.  I grab the dogs and throw them up on my bed and start crawling all over looking for that pill.  I couldn't find it anywhere in the bathroom or in my bedroom.

So, panic mode sets in.  I pull open the vent, go through the trash, shake out the rug, crawl around the toilet with no luck.  I couldn't get the sink stopper out.  Well, Carrie (the adorable Yorkie pictured in my last post) who sticks to me like glue, has a habit of inhaling treats, etc.  She is sitting on the bed watching me acting normal.

Well, I didn't see a choice on the outside chance she'd grabbed it, so I grab her up and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and go to the deck.  I pour some down her, but she didn't barf right away, so I did it again.  She just stared at me mortified.  I put her in her pen because now I am also running late and no matter what I had to a least get clothes on.  (Note:  There are times when you would not want to induce vomiting!  It can make matters worse.  I did it because almost no time had elapsed.  If the dog starts showing symptoms of poisoning, do NOT do this!)

I went back to her and she had barfed.  Yeah, sort of.  Chunks of cheese, whole bits of dog food from the night before, but no pill.  Good!  and bad...  That means the pill is still somewhere, so more crawling around.  Finally, I get up Audra and tell her to sleep on the sofa with both dogs, though I was sure the Chin couldn't possibly have gotten it as she was farther away.

I told her to watch them and not let them go to sleep.  If there were any issues, call me while getting to the vet's office up the road who would likely be open at 8.  We don't have emergency vets nearby and it was almost 7.  I was pretty sure they were fine as a 1/2 hour had passed already.  Fortunately, all is well with them.

Well, this threw a real wrench in the costume thing, so I grabbed up my stuff and got to work.  The hat was a hair small, so I took some big bobby pins along.  I had my makeup and the eyelashes as well.  I have no experience with the eyelashes so a friend put them on me bless her heart.  Somehow glue got in my eyes and on my upper eyelid and it burns.

Then we wrangled on the hat, which I kept whacking on everything as I forgot what a wide brim it had.  Didn't fit in the car at lunch or on our power equipment.  Couldn't take it off as it was pinned on--though some unknowing folks tried pulling it off.  That hurt, plus my hair was a wreck underneath...

Worst part, only 3 or 4 of us did anything for a costume,  (I was just wearing a black top and jeans, so not as ridiculous looking as I could have been..plus my lovely red vest.)  I owe a manager a little payback when he jokingly said to a fellow employee, "I wonder why Gale didn't dress up this year?"  Good thing I know he was kidding as he is a good guy...

Last, but not least, the last Jack Russell Terrier re-joined Ivy and Tucker in the "Happy Hunting Grounds."  There is a previous post just about her called "Good Karma, Bad Karma."  Good bye "Karmie Doodles."

We haven't even gotten to the Trick or Treat part or what happened today, but I don't want a super long post...

So until next time...

Gale

Rest In Peace

Brandywine Karma of Darby Creek

JRTCA Bronze Medallion Working Terrier

September 9, 1999- October 31, 2015

Random Rantings From The 'Creek!

Hello friends!

Hope you have been enjoying my favorite season of the year!  I hate Winter and here in Ohio we almost never get a Spring, but Fall usually doesn't disappoint.

We are sort of settled into the new 'Creek.  It's the old adage of putting 10 lbs of you-know-what into a 5 lb. bag.  I celebrated "Jeep Made It Into Garage Day" last Friday.  Still crap on the other side of the garage though.  I don't know what the builders were thinking when they decided how deep to make the garage.  My Jeep isn't that long, but you can barely shut the garage door and I am up against the freezer that is up against the wall!

Carrie is a not-too-happy little pumpkin...

We have been furniture shopping as my sofa is kaput!  I wanted to wait until I moved to see what would look nice and fit.  I haven't shopped for furniture in many years and had no idea that one is attacked the second you step inside the door of the store.  Not only attacked, but stalked.  I get it, they are on commission, but all that makes me want to do is leave.  Which I did, many times.  When did it become like a used car lot?

So still no sofa...

It is weird coming from the country to a high density neighborhood.  We are adjusting, but I still jump when I hear a car door shut because I think someone is here, but they aren't in our driveway.  I am used to yelling shut up to a barking dog because they only ones I ever heard were ours.  Not anymore and one doesn't want to yell that to other folk's dogs if one wants to get along with their neighbors!  I haven't talked to either of mine, except for the perfunctory wave in the front yard.  Fine with me, but they live closer to me than my barn at the old place and it's weird.

For my crafty friends:  The craft cave is piled high with boxes, as is the whole basement.  But I plan to post something soon to get back into the swing of things.

Taylor is leaving next week for London with the OSU Marching Band to play at an NFL exhibition at Wimbley Stadium.  They have a chartered jet flying non-stop and each member gets a disposable cell phone, sponsored by the NFL.  I told him not to get used to that as traveling abroad isn't normally that easy!  Can't wait to hear about it upon his return.

Well, I must get ready for work.  I promise to make some "normal" posts soon, but in the meantime, please check out the upper right corner and visit the "Index By Topic" page for previous posts!

Until next time!

Gale

More OH-IO!: A TBDBITL's-Eye View Of The Scarlet & Gray

Hello!

Mary, Audra, me, Dad and Taylor

Last week my Dad, Sister-In-Law, Audra and I went to our first Ohio State game as the family of "The Pride of the Buckeyes" OSU Marching Band.  My son Taylor has worked hard toward achieving his goal to someday being an I-Dotter for "Script Ohio."  Only upperclassmen and celebrity guests are allowed to have this honor, so it is still a few years out.

Scenes from pre-game

We went to the Western Michigan game and bought AA deck tickets that are reserved for band members' families seated right behind the band in the south end zone.  You are very close to the field and can actually make out faces, but you have to be there to support the band.  If you were expecting to watch the game, you wouldn't want those seats.  I must say I felt more "involved" in the game there as Block O is screaming behind us and the band is constantly playing in front with the cheerleaders and Brutus below in the end zone.  Usually, my seats are B or C deck.  But you watch the actual game on the "jumbotron" at the north end of the field.

My dad is 85 years old and had a great time (except for not being able to see much of the game.)  He brought his cane and it was useful for tapping to the music and the shoulders of kids in front (non-band) who would stand for no reason.

The band has been good for Taylor for many reasons.  There is a lot of tradition and regimen that won't hurt him.  They get to travel to London, England in a few weeks for an NFL exhibition game.  They were invited because of their innovative shows designed with iPads (all members get one to use.)  If you aren't familiar with their shows, go to Youtube.com and there are tons of them.  I loved the "Wizard of Oz" one.

There are row dinners (members are not described by instrument, but by the row that instrument is assigned.  In the case of the sousaphones, it is K and L, known by all as KL Row (pronounced as kel-row.)  Though the band doesn't receive a cent of money from the athletic department (a real sore spot with me as they are as important to the game as the team), generous donors take good care of them.  Band members have to know the words to every school song as they are a "singing band" and also ambassadors for the university.  I love listening to the pre-ramp chants and music where they shout "We are Buckeyes...and we are Killer Nuts!" (Buckeyes are poisonous nuts.)  I am learning more about my alma mater now then when I went there in the 80s and it's fun to share it with Taylor.


Each of the sections has a mascot and KL Row's is a banana.  I had the pleasure of seeing it the entire game, instead of football.  Here is our view for most of the game...

The Chiquita Banana watching the game instead of me...

The best part of the day was Dad getting to see Taylor before he leaves for FL in a few days.

Well,  I'd better get to a chore or two, so that will do it for this time!  For a lot more info on the band and it's tradition go to TBDBITL.OSU.edu.  They also have tons of CDs and downloads to purchase, or you can listen free on http://www.sgsosu.net/osu/songs/todays_songs.html  They even have the lyrics and the history of each song.   Thank you Audra for finding this!

Until next time,

Gale
OSU Class of '83


PS:  See also "OH-IO!  A Buck-Eye's View of the Scarlet and Gray", and "We're BAAAAACCCK!" for other OSU stories.

Every Day is Pie Day at "Just Pies!"

Hello!

I never forgot you even when I was in the throws of house selling/buying and computer issues.  If there was something I wanted to blog about, I stored it away in my memory and took photos/notes.

It doesn't have to be 3.14.15 to celebrate "pi"e!  On a trip to Columbus, Audra and I decided it had been too long since we had a pie from "Just Pies." They are made from scratch with real ingredients.  Oprah used to serve them in her green room to show guests.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. Well these are worth several 1,000 calories!

The filling for this is not the usual bagged glop!  I didn't realize though that there was a layer of cheesecake at the bottom.

They will send whipped cream on the side.  This is just a tiny piece.

For chocolate lovers, and you know who you are... 

Here is a tiny Buckeye Pie --it has peanut butter and chocolate filling.  This may look like a personal size, but it is heavy and really serves 4.

The selection varies seasonally and there are usually only a dozen or so choices, but all are wonderful.  They have small, medium and large and aren't cheap, but they are high density fruit and heavy!  If you want them for the holidays, it is best to order or they may be out for the day when you walk in.  

The Worthington High Street location

Here is the fruit pie section:

For more information on menu and locations go to http://www.just-pies.com  I hope you will check them out and Enjoy!

Until next time,

Gale

P.S.  Much to my dismay,  I am never paid to endorse anything and I always purchase the product.  But then, I never asked!

If At First You Don't Succeed....

just buy the stupid new computer!

Hello!

Greetings from my new iMac.  My 9 year-old one literally "died in it's sleep" as it never woke up after publishing my last post.  I tried and tried to revive it, but I think she flat-lined for good.  No since putting more money in her, so I bit the bullet and ordered this one thinking my problems would be over...

Not so, of course.  I work impossible hours to reliably be home for deliveries.  I really took a risk when I set up my UPS My Choice account.  This is a free service (at least the first tier) where you can change delivery info and track packages.  I knew there was little hope of me being home to sign for it, so I reluctantly gave permission to have what to me is a fortune left in a box outside my home (in a heavily populated neighborhood where I know nobody.) 

When I got the message my package had been delivered, I went to the spot I requested and it wasn't there.  I was nearly in panic-mode when I decided to look around a little more.  Well, it was sorta near the spot, but in shade.  Maybe that is why.  But like Christmas morning when you open presents, then are whisked away before you can play with them, I had to go back to work.

My new blogging buddy!

Ok, I un-package everything and I must say that Apple wins my award for the coolest packaging ever.  You hate to undo it and throw it away!  I was feeling pretty good about getting the info off my old Mac because I have a time machine backup device.  Theoretically, there is a duplicate of everything.  It's a USB device  and it never occurred to me in 9 years that USBs would change plugs.  

Well, there is no fitting the old USB cord in the new port.  Now what?  Only partially annoyed, I decide to start up the computer anyway.  

Only one hitch.  All my favorites, usernames and passwords would've been transferred had the time machine fit.  I don't always update my little red book and for the life of me I couldn't remember my Apple ID, wifi password, email account info and the worst, my Blogger username, email address and password.  What should have taken a few minutes took hours and I am not nearly done.  

Once I got my main email address connected, the rainbow wheel went nuts and I had almost 1300 messages to weed through from several years.  I can't find the highlight and mass delete feature, but you can bet I will!

So, my worst technological fears were realized.  No wonder I was reluctant to get another computer!  There is also a good reason I resist change.  It's usually a pain.

Well, the bright side is I will be seeing you more as we have a lot to catch up on!  

Until next time (when there will be photos!)  Happy Fall!  Go Bucks!

Gale

Helloooooooo!!! I'm Baaaaaaack!

Hi!

Long time, no write.  There has been a whirlwind of activity here the last month, including my computer issues.  I have lots to tell you, but plan to break it down into bite-sized posts.  Basically moved out of one place into another with way too much crap, but could never have enough nice things to say about my awesome friends who helped and helped and helped.

Another huge bit of new is that Taylor made the sousaphone section (called KL Row) in the Ohio State University Marching Band aka TBDBITL "The Best Damn Band In The Land!" and we are very proud of all of the work and determination it took to reach his dream.  Monday night he was in Virginia for the first game and someone shot this photo:

Taylor in the center.

Taylor on right.

Lots of stories to share about this, but another time.  

The main reason I am able to type this is I finally took my dear old iMac (2006) to the Apple Genius Bar.  I suspected there was a problem with the power supply and bought one on Ebay to take along.  It's kind of a hike from my place to go, but I was told for $85 the "Geniuses" would have to fix anything.  Well, I finally get the appointment and drag it there only to find out that there is age discrimination even in computers.  The gal tried a different power cord and the darn thing powered on.  Really?  Great and annoying to think I went without my puter for a couple months over a power cord, but at least it's fixable.  Except not there because 1) they aren't allowed to work on anything more than 5 years old, no doubt because they want to sell you a new one.  2) They don't stock Apple power cords at their Apple Store.  Really??  She suggested other places I could buy one and after one more insult to my faithful old puter (You know, this computer has no monetary value whatsoever, but we will recycle it for you...) off we went.

We go to the Micro Center which is a huge techie sort of place that sells Apple parts, sort of.  They don't carry power cords either.  But I was able to get a generic one, though it is black and not white like an Apple for $6.  I get home, put the system back together and it doesn't power on.  Of course.  But after jiggling the cord at the connection, it started.  So maybe, I didn't even need to live through this at all and there went a day of my life.  However, my dear friend Donna and Audra were with me and we had fun just the same.  

So, I will sign off for now and hopefully will bring you many more updates from the 'Creek soon!

Hope all is well with you and until next time....

O-H-I-O!

Gale

The 'Creek Is Crazy And The Times, They Are A-Changing!

Mowing, mowing, mowing.
I'm forever mowing.
Man, my grass is growing knee high!

Hi everyone,

Boy, I apologize for the large gap between posts, but it has been one thing after another here!  We went from Winter in Ohio, to monsoon season!  The flowers are plentiful, but the weeds are more so!  My wonderful blogging companion, a 2007 iMac has been hinting for weeks for me to pull the plug and let it die peacefully.  It will just randomly shut down.  Perhaps it is time... though it has been cured before!

The 'Creek property has been in-contract and if all goes well, we will be moving the end of August.  Unfortunately, the "ladies" won't be joining us.  My friend Cliff and his wife Julie have been wanting hens for quite awhile and have invited them to go live on their lovely country property.  They are nearby and I will visit and report on them often.  The "Chick Inn" will be cleaned up and moved, possibly as a fancy but rarely used "dog palace."  Someday I may get more hens, but now isn't a good time for me to deal with moving them.

Ideally, I mow when I'm not working, and the mower is...  This year both of us have struggled with the yard, so I am glad to go where a push mower will be plenty.  I will miss the snacks I eat along the way, the last couple weeks I've had peaches and raspberries as I mow by them.  I hope the new folks will appreciate the property and enjoy it as much as we have.   The kids want me to move the bunnies and birds that are everywhere...enjoying my fruit before I have a chance to, I must say...

Here are some of the peaches that I was able to salvage.  There weren't many this year, but they were the juiciest, biggest ones ever!

Although I haven't posted much this Summer, I have been gathering ideas.  So, look for a plethora of topics in the near future!  I am excited that the "girls" and I are going back to this year's Stamp-away Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 8th.  I will share the news, products and ideas right after!

Until next time,

Gale

Gale's Gallery XVIV: No Sew Quilt Blocks!

Hello everyone!

Wow!  I didn't realize it had been so long since the last post.  Summer is flying by, following another Ohio non-existent Spring.  It's rained everyday for a couple weeks and boy does my yard look like it!

Audra and I painted this last week to celebrate the 4th.  The side is trimmed in blue and even though there are boo-boos, we like it!

I am always on the lookout for ways to quilt without sewing and paint without being an artist, so this is the perfect project for me!  It is a bit time-consuming, but only because you have to wait for paint to dry before taping next phase.  So, it's a good project to work on in short bursts of time.

I was first inspired to paint a barn quilt after riding through nearby Champaign County and discovering they have a "Quilt Barn Trail."   Unfortunately, I live in a semi-residential neighborhood and my "barn" is really a new-ish white metal pole barn.  Hmmmm... what to do, what to do?

Of course!  The "Chick Inn" hen house would be perfect for a diminutive version!  The "ladies" love to decorate.  (So much, in fact, that I don't decorate my house for holidays anymore.  It's quicker and cheaper to do theirs.)

My first attempt was the Ohio Star pattern and was 18" x 18."  It lives in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains now.  It was on plywood.

How to:

Though I started off using plywood, the gessoed frames from Dick Blick give more dimension and are smooth.  However, it is really important to have a true square and I have yet to get one that was perfect.  It doesn't matter the size as long as it's square, but bigger is easier.

You need really good painter's tape (I like the Frog tape the best, but I used the blue for this and only had a few touch ups.)  You want to press hard on the edges so paint doesn't get under the tape!  I also avoid running the brush into the tape, but rather away from it.

I just use plain old acrylics that I am trying to use up.  I have used patio paint, but I find if you use regular and seal it with polyurethane, it's just fine.  Don't spray the poly in high heat or it may turn yellow...

My blocks hang on the side of the "Chick Inn" that rarely sees rain and direct sunlight, so they last pretty well.  Here is another one...

I've been using this one for a few years.  It's appropriately called the "Hens 'N Chicks" pattern.

Well, must get ready for another showing!  I hope you will try this as it's super easy!

Until next time,

Gale

Help! I'm In WP Purgatory!

Hi!

So much for rejuvenating...  Just to catch you up:  Audra graduated from college, house is on the market, worked the whole holiday weekend short staffed... if it weren't for my amazing kids, I would surely have gone off the deep end!

But I digress...

A few days before Audra's graduation, my exactly two-year-old washer suddenly stopped running.  It "wanted" to run, but it couldn't fill.  After all the usual attempts, the unplugging and plugging back in, trying different cycles, dragging it out of it's closet and cleaning out hoses, filters, etc., I gave in and called a repairman, kinda thinking it was the pump.

Since I was mostly on a 10-7 p.m. work schedule, I had to wait several days to get someone out.  I washed 3 loads (not drying) at a local laundromat and it cost $12.00!  How can anyone afford not to own a washer and dryer???  But the laundry was piling up and I had no choice.

So, the repairman comes ($65 service call), makes some comments about how this model is a piece of "work" (list price was $999!) and runs diagnostics.  Turns out it is the mother board, the worst case scenario in my book. (The direct drive motor and wash basket have a 10 year warranty, but nobody warrants their mother board more than a year.)  To replace it is $279, plus another $65 trip to install it.  I have no idea why it broke because it worked just a few minutes before and there weren't any power outages or anything.

Lest we forget, I have sold un-tolled thousands/hundreds of thousands of dollars of WP-owned product thinking it's reasonably reliable in a market where really all makes/models have problems of some sort.  And maybe they still are, but I am not a happy camper!

I call WP's Customer's Care Line ( I called it the Customer "Scare" Line now...) and politely let them know the situation.  I didn't get the extended warranty because I figured a washer that nice would last and though I got a good deal, it was still a stretch for me to buy.  There is no way a mother board should go out this soon.  Now anytime I buy something involving water and electric I am getting one.

Anyway, they told me to call the store complaint line and go through those channels.  Well, I would never do that because that gets the store dinged for a complaint that they had no part in causing.  We don't make products, we only sell them.  I explained that the very least they could do was send me the part and was basically told "sorry for your luck."

Anyone that knows me knows that I would be cringing at this point, but I was still polite.  I explained that I am disappointed in their service and now I don't feel particularly comfortable selling their products if they don't back them any better than this.  The guy said "OK, Let me see what I can do"  and took all of the washer's info, serial number (he said so he could register it--my Aunt Fannie!) yada yada, then my contact info.  He of course led me to believe he was trying to help, but...

Then he proceeds to tell me that they don't appreciate being threatened?  Which I didn't technically do and that I wasn't getting the part and they were going to "escalate" the situation, whatever that means.  I was upset (exactly what WP intended), but my managers just brushed it off and said there isn't anything WPcan do to me or the store and to forget it.  Of course, that's true, but I don't have to promote their stuff and I don't.  I especially didn't appreciate their trickery.  If someone asks for these products, then I sell them.  If they want opinions, without saying anything derogatory, I show them other brands.  They shot themselves in the foot!

So, I ordered the part and eventually it arrives.  I decided for fun to Google "how to replace a mother board" and it looked pretty straightforward.  So, completely out of my comfort zone, (and realizing I should've taken a photo of the wiring first LOL!) I replaced that sucker in maybe 20 minutes and IT WORKED!

I temporarily felt like Queen of the World, but am still annoyed about the situation.   I will never take for granted the sound of a working washer....

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

Gale

You Can Be A Kitchen Magician! (& Dash For Stash Winner Announced!)

Editor's Note:  I will be taking a couple weeks off to rejuvenate:)  See you in June!  Be sure to go to the Index by Topic for loads of posts about anything and everything!  Enjoy!  Gale

Hello!

I am certainly not a magician in the kitchen, but I do love to design for other folks who like to cook (or just look at an awesome kitchen!)  You can spend a little, or you can spend a lot, but no matter your budget something can be done.  I have some tips below the tour of some of the rooms I have designed.  I would be happy to try and answer any questions you might have.  Just post a comment!  If you are local, feel free to drop in the store with your measurements and we can take a look!

This roomy kitchen is great for entertaining, multiple cooks or just to help the kids with homework while fixing meals.
The cabinets are by Schuler (Harper Maple door style in Carriage Black w/ Heirloom Burnt Sienna Glaze,)

This is an open kitchen, office and entertainment area using Kraftmaid Durham Maple Square door style in Praline w/Onyx Glaze.

This simple design for a small space still has style with an apron sink and stainless appliances.  This is in Diamond Reflections Amhearst Maple Square in Cloud.

This owner chose to combine colors to keep kitchen light, yet match her hardwood floor.  Different colored islands are popular.  This kitchen is in Shenandoah McKinley Maple Square Coffee and Auburn w/ Auburn Maple Glaze.

This kitchen utilizes different depths and heights to make it's statment.  This is Kraftmaid Carrington Maple Praline w/ Mocha Highlights.

This family preferred the industrial look with minimal cabinets, but lots of glass.  This is Schuler  Soho Maple in Harbor Mist.

Oddly-shaped rooms provide a challenge, but it can be done in style.  This is Shenandoah in McKinley Square w/ Painted Hazelnut.

This is a to-die-for craft room, but could easily be a home office.  Designed in Shenandoah Breckinridge Cherry Spice.

Kraftmaid's new distressed cabinets!




I proved I could 10 pounds of "potatoes" in a five pound bag...

What's Hot & What's Not!

I would never suggest designing a kitchen just based on trends.  Get what works for you, your space and your budget.  However, if you plan to update and/or sell your house (or are just curious) here are some current hot items in my opinion...

In:  Square and slab doors, Mission/Shaker types 

Out: Cathedral and "fussy" door styles

In: Maple, Cherry or painted cabinets in shades of Gray, White, Ivory, Black

Out:  Oak 

In:  Stainless appliances

Out:  Bisque

In:  Just about any countertop--but quartz and granite lead the way

Out:  Real marble and butcher block (mostly due to care)

In:  Stainless bar pulls and handles

Out: Brass or fussy designs

In:  Neutral walls with one pop of color, maybe in backsplash or decorative items

Out:  Wallpaper and wallpaper borders, curtains

In:  Under-mount sinks.  Though it can be done, I am not sold that it is a good idea for laminate tops.

Updating on a Dime

You don't have to spend a lot of money and effort to perk up your current kitchen.  A fresh coat of paint is by far the cheapest way to change a look.  Changing your hardware is another option, but make sure they fit in the same holes you have!

Updating your lighting is another great way to make a change--most house are built with contractor grade boring fixtures.  Nice ones don't have to be that expensive.  

I am not a fan of those do-it-yourself cabinet and countertop kits.  I have heard some of the cabinet ones look nice, but the time/effort is intensive and the kits aren't cheap.  Laminate countertops don't have to be expensive and I would think cleaner and better looking than painting one or covering with faux granite, etc.  I have always gone by the rule if it's not real that's okay, but don't try to make it "look" real--fake always looks fake, especially close up.  

For house value and durability issues, I would always go with real materials, even if it took me forever to afford them one at a time.  Below is a chart of what you can expect when you remodel to sell.

Well, that does it for this post.  Hope it was helpful!  The "Dash For The Stash" winner is Kelly J!  She has until Monday 5/3 morning to respond with her mailing info or another name will be drawn.

Until next time,

Gale