My Magic Worm...

I have one...for reals, even!  While you may think that is not feasible....check it out...I have proof and such..I roll no other way, my friends...

See!  I do not fib...His Name is Jose Cuervo...after those worms you find in tequila bottles...although, I know nothing about them..nope...zero knowledge...teehee

By now, you know me...I believe it is always necessary to carfully inspect the packaging of these toys...

Aside from the humor found on the front..the 'claims' alleged on the back were THE BEST EVER....in addition to providing directions...I was instructed on how my Magic Worm could wind around pencils and move between my fingers...along with a special note...'handle your Magic Worm gently.  Keep Away From Water!'  an exact quote...I guess it is a good thing it was not raining here in Oregon today...would have been most unfortunate for my new Magic Worm...and I am always gentle, ask...well, um..anyone!

Heeding the advice on the package in regards to water contact......I felt it was best to refrain from taking Jose over to 'The Wall'....just to be safe...So, he hung out with me at my command center...we had a blast!  Who wouldn't enjoy reviewing telecom bills..????  They are a total hoot...sometimes keeping me up at night, in fact..shhhh...we do party like rock stars over here on the west side...yep...absolutely...especially with Magic Worms!

He LOVED my office....he was better at 10-key than Buzz...and had much better phone skills...shhhhhhhhhhh.....I may just make him my personal assistant...he does possess magical skills....winkety-wink...

Coincidentally, as the package mentioned...this Magical Worm could wind around pencils...that was right on!  AND, I had just THE pencil for this worm...allow me to introduce my fiance...Mr. Giant Green Pencil....again, keep this on the DL...

Jose did work his magic on this pencil...they bonded instantly!  Neato!  As the package claimed...hmmm...neato????  Not quite...overzealous, perhaps with that claim...speaking from experience, mind you....I could probably name some things that are, in fact, 'neato', however...this is not one of them...although, that word does make me giggle...it's so...so...Brady Bunch..yep, it totally is...neato, Greg and, right on, Marcia!  hahahahahaa

Where was I....this regression affliction...I blame Darren...and The You Tube...it is totally not my fault...SO...in addition to my Magic Worm...I found one other gem..well, not quite a gem...more of a disappointment...again, the packaging on certain items can be SO misleading...

I was eager for an instant winter!  For reals!!  As well as anxious to make my very own Yeti habitat...I had an ulterior motive, mind you....create an environment welcoming a Yeti...and you can snag yourself a Yeti...not indigenous to the pacific NW, however..his cousin, Bigfoot...may just look me up...I'm sure they talk and such...he could totally put in a good word....besides, I have pink hair...who wouldn't want that???!!??  We could have babies that look like those starlight mints...  hahahahahahaa.....I figured he could totally give me a piggy-back ride through The Fred Meyer...they're pretty tall...yep, that's me...ALWAYS thinking...oh, yeah, baby....

Ugh...I really got off track...and I haven't even shown you the snow I created from my instant winter...I now feel like an instant loser...and it ended up looking more like instant mashed potatoes..and as one could fathom, they taste the same...

I really expected something much more spectacular...it was the disappointment of the decade...well, no...um...not so much..but..my neighbor stopped over to witness the spectacularness of this experiment...and it was a total let-down...From the package directions, I did expect TONS of snow....we only got a little bit...pffttt.....boo and hiss...

We did go to The Fred Meyer..the brand new one!

Here we are at a light!  Woo-Hoo!!

"So, Mama,...what do you give a seasick Yeti??? Plenty of Room!! hahahahaha"

Alright...already...shall we focus on our orginal intent...putting magic worms and snow and yetis aside....dinner....nothing glamorous, however it was delicious....I guess you can take a gal out of Pennsylvania, but you cannot take the Pennsylvania out of this gal...Sauerkraut!  I tried to fight it...I did...but, it's just sooo great! 

Pork, Sauerkraut, Onion, Thyme, Apple, Brown Sugar and Olive Oil

Brown the tenderloin in your dutch oven of righteousness...it's only right...tisk-tisk...oh, and be sure and shake a little bootie while doing so...no regrets!  none!!

Slice the pork...it is expected..and A-OK around these here parts...at least on the west side...shhhhhh...don't let those east-siders know... hahahaha

Proceed to chop up your apple and onion..it is proper...and expected...and paves the way to complete and utter deliciousness...sorry..got caught up in the drama...it's 'The Wall' affect...can't help myself...either that..or the music...surely, it is an excellent excuse...I am full of them!

A few tears were shed...I will not lie, nor will I apologize...I feel no shame...Green Day said it best...again, I should blame the onions..however, that is not exactly the case...hmmmmm....

Proceed to brown the aforementioned onions and apples in your dutch oven..yeah....it IS the right thing to do....totes!

They look so darn cute, don't they!  And they taste ten times better!!

Not only did most everything turn out...well, except for the unfortunate disappointment with my instant winter....we were able to wear boots again!  WOOHOO!....

E.V. was SO excited..she couldn't even keep her eyes open...nah, that is a complete and utter fabrication...she was appalled..in fact...prolly cause I'm her mama...and that's what kids do...hahahahahahaa...

"Let's get this show on the road, Mama..I am hungry!  That super-cool nice neighbor did give me a treat, but I need a little more...Oh, and is that King for a Day I hear...well...TURN IT UP!!!  Where IS that wand....shall we shake some bootie, so to speak???"

She does have a keen sense...and I DID turn it up, grab the wand....have some fun...why not!  Then I ate a little food...and then had some Reese's Pieces for dessert..YUM!  They were on my list, which I did not lose...who could forget those, anyway...

Pork Tenderloin, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes

As previously professed, there is absolutely nothing glamorous about sauerkraut, however, do not underestimate its power...it is delicious...and underrated...the underbelly...go make some...trust me.....speaking of under...nah...I shall let that pass...it is best...trust me on this one....you understand...tisk-tisk..coming from an under-achiever..hahahhaa...Get your fists in the air...dye your hair pink...well, it's kinda-sorta pink...don't ever look back...buy a magic worm...don't try to create an instant winter...the more I think about it...a Yeti would probably make a horrible house guest...all that hair...and I am totally certain he would leave the seat up...just sayin'...I don't care if you don't care....we are the kids of war and peace....we're off to the land of make believe...however, I am sure that is from where we came...merely an observation...good night, my friends...we'll be here tomorrow..please, do not run away...If you do..go listen to Fountains of Wayne - Stacy's Mom...Awesome!

The Girl Got Hot...

Oh, my goodness me...my NEW favorite song!  I found it tonight...as always, thank YOU to The You Tube...and Weezer...We tried to start the week off on a positive note over here on the west side...so far...it's a little slow..Three things happened that were relatively good...however, compared to the forty-five other bad things...they pale in comparison..yep, we are a ray of sunshine today..please be aware..hahahahaha...

"Mama...what WAS that noise!?!?!"  Oh, Eves...that was the sound of Mama's heart breaking..it's OK..no worries..

During the running of our errands...I did find something relatively, well totally humorous actually, at The Fred Meyer...

A writing instrument...get it..????  It's my new magical pen..it writes...and it is a guitar..NOW do you get it???? hahahahaha...The label claimed I would be able to write like a rockstar..huh...I'm having doubts..Has my writing, thus far, been similar to that of a rock star..????  Merely curious...Although, I did have a bit of fun with my new writing instrument...and it had real strings..for reals!  However, they made no noise...shhhhh...

While we were over at the wall, Russ showed up and passed out Reese's Pieces...'tis the season for Halloween candy.  They were scrumptious!  I don't think I've had Reese's Pieces since E.T. was in theaters...  I immediately whipped out my giant pencil and added them to my grocery list for tomorrow...I totally and absolutely need more of those...they were sooo delicious!...and, in case you forgot...here is my glorious and giant pencil..every gal should be so lucky...

It STILL causes me to giggle...I just love this thing!  It rocks..and rolls..and writes, even...We're eloping next week...Vegas, I believe..shhhh..please keep that on the DL...I do NOT want to ruin things...I will soon become Mrs. Giant Green Pencil..What could be better?!?!?!?!?  We're writing our own vows, too....They're pretty heavy....And filled with points....tisk-tisk...

"Mama, I just love those Reese's Pieces...please share!  Ummm and Yummm!  Otherwise I will continue to slobber all over your bed..."

Yes, E.V...I always share..I'm that kinda gal..no worries...NOW before we delve into the chaos of cooking...I wanted to provide an update on ginormous puffy foot...it is no longer ginormous, albeit still a little puffy....but, today, for the first time in two weeks I was able to wear a pair of boots!  Little finger clap...teeny-tiny one...I promise to keep it a secret...

"Yay, Mama!  Boots rock!!"  Although the foot still really hurts...at least my wardrobe selection has opened back up...now that I can wear my boots...that's what is important...it is...seriously...

This evening we had spicy crispy beef and fried rice...No chicken...I thought that may make a few of you happy...well, I roll no other way...well, I can, but...shhhhhh....

Thinly sliced beef, Soy Sauce, Hot Chili Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Ginger, Oil and Cornstarch....

Crispy fried beef...it is topped with a sauce made from rice vinegar, ginger, soy and chili sauce....and combined with the sliced red peppers....none of the photos for these steps turned out...it IS going to be a long winter..fo'sho'...just like that Laura Ingalls Wilder book...teehee...great book, though!

I also prepared fried rice....now a few more of these photos turned out...totally random...hahahahaha, like me!

Rice, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Carrot, Onion, Peas, Garlic and Egg

Chop up the vegetables...shake some bootie...turn up the music...it IS before 10pm...so no one can rightfully complain....we hope..tisk-tisk...

Fry up your egg...then remove....This was the ONLY stovetop shot that worked out tonight...big sigh...perhaps tomorrow, my friends...we can only hope for more action shots...

Once you remove the egg, you add your onions and garlic, then the carrots and rice...then the peas and egg..oyster and soy sauce...fry away...fry far, far away if you're lucky...hahahahaha...

Fried Rice...Oh, yeah....

The completed meal...I know..I know...It IS about time..sorry, my bad...distractions...aches...

I really enjoyed this dish...especially the crispy beef...however, anything fried in oil, as I have previously professed is outstanding...I enjoyed the rice as well..rice is nice..and worth the price...you don't have to say it twice..that should suffice...although you could if you wanted...just sayin'

We are off...to never, never land...where they have unlimited amounts of Reese's Pieces...where rice is nice and free of mice and lice...and all of the guys look and sound like Darren Chriss...and everyone wears knee socks...and hearts do not get broken....and chainsaw jugglers are on every corner...and dogs have thumbs and can help with the housework...people do not turn into puddles of mush...and every radio station plays Green Day 24-7...the Perfect Situation, no???  However, we do plan on making a pit-stop, of sorts, along the way...I have pink hair dye...so tomorrow I'll have pink hair...why not.....it is not permanent...heck, what is..?????  No regrets!  Good night, my friends...This girl got hot....fo'sho'  winkety-wink and tee-hee...



Long Time....

It's been a long time......LOVE that song...thank YOU Cake...and I just love it when a good song comes on the radio....as I have completely digressed..I should officially introduce the newest member of the Brennan Posse...yeah, I am cool and such..I sooo, totally have a posse..shhhhh...contact me after the show if you are interested in becoming a member...a small fee may apply..there will be a little paperwork..however, in the end, it will be worth it!  hahahahaha...and teehee...

Ms. Smar T. Pants...AKA MYRA...The Mysterious and Young Robotic Ape..she is robotic...for reals!  She even has one of those wind up thingys on her back...totally robotic..and cool...and she has PINK TOENAILS!  Totally fits in with this posse!  Fo' sho', my friends...

I did take her over to 'The Wall..'  It was expected...she was anxious to check out the surroundings..  Everyone over there loved her..but, who wouldn't?!?!?!?!

She rocks!  Like um....lots and lots of things.....

She also has a special power...again, if you're going to be part of this super-hero posse, one must possess a power...mine is STILL a secret, BTW....and shall remain so..for quite some time...however...she can scooch...to the left, mind you...she's a Scoochie Mama...of sorts...and she was rather attracted to my pocket volcano...

I was unable to determine the attraction between the two..however, I did need to break things up...not in MY posse...not on MY watch...besides, we had an agenda...no time for nonsense and such....

 I ran errands this morning with E.V...as it was our destiny...that, perhaps, was a tad dramatic, we were out of things which did warrant a trip to the store...as far as destiny is concerned..hmm....I'll have to get back to you on that one...

"OMG, Mama...that is a BUS...Watch out for that bus!  Jeesh...Are you trying to kill us???!?!?!?!!?  Yikes!"

Luckily, we had just a few errands to run...then came home and made some cookies...Spooky Witch Fingers, to be precise...again, it is the weekend...we have to keep ourselves busy...keep our minds off of things...like, um...I know the answer...it is on the tip of my tongue...and I do know a thing or two about tips...hmmm...

Flour, powdered sugar, butter, baking powder, egg, vanilla, green food coloring...

Mix everything all together...Your fingers will more than likely become stained...by the food coloring...that's OK..No worries...Who does not love green fingers?!?!?!?

This mixture creates a dough in witch you make cookies in the shape of witch fingers...now, witch part of this do you not understand??? tisk-tisk...puns are fun...as I have ALWAYS professed..

Use the dough to make the shape of a finger, then place an almond on top...odd, yes....delicious, absolutely!

Bake them at 325 for approximately 20 minutes...

Once they have baked..remove the almond, add red gel food coloring and replace the almond..it is nuts..like me!  but it looks super cool...like me!!  hahahahahahaha...there you have it, Spooky Witch Fingers...

"So, Mama...do you know why witches wear name tags??? SO they know which witch is which..hahahahahahah...and can I get a tee-hee...???"

Aside from cookies, we made a carrot ginger soup as well as ginger-peanut chicken salad pitas...So, please, do not be a PITA and make a comment about the chicken...it was soooooo good...I loved it!  Not to mention, I got to use Bob, the blender, twice...hmmm...lucky for him, no???  Shall we commence with the soup...

Chicken stock, carrots, ginger, cream, butter and onions..

Saute onions...Le Creuset will not complain..it is righteous...from a dutch oven perspective, mind you...teehee...

Add carrots...and saute away...to infinity and beyond, one might say!!  hahahahaha...Then add your chicken stock and simmer..and while it simmers...shake a little bootie...Weezer was on the menu this evening...then Keep Fishin' on an Island in the Sun while living the Good Life with your Hash Pipe which could be a Perfect Situation, while eating Pork and Beans...I'll play a Pink Triangle in Beverly Hills..and I'll take your Photograph...since I am a Troublemaker...but, Why Bother...since I am Falling for You Across The Sea, as there is No Other One...El Scorcho!  Booo-yahhh..baby...Rivers, give me a call, yep!  Before I become Undone...and have to throw on a sweater...

I got so caught up in Rivers and Weezer songs..I have forgotten...where were we????  Oh, YES...SOUP....Add it to your blender, of the Bob variety...fo'sho'..my bad..excuse me...

Blending does a body good..it does..blending involves buttons...buttons do a body good, as well..yep...

Ms. Smar T. Pants wanted to introduce the soup....she is a sassy kinda gal and would roll no other way...

We should progress to our sandwich..well, it is a pita, not really a sandwich if you want to get techincal about the process....

Chicken, garlic, ginger, red pepper, cucumber, soy, lime juice, peanut better and lettuce and carrots (not pictured.....I forgot..oops...shhhh)

Chop up the cucumber, pepper, carrots and lettuce...be mindful of your fingers...you need all ten...you do..I think...I'm sure you do..and I'm sure I read about that on The Google at some point...

Saute and shred some chicken...No regrets...Nope...None..Nada...

After all of this nonsense...we need to make our peanut sauce..using a blender...hmmm...I am SOO excited!

Yay...My GIANT pencil...had the time to make an appearance...Isn't it just awesome??!?!?!!??!!?!?

"Mama...I don't appreciate this excess company....please remove this pencil...."

Alright...the peanut sauce..and the process involved in creating said sauce...

Sugar, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, pepper, garlic peanut butter and water..this was SOOOOO good...I loved it!  Mix it with the chicken...No regrets...

So I have discussed the soup and the sandwich..and I am sure I have been a PITA myself, tisk-tisk..Shall I introduce the pita sandwiches, the soup and then a combination of the two..(be sure and click on the photo for an up-close inspection...worth your while..yep, it is)

Ginger-Peanut Chicken Pitas

Ginger Carrot Soup

I topped with sour cream...carrot ribbons...ginger strands and some parsley...for garnish purposes, mind you...

Ginger Carrot Soup and Pitas...together, at last....

It's been a long time...Cake rocks......well, that song anyway..that may be just about it...But Rivers Cuomo...hmmm....And we do go against the grain in these here parts...witch doesn't surprise me...teee-heee...So...there is always broom for one more...I'm always on the look-out for a broom-mate...witch would be fabulous.....By the time on my witch watch...it is time for bed.....sweet dreams all, y'all...I've run out of points...on so many levels....hahahahahaha....hats, and pencils and such...SWAK...TTYL...