Gingerbread French Toast

Gingerbread French Toast…OMG!

And yes, the “g” stands for “gosh” so calm down!

We got our new AARP cards the other day, and as I was peeling them off the paper, I noticed some of the places you can use the cards for discounts. One of them was for Denny’s. Your AARP card will get you a 20% discount there. Now, I know a lot of people have “issues” with Denny’s, but I’ve always loved the place. I love getting breakfast food there. I love breakfast any time of day, for that matter. Their prices seem a tad high, though, compared to some of the other restaurants around here. But that 20% discount made it a bit more acceptable. When I mentioned the discount factor to Marv, he suggested we go there for dinner that night.

They were still doing some of the holiday specials at Denny’s, and one of them was their Holiday Slam. It offered Gingerbread French Toast instead of pancakes. So I went for it. I ate the eggs, ham and hash browns first, saving the French toast for dessert. I poured the syrup over the toast and cut off the first bite with my fork.

wow.

Yes, no capital, just a stunned, quiet “wow”. It was more like eating gingerbread cake. It was so moist and crumbly that it would’ve been better to have served it in a bowl and eaten it with a spoon. Since I like to think of myself as a lady, I did NOT lick the plate afterward…but I did save a tiny bit of toast to mash up and try to get the last vestiges of syrup. wow.

No more can be said, so I’ll stop. wow.

Friday's Feast - January

Friday’s Feast - January

Some time back, I discovered a blog where a woman would do a posting on Fridays, calling it Friday’s Feast, and likening it to a meal with appetizer, soup, salad, main course and dessert. I thought it was a neat way to take a topic and divide it up. So here’s my “meal” for your enjoyment. Maybe I’ll do more, maybe not.

*Appetizer – “How do you usually celebrate on New Year’s Eve?”

We usually get together with friends for an evening of fellowship and fun. We eat, drink, play games and wait for midnight. Favorite games are Boggle, Scattergories, Pictionary, Rummikub, Dominoes.

*Soup – “Name one thing unexpected that happened to you in 2010.”

There were actually three things that had great impact on me.

Dealing with the aftermath of my mother-in-law’s stroke made a huge change in the dynamics of the family. It wasn’t necessarily all negative, though, and in fact brought about changes there were beneficial for all concerned.

Paul moving out and the circumstances that led to that were difficult, but as usual, God knows what He’s doing and I just needed to step away and let God take over.

Our pastor left our church to take a call in Kenya. LOTS of changes there, and good bit of chaos, but I think it will be good once the dust settles.

*Salad – “Where was your favorite place that you visited in 2010?”

I never thought that Fresno, CA would become a favorite place, but since that’s where Lia is, there ya go…

I got to spend a week there at the end of summer and had a chance for some REAL 1-on-1 with Lia. Exhausting, but I loved it!

*Main Course – “What resolution is your top priority for 2011?”

The resolution for 2011 is a continuation of the one I made in the middle of 2010: get medical help for the depression, and ONCE AND FOR ALL hand over my concerns to God and let Him take over. I’d handed them over many, many times, but always grabbed them right back. Not a good idea…

*Dessert – “Using just three words, describe 2010.”

Unexpected

Changes

Renewal

3 (count 'em!) blogs in 1

3 blogs in 1!

Yes, I cover 3 topics in this posting, so PAY ATTENTION people!

I’ve made a New Year’s resolution of trying to talk even MORE than I usually do! Weird, I know. I’m going to see if I can post a new blog every Friday. If there’s ANYone still paying attention to this blog, (other than my loyal Gladys—God bless you, dear!) feel free to hold me to this resolution….and for Heaven’s sake, leave a comment! 50 extra ‘brownie’ points to any new subscribers!

My December book report comprises of only one book: “Life Blood” by Caroline Llewellyn.

This was a nice little mystery/romance taking place in the English countryside, set in modern times. One theme was dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s suicide, which was very interesting, considering the author took her own life about 10 years after she wrote this book. I enjoyed the book immensely and will keep this one in my library.

Book wrap-up for 2010:

Since I’m now giving a report for each month’s books, I no longer break things down into categories. The total number of books I read was 28.

That topic was short, I’ll grant you. Hope you’re not too disappointed….I’ll try and make up for it next week.

Stay tuned!

30 Random Things

I was tagged on Facebook for this. It’s been a long time since I’ve done one of these. Since I still don’t know exactly how Facebook works, I said I would do this as a blog. So here it is. Since you’ve already done this, Gladys, (and indeed, you are the one who tagged me!) won’t SOMEONE else please return the favor and post something on your own blog, Facebook/Myspace page or email it to me?? Huh? Is that too much to ask for?? (picture a small teardrop and a quivering lip…)

1. I love a steak and baked potato dinner. And I like that steak to be medium well.
2. I have always loved coffee, from a very early age. I can remember being 3-4 years old and sneaking coffee from my parent’s or grandparent’s coffee cups when they weren’t looking.
3. I could not care less what kind of car I drive. Cars don’t interest me in the slightest. I just want to go from point A to point B in comfort and safety. A good stereo is just bonus. Although I have to admit I think Metropolitans are adorable and would love to have a “toy car” as I call them.
4. I was born with a deep and abiding love for cats. Love them ALL. If I didn’t have good common sense and a good sense of responsibility, I could see myself becoming one of those “crazy cat ladies”.
5. I am starting to become uncomfortable with the changes that come with getting older. Right now it’s the wrinkled skin on my arms that catches me by surprise at times.
6. I don’t care how much grey hair I have, I am never going to color my hair again.
7. I love all colors, but am very partial to blue. However, I wouldn’t want everything to be blue. I need the other colors to show just how beautiful blue really is.
8. I can’t sleep if I’m cold. In the summer, I might have trouble sleeping if it’s too warm, but having a fan on is all I need. If I don’t have a fan, I just take off my pj’s. But I CANNOT sleep if I’m cold.
9. I fear and despise spiders. Don’t care for bugs in general. Spiders are just plain evil.
10. I hate needles, but am not phobic about it. I donate blood on a regular basis, but can’t watch them stick the needle in.
11. I hate pain and don’t deal well with it. I used to be very stoic, but over the years it’s just worn me down and I cry a lot more now.
12. I am a Christian. I don’t force my faith on people, but will gladly give my testimony. I am not ashamed to say that I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
13. I love nature. All of God’s handiwork is awesome. Trees, mountains, flowers, desert. Standing amidst the beauty of this world can move me to tears.
14. My children hold my heart in their possession, and have since the day they were born. No one else on this earth has such complete power over me.
15. I am a voracious reader of almost any genre. Sci-fi and Mystery are at the top of the list. Getting lost in a good book is my favorite means of escape.
16. I have always felt “outside” of the rest of the world, from a very early age. I have always felt acutely self-aware and uniquely alone. I never felt that I had true peers, until I was an adult.
17. I can’t sing worth a damn. And I love to sing. You’ve been warned….
18. I love music. I especially love listening to the piano. I can play fairly well, but haven’t the discipline to be good. That takes practice. I hate practicing.
19. I love, admire and respect my husband. He is my earthly Rock. He is my Touchstone. He truly is my “other half”. I am not complete without him. Sharing the same faith has gotten us through everything, and always will.
20. I love the chaos of having Sarah and Lia visit. Seeing the toys strewn all over the place gives me much joy. Picking them all up again, notsomuch. But it’s all good.
21. I have a younger brother who I love deeply. Also his wife and daughter. I love spending time with them. Visits are NEVER long enough!
22. As bizarre as this state is, I LOVE California! I love its natural beauty. And as they say, “the land of fruits and nuts”.
23. I was born in Missouri and am glad I don’t live there! I hate humidity and I would hate dealing with a lot of snow and cold.
24. I am very nearsighted. I’ve worn glasses since I was 7.
25. I’ve always wanted to be a wife and mother. Thus, I feel I have succeeded in my life.
26. I used to be so phobically shy I could hardly speak to my own family members. It wasn’t until my mid 20’s that I was able to speak (although very uncomfortably) in social settings. Now you can’t shut me up.
27. I love fried Spam.
28. I am afraid of deep water. Anything over 4’ makes me uncomfortable. I will NOT go swimming in the ocean or a lake.
29. I’m deeply afraid of heights, but I’m not afraid to fly.
30. I wish I could speak German. It was my mother’s first language, and I regret that she didn’t pass it on.

November Book Report

November Book Report

The four books I read last month were an interesting mix: biography, horror, comedy sci/fi and one downright depressing book.

“Scarlett O’Hara’s Younger Sister” by Evelyn Keyes told how the young dancer made her way into Hollywood. Her roll as the younger sister in Gone With the Wind wasn’t a big part, but it opened doors. The book was written in the 70’s when Ms. Keyes was well in her 50’s and was pretty frank. It was interesting to read about the Hollywood of the “golden age” and after with 2010 knowledge. Very well written.

“Son of Rosemary” by Ira Levin sucked me in right from the beginning. I had read Rosemary’s Baby a few years after the movie came out. I never saw the movie, but found the book pretty disturbing. I was curious enough to know “the rest of the story” however, to read the sequel. Once again, Levin is a great writer, and this book grabbed me from the start. I found the ending a bit disappointing. All I will say is: Don’t Trust Satan! He Lies!

“The Ice Storm” by Rick Moody was the downright depressing book. I never saw the movie, although I thought enough of the main actors to put it on my “like to see someday” list. I have now removed that movie from my list. The book takes place in New England in the 70’s with the adults being unhappy and having extramarital affairs and the kids being unhappy and experimenting with drugs and sex. No one really communicates from the heart and no one is happy at the end. Bah.

Who’s Afraid of Beowulf? by Tom Holt was a hoot and a half. I loved it and will keep it in my library. The other 3 books immediately went into the Salvation Army bag after I was finished with them.

This would make a great movie. Hildy is a young archeologist who discovers a buried Viking longship in the Scottish countryside and accidentally awakens King Hrolf Earthstar and his crew after their spell-induced sleep of 1200 years. Now she has to help them find and overthrow the evil Sorcerer King who has remained awake all those years and is intent on world domination through 20^th century technology. Absolutely marvelous book.

October Book Report

I was sitting here, enjoying my elevenses (pumpkin spice latte and raisin bread toast with cream cheese) and thought I would do my October book report. Only 3 books, but a couple of those were real doozies. All were enjoyable.

“Wicked Appetite” by Janet Evanovich

“Naked Heat” by ‘Richard Castle’

“Peg Leg Pete” by Mel Ellis

Evanovich’s newest series introduces a new lead character, Lizzie, but includes the already familiar Diesel and Carl the Monkey. Just like the Stephanie Plum books, this one is a real hoot. Maybe even a hoot and a half (high praise from me!). The setting is Boston and has a touch of supernatural added. This book dealt with one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Sure hope it’s Lust…

The TV show Castle is one of my favorites. I love Nathan Fillion and he is just great in this show. He plays a mystery writer attached to the NY police department. Some very bright person decided to come out with a book supposedly written by Richard Castle, (Fillion’s character) and based on the characters in the TV show. This was last year. The book, “Heat Wave” was such a hit that they decided to follow it with a sequel. It helps if you’re a fan of the show and know the characters and can see the similarities between the people in the show and the people in the book. The books can be enjoyed on their own, though. I loved them both.

Mel Ellis was a sports/nature writer, but wrote other books as well. “Peg Leg Pete” was the story of an injured mallard duck that his daughters adopted. This was NOT a Disneyesque, cute little animal story. Yes, Pete recovered from his injuries and eventually went back into the wild, but Ellis was very graphic in his description of the injuries and what had to be done to help the duck. Ellis loved animals and nature, but acknowledge that nature is wild and a lot of times capricious. Not all animals are cuddly. Some cuddly animals eat other cuddly animals. Not all of them survive the winter. That’s the way it works. To get along in and with nature you have to recognize this. I really appreciated the down-to-earth approach in this book.

intangible Grail

OK--here's my other "quest" I mentioned in the last blog...

At one point in time I had so many bookmarks on the computer that I tried to transfer all of them to word and print them out, leaving only the ones I used all the time on the computer. There was one site that I had visited a couple of times that had the first two chapters of a self-published sci-fi book. Then you’d have to buy the book. At that time I really had no discretionary funds to get that book. Some time later, I went back and tried to find that bookmark. It wasn’t on the computer and it wasn’t on any of the lists I’d printed out over the years. I went through every single one of those printed bookmarks, by the way. It was such an intriguing book, and I’ve always wondered how it all turned out. I’ve tried every trick I know of to tease Google into letting me find it, to no avail. I’ve looked at so many sites that have online books, self-published books, sci-fi books, what have you. So I will give you the basic plot line and see if any bells ring.

A man does some kind of software work. He has a girlfriend he loves. He’s fairly happy. He’s hit by a bus and killed. He wakes up in a hospital-like room. He remembers “seeing” his parents and girlfriend at his funeral. He’s naked under the sheets, and when he removes them, he sees he has no true sexual features on his body. A woman comes into the room and greets him as if she knows him. She is also naked, with no true female sexual features. His memory is somewhat spotty, but he slowly realizes that he is “home”. His entire “life” as a software guy with a family and such, was only a game. As in computer game. A HUGE computer game. People from time to time would enter this game and the only way you could tell if a person was “real” or part of the program was by the color of their eyes. I don’t remember what color was real and was color meant a program person. I also don’t remember why the man was terminated from his game and made to return. He seems to be in Heaven. God is really the computer that runs everything there. I do remember one scene where the man and his companion are going somewhere, and their mode of transportation is sitting on the grass, and the grass moves them along. I really wish I could find the site and get that book! Of course, this was all many years ago. The guy who wrote the book may not be on the Net anymore. The book may not have sold and he quit writing. Or he may have sold a bazillion of them and become famous and I have NO IDEA WHAT HIS NAME IS!

So there ya go, Gladys. A pretty little puzzle, no?