Faux Tivo

Now that I have cable I can't keep up with all the shows I want to see. Invariably they are on when I am off doing something else and when I am settling in to watch TV... they aren't. Tivo seemed to be the best option... but Aaron is paying the cable bill so a Time Warner DVR was more appealing. (Thank you Aaron!) It's not Tivo, but it works well enough.

The cable guy came on Monday, and as soon as he was out the door, I started programming. I love it! I watch shows when I'm ready to watch them. And I can set it to automatically record certain programs every week. So far my saved list consists of... Nigella Bites, Enterprise, Queen of the Damned and Wuthering Heights. If anything, my recordings show what eclectic tastes I have. If someone comes up with a cooking show set in the 1800's on a spaceship hosted by a vampire, I am so there!

posted on 4/30/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Follow up on Rundown

To re-address two points made yesterday... apparently the Naked Cowboy is somewhat of a celebrity. And Tina and I thought we didn't see anyone famous on our trip! Personally, I find his name to be a misnomer, considering he is wearing tighty whities. Shouldn't he be Nearly Naked Cowboy?

As for the handbag I bought, it was one I have wanted for years. A Harvey's Detroit Seatbelt Bag. Suzie Q blogged about them awhile ago. I love the fact that they are made out of seatbelts. I got the color Cadiallac Blue. It should last me a long time. (not that it means I don't ever need another handbag... huh-uh )

posted on 4/29/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Rundown

Tina and I got back from NYC late last night. Here is a quick report.

Number of...
people who asked us where we got our Starbucks as we walked down Fifth Ave = 3
store clerks who asked if we were sisters = 3
department stores we shopped at = 4 (Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Henri Bendel and Saks)
crazy people we encountered on the street = 2 (one was a guy at Times Square wearing nothing but cowboy boots, a speedo and a guitar)
times we looked crazy on the street = 2 (me walking along by myself clapping my hands, not realizing Tina had crossed the street, Tina crouched over on the sidewalk changing her shoes exclaiming loudly that her legs had gotten fat)
of handbags I bought = 1 (yay! only one! managed to control myself admirably!)

posted on 4/28/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Cuppycakes

This was another tiny shop that we managed to squeeze ourselves into, the Magnolia Bakery. It was sort of like the soup nazi. You get corraled in through the door, over to trays of pastel colored cupcakes and then over to the register to pay.

Tina clung to one of the two tables as I seized our sugary treats. I thought the cupcakes were wonderful and am thinking about getting their cookbook in an effort to replicate the little suckers.

posted on 4/27/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Belgian Fries

Tina mentioned that this is quite possibly the highlight of our trip. Today we went to the Pommes Frites shop in the East Village. The place was tiny, but cute, crammed with little tables with holes drilled in them for holding the cones of fries. The people behind the counter were especially nice and we tried many different kinds of dipping sauces.

The day as a whole was rainy and grey, but we rolled out of that Frite shop with smiles on our faces.

posted on 4/26/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Eating in NYC

Tina and I had some flight vouchers so we decided to go to NYC this weekend. There are three places I have outlined to visit.

This evening we hit the first of them, Serendipity 3. I knew about the place after seeing the Jon Cusak movie at the Toronto Film Festival. Then a couple of week ago, that guy on the Food Network that is crazy about chocolate went there for a Frrrrrozen Hot Chocolate.

I can attest that the Frrrrozen Hot Chocolates are quite tasty, especially on top of a bacon cheeseburger... but Jon was nowhere to be seen.

posted on 4/25/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Fashionista Cats

I am not the only one who enjoys dressing my pet up in outfits. Check out these kitties in hats.

We all know how much I love animals dressed as other animals.

Painfully cute. I wonder how Oscar would look in the sheep outfit?

posted on 4/24/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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As Seen on TV

We have a TV in the office lunchroom, so we see a lot of commercials at noon. The most popular one recently being an infomercial for The Chef Wizard, a whisk/tongs utensil. We crack up when the lady uses it to pick up a penny, an egg, some salad, and then sticks it directly back in the drawer. You don't even have to wash it....hah!

When I saw a knock off at the Wegmans, a Whisk Grip & Flip Express, I couldn't resist. There were two miracle tools in each box... one for me, and one for Tina. I can attest, that it does indeed pick up eggs very nicely. Tina said she used hers to pick up a small piece of chocolate. We can now throw away all our other kitchen utensils!

posted on 4/23/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Easter flowers

So here is a picture of the flowers that Aaron sent me for Easter. They made my Easter table look nice. I also had the chance to get out my bunny plates. Of course once the food came out, the flowers went to the living room and I took away the bunny plates (they musn't get scratched by eager ham cutting!). Nothing gets in the way of my family's holiday feasting.

posted on 4/22/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Full of Ham

My mom and grandmother looked a tad worried, but I went ahead with the coca cola ham yesterday. It turned out pretty good! It was more sweet than salty. I sent leftover ham home with everyone, and I still have scads left. My mom is now plotting how they could come up for Thanksgiving this year too.

As for me, my week will consist of ham omlets, ham salad, ham sandwiches...

posted on 4/21/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Happy Easter!

(This was one of the out-takes from the Easter Card photo shoot)

posted on 4/20/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Bloomin'

I was so pleased with the one little crocus and one hyacinth that popped up in my yard. Then today my family and I went to the Buffalo Botanical Gardens and my two bloomers were put to shame. They had a spring flower show with an impressive display of flowering bulbs.

They also had some great bonsai and orchids... two other sore points with me. I took pictures of several orchids to show my sad little orchid as inspiration of something to strive for. I shouldn't complain, because the Fed Ex guy delivered a huge bunch of flowers from Aaron yesterday as an Easter treat. My dad can't see my grandfather at the other end of the table because of them.

posted on 4/19/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Soda Ham

My family has come up from PA to my house for Easter. So the Easter dinner cooking is on me. Since it is up to me... we will be having Nigella's Coca Cola ham. Actually a combo between that and Martha's Coca Cola Ham recipe. I am going all out... diamond cuts with cloves and pineapple... the whole nine yards.

When I told my family... they just sorta laughed nervously. I will be sure to post results and pictures.

posted on 4/18/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Here comes Oscar Cottontail

For my Easter Cards, Ernie got in on the picture with Oscar. I don't plan on becoming a pet photographer anytime soon. It was a struggle to get those two in position for the shot. The second panel shows Ernie saying "Who does he think he's fooling?"

I don't think I ever posted an image of my St. Patrick's day cards... so here is one of it too. Oscar is becoming quite the pin up puppy.

posted on 4/17/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Yard Decor

Why should I limit myself to buying furniture for the house? I need stuff for outside too. I have been hankering after a potting bench for quite awhile. There was a metal one at Ikea I had my eye on, but I guess I won't be going to Ikea anytime soon. The closest one is in Canada, and with the threat of SARS (Scarey A** Respiratory Syndrome... so named by Krisalis) floating around, none of us are keen on heading up there. The chances of getting it are low I am sure... but it would just be my kind of rotten luck.

No worries, there is a cute wooden potting table at Target! I think I like it because it kinda reminds me of the sand box table Mr. Rogers had.

posted on 4/16/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Hello Michael...

Ah yes, my journey to nerdling bliss is nearly complete! There are plans for Knight Rider to be made into a movie! Talk about memories. I loved that show when I was a kid. Yeah, right after Incredible Hulk and Sha Na Na. I can only think of one person who will be more excited than me and that would be my Trans Am loving fiance.

They don't know who will be in it yet , but David Hasselhof is the executive producer. Tina is the one who told me, so it's her own fault when I drag her to see it. "Oh yeah, Colin Firth plays Michael Knight... uh-huh!" Hmmm, I wonder if I have time to make my own KIT before it comes out?

posted on 4/15/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Square Meal

I am always on the lookout for quick and easy breakfast items. I am not hungry for the hour I am awake, so the breakfast munchies don't set in til I am at work. I like to eat pop tarts and cereal bars usually.

Last week I spied a coworker popping a Quakers Oatmeal Breakfast Square in the microwave and it smelled good! I got a box of the baked apple and they are pretty tasty. They could use more frosting... but then again... couldn't everything?

posted on 4/14/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Missing

I know my archives are missing. There has been something funky going on with Bloggers Template function. Please stand by. Beeeeeep. We will return you to your regularly scheduled blog posts. (sans archives for now)

posted on 4/14/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Outfit

Now that it's spring I am looking forward to wearing my standard warm weather uniform. A skirt and sneakers. Not just any skirt or sneaks. Usually a flowery skirt that falls at about the knees, and tennis-style sneakers.

I started this after seeing "Return to Me". Minnie Driver wore lots of cute floral skirts with sneaks... sometimes a zip up sweatshirt. I thought it looked cute, and more importantly, comfy.

So this weekend I bought a new skirt at the Gap and ordered a pair of red Simple sneakers online. It can warm up any day now, I am ready.

posted on 4/13/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Nerdling Flicks

Ok, so I am a sci fi fan. I take a lotta flack from Tina for quoting Star Wars and watching Star Trek. But this spring is gonna be great!

There will be the second X-Men movie X2 (5/2), the second Matrix movie, The Matrix Reloaded (5/13) and the third Terminator 3 (7/2). Wheee!

She doesn't know it yet but Tina's going with me to see all of them! Even if I have to tell her Colin Firth is in every single one! Mwah-hah-hah!!!

posted on 4/12/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Seedy Plans

Big plans for the weekend. Getting ready for the family's Easter visit. Must clean house. Must plant grass.

Yeah, the snow and ice did a number on my lawn. Huge muddy patches all over. Oscar really likes trotting through them and getting his paws nice and mucky.

Maybe if I have some leftover seeds, I'll have a go at planting a grass car.

posted on 4/11/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Pez

Must be the month for weird beverages. Now there is Pez Juice. Not from concentrate. Comes straight from freshly squeezed Pez!

I have a few Pez dispensers at work. I have to resist the temptation to own every dispenser in every set. Especially when I see ones like Mr. Bean Pez (look at the teddy bear!) and ET Pez. Oooo and you too can be a Pez Dispenser. If I did collect them, I would need the special Pez shelf!

posted on 4/10/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Bow Wow

Have I mentioned that Oscar can talk? Well sort of. Two weeks ago I was at Tina's house with Oscar. Tina was in the other room, while I sat in the living room with Chuck and Oscar. Now sometimes when Oscar yawns he makes a noise like "Rowwwwl!" Well, that night he looked at us, opened his mouth and said "Hehhhh-lowwww!" I swear, clear as day he said "hello"... Chuck will back me up on this. I have been saying it to him since but haven't gotten a repeat performance. Aaron said when he has said "father" let him know.

Until then, perhaps I could use the Bowlingual Collar. This collar analyzes your dog's barks and translates them into sayings. They are now available for sale. I imagine Oscar would mostly be saying "A treat would be nice right about now... pip pip!"

Speaking of dogs, check out these great links.... Oliver Daily and Pets with Heads in Bags of Food... both via Krisalis. I think the Oliver pictures are wonderful, the scenery impressive and the pup photogenic. As for the second link, well... can we really blame them?

posted on 4/09/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Charmed

I knew that the Italian Charm Bracelets were pretty popular... ones like Zoppini and Nomination, but I wasn't too interested in them. But when I was last in Toronto at Ice, I saw Strapy Charm Bracelets. I liked these much better, although they seemed pricey for for what they were.

Tina just spotted them at our local Parkleigh where they are much more reasonably priced. Enough so that I could get two! I want to get more charms so I can switch them around.

posted on 4/08/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Logo

Well, isn't it amazing the stuff you get done when your cable and internet are down?

I finally made a logo for my Sit 'n Knit group. I just sent it out to them, haven't gotten feedback on it yet.

I am picturing CafePress t-shirts, bags, mugs......

posted on 4/07/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Back online

Because of the State of Emergency, I have stayed at home all weekend. With no cable or internet access mind you. (yes... yesterdays post was actually written today... trickery!) I was worried that the cable guy wouldn't come today, so I called the cable service to check. I don't care about the downed power lines, my lack of internet is an Ljc State of Emergency.

But he did come and he might as well been wearing wings and a halo, because after standing on a ladder in my backyard fiddling with the wires, my cable and internet are back! Hurrah. Everything is going to be okay.

posted on 4/06/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Crafty time

Due to lack of distractions, I have been plugging away at the terry cloth rug and also making a window shade for Tina.

She had two windows in her living room, she didn't know what to do with and I volunteered to make her handmade paper blinds like the one in my front hall (in the picture). I finished one and started working on the second today. When I am done, I will post those instructions to my project page too.

posted on 4/05/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Ice ice baby

We are having an ice storm here in Rochester. It started last night when I had to chip my car door open after work, and it has continued all day today. I saw two parked cars smooshed by fallen trees on my way in this morning. Apparently 70,000 houses are without electricity.

Before I left for work today I went out and took some pictures. Oscar looked a little ticked off as he slip and slid across the yard. Imagine him saying in the middle picture "What is all this slippery crap?"

I hope it clears up tomorrow. Otherwise I will be trapped in the house alone with a cranky puppy, no cable and NO INTERNET! E-gads.

posted on 4/04/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Lettuce Wedge

Last friday we all went to Wegman's new restaurant, Tastings, for lunch. It was a goodbye lunch for Abby. (I hadn't written about this but it was the last day for folks in my office that were laid off. Pretty rough.) I was sad, but also guilty because my lunch was so good, I couldn't help but enjoy myself.

I had a Iceberg Wedge with Blue Cheese Dressing and Buffalo Chicken Cutlets. It was little chunks of cripsy, buffalo sauce coated chicken, and a quarter of a head of lettuce with dressing. I couldn't get over the lettuce wedge. I like salad, but this was better. There is something more satisfying about chomping down on a chunk of lettuce rather than separate leafs. Like biting down on a stack of Pringles as opposed to just one. I remember having one at Lone Star ages ago and loving it. I found the secret recipe to Lone Star's Lettuce Wedge. (not that there can be that much to a lettuce wedge) This week I bought a head of lettuce and a bag of frozen buffalo chicken strips in order to recreate my newest lunch obsession.

posted on 4/03/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Cut off

My cable is out! Digital cable to be exact. No channels above 100, those below are fuzzy. AND no cable modem! Sweet cheese! No internet access! I could handle one or the other but no cable or internet access?! They can't send maintenance until Sunday! Any bets on how long I will be able to hold out?

I did manage to be productive in the wake of no entertainment access. I started making a Terry Cloth Braided Rug according to the instructions in the April edition of Martha Stewart Living. I will post the whole process to my project page when it is done. It has been awhile since I have worked on a project, so it's good I am getting back in the swing of things. Finish time is dependent on when I get my cable fixed.

posted on 4/02/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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Evil Colonel

Last year I was addicted to KFC's Honey BBQ Wings. Now what do they go and do? They make Boneless Honey BBQ Wings. As though I didn't eat enough of the other kind, now I don't even have to chew.

It's like they are saying, "Oh, is that nasty bone getting in the way? Here, you can pop these right in your mouth, eat twice as many and get chubby twice as quick!" Curses!

(I am being paid in chicken by the bucket to write this... Bah hah hah!!! Just kidding.)

posted on 4/01/2003 :: link :: (0) comments

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