Driving home this evening with the kiddo's I wasn't paying much attention to their conversation until I heard the Beeb mention the "Boogeyman". I thought, "Who told my daughter about the Boogeyman?" As a child my older sister educated me about the Boogeyman and I was tormented each night when I made my way into my bedroom knowing the Boogeyman was in the closet or under the bed.
So after my initial shock wore off I asked Beeb about the Boogeyman. She said, "You know. He teaches dance shows." Well duh! Of course she is talking about the Boogie Man not the Boogeyman.
Whew! Crisis narrowly diverted.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Scale Effect
This past weekend my AH took off with his brother and a friend to climb Mt. Adams. I was worried about how I would do with the kiddo's all by myself but as you can read below we had a fantastic time without Daddy. Unfortunately for Daddy, just like a scale of justice, when one side is up the other side is down. Poor poor Daddy was on the downside this weekend.
The Abridged Version:
It all started out on Friday when he was out the door at 6:45am for the 4 hour drive to the Mt. Adam's trail head. He met up with his cohorts in Tacoma and they consolidated down to one car for the trip. To make a long story short the route they thought they were to take dead ended after several hours and so they had to backtrack and try a different route. By the time they did finally get to the trail head it was 6:00PM; 11 hours after AH left that morning. They hiked in for about 90 minutes and then set up camp for the night. During dinner preparations my husband realized his freeze dried meal had expired some 5 years earlier and was inedible so he went without.
The climb the next day was easy and fun and they were by far the most relaxed climbers on the mountain not having crampons, plastic books and other arctic gear with them. AH was proud to say they passed about 50 people on the way up (he hates to be passed).
On the way home they stopped in the little town of Trout Lake to cool off with a swim (and probably BO deterrent too) and once back on their way it was just 2-3 miles outside of town that the car decided it had been abused enough and wasn't going an inch further. Stranded in the middle of nowhere and with no way to call for help (the cellphone was out of range) they caught a lift with a local back into town to the only garage. Being that this was 4pm on a Saturday the mechanic wouldn't be able to get parts from his supplier in order to fix the car so the boys were stuck.
A tow truck was called to take the poor car in to the next major town (over 30 miles away) and the boys were once again left stranded as they closed up shop for the night. Luckily a family member didn't live too far away and offered to go get them and loan them a car to get home. AH called me at 10:45pm Saturday night to say they had just arrived that their house and I urged them to spend the night instead of trying to drive for another 3-4 hours late at night when they were all so exhausted.
The next day when they arrived in Tacoma to retrieve AH's truck they noticed some broken glass in the parking garage but AH's truck looked okay. When he got in to start it the engine sounded like a Harley and AH immediately knew what had happened. Someone cut his catalytic converter off his car while it was parked in the garage. This is a growing trend due to the valuable metals contained in the converter and the number of thefts are rising dramatically across the country.
The underside of the truck today:
The culprits are lucky AH didn't catch them in the act since he's 6'3" and was carrying his ice ax.
The Abridged Version:
It all started out on Friday when he was out the door at 6:45am for the 4 hour drive to the Mt. Adam's trail head. He met up with his cohorts in Tacoma and they consolidated down to one car for the trip. To make a long story short the route they thought they were to take dead ended after several hours and so they had to backtrack and try a different route. By the time they did finally get to the trail head it was 6:00PM; 11 hours after AH left that morning. They hiked in for about 90 minutes and then set up camp for the night. During dinner preparations my husband realized his freeze dried meal had expired some 5 years earlier and was inedible so he went without.
The climb the next day was easy and fun and they were by far the most relaxed climbers on the mountain not having crampons, plastic books and other arctic gear with them. AH was proud to say they passed about 50 people on the way up (he hates to be passed).
On the way home they stopped in the little town of Trout Lake to cool off with a swim (and probably BO deterrent too) and once back on their way it was just 2-3 miles outside of town that the car decided it had been abused enough and wasn't going an inch further. Stranded in the middle of nowhere and with no way to call for help (the cellphone was out of range) they caught a lift with a local back into town to the only garage. Being that this was 4pm on a Saturday the mechanic wouldn't be able to get parts from his supplier in order to fix the car so the boys were stuck.
A tow truck was called to take the poor car in to the next major town (over 30 miles away) and the boys were once again left stranded as they closed up shop for the night. Luckily a family member didn't live too far away and offered to go get them and loan them a car to get home. AH called me at 10:45pm Saturday night to say they had just arrived that their house and I urged them to spend the night instead of trying to drive for another 3-4 hours late at night when they were all so exhausted.
The next day when they arrived in Tacoma to retrieve AH's truck they noticed some broken glass in the parking garage but AH's truck looked okay. When he got in to start it the engine sounded like a Harley and AH immediately knew what had happened. Someone cut his catalytic converter off his car while it was parked in the garage. This is a growing trend due to the valuable metals contained in the converter and the number of thefts are rising dramatically across the country.
The underside of the truck today:
The culprits are lucky AH didn't catch them in the act since he's 6'3" and was carrying his ice ax.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Water Fight!
Today we spent the late afternoon into the evening at the lake with friends and family. It was the perfect day since the heat and humidity are really up there and we were all way too hot at home.
Today was also one of those rare days when I opted to leave my camera at home - boy am I stupid!
Mr. B had such a great day playing respectfully with everyone and the beach toys but in his exploration of the lower cabin he found a stash of super soaker water guns - he struck gold. I talked with him about how to properly use the guns and with only one little slip he followed the rules (yeah!!!).
Now who I really should have spoken with was Uncle Gordon because when he came out to swim he found one of the super soakers, loaded it up with water and started a water fight with Mr. B, which delighted him to no end. I soon joined in and between the three of us we had quite a bit of water flying about. Not too long after our fun began the other cousins decided to join in (all adults) and the fight took on new measure and during it all Mr. B kept right up with the big boys and was even able to sneak in and get some face shots on a few folks. This water fight went on for some time and I was just delighted with Uncle Gordon for engaging Mr. B in a fun game and with everyone else participating and making it extra fun. It was exactly what was needed to make the day a complete success.
When everything got back under control we enjoyed a nice dinner and then Mr. B and I headed back out to the water to play some more. Beeb joined us and the three of us ended up using the super soakers again and having our own little water fight. Beeb (who abstained for the earlier fight) was a real trouper and got me very wet. It was too much to resist for the cousins who once again joined in and all chaos broke out. Mr. B and Beeb stayed in it to the very end.
This has been one great week for us and tonight was a perfect way to end it. My heart is very full. Thanks everyone for a great day!
Today was also one of those rare days when I opted to leave my camera at home - boy am I stupid!
Mr. B had such a great day playing respectfully with everyone and the beach toys but in his exploration of the lower cabin he found a stash of super soaker water guns - he struck gold. I talked with him about how to properly use the guns and with only one little slip he followed the rules (yeah!!!).
Now who I really should have spoken with was Uncle Gordon because when he came out to swim he found one of the super soakers, loaded it up with water and started a water fight with Mr. B, which delighted him to no end. I soon joined in and between the three of us we had quite a bit of water flying about. Not too long after our fun began the other cousins decided to join in (all adults) and the fight took on new measure and during it all Mr. B kept right up with the big boys and was even able to sneak in and get some face shots on a few folks. This water fight went on for some time and I was just delighted with Uncle Gordon for engaging Mr. B in a fun game and with everyone else participating and making it extra fun. It was exactly what was needed to make the day a complete success.
When everything got back under control we enjoyed a nice dinner and then Mr. B and I headed back out to the water to play some more. Beeb joined us and the three of us ended up using the super soakers again and having our own little water fight. Beeb (who abstained for the earlier fight) was a real trouper and got me very wet. It was too much to resist for the cousins who once again joined in and all chaos broke out. Mr. B and Beeb stayed in it to the very end.
This has been one great week for us and tonight was a perfect way to end it. My heart is very full. Thanks everyone for a great day!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Getting Caught Up
This has the potential of being a really long entry BUT, luckily for anyone who reads my blog, I am tired so I am going to leave out some stuff for next time.
It's been a crazy few weeks which started out with my going to YW Camp for the first time EVER as the Historian (took a LOT of photos) and that in itself occupied 2 weeks of my time and will be a separate entry on it's own.
This week, however, has been quite enjoyable and looks to be getting back to our old selves of not being overbooked and playing quite a lot. It all started last Saturday when we decided to get up before the crack of dawn and haul our kids and gear up to Anacortes to go clamming.
This is one of those times (we've had quite a few in our marriage) when I come to realize how differently I was raise from my husband. See, I was very confused when he packed a bucket with some hand rakes and hand shovels (gardening stuff) for our clamming adventure. When I asked him about the gear and "where is the clam gun?" he assured me that this was the proper gear for the Butter Clams we would be seeking. Having grown up near the ocean, I had only ever been clamming for razor clams so this, at the time, seemed like it was going to be hard work.
We got there toward the mid-point of low tide to high tide so we were limited in our areas of digging/raking due to the rising waters but did manage to find some decent clams (enough for dinner) and the kids had a total blast turning over rocks and chasing the crabs they found underneath. I thought it was really a good time and look forward to the clam hunt again at full low tide.
We then treated the kiddo's to a healthy McDonald's breakfast and aftewards walked over to the marina and purchased some live fresh shrimp at a premium price ($11.00 per pound and that included the head and other stuff you remove before you cook). We bought 1 pound and ended up with about 7 shrimp - ouch! (Costco I'll never doubt your shrimp bags again)
At this time (roughly 10:30am) AH wanted to know if we should drive home to which my reply was, "Heck no! I didn't drive all this way to go home this early." and so we decided to head over to Deception Pass and the site of our very first date . . . but we got lost (again by "we" I mean AH got lost. I didn't get lost. I kept saying, "you passed it, it was back there before the bridge.") and eventually ended up at Ft. Casey. Now this, this was an adventure. What a wonderful facility with a view that is amazing. Mr. B was so hyped up to be at this old military facility, to run and explore and see all the old guns - pure boy heaven.
Big Gun, Little Kiddo's
A Maze of Stairs
Mr. B is the perfect size!
No More Pictures Please!
Who is that I see?
It's a Beeb!
Well duh! (this had to have been put up as a requirement for insurance)
Nothing quite like a driftwood fort to hang out in.
We saw a submarine - it was so cool!
This one reminds me of Winnie the Pooh & Christopher Robin - just missing the paper hats and stick swords.
We ended the day by taking the ferry back over to the main land and driving home where AH proceeded to level out the kitchen floor while I cooked up the clams. Having spent the day with our little "buddies" I found it difficult to eat them (seriouly, you eat all of them, head to tail - ugh!) so AH's Dad brought me Teriyaki and I gave him my clams. (I think I got the better end of the deal)
Overall it was one of those fantastic, I got so much done, days. It felt great and was a perfect start to this week.
On Tuesday with a lull in our schedule I took the kiddo's to a free movie (Veggie Tales Pirate Movie) and then to the new water spray park nearby. A major hit and definately worth a visit!
Mr. B and the Frog
I am going to assume that the designers expected kids to do this and that the water is clean (please don't burst my bubble).
Beeb lounging sprinkler-side (this is so teenage girl - I am freaking out!).
Amazingly enough I never saw him lick it.
It's been a crazy few weeks which started out with my going to YW Camp for the first time EVER as the Historian (took a LOT of photos) and that in itself occupied 2 weeks of my time and will be a separate entry on it's own.
This week, however, has been quite enjoyable and looks to be getting back to our old selves of not being overbooked and playing quite a lot. It all started last Saturday when we decided to get up before the crack of dawn and haul our kids and gear up to Anacortes to go clamming.
This is one of those times (we've had quite a few in our marriage) when I come to realize how differently I was raise from my husband. See, I was very confused when he packed a bucket with some hand rakes and hand shovels (gardening stuff) for our clamming adventure. When I asked him about the gear and "where is the clam gun?" he assured me that this was the proper gear for the Butter Clams we would be seeking. Having grown up near the ocean, I had only ever been clamming for razor clams so this, at the time, seemed like it was going to be hard work.
We got there toward the mid-point of low tide to high tide so we were limited in our areas of digging/raking due to the rising waters but did manage to find some decent clams (enough for dinner) and the kids had a total blast turning over rocks and chasing the crabs they found underneath. I thought it was really a good time and look forward to the clam hunt again at full low tide.
We then treated the kiddo's to a healthy McDonald's breakfast and aftewards walked over to the marina and purchased some live fresh shrimp at a premium price ($11.00 per pound and that included the head and other stuff you remove before you cook). We bought 1 pound and ended up with about 7 shrimp - ouch! (Costco I'll never doubt your shrimp bags again)
At this time (roughly 10:30am) AH wanted to know if we should drive home to which my reply was, "Heck no! I didn't drive all this way to go home this early." and so we decided to head over to Deception Pass and the site of our very first date . . . but we got lost (again by "we" I mean AH got lost. I didn't get lost. I kept saying, "you passed it, it was back there before the bridge.") and eventually ended up at Ft. Casey. Now this, this was an adventure. What a wonderful facility with a view that is amazing. Mr. B was so hyped up to be at this old military facility, to run and explore and see all the old guns - pure boy heaven.
Big Gun, Little Kiddo's
A Maze of Stairs
Mr. B is the perfect size!
No More Pictures Please!
Who is that I see?
It's a Beeb!
Well duh! (this had to have been put up as a requirement for insurance)
Nothing quite like a driftwood fort to hang out in.
We saw a submarine - it was so cool!
This one reminds me of Winnie the Pooh & Christopher Robin - just missing the paper hats and stick swords.
We ended the day by taking the ferry back over to the main land and driving home where AH proceeded to level out the kitchen floor while I cooked up the clams. Having spent the day with our little "buddies" I found it difficult to eat them (seriouly, you eat all of them, head to tail - ugh!) so AH's Dad brought me Teriyaki and I gave him my clams. (I think I got the better end of the deal)
Overall it was one of those fantastic, I got so much done, days. It felt great and was a perfect start to this week.
On Tuesday with a lull in our schedule I took the kiddo's to a free movie (Veggie Tales Pirate Movie) and then to the new water spray park nearby. A major hit and definately worth a visit!
Mr. B and the Frog
I am going to assume that the designers expected kids to do this and that the water is clean (please don't burst my bubble).
Beeb lounging sprinkler-side (this is so teenage girl - I am freaking out!).
Amazingly enough I never saw him lick it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Pinched
Do you feel the pinch? Financially I mean, hopefully not physically. I feel like we are being squeezed, pinched, sucker punched, etc. by the drastically rising costs from all angles; school bonds, food prices, gas prices, heating costs, sales tax increases, luggage fees on flights, trail parking permits, snow parking permits, bridge tolls, $5.00 ATM fees, etc., etc., etc.
Today I got pinched again and it really hurt. The county says my property is worth 66K more than last year. Do you think AH will be willing to move to another state now? (or at least another county) I'm thinking he might.
Today I got pinched again and it really hurt. The county says my property is worth 66K more than last year. Do you think AH will be willing to move to another state now? (or at least another county) I'm thinking he might.
Little Vandals
My kiddo's artistic temperaments are in full bloom this week. On Monday the sheet rockers started their work and just as they were packing up for the day it was called to my attention that little fingers had been at work in the still very wet mud.
The vandal hit three separate areas. Of course my initial thought was that DS hands were apart of this until I noticed the stick figures and then I absolutely knew Beeb was the culprit. Highly unusual for her but I can understand the temptation.
Upon questioning her I was flattered to know she paid tribute to her loving mother when she said, "Mommy, I drew you!"
It is a rather good likeness, and she made me thin! How could I stay mad at her when she was so considerate.
That evening we met DH down at the lake for some relaxation and tubing. DS did his second trip ever on the tube (with me) and I was even able to talk Beeb into trying it for her first time (with me). They loved it and laughed the entire time. I only received half a dozen head bunts as we bounced over waves and otherwise survived (though my arms are still sore today).
As we packed up for the night AH (amazing husband) found this in the cabin:
Where he wrote his name in black (I know it's small) can you squint and see how well DS spelled his name? I am so proud of how he must have taken his time to form such beautiful letters! I guess in addition to my own kitchen and entryway I'll also be painting the cabin walls. Humf!
The vandal hit three separate areas. Of course my initial thought was that DS hands were apart of this until I noticed the stick figures and then I absolutely knew Beeb was the culprit. Highly unusual for her but I can understand the temptation.
Upon questioning her I was flattered to know she paid tribute to her loving mother when she said, "Mommy, I drew you!"
It is a rather good likeness, and she made me thin! How could I stay mad at her when she was so considerate.
That evening we met DH down at the lake for some relaxation and tubing. DS did his second trip ever on the tube (with me) and I was even able to talk Beeb into trying it for her first time (with me). They loved it and laughed the entire time. I only received half a dozen head bunts as we bounced over waves and otherwise survived (though my arms are still sore today).
As we packed up for the night AH (amazing husband) found this in the cabin:
Where he wrote his name in black (I know it's small) can you squint and see how well DS spelled his name? I am so proud of how he must have taken his time to form such beautiful letters! I guess in addition to my own kitchen and entryway I'll also be painting the cabin walls. Humf!
Friday, July 18, 2008
VOMIT (you might not want to read this one)
Tonight my amazing husband took our kiddo's on a bike ride while I was out. When I got home he related the events of this historic ride to me. Apparently just as they arrived at the trail head DS needed to go #2 so they headed back home, took care of business and then went back to the trail. After riding to the end of the trail Beeb announced that she now need to "take care of business" as well. (pause . . . here's where it gets interesting.) Beeb had diarrhea and since this is not normal for her (ever!) she was taken aback and told DH that she had "vomited" out her bottom. She said it was "vomit pooh".
I love it! It's my new favorite phrase. I can't wait to find scenarios where I can use it in everyday conversation.
I love it! It's my new favorite phrase. I can't wait to find scenarios where I can use it in everyday conversation.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Kitchen Progress
I wanted to attached a photo that shows the floor before Steve the Engineer did his thing and got it all up. Remember it took me 3 days just to get that small section at the door up. I am still suffering from the nightmares it induced.
I think that entire process burned us out a bit and we took a week off from kitchen work and enjoyed the break.
This week we, and by "we" I mean DH, are doing the new lighting for the kitchen. DH took down the sheet-rock from the ceiling yesterday and tonight he is placing the new lights in the room (once the old lights cans are removed).
The new lighting will consist of 5" cans in the general areas and then some 3" lights that swivel for the accent lights (mainly on our back wall where the artwork will hang). We are leaving the accent lights that are currently over the cook-top and sink spaces. They are placed within the duct and would be hard to patch the over-sized hole it would create if we went with a smaller light.
I think that entire process burned us out a bit and we took a week off from kitchen work and enjoyed the break.
This week we, and by "we" I mean DH, are doing the new lighting for the kitchen. DH took down the sheet-rock from the ceiling yesterday and tonight he is placing the new lights in the room (once the old lights cans are removed).
The new lighting will consist of 5" cans in the general areas and then some 3" lights that swivel for the accent lights (mainly on our back wall where the artwork will hang). We are leaving the accent lights that are currently over the cook-top and sink spaces. They are placed within the duct and would be hard to patch the over-sized hole it would create if we went with a smaller light.
Smore Pie
Over at the Smitten Kitchen you will find some of the best food recipes - yum! This one looks especially appealing to me and so I am adding it to my "must try" list of recipes.
The recipe on the site includes step-by-step photos along with the instructions. Oh, and it also includes short cuts if you don't want to do everything from scratch.
For crust
5 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for greasing
1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs (10 graham crackers or 24 small gingersnaps; about 6 oz, pulsed in a food processor until finely ground)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt (omitted if you use salted butter)
For chocolate cream filling
7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not more than 70% cacao; not unsweetened), finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 large egg, at room temperature for 30 minutes
For marshmallow topping
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (from a 1/4-oz package)
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Vegetable oil for greasing
Special equipment: a candy thermometer
Make graham cracker crust:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter pie 9- to 9 1/2-inch pie plate.
Stir together all ingredients in a bowl and press evenly on bottom and up side of pie plate. Bake until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes, then cool on a rack to room temperature, about 45 minutes.
Make chocolate cream filling:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Put chocolate in a large bowl. Bring cream just to a boil in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, then pour hot cream over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute, then gently whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Gently whisk in egg and a pinch of salt until combined and pour into graham cracker crumb crust (crust will be about half full).
Cover edge of pie with a pie shield or foil and bake until filling is softly set and trembles slightly in center when gently shaken, about 25 minutes. Cool pie to room temperature on a rack (filling will firm as it cools), about 1 hour.
Make marshmallow topping:
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water in a large deep heatproof bowl and let stand until softened, about 1 minute.
Stir together sugar, corn syrup, a pinch of salt, and remaining 1/4 cup water in cleaned 1- to 1 1/4-quart heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then boil until thermometer registers 260°F, about 6 minutes.
Begin beating water and gelatin mixture with an electric mixer at medium speed, then carefully pour in hot syrup in a slow stream, beating (avoid beaters and side of bowl). When all of syrup is added, increase speed to high and continue beating until mixture is tripled in volume and very thick, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla and beat until combined, then immediately spoon topping onto center of pie filling; it will slowly spread to cover top of pie. Chill, uncovered, 1 hour, then cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap (oiled side down) and chill 3 hours more.
Brown topping:
Preheat broiler.
Transfer pie to a baking sheet. Cover edge of pie with pie shield or foil and broil 3 to 4 inches from heat, rotating pie as necessary, until marshmallow topping is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Cool pie on a rack 10 minutes. Slice pie with a large heavy knife dipped in hot water and then dried with a towel before cutting each slice.
[Alternately: I browned the topping with a creme brulee torch. It took some time and didn’t get as brown as I think it would have under the broiler (the pie was still cold, and hard to heat up with a small flame) but it does work in a pinch, or when you’re away from the oven.]
Note: Pie (before browning topping) can be chilled up to 1 day.
The recipe on the site includes step-by-step photos along with the instructions. Oh, and it also includes short cuts if you don't want to do everything from scratch.
For crust
5 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for greasing
1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs (10 graham crackers or 24 small gingersnaps; about 6 oz, pulsed in a food processor until finely ground)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt (omitted if you use salted butter)
For chocolate cream filling
7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not more than 70% cacao; not unsweetened), finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 large egg, at room temperature for 30 minutes
For marshmallow topping
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (from a 1/4-oz package)
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Vegetable oil for greasing
Special equipment: a candy thermometer
Make graham cracker crust:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter pie 9- to 9 1/2-inch pie plate.
Stir together all ingredients in a bowl and press evenly on bottom and up side of pie plate. Bake until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes, then cool on a rack to room temperature, about 45 minutes.
Make chocolate cream filling:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Put chocolate in a large bowl. Bring cream just to a boil in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, then pour hot cream over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute, then gently whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Gently whisk in egg and a pinch of salt until combined and pour into graham cracker crumb crust (crust will be about half full).
Cover edge of pie with a pie shield or foil and bake until filling is softly set and trembles slightly in center when gently shaken, about 25 minutes. Cool pie to room temperature on a rack (filling will firm as it cools), about 1 hour.
Make marshmallow topping:
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water in a large deep heatproof bowl and let stand until softened, about 1 minute.
Stir together sugar, corn syrup, a pinch of salt, and remaining 1/4 cup water in cleaned 1- to 1 1/4-quart heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then boil until thermometer registers 260°F, about 6 minutes.
Begin beating water and gelatin mixture with an electric mixer at medium speed, then carefully pour in hot syrup in a slow stream, beating (avoid beaters and side of bowl). When all of syrup is added, increase speed to high and continue beating until mixture is tripled in volume and very thick, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla and beat until combined, then immediately spoon topping onto center of pie filling; it will slowly spread to cover top of pie. Chill, uncovered, 1 hour, then cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap (oiled side down) and chill 3 hours more.
Brown topping:
Preheat broiler.
Transfer pie to a baking sheet. Cover edge of pie with pie shield or foil and broil 3 to 4 inches from heat, rotating pie as necessary, until marshmallow topping is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Cool pie on a rack 10 minutes. Slice pie with a large heavy knife dipped in hot water and then dried with a towel before cutting each slice.
[Alternately: I browned the topping with a creme brulee torch. It took some time and didn’t get as brown as I think it would have under the broiler (the pie was still cold, and hard to heat up with a small flame) but it does work in a pinch, or when you’re away from the oven.]
Note: Pie (before browning topping) can be chilled up to 1 day.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
While the boys are away . . .
Yesterday DH took off camping with Mr. B and Steve The Engineer. The boys headed out late afternoon and took along a few motorcycles for some easy back country navigation.
This left the Beeb and me with 24 hours of testosterone free activities. What are two single girls to do? Well, first thing we did was call up Steve The Engineers wife and invited her to join us for the Issaquah Art Walk.
At one of the stations along with walk Beeb got to make her first watercolor crayon project. She drew a red stick figure person with a purple and green sky (because purple IS the best color ever). We viewed many different mediums of art and heard some great bands and individual performers. My favorite musical performer was a Native American man who played the violin. He grew up in a foster home on the Lummi Reservation and started taking violin in school when he was in the 4th grade. He had beautiful stories to share about how each song came about as well as some lovely poetry.
The Beeb did pretty good going from exhibit to exhibit (it was a lot of walking) and I think she too enjoyed her first "art walk".
That evening I let Beeb say up extra late and then we bunked down together in my bed where she proceeded to elbow and push me to the very edge. After a few restless hours on my part I gave up and moved to the guest room and tried to salvage a few hours of rest. At about 4:00 am Beeb hunted me down, in tears, and climbed into bed with me again, and again proceeded to lay claim to 90% leaving me the edge.
Today we both were a bit worse for the wear and laid low most of the morning. Beeb played quietly with her toys while I attacked dirt, dust and soap scum that has been accumulating in the upstairs of our house. After lunch we played a quick game of Bingo and then headed off to Home Depot to purchase our new kitchen sink, faucet, lighting and front door hardware (yes, that right, soon the handle will not come off in your hand leaving you trapped in my house).
We ended our "man free" day by stopping by the library to pick up some new reading material.
Not a bad way to spend 24 hours.
This left the Beeb and me with 24 hours of testosterone free activities. What are two single girls to do? Well, first thing we did was call up Steve The Engineers wife and invited her to join us for the Issaquah Art Walk.
At one of the stations along with walk Beeb got to make her first watercolor crayon project. She drew a red stick figure person with a purple and green sky (because purple IS the best color ever). We viewed many different mediums of art and heard some great bands and individual performers. My favorite musical performer was a Native American man who played the violin. He grew up in a foster home on the Lummi Reservation and started taking violin in school when he was in the 4th grade. He had beautiful stories to share about how each song came about as well as some lovely poetry.
The Beeb did pretty good going from exhibit to exhibit (it was a lot of walking) and I think she too enjoyed her first "art walk".
That evening I let Beeb say up extra late and then we bunked down together in my bed where she proceeded to elbow and push me to the very edge. After a few restless hours on my part I gave up and moved to the guest room and tried to salvage a few hours of rest. At about 4:00 am Beeb hunted me down, in tears, and climbed into bed with me again, and again proceeded to lay claim to 90% leaving me the edge.
Today we both were a bit worse for the wear and laid low most of the morning. Beeb played quietly with her toys while I attacked dirt, dust and soap scum that has been accumulating in the upstairs of our house. After lunch we played a quick game of Bingo and then headed off to Home Depot to purchase our new kitchen sink, faucet, lighting and front door hardware (yes, that right, soon the handle will not come off in your hand leaving you trapped in my house).
We ended our "man free" day by stopping by the library to pick up some new reading material.
Not a bad way to spend 24 hours.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Independence Day 2008
One of the great pastimes for children during the July 4th celebration is picnicking and the eating of incredible amounts of junk food. This year is was no exception in our family. Mr. B himself consumed an entire bag of Doritos, a few cans of pop, cookies and who knows what else. Beeb did her share of ingesting all the scrumptious sweet foods as well, though she was more subtle about it.
What I hope is not an annual tradition is what happened this morning at 5:08am when Beeb woke me up and said, "Mommy I just vomited on my bed." I can barely see her through my tired, swollen, blurry eyes and I can sort of make out some goop on her face. I get up and herd her into my bath for a washing and then down to her room for clean clothes. It is then that I get my first glimpse of the green sludge that now covers her bed. I have no idea what she ate yesterday that created such a horrific color (maybe an entire field of grass?) but I think her sheets are now permanently stained so I guess I'll buy some dye and see if I can get the rest of the sheets to match.
What I hope is not an annual tradition is what happened this morning at 5:08am when Beeb woke me up and said, "Mommy I just vomited on my bed." I can barely see her through my tired, swollen, blurry eyes and I can sort of make out some goop on her face. I get up and herd her into my bath for a washing and then down to her room for clean clothes. It is then that I get my first glimpse of the green sludge that now covers her bed. I have no idea what she ate yesterday that created such a horrific color (maybe an entire field of grass?) but I think her sheets are now permanently stained so I guess I'll buy some dye and see if I can get the rest of the sheets to match.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Birds and the Bees . . . or rather Ankles
I was telling Beeb that her best friend would soon be a big sister. This lead to the Beeb wanting to know how the baby gets out of the body. I debated over this and decided to be honest and told her that the baby comes out of the "insert V-word here" which is down near her pee-pee. Boy that got her attention and I was informed that when she has a baby it would not be coming out "down there". I asked her where her baby would come out and was told "my ankle."
Huh?
Huh?
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