Struggling with my Lifestyle Change

I refuse to use the "D" word.  I swore that I would never, never, never again go on one of the "D" words.  Instead, Brian and I have adopted a new Lifestyle Change. Hmmmmph.

I tell myself to avoid the scale.  I tell myself that no good can come of it.  I tell myself, instead, 'Oh, look how loosely my jeans are beginning to fit!'  'See how much better I feel?'  'I don't feel deprived at all!'

Hmmmmmmph.

This morning a sweet friend dropped by to return some sheet music she had borrowed.  As a gesture of thanks, the music was accompanied by a lovely plate of valentine cookies, the real deal, homemade with pink icing and assorted candy garnishments.

They have been sitting on top of the piano all day.  I have walked past them a time or two.  I sat down to play a song and pretended not to notice they were there.

Sometimes I wonder why each person seems to have their own personal temptations, or weaknesses.  I have no desire to smoke a cigarette.  I don't even know what beer tastes like.  But, put a plate of homemade cookies in front of me and I become weak in the knees.  My mouth waters.  All voices of reason and good sense go out the window.

To my credit, the plate remains untouched.  I haven't broken off a corner, pried off a red hot, nor tasted a speck of frosting.

Hmmmmmmph!

My Own Fezziwig

The Dicken's Classic, A Christmas Carol, has become part of our lives.  Every year there seems to be a new addtion to the extensive catalog of Christmas Carol versions.  And what a wonderful reminder of the impact of internalizing the Spirit of Christmas, as Scrooge gives us examples of how to act, and how not to act.

Many characters from the story have been brought to life by memorable actors, and round out the story of Scrooge's exploratory journey.  A favorite of mine is Mr. Fezziwig.  As you'll recall, he is Ebenezer's kind and jolly former employer, who throws a big Christmas party for his employees.  He epitomizes the generous soul who knows how to treat those who work for him.

Every day of every year I have the opportunity to see a Fezziwig in action, and particularly enjoy observing from the sidelines during the Annual Summit Sportswear Christmas Potluck Luncheon, which just happened to be today.  This is the time that my husband hands out Christmas Bonuses to his 100+ employees and announces the winners of the door prizes. This is followed by an extensive potluck buffet, lavish with authentic dishes from the Russian, Asian, and Mexican people who work there.  Brian and I contribute hams and au gratin potatoes every year.  They seem very plain and "American" next to the exotic dishes that the others bring.

It is evident that Brian inspires loyalty and fosters good feelings in his factory.  These sweet, hardworking people love to show their appreciation to their kind boss by giving humble gifts.  And they often extend their kindness to me, "The Boss's Wife".  This year I came home with a bowl full of real handmade tamales, given to me by a sweet little lady.  From her limited English, I could tell she was offering something which made her very proud to give because she had heard that I love tamales.

I feel so blessed.  I have a husband that works hard to take care of not only our family, but he feels such a responsibility to help maintain these good workers and their families, by providing them with stable, secure jobs.  These people work so hard at really difficult jobs.  I have bent over a sewing machine for eight hours and know the aches and pains it causes.  And they do it every day for years and years.

Blessings come in unusual packages.  Sometimes they are savory bundles wrapped up in corn husks.  Sometimes they are in a compassionate hardworking husband. 

I came home today from the party with a Christmas bonus of my own.  After having shipped his order, Brian found himself with an extra top from a Nike Track program.  Hmmmmm, looks like my size.  Pretty cute, huh?

Thanks, Mr. Fezziwig.

I've Had a Craving

Ever since I stumbled upon a movie on Netflix last week, I have had a craving for tapioca pudding.  Really.  And it wasn't a craving that could be satisfied even by Kozy Shack. 

The movie is called New in Town, starring Renee Zellweger and a personal favorite, Harry Connick Jr.

I'm not sure how I missed this movie when it came out.  It is particularly a find because it is only rated PG.  There are several things, besides Harry, that drew me in.  Being set in winter in Minnesota, it reminded me in many ways of my Idaho winters while I was in high school.  Vanity was traded in for big warm coats, boots, mittens, hats.  Just battling the cold becomes the main objective.  Been there.

I was also able to enjoy the poking fun done at scrapbookers and busybody moms.  Hmmmm.  I can relate to those also. 

One of those busybody moms, Blanch, loved to make tapioca pudding.  For her, it was just the thing for whatever ails you.  It could bring comfort and warmth even on the worst, coldest day.

I found a website for New in Town, which is entertaining by itself.  It includes several fun things, including Blanch's recipe for Tapioca Pudding.

You know what?  I made a batch of homemade tapioca and it is delicious; much better than anything full of preservatives.  Just the thing for whatever ails you, "doncha know"?

Not really a Gum Chewer, But....

Finally, there is a temptation in the gum world that calls to me.  The flavor is, very convincingly, that of Key Lime Pie without the sugar nor the fat.  And in my world, there are few desserts that are more satisfying.

My husband and I have made it our mission to find the very best Key Lime pie, and we have taken our mission to some great destinations.

Easily the best we ever found was in, no surprise, the Florida Keys.  A few years back, Brian took me with him on a business trip to Miami.  The convention was a bit of a disappointment, so we found ourselves with an extra free day in Florida.  So what does one do?

We rented a convertible and took off down to the Keys.  Retrospectively, this may have been one of my best days.  It was beautiful.  We didn't have time to go all the way to Key West, but we found Key Largo to be as charming and delightful as anything we could have imagined.

Imagine all of these wonderful memories called to mind because of a new pack of gum.  Powerful gum....

Finally got it Right

For years I have faced a dilemma.  There is nothing more comforting to me than a nice cup of hot chocolate.  As soon as the weather turns chilly at all, I immediately take the opportunity to wrap my hands around a heated mug, drawing warmth to my hands as well as my insides.

But the challenge lies in that most cocoa mixes are just too sweet.  Why would I want to pour all that sugar into my body, when all I really want is the chocolate?  I have tried 'sugar-free' cocoa mixes.  They work in a pinch but are not all that satisfying.  I have a recipe for cocoa that is not too sweet but it makes a large batch.  This is great for me but not welcomed by my family because they like it sweeter, so it usually goes to waste.

Recently, my daughter Miranda, who worked at a cafe and became expert at making cappuccinos and lattes, taught me the fine art of steaming milk.  I began to see that this had promise towards the perfect cup of hot chocolate.  Then through a lot of fun experimenting (Thanks, Suzie!) with chocolate chips and flavored creamers, I finally found the perfect combination for me.

I steam a mug of milk until it is piping hot and frothy and foamy.  I stir in a block of unsweetened baking chocolate which I have chopped.  Are you with me?  Milk and chocolate so far.  That's all.  Then I add a small amount of French Vanilla coffee creamer that has just a little bit of sugar in it.

I did it!  I found the recipe for the most satisfying, amazing cup of heaven.  I can drink it without feeling like I am having dessert for breakfast. 

I'll save the sugar for the donut....

Oh Those Rolls

According to the back of the mix box: "if you mention the Lion House rolls to those who know, the first words out of their mouths will likely be, 'Oh, those rolls!'"

Yesterday I drove all the way to Portland for one errand.  I went to the Deseret Book store, then turned around and drove right back home.  Ordinarily I would probably have made a stop at the Temple, or Bridgeport Mall, or perhaps the Woodburn Outlets.  No time.  I had  to pick up some Marvin Goldstein books for Sunday,  then hurry home to fix dinner for the missionaries along with some guests they were bringing. 

As I was standing in line at the book store, my eye was drawn to a display of boxes amidst the books.  They were mixes for the famous Lion House dinner rolls.  Well, first it startled me to see food in the store, then it piqued my curiosity.  I thought to myself, "Why not?" and picked up a few to take home.

I decided to try them out on my dinner guests that evening.  So I ignored the directions and threw the whole thing into my breadmaker and put it on the dough setting.  Worked great, and no sticky fingers nor mess on my counter.

After the dough had raised, I then followed their directions for forming the classic rolls.  Pretty easy, too.  I could see this had promise.  So far, nothing too difficult.  But the true test would be how they baked and how they tasted.  Would I truly be able to get away with serving what only looked like I had been baking all day?

One of my biggest weaknesses is for fresh, homebaked goodies, and these were delicious.  They certainly passed the test; very easy to make with the appearance, aroma and taste of homemade.

  In hindsight, I would have baked them a little longer.  I thought their golden brown looked fine and pulled them out at the fifteen minute mark.  They are exactly like Jackie would have liked; still a little too soft for me.

Fortunately, I bought their 3 for $10 deal, so I get to try them again.  And even if no one else makes that promised declaration, I believe I might be heard to say, "Oh, those rolls!"

Ultimate Comfort Food...

at the Haws House:  authentic Hungarian Goulash.  Some days just need it, don't they?  I know of a particular man that is having great challenges today in his bishop's office.  I don't know what those challenges are; I can't ask him about them; he can't tell me about them.  What can I do?  I can make sure that when he walks in the house, at whatever hour he is eventually able to break away, that he is greeted by heavenly aromas, a tidy home, and a smiling, sympathetic wife.  So right now the crock pot is working its magic on some simple ingredients.  Now I just need to make sure the other parts of the formula are ready, too.

Time for Oktoberfest

One of my favorite times of the year:  Oktoberfest!  And this year was particularly delightful.  The weather couldn't have been nicer.  Just the drive through the beautiful valley out to Mt. Angel was inspiring, considering my mouth had already begun to water in anticipation of the delights to come.

The last several years we have attended Oktoberfest with a bunch of friends in addition to making a family trip out, but due to a busy schedule this weekend, we decided Thursday would be our best and only chance to go.  We brought Miranda along with us and the three of us had fun together.  She's a good sport to tag along with her old parents.  I took pictures of some of our favorite things so my family that is away can see, and remember, and wish they had been with us!  Enjoy!  We certainly did:  EVERY SINGLE BITE!