Snow, Football, Chili...does it get any better?

We had our first bit of snow last night in the Grove and it was beautiful! Of course I was crossing my fingers for a "snow" day off school today, but it was all melted by this morning. They are predicting more on Saturday afternoon, which should add more drama to the events of the Civil War game in Eugene that day. I have my ingredients to begin my contribution to the smorgasboard of food. The last get together of the season for the "Beaver Nation Tailgaters", as we have so deemed ourselves. The guys are making one of those ducks, wrapped with chicken, wrapped in Turkey deals, plus a WHOLE bunch of other fabulous food is being made that day. My assignment is chili. I thought I would share my recipe, you can never have too many chili recipes! So here you go...

BEAVER BELIEVERS CHILI

(It's name for this weekend anyway)

I am multiplying this recipe X 3 for our get together

1 1/2 lbs hamburger

1/2 onion

1 14.5 oz. can diced stewed tomatoes

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 6oz. can tomato paste

1 15 oz can chili style beans - do not drain

1 30 oz can chili beans (ie. pinto, kidney whatever you like) - do not drain

4T worchestershire sauce

2 to 4T chili powder (depending on your taste)

V8 Hot & Spicy tomato juice (desired amount for consistency)

Brown hamburger and onion, drain fat. Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, simmer for minimum of 1 1/2 hrs.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, dolop of sour cream! Your good to go!!

Civil War preparedness Are You Ready?

Granted...this year is going to be a crapshoot. With both teams suffering from many injuries, the team that shows up to play hard on Saturday in spite of it all will win. At school this week I announced a "Civil War" door decorating contest. Those participating will decorate their classroom doors in the team that they support, or for the "non" Oregon fans, any college of their choice in the spirit of the game. Judging will take place on Friday with prizes awarded to the winners top 3 door designs. Sounds like we have alot of enthusiasm for the contest. Wishing the Beavers the best of luck on Saturday! A special kudos to Alexa Serna who has made kicking a great thing to watch at Oregon State! See you on Saturday Beaver Nation tailgaters!!

Total splurge. . .

Soooo it has happened.....like many thousands of American's we made the plunge on Black Friday and bought a Plasma TV. How could you pass up the prices for the one day only sale?..the sales of plasmas dove below their normal prices anywhere from $200 to $700. We probably really didn't need one (no we didn't), our current Sony big monster old school TV works just fine, but how could we resist. After spending time in Phoenix this summer with our son, who has a plasma the size of a football field on his wall, we couldn't believe how good the picture can be. Especially with the new HDTV channels. We bought a 42", it's not a monster that's good, it's perfect for our family room. So right now I am on our computer writing you as I hear my beloved cussing up a storm as he is unplugging all the hundreds of wires, cables, plugins, etc. etc. etc. in the back of the old unit to get ready for the new one. Uuuhhh...I think this may be why we don't buy new electronics very often..heehee. Oh, I am being called for assistance..wish me luck!

Could they be related? . . .

We rented the new Shrek 3 movie (yes, we have no small children anymore, but I rented it anyway). Here is what the movie made me think of - Shrek reminds me of Fred Flintstone. Matter of fact...I think he is a distant cousin of Fred. Fiona is a spinoff of Wilma, Donkey..of Barney, and the kids..who knows..since they just arrived we may see them become the images of Pebbles and BamBam. Does anybody else see this? I love Fred Flintstone and I love Shrek..so it's all good! Yaba-Daba-Doo!!!

Things to be thankful for . . . .

Top Ten things I am thankful for . . .

My husband, he's my friend, my confidant, my sole mate, my debater, my craftsman, my children's father and I will love him until the day I die.

My boys, they are all good hearted men, good father's, good husbands, loyal friends, and they are very caring son's to their Dad and I.

My mom and mother-in-law, that they are healthy, fun to be around and are still able to live independently and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

My daughters-in-law, I couldn't have asked for better wives for my son's, they are loving, spirited, fun and I see the love they have for my boys in their eyes! PLUS..they have given and will be giving me FABULOUS grandbabies!

My friends, you know who you are, the one's who are there via phone, get togethers, emails, they have been and continue to be an important part of the happiness in my life.

My crazy in-laws, you are what keep this family going, we have formed lasting traditions, seen each others kids grow and have a love for each other that runs as deep as blood relatives forever.

My brother & his family, though you live in another country, have another life that doesn't mesh much with ours, I feel sad that we aren't all closer, I am thankful that you are a part of my life, however much that may be.

A job that brings me joy each and everyday that I go to work.

My health (knock on wood), except for some old lady hot flashes, I think I'm doing pretty good!

Oh no...it's my last one...better make it good! The GREAT meal I'm gonna have tomorrow with the help of many of the above mentioned people in attendance!! woohooo!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

What could he be dreaming about? . . .

Project complete . . .

Always feels good to complete a project.

This weekend was a stormy one at the Oregon Coast. I went with my friends I paint with for a beach weekend getaway. Had a great time, lots of painting done and visiting by all. We took a break and headed over to the casino..where I won $45.00 on a $5.00 bet (not too bad). Also found a new seafood restaurant to try out that was great! Captain Ron's in Lincoln City, they have the same menu as the old Dory Cove Restaurant that burned down a couple of years ago. I had clam strips and their chowder was really good. We got quite a show with the storm that moved in on Saturday morning, it was fun to watch from the warmth of our rental house. We could paint away and watch the wind and waves crashing outside. We made a brief stop at the outlet mall on the way home to pick up some items Christmas gifts. Stopping on our drive home at Starbucks for one of their current holiday coffee drinks (I had an eggnog latte...yum!) Came home to a husband sprawled out on the couch who has the stomach flu.....oh great.......good thing I got my flu shot!

It's my turn . . .

Once a year I host bunco. Yes, the game I have spoken of in previous blog entries. Tomorrow is my night to host. So yesterday I went to Costco to pickup munchies, beer and wine. I have learned long ago that when you host bunco on a work night, it doesn't pay to try and make things from scratch to impress your friends, it's too much work. Costco has it all, I picked up a vegetable tray, garlic hummus, seafood spread, crackers, salsa, grapes, quacamole, crackers, tortilla chips, cookies, mini quiches, and of course nuts & candies for the tables. There will be 12 of us so it will be a nice crowd. Something I always struggle with when having a group over is what kind of wine to buy. I am not a wine drinker, it usually gives me an instant headache, so I am not really a good judge of wines. I feel bad that I don't like wine, seems all my friends do. Living in the mecca of wineries I should be taking full advantage of all the "award" winning wines of the local area. But about the only kind I can choke down in Pinot Grigio, and then like I said not many glasses & instant headache. Alot of my friends like Merlot, I can't get that stuff past my nose...I have tried to drink it but YUK! It's awful. So since I don't know much about wine I go down the aisle and get the wine that has a cool looking label (good as reason as any), and is under $8.00/bottle. In my cart are 2 bottles of Merlot , 1 bottle of Pinot Grigio, 1 bottle of Riesling and 1 bottle of Shiraz (what is a Shiraz anyway?) Oh, well they will drink it! The gals that drink beer like either Coors Light, Corona w/lime or Hefeweisen w/lemon. I think I'm ready, let's roll the dice!

Why I like to stay at my Grama & Grampas house..by Lucas

• They talk funny to me.


• They think it's cute when I poop, burp, sneeze, smile and suck on my fist.


• I get to drink lots of milk.


• When they change my diaper they fan my bare bottom, it feels good.


• They sneak me banana baby food (I'm only suppose to have cereal).


• It takes Grama along time to fix dinner for Grampa when I'm here, she likes talking to me.


• They look at me when I am sleeping at night (they don't think I know)


• Grampa blows on my belly.


• I don't ever have to be put down, because they will hold me all the time.


• If they don't pay attention to me I just spit up, that works...they come running.


• We get to watch cartoons.


• I get to sit in the kitchen sink on a big fluffy towel and get a bath.


• They tell me funny stories about daddy when he was a baby.


• My cheeks get kinda sore because they are kissing on them all the time.

I am happy when my Mommy & Daddy come and get me, Grama and Grampa are starting to look tired. They will have to rest up for the next time I come and stay!

Chad & Nic . . .

Happy Anniversary to you!...Here is the song that was played when Dad and I got married. It's for you this weekend! Wishing you many years together and many grandbabies for us! Love, Mom & Dad

Looking forward to next year already . . .

This is it.....the last OSU home football game. I have been cooking away and we are getting ready to pack up for our last tailgater of the season. Today's weather is ok so far, there may be a few showers later, but that's ok..we have had great weather all season. The menu for our game day extravaganza is beef brisket, armadillo eggs, bbq ribs, cheesey potatoes, and the usual huge assortments of salads and desserts. My contribution today is a couple big pans of chicken enchiladas, pumpkin bread and a cajun spice vegetable dip. As usual we will not be too worried about not enough food!! Now we just have to hope our team shows up, Canfield is out this game and Bernards is back in so we will have to see how this backup quarterback can handle himself. It is the Huskies and their record has been crappy this year, but anything can happen. Either way we will celebrate or drowned our sorrows at a fabulous tailgate feast! GO BEAVS!

Say thanks . . .

Each Friday before the Veterans Day Holiday at our high school an assembly to honor veterans is held. Veterans in our community from any war or conflict are invited to attend. We usually have nearly 100-150 show, all dressed in their military uniforms or some piece of uniform from their past or present. Alot of them are alumni of FGHS. It is always very well attended by community members, of all the yearly assemblies at school what impresses everyone the most are how the kids act. They are the first to rise and applaud, be quiet when appropriate, give standing ovations where it seems necessary and listen to the speaker that has been invited to address the veterans and the student body. All the various military organizations are represented Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, etc. Our high school band plays impressive renditions of all the branches "theme" songs I guess you would call them. Students hear stories of battles or heroism and they really get a sense of the sacrifice made by these ladies and gentlemen. One specific speaker that came to address the school a couple years ago was Brigadier General James Sehorn. A former FGHS graduate who served in Vietnam and was held in a POW camp for a number of years before his release. His family lived across the street from us until his return home in the early 70's. I use to babysit his two daughters. He shared stories of his unwaivered love of his country, comrades and family, which helped to get him through the darkest days of his imprisonment. You could have heard a pin drop in our gym of 1750 students listening to his every word. Alot of foreign countries and unfortunately ignorant Americans choose to bad mouth our politics and way of life. All you need to do is listen to a Veteran speak and you gain a whole new respect for what we have as Americans. Each year that ceremony gets me choked up and I'm sure tomorrow will be no different. So all of you who appreciate your freedoms, let's do the old fashion thing, with a look in the eye and a strong steady handshake..thank a Veteran this weekend!

Happy 23rd!

Hey Blake.. Just a friendly reminder! We know how much Diane likes to clean things!! Happy 23rd anniversary this weekend to you guys! Love ya!

What are you doing???

I am plopped in the front room on the couch watching one of my fav shows. Dale is in the family room watching Monday Night Football (of course). This is how "old" people survive..one watches what they like in one room and the other in the other room. What did people do in the old days with only one TV?? It's impossible here. Anyway I am listening to my show and I keep hearing noises in the other room. I keep ignoring it until finally I get up out of my comfy chair and go to the family room. Here is what I see.....Dale reclined in the chair, Monday night football on the TV (blarring of course since he can't hear so well), and on his chest is the portable DVD player and he's watching Bonanza!!!?? What are you doing??? I say, "Well, sometimes the game gets boring".."well, then why don't you just change the channel, I ask", " Because I might miss something."...OH Brother!!! So back to the other room I go..shaking my head..watching my show..you know the one..Dr. 90210. Tonight I am watching as Dr. Rey does a facelift and tummy tuck on some Hollywood lady..can't miss that...may need to see him one day...ha! Oh no..here comes Dale asking me what I'm watching . . .

Let the Bazaars begin!

I love going to Christmas bazaars. Probably every weekend from now until Christmas I will try to slip in to a school bazaar, church bazaar or a big one like the one I attended today in Portland. It is the Holiday Food and Gift bazaar at the Oregon Convention Center. I am starting my gift hunts for various friends and family members. In our family we also have alot of birthday celebrations in December...so it's sort of double the gift giving that month. I really like checking out the new things people are crafting. I guess at heart I am an "artsy fartsy" person. I love things that have taken someones personal time and creativity to make. I always like looking at the jewelry, wool purses, soaps, tolepainted items, landscape photography prints, and of course Santa's .... being a bit of a santa collector. I have one rule though...as with all of my paint lady friends we are sworn to..."Never buy anything with wiggly eyes"...that is our secret code for a bad bazaar. "Oh, don't go to that bazaar, they have lots of wiggly eye things". That basically means they have alot of crap, cheap stuff, junk, pipecleaners, wholesale storebought made in China items..NOT handmade...don't bother. People that make creatures out of walnuts need therapy...sorry but true. Anyway, I did get some good stuff today, so now they will get put away for Christmas. A future blog entry will have to be about riding the Tri-Met Max train into Portland...oh my...very entertaining.

Nothing like waiting in line for sausage!

Well . . . the whole fan-damily made it this year to the Verboort Sausage dinner! Grama Howson, Grama Christopherson, Chad, Nicole, Lucas, Andy, Alia, Josh, Dani, Dale and I. It's a time honored tradition in our family to either buy or go to the Verboort dinner. Not everybody is always around to go, sometimes it falls during hunting season. So those years I usually rise at the crack of dawn to stand in line to buy sausage. It was perfect weather this year for mulling around outside at the plant sale, then into the bazaar. We ran into alot of friends we haven't seen for awhile plus, both of the grannys came so that was great! (Oh, me too I'm a granny!). We bought our tickets and had to wait 2 hours before our numbers were called, so what did we do for 2 hours....Well, we got on the school bus that takes you out to the beer gardens, a couple miles out of town at the Gun Club. The weather was so great that we all sat around a picnic table, enjoying the scenery and visited while having a couple beers. We teased the granny's about the last time they rode a school bus....they said it had been awhile ;0). So we get back and thanks to Andy and Alia who stayed back at the church and babysat Lucas for while, we get into line for dinner. Table for 10 by the aisle (for we have a stroller now, of course). We get seated and in they march with plates heaped with all you can eat homemade sauerkraut, mashed potatoes w/gravy, sausage, applesauce, green beans and rolls. For dessert lemon merange or apple pies. Even baby Lucas got a taste of applesauce and Danielle who has been feeling pretty bad lately with morning sickness was able to get some food down too! We all went home stuffed and having enjoyed our day....then home to watch the Duck & Beaver games. Doesn't get much better than that on a beautiful fall afternoon . . .

Friday Night is Pizza Night!

Even though we have no kids at home anymore we still can't get away from Friday Night Pizza Night. I know it's bad for us..we should be cutting back, but geezzz..why? So it's time to make the big decision...what kind?? Well I like pepperoni, italian sausage, mushroom, onions and olives. Hubby HATES olives so we have to compromise, so it's half/half. If we go out for pizza we also usually order from the salad bar...because salad is healthy for you and it will somehow offset the 3 pieces of pizza I will eat tonight ....right? oh and then there is the pitcher of beer too..oops...We are not the only Friday Night pizza people!! There are alot of us!...so will I see you tonight?

Got the wrong kind...DARN!

Since I am "older" now I made an appt. at our local Safeway pharmacy on Weds. and got my flu shot. I've never had one before, usually never get the flu, but I thought well...maybe it's time. So of course now my arm is aching sore and I feel kind of yucky...hope it doesn't last long. Guess I should have read this ad before going to Safeway...damn..