You have to read the post below to appreciate this one.

I discovered that I could order this item online at joann.com on Black Friday and get the same deal. This morning I got online and got the message that their website was down for maintenance. Interesting timing, me thinks.

After running a little errand this morning, I stopped by Michael's to see what they had on sale. Not much, really-- I did pick up a few stocking stuffers. But I also found the other item I had been looking for--for five dollars cheaper than advertised at Joann. They had two left. I bought one of them. So there.

Where were all the shoppers today? There wasn't much traffic--not much more than usual, anyway. Not as many shoppers in the few stores I stopped in. I'm not much of a shopper these days anyway-- I much prefer online shopping anymore.

I've officially turned into my mom.

I was out and about for a little bit today to pick up the rest of the groceries needed for my things for Thursday and to do a little of this and that, and was so annoyed by people that I finally came home. Drivers that can't drive properly, people not paying attention to what they are doing in a store like standing in the middle of aisle blocking anyone from going around them, people who work at stores and don't know the answers to basic questions. Really, people? This is how we're going to do it this season? Really? (I've been watching too much SNL Weekend Update).

On BLACK FRIDAY there is something going on sale at Joann for a ridiculously low price. It normally sells for 199.00-- the sale price is 74.99. I've wanted this thing for a long time, and I don't WANT to go there at 6 a.m. on Friday so I stopped by and asked if I could buy it that night, then come back sometime on Friday and return it and repurchase it. [Blank stare] from the high school-type aisle organizer person. "Ummm, I don't really know". Surely most of you know what the next statement should be from her. "But let me find out". This is basic customer service, people. As my coworker Kristin used to tell her first graders... "We're not building a rocket and flying it to the moon".

Me: Is there someone around here who might know?
Worker Bee: Ummm, yeah. She starts talking into the mic that is clipped on her apron. A disembodied voice comes through on her earpiece, but I can't make out what the voice is saying.
Short person: Ummm... yeah, you can buy it tonight and then bring it back and return it then buy it again.

So I go to the aisle where these items are located, and there aren't any on the shelf. I head back to high school person who is now in the bead aisle chatting with a fellow high school worker person.

Me: So.... do you have any of xxx?
Worker Bee: Ummm. I don't really know.
Me: (Counting slowly in my head.. one...two...three...) So, is there anyone around here that might know?
Worker Bee: Ummm... yeah. Again she talks into the mic on her apron, again the disembodied voice answers.

Wait for it.... wait... you know the answer... "Ummm, no but we'll have them out on Friday."

And....... rim shot.

Almost finished with the MS book (over there---->). I borrowed it from a friend and have had it for over a month, and just started it this afternoon. I think I was avoiding reading it, concerned it would be too dark and sad. It is sad, but it is a pretty good read. One thing I really like is that it has the facts, not all the speculations and error-laden reporting done by the media.

Hard to believe it's the week of Thanksgiving. I went to buy some groceries for things I'm making for Thursday, and finally stopped because I can't believe how much things cost these days. I guess tomorrow I'll head to Big Box Super Store where the prices are more reasonable (hopefully).

B and I are getting together wed evening to make his super yummy stuffing and shoo fly pie. I love love love the stuffing he makes. I don't know that we will bring it to the family dinner, it's made with all savory breads (rye, pumpernickel, etc..) and most of my fam probably wouldn't eat it. I don't care for those breads, but I love the stuffing.

I found what looks to be a really good chocolate cake recipe on a blog, but it has 2 cups of sugar. That seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?

Brrrrrrrr. I wish I had an electric blanket to turn on before I hop into bed tonight.

I've been reading some blogger accounts of Pioneer Woman book signings in a couple of other cities and all I can say "Shame on you Little Bookstore in Salt Lake City !" To not be prepared for such a huge gathering is one issue (it actually sounds like most of the bookstores are not prepared for the number of PW fans) , but to be outright rude and snippy to SO many people standing outside because they weren't allowed in--even though they had tickets? Inexcusable.

Even though the Denver signing was crowded, and the room was really warm, and it took forever, the worker bees doing the fan wrangling were actually pretty friendly and understanding.

Score one for the Tattered Cover.

I {heart} my massage therapist.

I've had some pretty bad lower back pain for a little over a week now. It's a really noticeable ache, one that makes me catch my breath when I move a certain way. Getting out of bed each morning has been a challenge. Sleeping has been a challenge-- every way I turn is less comfortable than the other. Today I had my regular appt with Karen-- Super Human Massage Therapist. As I was lay/laid/lie (I hate that word) on the massage table, I was completely uncomfortable. When I got dressed and headed home, there was barely a noticeable ache. And she didn't even massage my back! She does what she calls "energy work"-- which I usually decline when she offers because I really love regular massage. Today I was in so much pain I was willing to try anything. It always just feels like she's resting her hands on the area for quite awhile--- and she makes comments like "Now it's releasing" Now it's reorganizing". I don't know what she feels, but it worked today. I know there's a strong likelihood it will return and if ir does we'll just give it another go (that's why you can't just go to a chiropractor once and be "cured"-- if a person doesn't change the way they walk, or the way they sit or stand, then the pain always returns).

But for tonight, I think I will sleep a little less painfully.

Started a new book---Look over there------------ >

I think it will be one I read in small bits here and there. Probably not an easy read.

Tonight I did something I almost talked myself out of, but am so glad I did it anyway. I went to a book signing at the Tattered Cover-- Pioneer Woman's new cookbook just came out last week. I almost didn't go because I didn't want to go by myself, but I am so glad I went. You know how "the universe" works things out sometimes? When I arrived there were quite a few empty seats (I was pretty early) so I chose one and sat and started looking through the cookbook. Not too long after, a very nice woman sat beside me and that helped make for a lovely evening. Brenda--if you find your way here to my blog--welcome! And thanks for being so easy to talk to! And thanks for giving me a copy of your recipe!

Pioneer Woman was gracious, and kind, and humble, and beautiful. Her cookbook is full of wonderful recipes, but also wonderful stories about her family and the ranch. I took several photos while she was answering questions, and then my battery icon started blinking--then it dies. No worries, I had a spare which I popped in, and discovered it was completely dead as well. Those that know me well know I.never.have.a.dead.camera.battery. In this case, I had checked the second battery in the charger last week, and since no light came on to indicate it was charging, I assumed it was full of juice. Nooooo... what that meant was the outlet I was using to check wasn't working as it should, so the light wasn't blinking because ... well, because it wasn't. I did get pics and was happy with what i got, but I would have liked to have had a photo of the both of us.

It was pretty obvious the TC wasn't prepared for the number of people that showed up for this event. When I arrived almost two hours before the event, only about 60 chairs had been set up. I knew immediately that would not be enough. By 7:00, half an hour before the scheduled start, the place was packed. And I mean packed. The room was wall to wall people, up both stairs two and three deep, and the first floor was filled, and up the stairs to the second floor. The TC people said when they were preparing they had no idea she was the "rock star" she was. I was so glad I got there when I did--I got a chair, and only had to wait about an hour to get my book signed.

I ended up having to buy a book there (full price--dang!) because the two I ordered from amazon hadn't arrived on my doorstep yet (my UPS deliveries come after 5:30 usually) so I headed on downtown and just bit the money bullet. When I got home I stopped and checked my mail. Guess WHAT I got in the mail today? My two cookbooks! I forgot amazon ships by the postal service, not UPS. Ah well... that just means someone else might benefit from my not checking the mail before I went.

All in all, a really nice evening.

Thank you, universe.

Searching and searching for the picture you know you have somewhere, then doing a google search for "barfing pumpkin"... priceless. This is my favorite Halloween picture ever--first seen years ago on my sister's now long-neglected blog. Come back, sissy, come back!

It's been almost one whole week since new cat came to live with us. The first couple of days and nights were fairly uneventful, but he hid under the bed almost the entire time. He's now pretty much made himself at home. He sleeps on my bed during the day-- as does Izzy. They both have claimed their respective snoozing spots--mere feet away from each other. Izzy still chases him up the stairs and hisses and growls, but it's pretty half-heartedly and I'm sure she's only doing it because she'll lose her street cred if she doesn't. The chasing back and forth almost seem like playing-- if so, that sure didn't take long.The one thing that has NOT happened since new cat arrived--- Izzy hasn't awakened me at 4:30 a.m. with the usual paper tearing , meowing, batting me on the back.

The cat still has no name-- he's completely white, is still really timid and runs away when I try to approach him. He's definitely NOT a Snowflake, a Casper, or a Shadow. He's a pretty big cat, and meows a little, but chirps more than meows. Hopefully a name will make itself know in the next few days. I'm sure he's tired of hearing me call him "Baby".

[crickets chirping] Anybody out there?

New book started over there ----- > Most of the customer reviews have been fairly lackluster...so I hope I'm not disappointed.

When I read other people's blogs I always think they have much more interesting things to write about, and I always like reading what they do and what they say. When it comes to my own blog, I almost always feel like I don't want anyone to know what I'm doing or thinking. After awhile that starts to make a person feel like they don't want to see or talk to anyone. Not such a good idea usually.

First of all, I can't believe it's nearly the end of October! B's birthday is coming up, then Katrinka's birthday, then Thanksgiving, then yikes, it's Christmas! On Sunday the high was 83 degrees--today it was cold, drizzly and a high of about 40. Personally, I kind of like the cold and drizzly weather.

This weekend I'm headed to Estes Park for a weekend scrapbooking retreat, then on Sunday night a new kitty is coming to be part of the family. I just hope the current queen of the castle doesn't mind too much.

I'm going to make this tomorrow. Yummmm.

Slow Cooker Granola

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/crockpot-granola-recipe.html

- 5 cups oats
- 1/4 cup honey *(see note below)
- 1/4 cup melted butter *(see note below)
- 1 T flax seeds
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins and cranberries)


Put all the dry ingredients into your crockpot. You'll need at least a 4 quart.

Melt the butter in the microwave, and add. Add the honey. Toss well.

*note: if you add this amount of honey and butter, the granola will be cereal-like, and not trail-mix like. If you'd rather the granola clump together in pieces, you'll need to add more honey and butter. So if you'd prefer your granola that way, you'll need to add at least 3/4 cup of honey.

Cover, but vent with a chopstick. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring every so often.

If you can smell the granola cooking, go stir. It will burn if you don't keep an eye on it. But it won't burn as quickly as it does in the oven!

Dump out on some parchment paper and let cool. Eat with milk like cereal, warmed with milk like oatmeal, or as is. Seal well in an air-tight container or in a ziploc. Granola freezes well.

Happy 28th Birthday to my niece Amanda! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Started a new book: Wrestling With Moses. See info over there ------>

Lately I've been getting all my book titles from interviews I hear on NPR. It makes the books much more interesting when I've heard and interview with the author.

I know I need to get another cat. Of course I can't be certain, but I'm guessing another kitty would help the crazy one I have now be more friendly. Hopefully. Please let it be true. I just have such a hard time deciding on a cat. I just want them all.

Every time I go to Pet Smarty to get cat food I stop and look at the kitties up for adoption. There are little kitties (oh so cute) and there are adult cats. Today I saw a cat that was 10 years old. I so so wanted it. But I think I need a little kitty. One that Crazy Cat can be lord and master over, or at least pretend to be.

Even though the last few times I've been at the store I've always seen one (or more) I would take, I have left empty-handed. There are usually three little kitties to a cage, and the thought of separating them makes me teary. Even though I know they are going to be separated eventually, I can't make it be me that does it. Today there was one that mewed and mewed at me til I went over and talked to it. I almost brought it home, but it looked just like the one I have now and I'd really like a different-looking one, I guess. I know my friend Heidi still has the one I was considering taking, but it's a longhair and I'm not sure I want a longhair. But I feel like I should take it to help her out--even though I know she wouldn't care if I didn't.

It would be so much easier if a little kitty just walked up to my door and had a sign that said "Take me!". Choosing and leaving some behind is too hard for me.

I love this photo. She looks so innocent but I know her, so I think she looks like she's about to do something naughty.

Believe me, I know.

Celebrating KR's birthday at White Fintz Farmy recently-- and this photo is called a Miracle Photo. We all have our eyes open, and have decent expressions on our faces.

I hadn't been to WFF in forever. I don't even remember the last time I was there. I'm not a big fan of fried chicken because most times it's pretty greasy. I loved this chicken--it was perfect, and not greasy at all. And the best part of the restaurant (besides all the silly things outside that are for kids but CP made them for grownups that night)? There's actually an adults only room! No rugrats banging their spoons on the table incessantly. We didn't sit there, but good to know for next time!

Lifted from Pioneer Woman--I need to make these. And soon.

Bacon Onion Cheddar Biscuits

10 slices thick cut bacon, fried and crumbled
1 cup finely diced onion
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco, etc.)
10 tablespoons milk (whole milk is best)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1 heaping cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in shortening until all combined. Combine milk, oil, and egg in a separate bowl. Whisk together.
Combine flour mixture, milk mixture, bacon, onions, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Stir gently until all combined.
Spoon batter into greased muffin tins.
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes on 375 until golden.

Serve warm.

I.cannot.wait.for.this.book.to.be.published.

As I was reading blogs today I was happy to see that my cat is not the only pet that destroys personal belongings. Today Sizzle posted a photo of the CLOTHES her cat eats...then returns hours later (yes, that means exactly what you think it means).

I emailed her a few photos of a few of the paper items Izzy has destroyed, with a note telling her how happy I was that my cat didn't eat clothing. She replied saying her OTHER cat chews paper. Oy, she's got the trouble for sure.

This weekend niece KT and her boyfriend had a bbq to celebrate moving to their new place and the addition of Olive, the dog they picked up the week before. It was great fun-- and there was dancing involved. Kt is a great hostess and loves to cook. I think she will come to love entertaining...when she does it more. When you aren't used to it you wonder if you're doing it "right"---even though it's your own home and whatever you choose to do is right. Olive seemed to have a good time, too-- and was very protective of her porch in the backyard!

I know school is back in session--- the second full week, actually. It's kind of weird this year because I have to admit, I haven't really thought about it much. It mightbe because I've been busy with CCIRA conference work so I have plenty to keep me occupied, but it just feels a little strange when I do think of school this year.

Looking forward to fall-- the Harvest Festival, cropping retreat... Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!

Now...everybody dance!

In the last 24 hours I drove nearly 500 miles to and from southern CO. I went to Westcliffe to do a grant writing presentation at one of the local councils in the literacy organization I'm working in at the moment. I went down last night and spent the night in Pueblo because I didn't want to drive through crazy traffic first thing in the morning. Today on the way back I took the long way home---through Cotopaxi, Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville, Minturn... all those wonderful little mining towns. They have such character--if I'd had time I would've stopped and walked around--but it was really hot driving home, and walking around in the sun wasn't something I was really wanting to do. I did get some wonderful photos of the scenery--mostly as I was driving (Funny Laurie will relate to this---I think I frighten her when I do that on the way to our cropping retreats). I did pull over quite a bit and look at the scenery--unbelievably beautiful. It was a long ride home (nearly six hours) but very much worth it.

After this weekend I am done with big commitments for a little while. It's been non-stop for quite a few weeks now, and I'm ready for some down time. Although even when it's down time at home, I am working on the literacy conference for 2011--emailing authors/speakers, etc.. It takes a lot of time-- and I seem to be spending a lot of my free time doing it. A lot. I think I need to just dedicate certain days/times to the work, instead of whenever I have free time at home. What happens is then I have no free time at home and I get burned out on doing the work instead of enjoying it. I also have three library books I need to get read before too long-- see... no free time!