Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Catching Up a Bit

My energy has been a little low for a variety of reasons that include but are not limited to the following: recent family trip back East, subsequent local family visit a few days later, I171-H update paperwork in progress (groans) and work gearing up for Back-to-School. Then there are a few other things that weigh heavy on my mind that I just don't feel like thinking about anymore - but there they are, tormenting me and keeping me awake at night from time to time.

I'm tired.

Instead of connecting with Blogger, I've been zoning out with the DVR and catching up with Anthony Bourdain and his travels. Oh how I would love to party with that guy.

Tonight, though...tonight Jzboy is out with the guys & I'm feeling the mood to share some highlights of our trip to the East Coast. It was a great time. I think that it was the most fun that I've ever had visiting Jzboy's family - and it feels pretty darn great to say that.

We took the boys fishing:


We went to the 4H Fair:


Me and Prize having a moment...


This next one is funny because when I asked the kid if I could take a pic of his cows udders - he seriously looked me up and down. Down is nose, that is. And, then he asked "You're not one of those SPIES are you? I heard about them from my brother". When I assured him that I was not and complimented him profusely on how lovely his dairy cow was and thanked him for taking such wonderful care of her - he let me take this picture.


Y'all know that I love cows, right?


I took this one because it looked like a buttercup.


Yes, I thought a lot about buttercup during the trip. I worried that I might dissolve into a puddle of waiting-adoptive-mother tears while spending time with nephews and nieces...mommies and daddies. Nope. Somehow I managed to plunge myself into the Auntie Roll (hey! Sounds like a cool new candy I might invent) that I have begun to LOVE. We took walks, beaded necklaces, talked about buttercup2be, devoured Auntie-Made broccoli in the face of many meaty meals, watched some fun movies...and Jzboy and I taught them all how to play Mille Bornes.

It was grand.

Speaking of grand - we all took a big ol' family picture around Grandpa's Senior Grand National 55'.


Isn't it schweeet?

Finally - a few rations.


The broccoli (there were FOUR cello packs) was for me. Mostly b/c there was precious little green veg to enjoy during our stay beyond the tasty lime jello concoctions on the dinner table. I eat broccoli more than several times a week! So, I indulged. Imagine my surprise (& pride) when everyone devoured all four packages after I steamed/buttered/seasoned it to perfection.

It was served alongside pizza & not a floret remained. Ahhh, be still my heart.

The candy is Jzboys fave - MalloCups. You can't get them past the Mason Dixon Line or Continental Divide or whatever - we can't get them in California!! And, yes, he is hoarding them.

Good to be back.

XO

25 comments:

Operationtigerlily said...

I too am an Anthony Bourdain groupie. I would just like to hang with him for a day and soak up his cool. Did you catch the Beirut episode yet? It was very good, totally different than all of the other shows. Mille Bornes reminds me of my Grandma, ahhhhhh.......good times.

walternatives said...

Beading and Mille Bornes and fishing and broccoli? It DOES sound grand. I, too, am loving the Auntie Roll. Good parenting practice in smaller doses. Good luck with the 171-H update, hon.

Mamacita said...

You, the car, the cow....purdy!

When you have time you'll have to regail us all with tails from the I-171H renewal. I have no clue what has to be done.

Joelle and Chandler said...

Am I missing something? No green things in Pennslyvania? Well, I guess not any green things san plastic wrap anyway. What is up with THAT?

Love the Auntie Roll - I am getting ready to become Auntie to number 3 - keep em comin!

Anonymous said...

Hello,

I have been lurking for some time...I think I have the same LID as you do and I think we may be with the same agency.

Love your blog!

JMo
LID-5/15/06

"M" said...

Sorry you have been feeling so tired. I sure know I relate to a lot of it. Glad you had a nice trip and thanks for sharing thee great pictures.

4D said...

Great pics!

Keep smilin!

Joannah said...

That sounds like a wonderful trip! It just seems like such simple and old-fashioned family fun.

I too love cows. I used to collect cow-themed stuff when I was a teenager. I still love bovines, but don't collect the stuff anymore.

I also am a fan of Anthony's! I was surprised to see him on a PBS special about Typhoid Mary a couple nights ago. He was very serious and authoritative. I guess you have to be on PBS...

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you've had a lovely vacation. I've been fighting the blahs/blues myself lately. Hope you find the "sunshine" soon. :)

C's Mom said...

The ride is rockin'.

Alas, my spy, cow-loving, waiting mama, our day will come. Be nice to flippin' know when! ;0)

Shame on you heading east and not stopping in beautiful O-Hi-YER ;0)

Headmeister said...

Sounds like a great time to me! I'd love to party with A.B. too! That guy has the best freaking job, I swear...

Good luck with the renewal of the paperwork. I'm pretty sure I have a ways to go before having to do ours yet I've been dreading it since we were LID!

Anonymous said...

I'm a Bourdain fan, too...his disaffection is delectable.

My version of the Mallo is Butterscotch Krimpets--can't get them past the Mississippi, so people bring them to me here sometimes...yum.

Liene said...

I haven't had a MalloCup in forever. I loved them as a child and don't recall seeing them around much these days. There are a lot of candies I miss from childhood. As far at the energy thing, I can't get that going because it's so darn hot here in the South. When I even think about going out in the 100+ degree temps I get tired!

Glen and Andrea said...

I really enjoyed that post. Refreshing, summery, and old fashioned! Can you share the exact details of how you prepare the Broccoli - I like it too and would love to know. Thanks, Andrea.

M3 said...

A cow spy? Bwah ha ha!! Didn't even know such a thing existed. Glad you had such a nice trip, and also glad to hear you converted everyone into broccoli fans - way to go! (Psst, did I ever tell you I raised a pet cow when I was a kid? I might even be bribed into sending you a picture of me in my hideous Dorothy Hamil haircut with my pet...)

Katie J said...

Welcome back! It's good to be into the Auntie role now because the nieces and nephews be great mother's helpers when you go back and visit with Buttercup. As motherhood came closer during the wait being with small children didn't hurt as much because I knew it was coming soon. I think deep inside you know that too.

Will you teach me how to play Mille Bornes?

Tammy said...

Glad you had an enjoyable trip. I remember you mentioning family in PA - it's a great state, if I say so myself. ;0)

Could you share your broccoli recipe? We love it at our house, but new ways to prepare is always good.

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Hey! We play Milles Bournes here all the time too!

My kids ADORE their Aunties!!!! It's the best time ever when Auntie is here!

Headmeister said...

Got a middle name? Tag, you're it! (visit my blog to see what I mean)

Anne Marie said...

Welcome back (belated)! Wow, that was a lot of broccoli -- I love it too, try to eat it once a week, but don't always succeed. I also love a good spinach salad -- also try to eat once a week.

So glad you had such a good time -- so glad the kids were a tonic for your longing.

dreamer said...

Man I love me some broccoli!

You can party with me any time!

Having finally settled into the role of Aunt, I do enjoy it too. 4 nieces and nephews under the age of 4... one more only child on the way...

china willing.

Tamara said...

Such fun pictures- gotta love a sweet faced cow that definately could be a Buttercup. Hooray for broccoli!

Mariah said...

Hey girl!! I have not been very good at blogging lately! Trying to stay busy and this USCIS update is a bummer, my SW visits this week! I love Tony as well! I hope all is well with you!!

Project Ni Hao said...

What exactly would a cow spyer be spying on?

Sweet car!

Laura said...

Great pix from the fair! Looks like lots of fun! I can't believe your i-171h has expired already! Ugh!
I love Anthony Bourdain too! I heard he was in Kirov in one episode, I have to catch a rerun of that.
Let me know if you ever need Mallow bars, I will send them to you. :-)
hugs,
Laura