Snug As A Degu In A Rug

I envy them. I want a sheepskin-lined oatmeal container bed. 

Frozen Still

We've been having some of this winter's coldest days the past week, and I've been spending them in my pajama pants and a sweatshirt, dreaming of sunny beaches. The truth is, however, that even though the cold is severe and unrelenting, it is also very beautiful. I couldn't decide which photos I liked best, so today's post is going to be some of the pictures I took of ice crystals... from the inside looking out. Hope you enjoy them!

(Not So) Bleak House

You already know that I think Charles Dickens rocks... I would have loved to go people watching with him, so we could laugh at all the bizarre, unique characteristics of human kind that he was able to capture on paper so well. He is able to poke fun at our idiosyncrasies in a way that makes us laugh, and cry, and shudder (some of his people are kind of creepy).

I went through an obsession with Dickens the summer I was nineteen and read almost all of his well known and lesser known works. I tried reading Bleak House, but even I admit, Dickens wordiness bogged me down and I simply couldn't get the story line. I have learned, however, that most often, the books that are the hardest to read in the beginning are often the best of books by the end. So, I forced myself to read on. I'm glad I did, because it was just as entertaining as his other works, and even had the beautiful ending that one could hope for. 

Two years ago, when Mom had the flu, we were trying to keep her in bed, so we watched a lot of movies on my laptop. We had watched Little Dorrit when Julie had mono, and enjoyed that very much, so when we found the Bleak House series online we decided to give it a shot, too. It's 15 episodes long, so don't expect to watch it in one sitting (although you will find yourself wanting to). We thoroughly enjoyed it, and this year I bought Mom the DVD copy of it for her birthday. It was Dad's first time to watch it, and he was so engrossed, asking us for details (which we would not reveal), and groaning out "Yes! Finally!" when the wicked protagonist meets his end.

Feel intrigued? Someone has been most kind to combine and post the episodes on YouTube, so here are the links:

Episodes 1-5
Episodes 6-10
Episodes 11-15

Slow Day...

(the story about the snails)

Today was just a lazy day. We had the little girls with us until 7:30 tonight, and everybody was basically exhausted. We all took a nap after lunch, then S. helped me make dinner. I'm not usually very patient with people being in the kitchen while I cook, but she gets so excited that I can't say no. We went "shopping" in the basement pantry for the spaghetti, bread, and veggies. I gave S. a grocery bag and filled it to the brim... there was a special today, and all the groceries were free! What a deal. :)

After dinner, I wanted to show S. how our bunt-baker worked, so we made a lemon poppyseed cake, and she helped me make a powder sugar glaze. Dad, N., & H. were all playing cribbage, so S. took them all a piece and we sat and enjoyed the yummy warm cake. H. is still new to cribbage, so she called on my consulting services. It got a little hectic, mixing cake, counting points, and clearing up spaghetti (why must the sauce get everywhere?). 

My favorite part of the evening though, was S.'s anticipation waiting for the cake to be done. I set the timer on my cell phone and put her in charge of holding it - thus eliminating the, "Is it done yet?!" scenario. She danced around the kitchen, counting down the seconds... 

Kids. Gotta love 'em!

Skonewood Family Retreat

We had a church retreat at the Skonewood family camp today. J. & A. came up, and some of the guys were out on the lake ice fishing while the women chatted in the lodge. J. & I put on our ice skates and skated out to see what the guys had caught, and we got more of a workout than we bargained for. There were about two inches of snow on the lake, and pushing through it was a little tricky! I had on hockey skates, which helped some, but I got over confident and too speedy, then *whoosh* I found myself sprawling on the ice. We skated until our legs were about to buckle, then we had to put our boots on and trudge back up the hill. I thought my legs were going to fall off, and that I couldn't possibly be in pain, when *whoosh* my feet slipped on the path and I found my nose about an inch from the ground. I am so thankful I didn't hit my face, but it bruised my already sore wrist (from the wall smashing incident). 

(A picture of a picture inside the lodge)

Back at the lodge, we drank hot cocoa and ate a lovely lunch, then E. gave a devotional and we sang. I watched a game of cribbage afterward, then convinced J. that she should go for a walk with me while I took photos for my +G+ 365 Project. I have no idea what happened to the weather since the time before lunch to the time after lunch, but by the time we got outside the wind was blowing, the snow looked like a sandstorm, and I took two pictures and decided that was enough of a walk. One of them was of the campground chapel (shown at the top). J. & A. had considered getting married there, until we realized that there are only about four pews inside, and no heating for a January 28th wedding...

I was so exhausted by the time we got back home, I made chicken noodle soup for supper, and we had vanilla biscotti coffee to warm us up. I think I have become dependent on our french press... now all other coffee seems blah, and I have a headache when I don't get my daily cup! The blue mug in the picture is just the right amount, and with whipped milk and just a little sugar, I feel like life must go on. :)

Until tomorrow!

Is It Scrumptiously Crunchable?

Maybe it's a little strange to quote Gollum. But, I'm a little strange, and it is always the first thought that pops into my head when I try a new food, "Is it nice? Is it juicy? Is it scrumptiously crunchable?" I need to get out more.

The contraption above, my friends, is a Sharper Image Super Wave Oven, and it cooks food using convection and infrared technology to make food crispy without having to fry it in oil. It also cooks much faster than the usual method. We tested ours out on breaded chicken and potato wedges.

Instead of using plain ole breadcrumbs to batter the chicken, Mom used stuffing crumbs, and it was delicious! And yes, we did bleach down the counter top after having raw chicken on it, for all you germaphobe fanatics (looking at you, N!). Personally, I'd rather brave chicken slime salmonella than toddler snot, but that's another subject... they're all icky.

The oven itself reminds me of a test container for radioactive substances - when you put the lid on, the handle goes down and seals it shut, then turns on the light. You aren't supposed to stare at the light, and once  you start the cooking timer, there's no going back. I sort of wondered if we were creating some sort of Marvel-worthy mutant chicken, but no such luck. I was really hoping for a chance to put on my cape. 

It's No Laughing Matter, Mr. Spock

As an INTJ, we get compared to that most worthy of Vulcans, Mr. Spock. It's an honor really. Some people think this means we are cold and dull, lacking the ability to laugh, but this is far from the truth. Allow me to share with you a taste of Vulcan humor, to prove that rational beings can have fun too:

We find humor in the truly funny, the jokes that make sense and have (for us) a logically humorous meaning.

Play on words is one of the NT's delights... we are masters of the pun, creative with double meanings, and find delight in well phrased ambiguity.

Remember, you can always laugh with your Vulcan, but don't laugh at your Vulcan... or you'll find yourself in a lot of tribble.

Henna Head!

Last summer I started trying to lighten my hair to bring out the red highlights using vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and lengthy exposure to the sun... while it succeeded in lightening my hair by several shades (and also completely drying it out, requiring me to do an egg rinse), it didn't actually achieve the lovely copper hues I was looking for. I would never use commercial dye, so I started looking into natural alternatives, such as henna. Henna is used in India as a temporary tattoo dye, and it is also a natural way to color hair, if you buy a pure form that doesn't have additives.

I chose a brand called Rainbow henna, the Persian Copper shade. 

Since I wanted to really strengthen and nourish my hair, we did a mix of egg, yogurt, and coconut oil with the henna powder. The powder starts out green, and when mixed with hot water releases a chemical that turns it red... it also releases a very pungent smell. N. described it as, "Baby food... actually, more like the end result of baby food." It wasn't unbearable, but not the kind of smell you would love to have around. It did go away once I washed my hair though, so no worries.

I have very thick hair, so it took longer than normal - you can see the white paste I put around my hairline to keep from dyeing my skin, and I wore a trash bag to keep it off my clothes. N. patiently brushed it onto sections of my hair and Mom kept everything clean and tidy.

Once all the mix had been brushed on my hair, we wrapped it in plastic, then a towel, and heated the hair shafts using a space heater and blow dryer. Which worked great until we blew the breaker... 

I wore the turban for about an hour, then rinsed my hair out in our basement utility sink (it makes quite a mess, so not a good idea for the shower unless you want to clean it out afterward). When I started drying my roots they looked almost neon orange, but as the hair dried it toned down. When I washed my hair this morning the water was orange, but I think most of that was the dye coming off my scalp, not my hair.

My end result... silky soft, shiny hair with lovely red mid-tones. Not too orange, but I have no idea how this would react with blonde hair. I would have been fine with a little more copper brightness, but I am totally pleased with the result! Maybe next time I will leave it on a little longer and see if that deepens the red.

Anybody have a brand/method/routine for when they do henna? If you try it out for yourself and post pictures, please put a link in the comments! 

Masque de Corncake

Mom and I made dinner together tonight. She wanted to try cornbread in the new cake-o-matic to see how it turned out. She got a little over zealous while stirring though, and suddenly *slap* she slopped herself with cornbread batter. On her glasses, on her shirt, in her hair... fifteen minutes later I spotted some on the bottom of her chin. Who knows, maybe she was saving it for later!

We made creamy ham and broccoli soup - Mom said the dish the ham is in was a "horn of plenty". Don't tell her, but it's a pot lid. :)

The cornbread bunt cake turned out beautifully. It was crispy and perfect, and I totally forgot to take a picture of it! I can, however, confirm that it was delicious, and we ate the whole thing. I had a slice with maple syrup... yum!!

During our cornbread making, I got a little carried away and overly attached to the egg:

He and I became quite good friends... too bad it was very short lived. 

Cafe Toni

We got a box of croissants - flaky, buttery, huge croissants. I couldn't decide what was best to have on them, so today I made up egg salad, chicken salad, and tuna for lunch and let everyone choose for themselves.

I split my croissant in half and went with egg salad and chicken salad.

By the way, the reason there is newspaper under my plate is because Dad is fixing the printer drum on the table and didn't want to get toner on the tablecloth. We don't usually use the daily advertiser as our place mats. :)

I also had some German dark chocolate... wow. Amazing!!

Let Them Eat Cake - In 15 Minutes!

 

So, Mom went on her little birthday vacation, and since she didn't want us to feel left out, she came home with all sorts of goodies. She said she and Dad were throwing themselves a 31 year anniversary shower, and they came home with a new dish rack, frying pan set, and potato peeler (my beloved white one fell apart... I will miss you, my culinary companion). She also brought back fun things, like this French press!

We are new to this whole press thing, so we made it way too weak, but it was still good, and any excuse to have Reddi Wip is a good excuse! Anybody out there have any advice about the perfect amount/process to making delicious fresh nectar of coffee beans?

Another fun gift she brought us was a mini bunt cake maker that makes piping hot cake in 15 minutes... I should not be left unattended with this thing, or I will make cake all day!

(The magical cake making machine)

(Delicious results)

(And the  pièce de résistance)

After texting my awesome friend Rea about our new cake making wonder, she cracked me up with this reply:

Go insane, go insane,

throw some batter,

make some cake!

I certainly will, Rea, I certainly will...

Isn't this a beautiful coffee? Turtle mocha frappe... my drink of choice. I was upset because I left my "real" camera at home, and this photo doesn't do it justice. I have spent more money since the coffee shop came in six months ago than I have in a whole lifetime of coffee drinking. 

Today is Mom's birthday! She and Dad headed off this morning for a mini vacation in the Twin Cities. I am not an early riser, but I had promised to give her a birthday makeover. I curled her hair and did her makeup, partially because I've been wanting to, and also because on their way to the Cities, they were stopping by to see J. in NR and she and Mom were going shopping. J. took her to a new secondhand clothing store that we've all been wanting to visit, then they ate lunch at a cafe and shopped around in the downtown area. 

N. and I went to coffee (obviously) with R., and then we watched a movie. Lily decided she had to sit with me, and took up 3/4 of the seat while I was hanging off the edge - takes the phrase "sitting on the edge of your seat" to a whole new level. Then she had the ilk to think I would share my pizza, too! And I did... 

How often, in this hectic world, do we have a need to be calm -
to sit in silence and remember that He cares for us:

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

To guide the future, as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise

On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;

Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,

So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.

Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine

Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

~ Catharina von Schlegel

Tidy Up (Part 2)

(After)

Improved? I tried to make it completely different, and moved the radio, which actually made the reception much better. Mom tiptoed in this afternoon and whispered, "Does Toni still live here?" as if to avoid disturbing the state of cleanliness. I have to admit, I felt like doing a little jig (if I knew any) on all that open floor space. We'll see how long it lasts! 

Today I had a second birthday, with a card in the mail, and a surprise gift! It's something I've been wanting for a while since I started working with the B family on their house. Now I have my very own tool/work belt!

(Thank you, J!)

It's really quite comfy... I carried my mobile and camera around in it most of the morning! I have a new hammer and screwdriver set somewhere, then I can look like a real professional. :)

   

Tidy Up

(Before)

I am half ashamed to show you this picture. I even removed all the laundry so that it wouldn't look so bad! However, I am going to use my public humiliation as motivation to take a much improved "after" picture. I did actually put away all the laundry, about three loads - I have no problem in washing it, I simply hate taking the time to put it all away, knowing that I am going to pull it out and start the cycle all over again. Very bachelor, I admit, it is a terrible habit. I have a mushroom chair that becomes the catch all between the clean/dirty stage. About once a month, I am stricken with a guilty conscience that says I will be a horrible wife and mother if I don't learn to clean up, and that's when I fold my laundry and pick up my things. 

This time I'm doing a little rearranging, so hopefully I can keep my things in better order. 

I found some bubble wrap today - man, I love that stuff! You can see a picture I posted of it here for my daily photo.

A Bunch of Crazies

Yes. This is my mother washing chocolate icing off of birthday candles. Because they are still long enough to be used again, and because we can save the world, recycling one birthday candle at a time. I really think it is more a form of therapy - my mother finds peace in trifling with minor details. Whenever we have guests, she will always clean something like jar lids or the laundry room, and inevitably our guests will be drawn to see those things... I sometimes wonder if she is a cleaning psychic.

By the way, my dog is also going nuts. She is drawn like a magnet to food, lays around whining at nothing, and she now has a totally absurd obsession with N's Fiskar paper cutter. Every time she sees it, she gets completely excited and all worked up, then when you show it to her she paws at the runner and tries to chew on the corners. When she doesn't get her way, she throws herself dramatically on the furniture, like a Disney princess (typical woman):

I found a list of prompts to help me in my picture taking, and today's was "something you love." It seemed fitting that I take a picture of my chocolate cake - I only have one piece left:

After that, I fear I might go crazy too...

365 Google Picture Challenge

Photo by Wobbee

I have joined up with the folks at +G+ 365 Project and decided to take the challenge of one photo a day, for 365 days (actually, 366 since it's a leap year). They will be posted in their stream, and also on my +Toni Derouin page. My camera and I have a rocky relationship, so I am hoping to improve myself and my photography by finding at least one photo-worthy subject every day.

What kind of beginning-of-the-year projects are you starting? My sister is into One Little Word  and I have been considering doing a random acts of kindness project. Any good ones that you participate in or are thinking of doing?

If you want a direct link to my 365 photo album it is here.

Welcome, 2013

Happy New Year, all! We were at a party last night, and I ate way too much - one of my goals for the new year is to start eating better/healthier, and to get back into exercising. Last year I lost twenty pounds and was doing tae bo and yoga, then I let laziness and self-pity get in the way and now I'm out of shape. But I am coming back swinging! After I finish the chocolate cake...

2012 had a lot of changes and choices for me. I did a few stupid things this year, but I wouldn't take a single one back - I learned so much about myself. I think it was the first time I actually realized that I was an adult and I had to handle everything that was thrown at me, because I had to face my own actions and deal with my own fears. I met people who have changed my life, and I let go of people who were keeping me from being who I needed to be. Never, ever, underestimate the impact you have on a person... One comment could be what that person remembers, for the good or ill, for the rest of their life. I thank the people who have kept me going, through heartbreak, through loss, and through illness. Your words carried me through.

 So, here is to a new year - may it be the best yet!

Oh, also!! I have some news to share - N. had a book published! We are all so happy for her! You can purchase and see a sample here. Here is a peek at the cover:

(Can you guess who this is? Hint: it starts with M and ends with E, haha)