Remember Whensday

When my daughter, Becca, was in kindergarten, she refused to wear a dress unless she could wear that pin. It was a simple gold leaf, I think I got it from Avon. Even though it was way too "grown up" for a five year old, it was a necessary addition to her wardrobe whenever she was required to wear a dress. I still have that pin, and every time I see it, I think about this picture.  Happy Birthday, Becca! 

For more Remember Whensday posts, click here.

My Birthday Goodies:

As you may remember, my birthday was last Sunday. I received a lot of goodies, from friends and family, and some from bloggie friends as well. The cupcakes were brought to me all the way from Debbie's Bakery in Denver, Colorado, to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. They were sweet and delicious, and very much appreciated. Thank you Becca and Ken, you know I love you. And be sure and tell little Jessica they were the perfect ones for a birthday.


The fabric squares below were not exactly a birthday gift--I won them in a giveaway from Art Gallery Fabrics. But they arrived in the mail right in time for my birthday and made me feel really special. There are forty 6 1/2 inch squares, all different, and I can just see a quilt in my future, soon, made with them. Aren't they pretty?



The next day, I got some cool stickers and blank note cards from Drama Mama. She is a cool lady who lives in Washington state, and works on a ferry boat. What a neat job she has! Just look at those creative stickies! I can't wait to use them.



As mentioned above, my daughter, Becca and her boyfriend, Ken, came to visit for a week. There will be more about their visit later, but just look at all the goodies they brought me:


Garlic Dipping Oil with seasonings, yummo! This will be good with some home made gluten free bread, I'll have to wait til next week to make it though.



Becca is a knitter. She made me this cute hat. It has an opening in the back, with cutie red and yellow flower buttons, so that I can put my new longer hair in a ponytail and pull it through. It makes me wish a little bit that it was cold enough to wear it already:



See, it looks cute on me, and of course, it is orange, one of my favorite colors. (guess she knew that, huh?)



She took care of me from top to bottom: new Amy Marsh (from Little Women) knitted slippers. I am wearing these right now--no need to wait til winter for warm feet.


My daughter Emily, who lives in Georgia, is sending me a care package with several tubes of my favorite deoderant since I can not find it here to buy it myself. Thanks, Emily, I know it is a weird birthday gift, but I love it that you are sending it to me!

I got lots of birthday cards, from my son and his wife, my mother, my friend Gaelyn. But my favorite card this year is the one in the video below, sent to me from my step-daughter, Becky. It makes me smile every time I open it.

Tomorrow Is My Birthday

and my friend, Gaelyn, of Geogypsy, sent me this birthday card:


She took that picture when we went on our tour of Yarnell, AZ and The Castle there. Isn't it great to have such good friends?

The La Paz County Fair

To celebrate FabGrandpa's birthday today, we went to Parker, Arizona. We had a little business to take care of first, then we ate lunch at El Serape' Mexican restaurant. They had the best corn tortillas I have ever eaten. They weren't mushy tasting and wet like a lot of corn tortillas are. When I paid the bill I told them how much I liked the tortillas, so they sold me a bag of them for $2.50. I was so excited that I found something I can eat that tastes so good and that they let me buy some to take home.

(FabGrandpa on the Tilt-A-Whirl)

After lunch, we went to do laundry, then to Basha for some veggies. We wound up spending $65 at Basha, but we got cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, green onions, lettuce, avacados, bananas, strawberries, grapes, green beans, and asparagus. Two cases of water and coffee and we were out of there. So, for what we got for the money we did pretty good.

(The Ferris Wheel)

Then as a treat, we went to the fair! I can't remember the last time I went to a fair, and he said he doesn't think he as been to one since Becky was a little girl and she is, ummm, 34.




I love the animals of the carousel, they are always so pretty. I especially liked this zebra.




Yeah, he tried to get me to ride the Starship 3000, but I am not completely crazy. The last time I got on one of those things I was really sick, and the other riders were not happy. Besides, who in the world thinks that something like the spin cycle on a washing machine could be fun???



I don't remember the name of this one, but it looks like a Ferris Wheel except that the bucket you are in twirls around and upside down. We got in it, but changed our minds before it started. I think it was a good decision.




Here it is from the ground looking up. See those little space capsule looking things. Yeah, right. I'm glad I didn't do that.



This is the more dignified, real and true Ferris Wheel. It was just the right speed for us old folks.


And here I am, with my new longer hair and shades. I got sunburned on my face because the sun was out and not a cloud in the sky.


Well, except for way over there on the horizon. This is the view from the top of the Ferris Wheel. They held this fair out in the middle of the freaking nowhere desert. Way out from town. I wish we could have gone at night, I'll bet the lights are really pretty out there. But is is more than 50 miles over there so...


Oh, and there was lots of "fair food", but since we had already had lunch the only thing we got were these: An orange cream soda float and a root beer float. It was the first thing we did. And after we rode that Tilt-A-Whirl, we were both wishing it had been the last thing we did. Riding that thing was sort of like taking just one toke too much, or one glass of wine too much, (so I am told, as I would NEVER know for sure just what that feels like.)

Happy Birthday, FabGrandpa!

My honey, my sweetie, my dear husband, FabGrandpa, is 60 years old today! I am married to an old man! Can you believe it? So here are some of my favorite pictures of him:

March 1949:

Still 1949:

March 13, 1950:

1968, His senior picture:



1992:


and today:

Happy Birthday, honey! I love you.

Nana's Birthday Dinner

On one of the yahoo groups I am on, one of the ladies there calls her husband's mother her mother-in-love. I like that designation , so I am officially stealing it for my own husband's mother. My mother -in-love, Virginia, had her birthday last week. To help her celebrate, Jim and I cooked dinner and took it over to her house. Well, Ingle's Supermarket made the rotisserie chicken, but I made the rest.


In addition to the chicken, we had gluten free macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, and a pretty good gluten free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. I don't have any pictures of the food, but here are the recipes I used:


Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

2 cups cooked gluten free pasta (I used quinoa elbow macaroni)
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1 small can evaporated milk
1 small can water
1 1/4 cups 2% milk
1 egg
2 cups grated cheese


Spray an 8" X 8" pan with olive oil. Spread the cooked pasta in the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over the noodles, and toss to mix together. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add salt and tapioca flour, stirring to cook so it does not burn. Slowly add the milk and water, stirring with a whisk so it won't be lumpy. When it thickens slightly, add the egg that has been beaten, whisking to stir it in completely. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Pour sauce over the noodles in the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over the top. Place the pan on a cookie sheet, and put into the oven, and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, stir the mixture towards the center, making sure the cooked part in the corners is stirred to the middle. Put back in the oven and bake for another 35 minutes. Remove from oven again, stir again. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Put back in the oven and bake for 15 more minutes.


For the carrot cake, I used the recipe on the back of the package of Pamela's Baking Mix.

1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup sugar (I used 1/2 cup Splenda and 1/4 cup sugar)
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
2 1/4 cups Pamela's Baking Mix
1 1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Beat oil, eggs, and sugar together, then mix in remaining ingredients. Batter will be very thick. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans or one 8" X 8" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups confectioners sugar

Beat cheese and butter together until fluffy. Beat in sugar until well blended. Spread on cooled cake.

I baked this cake a day ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil. It was a bit dry the next day, but it still tasted good. I would make it again, but serve it the same day.

Oh, and when we went outside to get in the truck to leave, there was the most beautiful moonrise ever. This picture does not do it justice, but here is the best picture I could get of it, so enjoy: (Can you believe that moon?!)

The FabGrandaughter's Birthday

Sarah's birthday was yesterday. She was nine years old. It is really hard to believe she is that old! She was born in Guam, while her dad was stationed there with the Air Force. She has traveled to more places than I have in her short little life. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington, and I rarely get to see her. The picture below was taken last July when she flew from Washington State to Washington, D.C. to visit with her father, brother, and step-mother. She is holding a picture of Seth, my son, when he was about the same age as she is now.
When I talked to her on the phone last night, she sounded so grown up! She's all into Hannah Montana and Bratz. She's making all A's in school, and says her favorite subject is reading. She has a new baby sister who just turned one year old in November, and her mother is expecting another baby in May. I asked if she got a lot of gifts for her birthday, and she said her "real Dad" sent her a bunch of presents, but she was only opening one a day until they are all opened up. She said the fun lasts longer that way.

The picture below was taken last summer, too, at her Dad's house. That is him and FabGrandpa there with her. They all look so happy together!

I asked her if she knows I love her and miss her. She said, "Yes, because you write that on every card you send me."

Happy Birthday Michael

My grandson, Michael, turns 11 years old today. He is the first grandson, the one who made me the FabGrandma. He has lived far away from me for most of his life, first in Texas, then in Guam, then in England. Now he lives in Maryland, only 95 miles away. We were down at his house on Monday, so while he was at school, his Dad and I made a little party for him. It was a surprise because he was not expecting a birthday cake until today.

We hung black, yellow, and blue streamers. Seth made a yellow cake with white icing and a pepperoni pizza. We also had some Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Sherbert. Yeah, I had a totally gluten FULL dinner. I did it because in 11 years, I have never spent a birthday with my grandson. And NO, I will never do that to myself again. But, I have to tell ya, it was totally worth it.


Even though the only people at the party were Michael, his Dad Seth, his step-mother Sarah, his new baby brother Owen, Grandpa and me, the FabGrandma, he received lots of gifts. He got a couple of videos, a new music CD, a Scrabble game, and a model car to put together with his Dad. Grandpa and I gave him a card with a ten dollar bill inside. I also got him a little spiral notebook to write his stories in. He is a very good writer, with good spelling and vocabulary for an 11 year old boy, and a very creative imagination. (Hmmmm, now where on earth could he get that?) He entertained us on Sunday night by reading a story he wrote. We were all very impressed!When the party was over, he helped with the cleanup, and thanked us all for his gifts. He is quite an amazing little FabGrandson.

A Crabby Happy Birthday

THE BIRTHDAY GIRLS

THE BIRTHDAY DINNER

My birthday was last week. I turned 55. I used to think that anyone who was 55 was over the hill, old as dirt, on their last leg. Well, I have changed my opinion of that now that I am there. I am enjoying my life, more than at any other time I have lived it.

My friend, Lynn, also had a birthday last week. So, Jim and I, our friends Lynn and Charlie, their friends Sandy and Phil, and our new friend Linda all went out to a neat little restaurant in Fairfield, Pennsylvania for dinner in celebration of the event.

Dave and Jane’s Crab Shack is a pleasant little surprise. It is located at 2989 Tract Road in Fairfield. Fairfield is about 10 miles west of Gettysburg, and about 2 miles north of the Maryland state line. It is nowhere near an ocean, or any body of water for that matter. But, they have the best seafood I have eaten in a long time.

As their name implies, they serve steamed crabs by the dozens. Even on a Wednesday night, we had to have reservations to get in the door. I was surprised at just how many people were there because it is out in the country.

They have an ALL YOU CAN EAT menu, as well as regular entrees. The AYCE specials are Steamed Crabs (In Season) for $29.95, Alaskan Crab Clusters for $29.95, Steamed Shrimp for $28.95, and an AYCE Trio for $31.95. If I had been with other people who love to eat steamed crabs as much as I do, I would have opted for the AYCE steamed crabs, but I did not because I would have been the only one, and the rest of the gang would have to have waited for me to finish. (Believe me when I say I can eat some crabs!)

So, instead, I ordered the Seafood Lovers Platter. For $22.95, I had 1 dozen steamed clams, 1 lb. of crab clusters, a half pound of steamed shrimp, a cup of cream of crab soup, and a tossed salad. I thought they would never stop bringing out my food! And talk about delish! It was soooo yummy! I also ordered a basket of 3 steamed crabs. I wound up bringing part of my dinner home with me, and that was after sharing with others at the table.

Jim ordered a Combination Seafood Platter. His included broiled shrimp, a crab cake, a broiled fish filet, broiled scallops, and fried oysters. There was more than he could eat, too, and we brought some of his home. The price for that platter was $18.95.

We really enjoyed our dinner party at Dave and Jane’s Crab Shack. If you are ever in the Gettysburg area, I think it is a “must go” place. To get there, take US 15 south from Gettysburg to Maryland 140 in Emmetsburg, Maryland. Turn west on 140 and drive about all the way through Emmetsburg. On the other side of town, you will see a large billboard on the right, at Tract Road. Turn right onto Tract Road and drive about 2 miles or so. Dave and Jane’s will be on the left. Call ahead to make reservations and to make sure they are open. 717 642-5025. You will be very glad you did. OH, they also sell crabs by the dozen to go. And they have a landlubbers menu, including steaks, chicken, sandwiches, and pizza. Prices start at $3.00 for a burger.

Ten Years

Ten years ago on October 13, 1996, my grandson Michael was born. He celebrated his birthday this year in England with his Dad and step-mom, and six of his friends. I have never spent a birthday with him, because he has always been far away, but I try to call and talk to him each year on the day of his birthday.

When I spoke to him, he asked me if I would send him a map of Maryland, because he is moving there in January and wants to see what it looks like. So, since I AM the Fab Grandma, I drove up to the Maryland Welcome Center today and picked up a map and a ton of brochures to send him. He will read about the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the beach at Ocean City, and the ponies at Assateague Island. I hope I can take him to see those ponies next summer. Since I do not have a recent picture of him, I have posted the "self-portrait" he did for me when he was six.

Spencer's mom, Emily, sent me this photo of him sliding at the fair. He always looks so full of energy When he started to school this year, he was getting in trouble a lot for kicking other students and taking away their toys. He has been doing a lot better lately. Emily says he only had one frowny face last week. He is learing Spanish in pre-K! Wow, they start foreign languages earlier and earlier now. I think we didn't have a foreign language class until 10th grade when I was in school.

I have not heard from Sarah or her mother lately, but her mom is pregnant and having some difficulties, so it may be a while before I get any new pics. So, here is an old one: