Music News and a Musical Fun Fact

My friend Ken is going to be on Jay Leno this Thursday night with his band, the great Old 97s! He is nervous because he said he has to play a tricky guitar solo. So watch if you can, or set up your Tivo. Also, their new CD comes out May 13.

In other music news, the PPHPHB has slowy been recording some new songs. Our new CD will probably come out by the time Daphne starts middle school.

FUN FACT: Apparently, male mosquitos are driven insane by the musical note "C." I am going to do some research to prove it. If it's true, then it's time to invent some motorized chimes that play a constant "C." Then again, constant C chiming might drive me insane too. Too bad no-one has invented a removeable chime silencer.

Kev has ordered a new computer, but it will not be here for several more days. I will continue to blog short blogs when I can.

Earth Day!

So far, my dad is winning the LRHS Earth Day Challenge 2008. Today he planted two trees.

Today for Earth Day, we tried re-using a paper towel roll as a pretend telescope/pretend trumpet. But then Daphne chewed the end and it got all soggy and fell apart. But it was fun for a little while.

Happy Earth Day Eve!

A quick little blog before Kev takes the computer.

Tomorrow is Earth Day! And even though EVERY day should be Earth Day, I'm glad maybe some extra attention will be brought to making our home cleaner and healthier.

This year, we switched to Green Mountain Energy, and I got re-usable bags for the grocery store. And our neighborhood finally got recycling bins, so we've been using those. It isn't much, but it's SOMEthing.

So, I hope you will take the LRHS challenge, and report back at least one nice thing you did for the planet this week. I might just give away a prize.

Time to go hang my flag!

(PS. Smarty-pantses won't win)

Got No Time

Hi, and please don't stop reading this blog. I can't post often because Kev takes the computer to his new work, and because I am furiously working on preparing stuff for a craft fair next weekend. I will try to blog more blogs when I get a chance...

Five Years

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KEV!

Love,
T

What is the What

Here is the book I have been talking about. I borrowed it from LarryFeathers, and didn't think I would read it because it is a serious and heavy book with very small print. But I did read it, and I'm very glad I did because it has really affected me. It is a novel, but it is based on the real life of Valentino Achak Deng. Achack grew up in Sudan and became a refugee at about age six or seven when his village was attacked during the very scary and confusing Sudanese conflict. He then walked with a group of other young boys from Sudan to Ethiopia where a camp was established, only to be driven out of Ethiopia and into Kenya and another camp. He was finally chosen several years later to go to the US and start a new and better life. If you want to know how that all turned out, you'll have to read the book. But, here is what he went through in Africa in a nutshell: His village was attacked, his home was burned, he was separated from his parents and had no idea if they survived. He WALKED to Ethiopia. During this walk, he had almost no food and no water and only the clothes he was wearing. He had to worry, during this walk, that at any time he could be attacked by soldiers or bandits. He had to worry about disease like malaria. And if all that wasn't enough, there were LIONS. LIONS!!! He had to swim across the Nile where he could see crocodiles waiting to eat him, but he didn't have a choice because there were guys shooting at him as he ran away. All this, and he was only a little boy. So, you can see what I mean by it being serious and heavy. But, surprisingly, there are some really funny moments in the story, and some uplifting moments too. I wish everyone would read this book. It will help you remember that no matter how stressful your life is, at least there are no LIONS. Can you imagine? I reckon we have it pretty good.

After I read the book, I realized that a lot of the guys that work at my grocery store were probably Lost Boys from Sudan, like Achak. I wanted to talk to them so badly. I wanted to know their stories. Mostly, I wanted to make sure they were OK and were being treated well and fairly here in Dallas. I wanted to invite them all over for dinner. But how do you even start?

It just amazes me what is allowed to go on in the world.

So, anyway, I really recommend this book. It is a great story. And if you are inspired at all to learn more or help, you can go to http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/ and read about what Achack is doing now. It's pretty cool.

And THAT is the What is the What.

Focaccia-cha-cha, Pancho Returns!, and Yo Yo Mommy

On Sunday, I went with my mom to a baking class at Sur la Table. It was really fun, and we learned how to make herbed focaccia among other things. So I decided to make some at home. There it is, above. It was my first time to make a bread from scratch with yeast, and it turned out really good and made the house smell great. Next time, I shall use more herbs. I was too conservative.



This morning, we realized we did a bunch of laundry including a stick of lip balm which was left in a pocket accidentally. There are now oil spots all over lots of our clothes. My favorite skirt is ruined. RUINED! As we were lamenting this situation, I looked into the back yard, and who came scampering across the lawn but Pancho, our long lost possum, this time with MRS Pancho following right behind. They apparently have moved in under our back porch. Welcome back, little friend. Please don't bite the Peanut! If you have forgotten the tale of Pancho, you can search this blog for more posts, or listen to this PPHPHB classic (scroll down to Song for Pancho):

That is Julie and Rob on vocals, by the way. Great work.


This morning, Yo Yo Ma was on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, so we got out the old family cello and sqeaked around a little. I love Mister Rogers. I hope he has a show about going to the doctor soon. And maybe one about how you can't really eat oatmeal with your fingers.

One more quick thing. Daphne has all these Playschool Little People, like 12, and all but three have disappeared. While they were in NY, I looked all over for these missing Little People. I looked under the couch, between the cushions, everywhere I thought Daphne could have possibly shoved, stuffed, or hidden them, and no luck. They're just gone. I'm thinking about offering a reward. Where have all the Little People gone??!! It's a mystery.

OK, so there's a quick blog for ya. I haven't forgotten about What is the What, but it deserves a post I can concetrate on.

Phew!

We have one tulip this year. Here it is from the outside



and from the inside.

What a change from my last post which featured lawn furniture covered in snow. That's Texas for ya.

So, after two cancellations, countless delays, lost luggage, and apparently the poopiest diaper in the history of ever (don't ask, I didn't), Daphne and Kev arrived in New York last Thursday where they enjoyed lots of good times with Kev's family, including some sing-alongs, Easter Egg hunts, and a HUGE announcement. It seems I am going to be an aunt for the third time! Woohoo! Congratulations, and all the best to Kim and Marty and their little chickpea. K and M are going to be the most awesome parents. And bonus: Now I will have a new baby to make stuff for. Yay!

Meanwhile, I have been in Texas. At home. ALONE. I have about an hour before I have to leave for the airport, and although I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed my free-time, I cannot wait to see my little family.

Here is a quick breakdown of my big week:

• Cleaned Daphne's room and closet. Got rid of stuff. Put away some toys for future rotation. Assembled new small shelf/stand for the diaper wipes so they are no longer on a tower of empty boxes.
• Went shopping with my mom in Historic Downtown McKinney and the Allen Premium Outlet Mall. Had pie.
• Sewed: a skirt, a pair of pants, a pair of pj bottoms, and a shirt for Daphne, a skirt for me, and a coaster and a tissue holder with some scraps just for fun.
• Did a couple other secret projects.
• Watched three movies on PPV: Superbad (A-...the minus is for too much swearing), Stardust (B+...the plus is because Robert DeNiro was great), and August Rush (C).
• Finished the novel I was reading.
• Went to IHOP. Yuck.
• Ate Haagen Daas coffee ice cream with magic shell.
• Relaxed.

Then there was this morning, my last free morning. What a whirlwind. I got up at 7:30, put some pork in the crockpot, started some laundry, went to breakfast at the coffee shop, drove through the carwash, stopped by the fabric store, went by Tom Thumb for some bread, went to the party store to get airport balloons for Daphne, dropped off some stuff at Goodwill, and made it to the nail place by 10:00 for one last treat: a pedicure. Happy Feet! Then when I got home, I prepared corn fritter batter for dinner, put a loaf of lemon poppy quickbread in the oven, and blogged. That is why the title of this post is PHEW.

Time to check on my bread and prepare for my family's arrival.

See ya later.

Hello

It all started last Friday morning, actually 2 Fridays ago, when I woke up and saw this. Snow. So we immediately got the Peanut dressed in the warmest outfit we could assemble and took her outside. At first, she didn't want to step on it, but after I demonstrated the fun of stomping around, she joined me in the yard. Not exactly a winter wonderland, but it'll do. Too powdery for a snowman though. Maybe next year.



That afternoon, the snow melted and we went to Oklahoma, where we lived for 3 days in a treehouse. It was a great weekend, spent with good friends. Daphne had kids to play with, and after they all went to sleep, we grown-ups played dominoes and had grown-up people conversations that did not involve snacky-snacks or the Backyardigans. We also went on a safari and went to a big waterfall, and ate Original Fried Pies. These fried pies were so good that I bought four more and brought them home. They are in my freezer. The fried pie lady offered me a lengthy explanation of how to freeze, then thaw, then re-heat my fried pies once I got them home. This explanation, which was delivered with a very very strong small-town Oklahoma accent (think Oh Brother Where Art Thou), ended with these words: "They-ull keep prob-lee six to tee-un days in yer ice-box. (Thoughtful pause, knowing smile) Well, mine never laysted that long cuz they wuz ate." I believe her. This woman was no stranger to fried pies. Friendly as could be, she even gave Kev a small sample of the coconut cream. I have rarely seen him look so happy because of a food. Pictures from our Oklahoma adventure are here if you are interested. You can see the fried pies for yourself!

Since we got back, we have been cramming in as much activity as possible before Kev has to start his new job. Wednesday we went to the zoo. It was kind of a beating, but at least it wasn't too crowded. We've been outside a lot because after last Friday's winter blast, it started getting progressively hotter and hotter, and this past Friday I think it actually hit 90 degrees. Crazy. My allergies do not like all these temperature swings and wind and pollen and I have been feeling yucky all week. But I refuse to get full-on sick, because Kev and Daphne leave for New York in two days, and I have a lot to do while they're gone. But, that's another blog. And so is the Souffle Restaurant, What is the What, the funny list I got at the zoo, and other things I need to catch up on. It's just been hard to blog lately with all the family outings and whatnot.

Anyway, there's a blog for ya. More soon.

Popcorn Experiment

Popcorn Experiment 2
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

So, we watched an episode of Alton Brown the other night where he made popcorn in a stainless steel bowl on the stovetop, and I knew it was only a matter of time before Kev attempted this at home. As it turns out, it was a matter of about 30 minutes. He made some as soon as Daphne went to bed. You can't combine science and snack food and expect Kev to resist. It was pretty good!

We are off to Oklahoma tomorrow to sleep in a treehouse, apparently in the snow. I will report on that, and the souffles, and What is the What when we return. Have a great weekend.

PS Big scary guys with pitbulls will be staying at our house while we're up the tree.

Too Hot for Housepants? Wait 'til Tomorrow!

Here is some snow that happened on Monday night. Two nights before, Kev and I walked to a restaurant, sat outdoors on a patio and ate dinner. Today, it is warm...probably 65-70. Tomorrow it may snow again. So, there ya go. Texas in March.

Kev has taken a (very) short-term contract (3 months) in Dallas, so we're here at least for a few more months. No decisions have been made after that. It seems likely that if we move, it will be to Virginia or some such Washington DC area state. It isn't a lot of fun feeling temporary and uncertain all the time, so I probably won't talk about it much on here. Just wanted to give you the latest.

On the Peanut front, we are making some progress on the potty. She has earned 9 Muppet Show stickers thus far. Every day she makes us laugh by saying funny things like "This is my friend Daddy" or "My name is holly, I live in a tree like squirrels and stuff" or "Baa baa black sheep, any any wolves." She also sings songs a lot. Songs from The Sound of Music, and a lot of Dan Zanes. We love Dan Zanes. He used to be a Del Fuego, you know.

I really like American Idol this season. I am for the dreadlock kid, the cute little 16 year old boy, or the Carly Simon girl with the long blond hair.

Last night, we watched The King of Kong on PPV. It was awesome. You should watch it, especially if you are from the 80s like me.

Next time I blog, I will tell you about a great book called What is the What. I don't have time to do it justice right now because I am getting ready to finally go to the restaurant of all souffles. Our dinner there got cancelled last week, so we are going tonight. I'll let you know how it is.

This blog is for Julie because she complained.

Pitiful Peanut

More video was requested by the people at Jeff's office, so this is for them.

Drumroll, Please...

Tara is actually going to blog!

I have neglected my blog for a long time, so I am going to quickly update if I can before the Peanut wakes up.

So, we are about halfway through Kev's second week as a "Man of Leisure." It has been nice having him home, and we have done lots of family activities. I have also been cooking. Below is experimental Stuffed Artichokes from my New Orleans cookbook. They were good, but I will probably never make them again. Artichokes are a real pain to work with, and they proved in this case to be really only a vehicle for the stuffing, which was excellent. Next time, I will stuff mushrooms with it instead.



Our big outing last week was DOWNTOWN. We took the Peanut on the train, which is fun but is also a breeding ground for germs of all kinds and I was paranoid that we would all get sick. So far, we have survived. We got off the train at the West End, and wandered our way to the Dallas World Aquarium, via Downtown Corn Dog (below).




I could kick myself for not following the directions on the door, and getting N there for a corn dog. (I later read a review of the place that said it's very good!). The funny thing is, you can tell it used to be called Downtown CornyDog, but they scratched out the "Y." I guess they thought Corn Dog is a little classier.





Anyway, we made it to the Aquarium, which is a great place to go. There's me and the Peanut in a fish tank above. Fun times. Except when the toucan flew right at Daphne's face (it was behind a plexiglass panel) and she screamed like she saw Freddy Kruger. I am happy to report that nobody got pooped on by the Spoonbill this time.





After the aquarium, we walked to the House of Blues for lunch. Daphne was wearing the right hat for it! Man, oh man, do I love the House of Blues! It is a really cool place, and the food is terrific. It was a big day, and Daphne was wiped out.

Saturday night, Daphne spent the night with Gma and Gpa so Kev and I could go out. We had big plans to go bowling, but when we got to the place, there was a 2 hour wait, so we went to the Studio Movie Grill instead, and got tickets to the movie that was starting next. Unfortunately, this movie was "Vantage Point" and it was one of the worst movies we've ever seen. On top of a really gimmicky plot, there was a car chase scene that lasted about 30 minutes. It was really loud and stressful, and there were tons of scary crashes and by the time we left, my nerves were shot. But, at least I got to hang out with Kev and have a BBQ chicken wrap and sweet potato fries.

Sunday morning, Kev and I went back to the House of Blues for their Sunday Gospel Brunch. The food again was awesome, and included things like cheese grits and bread pudding. There was a big show on the stage...several large African-American women singing very shouty music about Jesus, while waving scarves all about. It was fun. Definitely something you don't see every day.








Yesterday, we went to the Arboretum for a picnic because it was 80 DEGREES. In February! More big fun. Daphne ran and ran. I got to see the first tulips of the year. So pretty.

Now I am tired. I need a day off from fun. Today it is windy and cold out. I am going to go take a little rest now.

Tomorrow night I am going to dinner with a couple of friends to a restaurant that is All Souffles, All the Time. I will report back.

So long for now.

Happiness in a 9 x 13

Officially, Kev's position on Valentine's Day is "against." This is based on it being a made-up holiday pushed upon us by the people of Russell Stover, Hallmark, Zales, and the like. I am pretty sure that a quick search of Wikipedia would prove that Valentine's Day was around long before "Every Kiss Began with Kay (sic)", but I can see his point. All that being said, Kev always gets me a nice gift and gives it to me the day before so as not to be accused of participating in the madness.

This year, he gave me a cookbook from Williams Sonoma's series of cookbooks from cities around the world. I got New Orleans, which is where we spent our honeymoon, and is the city, in my opinion, that has the best food on the planet. Williams Sonoma cookbooks are great because in addition to good recipes, there are lots and lots of pictures. It's a really nice gift.

So, I decided to try some of its recipes over the weekend, and I made variations of a grilled chicken in the book, and some fried bananas as well. But the best, BEST thing I made was a Cheese Grits Souffle. Oh my gosh. Just when you think cheese grits can't get any better, you find out it can be made into a SOUFFLE! I swear, I would have been happy if the grits were the whole meal. It was like eating a fluffy cloud of happiness. I know all the clouds in Heaven are made of Cheese Grits Souffle. I am tempted to make Saturday night officially Cheese Grits Souffle night at our house. Just look at them up there, all puffy and steamy and golden and cheesy.

So, happy Valentine's Day to me...I don't think Kev knew just what a great anti-Valentine he was giving me.

My Funny Valentine

PRESS PLAY

Daphne and I went on a Valentine's date today...breakfast and ice cream at the mall. She's a good little kid and we had fun. Now, I am going to take a Valentine's nap.

Groovy hat knitted by my friend Cheryl, who once had a cow in her living room. On purpose.

The Big V

Happy Valentine's Day to you all, and just for you, I have a little Valentine's Day tip: If you are having trouble expressing yourself to your friends and family this Valentine's Day, you can go here and get all the help you need by simply filling in the blanks. Have fun!

Na-Nanny Boo Boo

Na-Nanny Boo Boo
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

It's February, and we have spent the whole weekend playing outside. As Kev said, this is our reward for making it through August in Texas.

Yesterday we played in the yard, grilled burgers, and ate dinner on the front porch. Today we went to the lake and fed the ducks and coots and gulls.

It has been a good weekend.

And to make things even better, it is close enough to Mardi Gras that I decided to make Jambalaya for dinner. Hoooo-Weeee!

Just a note: We told Daphne to make a happy face for this picture, and this is what we got. I guess Fake Smiling is a skill that takes more time to develop.

Palo Pinto Kitchen Disaster Causes Panic, Ends Happily, Then Causes More Panic

Last night I decided to continue my effort at trying new recipes, and attempted this one for potato-chip crusted chicken. As I was putting the chicken in the pre-heated 450 degree oven, my hand slipped and all the chickens slid off the cookie sheet and onto the oven rack. Potato chip crumbs were everywhere, the oven started smoking, the fire alarm went off, and I ran around in circles like Robot from Lost in Space, crying "Danger! Danger!". What a mess. Dinner was ruined, the yummy Indian food smell was replaced by charred potato chip and smoke smell, my recently cleaned oven was no longer clean, and I got made fun of for crying, "Danger! Danger!".

So, we went to Gloria's and had a much better dinner. Everyone went to bed fat and happy.

Today, I debated about re-self-cleaning the oven. Mysterious comments from my cousin Brad made me concerned. But, since I needed to use the oven tonight, I decided to do it. Guess what. Just minutes ago, the house filled with smoke, and the smoke alarm went off and I saw a small flame in the oven. So, I turned on the vent, opened a window, and shut off the oven cleaner. And this time, I thought, "Danger! Danger!", but I did not cry it out, because I didn't want to wake Daphne unless we needed to run from the burning house.

The flaming stopped and the fire alarm stopped, and miraculously, Daphne slept through it all.

Maybe I better not be the one to teach Daphne to cook after all.

Parakeet Peter

A very special thanks to GG for sending me..uh, I mean Daphne... this great vintage children's book about a boy and his bird. I remember having some of these Elf books when I was a kid. This one is great. Daphne enjoyed it at story time the other night.

Speaking of birds, I walked outside this morning to check the temperature (hot) and saw a yellow-bellied sapsucker! It was cool.

Thanks, GG. Watch your mail for a surprise.

Chef Daphne's Cage

In response to my mentioning that I wish Daphne had a place to stand and help me cook, my dad went to Lowes and bought supplies to make this one-of-a-kind PVC pipe Sous Chef Cage. I am going to paint it a pretty color and let Daphne help me cook more often. The sooner she learns, the sooner she can take over. Thanks, Dad!