Monday, September 27, 2010

Our Last Kindergartener

Jeromy 5 Years old
Bittersweet year this year...our baby, Jeromy, started kindergarten.  We are celebrating not having to pay for daycare any longer, but then are also sad to say our little guy is growing up. 

Our last official Kindergartner is loving his first official year of school.  He has many friends from the neighborhood and his K4 class in his class this year.  He enjoys the many activities (although lunch and recess seem to be his favorite) throughout each day and is looking forward to going on his first fieldtrip to Apple Holler this Friday!

Just received his Kindergarten pictures so had to post for all of the family to see!  :)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Home Made Cracker Jacks

Ingredients


  • 3 ounces popped popcorn, approximately 3 quarts
  • 1 cup salted peanuts
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter
  • 16 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 2 cups
  • 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray as well and set aside.
Combine the popcorn and peanuts in a large mixing bowl. Set aside until ready to use.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla and stir until combined. Heat the mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F, approximately 10 minutes.
Pour the syrup over the popcorn and stir to combine. You will need to work quickly because the syrup hardens rapidly. Spread the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Cool completely.
Break into pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Chocolate Toothpaste?


Even though I am a self admitted choco-holic this doesn't even sound remotely appealing to me.  I don't remember seeing this on the market here in the U.S. but in 2005 Unilever Philippines marketed a limited edition chocolate flavored fluoride toothpaste. Closeup Flavalicious toothpaste in Choco Loco. 

This one is more my speed...a chocolate laptop...two of my favorite addictions!

In Case of Emergency, Please Remove Your Bra

 
Caught in a disaster? You'd better hope you're wearing the Emergency Bra. Simply unsnap the bright red bra, separate the cups, and slip it over your head -- one cup for you, and one for your friend


Dr. Elena Bodnar won an Ignoble Award for the invention last year, an annual tribute to scientific research that on the surface seems goofy but is often surprisingly practical. And now Bodnar has brought the eBra to the public; purchase one online for just $29.95. 

"The goal of any emergency respiratory device is to achieve tight fixation and full coverage. Luckily, the wonderful design of the bra is already in the shape of a face mask and so with the addition of a few design features, the Emergency Bra enhances the efficiency of minimizing contaminated bypass air flow," explains the eBra website. 

It sounds silly, but Bodnar, a Ukraine native who now lives in Chicago, started her medical career studying the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster. If people had had cheap, readily available gas masks in the first hours after the disaster, she said, they may have avoided breathing in Iodine-131, which causes radiation sickness.

The bra-turned-gas masks could have also been useful during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and for women caught outside during the dust storms that recently enveloped Sydney, she said.

"You have to be prepared all the time, at any place, at any moment, and practically every woman wears a bra," she said. Her patented devices also look pretty, no different from a conventional bra, she added.
According to a report on tech news site CNET, there are plans for a "counterpart device for men" in the works , though the precise shape it will take has yet to be revealed. 

Canine Choreography ~OK Go


This video took the Band OK Go over 6 weeks to complete. All done in one continuous take. Most dogs were from local shelters who were trained just for this video.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Another Angel Called Up

<3 My Uncle Tom and my Dad, Jerry Strohkirch  <3
Thomas Erwin Frelka

Dates:
Birth date: February 21, 1937
Death date: September 22, 2010

Obituary:

Thomas E. Frelka, age 73, Bowler, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Langlade Hospital, Antigo.  He was born February 21, 1937 in Milwaukee, the son of the late Erwin and Alice (Jankowski) Frelka.  On August 13, 1960, Thomas was united in marriage to Judith Strohkirch in Milwaukee.  She survives.  Thomas was a US Army Veteran.  He was employed at several banks in Milwaukee as a bank controller retiring in 2001.  Upon retirement, the couple moved to Bowler.  Thomas loved bein 'Up North' and loved being in the outdoors where he spent much of his time.  He also enjoyed gambling and fishing.  Survivors include his wife, Judith, two children; Gregory (Robyn) Frelka and Kelly (Glen) Pedersen, all of Milwaukee, four grandchildren; Nathan, Cassidy, Jake & Lindsey and two brothers; Fred (Diane) Frelka, Mukwonago and Jim (Diane) Frelka, Oregon.

Visitation:
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church.


Service:
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 25, 2010 at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church, Phlox.  Rev. David Barrett and Deacon Thomas Hartman will officiate.

Hunter's 8th grade pic.

Facebook Down with Technical Difficulties

Facebook.com is having technical difficulties, affecting both users accessing the social networking site, as well as the “Like” buttons that the social network has populated across the Web.
In a statement on its Twitter — the now de-facto destination to complain about such outages — Facebook said: “Facebook may be slow or unavailable for some people because of site issues. We’re working to fix this quickly.”
The site also had technical problems on Wednesday, thanks to a third-party networking

Remember When ~Intro

Yep, feeling more than a little nostalgic today. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the fact that I'm sleep deprived...whatever the cause it has had me tripping down memory lane for the last week or two.  Thinking back to the good, the bad and the ugly times, and trying very hard to remember it all, or not to remember in some cases. 

I can't believe that I can't remember EVERYTHING that I want to.   (Did I really just say that?)  Do I now need to admit that I am getting old because I can't remember every minute detail? I don't think I'm ready for that yet. After all, all the names in my little black book don't have M.D. after them!

In order to get past this dilemma...I've decided to piece together a little of my life and post it here on my blog, so I have something to refer back to when I'm old and need to remember these stories for my future grandchildren.  I'm stressing the word FUTURE on the grandchildren subject...I'm thinking like 10 years from now at the very earliest!!! 

To most of you these blurbs and memories won't mean a thing and if you don't read them...that's OK. Some will be ridiculously boring and not make any sense to those of you who did not know me as a child.  Some probably shouldn't be repeated on a public blog...but hey, I'm exercising my right to free speech and it is MY blog afterall.  :D

Chapter 1 ~ The Parents
Meet my Mom and Dad.  Jerry and Gale Strohkirch

Jerry and Gale Strohkirch March 24, 1967

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Bear

Hunter Catching

Hmmm...write a book???

Take my poll to the left...my daughter suggested I write a book.  Should I? Would anyone read it? Decisions, decisions!  Give me your two cents and vote!

Titanic Cruise ~ I want to go!!!

A lucky 1,309 passengers will be able to retrace the Titanic's maiden voyage on the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of this beautiful ship.   Some of the family members of the original Titanic voyage will be on board for this trip back in time.

Read the article

My husband was kind enough to bring me to the Titanic exhibit when it was here locally.  I was just enthralled by the entire exhibit!!!  We waited in line for what seemed like hours to get a chance to see some of the original relics.

Similac Powder Formula Recalled

Abbott recalls infant formula over contamination fear

9/22 1:52 p.m.

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) — Drugmaker Abbott Laboratories said today it is recalling millions of containers of powder-based infant formula that may be contaminated with insect parts.
The voluntary action affects less than 5 million Similac-brand powder formulas sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries. The company said the products may contain a small beetle or larvae, which could cause stomach ache and digestion problems.
A company spokeswoman said Abbott uncovered the insects last week in one section of a Michigan manufacturing plant.

Positive Thinking is Everything

Read this, and let it really sink in... Then, choose how you start your day..every day...
Jerry is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!" He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant.


The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.

I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."

I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gun point by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.

I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. “The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Jerry continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man.'

I knew I needed to take action." " What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'"

Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
 
Positive thinking the the first step towards a happy life.
Attitude is everything

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall

Abercrombie SUCKS!

I received an email advertisement from Abercrombie Kids this past weekend advertising all of their clearance for 50% off.  What a Fantastic Deal!  Hunter is always in need of pants and with fall fast approaching I thought I could scoop up some fantastic deals for his fall wardrobe.  As we all know, I despise shopping and will take advantage of shopping online whenever possible.  My kids will purposely throw promo codes my way as well...knowing very well I won't pay full price for anything  (or shipping and handling if I can help it.) 

I clicked through on the ad and was imported into the world of Abercrombie Clearance!  Whooo hooo!  I found 3 pairs of great jeans, a few hoodies and long sleeved shirts for the boy and then beckoned him to come down from his room for final approval of my choices.  All passed his inspection with flying colors!!! 

I then clicked through to check out, filled out my shipping and billing info, credit card info and clicked through to the final stages of online checkout only to discover that it did not take off the 50% off the online clearance pricing.  What the heck?

Thinking I needed a promo code I went back to the original email Abercrombie sent me and scoured it for a promo code.  Nothing.  Then I remembered that Abercrombie doesn't use take promo codes on their site.  I looked to see if there was a start/end date on the email I received.  Nada.  I then read all of the fine print at the bottom of the email  and in about 2pt type I found "Pricing online indicates 50% off"   What B.S. is this I'm reading?   The "Retail price"  advertised on the Abercrombie website for the four pairs of jeans I dropped in my cart was $39.50 each. With a clearance price of $34.50.   The Hoodies in my cart  had a "retail price" of $39.99, clearance $29.50.  Long Sleeved shirts Retailed at $29.99, Clearance $19.99 each.  Ummm, excuse me...does anyone at Abercrombie have ANY math skills?  None of the pricing that I was seeing was even CLOSE  to 50% off!

More than a little perturbed I decided to email the Abercrombie customer service department inquiring about the error in their clearance pricing from the advertisement I received.  Their response??  "Online clearance pricing indicates 50% off of RETAIL STORE pricing."  What  freaking malarkey!

It is most obvious that their marketing department has a little communication problem with their web department, or they are pulling the old bait n switch.  I expected 50% off the clearance prices that were online due to the advertisement I received.  I ran the ad past my husband as well and he agreed in my train of thinking.  Abercrombie, you lost a big sale....and future sales as well with this family.  I had over $350 of merchandise in my cart that I was EXPECTING to pay $175 plus tax and shipping for.   I dumped the entire lot and went on a merry little online shopping trip at American Eagle instead.  Where they honor their advertisements and do not screw with their customers with false and misleading advertising.  

Take that Abercrombie.  :P

Kenosha Standoff Resident Identified, Charges Possible

Possible commitment or charges for woman in 7-hour standoff

9/21 2:26 p.m.

Kenosha Police have submitted paperwork for possible mental commitment and/or criminal charges for a woman who fired a weapon through a window at her home and threatened suicide on Monday.
Barbara Ensor, 44, surrendered without incident about 6:30 p.m. Monday after staying in her 22nd Avenue home for almost seven hours while the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team and other officers surrounded the residence and closed nearby streets.
Ensor is being detained at a Milwaukee hospital for a mental health examination.

Back in the Groove

Ok, now that we are a few weeks into the new school year things are starting to run a tad more smoothly around here.  The getting up part seems easy enough for the boys, it's always the after school homework, sports and bedtime routine that seems to be awry for a while.  That, thankfully, is grooving again.

Kid Updates:

Jeromy seems to really like Kindergarten but has become a lot more "scared" of new things, unlike in the past where he has been a lot more outgoing.  Taking hot lunch for instance.  He said he's scared to take hot lunch because of the possibility of not being able to eat it all.   He can't throw it away, that would be wasting a perfectly good apple, milk, etc.   Seems like a trivial thing to worry about to an adult...but in the eyes of a 5 year old it is traumatizing!   He's always been taught at home to not waste food, now at school he's expected to throw it away?  Not conceivable to him at this point.  So we pack a cold lunch every day...which is fine with me, at least I can see that he is eating.

Hunter is just starting to be hit with the big load of homework now...which is to be expected in 8th grade and a couple of weeks into the school year.  Unfortunately with playing baseball 2 nights a week some nights he's rushing to get it done.  Tonight he asked me to type up his paper on Edgar Allen Poe.  I caved and did it...he reminded me that I had typed a paper for Nathan some time ago.  How come these kids have to remember EVERYTHING???

Nathan is groovin' along in Minnesota.  He even went out on his first grocery shopping excursion to replenish the cupboards of his apartment.  Spent a whopping $50.  He didn't mention what grocery store he went to...hoping it wasn't the local conveniance store where milk is like $5 a gallon.  I tried to show him how to stretch the food budget, but boys don't always remember those king of things...they just see something they want, and buy it.

Brit was home this past weekend to work and spend time with the girls.  She's now thinking of going abroad for her last semester.  That's a scary thought...do I really want her out of the country for months on end?  I'm still pondering the thought.  Maybe once she goes in for her next MRI and the neurosurgeon tells me all is OK will be a little more supportive about heading overseas.  Maybe.  :D


That's all folks! ~Char

Monday, September 20, 2010

Bradford is Moving on Up!

Bradford football moves up to 63 in national poll

9/20 6:40 p.m.

Bradford was ranked 63rd in the RivalsHigh 100 national football poll on Monday.
Coach Jed Kennedy’s Red Devils, the only Wisconsin team in the poll, were ranked 74th a week ago. It marked the first time Bradford had cracked a national poll and the first time a County team was nationally ranked since 2001 (Tremper).
Bradford, 4-0, is at Racine Horlick on Friday.

Kenosha Woman Surrenders to Police

UPDATE: Woman surrenders to police

9/20 6:36 p.m.

A woman who was holed up in her home after firing a gunshot this afternoon has surrendered to police without incident.
The standoff ended about 6:30 p.m. when the woman reportedly told police she was coming out of the home in the 3700 block of 2200 Avenue and did so, immediately being placed in police squad car and taken from the scene.
Police were first called to the home about 11 a.m. for a report of a woman waving a gun and threatening to kill herself.
When an officer knocked on her door, she reportedly fired a shot out the window.
No one was hurt.
The Kenosha County Tactical Response Team was called, and authorities blocked off 22nd Avenue from 35th Street to Washington Road.

Brian Regan- Dinner Party

Kenny Chesney - "Reality"

Spicy Shrimp Bake

1 1/2 lb  large shrimp, peeled and deveined
juice of 2 limes
few drops of hot red pepper sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 red onions
3 hot red chiles (or something not as potent if serving to kids), seeded and minced


3 garlic cloves, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper


1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzerella works in a pinch too) 










  • Toss the shrimp, lime juice, and hot pepper sauce in a bowl and let stand for about 15 minutes.
















  • Position the broiler rack about 8 inches from the source of heat and preheat the broiler. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the chiles and garlic and cook about 5 minutes more, until tender















  • Spread in a large, ovenproof serving dish. Drain the shrimp and arrange over the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the cream sprinkle with the Gruyere















  • Broil about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and the cheese is golden brown. Serve immediately











  • My Secret Finally Came Out of the Closet



    Do you have a mother like this one?

     My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE - "If you're going to  kill each other, do it outside - I just finished cleaning!"

     My mother taught me RELIGION - "You better pray that will come out of the  carpet."

     My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL - "If you don't straighten up, I'm  going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

     My mother taught me LOGIC - "Because I said so, that's why."

     My mother taught me FORESIGHT - "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in  case you're in an accident."

     My mother taught me IRONY - "Keep laughing and I'll give you something  to cry about."

     My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS - "Shut your mouth and  eat your supper!"

     My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM - "Will you look at the dirt on  the back of your neck!"

     My mother taught me about STAMINA - "You'll sit there 'til all that  spinach is finished."

     My mother taught me about WEATHER - "It looks as if a tornado swept  through your room."

     My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS - "If I yelled because I  saw a meteor coming toward you; would you listen then?"

     My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY - "If I've told you once, I've told you  a million times - Don't exaggerate!!!"

     My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE - "I brought you into this world,  and I can take you out."

     My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION - "Stop acting like your  father!"

     My mother taught me about ENVY - "There are millions of less fortunate  children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do!"

    Yep, that's me!!!!  ~Char

    Warrant Issued for Lindsay Lohan's Arrest

    Lindsay Lohan's week is off to a rough start.
    Following a weekend full of reports -- and her own admission -- that she had failed court-mandated drug tests, a California judge has issued a warrant for her arrest, TMZ reports.
    The bench warrant is on hold until Friday at 8:30 AM, when Lindsay is ordered to appear in court.
    Lohan, 24, could be sentenced to 30 days behind bars for each of the two failed tests.
    “I predict she will get at least 30-45 days for the violations,” Santa Monica-based criminal defense attorney Steve Cron told FOX411.com. “Judge Fox is going to want to ensure Lindsay is taking the court system seriously and right now, she just doesn’t seem to get it.”
    Lohan tested positive for cocaine and amphetamines, TMZ reports.

    Oh for pete's sake...put this girl in jail and get her @ss straightened out already.  ~Char

    Swat Team Responds to Scene in Kenosha

    Gunshot fired at tactical scene in Kenosha

    9/20 2:30 p.m.

    A woman with a gun fired a shot this afternoon after an officer knocked on her door in the 3700 block of Washington Road, police said.
    Officers were called about 11 a.m. to the area, which has since been closed to traffic, after a report of a 44-year-old woman waving a gun and threatening to kill herself, Sgt. Hugh Rafferty said.
    The woman’s son, 20, ran out of the house, apparently unhurt.
    Police tried to call the woman, who apparently is alone in the home, but she did not answer. An officer knocked on her door and a gunshot was fired through a window.
    No injuries were reported.
    The Kenosha County Tactical Response Team was called and remains on scene.
    Police have blocked 22nd Avenue from 35th Street to Washington Road.


    Roads closed, tactical team on scene in Kenosha

    9/20 2:09 p.m.

    Traffic is blocked at 22nd Street and Washington Road in Kenosha, where police in tactical gear have taken up positions.
    Police could not confirm what time the road closed, but it was observed closed around noon. The Washington Road intersection, as well as the intersection at 22nd Avenue and 35th Street remained closed at 2 p.m.
    Authorities would only say that a “police action” led to the road closure.
    People at the scene said police had targeted a specific home, but that home was not visible from the closed intersection. One man at the scene said a woman inside a home had a gun. He said the woman was a relative.
    No other information was available.

    Men and Losing Weight

    A man calls a company and orders their 5-day, 10 lb. weight loss program.

    The next day, there's a knock on the door and there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic, 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck.
    She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company.
    The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me."
    Without a second thought, he takes off after her.
    A few miles later huffing and puffing, he finally gives up.

    The same girl shows up for the next four days and the same thing happens.
    On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost 10 lbs. as promised.
    He calls the company and orders their 5-day/20 pound program.
    The next day there's a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning and beautiful woman he has ever seen in his life.
    She is wearing nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign around her neck that reads, "If you catch me you can have me."
    Well, he's out the door after her like a shot.
    This girl is in excellent shape and he does his best, but no such luck.

    So for the next four days, the same routine happens with him gradually getting in better and better shape.
    Much to his delight on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers that he has lost another 20 lbs. as promised.
    He decides to go for broke and calls the company to order the 7-day/50 pound program.
    "Are you sure?" asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most rigorous program."
    "Absolutely," he replies, "I haven't felt this good in years."

    The next day there's a knock at the door; and when he opens it he finds a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads,"If I catch you, you are mine!!!"

    He lost 63 pounds that week.

    Kindle vs Ipad



    To all of you avid Techies...I'm thinking about purchasing an eReader and want to know your thoughts on the best one out on the market today that gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

    I've heard pro's and cons on all of the different readers...what is your opinion?

    Latest YouTube Sensations

    Sunday, September 19, 2010

    I admit that I am a hater...of more than a few things.

    Okay I know it is wrong to hate, but there are just a few things I absolutely HATE

    1.  Snakes 
    Want to see me run faster than the fastest Olympic runner?  Surprise me with one of what I consider nastiest creatures on earth.  I have been known to run like the wind, run into the house, run up the stairs and run into the bedroom and lock the door...and STILL think they might be after me.  Ok, you know my weakness.   I wouldn't try scaring me with one though, I have also been known to punch first, then run.  :)

    2.  Liver and Onions 
    Just thinking about it makes me want to "toss my cookies."  Yes, I was forced to eat it as a child.  I covered it in ketchup so I could choke it down or if the opportunity arose I wold feed it to the dog under the table when I thought noone was looking.  Hiding it in the napkin was NOT an option at our house.  My parents adored Liver and Onions and my sister and I suffered through "Liver Night" every single time.  It is absolutely one of the worst "meat products" on earth.

    3. People in my face
    You know the type...the person who is three inches from you when they are talking to you??  So close you can smell their nasty coffee breath and see their nose hairs???? Back off buddy and get the heck out of my personal space!

    4.  Tuna
    Another top contender for the "toss my cookies" list.  I can't stand the smell nor the flavor/texture of tuna...or pretty much any fish.  Unfortunately the entire family but myself adores Tuna.  When it's Tuna sandwich day around here, you will find me outside breathing deeply and trying to talk myself out of that gag reflex. 

    5.  Abuse
    In any way, shape or form..enough said.

    6.  Political Throat Jamming
    If you already know I'm against your Political views don't push it, because you will NOT like the outcome...be prepared for bodily injury if you push me to far.

    That's it for the Hate list for now...more to come, along with the Love and Pet Peeves list too!!!

    Game Day Recipe of the Week

    Snuggie Piggies 

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound sliced bacon, cut into thirds (you can use turkey bacon...but hey it's game day, use the real bacon for better flavor)
    • 1 package little smokies or little hot dogs
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar, or to taste

    Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
    2. Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on a large baking sheet that you have sprayed with no-stick spray (or you will be scrubbing that pan forever). Sprinkle brown sugar generously over all.
    3. Bake for 40 minutes until the sugar is bubbly.

    You can place them in a crock pot and keep on the low setting to keep them warm during game time if needed...but they won't last long!  Time consuming but they are a hit!  Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or whatever concoction you desire. 

    Friday Night Lights Dimmed in Texas

    My heart goes out to the family and friends of Reginald Garrett of SE Texas.  Reginald was the QB of the West Orange Stark High School football team.  Friday night after throwing his second touchdown pass of the game he collapsed and died.  Reginald was their star football player and a straight A student.  Although it was reported that he suffered from seizures teammates and coaching staff did not witness any difference in his actions before or after the pass was thrown until he collapsed to the turf Friday night. 
    Reginald Garrett

    Are You Ready For Some Football???


    It's Game Day at Lambeau Field!!!!! Wisconsinite's and Packer fans around the country are ready to tailgate and have a beery good time at today's first Home game of the Season
    against the Buffalo Bills.

    GO PACK!!!!

    The Packers, who rank 2nd overall this week in the NFL Power rankings only received one first place vote???  What's with that??? (Footnote....did you see the Bears are ranked #22....hahahahahaha!! They actually dropped a spot in this week Power Rankings, even after their victory over the Lions last week!!!!!)  The Bills are ranked 30th this week, which is no surprise.

    Word on the street is that the Bills are most likely going focus on TRYING to disrupt Rodgers out on the turf today.  The Bills finished 2nd last year with interceptions so you KNOW they will be on the lookout for any mistake Rodgers may make. Which may mean good news for Brandon Jackson who is stepping up due to Ryan Grant being out with his ankle injury (aren't these guys paid enough to NOT get HURT???)  Without our most under appreciated starting halfback will GB be less than successful?  He's been carrying the load for the Packers for the past 48 games...that is a lot on the shoulders of Jackson.  He better STEP IT UP SON! 

    I'm off to prep for the Noon game time...that's 10 AM for all of you West Coasters.  Beer is chillin and brats need preparing as well as all game day paraphernalia needs to be pulled out.  Put on your best cheese hat and Aaron Rodgers Jerseys Packer Fans!  It's almost game time!

    GO PACK!!!!

    Saturday, September 18, 2010

    Hmmm Hunter came home with NO PANTS?!?!

    Tripping through Door County?

    If you are heading out this fall to Door County to see the fall colors take a daytrip over to Washington Island on the Washington Island Ferry Line and check out the Danish Mill!  The owners, Tom and Patty Nikolai, would be more than happy to see you!



    The Danish Mill Bakery and Sandwich Shop

    
    Jeromy one of the Washington Island Ferry Boats August 2010
    

    As She's Walking Away

    Blogging as a hobby?

    Ok, I did it...I took the first step to starting a new hobby...blogging.  Why blogging?  I don't have a clue, just thought I'd give a stab at it since I always have something to say.

    Now step 2... I just need to come up with some interesting topics that people would actually WANT  to read about.  This may be the hard part....or I could just ramble on and on like a lot of bloggers do.  Me, ramble?  Never!  Ha!   Oh and that's me...over to the left, that funky looking blonde staring at you.  I'm the Queen of the household here at the Nikolai Nuthouse.  See....rambled again. 
    I'm off for now to think of topics that may intrigue some readers.  No, actually I'm going to eat some chocolate cake...but you never know, something may just pop in my head while I'm consuming that 500 calories of pure ecstasy in food form.