Stuff Squazz Says

File this one under too much togetherness....

Squazz: Who is this broad? She's good looking...

MPM: That's Giada De Laurentis. I love her cooking show.

Squazz: She should be a star.

MPM: -----

I wonder if I could monetize my dear husband's gems...kinda like this kid who, after 80 tweets, gets a sitcom deal.

17 Seconds of Pure Joy

You're welcome;)

Red Hot Monday

Today's Aquarius Horoscope:
Nov 30, 2009

Love certainly seems to be making the world go 'round today, dear Aquarius. Is everyone around you deeply involved in a new or revitalized romantic relationship? You yourself may be smitten with a very exciting person, perhaps from a foreign country, or in the field of law, education, or publishing. Don't fight it, and don't worry about being hurt. Relax and let yourself be loved. If nothing else, you should have a wonderful day!

Hmmmmmm. I hope this exciting new person likes 'em zoftig. Seriously. It was a looooong weekend. How are you doing today?

get your horoscope

Advent Tidings

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat

Please to put a penny in the old man's hat;
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha'penny then God bless you!

Marry Me, Bella

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.

Food, family, fine wine and fun.

And last night, I put on my stretchy pants...

And went to see New Moon with my babies.

Being with The Bird and Augie? Priceless.

My movie verdict? Meh.

I think I need to go see The Blind Side.

Any other recommendations?

Blessed

My babies are home!

My babies are home!

This shot was taken at a UVa football game last month.

Augie went to visit his big sister.

She is 20 minutes older, that is why she is the big sister.

I shamelessly stole borrowed this picture from The Bird's Facebook page.

Mental P Mama's Easy Pecan Pie

3 T melted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 t vanilla

3 eggs

1 cup white corn syrup

1/4 t salt

1 cup chopped pecans

1 9" unbaked pie shell

Beat eggs and stir in all other ingredients.

Bake for 10 minutes at 450〫

Reduce heat to 350〫and bake approx. 35 minutes more.

Heavenly warm or at room temp!

I like to use the premade crusts at this busy time of year. I think they are super. Do you use them, or do you make your own pastry all the time? Lazy Mama wants to know!

Be well, my friends.

Tuesday Text

Babies? On the move!

Mama? Stocking the house.

Trying to plan one single meal together....

And, honestly?

Mama will be happy just to have them home.

Safe travels, everyone!

Love, MPM

Second Post of the Day!

"Lady Gah Gah"

GAH

Can someone explain her to me?

I Know, I Know....

Aquarius Horoscope

For The Week Starting November 23, 2009

AQUARIUS - Happy Thanksgiving

You are tempted to work hard this week to try and prove your worth to others. What you do not understand is that you have already done this and there is no need to push it anymore. Be sensible now. Your goals may be changing and your life taking a new direction starting this week. You may need a few new clothes for a good impression.

...there is probably some big rule in blogging that posting two horoscopes in a row is in very poor taste. But I don't care. I mean, look at this week's instructions! How could it be any better? I don't have to do anything but shop. What does your week look like?

Not What I had in Mind....

Today's Aquarius Horoscope:
Nov 21, 2009

The energy of the day is quite electric, and you may find yourself bouncing all over the place from task to task and person to person, dear Aquarius. Things are apt to jump out at you when you least expect them, so be prepared for surprises. There is an element of genius to the day that might inspire you to be someone much greater than you ever thought you could be. Join with people who share the same lively zest for living as you do.

I guess I have to go get dressed. I was hoping this would be a pj day. gah.

Happy Friday

Be happy.

Be funny.

Be well.

Be kind.

Be safe.

This-n-That Thursday

Conversation snippets from last night's jihad bridge game:

• A card laid is a card played.
• I'm 32 and I'm still trying to find myself.
• Who's 32?
• Shut up.
• You only had one point and you spoke?!
• OMG. My eye is twitching again.
• Shut up and just play.
• You have red wine on your boobie.
• You must be from the midwest.
• I hate the words boobies, boobs and butt.
• Are you going to blog about what a b*tch you were here tonight?
• Is anybody else hot besides me?
• Gah.

See what I have to put up with? At least I won.... And I was most gracious. Right Annie? Right?

What did you do last night?

Beyond Heartbreaking

In a report out this week, we have learned that almost 50 million people in America went without food last year. 50 million. In that number, we have 17 million children going without. The report, compiled by the U.S, Department of Agriculture, calls it "food insecurity" when those documented could not maintain a "dependable supply of adequate food." The numbers also reflect those whose shortages are so severe that they are hungry.

50 million documented cases. I wonder what the actual number might be. Not surprisingly, families headed by single women struggle the most, and that last year more than one in three single mothers struggled for food.

While we all know that the needs of many have increased due to these horrible economic times, I am sick over these new numbers. It's like we are living in a third world country. 17 million children is 22.5% of all the children in America, and they are hungry. Almost one quarter of the children in this country have food insecurity go without food.

The reason for this post is that I want to encourage my readers friends here to consider doing things differently this coming holiday season. Instead of buying that golf ball monogramming tool for Uncle Bill, please make a donation to one of your local food banks. And make your loved one a nice card and tell him that his gift this year is the knowledge that a child will have a warm meal on him. It's a win-win.

If you would like ideas on how to get more people to participate, let me know. I have done this for three years at my church, and we have raised both monies and awareness of how great the needs are in our own back yards. So many of us are blessed. Please share.

Tuesday Text

Nothing like a refreshing chat with your daughter.

Important stuff, too--

Shoes and clothes.

Oh, and UVa's football team...

At least she has plenty of black to wear.

The Baby Bird: doing her Mama proud.

♥♥♥

Surf's Up

Thanks to Ida, the Long Island Sound looks like this:

This is a seawall in Westport, Connecticut.

I stole borrowed this shot from here.

She can go now.

And I'm hoping my Virginia friends are safe today.

I could sure use some of those deviled eggs this morning.

Oysterfest--Part: The End

In case you didn't know,

I went to Virginia last weekend.

Friday night was the big Firemen's Parade.

I was all excited for months about this.

I even wore my red boots.

Sadly, there are no picture of my feet.

I didn't even take my camera that night.

These beautiful shots are from my phone.

Right here we have a fire truck:

Followed by 84 more of them.

All with sirens going.

And horns honking.

What did you say?

Saturday night we were at the Waterman and Wife's house.

They had us idiots over for a fish fry.

I'm still waiting for her deviled egg recipe.

She puts Old Bay in them. Heaven.

I think I ate a dozen eggs. Before dinner.

For dinner, I had 50-60 hush puppies and about a quart of succotash.

I think there were oysters and fish there, too.

Oh, and this is Binky.

Dressed as a squirrel.

He tolerated the evening fairly well.

Fairly being the operative word.

Sunday morning at CBW's:

That pretty much sums it all up.

Good times, indeed.

And this weekend?

Recovery.

This-n-That Thursday

More randomness from last weekend's Oysterfest in Virginia:

I loved all the dinghies.

My Virginia BFFs sported their wonky teeth. A lot.

Rules were everywhere.

And no one obeyed them.

Beatrice appears to have had a better offer.

This made me laugh. That's how I'm wired.

CBW canoodled with that big oyster for an hour.

No thank you.

An old salt.

This was my food of choice. It was fantastic.

CBW's back yard. Nirvana.

It was too much fun for this old mama.

And I can't wait to go back.

If they'll let me.

With Deep Gratitude

For our Veterans.

Past, present and future.

For everything.

If Only...

I am going to start my own collection. You never know...

Visit Perri

Oyster Fest Retrospective

The Urbanna Oyster Fest was this past weekend.

Some of you may have heard that I was going to spend a weekend in Virginia.

I think I mentioned it last week.

It was awesome.

We learned a whole bunch of things.

The oysters' predators...

They had lots of rules in Urbanna.

We tried to follow them.

Others? Notsomuch.

CBW had a thing for this oyster.

I think it was mutual.

Big Hair Envy and CBW were lovely hostesses.

We had a great hangout spot at BHE's dad's house.

We also had some adult beverages.

Bud likes to call BHE "Big Head."

I think that's funny.

She has lots of attributes.

And a big head is not among them.

More rules.

I ate lots of barbecue.

Noe Noe and her high falutin' teefs hitched a ride on the hillbilly bus.

It was funny.

Take my word for it.

Oh look what we have here.

CBW got back in the parade...

Dancin' with a very happy Shriner.

A pearl.

Saturday in Virginia

Having survived the Firemen's Parade from yesterday, here is our day, today. I am particularly interested in the wine tasting and the Janitors' Top 40. And, I have my camera....

Saturday, November 7, 2009
Throughout the Day:	8:00 a.m.
Festival in full swing: - Arts & crafts, street sales, entertainment for adults & children, children’s rides, clowns, games/activities. Food of all kinds, including the succulent bi-valve, The Oyster
The Reapers (Classic Hits of the Fifties & Sixties) - Waterfront	10:00 AM	-	2:00 PM
	3:00 PM	-	5:00 PM
Robert Keyes (Multi-facit Solo Fingerstyle Guitarist) Wine Tasting	9:00 AM	-	10:00 AM
	11:00 PM	-	12:00 PM
	1:00 PM	-	2:00 PM
Keith Anderson (Soprano Saxophonist) Old Tobacco Warehouse	9:00 AM	-	10:00 AM
	11:00 PM	-	12:00 PM
	1:00 PM	-	2:00 PM
Nate Sparks and the Pamunkey River Ramblers (Country/Americana)	9:00 AM	-	1:00 PM
Oyster Shucking Contest on Firehouse Stage presented by Revere Gas & Appliance.	11:00 AM	-	12:30 PM
52nd Urbanna Oyster Festival Parade begins on West side of Town Sponsored by The Virginia Lottery.	2:00 PM	-	3:30 PM
The Janitor’s (Top 40) - Fireman’s Field	1:00 PM	-	5:00 PM

Sigh...

Today, I am on the Bay... And the only problem I foresee? I HATE oysters. Well. Gah.

Welcome to the 52nd Anniversary of the Urbanna Oyster Festival!

We are pleased and proud to carry on this wonderful tradition begun by a dozen or so local merchants and "town fathers" in 1957. Originally called "Urbanna Days," the festival was established to promote the town and it's economy. In those first years the event was a relatively small gathering of local folks highlighted by a parade comprised primarily of antique cars.

In 1961 the name was officially changed to the "Urbanna Oyster Festival" in recognition and honor of the succulent bivalve that was such an important part of the local economy. The crowning of a Queen and "Little Miss Spat" (a "spat" is a baby oyster) along with the selection of a grand marshal to honor local or state individuals held in high esteem became an important part of the tradition.

In 1986 the prestigious Friday night Fireman's Parade began a truly exhilarating experience. In 1988, the General Assembly of Virginia designated the festival as the official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth. In 1991, the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation was established to produce and manage the annual festival.

The festival has grown and so have the crowds. Crowds for the two-day event now number nearly 75,000. Food and craft booths number over 125 and the Fireman's Parade features over 80 engines of every size and description. The Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday features over 80 units including numerous marching bands, antique cars, locally produced floats and the renowned Khedive Temple Shrine Club of Norfolk.

In this, our 52nd year, it is appropriate that we honor our local merchants. We encourage you to visit our shops, stores and restaurants and to utilize our services while you enjoy the fun and family traditions of the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

The 52nd Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival is sponsored by the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization, which was established in 1991. The Foundation would like to thank the volunteer committees and all of the interested citizens who contributed their time and enthusiasm to this important community project. We also greatly appreciate the cooperation of the town council, the mayor, the town administrator and staff and the many fine residents of Urbanna who open their town for this wonderful event. If you participated in any small way, you are responsible for the success we enjoy during this Oyster Festival

Friday, November 6, 2009

Festival...................................................................... 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Queen & Spat Crowning – Festival Stage.......................... 4:00 p.m.
Fireman’s Parade........................................................... 7:00 p.m.
Special Entertainment behind the fire house..................... 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 6, 2009, the Town of Urbanna will be Closed to All Vehicle Traffic from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM for the Fireman’s Parade. During this time, movement of traffic within the town will be limited.

This-n-That Thursday

Virginia Packing List:

• Presents for the Baby Bird
• Money to take The Baby Bird And Friends to dinner
• Red Boots
• BC Powder
• Map to CBW's house
• Oyster Fest Schedule
• Pretends
• Presents for CBW and CBW Parents
• Asthma Inhaler
• Spanx
• Camera
• Pretends
• Aspirin
• Underwear
• Pillow
• Fluffy pj's
• Pretends
• Emery board
• And this stuff in my purse..............

Wish me luck.

Thanks.

I'm a little scared.

Green Me

I have recently become obsessed with stepped up my green living ways. And I am always looking for more ways to save this place for my grandchildren. Here's what I've got so far:

• The thermostat is set at 64 this year. We wear sweatshirts. And have no whining offspring around these days to complain.
• We turned down the hot water heater.
• I traded in my SUV for an energy-efficient sedan.
• When I forget my cloth grocery bags, which I do with frightening regularity, I recycle the plastic bags.
• I recycle everything I can. Did you know Staples takes used ink cartridges and gives you a refund?!
• We use vinegar to clean a large portion of the house. It sometimes smells like a big salad in here.
• We have a salt generator on the pool so we don't use chlorine.
• I rarely buy water bottles.
• I "buy local" as much as possible.

What do you do? I want more ideas, please.

Tuesday Text

I went to the World Series Game last night.

Well, I was there in spirit.

Can you see how much fun I had?

He is so grounded when he gets home for Thanksgiving.

Go Yankees!

Kismet

Aquarius Daily Horoscope

Short or long distance trips for the purposes of enlightenment and spiritual understanding are in the cards just now. You're interested in a range of experiences with a special energy directed towards interpersonal relationships. Your communication is good just now so use it to cement relationships with loved ones.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 26, 2, 31, 27, 34, 38

This is the best horoscope in the history of ever. And in three sleeps? I do have an excellent adventure planned! I am going to go bother visit my Baby Bird at UVa on Thursday. And on Friday? I am going to meet up with my Virginia BFFs for the Urbanna Oyster Fest. And, apparently, while I am watching the Fireman's Parade, I am going to experience heightened enlightenment and spiritual understanding. Life is good.

get your horoscope here

So, what does yours say?