Ladies, this is just for tomorrow's scrimmage. This isn't the last chopper out of Saigon. Can we please just crank down the drama a notch?

The above quote is a gem from "Freaks and Geeks." Not even one of the best, if you must know. I gotta save SOMETHING for later. Go - rent the first season - then I DARE you to come back here and tell me you didn't like it. That it didn't make you laugh, and think, and wince in recognition. Go. Now. Blockbuster awaits.

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OK, all y'all (that's how you can tell I am not from the South, the plural y'alls) - in my Flickr sidebar I have all these random photos? Six of them happen to be Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments. My mother, for God knows what reason, started - collecting isn't a strong enough word - obsessively acquiring would be more like it, anyway, obsessively acquiring these dang things what turned out to be the last few years of her life. I have more than I know what to do with, and honestly, just between you and me, my sweet little Internet ones, it makes me sad to look at them. Soooo...take a look. If you want one, or can use it as a gift, or whatever, email me, and it is yours. Please. (You should be aware, in the interest of full disclosure and whatnot, that they have been on eBay and priced VERY reasonably, and I had no buyers. Not even a nibble. So you won't be able to sell them. Although you are welcome to try, if it makes you happy.) But if you think one is pretty, or someone you know might think it is pretty, or appreciate it for whatever reason, let me know, it is yours. Shipping is on me. Help me out here, people. Or I will resort to giving them to Goodwill.

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H's big gig is tonight. Guitar strings have been changed, houseguests pumped and primed, cool rockstar outfits picked out. Now if only I had a babysitter. Although - again, just between you and me - and my cats who are sitting here staring at me like they can read what I am typing, freakish animals - I wouldn't be heartbroken if I had to stay home and read a book and eat leftover pineapple walnut birthday cake. I have seen H gig in just about every imaginable circumstance, and although I think I like this permutation of musical expression much better than any of the previous ones, I have seen them perform several times. I could go on to live a full and meaningful existence even if I missed them tonight. Just between you, me - and the freak cats.

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Pineapple walnut cake
(baked for one of our guest's birthday - she just turned 38, for the 5th time...)
Happy birthday, G!

1 20-oz can crushed pineapple with juice
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts (I like them not chopped TOO fine)
2 eggs

Cream cheese frosting

1 8-oz package cream cheese
1 stick butter, melted and cooled, but still warm
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

Combine all the cakeingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes.

While cake is baking, beat cream cheese till soft. Slowly add sugar, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and butter and beat slowly till combined, then up the speed and beat until well-combined and smooth. Pour over warm cake. Spread to cover. Cool, or refrigerate till set.


Just a word to the wise - hide a piece the night before...this makes a lovely breakfast, cold, the next day.

Peace out, dudes.