Halloween, 2011 Edition...

I guess the first question I had this morning was, should I dress up in some costume at work? I decided not to--after all, the only reason I really wanted to dress up is to wear casual clothing (I guess I'm getting a bit cantankerous in my old age...). No one in my area ended up dressing up so I would have felt more like a dork had I done so...

There are a few homes near where I work. I snapped this picture on my walk this morning. It was the most Halloween-y.

The last couple of years I've been fortunate enough to be home for Halloween. If I had stayed home today I could have helped carve the pumpkins and help make the doughnuts, and grazed on snacks throughout the day. We made Mummy Hot Dogs for dinner. There was a nice sunset and the cat watched me light the pumpkins.

We're not one to go all-out for decorating, but I think our humble attempt turned out pretty good.

Of all the Halloween decorations we own, this one probably means the most. This was a wedding present from my brother and sister-in-law. Our anniversary is in September...I thought it was a great present.

So my kids stayed home and handed out treats. They also played video games. Maybe that's the 21st century version of "candy."

All in all, it was a pretty good day. Happy Halloween, everyone!

You Can Take Some Things With You...

I was late to the party...

About a month ago (or maybe a little longer...) a friend asked me to help him out. At first I declined, but then thought differently. The last month has been tough at times, but overall, a lot of fun. We put on a community play.

Everybody learns their lines and their blocking. They remember entrances and exits and which props to bring on and which ones to have someone else bring on.

Costumes and a killer set are added and built and soon the patrons come and enjoy food and a show. Some lines are missed and backstage the actors discuss the circumstances that led to both stage successes and stage failures. Hopefully, the audience were none the wiser. Of course, backstage, other activities take place...

And so with any production a thing that begins also ends. We had our last show last night. Before the show we met as a cast and said things and took pictures and enjoyed each other's company.

 The crowd was amazing. I think my singular scene last night was the best of the short run. And because the show ended, everything that transformed the stage from a blank slate was removed and the slate once again remained.

All that was left was the ice cream cake...

Thanks everyone for letting me play, even though I was a little bit late...

The Green Leather Couch...

The Green Leather Couch

Anyone want a green leather couch? What am I saying? I realize how ridiculous this question is because EVERYONE wants a green leather couch... The person or family that possesses this wonderful piece of furniture absolutely guarantees him and/or her a true find.

Women--just imagine these cushions loving supporting your children as they watch educational TV in the basement of your house. It can also double as an excellent place for a momentarily misguided spouse to spend an evening--be assured he will find comfort atop the green leather couch (but not too 

much comfort...just the right amount).

Brothers--you will thank me if ever a situation arises when you find yourself relegated to the basement for the green leather couch will "have your back" and the rest of you as well! And think of those Superbowl parties. Invite the friends over! Have a root beer or seven, if some elixir happens to spill, or some chip dip inadvertently falls on the green leather couch when the mighty Utah Utes score yet another touchdown over the band of blue brothers. Relax! It's green leather, the easiest leather to clean and care for. And talk about durability, this green leather couch can give you sports fans years of faithful service.

Perhaps I've said too much...for there is only one green leather couch available. Just drive your truck, or minivan sans the benches and take it home today. I really ought to be asking for payment for such a wonderful accessory and a certain show piece in any basement or cabin. But just knowing the smiles that you'll be sporting for years to come will be thanks enough.

But seriously, if you want/need a couch, it's not bad. The cat has lovingly found a use for the ends, but either a cover or a basement will do. Just let us know...

Ever Play Phase 10?

Phase 10

We're doing a play. If  you've read any of my posts for the past month, this is something you know. I have but one scene. I do try to not disappoint--so far, so good (at least, that's what others have said...)

There are other actors who, like me, have limited time on the stage. So what do you do when you're waiting to go on stage? Actually, there are a lot of activities...read a book, go over your lines, get to know the other cast members. On the short run of this show, we've taken up cards. And the game of choice is Phase 10.

I may or may not have played this game in the past. For all intense and purposes, it was the first time playing the game for me. I've quite enjoyed the time we've played our games while others entertain. It hasn't gotten to the point where the game has interrupted our major responsibility of hitting our marks and reciting our lines as written and as rehearsed. We are three for three...

Tomorrow night our excuse to gather around a piano bench and play cards comes to an end. Back when my friends and I worked as stuntmen in the Wild West Shootout at Lagoon, we would--in character--go into the bakery, put our revolvers on a small table in the corner of the room and play hearts. Those were great times. I wonder why it is I only play cards when I do a show? Maybe it's because I rarely find myself in Nevada...

Happy Birthday Mom!

I've been doing a play this week so I've been getting home late. When it's late and I'm tired, sometimes being creative can be a bit taxing. Last night I was again tired so I came across an idea for the blog post that I had planned to do for some time...I quickly found a couple of my mother's recipes and posted them. I liked how it turned out and I was glad I was able to get it done quickly so I could get some sleep. I'm glad I posted those recipes last night.

I woke up this morning and saw a Facebook post from my sister. She posted some pictures of my mom. It wasn't until that moment that I realized what day it was...my mom's birthday. I realized later this morning what birthday it is...her 80th. The day's already special for us. This year--even more so.

I've written about my mom before...several times, actually and I've posted these same pictures before (I never tire of seeing them...). And, considering our family's circumstances, I should write about her more. As I compile today's post, I see the pictures and feel again the sadness that we all feel. My mom was both mom and dad to us three children. And as I grow older, I understand her better even though she's no longer with us. Mom, happy birthday! You and dad go have some fun.

Grandma Taylor Recipes, W-Z

We ran across these recipes as we cleaned out my mom's house after she passed away 3 1/2 year ago. That winter we put together a cookbook for my siblings and gave the cookbooks away for Christmas presents. Long ago I did a blog post with a couple of these recipes. I thought it was time to include a few more...

What I love about this is that they came from my mom. Some people think food is one of the most intimate things we humans can experience, and the fact that many of these recipes are hand-written, it means even more.

We have, over the years, amassed our own recipes. I even found a small piece of paper my daughter wrote her recipe for pizza sauce on. I wonder if we saved it...

And, of course, everyone needs recipes to take care of all the zucchini they either grow themselves or are given to them by well-meaning neighbors. So today, I offer two uses for zucchini. You can either make zucchini bread...

Or zucchini cake--both, I'm sure--are winners. I'm quite confident my mom wouldn't steer you wrong.

So good luck in your culinary experimentation and good cooking!

Backstage...

The final dress rehearsal got over around 9pm. I got home just before 10:30pm. Here's some shots I took tonight. I'm too tired to comment on them, only to say...

this is Betty watching from her spot backstage...

and this is Adam, not a ghost...One day we'll be living in Southern California with our families, writing.

Those who came seemed to enjoy the show...

...and I love this typewriter. It's beautiful.

 Now, bring on the paying patrons! It's been fun so far...Goodnight.